The Real Witches’ Kitchen: Spells, recipes, oils, lotions and potions from the Witches’ Hearth
Kate West
Includes around 100 spells and recipes – many revealed for the first time – for eating, drinking and making your life merrier, along with plenty of practical advice on witchy subjects such as potions to improve your looks without ruining your bank balance!Traditionally much of the work of the Witch took place around the hearth, where, herbs, plants and other ingredients were specially blended to create medicines to mend the body and heal the spirit, and foods and wines were created to celebrate the festivals of the Wheel of the Year. Today's hearth is the kitchen, and for many Witches it is the work-centre where they make the recipes and other 'tools' of their trade.The book includes:Oils, lotions and ointments, for magical and healing purposes• Soaps and bathing distillations, to prepare for Magical undertakings.• Brews and teas, using herb lore to heal the body and mind.• Soups, stews and other foods to sustain the sick and aid healing.• Candles and incenses, for use in Rituals and Magic.• Cakes, biscuits and breads, to honour the Goddess and the God.• Sabbat foods and wines to celebrate the Wheel of the Year.• Sachets of herbs to be given to those seeking protection, healing, confidence and many other problems
THE
REAL WITCHES’
KITCHEN
SPELLS, RECIPES, OILS, LOTIONS AND
POTIONS FROM THE WITCHES’ HEARTH
KATE WEST
Copyright (#ulink_ea69bb43-ab1b-5b29-88db-8e66441b747b)
Element
An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF
www.harpercollins.co.uk (http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/)
Element is a trademark of HarperCollinsPublishers Limited
First published by Thorsons, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 2002
This edition published by Element 2002
© Kate West 2002
Kate West asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
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Source ISBN: 9780007117864
Ebook Edition © FEBRUARY 2016 ISBN: 9780007387588
Version: 2016-01-06
Contents
Cover (#ue1ea3404-6387-5c78-80e9-4c32c1a68a15)
Title Page (#ua959f2a0-926c-57fc-b81d-b1b69d55a718)
Copyright (#uc8298ba9-8617-57e1-880c-beed1419b9ad)
Introduction (#u9889581d-3099-59b9-a51b-0dfa70a000c6)
ONE: Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work (#u51288943-b060-563d-b20c-339f27b493a8)
TWO: Guidelines for Buying, Using and Storing Herbs and Plants (#u0caf8ed5-59d8-5726-937a-b476a2d8eff8)
THREE: Soaps and Bathing Preparations (#u68d05a94-9bc6-53d2-a23b-ba239919cb7a)
FOUR: Oils, Lotions and Potions (#u9c994855-4276-5f20-8631-ed8fdae1cd44)
FIVE: Candles and Incenses (#ue5a9a744-4452-529b-9e82-5db75d3d1ec6)
SIX: Feasting around the Wheel of the Year (#litres_trial_promo)
SEVEN: Breads, Cakes and Biscuits to Honour the Goddess and the God (#litres_trial_promo)
EIGHT: Soups and Foods to Strengthen and Heal (#litres_trial_promo)
NINE: Brews and Teas (#litres_trial_promo)
TEN: Looking Good, Feeling Fine (#litres_trial_promo)
ELEVEN: Herb Sachets and Gifts (#litres_trial_promo)
Keep Reading (#litres_trial_promo)
Terms and Definitions (#litres_trial_promo)
Further Information (#litres_trial_promo)
Index (#litres_trial_promo)
Acknowledgements (#litres_trial_promo)
Also by the Author (#litres_trial_promo)
About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)
Introduction (#ulink_3d994031-1228-5a9b-bc55-c5ab86e56de3) Merry Meet!
And welcome to The Real Witches’ Kitchen. The image of a Witch as a ragged-haired woman, dressed all in black, throwing strange ingredients into a bubbling cauldron in the dead of night is somewhat outdated! These days she, or he, is far more likely to be someone you know, dressed in normal clothes, working in their own kitchen. Witchcraft (or the Craft) is a very practical path, so who is going to forego the convenience of a modern cooker, the cleanliness of a decent work surface or the comfort of their own home for the environment that our predecessors were obliged to make do with? A herbal remedy, candle or incense is not going to be any less effective because you created it in the kitchen at lunchtime rather than in the woods at night. Witches of old may have needed to work furtively without modern power and water supplies, but that was because of the times they lived in, not because it makes for better Magic.
This book, however, is not just about Witchcraft or just for Witches. More and more people today are looking for natural remedies to enhance their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. They are seeking ways of enhancing their health, bodies and lives in ways which do not involve chemicals but rather make use of the herbs and plants which are all around us.
The Real Witches’ Kitchen is a book for everyone who wants to start making use of nature’s healing store. Here we look at the ways that common herbs and spices, and even some unlikely-sounding plants, can not only enliven our diet but also be used to heal the body, soothe the mind and enliven the spirit. Whilst this is not a cookery book, there are recipes and menus which can be used to celebrate the seasons, help our bodies to combat common ailments and even enhance romantic moments. There are teas, brews and even alcoholic beverages for celebration and for healing. There are soaps, oils, lotions and potions to smooth the way in daily life, as well as dietary advice and guidance, grooming and cosmetic tips to help you make the most of what nature has given you and candles and incenses to create a mood or focus you in the direction you need. There are even ideas for gifts for those who are dear to you.
Those who practise the Craft will find new ideas for celebrating the Wheel of the Year and ways of honouring the Goddess and the God. There are ways of feeding the elements within and working towards balance. Here you will find soaps and bathing preparations to ready yourself for the Circle, anointing oils for yourself and for Magical work, candles to carry your intent and incenses to please the Gods. There are sachets and charms, wards of protection and ways of enhancing your fortunes.
Those of you who are reading this without any previous knowledge of the Craft or who find the term ‘Witchcraft’ disturbing will find a very basic introduction to this largely misunderstood belief system in Chapter One, ‘Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work’. This chapter will also provide guidance on using Magic to enhance the effectiveness of your work if you are new to the Craft. If you would like a more in-depth understanding, then I recommend that you also read The Real Witches’ Handbook, together with some of the other books mentioned in the Further Information section at the end of this book.
Whatever your beliefs or spiritual path, here you will find ways of working with nature and walking more lightly on our world to make a positive difference to your physical, emotional and spiritual life.
Blessed Be
Kate
Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work (#ulink_bd39fad6-23c1-5d86-815a-886bc010a4d2)
‘Let the Magic come to life…’
You do not have to be a practising Witch to make use of the recipes and skills which are covered here, but it will help if you have an understanding of the principles of the Craft. For some this will mean putting aside the misconceptions created by the media (especially the popular press) and the adverse comments made by those who have no understanding and no desire to understand our heritage.
Witchcraft is one of a number of belief systems whose roots pre-date Christianity and which come under the ‘umbrella’ heading of Pagan. Indeed, Witchcraft has roots which go back to Palaeolithic times, as illustrated by the cave paintings of our ancient ancestors. Having said that, the Craft is a living religion and has as much relevance to us today as it had to its practitioners in the past. We still seek healing of our bodies and minds, strength to deal with our daily lives, understanding and compassion to help us relate to those around us and to develop our own selves.
