The terms “planetary” and “Zodiac” in the context of magical oils and practices refer to different, but interconnected, systems:
- Planetary: This refers to the 7 traditional planets in astrology (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn). Each planet is associated with specific energies, qualities, and domains of influence. Planetary oils are created to harness the energy of a specific planet, using ingredients and processes believed to resonate with that planet’s attributes. For example, a Mars oil might use red ingredients and have a fiery, assertive energy, while a Venus oil might be softer, more sensual, and use ingredients associated with love and beauty.
- Zodiac: This refers to the 12 signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces). Each sign is associated with a unique blend of elemental energies (fire, earth, air, water) and planetary influences. Zodiac oils are created to capture the essence of a specific Zodiac sign, incorporating ingredients that align with that sign’s personality traits and ruling planet. For example, a Leo oil (ruled by the Sun) would likely incorporate bright, radiant ingredients, while a Scorpio oil (ruled by Pluto and Mars) might use darker, more intense ingredients.
The Interconnection:
The two systems are closely related. The planets influence the Zodiac signs. A Zodiac oil will often incorporate ingredients associated with its ruling planet(s). For example, a Libra oil (ruled by Venus) might incorporate many of the same ingredients as a Venus oil, but might also include ingredients associated with air elements (intellect, communication) that are specific to Libra.
In short:
- Planetary oils focus on the energy of a single planet.
- Zodiac oils incorporate the energies of the planet(s) that rule a specific Zodiac sign, along with the elemental characteristics of that sign.
Both types of oils are used in magical practices to harness specific energies and enhance intentions. The choice between using a planetary oil or a Zodiac oil often depends on the practitioner’s specific goals and the type of magic they are performing.
Planetary Oils
Planetary oils are essential oils that are formulated based on traditional planetary correspondences. They can be used in ritual work, worn as a personal scent, or to connect with a planet’s energy. For example, some essential oils associated with planets include:
Jupiter – Sandalwood, anise, clove, almond, and rosewood
Neptune – Ambergris, lotus, and cucumber
Mercury – Lavender, bayberry, spearmint, valerian, and star anise
Mars – Dragons blood resin, wormwood, basil, ginger, and cinnamon leaf
Venus – Ylang ylang, which is said to help dispel fear and promote self-confidence
Moon – Eucalyptus oil, which is associated with health and the mind and body
Sun – Frankincense and myrrh
We also have some recipes that can be quite complex when we make a fusion of specific ingredients to create planetary oils. If you’re looking for a specific recipe, just ask us in the comment section below and we will elaborate. For example:
Venus Oil (Planetary)
- 3 drops Ylang-Ylang
- 2 drops Geranium
- 1 drop Cardamom
- 1 drop Chamomile
Add to 1/2 oz carrier oil. Wear to attract love and friendships, to promote beauty, and for other Venusian influences.
Saturn Oil (Planetary)
- 4 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Patchouli
- 1 drop Myrrh
Wear to break negative habits, when looking for a house, to create an aura of mystery around you, when going antiquing to find bargains, or for any Saturnian-type rituals.
Mars Oil (Planetary)
- 2 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Basil
- 1 drop Black Pepper
Wear for physical power, lust, magickal energy and all Martian influences.
Mercury Oil (Planetary)
- 4 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 1 drop Peppermint
Wear this to draw Mercurial influences, such as communication, intelligence, travel and so on.
Jupiter Oil (Planetary)
- 3 drops Oakmoss Bouquet
- 1 drop Clove
- 1 drop Tonka Bouquet
Wear for wealth, prosperity, help in legal matters and all other Jupiterian influences.
Why use planetary oils in your magic?
Planetary oils are used in magic for several reasons, all stemming from the belief that the planets exert specific influences on the material world and human consciousness:
- Harnessing Planetary Energies: Planetary oils are believed to be imbued with the energies of a particular planet. By using an oil associated with a specific planet, practitioners aim to harness those energies to enhance their magical workings. For instance, oils associated with Mars might be used for spells of courage, energy, or protection; oils associated with Venus might be used for spells of love, beauty, or harmony.
- Enhancing Intentions: The oil acts as a focus for the practitioner’s intention. The process of creating the oil – selecting ingredients, infusing, and charging – reinforces the desired outcome. This is similar to using sigils or charms, but the oil is a more tangible and sensory tool.
- Symbolic Representation: The ingredients used in a planetary oil often carry symbolic meanings connected to the planet. This adds another layer of intention and power to the oil.
- Alchemical Transformation: The process of creating the oil itself is seen as an alchemical transformation. The blending of ingredients and the infusion process are believed to create a synergistic effect, amplifying the inherent properties of the ingredients.
- Spiritual Connection: The use of planetary oils can be part of a broader spiritual practice, deepening the connection between the practitioner and the energies they are working with. The creation of the oil can become a meditative and ritualistic practice in itself.
- Practical Application: Planetary oils can be used in a variety of ways in magical practice. They can be applied to candles, talismans, or other magical tools to enhance their power; they can be used in anointings; or they can be added to baths or other ritual preparations.
