Magical Substitutions.

[Wolfladystar]

Substitutions for Magickal Work and Incense

This alphabetical list of substitutions was obtained originally from a mailing list and has been added to by myself and several others. I am told that Scott Cunningham is the author of most of these.

This is listed here so that you are not running all over trying to find specific "ingredients" for spell work or spending a fortune to have everything "just in case". In all honesty-if it feels right to you then just use it. No one can tell you what is or isn't right for you or any workings that you decide to do.

Here are four of the most commonly used substitutions

* Rosemary can be used in place of any other herb
* Rose can be used in place of any flower
* Frankincense or Copal can be used in place of any Gum Resin
* Sage can substitute for any mint.
* Tobacco can be used in place of any poisonous herb

ACACIA - Gum Arabic
ACACIA GUM - Gum Arabic
ACONITE - Tobacco
ARABIC, GUM - Frankincense; Gum Mastic; Gum Tragacanth (for binding wet ingredients, not for incense use)
AMBERGRIS - Artificial Ambergris, Cypress Oil with a few drops of Pachouli Oil
AMMONIAC, GUM - Asafoetida
ASAFOETIDA -Tobacco; Valerian
BALM OF GILEAD - Rose buds; Gum Mastic
BDELLIUM GUM - Copal, Pine Resin, Dragon's Blood
BELLADONNA - Tobacco
BENZOIN - Gum Arabic; Gum Mastic
CACHANA - Angelica root
CAMPHOR OIL - Eucalyptus oil; Lavender oil
CARNATION - Rose petals anointed with a few drops Clove oil
CASSIA - Cinnamon (Cinnamon sold in the U.S. is actually less expensive cassua)
CASTOR BEAN - A few drops Castor oil
CEDAR - Sandalwood
CINQUEFOIL - Clover; Trefoil
CINTRON - Equal parts Orange peel and Lemon peel
CLOVE - Mace; Nutmeg
CLOVER - Cinquefoil
COPAL - Frankincense; Cedar
COWBANE - Tobacco
CYPRESS - Juniper; Pine needles
DITTANY OF CRETE - Gum Mastic
DRAGON'S BLOOD - Equal parts Frankincense and Red Sandalwood
EUCALYPTUS OIL - Camphor oil; Lavender oil
EUPHORBIUM - Tobacco
FRANKINCENSE - Copal, Pine Resin
GALANGAL - Ginger Root
GRAINS OF PARADISE - Black Pepper
GUM ACACIA - Gum Arabic
GUM AMMONIAC - Asafoetida
GUM ARABIC - Frankincense, Gum Mastic
GUM BDELLUM - Copal, Pine Resin, Dragon's Blood
HELLBORE - Tobacco, Nettle
HEMLOCK - Tobacco
HEMP - Nutmeg, Damiana, Star Anise, Bay
HENBANE - Tobacco
HYSSOP - Lavender
IVY - Cinquefoil
JASMINE - Rose
JUNIPER - Pine
LAVENDER - Rose
LEMONGRASS - Lemon Peel
LEMON PEEL - Lemongrass
LEMON VERBENA - Lemongrass, Lemon Peel
LODESTONE - A magnet or hematite
MACE - Nutmeg
MANDRAKE - Tobacco
MASTIC GUM - Gum Arabic, Frankincense
MISTLETOE - Mint, Sage
MUGWORT - Wormwood
NEROLI OIL - Orange Oil
NIGHTSHADE - Tobacco
NUTMEG - Mace, Cinnamon
OAKMOSS - Patchouli
ORANGE - Tangerine Peel
ORANGE FLOWERS - Orange Peel
PATCHOULI - Oakmoss
PEPPERWORT - Rue, Grains Of Paradise, Black Pepper
PINE - Juniper
PINE RESIN - Frankincense, Copal
RED SANDALWOOD - Sandalwood with a pinch of Dragon's Blood
ROSE - Yarrow
ROSE GERANIUM - Rose
RUE - Rosemary with a pinch of Black Pepper
SAFFRON - Orange Peel
SANDALWOOD - Cedar
SARSAPARILLA - Sassafras
SASSAFRASS - Sarsaparilla
SPEARMINT - Peppermint
SULFUR - Tobacco, Club Moss, Asafoetida
THYME - Rosemary
TOBACCO - Bay
TONKA BEAN - Deerstongue, Woodruff, Vanila Bean, Coffee Bean
VALERIAN - Asafoetida
VANILLA - Woodruff, Deerstongue, Tonka Bean
VETIVERT - Calamus
WOLFSBANE - Tobacco
WOOD ALOE - Sandalwood sprinkled with Ambergris Oil
WOODRUFF - Deerstongue, Vanilla
WORMWOOD - Mugwort
YARROW - Rose
YEW - Tobacco

