Witchy aromas have long been associated with mystical and magical practices. The use of specific scents in rituals and spells is believed to enhance the spiritual energy and create a desired atmosphere. These aromas can range from earthy and woody to floral and herbal, each with its own unique properties and associations. One of the most well-known witchy aromas is that of patchouli. Patchouli oil is commonly used in witchcraft due to its strong earthy scent and grounding properties. It is believed to help with providing stability, promoting growth, and attracting prosperity.

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In comparison to your regular gourmand and floral scents, patchouli perfumes may not be the most obvious addition to a fragrance wardrobe. But trust me when I tell you that every perfume veteran has a soft spot for patchouli, and for good reason too. Countless fragrance houses have been adding this charming ingredient into their best-selling perfumes since the dawn of time (case in point: Chanel No 5?) to add depth for a more complex profile.

You know that feeling when someone on the street/tube/at a cafe taps you on the shoulder and asks you something along the lines of “oh my god, you smell amazing, what perfume are you wearing?”. I think my fellow fragrance lovers would agree that nothing gives you a bigger confidence boost quite as much as that kind of a compliment from a stranger (totally in a non-creepy way, of course). Well, that's exactly what you can expect from wearing a patchouli perfume.

For the uninitiated, patchouli is a type of a flower plant that is native to Indonesia. It's largely used in aromatherapy and perfumery, thanks to its rich earthy, woody and musky tones – all of which are known as firm favourites among fragrance enthusiasts. In fact, patchouli is also considered a libido-boosting aphrodisiac scent, which adds to its addicting nature.

It is believed to help with providing stability, promoting growth, and attracting prosperity. Patchouli is often used in rituals related to abundance, protection, and spiritual growth. Lavender is another popular witchy aroma with a wide range of uses.

Best patchouli perfumes at a glance:

• Best overall:Le Labo Patchouli 24 eau de parfum, £168
• Best cult-favourite:Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
• Best with a gourmand profile:Kayali Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli 64 Intense
• Best with a sweet profile:Maison Margiela Replica on a Date eau de toilette
• Best with an oud-y profile:Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja extrait de parfum

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Mysticism is booming among millennials and Gen Z, with many leaning on crystals, tarot and astrology for their spiritual hit. So it's telling that dark, witchy perfumes are also enjoying a moment in the fragrance spotlight with the search term “perfume witchy” amassing over 24 billion views – and just in time for Halloween, too.

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When you think about it, there's always been something mysterious about perfume. Its scent molecules creep into the unconscious part of the brain where memory and emotion are stored. Here they cast a spell on you, creating a powerful reaction of happiness or comfort whenever you sniff it.

Then there's the magical way that perfume transforms on your skin. You may start with a bracing rush of citrus, but then rose, vanilla and woods start to make an appearance – a little like you've dabbed invisible ink onto your wrists and the message eventually becomes visible.

Perfume is also grounded in mysticism, says Sarah Potter, a professional witch and tarot reader. “In witchcraft, we invoke air, water, fire, and earth – all elements that also make up a perfume – in rituals to heighten our senses and raise the energy,” Sarah explains.

Some perfume brands such Loewe have specifically created collections around these four elements, and the fragrant cues you might take from your star sign. Aire Anthesis is its latest uplifting addition.

“We may not be able to ‘see’ a scent, but we are aware of its powerful presence,” Sarah continues. “Historically, perfumed oils, resins, and incense featured in ancient ceremonies to appease deities. Now they are layered in perfumes to manifest an intention – to seduce, to feel more powerful, to feel protected – just as we use different ingredients to craft a spell.”

Modern day witchy perfumes are not, however, pungent potions, so there's nothing to fear. The trend is exactly as it sounds: scents that envelope your pulse points in a cloud of aromatic smoke or juices peppered with off-beat herbs that sound like they've come straight out of a spell book.

