Abramelin Oil

Abramelin oil, also called Oil of Abramelin, is a ceremonial magical oil blended from aromatic plant materials. Its name came about due to its having been described in a medieval grimoire called The Book of Abramelin written by Abraham of Worms. The recipe is adapted from the Jewish Holy Oil of the Tanakh, which is described in the Book of Exodus attributed to Moses.

There has been much written about this oil. In the Jewish tradition, from whence came the original Biblical recipe upon which Abramelin Oil is based, the Olive is a symbol of domestic felicity and stability, Myrrh is believed to be sacred to the Lord, Calamus is known for its sweetness and phalliform fruiting body and represents male sexuality and love, while Cinnamon is favored for its warming ability.

Crowley also had a symbolic view of the ingredients that he found in the Mathers translation:

This oil is compounded of four substances. The basis of all is the oil of the olive. The olive is, traditionally, the gift of Minerva, the Wisdom of God, the Logos. In this are dissolved three other oils; oil of myrrh, oil of cinnamon, oil of galangal. The Myrrh is attributed to Binah, the Great Mother, who is both the understanding of the Magician and that sorrow and compassion which results from the contemplation of the Universe. The Cinnamon represents Tiphereth, the Sun -- the Son, in whom Glory and Suffering are identical. The Galangal represents both Kether and Malkuth, the First and the Last, the One and the Many, since in this Oil they are One. [...] These oils taken together represent therefore the whole Tree of Life. The ten Sephiroth are blended into the perfect gold.

In hoodoo folk magic, these symbolisms are somewhat changed: Myrrh and Olive remain the same, but Cinnamon is for money, good fortune in business, and luck, and Calamus is used to break jinxes, control others, and luck. Galangal root is employed in protective work, especially that involving court cases.

Here are a couple of recipes for making Abramelin oil. The first employs the maceration (crushing and soaking) of herbs and the second employs the blending of essential oils. Which recipe you choose is purely a matter of personal preference.

A recipe for macerated Abramelin oil is as follows:

4 parts powdered Cinnamon bark

2 parts finely ground Myrrh resin

1 part Calamus chopped root, reduced to powder

7 parts Olive oil

The mixture is macerated for one month, then decanted and bottled for use, producing a fragranced oil suitable for anointing any portion of the body, and will not burn the skin. It may be applied liberally, after the manner of traditional Jewish Holy Oils, such as the one which was poured on Aaron's head until it ran down his beard. It is not, however, made "according unto the art of the apothecary", since it is not distilled after the maceration but decanted into bottles.

A recipe for Abramelin oil using essential oils is as follows:

half part Cinnamon essential oil

1 parts Myrrh essential oil

1 part Calamus essential oil

1 part Cassia essential oil

7 parts Olive oil

Keep it in a clean container until you need it. This oil should be stored under the altar. This is highly fragranced oil that may be applied to the skin in more liberal amounts; it is a close, modern approximation of the oil described by Abramelin to Abraham of Worms.

Another recipe for Abramelin oil substitutes galangal root for Calamus root.

4 parts Cinnamon bark quills, reduced to powder

2 parts Myrrh resin tears, finely ground

1 part Galangal sliced root, reduced to powder

7 parts Olive oil

This mixture is macerated for one month, and then strained through cheesecloth and bottled for use. The result is a fragranced oil suitable for anointing any portion of the body, and it will not burn the skin.

FORMULAS

Some of the following formulas will provide precise blending requirements, while others do not. This is because the way I make my oils is similar to the way I cook – like a Creole, with a little bio for dis and a little bit today. Sometimes I want the strength of a particular herb or scent to be more or less depending on the work or purpose I have in mind and so I will adjust it accordingly. You can do this too, once you get comfortable with both the process of blending oils, as well as their properties.

In the meantime, here are some basic guidelines to go by when precise measurements are not provided for a particular formula.

Anointing Oil - Anointing Oils can be made using different concentrations of essential oils. Add 60-75 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend to approximately 1 oz. of carrier oil.

Perfume – Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1/3 ounce of carrier oil to types of carrier oils that work well for perfumes, jojoba oil, and fractionated coconut oil. These carrier oils have a long shelf life and are nearly odorless.

