#Ars Philtron

[musingmelsuinesmelancholy]

Hey there! I’ve followed you for a bit but haven’t asked you much yet! So I’ve got one for you—what are your general thoughts on Chumbley’s work? Any books you recommend regarding Cultus Sabbati?

Hello! hope all is well 😁

Admittedly I’ve read more Schulke than Chumbley, though I do enjoy his works. I enjoy his writing style more than Schulke’s, tho like most sabbatic literature it can be hard to grasp but that’s the point! I enjoy the emphasis on ecstatic and oneiric experiences, the draconic motifs, the stellar motifs. It’s kinda what I was looking for when I got interested in witchcraft as a pre-teen. Sabbatic lit provided me structure as I was leaving behind the New Age stuff, which I desperately needed as I no longer had the structure of Wicca.

I’d recommend Azoetia, Lux Haeresis, Opsulca Magica and Qutub to somebody newer to sabbatic craft. I also really really enjoy Viridarium Umbris, Ars Philtron!

Pretty sure all of these are easy to find as PDFs. VK who? 👀

Just for transparency’s sake I am very much a novice, I have been practicing trad craft for like 6 ish years? Gotta long way to go!

[friend-crow]

I told my coworker about this, who is appropriately jealous, and is now offering to let me borrow his copy of Ars Philtron.

Plus the person who let me leaf through his copy of Viridarium Umbris says he has another book that he spent too much on to show me the next time we meet up, and my mind is racing with the possibilities.

I got to hold it. Much easier to read than the shitty pdf.

[lailoken]

‘:Formulae:’ [Pt. 2]

“Jewell'd Waters of Radiance.

A Sacred Bath For Women; being a most excellent preparation for the rites of any sylvan goddess, nymph, female spirit or deific form. The Balneum requires generous amounts of fresh flowers, hence several hours should be allotted for gathering, being ever mindful of the spirits to be honour'd.

Leaf of Raspberry, dry. 35 g.

Rose Petals, fresh. 35 g.

Cherry Blossoms, fresh. 35 g.

Blossoms of Honeysuckle, fresh. 35 g.

Orange Flower Water. 350 ml.

Rose Absolute. 13 drops.

Let a cold infusion of the fresh blossoms be made, allowing them to steep in large seal'd vessels of well or spring water. Make a hot infusion of the Berry Leaves, with sufficient boiling water to cover. Seal in a stopper'd jar and steep for 30 minutes. When the Bath is drawn, strain the Leaf infusion decoction into the water, along with the Orange flower water and Rose Absolute. Add double the amount of Salt of Lilith to the ablution, and agitate the waters. Finally, pour in the cold infusions, leaving the fresh flowers to float freely. Let the Spirit to Be Honour'd be invoked with the Wand of Quickening, and the bath-chamber lit with candles.

Aqueum Liliya.

A lustral sacrifice for ritual conveyance of the benedictions of Lilith in her fully waxed, angelic, and tutelary lunation. The bath may be modified for succubi, nymphs, or water-spirits. All flowers should be fresh-gathered in Her name.

Petals of White Roses. 200

Blossom of Jasmine. 200

Blossom of Gardenia. 100

Blossom of Lily. 3

Blossom of Angel's Trumpet. 1

Place into the Working Basin and cover with 4 litres of cold spring water. Knead the blossoms gently between the fingers for several moments while a graven image of the Lady is silently focused upon with Eye and Heart. Let stand for three hours prior to use in a quiet, sheltered place, away from the light, with a single white candle lit for the Lady before her Idol. During the rite wherein the lustration is to be employed, the Lady should be invoked with a wand of Crooked Willow or Tamarisk, and the branch employed to quicken the florid waters. The petals should be left in the waters and the lustration sprinkled upon the crowns, brows, and palms of those who would receive the Lady's goodness.

Waters of Magnetism.

