Potions

 Potions 

 

Something I was surprised wasn’t discussed more heavily in our texts was the role of potions in witchcraft. In modern depictions like Hocus Pocus, Wicked, and other films it seems that witches are constantly toiling over their latest brew in a cauldron. However, this didn’t as feature heavily in any of our reading as I expected. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult mentioned a few love potions, healing potions, and some Renaissance-era potions featuring snakes and chickens. The book also mentioned that modern Wiccans today continue to make potions as part of their regular practice. So while potions were definitely used in historical witchcraft, it seemed to be different and more targeted than the witch whipping up a quick potion for any ailment or problem, as often depicted in films. 




 

In looking for potions online, I came across a few things that are thought to heal the drinker. A “healing potion” I found consists of ginger, honey, lemon juice, and water, heated over a white or yellow candle in order to make a tea. The experience also includes “visualizing the hot water in your tea as a high vibration that goes through your body,” and saying mantras related to one’s health. Of course, I also found a Traditional Witches’ Formulary and Potion-making Guide: Recipes for Magical Oils, Powders, and Other Potions on Amazon (they really do have everything). 

 

The rest of my google search on potions mostly consisted of bloggers sharing ideas and recipes for Halloween drinks (both alcoholic and not). I suppose like the properties of other potions, these have the benefits of livening a celebration, and possibly curing what ails (depending on the ingredients). 

 

My family sometimes visits a restaurant which serves a beverage called “Berries and Bubbles”.  The restaurant uses dry ice to present a bubbling, dark purple drink that also includes Vodka, Crème de Cassis, sour mix, sparkling wine, and fresh berries. It is really tasty, and every time I have it I feel like it should come in a cauldron, rather than a martini glass, because it reminds me so much of the classic line “double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble,” from Macbeth. Though it can be enjoyed year-round, I bet it would make a hit crowd pleaser for a Halloween party or other spooky gathering. My mother sent me the recipe, which I’ve included below for anyone who wants to try! 

 

Ingredients: 

 

1.25 ounces good vodka

1.5 ounces sour mix

1 ounce sparkling wine

.75 ounces Crème de Cassis

Fresh berries

Dry ice

 

Steps: 

 

1.     Add fresh berries and dry ice to the bottom of a martini glass. 

2.     Add vodka, Crème de Cassis, and sour mix to a cocktail shaker with regular ice. Shake thoroughly. 

3.     Pour into martini glass, add sparkling wine. 

4.     Watch bubble and enjoy! 



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