| Back in the days when I co-owned an herb shop at a | | | | enough to also hold the additional 5 cups of Grand |
| renaissance faire, a great many of our sales would be | | | | Marnier and simple syrup (below). |
| used as components of amulets, talismans, potions, | | | | 1 c Grand Marnier |
| charms and spells. More often than not they were | | | | 4 c simple syrup made from 2 c water, 2 c sugar |
| used to draw love to the one purchasing the herbs. | | | | 1 T either rose water or orange blossom water. |
| The only other purpose that even came close was | | | | Add these ingredients to the vodka mixture and |
| the drawing of money or success. | | | | blend well. Allow this to rest for a couple of weeks |
| As little children we learn to pull the petals from | | | | so that the flavors can become well acquainted. Pour |
| daisies to learn if "he loves me, he loves me not". | | | | into beautiful bottles, cork, label, and enjoy. |
| Twisting an apple stem while reciting the alphabet | | | | Aphrodite's Bathing Herbs |
| tells the first letter of the future spouse's name. On | | | | Bathing herbs can be used in several ways. |
| and on - so many ways to learn of that one true | | | | Unfortunately, allowing them free rein in the tub is |
| love. And lets not forget leap year. According to | | | | not one of those ways - word to the wise. The |
| tradition, women proposing to their chosen mates are | | | | easiest, most effective way is to use a large pitcher |
| not considered to be unduly forward during this | | | | filled with very hot water and put about ½ c |
| window of time. In Scotland, tradition held that a red | | | | of the blend into a square of cloth, tied loosely. Allow |
| flannel petticoat was to be worn visibly beneath the | | | | the "tub tea" 5-10 minutes to steep (longer if |
| dress during the proposal, lest the intended felt | | | | desired), and then pour into the bath as it is drawn. |
| inclined to reject the proposal... Without the petticoat, | | | | Some people tie a muslin bag filled with herbs to the |
| rejection was permissible. | | | | faucet to catch the water as it comes out. Others |
| Many wish to learn of their lover, draw someone | | | | still just throw the bag right into the tub. All of these |
| back to them, or feel more secure in the relationship | | | | methods are fine. |
| they already have. In a sense, all potions, charms, | | | | Blend together the following: |
| and spells are a means of visualization, helping a | | | | 1 c oatmeal |
| person to focus on that which they truly desire. | | | | 1 c sea salt |
| Personally, I find that the best way to find true love | | | | 1 c powdered dry milk |
| is to give up completely, decide it would be a pain in | | | | 1 c dried rose petals |
| the...uh...neck, and avoid it at all costs. It will then | | | | 1 c dried lavender |
| undoubtedly sneak up and take me by surprise. | | | | 1 c dried patchouli |
| Talismans are often made to bring love. An easy | | | | 1 c irish moss |
| way to remember the talisman/amulet quandary is | | | | Add to this mixture 20 drops each of lavender |
| that talisman starts with a "t" as does toward. | | | | essential oil, patchouli essential oil, rose fragrance oil, |
| Amulet starts with an "a", as does away, thus | | | | and musk fragrance oil. Mix very well. |
| amulets keep things away. A very simple love | | | | Use approximately ½ cup per bath. This recipe |
| talisman is made by stringing rosehips into a necklace | | | | makes quite a large batch, and can easily be halved. |
| and wearing it about the neck. A more precise | | | | It's such a nice blend that you will want to make up |
| talisman might go something like this: start with a | | | | the whole thing. |
| square of cloth, red for love. After considering what | | | | Satyr's Massage Oil |
| characteristics would be desired, find herbs (and | | | | Very few things are as romantic as taking time out |
| other objects) that will represent and correspond to | | | | to give your lover a nice relaxing massage. Not all of |
| those traits. Someone down to earth? Add a pinch of | | | | us are trained in the art of massage, but in this |
| patchouli. Spicy lover? Cayenne pepper. You get the | | | | instance it truly is the thought that counts. A back |
| idea. Traditionally, it would seem that rose petals are | | | | rub that is delivered with love and care very rarely |
| an absolute must-have. | | | | goes wrong. A fragrant oil makes it all the more |
| Now lets make a few romantic items to add to the | | | | pleasant, but remember to keep the fragrance light. |
| mood once you've found that special someone. | | | | Too much can be overpowering if you are covering |
| These can also be made ahead in anticipation, and if | | | | large areas, and if using essential oils (of course!) it |
| all else fails, there are always those danged bridal | | | | can get to be too much. 10 drops of essential oil per |
| showers. | | | | ounce of carrier oil is about the proper strength. |
| Nectar of Venus Cordial | | | | 2 ounces Sweet Almond Oil (almost any vegetable oil |
| The flowers give it a beautiful deep pink color, and | | | | will do, but the almond is special to the goddess of |
| can be served with ginger ale and lime slices.he | | | | love). |
| following ingredients should be placed in a ½ | | | | 10 drops jasmine oil |
| gallon jar with a tight fitting lid that allows for shaking. | | | | 5 drops patchouli oil |
| Be sure to label and date the jar. Put out of sunlight | | | | 3 drops cardamom oil |
| while it sits for 1-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. All | | | | 2 drops petitgrain oil |
| herbs and flowers are dry. | | | | Blend ingredients and allow to rest for a few days so |
| 1 fifth of good quality vodka | | | | that the scents mingle. Put into a bottle that is pretty |
| ½ c red rose petals | | | | - but usable. A top that allows only a few drops to |
| ½ c hibiscus flowers | | | | come out at a time is very helpful. Remember to |
| ½ c rose hips | | | | always pour the oil into your hand to warm it, rather |
| ½ c spearmint | | | | than dropping it right onto the skin you are about to |
| ¼ c granulated orange peel | | | | massage. |
| ¼ c cinnamon bark chips | | | | These ideas should get you started. Have a |
| After sitting this mixture is ready to decant. Strain | | | | wonderful time! |
| through fine cheesecloth or muslin into a pitcher large | | | | |