#pestlework

Intent: To neutralize a threat and remove their power.

Ingredients:

1 pt Cedar

1 pt Dried Onion

1 pt Tea Leaf

1⁄2 pt Bloodroot**

1⁄2 pt Ash of Roses

** - Exercise extreme caution if pregnant or nursing, recommended that such persons do not use or handle.

Note: Powdered versions of most herbs are available online. I recommend such sites as Starwest Botanicals and Penn Herbs for the quality products at reasonable prices.

Also, if you can get your hands on a good spice grinder, you can make your own powder from dried herb products. If making from scratch, grind each ingredient separately to produce fine powder. Sieve the material through a mesh strainer into a collection dish; this removes the larger unground pieces and gives you cleaner powdered herb. (Pro-Tip: Putting a funnel under the mesh strainer reduces lost material and makes collection much easier.)

Combine the component powders in the collection dish in the appropriate proportions, mix well, and bottle immediately.

For those not familiar with the phrase, a paper tiger is someone or something which appears to be powerful or dangerous, but is actually weak and ineffectual.

Use in magics intended to reduce a person's power to harm you or interfere with your life, or to reveal a puffed-up braggart for the blustering coward that they are.

This powder works best in sympathetic magic worked at a distance, with a poppet or paper charm. I suggest starting with your favorite binding spell and going from there. It is also effective as a strew when placed where you know the target will walk.

Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:

Penn Herb Company

Starwest Botanicals

Bulk Apothecary

Mountain Rose Herbs

Specialty Bottle

All recipes are © 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book or the masterpost if you would like more recipes.

Witch Ways 25 - Home Blessing Powder

Now available on your favorite podcatcher!

Break out your potion kits - it's time to make some Home Blessing Powder! From the pages of Pestlework, this powder is suitable for any spells you wish to cast around your dwelling which deal with the wellbeing, safety, and happiness of the homestead and those who live there.

Visit the Willow Wings Witch Shop to purchase my books and homemade accoutrements for your craft (including vials of Home Blessing Powder)! Check my Wordpress for full show notes and a list of sources, as well as show notes for past episodes and information on upcoming events.

Follow the show on Twitter @hex_podcast for the latest updates! You can also find me as @BreeNicGarran on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Wordpress. For more information on how to support the show and get access to early releases and extra content, visit my Patreon. 

Proud member of the Nerd and Tie Podcast Network.

MUSIC CREDITS

Okay, I finally got around to reading @breelandwalker's book on magical powders and oils. Since I ordered this one directly from her shop, this one came signed!

I appreciate Bree putting safety warnings and disclaimers throughout her book, because safety is always my number one priority as a witch, writer, first responder, and so forth. SAFETY FUCK YEAH.

The foreword by Lauren Goodnight is another good touch because I relate hard with promptly ruining stuff.

Throughout the book, especially in the magical oils section, Bree puts alternatives to use if you don't want to use essential oils (like me, I fucking hate those things) and alternatives to dangerous plants. Mwah, I love it.

Now, I'm not a person who works with plants or oils (though I am learning), but I think this is a very good book to get if you're looking into that stuff. Bree lists other places to read and research from (which is greatly appreciated).

There are also two pages at the end to list your own powder and oil recipes, which is good for those of you who want to make your own and not just follow the recipes in this book.

Unfortunately, I have Dumb Bastard Smooth Brain Disease, so I did not actually read this book BEFORE I accidentally sniffed cinnamon. I really should have.

For anyone looking to brew up some magic related to glamours, confidence, physical appearance, or eloquence, here are some recipes I’ve created that you might find useful.

To prepare them, blend the ingredients in such proportions as feels correct for your purposes (or as supplies allow). Use dried material except where indicated. Place a few spoonfuls in a mason jar with a screwtop lid and fill the jar with a bland oil of your choice. (Vegetable oil of the sort you would buy for cooking works fine.) Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine, then leave the jar in a dark dry place for 2-4 weeks to steep.

