The Witching Hour Page 15
What will this powder be used for?
Is this a one-time situation or do you wish to make a larger batch of powder to use for several things (such as a spiritual cleansing practice) or to share with others?
Do you have the time to order special ingredients or do you need to make the powder right away? If the need is immediate, what ingredients can you substitute for those you do not have? If you have plenty of time, will you be planning to wildcraft (gathering yourself and drying them from nature) or choosing your garden?
Do you want to add a signature ingredient? Some magickal practitioners add a signature ingredient, something that encompasses their essence and melds the powder to their energy field or vibration. This ingredient can be herbal or non-herbal; the choice is yours.
Depending on the use of the powder, how much magickal timing do you wish to use? What moon phase, day, hour, or moon sign would be appropriate to make the powder?
Do you want to add the particular energies of a deity, totem animal, or element to the essence of the powder? If so, what correspondences go well with that deity, totem animal, element, or spirit?
Do you want to employ the energies of a specialty ingredient, such as dirt from the gates of a cemetery for protection or crushed, dried eggshell to ward off all evil or ashes from a petition, etc.? Use your intuition. If you are unsure, try using the binary divination system I spoke about earlier.
Do you have a particular plan of operation in mind for the creation, blessing, and feeding of the powder? Do you need to choose particular charms and chants that you wish to use during the construction of the powder?
Right. About now you might be saying, “But what about the spontaneity? About solely using my intuition? About trusting my abilities to just let it flow? Lists? Timing? Oh, please!”
In magick, you will find there is a place for spontaneity as well as circumstances where a trusted format can be very helpful. There are times when you might be overly stressed and nothing comes to mind; a ritual of rote, one memorized and done hundreds of times, can keep the focus and raise your vibrations to the level you desire. Or, what if you have several worries and your mind flits from the various angles of the problem? What if there are so many people involved that you can’t keep your mind focused on just the right desire? Maybe you are worried that you are not doing the right thing. What if you feel so defeated that it is difficult to even try to believe that you can make circumstances better? In these instances, if you rely totally on spontaneity, you may mentally switch gears in the middle of a working, thereby muddying your manipulation of the field of potential that surrounds you. That sea of potential is just as important as the herbs you chose, the timing you picked, and the words you wish to use. Mixed signals into that field can derail all of your efforts in seconds. Favored tools such as a particular plate or mat that you always use to empower powders, chants that make you feel calm and comfortable, or hand motions and gestures that you do to welcome, mix, or dismiss energies can all play a part in a successful working.
Summary
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 provided ideas for a spiritual and practical foundation in creating your powders and herbal blends. In the next chapter we will discuss techniques you can utilize when making your magickal powders and herbal blends, along with a large section on how to make fluid condensers that are designed to enhance any working.
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9. Dominguez, Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans, 81.
chapter four
The Power of Fluid Condensers
A fluid condenser is a blend of natural ingredients prepared in a symbolic way using magickal correspondences, timing, and ritual. Don’t let the word fluid trip you up. Here, the definition of fluid relates to a blend of occult alchemical practices and philosophy that attempt to explain and utilize for specific purposes the unknowns in the fabric of the cosmos—an effort at delineation, practice, and theory where more standard scientific or religious explanations have failed. In the case of the word fluid, the relationship in this discussion is one of energy, the field, the fifth element, and spirit, all synonymous and yet…not. When discussing fluid condensers there are actually three types, two of which have no relation to wet stuff in the least: liquid, solid, and gaseous.
Although Western occultism brought this alchemical (spiritual and material) study to the public, the practices have existed long before Rosicrucian, Thelema, and Hermeticism. However, credit is due to them because, as a friend of mine said, “You can thank Blavatsky and those like her for busting down the door.”
