Earwig and the Witch is a fiction book written by Diana Wynne Jones. It is a charming and engaging story that follows the life of a young girl named Earwig. The story begins with Earwig living in an orphanage and being accustomed to getting her own way. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is adopted by a witch and a wizard named Bella Yaga and Mandrake. At first, Earwig is excited about her new life with the magical couple. She quickly realizes that Bella Yaga and Mandrake are not like any ordinary parents.
A simple perfume base starts with either a spirit base (alcohol) or oil base (longer lasting). You could add a few drops of rose, lavender, or jasmine essential oils to enhance a glamour or love perfume. I suggest 12 drops of essential oils per two ounces of base. You could add in some patchouli or a drop of cinnamon essential oil to spice it up and add some lust as well. A perfume to attract money would include cinnamon, mint, basil, and a sprinkle of catnip to attract. You could also forgo oils all together and draw a sigil on your perfume bottle and charge it under the full moon for an intention as well. A sigil is an established or personally made magical symbol used to manifest an intention.
The most popular category and broadest range is Eau de Parfums EDPs which typically have a perfume-oil concentration in the range of 10 percent to 20 percent, whereas Eau de Toilettes EDTs have 5 percent to 10 percent, and Eau de Colognes EDCs have three percent to five percent. The initial pressing of Madonna s Like A Prayer album had patchouli oil on it because she wanted it to create a sensual feeling you could hear and smell, according to a spokesperson for Warner Bros.
She quickly realizes that Bella Yaga and Mandrake are not like any ordinary parents. They are strict and constantly busy with their magical experiments. Earwig is relegated to doing household chores and feels like a servant in her own home.
Use Perfume Magic to Manifest Your Desires
In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explores perfume magic. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
The initial pressing of Madonna’s Like A Prayer album had patchouli oil on it because she wanted it to “create a sensual feeling you could hear and smell,” according to a spokesperson for Warner Bros. Records' statement at the time. In Legally Blonde, Elle Woods wrote her resume on pink paper with a fragrance sprayed on it to give it a "little something extra.” Smell is a powerful sense that can trigger memories, emotions, and desires. It can make us want to crush on or connect with others, and push us to feel a certain way. That is why there's a little something called “perfume magic” — or using scent to attract your desires.
Melissa Madara, author of The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire, says that perfume magic can be used as a way to dazzle others, ourselves, or to help in setting intentions. “[Perfume magic is] useful for almost any concern, but particularly for goals in which you want your presence or aura to affect the world around you," Madara says. "Attraction magic, love spells, or works to gain respect and confidence are very well suited to perfume magic.”
We are all drawn to fragrances and scents that evoke memories and emotions — also ones that make us want to take action. Personally, I wear lavender when meditating to promote a calming vibe. Or, when I want to spice up my love life, I will put on a rose oil because it’s associated with romance, relationships, and sex. My friend wears patchouli oil when they practice yoga to ground and center their energy.
Now, onto the details. The most important part of perfume magic is setting the intention that you want to manifest. Marshall the Witch of Southern Light recommends saying personal chants while blending, anointing, and preparing the oils. Chants are “short and easy to say incantations to state aloud what you want to manifest. I like to say an incantation over my charmed objects when I charge them.”
In order to properly manifest, Narayana Montufar, author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power, recommends having “a clear target, really believing it can be real, and then following through with actionable items. It sounds easy, but most of the time, the hardest step is the second one, believing” in the intentions that you wish to bring to life, which can be achieved through “affirmations and journaling” because they are “useful resources that can help us turn out energy around while inviting more positivity in our lives.”
How can you make your own perfume with your specific intention? Here are some ideas from the pros.
Melissa, who has created a perfume called The Witch's Feast for intuition and positivity, suggests trying out this magic concoction to boost your confidence:
Use fragrances associated with the sun, known for bringing blessings of confidence, clarity, and luck. In a 1/2 ounce bottle of sunflower or almond oil (about 1 tablespoon), add 3 drops clove oil, 3 drops cedar oil, 6 drops orange oil, 3 drops frankincense oil, and 2 drops saffron oil (optional). When you are happy with your blend, pour it into a perfume bottle. Speak your intentions for this blend into the bottle — tell it what you want the blend to make you feel, or what you want it to bring into your life. Seal the bottle with the cap and pass it through the smoke of Sun-associated incense-clove, evergreens, frankincense, citrus, or magnolia.
Marshall recommends making the following tincture to attract love and money through perfume magic:
A simple perfume base starts with either a spirit base (alcohol) or oil base (longer lasting). You could add a few drops of rose, lavender, or jasmine essential oils to enhance a glamour or love perfume. I suggest 12 drops of essential oils per two ounces of base. You could add in some patchouli or a drop of cinnamon essential oil to spice it up and add some lust as well. A perfume to attract money would include cinnamon, mint, basil, and a sprinkle of catnip to attract. You could also forgo oils all together and draw a sigil on your perfume bottle and charge it under the full moon for an intention as well. A sigil is an established or personally made magical symbol used to manifest an intention.
But don’t mistake the message here. Powerful doesn’t necessarily mean better. “I love it when someone says I smell good after a day out and about, but, it’s not always or only about longevity,” says Carlos Huber, founder of Arquiste Parfumeur. “I wear fragrance first and foremost for myself. Eau de colognes and eau de toilettes are designed for the beauty of a moment. They have light, vibrant, citrusy, and botanical notes which are by nature’s design refreshing and fleeting. They are naturally effervescent, which means they lift off the skin and are not meant to last for a long time.”
Despite her situation, Earwig is not one to give up easily. She uses her cunning and wit to manipulate Bella Yaga and Mandrake into giving her the attention and privileges she desires. She schemes and outsmarts the magical couple, using their own spells against them. Earwig's strong-willed and resourceful nature is a key theme in the book. She refuses to be a passive character and takes matters into her own hands. Her determination and cleverness are admirable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the story. The book also explores the themes of friendship and loyalty. Earwig forms an unexpected bond with Thomas, another child in the household, and together they uncover the secrets of Bella Yaga and Mandrake's past. They work together to find a way to escape their situation and create a better life for themselves. Overall, Earwig and the Witch is a delightful and enchanting tale that showcases the power of resilience and the importance of friendship. It is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages and leave them with a sense of empowerment..
Reviews for "Examining the Societal Commentary in 'Earwig and the Witch"
1. Jessica - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Earwig and the Witch". The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I struggled to connect with any of them. Additionally, the book ended abruptly, leaving many loose ends unresolved. Overall, I found the writing style and plot to be underwhelming and would not recommend this book.
2. Michael - 1/5 - "Earwig and the Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story multiple times. The main character, Earwig, was annoying and lacked any redeeming qualities. The plot felt contrived and predictable, and the ending was unsatisfying. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat in every aspect.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I was a fan of the author's previous works, but "Earwig and the Witch" was a major disappointment. The story felt rushed and lacked the charm and magic of his other books. The characters were forgettable, and I found it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journeys. The writing style was also lackluster, failing to capture the same whimsy and creativity I had come to expect. Overall, this book did not live up to my expectations and left me feeling unfulfilled.
4. David - 2/5 - I had heard great things about "Earwig and the Witch", but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The plot was weak and lacked depth, and I found it hard to engage with the story. The protagonist, Earwig, was unlikable and her actions were often frustrating. The world-building was also underdeveloped, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.