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A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews, by S.M. Harlow

A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews: Empowering the Magick of Tea with Crystal Grids, by S.M. Harlow
Weiser Books, 1578638712, 280 pages, April 2025

A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews: Empowering the Magick of Tea with Crystal Grids by S.M. Harlow invites readers to explore a unique fusion of herbal magic and crystal energy. Harlow, who is also the author of A Tea Witch’s Grimoire, brings a new twist to tea witchcraft, offering an intriguing guide that blends these two traditions into a unique way. This book explores how the ancient practices of tea brewing and crystal grid creation can be combined to enhance spiritual and magical practices for a wide variety of purposes.

“The transformative power of combining tea magick and crystal grids is a revelation that transcends the boundaries of conventional spiritual practices. Individually, both tea magick and crystal grids still hold profound potential for transformation, yet when united, their synergy becomes an extraordinary force for change and manifestation.”1

Harlow begins by explaining the fundamentals of tea craft, which involves the intentional and mindful brewing of tea to harness its natural energies. She notes, “The world of tea holds many diverse varieties, each with its own unique flavors, aromas, and most especially energetic magickal properties.”2 Covering the most popular teas (white, green, oolong, black, and pur-eh), she provides an overview of the energy of each along with suggestions for brewing temperature and portion size.

She then discusses the variety of herbal infusions that can add energetic properties to the tea. A full list of correspondences is provided in the appendices, guiding readers in selecting the appropriate herbs for the work they intend to do. Harlow additional provides input on how to select one’s tea and techniques for ritual preparation and meditation. Her introduction to tea witchcraft is the perfect amount of information for all levels to feel grounded and comfortable performing this work.

Next, Harlow turns her focus to crystal magic. Noting the metaphysical abilities of crystals—amplifying energy, healing, channeling intention, and more—she shares the color correspondences for readers to consider when selecting the crystals to include in their work. Just like the tea, there’s a list of specific crystal properties in the appendices for further guidance. Additionally, the basics of working with crystals is covered, including how to cleanse, charge, and program them.

Once readers have the basics of crystal magic under their belt, Harlow introduces the many grids that can be used. She discusses how sacred geometry “unveils a profound and harmonious interplay between the natural patterns of the universe and the energetic properties of the crystals.”3 Some of the grid shapes covered are a circle, lemniscate, merkaba, pentagram, sun burst, and triquetra, to name a few. In total, there’s seven grid shapes described, along with a sketch of the shape for visualization.

And now the magic of the book really begins: readers learn how to combine crystal grids and tea magic. Harlow teaches how to match tea with the aligned crystals for one’s intention, encouraging readers to explore different pairings and trust their intuition in the process. While she offers tons of guidance, there’s also plenty of room for readers to explore their creativity and trust their instincts within the craft. You could really spend months, if not years, studying and exploring this unique blend of magic, trying out various combinations!

One thing worth noting is how integrating two types of magic workings does include a bit more preparation. Luckily, Harlow offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions for creating intentional tea blends, preparing for the crystal tea ritual, designing and activating the grid, and performing the ritual. While it might seem like a lot of steps at first, Harlow describes how crystal tea magic can become easily incorporated into one’s daily practice.

For those who prefer to work from a prescribed recipe (me!), Harlow has two chapters with recipes she’s created for a multitude of intentions. The chapter “A Crystal Tea Witch’s Magickal Remedies” lists the grid type, ingredients and tools, and how-to prepare for a variety of purposes: divination, aura repair, happiness, binding, mental clarity, prosperity, and many more! She describes how to activate the grid, what to concentrate on when sipping your tea, and even the best time to create the grid (i.e. moon phase, day of the week, season).

“Advanced Grids: Lunar, Estate, and Elemental Ceremonies” which has a bit more complex grids and layers more crystals and herbs, while also including oils and candles in the ritual ceremony. The ritual draw down more energy, which is anchored by salt in the rituals, and thus require a bit more preparation. These are bigger workings that would be done at transformative times rather than a daily practice. In addition to the guidance Harlow provided for the magical remedies, for these rituals, she also includes how to set the space. 

As much as I love learning the foundation of how to do this work on my own, I’ll admit I absolutely love Harlow’s recipes, and for the time being, I will be following them to get a hang of this work! Today is actually Ostara, so I am tempted to do a crystal tea ceremony for it, but since I am just getting started, I am leaning towards gathering the supplies for one of the more simply rituals.