Sources
Scott Cunningham

http://www.homestead.com/crystalforest1/Substitutions.html

[Leviyah]

Wow! Thank you, I've been looking for something like this for a while!
Blessings
Leviyah

[Flar's Freyja]

Thanks for posting this! I also want to add that in a pinch, if you can't get actual essential oil, fragrance oil will do. This is especially useful when a ritual calls for rose, neroli or sandalwood, which are pretty pricey.

[Flaire-FireStar]

Excellent. :thumbsup: I'm going to print this out.

[Wolfladystar]

I'm glad you all like it... When it comes to the pricey oils I use a 10 or 20 % in a carrier oil.... You can buy them much cheaper, or a hydrosol... For healing and medical use, I use medical grade ess. oils... but for magick and ritual you are right a frag. should work just fine... Enjoy.... *

[Morrighana]

What's the difference between normal essential oils and medical grade?

[Leviyah]

A aromatherapist once told me that burning fragrant oils is toxic. Maybe the fragrant oils you get in the US are different from the ones sold here, but here fragrant oils are produced in a laboratory and so aren't natural at all.

Its possible that the difference between aromatherapy and medical grade is the percentage of pure aromatic oils. Some aromatherapy oils are mixed with a base oil (most commonly grapeseed), whereas medical grade is probably 100% aromatic oil. I could be wrong though.
Blessings
Leviyah

[Flar's Freyja]

I'm sorry, I should have clarified. I wasn't referring to burning perfume oils at all. What I meant was that they are acceptable when a ritual calls for the fragrance, such as for candle anointing, etc., or for charm bags or ritual baths. It's the essence or the association that you are striving for most of the time, so the actual quality of the oil isn't a big factor.

Many, many spells call for rose essential oil. It is over $80 per ounce and many can't afford it. I have found that rose geranium essential oil is a lot more affordable and smells very nice.

While we are on the subject, it's a good idea to have a good reference book on essential oils, since there are some that should never be put directly on the skin. Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs has good information and I think that his other book on incenses and oils has similar info. You can also look these up on the internet.

[Leviyah]

Arh! That makes sense then :)

As a general rule (and unless you know better) the only oil that can be applied to the skin with being diluted is Lavender. I had a friend who was badly burnt when she try to put a blend that contained, as the main oil, peppermint.
Blessings
Leviyah

[Flar's Freyja]

:eek: And for goodness' sake, don't try it with cinnamon or cascia bark, either............I think it's the worst. Interestingly, oil of clove can be used on the gums and is the main ingredient in novocaine but cannot be put on the skin. My oral surgeon even admitted that it's a secret they've been keeping from us for years! It's wonderful for tooth abscesses. If you ever try it, use a cotton swab and be careful not to get it on your lips. However, if you do, it will be very uncomfortable but won't leave actual burns.

[Leviyah]

Chewing cloves is good (but very bitter) for toothache. If you have a cavity you can put clove into the tooth which is meant to sooth it while you wait to go to the dentist.

[Mythrel]

GREAT LIST!!! I'm saving a copy of this myself!!!

[Wolfladystar]

Originally posted by Morrighana
What's the difference between normal essential oils and medical grade?