So what do Witches believe in and how do they express these beliefs? First, you have to understand that, unlike the more ‘orthodox’ religions, the Craft has no paid or formal priesthood; we are each our own Priest or Priestess and therefore make our own decisions as to the expression of our beliefs. As a result there is no ‘one true way’ to being a Witch. This gives rise to a great diversity in our daily practices and indeed enables the Craft to grow and adapt to the real world in a way that other paths find difficult because of their interpreted doctrine. Having said that, there are many beliefs and practices that most Witches hold in common:
We believe that the Divine is both male and female.
We believe this is equal and in balance, and that we should seek that balance in ourselves and in our lives. Put simply, this means that we believe in the Goddess and the God, and they may be referred to by many names according to the needs of the individual or indeed their personal preference. It helps to think of the Divine as being like a mirror ball, with each facet having a different identity, although all are part of the Divine. As a result you may find that the Goddess is referred to as Isis, Astarte or Hecate, for example, and the God referred to as Osiris, Herne or Pan, and so on. Some Witches will simply refer to the Lord and Lady or the Goddess and the God, and these are the terms that I will use in this book. Others will call them the Old Ones or the Old Gods, or even just the Gods.
The Goddess is seen as having three aspects: Maiden, Mother and Crone (or Wise One). These aspects are reflected in the cycle of the Moon, and in our daily lives, for everything has its beginning, middle and closing phases.
The God also has different aspects, but these are more clearly defined through the festivals of the seasons and the Wheel of the Year.
We are each our own Priest or Priestess.
As mentioned above we have no formal priesthood in the Craft although those Witches working in a group or Coven setting will have a High Priestess and High Priest who are the leaders of that group. This does not make them better Witches, it simply denotes their standing and authority within that group. Having no formal priesthood means we do not rely on others to interpret or intercede with our Gods for us, we are each entitled to make our own connection with the Divine in our own way. This might be through ritual, meditation and/or Magic and most Witches will use a combination of different techniques at different times.
We have no ‘book of instruction’.
We do not have a book in the way that Christians have the Bible or Muslims the Koran. There are a great number of books on the Craft, however, and it is up to those who wish to read some of these to make personal decisions as to their relevance. Each individual can choose the complexity of their rituals, and the form that their path will take. For some this may mean working in a group or Coven, others may prefer a Solitary path. Some will seek to work formalized Magic whilst others prefer the Hedgewitch approach, working closely with nature and using herbs to achieve their Magic.
Everyone is entitled to their own, informed, choice of spiritual path, so long as they harm no one.
Witchcraft is a non-proselytizing belief system – we do not feel the need for everyone to believe as we do in order to feel secure in our faith. There is plenty of room in this world for everyone to find their own way of relating to the Divine. In fact all religions have as much, if not more, in common than in difference. Hence there is no reason why we should not encourage and celebrate a diversity of beliefs. We encourage our young to examine many paths and to make their own decisions, based on their own needs. We do not seek to convert others to our beliefs, nor do we wish to be indoctrinated in turn.
We believe that we should respect nature.
This means not taking more than we need and, indeed, trying to make recompense for that which we have taken. It involves trying to live not only in the modern world but also in balance with the planet. Witches tend to shop second-hand, make at least some of the things they use and to recycle where they can. This does not mean that we are all ‘green warriors’ campaigning against the building of roads or houses. It does mean that we try to tread lightly on the world.
Witches utilize the elements in their workings.
It is not just that we respect nature, we also see ourselves reflected by the elements of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit. Whilst these elements are all around us in nature they are also within us: Air is our thoughts, Fire our passions and enthusiasm, Water our emotions, Earth our bodies and Spirit our inner selves. These are the energies we harness in working Magic and in order for this to be effective we must be able to achieve balance between them. These elements also have their reflections in daily life. For every project to work it must have its phases of thought, enthusiasm, emotional involvement and formation, and must also be imbued with its own spirit.
We believe in and practise Magic.
Magic has been defined as the ability to create change by force of will and in some respects is not dissimilar to a belief in the power of prayer. However, in Magic it is our personal intervention which creates the change around us. Magic is not like cookery, just a matter of following a recipe and getting a result. True Magic requires a deep understanding of ourselves and the energies that are around us, and the ability to control and focus our own energies. One of the greatest keys to this is the ability to visualize. It also requires a study and understanding of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, not just in the world, but also within ourselves.
The Magic we practise is not that of stage conjuring or of the special effects that you see so often in modern films. It is practised to heal, protect and enhance our lives. It is worked for ourselves, our near and dear, and for those who come to us with requests for help. Magic should always be practised with the Wiccan Rede (‘An’ it harm none, do what thou will’) in mind and also with regard to the Law of Threefold Return which states that whatever you do, good or ill, will be returned to you three times over. This latter is not confined to Magical working, but should be borne in mind at all times. If you are careful to harm no one and not to interfere with anyone’s freedom of will, then you have the basic guidelines for good Magical practice.
Witches celebrate the Wheel of the Year.
The Witches’ calendar contains eight key festivals, called Sabbats. At these we mark the changes of the seasons and the stories of the Goddess and the God. Whenever possible Witches will gather together to celebrate these festivals by dancing, singing and honouring the Goddess and the God by re-enacting their stories, but Solitary Witches also mark the Sabbats. At the end of these rituals we celebrate by feasting with food and wine. Many of the Sabbats have a familiar feel to non-Witches as they have been taken over by newer belief systems and incorporated into their calendars. Briefly the Sabbats are:
Samhain, 31 October. The most important festival, marking the beginning and end of the year, the beginning of the resting season of the land and a time of remembrance of those who have gone before. A feast of the Goddess as Crone and Wise One.
Yule, 21 December. The Winter Solstice when the decreasing days give way to increasing light and life and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun.
Imbolg, 2 February. The time when the first signs of life are seen returning to the land and the Goddess changes her robes of Crone for those of Maiden.
Oestara, 21 March. The Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal. The festival of the Goddess Eostar, who is derived from the Goddess Astarte, and whose symbols are the egg and the hare.
Beltane, 1 May. The second most important festival of the year, when the Goddess changes her robes of Maiden for those of Mother and we celebrate the marriage of the Goddess and the God.
Litha, 21 June. The Summer Solstice. Here the Sun is at the peak of its power; from this time onwards the days gradually grow shorter again.
Lammas, 1 August. The festival of the first of the harvest. The feast of Lugh and of the Sacrificial King, who is these days most often represented by a gingerbread man.
Madron, 21 September. The Autumn Equinox, once more a time of balance when day and night are equal. The feast of the height of the harvest.
On the return to Samhain the year has turned full circle, hence the term ‘Wheel of the Year’. In this book you will find recipes for wines, breads, cakes, biscuits (cookies) and other feasting food to celebrate each of these festivals. You do not have to reserve these celebratory aspects of the Craft to share with others on the Path, you can share them with friends and family as a seasonal celebration, so long as you remember not to use this as an opportunity to preach in any way!
People living in the Southern Hemisphere will find their seasons are reversed and may prefer to celebrate the Sabbats as appropriate to the season rather than the calendar date.
We take personal responsibility for our lives.
