Blend a Batch of War Water

In some magical traditions, war water can come in very handy in spellwork. It’s one of those magical ingredients that I don’t have call to use very often, but when I do, I like to have it already prepared and ready to go.

Sometimes called iron water, water of Mars, or rust water, war water is designed to impart the attributes of Mars, the Roman god of war… who is associated with (wait for it) iron. It’s found in many types of folk magic, primarily those with European roots, but it also appears in Conjure and Hoodoo.

There are a ton of recipes out there for war water, and you’re certainly welcome to play around with the different methods. This is the version that I personally like to use, but it’s not universal or required that you do it this way.

BASIC WAR WATER RECIPE

First, leave a mason jar or other container outside during a thunderstorm, and collect as much rainwater as possible. Bonus points if this happens at night, or if you can do it on a Tuesday, which is associated with Mars.

Next, add some iron nails – I like to use cut ones, because they rust faster – and leave them in the water for about a week. For the love of Pete, don’t use those crappy galvanized nails you bought at Home Depot. Use iron. Keep the jar in a cool place, out of the sunlight.

After the water has turned a nice murky rust color, remove the nails, and add other vile goodies like sulfur, urine, vinegar, or lead paint chips. Strain the whole collection into a bottle and cap it tightly (especially if you decided to use urine) and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

BUT WAIT, HOW DO I USE IT?

Any way you like! Use war water:

• To banish negativity by sprinkling it around your home and property
• To protect yourself or a friend from psychic attacks by adding Black Salt to it
• To banish an enemy by writing their name on a coin, dropping it into the war water, and burying the bottle somewhere far away
• To reverse a hex or curse by washing your hands in it (leave out the urine if you’re using it for this purpose, please)
• To cause conflict in someone’s home by pouring it on their front steps

See? All kinds of useful applications! Make up a batch, and figure out the best way to use it in your own magical practices.