An excellent bath for increasing Charisma or one's natural Charms, ideal for attracting a mate or other sexual glamours. The Balneum may also be used prior to gambling. Owing to the seasonal nature of Cherry and Quince, the Bath is best employ'd in Spring. Cherry blossoms are rarely found at the local apothecary. Thus, one must gather one's own in Spring. One may also employ blossoms of Apple, Plum, Pear, or Peach for like effect.

Cherry Blossoms, fresh or dried. 200

Blossoms of Flowering Quince, fresh. 100

Chamomile Blossoms, fresh or dried. 100

Rose Buds, fresh. 30

Steep in enough boiling water to cover. Let the infusion sit for 10 minutes. Strain into bathwater, washing the Herb material through several times. Immerse oneself for at least 30 minutes and allow the waters to air-dry on the skin after emerging.

Lustration of Mercurius.

A bath appropriate for invoking the patron of magic, and alchymic wisdom. This Bath of the Wise grants especial gifts prior to labours of the spiritual laboratory.

Lavender Blossoms. 30 g.

Essential Oil of Lavender. 8 drops

Essential Oil of Sandalwood. 8 drops

Kosher Salt. 60g.

Epsom Salt. 60 g.

Infuse Lavender Blossoms in 1.5 litres boiling water for the space of 30 minutes. Strain and add to a 300 litre bath and stir in, adding salt and oils. For best results, soak for at least 40 minutes and drip dry afterward.

Warrior's Ablution.

A stimulating brew to lend power during confrontations with enemies, the law, or for use prior to negotiations.

Leaf of Rosemary, fresh. 70 g.

Cinnamon chips. 30 g.

Bloom of Chamomile, dry. 30 g.

Flowers of Broom. 30 g.

Add Rosemary and Cinnamon to a cooking vessel with enough water Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. In a separate vessel, steep the Broom and Chamomile blossoms in 1 litre boiling water. Strain both infusion and decoction and discard Herbal material, adding the liquids to the bathwater. cover.

Earthing Bath.

For drawing stray powers back into the Corpus, centering the Mind, and subduing quarrelsome spirits.

Linden blossom, dried. 60 g.

Oak, leaves and twigs, dried and crumbl'd. 60 g.

Leaf of Wormwood. 33 g.

Infuse the Linden and Wormwood in 1.5 litre boiling water for 20 minutes. As it is steeping, simmer Oak leaves in 1 litre of water for 20 minutes. Strain both fluids into the bath tub and soak as long as is needed.

Midsummer Gold.

A Solar infusion made from traditional Herbs for washing the body and clearing and fortifying the aethyric orb.

Herb of St. Johnswort, dry. 30 g.

Herb of Vervain, dry. 30 g.

Leaf of Mugwort, dry. 25 g.

On the morning of the Summer Solstice, seal each of the Herbs in a separate steeping jar with enough water to completely fill the vessel. Allow to steep for at least four hours in the sunlight, absorbing the Solar Genius at the peak of its power. During this time of steeping, the very Fires of the Sun should be invoked and beseech'd into the Womb of the Waters of the Moon. In this conjunctio the Fruits of Our Labour arise. The exhausted plant matter is then strained out, and the resulting infusions mixed. The potentiated wash may be poured on the head while holding clear in the Imaginal Eye the Solar virtues cleansing the crown, and gradually seeping into the entirety of the aethyric orb. The wash may also be added to bathwater for extended soaking.

Floor Wash.

A general but potent Encharmed Solution for cleansing the oratory or home of Noxious Spirits or in the wake of an unpleasant event.

Leaf of Vervain, dry. 40 g.

Leaf of Sagebrush, dry. 30 g.

Leaf of Thyme. 20 g.

Root of European Mandrake. 7 g.

Steep Vervain, Sagebrush and Thyme in 1 litre boiling water, leaving to stand in an airtight jar for 7 hours before filtering. In a separate cooking vessel, add Mandrake to 400 ml. water and bring to a boil. Simmer 20 minutes. Filter and reserve liquid, burying the boil'd Root in an honourable location and with a coin and thanks. Add to Herbal infusion when it has been strained.