According to Yasmin Sewell, founder of fragrance brand Vyrao, their appeal lies in how they “help you feel more courage and creativity and help you tap into intuition and positive emotions." For the brand's latest perfume The Sixth, Yasmin collaborated with a psychic. “The Sixth was created to open up your intuition and has scientifically proven ingredients for mindfulness,” she says. “Working with my psychic made absolute sense as she chose specific ingredients she uses to channel her psychic abilities and we incorporated them all into an incredible, enlightening elixir.”

When it comes to witchy perfumes, few perfumers can resist the siren call of smoky incense and palo santo, which are arguably the most ritualistic of all smells. But instead of smelling like damp Italian cathedrals, these scents conjure up more primal ceremonies.

Eilish No.2 is inspired by what Billie Eilish describes as a “darker, rainy world” via wet poppies and a jolt of earthy papyrus, spicy black pepper and puffs of smoky palo santo.

Byredo has one foot firmly in the other-worldly. De Los Santo pays homage to Dia de los Muertos, a 3,000 year-old plus festival during which the line between the living and the dead is supposedly blurred and the spirits of the dead are believed to return home. Wait a beat after spritzing for the delicate tendrils of smoke to create a strangely haunting effect.

While its latest juice Animalique, which is undercut by feral suede, amber and tobacco leaf, was inspired by the idea “that a spirit animal resides beneath the intricate layers of our truest selves,” says founder Ben Gorham. Perhaps Halloween is the time to unleash it?

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.

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Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender is often incorporated in rituals involving relaxation, stress relief, and sleep. Its delicate floral scent is said to enhance intuition and promote spiritual healing. Rosemary is another herb commonly associated with witchcraft and has a distinct woody scent. It is often used in purification rituals, as it is believed to cleanse negative energy and protect against evil spirits. The aroma of rosemary is also said to enhance memory and mental clarity, making it a popular choice for rituals involving divination and psychic abilities. Sandalwood, with its warm and rich scent, is frequently used in rituals and spell work. It is believed to enhance meditation and promote spiritual awareness. Sandalwood also has protective properties and is often used in rituals for banishing negative energies and attracting positive vibrations. Other witchy aromas include frankincense, myrrh, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, each with its own unique properties and associations. The choice of which aroma to use in a ritual or spell depends on the intention and the desired outcome. Some witches may also create their own unique blends by combining different scents to create a specific energy or atmosphere. Witchy aromas have been used for centuries to enhance magical practices and create a sacred space. Whether it be for purification, protection, manifestation, or spiritual growth, these aromas play an essential role in the witchcraft community. By incorporating these scents into rituals, witches can tap into the power of scent and create a deeper connection with the spiritual realm..

Reviews for "The Language of Scent: Witchy Aromas and their Meanings"

1. Jane - 2 stars -

I was really disappointed with Witchy Aromas. I was excited to try their unique blend of scents, but they all smelled like a musty old attic to me. None of the scents were appealing, and I definitely did not get any witchy vibes from them. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this brand, but I won't be purchasing their products again.

2. Mark - 1 star -

I cannot understand all the positive reviews for Witchy Aromas. I found their scents to be overpowering and artificial. The candles I bought had a strange chemical smell that made me nauseous. The packaging looked nice, but the quality of the product was severely lacking. I wouldn't recommend Witchy Aromas to anyone looking for true aromatherapy or natural scents.

3. Sarah - 2 stars -

I wanted to support a small business when I purchased from Witchy Aromas, but I was extremely disappointed with the quality of their products. The candles I ordered had poor burn times and barely emitted any fragrance when lit. The scents themselves, while unique in theory, were bland and unimpressive. I wish I had spent my money elsewhere.

4. David - 1 star -

I found the scents from Witchy Aromas to be incredibly overpowering and headache-inducing. I couldn't even handle a few minutes of the candles burning without feeling nauseous. The scents themselves didn't remind me of anything "witchy" or magical, but rather cheap air fresheners. I would not recommend these products to anyone with scent sensitivities.

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