I’m currently finishing up the first editorial revisions for Wyrdworking: The Path of a Saxon Sorcerer, which should be released by Llewellyn Worldwide early in 2011.  While writing the book I dug out a lot of old magic books that I had not looked at for a long time.  These are not magic books that can be purchased in the New Age section of your local bookstore, or online from Amazon or Ebay.  They are handwritten collections of incantations, herbal concoctions and other bits of lore.

I thought I would share here a couple of magical recipes that were devised and recorded by the wicca Kelson (1958-1989).  His skill as a sorcerer was formidable.  These recipes will not appear in Wyrdworking, so write them down somewhere if you would like to keep them.

KELSON’S SCRYING INCENSE.  Combine 2 parts crushed cinnamon bark, 2 parts patchouli herb, 1 part crushed juniper berries and 1 part red sandalwood chips.  Moisten these with several drops of ambergris and musk oils.  Store this oracular incense in a dark, cool place.  Burn a pinch of the incense on a coal when scrying into a crystal or mirror to promote clearer visions.  (There was a note that the ‘scrying’ incense is also beneficial when consulting the runes.)

KELSON’S SATYR OIL.  Combine equal parts musk and patchouli oils.  Using an eye dropper, slowly add to this cinnamon, carnation and vanilla oils.  Blend until the scent “calls out to you”.  (I know this is very subjective, but in his sorcery Kelson very often listened for objects and scents to “call out”.)  Satyr Oil is intended to arouse lust.  Wear only a few drops, as the effect should be subtle rather than overpowering.  The instructions mention that the oils should be blended on a Tuesday.