Crafting Florida Water Cologne: A Beginner's Guide

Florida Water is an American version of Eau de Cologne, with a citrusy, floral scent. It was first introduced in 1808 by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray. The name is said to refer to the Fountain of Youth, which is said to be located in Florida. Florida Water is used in spiritual practices and rituals, as well as for its scent as a perfume or aftershave. Here is a basic recipe to make your own Florida Water:

Ingredients:

- 40-proof alcohol (vodka is preferable)

- Fresh peels from an orange, lemon, and grapefruit

- Fresh peppermint, rosemary, cloves, and cinnamon sticks

- Fresh lavender (or the essential oil if you don't have the fresh herb)

- Distilled water

Instructions:

1. Add a handful of each of the fresh herbs to a mason jar.

2. If using lavender essential oil instead of the fresh herb, add several drops.

3. Add a handful of each fresh or dried fruit peel. Make sure not to peel deep enough to get the white layer of the fruit. You can also mix fresh and dried peels.

4. Add several cloves and 3-4 cinnamon sticks.

5. Fill half the jar with distilled water. Do not use tap water.

6. Top it off with alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol.

7. Mix well, ensuring all the ingredients are covered with water/alcohol.

8. Store in a cool, dark, dry place for at least 40 days for full potency. Shake the jar once or twice a day during this time.

9. After 40 days, strain the ingredients using a cheesecloth. The colour will be an amber tone.

10. Add several drops of glycerin to preserve your DIY Florida Water.

11. Give it a good stir, and it's ready to use!

Combine ingredients in a glass container

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to combine them in a glass container. The glass container you choose should have a tight-fitting lid to ensure that your Florida Water infuses properly.

Start by adding your citrus component. If you're using orange peel, you'll need one; if you're using lemon peel, use the peel of one lemon. You can also add the peel of a grapefruit if you like.

Next, add your herbs and spices. You can use fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or mint, or dried herbs if you prefer. Add a handful or two of your chosen herbs. If you're adding cinnamon, use one stick, and if you're using cloves, add a small handful.

If you're using essential oils, you can add them now. Choose 8-10 drops of your chosen oil. Traditional oils for Florida Water include lavender, lemon, bergamot, and ylang-ylang, but you can use any oil you like.

Once you've added all your ingredients to the glass container, seal it tightly and give it a gentle swirl to combine the ingredients. Now comes the hard part: waiting! You'll need to let your Florida Water infuse for a full lunar cycle, which is 29 days. If you're making your Florida Water on the night of a full moon, you can let it charge under the moonlight. If not, you can place it under moonlight during the next full moon.

Seal and let the mixture sit for a lunar cycle

Once you've combined all the ingredients in a glass container, seal it and let the mixture sit for a full lunar cycle, which is 29 days. If you're making the mixture on the night of a full moon, you can let it charge under the moonlight. If not, you can place it under moonlight when the next full moon comes around.

The full lunar cycle is important because it allows the ingredients to infuse and mature. This process takes time, and rushing it will result in a less potent mixture. During this period, it's a good idea to store the mixture in a cool, dark, dry place and give it a shake once or twice a day for maximum results.

If you're using the mixture for spiritual or ritual purposes, you can enhance its metaphysical properties by infusing positive energy and intentions into the process. For example, you might want to focus on an intention of self-love, protection, or attracting love.

After the lunar cycle has passed, you can strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. The Florida Water will then be ready for use or storage.

Use as perfume or in spiritual practices

Florida Water is a versatile product that can be used as a perfume or in spiritual practices.

Using Florida Water as Perfume

Florida Water is a unisex cologne with a citrusy, floral scent. It was first introduced in America in 1808 and was originally used as a perfume. It can be worn as a body spray or deodorant, with the added benefit of repelling negative energy. The scent is also known for its mood-boosting properties.

Using Florida Water in Spiritual Practices

Florida Water is widely used in spiritual practices, especially among those who practice hoodoo, rootwork, and American folk magic. It is believed to have cleansing and protective properties and is often used to ward off negative energy and bring good luck. Here are some ways to use Florida Water in spiritual practices:

• Cleanse your home by adding a few drops to your cleaning products or spraying it around doorways and windowsills.
• Cleanse your hands by rubbing a drop or two in your palms before spiritual practices such as reading tarot.
• Cleanse your crystals by adding them to a bowl of water with a few splashes of Florida Water and leaving them overnight.
• Cleanse your altar by wiping it down with a rag dipped in Florida Water.
• Attract ancestral spirits by placing a bowl of Florida Water on your altar.
• Set your intentions by misting Florida Water into the air before meditation or yoga.
• Enhance your dreams by placing a bowl of Florida Water under your bed or keeping a glass of water with a few drops of Florida Water by your bedside.
• Take a spiritual bath by adding a quarter cup of Florida Water to your bathwater.
• Cleanse your laundry by adding a few ounces of Florida Water to your washing machine during the final rinse cycle.

Cleanse your home and body

Florida Water is a powerful tool used for cleansing and protection in spiritual practices. It is believed to help ward off negative energy and bring good luck. Here are some ways to use Florida Water for cleansing your home and body:

Cleansing your home

Florida Water can be used to cleanse your home and get rid of negative energy. You can add a few drops to your cleaning products, such as your floor wash or laundry detergent. You can also spritz it around doorways and windowsills to cleanse individual rooms. Additionally, you can place a bowl of Florida Water on your altar or nightstand to absorb negative energy.

Cleansing your body

Florida Water can be used as a body spray or perfume to protect yourself from negative energy and attract good luck. You can also use it as a natural deodorant or add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner. For a spiritual bath, pour a quarter of a cup of Florida Water into your running bath to cleanse your body and soul.

Cleansing your crystals and altar

Over time, crystals pick up energy, so it is essential to cleanse them. You can add your crystals to a bowl of water with a few splashes of Florida Water and leave them overnight. Florida Water can also be used to cleanse your altar. Simply pour some into a bowl and dip a rag into it, then wipe down your altar, candles, and crystals.

Make your own with essential oils

Florida Water is a combination of essential oils mixed with an alcohol solvent. The number of drops of each essential oil you add is up to you, but the more you add, the stronger the scent will be.

• 7-10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6-12 drops of bergamot essential oil
• 7-10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops of jasmine essential oil
• 2 drops of rose essential oil
• 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 10 drops of black pepper essential oil

You can also add 2 tablespoons of rose water.

Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar or bottle and let the mixture rest for a few days before using.

If you want to make a larger batch, you can try the following recipe:

1 cup vodka or grain alcohol

1 cup distilled water

10-20 drops of each essential oil (see below for blends)

16-ounce glass bottle

Start by pouring the alcohol into the glass bottle. Add the essential oils and swirl until the oils have melded with the alcohol. Add the distilled water and swirl again. The water will be cloudy, but that's normal.

Replace the cap and place in a cool, dark cabinet. Allow the mixture to mature for at least a week, though longer is better. Once it has cured completely, store your Florida Water in a cool, dark place, and shake well before using.

• 10 drops of black pepper
• 10 drops of lavender
• 16 drops of bergamot
• 12 drops of lavender
• 6 drops of black pepper
• 3 drops of rosemary
• 2 drops of jasmine
• 2 drops of rose
• 2 drops of sandalwood

Frequently asked questions