http://www.newmoon.uk.com/spells/49a.htm

 Here's what you'll need :
 ~6 cups pure beeswax
 ~10 grams of each of the following herbs: poppy petals, hops, dittany  of Crete, passionflower, skullcap, lavender
 ~10 drops each of the pure essential oils of linden, juniper berry,  bog myrtle, mysore sandalwood and yarrow
 ~7mL of a combination of the pure essential oils of matricaria  chamomile,rose otto, jasmine, (lotus), (narcissus or jonquil),
 (bracketed ones while potent are also so expensive as to make it  difficult to obtain and so this formula has been created to be able
 to work without them)
 ~25mL (or more to achieve consistency required) of jojoba oil mixed  with 20mL of wheatgerm oil (this oil fixes and extends the life of  other oils)

 In a glass double boiler (a pot used in making candles to melt the  beeswax at a lower temperature and prevent wax fires) - do not use  metal, melt the beeswax gently using as low a heat as possible. Once  the beeswax has melted, fold in your herbs and half of the jojoba  oil. Once added, keep at as low a temperature as possible, stirring  constantly with a wooden spoon putting your magickal intention into  the mixture so as to charge it (or a very clean stick which you  sanded and created just for this purpose. Doing this increases the  magickal intent of the mixture and so helps give it a boost).

 After 33 min, ensure that the beeswax is quite liquid and use a fine  cloth such as cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer you don't intend to  use again to strain out the herbs from the mixture of beeswax and  jojoba oil and place the mix back into the glass double boiler. By  this time, if you have kept your mixture at a constant low  temperature, you should notice that it has a slightly different
 consistency from cooling. Now combine the remaining jojoba oil and  the wheatgerm oil and add to this mixture the flower based essential  oils (jasmine, rose, etc). Before the beeswax and jojoba oil mix  hardens and without adding more heat, add first the pure essential  oils (linden, juniper berry, etc) then the essential oils and base oils mix . This needs to be done when the mixture is as cool as possible but still fluid as essential oils are volatile and lose  potency when heated to too high a temperature.

 Now that you have finished you can pour your mix into glass,  heatproof jars(as it will still be warm) and let it cool. Cap only
 after it has cooled and store in a cool, dark place. If you used  extra jojoba, I suggest storing it in the fridge with the jar tightly
 capped to avoid moisture getting in. Use within a month - this  mixture is not suitable for long term storage but can last under
 perfect conditions for 2 - 3 months.

 This ointment is potent. Use it carefully and treat it with respect  as you should all herbs and essential oils. Just because they are
 herbs, doesn't mean they are safe. To use, apply first a small amount  to the inside of your elbow to check for reactions. Then if it is
 safe, apply a small amount in a thin coating to the insode of your  wrist and a small amount to your temples. For faster absorption,
 spread a thin coating on the soles of your feet.

 Keep this mix away from your eyes nose, mouth and other sensitive  areas of your body. Do *not* ingest this mixture. As this mixture  contains oils with contraindications, I suggest that you avoid using  this mix if you: are pregnant, have high blood pressure, have a  history of mental illness, or if you are suffering from prolonged  insomnia.

 This recipe was contributed by Straif Blackthorn, a professional aromatherapist and witch of over 15 years. She has combined her
 knowledge of plants and essential oils plus her techniques for making  pure skin care products to bring you this recipe. You may copy this  to your website provided all the information is left in tact and a  link to the originating website is maintained.

 For those with delicate skin, a mild cleansing milk follows the herbal  facial steam, leaving the skin radiant.

 1 cup milk

 3 tbsp.of one or a combination of the following:  fresh violet flowers;  fresh cornflowers; lavender flower or leaves; or fresh or dried fresh  marigold mint flowers and leaves (Tagetes lucida foeniculum)

 In a small saucepan, heat milk ro a simmer.  Remove from heat.  Add herb(s).  Cover and steep for 15 minutes.  Strain into a glass screw-top bottole or  container.  Apply to face and neck with a cotton ball.  Refrigerate  leftovers up to three days.

 There is one singular trait that I've noticed about Kitchen Witches,  we like to wear food. Unexpected visitors might find us with shining  egg white faces or with oatmeal clumps on our cheeks and cucumbers  attached to our eyes. And no, we are not messy eaters. There is  something about the texture of food and it's coolness on the skin  during hot summer days. In the winter months, it soothes our dry  skin. Some of us are allergic to chemicals and we need to find  alternate ways to pamper our skin and some of us are just fulfilling  that childish urge to get slimey. Whatever the case may be, wearing  food within the Kitchen Witch tradition is normal.

 Listed below are some of the foods I've worn and their purpose. Please be sure to test foods on your wrist three days before trying them out  on your face in case you are allergic.

 ~*Applesauce: Every year I make applesauce, so I had to try it on my  face. I didn't notice any skin differences after use but cold
 applesauce cooled me down immeasurably during the late hot summer  months.

 ~*Honey: Much thanks to Gray Crow for awakening me to the world of  wearing honey. Once a week I mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1  tablespoon of apricot oil together and apply it to my just washed  hair. I leave it on for about 15 minutes with a towel wrapped around  my head and then rinse it off. This helps reduce my frizzy hair. It is also moisturizing. During this
 time, I have honey covering my face. Worn like a mask for 10 to 15  minutes, it helps to moisturize the face. I also feel as though it
 helps to firm it up a bit. For a facial scrub, add a small amount of  cornmeal to the honey. Use gently. This can also be used on sore and  dried feet. Honey had long been used as a preservative by the  Egyptians. With this in mind, visualizations of longevity and
 preservation can be used when wearing honey.

 ~*Lemon: Lemon juice will slowly bleach the skin. Good for uneven  facial skin colouring. After bathing, smear a slice of lemon on your  face and leave on. It is said that this will make your skin sun  sensitive to be sure to avoid direct sun while using. Remember to  first test for allergies before applying to your face.

