Candlelight Spells: The Modern Witch's Book of Spellcasting, Feasting, and Healing - Gerina Dunwich 2000

Counterspells
Spellcasting

To break the power of an evil witch’s spell and turn the black magick back upon the instigator, an old 17th century counterspell from Salem calls for the boiling of pins or needles in a pot filled with the urine of the bewitched victim.

In 1692, a variation on urine boiling was conducted at Salem. The counterspell called for the baking of a spellbreaking cake, made from rye meal and the victim’s urine. To cure the afflicted person, the cake would be fed to the animal identified as the witch’s familiar.

One of the most common countercharms used in 17th century Salem for a bewitched animal was to cut off its ear and boil or burn it in a fire.

In the 17th century (and still today), certain herbs were used by witches and non-witches alike to keep away evil influences, reverse spells and cure those afflicted by sorcery. Bay, dill, garlic and St. John’s wort were the most effective and popular anti-sorcery herbs used.