MAKING A HERBAL OIL FOR MAGIC

Sometimes you want to create your own oils for magical use. It is easy to create a natural herbal oil to use. A herbal oil is created by combining a carrier oil along with selected fresh or dried herbs. Sometimes you want to create a herbal oil in place of an essential oil to capture the essence of earth. A magical oil that you create yourself has your own powers and associations created with it, so it can be a useful tool in magic and rituals. These ingredients can be easily found at any store.

All you will need is:
Some clean jars with an airtight lid
70% isopropyl alcohol
Fresh or dried herbs
Carrier Oil
Cheesecloth
Dark storage space

The best time to start a recipe like this is on the day or night of a full moon. First, decide what kind of oil you would like to make. A simple start would be a Sage herbal oil, that could be used in a spell for wisdom or knowledge, for example. Once you know what kind of herbs you would like to use, then its time to choose a carrier oil.

A good oil that goes with sage is olive oil (Venus), as it blends well with herbal scents, but sunflower oil (Sun) would be appropriate as well. Once you have your herb and carrier oil selected, then get your jars.

You want to make sure that your jar has a lid that is air-tight. Any excess air flow will degrade your oil, possibly making it spoil. Put your dried or fresh herbs into the jar, filling it almost to the top, wile leaving some room. Add your oil into this and stir it around to get the air bubbles out. You will be surprised at how much air can get trapped within it, and its important to get the oil in contact with all of the herb so they can absorb into each other.

Once that is finished, add a *tiny* bit of 70% isopropyl alcohol, perhaps only a few drops to condition the oil and to keep it from spoiling and to help the herb blend with the oil. You don't want too much alcohol because it will cut your oil into water when the alcohol has dried after time, and it could be irritant.

Some witches recommend using vodka, but I have found that regular rubbing alcohol, (used very conservatively) works just as well and has a cleaner scent. Remember that any kind of alcohol is volatile and flammable, and oil is flammable as well, so use reasonable caution in handling them near any fire or flame.

When your jar is filled, find a dark hiding place to keep it in, and leave it there for a full phase of the moon (about 28 days). This gives your oil time to brew in the dark and out of sight.

If you use dried herbs it is a good idea to check on your oil once in a while and shake it gently so that the herb can dissolve into the oil. When you are ready to use the oil you will want to transfer it to another clean jar. The best place to do this is in the kitchen at the sink. Glass jars and oil are slippery.

Decide if you want to keep some of the herb as you put it into the other jar. If you do not, it does not matter, it is all right either way you choose. Carefully strain the mixture through your cheesecloth. It takes a while to do this but once you do, you will have a jar of fresh herbal oil that you can use for your magic. An oil that is carefully crafted like this could be used for a months, if not longer.

This is the same process that I have used to create some of my own personal oils. For instance, I created a fiery cinnamon oil using this method, and a peppery Mars black pepper oil for magic as well, and I will be glad to have them to use when the need arises. I find that it is a natural solution in crafting magic, and easy to do as well.

*Remember to use any oil with caution. Test for skin sensitivity by doing a patch test (on the inside of your wrist) at least 24 hrs before you use a new oil. If your oil is too strong dilute it with your carrier oil.

(c) Venus Satanas 2010