Cinnamon has been used in witchcraft for centuries due to its magical and mystical properties. The warm and sweet scent of cinnamon is believed to attract energy, making it useful in spellcasting and rituals. It is considered a powerful protective herb and is often used to ward off negative energy and evil spirits. In magical practices, cinnamon is used to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and divination. It is believed to heighten spiritual awareness and open doors to other realms. Its aroma is often used to aid in meditation and induce deep relaxation.
Really, who needs makeup when you’re swathed in white fox, ritualistically adorned with black feathers, or dressed, literally, to kill, in what came to be called “the Aslan poncho”: a lion’s mane ruff (synthetic, of course) worn atop a titanium chain-mail skirt that took a week to weld together.
But this ice palette is not the glittering white of a department store North Pole; it s the opaque aqua of icebergs and the steely blue of a frozen sea. The Centaur, another creature of Narnia, preaches to the other creatures that they need to have faith that Aslan will return, even though he has not been seen for many years.
Its aroma is often used to aid in meditation and induce deep relaxation. Cinnamon is also thought to strengthen love and passion, making it a popular ingredient in love spells and rituals. Cinnamon is often used as an ingredient in potions, brews, and incense in witchcraft.
The witch and her wardrobe
When costuming a witch, certain factors need to be considered. For starters, the black hair and broomstick thing is, frankly, passe. And when the witch in question is Jadis the White Witch from “The Chronicles of Narnia,” black would simply be the ultimate fashion faux pas.
“She’s the Ice Queen; she couldn’t be dark,” says Costume Designers Guild nominee Isis Mussenden, who says the character of Jadis, portrayed with fierce intensity by Tilda Swinton, was the greatest challenge of the job.
Mussenden spent months in the concept phase — because the other thing about dressing witches is that they’re not human, so such mundane tasks as actually getting dressed are irrelevant. “I didn’t want to think that she went into the wardrobe and pulled her dress out,” says the designer. “I didn’t even want to think that she has a closet!”
Dismissing Pauline Baynes’ beloved yet bland illustrations from the original C.S. Lewis books, Mussenden hit upon the missing element thanks to her son’s obsession with Pokemon, in which the game’s characters physically evolve over time. She envisioned the White Witch’s costume as an organic element that would similarly evolve and change colors. “We called it a mood ring,” she says. “It would blow up as she was feeling strong and deflate as her powers would disappear.”
Seven different icy-hued dresses were crafted from hand-felted wool and silk, with a lace overlay that was then burned for texture and depth. But this ice palette is not the glittering white of a department store North Pole; it’s the opaque aqua of icebergs and the steely blue of a frozen sea.
The dresses are imposing, beautiful and feminine — as befits an enchantress who can lure children to her castle with Turkish delight and the warmth of a fur mantle. Alexander McQueen was a design inspiration, and in fact, none of the garments would look out of place on the couture catwalk.
“We were not going to make her evil-looking,” says Mussenden; that was Swinton’s responsibility. Mussenden adds that the alabaster pale, otherworldly beauty will do “anything” to make a costume work, including, in this case, wearing no makeup, which for many fortysomething Hollywood actresses would be a deal-breaker.
Really, who needs makeup when you’re swathed in white fox, ritualistically adorned with black feathers, or dressed, literally, to kill, in what came to be called “the Aslan poncho”: a lion’s mane ruff (synthetic, of course) worn atop a titanium chain-mail skirt that took a week to weld together.
For the Ice Queen’s signature piece — her icicle crown — Mussenden collaborated with the New York City artist Hope Atherton, who uses textiles and taxidermy in her work. “Hope has this little thing in her brain that’s really macabre,” says Mussenden. “It takes her one step further into darkness.”
The designer had always imagined a crown of ice that would melt away, yet it was Atherton who conceived of icicles actually growing from the witch’s skull.
Mussenden widens her eyes. “I mean, shards of ice coming out of someone’s head! It’s just fantastic!” She continues, chuckling at the memory, “And then when I said, ‘OK, how are we going to make this?’ she said, ‘I don’t know, that’s your job.'”
It is believed to enhance the effectiveness of spells, increase energy, and amplify intentions. It is also used in spell bags and charms to attract love, prosperity, and success. In addition to its metaphysical properties, cinnamon has long been valued for its medicinal and culinary uses. It is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Cinnamon is often used to treat digestive issues, boost immunity, and regulate blood sugar levels. While cinnamon is a popular ingredient in witchcraft, it is important to note that it should be used responsibly and with respect. As with any magical tool, it is crucial to understand its properties and use it ethically. Whether used for its mystical properties or its medicinal benefits, cinnamon holds a special place in the realm of witchcraft and is revered for its many talents..
Reviews for "The Witch's Toolkit: Essential Cinnamon Spells and Rituals"
1. Samantha - 2/5
I was really excited to read "Cinnamon in Witchcraft" as I am a fan of fantasy novels, but I was sorely disappointed. The writing felt disjointed and lacking in substance, and the characters were flat and uninteresting. The plot was predictable, and there was a lack of nuance in the storytelling. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre read that I wouldn't recommend to others.
2. John - 1/5
"Cinnamon in Witchcraft" was a complete waste of my time. The story was filled with clichés and the dialogue was cringeworthy. The author seemed to have no original ideas and relied on tired tropes to carry the plot. The pacing was incredibly slow and it felt like nothing of importance was happening for most of the book. I would strongly advise against picking up this book if you're looking for an engaging and well-written fantasy novel.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Cinnamon in Witchcraft", but unfortunately, it fell short. The world-building was weak and lacked depth, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. The main character was unrelatable and her motivations were unclear. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward sentence structures and excessive use of clichés. Overall, I found the book to be disappointing and would not recommend it to fellow fantasy lovers.
4. Michael - 2/5
"Cinnamon in Witchcraft" had an interesting premise, but that's where the positives end. The execution of the story was poor, with choppy pacing and lackluster character development. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to engage with the story. Additionally, there were numerous grammatical errors and typos throughout the book, which further detracted from the reading experience. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read that fell far short of its potential.