Copyright © 1997 A Witch's
Cauldron. All rights reserved. NO portion of this web site (all pages and
graphics), may be copied and reproduced in part, or full on the internet
in any fashion. This includes web sites and mailing lists.
Fluid
Condensers
How
to make a fluid condenser
One of
the most effective and practical ways to of using and storing herbs is
with magically - charged infusions. These infusions are called condensers.
Condensers and herbs fall into four categories, Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
This
process works for any elemental condenser. For best results, make them
during a waxing Moon. Remember to always use an odd number of herbs, like
1 or 3. Place 2 handfuls of the desired herb into a pot. Add just enough
cold, pure or spring water to cover the ingredients. Cover and cook over
a flame or high heat for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, don't remove
the lid, and cool for 13 minutes. Strain the liquid and return it to the
pot. Cover and boil again until the liquid has halved in quantity.
Repeat
the cooling procedure, then add the same amount of spirits (vodka or gin)
or fuel alcohol. Shake the mixture well, then strain through four layers
of cheese cloth or find linen, one piece for each of the elements, into
small dark glass bottles. Label the mixture, including the date and store
in a cool, dark place. If you are going to be keeping them for an extended
period of time, store them in the refrigerator.

The Universal
Fluid Condenser
This is
also called a compound fluid condenser. It's kind of a 'all purpose' condenser
as it is good for all types of spells and is used to give them and added
boost of power. It's a outstanding general anointing liquid for tools,
amulets, charms and sachets, and is used, to in purifying baths and washes.
Candles, gemstones and jewelry all benefit for the powers of this condenser
if it is applied to them on a regular basis. As always, be creative and
use your imagination to find new ways to use it.
Directions:
Herbs
to use: Angelica leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leave, sage leaves,
oak leaves or bark, bay leaves, cucumber skin, violet flowers or leaves,
melon seeds.
Take
equal parts of each of these, about 2 handfuls and put in your pot. Cover
them with spring water and boil slowly for half an hour. Cool, strain and
boil until the mixture becomes thick. Then add an equal amount of spirits.
Pour into a dark glass bottle. Store in a cool, dry place and remember
to label it with all the relevant information including date.

How
to use your Condensers
Listed
below is an example of how you can use each condenser. They can be used
in a variety of different ways, such as anointing the body (soles of feet,
hands, back of neck, forehead), candles, stones and mojo bags, sachets
and baths. Read what the various condensers are used for and be creative!

The
Earth Condenser
Pour a
few teaspoons of this fluid into a glazed earthenware bowl. Holding the
bowl in your hands, charge the fluid with your intent until it is completely
saturated with your thoughts. Then pour it out onto the Earth. As it soaks
up the fluid, call out your desire and visualize it. When the condenser
has been completely absorbed by the earth, the spell is complete. Although
the most preferable place to do this is in the forest, if you live in the
city and circumstances prevent you going there, a pot of soil will do just
fine.
Corresponding
Herbs
Balm of
Gilead, bisort, cedar, cinquefoil, cypress, fern, honeysuckle, horehound,
jasmine, mandrake, patchouly, pine, sage, slippery elm.

The
Air Condenser
Pour some
spring water into a small metal bowl or saucer. Then add three drops of
the condenser. Cupping the bowl with both hands, close your eyes and charge
it with your desire. Visualize it as though it has already taken place.
Place the bowl onto a flame, or hot oven element. As the liquid evaporates
and rises out of the bowl, slowly wave your athame or wand through the
steam, calling the powers of Air to aid you in making your desire a reality.
When all of the liquid has been evaporated the spell is finished.
Corresponding
Herbs
Acacia,
anise, bensoin, broom, comfrey, elder, eucalyptus, eyebright, hazel, lavender,
lemon verbena, marjoram, mastic, mistletoe, mugwort, nutmeg, peppermint,
sandalwood, spearmint, thyme, wormwood.

The
Fire Condenser
This condenser
should never be used on the skin.
Using
your athame or by folding and tearing, make a square, four by four inch
piece of clean, white paper. Using a red ink pen, write your intent on
the paper. Moisten the paper with a few drops of the condenser and allow
to dry. Charge the paper with your intent. Burn the paper completely, while
still focused on it's intent. The spell is over. Although a bonfire or
furnace are ideal for this, a candle (red) can be used as a substitute.
Corresponding
Herbs
Alder,
angelica, basil, bay laurel, betony, carnation, celandine, cinnamon, clove,
coriander, garlic, heliotrope, holly, hyssop, juniper, marigold, mullein,
nettle, oak, pennyroyal, peony, pepper, primrose, rosemary, rowan, rue,
saffron, St. John's wort, thistle, vanilla, vervain.

The
Water Condenser
Take a
clean glass jar to a place with running water, like rivers or streams.
Fill the container with water and find a private place nearby. Pour a few
drops of the condenser into the water and mix it up. Charge the fluid with
you intent. Then pour the water into the stream, calling the forces of
water to aid you in the spell, visualizing the intent as having happened.
The spell is over. To add more power to this spell, gather the water from
three different sources.
Corresponding
Herbs
apple,
ash, burdock, chamomile, camphor, catnip, cucumber, cyclemen, elecampane,
gardenia, geranium, hawthorn, heather, henbane, hops, hyacinth, ivy, lettuce,
lovage, meadowsweet, myrrh, mytle, sweet orange, orris, pansy, periwinkle,
poppy, rose, star anise, violet, willow, yarrow.

Back to A
Witch's Cauldron
