Autumn always stirs the calling. As branches undress in the whispering winds, they send love notes of amber and ruby to each of us—invitations carried through time and placed in our open hearts on the silken feathers of ravens. We have wandered, perhaps. But now we turn with the wheel of the year toward our innermost truths, and once again gaze upon the fair faces of our sisters, incandescent in firelight. It is time to make magic.
The primal connection of women as creators is all-powerful: We give life. And when, along the way, our own lives seem lost, we turn to the women around us to help find our way back. When our magic returns, and we are again standing tall in our pointy boots, with the solid earth beneath us that our sisters helped create, what happens? The inner cauldron begins stirring. The fire alights once more with the passion to make something—from the first glints of an idea that have us sparkling with excitement to hatching a plan worthy of goddess energy, we could not have arrived here without their support.
I have been blessed over the decades to collaborate with myriad maidens, mothers, and crones who helped bring projects into being that were truly dear to me. Each brought her own unique talents, visions, and perspectives that enhanced my own, and I remain forever thankful. And there are so many more to come. My offerings to you, beloved witch sisters, have been designed with all my love and magic, especially for the occasion: a celebration of sorcery among kindred spirits.
When I host my Spellbound Spa gatherings—and here, take a bow, all you fabulous fae who have attended and assisted—we conjure beauty potions and enjoy them in an evening of sacred ritual attuned to the season, while nibbling magical bites and sipping enchanted libations. And yes, it takes the “girls’ night” vibe into another dimension entirely. I love a party, and these truly outshine everything!
So, whether you conjure these potions as a circle, or alone while getting ready for a sultry night out, do indulge shamelessly in the Venusian luxury of it all. Take your time, concoct with intention, and, most of all, enjoy them. My fave way? Soaking in a bath. With a cocktail, of course. Whatever your pleasure, take this time to rest and unwind.
As you conjure and use these potions, hold a strong visual of what you want to create. See your vision coming to life on the earthly plane, but make sure to feel it. This is the most important part. (Trust me, I’ve been at this forever.) Feel how it feels to have it be real.
As it is the witching season, of course I love these created beneath the full moon. Though exfoliants are best during the waning-to-dark phase, you can use them with growing moon energy by shifting the intention slightly. See it as clearing the path to what you want, so that the richness of the potions can truly absorb both spiritually and physically.
For all the recipes here, you’ll need to make a base pumpkin potion first, and ooooh you’ll love this one! It showcases a Triple Goddess of plant-power beauty magic that beckons bewitching autumn in the most classic way, with pumpkin, chestnut, and maple.
1 cup organic pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
6 dates, pitted
2 tablespoons chestnut paste
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
You’ll want to begin by soaking the dates to soften them. Just place them in a bowl and cover completely with warm water. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes, then strain and discard the liquid and place the dates on a cutting board. Chop each date into small pieces (don’t worry if they’re a bit squishy) and toss them into a food processor. Add the pumpkin, chestnut paste, and maple syrup, and blend it all together. The texture should be smooth but slightly bumpy, similar to applesauce. Now you’re ready to make some practical magic.
Pumpkin The classic symbol of autumn, beloved pumpkin is a beauty superstar. It bursts with high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and essential fatty acids—not to mention healing and money magic. Lunar-ruled, it soothes, protects, and hydrates while its vitamin C and zinc content increases firmness.
Chestnut Fiery chestnut is ruled by abundant Jupiter and known for attracting love. It promotes cellular regeneration and rich moisture on the skin.
Maple This Jupiter-ruled nectar of the sacred maple tree carries its love and money magic alongside the ability to increase longevity. Maple syrup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and adds hydration.
Beauty Witch Secret: Stash the extra pumpkin blend in the fridge for a beautifying breakfast treat—it makes a delish topping on your morning porridge, in a smoothie, or spread on toast. Instant autumnal gratification meets morning magic!