The main ‘rule’ in the Craft is called the Wiccan Rede: ‘An it harm none, do what thou will.’ This in itself includes not only respect for others and the world around us, but also respect for ourselves. We believe that we cannot blame others for our thoughts, words and deeds, and that if we do wrong it is up to us to do our best to rectify it.
We seek personal development.
There is much to learn in the world and in the Craft, but we do not expect others to feed us this information, we seek to expand our knowledge and extend our skills by personal effort. All Witches are aware that they will never know enough, let alone everything. This personal development also includes expanding our personal skills and attributes, ‘ironing out’ our personal misconceptions and problems, and working to become the best self we can. Witchcraft has been called ‘a thinking person’s belief system’, and rightly so in my opinion, as it involves a course of personal exploration and general study which never ceases.
The Summerlands and reincarnation.
Witches believe that we live many lives and between them we return to the Summerlands, a resting-place where we review the lessons we have learned in the life we have just completed and select the lessons to be learned in the life to come. When we speak of reincarnation we do not mean that we come back as the same person but rather that our spirit is born again. Whilst it can be interesting to research previous incarnations, and the information we acquire may illuminate aspects of our current lives, it is necessary to remember that the personal responsibility we also believe in means that we cannot blame our past(s) for our current problems. We must live in the present and work towards achievement in this life.
We practise Herblore.
We utilize the properties of plants and nature for healing and self-improvement and in the course of our Magic. Herbs, plants and spices can be used in food and drink, lotions and ointments, sachets and talismans (Magical tokens), incense and candles. They can be used in their natural state (as I write this I have rosemary on my desk to aid my thoughts and concentration), fresh, dried or in the form of oil, as in aromatherapy, which has become so popular in recent years. The bulk of this book will be taken up with recipes and suggestions for the use of natural resources to enhance life.
We create our own Sacred Space.
Witches do not have special buildings in which they worship, in fact most Witches do not even have a room or even a space set aside for working. They create their own working space wherever and whenever they need it, and this can be inside or out. This space is called the Circle and it is created in several steps. Briefly speaking, they are:
The invocation of the elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, which are the energies on which we draw. They are always called in this order as Air represents thought, which should precede all our actions. We bring the element of Spirit to the Circle ourselves and through the Divine.
The invitation of the Goddess and the God, the Divine, whose assistance we need to perform our working and in whose honour we gather.
The drawing of a Circle large enough to contain those taking part and the actions they are there to perform. This is usually done on the psychic level rather than on the physical, although some will place markers to show the boundary. The Circle is drawn clockwise (or Deosil) from the north-east point of the area, between Earth and Air, and overlaps at that point in order to ensure that it is complete. The Circle is there to contain the energy raised until it is ready to be released and to protect those within its boundaries from outside energies and distractions.
These steps can be formal and elaborate, as in group working, or very simple and performed using visualization when working on your own.
Any Craft-related action done within the Sacred Space will have more effect and potency than the same action performed outside the Sacred Space. Having said that, in most cases things can be made outside the Circle and then taken into it and blessed or consecrated for use. Alternatively, you can Magically enhance your remedies whilst making them and empower them for use.
Magically Enhancing and Empowering your Work
To Enhance Work in Preparation
Whether you are making a healing potion or bathing in preparation for a Magical working, the first step is to clear your mind of all distractions so that you can fully focus on your intent, for it is intent and focus which make the Magic work. One of the keys to this is to carefully prepare your working area. Make sure it is clean and tidy before you start, for physical distractions lead to mental ones.
You also have to carefully define your needs and goals. Make sure that you know what you intend to do and why. Are your motives pure? Having formulated your desire, you then need to assemble all your ingredients, checking that you have everything you need and finding substitutes where necessary. Then you can commence work.
Whilst working, you need to keep your goals firmly in mind, if necessary by writing them out and keeping a copy in front of you. You should also try to summon from within yourself the elements, in terms of thinking about what you are doing (Air), empowering it with enthusiasm (Fire) and emotion (Water), by the actual work (Earth) and by focusing your intent (Spirit). If you can, dedicate the work to a particular Goddess(es) and/or God(s), as you will find that they will lend their aid not only to your Magic, but also to making the physical side of things proceed more easily.
To Magically Empower a Product
There are many ways of empowering a potion or object, from simply placing it in the light of the Full Moon overnight to a full Ritual of Consecration (see below). However, you cannot sit food on the windowsill overnight for consumption the following day! Instead you might like to dedicate it to your chosen deity or deities. To do this, create a small clear space around your chosen item or product and visualize each of the elements in turn. See them in your mind’s eye materializing over the product and then enhancing it with their energy. Then take up the item in your hands and call (either out loud, or in your mind) upon the Goddess and the God to lend their power to your intent. Visualize them reaching out and touching the item and blessing it. When you feel that this is complete, thank the Goddess and the God, and each of the elements, for their aid.
If you prefer a more formal approach, and you are creating something which does not have to be consumed immediately, then you can consecrate it ritually. This will involve setting an Altar and casting a Circle by invoking the elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, and inviting the Goddess and the God. After this, pass the object through the incense smoke and candle flame, then sprinkle it with water and salt whilst naming it and its purpose, and asking for their energy to enhance it. Next, you present it to the Goddess and the God and ask their blessing in the way described above. Lastly, you will need to remove the Circle and clear away your working space by thanking and banishing the elements and the Divine.
Disposing of your Spell
People often ask me how to dispose of spells, charms, sachets, and so on once they have fulfilled their purpose or the Magic is no longer required.
The first thing to do is to remember to give thanks to the Goddess and the God. It is not enough to just accept the Magic, you need to try to give back something too. Perhaps plant a useful herb in your garden or, if you have the space, a tree dedicated to the Gods. Alternatively, spend some time working on the land or clearing rubbish from your local park.
After you have given something back, then it is time to dispose of the sachet. Open it and scatter all the environmentally-friendly parts to the winds. Stones, crystals and charms should be buried or cast into the sea or a stream. The fabric of the sachet and any paper, perhaps with your intent written on, can be burned or torn into shreds and buried.
Keeping a Journal or Book of Shadows
In the Craft we often recommend that each Witch keeps their own Book of Shadows, so called because it is but a shadow of reality. In this they record their Magical workings and experiences, as well as their thoughts and feelings about the Craft. They use it to monitor their own progress and as a record for their future reference. In a Coven, the High Priestess may also ask to see this journal so that she may monitor the progress of those Witches in her care as well as help to guide their future development.
In herbal work it really is essential to keep a record of what you have done, how much of each ingredient you used, when and how you made it (including the phase of the Moon), when and how it was used, and the results. How else are you going to be able to monitor your progress and the efficacy of your products?
Whether you keep a formal Book of Shadows or a simple ‘cookery’ journal, it is important that you keep it safe from prying eyes, as even the thought that someone may be reading your thoughts is usually enough to stop you from recording them honestly (see here (#litres_trial_promo)).
I would advise that starting such a journal is perhaps your first step on the road towards becoming a ‘Kitchen Witch’.
Guidelines for Buying, Using and Storing Herbs and Plants (#ulink_6d483c18-115b-56a1-9383-f1f615ed57eb)
‘Whenever ye have need of any thing…’
Many of the recipes in this book involve the use of herbs and plants whose uses and effects you may be unfamiliar with. So here are some guidelines to help you to use them safely and efficiently.
