Using Cosmetics in Spells

The Different Ways to Use Cosmetics in Glamour Magick

There are many ways to utilize makeup in spells. As I said before, I, personally, use many of these in my daily makeup routine together for a well finished look that helps to enhance a certain aspect of my personality or bring about a particular mood for the day.

How to Use Crystals in Spells

You can use crystals to charge your makeup palettes, brushes, and such simply by placing the cleansed crystal into a makeup bag. The most common, of course, would be rose quartz, but here are some other suggestions. I also know of some people who use crystal blessed water to wash their face and their makeup brushes with. I don't use crystals, so if any of my readers are more in-tune with them, please share your knowledge and of course you'll be given credit.

Amethyst - tranquility, and helps with opening oneself up for spirits

Aquamarine - reduces aging and anxiety/stress, increases vitality, sea magick or summer time spells

Blue Lace Agate - increases calmness

Clear Quartz - all purpose and all around clearity

Citrine - for sun magick and to help increase happiness

Jade - reduces tension andColstress, increasing money and getting that promotion

Lepidolite - reduces aging

Shungite - absorbs negative energy

How to use Witch Sigils & Symbols:

Sigils are a bit of a grey area for me. I support using sigils you yourself created or ones you have used before with great success. However, there is a lot of caution to be told if you use sigils, especially when talking about Runes. There is almost always a "bad" side to using Runes because they have both a negative and positive meaning. The ones you see on the internet may not be safe because they could be fake. So, please keep that in mind. Symbols are obviously a pretty good thing to stick to since they really have the meaning you give them. These are also very easy to incorporate into your routine. You can simply use a small foundation brush and write them on your face before blending it in. These will stay with you until you wash your face, so choose them wisely. If you find you're going to need some other kind of symbol later in the day, I highly suggest washing your face and starting with a blank canvas. You can also use lip pencil or lip wand to write them or even words on to your lips and then cover with your lipstick. In recent years, the tribal sigils and symbols have been tsken and bent into an aesthetic. You'll likely see this all over Instagram, but I wouldn't take it so lightly. The old war paint had power and the symbols can still be used during rituals to help invoke or worn everyday to bring you closer to the Divine. Research your tradition to make sure you're properly using them and not appropriating another. While I am all in the mind set of copying being a sign of envy or love of the look, it can be a touchy subject. Do take notice though how they blend so well from culture to culture.

How Color Magic Can Be Applied:

This is pretty self explanatory. You can blend multiple colors in a palette to create a fierce look, or something muted for a light and airy take. Yes, these can even be used to invoke elements or call on deities to help you through the day. Here is a link to a previous post on the power of using color in your everyday. Colors are so powerful and should be used with intent so you can pull on that specific theme that you're for.

How I Use Glamour Magick:

So how I use it can be a little funny so some, I'm sure, but it works. I use mascara and eye liner to open my eyes to the truth. Eye shadows to either keep people from reading my mind (usually when dealing with people I don't like or trust) or to give off a happier, more calmer appearance. Usually it's just to bring about whatever mood I'm going for that day though. Blush is for a happy outward appearance and to also give a hint of youth. Sometimes, because I use Julep's Cream Blush, I draw small symbols or sigils and them blend them out for an extra step. Foundation I use specifically as a barrier so things that happen throughout the day don't get under my skin or irritate me. My bronzer or contouring is to hide away my anxiety and social awkwardness. My lip sticks are to work with my words and what or how I say things. Then, lastly, I use powder as a wall to keep away any unwanted attention or negativity. This, to a lot of people, probably seems silly or over done, but I highly recommend it. I always feel much more calmer when I go out because I do have social anxiety and these barriers seem to help me open up more than I ever would have or did before.

Let me know how YOU use glamour magick in your routines. 

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Witchcraft and Cosmetics

A Brief Disclaimer

There is a multitude of ways to use cosmetics in glamour spells, from the color itself, to sigils, and so on. I typically use a variety of ways in conjunction when applying my makeup (and I LOVE doing my makeup). Usually, it's just to promote a particular mood for the day to enhance a certain aspect of my own personality. You can use it to make yourself more attractive for a new love or a current love, but glamour magick is so much more than just getting it on with someone else. It can be self-love, confidence inducing, making you braver, or just happy. So don't dive into this thinking that it's shallow and only on the surface.

