Scented Oils
and Perfumes
The use of scented oils and perfumes is inextricably bound up with Witchcraft, magic, and occultism. Magical oils are used to concentrate the powers of an herb, flower, tree, or root much the same way as fluid condensers.
But the greatest value of oils is that they retain the full scent of the plant. And scents have powerful reactions upon the human intellect and emotions, even the body itself.
In Witchcraft, oil is a symbol of the element of fire, much as incense symbolizes air, and salt the earth. The oils capture, draw out, and store the essential nature of herbs and flowers, the basic energies that the old Witches called the fiery being.
Their magic works through vibrations and scent. The vibratory rate of an herb, oil, or incense determines whether it is beneficial or destructive, and the degree thereof.
These vibrations are then broken down into subcategories. Those that are loving herbs and prosperity herbs, and so on.
All herbal magic works through vibrations. The magic of oils, however, also uses the olfactory sense in manifesting change. Scents trigger various centers in the brain and bring them into dominance. Thus, lilac oil stimulates the psychic center and helps develop clair-voyant powers. Other centers include the intellectual, spiritual, passionate, and so on.
Oil and perfume magic is a science that takes years to fully master. Anyone, however, can use oils in their magic following simple instructions.
The oils described in this chapter are to be used with caution and a sense of fair play. Wearing a seductive scent or a heady cologne is fine, but purposely trying to seduce someone through a fragrance is bordering on manipulation. Use your good sense of judgment when using these oils.
Some of these oils can be prepared at home for a fraction of what they cost in the stores. Naturally, the homemade ones are not of the same high quality, but the genuine, natural essential oils of some herbs and flowers are costly; many currently sell on the market for well over one thousand dollars an ounce.
Reliable mail-order companies selling essential oils are noted in Appendix 3.
Making the Oils
The simplest method is known as enfleurage. Fill a small jar with the leaves and petals of the herb(s) you wish to make an oil from. (Dried herbs will do if the fresh are not available.) Next, pour olive oil over them to cover. Tightly cork or cap the jar and keep in a warm place (out of sunlight) for three days. Shake the bottle each day to thoroughly wet the leaves.
On the third day strain the oil, fill the jar with fresh leaves or flowers, and pour the same oil back into the jar. Repeat several times until the oil is heavily saturated with the fragrance.
Finally, strain the oil through filter paper or a piece of fine muslin and store in a tightly stoppered bottle, opaque being the best.
Some herbalists add a few drops benzoin tincture to the oils as a preservative. To make benzoin tincture, soak one tablespoon powdered benzoin in one-fourth cup good-quality vodka or apple cider vinegar for three weeks. Strain and keep tightly corked in a dark bottle.
The most propitious day upon which to make oils depends upon the type of oil but, since several days usually elapse during the manufacture of an oil, it is best to make the oil when the herbs and flowers are available, and if you wish, later dedicate it on the day and in the hour of the planet involved.
Oil Blessing
Dip the blade of your knife into the oil, then raise it to the sky and say:
In the name of the Moon,
of the stars, and of the Sun,
I bless this oil.
This blessing may be used with any of the oils listed in this chapter.
For making blends of oils, get some good, glass jars in which to blend the oils. Have your eyedropper ready to add the oils a drop or two at a time. In fact, if you have several droppers available, use all of them, one for each scent that you are blending. Keep a jar of alcohol nearby to clean the droppers.
Fragrance blending is an acquired art, and takes a keen sense of smell and vibrational content. With practice it comes easier.
Following are recipes for oil blends often used in magic.
Anointing Oil
These are all-purpose anointing oils, often worn during spell-casting and other magic pastimes. Their ancestors are the infamous flying ointments of the Persecution times (for more on these flying ointments, see Appendix 2).
Literally dozens of variations exist. Sometimes vervain oil is used alone, but usually in combination with other herbs. Here are a few examples (feel free to experiment):
All-Purpose Anointing Oils
Vervain
Cinquefoll
Parsley
Carnation
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Patchouli
Ambergris
Musk
Frankincense
Frankincense
Myrrh
Benzoin
Ambergris
Civet
Musk
As always, the artificial ambergris, civet, and musk scents may be used, as the natural are quite expensive and usually unavailable. Besides, they are taken from animals. Remember, harm none!
These are very powerful and worth the time and trouble it takes to make them. The first recipe can be made by the enfleurage method, the rest are best made by blending the already made (or store bought) oils.
There are thirteen traditional anointing points upon the body, and these are used when a very heavy aura of protection and psychic energy is desired around the body.
The anointing must be done nude, usually directly after the ritual purification bath. Dab a bit of the oil on the soles of the feet, the bend of the knees, the genitals, the base of the spine, the wrists, over the heart, the breasts, under the chin, and on the forehead.