Purification Bath.

A relaxing bath excellent for quieting and realigning the disrupted psyche, as well as nourishing and envigorating the bastions of spiritual defence. Our Fair Decoction may be simmered longer than the 15 minutes given, up to 25. The resulting brew may be used for a cold bath as well, omitting the salts and oil.

Fir Needle. 50 g.

Atlas Cedar. 33 g.

Epsom Salt. 30 g.

Root of Valerian, chopped. 25 g.

Root of Calamus, chopped. 25 g.

Essential Oil of Sandalwood. 5 drops.

Bring 1 litre of water to a boil. Add Fir, Cedar, Calamus and Valerian. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and add to hot bath water, along with essential oil and salt. For cases of extreme disruption, double the amount of Fir, Salt, and True Oil of Sanders.

Mist of Dispersion.

For banishing rude spirits or flocculum abomini. Mix all ingredients in 4 oz. atomizer bottle and agitate before use.

Essential Oil of Palmarosa. 5 drops.

Essential Oil of Fir. 4 drops.

Essential Oil of Juniper Berry. 3 drops.

Essential Oil of Atlas Cedar. 2 drops.

Essential Oil of Birch. 1 drop.

Water. 75 ml.

Perfumer's Alcohol or 100 proof spirit. 40 ml.

Asperge Sylvaticus.

A suitable brew for asperging brethren prior to Congregational works of sorcery. The ingenium derives from a subtil congressus of the Lord and Lady of the Desert, the Lord of the Forest, and the Lady of the Garden.

Leaf of Sagebrush, crumbl'd. 33 g.

Leaf of Douglas Fir, Larch, or Hemlocks, chopp'd. 30 g.

Leaf of Scent'd Geranium. 30 g.

Leaf of Wormwood. 5

Make a strong decoction of the Fir, Hemlock or Larch with 1 litre of water in a covered cauldron, simmered for fifteen minutes. Pour the hot decoction over the remaining ingredients in a steeping vessel and let stand seal'd for half an hour. Strain and asperge with a branch of the evergreen employ'd. Tincture of Myrrh may also be added in small amounts to enhance the cleansing virtue.

Mist of Severity.

Another Compound'd Mist for the more potent workings of Exorcism or in instances of stubborn hauntings. Mix all ingredients and store in 4 oz. atomizer bottle, shaking before use.

Essential Oil of Hyssop. 5 drops.

Essential Oil of Cajeput. 4 drops.

Essential Oil of Juniper Berry. 4 drops.

Essential Oil of Black Peppercorn. 3 drops.

Water. 75 ml.

Perfumer's Alcohol or 100 proof spirit. 40 ml.

The Viridian Broom.

A potent asperge for sprinkling, using a fresh bough of Cypress.

Sprig of Douglas Fir, chopp'd. 35 g.

Herbe of Pennyroyal, whole flowering. 35 g.

Leaves of Cypress. 28 g.

Berries of Juniper, crush'd well. 25.

Place Douglas Fir, Cypress and Juniper Berries in the Wort-Cauldron with 1 litre of water, and bring to a boil. Simmer, cover'd, for 20 minutes. Remove from Heat and add the Pennyroyal. Strain when cool.

Sorcerer's Hand Wash.

For hand-anointing prior to works of the Magical Arte. Place 11 Devil's Shoestrings, along with a slice of the very best Galangal Root, a twig of True Cinnamon, a pinch of Sweet Tobacco, and a small slice of True Mandrake in a bottle of dark glass and fill with 151 Proof Rum. Stopper, storing in a dark place. Gems or minerals sympathetic to the magician may also be added as desired.

Balneum of the Wayfarer.

