A Potion to Commune with an Animal FamiliarWorking with spirit familiars is a common practice in man

A Potion to Commune with an Animal Familiar

Working with spirit familiars is a common practice in many magical traditions. They act as guides, escorting Witches through the astral realms and aiding us in our magical workings. According to legend, familiar spirits can manifest themselves in animal form. When this apparition occurs, the Witch should take steps to strengthen the newly-formed bond. As the relationship between Witch and familiar develops, so too will the gifts they bestow.

@phat-lava requested a potion to commune with an animal familiar through dreams. To achieve this, I have written the following. As always, use caution when taking potions internally. Keep the #potionrequests coming!

Equipment Required

-          Boiling Crucible

-          Mortar and Pestle

-          Glass Vial

-          Measuring spoon

-          Wooden Spoon

-          Sieve

Ingredients Needed:

-          475ml Pomegranate Juice (2 cups)

-          44ml Absinthe (1 shot; available from any well-stocked liquor store)*

-          The skin of 1 red apple

-          1 fresh fig

-          1 tablespoon valerian root

-          ½ teaspoon poppy seed

-          13 rose hips

-          1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, dried

-          1 teaspoon of honey

-          Essence of the animal spirit, optional (feather, fur, etc)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.        Heat the pomegranate juice over a high heat and bring to a boil.

2.       Lower the heat and bring the juice to a simmer then add the absinthe.

3.       Contribute the apple skin.

4.       Take the fresh fig and grind it into a fine paste using the mortar and pestle.           Contribute this to the brew.

5.       Raise heat and bring to a boil while stirring and concentrating on your                    intent. Allow it to boil for five minutes.

6.       Set the heat to its lowest setting and let the potion return to a simmer.

7.        Add the valerian root and continue simmering for five minutes.  

Make certain the potion is not allowed to return to boil after this point lest the properties of the valerian root are destroyed.

8.       Stir in the poppy seeds.

9.       Contribute the rose hips, one at a time, while concentrating on your intent.

10.     Add the chamomile flowers and simmer for five minutes.

11.      Contribute the honey, stirring vigorously to ensure it is well-blended into                the potion.

12.     If you have the animal essence, ensure it is clean then simply touch it to               the surface of the potion.

13.     Remove the potion from the heat and allow it to cool. Once cool, strain it             through a fine sieve.

14.    Pour off the potion into a small glass vial.

15.     Ingest the potion right before bed while concentrating on that which is                   sought: communion with your animal spirit. In @phat-lava’s case, this                   would be the raven.

*Nota Bene: for a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute one ounce of dried wormwood. 

ANALYSIS: Pomegranate and Absinthe (a wormwood derivative) have long been associated with the other world. Apples and figs also have spirit associations. Chamomile, valerian, rose hips, and poppy seeds all bring sleep. The animal essence can be used to heighten the strength of this working, but if your mind is strong enough, the animal essence isn’t required.