Such an extensive anointing procedure should be undergone only when performing a full-fledged magical ritual, and even then it is not entirely necessary. If you wish, just dab a little on the wrists and forehead.
Love Oil
On a Friday evening when the Moon is waxing, gather a little ground orris root, an earthen bowl, and a quantity of pure olive oil. If you are a woman also have a vial of jasmine oil; patchouli will do for men.
Lay a pink cloth on the altar. Light pink candles. Pour the orris root into the earthen bowl, then add about half a cup of olive oil. Stir with the forefinger of your strong hand seven times clockwise. Now add the essential oil, no less than three drops, no more than seven.
Place the bowl on the altar. Gaze into it, infusing the oil with your desire for love. Enchant it by saying:
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
Simple and to the point, right? You might want to substitute a favorite love poem or sonnet.
Pour the oil into a jar and cork it tightly. Leave in a dark space, surrounded by the pink altar cloth, for seven days. Upon the next Friday night, uncork the bottle, strain, and then store in the same bottle until needed. Love oil should only be worn by its creator.
Protection Oil
To make a personal protection oil, blend together the oils of rosemary, rose geranium, and cypress. This oil is also used to anoint candles and is added to protective cleansing baths.
Handfasting Oil
A handfasting is a Witch’s wedding ceremony. This oil, however, can be used by any couple regardless of their marital status. It is one of the few magical oils that contains a dried herb mixed in with the essences.
This is often given to Witch couples on the evening of their handfasting. The formula:
Gardenia, for peace and harmony
Musk, for passion and courage
Jasmine, for continuing love
Rose geranium, for protection against adversity
Blend together (using the eyedropper, a drop at a time) until the scent seems perfect. Make up two ounces or so. Then add one pinch dried yarrow. Yarrow is used in love and marriage spells since it has the power to keep a couple together for seven years. Seven is the number of Venus, the planet of love.
When finished, pour into twin crystal jars. One of these is given to the woman; the other to the man. For seven nights, the couple should anoint one another, using their own jars. Then the oils should be blended together, poured into one of the jars, and the other jar should be hidden in some secret place.
Satyr Oil
A famous controversial oil, there are several variations in the recipe, but all are very earthy and passionate fragrances. The man who wears this should be prepared for anything!
Start with a base of musk and patchouli. Add cinnamon, carnation, and vanilla oils. Blend and add until the scent seems right to you. Blend on Tuesday.
This oil should only be worn by men. It does not always smell great, but it works as an aphrodisiac and the results can be quite amazing!
Fragrance of Venus Oil
For women who wish to become more attractive (absolutely magnetic) to men, wear this oil.
On a Friday night blend together jasmine, red rose, a drop of lavender (no more!), a bit of musk, and ylang-ylang oils.
This oil should only be worn by women who are wishing to attract men.
Four Winds Oils
East Wind, the wind of intelligence: lavender
South Wind, the wind of passion and change musk
West Wind, the wind of love and the emotions: rose
North Wind, the wind of riches: honeysuckle
Wear the appropriate oil when desiring a change in that area of your life. Also, wear to boost spells you may be working.
South Wind is the catch-all; if your wish does not fall into any of the other categories, use South Wind.
Following is a guide to the most-used magical oils. This does not include the so-called brand name magical oils, nor the voodoo blends sometimes sold in occult shops. These are the raw ingredients, from which many oils can be made. Feel free to blend and mix your own private oils.
Scented Oils and their Magical Powers
Acacia: Possessing high spiritual vibrations, this oil is worn to aid meditation and to develop psychic powers. Some also use it to anoint their altars, censers, and candles.
All-spice: Very vitalizing. Gives added determination and energy, excellent for convalescents. Anoint daily.
Almond: Almond oil, the symbol of wakefulness to the ancient Egyptians. Is used in prosperity rituals (anointing candles, money, etc.), and also added to money incenses.
Anise: A boon to clairvoyance, it is often added to a ritual bath preceeding any attempt at divination. It is also worn during divinatory rituals.
Apple blossom: Wear to promote happiness and success. Anoint candles during love rituals. Add to bath to aid relaxation.
Basil: The scent of basil causes sympathy between two people so wear to avoid major clashes. It creates harmony of all kinds. Prostitutes used to wear it in Spain to attract business. The home. Brings luck to your home and gold to your pocket. A magnetic oil to be worn by men.
Benzoin: This oil brings peace of mind. It is used in purification ceremonies. A drop or two smouldering on a charcoal block will effectively clear the area with billowing clouds of smoke.
Bergamot: Used in protective rituals and also in drawing prosperity. Wear on the palm of each hand.
