Mirror Herbal Wash
Formulas and Condensers
Here are some really simple mirror wash formulas that you can use to simultaneously cleanse and enchant your witch’s mirrors. My mirror washes are basically herbal infusions mixed with vinegar. Not everyone does it this way, and remember there’s no right or wrong way—do what works best for you. So, if you prefer, you may certainly use the formulas as infusion washes without adding vinegar.
That being said, vinegar has long been a magical ingredient for destroying negativity and magical protection, and who can’t use both of those attributes? Vinegar can also help your infusion last longer when stored in a spray bottle or corked bottle. Oh, and that vinegary smell? Good news: it disappears magically as soon as it dries! Water and vinegar is the best glass cleaner I’ve ever found, so these formulas will leave your mirrors squeaky clean and smudge free, with the residual magical vibrations from the herbs and your magical intention.
Before you dig into these formulas, I want to have a brief discussion on the fine art of herb substitutions. I bring this up because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set out to duplicate an oil, incense, or infusion formula I’ve found in one of my books, only to discover that I have all except one or two ingredients. Foiled! Or…maybe not. I grab one of my dog-eared, worn-out books on magical herbs and look up the herbs I don’t have. What I’m looking for is the magical attributes this particular herb lends to the formula, including magical uses, planetary associations, folklore, etc., and then I look up other herbs with those same attributes. I compare what I find and use the closest match that I have.
This method has never failed to produce good results, and I invite you to do the same if you have a problem finding any of the ingredients in my mirror wash formulas. Keep in mind mirror washes are designed with a specific purpose, such as love, prosperity, healing, or protection, so if you can’t find an ingredient easily, it should be simple enough to locate an appropriate substitution or, for that matter, even add an herb of your choice that you like to work with for that magical purpose. Don’t ignore what you have in your culinary herb rack and also what you can find in your own backyard. Many of the plants mixed in with your grass that others might call weeds we witches recognize as magical herbs; for example, plantain, dandelions, and clover can all be used as magical herbs. By looking up local native plants, you may be able to double your magical herb stash from your own backyard. As a magical bonus, those plants are magically aligned with the spirits of the land that you walk every day.
I always encourage people to use their creativity—no need to color inside the lines!
To make the infusions in these formulas: Put about a half cup of water into a saucepan and toss in a pinch of each of the herbs the formula calls for (or the appropriate substitutes).
Use a nonmetal or nonreactive saucepan meant for stovetop use such as enamel coated, glass, or pyroceramic glass; these kinds of saucepans won’t have any adverse chemical reactions with anything or add molecules of metals into your infusions. I used to use a Pyrex Visions saucepan until it finally broke; now I love my enamel-clad cast iron for making infusions and fluid condensers.
Some people like to reserve a pan just for magical brews; it’s a good idea, especially if you’re using anything inedible in your washes or condensers. If you’re using all nontoxic ingredients it’s a matter of personal belief and tradition. Many kitchen witches use the same tools for both magical and culinary purposes, while other traditions prefer to keep mundane and magical tools separate. Be sure to use herbs and not oils in these formulas. Oils may be used on mirror frames or backs, but generally you don’t want your mirror to have an oily, smudgy surface.
Bring the water and herbs to a boil on the stove, then allow to cool. Pour the infusion through a coffee filter that has been secured with a rubber band to the top of a clean glass or jar. Be sure to label it so you don’t get it mixed up with your other washes or regular cleaning supplies.
If you want to add vinegar to these mirror wash formulas, simply blend equal amounts of the herbal infusion (after it cools) and white vinegar and put it in a clean spray bottle. If the idea of a plastic spray bottle doesn’t appeal to your witchy side, I have a great alternative. If you check the patio, lawn, and garden centers in the spring, you can usually find those really cool old-fashioned glass plant mister bottles. They usually come in a few different colors and have a little metal pump and a really old-world look that is just perfect for applying mirror washes to your magical witch’s mirrors! In addition, if you want to get a little fancier with the formulas themselves, you could allow fresh herbs of your choice from the mirror wash recipe to steep in a bottle of vinegar for about a month, and use that vinegar for your mirror washes—pure magic!
New Mirror Purifier
Use this purifier for mirrors that you’ve purchased new or thrifted. You can also use it to clear old energy from mirrors already existing in your witchy home. This purifier clears away any energies lingering in a mirror so that you have a clean and energetically neutral mirror. Use it for any household mirrors just to clean them, before enchanting them, or for any mirrors you bring home for a magical purpose.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: bay, cedar, chamomile, fennel, lavender, lemon verbena, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, vervain
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or rosemary- or lavender-infused vinegar.
