Guest guest Posted July 31, 2006 Report Share Posted July 31, 2006 Making Ointments Ointments are easily made. They consist simply of herbs or oils and a base. In the past, hog's lard was the preferred base because it was readily available, but vegetable shortening or beeswax produces the best results. The base must be a greasy substance that melts over heat but is solid at room temperature. Some herbalists actually use dinosaur fat (i.e., Vaseline, which is prepared from petroleum)! There are two basic ways to create magical ointments. The Shortening Method Gently heat four parts shortening over low heat until liquified Watch that it doesn't burn. Add one part dried herbal mixture, blend with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed, and continue heating until the shortening has extracted the scent. You should be able to smell it in the air. Strain through cheesecloth into a heat-proof container, such as a canning jar. Add one-half teaspoon tincture of benzoin (see Tinctures m this book or buy at a drugstore) to each pint of ointment as a natural preservative. Store in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator. Ointments should last for weeks or months. Discard any that turn moldy, and lay in a fresh batch. The Beeswax Method This process creates a more cosmetic ointment without a heavy greasy feeling. It is best to prepare it with oils rather than herbs, as it is difficult to strain. If possible, use unbleached beeswax. If not, use what you can find. Chip it with a large, sharp knife so that you can pack it into a measuring cup. Place one-fourth cup or so of beeswax in the top of a double boiler (such as a coffee can set into a larger pot of water). Add about one-fourth cup olive, hazelnut, sesame or some other vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the wax has melted into the oil. Remove from the heat and let cool very slightly, until it has just begun to thicken. (This step is taken so that the hot wax won't evaporate the oils.) Now add the mixed oils to the wax. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon and pour into a heat-proof container. Label and store in the usual way. In the recipes that follow, the recommended method of preparation will be mentioned. Empowering Ointments Once the ointment is made and has cooled in its jar, empower it with its particular magical need. This vital step, remember, directs the energy within the ointment, readying it for your ritual use. Using Ointments Ointments are usually rubbed onto the body to effect various magical changes. As with oils, this is done with visualization and with the knowledge that the ointment will do its work. The Recipes EXORCISM OINTMENT 3 drops Frankincense 2 drops Peppermint 1 drop Clove 1 drop Pine Add the oils to the beeswax/oil base. Anoint the body when you feel the need for a strong purification. FLYING OINTMENT, NONTOXIC 1 part Dittany of Crete 1 part Cinquefoil 1 part Mugwort 1 part Parsley Add the herbs to shortening and prepare in the usual way. Anoint the body prior to attempting astral projection. FLYING OINTMENT, NONTOXIC #2 2 drops Sandalwood oil 1 drop Jasmine oil 1 drop Benzoin oil 1 drop Mace oil Add the oils to the beeswax/oil base. Use as the above formula. The Complete Book of of Incense, Oils and Brews by scott Cummingham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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