Normal grade ess. oils, sometimes use the whole plant or are not as pure as medical grade ess. oils.... But they are wonderful for cleaning and using in the wash. It's different with every oil... Medical grade ess. oils are very pure and very strong... You should never use an oil on the skin unless it is in a carrier oil, of 12 drops of ess. oil to an oz of carrier oil.. (then a teaspoon can be added to the bath or rubbed on the body after the bath while still wet, pat the body dry. You can also use it as a massage oil for the muscles.) and 1/4 of that for children... The safest oils for children are rose, lavender, roman chamomile. at 18 to 4 years you can add, mandarin, tangerine, tea tree, eucalyptus radiata, at five to 12 years you can add spearmint and other citruses, at 12 years and older you can use them as you would for an adult, but still bear in mind physical size and the fact that teens are more sensitve to EO's than adults so they will benefit from a smaller amount. Elderly and pregnant women are also very sensitive and lesser amounts should be used... Lavender and Tea Tree can be applyed directly to the skin... But, most citrus oils, should not be worn in the sun for they will burn the skin, even in a carrier oil.... (also avoid them for someone undergoing treatment for cancer or using a tanning booth.) A good book on ess. oils is a must when using them at all.... You should not burn frag. oils, even those they put in candles are toxic... Unscented candles are the best... Ess. Oils can be dangerous and should really only be used after study of each oil.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless is a really good place to start... Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D is a good book for those of you interested in the "Science" of Ess. Oils. And a good rule of thumb is very basic... When it comes to Ess. Oils... Less is always better...
Even when you use them in the bath tub, they should be put in a carrier oil, or milk works in a pinch.... Ess. Oils are a very valuable healing tool, but like all "tools" they should be use with knowledge and caution. The best and safest way to use Ess. Oils. is by inhaling them... And that will work just as well as applying it to the skin... Even better as it goes directly to the limbic system in the brain. One or two drops can be applied to a tissue, waved in the air for a moment and then sniffed... If you hold the bottle under the nose, it should be three to four inches beneith the nostrals... There is much to learn and study about Ess. Oils... But used properly, they are a wonder to behold... Lavender and Geranium will clear up fungus on the toenails... but it should be put in a lotion 12 drops to one oz. always works...

I could go on and on about the ess. oils... but this should give you a good starting point... Just always remember, they are like a medicine, and should be used with caution.. also for long term, you should swich oils every 3-4 weeks, and also take a break from using them daily, say, 6 days on one day off, 6 weeks on one week off... I hope this helps you all out some... Blessings *

[Flar's Freyja]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post all that information, Wolfladystar!

We'd better get back on topic before I have to send us to the Green Room :lol: Actually, I don't think it hurts at all to have this info in this forum also since some of the members don't frequent that forum, and we do use these things in our practice.

[FelixFire]

You know what's odd? I've worn several essential oils directly on my skin, undiluted, and have NEVER had a problem with it. I must have tough skin, I guess.

In high school, for example, I wore undiluted clove oil almost every single day for 4 years. Aura Casia brand, so I know it was real. I even used to dot it on my tongue after lunch to freshen my breath. It did sting a little bit on the tongue, but not more than listerine does, LOL.

I've even worn cinnamon oil on my neck without the slightest sting! (I think it was leaf oil...that's the cheaper kind, right? It was the cheaper kind, whichver that one is)

NOT that I'm saying it's a good idea for anyone else, and I don't usually do it anymore now that I know better. Just an anecdote, I guess. :)

OH, and you can find "folded" citrus oils that are safe for the skin - they have whatever it is that makes them phototoxic removed or buffered to make it safe for body products. :) I can't live without my orange-oil perfume!!

[Flar's Freyja]

Actually, I have directly applied lavender, orange, patchouli, sandalwood and several others with no ill effect, but that cascia bark burned! And it smells so pretty, I like it better than cinnamon. Didn't leave a rash or anything, though. I've also heard that even if they don't burn your skin, your body absorbs them and they can do some toxic damage. I haven't had that happen either, but it never hurts to listen to precautions.

[FelixFire]

*nods* Good point about the absorbtion Freyja, I didn't think about that aspect of it. Ah well, high school was over nearly 10 years ago now, if I poisoned myself back then I guess I'd know about it by now, LOL.

