Book of Witchery
If you practice an art, be proud of it
and make it proud of you . . .
Maxwell Anderson
Adding this Book of Witchery was something I simply couldn’t resist. Over the past few years, I have had many requests to put all “the good stuff” in one spot so readers could thumb through it and pull out the specific magickal correspondence information that they needed when it came time to create spells of their own design. As a practical Witch, this made good sense to me.
Now, please keep in mind that this is a basic list, but all the supplies and information are easy to understand and, better yet, easy to acquire. This Book of Witchery starts out with magickal correspondences for the days of the week. You will also find information on the magick of colors, crystals, stones, herbs, and flowers, plus there are new Witch-craft projects, such as herbal wreaths and creating herbal candles, for you to try your hand at. There are also a few spells and charms for enchanting those various Craft projects. Finally, you’ll find rhyming quarter calls, circlecastings, and a spell worksheet. So peruse this Book of Witchery, jot down your own notes on the blank pages, and make it uniquely your own. Most of all, just enjoy it!
Daily Correspondences
The Bewitching Days of the Week
Sunday—Corresponds to the sun. Colors: yellow and gold. Work magick for success, new projects, the sun god.
Monday—Corresponds to the moon. Colors: white and silver. Work magick for women’s mysteries, psychic abilities, dreams, travel, and the Goddess.
Tuesday—Corresponds to the planet Mars. Colors: red and black. Work magick for passion, fighting for what you believe in, courage, and defense.
Wednesday—Corresponds to the planet Mercury. Colors: orange and purple. Work magick for communication, cleverness, creativity, and speed.
Thursday—Corresponds to the planet Jupiter. Colors: green and royal blue. Work magick for prosperity, abundance, leadership, and healing.
Friday—Corresponds to the planet Venus. Colors: pink and aqua. Work magick for love, romance, beauty, and fertility.
Saturday—Corresponds to the planet Saturn. Colors: black and dark purple. Work magick for banishings, bindings, and protection.
• • •
As merry as the day is long.
Shakespeare
Conjuring with Color and Light
Color and Candle Magick
This correspondence list may be used for candle or for color magick. So if you are whipping up a charm bag for an enchanting herbal sachet or simply choosing a candle for a quick candle spell, here is a guide to the colors and their magickal definitions.
Pink—Affection, friendship, warm fuzzies, and children’s magick.
Red—Love, passion, courage, the element of fire, and the Mother Goddess.
Orange—Energy, vitality, harvest, and intensity.
Yellow—Creativity, communication, knowledge, and the element of air.
Green—Prosperity, health, gardening, herbalism, faerie magick, the earth element, and the Green Man or god of nature.
Blue—Peace, hope, healing, and the element of water.
Purple—Psychic powers, spirituality, to increase personal power, and faerie magick.
Brown—Homes, pets, and garden magick.
Black—Protection, breaking hexes, banishing illness and negativity, and the Crone Goddess.
White—All-purpose color, peace, calm, hope, and the Maiden Goddess.
Grey—Bindings, neutrality, invisibility spells, and glamours.
Silver—The Goddess, women’s mysteries, and the moon.
Gold—The God, success, wealth, fame, and the sun.
• • •
But I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors and that’s why I love you.
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors, true colors
are beautiful like a rainbow.
Bill Steinberg and Tom Kelly
Practical Candle Magick
Tips, Tricks, and Creative Ideas
Spell candles come in all shapes and sizes. You may use tapers, votives, tealights, pillars, or those mini-spell candles that are so popular in magickal shops these days. While burning candles, you will need the appropriate holder for obvious safety and neatness reasons.
Tapers come in many lengths and will require candlesticks. They can be whatever style you prefer and may be made out of whatever nonflammable material you like, such as ceramic, glass, or metal. Votives require a votive cup, since they have a very high oil content and will turn to liquid wax right away. If you do not burn the votive inside of a votive cup, you are going to have a huge mess on your altar.
A tealight is already contained inside of a little metal cup, but the metal does heat up so you will have to put it somewhere heatproof. (I use a little miniature metal cauldron when I burn my tealights—found it on a Halloween endcap display one year and thought it made a great, witchy tealight holder; a tealight fits inside of it perfectly.) Oh, and lest we forget: those mini tapers that come in a rainbow of colors and are so popular will need a special mini holder, too. You will find them right next to the mini taper displays. I have a few: a blue glass holder shaped like a star and a simple white ceramic mini taper holder with a crescent moon on it.