Camphor: Wear to strengthen psychic powers. Also anoint yourself when you have decided to break off with a lover, or when they have done so with you and you find it hard to let go.
Carnation: This is an oil of power. It is used as an energy restorer after exertion, as an aid to healing, and in consecration ceremonies. Should be worn when extra energy for a ritual is desired.
Cinnamon: A high-vibration oil, used for personal protection. It is also a sexual stimulant in the female. Added to any incense, it increases its powers. Mixed with powdered sandalwood, it makes an incense suitable for all religious or spiritual magic. Good for meditation, illumination, and so on.
Cinquefoil: Protective, strengthens the five senses. Also five lucks—love, money, health, power, and wisdom—so is often used to anoint amulet and charm bags.
Clove: An aphrodisiac, worn to attract lovers. Inhaled, the oil helps the memory and eyesight.
Coriander: A love oil used to anoint candles.
Cumin seed: Brings peace and harmony to the home. Anoint all doorways once a week just before sunrise when the household is asleep and all is quiet.
Cyclamen: Worn to ease childbirth by the expectant mother. Also used in love and marriage spells.
Cypress: An oil of blessing, consecration, and protect-tion. It is a symbol of the earth element, as well as of death. When attending a funeral of a friend or loved one, wear this oil so that you will be uplifted by the meaning of death as the doorway to but another life. It also effectively screens out the negative vibrations of the mourners. Wear on Samhain to become aware and remember those who have passed on.
Eucalyptus: A healing oil, very useful in recuperation after long illnesses. Cures colds with daily application to the throat, forehead, and wrists, and by adding it to healing baths. Also used for purifications.
Frankincense: One of the most sacred of all oils, used to anoint magical tools, the altar, etc. A strong purifier used in exorcisms, purification rituals, and blessings.
Gardenia: Wear to attract love. A powerful feminine magnetic oil. Protective.
Ginger: A tropical aphrodisiac. Induces passion.
Heliotrope: High spiritual vibrations, drenched with the energies of the Sun. Aids in clairvoyance.
Honeysuckle: An oil of the mind, it promotes quick thinking and is often used as a memory aid by dabbing on the temples. Also used in prosperity rituals.
Hyacinth: Brings peace of mind to the mentally disturbed. A very relaxing oil.
Hyssop: Increases finances, and is added to the bath to create a purifying atmosphere. An excellent oil to wear during all types of magical rituals.
Jasmine: Symbol of the Moon, and of the mysteries of the night. Jasmine oil is used to attract love. The scent helps one to relax and sleep. It also facilitates childbirth. It is sometimes used for meditation and general anointing purposes. This is a purely spiritual oil.
Lavender: Used in healing and purifying rituals, and also to arouse sexual desire in men. Prostitutes wore it extensively to advertise their trade and to attract customers.
Lemon grass: An aid to the psychic powers. Wear on the forehead. Spiritualists and mediums use it, for it helps make contact with spirits.
Lilac: Induces far memory, the act of recalling past lives. It is also useful in inducing clairvoyant powers in general. Brings peace and harmony.
Lotus: The sacred oil of the ancient Egyptians. Lotus oil has a high spiritual vibration and is suitable for blesssing, anointing, meditation, and as a dedicatory oil to your god(s). It is also used in healing rituals. One who wears lotus oil is sure of good fortune and much happiness.
Magnolia: An excellent oil for meditation and psychic development. It also brings peace and harmony.
Melilot: Fights depression, or what the old Witches used to call melancholy.
Mimosa: Used in healing rituals, and also in producing prophetic dreams. Anoint the forehead before retiring.
Mint: Used in prosperity spells, and to increase one’s business. Anoint wallets, etc.
Musk: The universally accepted sex scent. It is also worn to purify and to gain courage. It is a magnetic oil. Worn with equal success by both sexes. Note: The musk oil sold through most reputable dealers is a blend of other oils and not of true musk. The authentic musk is prohibitively expensive, as it is obtained only from the musk deer. Some musk oils are synthetic, but, again, it is not always the substances which produce the scent that matter, but the scent itself.
Myrrh: A purification, protection, and hex-breaking oil. Possesses a high vibratory rate, making it excellent for the more religious rituals of magic. Anoint the house every morning and evening as a part of any protection ritual.
Narcissus: Stupifyer. This oil brings peace and harmony. Soothes the nerves and relaxes the conscious mind. A narcotic-type oil.
Neroli: Magnetic women’s oil. Rubbed between the breasts to attract men, or onto the temples to give peace.
New-mown hay: This scent is available from Aphro-disia in New York. It is an excellent oil to wear when making a great transformation in your life. Turning over a new leaf, starting a new project.
Nutmeg: This oil is rubbed onto the temples and the third eye to help in meditation and to induce sleep. It is protective as well.
