The Real Witches’ Kitchen: Spells, recipes, oils, lotions and potions from the Witches’ Hearth
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.