Buy what you need when you need it. A well-stocked herbalist’s cupboard does not have to contain everything you may want one day, it only needs to contain what you are going to use. Probably the best way to start is by buying the ingredients you need for your first recipe and then adding to the store as you move from recipe to recipe.
Always store ingredients in clearly-labelled containers and take note of ‘use by’ dates. Many herbs quickly lose their potency; some can even become really quite unpleasant to taste as well. Almost every non-living ingredient will benefit from being kept in a cool dark place.
Plants should be kept in locations suitable to their needs, for example in or out of direct sunlight, and tended regularly. Many plants benefit from regular trimming, and if you don’t intend to use them immediately you can dry and store the trimmings (labelled and dated) for future use. If you plant out herbs or other plants, keep a note of where they are, as many things die back over winter and it can be difficult to remember what and where they are after the resting season.
It is best not to take plants from the wild. You need to be absolutely certain that they are what you think they are, and nature often makes copies, which may be either harmful or useless for your purpose. You also have to be certain that plants are not endangered or protected; just because they are plentiful in your area does not mean that they are plentiful everywhere else. You need to be sure that they are not contaminated by ‘fall-out’ from car exhaust fumes, local chemicals or passing dogs! This may mean that you end up cultivating some unlikely species, such as dandelion, in your garden, but better that than using something which is not entirely safe.
Try to make things for immediate use, as this is when they are at their most potent. If you are making something to store for later, make sure you label it correctly and put a date on it. Even the best memory can fail from time to time.
Never eat or drink anything which is not designed for consumption unless you are 100 per cent certain what it is and are familiar with its possible effects. These days it is possible to buy most herbs from the supermarket or healthstore in packaging which makes it obvious whether you can ingest them or not. If you are buying by mail order, then check that your supplier is both knowledgeable and reputable, and don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications or for references. If you are buying living plants, get them from a reputable source which labels them carefully. In all cases try to obtain herbs which have been grown organically rather than those exposed to chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Never give anything to anyone else without telling them what it contains. There will always be someone for whom it is inadvisable to take the most innocuous-sounding ingredient.
Do not give anything to pregnant women, babies or young children unless it is designed for their use. If you wish to give camomile to a baby to aid digestion, for example, look for a camomile drink designed for infants of the appropriate age. If in doubt, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Do not use aromatherapy oils, other than lavender, on pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies or children under 12 without consulting an experienced aromatherapist.
Any home-made lotions, soaps and creams should be tested on a small area of skin before use. You don’t want to discover an allergy after you’ve covered your face with something! Quite often it is the base which can cause a reaction, so it is wise to test that before you put the effort into making a remedy. Do not expect home-made items to last anywhere near as long as their manufactured counterparts, as you will be neither filling them with preservatives nor boiling the life out of them. It is worth noting that many shop-bought preparations will have the scent of herbs rather than their active ingredients.
Experiment carefully and use your senses – smell and taste things cautiously. If something smells disgusting, it will probably taste pretty bad too. If it has green fur on it, it has probably gone off! If something seems to be disagreeing with you, stop using it. Herbal medicine should not have unpleasant side-effects.
In the case of illness, always seek conventional help as well. If it is something major, get a professional diagnosis and tell your practitioner what you intend to do to supplement their treatment. Some herbal remedies can conflict with modern medicines, especially the contraceptive pill. If you are sure your illness is minor, say, indigestion caused by overindulgence, by all means try a herbal remedy first, but if the symptoms persist, call on the professionals in case there is a more serious underlying complaint.
If using essential oils, make sure that they really are 100 per cent essential oils, not perfumed oils or blended oils. There are many cheap, and not so cheap, fakes on the market, so it is worth taking the extra time and effort to track down the real thing and pay the proper price for it. Perfume oils usually contain chemical scents and will not have the same effects as essential oils and some cheap ones can be positively damaging. Blended oils may contain almost anything in addition to what they own up to on the bottle, and in any case, once an oil has been blended, it will start to deteriorate much faster.
Always keep everything spotlessly clean – your hands, your preparation area, any bottles, pans or jars. However, try not to use large quantities of chemicals to clean and sterilize, particularly bleach, as this is quite toxic and will kill off the very properties of the plants you seek to use. Surfaces can be rubbed down with a salt and water paste then rinsed and dried carefully. Hands can be washed with ordinary soap and water, then dried. In both cases it is essential to make sure that the drying cloth is clean, as many of the germs in the kitchen are found on the tea towel! Containers should be of glass, not plastic, and after being thoroughly cleaned can be sterilized by completely immersing them in lightly-salted water and boiling them for ten minutes. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, allow them to dry naturally by standing them on their necks on a clean cloth. Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst making your preparations; the action of raising things to your mouth may contaminate your hands with germs.
Although the above instructions may look quite daunting at first glance, they are in fact the day-to-day practical precautions which we should take with anything we are going to consume or use on our bodies.
Working sensibly with herbs and plants is very rewarding, not only because of the cures that can be effected, but also because of the knowledge that we are in a position to help ourselves and those we care for. In addition, it is great fun.
Soaps and Bathing Preparations (#ulink_f4ef45af-ac41-513d-91ca-ae5054b80721)
‘A proper person, properly prepared…’
An important part of any ritual is preparation, whether that be a Magical ritual or a daily one. For most people, a night out is preceded by a ritual of washing the body and hair, and often applying scents to set the mood. Whilst doing so they think about where they are going, what they will be doing and what they hope will happen. It is no different in the Craft; wherever possible we wash our bodies, or at least our hands, to remove not only the dirt of the day, but also the negative thoughts and feelings of day-to-day life. At the same time we also prepare our minds by thinking through what we are about to do and what we wish to achieve. Of course, this can be done with plain soaps and bathing products, but it can be greatly enhanced by the use of products which we have created, altered and Magically empowered. Here I am going to take a look at ways of creating or, more often, changing existing products to Magically enhance them.
Whilst it is possible to make soaps, bath foams, shampoos and anointing oils from first principles, it is not really practical for everyone. As a result I am going to talk mainly about how we can take existing products and change them for our purposes.
The use of such enhanced products does not have to be limited to preparation for ritual. Keeping a bar of healing or refreshing soap in the bathroom can help us through daily life. Preparing a bath foam to help encourage sleep can be invaluable for the parent of a young child who refuses to ‘go down’ at night. So, many of the following will not be set aside for Craft work, but will have a place in daily life.
Abbreviations
lb
pound
oz
ounce
fl oz
fluid ounce
tbsp
tablespoonful
(note this is not the same as a serving spoon), should be around 15 fl oz tsp teaspoonful, around
/
fl oz
Soaps
The basic ingredients for soap are in fact quite caustic, so it is not only easier but also more user-friendly to rework ready-made soap. The best kind to choose is a pure, unscented castille soap, although you can use this method with other kinds of unscented soaps.
First cut up (or grate) about 4 oz (1 cup) of the soap and place in a heatproof non-metallic container.
Add about
/
cup (2 fl oz) of hot water and 1 tbsp of almond or apricot oil.