Zodiac Oil recipes
These can be used anytime you wish to further connect with a Planet’s energy, worn as a personal scent, and in your Ritual work. Remember that creating planetary oils is a deeply personal process. This refers to the 12 signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces).
The below serves as a guideline, but allow your intuition to guide you in creating an oil that is truly aligned with your purpose and intentions.
Sagittarius Oil
- 4 drops Rosemary
- 2 drops Oakmoss Bouquet
- 1 drop Clove
Wear as a personal oil to increase your powers.
Scorpio Oil
- 3 drops Pine
- 2 drops Cardamom
- 1 drop Black Pepper
Wear as a personal oil to increase your powers.
Taurus Oil
- 4 drops Oakmoss Bouquet
- 2 drops Cardamom
- 1 drop Ylang-Ylang
Wear as a personal oil to increase your powers.
Virgo Oil
- 4 drops Oakmoss Bouquet
- 2 drops Patchouli
- 1 drop Cypress
Add to 1/2 oz carrier oil. Wear as a personal oil to increase your powers.
Pisces Oil
- 3 drops Ylang-Ylang
- 3 drops Sandalwood
- 1 drop Jasmine
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Aquarius Oil
- 5 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Cypress
- 1 drop Patchouli
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Gemini Oil
- 4 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Peppermint
- 1 drop Lemongrass
- 1 drop Sweet Pea Bouquet
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Aries Oil
3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Ginger
- 1 drop Black Pepper
- 1 drop Petitgrain
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Cancer Oil (Moonchildren)
- 4 drops Palmarosa
- 1 drop Chamomile
- 1 drop Yarrow
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Capricorn Oil
- 3 drops Vetivert
- 2 drops Cypress
- 1 drop Patchouli
Wear as a personal oil to increase your own powers.
Libra Oil
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Cassia
- Lily
Leo Oil
- Frankincense.
- Mask
- Rose
- Lemon
- Patchouli
- Balm of Gilead
A case study on how to take your Zodiac oil creation to the next level
The key ingredients depend on the intent behind the oil’s creation. Are you aiming to invoke Leo’s fiery energy, or to balance it for a Leo individual?
Blonde Gypsy from our coven says “…it depends on whether you’re invoking Leo energy or if it’s for a Leo. For a Leo I would add ingredients to balance the fire.” Blonde Gypsy’s comment highlights a key principle: the oil’s purpose influences its ingredients.
An oil invoking Leo energy will differ from an oil made for a Leo individual, as Leo energy is inherently fiery and might require balancing for a person.
Here’s a framework for creating Leo planetary oil, keeping Blonde Gypsy’s advice in mind:
I. Understanding Leo’s Astrological Attributes:
Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun. Key Leo attributes include:
- Fire: Warmth, energy, passion, creativity, leadership, confidence, generosity.
- Sun: Vitality, power, creativity, self-expression, warmth, light.
- Fixed Sign: Stability, strength, determination, loyalty.
II. Choosing Ingredients for Leo Oil (Two Approaches):
A. Invoking Leo Energy: This oil emphasizes the strong, radiant qualities of Leo.
- Essential Oils: Sunflower, bergamot, marigold, or chamomile (to add a touch of earthiness for balance).
- Carrier Oil: Sunflower or jojoba (for its light and sunny feel).
- Herbs/Flowers: Calendula, St. John’s Wort (known for sun energy), lion’s mane (for leadership).
- Crystals: Sunstone, citrine, carnelian.
B. Balancing Leo Energy for a Leo Individual: This oil aims to temper Leo’s fiery nature, providing grounding and harmony.
- Essential Oils: Lavender or sandalwood (for calming and grounding effects), bergamot (for confidence), and a small amount of a fiery oil like cinnamon or clove.
- Carrier Oil: Olive or almond (to offer a more nurturing, earthy base).
- Herbs/Flowers: Chamomile (calming), Rose (for love and compassion), Mugwort (for introspection and grounding).
- Crystals: Amethyst (for calming), clear quartz (for amplification of intention), tiger’s eye (for courage and grounding).
III. The Oil-Making Process:
- Choose Your Ingredients: Select ingredients based on your chosen approach (invoking or balancing Leo energy).
- Cleanse Your Tools: Cleanse your tools (bottles, jars, etc.) with intention and/or appropriate cleansing methods (e.g., sage smudging).
- Infuse the Oil: Combine carrier oil and chosen herbs/flowers in a clean jar. Let it sit for at least four weeks in a sunny location, shaking occasionally. For essential oils, add them at the end of the infusion period to prevent degradation.
- Charge the Oil: Once infused, charge the oil with your intention. This can involve rituals, chants, visualizations, or simply holding it and focusing on the Leo energy you wish to embody. Include your crystals during the charging process.
- Strain and Bottle: Strain the infused oil to remove herbs and flowers. Pour the oil into a clean, sterilized bottle.
- Label and Store: Label the oil clearly (Leo Planetary Oil, for example, along with date and intent) and store it in a cool, dark place.
2 thoughts on “Planetary & Zodiac Oil Recipes”
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Love the zodiac oils but Leo and Libra are missing!
Agh – thank you for pointing this out. I’ll break out the book of shadows tonight and make sure I add these recipes.