Florida Water and cleansing water

What is cleansing water?

Cleansing water is a liquid used to loosen and neutralise negative or stagnant energies. The practice comes from a wide range of traditions: Hoodoo and voodoo from the American South, shamanic practices in South America, and Afro-Caribbean rituals. Each tradition developed its own formulas, but the underlying principle is the same. You want to energetically cleanse a space, a person or an object and prepare it for something new.

The most well-known variety is Florida Water: an alcohol-based cologne with citrus notes, floral undertones and a light musky base. Despite the name, it did not originate in Florida. It was brought to market in the United States in the nineteenth century as a cologne, but became deeply embedded in spiritual practices in Peru, Cuba and other parts of Latin America. Today, the original Peruvian formula — also known as Murray & Lanman Florida Water Cologne — is one of the most widely used ritual cleansing agents in the world.

Soul Sticks cleansing waters

Alongside classic Florida Water we offer the Soul Sticks range: a series of cleansing waters formulated with spring water and witch hazel hydrosol, without alcohol. Witch hazel is a plant extract with mild astringent and cleansing properties, long used in skin and wound care. Combined with specific blends of essential oils and botanical ingredients, each Soul Sticks variety carries its own intention and scent.

The alcohol-free formula makes these products gentler than traditional Florida Water. They are suitable for direct use on the skin, as a room spray and as a bath additive, without the sharp alcohol vapour of classic colognes. Each variety is aimed at a specific purpose: cleansing, protection, love, abundance, chakra balance or aura strengthening.

How to use

The most common method is as a room spray. Fill a plant mister with cleansing water, diluted with spring water if preferred, and mist the space from the corners toward the centre. This is traditionally done after conflicts, illness or other heavy moments to energetically reset the space.

As an aura mist, spray above your head and along your arms so the droplets fall over your body. For cleansing crystals or altar objects, dab a cloth in the water and wipe the object lightly. Cleansing waters are also used as a bath additive: a small amount in the bathwater for an energetic cleansing bath. Added to cleaning water when mopping, it gives the space a double layer of cleansing, practical and energetic.

Combine cleansing water with incense for a more extensive cleansing ritual. Where smoke is associated with physically driving things out, cleansing water works through the dispersal of scent and plant compounds. Together they complement each other well.

Florida Water versus Soul Sticks

The difference lies in the base. Traditional Florida Water is an alcohol-based cologne, strong in scent and with a long history in ritual contexts. The fragrance is clear, citrusy and immediately recognisable to anyone familiar with Latin American spiritual traditions.

Soul Sticks cleansing waters use spring water and witch hazel as a base, supplemented with essential oils. They are lighter in character, more suitable for daily use on the skin and in spaces where an alcohol scent would be disruptive. Both types have their place. For traditional altar rituals and ceremonies, Florida Water Cologne is the choice. For daily home use and skin application, the Soul Sticks varieties are more practical.

Storage

Store cleansing water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Close the bottle well after use. Alcohol-based Florida Water has a long shelf life. The Soul Sticks water-based products are best used within six to twelve months after opening. Shake lightly before use so the essential oils are evenly distributed.

Avalon Magic Plants has been selling headshop products and spiritual accessories since 2009.