I can’t smell White Shoulders without thinking of my childhood, the hours I spent playing in my grandmother’s chest of drawer, splashing myself with her perfume, trying on her scarves, putting too much of her rouge on my cheeks. Scent is a powerful mnemonic, capable of evoking strong memories of events from our past. So why is it when so many witches and magicians use scent in rituals and spells, they choose aromas according to some chart or table of corresondences?

And don’t we all have our favourite table of correspondences? Mine is Crowley’s 777. In fact, I find it so indispensible in some matters that I’ve come to refer to it as “the handy 777”. I can’t think of the number 777 without putting the word ‘handy’ in front of it. And yet, even with the handy 777, there’s plenty of room for flexibility.

Almost everyone recommends using the scent of roses for workings of love. But if the smell of roses conjures up images of your grandmother’s funeral, wouldn’t it be best to go with a different flower? Did your first love bring you orchids on your first date? Go with orchids! For me, all those times I had sex under a blooming magnolia tree means that nothing says passion like the scent of magnolia blossoms.

Cinnamon is a versatile scent. Some people use it for solar workings, some for martial spells, some for wealth, and others for matters of lust and desire. But if cinnamon reminds you of danishes baking in the oven, you might prefer reserving it for matters of domestic harmony. If it reminds you of that cup of capaccino you have every morning before those important meetings, then use it for business or success spells.

Sulphur? Ooooo… scary stuff. Used a lot for hexing, infernal workings and the like. But for me, the odor of sulphur reminds me of those chemistry experiments I used to do with my dad when I was young. I find sulphur very effective in workings concerning learning and creativity.

Scents are a psychological trigger; don’t ignore the subconcious appeal that aromas have when blending incense or choosing an oil for a spell or ritual. Go through your herb cabinet, take the time to smell each individual oil you have, pay attention to where it takes your thoughts and write down any memories or impressions it evokes. In this way, you can create a more personal table of correspondences, one attuned to your own memories and experiences.

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