Scott Cunningham’s The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews is one of the most well-known and widely used guides to magical herbalism. Unlike his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, which focuses on individual plant properties, this book is a hands-on, practical guide to crafting incense, anointing oils, ritual brews, and herbal mixtures for magical use.
Cunningham’s approach is accessible, down-to-earth, and beginner-friendly, making this book an essential resource for witches, Wiccans, and practitioners of natural magic who want to create their own magical formulations instead of relying on store-bought products.
Overview of the Book
This book is a step-by-step guide to making magical herbal blends, covering historical, spiritual, and practical aspects of creating incense, oils, and brews. It is structured into several key sections:
1. Introduction to Magical Blending
Cunningham explains why handmade incenses, oils, and brews are more powerful than commercially available alternatives. He emphasizes that intent is the most important ingredient in magic, writing:
“Magical herbalism isn’t about simply mixing ingredients; it’s about imbuing them with energy and purpose.”
This section also covers:
- Basic tools and ingredients needed for herbal magic
- The four elements and planetary correspondences in herbal mixtures
- How scent, fire, and anointing oils enhance ritual magic
2. Incense Recipes and Techniques
Cunningham provides dozens of recipes for loose and stick incenses, including blends for:
- Protection (Dragon’s Blood, cinnamon, frankincense)
- Love (rose, lavender, jasmine)
- Divination (mugwort, sandalwood, anise)
- Cleansing and purification (sage, cedar, myrrh)
One of the most useful parts of this section is his guidance on making incense without charcoal, as well as his discussion of different incense forms (powdered, stick, and cone). He reassures beginners, “If you can boil water, you can make incense.”
3. Anointing Oils and Perfumes
The book provides detailed instructions on how to:
- Create magical oils using essential oils or carrier oils
- Blend planetary and elemental oils for different purposes
- Infuse herbal energies into oil-based formulas
Cunningham writes, “Anointing oils act as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, carrying intention through scent and touch.”
The recipes include:
- Success oil (cinnamon, basil, orange)
- Psychic vision oil (mugwort, clove, sandalwood)
- Healing oil (eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme)
4. Magical Brews and Potions
Cunningham explores the ancient art of magical herbal drinks, covering:
- Herbal teas and infusions for ritual and spellwork
- Potion-making for love, protection, and dream work
- Alcohol-based brews (such as meads and wines) used in magical traditions
A fun and unique recipe from this section is a psychic-enhancing tea made from mugwort, peppermint, and honey. Cunningham notes, “Drinking this before divination rituals can heighten the senses and expand awareness.”
5. Powders, Baths, and Other Herbal Mixtures
The final section includes:
- Herbal powders for spell casting
- Magical baths and washes (e.g., purification baths, love-attracting baths)
- Ritual soaps, floor washes, and sachets
Cunningham encourages experimentation, stating: “Your own intuition is the best guide in magical blending.”
Strengths of the Book
1. Practical and Hands-On
This book is one of the most useful guides for witches who want to create their own magical supplies. Unlike books that simply describe plant properties, The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews actually teaches how to mix and use them in rituals.
A reviewer praised it, saying: “This book is like having an herbal magic cookbook—clear, easy to follow, and full of fantastic recipes.”
2. Beginner-Friendly and Accessible
Cunningham’s writing is clear, warm, and engaging, making the book easy to understand even for beginners. He reassures readers that you don’t need expensive tools or rare ingredients to create effective magic, saying:
“Magic isn’t about exotic materials—it’s about the power you put into them.”
3. Wide Variety of Recipes
The book includes over 100 recipes for:
✅ Incenses
✅ Oils
✅ Teas and brews
✅ Ritual baths
✅ Herbal powders
With this much variety, there’s something for everyone, whether you need a simple protection incense or a complex ceremonial blend.
4. Encourages Creativity and Substitutions
One of the best things about this book is Cunningham’s emphasis on flexibility. He tells readers that it’s okay to modify recipes based on what’s available, stating:
“If you lack an ingredient, use your intuition and choose a substitute with similar properties.”
This makes it perfect for witches who want to personalize their magic instead of following rigid formulas.
5. Strong Correspondences and Reference Charts
The book includes fantastic reference tables, listing:
- Planetary, elemental, and magical correspondences of herbs
- Alternative names for common magical plants
- Safe vs. toxic herbs for magical use
These make the book a valuable reference guide even if you’re not using the recipes directly.
Weaknesses of the Book
1. No Medicinal or Scientific Information
This book is purely focused on magical herbalism. It does not provide:
❌ Scientific data on essential oils
❌ Medicinal properties of herbs
❌ Dosage or safety guidelines for ingesting herbs
A reviewer noted, “If you’re looking for medicinal herbalism, this is not the right book. It’s all about magic, not healing.”
2. Some Recipes Are Dated or Need Modification
Since the book was first published in 1989, some of the recipes may need adjustments for modern practitioners. For example:
- Some herbs listed as common are harder to find today.
- Essential oil production methods have evolved, so modern oils may be stronger than Cunningham describes.
While the book is still valuable, some ingredients may need updating based on current availability.
3. No Photographs or Illustrations
The book contains no images of herbs, tools, or blending techniques. This can be a challenge for beginners, who might need a visual guide when working with herbs for the first time.
One reader commented, “I wish there were pictures of the plants and the final products—it would make the book even better.”
4. Heavy Focus on Wiccan Practices
Cunningham’s work is strongly Wicca-based, which may not appeal to all magical practitioners. If you follow a non-Wiccan tradition, some rituals and correspondences may not align with your beliefs.
Personal Experience and Perspective
I have used The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews countless times as a go-to reference when creating ritual blends. One of my favorite recipes is his protection incense, which combines frankincense, cinnamon, and rosemary—simple yet highly effective.
The best lesson I took from this book is that you don’t need to buy expensive “witchy” products—you can make your own with intention and knowledge. Cunningham’s philosophy that simple, homemade magic is just as powerful as anything store-bought truly resonated with me.
While I supplement this book with modern essential oil guides for safety reasons, it remains a staple in my magical library.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Guide for Magical Herbalism
The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews is an invaluable resource for witches and magical practitioners who want to create their own magical blends. Its practical, easy-to-follow recipes and correspondences make it one of the best books on the topic.
Recommended for:
✅ Witches, Wiccans, and magical herbalists
✅ Those who love hands-on, DIY magic
✅ Beginners looking for an easy-to-follow guide
Not ideal for:
❌ Those looking for scientific or medicinal herbalism
❌ Practitioners who need illustrations or step-by-step visuals
❌ Magicians who prefer ceremonial or highly structured magic