Once steeped, prepare a clean storage bottle (also with a secure lid) and label with the type of oil and the bottling date. Strain the oil through paper towels or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, then bottle immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat for up to one year. Use for spellwork as you see fit.

(Please note that NONE of these potions are meant to be taken internally by any means. Observe all proper safety measures related to glass, fire, and potentially harmful plants as necessary during preparation.)

*- Ingredient is potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested. **- Ingredient should not be used or handled if you are pregnant or nursing.

Belle of the Ball Beauty Oil For beauty glamours.

Orange Peel

Magnolia Petal

Maidenhair Fern

Primrose Blossoms**

Brand New Me Transformation Oil For self-improvement, physical changes, or personal growth.

Fennel

Lady's Mantle**

Pine Needles

Geranium Essential Oil Note: If your personal journey includes adjusting to a change in gender or sexuality, add a few Persimmon seeds to the mix.

Honeytongue Eloquence Oil For verbal persuasion and effective speech.

Honeysuckle

Orris Root

Licorice Root

Marshmallow Root** Note: Do not consume.

Increase the Thing Empowerment Oil For self-empowerment and glamours pertaining thereto.

Petunia Petals

Bergamot

Lemon Verbena

Sunflower Petals

It Wasn't Me Diversion Oil For diverting suspicion from yourself or your actions.

Dogbane (Black Hemp)

Cherry Bark

Blueberry Leaves

Marshmallow Root**

Lionheart Courage Oil For bravery and confidence spells.

Black Tea Leaves

Bay Leaf

Cedar Tips

Thyme Sprigs

Own the Runway Confidence Oil For supreme confidence.

Yarrow**

Sumac Berries

Ginger Root, Fresh

Pass Unseen Stealth Oil For perceived invisibility glamours.

Cherry Bark or Blossoms

Poppy Seeds**

Devil's Shoestring**

Dogwood Blossoms (if available)

Tearoom Forbearance Oil For when you need to keep your temper…no matter what.

Tea Leaves

Meadowsweet**

Echinacea**

Fir Balsam Essential Oil

Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:

Penn Herb Company

Starwest Botanicals

Bulk Apothecary

Mountain Rose Herbs

Specialty Bottle

Photo Credit - VeraPetruk

All recipes are © 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book if you would like more recipes.

For anyone looking to brew up a potion for the purposes of augmentation or blessing, here are some recipes I’ve created that you might find useful.

To prepare them, blend the ingredients in such proportions as feels correct for your purposes (or as supplies allow). Use dried material except where indicated. Place a few spoonfuls in a mason jar with a screwtop lid and fill the jar with a bland oil of your choice. (Vegetable oil of the sort you would buy for cooking works fine.) Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine, then leave the jar in a dark dry place for 2-4 weeks to steep.

Once steeped, prepare a clean storage bottle (also with a secure lid) and label with the type of oil and the bottling date. Strain the oil through paper towels or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, then bottle immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat for up to one year. Use for spellwork as you see fit.

(Please note that NONE of these potions are meant to be taken internally by any means. Observe all proper safety measures related to glass, fire, and potentially harmful plants as necessary during preparation.)

*- Ingredient is potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested. **- Ingredient should not be used or handled if you are pregnant or nursing.

All-Purpose Blessing Oil For blessing, purification, and consecration.

Lavender

Sweet Basil

Bay Leaf

Patchouli Note: Use Olive Oil for the base.

Brim With Vim Vitality Oil To restore flagging magical energy and clear post-spell haze.

Tangerine (Satsuma) Peel

Cinnamon Stick

Ginger Root

Vervain

Cauldronkeeper Wisdom Oil To enhance intuition and wisdom.

Hazel (leaves or bark)

Elder (berries or bark)

Sage (any color)

Peach Pit (in master bottle) Note: Peach pits contain a small amount of cyanide, which may be released if the pit is broken down. Exercise caution with the finished oil.

Clear the Way Obstacle Remover Oil For overcoming difficulty and attracting new opportunities.