I have noticed that this work involves purchasing a few more supplies than I had on hand. While I have one or two pieces of a certain crystal, for most of the grids, I haven’t had enough crystals to fully make them yet. Many readers might also need to purchase specific herbs or types of tea to get started. This work is an investment, but I can tell there’d be a lot of rewards to reap. There’s something so alchemical about brewing the tea and preparing the grid, I’m looking forward to seeing my results!

And there’s even more you can do with the supplies, such as creating crystal elixirs and tea blends for health, each of which Harlow dedicates a chapter to towards the end of the book. I really like all the recipes for the crystal elixirs which are made by combining crystals and herbs in a jar and charging before you drink them. Meanwhile, the section on herbal health remedies is a wonderful natural way to nurture oneself.

It’s also worth noting this book is a nice size (about 5 x 7 inches) with plenty of colorful images and diagrams throughout. Readers will appreciate the organization of the text, as it’s very easy to read and keep track of information as you move along. The spine is study, but flexible, letting readers really open the book to full width and see both pages at one. There’s even a vivid blue fabric bookmark to keep track of your place!

Overall, Harlow has done a wonderful job presenting the innovative approach to combining tea and crystal magic in A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews. Her detailed guidance on how to align the properties of teas with specific crystals to create synergistic effects opens so many possibilities for workings that can be done. There’s just something about the synergy that makes this work extra potent!

I love how this craft brings in all the elements: the earth of the crystals, fire of the brewing, water of the tea, and air of the steam. And I highly recommend this book for those looking for creative ways to work with tea, crystals, or simply embrace a new system of magic. Whether you want to learn the art of crafting your own brews or want to work from Harlow’s recipes, there’s many ways to bring your manifestations to reality with this combination of tea and crystal magic.

A Tea Witch’s Grimoire, by S.M. Harlow

A Tea Witch’s Grimoire: Magickal Recipes for Your Tea Time, by S.M. Harlow
Weiser Books, 1578638216, 208 pages, October 2023

I read the most delightful book recently: Afternoon Tea Is the New Happy Hour by Gail Greco. This book gave me plenty of tantalizing ideas for teas, small plates, and other sweet treats to enjoy, BUT it didn’t venture into the magical aspects of tea, which is what I’m always looking to include in my daily routine. Luckily, A Tea Witch’s Grimoire: Magickal Recipes for Your Tea Time by S.M. Harlow has amply provided the mystical wisdom of tea that I’ve been craving.

“In the daily practice of the magical arts, the spirit desires enlightenment but also seeks nourishment and comfort. By our hands, we create earthly substances of vast power, and by our hearts, we tend to the fires of our soul.”1

Tea witch Harlow infuses this whole book with love for her craft. She shares how her grandmother, “a true Wise Woman”4, was constantly healing family and friends with her unique conceptions, seeming to just know what remedy was needed. In the same spirit of generosity and warmth, Harlow carries on the tradition of passing along knowledge by sharing what she’s learned in her on-going journey of mastering tea magic with readers.

The book starts right at square one, providing a description of tea, guidance on how to prepare and store herbs, covering the tea tools needed for this practice. I remember when I first got into drinking loose-leaf tea that I didn’t have the right items to steep it in, nor did I have a proper tea cup. So it’s worth reviewing the basics just to make sure you’re ready for the endeavor, especially if you’ll be preparing your own herbs too.

As for the teas Harlow shares, where do I start?! Well, she beings with remedies, which includes things such as happiness tea and purification tea, but also psychic protection and astral travel tea. I see this section as having all the tea rituals for what people would usually cast a spell for (binding, courage, friendship are just a few more teas covered!). She then covers teas for the moon phases and esbats (full moon each month), tea for every zodiac energy, and sabbat teas (Imbolc, Mabon, and so on). There’s even a section on creating blossoming tea, where the leaves unfurl when put in water.

For all of these teas, not only does Harlow provide the exact recipe, she also leads readers through the entire ritual, from what items are needed, how and when to prepare the tea, and what to focus on when drinking the tea. Some tea rituals are a bit more elaborate than others. It can vary from Harlow simply recommends a certain color mug to drink it from to  a long list of specific items such as crystals, candles, salts, honey, and more.

For instance the items called for November’s Yarrow Moon Tea Esbat include “a black altar cloth, 1 white candle, heat-safe plate, 8 snowflake obsidians, an oil burner, Wisteria and lilac with a base oil, 1 bay leaf, a black and white mug, strainer.”5 I have no doubt all of these items blend together to truly create magic, but I certainly wouldn’t have these things lying around! Therefore it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have time to gather all the ingredients and items needed for your tea ritual.

