Cleansing in the water is one of the most powerful forms of cleansing in African cultures. We believe that each Earth element holds great power and the water washes away all unwanted energy, spiritually. We show respect to mother Earth's elements before we engage with them such as praying or setting intentions before entering the water or before picking incense from a mountain. To just take or enter is as disrespectful as human nature of  doing as they please with mother natures creation.