If you choose to work with pillar or glass jar candles, you will also need to think about fire safety. If I am burning a pillar candle or a glass jar seven-day candle, I usually tuck them inside a large metal cauldron and then set that on top of my cast-iron wood-burning stove. Since the candle will burn around the clock for several days—if the glass
Colors seen by candlelight
will not look the same by day.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
should crack or a cat would decide to try and nudge against it, the jar candle or pillar will stay contained within a fireproof area.
Here is a crafty idea for an inexpensive holder for a pillar candle: paint small clay saucers. Check out the flowerpot section of the local craft store and snag a few terra-cotta saucers. I have a set of four-inch terra-cotta saucers that I have painted for my quarter candles, one in each elemental color, and they also come in very handy as decorative holders for my quarter candles.
You could take this idea even further and paint up a few saucers for lunar magick, protection magick, and so on. Decorate the saucers with runic symbols or other magickal symbols that are meaningful to you, such as pentagrams or elemental symbols. I recommend using nontoxic acrylic craft paint, or try the decorative paint pens made especially for clay pots.
Lighting the Candles and to Snuff, to Pinch,
or to Blow Out . . .That Is the Question
Now, when it comes to actually lighting the candles, for candle magick you can either light the candles with a match or use a lighter; either technique is fine. Some folks hate the smell of sulfur or are nervous around stick matches. I usually use butane lighters, since they are handy and quick. I have been to many a circle or group ritual where the “ceremonial lighter” is passed around from person to person so each of the folks standing at the quarters can easily light the quarter candles. It is practical and convenient.
Said the Wind to the Moon,
“I will blow you out!”
George MacDonald
Many of us don’t worry about extinguishing spell candles—we usually tend to let those burn until they go out on their own, with the thought that the spell candle will only be used that one time. However, in the case of illuminator or quarter candles, you do pinch, snuff, or blow them out, because you will be using them again.
Now, I have read the debates and heard people screech about how “disrespectful” it is to blow out a magickal candle. But if you have to put out quarter candles and somebody forgot to bring along the snuffer into the circle or is afraid to pinch out the flame, you may not have any choice in the matter. (I personally hate to pinch out candles—I always get burned. Don’t bother giving me tips on how to do it. I always wimp out and get nervous, then scorch my witchy fingers.)
Truthfully, the sky will not fall in. I’d hate to imagine you running around the circle like Chicken Little, in a panic because you are worried about offending the gods by blowing out a quarter candle. Be practical, and do what works best for you. It is really going to blow the mood of your spell or ritual if you have to stop everything to go on the hunt for the candle snuffer.
• • •
Scents and Oils
Essential Oils and Their Magickal Properties
In chapter 4 there were seasonal spells featured that all employed essential oils and those practical little oil-burner lamps. If you liked that idea and would like to craft a few of your own personalized spells, here is a short list of common essential oils, their magickal uses, and their planetary and elemental properties as well.
Remember: not all essential oil is suitable for direct contact with the skin. Some may cause blistering or an allergic reaction.
Bergamot—Aligned to Mercury and the element of air. It promotes energy and success.
Cinnamon—Corresponds to the sun and to the element of fire. This oil brings prosperity and energy, and increases your psychic responses.
Cloves—Planetary influence is Jupiter. Elemental correspondence is fire. This is a good oil for protection, courage, and power.
Eucalyptus—Aligned with the planet Mercury and the element of air. It is used for healing purification.
Frankincense—Corresponds to the sun and the element of air. This is the oil for spirituality and meditation, and it also helps to relieve stress.
Honeysuckle—Aligned to Jupiter and the earth element. This oil is a good one for prosperity, and it also boosts your psychic and intuitive abilities.
Jasmine—Associated with the moon and the element of water. This is a good fragrance for keeping your intuitive powers working at their highest levels.It is also used to promote sensuality, love, peace, and spirituality.
Lavender’s blue,
dilly dilly,
lavender’s green …
Nursery Rhyme
Lavender—Aligned to Mercury and the element of air. A wonderful oil for calming nerves, healing, cleansing, and for removing stress and anxiety.