Spray – Add 30-50 drops of an essential oil or essential oil blend to an 8 oz. spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water. Most spray bottles of this size will be plastic; however, remember the oils will erode the plastic bottle in time.

Bath Oil– Add 5-7 drops of essential oils or essential oil blend to one ounce of carrier oil. Pour a small amount of the blend into a tub of running water. Stir the water and oil together before getting in the tub.

Now, here are some recipes for a variety of oils and potions for use in your magickal works. Anointing oils may be used fogeneral-purpofor sese prayer or other applications, except for the Holy Anointing Oil, which is reserved for consecration and blessing purposes only.

I have provided background information and cited the source when known. The rest are my recipes, as well as those I have collected and recorded over the yea, rs and frankly, could not tell you where I got them from.

Storage

Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles or vials. However, essential oils can be packaged in clear glass bottles or vials if they are stored in a box or dark carrying case. All essential oils should be kept at a moderate to cool temperature and away from children and pets.

Precautions

Please note that it is always possible to have an allergic reaction to any oil or oil blend. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using any essential oil that will have contact with the skin. This is to determine if you may be allergic or have a sensitization reaction to the oil.

Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.

Pregnant women and persons with health problems must consult doctor.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.

Essential oils should not be taken internally.

Products made with natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions with some individuals.

When using oils on skin, be aware of any reactions that seem to be happening, and take first aid measures immediately. Flush the area with a lot of clean water and seek medical attention. Take the same steps (flush with clean water, seek medical help) if you spill undiluted essentials on yourself, or get them in your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.

Working with essential oils requires knowing the properties of the oils and being aware of the safety issues about the oils you use. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of essential oils based on information is from Julia Lawless book The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism (Illustrated Encyclopedia). You are encouraged to purchase the book and study it to gain the in depth knowledge required to master the art of apothecary.

Hazardous Oils: Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood.

Toxicity: Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximum of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are: Ajowan, Anise Star, Basil (exotic), Bay Laurel, Bay (West Indian), Camphor (white), Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagests, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Turmeric, Valerian.

Dermal/Skin Irritation: Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration: Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet), Black Pepper, Boreol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Thyme (white) and Turmeric.

Sensitization: Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always do a patch test before using a new oil to check for individual sensitization. Oils which may cause sensitization include: Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Canagaa, Cedarwood (Virginian), Chamomile (Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (melissa), Litsea Cubeba, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Orange, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch and long-leaf), Styrax, Tea Tree, Thyme (white), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.

Phototoxicity: Some oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin, if the area will be exposed to the sun: Angelica Root, Bergamot (except bergapten-free type), Cumin, Ginger, Lemon (expressed), Lime (expressed), Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.

High Blood Pressure: Avoid the following oils in cases of high- hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme.

Epilepsy: Fennel (sweet).

Diabetes: Hyssop, Rosemary, Angelica, and Sage (all types).

Homeopathy: Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with the following: Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.

MAKING MAGICKAL OILS

As a general rule, you can use the following method for creating magickal anointing oils. In a mortar and pestle, pour two ounces of your base oil (olive, almond, grapeseed, etc.) and then add the herbs and other ingredients. Gently crush the ingredients and transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a dark place. After four days, check the oil to see if the fragrance is to the desired strength. If it is, then you can either strain the oil with cheesecloth into your final container, or simply leave everything together. Store in a dark place. If you do not have the right aromatic strength, then strain the oil in cheesecloth back into your mortar, add enough of your base oil to bring it back to 2 ounces, and repeat the process of adding your ingredients, crushing them into the oil, and storing away for three days at a time. Repeat this as many times as necessary to achieve the desired strength.

Some herbs and resins are more readily absorbed than others. If you have an essential oil of an herb used in a recipe, you can add some to the recipe to enhance the aroma, as well. Be sure to add a few drops of tincture of Benzoin to your oils or they will go rancid (unless you are using jojoba oil as a base).

CARRIER OILS

Below you will find a list of carrier oils and their shelf life that can be used to make magickal anointing oils. This is important information when considering how often you will use the particular oil you make.

Grapeseed Oil - Shelf life is approximately 3-6 months. Solvent extracted grapeseed oil has a shelf life of 9 months. Keep refrigerated.

