Latest Posts by greenswitchery - Page 6

A Detailed Guide to Cleansing Your Tarot Deck

How often should I cleanse my deck and why?

Between every in-depth reading you do: they require a lot of energy and focus and can heavily impact the energy around your deck

When you get a new deck: you don’t know who has handled the deck before you or what energies surrounded it

If someone touches your deck: their energy can be easily transmitted through physical contact (which you could potentially use to your advantage if you’re reading for them)

When you see multiple cards from a recent previous reading appear in your current reading: a sign that the energies of the people you are reading for a becoming muddled

At different times of the year - equinoxes, full moons, first day of a season: routine cleansing is a great way to keep your cards in good shape

If you haven’t used it in a while: old, built up energies need to be cleared to help “wake up” your deck after it’s been sitting unused

How can I clean my deck?

With a cleansing sigil: place the deck in the on top to the sigil and write “Negative energy” or “Old energy” for removal

Passing through some sage smoke: sage is a great all around cleanser!

Shuffling while focusing on cleansing: shuffling reorganizes the cards and is a quick method for cleansing in between consecutive readings

Place a clear quartz on top: quartz, especially when charged with light from a full moon, absorbs negative and foreign energy really well

With the light of a full moon: the full moon represents new beginnings and holds strong cleansing power, place on a window sill overnight 

Meditation with a focus on cleansing: sit near or hold your deck, close your eyes, focus on your breathing (count your inhale as 1, exhale 2, inhale 3, etc until 30), then imagine a white, cleansing light enveloping your deck

Make a salt circle around your deck: can get kind of messy, but the salt will absorb negative energy, make sure to dispose of it after!

Put the cards in order (by suit, element, number, or astrology): sorting your deck will give it a fresh start, make sure all the cards are upright as well!

Knock three times: another quick way to cleanse or “wake up” your deck, especially great for after you haven’t used your deck in a while

✨Wish Spell ✨

Here is a quick and easy wish spell that has worked very well for me.

Needed:

A leaf🍃

Pen🖊

The outdoors 🌳

Intention 💭

Directions:

Take a leaf and write down whatever you wish for.

After meditating on this wish, take the leaf outside and find either a rock or stream.

Leave the leaf either under the rock or throw it into the stream and watch it float away.

As the leaf travels down stream or withers under the rock, you give your wish to the Earth and She takes care of it.

Make sure to thank Her, and then let the wish you wish be given fully to the Earth.

Stay magickal lovlies🔮

A "Sending Love" Spell

hello, my loves! the purpose of this spell is to send your most positive energy and vibrations to the ones that you love whom you feel need it most (this can include yourself). here are the steps:

Supplies:

• a dish/cauldron/anything to mix spices in + a spoon

• nutmeg (or cinnamon), rosemary, lavender (you may also use lavender oil instead), salt, and several rose hips (or petals)

• a small quartz crystal

• paper/scissors/ + a pen

• a small bottle, jar, bag, or holder that you can close or seal

• optional: a pink, white, or red candle; lipstick

Note: Before creating my charm bottle, I put on some relaxing, atmospheric background music. For suggestions, feel free to ask me! And if you have a candle, light it beforehand.

Steps:

1). Begin by mixing your spices together in your dish! Add them in any order you please, a small spoonful of each: rosemary for love, lavender for peace, nutmeg (or cinnamon) for good luck and strong visualization, and salt for additional strength and protection. As you add each spoonful, begin to focus on what each spice represents, and how it will help the people you wish to send positivity to.

2). Now is the time to begin writing out your intentions for each individual you are hoping to help. On a piece of paper, in small lettering, write a brief note for each person. Ex: “Safe travels for ___,” “Positive mentality and moving forward for ___,” “A healthy recovery for ___.” You can write messages for as many people as you wish. When you are done, cut out each small piece of paper and fold them small enough to fit in your bottle/jar/holder. If you wish, anoint them with a little something - I sealed all of my notes with a kiss, marked in red lipstick!

3). This is where the rose hips/rose petals come into play. Add a hip or petal to your spice mixture to represent each person that you wrote a note for.

4). Mix your spices together. Close your eyes. Picture your good intentions flowing gently down your arm, your hand, flowing into the spoon, and then off of the spoon, filling your mixture with love and protection.

5). Add your spice mixture to your holder, minus the hips/petals.

6). After adding the spices, drop your notes and hips/petals in, one at a time. Go in the order (note, hip/petal; note, hip/petal; note, hip/petal…) The goal is to visualize that specific person as happy, glowing, and healthy as you drop their notes and rose hips/petals in, one at a time. Really take the time to build up a radiant energy while you close your eyes and envision them as cheerful. While in this positive, visual state, add your quartz crystal to the holder.

7). That’s it! Seal your holder, and place it in an altar, on the windowsill, or next to your bed. Shake it every so often to charge its contents with your ethereal, healing energy! 🥀💖✨💌💋

Having trouble remembering what the Signs and planets mean?