There are theories on how a fluid condenser operates. Some feel the purpose of the fluid condenser is to securely hold a specified energy (impregnated thoughts) until the practitioner directs and releases that energy to the defined goal or target. In this line of thinking, the fluid condenser is thought to be able to accumulate substantial charges of energy that, when directed properly, can help a magickal working come to fruition quickly and with speed. Think of it as an energy storage locker. Others believe that the condenser is more of an attraction mechanism, pulling the right combination of power to amplify and assist in solidifying your thought pattern. Then, there are those who believe the fluid condensers do both: store and amplify. Regardless of the theories, most people who use a liquid condenser agree that they work extremely well. We have learned that liquid fluid condensers take the charge of sound extremely well, which works perfectly in Braucherei and whisper magicks.
I adore fluid condensers!
Pascal Beverly Randolph, best known for his involvement in Spiritualism and founding the Rosicrucian Order in the United States, is currently the oldest traditional link to the discussion of condensers in print. He made mention of them regarding sex magick and love potions as well as making magick mirrors.10 He was an alchemist (among other things) and wrote voraciously, traveling the world and collecting information that his charismatic personality put to interesting use.11 Unfortunately, Randolph’s experiments contain several ingredients that are considered toxic today, and his alchemical process was somewhat laborious. His fluid condenser formulas included one for coating objects (with successive layers of the condenser), one for adding to potions to be ingested, and a blend of the first and second formulas cited along with perfume and color for use on poppets (which were called “volts”).
Fluid condensers with more information, safer ingredients, and a faster way of production were perfected by the Czech occultist Franz Bardon at least eighty years later, and it is in his work that we find the greatest public reliance on this subject in our community today. Most often cited in this arena is his book originally published in 1956 in German, Initiation into Hermetics. Bardon was brilliant and meticulous in his work, an exceptional alchemist interested in physical, mental, and spiritual health. His teachings are still very popular. Although Bardon gave excellent instructions on the liquid and solid condensers, he passed over the gaseous ones (fragrance, perfume, incense), indicating that they were not as important in his studies as the other two. Because of this, almost no information has carried through on the basics of creating a gaseous condenser. As a condenser’s purpose is to up the ante (so to speak) in the use of the object, we’re going to have to use a little creative thinking on the process a bit later in this section.12 It was celebrated author and witch Sybil Leek, however, who launched fluid condensers in front of the general public with the mass market release of her book Cast Your Own Spell in 1970, written in easy to understand prose, which delighted a hungry audience and miffed serious occultists.13 Although Sybil stayed close to Bardon’s work, her own inimitable yet practical style helps to add clarity to the discussion of fluid condensers and quite frankly says yes, you too can make these potent concoctions and be successful at it without killing yourself or going mad in the process. If you get a chance and feel like delving into history, do take the time to read the biographies of Franz Bardon an
d Pascal Beverly Randolph; you will find most interesting information there.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, condensers did not take hold in the general magickal community and are rarely sold in occult stores. Those who have an interest in them construct their own. The process to create a condenser is not complicated; however, liquid fluid condensers contain high-proof alcohol, which is a flammable shipping hazard, and also require either gold (tincture of gold) or the blood, semen, or what I like to call “lady juices” of their creator. Incense, liquid essentials, smelling waters, and reed diffuser blends are part of the gaseous condenser family, and they too require the same unusual ingredients as stated above. Solid condensers consist of the metals lead, tin, iron, gold, copper, brass, silver, and mercury, and a variety of resins. Getting your hands on liquid mercury these days is incredibly difficult because of the increasing information on its toxicity; studies have shown it can cause kidney, liver, and brain damage, and it may lead to other serious auto-immune deficiencies. Bardon’s work, the heaviest and most informative of the three, speaks not only of tangible condensers but of the spiritual fluid transcendence as well, which may not be wholly appreciated as much as it should be, and therefore the work has been too often ignored.