Neroli—Corresponds to the sun and to fire. This oil imparts joy, happiness, and energy.
Oakmoss—Corresponds with Jupiter and the element of earth. This earthy oil encourages bounty and thankfulness, and it helps to get your personal prosperity up and running.
Patchouli—Corresponds with the planetary influence of Saturn and the element of earth. This oil is a sexual stimulant, and its earthy scent brings prosperity.
Rose—Corresponds to Venus and the element of water. This oil is for love and compassion, promoting inner beauty and, of course, sexuality.
Rosemary—Associated with the sun and the element of fire, it improves memory and helps to bring about positive change.
Sandalwood—Aligned with the moon and the element of water. A mystical, all-purpose magickal oil. A staple in most Witches’ magickal cabinets.
Ylang-Ylang—Corresponds with the moon and the element of water. This oil promotes happiness, increases desire, and encourages love.
• • •
What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
Shakespeare
A Witch’s Dozen of Crystals & Stones
Crystal and stone magick is one of those basics that many Witches begin with. Almost every Witch I know has a small bowl or bag full of tumbled stones that they keep on hand for charms and spells. Here are thirteen of my favorites, and the best part is that these crystals and tumbled stones are typically easy to find in metaphysical or magickal shops. They are also relatively inexpensive to purchase.
Amber—This resin promotes healing, beauty, and strength. (Amber and jet beads are often worn together by high priests and priestesses to denote their rank.)
Amethyst—Calming, healing, and centering.
Aventurine—Good luck and prosperity; draws cash.
Bloodstone—Healing and protection.
Carnelian—Passion and energy.
Hematite—Protection and grounding; helps remove migraines.
Jet—Grants power over troublesome situations and individuals.
Lapis Lazuli—Healing stone sacred to Isis.
Moonstone—Safe travel, moon magick, and psychic abilities.
Obsidian—Protection and destressing.
Quartz Crystal—Boosts your own power and any other stone it is with.
Rose Quartz—The “warm fuzzy” stone; love, friendship, and compassion.
Tiger’s-Eye—Protection and energy.
• • •
Magic and stones are anciently related.
Scott Cunningham
Working with Stone & Crystal Magick
Stones, crystals, minerals, and semiprecious and precious gems are natural gifts from the element of earth. What better way to tap into magick than by rediscovering their awesome powers and magickal qualities? As they hold and focus the earth’s energies, stones, crystals, and gems are magickal batteries of sorts.
There are three important qualities needed for working this type of earth magick, and they are 1) the goal, or magical intention; 2) the desire to create a positive change (getting your affirmative emotions involved so your spell will pack a punch); and 3) the knowledge and basic skill to be able to perform the spell.
So, let’s celebrate the beauty, power, and mystery of the treasures of the earth. Listed below is the information that will help you expand your knowledge.
Energies of the Stones: Projective and Receptive
There are two types of energies inherent in crystals, gems, and stones: projective and receptive. Projective energies are sometimes described as electric, hot, day, physical, bright, summer, masculine, and active. Receptive energies are often described as magnetic, cold, night, spiritual, dark, winter, feminine, and inert. It is important to know that one type of energy is not superior to the other, for they each have their place in magick, and they both bring balance to our lives.
Projective stone energies are able to get in touch with the conscious mind. They are associated with the sun and the planets Mercury and Mars. They are also linked to the masculine elements of air and fire. These stones tend to fall in the color range of red, orange, yellow, gold, clear, and sometimes black. They can be utilized to fight disease, and
can attract good luck. Projective stones bring vitality and health, and they also may impart courage and success to their bearers. These projective stones are powerful tools to fight off negativity, boost your physical energy levels, and grant you a strong sense of grit and determination. A few projective stones to try for these purposes are amber, banded and brown agates, carnelian, citrine, garnet, hematite, onyx, quartz crystal points, red agate, red jasper, tiger’s-eye, topaz, and zircon.
Receptive stones have the opposite sort of energies. These are associated with the moon and the planets Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune. They are associated with the feminine elements of earth and water, and they are often cooler colors, such as green, blue, purple, grey, silver, pink, and black. These receptive stones are wonderful tools for soothing and calming situations and people. They promote grounding, may assist in meditation, and can help folks search within to find the answers they seek.