Here’s a cheat sheet!

The Zodiac Signs: These key phrases express what the basic nature of each of the signs at their core. Sometimes it’s what most important to them, usually it’s what’s second nature for them to focus on.

Aries: I am

Taurus: I possess

Gemini: I think

Cancer: I feel

Leo: I will

Virgo: I analyze

Libra: I balance

Scorpio: I desire

Sagittarius: I see

Capricorn: I use

Aquarius: I theorize

Pisces: I believe

The Planets: These key phrases express what the basic sphere of personality each planet is designated to.

Sun: As a whole, I am- | I behave-

Moon: I deal with emotions by- | In order to be happy, I need-

Mercury: I communicate through- | I learn by-

Venus: I value- | In romance, I-

Mars: I am passionate about- | I deal with anger by-

Jupiter: I am luckiest when- | I expand through-

Saturn: I view my limitations as- | I feel responsible about-

Uranus: I rebel- | I progress towards-

Neptune: I feel enlightened when- | I lose touch with reality-

Pluto: I transform- | I seek power by-

The Houses: These key phrases express the fields of our lives the houses govern.

1st House: Self

2nd House: Possessions

3rd House: Communication

4th House: Home

5th House: Pleasure

6th House: Health

7th House: Partnership

8th House: Sex

9th House: Philosophy

10th House: Social Status

11th House: Friendships

12th House: Subconscious

🌊Cleansing & Charging Items🌊

🌊 I believe that many of the methods used to cleanse items can also be used to charge them - the difference lies within your intention.

🌊 To cleanse, visualize negative energy actually leaving the object. To charge, visualize the object being filled with the energy from your chosen source.

Cleansing & Charging Methods:

Visualization - imagine a ball of energy forming around the item to either cleanse it or give it power (the color of the ball could correspond to your intent, i.e. white or blue for cleansing, red for power, etc.)

Earth - bury the object in soil or sand - a potted plant will also work

Water - submerge the item in running water

Salt Water - anoint or submerge the item in a salt water solution

Gem Water - anoint or submerge the item in a corresponding crystal elixir

Herbal & Floral Water - anoint or submerge the item in a solution of corresponding herbs or flowers

Sea Salt - sprinkle sea salt over/around the item or submerge it in a container of sea salt 

Essential & Infused Oils - anoint item with corresponding oil Smoke - pass the item through incense smoke 

Fire - pass the item through an open flame 

Storms - leave item outside during a thunderstorm

Wind & Breath - leave item outside when it’s windy or use your breath to essentially breathe your intent into the item

Crystals/Crystal Grid - surround the item with crystals of corresponding intent (can be arranged in a pattern to form a crystal grid and enhance energy) or simply pass the crystal over the item

Dried/Fresh Herbs & Flowers - sprinkle mixture over/around item or submerge the item in a mixture of herbs and/or flower petals 

Sound - use a bell, whistle, or something similar to clear the space and associated items of negativity; alternatively, you can place the item near a set of speakers to absorb the energy from music and other sounds 

Sigils - craft and use sigils that correspond with your intent (you can set the item on top of the sigil, draw the sigil on the item, etc.)

Technology - set the item near your phone/tablet/etc while it’s charging Moonlight & Starlight - leave item in the path of these natural lights, either outside or in a windowsill overnight 

Sunlight - leave item in the path of sunlight for a few hours during the day (before sunset, of course), either outside or in a windowsill 

Divination - pair the item with a rune or tarot/oracle card that matches your intent in a small container 

Incantations - create an incantation that states your intent and speak it aloud while holding the item

Physical Energy - engage in physical activity of some sort (exercise, dancing, sex, etc.) and direct that energy into the item

Actual cleaning - physically and literally clean any items with an appropriate solution (soap, alcohol, etc.); the energy put into cleaning can also be used to charge the item

Caution: some items, especially crystals, are not suitable for exposure to sunlight, water, or salt.

🌊 Source:cosmic-witch

spell jar to strengthen your relationship ✨💘

hello! i did this spell jar a few months ago, when my online bf and i were having a hard time, and recently we just met! so i think this thing is pretty helpful to have around.

what youll need:

a small jar

rose petals

rosemary

small pieces of rose quartz

basil

cinnamon

a pink or red candle

light the candles, put everything into the jar, and you can add any other small items that represent your relationship. i put a very tiny seashell in mine and some lavender, because my lovers favorite color is purple. you can seal with wax if youd like, the wax from the candles will work best. when youre done, blow out the candles, and kiss the jar whenever u need it.

blessed be )O(

Money spell! Reblog to charge it with your intent; the more people see it, the more powerful it becomes. Magic should be fun!

 Different Crystal Shapes and How To Use Them

TUMBLED

Crystals that have been smoothed or polished from their raw form are usually classified as tumbled stones. They have not been carved into any specific form, but are not jagged to the touch. These crystals are usually more affordable and are good for basic crystal use, including grids, meditation, affirmations, altar work, feng shui or more.

