The materials used in witchcraft rituals and spells can vary depending on the tradition and personal preference of the witch. However, there are certain common materials that are often associated with witchcraft. These materials can be divided into categories such as herbs, crystals, candles, and other miscellaneous items. Herbs are a fundamental part of witchcraft and are used for their magical properties. Each herb has its own unique energy and symbolism, and it is believed that by using these herbs, witches can enhance their intentions and desires. Some commonly used herbs in witchcraft include lavender for relaxation and peace, rosemary for protection, and sage for cleansing and purifying.
Curators Discover a Rare Chinese ‘Magic Mirror’—One of Only Three Known in the West—in the Depths of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Storage
The magic mirror was for years believed simply to be an unassuming bronze disc.
Hou-mei Sung, the Cincinnati Art Museum’s curator of East Asian art, next to the Buddhist Bronze Mirror. Photo courtesy of the museum.
Curators at the Cincinnati Art Museum have figured out that an unassuming bronze disc in the museum’s 100,000-strong collection is actually an exceedingly rare magic mirror.
Magic mirrors, also known as transparent or light penetrating mirrors, were first created in China during the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), according to the museum. “When light is projected on them, the mirrors appear transparent and reveal characters or a decorative design.”
The characters on the museum’s polished, reflective surface carry six characters (南無阿彌陀佛) that name Amitābha Buddha, while the reflection reveals an image of the Buddha shrouded in heavenly beams.
Buddhist Bronze Mirror (front), 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
The discovery, made by Hou-mei Sung, a curator of East Asian art, in spring 2021, will be presented to the public in the museum’s East Asian wing starting July 23, marking its first return to the galleries since 2017, according to CNN. Officially acquired by the museum in 1961, the unbeknownst mirror spent most of its tenure in storage.
“It’s really fate or luck,” Sung told Artnet News. “We were going to put the bronze artwork on view in a museum gallery. Out of curiosity, I wanted to test it.”
Knowledge of another magic mirror at the Metropolitan Museum of Art inspired Sung to take a conservation expert into museum storage and train a light on Cincinnati’s own suspect. Textured light in the reflection encouraged them to try a stronger, more focused beam.
Presto, there was the Buddha.
Buddhist Bronze Mirror (back), 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
Aside from Han dynasty-era magic mirrors on view in the Shanghai Museum, only two other similar Buddhist magic mirrors are known, according to the museum. One is in the Tokyo National Museum and the other at the Met. Both are Japanese, Edo-period (1603–1867) objects.
According to the Cincinnati Art Museum, initial research suggests its mirror was made in China, and that it may be older than the two Japanese mirrors.
The mirrors were so complicated to make that scholars are still not sure exactly how craftspeople got it done. But Sung calls the discovery auspicious.
“It’s designed to be a blessing, so we do feel very lucky to have it,” she said.
Demonstration of Buddhist Bronze Mirror, 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
“A big part of what curators do is research,” she said. “With a huge collection of over 10,000 works, this keeps us very busy.”
This latest development only whets her palate for more miracles. For the moment, she said, she hopes to take advantage of international expertise to further the museum’s research.
“I know that Asian art scholars will travel to Cincinnati to see it and I’m excited they can learn more about our collection while they are here,” she said.
Beyond that, she said she hoped the new attraction “inspires visitors to learn more about our many rare works of Asian art in our collection.”
Thanks to a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation, guests will enjoy free general admission and parking during their chance to take a glimpse in Ohio’s magic mirror.
How to make a Magic Mirror
Chinese Magic Mirrors originated in China (surprise, surprise) around 800 AD. These mirrors hold hidden images that are invisible to the naked eye, and can only be viewed as a reflection when a bright light is shown into the mirror. After baffling western scientists for centuries, the process and physics that allowed these devices to work were finally re-learned and understood.
These artifacts started as convex pieces of metal, polished to a mirrored shine. These mirrors were then etched with a design, and had a mercury amalgam poured over top to cover the etchings with a thin, mirrored coating.
You can find authentic Chinese Magic Mirrors online, but knowing how they work allows us to make our own version, with our own hidden messages.
HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN MAGIC MIRROR:
MATERIALS:
- Handheld mirror that you’re okay destroying
- Etching cream (or laser etcher, if you’ve got access to that)
- Hobby knife or other razor blade
- Reflective Glass Tinting film
STEPS:
- Before you begin, figure out your message! Remember, when reflected, the message will appear flipped to the viewer. I wanted my message flipped (looks extra spooky that way), so I wrote my message normally.
- Take your mirror, and etch your message into it using your glass etching method of choice. If using a laser etcher, start on low power settings. You don’t want deep etches if you can avoid it.
- Clean the mirror thoroughly, and rub some cloth over your message, hard. You want your mirror to have small scratches in it, but you don’t want excess material creating ridges on the edges of your scratches. Take the time to smooth things out, your effort will be rewarded.