Orange blossom: To make a person in the mood for marriage, wear this oil. Many women add it to their daily baths to build up their attractiveness. Sometimes known as mantrap. Enough said!
Orris root: Attracts the opposite sex. Douse your clothes with the oil.
Patchouli: A very powerful occult oil; one of the magnetic oils to be worn by men. It attracts women. Also wards off negativity and evil, gives peace of mind, and is very sensual.
Peony: A lucky scent for all who need customers, success in business, or good fortune.
Peppermint: Used to create changes within one’s life. Also used to relax and allow one to “unwind.”
Rose: The love oil. Used in all love operations, added to baths, and to induce peace and harmony. Take a handful of rose buds, place them in a silver goblet. Pour one dram rose oil over them. Let soak for a week. After this, on a Friday night. Burn them over the charcoal to infuse your house with loving vibrations. This is an excellent peace incense, and can be done regularly to ensure domestic tranquility.
Rose geranium: Oil of protection. Anoint window sills, doors of house. Wear on self. Also imparts courage to the wearer. An excellent oil to use to bless a new home or apartment. A few drops on a charcoal block will release its powerful vibrations throughout the entire house. Also used to anoint censers.
Rosemary: A very vitalizing oil, rosemary is used in healing rituals and also to promote prudence, common sense, and self-assurance. It aids mental powers when rubbed onto the temples. It is also protective and is used much like rose geranium. Rub onto the temples to ease pain of headache and in all healing rituals.
Rue: To break up negativity and curses, anoint a sprig of dried rue with this oil. Tie up in a red bag and carry for protection. Add nine drops of the oil to the bath every night for nine nights in succession during the Waning Moon to break a spell that has been cast against you. Salt may be added to the bath as well.
If a magical image has been found, a poppet, or fith-fath, this is what you must do: do not touch it, or allow others to touch it. Get a bottle of rue oil (keep some handy for this purpose) and drench the doll with the oil, making sure that the whole image is covered with the oil. Then light the whole thing on fire (even clay dolls, the clothes, or just the oil itself should light) saying a banishing rune such as the following (insert your own deities, names):
Thy power spent, thy form in flames,
Be banished by the great god’s names!
If this is impossible to do where the doll is lying, because of danger of the fire spreading, nosy neighbors, or whatever, move the doll without touching it, using a wooden stick, to a safe place, outdoors, then douse and burn. The oil breaks the spell and the burning of the doll symbolizes the spell going to ashes. While the doll is burning you must visualize the spell’s defeat, using, say, a huge wall made up of great stone blocks. See the wall begin to topple and crash to the earth by the force of your counterspell. Firmly visualize this as the doll burns.
The one in whose name the doll was made is in no danger if this procedure is followed, nor is the sender of the spell. Never pick up or touch any strange image, charm bag, amulet, or even coin left near your home where it might have been purposely laid for you to find it. Such things are often loaded with negativity that is released when you touch it.
Rue is an excellent personal protection oil, but sometimes sets up violent allergic reactions in people. If you are sensitive to strong oils, do not wear this scent.
Saffron: Wear to aid in the development of clairvoyant powers.
Sandalwood: Protective, very healing, this oil is used to anoint. It also aids one in seeing past incarnations. Try anointing the forehead to promote the second sight.
Sesame: Gives hope to one who is sick, discouraged, or lonely.
Sweet pea: One of the most beautiful of all scents, sweet pea oil is worn to attract strangers of all kinds, some of whom may become lovers or friends. Wear as a personal oil.
Spikenard: Wear during rituals to the ancient deities of Egypt, also to anoint sacred objects, such as altars, tools, etc.
Tuberose: Mistress of the night, as it is also known, is an excellent aphrodisiac. Promotes peace and also aids in psychic powers. Men wear it to attract women. Very much a physical oil.
Vanilla: A vitalizing oil, said to be sexually arousing in women. Use as an energy restorer. Sometimes used to gain extra power during magical ceremonies.
Vervain: Assists in obtaining material objects. It also stimulates creativity. Aids those who desire success in the performing and creative arts.
Violet: The oil is used in love operations and is sometimes sexually exciting. However, many people can’t stand the fragrance of the violet, for some curious reason. Once thought to be sacred to the fairy queen (i.e., the goddess of the Witches). Very healing, added to baths.
Wisteria: The door between the world of humans and the realms of the gods, the passport to higher con-sciousness. Wisteria is used to contact other planes of consciousness and existence, and to bring illumination. Wear only when in complete serenity.
Ylang-ylang: Makes its wearer irresistible to the opposite sex. Also soothes the problems of married life. Can help in finding a job. If worn to interviews you will be much calmer and more impressive to the interviewer. Sometimes called flower of flowers.