ABUNDANCE

Crystals in an Abundance formation are made up of an elongated quartz crystal with smaller crystals clustered around its base. This is a great stone to attract abundance to your life (hence its name) and is great for acting as a conduit to your wealth and business stones.

NATURAL POINT

Natural points are not necessarily long crystals in a wand-like formation. They are any part of a faceted crystal with a point that has formed naturally, and has not been carved to perfection. These types of stones must be used with caution as the point draws energy to the body (when pointed toward a person) or it draws energy away from the body (when pointed away from the body). These properties make it a great tool for cleansing and healing work.

PHANTOM

The Phantom formation is slightly difficult to find. These crystals have a hazy image within them, although most of the crystal is particularly transclucent. This phantom of ghost within the crystal is said to carry a vast array of information for the past, making it a powerful tool for past-like work and healing. Depending on the crystal that the phantom is found within, additional properties will apply. However, any Phantom formation will be a powerful stone to shake out your skeletons and pave a healthy path for growth.

GENERATOR

A Generator will have six facets (of equal or unequal proportions) that meet into one point. It gets its name for its ability to generate amplified energy, boosting the power of other stones, or the stone it is made of. This type of formation is also very powerful for charging other stones.

GEODE

These stones are elusive because they appear ordinary from the outside. However, when they are opened or broken they reveal a hollow cave with crystals sparkling within. Because of their contained form, geodes have the ability to hold energy within and soften it, allowing it to naturally flow out and disperse evenly. These formations are great for protection or for assisting with healing abusive habits such as alcoholism, drug abuse, sex addiction, shopping addiction, and abusive internal monologues.

RAW

Raw stones are in their natural form and have not been smoothed, polished or altered. Though they are more fragile and can break more easily than other formations, many prefer the look of these stones as they would appear raw in their natural habitat. Like tumbled stones, raw stones are great for all spiritual work and are often quite affordable.

PYRAMID

Pyramids are stones that have been shaped into a point with four equal faceted sides and a square base. These formations are great for warding off negative vibrations or removing blocks within the chakra system. This shape is also a great choice to use in affirmation and manifestation work. The properties of the crystal are amplified in this formation. It is a good choice for healers.

SPHERE

The circle emits energy evenly from all angles, and the Sphere formation is no different. These are powerful formations and are often used in scrying as a tool to peer into the past and future. Because the shape is even from every possible angle, it is believed that light, energy and time pass through it with no rules or hindrances, hence their scrying abilities. They often have flaws or occlusions within them which help with the scrying process, though they can be quite expensive depending on their size.

SQUARE

This formation works well with grounding energies and intentions since its energy is contained and enhanced evenly within the stone. It acts as a foundation to meditation practices and has the ability to transmute negative energy into positive energy. They’re stacking ability makes them great tools for mindfulness and concentration, especially if you’re doing detailed work.

Elemental Correspondences

Lunar Phases - Explained 🌙

Because I kind of have my own correspondences for the phases of the moon, I thought I’d explain them here! 

New Moon - the moon is just beginning to become illuminated, so it can correspond with new beginnings, a fresh start, cleansing, exploring new opportunities, newfound health or relationships, finding peace with yourself and moving on - “out with the old and in with the new.”

Waxing Moon - the moon is continuing to grow, becoming more and more visible, so it can correspond with attraction magick, reaching goals, manifestation magick, positive energy, success, wishes, good luck, gaining wealth, and dreams come true. 

First Quarter - this moon is halfway illuminated, on its way to becoming fully illuminated, so it can correspond to balance, and the need to make decisions. 

Full Moon - the moon is fully illuminated, so it can correspond with extra energy, a magickal boost, cleansing, charging, enchanting, performing divination, and honoring lunar deities. 

Third Quarter - this moon is also halfway illuminated, but on its way to becoming invisible in the sky, therefore while it can still correspond with balance, it can also correspond to focusing on the task at hand, banishing, and breaking old habits. 

Waning Moon - the moon is becoming less illuminated, and seems as though it’s disappearing, so it can correspond to generalized negative energy, reflection, introspection, transformation of the self, banishing things, binding others actions or undoing bindings, letting go, moving on, cleansing, breaking bad habits, and finding peace. 

Dark Moon - the moon is completely hidden in the sky, with no illumination at all, so it can correspond to cursing, banishing, binding, seeking justice, reflection of the self, and generalized destruction. 

Blue Moon - this moon is either the third of four full moons in a season, or a second full moon in a month, so it’s appearance can correspond to wishes, dreams, divination, achievement, and focus. 

