As we approach the halfway point of the year - and arguably, the month of sunshine, expansion and joyful possibility - it is the perfect time to pause and revisit the visions we set for ourselves as the clock struck midnight earlier this year.  This summer energy is often busy - it’s one of creation and transformation. Which means that it also invites us to slow down and ask ourselves, “what am I creating?”  

Whilst the word ‘spellcraft’ can sound mysterious and conjure images of cauldrons and magic wands, at its heart a spell is actually the art of working consciously with intention. It is the practice of choosing what we wish to cultivate and then directing our energy, attention and focus towards it.

In many ways, we cast spells every day. The stories we tell ourselves, the thoughts we repeat, the habits we practice, and the actions we take all shape our reality. When we bring intention to those choices, we can begin to participate more consciously in creating our lives. Essential oils can be powerful allies in this process because scent has a particular ability to anchor us into a particular feeling or state of mind. Just as certain smells can transport us back to a childhood memory, essential oils can also help us embody qualities like confidence, clarity, courage or creativity, over time becoming aromatic reminders of our intentions. So, I thought it would be potent to share some blends to superpower summer spellcraft.

The ingredients of spellcraft

At its core, spellcraft is built from four things:

1. Intention - what do you long to create?
2. Attention - where are you placing your focus?
3. Inspired action - what steps are you willing to take?
4. Trust - can you allow for things to unfold?

Essential oils can support each of these aspects of spellcraft, helping us to reconnect with ourselves and the qualities we wish to embody.  In particular, we want to work with blends that support us in super-charging these things.

Essential oils for intention-setting

It can be helpful to cultivate a few qualities to get good at spellcraft - including clarity, focus and visioning to help us know our intention and place our attention on the aligned goal, confidence and commitment to help us take inspired action, courage to help us trust, and love and self-worth to know that whatever happens we are enough as we are, regardless of the outcome.  I share some ritual blends below for you to help you cultivate the skills required to support you in creating your intention.

Clarity, focus and visioning

Before we set an intention, we need to know what matters to us. Often, we are so busy responding to life that we forget to feel into what we truly desire from it.  

Frankincense is one of the most supportive oils for reflection and inner clarity, which can help us get clarity on what we actually long to create in life. Traditionally used in spiritual practices for thousands of years, it encourages stillness and helps quiet mental noise so we can hear our own wisdom more clearly.

Lemon and Rosemary are two other excellent oils for inspiring clarity and supporting focus, concentration and purposeful action once an intention has been chosen.

Clarity and Focus Blend:  Mix 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Rosemary and 2 drops Lemon into water in an electrical diffuser or candle burner.

Journal on the following:

• What am I ready to create more of in my life?
• What would I choose if fear wasn't making the decision?
• Write freely for ten minutes and allow your answers to emerge without judgement, fear or self-doubt. Notice what emerges.

Confidence and commitment

As we start to witness our true wants, fear can begin to show up. Sometimes we know exactly what we want but lack the confidence to move towards it. Essential oils can support us in this.

Bergamot is a beautiful oil for encouraging optimism and self-belief. Its uplifting citrusy aroma helps lift emotional heaviness and reconnects us to possibility.

Similarly, Sweet Orange carries a similar essence, cultivating joy, confidence and creative expression.

Patchouli is an earthy, grounding oil that helps build embodied courage.

Confidence and Commitment Blend:  Mix 3 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Patchouli and 1 drop Sweet Orange into 10ml Grapeseed oil, and apply to your wrists - or even your whole body (massaging softly in the direction towards the heart) - to give you confidence to commit to your intention.

Affirm to yourself:

• I do not need certainty before I begin

Whenever you need a confidence boost, or even to return your focus back to your intention when it drifts towards fear, repeat this ritual.

Courage, self-worth and love

Many of our intentions fail because deep down we either fear taking action, or don't believe we are worthy of receiving what we desire. Floral essential oils, in particular, can help us cultivate a sense of self-belief.

Rose essential oil has long been associated with healing the heart. It supports compassion, emotional openness and self-love, helping us to create intentions that come from our hearts rather than self-criticism.

Geranium is another nurturing oil that supports emotional balance and helps us remain connected to ourselves during times of change.

Similarly, Ylang Ylang is a sweet floral that helps inspire courage and nurture self-worth. 

Courage, Self-Worth and Love Blend:  Mix 4 drops Rose, 1 drop Geranium and 1 drop Ylang Ylang into water in an electrical diffuser or candle burner.

Place your hand on your heart and ask:

• What would become possible if I truly believed I was worthy?
• Allow yourself to simply sit with whatever arises

A simple spellcraft ritual

As a bigger invitation, once you have journeyed through the above rituals, I invite you to choose one intention and one essential oil that reflects the quality you wish to cultivate.

Pulse Point Blend: Mix one drop of your chosen oil into a rollette bottle filled with 10ml of carrier oil. Write your intention down in a journal. Apply your blend to your pulse points night and morning, close your eyes and take three slow breaths, and ask yourself:

• What am I choosing to create today?
• What is one action I can take today that brings my intention to life?
• This blend will act as a reminder to help you keep your focus and take aligned action towards your vision.

Just like a witch!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years about magic, it is that spellcraft isn't about ‘wishing’ for a different life; it's about consciously participating in creating one. 

Essential oils can act as fragrant reminders of the qualities we're choosing to cultivate and help us bring our intentions out of imagination and into everyday life.

Happy manifesting!