Oils and Incenses in Magick.
Oils and incenses, much like herbs, are highly versatile tools in magickal practice.
One of the simplest ways to attract positive energy—for yourself, your loved ones, or those in need—is to burn oils and release their specific fragrances, allowing them to work naturally.
You can select oils for a variety of intentions, such as health, happiness, love, success, prosperity, confidence, and protection, among others.
Using Oils in Magick
Oils can be incorporated into rituals in several ways.
Traditionally, oils are placed on the West side of the altar to represent the Water element, or in the East—if they are lit—to symbolize the fragrance rising with the Air.
However, oils can also serve as the central focus of any spell, with each oil charged for its specific purpose before use.
There are many methods to use oils both magically and therapeutically. For example, you can burn them in special holders, which are widely available in pharmacies, hardware stores, and supermarkets.
You may also sprinkle a few drops onto an open fire or onto cotton wool.
Another option is to pour a small amount into a saucer and place it above a radiator.
Oils can be dispensed using sprays, various types of condensers and diffusers, or diluted and used as floor washes.
Important Precautions
Oils are very potent and should always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions provided in the packaging.
Generally, mild oils such as lavender, chamomile, rose, rosewood, and geranium are safe for adults, and up to ten drops can be used in a full bath.
However, do not use more than three drops of peppermint, lemon, or cedarwood, and limit other strong or astringent oils—such as orange, pine, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme—to four or five drops per bath. Always follow the instructions carefully.
You may also place a drop or two of mild oils on a handkerchief or inhale directly from the bottle, but again, always adhere strictly to the instructions.
For children, use no more than four drops of mild oil (lavender, chamomile, rose, rosewood, or geranium) in a bath. For small children, use only two drops, and stick to gentle fragrances like lavender or chamomile, which are excellent for calming.
Certain health conditions may prohibit the use of specific oils, whether in baths, inhalations, or massage.
As with herbs, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before using any oils.
Special Considerations:
If you have epilepsy, avoid sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and rosemary.
For high blood pressure, avoid cypress, hyssop, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
During pregnancy, it is best to avoid the following oils at any stage: angelica, basil, bitter almond, cedarwood, clary sage, clove, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, wintergreen, and yarrow.
Photo-Toxic Oils
Some oils, especially citrus oils, can irritate the skin when exposed to light. Use only half the normal amount of these oils in baths and massage, and avoid direct sunlight for at least six hours after use.
Photo-toxic oils include angelica, bergamot, ginger, lemon, lime, mandarin, and orange. These are ideal for burning and are energizing.
Skin Irritants
Some oils can irritate the skin and should be used sparingly and always well-diluted.
These include allspice, basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, frankincense, lemon, lemongrass, and peppermint.
Oils should never be ingested, and except for pure rose and lavender, should not be applied undiluted to the skin.
