Articles — oils

A row of little potions with colorful names and indescribable fragrances: Uncrossing Oil, Black Cat Oil, Four Thieves…where did they come from, and what are they used for? Most of these oils have their origins in American rootwork, Hoodoo, or Conjure. They were developed by magick workers in rural and minority communities, and the recipes were often passed down by word of mouth. Families might hang on to a formula for generations, or an apprentice of the magickal arts could learn them from an elder teacher. Conjure oils are often partially descended from—and yet distinct from—Western high magick. It’s not...

The rich, complex fragrance of amber is a favorite for meditation and love magick. Amber is available as an incense, perfume oil, and solid resin. But what is amber anyway? Is it related to the gemstone of the same name? Read on for all the details on this ancient, mystical perfume. Amber Resin Properly speaking, amber is a solid incense with its roots in the Middle East. Amber is a compound fragrance, meaning it is made up of a mix of ingredients. It is not the same as the semi-precious gem amber (fossilized tree resin) or ambergris (a perfume ingredient...

Virtually unchanged for decades, Anna Riva oils are a staple of magickal shops. They are used especially in the branches of art lumped under the term “folk magick”: Conjure, Hoodoo, rootwork, and Santeria. Typically, they're used to "dress" candles, talismans, and mojo bags for a particular magickal purpose. Some people also apply them directly to the body. Are you interested in learning more about this ever-popular, ever-controversial product line? Who is Anna Riva? Anna Riva was the pen name of Dorothy Spencer (1922-2003), an American occult author. Her numerous pamphlets and books covered topics as diverse as herbalism, talismans, candle...

Magickal oils have a long, long history. Long ago, oils were a precious source of food and fuel, and the finest were reserved for sacred applications. Oils were offered to the Gods and used to anoint the newly born and dying. Mages scoured the globe for rare flowers, spices, and resins to create special oils for magic, some of which are still in use today. The popularity of oils in contemporary witchcraft is due to the legacy of medieval magic, the influence of New Orleans-style Voodoo, and the works of the late, great green witch Scott Cunningham—among other sources. The...