 ~*Milk: Last summer I used a store bought cleaner while cleaning.  Shortly afterwards I was bedridden with a rash over my entire body.  Near insane because of the itching, I headed to my kitchen in search  of anything that would offer relief. I applied ice cold milk to my  skin and it worked wonders in relieving the itch. I used it again for  poison ivy. The only downside to using milk is that you will begin to  smell like soured milk.

 ~*Oats: Grind oats with mortar and pestle, add enough warm water to  make a paste and apply to face. Wear for 15 minutes. You will want to  wash your face over the kitchen sink or a trash bin. The oats will  clog the bathroom sink. This is great for oily skin and during hot  summer months. It removes excess oils and leaves your skin feeling  smooth.

 ~*Oils: While I don't put any oils directly onto my face, I do put  them in my hair for hot oil treatments. Never use sunflower oil
 because it just coats the hair and is hard to get rinsed out. Canola  oil is not recommended because of genetic engineering. Some people  use olive oil but I have found that it is too heavy for my hair. The  two oils I do use are apricot kernel and sweet almond oil. Both are  light oils and make excellent carrier oils for aromatherapy and are  also good for massage. To do a hot oil treatment on your hair, wet  your hair and massage in 2 Tablespoons of oil. Wrap your head in a dryer warmed towel and let set for 15 minutes. If you don't  have a dryer to warm your towel, don't worry about it. I haven't had  a dryer of my own for years and I still get great results by just  wrapping the towel around my head. After the 15 minutes, wash your  hair to remove excess oils. Did you know that you can shave with oils instead of soap? It not only keeps your skin smooth and moist, it  also gives a cleaner shave.

 ~*Strawberries: Mash the strawberries and wear as a mask for about 15 minutes. They are slightly acidic and help to cleanse the pores. Please test this on your wrist before placing on your face. There are alot of people who are allergic to strawberries and they may develop a rash from use.

 ~*Vinegar: I have used and recommended white vinegar for people with skin rashes and athlete's foot with excellent results. Use after bathing. Vinegar also makes a good hair rinse. The smell will go away when your hair starts to dry.

 In the days of Victorian bliss, the ladies and gentlemen of the time  could not just run down to the local department store and pick up  their toiletries. They had to be creative and come up with their own  in their kitchens. They had to experiment with different mixtures,  scents, and textures.  Many of them failed miserably (Toadwart  Chafing Cream, anyone?).  However, there were an abundant amount of  wonderful creations that those quirky Victorians supplied us with.   Here are just a few updated examples of the timeless concoctions of  that glorious past. (Note: Some of the ingredients have been substituted due to rarity or  content.  Petroleum jelly instead of pig fat just seems a lot more  appealing, don't you think?)

 This rinse is for all shades of blondes to light brunettes and red- heads. It will accentuate the wonderful highlights that nature has
 provided. Use this one to two times a week to get fabulous results.
Ingredients:
 -1 cups of chamomile flowers
 -2 cups of water
 Boil chamomile flowers in water for approximately twenty minutes.  Let water cool and pour over hair.  DO NOT RINSE OUT.  Style as usual.
 
 

 ~*Rosemary Rinse for Raven-Haired Beauties

 This wonderful rinse is for dark-haired beauties.  It is ideal for  brunette, auburn, and black hair.  It will bring out the natural sheen
 and low-lights in dark hair types.
 Ingredients:
 -1 cup fresh rosemary
 -2 cups of boiling water
 Steep rosemary in boiling water for twenty minutes and let cool.  Gently pour liquid over hair and work in.  DO NOT RINSE.  Style as  usual.

 ~*Volumizing Rinse

 Ever wonder how the Victorian women kept such their hair so beautiful  and full?  The secret was a pitcher of stout ale.  Beer and ale are  wonderful sources of protein and can add fullness and luster to even  the dullest heads of hair.  And don't worry about smelling like a bar  maid, the beer smell dissipates as it dries.
 Ingredients:
 -1 can beer or ale (fresh from the bottle or flat...it doesn't make a difference)
 Pour beer over hair and leave in.  Dry and style as usual.

 ~*Lavender Shampoo
 Lavender is an time honored aromatherapy treasure.  It's scents have  been compared to everything from the ambrosia of Mount Olympus to the  breath of a newborn baby.  One thing that is undisputed, however, is  that lavender has very relaxing effects.
 Ingredients:
 -1/2 cup of water
 -1/2 cup fresh lavender
 -2 tablespoons of glycerin
 -1/2 cup Basic Shampoo mixture
 -5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
 Mix water and lavender together into a heavy bottom pot.  Bring to a boil. Let boil gently for at least twenty minutes.  Let cool slightly and add basic shampoo mixture and glycerin slowly to herbal mixture. Mix well. Pour shampoo into container and let stand for a few days to allow the mixture to thicken. Shampoo and style as normal.

 ~*Pumpkin Pie Shampoo
 The smell of pumpkin pie elicits responses of warmth and comfort for many of us.  This shampoo is has an absolutely delicious scent that will bring back those warm feelings of home.
 Ingredients:
 -1 recipe of Basic Shampoo Mix
 -2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
 -2 tablespoon glycerin
 -1/2 cup water
 Mix pie spice and water in a heavy bottomed pot and bring to a boil. Let boil gently for at least twenty minutes.  Allow to cool slightly and add basic shampoo mixture and glycerin.  Mix well.  Shampoo and style as usual.

 ~*Avocado-Jasmine Shampoo
 It is said that one of the most erotic combinations of is jasmine and avocado. Normally, the essential oils of avocado and jasmine are mixed together and made into a massage oil.  However,  made into a shampoo, it not only holds the aphrodesiac qualities of the original mixture, but it makes hair sensually soft and lusterous.  Enjoy this shampoo in a shower for two.
 Ingredients:
 -1/2 cup basic shampoo mixture
 -1/2 cup aloe vera gel
 -3/4 teaspoon avocado oil
 -3/4 teaspoon jasmine essential oil
 Mix together all ingredients.  Place into a clean container preferably with a screw-on lid.  Let mixture set for a few hours to allow the  mixture to thicken and the scents to take hold.  Work into hair as usual and allow to sit for several minutes.  Rinse as usual and style.
 