Dried Sumac Berries

Ginger Root

Sweet Basil

Full Moon Lunar Affinity Oil For augmentation of spells attuned to the lunar cycle.

Willow Bark

Jasmine Flowers

Fennel

Mugwort** Note: Use With Caution.

High Noon Solar Affinity Oil For augmentation of spells attuned to the solar cycle.

Calendula Petals

Chamomile

Bay Leaf

Eyebright Note: Use With Caution.

Golden Fields Prosperity Oil For abundance, good fortune, and general well-being.

Sesame or Pumpkin Seeds

Wheat or Barley Kernels

Orange Peel

Honeysuckle

Get Me Through the Day Endurance Oil For a tiny extra boost on those low-energy days.

Lemon Verbena

White Oak Bark

Rosemary

Echinacea**

Hearthside Home Blessing Oil For a comfortable and harmonious home.

Sweet Basil

Vervain

Pine Needles

Willow Bark

Jack-of-all-Trades Work Enhancement Oil For augmentation of workplace abilities.

Sweet Basil

Meadowsweet**

Borage Flowers

Vanilla Bean

Magical Me Power Boost Oil For augmentation of spellcasting.

Ginger Root

Rosemary

Bergamot

Cedar Tips

Steel Backbone Fortitude Oil For bravery and endurance.

Blue Vervain

Pine Needles

Cedar Tips

Yarrow**

Truthteller Divination Oil For augmentation of divinatory practices.

Evening Primrose**

Hibiscus Flowers

Celery Seeds

Tea Leaves

Watchful Eye Viewing Oil To enhance powers of observation.

Grape Leaf

Lemon Balm

Rosemary

Celery Seed (or dried leaf from stalks) Note: Do not apply to skin around eyes. Do not apply directly to eyeballs either.

Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:

Penn Herb Company

Starwest Botanicals

Bulk Apothecary

Mountain Rose Herbs

Specialty Bottle

Image Credit - VeraPetruk

All recipes are © 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book if you would like more recipes.

For anyone looking to brew up some magical protections or enhance their current warding measures, here are some recipes I’ve created that you might find useful.

To prepare them, blend the ingredients in such proportions as feels correct for your purposes (or as supplies allow). Use dried material except where indicated. Place a few spoonfuls in a mason jar with a screwtop lid and fill the jar with a bland oil of your choice. (Vegetable oil of the sort you would buy for cooking works fine.) Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine, then leave the jar in a dark dry place for 2-4 weeks to steep.

Once steeped, prepare a clean storage bottle (also with a secure lid) and label with the type of oil and the bottling date. Strain the oil through paper towels or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, then bottle immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat for up to one year. Use for spellwork as you see fit.

(Please note that NONE of these potions are meant to be taken internally by any means. Observe all proper safety measures related to glass, fire, and potentially harmful plants as necessary during preparation.)

*- Ingredient is potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested. **- Ingredient should not be used or handled if you are pregnant or nursing.

All-Purpose Blessing Oil For blessing, purification, and consecration.

Lavender

Sweet Basil

Bay Leaf

Patchouli Note: Use Olive Oil for the base.

All-Purpose Hexbreaking Oil For general negation of baneful spells cast by oneself or others.

Agrimony**

Cinquefoil

Fennel

Vervain

Solomon's Seal Root in master bottle

And Stay Out Ward Refresher Oil For strengthening household protections between castings.

Sarsaparilla

Oakmoss

Horehound

Sweet Basil

Banned From The Premises Banishing Oil For anointing doorways and banishing unwanted persons.

Oregano

Rosemary

Lemon Peel

Thyme

Blue Moon Curse Reversal Oil For turning and countering baneful magic.

Angelica Root

Lemon Verbena

Motherwort**

Elderberries*

Change the Locks Protection Oil For protection of the home from banished persons.

Cumin

Oregano

Rosemary

Thistle

Cradlekeeper Child Protection Oil For protection of infants and young children.

