Magical oils are mixtures of real essential oils or synthetic scented oils blended into a base of vegetable oil such as almond oil or apricot kernal oil. The scented oils are added drop by drop and diluted with the base oil. They are mixed in small quantities to produce an oil to anoint yourself, or objects with to achieve a magical intent. Tinctures and extracts are produced from the herb itself which is steeped in grain alcohol over a period of days. The alcohol acts as a solvent for the volatile oils in the plant material, drawing them out and absorbing them. The tincture or extract when done contains the essential elements of the plant material and can be used like an oil.

The oils you'll need depend upon what sort of magical work you want to do. I recommend buying them as you need them rather than stocking up in advance. True essential oils are expensive and all oils are volatile and must be stored properly to maintain their strength, by purchasing them in small quantities as needed you will be assured of having full strength oils and not spend money unnecessarily. Store all essential oils (EOs) in a cool, dry, dark place in the cobalt or amber bottle in which they were purchased. The bottle is dark to protect the oil from exposure to light. Do not purchase EOs in clear glass, or plastic bottles. Citrus and pine EOs should be stored in the refrigerator to retard the development of irritating chemicals which takes place naturally as they age. EOs do not become rancid, but some lose their effectiveness with prolonged storage. As a rule of thumb, buy no more than you can use in a years time. Older EOs that retain their fragrance may still be used for that purpose. The base oils can be found at the grocery or health food store. I suggest storing your base oil in the refrigerator to lengthen it's life. All vegetable oils will eventually go rancid no matter how they are stored, it is a chemical process that comes from exposure to air and cannot be prevented indefinately. When you make tinctures or extracts you use the fresh or dry herb. Grain alcohol can be purchased where you purchase liquor, either at a grocery store or a liquor store. You may have to ask for it, Clearsprings or Everclear are two brandname versions. If you cannot get grain alcohol where you live, use an inexpensive vodka.

You will need a minimum of equipment to produce oils and tinctures. An assortment of amber or deep blue glass bottles and vials to blend your oils in and store your tinctures and blended oils in to protect them from light. They should be kept in a cool, dry place since heat dissipates the essential oils and excessive moisture clouds the blend. It is necessary to point out here that your blends will eventually go rancid due to their vegetable oil base so make small quantities that you can use up quickly. Do not use any plastic or metal containers in making your oils and tinctues. Plastics absorb scents and will cross contminate your product and metals can react with the essences. Some glass eyedroppers will be useful for measuring fragrant oils into the oil base and several larger, wide mouth jars such as well cleaned mayonaise jars for steeping tintures in will complete your equipment. You will want some labels for your finished product, fancy or plain, depending upon your taste. If possible use an indelible ink that won't dissolve if alcohol or oil spills on it or cover the label with clear celophane tape like they do at the pharmacy.

When you are experimenting with oil blends it is wise to write down what you are adding and how much of it as you go. Otherwise, you may create the most wonderful, delicious smelling, love oil that works like a charm and not be able to recreate it when you want to make more. If you keep track of what you are trying you will know the exact, replicatable steps to make your fabulous creations again, and you will know what sounded good and smelled like crap so you don't have to try that combination again. Keep the recipes in a notebook or in your BOS for later reference.

Two cautions, it is possible to be allergic to oils and tinctures. If you plan to anoint yourself with them test your skin in a small patch before using them to be sure you won't have a reaction. Also, in case it occurs to you that you could use the essential oils straight, don't. Most of them will cause skin irritation if used full strength. Nobody wants to go to circle with a witch who has itchy, scaly, weeping sores all over them. You have been warned! And finally, if you are planning to anoint objects with your oils and tinctures be aware that they will stain. Both will leave oily residues and greasy marks on whatever you put them on. The alcohol in the tinctures can bleach the color out of some fabrics and all papers and will damage the finish on wood furniture. Keep this in mind when anointing to be sure you don't ruin anything precious or delicate.

As with any herbal product it is best to compound oils using the correct correspondences for the intent. See Correspondences for the correct timing for the ritual. Tinctures take more than one day to make so you cannot start and finish them at an hour chosen from the chart. If possible though, start them steeping on the correct day for the intent and strain and bottle them on the correct day and time one week later. Any herbal product will be stronger if compounded with ritual designed for the magical intent. It is important to visualise the achievement of your goal whilst preparing and bottling your creations.

Some herbs that you may want to use will not be available as a true essential oil. There are several possible reasons for this. Some herbs or flowers are so difficult to extract oils from that it is not done commercially. Some herbs or flowers produce toxic essential oils, or oils that cause sensitization reactions severe enough to warrant them not being sold. In addition, some available essential oils are not safe to use during pregnancy and some oils cause what is known as phototoxicity upon exposure to ultraviolet light which can cause anything from mild brown blotches through to severe burning of the skin. Many essential oils are irritating to the skin if not properly diluted. For these oils, you may want to substitute a synthetic perfume oil. Since the synthetic product does not contain the actual essences of the plant it does not have the same side effects. Some argue that the synthetic oils do not have the same magical attributes as the true essential oil, but in my experience, oils blended with synthetic oils do work. Safety information on essential oils is given in the following list. The safety information here is based upon: Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995) and Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995). Those herbs labeled "Pregnancy" indicates that they are not safe for use while pregnant.

