If you have ever smelled camphor, you know its pungently green, intensely cooling scent is unforgettable. This waxy white crystal has found its way into magical traditions all over the world, and it is a good idea to keep some on hand whenever you need a quick, easy, effective way to cleanse a space, banish evil, or add some serious power to a spell.

What is Camphor?

Though camphor can be produced from plants, it is not, itself, a plant. It is actually an aromatic component of many different herbs, including the camphor laurel, camphor basil, rosemary, and kapur tree. When refined, it becomes a pale, waxy, almost crystalline material with a very strong odor.

Camphor for Cleansing

Camphor's strong, almost minty smell lends it well to clear a space. Place a block of pure camphor in a bowl of water, and keep it under your bed. If you cannot do this, burn a little grated camphor on a charcoal block and carry it through your home. You can also dress a white candle in a little camphor oil and burn, or light a Camphor 7 day scented candle.

After cleansing, put a few pinches of grated camphor in the corners of your room or home to keep negative influences out. (Just make sure it is not placed where children or pets might try to take a taste.)

Camphor for Divination

Water scrying can be fun and enlightening, but it is not always the easiest thing to do. If you find yourself having a little trouble getting the focus and clarity you need, try water scrying with camphor. Find an opaque black bowl, and fill it partway with fresh, clean water. Follow by sprinkling in some grated camphor. You will not need to use it very much for this -- a little can go a long way. After adding the camphor, close your eyes, clear your mind, and use the surface of the water to scry.

For more general divination, combine a little camphor with some anise seed, and burn on charcoal to help boost your psychic abilities. This can aid you whether you are scrying, casting runes or bones, drawing tarot cards, or using any other divination method of your choice. Some practitioners find it particularly useful for bringing prophetic or lucid dreams.

Camphor for Power

Camphor does not mess around -- when you add it to a mixture, it makes itself known. This makes it a useful ingredient for giving mixtures a little extra kick, particularly when you might not want to add hot pepper or other "power" herbs. You can add camphor oil to any oil mixture of your choice (be sure to dilute it well if you plan to use it for anointing) or mix some grated camphor into herbal mixtures.

Much like camphor adds extra oomph to herbal mixtures, it can give you a little bit, too. Place some camphor in a red flannel bag with some orris root or personal power herbs of your choice, and carry it on you when you are in situations where you need to be extra persuasive. You can also place camphor, hyssop, and lemongrass in a red bag and keep it on you to make sure your aura stays clear of any stray negative energies.

Camphor for Unwanted Attention

Camphor is purported to reduce sexual desire. If you want to protect yourself from unsolicited romantic attention, make sure to carry camphor on you. Before you see your unwanted suitor, petition Saint Wilgefortis (also called St. Uncumber). Saint Wilgefortis is a Catholic saint who was pursued by a King she did not want to marry. In response, she took a vow of virginity and prayed to repulse him. The next day, she woke up with a full beard. Saint Wilgefortis will not make you wake up with a fresh crop of facial hair -- but reciting these words can win you her help...

Saint Uncumber, set me free. Send this person far from me!

Visualize your suitor as happy, healthy, and interested in someone else.

Camphor may look like an unassuming little white block, but it is a powerful magical ingredient. Whether you want to boost your own power or the power of your herbal mixtures, improve your divination skills, cleanse your space, or just avoid the attention of a would-be suitor, camphor can help you do it.