Page 48 - The Flickering Cauldron Magazine - May 2022

Butterfly
Ink
A few of you may be familiar with or at least heard mention of this powerful ingredient to your spells and rituals.
However, we suspect that the majority of you will have never heard of it.
We only came across it whilst dusting off and flicking through some of the many unlisted grimoires in the library here at the Flickering manor.
According to the ancient records we’ve found, this magical mixture summons both the spirits and the power of the forest.
Despite much rummaging and researching, we cannot find an accurate or reliable account as to why it’s called Butterfly Ink. We are therefore going to draw our own conclusions. Butterfly wings are very fragile, as is the main ingredient, saffron strands.
Whilst Saffron is today outrageously expensive, let's
ponder on this remarkable herb. It’s collected from the crocus plant.
Legend has it that Crocus was a friend of Hermes - he unintentionally killed him. Filled with remorse, Hermes created a flower and used three drops of blood from Crocus to colour the delicate inner strands of the plant.
So, let’s first look at its uses and then we’ll move on to how to make the ink.
This is pretty ancient stuff, so be careful how and when you use it. Originally, it was used to empower sigils, charms and talismans.
In spells and rituals, you’ll be calling on the powers of the forest which will include the spirits, the creatures of the forest, the element of air...and the Fae, who rarely do something for nothing.
48 | The Flickering Cauldron® Magazine - Butterfly ink
You have been warned!