Leave until cool enough to handle and then mix in with your hands. If the soap is floating on the water you will need to add more soap.
Leave for about ten minutes, mixing occasionally, by which time the soap should be soft and mushy. If it is not, place the bowl into a saucepan of boiling water and heat gently.
When the soap, water and oil are completely blended, add any dry ingredients.
When the mixture is cool, add any essential oils. It is important that the mixture be cool as essential oils evaporate quickly in heat. Note that essential oils should be added until they overcome the original odour of the soap, so how much will depend on the type of soap and oil you use.
Blend really thoroughly and divide the mixture into four to six pieces, depending on the size of the soaps you finally require.
Now squeeze these soaps, removing as much excess water as possible, into the shape you require – balls, ovals or whatever – and tie in cheesecloth.
Hang in a warm dry place until completely hard.
The soaps can then be used or wrapped in cheesecloth and kept or given away. As an aside, ordinary soap will always last longer if you take it out of its wrapper and keep it in a warm dry place to get completely hard before use.
All the following recipes are based on the above quantity of soap. As people relate to different scents in different ways, these can be adjusted according to your own preferences. Additionally, you can adapt any of the following to a plain unscented liquid soap, but do be aware that liquid soaps are usually detergent-based and hence not really very good for the skin. Where it says ‘oil’ in the following recipes I refer to essential oil, except in the case of the coconut oil in the dry skin recipe. When using herbs or other dried ingredients, make sure that you remove the really hard woody bits to make the soap pleasant to use. If you do not like textured or ‘gritty’ soap, then substitute drops of the appropriate oils.
It is worth noting that when using soap you should always lather it in your hands and then wash the rest of yourself with the lather. It is not a good idea to rub any soap directly onto other areas of the skin as it can be too harsh and drying.
Mental and Physical Cleansing
This is excellent for use before any ritual, or indeed any time when you need to mark the division between one part of your day and another, for example the transition from your work self to your home self.
1 tbsp lavender flowers
6 drops frankincense oil
6 drops sandalwood oil
4 drops jasmine oil
Esbat Soap
This takes the cleansing recipe a step further in that it is designed to prepare you for the working element of ritual and Magic, when you will need the additional ability to focus and control.
1 tbsp rosemary leaves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
6 drops frankincense oil
6 drops sandalwood oil
4 drops jasmine oil
4 drops oil of orange
(you can literally scrape the oil from the outside of an orange using a blunt knife)
Sabbat Soap
The Sabbats are less a time of working and more a time of celebration, hence a different blend. Of course you could make different soaps for different Sabbats, altering the ingredients to match the key points of the festival and the season, in which case you might wish to make a smaller quantity of soap and use it on a daily basis for the seven days prior to the Sabbat, in preparation for it.
1 tbsp rosemary leaves
1/2 tbsp jasmine flowers
6 drops sandalwood oil
6 drops frankincense oil
3 drops cinnamon oil
Divination
If you are learning divination, perhaps by reading the Tarot, or do this on a regular basis, then it is worth having a soap especially for the purpose.
6 drops myrrh oil
6 drops frankincense oil
4 drops bay oil
(or take 10 crushed bay leaves, cover with 2 tbsp boiling water and leave for several days before using this liquid as the water in your recipe)
Driving Away Negative Thoughts and Feelings
There are times when we all suffer from self-doubt or a lack of self-esteem or when it seems that everything is working out badly. This is an excellent soap for bringing the spirit back into balance, especially if used in conjunction with other uplifting recipes in this book.
6 drops frankincense oil
6 drops sandalwood oil
2 tsp jasmine flowers
4 drops jasmine oil
4 drops neroli oil
4 drops ylang ylang oil
2 drops ginger oil
4 drops rose oil
(optional as many people find it makes the scent too cloying)
All-Purpose Healing
Lavender is the all-purpose healer and works on mind, body and spirit. Living with a fairly standard accident-prone toddler I use this (or slight variants) as the daily soap in the home.
1 tablespoon lavender flowers (fresh if possible)
6 drops lavender oil
Antiseptic
This soap is good at combating infections, particularly of the skin, and is also helpful in healing general cuts and grazes.
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon thyme
4 drops tea tree oil
2 drops myrrh oil
Refreshing and Mentally Stimulating
This is especially good for studying or preparing for exams, or any time when you have a need of mental stimulus, as it helps the mind to focus and aids the memory.
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
(dried can be used, but they should be added with the hot water at the start of the process so that they have time to soften)
1/2 tablespoon dried basil
6 drops rosemary oil
6 drops grapefruit oil
4 drops pine oil
4 drops peppermint oil
For Dry Skin
Dry skin generally benefits from not coming into contact with any kind of soap or detergent and I recommend washing in tepid water only. However, there will be times when soap is desirable, hence the following recipe. Instead of almond oil in the basic recipe, use coconut oil.
1 tablespoon rolled oats
6 drops geranium oil
6 drops sandalwood oil
4 drops lavender oil
2 to 4 drops patchouli oil or rose oil
(add the latter slowly as these are highly scented and not to everyone’s taste)
Insect Repellent
Whilst I usually recommend using no scent at all as the best way to avoid insect bites, I have also had good results with this recipe.
10–20 drops lemongrass oil
5 drops lavender oil
If you are not going to expose your skin to sunlight, you can also add 5 drops bergamot oil, but do be aware that it can make some skins photosensitive and has been linked to skin cancer when combined with exposure to the sun.
Bath Foams and Oils
Whilst soaps are excellent, there are times when you want to wash with something for a special purpose but do not intend to use that product day in and day out, or even for weeks at a time. In such cases it is easier to make a small quantity of bath foam or oil for the purpose. For your base you can use any unscented bath foam or oil. Many people choose those intended for babies, although they do have quite a strong fragrance of their own. My personal favourite base is the plain foaming bath oil from The Body Shop, as it has oil in the blend and therefore takes up essential oils quite well, but it is not all oil and so does not leave you with a greasy ring around the bath.
Whatever your choice of base, there are two routes you can go down. One is to make up a quantity of your recipe and store it in a well-labelled glass bottle in a cool dark place between uses. The other is to make just enough for the one bath immediately prior to use. The following recipes are based on the one-bath recipe, using about a tablespoonful of your base foam or a teaspoonful of oil, so you will need to multiply up the ingredients if you are making a larger quantity.
When using essential oils in the bath you should make sure that the bathwater is not too hot – not only does this release the fragrance of the oils too quickly, but it can also be quite debilitating. Try to make your bathtime a relaxing event – don’t rush and hurry, and whilst in the water spend time focusing on what you are about to do. Try bathing by candlelight – it is an excellent way of setting a mood.
Preparing for Magical Work
Use the time in the bath first to soak away the cares of the day and secondly to focus on the Magical work you are about to commence.
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops sandalwood oil
1 drop orange oil
Divination Bath
Before undertaking any kind of divination, or to promote prophetic dreams, have a long soak in this formula. It is best to do this by candlelight and not to use a base oil or foam or any other scented products (such as soap).