- Wipe a few drops of water across your mirror, enough to make the entire surface wet.
- Cut a slightly bigger piece of film than your mirror requires, and remove the plastic backing.
- Stick your reflective film onto your mirror. Use a credit card as a squeegee to work out all of the bubbles that you can. Wipe up any excess water that is expelled as you go.
- Take your magic mirror into a dark room, and shine a flashlight onto it! See if you can read your message in the reflection. Congrats, you have a hidden message inside a mirror!
Chinese Bronze Mirrors
Bronze mirrors have a long history in Chinese culture, dating to at least the 11th century Before Common Era (BC). Many mirrors were placed with their owners in ancient tombs. Some have been passed down from generation to generation for many years in the same family.
Mirrors were more uniform and typically round in Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) while greater variety is observed in the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th -14th century) when different forms, such as oblong and octagonal appeared. Some mirrors have a handle or eyelets for hanging. In the last few centuries, during the reign of the Qing dynasty (1616-1911), bronze mirrors were gradually replaced by glass mirrors.
The mirrors were used in ancient China in the same way they are used today - people look at themselves. But the mirror was also an object of art and frequently included cosmological, spiritual and even magical meanings and functions.
The front of the mirror is so finely polished that it can reflect the image of the user's face. The mirror is usually round, connecting a concept of ideal shape with the Chinese cosmological theory of ‘hemispherical dome.’ The back is often decorated with a button and various motifs such as phoenix, beasts, flowers, leaves and lattice. Some also have inscriptions. Changes in style and decorations between different historical periods reflect the evolution of social and cultural ideas and preferences. Stylistic variety helps collectors and historians to classify mirrors and infer their antiquity.
Most bronze mirrors are round – a form that symbolises perfection and bliss. Round shapes in ancient China also represented reunion, fortune and satisfactory love and marriage. Since the nature of reflection is somewhat mysterious, people were prone to associate mirrors with the supernatural. They could, it was believed, dispel evils and so mirrors become a favourite burial accessory. Also they were to keep the home safe from evil, criminals and misfortune. Ancient Chinese used mirrors in various social functions. They were given as gifts to and by emperors and common people alike. In the Buddhist and Taoist rituals bronze mirrors were important worship paraphernalia. With its light-reflecting property the mirror was a fitting accessory for Buddha – Eternal Light.
Some commonly used herbs in witchcraft include lavender for relaxation and peace, rosemary for protection, and sage for cleansing and purifying. Crystals are also widely used in witchcraft as they are believed to hold powerful energies and vibrations. Each crystal has its own properties, and witches use them to amplify their intentions and bring about desired outcomes.
Crystals such as amethyst for spiritual growth, quartz for clarity and energy, and citrine for abundance and prosperity are commonly used in witchcraft. Candles are an essential tool in witchcraft as they represent the element of fire and are used for various rituals and spells. Different colored candles are associated with different magical purposes. For example, a green candle may be used for attracting money and prosperity, while a red candle may be used for love and passion. The act of lighting candles is seen as a way to manifest desires and intentions. Miscellaneous items such as feathers, bones, tarot cards, and cauldrons are also used in witchcraft. Feathers are believed to carry the energy of birds and can be used for purification and protection. Bones are associated with ancestral and spiritual connections and are used in rituals for divination and communication with the spirit world. Tarot cards are used for divination and gaining insights into one's life, while cauldrons are symbolic of transformation and can be used for various rituals and spellwork. In conclusion, the materials of witchcraft play an important role in the practice of witchcraft. These materials, such as herbs, crystals, candles, and miscellaneous items, are believed to hold specific energies and vibrations that can be used to enhance rituals and spells. By harnessing the properties of these materials, witches are able to manifest their intentions and desires more effectively..
Reviews for "Unconventional Witchcraft Materials: Exploring the Unexpected"
1. Jane - 2 stars
I was really disappointed in "The Materials of Witchcraft." I was hoping for a well-researched and informative book on the subject, but instead, I found it to be very superficial. The author touched on various materials used in witchcraft, but never delved deep enough into any of them. The lack of depth made it difficult for me to gain any real knowledge or understanding of the subject. I was left with more questions than answers after reading this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on the materials used in witchcraft.
2. Mark - 1 star
"The Materials of Witchcraft" was a complete letdown for me. I found the writing style to be dry and repetitive, and the information provided was vague and lacking in substance. The author seemed more interested in listing materials used in witchcraft than actually explaining their significance or how they are used in practice. Additionally, there were several errors and inconsistencies throughout the book, which made it difficult to take anything seriously. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this book.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was looking forward to reading "The Materials of Witchcraft" as I have a genuine interest in the subject. However, I found the book to be poorly organized and lacking in clear explanations. The author jumped from topic to topic without providing a cohesive structure, which made it difficult to follow and understand. The lack of depth and detail left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. I expected a more thorough exploration of the materials used in witchcraft, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.