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Magickal Potpourri

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Magickal Potpourri

 

 

Aromatic mixtures of herbs have been created in many lands

throughout recorded history. Fragrant flowers, simple herbs, and

rare spices were mixed and used for purposes both magical and

medicinal. Mixtures that could be considered to be the forerunners

of potpourri were made in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, but it

wasn't until the Renaissance that the art of creating what we know

as potpourri reached it's zenith.

 

Potpourri and other fragrant mixtures were rarely made for magical

purposes, for the magic of herbs had been largely forgotten. During

these times, bathing was out of vogue and sewers were unknown.

Windows were few and allowed little air to circulate in the house.

Under these conditions, it isn't surprising that fragrant herbs were

called upon to brighten everyday life with their delightful scents.

The poor and the rich alike devised several ingenious methods to use

fragrant flowers and herbs to perfume themselves and their homes.

 

Those with money had far greater options, for traders brought rare

and costly spices from overseas. Soon scent rings, pomanders, tussy-

mussies, and sachets were made and carried to sweeten the air.

Incense was burned. Sweet herbs were strewn onto rugs to release

their fragrances when trod upon, and sachets were tied onto chairs,

couches, and beds. Potpourri was also used to clear the air. These

were mixtures of either fresh or dried herbs, flowers, and spices

that were kept in fast-lidded jars.

To release the fragrance, the box or jar was opened, allowing the

aroma to mask baleful odors, making the home a much more pleasant

place to live. Some of these herbs were also thought to contain

heathful qualities, and so were used to prevent the spread of

disease, but the Witchcraft and heresy trials had done much to make

the populace forget the magical qualities of herbs. Thus, potpourri

were viewed as either pleasantly scented mixtures or as weapons in

the arsenal against disease-not as tools of magic.

 

Today, our knowledge of the subtle powers of plants allows us to

create potpourris designed to produced specific magical results. As

usual, visualization is a vital part of this process. The power of

the potpourri rides on its scent.

 

Finding the Ingredients:

Many flowers and herbs can be found in gardens or in wild places.

For those not immediately available, try local herb shops, health or

occult stores. Many are available in supermarkets and gourmet shops.

If you wish to collect and dry at least some of the ingredients of

your potpourri, pick them in the morning, or after the dew has dried

from them. Lay the flowers or herbs on trays, out of direct

sunlight, preferabley in a place with good air circulation. Allow

the plant materials to dry for at least 10 days (longer if the

weather is cold). The flowers or herbs must be completely dry or

mold will develop within the potpourri. Once they're dry, you're

ready to begin.

 

Storing the Potpourri:

Any type of jar or box with a tight-fitting lid is suitable.

 

Using the Potpourri:

Open the box or jar. Inhale, Breathe deeply. Feel the energy flowing

into your body, creating real changes. Continue to visualize. Allow

the potpourri to affect you. Repeat as many times a day as you see

fit. If you've placed the potpourri in an open container, run your

fingers through the mixture at least once a day. Blend and smell the

evocative scent several times a day.

 

Changing the Potpourri:

Magickal potpourri kept in open containers should be replaced every

3 months, or when their fragrances dwindle. Bury the spent potpourri

in the Earth and create a new one, if necessary. Potpourri kept in

closed containers can last indefinitely.

 

Mixing the Potpourri:

Technically, this is quite simple. Magically, this is the most

important step.

 

Step #1. Gather the necessary ingredients.

 

Step #2. Place the first ingredient into a large bowl. Touch it.

Smell it's aroma, visualize.

 

Step #3. Separately add each ingredient following the same system

touch, smell, visualize.

 

Step #4. Rub together the herbs with your fingers, mingling their

powers and fragrances.

Deepen your visualization. Feel the power under your fingertips.

Sense it's realness.

 

Step #5. Place the potpourri in a suitable container and use as

needed.

 

 

 

Source: Spell Crafts

by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington

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