An operative in all three condensers is gold, and just plopping gold in the mixture will not do. There is an alchemical process for preparing the gold to be included or you can purchase gold chloride from a photography supplier and make a tincture that is then used in the condensers. This is the easiest way to incorporate the essence of gold in your work. Because the gold chloride is diluted before use, it will last a long time and you can make a room full of liquid fluid condensers if you so desire! Once you have formulated your tincture of gold, it will last a long time because you only use ten drops per one cup of liquid in your final liquid condenser blend. Why gold? Because it is believed to carry the greatest load in accumulation power. Those who do not wish to add a drop of blood (menstrual fluid), semen, or other use the gold tincture as a substitute. There are also practitioners, however, who feel that both should be utilized. Leek assures the reader that this is unnecessary and that the gold tincture can be employed without difficulty as a substitute. She also states: “Keep in mind that they (fluid condensers) are added power to the core idea of the spell.”14
Are making fluid condensers worth it or should we just use a present- day magickal oil formula and move on?
It’s worth it.
Our practices here have shown that the liquid fluid condensers work very well for anointing objects, dressing poppets, creating talismans (which many feel may have been its original purpose), and a compendium of other magickal operations from healing to drawing good fortune to work for rendering justice and sending back negative energy. Most popular among many is the universal fluid condenser, discussed by both Bardon and Leek because it is an all-purpose vehicle. However, as both authors state in their respective works, simple (one herb correspondence) and compound (several herbal correspondences) can be made for any everyday (and not so everyday) purpose. When I finally understood the full concept of fluid condensers and what amazing things they could do (and I won’t kid you, it took me a while), I made it my mission to create a wide variety of simple and compound formulas. My crowning glory is my Divination fluid condenser because it works not only to boost psychic abilities, but also to make a liar cough up the truth. The Money Draw formula is the most popular with my friends. All of my formulas were developed with specific astrological correspondences. There has been more than one time in the past few years that my neighbors have curiously peeked through the thicket (yes, that’s not a colorful stretch from the truth) to see what the heck I was doing out there in the moonlight at three in the morning.
I like to keep them guessing.
Because I make and share my liquid and gaseous condensers, I do not put anything from my body in them at the time of preparation, as that would give an energy connection directly to me to any work that is done by the individual who received my condenser. For me, adding such items, if I feel it is warranted, is the very last step and an optional one. You can make your condensers in small quantities or you can drag out the canning pot and spend the afternoon boiling up a huge batch with all of your magickal friends helping. Where the former makes your product singularly unique, the latter allows trusted practitioners to share their combined energy in both the practice and magickal ritual of the creation. Both types of liquid condensers made here have proven successful.
Liquid Fluid Condenser Supplies
To prepare a liquid fluid condenser like we do here, you will need:
Glass Measuring Cups
A Pot with a Glass Lid: (so you can see the mixture as it boils). We have three pots here in different sizes from small to large. Tall saucepans or small stockpots work well for smaller batches. Most importantly, this pot should only be used for making fluid condensers, never food. You will understand this when you make your first batch of patchouli fluid condenser: the smell stays in the pot almost forever. Too, some of the herbs you may wish to use may be considered toxic in some form or another; always research. You don’t want to infuse those herbs into a pot that is used to prepare food for your family. At best, the food will taste super yucky. Finally, the boiling herbs will stain the kettle.
A Heat Source: A stovetop or even an outdoor fire setup where the pot hangs over the fire. Although many practitioners prefer gas, this isn’t always possible, and I can tell you from experience that your fluid condenser will be just fine if you use an electric heat source. I have a portable induction hotplate that I use for making most of my fluid condensers. It is safe, and I don’t have to be in the kitchen. You can also use a slow cooker and simmer your blend for four hours; however, the end product isn’t as clear and doesn’t hold the fragrance of herbs as well. We made our first Money Draw fluid condenser this way, and the end product performed well; several practitioners enjoyed increased, temporary wealth as a result of adding the formula to their workings. Using the slow cooker does make the process take longer, so I usually use my dedicated pots and the induction hotplate, which takes much less time, and the formula retains some of the aromas of the herbs.
Metal Fine Mesh Strainer that Covers the Width of the Pot: I actually have two strainers, one finer than the other, as you don’t want any solids in the formula in the end.