Receptive stones and crystals can also promote spirituality and wisdom, as they encourage peace and psychic abilities. A few receptive crystals and stones to work with include amethyst, azurite, blue and green agates, chalcedony, green jasper, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, opal, peridot, rose quartz, sapphire, tourmaline (black, blue, green, or pink), and turquoise.
• • •
Stones:
Their Colors & Their Magickal Meanings
Just like in candle magick, crystals and stones may be grouped together by their colors. Here is a straightforward listing for you to peruse and to work your earth magick with.
Red—Red stones and crystals are definitely projective ones. Typically related to the planet Mars and the element of fire, they are forceful powers. Red stones such as carnelian promote courage and bravery, while red jasper promotes valor and banishes fatigue. Red crystals and gems also give the body a burst of energy, both for athletic prowess or for sex. Red stones may be incorporated into healing rituals and spells. Try these for drawing out the heat of skin irritations or minor burns.
Orange—Orange crystals and stones are thought to be a gentler version of red ones. They are also projective and associated with the sun, such as the orange-colored stone citrine, which can grant you a positive outlook on life. These sunny stones and crystals are perfect for shedding some light on a subject or for a little creative illumination. Orange stones are linked to personal power. They can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. This is a successful color. Work with it to pump up the volume on your own vitality, creativity, and energy.
This precious stone set in the silver sea …
Shakespeare
Yellow—Yellow gemstones and crystals are projective. These will fall under the influence of the sun, the planet Mercury, and the element of air. And what a surprise: they are worked into magick for communication, visualization, and perception! These are the stones to work with when you need to get the old brain kicked into high gear. If you need help expressing yourself, whether it’s in public speaking or writing, work with yellow stones and crystals. These babies will make you more eloquent while you are speaking and or writing, plus your thoughts will flow more freely.
Green—Green stones, gems, and crystals reflect the colors of life, nature, and fruitfulness. Green is a receptive color and may be worked into spells for healing, gardening, grounding, good luck, and prosperity. A mystical green crystal to try is malachite. This stone encourages success, draws cash, and can even protect its bearer from danger. Any green-colored gemstone or crystal may also be incorporated into spells that work with the faerie kingdom or the elementals. As you’d expect, this color of stone is tied to the element of earth.
Blue—Blue gems and stones are receptive and often linked to the element of water and the planet Neptune. These crystals promote peace and soothing emotions. They can be used to promote a good night’s sleep and may keep away bad dreams. A good blue stone to try is the blue lace agate. This stone has all of the qualities listed above. As blue is a healing color, blue stones are often incorporated into healing rituals, charms, and spells.
Purple—Purple crystals are receptive and also spiritual. These gems and stones correspond with Jupiter and Neptune. Purple is the color of magick, royalty, and the gods. Purple or violet gemstones such as amethyst promote spirituality, protection, and peace. Purple stones can alleviate tension headaches and help reduce stress and anxiety. Displaying a cluster of amethyst crystal points makes negative energy dissipate, provides balance, and
restores harmony in your home.
Pink—Pink stones and crystals are also receptive stones and bring warm, fuzzy feelings. They are linked to the planet Venus and are used to promote love, happiness, and friendships, as well as soothe frayed nerves and tempers. Stones such as the rose quartz can help encourage relaxation of both the mind and the spirit. They also can help end the spat between a feuding couple by magnifying loving feelings and relieving anger. Given as a token between friends, pink stones can gently link one magickal friend to another.
White—White stones and crystals fall in the receptive stone category and are governed by the moon. These stones have the magickal qualities of promoting safe travel, a good night’s sleep, psychic abilities, intuition, and, of course, moon magick. White stones such as the moonstone are traditional stones used to open up psychic receptors and to encourage empathy. The moonstone is a popular magickal stone and is often worked into Goddess magick and rituals.
When I am an old woman,
I shall wear purple …
Jenny Joseph
Black—Black stones are also receptive and sometimes projective. As the color black absorbs light, so, too, will a black stone absorb negativity, despair, and anger. These ebony-colored crystals and gems are ruled by the planet Saturn. Black stones are perfect for protection work, for grounding, and for removing negativity. Some black stones, like jet, can actually help you gain influence over obnoxious or difficult people. These stones are talismans for security, self-control, and power.
• • •
Talk of mysteries!
