Making Ritual Tools
Magic oils, charm bags, spell jars: whatever kind of ritual item you make, the approach follows the same four-step framework of purpose, correspondence, materials and timing.
The underlying logic: four steps
In this line of tradition, whatever kind of ritual item you make (magic oils, charm bags, spell jars and so on), the approach follows the same four-step framework:
- Decide the purpose first: the purpose should be specific, achievable and easy to state in one sentence: attracting money, finding love, staying safe. Different purposes change every step that follows.
- Match the purpose to a planet or element: this step uses the same correspondence logic as tarot and astrology (see Astrological Correspondences and Elemental Dignities). Money corresponds to Jupiter, the Sun or Mercury; love to Venus or the Moon; and so on. Which one to choose depends on the specific emphasis of the purpose.
- Choose materials that correspond to that planet or element: plants, crystals and candle colors are all matched to the qualities of the planet or element chosen in step 2. This step tests how well you know the correspondence system.
- Choose a time to make it: pick a time that suits the purpose and the planet (such as a full moon or Jupiter's day, Thursday) and turn the earlier steps into a physical object.
Some common finished items
- Magic oil: blend plant essential oils that correspond to the purpose into a carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil) in a set proportion, and store it in a dark bottle away from light. Tradition distinguishes a "warm method" (slow extraction over a low heat in a water bath) and a "cold method" (steeping at room temperature). The finished oil usually keeps for a few months.
- Charm bag / mojo bag: choose a piece of cloth in a color that corresponds to the purpose, and wrap in it the matching solid materials such as plants, spices and crystals, making a small item to carry with you or keep in a particular place.
- Spell jar: similar in idea to a charm bag, except the container is a glass jar. Traditionally the lid is sealed with wax to finish.
- Cleansing and consecration: before a ritual item is put to use, tradition calls for first "cleansing" it (clearing away any scattered energy the object already holds, commonly with smoke, salt or moonlight), then "consecrating" it (giving it the energy of its purpose). Nearly every item made in this system goes through these two steps at the end.
A note on use
If a homemade essential-oil blend is not mixed in the right proportions or comes from an unreliable source, applying it directly to the skin can cause allergic reactions or irritation. The safer use is to apply it to objects and keep it off your skin.