‘In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I anoint thee...’ an elderly man clad head to toe in velvet purple robes upends a tiny bejeweled glass vial onto his outstretched finger, allowing a few drops of fragrant oil to dribble out. I refrain from pulling back as he reaches his wisened hand to my forehead and smears the substance across my skin. I glance uncomfortably at my mother standing next to me, she nods in approval and I step to the side to make room for the next person in line. This was my very first encounter with a spell oil, anointing oil to be exact, and it had left a bad taste in my mouth. I was itching to wipe away the viscous material but knew that would be impolite, especially as I was currently in full view of the entire church congregation. Next time, I said to myself, I’ll run for the bathrooms when the pastor announces it’s time to anoint the children. Trauma.
Spell oils have been utilized as an integral part of many belief systems since the world came to exist, from witchcraft to Catholicism, to the casual user who wishes to bless their new home before unloading that truckload of furniture. In essence, a spell oil is an oil that has been carefully chosen or crafted with specific ingredients, and used with intention for the user’s unique purposes. A rose by any other name, or so the saying goes.
Spell oils are an essential addition to any good (or naughty) witch’s apothecary bag. There are a variety of uses for any thoughtfully crafted spell oil, which consists of the intent behind the use, along with the makeup of the oil itself. Spell oils can be used creatively in every area of your life, dear witch, from fending off frightening dreams to amplifying spells. Ideally, the oil will bolster the efficacy of the spell you are attempting to cast.
Spell casting is a powerful tool in a witch's arsenal, and luckily, it’s a relatively easy task to accomplish.
The basic steps involve selecting your oil, applying said oil to the person or object of intention, and finally focusing or incanting upon the subject to channel your energy towards manifesting your desired outcome.
Each oil has significance, however, so be sure to make your selection wisely to draw forth a powerful result. If the oil is intended to be placed directly upon your or another’s skin, it’s important to be mindful of how skin-safe your chosen oil is. The most common skin-safe spell and ritual oils will begin with a quality carrier oil. Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Coconut oil, and Olive oil are popular base oils that are skin-safe, barring any allergies or sensitivities, naturally.
Additives will vary on your target and objective. Frankincense, for example, was one of the earliest oils discovered and was highly popular throughout history dating back to the 15th century, where mentions of the fragrant oil were discovered in Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb. (Queen Hatshepsut also used Frankincense to create kohl eyeliner so she knows what’s up). In addition to being a literal ancient disinfectant, Frankincense is symbolic of protection and purification. Perhaps ideal for a shielding spell or to ward off negative energy.
Floral oils are a well-loved, deliciously fragrant option when selecting your perfect, love-inducing, casting mix. Thankfully, many floral-scented oils are useful for attracting your object of desire while remaining powerfully potent by way of witchcraft.
- Lavender oil, commonly referred to as the queen of essential oils is created via a variety of methods, from heating and pressing the delicate lavender buds to leaving said buds in a carrier oil to imbue them with its rich fragrant essence.
- Rose oil, not just for your grandma, is another sweetly scented floral commonly associated with passion and beauty.
- Another perhaps more audacious option to consider is pressed white pepper oil, which leaves a haunting aura long after its wearer has departed.
Perhaps your needs veer in an altogether different direction, that of darkness and warding. To fend off negativity and evil spirits, sage and rosemary are your friends. Historically sage was utilized by every civilization from Greece to China, and is symbolic of sanctuary and cleansing. Rosemary signifies healing and can be used in oil and burned as incense to promote growth and remembrance. In ancient times, a sprig of rosemary might be placed under one's pillow to fend off nightmares. There are endlessly unique combinations at your fingertips, and with a little enchantment, sparks will fly. When the beautiful ritual of oil spell casting is freely given and accepted with an open heart, it creates true magic.
No need for trauma here you lovely witch! If you haven’t utilized this empowering ancestral tradition in your own life, what are you waiting for?