Think of our life in nature—
daily to be shown matter, to come in contact
with it—rocks, trees, wind on our cheeks!
Henry David Thoreau
A Witch’s Dozen of Magickal Herbs
Please note: These herbs are listed for their use in spells and charm bags only. Be very careful while working with botanicals. Avoid handling them if you are pregnant or nursing. Some herbs are potentially toxic, and others may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
In this list, you will find the common names for the herb followed by the botanical name in italics. This is to help you identify which witchy herb you are working with. Keep all botanicals out of the reach of small children and pets.
For more detailed information on working with herbs in magick, or for growing them in the magickal garden, please refer to my previous books Garden Witchery and Herb Magic for Beginners.
Basil, Sweet Basil, Garden Basil—(Ocimum basilicum) Basil brings compassion and helps end bickering and feuds between two people; an herb of loving vibrations.
Dill—(Anethum graveolens) Dill is worked into spells and charms for protection and prosperity.
Feverfew—(Tanacetum parthenium) This dainty flowering herb brings healing and protection from illness.
Garlic—(Allium sativum) Garlic protects and banishes evil. A rope of garlic hung in the kitchen denotes a kitchen Witch’s domain. Helps ward off
psychic vampires, too!
Heliotrope—(Heliotropium arborescens) When this flowering herb is planted in your garden, it helps keep nosey neighbors distracted. This herb classically is used to confer invisibility. (The foliage may cause contact dermatitis.)
I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows …
Shakespeare
Mugwort—(Artemisia vulgaris) Mugwort promotes psychic powers, protection, and prophetic dreams. (Do not ingest, and avoid handling while pregnant.)
Peony—(Paeonia officinalis) This common flowering shrub is, in fact, an herb. The blossoms ward off nightmares; use its flowers in protection magick.
Rose—(Rosa ssp.) The petals of the rose speed up your magick, and the flowers promote love. (Note that the different colors of the rose will each have their own specialties.)
Rosemary, Dew of the Sea—(Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary ensures a good night’s sleep and is worked into charms for remembrance and love.
Rue—(Ruta graveolens) A classic protection magick herb. Rue is toxic and should be kept out of the reach of children and avoided by pregnant women. This herb removes the evil eye, breaks manipulative magick, and is very protective; I think of it as the “hex buster.”
Thyme, Common Thyme—(Thymus vulgaris) This delicate herb encourages prophetic dreams and psychic abilities.
Valerian—(Valeriana officinalis) The fragrant flowers are used for protection and to drive away negativity. Tuck it into your gardens to mark the boundaries of a magickal garden, and give it lots of room to flourish.
Yarrow, Milfoil—(Achillea millefolium) The wise woman’s herb, yarrow is an all-purpose botanical. It’s a gorgeous blooming perennial that dries well and is popular for enchanting arts and crafts and flower arranging. This flower is also thought to keep a couple happily married for seven years. (Warning: yarrow may cause contact dermatitis.)
• • •
Correct handling of flowers refines the personality.
Gustie L. Herrigel
Flower Fascinations from A–Z
The folklore of flowers is a fascinating subject, and it is simple to work into natural spells and charms. Check out this alphabet of common garden blossoms and see what type of natural magick you can add to your next spell or charm by employing the language of flowers. (For a more detailed listing, please refer to Garden Witchery.)
Azalea—First love, a tender romance.
Begonia—A warning. Also, red begonias are traditional protective flowers for windowboxes.
Crocus—New beginnings, youth, and happiness.
Daisy—Innocence, simplicity, and joy.
Echinacea—(Coneflower) Skill and dexterity.
Foxglove—Faerie magick, a wish.
Gardenia—Charmed, “I love you.”
Hydrangea—Protection, “hopelessly devoted to you.”
Iris—Messages sacred to the Greco-Roman goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
Jonquil—Esteem, chivalry, and holding someone in high regard.
Kalanchoe—Fame and personal status.
Lilac—First love, beauty, a faerie favorite.
Morning Glory (blue)—Protection, and it is sacred to the goddess Venus/ Aphrodite.
The Zinnia’s solitary flower,
which blooms in forests lone and deep,
are like the visions fair and bright
that faithful, absent hearts will keep.
Flora’s Interpreter
Nigella (Love in a Mist)—Kiss me, a rare love.
