Memory is spurious, and the following magical approach, relying on the practice of freewriting, can boost recall.

You’ll need a candle, rosemary essential oil, paper, a pen or pencil, and a memento linked to the memory in question, such as a photograph, book, personal item, etc.

Anoint the candle with the oil, and add several drops of the oil to the candlewick and the wick well. Light the candle safely. Place the memento before you, and ready your writing tools. Repeat:

Pen and paper, rosemary,
May my memories return to me.

Holding the memento, close your eyes, breathe in the rosemary scent, and let the memory fill your mind. After a moment, open your eyes, set the item down, and start writing. Write whatever comes to mind, and write without stopping. Don’t worry about corrections—just write, allowing it to be rough and unformed. Add doodles if you wish. Write for ten to fifteen minutes. Extinguish the candle.

Freewriting helps recover retained, forgotten memories. You may be surprised at what you remember.