The Rebirth of Beauty

With winter’s fist icy breath comes a sensual exhale of stillness. Amid the swirl of sparkle that heralds the holiday season, the possibilities are endless, really, for stress to wind up tight and let loose on our heavenly bodies—if we let it. Those external lashings are always available to us, should we choose to be vulnerable … but why would we? Let’s reclaim our power now, shall we, before things get ridiculous. Remember that subtle little breath of quiet that you first felt as the skies darkened and the air turned frosty? That’s what we want. Oh, but how to get there, when the outside world is absolutely spinning round and overstimulation gets the best of us? Toss in some emotional balderdash and we’re done for, no? Not on my watch. Once again, beauty rituals to the rescue!

Thoughts of the Renaissance, for me, instantly crystalize into one sublime visual: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. The iconic image of our beloved girly goddess forever in our hearts and minds, fresh and new, full of grace and feminine allure. You can bet she’s not concerned about all the little nonsenses that annoy others. She’s a goddess, after all. And when you really look at them, most things in the day-to-day theater of life are actually … nonsense. Let them all fall away, then. Reclaim your magic. And do it with a Mona Lisa smile.

The true beauty of winter lies in her duality: She’s a season of spirit, of rest and renewal, and yet she’s also a time of planning.

I always speak of this, but how often do we truly use these immense—albeit understated—cosmic gifts? Think Renaissance. Rebirth.

We go underground early on, the way our lovely Persephone does, to heal and hide a bit, though we do it with Venusian charms. Bathing and anointing our sacred flesh with treasures of the earth and sea, feeding our beauty from within, all in sorceress style, with love and languor—this is what gets us through the long winter and the holiday hoopla with élan, mes amis! This is what makes for some seriously potent practical magic. Put beauty rituals into practice, have potions at the ready, and you are golden, I promise.

Now, once you fully embrace your inner Aphrodite, take those Capricorn vibes by the literal horns and create a plan for your rebirth out into the world. Spring will make her entrance before you know it, so get it together now. Blend that goddess glam with action and draft focused blueprints for the future. Then you’ll have the magic combo for making them real!

And when you feel uncertain, just close your eyes and see her:

The Birth of Venus.

She never fails to inspire.

And so we arrive at our winter potions, with the divine inspiration that whispered to me. “Spiced roses,” she cooed. Mmm. Merci, ma déesse.

These delights begin with a voluptuous blending of classic winter spices with delicate petals of Venus, which then mingle with a few plant-powered classics. The result? A delicious trio of treats to restore and beautify you inside and out. (Oh, and the gifts of clove will help guide you through that Jupiter retrograde this winter!)

Huile D’Amour
Body Oil

Conjures approximately three ounces
2½ ounces pure avocado oil
2 heaping tablespoons fresh or dried rose petals
1 slice persimmon, fresh or dried
3 strawberries
1 stick cinnamon
6 whole cloves
2 cardamom pods
6 drops rose absolute

At the new moon, place the fruits and spices in a gorgeous bottle. Gently pour the oil into the bottle, covering the mixture. Add the rose absolute. Place the stopper on the bottle, and allow the magic to happen overnight. The next day or evening, inhale the scent and massage liberally onto your skin. You can strain the potion if you like, of course. I prefer to keep it as is, simply for the beauty and intensity. If you’re using fresh fruit, you may wish to remove the pieces after a few days—the oil should preserve it, but it’s best to check on it to ensure it all stays fresh. If you have sensitive skin, test first, but the whole spices are actually quite gentle and not intense like an essential oil would be, so you receive all the benefits and magic without irritation.

Avocado
Rich and sensual, avocado oil has long been associated with beauty and love magic. Ripe with good fats, this Venusian gem is an excellent moisturizer high in vitamin E, fighting the signs of aging and feeding your skin while soothing inflammation and breakouts. It’s also a noted aphrodisiac.

Rose
Though the rose appears delicate, it’s actually one of the oldest symbols of strength. A flower of Venus and sacred to both Freya and Hathor, it’s been revered for its beauty magic, as well as its love, luck, divination, healing, protection, and psychic enhancement abilities. Rose is active yet soothing, targeting fine lines and wrinkles with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Rosehip
Rosehips contain high levels of vitamin C, stimulating new collagen and repairing skin while protecting against UV damage, making them a fabulous choice for elixirs as well as skin care. They possess all the magic of the rose itself but have a little extra charge of sexuality.

Persimmon
Venus-ruled, these plump fruits increase collagen and elastin production, ease fine lines, tighten, brighten, and give a spellbinding glow. They’re ruled by water and carry enhanced protection magic as well as that radiant energy of happiness.

Strawberry
This gorgeous offering of Venus brings you glowing skin! It balances, nourishes, and fortifies with abundant vitamin C, well known for its collagen production prowess. And strawberries are pure pleasure in every way, including the love and beauty magic they’re known for.

Cinnamon
Amorous cinnamon ignites the fires of both love and money, while cleansing and increasing circulation to both your skin and scalp. The increased blood flow brings life to the skin for a glowing radiance; for hair, it stimulates new growth. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood-sugar-lowering, and warming properties to strengthen and beautify from the inside out.

Clove
Decadently spicy, Jupiter-ruled clove oil kills bacteria and clarifies skin while conjuring love, money, and protection magic.

Cardamom
Sensual and warm, zesty cardamom boosts circulation, contains potent antioxidants, helps with weight loss and maintenance, quells anxiety, fights disease, treats skin allergies, and improves the complexion. It’s a gift of Venus, infused with the magic of love, lust, beauty, and protection.

Beauty Witch Secret: Add a splash of Huile d’amour into your bath for an even more indulgent ritual.

Bain d’Venus
Bath & Exfoliant

Conjures 2 treatments
1 cup pure sea salt (Celtic or Sel La Mer are the best; look for the gray color) ¼ to ⅓ cup Huile d’amour body oil
1 teaspoon dried rose petals (optional)

This could not be easier. Mix your divine body oil into the salt, give it a good clockwise stir, and you’re ready to go. Massage onto damp skin using circular motions then sweeping strokes toward the heart. Rinse and pat dry. Even better? Sink down into a bath and relax. Your skin will be soft and slinky, so no need for additional moisture … however, another light stroke of Huile d’amour never hurt anyone…

Beauty Witch Secret: Add a pinch of sel la fleur, a decadent salt with an indulgent, violet flavor used in cooking. Here, it’s a little extra sprinkle of magic, as violets are ruled by Venus. It’s said that if you pick the first violet of spring, your wish will be granted. So add that to your plans, yes?

Spiced Roses
Brew Conjures two servings

1½ cups water
1 teaspoon rose petals
1 teaspoon rose hips
3 cardamom pods
3 strawberries
3 slices fresh persimmon Another delightfully simple concoction!

In a small cauldron (also known as a saucepan) place all ingredients together. Heat on a low flame, allowing the brew to simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, and let the brew rest for 5 minutes. Strain and sip. It is absolutely delish! The fruits impart a gorgeous sweetness alone, but feel free to add sweetener if you desire—just use a low-glycemic variety. I like raw coconut nectar paired with fruit the best, as it has a lovely taste and is mineral rich. Drink your magic!

Beauty Witch Secret: This brew is fabulous on its own, warm or cold. It’s a sexy yet restorative blend that literally brings you back to life … but … you could also create a foxy cocktail by adding wine—red for solar power, white for lunar. Better yet, try a blend, no? Make a magical rosé!