Orchid—Exotic passion, luxury, and love.
Pansy—Ease a broken heart and bring affection and cheer.
Queen Anne’s Lace—Homecoming and shelter.
Ranunculus—Bedazzled.
Sunflower—The magick and might of the sun; esteem and riches.
Tiger Lily—Energy and erotic love.
Violet—Enchantment and protection against faerie mischief.
Wisteria—Welcome.
Yellow Rose—Friendship and sunshine.
Zinnia—Friendship.
• • •
Herbal Arts and Witchcraft Projects
Making Wreaths
As long as you are warming up the creative side of your brain, consider this: herbal wreaths are magickal craft items that are fun to create. These wreaths may even be incorporated into a variety of spells and charms. This way, you are not only getting your spell-writing juices flowing, you are also creatively working with the herbs at the same time!
Herbal wreaths can serve as a gift or be used as a tool for a specific magickal purpose, such as protection, love, or prosperity. Wreathmaking is an ancient practice. The wreath has been used since the Middle Ages to celebrate the changing seasons and holidays. Creating herbal wreaths is a fun and enjoyable process, and best of all, it’s not expensive or hard to do.
There are three basic elements to wreathmaking: the base, the materials used, and the method of attachment. Many of the items you’ll need to decorate your wreath may be homegrown or easily located at the local arts and crafts store. Before you go and plunk down lots of money, though, first take a walk around the yard or herb garden. See how you can incorporate the natural bounty that nature has to offer. The herb garden has much to provide to the clever herbalist and Witch. There are gorgeous flowering herbs and magickal flowers, changing autumn leaves, acorns, pine cones, twigs, or even a fallen feather or two. Often a lazy hour spent outdoors yields more organic material than any trip to the store.
When you begin to assemble the components for your own herbal wreaths, you may find it helpful to refer to the herbal correspondence charts listed here on pages 226 and 228. You can really add more magickal punch to this project if you time the creation of
your herbal wreath with a certain phase of the moon or day of the week, although don’t forget your intuition: let your instincts guide you.
The basic supplies you will need for herbal wreaths are:
- A low-temperature glue gun and glue sticks
- Florist wire, gauge 20
- Floral picks
- A base, such as a 12- to 18-inch grapevine wreath
- Dried or fresh herbs, flowers, seed pods, nuts, and small twigs
- Ribbons in assorted colors and widths
- Small metal celestial charms (optional)
Directions
Gather your material with intention. Refer to the correspondence charts or follow your own instincts. Next, arrange your wreath by laying out the herbal components. Take your time, and position things to your liking. Have fun and relax so you can enjoy yourself. (Remember that it’s much easier to shift pieces around before you glue them on than it is to pry them off afterwards.) If you are incorporating twigs or berries, try and work them into the grapevine for a more natural look. After you have chosen the design, then carefully hot-glue or wire the natural material, ribbons, and celestial charms onto the grapevine.
Another great tip that I can pass along to you is if you are working with large clusters of flowers such as yarrow blossoms or roses, then work with an odd number. (This is an old floral designer’s tip!) There is something about even numbers that always makes
wreaths look like a clock face. Go for threes and fives for your main flowers. Perhaps you can weave a pentagram in the center of your wreath with the ribbons. Tie on a pretty bow or have ribbon streamers dangling from the bottom. Also, those celestial charms would look great tied to the end of the streamers. Go with whatever you like the best; the possibilities are endless.
An All-Purpose Spell for Herbal Wreaths
Once you have your wreath all arranged and finished, you will want to enchant it. Try this all-purpose spell to activate the magick within your herbal creation. Hold the finished wreath in your hands and transfer a bit of your personal power into the wreath. Then repeat the following verse:
See the magickal herbs arranged on this circle of vine?
These will bring enchantment and blessings to us at all times.
Made with my own two hands, this herbal magick begins.
Now grant us prosperity, happiness, and wisdom.
For the good of all, this herbalist’s spell is spun.
As I will, so mote it be, and let it harm none.
When you are finished, ground and center yourself. Hang up your enchanted herbal wreath in a prominent place.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath …
Ben Jonson
Herbal Beeswax Candles
Have you ever tried your hand at making your own herbal candles? Just think, specialty herbal candles you can create and imbue with your own positive personal power. Then you would have custom-made magickal supplies right at your fingertips. How cool is that? You can make herbal candles for healing, prosperity, affection, or protection.
