Mortar & Pestle

[Davin]

Yay!! Finally made it inside

Anywho, Im looking for a good mortar and pestle. At the moment Im just using a plain wooden one. I've been reading "The Master Book of Herbalism" and gives some ideas of some. But what Im wondering is what you guys use. Is there a certain type of material Im looking for, as per say wood to metal to stone. Which should I hunt down?

~Davin~

[Sercee]

That's a good book, I use it too.

Mine are ceramic and work wonderfully. The wood ones are sometimes too weak for some roots and seeds and can absorb some of the oils. Metal ones aren't so good bec ause the metal reacts with some oils and sometimes enters your mix.

[hedge*]

Mines marble and very heavy and solid though not as big as I'd like it to be.

[Sobek]

mines ceramic, though generally speaking stone ones look very nice.

[Baratoz]

Yay!! Finally made it inside

Anywho, Im looking for a good mortar and pestle. At the moment Im just using a plain wooden one. I've been reading "The Master Book of Herbalism" and gives some ideas of some. But what Im wondering is what you guys use. Is there a certain type of material Im looking for, as per say wood to metal to stone. Which should I hunt down?

~Davin~

Congratson getting in!

That book is on my future reading list. I have a nice white/gray marble one. It is very easy to grind up the herbs with it. The only downside is that it is not as easy to clean up as a ceramic one. However, the coolness factor of it and the strength of the material are worth it.

[Tranquilmist]

I just picked this up today! Can't beat the price!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product ... U=10177863

[ImperfectAngel]

I just picked this up today! Can't beat the price!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product ... U=10177863

WOW that is a good price.....

[Coven]

“Shape

While there are mortars that come in a range of shapes for various purposes, one with a wide mouth and a steep side will be easier to use and will keep whatever you’re grinding from spilling out.

Texture

In most cases, grinding will be easier if the inside of the mortar and the end of the pestle have some texture and are not too slick. Very rough textures will grind faster but are a little trickier to clean up. Smooth-textured ones will be easier to clean but will take more effort to grind. Finding one that is neither too smooth nor too rough will allow you to grind and to not have to spend too much effort in the cleanup.

213Material

Mortar and pestle sets can be made out of any number of materials. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. To be safe, most witches choose to have at least two different sets: one for edible herbs, and the other for inedible herbs and resins.

“Wood

Advantages: Can be less expensive. You can choose a wood aligned with your magical goals.

Disadvantages: Wood absorbs oils and juices. Smoothness may make grinding difficult.

Porcelain/Ceramic

Advantages: An unglazed interior makes it easier to grind.

Disadvantages: Unglazed parts may get stained by oils and colors.

Stone

Advantages: Heavy, so they are easier to grind with.

Disadvantages: If the stone is soft or rough and the mortar unseasoned, you could get tiny chips of stone mixed with your herbs. Some light-colored stones, particularly marble, can get stained by herbs and resins.

Metal

Advantages: Easiest to clean, great for working with resins. Sturdy and indestructible.

Disadvantages: Some can be too smooth, and grinding can take longer.”


Excerpt From
Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft: Slavic Magic from the Witch of the Woods
Madame Pamita