Herbal oils and Incense have been used in magical and religious ceremonies since prehistory. Holy “anointing” oils have been used by Christian rituals and the rituals of those that came before. Back then, people lovingly prepared herbs and other plants to extract oil. Nowadays, companies sell synthetic oils which are designed to be similar to herbal oils with regards to color and texture. However, these synthetics are not as good as natural oils (if far less expensive). Not only are natural ingredients better as a general rule, it is often difficult to tell whether a synthetic oil truly contains herbal ingredients or simply chemicals designed to simulate them. By creating your oil blends yourself, you can ensure that everything that went into your magical blend is authentic.

Herbal oils and Aromatherapy Oils are created by steeping the right herbal blends in a suitable carrier oil. Different techniques result in oil blends of different strengths. This process can involve heating the carrier oil or letting the herbs relax in the bottle for several months. This procedure may be repeated many times, especially the heating process. Once the compounds are properly steeped, you can strain out the herbal residue or simply let it sit in the bottle—people swear by different techniques for optimal results. Alternatively, you can grind the herbs with a mortar and pestle before mixing them in the oil, which ensures that all of the plant material is used and none is wasted.

The most commonly used carrier oils are olive oil, mineral oil, and sweet almond oil. You can use olive oil for rituals involved in positive energy, such as blessing the sick or attempting to channel positive energy to succeed at a task. Mineral oil by contrast, is used for rituals designed to banish, command, or destroy. These rituals can rid oneself of unwanted influences or mischievous spirits. Mineral oils have a synergy with other mineral compounds, such as magnetic oils and amber oils. Finally, sweet almond oil can be used like almond oil for channeling positive energy, except it is suited to making “lighter” cold-steeped oils. These light oils can be anointed and worn without irritating the skin (heavy oils are better loaded into diffusers or burned within a candle)

Regarding the kinds of herbs and natural minerals used for magical oils, the right herb or blend of herbs changes the effect. Patchouli promotes fertility and abundance. It is used to bring fortune in a business that is based on the production of home-grown or handmade things (such as a restaurant). By contrast, amber is associated with luck, so anoint it before risky business ventures. Blending the two oils results in a magical blend that attracts wealth and fortune in all areas. Wisteria is associated with mental and spiritual development—annoint yourself with it every day to increase your powers of perception. Vanilla encourages feelings of lust and love, whether in yourself or in spells to be cast on another. Lotus, on the other hand, is commonly used in protection spells, whether to bolster one's own will or to remove unwanted influences. Healing spells also use lotus leaves and petals within their rituals.

Combine your herbal oils with incense to charge their magic. The magic sits in the herb blends in the oil, but requires your own energy to bring it forth. Magic, like the oils used within it, are a blend of carefully chosen ingredients. Cense your incense of myrrh or Benzoin with the oil to charge it before using it in spells. You can also use candles with oils to increase the potency of your ritual.