Daisies (any color)

Flax Seeds

Caraway Seeds

Lamb's Ear Leaf Note: Use to anoint the lintel of the door to the child's room.

No Soliciting Front Door Oil To keep unwanted visitors away from your home.

Ivy Leaves

Sweet Basil

Blueberry Leaf

Juniper Berries Note: Apply to your front door or threshold.

Safe Space Protection Oil To help one find sanctuary when it is most needed.

Blackberry Leaf (or Tea)

Allspice Berries

Fennel Tops

Clover Leaves and Blossoms

The Shielding Light Protection Oil For passive protective magics.

Caraway Seeds

Eucalyptus Leaf**

Lavender

Vervain Note: Passive protection magic functions as a shield, rebuffing or neutralizing harm. It is good for long-term spells that don't require much energy or maintenance.

The Shining Dark Protection Oil For active protective magics.

Coconut Husk

Thistle Leaf

Witch Hazel**

Angelica Root Note: Active protection magic functions as a sword, strongly deflecting or fending off harm. This is best for short-term or immediate-use spells that are not meant to last, but must kick in very strongly and very quickly. Excellent for emergency personal protections.

The Sorcerer's Tower Protection Oil To protect your witchy supplies and workspace from interlopers.

Juniper Sprigs or Berries

Blueberry Leaf

Thistle

Astragalus Root Note: Works best alongside mundane secrecy and privacy measures. To avoid damage, anoint containers, furniture, and doors rather than items. Do not use directly on books as it may damage delicate paper or covers. Use with caution on unfinished wood.

Thorn in the Door Warding Oil To discourage unfriendly witches from entering your home.

Rosemary

Bay Leaf

Sage (any color)

Solomon's Seal Root

Rose Stem (with thorns) in master bottle

Walking Ward Protection Oil For personal warding spells of all kinds.

Sweet Basil

Witch Hazel**

Fennel Sprigs Note: This works for both active and passive protection magics and may be used in conjunction other protective oils.

Wanderlust Traveling Oil For all-purpose protection and luck while traveling.

Feverfew

Cinquefoil

Witch Hazel**

Spearmint

Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:

Penn Herb Company

Starwest Botanicals

Bulk Apothecary

Mountain Rose Herbs

Specialty Bottle

Photo Credit - Shaiith

All recipes are © 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book if you would like more recipes.

Intent: For preventing spirits from following you home.

Ingredients:

1 pt Chili Pepper (any type)

1 pt Salt

1 pt Basil

1 pt Garlic Powder

1⁄2 pt Dill

1⁄2 pt Lemon Peel

Optional: Add a pinch of Curry or Cumin for extra oomph.

Note: Powdered versions of most herbs are available online. I recommend Starwest Botanicals and Penn Herbs for quality products at reasonable prices. Also, if you can get your hands on a good electric spice grinder, you can make your own powder from dried herb products. If you don't have premade powdered herbs, grind each ingredient separately to produce fine powder. Sieve the material through the mesh strainer into the collection dish; this removes the larger unground pieces and gives you cleaner powdered herb. (Pro-Tip: Putting a funnel under the mesh strainer reduces lost material and makes collection much easier.)

Combine the component powders in the collection dish, mix well, and bottle immediately. Label with the name, date, and ingredients for future reference.

This powder performs one of the functions of Banishing Powder, but with special attention to warding off pesky ghosts. After visiting historical or haunted locations, or any time you feel spooked while walking home, sprinkle a palmful of powder on the ground and scrape your feet on it (as if you were wiping off dirt) to keep anything ghostly from following you home. Take three steps backward and spit toward the powder, then continue on your way.

For extra protection, toss a pinch of Banishing Powder, Threshold Powder, or Black Salt over your doorstep when you get home.

Note: For safety's sake, make sure you never cast this powder into the wind and wash your hands after use. Leftover particles on your skin can cause pain and irritation if they come into contact with your eyes or breathing passages.

-adapted from Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils, (c) 2017 by Bree NicGarran

(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)