 

 ~*Honey Hair Pack
 Ingredients:
 -1-2 cups of honey or molasses
 (Adjust amount according to hair length and thickness.  Make sure that honey saturates hair)
 Work into hair as you would shampoo.  Cover with plastic wrap.  Leave  on for 20 to 30 minutes depending on amount of conditioning needed.   Wash and style as usual.

 ~*Avocado-Egg Hair Pack
 Ingredients:
 -1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed
 -1 large egg
 -1 tablespoon olive oil
 Mix together all ingredients and work into hair.  Cover with plastic wrap and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes depending on amount of conditioning desired. Wash and style as usual.

 Other flavors that to try are cinnamon, peppermint, rum, banana, or  cherry. Pick up a variety of extracts from your local supermarket and  experiment!

 ~*Apple Cinnamon Lip Balm
 Ingredients:
 -2 teaspoon petroleum jelly
 -2 teaspoon lanolin
 -2 teaspoon grated beeswax
 -1 teaspoon cinnamon
 -5 drops of apple extract
 Melt the first three ingredients together over medium heat in a double  boiler or a bowl placed over boiling water.  Add cinnamon and apple  extract and stir well.  Pour melted mixture into containers and let  cool completely. Lip balm should be set and cool to the touch.

 ~*Herbal Lip Balm
 Ingredients:
 -2 teaspoons lanolin
 -2 teaspoons beeswax
 -2 teaspoons petroleum jelly
 -2 teaspoons of herb, ground to a very fine powder
 Note:  Suggestions for herbs are Ginko Biloba (memory enhancement), St. John's Wort (enhances mood), Kava Kava (aphrodesiac properties), Ginsing (energy), Comfrey (pain relief and feminine needs), or  Chamomile(relaxation). Also, try adding a fragrance or flavor oil to  the mixture.

 Some of these herbs are bitter by nature and can be a little harsh on the palate. Melt first three ingredients together in a double boiler  or in a bowl over boiling water.  Add the herbs, fragrance oils,  and/or flavor oils.  Mix well. Pour into containers and let cool
 completely.

~*Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask
 Ingredients:
 -1/4 cup honey
 -1/4 cup oatmeal
 Combine ingredients and rub onto face.  Allow to sit for approximately  8-10 minutes and then wash off.  Your face should feel smooth and  refreshed.

 ~*Cucumber-Kiwi Eye Mask
 Ingredients:
 -1/2 regular cucumber, peeled and chopped
 -1 small Kiwi Fruit, peeled and chopped
 -1 tablespoon honey
 In a blender combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Mixture  will be wet.  Dab mixture around eyes and problem areas and allow to  sit for 8-10 minutes.  Wash off.

 ~*Chamomile Face Rinse
 Ingredients:
 -1 cup of strongly brewed chamomile tea
 Allow tea to cool and simply rinse face with tea.  Skin will feel  smoother and relaxed.

 ~*Help for Acne
 One of the best ways to help cure acne is by rubbing garlic on your  face. This sounds harsh and, at best, pungent smelling but it can work  miracles for the acne ridden face.  Simply cut a clove of garlic in  half and rub on face. People with sensitive skin should not use this  remedy.

 Another way to help acne is by using tea tree oil.  Tea tree oil is a  natural astringent and antiseptic.  This is another of natures miracle  workers. Usually, you can see immediate results in the quality of your  skin.

 To the Victorians, making their own beauty products and toiletries  was a necessity.  Little did they know that they would be leaving a  wonderful tradition of homemade products for the modern generation.   So, allow yourself to be taken back in time and experience some of  these wonderful products for yourself and enjoy the fruits of labor  of that fabulous Victorian kitchen witchery.

Into a cauldron of boiling water, add a handful each of shredded laurel leaves, cinquefoil, and mugwort (3 herbs that have long been associated with the arts of divination and prophecy.) Cover with a lid, and boil for 13 minutes. Lift the lid of the cauldron and deeply inhale the vapors of the bubbling brew 3 times. Take a normal breath of air, and then once again deeply inhale the vapors 3 times. Repeat this for 3 minutes, and if you have allowed yourself to properly enter a psychic state, you may begin to receive
prophetic visions, either in the form of pictures or symbols, or perhaps in a combination of the two.

Using a mortar and a pestle, crush one-half teaspoon each of dried bay leaves, mint leaves and thyme until almost powdered. Stir in a pinch each of frankincense and myrrh resins. Add 13 drops of cypress oil and 3 drops of camphor oil, and mix well. Store in a tightly capped jar and let the mixture age for at least 2 weeks before using. Burn on a hot charcoal block during the Rite of Hecate (August 13) to honor the Goddess, or at full moon rituals as a powerful visionary incense.

Add 10 drops of rose oil and 5 drops of thyme oil to 1 tablespoon of evening primrose oil to make a powerful magickal oil for attracting fairy-folk. (The herbs from which the essential oils used in this recipe derive are all said to be fairy favorites.) Use this fragrant oil to anoint candles for spells involving fairy favors; sprinkle a few drops of it around your yard, garden, or sacred outdoor space to attract fairies, elementals and other nature spirits; or massage it into your 3rd Eye Chakra when the moon is full in
order to obtain fairy-vision (the power to see the invisible world of the fairy race).

