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WAR — If someone is defaming your reputation or spreading lies about you, then War is the oil many practitioners use to stop the slander dead in its tracks. Although this is technically a hexing oil, when used for purposes of self-protection, it falls within the domain of white magic. Use with orange, red, purple, or black candles. (O)

WATERMELON — Watermelon is regarded within the New Orleans tradition as lending strength and vitality. Use a few drops in your bath water or wear when you need extra stamina. It may also be used to anoint white candles representing someone who is convalescing to give them added strength and speed recovery. (EO)

WEALTH — This oil comes from Scott Cunningham’s Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews (Llewellyn) and I think it provides an excellent long-term potion to ensure success and financial wellbeing. Although not a luck oil per se, it is supposed to induce a positive mental state which inspires financial security. Wear or use with green or yellow candles. (O)

• WEED OF MISFORTUNE — This recipe is very similar to Spider Queen in its effect. While it is unquestionably a hexing oil, it may also be used defensively against dangerous enemies. The impact of Weed of Misfortune is to inject devastation and disappointment into an enemy’s life. Use only with black candles. (O)

WHITE THYME — I sometimes think that if I could have only one oil in my repertoire, I’d choose Thyme. This sacred herb of Venus is associated with healing and general health, love, enhancement of courage, and psychic powers. It may be used with white, yellow, pink, blue, red, green, or orange candles, depending upon your intention. (NOTE: Thyme oil is only available in a pharmaceutical grade oil and costs $5.50 per quarter ounce. This oil does not qualify towards discounts.) (O)

WINNER’S CIRCLE — This is a classic New Orleans gambling and luck recipe, originally designed for success at the track, but good for any other form of speculation or gambling too, including lotteries. Wear to the track or casino, or use to anoint green or yellow candles upon which you’ve carved your name. (O)

WINTERGREEN — Wintergreen is regarded as a potent healing oil in most traditions. Wear or use on white, yellow or red candles to speed recovery. Wintergreen is also considered a potent hex-breaker (as are most of the other mints). For this purpose, use on white or purple candles. (EO)

WISTERIA — Wisteria is considered to be strongly protective, but one must be careful using it. The protective qualities come from Wisteria’s commanding qualities. Although Wisteria is fine to combine with any positive herb, New Orleans practitioners caution strongly against mixing it with baneful herbs as it is potentially a powerful hexing ingredient, creating sorrow. Use with white, purple, or blue candles. (EO)

WORMWOOD — Wormwood is mostly associated with the development of psychic abilities, but also it is renowned for its ability to protect love. The oil is used by many psychic readers to anoint the third eye area of the forehead, where it is believed to enhance clairvoyant abilities. Use with white, yellow, or blue candles. (O)

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YA YA — Ya Ya is used by women who wish to get pregnant but are having problems conceiving. Wear the oil to bed... (O)

YLANG YLANG — Said to bring tranquillity and love, this exotic fragrance creates a romantically stimulating vibration. Women are said to obtain especially beneficial effects when using Ylang Ylang. In aromatherapy, this scent is used to lower blood pressure, so perhaps this is what produces its tranquilizing aura. Use with white, yellow or pink candles. (EO)

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• ZONKA — This African uncrossing, healing and protection recipe is not well known outside the most sophisticated candleburning circles. Use with purple or white candles to swiftly remove any sort of hex. This may also be employed to control potentially dangerous situations by defusing violence or anger. Use with white or purple candles. Very effective when burned with power or other uncrossing/banishing fragrances. (I, O)

ZOMBI — This is a hexing oil, actually a “damnation” formula, designed to render an enemy harmless. It works similarly to Spider Queen, but is even more relentless and can bring actual physical harm or grave illness to an enemy. Used offensively, it is probably the quickest way I know of to cause yourself problems, so unless you know what you’re doing and have a vast reservoir of good karma, stay away from this one! (O)

ZORBA — According to the New Orleans tradition, this potion will restore or enhance a man’s sexual vigor. Rub on the loins prior to a sexual encounter or use with red candles. (O)

ZORRA — Use this oil on a purple or black candle to get rid of someone that is unwanted or is always causing problems. This oil is similar in function to Get Away, but uses a different herbal combination to accomplish the same thing. Most often, the effect is to cause the pest to either move out of town or become enmeshed in a web of personal problems that divert his/her attention away from you. (O)