The Witch's Workshop

Book excerpt: From the author of The Witch's Feast, this is the first fully illustrated, comprehensive introduction to the handicrafts of witchcraft. Through over 60 craft projects, learn all the techniques you need to create your personalized magical toolkit. Empower yourself as a self-sufficient witch, and become a master of the natural arts! This in-depth guide, accompanied by step-by-step images, will show you all the craft and design skills you need to make your own, personalized and fully adaptable magical toolkit. Melissa Madara, magical expert, herbalist and witch, shares 60+ unique projects and techniques, many of which revive spells from the history of witches past. Approachable for beginners and stimulating for established practitioners, the crafts are clearly explained through luscious photographs, detailed research, useful charts, and easy-to-follow instructions. Once you are directly in touch with the power of these crafts, understanding deeply the processes and the associations of magical ingredients, you can be inspired to create all your own unique formulations. Chapters include: Incense, including kyphi temple incense, which once billowed from the temples of ancient Egypt, to house blessing incense for cleansing any new home. Inks, including dragon's blood ink and botanical drawing charcoals. Oils, such as flying ointment or the world's first known chemist Tapputi's royal salve. Natural dyes for creating stunning eco-printed ritual gowns or a spring equinox altar tablecloth. Papers, like Japanese knotweed paper or autumn equinox corn husk paper. Powders essential for rituals and spells such as scrying powder and banishing salt. Candles of all shapes and types, including poured, dipped and molded. With all of this knowledge, you can create altars, rituals and spells that are highly specific, personal and in touch with your natural environment.