Ancient Wisdom: The Master Grimoire

298 Pages·2005·1.516 MB·English

by  Pat Kirven Sawyer

Ancient Wisdom
by
Pat Kirven Sawyer
MASTER GRIMOIRE
the
herbs, oils and incenses: their magickal uses and formulas

Ancient Wisdom
MASTER GRIMOIRE
herbs, oils and incenses:
their magickal uses and formulas
The Definitive Reference Book
OVER 1000 FORMULAS
Modern and Historical Uses of Herbs, Oils & Incenses

by Pat Kirven Sawyer
ANCIENT WISDOM A Master Grimoire of Oils, Herbs and Incenses: Their
Magickal Uses and Formulas by Pat Kirven Sawyer
first edition, copyright ©2005.
Published by Seventh House Publishing, The Woodlands, Texas.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in
any form whatsoever. For permissions or information contact 7th House Publishing.
All artwork is the property of 7th House
For information contact 7th House
7th House
395 Sawdust Road, #2029
The Woodlands, TX 77380
www.7th-House.com
[email protected]
281-292-8250

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FOREWORD
This book is the result of conversations with friends and several book store owners during
which it was concluded that no one source of such complete information about oils and herbs ex-
isted, much less one source for the many formulas devised over thousands of years of herbal prac-
tice. Of course, it followed that “someone” should compile such a book, and there, the conversation
ended.
Originally, in 1979, I compiled the many herbs, their uses, and formulas I had come across
through my years of study and how they are used so that they would be available to you in one
book without having to run from one library to another, from one store to another, from one book to
another, from one practitioner to another. This project grew like the proverbial wildfire as each new
formula was added and much more information about herbs and oils seemed necessary to complete
this compendium on designing your own recipes.
I soon realized that one book could not possibly contain all the information I wanted to
include, as it would be too heavy to carry! Besides, each new student of herbs and oils brings with
him his own experiences, and so the rituals and recipes evolve and are constantly changing and be-
ing added. It is a never-ending growth. Therefore, I have had to be content in presenting to you only
the basics; a smattering of customs to get you started on the road to the practical use of herbs, oils,
candles, and incense. Here then, is the first edition of ANCIENT WISDOM.
Should you design or find new recipes you would like to share, please send them to the au-
thor, Pat Kirven Sawyer, in care of the publisher, along with your permission for us to include them
in future editions. I regret that the volume of mail received prevents personal answers, but you will
be notified and given credit if your formula is used in the next printing.
I present this information to you for its historical interest and curiosity, and I make no claims
for the outcome of its use, regardless of any statements made in the following text.
All of the ritual information is given for background only. None of it is really necessary for the
appreciation and use of the formulas you will find in this book. However, some people find rituals
comforting, and if you are one of those, you should use them. There are many other books that will
give you much more detail about rituals.
CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION!
These oils can be very irritating to the skin, and should be highly diluted before applying to
bare skin: Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, and some others.

Some herbs are either poisonous, restricted or illegal in the United States, and are not recom-
mended. I do not recommend using them, although they may be listed in some recipes. Try a sub-
stitute. If you cannot find any other substitute, Tobacco can always be used. With some, the smoke
irritates the lungs, and you should not breathe the smoke or fumes. Others are foul-smelling, but
necessary, and should be used sparingly or out of doors. These herbs are: Aconite or Wolfsbane, Asa-
fetida, Black Nightshade, Castor beans, Cayenne, Euphorbium, Garlic, Hashish, Hemlock, Hemp,
Hemp seed, Henbane, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Nightshade, Opium, Rue, Sulphur (sometimes spelled
Sulfer).
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NOTICE
This book has been compiled using sources such as folklore, various reference books, an-
cient texts, out of print books, anecdotes, personal beliefs and experience. All of the products and
techniques named in this book are curios only and represent products and techniques which are used
in conjunction with certain folk and/or religious beliefs. All names are legendary, and are used for
identification purposes only. The author, publisher, and book seller make no claims whatever that
magickal, supernatural, or mystical powers are inherent in any of the products discussed herein. The
user should not infer that any of these products will accomplish what folklore and historical uses
have claimed for them. All information is being presented as a compilation for the curious of various
folk techniques and products.
DISCLAIMER
The author, publisher and book seller disclaim any and all responsibility for any adverse
reactions that may be suffered from handling these herbs and oils. None of the formulas in this book
are intended for consumption by humans or animals, regardless of notations to the contrary in the
individual recipes, which have been handed down for over 2000 years. Use these formulas at your
own risk!
In addition the author asserts the contents are for information only and denies personal conse-
quences of a karmic nature as use of these formulas is the reader’s sole responsibility.