Mercury Glass Wash
If you’re creating faux mercury glass as described in chapter 6, you’ll need this wash. Also use it to add extra enchantment anytime you feel the need. You can also use this wash to enchant purchased faux mercury glass. If you have found some real antique mercury glass, you can use this wash on a clean cloth to clean and enchant it too, since you’re cleaning the glass and not the finish inside its unique double walls.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: violet, lavender, willow, vervain, cinquefoil
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or lavender-infused vinegar.
Protection Mirror Wash
Use this wash for any mirror you want to enchant for protection.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: rue, rowan, cinquefoil, fennel, betony, yarrow
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or fennel-infused vinegar.
Oiel de Sorcière Mirror Wash
Use this wash during the process of constructing a reflective convex mirror that brings a lovely mix of protection and blessings, providing an ever-watchful eye to look out for your home. If you found a new or used oiel de sorcière, this wash is a great way to keep it clean and full of enchantment.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: angelica, St. John’s wort, sage, lavender, a bit of iris petal or leaf, eyebright
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or lavender-infused vinegar.
Blessing Mirror Wash
Use this wash on any mirror that you want to use to promote positive energy, uplifting chi, or healing energy. This one is great for house blessings. This is the wash that is called for in the soul fragment retrieval meditation in chapter 9.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: rose petal, angelica, sandalwood, lavender, sage, rosemary
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or rosemary and sage–infused vinegar.
Hexenspiegel Wash
Use this wash to turn any mirror into a protective Hexenspiegel witch’s charm that sends out a warning beacon for harmful energies to steer clear of you and will send it right back if the warning is not heeded. Use it for charging your own Hexenspiegel jewelry, suncatchers, or other mirrors you want to charge with the job of sending negative energy that comes your way packing.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: vervain, dill, rosemary, marjoram, holly leaves or berries, rowan, mullein, nettle, agrimony
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or vervain and dill–infused vinegar.
Prosperity Mirror Wash
This is the perfect wash for enchanting a mirror to multiply your prosperity. Use it for making a money-multiplying infinity mirror box, on a mirror in your dining room that reflects your bountiful dinner table, or in your business to reflect your cash register.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: oak leaf, basil, clover leaf or flower, patchouli
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or basil-infused vinegar.
Heart Chakra Mirror Wash
This is great for self-esteem mirrors or mirrors to multiply beauty or love. Use it on your bathroom mirror if you’re trying to boost your loving relationship or to heal a broken heart.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: apple peel or leaf, dried rose petals, peppermint, jasmine, geranium, a few drops of honey
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or vinegar infused with sage or marjoram.
Scrying Mirror Wash
Use this wash on your black scrying mirror. This formula vibrates at a high frequency, awakening your third eye so that you can be more open to the visions that you see within the dark, reflective surface.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: eyebright, mugwort, wormwood, vervain
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or vinegar infused with sage or mugwort.
Spirit Communication Wash
Specifically designed for spirit communication, use this one with caution. Be sure to read chapter 6’s section on crafting a psychomanteum/spirit communication mirror and chapter 8’s psychomanteum spirit contact spell before using this wash. Use this in conjunction with the new mirror purifier, and be a smart witch: never leave such a mirror wide open when not in use.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: mugwort, hawthorn berries or flowers, sweetgrass, wormwood, thistle, sage
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or sage- or mugwort-infused vinegar.
Lunar Mirror Wash
Use for a moon mirror, include boosting magical power and intuition, as well as doubling all the elements and power of any lunar spell.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: willow, jasmine, white rose petals, moonflower petals or a seed, mugwort
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar, sage- or thyme-infused vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. For extra power add a couple drops of colloidal silver.
Solar Mirror Wash
Use this wash to enchant a sun mirror. A solar-charged mirror can boost success magic and personal power and is great at improving metabolism and communication.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: sunflower, marigold, cinnamon, St. John’s wort, chamomile
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or chamomile-infused vinegar. For extra power add a few drops of colloidal gold.
Attracting Mirror Wash
Use this wash for creating the bad vibe trap in chapter 6. It’s also great for invoking or drawing what you want into your life, including money, success, promotions, favors, friendship, or whatever you need more of.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: lovage, calamus root, vervain, lemon verbena, orange zest, rose petal, sandalwood
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or lemon verbena–infused vinegar. Add a small magnet or lodestone to the mix.