Black Moon - this moon is an additional new moon that appears in a month or in a season, or the absence of a full moon or of a new moon in a month, therefore it can correspond to extra power and manifestation. 

crystals and gemstones by intention

(all credit goes to the stone app, i just took the info and put it in this list as a witchblr resource. the app is amazing and has descriptions of each crystal as well)

☽ balance ☾

azurite, copper, emerald, green calcite, jasper, lemon quartz, tiger eye, turquoise

☽ calm ☾

amazonite, aquamarine, azurite, blue calcite, green calcite, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, smoky quartz

☽ clarity ☾

amethyst, aquamarine, blue calcite, flourite, quartz, smoky quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ cleansing ☾

amber, amethyst, aquamarine, black tourmaline, bloodstone, quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ communication ☾

amazonite, blue kyanite, chrysocolla, danburite, tektite, turquoise

☽ confidence ☾

citrine, honey calcite, malachite, pyrite, tiger eye, titanium quartz

☽ courage ☾

bloodstone, carnelian, desert rose, rhodochrosite, ruby

☽ creativity ☾

blue calcite, citrine, garnet, malachite, pyrite, orange calcite, rose quartz

☽ dreamwork ☾

azurite, barite, blue calcite, moonstone, sodalite

☽ focus ☾

bismuth, flourite, howlite, pyrite, titanium quartz

☽ grounding ☾

apache tears, black tourmaline, copper, hematite, jasper, jet

☽ insight ☾

barite, blue kyanite, chrysocolla, desert rose, flourite, lapis lazuli, meteorite, moldavite, moonstone, sodalite

☽ intuition ☾

blue calcite, barite, blue kyanite, celestite, citrine, meteorite, moonstone, sodalite, tanzanite

☽ joy ☾

danburite, kunzite, labradorite, lemon quartz, tanzanite, rhodochrosite

☽ love ☾ 

amazonite, citrine, emerald, green calcite, kunzite, rhodochrosite, garnet, ruby, rhodonite, rose quartz, tanzanite

☽ manifestation ☾ 

bloodstone, citrine, garnet, hematite, honey calcite, peridot, pyrite, serpentine

☽ motivation ☾

ametrine, carnelian, epidote, honey calcite, ruby, selenite, vanadinite

☽ passion ☾

carnelian, citrine, garnet, orange calcite, pyrite, ruby

☽ protection ☾

amber, amethyst, apache tears, black tourmaline, blue calcite, celestite, dalmatian stone, ruby, smoky quartz, tibetan black quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ strength ☾

bloodstone, carnelian, chrysocolla, jasper, lemurian quartz, malachite, pyrite, ruby, tiger eye, titanium quartz, turquoise 

please let me know if i made any mistakes!

Celestite geode from @bekkathyst

Witchy Youtubers

Here’s a list of some of my favorite witchy/spiritual youtubers that I can’t get enough of. This is by no means a complete list, feel free to add onto it!

Anais Alexandre

Annie Tarasova

Ashera Star Goddess

Avalon Cameron

Azura DragonFeather

Broom Closet Artistry

Creosote Coyote

Dewdrop Dwelling

Ember HoneyRaven

Ethony

Harmony Nice

Hibiscus Moon

Jessi Huntenburg

Joanna DeVoe

Joey Morris

Kelly-Ann Maddox

Laura Daligan

Molly Roberts - HerSpeak

new age hipster

Oolong Witch

Orriculum

Owlvine Green

Samantha Valens

Scarlet Ravenswood

Snow Orchid

Sunshine MorningRae

The Sea Priestess 

The White Witch Parlour

The Ladygravedancer

WitchandMoon

WyllowWynd The Thrifty Witch

May the moon light your path.

Grounding techniques

Grounding plays an important part in witchcraft. It’s just a fancy way of saying you’re completely aware of your surroundings. For me, a lot of grounding techniques are too boring and I get distracted easily. So here’s a list of grounding techniques I use!

Grab pretty much anything. Notice how it feels. Notice the textures, the sounds it makes as you touch it and move it around. Notice the colors, the smell, maybe it’s taste. 

On both hands, tap each finger to your thumb. Tap your fore finger to your thumb, then your middle finger, ring finger, pinkie, and go back. Make sure you do this on both hands. Using both hands activates both sides of your brain which in turn helps you become more aware.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Look around the room. Find 5 things of one color, then 4 of a different color, and so on and so forth. For example, you could find 5 things that are red, 4 things that are green, 3 things that are black, 2 things that are blue, and 1 thing that is purple. 

You can do the same thing but with your senses. 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

Hold ice in your hands.

Eat something spicy or sour.

All of these were taught to me by my therapist and can be used by anyone. Feel free to change them up as needed whether it be to make it more witchy or just more comfy for you

How To Find Your Path As A Witch (Or Not)

New witches often come to me confused and lost because they’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of directions that they could potentially take their craft. They see talk of green witches and kitchen witches, tech witches, sea witches and so many others and they have a completely human reaction to being confronted with such an overabundance of information.

THEY FREEZE UP!

Without a defined direction they feel incapable of continuing forward, they stagnate while they try to pick a path and they stop learning. They don’t want to pursue something only to have to backtrack later so they pursue nothing at all!