I've also discovered that cats are *extremely* sensitive to essential oils, even just through skin contact. So I've sort of scared myself off wearing them undiluted now since my 4 fuzz-babies like to clamber all over me all the time. (Fortunately I discovered that by reading, not by experience. *whew*) I can't imagine how horrid I'd feel if I accidentally poisoned one of my meowers through my foo-foo!!

[Wolfladystar]

Originally posted by Freyja
Thanks so much for taking the time to post all that information, Wolfladystar!

We'd better get back on topic before I have to send us to the Green Room :lol: Actually, I don't think it hurts at all to have this info in this forum also since some of the members don't frequent that forum, and we do use these things in our practice.

Opps... Sorry, I forget about the forum formats at times.... I know that's important on a board so big.... So lastly I will mention that...

And I believe it's the monoterpenes that are removed from the citrus oil.... So it won't burn... Another good thing to remember when using citrus oils is to buy organic, as they are made from the peels, and pesticides tend to accumulate there.... Esp. if you plan to burn them in ritual... Burning posions is not good... And would tend to change the dynamic's I would think...

I too have used small amounts on the skin, but the problem there is people tend to use more and more, because a little didn't hurt... so..... and then there is a problem....

OK, now back to the subject... And thank you for reminding me of forum formats.... I can be a space case at times... Hugs and smiles..... *

[Flar's Freyja]

:) No worries, we ALL went in that direction and I think I started it..........and again, it doesn't hurt to have this info here for members who don't visit the Green Room. You've been very helpful!

[Wolfladystar]

Originally posted by Freyja
:) No worries, we ALL went in that direction and I think I started it..........and again, it doesn't hurt to have this info here for members who don't visit the Green Room. You've been very helpful!

Thank-you... I am glad to be at your service.... *

[Wolfladystar]

I'm sure this belongs in the green room, but I thougt I'd post it here also, since we were talking of Ess. Oils. I hope that's ok... *

Essential Oils Info. (http://www.naturesgift.com/infomenu.htm)

I found lots of good info here on essential oils.... And would add just a few things...

Always investigate before you use. Take a class, read books, ask a professional.

There is no Substitute for good Education

Books: 1) The Illustarted Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless is a wonderful book with tons of information. 2) Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.d. This book has much about the science of essential oil therapy.

For children, pregnant women, sensitive individuals and the elderly you should only use a 1/2 to 1 1/2% solution depending on the strength and properties of the essential oils being used.

For adults 1 to 3% is a good guide line.

Examples:

1 teaspoon ( 100 drops) carrier oil mixed with 1 to 3 drops of essential oils.
1 drop per teaspoon = 1% solution
3 drops per teaspoon = 3% solution
1 drop per 2 teaspoons = 1/2% solution

4 oz. carrieroil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of essential oils = 2% solution
8 oz. carrier oil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of essential oils = 1% solution
8 oz. carrier oil mixed with 25 drops (1/4 teaspoon) of essential oil = 1/2%

Simple blends of three eessential oils or less are most appropriate. And always remember that the therapist is esposed to the same oils as the client and will be effected to to some extent as well.

MEASERMENTS

5ml= 1 teaspoon=100 drops
15 ml=1 tablespoon= 0.5 ounces= 300 drops
30 ml=2 tablespoons = 1 oz. = 600 drops =30cc
240 ml = 1 cup = 8 oz = 48 teaspoons.

Baby safe oils= Rose, lavender, roman chamomile. Dilute EO's in mil before adding to baby's bath.

Toddler safe oils 18 mo. to 4 yrs = Rose, lavender, roman chamomile, madarin, tangerine, teatree, eucalyptus radiata.

Five to 12 year olds= all the above plus spearment and other citruses.

12 yers and older= Most oils that are good for adults keeping in mind the physical size and the fact that teens are more sensitive to EO's than adults and will benefit from smaller amounts.

A good rule of thumb for anyone is always that less is better. If an oil is working and you want to use more, increase how many times you use the small amount, as in from once a day to two times a day. Never increase from 4 drops to 8 drops.

A responsible adult should administer essential oils and the bottle should then be placed out of reach of the child.

