Here is the abbreviated intro for the chapter: This chapter which is the result of many months of researching old grimoires, ancient herbals and books on folklore and will show some of the strangest potions ever to be brewed in a Witch's cauldron! Some of these potions can be viewed as humorous, while others are just amazingly outrageous, clearly reflecting the unusual superstitious beliefs, fears and magickal practices of an earlier time. The potions in this chapter are by no means intended for actual use by Witches today. Rather, they are included here strictly for heir historic, as well as entertaining, value.

Scrying Salve

A strange scrying salve recipe published a long time ago in a medieval grimoire of natural magick called for the gall of a male cat and the fat of a white hen. These two ingredients would be mixed together and then used to anoint the eyes of the scryer prior to crystal gazing or whatever method of divination her or she employed. According to the grimoire, after the greasy (and most likely unpleasant-smelling) concoction was applied to the eyes, is supposedly gave the user to "see what others cannot see." Of course, applying anything to the eyes is definately not recommended for scrying or any other purpose apart from the obvious that it may harm the eyes or cause blindness, but that an eye salve is unecessary in divining. The reason being that visions and sensations are created by the scryer's own clarvoyant mind and not due to any external applications.

Invisibility Potion

In ancient times it was believed by many that invisibility could be attained if a magician recited the correct incantation and/or drunk a potion brewed from the proper magickal ingredients. Throughout the Middle Ages, many invisiblity potions were devised. Some were quite complicated to prepare and use, and some were rather simple. The following is one example of the latter. In a bottle or small cauldron pour some wine. Add a handful of seeds from the poppy plant, cover with a lid and allow the seeds to soak in the wine for two weeks. Then drink some of the wine each day for five consecutive days. It is of the utmost importance that you fast during this five-day period, and afterward you shall gain the power to make your physical body invisible at will.

However, should you experience any fear or doubt at any time during the preparation of the invisibility potion, the changes are good that it will not work. (Apparently certain negative vibrations cause it to lose its effectiveness.) Please note: There is no potion to reverse the effects of this spell or in other words, allow you to regain your visibility. Whether the invisibility wears off on its own accord or after a period of time, is permanent, or can be controlled by the magician's will is not known. Unless you wish to remain invisible forever, perhaps you shouldn't try this potion, no matter how far-fetched it may seem!

Riches for Witches

It was once believed in many parts of the world that the plant known as the fumitory possessed the supernatural ability to attract money to those who knew how to use its secret powers. According to occult folklore, if a Witch desired riches, all she/he had to do was prepare a magickal infusion of fumitory when the moon was a the beginning of its waxing phase and then rub some of it onto her shoes once a week! (there is no mention of what fumitory plant is though)

Alchemists Potion

According to the book 'Rosarium Philosophorum' or Rosary of the Philosophers, the most influential of all alchemical texts ever written, there is directions for the preparation of a potion called the 'Vinum Nostrum' or Our Wine. This curious concoction calls for the following three ingredients: virgin's milk, fountain's vinegar and water of life. According to the book's author, "The chosen one who drinks of this water will soon experience his rebirth."

Henbane Love Potion

Modern Witches no longer work magically with henbane due to its poisonous attributes, however, in the days of old it was reputed that Witches (especially those of male gender) often used certain parts of the henbane as magickal ingredients in love-stimulating potions. But in order for the henbane to work properly, the Witch was required to gather it in the nude at sunrise while balancing on one foot. Why the henbane had to be gathered in this curious fashion is a mystery. Warning! Henbane is poisonous and should not be handled without gloves or ingested and the smoke produced by the burning plant creates toxic fumes that should not be inhaled!

Moonwort Horseshoe Potion

To cause a horse to lose its shoes, prepare an infusion from the fern known as moonwort and sprinkle it on the trail where the horse will tread. When the animal steps on it, according to old occult folklore, one or more of its shoes will fall off. This strange and unexplained power of the moonwort (which appropriately has the folklore name of "unshoehorse") supposedly has the same effect upon the shoes of humans as well.

Marijuana Magick

Marijuana, which was not made an illegal drug until the 1930s, was at one time considered by Witches to be a potent herb of love magick (this may be one reason to explain why 'love-ins' were such a popular pastime among marijuana smoking hippies in the 1960s!)

On Midsummer - a very magickal time of the year for all herbs - the seeds and leaves of the marijuana would be brewed into a magickal tea potion and drunk, not only to inspire feelings of love, but to induce divinatory visions and dreams regarding one's future mate.

Wahoo Hex-Breaking Potion

If a hex has been cast against you or your family, make an infusion from the bark of the plant known as the wahoo (Euonymus atropurpuracea) then let it cool. Dip the fingertip of your right index finger into the infusion and then use it to trace the symbol of a cross on your forehead and/or those of the family members afflicted by the hex. As this is done, shout the work "Wahoo!" seven times. According to occult tradition, the hex will be instantly broken. Warning! Do not drink the wahoo! infusion, wahoo is regarded as a poisonous plant.

Omens of the Witch's Brew (miscellaneous tidbits)

If a Witch's brew continues to boil after it has been removed from the fire, it is said to be a sign that the Witch will live to be a ripe old age! This omen originated in Europe in the Middle Ages.

A quarrel with a friend or family member is portended if a Witch's brew should accidentally be spilled on the carpet. However, it is said to be a sign of good luck to accidentally spill some upon yourself.

It is bad luck to brew philtres (love potions) wen the moon is in a waning phase or during the time know as the dark of the moon. The ideal time is during a waxing moon, especially on Valentine's day.

If two Witches stir the same brew, they will be stirring up strife, according to an old superstitious belief from England. If they both drink it from the same cup, it will bring them bad luck unless they are married or handfasted to each other.

It is said to be extremely unlucky for any Witch to heat his or her own brews and potions in a teakettle or cauldron belonging to another. (To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to always use your own magickal tools.)

If a lady and a gentleman pour out a cup of brew from the same pot, this is an omen that a child will be born to them. If two women pour, one of them will give birth to a red-haired set of twins within the year.

It is an invitation to poverty and misfortune should you throw away herbs that are leftover from potions and brews. For good fortune to smile upon you, always dispose of used herbs by casting them into a fire.

A stranger will soon be arriving on your doorstep if you accidentally leave the lid of the teakettle or cauldron off while preparing a magickal brew. This superstitious belief hails from Victorian-era England.

It is said to be unlucky to stir a Witch's brew in a counter-clockwise direction. To do so creates bad vibrations and attracts negative influences. Always stir in a clockwise direction.

If your left eye itches while you are brewing a potion, this is an omen that sorrow shall soon find it's way into your life. An itching of your ri