6 min read

Witchy Oils for a Mystical, Magical Season

Written By: Robin Lander

Call it sentimental or call it superstitious, but we sure love our full moons, black cats, and bubbling cauldrons. There is something fascinating about this time of year when the nights are long and the season is in transition. Some say the veil is thin at this time, making the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds not so distinct.

Since ancient times, certain people have felt the heightened sensitivity and intuition that comes with this shift. Sometimes known as witches, many were – and are presently – simply folks that hold a deep reverence for the cycles of the natural world and have learned to work with the energies at hand to bring wellbeing to their communities.

Certain plants are believed to assist by offering their own energy and support to those who choose to have a deeper relationship with them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the plants and aromas that have been used throughout history to invite guidance, protection, love, luck, and a bit of magic into our lives.

Supernatural Scents

Armoise (Mugwort) is also known as White Wormwood and grows wild throughout north Africa and the Mediterranean. It’s part of the Artemisia genus, named for Artemis, the Greek goddess associated with the moon, nature, plants, and protection of women, children, and animals. Valued for its protective energy in traditions around the world, Mugwort leaves are burned to release their potent, cleansing aroma. Ancient Romans placed the herb in their shoes as a form of traveler’s protection, while modern mystics smell the aroma to assist with astral travel and trancework.

Aroma: powerful, very fresh, cool, highly diffusive, bittersweet-camphoraceous with soft green undertones and a pleasant, sweet herbaceous and tea-like dry down.

Suggested use: Try smelling a drop of Armoise oil from a tissue before dreaming, spiritual journeywork, or reading the tarot. Or apply the diluted oil to a special travel amulet to accompany you on an important journey. Because of its thujone content, Armoise (Mugwort) essential oil must be used sparingly with caution and avoided during pregnancy (see full Safety Considerations on the product page before use).

The Yarrow herb has a long history of use in dreamwork and prophecy. As a long-living plant, Yarrow is known for its connection to wisdom, protection, and longevity. In China, dried Yarrow stalks are the traditional tool for I Ching divination, helping one to navigate life’s changes and decisions. European traditions include using Yarrow to ward off negative energies, predict the weather, and help restore balance in the spirit.

Aroma: sweet, fresh, green-herbaceous, with a woody, somewhat camphoraceous note that becomes sweeter in the dry down.

Suggested use: Add Yarrow essential oil to a room spray or diffuser to help clear any stagnant or unwanted energy from your space. Dilute one drop of Yarrow in a carrier oil and dab the blend over doorways and window frames to help enhance your energetic boundaries. Apply a drop of Yarrow to a cotton ball and place it by your bed with the intention that your dreams will reveal the answers you seek.

Also known as Bay, the clarifying aroma of the leaves is thought to encourage confidence, inspiration, and direction. The temple priestesses of the ancient oracle at Delphi in Greece would inhale the aroma from the burning leaves to increase their visionary abilities. By medieval times, the tradition of planting a Bay Laurel tree near the front door was believed to protect from lightning, ill health, and misfortune while attracting prosperity and peace.

Aroma: fresh, strong, sweet-spicy, aromatic, camphoraceous and clove-like aroma with dry down notes that are pleasantly sweet and slightly spicy.

Suggested use: The elevating aroma of Laurel Leaf essential oil is wonderful in a steam or sauna. Add a few drops to a washcloth on the floor of the shower and enjoy the awakening aroma as the steam rises. For a facial or chest steam, add 2-3 drops of Laurel Leaf essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover head and bowl with a towel, close eyes and enjoy a few deep breaths, staying open to insights and inner guidance that may arise.

Rosemary has been considered one of the most important, sacred, aromatic herbs for thousands of years. It has long been associated with the third eye or brow chakra, thought to help enhance clarity of inner vision. Spiritual protection is another attribute, the aroma thought to help dispel negative energy while opening the way to love and good fortune. The uplifting aroma of Rosemary brings a sense of purification, reminding us of who we truly are, and helping us recognize our place in the divine plan.

Aroma: intense, diffusive, clean, sweet-herbaceous aroma with a somewhat warm camphoraceous undertone becoming woody/balsamic in the dry down.

Suggested use: Create a room spray with Rosemary essential oil for ceremonial cleansing. Diffuse Rosemary when seeking clarity in a situation or before doing past life journeywork. Create a morning massage oil for the lower back or feet to apply on days when you feel the need for a little extra energetic protection (add 10 drops Rosemary to one ounce of carrier oil).

Bergamot, a citrus tree grown almost exclusively in Italy, has a deep history in Italian and Mediterranean folk magic. The mature bright yellow citrus fruits are thought to hold the uplifting, illuminating energy of the sun, helping to lighten the heart and brighten darkness of the spirit. The aroma of Bergamot is believed to encourage joy and motivation, lending the confidence to shed negativity and anger and infuse our thoughts with positivity and hope.

