Hello, from Hedgewytch Hollow! I’m tucked in bed this morning with my computer and a fresh cup of morning coffee (my first one, actually). My ipod is singing to me in the background (an Indian/Yoga/Relaxation chant), and if I remember, I’ll tuck it at the bottom of this blog post so you can listen to it, too. I have tons of stuff to do on this holiday weekend. Where, in earlier years, I would spend weeks preparing for this end-of-the-year holiday, I’m going to do it all in ONE day this time– today! But my kids are thrilled that we are ALL off work and home at the same time, so I’m going to chill, and we’re going to “wing it”. This is going to be a warm and fuzzy huggy weekend; I can see it coming. 🙂
Anyway, on to the business at hand– Psychic Oil!
First, all about oils…the following opening paragraphs are an introduction to the section on oils in my book, The Spiritual Feminist. (There’s lots more in this book, very goddess-centered, but the back of the book is actually a grimoire, and this was the source for info on Psychic Oil…You might want to purchase your very own copy. Just click on the title and you will be magickally transported to my Amazon Author Page. Know that you can also purchase my books at Barnes & Noble, or any fine bookstore near you.)
Magickal Oils
I’m going to include in this section my own personal recipes for the following magickal oils right out of my very own Book of Shadows, or “De’ Big Black Book”, as I like to call it. The ingredients are mostly mundane plants, herbs, spices and such that you probably already have on hand in your kitchen cupboards; but don’t be thrown by a more exotic ingredient. You can usually pick up an unusual herb or item at any local new-age pagan shop. And if you aren’t lucky enough to live near a magickal shop, you can try finding such items online.
The base for these oils: There are a lot of people who insist on using the most expensive oils they can find, but the truth is that this doesn’t matter, not really; and if pinching pennies is a must, then go with a cheap bottle of all vegetable oil from the grocery store. If you choose, you may use olive oil, or mineral oil, or almond oil, or grape seed oil, or even some other oil that you feel a special affinity towards. In my world, pinching pennies is a necessity, so I opt for the cheap stuff, and it works with absolute gusto, I can assure you.
The herbs: I’d like to say that when I create my magickal oils, I include the very special power of “3”. I use at least three types of herbs in each of my oils. You don’t need anymore than that, really. Of course, if you want to include herbs not only for your magickal intention, but also an herb for the planets, I would add three more herbs to the oil for a total of six. If you choose to include corresponding herbs to the Element you’re working with, then add three more for a total of nine…the ultimate magickal number (By the awful awesome Power of 3X3, so the incantation goes). But remember, this oil is your creation, go with the flow, follow your instincts, don’t be afraid to create your own unique magickal oil…Let the Spirit move you.
Some people follow the practice of heating their oils and ingredients just until you catch the scent in order to raise the vibrational energy of the magickal potion, right before adding it to a glass bottle, sort of like giving it a “jump start”. Other people simply add the oil and ingredients to a bottle and cap it off. I’ve done both. To tell you the truth, I’ve noticed no magickal difference; however, if you believe that this extra step will also imbue your magickal oil with extra strength or direction, then by all means go for it. Experiment with the process and see if you notice any difference for yourself. One last thought…some practitioners will sit their oils out to bathe in the moonlight, or the sunlight, depending upon the energies they’re trying to catch. Keep this in mind.
Can you simply go out and buy these magickal oils already made? Yes, you can actually, but I suggest that you learn to make them for yourself. There is no doubt that the personal energy you put into crafting such items adds to their potency, their power, and their effectiveness. All the experience and expertise in the world can’t give a love potion as much “oomph” as the creator’s own steaming hot lust. Remember, witchcraft is all about energy and the successful manipulation of energy to achieve your desires. The more personal energy you add to your own spells, the more powerful you will be, and the more successful are your magickal endeavors.
Psychic Oil
Most people think that psychic abilities come naturally and just kick in with no warning, much like they see in the movies and on tv. And this might be true for a few super gifted individuals in the world, but for the rest of us, who may have spent a lifetime ignoring that little voice in our head, we have to give ourselves a little extra magickal oomph to pick up this information. The average individual does not get two to three minute flashes (in Full Technicolor, no less) of intuitive information. In actuality, it can be extremely subtle and extremely easy to overlook with all the “brain chatter” that we have going on. Psychic Oil is simply meant to help us focus much needed energy on this aspect of ourselves, on our efforts to see what most people never will, on our ability to hear that barely perceptible murmur. Once you’ve used and strengthened your psychic muscle, you’ll find that you’ll need this tool less and less.
Anoint your third eye chakra with this oil before doing divination of any kind. Anoint your pendulum, rune stones, divining rod, or any other divination tool that you’re using. If it happens to be tarot cards, or some other card deck, don’t damage your cards with the oil, but add a touch of the oil to the bag or box where you keep your cards. Anoint and burn a lavender candle dressed with psychic oil to call up and strengthen your psychic powers.
Correspondences & Ingredients
Day: Monday (the Moon)
Candle Color: lavender (preferred color), blue (the Moon)
Moon Phase: waxing, or the dark Moon (connected to divination)
The Base: olive oil, vegetable oil, or grape seed oil
The Herbs: for divination– strawberry, thyme, valerian, vanilla, yarrow (arrow root); for prophetic dreams– jasmine, marigold, mugwort, onion, rose; to strengthen psychic powers– bay, celery, cinnamon, eyebright, grass, lemongrass, lavender, marigold, mugwort, rose, anise, thyme, yarrow (arrow root); to increase psychic awareness– anise, bay, cinnamon, cloves, gardenia, lemon grass, lilac, marigold, nutmeg, rose, anise, thyme, yarrow (arrow root); for astral projection– dittany of Crete, cinnamon, jasmine, sandalwood
My Recipe
3 pinches of lavender,
3 pinches of rosemary,
3 marigold blossoms
Did you know…I sell magickal oils at my website, The Witch’s Corner, just click on the link and you will be magickally transported to my world, where you’ll find a list of oils available, as well as some videos on the subject. Be sure to explore this website, there’s lots to see and read…The Witch’s Corner is a project always in progress. There’s a very large purple menu right under the banner at the top of every page. Have fun.
And I remembered! Here’s the background music I was working to during the preparation of this blog post…enjoy!
Thank you Grey Dove. This is an amazing web site. I am new to the craft, but realize how valuable your information is. Brightest Blessings, Ocean Star.
Joyous Winter Tide and Merry Christmas!!!
Wonderful helpful article, thank You! One question, although rose appears in three of your lists rosemary doesn’t, so why is it in your recipe please? What particular function does it perform please?
Thank you,
Bright Blessings,
Grey Dove
Hello, Grey Dove!!…Holiday Blessings boomeranging back at you! I woke up to rain and thunder here in Nebraska — how weird is that?? It’s not suppose to be doing this at this time of year.
Rosemary ~ Rosemary and Sage are both very cleansing, but not in the same way to me. Sage is very high frequency, spiritual level cleansing. Rosemary is more earthy; she’s the old washer woman down on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor…Rosemary clears the cobwebs from my brain, almost like a physical cleansing, and it opens the way for higher vibration connections, connections with the spiritual realm. I hope this makes sense. It’s so funny when you feel in your mind and heart about an herb (or a stone, or anything for that matter), but then you try and put it into words, and it’s harder than you think to explain! lol 🙂
Rosemary is often used to enhance mental powers, according to Scott Cunningham, who puts it so much more eloquently than me.