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

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      From earliest times people have used oils to soften the skin, to perfume themselves, to heal and to enhance Magical workings. Some ancient civilizations rarely used soap in any form, preferring to apply oil and then scrape it from the skin, removing not only dirt but also loose dead skin. These days many of us find oil too greasy and prefer to use creams and lotions on a daily basis. However, creams, whether solid or liquid, are simply a way of suspending oil and water in a user-friendly way. To do this effectively other ingredients are added which stop the blend separating out or going off. Whilst it is possible to make your own creams and lotions, blending lanolin, animal fat and water, it is far simpler to start with an unscented lotion or cream which has been mass produced.

      The main practical difference between a lotion, cream or oil is in how you intend to use it. If the area to be covered is large, then you will want a lotion, which can be easily spread and is relatively rapidly absorbed. If you are treating a small area or one which requires a level of massage, perhaps a bruise or a sore joint, then a cream may be more practical, being thicker and more slowly absorbed. There is also the matter of preference. For some any cream is too thick, for others a lotion simply does not suit the skin. Oils can be added to baths, as out-lined in the preceding chapter, and whilst you may notice that some of the following recipes are similar, you will also notice some differences. This is because these are intended for direct contact with the skin, rather than the larger dilutions you get in a bath or when using soap. They are Magically no less effective, they are just safer to use undiluted.

      Magical application is somewhat different as in this case you want the essence of the ingredients rather than the effects of the base. Additionally many of the following oils need not simply be used on the skin but may be applied to a candle or talisman in the course of Magic or ritual. You can also choose to use the recipe in an oil burner, although you may wish to scale down the quantities and add them direct to the water in the burner.

      The following recipes are designed to be used with 3 tbsp of cream, lotion or of base oil. Choose a cream or lotion which is unscented or carries very little obvious perfume and which suits your skin and your pocket. My favourite base lotion is a cheap unscented general purpose handcream which I’ve been using all over very successfully for years. For a cream to be used medicinally I often favour petroleum jelly.

      When it comes to selecting a base oil for anointing and Magical work, again choose one which suits your skin and purse. If you can, try out sweet almond, avocado, wheatgerm, apricot kernel and jojoba. Even olive oil works for some people. Select the one you prefer; contrary to the statements of many practitioners, as long as you buy from a reputable source, the oils and your Magical intentions will overcome any so called ‘impurities’ in the cheaper varieties. Often is it worth enquiring at your pharmacy, rather than a New Age or specialist supplier, who may charge more.

      When using the following recipes please remember not to use aromatherapy oils, other than lavender, on pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies or children under 12 without consulting an experienced aromatherapist.

      Esbat Oil

      This is for personal anointing before any Full Moon ritual. It would not usually be used on any candle or object for Magical intent, as either a specially prepared oil or an empowering oil would be used instead.

       2 drops frankincense

       2 drops rosemary

       1 drop jasmine

       1 drop sandalwood