The legend of four thieves vinegar tells of four thieves who each contributed to a vinegar mixture, drank it together, and survived a local plague. Your own four thieves vinegar will be useful for all kinds of spellwork.

You’ll need:
* 4 of your favorite fragrant or fiery herbs or spices (such as allspice, cayenne, cinnamon, dried peppers, peppercorns, rosemary, sage, tarragon, etc.)
* 1 cup vinegar
* 1 pint-size Mason jar
* 5 garlic cloves

Crush or break the hard peppers and spices. Chop the herbs. Pour the vinegar into the Mason jar.

Slice each garlic clove in half and add to the jar. As you do this, intone:

Earth, air, fire, water, spirit.

Add your four chosen additions, then screw on the lid and shake. Store out of direct light, shaking once a day. In five days, it’s ready to use.

Use your vinegar to dress candles, add to potions, sprinkle in smudges, bless tools, or for almost any purpose. Sprinkle around the boundary of your home for protection.