Safe Travels Wash for Car Mirrors
While driving have you ever looked in your rearview mirror and used a spur-of-the-moment chant? You know the one: “Slow down, slow down, you’re way too close!” The last time I used that chant was during the last month of the time I spent working on this book. The person didn’t see me, didn’t stop, and I ended up in a five-car pile-up with my mom bumped and bruised and my car totaled. Thankfully no one was killed; it was terrifying.
Here’s a mirror wash for safe travels that I devised after that car accident. I’m using it and you can too, dear reader. I designed this wash to get the attention of those you see in your rearview mirror. If you see them through your rearview mirror that has been enchanted with this wash, they will also see you and pay attention. Keep in mind magic should never be used as a substitute for safe driving habits.
Make an infusion of the following herbs: lemon zest, feverfew, dandelion, woodbine, elderberries or elderflowers, 3 drops of Earl Grey tea
Use this wash on its own or mix with equal parts plain vinegar or sage-infused vinegar. Add extra power with a couple drops of colloidal silver.
mirror lore
A woman who lives alone should carry a small mirror in her purse to protect herself from unwelcome company.
reflections of
real witches:
David Salisbury
Programming the Witch’s Mirror
When I was first learning about magick mirrors, I was only taught one way to program them. Although a cleansing and a dedication are a great way to begin mirror work, I don’t see why we have to stop there. As magickal objects, mirrors are like living beings in that they need to be fed and inspired with direction. I like programming my mirror through different potions and powder mixtures to bring about exactly what I need. Using liquid potions, I bathe my mirror or let it soak overnight until it vibrates with the same type of energy as the potion it sits in. I’ll do the same with dry herb powders, although sprinkling a little bit over its flat surface is usually good enough. I have even made pastes out of potions and raw herbs combined and smeared that on the mirror’s surface in the form of runes and sigils.
One of my favorite washes involves using my mirror for glamour work. Glamour magick isn’t always about making yourself seem more attractive. Since I work in politics and advocacy, I use my mirror for glamour magick that helps me give off the type of impression that I want to present myself with to other people. Washing my mirror with oranges and cloves will help me appear successful and fiery. Sprinkling a mixture of lavender and rose petals on my mirror helps me appear more compassionate and approachable. After a good washing, I’ll gaze into my mirror and see my reflection morph into the very essence of what I intend to exude in my work.
The results I get after washing a mirror before my work are phenomenal. It makes working with the mirror feel more creative and personal. In addition to the magick brought about by the mirror itself, I’m also aligning myself with the gifts of the elemental powers, which is always helpful when encountering the outside world.
David Salisbury
Author of Teen Spirit Wicca, The Deep Heart of Witchcraft, and activist and advocate for human and animal rights •
http://www.daviddsalisbury.com
Mirror Condenser Formulas: It’s Electrifying!
Here are a couple of formulas for fluid condensers. I had never attempted to make them myself but had to try it after doing research for this book, and I must say it’s a really cool process that produces a potent bottle of powerful magic! As we discussed in chapter
3, washes and condensers are created in a slightly different manner, and washes are designed for specific purposes while condensers are tuned in to more all-encompassing energies—think details versus the big picture. Fluid condensers store power from the spiritual realm in a similar way that an electrical capacitor stores electricity.
Fluid condensers are often associated with mirror magic, but their uses are not limited to mirrors; condensers can be used to anoint other magical items as well, to add blessings and a powerful magical charge. I hope you enjoy learning to make and use condensers as much as I have.
Simple Fluid Condenser for Scrying
A simple fluid condenser contains only one plant; in this case, mugwort. This lunar formula can be used for a scrying mirror or to add lunar power to any mirror. You can make a similar universal fluid condenser using chamomile flowers and colloidal gold instead of the mugwort and colloidal silver called for here. Once you’ve experimented, you could probably come up with other simple fluid condenser formulas too—just check whether the herb of your choice is aligned with masculine or feminine energies to decide if you should use gold or silver.
Put a half cup of dried mugwort and one cup of water into a small saucepan and bring to a low boil for about twenty minutes. Keep an eye on it, and as you do, visualize the power within the liquid growing.
When the time is up, put the lid on the pot and remove it from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool undisturbed with the lid on. Don’t be tempted to peek; just leave it alone—this allows the energies to settle into the liquid. Once it’s cool, place a coffee filter into a large Mason jar or coffee cup and secure the top of the filter around the lip of the jar with a rubber band. Pour the liquid through the filter. Now put the strained liquid back into the pan and boil it until the liquid has reduced to about a quarter cup; watch it closely, and don’t let it boil dry.