A blessed wash especially for the feet prior to Sojourning forth in the Greenwood, or for such as wander long in lonely places, giving invigoration and purpose to the stride. Fresh-harvest'd Rhizome of Wild Ginger (Asarum spp.) may be substituted for Ginger.

Root of Ginger, fresh, sliced. 90 g.

Leaf of Bay, fresh. 50.

Leaf of Holy Basil, fresh. 40 g.

Make strong decoctions of the Ginger and Bay in separate vessels. Pour both over the Basil into a large Hermeticus and steep for ten minutes. Pour wash without straining into a basin and soak feet for 30 minutes prior to Sojourn.”

—

Ars Philtron:

Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical

by Daniel A. Schulke

[elvthron]

From Daniel Schulke's "Ars Philtron"

In the book is specified that the best water to make liquid preparations is the (rain)water gathered in the hour of the planet who's influence should dominate the preparation. The table "reveals one cycle of these hours, generally considered by modern Alchemists to be the best."

[ivy-kissobryos]

Mists of Banishment and Exorcism

Source: Ars Philtron: Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and Its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical by Daniel Schulke

[luc3]

I read Ars Philtron.

I (still) don't understand how it is possible to be both so interesting and at the same time so BORING.

#DanielSchulke

[blackthornwren]

Aqueum Liliya

A lustral sacrifice for ritual conveyance of the benedictions of Lilith in her fully waxed, angelic, and tutelary lunation. The bath may be modified for other succubi, nymphs, or water-spirits. All flowers should be fresh-gathered in Her name.

Petals of White Roses, fresh                         200

Blossom of Jasmine, fresh                            200

Blossom of Gardenia, fresh                          100

Blossom of Lily                                              3

Blossom of Angel’s Trumpet                         1

Place the totality of the Corpus Flora into the Working Basin and cover with 4 litres of cold spring water. Knead the blossoms between the fingers for several moments whilst the image of the Lady is silently fixed in Eye and Heart. Let stand for three hours prior to use in a quiet, sheltered place, away from the light, with a single candle lit before the Image of the Lady. During the rite of the lustration proper, the Lady is called with a branch of Crooked Willow or Tamarisk, and the branch employed to quicken the waters. The petals are left in the Basin, and the lustration sprinkled upon the crowns and palms of those who would receive the Lady’s beneficence. 

-From Ars Philtron, Daniel Schulke, pg. 164

[astranemus]

Via the roads of Transmutation we call forth the World not as we wish it to be, but as it already is, albeit it distant in space and time: for by all-possibility are all things manifest. Thus Transmutation, in part, seeks to harness the unmanifest, and draw it ever toward the present flesh. When, by power of Art, we bring forth the Work in bodies of flesh, the strictures of Will, Desire, and Belief serve as our Trine. And yet, before our parameters are defined, Opposition must serve. Endeavour, therefore, in silence, stasis, and darkness to conjure that which mirrors the Unmanifest in perfection.

Daniel A. Schulke, Ars Philtron

[newworldpellar]

Preparing for the Lenten tide, and renewing my pact with my spirits and familiars on Lady Day

[lailoken]

‘:Pharmacopoeia: [Pt. 3]’

—

“Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.). Formerly classed as "Tree Daturas", these arboreal Nightshades are grown as ornamentals in tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean-climate regions. In the Sibundoy Valley of Colombia, Angel's Trumpets were used for divination, prophecy, therapy, and for learning sorcery. Elsewhere in South America, B. sanguinea, Bloody Angel's Trumpet, was employed for Tonga, a narcotic Philtre imbibed by priests of the Temple of the Sun at Sogamoza. In other traditions, the Herb was ingested to reveal treasures concealed in ancient graves. Brugmansia potions were also administered rectally to male initiates until a coma or Visionary Sleep resulted, wherein Spirits of the Ancestors would appear to give guidance to the boy for his new life as a man.! Traditionally, the seeds are powdered and used to compound sundry magical brews. After the drinking the potions there follows a violent narcosis, thereupon crowned by sleep interspersed with waking visions of the Spirit Realms and the Dead. Effects on the Physium are characterized by confusion, often follow'd by stupor, slavering, trance or violent convulsions. This gives way to narcosis or sleep lasting up to 4.days, intermittently mingled with the appearance of Spirits, Gods, phantasms, and Shades of the Dead. Other philtre-brewing praxes using this fragrant Celestial Horn include scraping the Pith from the inside of stems and making a decoction thereof.

