In 2026, I’m revising. In my writing life, in my personal life, everything is red ink and refreshed playlists.

But I’ll admit all this cutting away is making me a little depressed, so in 2026 my newsletter will be about adding. Putting hats and trims on outfits instead of winnowing down.

In honor of SPELLS FOR SUCCESS turning 1 year old, I wanted to provide some of the cutting room floor material that couldn’t or didn’t make it in.

This month’s spell card is the LOVE DRAWING BATH SPELL in time for Valentine’s Day.

Is there anything more comforting than a bath? Well how about one where you have to face that you’re likeable, loveable, and a pleasure to be around? Little less comfortable now, isn’t it?

When I was writing this spell, I wanted to contrast what we consider “shadow work” with the pursuit of pleasure. Since so much of a our coping skills exist to either pascify our pursuit of it or to deny it. Which meant fully engaging with the self to attract love.

I have some recommendations for this spell, but don’t let the task list scare you. Your magic is yours and you get to tailor it in ways that are exciting and creative for you.

My Personal Additions to the Love Drawing Bath Spell

Flavored Gum

For spells that focus on voice or words, I use flavored gum to set the stage.

The flavor that I use for this spell is Teaberry. I found it in a General Store on a road trip and threw into my bag on a whim. Now it’s my love spell gum. Ritual finds me in strange places, and often on road trips.

Not a gum person? Get a lip balm flavor or scent that is sweet and makes it a little easier for you to say lovely things to yourself.

Bath Salt Mix

Epsom salts, rose essential oil, chopped dried orange peel, rose petals, thyme

Mixing the bath salts can be complex or simple. I personally don’t have a yard or a herb growing space, so I mix my bath salts with purchased herbs. But if you’re into growing and foraging, envision what you want love to add to your life as you harvest or gather. You’re collecting what you need in love and material.

A dab of essential oil goes a long way, so include your drops gently.

I like rose and thyme as love herbs and orange as a brighting energy. Thyme has an earthy quality that I think makes it feel more comforting and tangible where rose is sweeping and passionate. I’m greedy. I want it all.

Music

Song Recommendations: Your Rocky Spine by Great Lake Swimmers

To Be Alone with You by Sufjan Stevens

Dancing in the Dark by Faye Webster

I like folkier music because I’m a white woman of a certain age (cough) but I find that music that feels like it’s being whispered to me helps me access a more vulnerable and intimate part of myself. And I’m asking for love, which is vulnerable and intimate. If words get distracting for you, I’m also a big fan of those Youtube playlists of instrumentals where I get to pretend to be the main character.

Lighting

I like to put tealights in the water with me because I’m very dramatic, but if you’re not able to do open flame (kids, cats, renting, etc), I recommend lighting that isn’t abrasive.

If you are into candles, consider dripping wax into your bathwater and trying to divine the timing of this love.

This is another crafting opportunity if you like pouring candles or wrapping tapers. I like to doctor up my storebought tea lights with the help of a heat gun. I add herbs and oils to make them more that just ambiance.

Final Thoughts

Listing the things about yourself that are loveable, or worthy of love, is a grueling exercise on purpose. Love is about struggle in that it’s the mortifying act of being known and sorting through all of the messaging, programming, and hurt we’ve endured to get here. It’s also about developing the patience to not settle for what you don’t want because it’s an easy solution. It’s an endurance exercise.

May great love find you and keep you.

On New Year’s Eve, a 43 year old father was murdered by an off-duty ICE agent. Keith Porter, Jr. was a joyful man who should still be alive. His family currently has a fundraiser for his two children and if you have spare funds this month I encourage you to donate.