Harry Potter actress Emma Watson has been praised by a real witch for talking about the spellbinding effects rituals and astrology have had on her life.
The star, who played magical schoolgirl Hermione Granger, revealed last month her life had changed thanks to Saturn’s return.
She wrote online: “Thank you to the witches in my coven who were so pivotal in helping me arrive at where and who I am now.”
Author of new book The Witch’s Apothecary, Lorriane Anderson, says: “The witch movement is like a civil rights movement – we want to be accepted the same way everyone else is.
“To touch on what Emma Watson said, your Saturn return is an astrological version of a midlife crisis.
“It’s about looking at everything in your life which is not really for you, the things you need to let go and find more authenticity so the second half of your life can be aligned with purpose and your deepest mission in life.
“The fact Emma is saying this is ‘wow’.”
LA-based Lorriane is a tarot reader, astrologer, spiritual teacher and runs her own mystical store Spirit Element.
She says: “I follow cosmic DNA. Astrology, which is the study of planets and astrological signs, is the same thing from an energy perspective. If you look at your birth chart you can get a better understanding of what your personality is and working towards.”
While some people might get their view of magic from movies such as Harry Potter, Lorriane reckons modern-day witches are far from those depicted inside Hogwarts.
She says: “I don’t think the world’s understanding of a witch is correct.
“When I first started getting into this, my brother-in-law asked me with a serious face, ‘Can you fly?’
“That made me really understand how little people fully know what it means to be a witch.
“They really are looking at it from a perspective of pointy hats, flying and waving a magic wand. There are so many ways to experience witchcraft.
“I hope people educate each other and the movement continues to grow.”
In her new book, Lorriane shows how to use spiritual practices to transform your life.
She says: “Everyone’s energy affects your potion spell. If you don’t believe you’re worthy of receiving what you want, you’re probably not going to get it.
“The book is broken down into three sections – why you would want to do it, the things you need to get started – tools and ingredients – and what it means to have a spiritual apothecary.
“In the back of the book, I’ve broken it down with the Wheel of the Year, which are the essentially witchy seasons.”
After making beauty potions at school, Lorriane started exploring planetary energies and spirituality to turn her interests into a career.
The 34-year-old says: “Everyone’s witchy practice is different.
“We’re all on a spiritual journey whether you acknowledge it or not.
“At its core, witchcraft and spirituality is about being a better version of you. You don’t have to renounce your religious beliefs. I still pray and have my Bible.
“This is another pathway to live the best life I can with witchcraft, one of those tools.”
Through her tarot and oracle readings, Lorriane has connected with lost loved ones from beyond the grave
She says: “I believe everyone is able to connect with their ancestor if that’s something they want to do. We’re an incredibly intelligent species but there’s a lot we don’t know about the afterlife and death.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think someone can contact us from the afterlife.
“Signs like feathers are an easy way for a loved one to say, ‘I’m looking out for you’.”
The Witch’s Apothecary spells
Invoking passion
Ingredients: 32g cornflour, 32g bicarbonate of soda, 2.5g damiana powder, 22 drops of bergamot essential oil, nine drops of ylang ylang essential oil.
Method: Whisk the powders in a small bowl, add essential oils and whisk until blended. Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid. To use, sprinkle linens and carpet with powder.
A bath for welcoming summer
Ingredients: Three drops of geranium essential oil, two of peppermint essential oil, fresh orange slice, fresh lemon slices and fresh edible flowers (optional).
Method: Fill a bath with water which is slightly cooler than your usual bath. Add the essential oils and swirl around to distribute then add the fruit slices and flowers (if using). Soak yourself for 20 minutes while inhaling the relaxing scent.
Potion-making ritual
Cleanse your space in whatever way you feel called to. Gather something that represents your intention, hold in your hands or print a photo and write the name of it on a sheet or paper.
Say: “I humbly ask (whatever your tool/ingredient is) to share with me your wisdom. I will do my best to honour your guidance in the way that it is intended.”
Close eyes and allow guidance to come to you until you feel it is time to end. When done, say thanks for being trusted with wisdom and write down everything you remember.
- This extract is from The Witch’s Apothecary by Lorriane Anderson, published by Rockpool Publishing and on sale now.