How is anyone supposed to get their start in the craft when they have NO IDEA what direction they want to go in? Or what if they have more than one kind of witchcraft that interests them? How do they choose?!

The answer is surprisingly simple.

You don’t!

Having a specialization or a personal path in your witchcraft can be a wonderful thing but unless you just KNOW right from the jump what kind of specialty is for you there’s no need to get wrapped up in those sorts of details.

The important thing is that you keep learning.

For the majority of people their path unfolds in the natural course of events.

Maybe you try a bunch of different things but you find after a few months that you’re gravitating toward divination almost every time you practice your craft.

Or perhaps you started out with kitchen magic but suddenly find yourself with a burning interest in stars and how they can be used in the craft.

Perhaps over the course of your time as a witch you even find that you prefer not to narrow your focus, instead pulling from many paths to create something personal to you.

Every individual witch will find their own path which, while they may choose to call it by a recognizable title, will be entirely unique to them. Finding your path is not about choosing what kind of witchcraft you want to practice, it’s about allowing your craft to develop its own flavor and personality as you learn and grow.

In order to find your path you must let go of the imposed boundaries of titles. Titles can be useful in many ways but for newer witches they can be limiting. Witchcraft is a way to claim your power! Why would you limit yourself in that pursuit?

Instead cast your net as far as you like, read about anything and everything that interests you. Allow yourself to wander in your learning, follow your whims and soak up as much variety as you can.

Don’t limit yourself to only the things that are obviously magical! The mundane can always be made magical. What do you love? Can you transform your hobbies and existing interests and incorporate them into your craft? (Hint: the answer is almost certainly yes!)

As you explore and learn and practice your path will make itself clear, the things you love, the things that make you excited will always come to the surface. You will find yourself reaching for the practices that truly FEEL magical to you again and again.

That is the essence of your craft! Those foundational practices that you use so regularly that they come as easy as breathing are what make up your personal path.

Tomorrow I’m going to be telling you about the workshop I’ve been putting together to help new witches get started and avoid the stagnation that can come from this sort of information overload!

What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to pursuing your craft? Tell me about it in the comments!

I am having a wonderful time figuring out how to repurpose things in my house! This framed chicken wire was a christmas gift from my sister two years ago. It was meant to hang pictures on (which I did for awhile) however I took them off, meaning to change them for new ones, but then for the past year it has hung empty of anything. How sad!

But now look how useful it has become! I recently purchased some plants that I plan to dry and make witchy tub tea with. It was a perfect tool to allow me to hang them to dry. Here are a few tips when drying herbs:

Drying herbs: 

Only tie together 5-6 stems in order to allow good air circulation. Could take 1-3 weeks to fully dry (depending on humidity) Larger leaves should be brittle before you take them down. But keep them in big pieces to retain as much of their scent as possible. Only store in paper bags or glass jars. Do not store in plastic bags as it can lead to condensation. For the larger leaves, only crumble when you are ready to use them, to release their essence.

Tips for casting spells

Some tips for casting spells that you should remember to get the best results always :)

• be energised, if you have low energy chances are your spell won’t work as well as you’d imagine

• Be happy! Negative energies from you can be transferred into your spells and rub off a bad vibe

• always be confident when doing your spells, make sure you have researched everything you are about to do and you are not afraid of anything as fear is one of the lowest vibrations we feel and can easily attract negative energies and spirits

• be alone, if you live in a house with others who are not witches it’s best to do your spells when you are alone and you know nobody will walk in and disturb you from your work

• always preform spells with pure intentions, as any joking around or showing off could affect your magick or might offend spirits if you are doing spirit magick

* thanks and happy enchanting! 🌙✨

🔧 Tools of Witchcraft  🔨

as you go along your path, you’ll find there are many tools used in witchcraft, and they all have different purposes. not all witches use the same tools, some use unconventional ones, some don’t use any. here are some that are well known 

wand  -  for directing energy in rituals and spells. represents energy, power, and fertility, used as both air and fire element. this can be anything, from a stick, to a pencil, to a spoon.

broom / besom  -  air element, for cleansing negative energy out of a space, or to clear the way for a different type of energy. there are many different ways to make a besom, or any old broom will do

chalice  -  for a mixture that does not need heat applied, for offerings of drinks, or a spell you intend to drink. it’s a water element that can be any type of cup.

crystals  -  earth elementals, often used for conducting and charging and storing specific types of energy. sometimes the shape can influence how the energy is used 

candles  -  fire elements good for color magic, also good for applying a fire element. can be carved, anointed with oils or herbs. they come in a variety of shapes: tea lights, votive, pillar, taper and jar candles. some scented candles can be used instead of incense

cauldron  -  water elements for mixing, cooking, and burning things. heat resistant. does not need to be the typical idea of a cauldron, it can be any fire/heatproof pot or kettle.

athame  -  though often characterized as a “black blade”, and an athame can be any knife you set aside for cutting up plants, or harvesting herbs. like a wand, it can be used in rituals to direct energy in a more hostile manner. considered a fire element

bell - earth element, for cleansing and clearing out, and bringing new energies in, very similar to a broom. for calling and dispelling spirits

jars  -  good for containing ingredients, potions (assuming properly kept and sanitized), and herbs, and especially jar spells. sometimes a jar is the only tool you need in a spell

Practical Magic: Circle Casting

If you’re brand new to witchcraft, you’re probably seeing this phrase left and right: casting the circle, or circle casting. For some, it seems fairly obvious, because casting circles is often represented in pop culture, from the Devil’s Traps in Supernatural to the circle of brooms in Practical Magic. 