Jojoba Oil - Indefinite shelf life.

Mustard Seed - Abyssinian Seed Oil - Shelf life is approximately 18- 24 months.

Olive Oil - Shelf life is approximately 12 months to 18 months if stored properly in a cool dark place.

Sweet Almond Oil - Shelf life is approximately 3-6 months is not refrigerated. If refrigerated, the shelf life can be increased to 12 months.

Oils and Potions

Voodoo Hoodoo not only utilizes roots & herbs for its spells, but also candles, oils, incense, floor washes, sprays, powders - pretty much anything goes. Many spells are candle oriented for added

power. The color of the candle is always in sync with the nature of the spell. By dressing (anointing) the candles with oils and rolled in powdered herbs, you're in effect adding an enhancement to your candle of power thereby making it that much more precise in your working.

This spills the beans on some of the commonly used oils and potions in Voodoo hoodoo. You will need to know how to make these or you will need to buy them for many of the spells. Most traditional rootworkers make their own, although modernization of the practice along with internet access makes it easier for some folks to purchase what they need. Do whatever you want; there is no law that says you have to make your own. The advantage of making your own is that you know exactly what is in it and you can charge it yourself. If you must purchase, I recommend Cat Yronwode’s site, luckymojo.com as a reputable place for just about anything hoodoo.

Many traditions of magic work with plant materials, and most assign some symbolic meanings or ascriptions to these ingredients. Many hoodoo and Voodoo spells require certain blends of oils and powders to accomplish a particular work or to enhance a spell. Always use a natural carrier oil to blend your magickal oils as unblended oils can burn the skin. You should only use a drop or two at a time on the skin. I use Grape Seed oil and almond oil for blending magickal oils, and Olive oil for blending holy oils. Jojoba oil is a good alternative because it won’t go rancid, although it is more expensive than the others. Mineral oil is good for negative works. You should always add tincture of Benzoin or Vitamin E oil to keep to any oils listed to keep them from going rancid.

ASSORTED OBJECTS AND CURIOS

Here are some other commonly used elements to have on hand for rootworking, spells, and mojo bags:

Ace of diamonds – luck in gambling

Ammonia – purifying, cleansing, protection; may replace urine

Arrowhead – protection; love

Bat – substitute bat nuts (Devil’s Pods) as bats are endangered; gambling charm; luck, happiness, to kill

Black beans – protection

Black cat bone (PLEASE substitute chicken bones painted black) – good luck; gambling luck

Black cat hair – gambling luck; break up a couple

Black dog hair – break up a couple; bring trouble to a couple; drive enemies away

Black-eyed peas – good luck

Black salt – evil purposes; drive away evil; get rid of unwanted guests

Bluestones – gambling luck; draw good spirits; ward off evil spirits; protection; success

Brick dust (red) – protection scrub for home; gambling luck; business money scrub

Broom – protection; cleansing; make two people fight; ward off unwelcome visitors; keep troublesome or meddling visitors from returning

Buckeye nut – enhance male virility; gambling charm; improve business sales; gaining employment

Chain – protection

Coffin nails – used in spells of malice ; cause illness; break up couples

Copper coins or medals – health

Coins – money

Cowrie shells – used in divination and jewelry; represents female genitalia and used in love and jinxing spells, typically used as a doll or on a Voodoo doll

Crucifix – protection; blessing

Dice (pair) – good luck; gambling luck

Dollar sign – good luck; gambling luck

Egyptian Ankh – good luck; gambling luck

Epsom salts – disarm enemies; purification bath and floor wash

Flowers from a wedding – love

Four leaf clover – luck; gambling luck

Glass eye or marble – health

Gold – money

Goofer dust – jinxing an enemy in family, job, money, and health; killing powder; evil workings

Graveyard dirt –protection (blessed with holy water); cause unnatural illness in enemies; gaming luck

Green candles – money

Holy water – blessing; protection

Keys – love

Lodestones with fillings (2) – protection; good luck; gambling luck; attract power, favors, gifts

Magnetic sand – drawing love and money

Mustard seed – health

Nails – protection

Needles – carving names on candles for spells; used for focusing intent in Voodoo doll magic

