Magical Oils 101

Magical Oils 101

Anointing With the Ancients

Dr Raven Dolick M.s.D.

Feb 10, 2016

all rights reserved

2016 RavenStar Enchantments

Our ancestors used oils in ceremony and ritual hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Because many essential oils are still available, we can continue making our own blends today. In the past, oils were created by placing oil or fat over a heat source, and then adding fragrant herbs and flowers to the oil. Many companies today offer synthetic oils at a fraction of the cost of essential oils (essential oils are the ones actually extracted from a plant). However, for magical purposes it's best to use authentic, essential oils -- these contain the magical properties of the plant, which synthetic oils do not have.

The Basics of Blending

While many commercial vendors would have you believe that there's some Super Secret Magical Method for blending oils, it's actually pretty simple. First, determine your intent -- whether you are creating a money oil to bring you prosperity, a love oil to boost your romantic encounters, or a ritual oil to use in ceremony.

Once you've determined your intent, assemble the essential oils called for in the recipes. In a clean container, add 1/8 Cup of your base oil -- this should be one of the following:

•Safflower

•Grapeseed

•Jojoba

•Sunflower

•Almond

Using an eyedropper, add the essential oils in the recipes. Be sure to follow the recommended proportions.

To mix, don't stir... swirl. Swish the essential oils into the base oil by swirling in a clockwise direction. Make sure you store your oil blends in a place away from heat and moisture. Keep them in dark-colored glass bottles, and be sure to label them for use. Write the date on the label, and use within six months.

Magical Oil Recipes

Our ancestors used oils in ceremony and ritual hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Because many essential oils are still available, we can continue making our own blends today. In the past, oils were created by placing oil or fat over a heat source, and then adding fragrant herbs and flowers to the oil. Many companies today offer synthetic oils at a fraction of the cost of essential oils (essential oils are the ones actually extracted from a plant). However, for magical purposes it's best to use authentic, essential oils -- these contain the magical properties of the plant, which synthetic oils do not have.

Here are a few I love to use.

Blessing Oil

Blend Your Own Blessing Oil.

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.

To make Blessing Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

•5 drops Sandalwood

•2 drops Camphor

•1 drop Orange

•1 drop Patchouli

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Make Your Own Protection Oil

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.

To make Protection Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

• 4 drops Patchouli

• 3 drops Lavender

• 1 drop Mugwort

• 1 drop Hyssop

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Use Protection Oil to anoint yourself and those in your home. It will help keep you safe from psychic or magical attacks.

Money Oil

Blend Your Own Money Oil.

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.

To make Money Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

•5 drops Sandalwood

•5 drops Patchouli

•2 drops Ginger

•2 drops Vetiver

•1 drop Orange

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

How to Make Gratitude Oil

Blend up a batch of this oil to use in workings or rituals expressing gratitude and thankfulness.

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.

To make Gratitude Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

•5 drops Rose

•2 drops Vetiver

•1 drop Agrimony

• A pinch of ground cinnamon

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Imbolc Oil

Blend a batch of Imbolc oil for your late winter rituals and ceremonies.

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.

This oil blend combines Ginger, Clove and Rosemary, representing the elements of fire, with Cypress, associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius. To make Imbolc Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

•3 drops Ginger

•2 drops Clove

•1 drop Rosemary

•1 drop Cypress

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Winter Solstice Oil

Blend some Winter Solstice oil before beginning your Yule rituals.

If you're unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started. To make Winter Solstice Oil, use 1/8 Cup grapeseed oil or other base oil of your choice. Add the following:

• 4 drops pine oil

• 2 drops orange oil

• 2 drops cedar oil

• 2 drops juniper oil

• 2 - 3 small lumps of frankincense, finely ground

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place. Use during your Yule celebrations to anoint participants or tools.

Magical Aromatherapy

Rosemary oil is associated with a number of magical properties.

Ask any Pagan or Wiccan what they love most about working with herbs, and chances are good they'll tell you how much they love the smell. Herbs contain small glands that hold their essential oils, and when these oils are extracted they release scent molecules. The science of aromatherapy takes advantage of this natural phenomenon and expands it just a bit -- because olfactory sensation stimulates parts of the brain connected to memory and emotion.

Ever catch a whiff of a stranger's perfume and suddenly be reminded of your aunt who passed away when you were twelve? Have you suddenly caught a touch of magnolia on the breeze, and remembered the time you and that special someone went away for a weekend? Does the smell of freshly turned earth remind you of childhood summers at grandpa's farm? It's because the nose knows, and it helps us remember.

Vaporizing is the easiest method to release the aroma of essential oils, and causes the aroma to be taken into the body via inhalation. To use this method, add five or six drops of essential oil to four cups steaming water, and place it in a bowl. With your eyes closed, cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl. Breathe deeply for about a minute to get the full effect.

You can also use massage techniques for aromatherapy, but it's very important not to rub essential oils directly into the skin. Essential oils should be diluted before coming into contact with bare skin, or they can cause irritation. Add a dozen or so drops of your favorite essential oil into a neutral base oil, such as grapeseed or almond.

Finally, you can add oils to your bathwater and allow yourself to just soak. Forget about those boxes of heavily perfumed stuff -- natural oils are a wonderful way to pamper yourself. Fill your tub with the warmest water you can handle and then add eight to ten drops of essential oil. Splash around a little so the oils blend with the steam from the bathwater. Spend a good fifteen minutes in there, breathing in the scent and enjoying some alone time.

Essential oils can be used for a number of different ritual needs:

•Sage and Tobacco Leaf: to enhance intuition

•Jasmine and Mugwort: to bring prophetic dreams

•Rosemary: to assist with memory

•Lavender and Comfrey: for restful sleep

•Rowan and Sage: to increase wisdom

•Eucalyptus, Feverfew and Comfrey: for healing

•Lemon Balm and Sandalwood: for purification

Honoring the Harvest's End - A Samhain Ritual

Celebrate the final harvest with a ritual.

Samhain represents, among other things, the end of th