Cheesecloth, Coffee Filters, or Paper Towels for Straining: Cheesecloth works best, coffee filters second, towels a messy third.
Two Cups of Spring Water
Two Cups of Herb (Fresh or Dried): Please know your herbs before boiling them. If you are worried that the herb could be toxic when prepared, do your research. Today, you can jump on the net quickly to determine the possible side effects of just about any plant, parts of plants, and even whether or not a plant can be safely boiled. If you can’t access the internet and don’t have a collection of herbal books, use only food-safe herbs that are known to be suited for cooking. If you choose to use an herb that might be considered toxic because the warnings are not applicable to your current state of health (it depends on medical conditions, pregnancy, etc.), never, ever inhale the steam and do perform the cooking process outdoors. Finally, whether the herbs are food safe or not, don’t lift the lid for a little peek while cooking, as you will ruin the formula, and if the herbs are not food safe, then you run the risk of poisoning yourself—not worth it. For example, a patchouli liquid fluid condenser has a compendium of uses and is safe to boil, use on the skin, etc.; however, it is deemed unsafe for handling by pregnant women in their first trimester, and it can cause skin irritations to those who suffer from skin sensitivities.
One Cup of Grain Alcohol: We use Everclear; however, please be aware that different states have rules and regulations on the percentage/proof that is permitted to be sold in those states, so I refrain from giving those numbers. The alcohol acts as a preservative for your condenser. Just remember that it
is highly flammable and in this recipe is never heated. It is added cold after the heating and cooling process has taken place. Sybil Leek used both fuel alcohol and spirit of alcohol (which is the Everclear or a clear drinking alcohol such as vodka). Although Everclear and vodka are more expensive, they seem to produce a better overall product; my suggestion is to purchase the strongest proof that is legal in your area.
Bottles for Storage: This choice is entirely up to you. You can choose fancy or plain; glass is best, dark if possible. You can even spray paint the outside of a canning jar with black paint and decorate the jar so that your formula looks delightfully magickal (and therefore cannot be mistaken for a yummy dressing for someone’s salad). The lid should be tight, although corked bottles can be used. Just check those corks every now and then. You can put all of the formula in one jar or bottle or, after it is completed, pour it into small bottles to give as gifts to friends. Be sure to label the bottle “poison” and give the date created, if possible, and a list of the ingredients you used. You never know who might pick it off your friend’s shelf and decide to take a taste or two. This is the same for any type of herbal formula, including the powders and blends in this book. Well-marked ingredients give peace of mind.
Your Gold Tincture: Gold tincture is easy to prepare. Please read the health warnings on your bottle of gold chloride and take the time to study the hazards of use on the net. You are using such a small amount that there shouldn’t be health concerns; however, I feel you should always be informed when working with any type of chemical or herb. To be safe, I never touch the gold chloride and always use an eyedropper or pip for dispensing. The formula is as follows: add one gram of gold chloride to 20 grams of distilled water. To help you understand, one fluid ounce equals 29.5 grams. This means you need only a minuscule amount of gold chloride to make your gold tincture. We use an electronic scale to make our measurements (don’t forget to add the weight of your container to your calculations). Your liquid fluid condenser only needs 5–10 drops of your gold tincture for every 100 grams (6.7 ounces) of the liquid fluid condenser. There are 8 ounces in one cup of liquid. The recipe I use here renders about two cups of liquid fluid condenser once the alcohol is added; therefore, you would put approximately 20–30 drops of your gold tincture in your room-temperature liquid fluid condenser. Your own measurements are best, as depending on how long and how hard you boiled your initial two cups of water, more or less liquid will be left, and this amount should be used for your final measurement of your gold tincture that you made; this is just a general guideline. If you are confused, there are several conversion charts online that can assist you in your calculations. This part of the process is the most technical portion of the liquid fluid condenser recipe. After you figure this out, the rest is very easy.