Witchcraft should be practical. A lot of things we do on the day to day can be magical in their own small ways- and there does not have to be a clear delineation between the two. I live in a place that has mosquitos the size of small birds, its ridiculous. So if I wish to commune with nature I have to recognize that those biter bugs are a part of that.
However, that does not mean I have to suffer from their existence and I can take reasonable mundane steps to protect myself. Yes - you can buy mosquito repellant at the store- slap a rune/ogham/sigil on it and call it a day (using as directed) but for those who want to be a bit more crafty- and like me happen to have living citronella plants in your yard - Try this:
Need:
1 cup of olive oil (Or coconut, grapeseed, almond etc. oil)
A lot of fresh herb such as: - Rosemary - Citronella - Lemon Grass (measure that with your heart but around 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup )
Pot to cook it in
Beeswax 1 oz
Cheesecloth or something to strain with
Heat proof measuring cup
Airtight glass jars
Optional:
Double boiler
Essential oils of Citronella, rosemary and/or lemongrass
Do:
Wash your herb/s really really well (get rid of dirt and bugs)
Simmer Oil with herb/s for about an hour
Stir regularly until you can see the herb is steeped out and its wilted and crunchy
This is a good time to stir with intention (Clockwise to bring in energy and counterclockwise to send it away)
Personally I just visually mosquitos seeing me wearing the salve and going "NOPE" and flying away.
Strain
You can repeat the simmering with another round of fresh herbs in the strained oil for a more concentrated effect. (I like to do it 2-3 times as an over-achiever)
IN A CLEAN pot (or double boiler) : On low heat (beeswax is prone to scorch) melt beeswax
Once its pretty much melted add the infused olive oil and stir together - Pour mixture into glass jars and allow to cool.
Uses:
Add to your pulse points to help stave off the attention of mosquitos.
If you used ROSEMARY: - Also good to help ease itching / irritation caused by bug bites
If you used CITRONELLA: - good for clearing blocked pores, Killing germs / fungi on the skin Promotes wound healing (minor scrapes do NOT put on open wounds)
If you used LEMONGRASS: - Removes impurities and helps detoxify skin and contains antioxidants
The salve will stay good for about 6 months if stored in a cool dry place. Note that the type of oil you use will have an effect on the shelf-life- so your mileage may vary.
Additional Information
If you chose to use regular coconut oil (not fractionated) then you might be able to skip the beeswax steps all together as coconut oil at room temperature is more a solid than a liquid. I will make ZERO claims that this is as effective or more effective that DEET. I can only speak to my experience and have found each herb version, mixes, and variation therein work well enough to keep mosquitos away from me.
I also find that its easier on my skin than the store bought sprays and I'm less likely to break out with acne after usage - this salve also tends to smell a lot better than those sprays which is always a sensory plus. You can include runes on the jar lids to help enhance the energy of protection such as Thurisaz or Algiz.
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