The Potions of Elizabeth Pepper
Over the last few weeks, I’ve fallen [back] in love with the writings of the late Elizabeth Pepper, founder and publisher of the Witches’ Almanac. I can still remember being new to the Craft and cautiously reading my tattered copy of the almanac while walking through the hallways of my high school, in much the same way that Bonnie did during the early scenes of the movie The Craft. This almanac and the articles it contained fueled a lot of my own personal practice as well as the vision we had behind the launch of @twistedbroomstick, our very own magical supply company specializing in custom spell kits, powders, oils, charms, and other tricks for the practicing Witch. You can find links to our shop at the bottom of this post. Also, @twistedbroomstick will have an add in the next edition of the Witches’ Almanac so be sure to check us out!
Anyway, shameless plugs aside, I have a thing for collecting magical tomes. Ask anyone who has seen my library and they will tell you it’s bigger than most occult shops! Surprisingly, there were a few of Pepper’s works that were missing from my collection so naturally, I had to buy them. In her small chapbook entitled Love Charms, Pepper gives us a few examples of love potions that were either concocted by her or those with whom she practiced her craft or drawn from other obscure sources. Unfortunately, she does not provide much in the way of references, but there is still a certain charm in her writing that should be recalled by all who practice the Craft today. Always remember, a successful love potion must be attractive to the eye, aromatic, and pleasing to the taste. It should be prepared with great care and presented with delicacy and grace.
Potion 1: Apricot Love Liqueur
Crumble to a powder one handful of dried leaves of vervain. Dip seven dried apricots in honey and coat them with the powdered leaves. Steep the fruit in one cup of brandy for a complete moon cycle. Keep this in a glass jar with a tight lid and store it in a cool, dark and secret place. Shake occasionally. Strain three times and serve to your beloved in a small liqueur glass.
Potion 2: Love-Apple Potion
According to Pepper, tomatoes were once referred to as the Love Apple. It is easy to see how they became associated with various forms of love magic. Take two cups of tomato juice and add to it a perfect bay leaf and a heaping tablespoon of dried basil leaves crumbled through your fingers. Chill. Enchant by making three clockwise circles over the juice using your hands then serve to you and your would-be lover in long stemmed glassed.
Potion 3: Enchanting Cocoa
Combine three tablespoons of cocoa and sugar in a small saucepan. Add three tablespoons of cognac and a dash of vanilla extract to form a syrup. Stir clockwise and then stir in enough milk to make two cups of cocoa. Heat over a low flame while stirring constantly and concentrating on your intention. Just before it boils, remove from the heat and whip to a froth with an egg beater. Serve in red or white mugs.
Check out the Twisted Broomstick’s website at www.twistedbroomstick.com or follow us on Facebook here.
In the words of Elizabeth Pepper:
Smile, Witch. Laugh, Witch.
Take your powers back, Witch.