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
When you get to the actual use of the formulas in this book, you may become confused
because there are so many of them and the form they take is different from one formula to another.
First, be aware that I have given the formulas just as I found them, with little or no change, except
for spelling, although in some cases I did add comments. Most of the recipes are appropriate for ei-
ther herbs (incense) or for oils; in fact, when I speak of the purported effects of an herb, you can take
this to mean any form of the herb — either the dry form, or the essential oil, or the tincture. Some of
the formulas have a number in parentheses after each ingredient. To the careful observer, this means
“parts of the whole” or parts of whatever unit of measurement you are using. Some recipes call for
ounces or drops, some for parts, and some give no proportions whatsoever, in which case you should
remember the cardinal rule of proportions which is--there are no rules. See comments on proportions
in the last chapter.
When deciding on which formula to use, you must first be very specific about what you are
trying to accomplish. Then:
1. Go to Chapter 11 and check the list of formulas commonly used for your specific purpose.
2. If nothing there pleases you, go to the chapter discussing the herbs that are commonly used
for your general purpose and examine it until you find several herbs you want to use.
3. Go to the Index, find the listings for those herbs, and determine which formulas might be
appropriate, keeping in mind your specific purpose. You will also find general purposes listed in the
Index which might be of help to you in determining which formulas could possibly be used. The in-
dex is also helpful to determine which oils and herbs you should keep on hand; just notice how many
formulas each one is in.
4. If all else fails, you have the information here in this book necessary to devise your own reci-
pes.
Should you devise your own recipes, I would appreciate hearing about them for possible
inclusion in the next edition of this book. While I cannot answer your letters personally, I will give
credit in future editions, if you include your permission to use the formula.
NOTE: You will notice that many of the formulas are the same or similar. That is because they have
come to be known by more than one name. All these have been listed so that you could find them.
NOTE ON MARGINS: We have intentionally left you space for notes, sketches, symbols or any-
thing else you may want to write in your book and make it your own grimoire.
Enjoy!
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Special Acknowledgement
There are many people to whom I owe my thanks for their help in getting this book finished,
either through their work or their encouragement, but two people especially stand out.

The first is Paula Peare, a dear friend and mentor, whose help and encouragement has been
invaluable. Paula is the friend who is always there when you need her! She has contributed to this
volume in so many ways.It would take another book to list them all. Paula, your friendship, generos-
ity, and help are appreciated more than you know!
Second, I especially want to thank my husband, Dallas, for his never-ending encouragement,
for putting up with me during all the time I spent compiling this tome, and for his special help doing
many of my chores so I could work at my computer! Love you! Here’s to 47 more!
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table of contents
Copyright ................................................................................................................................ ii
Foreword ............................................................................................................................... iii
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................... iv
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK ........................................................................................................ v
Special Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................... vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ vii
CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 1
THE BASICS: INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................1
CANDLES..........................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2 ......................................................................................................................................11
OILS, INCENSE, AND OTHER GOODIES .........................................................................11
OILS.......................................................................................................................11
INCENSE...............................................................................................................14
POWDERS ............................................................................................................17
FLOORWASHES ..................................................................................................20
BATHS ..................................................................................................................20
DOLLS AND POPPETS .......................................................................................21
CHARM, “OUANGA” OR ROOT BAGS ...........................................................23
TALISMANS ........................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 3 ......................................................................................................................................27
YOUR MAGICKAL ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................................27
YOUR TEMPLE ...................................................................................................27
YOUR ALTAR ......................................................................................................28
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ..............................................................................28
CHAPTER 4 ......................................................................................................................................35
HERBS: ASSOCIATED WITH LOVE ............................................................................35
CHAPTER 5 ......................................................................................................................................51
HERBS: POWER, COMMANDING, COMPELLING, AND PROTECTION ...............51
CHAPTER 6 ......................................................................................................................................63
HERBS: LUCK AND SUCCESS .....................................................................................63
CHAPTER 7 ......................................................................................................................................71
HERBS: HEXING AND CROSSING ..............................................................................71
CHAPTER 8 ......................................................................................................................................79
HERBS: PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................79
CHAPTER 9 ......................................................................................................................................83
HERBS: UNCROSSING AND UNHEXING ..................................................................83
RITUAL FUNCTION OF UNCROSSING HERB...........................................................85
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table of contents CHAPTER 1 - The Basics - INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 10 ..........................................................................................................................89
YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO HERBS AND OILS ........................................................89
CHART OF YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO HERBS AND OILS......................................90
CHAPTER 11 ..........................................................................................................................99
FORMULAS: MOST POPULAR BY THEIR USES ...........................................................99
CHAPTER 12...................................................................................................................................109
FORMULAS: SPECIAL RECIPE HINTS .........................................................................109
INCENSE ............................................................................................................................109
COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE ...............................................................................................110
OILS ....................................................................................................................................111
POWDERS ...........................................................................................................................111
CHAPTER 13 ........................................................................................................................113
FORMULAS: BATH SALTS ...............................................................................................113
CHAPTER 14 ........................................................................................................................117
FORMULAS: TINCTURES ................................................................................................117
CHAPTER 15 ........................................................................................................................119
FORMULAS: SACHETS AND HERBAL CHARMS .........................................................119
SACHETS FOR THE BATH ................................................................................................119
HERBAL CHARMS ............................................................................................................123
CHAPTER 16 ........................................................................................................................131
FORMULAS: LAGNIAPPE ..........................................................................................131
PERFUMES AND COLOGNES ....... ...................................................................................132
CHAPTER 17 ........................................................................................................................139
FORMULAS BY MAGICKAL USE ..................................................................................139
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................255
SUBSTITUTIONS ...............................................................................................................255
APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................257
TABLE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ........................................................................257
APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................................259
MAGICKAL USES OF OILS...............................................................................................259
BIBLIOGRAPHY ...........................................................................................................................273
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ............................................................................................................275
INDEX ....................................................................................................................................277
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