 A Brief History of Cosmetics:

Starting in Egypt, cosmetics was first employed for sun care. They would rub oils into the skin to protect themselves from the harsh desert life. It wasn't until 4000 BCE when they started to actually apply copper, ore, and minerals to their faces for coloring and contouring. About a thousand years later, you'll find the Chinese discovering nail polish to show social status. While in Greece, they apply lead to lighten their faces and even hair to their eyebrows to make them more prominent. The Japanese also pick up their own geisha makeup, and other citizens would use rice powder for their faces and henna for their hair. (If only we all could've been this safe, right?) Come around to the AD's and Roman men invent blonde hair dye. The henna found in Japan, is also being used in India and even North Africa for decorative skin designs. During this time, perfumes are also starting to be invented in the Middle East, but won't be imported to the rest of the world until the Middle Ages due to the Crusades. In the Elizabethan Era Europe, cosmetics as a way to enhance beauty really takes off and France becomes a major perfumer. In the 1800's its found out that many of the cosmetics used contain very dangerous chemicals and so Queen Victoria declares makeup improper and only for the actors. It's not really brought back until the 1900's, when its more and more pressed upon women to look younger and more beautiful in society. In today's world, its still very much the same, however, we're taking a more interesting turn and are wanting to go back to the natural beauty. Some, literally. 

Back to the Basics:

The current trend is taking even cosmetics back to nature, which is wonderful and very witchy. We know in our practice what herbs and dyes to use to make your lips red and tinge the cheeks. While I'm all for doing it yourself, I would highly suggest from this in the makeup line unless you thoroughly research it first. However, I'm likely a biased candidate because my skin is extremely sensitive and I'd probably hurt myself making my own because I'm also very allergic to many bee products. Even the Burt's Bees chap stick is an unfortunate mishap in my hands. If you're anything like me, there are many brands that are literally taking it back to beginning, but without the lead and arsenic. I personally use and recommend Julep, who are not only all natural, but also vegan and cruelty free. They have this really awesome subscription box for only $24.99 a month, and I'm going to shamelessly plug it in here. (No I am not being asked to do so, I just am so in love with their product and want others to love it as well.) We see many of the same ingredients used in makeup, like roses and honey, used specifically in love and beauty rituals. The scents in lotions and perfumes are often used to invoke specific deities and even emotions or actions. Needless to say, witches have been doing this for centuries even while the main populace moved on, so it's nice to see a movement taking a more pagan direction. If you're interested in DIY cosmetics, I did find this pretty cool blog that gives you a bit of a heads up so you know what you're getting yourself into. You can read it here. You can ground rose petals into coconut oil and make a lovely all natural lip color that also hydrates while infusing it with the intent of speaking only kind or lovely words. Beets are also used in love spells, their ink is especially powerful for writing love spells, charms, or in a book of shadows. Below is some lovely blush recipes that are perfect for any skin tone. You can also create your own foundation powder using cacao powder, turmeric, and beets (if you need a warmer tone), all of which are also common ingredients in love sachets. So you can see, in just these three examples, how it's becoming a little more important to go natural for certain things especially when using them for witchcraft.

 (this image is from pinterest, source not known)

The Witchcraft Side:

Cosmetics of all types have always been considered a very pagan thing; it's even stated in the Bible to keep away from such things. But why? Probably because many tribes and old world peoples would use the all natural colorings, like clay and berries, to make up war paint, do decorate their faces and bodies with symbols or sigils for rituals, and even use them to seduce. We hear tales of Cleopatra and her lipstick colors and even Elizabeth I felt they had healing powers. We hear tall tales like those of the supposed 1770 banning due to witchcraft in Britain and also tales we wish were tall like that of Mrs Bathory. Makeup evolved into something outside of a bath and war and into a fashion. Though it was started to put on a brave face or call down the Gods, today it's looks is much different outside of a Halloween party, but that power and intent still lies within it today. Which is why it's rather important that we pay attention to this all natural trend and help it along so we can resurrect the real properties of this largely integrated part of paganism.

We'll discuss the actual magick application and how all of this ties in with our next blog post.

   © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Lychnomany and Capromancy

These are fairly quick subjects because it's rather cut and dry, but they're still very important to at least know about. If you ever get a chance, I highly suggest that you work this into your witchy repertoire.