• Angelica-Phototoxic, Pregnancy
• Benzoin-Sensitizer
• Bergamot-Phototoxic
• Bitter Almond-Toxic
• Arnica-Toxic
• Basil-Pregnancy, Possible Carcinogen
• Bay-Pregnancy, Sensitizer
• Bergamot-Phototoxic
• Birch (Sweet)-Toxic
• Broom-Toxic
• Calamus-Toxic Carconogen
• Camphor-Toxic
• Cedar, Atlas-Pregnancy
• Cedarwood-Pregnancy
• Clove-Irritant
• Cinnamon Bark-Sensitizer
• Deertongue-Toxic
• Eucalyptus-Sensitizer, Toxic Orally
• Fennel-Carcinogenic, Sensitizer, Pregnancy
• Garlic-Toxic
• Geranium-Pregnancy, Irritant
• Ginger-Phototoxic
• Grapefruit-Phototoxic
• Horseradish-Toxic
• Hyssop-Toxic, Pregnancy
• Inula-Toxic
• Juniper Berry-Pregnancy
• Lavendin-Pregnancy, Toxic
• Lemon-Phototoxic, Irritant
• Lime-Phototoxic
• Marigold-Phototoxic, Toxic
• Marjoram-Pregnancy
• Mugwort-Toxic
• Myrrh-Pregnancy
• Mustard-Toxic
• Nutmeg-Possible Carcinogen, Toxic
• Oakmoss-Toxic, Pregnancy, Sensitizer, Irritant
• Onion-Toxic
• Oregano-Irritant
• Parsley-Very Dangerous in Pregnancy, Toxic
• Pennyroyal-Toxic, Carcinogen
• Peppermint-Irritant
• Peru Balsam-Sensitizer
• Rosemary-Pregnancy, Toxic
• Rue-Toxic
• Sassafras-Toxic, Carcinogen
• Spearmint-Irritant
• Tansy-Toxic
• Thuja-Toxic
• Thyme-Irritant
• Verbena-Sensitizer
• Wintergreen-Toxic
• Wormseed-Toxic
• Wormwood-Toxic
• Yarrow-Sensitizer, Toxic, Pregnancy

The Magical Properties of Oils

The Magical Properties of Oils

Some Recipes for Oil Blends

All of these recipes are for the scented oil blend which is to be added to an oil base. If the recipe does not give amounts of each oil you may combine them to suit yourself using 3-12 drops of each. If the recipe is given in parts you may use that number of drops or a multiple of that number if you are making a larger quantity. They assume that you will use a 2 ounce vial for the given quantity of essential oils in order to dilute it properly. If you are using synthetic oils, you do not have to dilute them this much, you can use a 1 dram vial instead. True essential oils are much stronger than synthetic oils are and it takes much less of them to scent the base oil. It is easiest to place the scented oil into the vial as directed and then fill it the rest of the way with the base oil which may be apricot kernal or almond. If desired you may add a 1/4 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and a tiny bit of benzoin to each vial as a preservative.

True Essential Oil Blends

The measurements for these recipes are for true essential oils, not synthetic oils. See below for versions with synthetic oils.

Altar Oil

4 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Myrrh, 1 drop Cedar

Astral Travel Oil

5 drops Sandalwood, 1 drop Ylang Ylang, 1 drop Cinnamon

Business Success Oil

3 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Basil, 1 drop Patchouli, 1 pinch ground Cinnamon

Citrus Purification Oil

3 drops Orange, 2 drops Lemongrass, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Lime

Money Oil

7 drops Patchouli, 5 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Vetivert, 2 drops Ginger

Healing Oil

4 drops Rosemary, 2 drops Juniper, 1 drop Sandalwood

Initiation Oil

3 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Myrrh, 1 drop Sandalwood

Interview Oil

Use for all sorts of interviews to create a good impression. 4 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Lavender, 1 drop Rose

Lunar Oil

4 drops Sandalwood, 2 drops Camphor, 1 drop Lemon

Pax(Peace) Oil

3 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Chamomile, 1 drop Rose

Protection Oil

4 drops Basil, 3 drops Rose Geranium, 2 drops Pine, 1 drop etivert

Psychic Ability Oil

5 drops Lemongrass, 1 drop Yarrow

Purification Oil

4 drops Eucalyptus, 2 drops Camphor, 1 drop Lemon

Sleepy Time Oil

2 drops Rose, 1 drop Jasmine, 1 drop Chamomile

Synthetic Oil Blends

These recipes are for use with synthetic oils. They do not have specific amounts because synthetic oils vary so much. You can test with your nose to see how much of each oil you need to scent the base oil properly. If you want to you can omit the base oil entirely and mix the synthetic oils and use them.

