What is an Elixir: a Magical Potion

An elixir is a magical potion designed to bring about transformation or a medical potion designed to bring about healthy change over a long period of time.

What is an elixir?

An elixir is a liquid created with a specific magical intention. Often referred to as elixirs, balms, teas, brews, or infusions, traditional elixirs are typically intended for drinking or topical use. However, elixirs can also be utilized in various other ways, such as anointing magical tools, aiding in divination, and enhancing other forms of spellwork.

Elixirs may produce drawing magic, the ingredients designed to attract certain energies to the person who ingests them though most elixirs are designed to bring about change in the person’s own body, mind or spirit.

Elixirs usually contain a combination of herbs, often in an alcohol base, and may also contain minerals or they may be created using the essences of herbs and crystals. Certain stones or metals may be powdered and added to elixirs to include their bring their alchemical properties to the concoction, but this is a very dangerous practice as many of these are toxic and the human body was not designed to process stones.

Many modern alchemists and magicians will simply place a stone or piece of metal in the elixir for some time and then remove it before consuming it.

Elixir: origins and folklore

The enchantment of liquids to create magical elixirs has been a part of literary fantasy for millennia. In Homer’s Odyssey, Circe, a goddess skilled in pharmakon (remedies that can also be poisons), turns Ulysses’ crew into beasts with a poisoned concoction. Ulysses himself is protected by Hermes and a mole plant, a medicine only gods could harvest.

The true figure of the pharmakis, or preparer of magical elixirs, appears in the 4th century BC with Theocritus’ poem featuring Simeta. Betrayed by her lover Delphi, Simeta performs a dark magical ritual to seek revenge. She invokes Hecate, the goddess of shadows and magic, depicted in triple form to represent terrestrial, lunar, and underworld influences.

Perimeda, another ancient sorceress, is less known. Some link her to Agamede from the Iliad, suggesting an early model of witch.

Simeta’s ritual begins with a Jinx Torquilla, a bird tied to a wheel to attract her beloved. She burns barley flour and bay leaves while chanting “I scatter the bones of Delphi,” defying religious precepts. Artemis is offered adamant, a metal associated with divine protection and later adopted in fantasy traditions.

Personal objects of the victim, like the fringe of Delphi’s cloak, are burned with magic herbs, accompanied by the chant “I knead the bones of Delphi.” This process reflects the traditional creation of magic elixirs associated with wizards and witches.

Symbolism and elements associated with different types of elixir

The power of an elixir stems from the rituals performed during its creation, the symbolic significance of the chosen ingredients, and the strength of your intention. Similar to other witchcraft practices, elixir-making allows for considerable experimentation and personalization to align with your specific magical goals.

When creating an elixir, you’ll engage with all four elements (earth, fire, air, and water). Acknowledge and thank each element as you incorporate them into your elixir:

• Fire: Used for heating the elixir.
• Water: Present in the base liquid, such as water, wine, or juice.
• Air: Represented by the smoke from the heat source, incense used for cleansing, or the steam from the elixir.
• Earth: Found in the herbs, oils, and crystals added to the elixir.

How to create an elixir?

Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

• Cauldron: A traditional cast-iron cauldron that holds at least six ounces of liquid is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a saucepan, pot, mason jar, or French press. Ensure your container is energetically cleansed before use and heat-safe if you plan on heating your elixir.
• Athame: A small, double-edged knife used exclusively for magical purposes. If you don’t have an athame, a cleansed spoon can be a substitute.
• Heat Source: Choose a safe heat source appropriate for your container, such as a candle, tea light, bonfire, hot plate, or kitchen stove. Alternatively, you can use the sun, a refrigerator, or room temperature to mingle the ingredients.
• Strainer: A fine strainer or cheesecloth to separate the solid ingredients from the liquid.
• Glass Jar: For storing your elixir. Mason jars are a good option due to their durability and variety of sizes.
• Incense: For cleansing your space, tools, and ingredients. Suitable choices include sage, sandalwood, peppermint, lavender, or sweetgrass.
• Sea Salt: Added for its purifying qualities and preservation abilities.
• Base Liquid: The primary liquid to which other ingredients will be added. Options include distilled water, natural spring water, fruit or vegetable juice, wine, kombucha, almond milk, coffee, brewed tea, honey, cider, or a neutral natural oil.

Choosing Herbs & Oils

Usage: Ensure the herbs and oils are safe for their intended use (topical or ingestible). Research each ingredient thoroughly, especially if foraging or using essential oils.

Magical Intention: Select ingredients that align with your elixir’s purpose. For example, use full moon-infused water, dried jasmine, lavender, and cinnamon sticks for a elixir aimed at enhancing psychic abilities.

Crystals for Elixir-Making

Safety: Research crystals to ensure they are safe and won’t dissolve or become toxic in water. Clear and colored quartz crystals are generally safe.

Usage: Submerge sanitized crystals in the elixir to imbue it with their magical properties. Be mindful of the liquid temperature to avoid damaging the crystals.

Instructions step by step

• Prepare Your Sacred Space: Cleanse your workspace with incense, thanking the element of air.
• Prepare Your Base Liquid: Pour the base liquid into your container, stating your intention as you do so. Begin heating the liquid if necessary.
• Charge, Combine, & Mix Ingredients: Visualize your intention while holding each ingredient, then add it to the elixir. Stir with your athame, choosing the direction based on your elixir’s energy.
• Strain Your Elixir: Remove solid ingredients using a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Allow the elixir to cool to room temperature.
• Infuse with Crystal Power: Submerge a crystal in the elixir for at least ten minutes to enhance its magical properties.
• Use Your Elixir: Drink, anoint, spray, add to bathwater, use for scrying, or sprinkle as needed to manifest your intention.
• Store Your Elixir: Use within a day or two, refrigerate or add salt to extend its life, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Follow these guidelines to create elixirs tailored to any magical intention. Start with simple recipes and gradually experiment with more complex concoctions as you become familiar with different ingredients. Keep a journal of your results and adjust your recipes as needed. Embrace the magic and enjoy the process of elixir-making