SOUS LA LUNE
Facial Exfoliant + Masque
Conjures 2 to 3 treatments
⅓ cup brown rice flour
1 rounded tablespoon pumpkin base blend
This could not be simpler if it tried—just mix the brown rice flour into the pumpkin blend until smooth, and you’re ready to rejuvenate! Massage a small amount onto skin in circular motions, paying extra attention to areas where your pores tend to clog, or where skin appears dull.
Now add a second, thicker layer on as if you were finger painting, and allow it to work its enzymatic magic for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove gently with a damp cloth, followed by a good rinse. Pat dry, and apply your favorite serum or cream if you need it … but not before taking a good look at your face: Your skin will be smooth, hydrated, lifted, and glowing like mad!
Brown Rice Flour This humble pantry staple becomes a beauty booster that you’ll want to keep in mind. As an exfoliant it has a polishing effect that sloughs a bit deeper than the softer flours, but it still remains gentle and nutritive for sensitive skin. It also can help to lighten hyperpigmentation over time. Brown rice carries the energy of both the sun and air, and magically aids abundance, creativity, and sex, all with a protective cloak.
Beauty Witch Secret: For an even more decadent ritual, add a dollop of rich, lush coconut crème to the masque for extra hydration, lunar magic, and that all-important mmm factor …
SOIRÉE ENTRE FILLES
Body Exfoliant
Conjures 1 to 2 treatments
½ cup coconut sugar
2 rounded tablespoons pumpkin base blend
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Coconut Sugar Ruled by the moon and water, coconut heightens your intuition and psychic abilities as it provides beauty fats for supple skin. Coconut sugar is a non-glycemic natural sweetener that provides vital minerals and makes a fabulous body exfoliant.
Cinnamon Amorous cinnamon ignites the fires of both love and money, while cleansing your skin and increasing circulation. Nutmeg Jupiter-ruled nutmeg is an excellent anti-inflammatory for skin that can have a reaction to the changing seasons. It is also highly valued for its ability to open up our psychic awareness.
In a gorgeous bowl, mix the pumpkin blend with the coconut sugar until well combined. Then add the fiery spices, and mix thoroughly. If you like, you can add a drizzle more of maple syrup to thin the consistency. It will be smooth, slightly gritty, and smell like fall heaven. In the bath or shower, massage the potion onto your skin (either dry or damp), paying special attention to dry or rough patches. Enjoy the scent and sensuality! Rinse well, pat dry. Again, follow with a body oil or cream, but first take a good glance at the starlight reflected on your shoulders; admire how soft your skin feels and how supple it looks.
TROIS DE COUPES
Beauty Cocktail
Serves two
1 ounce calvados
1 ounce cognac
1 teaspoon pumpkin blend
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Ice
Splash of almond milk (optional)
Calvados is a delightfully autumnal apple brandy from Normandy, which blends beautifully with cognac—you really must try it! However, you can concoct this with cognac alone, or use fresh apple cider for a virgin version. Either way, it’s seasonally sublime. The almond milk, should you desire, gives it a creamy, latte-esque sensuality that makes it especially decadent. Pair it with roasted whole chestnuts all through the witching season … preferably by the fire, draped in velvet. This is as effortless to make as it is yummy: Simply combine calvados, cognac, pumpkin blend, cinnamon, and almond milk (if using) in a cocktail shaker. Stir the mixture with a long spoon to blend it well, and prevent the pumpkin blend from settling to the bottom. Now add in the ice (about two-thirds full), replace the cap, and give it a good shimmy! Strain into coupes or cordials, and raise your glass to all things beautiful. As its namesake symbolizes, this is about celebration, reuniting, and those deep bonds of chosen family.
Almond This abundant treat is used in its creamy form as a dairy alternative with a high nutrient content. Rich in calcium and vitamin E, almond milk is beautifying and strengthening, with added magic of money, luck, and healing.
Beauty Witch Secret: Calvados is sipped for pleasure, but also to aid digestion. As it is made from apples, it is naturally gluten-free and antioxidant-rich, and holds the magic of the fruit, sacred to both Freya and Aphrodite. Santé, mes sœurs!