   Venus oil (adjust to preference)
   Jasmine
   Attar of Roses
   Ylang Ylang
   Musk
   Lavender
   Patchouli

   Aura of Enchantment Incense
   1/4 oz. Bayberry herb
   1/2 oz. powdered Sandalwood
   1 oz. Frankincense
   1/4 oz. Anise seed
   1/4 oz. powdered Myrrh
   1/4 tsp. Saltpeter
   1 dram Gardenia oil
   2 drams tincture of Benzoin

8 ounces Wax
1/4 cup of Dried Flowers
1/2 ounce Manufacturing Fragrance Oil and/or
1 teaspoon Essential Oil
9"x13"x1" Aluminum Pan
A pair of Scissors
Heat wax on stove top in a bain marie method so that wax does not come in direct contact with heat. Heat wax until completely melted. Do not over heat wax. Let cool for 5 to 10  minutes and add dried flowers and oil. Pour into 9x13 pan lined in aluminum foil. Let sit for a half hour or until the wax has turned completely white. Carefully remove from pan and slowly peel the aluminum foil from the wax, being sure not to tear or chip the wax. The wax should still be warm during the cutting process. Use the scissors and cut nine 1"  vertical strips in the wax. Then take each 9" strip and cut 1" squares or to be fancy, cut at an angle to cut triangles. This recipe should make approximately 117 wax chips. ReneaL sells these wax chips in local retail stores. They are extremely appealing to the eye and have a wonderful fragrance. Be creative and add your choice of fragrance, dried flowers, herbs, herbal powders, etc..

LAVENDER TEA BREAD
3/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp. dried lavender flowers, finely chopped, or 3 Tbsp. fresh
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs

Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Heat milk with lavender almost to a boil, then let steep until cool. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together in bowl. Cream butter, gradually add sugar, then eggs, one at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture alternately with lavender milk, in 3 different batches. Mix until batter is just blended, do not overbeat. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in
pan 5 min., then remove to a wire rack to cool. When completely cool, ice with a powdered sugar glaze made with 3 Tbsp. milk and enough powdered sugar to make a thick but still runny paste if desired. Garnish with sprigs of fresh lavender around cake, or sprinkle additional finely chopped lavender on glaze before it hardens.

LAVENDER LEMONADE, with a Sparkling Lemonade option
Cover 1/4 cup lavender flowers with 1 cup boiling water and let steep 10 minutes. Strain. Combine lavender infusion with 1 12 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate. Add 1 quart water. Chill and serve over ice, decorated with fresh lavender sprigs. To make Sparkling Lavender Lemonade, fill glass 1/2 full of Lavender Lemonade over ice, then top up with ginger ale or a lemon-lime soda such as Sprite.

And, since any lavender discussion ought to include a potpourri recipe, here is a great one, adapted from one in the book 'Lavender, Sweet Lavender' by Judyth McLeod, Kangaroo Press, 1989. This book is a great resource if you are looking for any type of lavender information.

LAVENDER SUMMER POTPOURRI
(all ingredients are dried):

4 cups lavender flowers
1 cup mixed culinary herbs, such as oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary
1/2 cup southernwood
2 cups pink rosebuds and petals
1 cup spearmint
1/4 cup chopped orris root or other fixative mixed with 1 tsp. essential lavender oil

Combine all ingredients and store in a glass jar or zip lock bags for 2 - 4 weeks to allow it to blend. Display in pretty glass or ceramic bowls, or put into sachets or sacks.

Speaking of essential lavender oil, it is the most widely used and versatile healing oil used in aromatherapy. Not only is it very effective, it is also very safe and easy to use. It is the only essential oil generally recommended as safe to apply 'neat' or undiluted to the skin. It is used as a first aid measure to treat minor burns in much the same way aloe gel might be applied. It promotes healing of minor cuts and scrapes, and helps prevent scarring. It is antiseptic and is used in a wide variety of herbal beauty products, and in many insect repellent mixtures. Research has shown it helpful in promoting restful sleep and as an aid for headaches when a drop
is massaged into the temple area or onto the back of the neck. The balancing properties of lavender help correct anxiety, nervousness and other emotional problems. Try a drop or two on your pillow at night, in a warm bath, or on a tissue or handkerchief when traveling.

Few other herbs offer so much in so many different ways. In today's fast passed lives, lavender continues to prove its value as one of the most rewarding and useful herbs.

Lip salve
Heat one part beeswax and six parts olive oil and pour the mix into a clean lipstick or lip balm container. Put into the fridge until hardened.

  Beeswax Lip Balm
  2 tablespoons beeswax
  1 tablespoon coconut oil

Melt the ingredients over a double boiler. Pour into a container while still hot since it will harden as it cools. Makes about 1/4 cup.

HONEY POT LIP BALM
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. beeswax
1/2 tsp. cocoa butter
1/2 tsp. honey
3 drops essential oil of orange
1 vitamin E capsule

Measure oil, beeswax and cocoa butter into a glass or enamel pan. Melt over low heat. A hotplate works well and reduces the risk of overheating the oils. I use a small glass jar to store my lip balm in so I just mix all the ingredients right in that jar then place it in a pan of water to melt the waxes. Stir the mixture often until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the honey and essential oil. Pinch open the vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Stir well. Pour the mixture into containers. Label after it has solidified. If you want your honey to be dispersed throughout the lip balm you will need to stir it as it is solidifying.

Variations:

Choose any essential oil that appeals to you. Tea Tree oil is good for cold sores and chapped lips. Make your lip balm using an herbal oil in place of the olive oil. Melissa (lemon balm) and Calendula are two of many herbs that can add healing and soothing properties. Alkanet will make red lip balm. Start with one tablespoon to 1/2 cup oil. After heat extraction, check the color. If
it is not dark enough for you add more Alkanet and go through the heat extraction process again. Your lip balm will turn out several shades lighter than the color of your oil.
 

Apricot & Lemon Lip Balm

1 t  Beeswax (5 ml)
1 t  Apricot kernel oil (5 ml)
1 t  Calendula oil (5 ml)
Few drops essential oil of Lemon or orange

a delicious protective and healing gloss especially good for chapped lips.

1.  melt the beeswax.  Add the apricot and calendula oils, stirring constantly.
2.  remove from the heat while stirring and when partly cooled, add the essential oils.
3.  store in a small glass pot.

Some recipes, such as Dry Ends Hair Cream are practical recipes only, and will not have magickal associations given.