Take 2 crushed bay leaves and 1 tablespoonful of thyme, add to 1 pint of very hot water and leave to stand for an hour. Strain this liquid and add to your bath with:
5 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops myrrh oil
To Promote a Good Night’s Sleep
This is an excellent bath to take just before bed and is also suitable for children over the age of two (for those under two, omit the valerian). Don’t use it every night, as you can easily become accustomed to the effects and find that it doesn’t work when you really need it.
6 drops lavender oil
2 drops valerian oil (1 drop for children over two years)
Colds and ’Flu
As soon as you feel the onset of a cold, have a long relaxing soak in the following:
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops jasmine oil
1 drop cinnamon oil
1 drop ginger oil
After bathing, wrap up warmly and go to bed with a warm drink.
Wake-Up Bath
This is excellent for those mornings when you feel sluggish or have a busy day ahead or even for the morning after the night before. Try to have the bath quite cool and stay in the water for at least 10 minutes to let the oils take effect.
3 drops rose oil
3 drops rosemary oil
3 drops rosewood oil
After Exercise
When you have exerted yourself and feel that you should ward off muscular aches and pains, try this one:
3 drops lavender oil
3 drops camomile oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops rosemary oil
Romance Bath
When preparing for a romantic encounter, whether out on a date or at home with a loved one, soak yourself in the following:
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops jasmine oil
1 drop neroli oil
1 drop ylang ylang oil
If you really want to add spice to the encounter, add 1 drop of cardamom oil, but be prepared for the results!
Self-Care Bath
We all have times in our lives when we need to care for our own physical, mental and emotional state. In fact most of us neglect ourselves in these respects far too often. But if you do not look after yourself, how are you going to do the best for those you care for? Take time out at least once a week to treat yourself. Make the environment as pleasant as you can – perhaps light candles around the bath and play some soothing music. Above all, turn off the phone and lock the door to make sure you are not disturbed even by your near and dear. Then relax in the following:
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops ylang ylang oil
1 drop rose oil
1 drop ginger oil
Stress Relief Bath
This is for those times when the world really has been getting on top of you and you feel really stressed out!
8 drops neroli oil
4 drops clary sage oil
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops cedarwood oil
‘Bath Teas’
There is another way of adding herbs to your bath and that is to make them into a ‘tea’. You will need to steep the herbs in a small amount of boiling water for around 15 to 20 minutes and then strain the resultant liquid into your bath. You can of course add the herbs to the water directly, but then you will have the problem of getting all the bits off your skin and the sides of the bath!
If you prefer to shower with any of these preparations then it is best to tie the herbs into a face cloth (wash cloth) or piece of fabric and rub it directly into the skin after washing but before your final rinse.
Magical Working
3 tsp rosemary
3 tsp jasmine petals
a pinch of ginger
a pinch of cinnamon
grated peel of half an orange
(try to ensure that you don’t get any of the white pith into the mixture)
Divination
3 tsp thyme
2 tsp rose petals
1 tsp sage
a pinch of nutmeg
grated peel of a lemon
To Remove Negative Influences
In addition to the herbs, some people also recommend placing a clear quartz crystal into the bath to absorb any negative influences. Make sure you remove this before pulling the plug, so as not to lose it, and then rinse it under cold running water for 10 minutes to cleanse it.
4 tsp rosemary
2 tsp lavender
1 tsp crushed juniper berries
4 crushed bay leaves
1 tsp salt
Self-Control Bath
For use when trying to break old habits or when going on a diet.
2 tsp rosemary
2 tsp fennel
1 tsp sage
1 tsp lavender
Healing Bath
4 tsp lavender
2 tsp rosemary
2 tsp rose petals
1 tsp salt
This is especially helpful after childbirth, in which case the salt should be increased to 1 tbsp, but then it is not useful for showering.
Easing Coughs and Colds
4 tsp lavender
4 tsp rosemary
4 crushed cloves
You can also add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.
Beauty Bath
Place a piece of amber in the bathwater (making sure you retrieve it before pulling the plug) and whilst bathing visualize yourself growing in beauty. Focus on your positive points; try not to think of any negatives at all. It is said that wearing amber also enhances beauty.
3 tsp lavender
3 tsp rose petals
2 tsp rosemary
2 tsp jasmine flowers
Of course you do not have to limit yourself to the recipes given here. Using herbs, flowers and essential oils you can create any number of your own bathing preparations. The secret to successfully creating your own recipes is to take your time in experimenting. Make sure you are relaxed, take a herb and smell it. What does it remind you of? How does it make you feel? Is it uplifting or relaxing? Does it remind you of spring, summer, autumn or winter? If it is edible, taste it and ask yourself the same questions. Secondly, keep a record of your experiments. If, after using a blend, you find you have vivid dreams, then make a note of it. Remember that everyone can react differently to different plants or blends. If a blend intended to give a good night’s rest makes you feel alert and ready to take on the world, then that is how it works for you. Above all, have fun with it.
Oils, Lotions and Potions (#ulink_f16c4996-0528-5c5d-87a0-bbb05aa96b9f)
‘Here I charge you in this sign…’
From earliest times people have used oils to soften the skin, to perfume themselves, to heal and to enhance Magical workings. Some ancient civilizations rarely used soap in any form, preferring to apply oil and then scrape it from the skin, removing not only dirt but also loose dead skin. These days many of us find oil too greasy and prefer to use creams and lotions on a daily basis. However, creams, whether solid or liquid, are simply a way of suspending oil and water in a user-friendly way. To do this effectively other ingredients are added which stop the blend separating out or going off. Whilst it is possible to make your own creams and lotions, blending lanolin, animal fat and water, it is far simpler to start with an unscented lotion or cream which has been mass produced.
The main practical difference between a lotion, cream or oil is in how you intend to use it. If the area to be covered is large, then you will want a lotion, which can be easily spread and is relatively rapidly absorbed. If you are treating a small area or one which requires a level of massage, perhaps a bruise or a sore joint, then a cream may be more practical, being thicker and more slowly absorbed. There is also the matter of preference. For some any cream is too thick, for others a lotion simply does not suit the skin. Oils can be added to baths, as out-lined in the preceding chapter, and whilst you may notice that some of the following recipes are similar, you will also notice some differences. This is because these are intended for direct contact with the skin, rather than the larger dilutions you get in a bath or when using soap. They are Magically no less effective, they are just safer to use undiluted.
Magical application is somewhat different as in this case you want the essence of the ingredients rather than the effects of the base. Additionally many of the following oils need not simply be used on the skin but may be applied to a candle or talisman in the course of Magic or ritual. You can also choose to use the recipe in an oil burner, although you may wish to scale down the quantities and add them direct to the water in the burner.
The following recipes are designed to be used with 3 tbsp of cream, lotion or of base oil. Choose a cream or lotion which is unscented or carries very little obvious perfume and which suits your skin and your pocket. My favourite base lotion is a cheap unscented general purpose handcream which I’ve been using all over very successfully for years. For a cream to be used medicinally I often favour petroleum jelly.
When it comes to selecting a base oil for anointing and Magical work, again choose one which suits your skin and purse. If you can, try out sweet almond, avocado, wheatgerm, apricot kernel and jojoba. Even olive oil works for some people. Select the one you prefer; contrary to the statements of many practitioners, as long as you buy from a reputable source, the oils and your Magical intentions will overcome any so called ‘impurities’ in the cheaper varieties. Often is it worth enquiring at your pharmacy, rather than a New Age or specialist supplier, who may charge more.