Brunfelsia (Brunfelsia spp.). Another visionary Nightshade, the precious juices of this Herb are employed as a visionary Philtre by the Kachinaua of the Brazilian Amazon. Those drinking of the potent beverage are catapulted into the Spirit Realm, where they must do battle with Dragons, Jaguars, and other animal souls, in order to determine outcomes in the Material World.

Cup of Gold (Solandra spp.) Twigs of Solandra brevicalyx and S. guerrerensis have traditionally been brewed as a visionary Philtre by the Huichol. As this is another honored member of the tropane-bearing nightshades, caution is advised. A Vine of great Beauty and profound presence, it may be grown with ease in the sorcerer's medicine-garden, given a subtropical or Mediterranean climate and a sun-blessed location.

Hawaiian Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) The Seed of this convulvulaceous plant may be considered a Visionary whose potencies are well-extracted into water to create a very peculiar Sacramentum. The seeds are best used phytognostically for Chronomantic Journeying, those black arts by which the very strictures of Time are bent as a withe by the Sorcerer. The Seeds may be employed as well for atavistic invocation and distant memory retrieval. Their essence also aids in the voluntary projection of the Dark Body through the Aether, known to the Wise as Sabbatick Flight. 5-13 seeds should be removed from their respective pods, and ground. The powder is steep'd in 50 ml. cold water for several hours, then drunk. The seeds engender a languid visionary state sympathetic to various thaumaturgic and theurgic magics. The Herb may induce induces mild nausea or dizziness in some persons in the first hours prior to the Phytognostic state; as such, a strong tea of fresh Ginger, may be used to check disturbances of the physium. Persons with a history of liver disorders should avoid internal use of this Herb, as should pregnant women. Feelings of restfulness and tranquility may persist for up to a day following the consumption of the Sacrament.

Henbane (Hyoscyamus spp.) Like other nightshade kin such as Mandrake and Belladonna, Henbane is rich in hyoscyamine, scopolamine and other visionary tropanes. As an Elixir Sacramentum, it is best suited for potions of theurgic shape-changing, lycanthropy, and work with Bestial Atavisms. Taken internally, Henbane bewitches the Central Nervous System: initially stimulation arises, soon followed by confusion, stupor, and disturbing visions. Overdose gives rise to central narcotic paralysis, coma, and death. If leaves are desired for tincturing or drying for Magics or Medicines, the tops of the Plant should be collected while in full flower; if the species being grown is biennial, leaves and flowers of the second year are preferable to those of the first. Bilsenkraut, the German name, gave the Bohemian city of Pilsen its name, whose strong be, augmented with the seeds of Henbane, later became famous as Pilsener. Modern formulae for this Beer omit the intoxicating Herb.

Ledum (Ledum palustre, L. groenlandicum). Also known as Wild Rosemary or Marsh Tea, Ledum appeared in ancient European beers as a delirium-producing adjunct. These beers have been proposed as a sacrament of the raging, zealous Berserkers of Northern Europe. Ledum has been used in folk medicine to destroy external parasites; pregnant women should avoid Ledum, as also should those wishing to employ it as an abortifacient, as the effective dose is often a hair's breadth from the lethal dose.