Sandalwood and Soapwort Shampoo
This shampoo is gentle on the skin and is suitable for all hair types. It will not produce a lather like conventional shampoos because it is not detergent based.

Magickal Ingredients Include:
PLANET ELEMENT ENERGIES

SANDALWOOD Moon Water Protection, Healing, Spirituality, Wishes
SOAPWORT Venus Water Love, Friendship, Fidelity,Beauty, Youth
CAMOMILE Sun Water Money, Sleep, Love, Purification

Celebration or Ritual Use : Initiations, Marriage ceremonies (hand fastings), Spring rituals for love. Before any ritual or spell for
money

1 ounce Chopped Soapwort root
1 0unce Dried Camomile Flowers
8 Fluid Ounces Hot Water
20 Drops Sandalwood essential Oil

Place the chopped soapwort root and camomile flowers in a bowl and pour on the almost boiling water. Stir well. Cover and leave to infuse overnight.  In the morning, strain and add the drops of sandalwood oil.  To use, wet the hair and massage in a small amount of the mixture. Rinse.

Dry Hair and Scalp Shampoo
Gently remoisturizes the hair and scalp. Soapwort root does not produce much lather but is an excellent cleanser.

Magickal Ingredients Include :
PLANET ELEMENT ENERGIES

SOAPWORT Venus Water Love, Friendship, Fidelity, Beauty, Youth
COCONUT OIL Moon Water Spirituality, Psychic awareness, Purification
SANDALWOOD OIL Moon Water Protection, Healing, Spirituality, Wishes
PATCHOULI OIL Saturn Earth Money, Fertility, Lust

Celebrations or Ritual Uses: Use in celebrations of spring, Ostara, Beltane, for fertility and lust. Any ritual or spell to increase spirituality and psychic awareness.

1 Ounce Chopped Soapwort Root
17 Fluid ounces Hot Water
1 Ounce Coconut Oil
15 Drops Sandalwood or Patchouli Essential Oil

Add the chopped soapwort root to the hot water. Cover and leave to infuse overnight. In the morning strain to remove root pieces.    In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil and add to the soapwort decoction. Stir in the drops of essential oil for fragrance.     To use, massage a small amount of the pre-warmed mix into the scalp and rinse with plenty of warm water.

Dry Ends Cream
This mixture temporarily seals split ends and discourages the hair from splitting further. Nothing mends split ends once they form.

2 Ounces Coconut Oil
2 Ounces Cocoa Butter
2 Tablespoons Almond Oil
15 Drops Neroli Essential Oil

In a small saucepan melt together the coconut oil with the cocoa butter. Remove from heat and stir in the almond oil. When the
mixture has cooled slightly, add the neroli essential oil. To use, rub a small amount between the fingertips and apply sparingly to dry ends between shampoos. This may also be used as an intensive hair conditioning treatment before shampooing. Massage into hair and scalp. Cover head with a towel to seal in body heat and leave for twenty minutes. Shampoo out.
 

Intensive Hair Conditioner
Rich, dark, deeply nutritious liquid that works well on dry, chemically processed hair. Leaves hair shiny and smooth.

1 Tablespoon Black Strap Molasses
2 Egg Yolks
2 Fluid ounces Avocado or Almond Oil

Beat together molasses and egg yolks in a small bowl until they form a stiff paste. add the avocado or almond oil and mix.  Apply to dry hair, working through the ends up toward the roots.   Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash hair. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all conditioner.
 

Re-Moisturizing Scalp Lotion
Good treatment for itchy, flaky scalps
2 Fluid ounces Avocado Oil
2 Fluid Ounces Almond Oil
1 Fluid Ounce Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Strong Nettle Tea
10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Measure the avocado and almond oils into a jar with a screw top. Add Cider vinegar and shake well.   Make the nettle tea by infusing 2 teaspoons of nettle leaves in 4 fluid ounces of almost boiling water  Leave to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add 2
tablespoons to the il and vinegar mixture. Shake vigorously. When cool, add the peppermint and lavender oils. To use, shake bottle and rub a small amount daily into the scalp by parting the hair and applying with a cotton ball.

 Hair Rinses
Herbal hair rinses help restore the correct pH balance to the hair and scalp and remove mineral deposits left on the hair by hard
water. They also encourage a glossy shine.

 Normal Hair
Fresh elderberries make a fantastic hair shiner. Simmer with water for 15-20 minutes before straining off the juice. Apply to the
hair before washing. Leave for 15 minutes then shampoo.  Add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to your final rinsing water. It is a good way to restore the pH balance and leaves hair shiny.

Dry and Chemically Processed Hair
If you have hard water add 1 teaspoon of domestic borax to 6 pints of warm water. This will soften the water.  Or add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to restore pH balance and 6 drops of camomile essential oil to add fragrance.

Oily Hair
Make a herbal infusion using 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped mint leaves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix these with 1/2 pint of hot water. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain and use as a final hair rinse.

1 loaf frozen bread dough
2 tbsp. melted butter or margarine, divided
1/3 c. plus 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 tsp. crushed basil, or oregano or thyme

Brush frozen loaf with 1 tablespoon butter. Cover; thaw at room temperature 2 or 3 hours or in refrigerator 6 to 10 hours. Sprinkle loaf with 1/3 cup cheese; knead until well blended. Cut dough into thirds. On lightly floured surface roll each third in a 25 inch rope. Braid ropes together. Invert a custard cup or small jar on greased baking sheet; grease cup or jar. Shape braid into wreath around cup or jar; pinch ends together to seal. Brush with remaining 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cheese and the basil. Let rise in warm draft free place (I turn the oven on warm then turn it off and let it rise in there) 35 to 45 minutes until doubled. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 20 minutes or until golden and done. Remove to rack to cool.
Makes 1 wreath. 16 slices

Angelica Mouthwash
A rinse to freshen the mouth and sweeten the breath. Use morning and evening and afier meals for maximum effect. Pour 2½ cups of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of angelica seeds and leave to infuse and cool. Strain into a screw-top jar. You could also add caraway seeds, lemon verbena, peppermint or rosemary to the infusion for extra strength; a little dried orris root will perfume the breath with the scent of violets.