When using the following recipes please remember not to use aromatherapy oils, other than lavender, on pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies or children under 12 without consulting an experienced aromatherapist.
Esbat Oil
This is for personal anointing before any Full Moon ritual. It would not usually be used on any candle or object for Magical intent, as either a specially prepared oil or an empowering oil would be used instead.
2 drops frankincense
2 drops rosemary
1 drop jasmine
1 drop sandalwood
Sabbat Oil
An oil for personal anointing before any of the eight Sabbats, this can also be used to anoint the Altar candle at a Sabbat celebration.
3 drops frankincense
2 drops myrrh
2 drops sandalwood
1 drop cinnamon
Goddess Oil
Wear this to honour the Goddess or apply it to a candle to invoke her assistance.
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops myrrh oil
1 drop rose oil
God Oil
Wear this to honour the God or apply it to a candle to invite his strength.
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops orange oil
1 drop cinnamon oil
Power Oil
Use this to enhance or empower any Magical working.
4 drops orange oil
1 drop cinnamon oil
1 drop ginger oil
1 drop pine oil
Divination Oil
Anoint yourself and/or use this in an oil burner before any acts of divination.
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops nutmeg oil
2 drops clary sage oil
1 drop bay oil
1 drop rose oil
Communication Oil
Use this whenever you want to facilitate communication, perhaps a job interview or difficult meeting. If the situation affects you, wear the oil, if it affects another, use it on a talisman (Magical token) or on your Magical candle.
4 drops rosemary oil
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops ylang ylang oil
1 drop cedarwood oil
Banishing Oil
Use this to drive away negative thoughts, feelings and influences. If you feel that the influences are coming from outside, you can put a few drops of this over each window and doorway to your home. Otherwise wear it personally or use it Magically on a candle.
4 drops frankincense oil
2 drops bergamot oil
2 drops clary sage oil
2 drops lavender oil
Wealth Oil
This oil will not simply bring you money – Magically speaking, that is very dangerous. It will, however, increase your opportunities to earn money.
3 drops basil oil
2 drops ginger oil
1 drop vanilla essence or extract (not flavouring)
Sleep Oil
This oil will aid restful sleep and, with the addition of 2 drops of clary sage, enhance dreams.
6 drops lavender oil
3 drops frankincense oil
1 drop valerian oil
Study Oil
Anoint yourself with this before and during periods of study, also before exams or other tests of memory. This blend can also be used in a burner whilst working or studying.
4 drops rosemary oil
4 drops basil oil
2 drops grapefruit oil
1 drop cajuput oil (optional)
General Healing
This is an all-purpose blend which can be incorporated into 2 tbsp of any base and applied direct to the skin.
6 drops lavender oil
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops myrrh oil
2 drops jasmine oil
Muscular Aches and Pains
Where there is muscular pain it is best to massage the oil gently into the skin. Unless you are qualified, it is a good idea to avoid attempting any deep massage involving the muscles themselves.
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops rosemary oil
2 drops marjoram oil
2 drops cypress oil
2 drops black pepper oil
Pain in the Joints
As with the preceding blend, the lotion or cream should be gently massaged into the skin, but no manipulation of the underlying tissues should be attempted. If possible, the affected area should be covered (not bound), for about half an hour after treatment.
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops camomile oil
2 drops black pepper oil
2 drops juniper oil
Digestive Complaints
Whilst you may think it unlikely that anything you put on your skin will help your digestion, you could well be surprised. Try:
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops peppermint oil
2 drops fennel oil
2 drops rosemary oil
Colds and ’Flu
If you’re suffering from either of these, you really should be in bed, but I know that that’s not always possible, so the following might help you get through the day. Place a few drops on a tissue and inhale at regular intervals.
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops cypress oil
1 drop ginger oil
For children under the age of three I recommend simply putting the lavender, eucalyptus and jasmine oils on a tissue and placing this near them but out of their reach.
Emotional Balancing
Use this in a burner, on a tissue or to anoint yourself whenever you have emotional swings or thoughts and feelings seem to be getting out of hand.
4 drops geranium oil
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops grapefruit oil
1 drop bergamot oil
1 drop fennel oil
Exhaustion and Overwork
If you are exhausted, the first step to healing is to get enough rest, and for this the above Sleep Oil is excellent. However, if you have been through a prolonged period of overwork you may also like to use this uplifting blend to carry you through after resting.
3 drops basil oil
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops clary sage oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
Self-Confidence
Use this when your confidence needs a boost or when you need to impress someone, perhaps at an interview. Do not use too much of this oil, however – the idea is for it to work on the subconscious level, not for people to be able to detect the scent.
3 drops bergamot oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops ylang ylang oil
2 drops neroli oil
Sadness and Regret
Sometimes we all look back and wish we had done things differently. Whilst this oil helps to alleviate these feelings, in the Craft we believe that true healing will not come until you have also done what you can to put things right again.
2 drops bergamot oil
2 drops rose oil
2 drops benzoin oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops hyssop oil
A Gathering of Friends
Use this to promote feelings of warmth, friendship and relaxation whenever friends gather. Anoint yourself, and anyone else who feels they would like to share in it, or use it in an oil burner.
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops jasmine oil
2 drops clary sage oil
1 drop cardamom oil
The Magical Application of Oils
Whilst essential oils all have their own healing properties, these can be Magically enhanced by invoking the Goddess and the God and the elements as well as focusing on your intent (see Chapter 1, ‘Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work’). However, when using them in a Magical context, such as anointing yourself or an object, there are also ways in which you can again increase their effectiveness.
Anointing the Self
There are certain parts of the body which are more receptive to anointing oils than others – it is not simply a question of dabbing on the oil as you would a perfume. These places include the temples, third eye (the point between your eyes just over the brow bone) and the chakra points, depending on your intent. For general purposes you can use the wrists, but not the sides of the neck or behind the ears. Anointing can take place on its own or as a Rite in itself. As with everything in the Craft, the important thing is to be clear about your intent and to focus properly.
A Self-Blessing
The Rite of Self-Blessing is probably the best way to apply any oil for Magical purposes. First ensure that you have a few undisturbed minutes and your prepared oil is to hand. Now centre yourself, put aside any intrusive thoughts from your daily life and think about what you intend to achieve. Close your eyes and visualize the Goddess or the God (whichever you feel is most appropriate for your working) with you. Now say the following:
‘Bless me, Mother [or “Father” in the case of the God], for I am your child.
Blessed be my feet that shall walk in your path.(Anoint each foot with a single drop of oil.)
Blessed be my knees that shall kneel at the Sacred Altar.(Anoint each knee with a single drop of oil.)
Blessed be my womb (“loins” for a man) which bringest forth the life of man.(Anoint your belly just above the pubic bone.)
Blessed be my breast, formed in strength and beauty.(Anoint your breasts.)
Blessed be my lips that shall utter thy names.(Anoint yourself with a single drop just above your top lip.)
Blessed be my nose that shall breathe the Sacred essence.(Anoint the bridge of your nose.)