When buying EO's it is best to buy high quality... Look for Brown Glass bottles with inside droppers. (The droppers can be made of hard plastic) Not rubber. The label should say that it is 100% pure Essential Oil . It should list the common name and the latin name. The prices should vary for each oil and not be the same for say Rose oil and Lemon oil.

The averge shelf life for EO's is about 5 years. Oils should be stored out of the sun in a cool room. Citrus oils should be stored in the frig. and only last about one year. You should not touch the dropper to the skin. Bottle down larger quanitites to reduce oxidation.

If you spill an oil, wipe off what you can, dissolve and dilute the EO"s by applying an oily substance (butter, lotion, cream, oil or mayonnaise) and wash with soapy water to remove the residue. EO's are soluble in grain alcohol, oil or fat, they are not soluble in water.

[Lavender]

Originally posted by Freyja
Thanks so much for taking the time to post all that information, Wolfladystar!

We'd better get back on topic before I have to send us to the Green Room :lol: Actually, I don't think it hurts at all to have this info in this forum also since some of the members don't frequent that forum, and we do use these things in our practice.

I'm going to put a link to this thread in the Green Room Resources. :)

[Wolfladystar]

Cool.. I guess that takes care of my last question... Thanks... *

Note... I agree you should never use EO's on cats (from a past post by FelixFire) they are very harmful to them... and you should not use them in rooms with birds, for they are harmful there too.. But they work wonders on horses and dogs and wolves... Always keep them away from the eyes, but for cuts and wounds they are wonderful and for runny nose and eyes put a drop on the bottom of the dog/horse/wolf ear. My wolf has a very sensitive nose and sometimes I think she is catching a cold, when it is running, one drop of what I call crud buster (Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Lavender) in her ear and it clears it right up...
She also loves to get massages.... Of course, she's just a big old lovey baby..... When my shepard had an infection in a cut, the vet wanted to use meds... but just a drop of Tea Tree and Lavender combo, cleared it up in two days.... She, on the other hand, won't sit still long enough to get a massage.... *

[Lavender]

That's interesting to know about EO's & birds. A discussion on essential oils and pets would make a great topic in the Green Room. (Yes, shameless plug for Green Room here! :D)

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Wildchild
That's interesting to know about EO's & birds. A discussion on essential oils and pets would make a great topic in the Green Room. (Yes, shameless plug for Green Room here! :D)

You shameless herbal expert! :T And just to show you that I mean it when I say you can shamelessly plug all you want......

For anyone who hasn't seen Wild's forum, here's the link:

The Green Room (http://mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=13)

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump

[Rowina]

What a relief! I've seen spells with some really off-the-wall ingredients, and this list is like an answer to a prayer. Thanks so much, Freyja. Great research :graduate: !

[Teresa]

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=144736
Here is a list of the magical properties of incense.

[Darbla]

This alphabetical list of substitutions was obtained originally from a mailing list and has been added to by myself and several others. I am told that Scott Cunningham is the author of most of these.
That looks like the list from "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews". LOVE that book; it's what made me take a serious look at Witchcraft and paganism in general (though some call him fluffy). I have made more items from that book than any other 'Craft book I have.

Darbla

[KylalaKitty]

I heard that you can substitute wine with orange juice.

[Rick]

I heard that you can substitute wine with orange juice.

Depends on what mixed drink your mixin'... :hahugh:

If you're referring to magical use, that might depend... substituting OJ for the wine in 'wine & cakes' would be OK in most circumstances, but substituting OJ for wine in, say, an offering to the Fae might not be such a great idea... unless for some reason ya enjoy hunting for your keys & such... :hehehehe:

Oh, also, I believe you're in the lead for thread necromancy...

[Morgaine_cla]

Hmmm... Interesting.

I am not sure how this list is intended to be used, but it would be useless for most of my ritual and healing work. Why would anyone familiar with the constituents and metaphysical properties of mistletoe substitute mint?... I suppose it depends on how you view what you are doing...

Perhaps someone here is more familiar with the author's sources for this list? Do these correspondences derive from materia medica, materia magicka, from the Doctrine of Signatures, or from the author's personal inspiration?

Curious... Very curious!