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The Basics of Tools and Rituals
It’s a matter of finding out what works best for the individual.
Essential oils are commonly used in spells on their own, to dress candles
or are added to incense which is to be burned in the censer. Essential oils
are powerful and should never be swallowed or, with one exception,
rubbed directly on to the skin unless diluted in a suitable carrier oil such
as almond. The exception is lavender, which is one of the most popular
and is often drizzled into a ritual bath to add fragrance to the warm
water. Pregnant women should be especially careful when using
essential oils: some can cause adverse reactions that can affect the
unborn child.
Herbs are widely used when making magic. They can be easily obtained
from shops and markets and many are just as easily grown in a garden
or window box. Not only is this cheaper but when they are growing their
pleasing smell wafts into the house when the wind is blowing in the
right direction. Herbs can be strewn on glowing charcoal, added to
smouldering incense or used to anoint candles. Herbs make wonderful
charms carried in a handbag or wrapped in a piece of natural cloth and
kept in a pocket.
Incense is used in either powder, cone or stick form to represent the
element of air. Traditionally it should be placed and burned on the east
end of the witch’s altar.
Pens are used for entering items in the Book of Shadows. Like
everything else used in making magic, the spell should be consecrated
before use. Some spell makers prefer a quill pen as they give a
continuance of tradition from the days before fountain, ballpoint and
felt-tip pens were invented.
The pentagram, a five-pointed star, the sides of which are interwoven
with one another, can be drawn without lifting pen from paper. A
pentacle is a pentagram with a circle drawn round it. Both can be either
physical, made of wood, metal, stone or clay, or imaginary. An object
with an abstract pentacle or pentagram woven over it, or a physical one
placed on it is protected against evil.
The top point of the star represents the spirit, and is often coloured white
or purple. Moving round clockwise, the next point represents air, which
is associated with the colour yellow. Next comes earth, usually coloured
green. Moving round, fire, coloured red in multicoloured pentagrams, is
next. And lastly comes water, associated with the colour blue.
Talismans have long been confused with amulets, but there are distinct
differences between the two. Talismans are used as magical charms to
attract wealth, happiness and harmony whereas amulets repel evil and
protect those whom their power is directed from. Also, talismans are
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