The Cup Envenom'd: Potions, Philtres, and Magical Brews

Potions, brews, elixirs, and tonics are the prima materia of the witch. Since her earliest incarnations, the sorceror has used the enchanted cup to heal the sick, enchant lovers, and add potency to ritual or celebration. Some of our oldest language for naming witches derives from these practices, marking sorcerers as “the ones who work in potions." Whether for benevolent or malign purposes, the magical drink is almost synonymous with the work of witchcraft, and when examined independently, serves as a locus of occult praxis and witch-lore.

In this lecture, join author and occultist Melissa Madara for an exciting foray into the world of potions, their history, and their applications. Students will encounter numerous historical sources for potion magic, and introduce a wide range of potion applications, a demonstration of basic herbal preparations used in potioncraft, and a  knowledge-share of recipes, inspiration, and herbal formulas. Whether you’re a practicing occultist…