Throughout history, witches have used creative thinking to conjure new names for the commonplace items used in their potions and crafts. For example, you may be surprised to hear that the ingredient eye of newt refers to the humble mustard seed and not, in fact, the eyeball of one of our slippery amphibious friends. Two such ingredients you may have found in a witch’s kitchen throughout centuries past: chocolate and coffee. Or as they may have been referred to by those in the know, heart blood, and wine of Araby.
Chocolate, in particular, has very early ties to the inventive witches who found ways to draw magical properties from the delicate but potently flavored cacao bean. Dating back to the 17th century, this luxurious ingredient was consumed as a drink by those with the coin to spare. You may be aware that the cacao bean in and of itself must go through an extensive sweetening process to reach the point of consumption we enjoy today, and boasts a naturally sharp flavor profile.
Chocolate has special connections to Latin culture, specifically Central America and Spain, where it earned a somewhat dubious reputation due to its potent taste. Rumors spread that its bitter flavor profile was the perfect concoction to mask any potentially nefarious ingredients intended to cause harm or worse to the drinker. Whether these rumors ring true we can’t confirm or deny, though, in time, chocolate became a popular additive in a different type of brew, the love potion. Chocolate symbolizes connection, passion, and success, which makes it the ideal additive to any well-intentioned love potion.
Coffee, while very unique in its taste, shares similarities in its origins relating to usage in witchcraft. Despite its murky emergence, history states that the coffee bean gained popularity in the 15th century. One morning, a goat farmer woke to find his herd brimming with energy after having consumed the berries of a nearby tree. Soon thereafter, the knowledge of this berry spread like wildfire as its ability to give consumers excessive amounts of energy and vigor drove many to taste its delights.
Undoubtedly, these properties related to coffee ring true to this day, and have fueled many a ‘Don’t Talk to Me Until I’ve Had My Morning Coffee’ print business enterprise. Historically, coffee was popularized amongst witches as a tool of daily empowerment and symbolic meaning. Coffee represents, among other things, creativity, awakening, and stamina. You may see how these two elements together may be combined to create a powerful concoction of true intent. Below you can find base techniques that draw upon the natural allure of chocolate, and the spark of coffee, to brew a potion unique to your desires.
The Heart Opener: Coffee & Chocolate
Above all else, witchcraft is an instinctual practice. Bring this mindfulness to every session, along with clear intent, and your heart’s desires will be realized. When brewing your coffee, consider the 4 elements involved in creating the blend. The coffee beans represent the earth and its grounding properties, water symbolizes the flow of life, fire brings out the flavor of the beans and represents energy, and the steam that rises from the cup symbolizes the breath of existence. Once your coffee is brewed, you can go on to personalize it to your or your intended’s liking. Add chocolate shavings or small portions of a chocolate bar to your coffee right away to allow the mix to melt and blend cohesively. From here you can add any variety of spices. Cinnamon may be added which represents good luck, nutmeg which attracts positive energy, or even a dash of cayenne pepper which helps to remove blockages. Be sure to stir clockwise to attract, and you’ll have yourself a delicious and potent love spell! As an added bonus, consider drawing from your tarot deck and reflect on the ways your card may connect with your goal.
Coffee Bath: Awaken, Cleanse, Empower.
Draw yourself a warm bath, add a few drops of your preferred ritual body oil, some lavender seed which symbolizes grace and serenity, and a sprinkle of finely milled coffee ground to create a relaxing experience. This bath blend is perfect for releasing negative energy and invigorating your spirit. Coffee grounds can also be utilized as a robust bath scrub if you so wish.
Chocolate Offering: Chocolate was once considered a luxury item, and is still seen as such in certain parts of the world. Due to this, chocolate was historically viewed as highly desired by certain gods and goddesses. One such being is IxCacao, the Mayan goddess of chocolate, fertility, and abundance. To create a basic offering find a quiet space in a location that brings you peace, light a candle, and place chocolate in whichever form you have chosen as your offering on an altar. From there, express your intention with purity and open yourself to receiving the positive energy you seek.
Witchcraft is a deeply spiritual practice that utilizes nature and the surrounding elements. Have you used chocolate or coffee in your craft? What other ingredients do you enjoy utilizing in your rituals and magical techniques?
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