example, are potions. So are teas,
hot chocolate, and even poisons. A
bezoar is an antidote to a poison-
ous potion. Philtres are “love po-
tions” meant to cause one per-
son to fall in love with another.
These were very popular in the Middle
Ages but are not much used in modern
times, as they are highly unethical in
cases where the person affected isn’t
told. However, there is a demand for
such philtres (called aphrodisiacs) among couples
whose passion has diminished and who wish to re-
kindle it. A philtre generally consists of wine or water
infused with special herbs or other elements.
The most common philtre ingredient throughout
history has been mandragore, the root of the man-
drake, or “love apple.” In America, the equivalent plant
is the May apple. Vervain is also a popular herb for
philtres, as is fennel, briony, damiana, fern seed, hemp,
ginseng, or “dragon’s blood” gum. Orange or amber-
gris may be added for flavor and aroma. Other tradi-
tional elements have included animal reproductive or-
gans or fluids, musk, or a tincture made by
steeping some hair of the intended object
of affection. (Don’t do this!)
Tonics and Elixers are meant to
cure ills or promote good health and
longevity. They are generally pre-
pared by brewing (simmering), or
steeping (soaking). Use one
large handful of herbs to one
pint of water or wine (if you
are soaking an herb in alcohol it
is called a tincture). Leaves and
flowers are steeped, never boiled;
boiling drives off the volatile oils
which carry many of the curative
powers. For an infusion (steeping),
bring the liquid to a boil, remove
from heat, then add the herbs. Cover and allow to
stand for 20 minutes. Strain and drink while still hot.
Roots, barks and berries are simmered (decocted) on
low heat for 20 minutes, then cooled and strained. You
can store herbal infusions and decoctions for up to a
week in the refrigerator, provided that after careful
straining you put the tea into a glass jar with a tight lid
and keep it away from light. See the instructions in
Ellen Evert Hopman’s Class on kitchen witchery.
Here are some traditional tonics:Aquae Vitae (“water of life”)
1 pint Wine (elderflower, elderberry, or plum)
1 sprig Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)
1 spring Spearmint (Mentha viridis)
1 Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis)
1 tablespoon Honey
1 cup MilkHeat wine to boiling, remove
from heat, add herbs, cover and
steep for 20 minutes. Strain and
add honey and milk. Refriger-
ate ‘til needed.Aurum Potabile
(“drinkable gold”)
Basil (Ocium basilicum)
Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Heather honey to sweeten
Marigold (Calendula officialis)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
Brew in 1 pint of spring water.Lesson 5. Oils & Incenses
Pure Essences & Essential Oils
Oils and essences play an important role in vari-
ous rituals and ceremonies. Sometimes mixed with
roots, herbs, and resins to make incenses or dropped
directly onto lit charcoal, oils and essences lend their
fragrances to the rites. To bring about the proper vi-
brations in many tools, candles, talismans, and
charms, magi often anoint (rub) them with appro-
priate oils and essences. Indeed, practitioners
often anoint themselves as well. Used as a
perfume, bath oil, or dressing, oils and
essences can play a major role in all
phases of your magickal work. Oils can
also be used to draw invisible runes
and sigils onto doors and other items
for blessing and protection. Draw them
with your fingertip and let them dry.
Many crystal gazers feel they obtain best
results if they keep their crystal ball or
scrying mirror wrapped in a cloth that has
been scented with various oils and essences.
Although both are pure and full strength, there
is a definite difference between oils and essences. Oils
are the pure extracts of various flowers or plants with
an oil base, obtained by pressing or squeezing the
flower or plant and then filtering the oil to clarity. Es-
sences are made by first crushing or grinding the plant
into powder or mush, and then placing the results in
either ethyl alcohol or water, depending on which of
those liquids will best extract the plant’s fragrance and
virtues. The small bits of plant remain in the liquid.
When making a magical oil, pack herbs or flowers
tightly into a ½-pint bottle that is ¾ filled with virgin
olive oil. The bottle is then tightly capped or stop-
pered and shaken daily. A fortified oil can be prepared
by straining off the oil every fourth day and adding
fresh herbs. The entire process takes about 2-3 weeks.
At the end of that time, filter the oil with a cotton cloth,
wringing out all the oil from the cloth, and put it up in
a clean bottle with a nice label. Any remnants of theMandrakeCourse Five: Spectrum, Part 1 225
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