Aroma: bright, sweet, refreshing, green-citrus aroma with light floral, bitter undertones.

Suggested use: Diffuse Bergamot essential oil in the home or office to lift energetic heaviness and bring in the light. Add a drop to a cotton ball and keep in your purse or wallet to help attract wealth and prosperity or to lend a sense of ease and confidence before a job interview, public speaking, or an important date. Prepare a cleaning solution with a few drops of Bergamot in soapy water to wash the floor or entrance of your home or business to invite in success. Caution: if you plan to use diluted Bergamot on the skin, choose Bergamot FCF to help avoid the risk of a phototoxic skin reaction.

It’s no surprise that the most adored flower in the world would have a long association with love, passion, romance, and beauty. Rose flowers, hydrosol, and essential oil have been added to love potions of all kinds for millennia. The fragrance and energy of Rose is said to open the heart, allowing love to flow, while inspiring ease, balance, and compassion. Perhaps more importantly, Rose may assist with self-love and self-esteem, both of which are essential to all healthy relationships.

Aroma: sweet, deep, mellow, antique Rose aroma with a faint indole, spice and honeyed undertone; has a fresh green note that comes forth in the dry down.

Suggested use: Fully enjoy every drop of the heavenly aroma of Rose by blending a special anointing oil in a rollerball bottle. Add 6-12 drops of Rose Absolute to 10ml (2 teaspoons) of Jojoba Oil, Golden – Organic. Roll the blend over the heart, chest, inner arms, and pulse points as desired, envisioning love flowing freely through your heart. Or allow Rose to nurture you in an aromatic bath by adding 5 drops of Rose to a tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil - Organic and stirring it into a bath just before entering. Sprinkle fresh rose petals in your bath if desired.

- For a budget-friendly option, indulge in our Rose Absolute, Bulgaria - 10% pre-diluted in organic fractionated coconut oil. It can be applied directly as a perfume or further dilute for use in body care.

- Our Rose Hydrosol – Organic is a true rose water that can be spritzed on the skin or on bed linens along with your loving intentions.

The grounding, centering energy of Patchouli has been treasured across cultures for assistance in reuniting the body with the mind and spirit. By reminding us of our physical selves, the aroma of Patchouli can reignite our sensual nature and revitalize the senses. This is why Patchouli is a traditional ingredient in love potions, helping to magnetize relationships and abundance. The calming yet invigorating aroma is believed to help gather scattered energy, attract prosperity and wealth, and encourage creative expression.

Aroma: extremely rich, deep, earthy, sweet-herbaceous, somewhat spicy aroma, with ethereal, floral-sweet and wine-like top notes and a mellow, woody-balsamic body note.

Suggested use: Magnetize your desires by diffusing Patchouli with the intention of attraction. Get back in touch with your sensuality with a Patchouli body and massage oil (add 10-15 drops of Patchouli to one ounce of carrier oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil - Organic). Add a drop of Patchouli to your wallet or cash to help draw in wealth and prosperity. Include a few drops of Patchouli in soapy water when cleaning floors and the home to help ground and protect your space.

More Witchy Oils

Looking for more? Here are several oils to consider that have a long and witchy history: Basil, Sweet ct Linalool - Organic, Angelica Root CO2 - Organic, Sage - Organic, Thyme, Helichrysum - Organic, Tagetes, Cinnamon Bark - Organic, Lavender, Peppermint, Melissa - Organic, Jasmine, Myrrh, Frankincense, Cedarwood.

Follow Your Own Intuition

You don’t need to be a witch to dabble in the mystical arts or simply enjoy the energetic support that plants and their aromas may offer. Let your intuition guide you on the right oils and actions for your specific needs, noticing the feelings, thoughts, and sensations that arise after smelling an essential oil. Feel free to blend several oils together for combined effects.

To help set your intentions, visualize your desired outcome when working with the essential oil, adding an affirmation if that feels right for you. Consider offering gratitude to our plant allies for their assistance while imagining an outcome that is beneficial for all. Then, be sure to stay present so you don’t miss any new opportunities, insights, and relationships when they appear. Enjoy the magic you have helped to create!

What are your favorite witchy oils and how do you work with them? We’d love to hear about your favorite aromatic rituals in the comments below.

Notes of Caution: We recommend performing a patch test when working with any of our ingredients topically. Please check the Safety Considerations section of the product pages before using any essential oil. Always check with your physician before using any oils if you are on medication or have a serious medical condition.

Article References & Suggested Reading

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Third Addition, VOL I - Foundations & Materia Medica, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Davis, Patricia, Subtle Aromatherapy, C W Daniel Company Ltd, 1991.

Lawless, Julia, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-Being, Conari Press, 2013.

Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils, Healing Arts Press, 1998.

Worwood, Valerie Ann, Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils, New World Library, 1999.