However, what purpose does casting a circle serve? How do you cast a circle? Why does it have to be a circle and not, say, a square? And do I always need to cast a circle when working magick?

Well, we’ll take this in small bits!

Why should I cast a circle?

A circle serves several different purposes in witchcraft. For some, it’s a means of protection. To others, it’s a means of magnifying ritual energy. For still others, it encourages slipping into meditative consciousness. Whatever the reasons for the tradition, it remains a rather good way of getting the spell started.

In terms of protection, the circle acts sort of like a bubble. After all, it’s not just a cylindrical wall. When a witch casts the circle, he or she is envisioning the energy rising up from where it had been cast on the floor and forming a dome over the ritual space, and below the floor to encase the space in a bubble of intent. For many witches, this forms a sort of shield from outside spiritual influences, and to enter the circle after it’s been cast would require cutting a doorway into it.

As you cast your spell or work your rite, the energy you send out interacts with your altar, your tools, yourself, and your ritual space. The circle acts sort of like a can of soda that’s been shaken up. It holds in all of that energy, allowing it to increase in concentration and potency, allowing it to continuously interact with all ritual components, including the witch casting it. When the rite is done and the circle is opened, it sends all of that energy out into the world with extra force and intent, allowing it to more effectively do as the witch desires. This is particularly useful for rites and spells intended for someone else, or for spells intended to cause large changes.

Furthermore, casting a circle is usually the first or second act done in a spell - often a witch will cleanse a ritual space by asperging or smoke cleansing before casting the circle. As a result, casting the circle is an ideal start to a rite because it begins to set you into the state of mind you need for spellwork. By channeling intent and starting up the circle, you get your magical energy moving so that by the time the ritual starts, you’re already warmed up (like an athlete taking a couple of laps around the track so she can be warmed up and ready to go for practice or for the game). 

Why does it need to be a circle instead of another shape?

This largely is rooted in tradition. If you really feel that a different shape is more sacred than a circle, you’re welcome to use that instead in your practice - some cultures believed in triangles being the shape of perfection. However, in most cultures and beliefs, the circle is a rather sacred shape. We see it everywhere, the only shape that can truly be called perfect - no corners, no sharp edges, no beginnings, no endings. It is a symbol of eternity, and reflects the shape of Mother Moon and Father Sun.

The circle also has another impact in witchcraft in that it can be seen as a fertility symbol - representing the full womb. 

When casting a spell and beginning with a circle, you’re creating a sphere of energy - a magical manifestation of the principle of “as above, so below.” In a sense, you’re not casting a circle, but instead casting a sphere. It allows you to encompass your ritual space in a way where the energy can flow smoothly and freely like water. In general, other shapes don’t allow this kind of movement. Just like in Feng Shui, corners collect energy, prohibiting it from moving freely and causing it to grow stale and potentially sour into negative energy. Without the corners, you don’t have to worry about stale energy.

Do I always need to cast a circle in order to work magick?

The simple answer is no. The more accurate answer is that it largely depends upon the tradition you follow and what brand of magick you work. There are witches out there who will absolutely refuse to cast any kind of magic without the protection of the circle. Meanwhile, there are witches out there who only cast the circle for esbats and Sabbats. What feels best for you should be what dictates how frequently you cast your circles.

In my case, I always cast a circle when I am doing a full rite. Since many of my spells are done on the fly (intuition is key for me, so I don’t always write out elaborate spells), I don’t cast a circle for every working I do. Instead, with some spells I make use of circle imagery in order to provide the same effect - the pentacle is basically a mini circle. If you’ve seen the picture I showed of the protection altar I made for a friend of mine, you would notice that I have the pentacle there, but on either side of the pentacle are crystals pointing outward - through the use of imagery, and by using the crystals to project the energy, I’ve managed to cast my circle in the process of casting the spell.

When I’m working in my kitchen, I never cast full ritual circles - the pots and pans provide the shape, and I can cast the circles in the bottoms of those utensils if I need to empower the food.

I do, however, recommend casting circles any time you wish to work with spirits or any time you perform divination or healing spells. This is as much for empowerment as it is for protection.

How do I cast a circle?