Lychnomancy

This is lighting a candle and gazing into the flame to divine. You can use the same images, but these ones, in my experience, tend to be more mobile and play out in a story. I don't do this often because I have toddlers and this takes a large amount of concentration and you must be in a place where you won't be disturbed. Make sure there isn't a lot of air flow that could disrupt the flame or cause a misreading. With this I prefer a taper because they're a decent medium size where I can carve into it what my question or intent is and also do an herbal rub. 

Here is a simple spell to practice your flame gazing:

Set up three candles in a triangle shape. They should not touch or be too close to one another, so at least two to three inches away from each other. Turn out all other lights and light the candles using the same match. Ask one question at a time while gazing about 6 inches BEHIND the candles. 

If one flame starts to reach higher than the other two, the answer is yes. If two reach higher, then the answer is no. 

If one flame wavers, or bends, it means there is a journey ahead. If more than one wavers, then there will be a long journey. This could mean physical, psychic, emotional, or developmental depending on your question. 

If a flame spirals then someone is working against you. Two flames is a group of people. This could also indicate some pitfalls or obstacles you have to overcome. Ask more questions to be sure. 

If a flame rises and falls, it indicates danger if you're not asking a yes or no.

If a candle sparks, then it's telling you to be cautious.

If one blows out in its own, then there;s bad luck down the road.

If one shines more brightly than the others, then there is good luck ahead. 

Capromancy

Reading the smoke is pretty cut and dry.

If it blows towards you, then your prayer or spell will be accepted and worked in your favor.

If it blows away, then there are obstacles to overcome. However (!), if you're doing this for someone else, it could mean that the smoke is traveling to them. Watch for speed and distance.

If it wafts to the left, then you're too emotionally invested and could sabotage the outcome.

If it wafts right, then you should rely more on your head to pursue the situation.

You can also read smoke the same way you do flame gazing. This is best done with an open fire, though so that you can see clearly and get the best results.

Here is the Complete Candle Magick Course so far.

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Wax Reading

There are two ways you can read wax. The first is using the melted formations from candle spells and the other is using a scrying bowl. I'll be using some of my customer's images from the spell kits I sell, so the information will be limited and generalized for this post.

Melted Wax Reading

In the previous post we talked about how the candle melted as being a way to determine the main outcome of a spell. This is specifically for candle that are not in a jar, mainly because when you melt a full jar candle there's not supposed to be any wax left. However, when you use free standing candles, such as the male and female candles or the 7 knot candle, it'll burn down and leave a mess of the wax. In that mess is usually images, just like in Tasseography (which we'll start in the coming weeks). I, personally, use the same image meanings in both and have found them to be accurate. Placement of the image also has significance. All images on the left are in the past, the middle is present, and the right pertain to the future. Those at the "top", or the area furthest away from you, are emotional and the bottom is actual events in the person's life.

 In this image we see a balloon. It's not quite shaped correctly for a penis, though at first glance that might be what you're thinking. As a reader, you must study the images and work with what comes to you. Since the image is mainly to the left, this is dealing with a past issue. You'll also notice that this is a larger image and spans most of that side and it's moving from the emotional area to the physical event area. I, personally, read that to mean that they had tried to hope for things to get better and then attempted to make it happen in their life around them as well. They had really put the effort into the relationship to repair it or just to make it happy.

On this side of the image we can make out two faces, one is looking almost up, and the other is a side profile. This is usually seen when two people are lying down on a bed together or one is sitting in the other's lap, both are loving gestures. So from this being depicted in the bottom right, we can assume that the spell is going to bring them back together and have them closer than before in a physical way. So the hard work put in the past seems to be paying off for them in the future.









I'll post a complete list of symbols for reference in your studies. I like using this type of reading because it gives me more insight into the outcome of the spell as well as the issues surrounding it. In one reading I had a genital pop up in the physical past and asked if the client had cheated. Tuns out they had and this changed the entire approach to the Bring Back My Lover spell. And, yes, the gender of the genitalia can be significant. Your clients or even yourself are not always going to be so open to what the actual situation is and may not disclose all the important information, usually not on purpose. Sometimes we just don't want to admit the truth. Different people will see different things, so I find it best to determine the images yourself, though some say a fresh pair of eyes may be a great help.

