Magickal Goody of the Day

Making your own ink can be as simple as going out in the woods and finding a fallen twig and charring the end of it and then using that as a writing utensil. If you are going to use this method, you will need to make a new char-pen for each ritual that you perform. You simply burn the end of the twig until it becomes charcoal (not ash) and then you let it cool and use that to write with. While you are burning the end of the twig, visualize your intent, and continue visualizing your intent while the twig cools off. Once the twig is cool, you can then use it.

You can also make liquid magickal inks, and these will require the use of a quill or a dip pen. Dip pens can usually be found at any stationary store and some office supply stores. Which ever you decide to use, you will need to practice with the quill or dip pen until you are used to the way it functions.

The easiest way to make magickal ink is by using lampblack. It is a long process, but it is well worth it in the end as you have made the ink yourself, saved yourself some money and you have added your own personal power to the ink while you are making it. When using lampblack as the method for making your ink all you need is a candle of appropriate color (white if for general purposes, or if you do not have the proper color candle), a metal spoon, a small piece of card stock or cardboard to scrape the spoon, a small bowl, gum arabic and some distilled water. You may also need something to hold the spoon with if it starts to get hot.

Light the candle, and hold the bottom side of the spoon in the flame until the bottom of spoon is covered with soot. This typically takes about 30-60 seconds depending on the size of the spoon, size of the flame, and how close you hold the spoon to the flame. Once the bottom of the spoon is covered in soot, hold the spoon over the bowl and use the card stock or cardboard to scrape the soot into the bowl. Be careful not to breathe too heavily, as this stuff is almost weightless and will happily fly everywhere if you let it. Also, be sure to do this somewhere where it will not get on your carpet, as it will stain fabric. Repeat this process about sixty times, which will take you anywhere from half an hour to an hour. While you are doing this, if you are making this ink for a specific goal, visualize that goal while you are burning the spoon, and scraping the soot into the bowl. If the spoon gets hot, use a pot holder so that you do not burn your hands. Once you are finished gathering the lampblack (soot), you will need to add, one drop at a time, some hot distilled water. Stop adding water before you think you should. Use your finger to mix the soot and water until the soot has completely dissolved. Lampblack will float on the top of the water, so it will take some effort to get it to dissolve completely. Once the lampblack is dissolved completely, and you have rich dark colored water, add some powdered gum arabic to the mix and again stir with your finger until the gum arabic has dissolved. Add enough gum arabic to make the ink have the same consistency has commercial produced ink. After you have completed the ink, you can store it in a jar and use it as needed.

Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch

Carol Moyer