Casting a circle can be as elaborate or as easy as you feel it needs to be. It can make use of actually drawing a circle on the floor, or it can be entirely energetic and felt. Ultimately, like any aspect of magick, the circle should be cast in the way that you feel it should be. The guidelines I give here are exactly that: guidelines. Work with them however you feel works best for you!

Step One: Cleanse your space

Cleansing your ritual space is necessary for any magick, depending  upon your craft. When doing a ritual spell, I always cleanse with sage smoke or asperge with holy water. When you feel your ritual space is cleansed of all negativity, you’re ready to begin the casting of the circle.

In my practice, I go around the circle a total of three times. The first time is when cleansing the space. In addition to cleansing the room, I cleanse the circle in a clockwise direction, stopping briefly at each cardinal point to allow the smoke to linger in the space. For me, this helps begin the process of casting, and enhances the visualization.

Step Two: Physical Representation (If Any)

I don’t often draw a circle on the floor. This is largely because most of my magic is intuitive. However, when working with the coven, we sometimes do lay out a circle depending upon the rite we’re working. Especially for new witches who struggle with visualization, laying out a circle can be very nifty and helpful. As such, if you’re new to witchcraft, I do recommend laying out a circle if you feel it helps. If you’re still in the broom closet and want to cast a circle discreetly, you may have to rely upon visualization alone.

Regardless, there are a couple of ways you can lay out your physical circle. The first is to only provide representations at the Corners, or Cardinal Points - North, East, South, and West. If laying out the circle is ritualized for you, it is often recommended to start in the East and move clockwise around the circle. When providing only representations at the Corners, you can either place candles in each direction, or you can provide something that represents the element associated with it (a feather for air at the east, a candle for fire at the south, a glass of water at the west, and a jar of salt for earth at the north, for instance). My coven has considered casting spells at the beach, and we all loved the idea of taking tiki torches and setting one up in each corner, lighting them as we greet each guardian.

The other way of laying a physical circle is to actually draw out the whole circle in some way. If you’re at the beach or in an area where you can draw a circle in the earth, you’re set. But other times, you may be in an area where there’s a bit of foliage, or you’re indoors and don’t have the luxury of scratching a circle into your apartment’s carpet. Depending on what kind of surface you’re using, you can pour salt around the ritual space as a circle, or you can use a protection powder (such as ground eggshells, or ground cinnamon). If laying down something that’s granulated or powdered is a bad idea, because carpets, some witches will use ribbon instead.

One of my favorite moments with my coven was when we had cast a circle on a hill for a Sabbat rite. The hill was rather overgrown, and we were working in a small, grassy clearing. Since the rite was for Imbolc, we had decided that spring flowers would be beautiful. So we took flowers and laid them out in a circle around our ritual space.

Whatever method you use, it is often easier to lay out the physical circle before casting it spiritually.

Step Three: Greeting the Quarters

The second pass around the circle is done as a means of welcoming the Quarters. If your tradition does not have guardians at the cardinal points, you may substitute as needed (welcoming the Faeries, or welcoming deity, for example) or you may omit this step entirely.

Starting at whatever direction is traditional for you (I always start in the north, but many witches prefer to start in the east), greet the guardian, welcoming it to the circle. I do this with an invocation and with the ringing of a bell. Something to the effect of:

I welcome the element of Earth to the North, that it strengthen the circle.

Or

I welcome the Guardian of the North, that it may bear witness to my work. Come in peace and love, so mote it be!

You would move in a clockwise direction around the circle, stopping at each cardinal point and welcoming its guardian or spirit in turn.

Once done, return to the altar.

Step Four: Casting the Circle

My third pass around the circle is the actual casting of it on a spiritual level. Depending upon your tradition, you would do this with a staff, sword, athame, or wand. My personal tradition is flexible - cast it with your hand if you feel that is more effective. I do, however, often cast the circle with a wand - the quartz in my wand helps to empower the circle, and I love encouraging that as much as possible.

With whatever implement you prefer in your casting hand (some traditions emphasize casting hands, others don’t; in general, your casting hand is your dominant hand or whatever hand you use to write with most often; if you’re ambidextrous, this could be either hand), start with the point you began at. Point the implement toward the floor at that point (physical circles help with this - point at the border you’ve created) and begin moving clockwise about the circle, envisioning your energy flowing outward from you, through your implement/fingertips, to the floor and creating a barrier.

Personally, I always tend to see energy as being like slow, fire-like mist that glows blue. I see it coming outward from my heart, traveling down my arm, through the wand (glowing brighter as it passes through each crystal) and then passing onto the ground where it ignites like a little wall of fire. Every witch sees it differently. That’s just how I visualize it.

Some witches will see the circle forming a sphere on its own. Great! If you feel you need to shape the sphere yourself, you can do so. Once you’ve cast the circle, go back to the altar and lift the energy upward from the floor until it closes above your head, creating a dome, and then push it downward in the same manner so that the sphere encloses the space below ground.

Visualization is key.