Scrying with Wax

You'll use the same images in this type of wax reading, but how you go about it is a bi different. You'll need a scrying bowl. Some people opt for the black marble, but that's a little expensive for my taste, so I use just a plain white stoneware, which is clay based. You can use a black one or really any color play you like. You can even fashion your own from a salt dough and carve into it divination symbols and really make it your own. I've actually been debating on making one myself. The point is, just make sure your scrying bowl is made from all natural materials and don't use it for anything other than scrying. Use purified water because tap water can contain chemicals that interfere with the wax. Be in an area where there isn't a lot of moving air, like a fan or an open window. 

For the candle you can go all out and carve in sigils or symbols, use an oil (I would recommend an herbal rub), and choose a corresponding color, or just stick with an all purpose white candle or colored candle if you have one. In the video I used one of my left over chime candles, but it was also just so you could clearly see the wax. I wouldn't suggest a large or figure candle for this. Maybe something a little bigger than a chime and be ready to hold it for a while.

The photo was deleted by accident, but I'll do another and will post that outcome so you can see it looks like when it's done. Here is the Complete Candle Magick Course so far.




© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame Images are owned by The Devil and The Dame

Herbal Dressing, Sigils, and Symbols

This week we will be discussing what goes on the outside (or in) your candle. These items paired with color meanings will only solidify your intent.

First we have herbal dressing. This is rather a quick one since it's pretty easy. You check up on the correspondences of herbs, plants, and resins, then find the ones that pair best with your intent. I find that both store bought and the "all naturally grown" work the same. I haven't had one do better or worse in any of my spells. So, yes, you can run into your local grocery store and pick up what they have on the shelf. Organic is also a personal choice. I've been on a budget and bought from the dollar tree before. Now, you work it into the candle two different ways, or both if you want to. You can either slightly melt the wax and pour some of it out (best done with jars), add your herbs, and then add the wax back. Just don't over fill it and don't use too many herbs either as it can start a fire. The second way is to rub an oil on to the candle and then roll the candle in the herbal mixture. Of course with this, the herbs are best stuck on if they're ground and the candle works best if it's not in a jar. Burn with care! Never leave the room with it going, and don't burn an herbal candle for longer than an hour or two. Safety is always first.

Sigils:
You can you use either pre-designed sigils like Runes, or make your own.  There are HUNDREDS of sigils that are passed down through different pagan religions, so don't feel ashamed by using them. I often use Old Germanic and Alchemy sigils. The only time I really make my own is if I can't find one that sticks out or I'm doing something very personal.

If you would like to know how to make your own sigils, follow this quick tutorial. (I'll make a video and link so it's easier to understand for others.)

Let's say your intent is to get a down payment for a house. To get this down payment you need some overtime and you need to budget your money better. This is a rather complex and very specific situation and you're unlikely to find your ancestors talking about down payments and over time. So write out your intent.

I will receive over time and budget my money to save for a house down payment.

                Go through and remove any and all repetitive letters.

I w l  rec  v  o    t m  and bu g    y          s    f     h          p      .
           
                 Now bring them together and stare.

iwlrecvotmandbugysfhp

                    There's a lot here so let's remove the vowels.

wlrcvtmndbgsfhp

                     Still quite a bit, but you can make this work! Obviously a lot of these letters can be combined to form the other letters, v is in w, a b is a p and a d, l also go into the b and d, n, into m, etc so remove those easily combined.

wrmdgsf

        I removed h,because if you extend the handle of the m, it's an h with an extra hump. All of a sudden, we have a very workable few. You could even go as far to remove the w, since upside down its an m.

From here, arrange them in a pattern that speaks to you. Watch the video for clarity on this part and the like letters.

Now, on to symbols. I separated this from the sigils, because symbols are different. To me I think of symbols as a heart, star, dollar signs, happy faces, anything that's more of a picture meant to represent something obvious. Using the same example above, you can even just simplify the entire process by drawing a piggy bank with a dollar symbol in it and both of those inside a house. Much less personal, but easy and effective.

All of these can be used together in a very powerful combination that allow you to focus and direct your intent better than just thinking about it while a candle burns. By using all of these it's almost like a permanent and unwavering intent, even if your mind wonders, like mine always does. I hope this helps you on your journey through candle magick. Always post any questions and concerns you may have.

Candle Magick Course Directory

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame - Rune Chart image from Norse Mythology for Smart People - Video and other images are my property.

A Simple Candle Spell How To

In this video I explain how to use bay leaves and petition papers. It's something any and everyone can do and is cheap enough to do on a show string budget.

Candle Magick Course Directory

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame