– FOUR –

Crystal Elixirs
and Essences

Introduction

If there is a true elixir of life, it is water. Not only essential for life, it is perhaps where life began. Combine water with crystals to make an elixir, and you have a potent metaphysical potion.

It is believed by some that the thoughts we project and the words we say can have an effect on the crystals that form from water. Dr. Masaru Emoto seeks to prove this in his book The Hidden Messages in Water. In magical practice, we believe that our intent does have power. If we can project this into crystals and even more easily into water, crystal elixirs can be a powerful catalyst for magic. Our thoughts affect our body. We are what we think. When you make an elixir to drink or otherwise, think of it as a potion or tonic for change, a transmitter of messages, a way to manifest your intent, emotions, and thoughts.

Elixirs and gem essences are made by soaking a stone in water, with the metaphysical intent of infusing the water with that crystal’s energy. There is a difference between elixirs and essences, and most are not intended to be consumed—they are intended mainly for spells and rituals. I can’t stress this enough: The elixirs and essences (with the exception of the drinkable clear quartz elixir) in this book are not intended to be ingested. Some minerals are toxic, and some you think are safe may actually contain traces of toxic minerals. The only elixir I would ever consider drinking is clear quartz, and that would only be a sip or two. Be aware that some sources say that no stone is really safe for this purpose. If you want to drink the water, I recommend the “dry” method of making an elixir, a practice we will explore in this chapter. Using that method, you can use any stone you’d like, as long as it doesn’t come into contact with the water at any time. Always use care handling any stone you are unsure of, especially any metallic stone or those that are blue or green in color (these often contain copper).

In medieval Europe, stone elixirs were used to create amulets and talismans. It was believed that the stone should be placed in a vessel made of gold or silver and then filled with wine. This mixture was left in moonlight for three days. The wine could then be consumed, and the stone was ready (charged) to be used for creating an amulet or talisman. You can try this method to charge a stone but, again, I don’t recommend drinking the liquid. You can pour it onto the ground as an offering.

Elixirs and Essences: The Difference

The main difference between these stone and water “infusions” is as follows:

• Elixir: A stone left in water for a period of time.
• Essence: A stone left in water for a period of time intended for long-term storage—a preservative is added, such as vodka or vinegar, since essences often contain herbs and essential oils.
• “Dry” Elixir: The stone is not actually immersed in the water so you can take advantage of the stone’s energy in a subtle way. This is also called the indirect method.

The reason it’s a good idea to add a preservative when using herbs is that the plant materials break down and can “rot” in the water. If you want to avoid using a preservative but still want to use herbs in your elixirs, create an herbal infusion (like making tea) before you add the stone and charge it. Brewing and straining will create an infusion that can be stored longer.

Basic Elixir (Not for consumption)

1. Choose a stone and charge it for your purpose.
2. Select your water and container. I recommend making a crystal elixir from water you have gathered from a spring or other natural source. You can also use rainwater or melted snow. You may wish to use a decorative bottle with a cork or a jar with a screw-top lid.
3. Decide on a method: sunlight or moonlight, or both. See the Suggestions section for a variety of ideas and chants.
4. Use whatever visualization technique you feel is appropriate. You can imagine the light seeping through, penetrating the crystal (charged with your intent) and then transferring that energy to the water. If you’d like, you can arrange clear quartz points around the container, points facing inward. Or surround the vessel with a ring of stones of your choice, depending on the elixir’s intended purpose or stones that correspond to the sun and moon.
5. Storage: If you don’t add herbs or oils, pour the water into the storage container you have selected (unless you created it in that container). You may leave the stone in the container (make sure it’s not a water-soluble stone). A simple stone in water elixir can be stored for a long time, but it can go magically “stale.” This water is best used for cleansing stones or other consecration purposes. You may let this sit on your altar if you’d like.
6. When you’re done with the stone, cleanse it and recharge it in sunlight or moonlight if you like. Try to avoid making another elixir with this stone for a few months—let it rest.

Basic Essence (Not for consumption)

These are often blended with herbs and oils and are intended for long-term storage.

1. Follow the procedure for an elixir by adding a stone to water in a glass container.
2. Allow the mixture to sit in sunlight or moonlight for at least 6 hours. In a separate glass container that seals well, pour in half vodka or vinegar and half of your crystal infusion.
3. Remove the stone (or leave it in, if you prefer).
4. Add herbs or herbal infusions, oils, etc., as desired. You can add herbs and oils before allowing the mixture to sit in sunlight or moonlight but heat will diminish the scent of the essential oils.
5. You can use this mixture to blend with other essences and elixirs.

Here’s a chant to use for an essence:

Infuse and store this crystal’s power,

Growing purer by the hour.

Potent essence, stone and water,

Make my magic all the stronger.

Indirect, or “Dry,” Elixir

This method seeks to capture the energy of the stone without submerging it in water. This is an excellent choice for stones that are water soluble or metallic stones that are toxic. Place the stone inside a glass container without water, and cover it with a secure lid—a jar works well for this. Then, place the dry container inside another glass container and add water to the outer container. If you use an inner container that seals tightly, you can completely submerge this in water. Otherwise, just add water that halfway covers the inner container. Place the containers in sun or moonlight. If you start with water that is safe to drink you can consume this elixir—but be sure the water never comes into contact with the stone. And, of course, make sure the containers are clean inside and out. When placing an elixir in sunlight or moonlight outside, you may wish to cover your container(s) with plastic wrap so the wind doesn’t blow in any foreign objects (or bugs!). You could also cover the container with a clear glass plate. Also be sure to wash your hands after handling any metallic stone.

Elixir and Essence Suggestions

• You can add herbs and essential oils to an elixir. A mixture of water, a few drops of oil, some herbs, and a crystal can be combined to make a nice room-cleansing mist or bath oil. Remember to use this mixture within a few days, especially if you add herbs to the water. You can store this elixir longer if you make an infusion of the herbs rather than actually adding herbs to the water.
• Some of the spells in this book call for a particular type of elixir; it’s useful to keep these on hand. You may wish to create a fresh batch during each full moon.
• Store your elixir or essence in a dark-colored glass jar or bottle with a tight lid. You can accumulate these by simply saving containers you buy other products in, such as vinegar or salad oils, even spices.
• Another way to use elixirs is to make gem oils for massage—first, make the carrier oil base, then let your stone sit in the oil for a few hours. Use the oil for bath or massage. Be sure to follow aromatherapy guidelines for safety. Oils you purchase should have information on the label.
• To create a dark moon elixir, use a piece of obsidian and leave the water outside during a new moon. This elixir would be suitable for a mist to dispel negativity or to cleanse an object. You could also add this to water for a purification bath.
• You can collect morning dew from plants using an eyedropper and add this to an elixir. Or use melted snow, rainwater, or water collected from a special place. Remember—only drink water that is safe. When in doubt, don’t drink it!
• Soak a cloth in elixir or essence and rest it on parts of the body.

Sun Elixir

Use this elixir for any spell involving solar energy, projective energy, success, strength, or protection. Let it set in sunlight as long as you like, but remove it before nightfall. Try to make this during a waxing to full moon phase, even though you’re making “sun” elixir. A piece of amber is an excellent stone to use. Visualize the light entering the stone, penetrating, and then passing into the water, infusing it, drawing the minerals from the stone into the liquid, their molecules making a metaphysical connection.

Chant:

By light of sun, this water be

charged with crystal energy.

Sunlight warm, shining through

Water clear, fresh and new.

Moon Elixir

Use this elixir for any spell involving lunar energy, receptive energy, emotions, love, or intuition. Make this elixir during the full moon. Let this set in moonlight as long as you like, but remove it before sunrise. Moonstone would be a good choice for this elixir.

Chant:

By light of moon, this water be

charged with crystal energy.

Moonlight soft, silver glow

Water clear, flow and grow.

Cleansing and Protection Elixir

This elixir combines salt, frankincense resin, rosemary, lemon, and cedar essential oil to dispel negative energy and provide protection. First, boil water as you would for tea. Pour the water into a glass bowl and add the rosemary (fresh or dried). You can make a cheesecloth bundle, use a teabag, or leave the herbs loose. Cut the end of a lemon and squeeze the juice into the bowl; then toss the end piece in as well. Add 3 grains of sea salt and 1 small piece of frankincense resin while the water is still warm. Let this mixture steep to create an infusion. When the water cools, strain the mixture into a spray bottle. Add a clear quartz point and 3 drops of cedar essential oil. Let the elixir sit in sunlight for a few hours or all day. Optional: for a sweeter scent, add a few drops of orange essential oil. Spray as desired, and use the mixture within a few months.

This elixir is a good choice for when you have to use any space that has recently been occupied by another (especially if you know there has been negativity.) It is excellent for dorm rooms, apartments, hotel rooms, offices, or even in used automobiles. After an argument, it can be used to “clear the air.” You may also spray it outside the home and near entryways and windows. As you spray, visualize and chant:

Clear the air, clean it, too.

Make this place, safe and new.