Mandrake, True (Mandragora officinarum). Philtres made from the Witch-Root were at one time esteem'd aphrodisiacs. In some medieval recipes for magical brews, the Root was prepared by rotting in water for two complete lunar cycles, until it was transmogrified into a malodorous green pulp; then it was used in this form, or in a gruel, or added to a brew with sundry ingredients. A virtuous Tea, brewed from the Leaves, was also made. If integrity of taxonomy and potency is assured, tincture by covering the dried, sliced Root in supreme quality spirit, allowing the Virtues two moons to infuse. The resulting golden tincture is then be tested sparingly for its goodness, and its use in potions judged accordingly.

Psilocybe Mushroom (Psilocybe spp.) The Psilocybe kin are many and varied, in personality, predilection, and preference. Of especial joy to the Green Sorcerer is Psilocybe azurescens, very small, aureate of cap, dark blue to black of stipe. In Powers they may be considered to fall under the resplendent, ignified domain of Lucifer, the celestial light-bearer bringing all the good gifts that illuminate and empower our Arte. The qualities so expressed may be termed both empyrean and infernal; angelic, illuminating, transgressive, and quickening unto the fires of the Royal Arte. To exalt the Celestial Fire of this, our Holy Bread, fourteen grams of the dried mushrooms should verily be reduced to a powder, then interred in a Ritual Bottle having a capacity of 250-350 ml., and covered with the finest honey. Let this elixir be stirred once a day for a week, then set to rest for a moon's time. As an illuminating nocturnal Sacrament of Solitude, two to three spoonfuls should be mindfully savour'd. 'Witches' or Crows's Bread is a term of the Curren generically applied to a wide range of sacramental materials which may be ritually consumed in juxtaposition to the Vinum Sabbati. Of such Bread is Our Mushroom, ancient of Mystery and Aureate of Light.

San Pedro Cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi). The use of the cactus as a vision- sacrament in Peru dates to at least 1300 BC. Centuries after christianization, folk healers still prepare ritual brews known as Cimora, employing sundry other cactaceous species-and at least one Campanulaceous Herb whose identity as yet is a mystery- as admixtures. The Cactus is easily grown, and is a most potent Ally. Many different species of Trichocereus are mescaline-bearing; the rarer T. peruvianus is more potent and worth the rigours of a plant-pilgrimage. For preparation, the outer skin and the first five millimetres of white flesh beneath it are removed and simmered in triple its volume of water for at least 5 hours, adding water as needed. In general, when brewing of the plant a phytog- nostic decoction, use 1.5 feet of the Cactus per celebrant.

Scopolia (Scopolia carniolica). In the Middle Ages, the Herb was used in folk medicine as a narcotic and an ingredient in love potions. It was an important drug in Renaissance apothecaries; the plant was also used as a lethal poison. Scopolia is associated with magic of a licentious sexual nature in the folklore; in Romania, the roots were used as a substitute for Mandrake. Its place in the Nightshade family suggests it may have been an ingredient in witches' unguents and brews.”

Ars Philtron:

Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical

by Daniel A. Schulke

[mandatorywitchblog]

possible unpopular opinion but ars philtron > viridarium umbris

[kentuckwitch]

Books That Have Aided Me in the Development of My Craft, & a Reading List

I have to resist foundering in a ‘research and development’ stage in my practice & becoming more of an armchair witch than a practitioner. Do you struggle with that too? That said, I’ve read some amazing books that have in one or way or another helped me become a better witch and helped me do the foundational work we all have to do on our individual paths. Here are some of those, followed by a few I’m planning on reading as soon as I can get my hands on them. Have you read these? What’re your thoughts? I’d love to hear them :) And also, do you feel you sometimes get stuck or intimidated or overwhelmed with all the things we witches can do and be and become? I definitely do, and my resolution for the year is not to read and think less but to DO more.