Pour the cooled liquid into a dark colored bottle with a secure stopper and add a quarter cup of vodka, Everclear, or other white alcohol of your choice. Add nine drops of colloidal silver. This fluid will keep and maintain its power for years. Be sure to label it and shake it before every use to activate. It’s great for charging your scrying mirror, other witch’s mirrors, or crystal balls; you can also use it on many of your magical tools or include it in spellwork.
Solid Scrying Mirror Condenser
This one is a powder and has much more exotic ingredients, but if you’re creative you can figure out sources for most of them. Think of the process as part of a hero’s quest—the entire process of finding the ingredients adds power to the final product, so no whining. I will offer hints on where you might find some of the more unusual ingredients.
Okay, admit it, these are the kinds of crazy ingredients you always thought would go into a witchy concoction, aren’t they?! It’s like a metaphysical scavenger hunt, so don’t get overwhelmed. Be creative and resourceful, and I bet you can find most of these; you’ll only need nine of your choosing. Vegetarians and vegan friends, don’t worry, there are plenty of ingredients to choose from so that you can easily create a condenser aligned with your life and magic.
ingredients
- • Dried willow leaves (No willows in your area? Substitute white willow bark herbal supplements.)
- • Sea salt (Most grocery stores and metaphysical stores sell sea salt.)
- • Powdered oyster shell, crab shell, or lobster shell (Try your grocery store seafood section; just get one claw if you want. Use a metal file to powder the shell. Don’t use if you’re allergic to shellfish.)
- • A feather from a crow, seabird, or waterfowl (Scour rivers, lakes, and beaches; otherwise, look for online sellers with found feathers.)
- • Fine filings of a cow bone or stag horn (Beef bones are easy to find; if you prefer stag horn, try ordering stag horn buttons online and obtain powder using a metal file.)
- • Dried moss (Life-force in moss is amazingly strong; find moss in parks, on the ground, or on trees.)
- • Crushed quartz or amethyst, or both (Don’t ruin a good crystal! Just use a small tumbled chip inside a resealable plastic bag and crush it with a hammer.)
- • Lichen (This is the stuff that looks like moss but grows on rocks; watch for it in parks or on nature hikes.)
- • Crushed olive pit (Eat an olive that was packed in water, dry the pit, and crush it with a hammer.)
- • Rosemary (Rosemary is a grocery store staple.)
- • Powdered mud dauber wasp nest (Check park pavilions. Be careful and make sure it’s an abandoned nest.)
- • Cat hair (You can find that on my couch. Seriously: just pet a cat; you’ll get hair on your hand. Never pull out a cat’s hair—the gods will be ticked and the cat none too pleased, either. Cut it up as finely as possible with scissors.)
- • Dried powdered mushroom (Go for a walk in the woods and be sure to wash your hands; if you can’t find one, substitute a grocery store one in a pinch.)
- • Powdered eggshell (Grind eggshell to powder in a mortar and pestle.)
- • Mugwort (Metaphysical shops carry this herb.)
- • Wormwood (You can find this one at metaphysical stores or garden centers.)
- • Crushed poppy seeds (Another grocery store herb.)
- • Shed snakeskin (This one’s tough; if you don’t mind appearing strange, a pet shop might help you out.)
- • Spider web (I have some in the corners of my house for you; I bet you can find some too.)
- • Colloidal silver (Old formulas call for silver extract, but this is the modern way to go. Be sure to make this one of the nine you choose, as it really packs a punch. Find it at your local health food store.)
Now that you’ve chosen your nine (or, if you’re really ambitious, you can use thirteen) of the ingredients above, it’s time to make your condenser. You’re going to need to make sure that all the ingredients are really pulverized as much as you can. I suggest powdering many of these ingredients separately since they will all present their own challenges. Feathers and cat hair can be cut up into the smallest bits possible with nail scissors. Hard things like shell, horn, and bone can be powdered easily with a metal file. The herbs are easy; a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder reserved for magical herbs works well. You don’t need a lot of each, just a small bit.
Once you have everything powdered, mix it all together in a small jar and add a couple drops of colloidal silver. Now leave the jar open for a few days; the liquid will evaporate out of the colloidal silver, leaving just the silver molecules behind. Once the mixture is completely dry, just break any clumpy bits apart with the back of a spoon. Put the lid on the jar and be sure to label it. When you’re ready to make your scrying mirror, after the second coat of paint has been applied, add a very light dusting of the condenser over the paint and allow it to completely dry before applying more paint over the top of it. If you want to use this condenser on a scrying mirror you’ve purchased, use a clear finish on the back of the mirror and dust the powder on the damp finish. Once the finish is completely dry, add one more coat to seal the condenser within the scrying mirror.