Olive oil – protection; used as a base for blessing oils

Pink candles – love

Prayers to the Saints – various

Rain water – protection

Religious images of Saints – various

River water – protection

Salt – protection; blessings, cleansing; good luck; uncrossing

Saltpeter – protection; purification; uncrossing; changing luck

Silver – money

Sugar or other sweeteners – drawing love; attracting customers and money to business; developing goodwill; manipulation in matters of love

Tonka beans – love; luck

Vinegar – curse and enemy; drive away enemies; love drawing douche; protection; cause discord among enemies

Wedding ring – love

Witch hazel – used in potions

While these lists are not exhaustive of the ingredients you will encounter in Voodoo and hoodoo spellwork, they form a very good foundation for the knowledge you need to understand why certain elements are called for in spells and conjuring. You may consecrate any of these items if you will be using them as a talisman or amulet by following the instructions in the chapter on Talismans.

STONES AND MINERALS

In addition to incenses and resins, herbs and roots, you will need to have a selection of stones and minerals on hand. Here is a suggested list of some stones and minerals and their properties to get you started.

Agate – health (lighter shades); luck; gambling luck (darker shades)

Amber – love; luck; gambling luck

Amethyst – health, spiritual protection

Apache tears – protection

Aquamarine – love

Aventurine – luck; gambling luck

Gold – good luck; gambling luck; money

Hematite – health; grounding

Flint – protection; health

Jade – protection; health

Jasper – protection

Lapis lazuli – protection; health; love

Malachite – protection; love

Moonstone – protection; love

Mother of pearl – protection

Obsidian – protection

Opal – love

Pearl – protection; good luck; gambling luck; love

Petrified wood – protection; health

Pyrite – gambling luck, money

Quartz crystal – protection; blessing;, peace; health

Red coral – protection; love

Rose quartz – love

Ruby – protection

Sapphire – health

Sodalite – health

Sulphur – kill an enemy; crossing; move someone away; make an enemy your friend

Tiger’s eye – protection

Topaz – protection; health

Turquoise – protection; health

HERBS, PLANTS, AND ROOTS

Along with a variety of incenses and resins, you will need a supply of herbs. Here I have provided a list of some of the commonly used herbs and plants and their magickal properties that you should know about and have on hand for your blends and mojo hands. Note that many can be used for more than one purpose, sometimes depending upon the properties of the other herbs and plants they are blended with.

Adam and Eve Root – love

Allspice berries – good fortune in games of chance and business; relieves psychological stress

Alfalfa – general good luck; luck in gambling; business success; financial security; prevent poverty and money troubles

Alkanet root – good fortune in games of chance, money matters, and business; source of red dye

Allspice – general good luck; luck in gambling; health

Aloe Vera - protection

Amber – love

Anise – protection; general good luck; luck in gambling; increase psychic abilities; protect against evil eye

Basil – Love; protection; happiness; peace; associated with Erzulie and Vishnu

Bay leaves – protection; health; protection; success; enhance spiritual gifts; increase wisdom, clarity of thought, and insight; ward off evil; drive away enemies; victory

Birch – protection

Black pepper corns – prevent unwanted visitors; cause pain and sorrow to an enemy; revenge

Cactus – protection; spines used for jinxing

Catnip – Love; makes women attractive to men

Cayenne pepper – jinxing enemies, driving enemies away; cause confusion in enemy household

Cedar – protection; cleansing; blessing; health; source of benevolent power

Chamomile - general good luck; luck in gambling; protection; remove money hinges

Cinnamon – protection; health; spicing up love; brings good fortune in business and games of chance

Cloves – love; money drawing; friendship

Clover – love

Dandelion – wish granting; increase psychic visions

Devil’s Shoestring - general good luck; luck in gambling

Dill – love; protection; break love jinx; restore sexual feelings; luck in court cases; ward off illness

Dragon’s blood – protection; general good luck; luck in gambling

Eucalyptus – protection from jinxes; cast off evil; break bad habits

Fennel – protection; keep the law away; ward of troublesome and meddling people

Five finger grass – protection; health; gaining favors; gambling luck; traveler’s protection; money drawing; I'm crossing