Elixir to Dispel Negative Energy

An elixir similar to the Cleansing and Protection one can be created to clear disturbances from the astral plane. Begin with a dark moon elixir, created during a waning moon. Add 9 grains of sea salt, a few sprigs of dried rosemary, a drop of cedar oil, and 3 drops of frankincense essential oil (or one grain of frankincense resin). Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and use where needed or place a drop of it on a stone and put the stone in a specific place where a disturbance is felt or suspected. A quartz cluster is the best choice, as the liquid can slide down into the crevasses and won’t run off. Since this mixture contains herbs and is not strained, use it quickly or dispose of it.

Chant:

Uninvited and unwanted
Let this source of ill be hunted.
Chased away with harm to none,
Leave this place, my will be done.

Home Blessing Elixir

Create this elixir during a waxing moon. Begin with 2 cups general quartz elixir or essence. If you didn’t leave the stone in the container, add one now. Add 6 grains of sea salt and place the mixture in sunlight for 2 hours. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Use this to mist each room of a new dwelling or to freshen as needed. Visualize this as a spiritual cleansing and blessing for your home. Repeat annually or quarterly.

Chant:

Bless this home, clean and clear,

Guard all those who enter here.

No ill will, with this charm,

Keep us safe from any harm.

Calming Elixir

Begin with a general crystal elixir. Blend this half and half with a fresh amethyst elixir. Bathe in it, apply to skin, or wet a cloth and rest it on your forehead. Visualize the cool, soothing color of amethyst. See those characteristics calming your mind. If you’d like, store this mixture in the refrigerator for an extra-cooling effect.

Chant these words over and over, like a mantra:

Calm and soothe, chill my mood.

Elixir for Passion

This elixir can be used to revive the physical aspect of a relationship. During a waxing moon phase, create an elixir using carnelian—place in sunlight for six hours. Visualize the mixture as being infused with whatever type of energy you desire for your specific situation. Use this water in a bath or to anoint your body, especially the sacral chakra. Or, for a more intense experience, you can add massage oil to the elixir and enjoy it with your partner. You can also create a “dry” sun elixir with carnelian and drink it. Perhaps add a few drops to some cocktails!

Chant these words over the mixture when you prepare it and before you use it:

Liquid passion, crystal potion,
Stimulate the body’s motion.
By the power of the sun

For good of all, let it be done.

Full Moon Bath Tonic

First, create a basic elixir using moonstone. Optional: Add a few drops of morning dew gathered on Beltane or at midsummer. As you pour this elixir into the bath, visualize the radiance of the full moon infusing the water.

Chant:

Liquid moonlight bring to me
beauty and tranquility.
Water give me gracefulness
as my body you caress.

Elixir for Beauty

Make an elixir using jasper and charge using your method of choice. There are many forms of jasper so select the variety that appeals to you. Jasper is a form of chalcedony (quartz), usually opaque, and is found in nearly every color, some with decorative spots and patterns. Add a small amount of this elixir to the water when you wash your face and visualize it as a youthful tonic, refreshing you and revealing your beauty at any age. Repeat this chant as you wash:

Years be gentle, time be kind,

Keep the beauty that is mine.

Wash away what worries me,

Leave a freshness all can see.

Drinkable Clear Quartz Elixir

1. Choose a clear quartz piece (point or tumbled) and be sure it’s clean. To clean it, you can put the quartz in boiling water for a brief time, remove it with tongs, and allow it to cool. You can also wash the stone with mild dish soap as you would wash your dishes, and rinse it well.
2. You may charge the crystal for whatever purpose you like. Clear quartz is a good general energy and balancing stone. You can use it for any magical purpose by programming the stone with your intent.
3. Use drinking water, bottled or from the tap. You may use any amount—by the glass or a pitcher. Place the stone in the water.
4. You can place the container in sunlight or moonlight if you wish. Allow the crystal to sit in the water for up to twelve hours. Then, you can either remove the stone or keep it in the pitcher or glass—just be careful you don’t swallow it!
5. Use this elixir immediately or keep it refrigerated for up to three days.

Salt Water Elixirs

Salt is one of the most popular minerals we use in our everyday lives. Magically, salt is traditionally used for cleansing, purification, and protection. Sea salt is evaporated sea water and is the preferred salt to use in magic. Depending on the stone(s) you’re using, add the salt either before or after making the elixir. Obviously, the salt will dissolve better if you add it before allowing the water to sit for several hours; it’s up to you. This type of elixir is a good choice for consecrating sacred space or tools, but be careful: too much salt can be harmful to some surfaces. Just use a pinch.

Additional Uses for Elixirs and Essences:

• add to bath for purification, healing, or any ritual bath—even wash your hair with it
• wash your face or anoint parts of your body
• cleanse stones, consecrate magical tools, or anoint objects
• float a candle on it
• add to a decorative fountain
• use it to water plants or use as an offering in garden magic

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