SpellCrafting
Spells for the Craft: Peace Water
Merry meet!
Many of you are probably familiar with war water – typically made from iron nails or spikes left to rust in pond water along with another ingredient or two such as Spanish moss or wormwood. It’s used to drive away disruptive energy, and I have sprinkled it around the perimeter of my abode as a preemptive protective measure.
Recently I learned of peace water. A hoodoo product, it brings peace, harmony, and gentleness to places, people or situations. It can create an energetic barrier, warding off negative entities and energies that would bring discord to your environment. It’s thought peace water draws its symbolism from the Biblical directive to “spread oil on troubled waters,” calming down things. Coming in contact with it will is said to make people or spirits become more gentle, thus treating others with kindness and respect.
According to The Village Witch, a witchcraft shop in the UK, “It is also the antidote to War Water and counteracts hexes, curses, jinxes and tricks.”
It can be used as a floor wash, a spray, a bath, to anoint objects, and in lieu of or in tandem with incense. It can also be added to water when washing ritual garb or altar cloths.
Recipes to make your own vary greatly.
The Divinely Preserved Healer’s recipe calls for mixing lavender buds or flowers, and peppermint leaves in a small jar. Cover the ingredients with jojoba oil and place it where the sun or the moon can charge it for two to six weeks. Shake daily while being mindful of its purpose. Once the tincture is made, add spring water and blue food coloring to a glass spray bottle. Drain the oil from the tincture unto the spray bottle where it will form a second layer. Lastly, pour in Florida Water (or Kananga Water). Other ingredients such as Palo Santo or sage can also be added. Then charge with intentions of peace using your preferred method.
Dawn Champine states in a YouTube video that Peace Water brings tranquility and serenity and keeps troubles at bay. She keeps a bottle on her altar. According to folklore, she explains, malevolent spirits are mesmerized by what happens when you shake it and the three layers blend together, resulting in something like a lava lamp.
She makes a two-layer version by starting with holy water, which she defines as any water you say is holy, including tap water. Words are powerful and by saying it is holy you are blessing it so it takes on the properties of your intention. The main ingredient is Indigo Water, which is holy water that has been colored blue. Traditionally used are Anils – balls of powdered dye found where Mexican Santeria supplies are sold. Blue food coloring is often used to achieve the desired shade. To a jar filled about half way with Indigo Water, slowly pour in a layer of oil such as almond or olive, then secure the lid. To activate, simply shake the jar. Gazing at it will bring on a feeling of serenity. It can be used in blessings and healing spells, and would make a thoughtful housewarming gift.
Another recipe I found calls for adding two Anil balls to a jar half full of warm water, shaking until they are dissolved. Add a couple pinches of peppercorns, mint, blessed thistle, lavender, rosemary, and sage. Then add enough olive oil to almost fill the jar and cover. Choose a white or blue candle, and, if you wish, use a pin to inscribe the word “peace” on all sides. Drip wax onto the jar lid and use it to attach the candle. Light the candle and pray over, bless, and consecrate the jar with your intentions for peace and tranquility. Let it burn all the way down.
Peace Water instructions from yet another online source calls for brewing a tea of fresh basil leaves to which you add add a splash of bay rum and a few drops of liquid bluing.
Catherine Yronwode describes Peace Water in “Hoodoo in Theory and Practice” as consisting of three layers – “two pale blue liquids and a watery-clear liquid, each scented with a different herbal essence. When at rest in its bottle, the three fluids … naturally separate into layers, each with its own fragrance.” It can be ordered from Lucky Mojo Curio Co. in Forestville, CA for $8 plus shipping.
Merry part. And merry meet again.
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About the Author:
Lynn Woike
All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and “just knew things.” In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice.
When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie – a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at thewitchonwheels.com, Facebook and Instagram.