Garlic – protection; ward off evil

Ginger – fiery protection; heats up love; gambling luck

Ginger root - general good luck; luck in gambling

Ginseng – protection

Holly - general good luck; protection of the home

High John the Conqueror – love; protection; health; luck in gambling and games of chance; bring great strength; success; personal power; money

Irish moss – good fortune in money, business, and gambling

Ivy – protection

Jasmine – love

Job’s tears – wishing; gambling luck

Juniper – love; protection, blessing; cleansing; healing; berries bring good luck in sexual relations

Lavender – love; protection, peace

Lemon balm – clears away bad luck in love; draws in new lover; cleansing; health

Licorice root – commanding; controlling; dominating

Lilac – protection

Lucky hand root – protection; general good luck; luck in gambling

Magnolia leaves – protection; keep a husband faithful

Mandrake root – love; protection; made into a doll for love or to conjure wealth

Marigold – protection

May apple - general good luck; luck in gambling

Mimosa – protection

Mint – protection; repel enemies; uncrossing, enhance psychic abilities; ward off unwanted spirits

Mistletoe – protection from enemies, evil, and love jinxes

Mustard Seed (white) – protection; love; restore male sexual energy; general good luck; ward off evil; luck in gambling

Myrrh – protection, blessing,; purification

Nutmeg – love; general good luck; luck in gambling

Oak - general good luck; luck in gambling; uncrossing; removing unwanted spirits from home or place of business

Orange peel - general good luck; luck in gambling

Onion – protection

Parsley – protection; love, fertility; death; rent a house

Patchouli – protection; draw love and money; uncrossing

Pine - general good luck; luck in gambling

Raspberry leaves – brings good luck and fidelity

Rose – drawing love; luck and protection

Rosemary – empowers women; powerful guardian, protection; ward off evil, brings good luck in family matters; brings good dreams

Sage – protection, cleansing; blessing; wisdom; gives strength to women

Snakeroot - general good luck; luck in gambling; protection; health; domination; virility; money-finding

Spanish moss –stuffing Voodoo dolls; jinxing; money-drawing

Spearmint – love

Star Anise - general good luck; luck in gambling; lucky dreams; ward off envy

Thyme – peace of mind; increase and protect money; stops nightmares

Vanilla – love

Yarrow – courage; bravery; divination; protection

The best reference book for herbs and roots by far that I highly recommend is Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure by Catherine Yronwode. If you don’t have it yet and are serious about learning, go and get it now.

INCENSES AND RESINS

In addition to the aforementioned supplies, it is also good to have a supply of certain incenses, herbs, plants, stones, minerals, and other items on hand. Here is a list of some frequently used incenses and resins in Voodoo magick and rootwork. For example, frankincense and myrrh are prominent in African healing and are holy incenses to Hoodoo.

Aloes wood - Fumigant, spiritual incense used in love spells, invoking the aid of evil spirits as well as keeping them at bay.

Camphor – Purifying incense; dream incense

Copal – Fumigant, holy incense that comes as a resin or in cones and sticks. Used in love spells; blessings; healing from respiratory ailments.

Dragon’s blood – Resin or powder; used as luck charm; warding off evil; bring luck in money and love

Frankincense – Fumigant, spiritual incense that comes as a resin or in cones and sticks. May be used for protection, blessing, consecration, intensifying concentration, summoning spirits

Jasmine – Fumigant, spiritual incense that comes as dried flower tops or in cones and sticks. Associated with Yemayá

Lavender – Fumigant, spiritual incense that comes as loose flowers or in cones and sticks. Used to attract the same sex.

Myrrh – Fumigant, holy incense that comes as a resin or in cones and sticks. Used for peace, healing, relaxation, restoring health, stimulating sensual love, blessing, anointing, protection, honoring the Creator and Moon goddess.

Patchouli – Fumigant, spiritual incense that comes as loose leaves or in cones and sticks. Used for protection, blessing

Pink Rose – Associated with Erzulie Freda

Rose Otto – Very expensive; used in love workings. Associated with Oshun and Aphrodite.

Sandalwood – Fumigant, holy incense that comes as chips, powder, or in cones and sticks. Used as an aphrodisiac and a favorite of Oshun’s. Also used for protection, safety, peace, health, blessing, purification, wish-making, and happy home spells.