Coltsfoot and Fennel Face Pack
Use to soothe, soften and tone the skin, to close pores and help minimize wrinkles. It's also effictive against acne.Pour ½ cup of boiling water on 2 tablespoons of dried coltsfoot leaves and 1 tablespoon of dried fennel leaves. Infuse for 10 minutes and strain. Blend with a generous ½ cup of yogurt and enough fine oatmeal to make a thick paste. Wash the face, finishing with a hot cloth. Cover the eyes with wet cotton pads, and spread warm paste over the face. Leave for 10 minutes then wash off with warm water
and a little lemon juice.
 

Peppermint Facial Steam
Use before going to bed to cleanse the skin, improve circulation and reduce large pores. (Not for very dry skins) Boil about 7½ cups of water and pour into a bowl.Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh chopped peppermint and sage and ½ teaspoon of basil. Hold your (freshly cleaned) face about a foot (30cm) away from the water and cover your head with a large towel. Steam the face and neck for up to 10 minutes. Then, gently pat the skin with a washcloth dipped in iced water and follow up with a soothing face pack.

Ingredients:

1 part sage
1 part thyme
1 part marjoram
1 part camomile

Blend ingredients and place inside a tea ball, place in a mug of hot water and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Or, for larger quantities you can place the herbs inside a pot of water (make sure you don't overdo the amount of herbs you use in proportion to the amount of water...) and heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain to get rid of the herb pieces. Drink up and enjoy the soothing effects!

The way I make ink is to buy a big glass jar with a fliptop lid.  Into that I add:
 

1 bottle of red wine (you could use vodka if you don't want red or the smell).
1/2 a cup of coffee grounds (not instant coffee).
The tea leaves from 10 tea bags.
1/4 cup of chipped Cinnamon quills.
1/8 cup of cloves.
2 tsp Dragon's Blood powder.
1 tsp Frankincense granules.
1 tsp Turmeric powder

I leave this sit over night, and then give it a stir.  There will be a lot of silt on the bottom, stir that around every day for 2 weeks (I keep mine in the fridge).  After 2 weeks, test the ink and you should get a light brown ink.  Strain the mixture to remove the sludge, and you will have ink! I  then add water soluble colourings (that you buy to colour soaps and bath crystals etc.) until I get the colour I want.  If you want to use a natural colourant, try using beetroot juice (it will make reddish purple)

You can also add Rose Water and other floral waters to make a fragrant ink. (It will smell like coffee and wine otherwise)

> 1) How does one create his/her own holy water?

Normally I just take a bowl of water, add rose water and sea salt, draw a pentagram in it with my Athame and hold it up to the moonlight asking the Goddess to bless it.

But yesterday I did a Full moon ritual with my group and I made a ritual around making holy water.  Before the ritual I placed a small amount of crushed herbs into small glass jars  for each of the 5 Elements, and the Goddess and God.  Using herbs for the particular Element/Deity.  I then placed these in the Elemental points, and on the Altar beside the Deity candles.  We cast the circle as usual, and then I got everyone to sit in a circle around a large clear plastic bowl in the centre of the circle.  I handed each person a bottle of spring water - which we then poured into the bowl (any extra water can be poured on the ground or on trees if you have
them in the circle like we did).  And I added about 2 tbs of Rose Water to the bowl.  We started with Fire, with the person representing Fire walking over to the Fire point, picking up the bottle of Fire herbs saying

"I bring with me a symbol of Fire".

They came back to the bowl and sat down forming the circle again.  The Fire person sprinkled Sea salt into the water, saying:

"I purify thee by Fire"

Then they sprinkled the herbs into the water, saying

"I bless thee by Fire"

They then traced the Fire invoking pentagram on the surface of the water.  Then we did the same for Air, Earth, Water, Spirit and the Goddess and God.  With Spirit we traced the Wheel symbol and with the Deity we traced the Goddess and God symbols.  We then sprinkled rose petals into the water, and set some floating candles into the water. we held our hands over the bowl and chanted to raise energy - sending it into the water.  We then stood up and held the bowl up to the moon and asked for her final blessings before we poured it back into the empty bottles.  It made a beautiful perfumed holy water :)

Herbal infused oils - Take a jar with a lid and place the herb/plant etc. inside.  cover with oil and leave for 1 week in the sun light.  The oil should absorb the scent and some of the properties of the herb

Essential oil #1  -  easier
Take a bowl of the plant you wish to make an oil of, Fill it with pure alcohol (or plain Vodka) and leave it to sit for 2 weeks, stirring
occasionally (covered).  The alcohol should absorb the oils from the plant (This is a do-it-yourself form of the solvent extraction that factories use) Then freeze the container.  The alcohol won't freeze, but the oil will.  You can then pick off the frozen Essential oils.

Essential oil #2  - harder
Take a pan of boiling water and place the plant into it.  Have a lid with a hole large enough to fit a length of heat resistant pipe into it, this pipe should be long enough to reach the floor from the stove top, plus a bit extra.  Have the pipe trail from the pan down to the floor, but have a bowl of chilled water somewhere before the floor, and allow the pipe to rest in this bowl.  Have a second bowl on the floor.

The idea is that the boiling water will extract the oils and turn them into steam.  The steam then flows down the pipe where it touches the cooler pipe that is in the bowl of chilled water- causing the steam to turn into condensation, which will trickle into the bowl on the floor.  you will then have a bowl of water with oil floating on top.

That last method is too long and drawn out in my opinion...unless you have the proper equipment (Which I don't think many people have)

Magickal Inks are used for the writing of spells, petitions and wishes, magickal requests, and the inscription of Mystical Seals.