As for the ritual, Harlow guides readers to do a variety of things to enhance their spells. There’s the usual visualizations and chants, but at times she encourages readers to spit into their tea (break hexes), salute the energies around you, or speak aloud your intentions. Harlow also provides an entire section on reading tea leaves for divination, known as tasseography, where a list of symbols helps readers to know the messages coming through.

Beyond the specific rituals, Harlow provides a plethora of information about tea magic in general, including tea sigils, properties of various crystals, and uses of tea remnants in spellwork. Additionally, there’s an entire chapter on potions, as well as guidance for creating aromatic oils and vinegar, alcohol and milk tinctures, and moon water.

Finally, the chapter “Tables and Correspondences” is worth its weight in reference gold. It includes a table of brewing times based on tea type and a table of measurement conversions. There’s also a list of intentions/goals and the herbal correspondences, along with a sections on the elemental attributes of herbs and herbal substitutions  o further help readers learn how to successfully create their own tea blends or alter the recipes she’s provided based on what one has available.

The book itself is a sturdy hardcover, which makes me feel it will be resistant to the spills that will ultimately happen as I am trying to turn a page while brewing my tea! There’s a whimsical quality to the illustrations, and they really provide an aesthetically pleasing browse through the text.

For those just learning about the magical aspects of tea, A Tea Witch’s Grimoire is a great place to start, though experienced tea witches certainly will also appreciate the compendium of recipes and rituals. Readers can reference this book year-round to trying out the different tea rituals as the seasons change, establishing their own relationship with the herbs. Or they can use the guidance of Harlow to manifest their will through the tea rituals, attracting or banishing what they want from their worlds, while also looking to the leaves for messages about the future. Harlow has created a true treasure trove of tea wisdom, and I for one am excited to start crafting my next brew!

Wiccan Teas & Brews, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Wiccan Teas & Brews: Recipes for Magical Drinks, Essences, and Tinctures, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652003, 144 pages, March 2023

Wiccan Teas & Brews: Recipes for Magical Drinks, Essences, and Tinctures by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a practical, while still undeniably engaging, book that takes readers on a magical journey into the enchanted realm of tea, blending the worlds of witchcraft and herbalism to create a delightful collection of recipes, rituals, and insights.

From the very beginning, the book immerses readers in the rich history and significance of tea and brewing in Wiccan traditions, weaving together spirituality and healing properties of herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a novice, the book caters to all experience levels, providing clear instructions and explanations throughout.

The heart of Wiccan Teas and Brews lies in its carefully curated tea recipes, each thoughtfully designed to align with specific intentions, seasons, and rituals. From invigorating morning brews to calming bedtime blends, each recipe is accompanied by its magical correspondences, allowing readers to infuse their teas with intention and purpose. The book goes beyond mere recipes, encouraging readers to explore the art of tea making as a sacred ritual, a way to connect with nature’s elements, and a means of spiritual growth.

The captivating illustrations lend a personal touch, almost as if you’re peering into the private journal of a Wiccan practitioner. One of the book’s most admirable traits is its accessibility. The recipes are clear and straightforward, making them easily understandable, even for those new to blending their own teas. The book offers a delightful array of tea recipes, catering to the simple and readily available ingredients and those that require more effort to find.

Each recipe comes with a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can effortlessly recreate these magical potions in the comfort of your home. The book’s logical organization makes it a breeze to locate the information you seek whenever you need it. Greenleaf also provides readers details about the diverse herbs and flowers utilized in the teas, including guidance on cultivation, harvesting timings, and an enjoyable exploration of which herbs align perfectly with each zodiac sign!

In addition to the recipes, the book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and intention during these ceremonies, creating a space for self-reflection and connection to the natural world.

Overall, Wiccan Teas and Brews is a captivating and irresistible resource for anyone interested in the magical world of Wiccan tea magic. The author’s expertise and genuine love for the subject shine through every page, making it a pleasure to read and an invaluable addition to any witch’s bookshelf.

Enchanting witches with a penchant for exploring the magical realm of tea and curious new seekers alike will find Wiccan Teas and Brews a cherished resource and an absolute essential for their bookshelf. Whether you seek healing, empowerment, or a deeper connection to nature, this book offers a delightful journey into Wiccan tea magic, inviting readers to savor the magic in every sip.