Blessed be my eyes that shall see thy way.(Anoint each closed eyelid, keeping the oil well away from your eyes.)
Bless me, Mother, for I am thy child.’(Anoint your third eye.)
Now remain where you are for a few minutes and visualize the Goddess or God holding you in their arms in a loving blessing.
When you are ready, put your oil safely away and go about your intent.
Note that the oil you anoint yourself with should be more like a barely perceptible smear, not a rivulet. More oil is not more effective, but it will increase the chances of you getting some into your eyes or mouth, which could be quite uncomfortable.
A less formal way of performing this, should you be in non-sympathetic company, is to visualize yourself going through this Rite but simply anoint your third eye.
Using a Lotion or Cream on Another Person
If your subject is sympathetic to the Craft or to alternate forms of healing, then you will be able to work quite openly with them. In this case gentle massage is probably the best way to deliver your blend. If they have a specific part of the body which is causing trouble, such as an ankle or wrist, then you can work directly on that part. If however, their malaise is more general, perhaps a cold or stress, then you can massage the shoulders, hands or feet, or whatever they and you feel comfortable with.
Whilst gently massaging the lotion into the skin, take care not to interact with the underlying tissues unless you are a qualified masseuse. Visualize the ingredients in the oil working their way into the person’s body and the aromas seeping into their spirit. Visualize these driving out all negative influences and leaving a warm golden healing light.
When you have finished, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly, not only to remove the oils but also to wash away any negativity that you may have accumulated in the course of the healing.
Anointing a Candle or Other Object
Many people like to burn a candle to focus their Magical intent and to ‘send the Magic on its way’. You can use a candle you have made for the purpose or buy one of the colour which you feel is most appropriate (see Chapter 5, ‘Candles and Incenses’).
To anoint a candle, hold it horizontally in front of you. With your forefinger place one or two drops of oil in the centre and, using both hands, spread the oil from the centre to the ends whilst visualizing your goals. When you are certain the candle is covered, but not dripping, with oil, place it in a holder and light it. Spend a moment or two visualizing the power of the Magic taking hold and moving out to its destination.
Ideally the candle should be allowed to burn all the way down, but as you must never leave a burning candle unattended, it is permissible to extinguish it and relight it at a later point. However, this should only be done for the same intent and should take place within three days (at most) of the starting of the Magic.
Other objects can be anointed, for example a talisman, in which case a small drop of oil should be placed on each side or face of the object whilst visualizing your goal. The talisman should then either be put straight into use or wrapped carefully and put away until it can be given to the recipient.
Using an Oil Burner
Here you will be releasing the fragrance and energy of the oils into the atmosphere via the warmed water in the burner, so it is important that your burner will hold enough water to make this effective. There are many expensive and decorative burners which barely hold a tablespoonful of water. You would be far better off with a cheap one with a large ‘well’.
Alternatively, you can make your own from two clean empty tin cans. Both cans should have the lids removed so as to minimize the sharp edges left at the top, the lower can needs to have a number of holes punched into the side (a skewer will usually do this) and the upper can or ‘well’ needs to sit comfortably on top. Place water in the well and your nightlite in the lower can, put it on a heatproof surface and you have a home-made oil burner.
Once you have your burner, light the candle and allow the water to start warming before adding your oil. As you add the oil, visualize the vapours reaching out and pervading everything until they reach your Magical goal. Visualize that goal being achieved, then sit back and enjoy the scent you have created.
Again, the candle should not be allowed to burn unattended; indeed, it is a good idea not only to put it out but also to make sure that the surface under your burner is not hot before you leave it.
If you also burn perfume oils, it is worth having two oil burners, with one reserved for Magical purposes. Essential oils are highly volatile and most are easily removed from the well, whereas perfume oils are not and often leave a sticky residue which may contaminate future workings.
Candles and Incenses (#ulink_95b184a3-be6f-5026-91b2-38373257aa00)
‘Earth and Water, Air and Fire…’
Not everything made in the Witches’ kitchen is necessarily food or drink. Some Witches also make their own candles and incenses. These are superior to most shop-bought ones, not only because they can be tailor-made for the occasion or purpose, but also because they are made with focus and intent, hence the Magic starts even before they are actually used. Candles and incense are integral parts of Magical work. Candles are lit to create the Sacred Space and are burned to set Magic in motion. Incense also creates the ritual mood, as well as mentally preparing you for the work you intend to do.
Candle-Making
Making your own candles is great fun, but does need a certain amount of preparation. You really do need to have separate pans to heat your wax in, otherwise you risk leaving a taint on your cooking utensils, but you can always buy second-hand ones. You will also need to get hold of the raw ingredients – wax, stearin, wax colour, wicks and mould seal – as well as the moulds in which they set. In addition you will need, at least until you are very skilled, a huge amount of old newspaper with which to cover everything in case of spillage.
Probably the easiest way to start your candle-making is to buy a kit. These are sold in art and craft shops and in the toy section of many stores. They have the advantage of supplying all the ingredients you need together with some easy-to-follow instructions. If your kit suggests you need a wax thermometer, you can ignore this advice, so long as you are prepared to watch your wax like a hawk all the time it is being heated! Even with a thermometer, you cannot afford to leave molten or heating wax unattended. Once you have a kit and have started making candles with the ingredients supplied, then you can buy additional ingredients as and when you need them and also move on to buying specialist moulds, or even making your own.
Basic Candle-Making
The basic ingredients are wax, stearin, wick, wax colour, moulds and mould seal:
Wax is usually sold in powder or pellet form. Of course you can also melt down the odds and ends of candles you have burned, although be careful when mixing colours and scents. Do not recycle candle ends which have been used for Magic (you should have burned them down anyway) into new candles for Magical purposes, or you may end up with very confused Magic!
Stearin, which helps the candle to burn slowly and evenly and prevents dripping, usually comes as a powder. It should be added to wax in the ratio of roughly 1 part stearin to 6 parts wax.
Wicks are sold in a variety of sizes and it is important to use the right size, otherwise your candle will either burn too quickly (wick too big) or the melting wax will flood the wick and put it out (wick too small).
Mould seal is used to make an airtight seal at the top of the mould, which will be the bottom when you add the molten wax. You can also use chewing gum or plasticine. Do not use Blu-tac, as it will melt!
To these raw ingredients you can add colour, scent and anything you want to include in the candle. Colour is sold as dye discs, or you can use wax crayons. Whilst a huge range of colours are available you can pretty much make any colour you like using red, yellow and blue, varying shades by adding more or less colour. However, black is a useful addition to this, as it is not really possible to blend black without using a huge amount of colouring agent. To perfume your candle you can use perfume oil or essential oil if you are intending a Magical purpose. Other additions can include a pinch of herbs (not too much or you risk having a bonfire when you light the candle), a gemstone or even an attractive pebble. Do not add quantities of anything that will burn when the flame reaches it. There has been a series of candles on the market with plastic flowers buried in the wax – I shudder to think what happens if they catch light!
When making candles, clear a work surface close to your cooker, as you do not want to be walking around with a lot of molten wax. Also, make sure that no small children or animals are present. Whilst the wax should not be allowed to reach a temperature where it will seriously burn, wax spills do hurt and you do not want to take any chances.
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