It's almost Libra season--and we love to celebrate these "beauty queens" of the Zodiac. Of course, the beauty of Libra (and you!) goes way beyond skin deep, but this sign can give us a friendly reminder that the way things APPEAR sometimes has a real effect on how things FEEL. Our newsletter subscribers got an exclusive skincare spell in their inbox, but we wanted to bring a lil' glamour to the Community Page for the season as well!
What is glamour magic?
Traditionally, a "glamour" referred to a spell/magical workings that could change the spellcaster's appearance or the way others perceived them. Today, many modern practitioners use "glamour magic(k)" to refer to rituals of beauty that include magical intention. Some include an element of shifting your physical appearance, but not all!
Glamour Magic (at least the way I practice) is NOT about altering your appearance to better appeal to others OR conform to beauty/fashion norms. In fact, it helps us to escape these traps by allowing us to see our rituals of beauty + adornment as an expression and amplification of our energy and intention. In glamour magic, it's not important what shade or shape is most "flattering" or whether you wear white after labor day. Does it feel like an expression of your personal magic and intention? PERFECT. Go for it.
Getting dressed in the morning, applying nail polish, scrubbing + moisturizing your skin, or putting on a bold shade of lipstick could all be turned into Glamour Magic rituals with some added intention. Some of my places/things to draw inspiration from when it comes to choosing colors, ingredients, or symbols for your glamour magic ritual include:
- Archetypes (Try letting a certain Tarot card inspire your outfit for the day!)
- Colors--color magic goes hand-in-hand with glamour magic!
- Plants (Look for skincare with ingredients that match your magical intentions!)
- Crystals/Metals--adorn with intention!
- Animals (Love a good animal print moment!)
- The Elements
- Lunar Cycles
- Planetary Energy
Whether glamour magic helps you make bold style choices and cultivate your confidence or simply learn to slow down and take some time to physically CARE for yourself in a meaningful way, I know it has the potential to create real shifts both within and without. I hope you can use the suggestions above to help you craft some glamour magic rituals of your own inspired by exactly what inspires YOU. To get you started, I've created a "Clear the Fog" DIY herbal facial steam that will help to soothe the skin and quiet the mind (which can sometimes go into overdrive during airy seasons like this one). At the end of this blog post, you'll also find a table of common skincare ingredients and their magical associations--I encourage you to go through your current collection of lotions + potions and see if some may already have powerful magical allies within just waiting to be used with intention. Enjoy Libra season, beauties!
"Clear the Fog" Facial Steam
Creating a DIY herbal facial-steam is an incredibly easy/accessible way to treat yourself to an extra-special, spa-like experience at home. Simply combine a small handful of your botanicals of choice with boiling water, drape a towel over your head and shoulders, and let the botanical steam hydrate, clarify, and soothe your skin while you take in all the beautiful scents!
The recipe I've created here embraces the "airy" quality of steam, using botanicals associated with air + Mercury to enhance mental clarity and communication. It should be clarifying + balancing for most skin types.
Cleanse your face and bring 4 c. water to a boil. Transfer boiling water to a heat-safe bowl and add:
- 1/2 tbsp. fresh or dried peppermint
- 1/2 tbsp. fresh or dried lavender
- 1/2 tbsp. fresh or dried rosemary
- 1/2 tbsp. green tea leaves
Drape a towel over your head + shoulders and the bowl of water, with your face about 12 In. from the water. (It should feel warm + comfortable, not HOT). Steam your face for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the refreshing scent to clear your mind and clarify your inner vision. Follow with your favorite mask and the rest of your skincare routine.