Books I Recommend

Backwoods Witchcraft, Jake Richards

Folk Witchcraft, Roger Horne

Long Lost Friend, J.G. Gorman

The Witching Herbs, Harold Roth

The Crooked Path, Kelden

Treading the Mill, Nigel Pearson

Weave the Liminal, Laura Tempest Zakroff

Of Blood and Bones, Kate Freuler

Psychic Witch, Mat Auryn

The Witching Way of Hollow Hill, Robin Artisson

The Clovenstone Workings, Robin Artisson

The History of the Devil, R. Lowe Thompson

Mastering Herbalism, Paul Huson

The Earthwise Herbal, Matthew Wood

The Earthwise Herbal Vol. II, Matthew Wood

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory

Southern Folk Medicine, Phyllis Light

Possum Living, Dolly Freed

Shameless, Nadia Bolz-Weber

A Deed Without a Name, Lee Morgan

Besom, Stang and Sword, Orapello & Maguire

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge, Christine Grace

A Broom at Midnight, Roger Horne

Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Rachel Pollack

The Poison Path Herbal, Coby Michael

New World Witchery, Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland, Lisa Schneidau

Folk Medicine of Southern Appalachia, Anthony Cavender

The Black Book of Isobel Gowdie

A Weedwife’s Remedy, Kiva Rose Hardin

Identifying and Harvesting Edible & Medicinal Herbs, ‘Wildman’ Steve Brill

Reading List for 2022

Jack Tales

Gemma Gary’s bib.

Nigel Pearson’s bib.

Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism, Daniel A. Schulke

Ars Philtron, Daniel A. Schulke

Mastering Witchcraft, Paul Huson

Accounts of the ‘witch trials’ of the Americas & Europe

Books on Appalachian & Kentucky history

The Cherokee Herbal

Michael Howard’s bib.

Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine, Lara Veleda Vesta

Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic & Foraging for Spells, Rituals & Remedies, Rebecca Beyer

I’ll add to this list as I go back over the bibliographies of my favorites, but I’d love any recommendations you have for books that have enriched your practice. Please share! :)

[ivy-kissobryos]

Invocation of Myrrh

Gracious Myrrh,

Recall how Saturn made thee.

Thou bitter, thou difficult,

Thou ancient and purging,

O mourning mistress!

Balsam of the dead,

Warden of the living,

May thee thwart all forces

Malicious and bent on ruin.

- bits and pieces taken from Ars Philtron by Daniel Schulke

[blackthornwren]

Of the Alchemic of the Sabbath

Within the context of Traditional Witchcraft, the corpors of sorcery we term ‘Sabbatic Craft’ arises from varied occult teachings, ritually transmitted from initiator to initiate, whose shared elements originate in the Sabbath of the Witches. An historical feature of the Traditional Witchcraft lodges which gave rise to Sabbatic Craft is the presence and magical legacy of cunning-folk. Ever resourceful, this stratum of folk-magicians collected a variety of occult charms as the needs of enchantment dictated. In many streams of magic feeding the traditions of Sabbatic Witchcraft, Alchemy, herbalism, and apothecary were realms of magical study practiced by initiates, as were the degraded remnants of ancient religion wherein the Spirit-Cup occupied potent strands of power. However, despite the presence of these ancillary disciplines within the covine, the philtre, over time, has almost exclusively been the preserve of the Witch or sorcerer, rather than the esteemed doctor, alchemist or apothecary. 

As such, the Philtre is the Fluid Emanant of the Sabbath, the Wine expressed from the Blasphemous Conjugium of Midnight: a suspect poison to some, and yet a nectar of illumination to others. The Cauldron, as the earthly Temple of the Lady, commands the heart of this Circle, for it is She who governs the Array of Vessels, their manifold powers, and their manipulation via Art to bring forth strange wines. The infernal flame of the Deval Tubalo-Cain, in fiery expression and in absence, serves the Mistress in the capacity of directed Ignis to her Aqua. Their combined seed in the Grand Operation of Art yields the encharmed waters of the Potion. This power is also expressed alchemically as the Conjunction of Sun and Moon, these same two Lamps of Heaven held in high veneration by the witch. 