Ink can be made from the following: (Use Gum Arabic to thicken inks as necessary) Beet Juice, Blackberry, Boysenberry, Dragon' s Blood, Grape Juice, Pokeberries (POISION!), Saffron

Besa Ink
Blood of a Crow
Blood of a White Dove
Myrrh

Black Ink
Cinnabar
Mulberry Tree Sap
Rainwater
Wormwood
Vetch

Hermaic Ink
(Burn ingredients first, then mix with a bit of spring water and use to write)
4 drams of Myrrh
3 Figs
7 Date Pits
7 Small Dried Pinecones
7 Piths of Wormwood
7 Wings of the Hermaic Ibis
Spring Water

Typhonian Ink
Red Poppy
Artichoke Juice
Acacia Seed
Red Typhonian Ocher
Asbestos
Quicklime
Wormwood
Gum Arabic
Rain Water

BAT'S BLOOD INK
2 parts dragon's blood resin
1/2 part myrrh resin
2 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops indigo color
12 parts alcohol
1/2 part gum arabic

DOVE'S BLOOD INK
1 part dragon's blood resin
2 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops bay oil
10 parts alcohol
1 part gum arabic
2 drops rose oil

DRAGON'S BLOOD INK
1 part dragon's blood resin
15 parts alcohol
1 part gum arabic

Fragrant Dragon's Blood Ink
Dragon's Blood resin (powdered if possible)
colorless alcohol
tightly sealable jar
one cinnamon stick (chipped)
or 15 cloves
or one vanilla bean (chipped)
or 9 coffee beans (crushed).

Pour the resin and spices into the jar. Pour in just enough wine/vodka/???? to cover the resin/spices mixture plus 10% more. Seal the jar. The resin will leach it's color into the alcohol, faster if it is a powder than if it is resin chunks. The spices will leach their scent into the ink at the same time. When you think it is dark enough, dip a sterile toothpick into the liquid, and test on the paper you intend to use it with. Let dry: is it indeed dark enough, or does it need more steeping? Continue steeping and testing.

When it is done, strain to remove the resin and spices. Return the liquid to the bottle, use for writing. Be advised that this is not a sun-fast ink, so it should not be used for things that will spend a great deal of time in the direct sunlight.

Venus Green Ink
Check with an art supply store near you and buy a good opaque green drawing ink.  Then file a pinch of copper from a pre-1980 penny into the bottle, or add a short piece of copper wire.

This is a recipe that I have concocted, which is, essentially a Full Moon Oil.  I use it for various Full Moon rituals, rites and even most kinds of  magick from Love to Prosperity, etc...  I also use it to anoint my 3rd. eye from 3 days before the Full Moon until 3 days after the FUll Moon.  Below you will also find 2 variations of this blend:

* 1 dram-sized bottle (cobalt blue)
* 1 piece of Moonstone
* 13 drops Nightblooming Jasmine Oil
* About a dram of Moonflower Oil

Add the Moonstone to the bottle and add 13 drops of Nightblooming Jasmine  Oil over it and fill the bottle, until it is full, with Moonflower Oil.  Charge.

For "Blessing Oil"
* Add 3 pinches of corse sea salt rather than any Moonstone.

For "Moon Goddess Oil"
* Add a good piece of Lotus Root in place of either the Moonstone   of the Coarse Sea Salt.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup. flour
1 1/2 cups grated almonds (blanched)
1 tsp. vanilla
Icing:
2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 T. water

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add grated lemon peel, salt, flour, grated almonds, and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix
thoroughly. Place dough in bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly. When dough is well chilled; or next day, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness and cut with moon/crescent cookie cutter. Place 1/2" apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

For Icing:
While cookies bake, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water. Spread over tops of cookies while still warm, but not too hot as icing will melt. Thin with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick. Allow cookies to cool. Yield: 10 dozen cookies.

WARNING:  BEFORE USING THIS OR ANY FLYING OINTMENT/OIL/ETC, CHECK FOR REACTIONS.  DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT, DEPRESSED, BIPOLAR, HAVE ANY HISTORY OF MENTAL ILLNESS, ARE IN DISTRESS OR IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN TOTALLY FIT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STATE

Solid 'Flying Ointment' Recipe
Here's what you'll need:

1/2 of a 500gm bar of beeswax
10 drops of the pure essential oil of bog myrtle
9 drops of the pure essential oil of hops
10 drops of the pure essential oil of linden (careful! often adulterated!)
11 drops of the pure essential oil of jasmine
8 drops of the pure essential oil of Mysore Sandalwood
12 drops of the pure essential oil of ylang ylang

In a double boiler melt the beeswax gently using as low a heat as possible using a wooden spoon to stir. This will coat the spoon in wax but this is necessary before adding the essential oils.. Once the beeswax has melted, allow to cool slightly without allowing to harden. At this point, remove the wax from heat and water and add all your essential oils gently stirring with a wooden spoon until they are completely mixed into the wax.

Once done, pour small quantities into small ceramic solid perfume vials and cap tightly. You now have a witches flying ointment in a portable perfume!

To use, apply first a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24h to check for reactions. Then if it is safe, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrists and your temples before going into ritual.

Do not use this mix if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have high blood pressure as these oils could be toxic to your baby and may cause an elevated heart rate. This will not work as a candle.

Some sources:
"An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present" by Doreen Valiente
"Magical Aromatherapy" and "Incense, Oils and Brews" both by S Cunningham
"The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils" By Julia Lawless

This recipe was contributed by Straif Blackthorn, a professional aromatherapist and witch of over 15 years. She has combined her knowledge of plants and essential oils plus her techniques for making pure skin care products to bring you this recipe. The books sited above represent only a small number of those which were referred to in order to create this recipe. You may copy this to your website provided all the information is left in tact and a link to the originating website is maintained. http://www.newmoon.uk.com/spells/204.htm

~Wealth Attraction Oil~

* a 1 dram glass vial
* Jojoba Oil - a thick base oil that is long lasting
* 1 bay leaf, crumbled
* 2 drops ginger essential oil
* 4 drops Oakmoss essential oil
* 3 drops Patchouli essential oil
* 5 drops Lemon essential oil

First, place all the drops of essential oil into the vial.  Then carefully add your crumbled bay leaf.  Once done, add the jojoba oil and leave for a full lunar cycle (best made at the Full Moon).  To use - anoint a candle, yourself or a wealth attraction charm with this oil.  It will last longer than others and is suited as a personal scent.  For a more subtle scent, use aromatherapy scent pads in an aromatherapy necklace which allow slow and gentle diffusion of a scent

Test before using.  To test, place a small amount of oil on your inner elbow for a night.  If you have a reaction, do not use anywhere on your body.  Do not use on sensitive or intimate areas.  Do not ingest or add to food.