There is a simple way to do this, and it won’t require you to have wax boiling away on the stove, which can be expensive, messy, and dangerous. You will still need to make a trip to the local arts and crafts supply store, however. But the following candle project is a practical, affordable alternative to purchased candles.
Hit the candlemaking aisle, and look for sheets of beeswax and wicks. I have even found beeswax candlemaking kits! You may use colored beeswax sheets or the plain, old-fashioned-looking honey-colored ones. (You may find it helpful to refer back to page 200 for a color/candle magick guide.) So choose your supplies and ingredients, and let’s get started!
Candlemaking Supplies and Directions
- Assorted sheets of beeswax (approximately 16 x 8 inches)
- Wicks (look for lead-free wicks)
- A hair dryer
- Assorted magickal herbs
All nature seems at work.
Slugs leave their lair—the bees are stirring—
birds are on the wing—
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
How to Make Rolled Herbal Candles
1. If the beeswax you are working with is rolled, then gently unroll it. (If it is hard, stiff, or might crack while unrolling, then soften it up by warming it with the hair dryer set on low.)
2. Lay a piece of wick along one of the short edges of the beeswax sheet. Warm the beeswax up with the hair dryer set on the lowest setting.
3. Sprinkle the sheet with your chosen magickal herb. Gently press the herbs down into the sheet of wax.
4. Finally, carefully roll it up. Your herbs will stay between the layers as you roll the candle. (Think of a jellyroll type of situation.)
5. When you have finished rolling all the wax, run the hair dryer over the candle again. This molds the edges together just a bit and softens the bottom so that you can give the candle a nice, flat, smooth surface.
A Charm to Enchant Your Herbal Candles
To enchant your handmade herbal candle, try this quick charm. Hold the herbal candle in your hands, and repeat the following:
Goddess, bless this herb candle made by my own hands,
May it spread enchantment and light across the land.
• • •
Circle Mechanics
Quarter Calls and a Circlecasting
Here is one of my favorite quarter calls and circlecastings. I like this one the best as the quarter calls rhyme and are simple and uncomplicated. Plus it was very easy for me to commit it to memory. Typically, I begin my quarter calls in the east, which is the direction that I associate with the air element. Your own magickal traditions may be different. Some practitioners may begin their quarter calls in the north or have different quarter associations for air and fire—and if that is the case, then I invite you to rework this to suit your own practice.
Begin by moving to the eastern quarter. Light the yellow quarter candle, and say:
In the eastern quarter,
I call knowledge and intuition true.
Move to your right, and go to the southern quarter. Light the red quarter candle, and say:
At the southern quarter,
I call for passion and courage in all that I do.
Turn to your right again, and go to the western quarter. Light the blue quarter candle, and say:
Here in the west,
grant me visions and bless me with love.
’ Tis now the very witching time of night.
Shakespeare
Finally, move to your right, and go to the northern quarter. Light the green quarter candle, and say:
In the north,
I call for security and strength from the gods above.
Now move to the center of the circle, and bind or seal the circle. Turn in a clockwise (deosil) motion, and spin slowly around, casting the circle by pointing at the ground and saying:
As above, now so below; the elemental powers spin, and my magick holds.
After your ritual, spellwork, or celebration is complete, you may open the circle in the following manner: this time, we begin in the northern quarter. Turning to the left and working in a counterclockwise (widdershins) direction, go to the west, then the south, and then finally end in the east. I typically say at each quarter,
Hail and farewell to the element of the [earth, water, etc.]; many thanks, blessed be.
Keep in mind that you will switch out the word in brackets to suit each quarter, so in this case it would be opening the quarters in the order of earth, water, fire, and air.
After you have worked your way completely around the circle, move to the center, and say:
The circle is now open but unbroken;
Release the magick as my words are spoken.
• • •
[T]he power of the world always works in circles,
and everything tries to be round.
Black Elk
Spell Worksheet
Goal:
Moon Phase:
Day of the Week:
Astrological/ Magickal Symbols Used:
Candle Color (if you added candle magick):
Herbs Used:
Magickal Significance of the Herbs:
Crystals or Stones Used and Their Associations:
Charm or verse:
Results: