We often get asked how to use Botanical Oils and thought the best/easiest way to answer would be to write a little article about them to direct people here to learn more.
What are Botanical Oils?
Botanical Oils are oils blended for specific intent and purpose, they contain botanicals (flowers, herbs, resins, bark etc.) that infuse into the base oil - most also contain essential oils as well. While used in many different traditions and paths, our botanical oils are predominantly hoodoo based. Our oils are all charged for purpose, though if practicing Vodou you will need to recite the appropriate Psalms over them yourself.
How to Use Botanical Oils?
There are a few ways to use these oils, depending on the oil itself, the intention and the type of work you are doing etc.
Botanical Oils as a whole are not designed to wear on your skin (though some are technically "ok"), so this isn't recommended.
- Anointing - mojo bags, candles, your wallet/documents, talismans, poppets etc.
- Drawing Sigils
- Dressing Candles
When anointing items, please keep in mind that oils can/do stain as well as cause ink to run or vanish from paper. You don't need to empty an entire bottle onto your items to anoint them, a drop or two is generally fine or you could put a drop on your fingers and rub them together before touching the item to gently apply a little oil. (Just remember to wash your hands afterwards as some oils contain ingredients that are considered toxic)
When using oils to draw sigils, if you are unsure if the oil is skin-safe, use a soft paintbrush to draw your sigils. We also have sigil powder available that some people like to make a paste/paint from with oils and/or waters.
As for candles, we have more information on dressing a candle here. Essentially you apply an oil then sprinkle or blow ground herbs onto the candle to prepare it for your workings.
~ Lyllith