This recipe is copyright Judith Lewis of http://www.NewMoonOccultShop.com and may be passed on for use only if the entire recipe is kept intact with no additions and this copyright notice is left complete and attached.

~Love Attraction Oil~

* a 2 dram glass vial
* Grapeseed Oil - to match Narcissus dilute
* 1 whole red rose bud
* 1 drop ginger essential oil
* 3 drops Jasmine essential oil
* 10 drops Narcissus essential oil in 5% dilution in grapeseed oil
* 3 drops Rose Maroc essential oil

First, place the rose bud in the vial.  If you have trouble, use some red rose petals.  Then add the narcissus oil first, then the other oils and lastly, grapeseed to the top.  To use - anoint a candle, yourself or a love attraction charm with this oil.  For a more subtle scent used on your person, use aromatherapy scent pads in an aromatherapy necklace which allow slow and gentle diffusion of a scent.

Test before using!!  Narcissus can cause bad reactions in some people.  To test, place a small amount of oil on your inner elbow for a night.  If you have a reaction, do not use anywhere on your body.  Do not use on sensitive or intimate areas.  Do not ingest or add to food.

This recipe is copyright Judith Lewis of http://www.NewMoonOccultShop.com and may be passed on for use only if the entire recipe is kept intact with no additions and this copyright notice is left complete and attached.

Here is a recipe I created to be an alternative for one that called for a rare, and expensive animal-derived scent.  I hope you all enjoy it and feel free to pass it on provided the copyright notice is left completely in tact.

~DragonsBane Protection Oil~

* a 1 dram glass vial
* Sweet Almond Oil - a thick base oil with a gentle scent
* 1/4 - 1/2 gram of amber resin
* 2 drops jasmine essential oil
* 4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
* 3 drops frangipani essential oil (precious oil)
* 1 drop silver birch oil (should smell like smoke *NOT* like spearmint)
* a generous pinch or 2 small pieces dragons blood resin

Place the amber in first, then the dragons blood.  Add on top of that frangipani and jasmine and give a slight shake.  Let sit for 10 min. in the dark or in the moonlight (capped).  Carefully uncap after 10 min and add the Ylang Ylang and recap to shake gently.  Add sweet almond oil half way to the top and add the silver birch oil.  Fill with sweet almond to almost the top, leaving room for some air and shake well.  Fill to the top with sweet almond and cap tightly.  Store carefully away from light for no more
than 3 months - really for no more than 1 if to be used near or on skin.

Test before using.  To test, place a small amount of oil on your inner elbow for a night.  If you have a reaction, do not use anywhere on your body.  Frangipani is a common synthetic - please use only pure resins and essential oils in this recipe.  Silver or white birch oil is dark, very thick and smells like smoke.  Please be sure you are buying the correct one.  If in doubt, ask.

This recipe is copyright Judith Lewis of http://www.NewMoonOccultShop.com  and may be passed on for use only if the entire recipe is kept intact with no additions and this copyright notice is left complete and attached.

Add power to your magical workings with this incense created specifically with increasing magical intent and power in mind.  Can also be used as an offering in the forest as the resins are natural however be careful to not leave too much as too much of anything is harmful.

~Power Incense~

9g frankincense
7g myrrh
13g dragons blood
3g gum mastic
11g dammar
5g sandarac

All ingredients are resins.  While this combines best for burning when reduced to powder in a mortar and pestle, it is quite difficult to reduce frankincense to powder I find.  This does smell best however when burned as a well-blended powder and must be burned on charcoal.  It is a bit deceptive and does create a great deal of smoke if you use too much on charcoal so use sparingly.  Dammar, gum mastic and sandarac lend a more pineish smell to the blend so if you cannot find them, other pine resins can be used or chop up pine needles and add until the blend smells right to you.

This recipe is copyright Judith Lewis of http://www.NewMoonOccultShop.com and may be passed on for use only if the entire recipe is kept intact with no additions and this copyright notice is left complete and attached.

For just general anointing stuff

What you need:

2 dram (10mL) clean amber or cobalt vial
apricot kernel oil (has vitamin E for preservation)
6 drops sandalwood mysore e.o.
3 drops oakmoss
2 drops frankincense
1 drop myrrh
 

Add the essential oils first to the bottle and swirl them gently in order to get them blended.  Add any crystals (make sure they are clean too) and then add your base oil to top the bottle off.  I don't use crystals in all my blends but some people add crystals to their magical blends to keep them charged with a specific intention.  Make sure to keep the oils stored away from light and write on a sticker or piece of paper to be taped on the name of the blend, time, date, moon phase, planetary hour and any other info you
wish so that you know what you made and when for use later. As well, be careful as these blends will eventually go off so use your
sniffer and be aware of what the blend should smell like.  Once it seems off, you can discard it, clean the bottle and start a fresh!

Essential oils are volitile so bottles left with tops off will soon lose their potency.  Ensure that oils don't get too hot and, in the case of oils like citrus-based oils, not too cold.  To test your essential oils to see if they are pure, put a drop or two on blotter paper.  Genuine essential oils will evapourate completely.

Herbal Information can be found in Obsidian's Magickal Herbs booklet.  Herbal information and information on making your own incense, oils, ointments etc. found in also be found in "Obsidian's Book Of Shadows.  Incense making recipes and instructions can be found in Obsidian's Incense making booklet.  And don't forget Obsidian's Classes.  All Available from:.