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The Pagan Heart
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March-June 2006 Issue
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Water Magic
By Catherine M.
For a fire sign I certainly have a strong affinity to water magic. I love using showers, baths, fountains, pools, the rain, dew...even the kitchen tap to work. Sometimes I lose myself within the water and just relax. Othertimes I work some of my more powerful spells while getting clean or taking a swim. It's all in perception and intent. Water magic is one of my preferred methods of kitchen witchery within the home - and one of the easiest in many ways. The obvious component is water - but water magic refers to more than simply H2O. Anything that incorporates water can be used - such as soap or shampoo. And anything liquid in nature belongs to the elemental realm of water. Using soaps and lotions to work my wiles is not only practical but fun - and although the making of it can be a bit time consuming, overall it's very simple. Plus it's a wonderful way to bring magical goals to fruition - everytime you use the soap or lotion you recharge the spell. Better yet I can incorporate aromatherapy and herbalism techniques that benefit my health and body! Since I have a tendency to react to environmental toxins by peeling and itching, anything I can make that will soothe and protect my skin is a must. If I can also soothe and protect my home I'm even happier. The following recipes are all the bare basics. Build upon them by adding the herbs and oils you desire to achieve the outcomes you hope for. Make sure though that you are using pure essential oil of high grade quality and if possible organic herbs. It's going on and into your skin afterall. And do check for skin compatability before adding ingredients - you don't want the new soap to give you a nasty rash! I tend to use soap recipes for magics aimed at cleansing, banishing, healing, and soothing. Lotions and creams make good agents for healing mentally and emotionally as well as physically - and also for interpersonal relationships! Standard Bar Soap for Dry Skin
Using a low heat melt the cocoa butter. Stir in the vegetable oil thoroughly. Let cool a bit and then add the essential oils, herbs, and oatmeal and stir thoroughly again. Pour out into a baking tray and let cool and set. Use a knife to score into bars and to carve any sigils you wish upon the soap. Set aside in a cool dry place to cure for a few weeks. Cheat's Bar Soap The easiest way to make a soap spell is to remake existing commercial soap.
Place the grated soap in a doubleboiler over simmering water and stir until it is all melted. I like to charge the water as a cleansing agent to remove any residue the soap may have since I tend to use soap scraps to do this. Mix in all the ingredients and then pour into oiled moulds and leave to set. The moulds are available at most craft stores, but muffin trays work well too! Perfumed Creme This cream is a delightful way to work upon relationships. Use oils that help open up paths of communication, heal emotional hurt, awaken desire...whatever your goal is. It has a powerful effect upon the wearer - you are afterall wearing it - so do take that into account when using. The effects can be unexpected.
Use a small bowl inside a saucepan of hot water. Add the jojoba and almond oils and then the beeswax. Stir until it has dissolved. Remove bowl from saucepan and stir in the essential oils. Continue stirring until it begins to thicken and then immediately decant the mixture into a clean jar and leave to thicken. Tighten the lid and set the jar in a cool dark place to cure for 3 weeks prior to using. Experiment and see what you can come up with. You might surprise yourself.
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