Magickal Herbalism - Ointments Part 2
by Blayze

As discussed in the previous article, Ointments are usually made with a base of beeswax, fats or pre-made aromatherapy base creams. Some ointments are also made with a base of petroleum jelly or Vaseline, however I do not particularly like to use this as a base in a magickal ointment. There is one other type of ointment that is known as a “water-in-oil emulsion” and this will give you a very creamy finished product. Instructions for making this type of ointment will be given later in this article.

Fat based ointments are fairly simple to make but you need to be careful that the mixture does not scorch or burn. You will also need to strain the mixture before bottling. Lard or animal fat is a traditional base (especially pigs fat) but if you do not wish to use an animal product you can substitute cocoa butter, copha or some other vegetable shortening as the base. Basically you want the fat based ointment to absorb the essential and active oils / vibrations of the herbs. To do this, melt about four parts fat over a low heat. You can use a double boiler if you can’t control the heat. When the fat is melted add one part dried herbs (either single herb or an appropriate blend) and stir in. Continue beating the herbs into the fat until the fat absorbs the scent and qualities of the herbs. You should be able to smell this happening.  Remove from heat and add a couple of drops of benzoin tincture as a preservative. Now strain the mix through some clean (and sterilized) cheesecloth or muslin into warmed (and sterilized) jars. Don’t forget to label the ointment and store it in a cool, dark place. 

You can magickally charge the ointment whilst you are stirring it or charge the completed bottled ointment in a later ritual within a sacred space. If you wish you can also make the ointment during a complimentary moon or astrological phase. Choose a phase that relates to the use of the ointment. Alternatively you may choose to make the ointment beforehand with corresponding herbs and use it during the specific astrological phase desired. It is up to you. Remember in magickal Herbalism you are not just following a recipe. You are using power and magickal energy as one of your ingredients. You can enhance the potency of your ointment by bringing in additional magical correspondences other than herbs. You could use numerology in the number of ingredients used, also colour correspondences, time of day, astrology etc. You may also wish to use herbs that have been grown with magical principles in mind, i.e. planted and picked at times that are magickally appropriate to your goal. You can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. 

Here are the instructions for making a water-in-oil emulsion. This recipe comes from Nerys Purchon’s “Aromatherapy” and uses beeswax as a base.

1.	Melt wax until liquid but not overheated.
2.	Add softer ingredients such as lanolin and then dissolve.
3.	Add oils (base oils such as olive, safflower or grape seed) very slowly, stopping if the wax begins to solidify, heat only enough to keep the mixture liquid.
4.	Slowly trickle in warmed water, stirring constantly and stopping if the mixture begins to solidify. Heat again until all is liquid once more.
5.	Add any tinctures and essential oils when the mixture is below 45° - 48°C. Mix in thoroughly and, when all is a homogenous mass pour into sterilized jars and seal immediately.

Recommended reading on Magickal Herbalism, Herbs & Correspondences:

“Aromatherapy”, Purchon, Nerys. She also has a wonderful Complete Herbal. I last saw her books available at David Jones, however my copy does not have the frontispage so I cannot list the publisher. I will endeavour to find this out. This book has an excellent section on the correspondences of essential oils, including magickal properties as well as medical warnings. There is a limited supply of Nerys Purchon books on Amazon.com and her publishers included Allen & Unwin, Hodder & Stoughton and Metro Books.

“The Complete Book of Oils, Incenses and Brews” & “Magical Herbalism”. Cunningham, Scott. Llewellyn Publications. I love Cunningham’s herbal books as they are straight forward and have good correspondences and recipes. They are great to start with and as ongoing reference books. He also has an Encyclopaedia of herbs. 

“Herbs in Magic and Alchemy - Techniques from Ancient Herbal Lore”. Zalewski, C.L. Prism Press. This has all sorts of correspondences as well as magickal anointing procedures.

“Traditional Herbal Remedies”. Plucknett, Jenny. The Book Company International. A small but very informative book on herbal lore as well as a good guide to growing and preparation of herbs.

“The Book of Herbs”. Sanecki, Kay N. Quintet Publishing. A great growing guide.

“Culpeper’s Complete Herbal”. Culpeper, Nicholas. Wordsworth Reference. Originally published in 1653. Excellent book for reference to 17th century Herbalism with lots of astrological references. However not recommended for actual medicinal use, as many preparations would be likely to make you really, really ill.

Molly Dye’s Lotions and Potions. This is an excellent book with lots of information on making ointments, cosmetics and household products. Unfortunately my copy has been missing for a couple of years and I haven’t been able to track down another one. If anyone knows about this book, or its publisher, please contact me.