Altar Oil

Frankincense, Myrrh, Galangal, Vervain, Lavender

Courage Oil

Musk, Rose Geranium

Domination Oil

Use to give yourself added strength. Clove oil, olive oil

Far Sight Oil

Acacia, Cassia, Anise

Fast Money Oil

Mint, Patchouli, Pine, Cinnamon

Fast Money Oil #2

Honeysuckle, Mint, Vervain

Healing Oil

Sandalwood, Carnation, Rosemary

Healing Oil #2

Myrrh, Rose, Sage, Eucalyptus, Violet

Initiation Oil

Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood

Interview Oil

4 parts Lotus, 3 parts Sweet Pea, 1 part Cedar, 1 part Musk

Love Oil

Bergamot, Lavender, Clove, Musk, Ambergris

Lunar Oil

Gardenia, Jasmine, Lotus

Moon Oil

Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lemon, Rose

Nymph Oil

To attract men. 3 parts Jasmine, 3 parts Rose, 2 parts Ylang Ylang, 2 parts Gardenia, 2 parts Violet, 1 part Musk, 1 part Lavender

Peace Oil

Gardenia, Rose, Tuberose

Prophetic Dream Oil

Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon, Nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon, Anise seeds 1 teaspoon in 1/2 c base oil warmed on stove till nearly hot then cooled, strained and bottled.

Protection Oil

Rosemary, Rose Geranium, Cypress

Psychic Oil

Sandalwood, Lilac, Cassia

Purification Oil

Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, base oil. May be used as bath oil for a purification bath or worn.

Satyr Oil

Wear to attract women. 3 parts Musk, 3 parts Patchouli, 3 parts Civet, 2 parts Ambergris, 2 parts Cinnamon, 1 part Allspice, 1/2 part Carnation

Sleepy Time Oil

Rose, Mace

Wealth Oil

Patchouli, Cinnamon

Hoodoo Oil Blends

This group of oil blends are recipes from Hoodoo. I have omited the ones for crossing, controlling, binding and those with turpentine, tar or lodestones in them. If you want to put a hex on someone you'll have to do the research yourself, sorry. I have not tried all of these, but the names are certainly colorful.

All Night Long Oil

Jasmine in Almond oil

Amor Oil

Orange, Cinnamon, Balm of Gilead in Almond

Arabian Nights Oil

Myrrh, Rose, Lilac

Attraction Oil

16 parts Frankincense, 8 parts Sandalwood, 4 parts Myrrh, 8 parts Cinnamon, 4 parts Orris

Caliphs Beloved Oil

Musk, Ambergris, Coriander, Cardamon, Carnation

Cleopatra Love Oil

Balm of Gilead, Musk, Orange, Frankincense

Come to Me Oil

Rose, Jasmine, Gardenia, Lemon

Crucible of Courage Oil

Vanilla, Rose, Lilac, Lavender

Dixie Love Perfume Oil

Patchouli, Cinnamon, Jasmine

Eve Love Oil

Apple Blossom, Rose, Lemon

Fast Luck Oil

Patchouli, Rose, Juniper

French Creole Oil

Used to make your dreams come true. Lilac, Musk, Bay, Lime

House Blessing Oil

Cucumber or Melon, Lavender, Basil, Hyssop

India Bouquet Love Oil

Ginger, Cinnamon, Coriander, Myrrh, Cardamon

Isis Love Oil

Myrrh, Vetivert, Frankincense, Orange, Civit, Myrtle

Joy Oil

Brings happiness and draws opposite sex. Acacia, Carntion, Camellia

King Solomon Oil

Brings wisdom and psychic ability. Solomon Seal, Hyssop, Rose

Lucky Dog Oil

For gambling luck. Vanilla, Cinnamon, Strawberry, Watermelon

Meditation Oil

Sandalwood, Orris, Mastic, Cinnamon

Mint Bouquet Oil

Removes bad spells and attracts positive spirits. Pennyroyal, Mint, Lemon

Nine Mysteries Oil

For overcoming domestic and business troubles or to bless a business. Orange, Violet, Wintergreen

Protection Oil

Vetivert, Galangal, Peppermint, Rue, Cinnamon

Satyr Oil

1/2 part Ambergris, 1/2 part Musk, 1/2 part Civit, part Valerian, 1 drop Cinnamon

Special Favors Oil

For luck and success. Line, Carnation, Gardenia, Wintergreen

Special Perfume Oil

For courage and protection. Gardenia, Jasmine, Orris, Muguet (Lily of the Valley)

Spirits Guide Perfume Oil

Don't wear this one, use it on candles to assist in communicating with the dead. Orange, Lily, Acacia

Three Jacks Oil

For luck while gambling. Galangal, Vetivert, Patchouli, Cardamon

Tiger Perfume Oil

To develop psychic and clairvoyant powers. Wintergreen, Gardenia, Rose, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Bay

Uncrossing Oil

Lemon 1 part, Bay 1/4 part, Rose 1 part, Lily 1 part

Venus Oil

To attract a lover. Jasmine 4 parts, Rose 1 part, Ylang Ylang 3 parts, Civit few drops, Ambergris 1 part, Myrtle or Muguet 1 part

Zorba Perfume Oil

Use to develop psychic powers and clairvoyance. Mastic, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Lavender, Bay