Thus it is that Witch and Alchemist, despite differences of magical expression, patron spirits, and professed goals of their work, share the common aim of Transmutation. To the Alchemist, this power is a gift of God, encrypted in the Tabula Natura, and poured out in blessing upon righteous men who devote their lives and fortunes to the work of the Laboratory. To them who go forth by night in the Companie of the Good, the Art of Transmutation is a needful component of sorcery; its practice encompasses the alchemical rubric, but extends beyond the Laboratory to the Heart of the Sabbath itself. Transmutation lies at the heart of Sabbatic Witchcraft praxes, and is both the Nascent Desire and the Manifest Proof of the Work.

Transmutation effects a desired change from one thing into another such that the New Flesh stands as a light unto the shadow of its former self, transformed in virtue. It is the heart of our Work of the Vessel: not limited to the fluids of the Potion, it extends to all waters, be they elements or principia, and their manifest zones of temporality. In common with chrysopoesis, Our Transmutation seeks a perfected state from a foundational matter deemed imperfect, through a series of focused actions with the aid of spirit-intercession. The Witches’ Transmutation occurs via the Cauldron of the Sabbath, the Artificer’s Fire, the Lightning-bolt, the Night Flight, the Magic Circle, Round-Dance, the Feast of Midnight, and the Sabbath-Wine. Each of these mysteries radiates the power in uniquity within Our Circle, and each has specific bearing upon the potion. Via the roads of Transmutation we call forth the World not as we wish it to be, but as it already is, albeit it distant in space and time: for by all-possibility are all things manifest. Thus Transmutation, in part, seeks to harness the unmanifest, and draw it ever toward the present flesh. When, by power of Art, we bring forth the Work in bodies of flesh, the strictures of Will, Desire, and Belief serve as our Trine. And yet, before our parameters are defined, Opposition must serve. Endeavour, therefore, in silence, stasis, and darkness to conjure that which mirrors the Unmanifest in perfection. 

Daniel A. Schulke, Ars Philtron - On the Alchemic of the Sabbath, pgs. 30-32

[hadit93]

Hi,

Have you read the Viridarium Umbris? If yes, what do you think of it?

I have although it was years ago. I preferred Ars Philtron by Schulke. I believe Viridarium Umbria is an example of one practitioners personal mythos applied to plant lore. Schulke is an expert in the field and a trained botanist. I haven’t met him but I can tell the man lives and breathes all things plants.

Umbris is a plant lore viewed through Schulkes interpretation of the Sabbatic current. His interpretation differs from Chumbley’s but his system is a workable system in its own right.

I personally preferred Philtron because he had recipes plainly listed in that book and whilst he presented a methodology he didn’t place a mythology around the plants as he did in umbris.

I think to truly appreciate Umbris you have to be on tune with the witchcraft aesthetic on a spiritual level. And whilst I have practiced witchcraft in a sabbatic context I don’t thoroughly identify with the type of witch Schulke presents in VU.

I think VU is of value to those who already have a connection and work with plants and are looking for a mythos or a system to work with them in a more formalised and ritualistic way.

Although it has been about 6 years since I read the book. So my memory might be incorrect or my opinions may change in a second reading. I might have to dive back into it now and see how I feel.

[bargainbinwizard]

I think I might've shat on the passive moon water creation method once in the past but then I saw at least two master level practitioners call it a valid method.

One was in the Ars Philtron book where to lend a particular potion power you just sit it outside under moonlight and the other was in the DIY section of a website where you sit a magical charging box after putting a spell on it under moonlight to collect energy. It's not a recipe for moon water but it's still passive. A website doesn't sound like a creditable source but the items they sell on it are either really cheap or cost hundreds or even over a thousand dollars for their spelled items.

In the past I tried talking to my spirits through oracle cards about whether certain internet magical techniques are valid and I thought that 'S' the phoenix was shitting on the passive moon water method but in reality I might've misunderstood her cards.