Drink or pour as a libation to honor the male principle. This potion can also be used to help stimulate the intellect, increase energy, and express the will of the magician. It can also be used to consecrate the athame and sword, which are two magickal tools ruled by the element of Air.
Fire Elemental Potion
Prepare this potion of Fire-ruled herbs when the Moon is positioned in any of the three astrological Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Place two tablespoons of dried sassafrass root or bark and three fresh or dried juniper berries in a small cauldron or cooking pot. Add two cups of boiling water, cover with a lid, and steep for ten minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Pour as a libation to honor the male principle or offer it to the elemental spirits of Fire. This potion can also be drunk and is ideal for those who seek courage, protection against hostile adversaries, and the overcoming of jealousy and/or feelings of anger. Additionally, this potion can be used by Witches to consecrate their wands and altar candles, which are magickal tools ruled by the element of Fire.
Water Elemental Potion
Prepare this potion of Water-ruled herbs when the Moon is positioned in any of the three astrological Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio): Simmer one tablespoon of lotus seeds (also known as lotus nodes) in one cup of water for twenty minutes. Remove from heat and add two tablespoons of dried raspberry leaves, two tablespoons of skullcap leaves and flowers, and one tablespoon of rose petals. Cover with a lid and allow the potion to steep for ten minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if you desire.
Pour as a libation to honor the female principle, or offer it to the elemental spirits of Water. You may also drink this potion to help you restore balance to your emotions, increase your sensitivity and psychic awareness, and also to help you attune your spiritual vibrations to the rhythms of Mother Nature. Additionally, this potion can be used to consecrate your chalice and cauldron, which are two magickal tools ruled by the element of Water.
Earth Elemental Potion
Prepare this potion of Earth-ruled herbs when the Moon is positioned in any of the three astrological Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Steep a pinch each of Artemis herb (mugwort), magnolia blossoms, and herb of enchantment (vervain) in a cup of boiled water for five to ten minutes. Strain, and then sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Pour as a libation to honor the female principle, or offer it to the elemental spirits of Earth. This potion can also be drunk and is ideal for those who seek patience, responsibility, practicality, fertility, and stability. It can also be used by Witches to consecrate altar pentacles, which are magickal tools ruled by the element of Earth.
Recommended Reading
Campanelli, Pauline. Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life. St. Paul, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications, 1989. Paperback; 159 pages. (Illustrated by Dan Campanelli.) Rituals, magick, and folklore for the major and minor Sabbats and for every month of the year as well. This book is ideal for Wiccans of all traditions and especially for those who are new to the Craft and wish to learn more about the magickal and religious aspects of the annual cycle of the seasons.
Ferguson, Diana. The Magickal Year. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996. Hardcover; 224 pages. “A Pagan Prospectus on the Natural World.” Written from a Pagan point of view, this lavishly-illustrated book traces the ancient traditions of the Romans, Celts, Norse, and Teutonic peoples to their pre-Christian origins. If you are interested in discovering the true meanings of the seasonal rites celebrated by modern Witches and ancient cultures, then you will definitely find this to be one of the best books on the subject.
Heinberg, Richard. Celebrate the Solstice. Wheaton, Ill.: Quest Books, 1993. Paperback; 199 pages. “Honoring the Earth’s Seasonal Rhythms Through Festival and Ceremony.” The history and meanings behind the seasonal festivals of the Earth, as well as suggestions on how we can celebrate them in modern times, are presented in this engaging book.
Simms, Maria Kay. The Witch’s Circle. St. Paul, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications, 1996, second edition. Paperback; 467 pages. “Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse.” I highly recommend this book! It covers the eightfold solar cycle and contains excellent Sabbat ritual outlines. They are designed for covens but are easily adaptable to solitary use. Traditional Sabbat songs and chants are also included, as well as Full Moon Rituals for a full year, and much more.
Telesco, Patricia. Seasons of the Sun. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996. Paperback; 307 pages. “Celebrations from the World’s Spiritual Traditions.” In this marvelous book you will find a wealth of rituals, chants, recipes, magick, folklore, incense, and decorating ideas for nearly every day of the year, based on Pagan holidays from over forty cultures from around the world. Written by a prolific Pagan author, this easy-to-read book is entertaining and educational.
Resources
School of the Seasons
1463 E. Republican, No. 187
Seattle, Wash. 98112
A correspondence course based on the idea of working with seasonal energies and metaphors. Packets available for each season suggesting tasks and readings in natural studies, personal growth, magickal skills, seasonal celebrations, festival foods, sacred crafts, and Goddess lore. Instructor Waverly Fitzgerald edits The Beltane Papers: A Journal of Women’s Mysteries and has studied with Starhawk. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for information.
The Wheel of Wisdom School
c/o Gerina Dunwich
P. O. Box 525
Fort Covington, N.Y. 12937
Eight lessons by mail, taught by Gerina Dunwich, a well-known Witch and Wiccan book author. Each lesson corresponds to one of the eight Sabbats celebrated throughout the course of the year and teaches the meaning of that particular Sabbat, along with its sacred herbs, gemstones, and Pagan deities. With each lesson the student also receives altar-decorating suggestions, directions for making Sabbat potpourri, and a Sabbat ritual designed for either Solitary Witches or covens (students should specify their preference when enrolling). Four different courses are available: The Complete Wheel (all eight Sabbats): $35.00; The Greater Sabbats (four lessons): $18.00; The Lesser Sabbats (four lessons): $18.00; or One Lesson (student must specify which Sabbat): $5.00. Please make checks and money orders payable to Gerina Dunwich (U.S. funds only).
Pagan deities, also known as the “Ancient Ones,” are the goddesses and gods belonging to pantheons outside of the Christian, Jewish, and Moslem religions.
Many Wiccans and Neo-Pagans consider these deities to be different facets or aspects of the Goddess and Her consort, the Horned God. Some are gentle, beautiful, loving and benevolent, while others are ferocious, mischievous, or frightful in appearance.
Pagan deities are often invoked by Witches and other individuals who practice the magickal arts. They not only offer protection against negative influences when spells are being cast, when rituals are performed and potions are prepared, they also lend strength and power to a Witch and her (or his) magick.
Of course not all Witches invoke deities for spellwork, but the ones who do normally choose a goddess or god whose attributes correspond with the type of spell being performed. For instance, a love spell would appropriately call for a deity who governs love, such as Aphrodite or Venus. A fertility spell would work best with the invocation of a fertility deity; a money-drawing spell with the invocation of a deity associated with wealth and prosperity; a spell to heal a disease or illness with the invocation of a deity revered for his or her healing powers, and so forth.
Obviously, invoking a goddess of battle would not be a wise choice for any spell or potion of love magick. To call upon a deity whose attributes are in opposition to, or do not relate in any way to, the type of magick you are performing will almost always bring about unfavorable results. Therefore