Magic with Eau de Cologne by Heather
- Kitchen Witch
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
I think there would be few people who have not heard of Florida Water. It is an American version of an Eau de Cologne, being introduced in 1808 by the New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray.
Just like European eau de colognes it has a base of citrus scent with an emphasis on sweet orange with spicy notes like clove. Its name refers to the floral aroma as well as being linked to the fabled Fountain of Youth, which is said to be located in Florida.
The reason most have heard of it is that it was quickly incorporated in many still thriving spiritual traditions, across all areas of the Americas.
It was seeing numerous articles about the use of this water, that piqued my curiosity, as why was this made in the first place? Was there a need, when people emigrated (forced or voluntary), for a more readily available source of something from the lands they came from?
The first Eau de Cologne was created by Italian perfumer Johann Maria Farina in 1709 who was living in Cologne, Germany. His formulation was inspired by the citrus notes of his homeland, the fragrance was a light, citrusy blend of bergamot, lemon, neroli, orange, and lavender. It gained popularity quickly soon becoming known aqua mirabilis or miracle water due to its refreshing and invigorating qualities.
One of the oldest fragrances still produced is 4711. It was developed by Wilhelm Mülhens and has been in mass production in Cologne since 1792! The name has a few myths, one I remember being told as a child, was that the perfumer had 11 children, 4 boys and 7 girls, so named his creation after them. However, the true origin of the name is it's birth location at Cologne's Glockengasse No. 4711. This perfume has a base of bergamot orange, lemon and neroli, its exact formulation has remained a secret known only to those involved in its production!
Looking at the properties of both Florida Water and 4711, I do wonder if the inclusion of the spices wasn’t just due to what was available in the Americas, but also a need for more powerful magical properties to cope with living on an unknown land.
The magical uses for all Eau de Colognes are similar, so I propose that it is up to the individual to decide for themselves which works best for them in their magical practice.
Here are a few of some of those magical uses –
Cleansing – yourself use for anointing or pour a few drops in your bath or shower (soaps are also available), the space you are in, altar, items to be used in magic (if using it to cleanse candles be aware of the high alcohol content and let it evaporate before lighting!).
Offering – an aromatic gift to Deity.
Spell work – use in spells for healing, the removal of negative energy, its us aids expressing emotions and clears psychic blockages.
Uplifting - applied to the body to enhance overall mood, its fragrance can reduce stress, enhance a sense of happiness and tranquillity.
Communication – both earthly and spiritually.
Attraction - use to draw affection and resolve obstacles, add to romantic evenings, it works to attract love and heal relationship issues.
Home Blessing - add it to your floor washes and surface cleaners to for attracting good fortune, harmony, inviting prosperity and warding off negative energies.
Aiding Divination – add a few drops to a bowl of water to scry. Put a few drops in your hands and rub together before using any divination tool to cleanse your energy for the reading.
Prosperity – dab a few drops on a coin or petition for money, place this in your wallet or purse, or place it on your altar, remember to continue to feed the item with a few drops of Cologne to keep your finances active.
These are just a few of the many ways to incorporate this valuable magical perfume into our everyday practice, what would/do you use it for?
You can watch a chat about this here
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