Gerina Dunwich - 27 Nov

The dictionary defines the word potion as a dose or drink, especially of liquid medicine or poison. It derives from the Latin potare , which means to drink.

Potioncraft (the making and use of magickal potions) has been a talent of most Witches since the earliest of times. It has been dramatized in great works of literature (the most famous being the Witches scene in Shakespeares Macbeth ), is mentioned in the Holy Bible, and is without a doubt the forerunner to the world of modern medicine much in the same ways that astrology is to astronomy and alchemy is to science.

Potions have been used to heal the sick, invoke spirits and deities, divine the future, bring harm or death to enemies and rivals, control the weather, and conjure forth the greatest of magickal power. In ancient grimoires (magickal textbooks) there even exist curious potions designed for invisibility, flight, and shapeshifting (physical transformation by supernatural means) as well as potions which are supposed to bring the dead back to life!

But of all potions ever brewed, ancient and modern ones alike, perhaps the one most widely sought after is the philtre (pronounced like the word filter and more commonly known as a love potion). This not only reflects the basic human need to be loved, but also lays the foundation for the popular craft of love magick.

Those of you who are interested in the brewing of love potions will find many to choose from in this book, as well as aphrodisiacs, healing brews, and magickal potions for nearly every imaginable need.

Some of the potions included are intended for drinking, but some are not because they may contain herbs or other ingredients that are dangerous to ones health. Do not drink any potion in this book if its instructions indicate that the potion is not safe to drink or is followed by the word POISONOUS . The healing teas and other medicinal brews are presented only as a study of Pagan folk remedies and are not intended to be a substitute for professional health care.

It is always prudent to check with your family doctor, pharmacist, or a reputable, certified herbalist before self-administering herbs or herbal-based potions, especially if you suffer from any kind of serious health condition. In the event of a medical emergency or life-threatening illness, it is recommended that you contact a doctor or paramedic without delay!

In this book you will not only be shown how to properly prepare and use potions for magickal purposes, you will also be given the magickal associations of infusions and learn how to invoke Pagan deities, prepare Tarot meditation brews, and use essential oils for healing. Additionally, you will gain insight into the eight seasonal celebrations observed annually by Witches around the world, discover the once-forbidden art of kitchen witchery, and much more.

Throughout this book (as in many of my others) you will encounter the names of herbs and oils and the planets, elements, and so forth, which they are ruled by. For readers who are new to the magickal arts, let me explain exactly what this means: When it is said that an herb or oil is ruled by a particular planet, element, or astrological sign, this indicates that the magickal nature of the herb or oil is influenced by the energies associated with that particular planet, element, or astrological sign.

When two or more things are said to be corresponding, this simply means that they are sharing the same magickal properties and energy vibrations. For instance, some of the correspondences found in love magick include: red or pink candles, Venus-ruled herbs and oils, all Pagan deities associated with love, heart symbols, love-attracting talismans, Fridays (ruled by Venus), all red fruits (especially apples and strawberries), rubies, and so forth.

In the art of spellcraft, most Witches prefer to work magick with herbs, oils, colors, symbols, gemstones, lunar phases, deities, etc. that magickally correspond to each other because this is believed to greatly enhance the power of all spells.

Enjoy this book, harm none, and trust in the Goddess for She will provide. Blessed be!