Congratulations! You’ve cast your circle. Some traditions will mark this in the ritual format: “Here is the border where the circle is cast none but love may enter, none but love may leave” or “The circle is cast in the presence of Goddess and God, so mote it be!”

When doing a simple spell and casting a circle for it, I acknowledge the casting quietly before setting to my work.

In Conclusion…

As you can see, casting a circle is something that can be very elaborate or very simple. It can be required for all workings or it can only be required for some. I feel that the way you cast your circle is often deeply personal. For that reason, in the steps I gave as an example above are only some of the key parts of how I cast the circle without revealing any personal details of what I do for it when not working with the coven.

Every tradition, every path, every witch casts circles differently. If you are starting out as a witch, I greatly encourage you to create your own, personalized method of casting the circle. If you keep a Book of Shadows (as most witches do), the way you cast your circle should be one of the first things that you write down in it.

All that said, may all your circles be unbroken!

Blessed Be! )O(

Signs you might be a witch

Have you ever thought you could be a witch but you weren’t sure? For some it’s hard to know when or if they should get started in magick and witchcraft, so here are a few signs that it might be time and that you might be a witch!

* please note anyone can be a witch! These are just some common things some witches experienced in their life before discovering they were a witch, but if you haven’t experienced any of these you could still definitely be one!

• anytime in your life, particularly your childhood you were always drawn to magick shops or crystal shops

• as a child you were always making potions, you would always go out and try to mix water with plants and all sorts of things

• you always looked for another way to heal people, whether it was a physical sickness or mental illness you always believed there was another way to help

• You never stopped believing in magick even when all your friends did

• you always felt a connection to the earth and the elements of it

• you are able to predict things or make things happen with your mind

• you have always been a spiritual person and liked or liked the concept of horoscopes, meditation, tarot cards etc.

Thanks happy enchanting 🖤🌙✨

The Goddesses Holy Water

This is a little method my mentor passed down to me that I love. I like to do this to my bathwater before bathing, and to my moon water/storm water that i collect. 

You will need:

Water

Salt

   Place a finger in the water and stir counterclockwise. Visualize your energy shooting into the water and engulfing any negative energy and filling it with light. Say “I exorcise thee, Oh creature of water, of all negativity both seen and unseen, & bless thee in the name of the divine Goddess.”

   Place a finger in the salt and stir counterclockwise. Visualize your energy penetrating the salts and engulfing the negative dark energy, filling it with light. Say “I exorcise thee, Oh creature of salt, of all negativity both seen and unseen, & Bless thee in the name of the divine Goddess.”

   Drop three pinches of salt into the water, stir clockwise with your finger and say “I cleanse & Consecrate this water in the name of the divine Goddess, may this liquid now enhance and purify all that it touches, So mote it be.”

- @lapiscat

•THINGS EVERY NEW WITCH SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WITCHCRAFT•

-PART ONE-

If you’re a new witch, you probably aren’t too sure where to start.

“Which path should I follow?” “Do I have to be wiccan to be a witch?” “When can I join a coven?” “What should I learn first?” “Can I be a witch if I’m a guy?”

First of all, we’ve all been there, so don’t worry. This is a journey we all take. Witchcraft is what you make it.

•RELIGION•

You absolutely DON’T have to be religious to be a witch. I personally am an athiest, so I don’t involve any deities in my craft, however many people do. Witchcraft as it is, is entirely separate to religion, however lots of people choose to practice the two together.

•GENDER•

You DON’T have to be female to be a witch. Anyone who says that is a liar, or misinformed. Your gender doesn’t impact your craft unless you want it too, and if you wish you can even omit all gendered associations from your craft, as I myself do.

There are also arguments surrounding the word “witch”, so to clear it up, the word “witch” itself is gender neutral, so you have the right to identify with that word, regardless of your gender.

•PATHS•

There are many paths a witch can follow, however lots of modern witches are eclectic (take parts from different paths) and wish to have their own tailored path. As an eclectic witch myself, I can’t tell you too much about paths, however there are many pages on the internet that can help you. None of these paths are wrong to follow, and we all have different interpretations.

•COVENS•

Once again, you don’t need to be part of a coven to be a witch. Many people choose to be part of them, however many people choose to be solitary. Being a solitary witch does not exclude you from talking to other witches, or working with other witches from time to time. There are many places for witches to socialise, both on the internet and in person. If you are concerned about learning without a coven, then I would advise you to look into discord. Although most are not covens, there are several witchy servers there, and many are happy to help new witches.

I hope that this has helped answer some of the questions new witches have. This is just the first post in a series, so there are definetely more to lookout for. I wish you the best luck with your craft, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

- spindriiffftttttt

Tools of the Craft: The Book of Shadows

Oh, the beautiful working altar! It is a place of magic, with lots of shiny and smelly things on it which make me feel at home. But to the new witch, it can sometimes seem daunting, and even downright scary to look at - almost as if it came right out of some dark fantasy story.

But there’s nothing to be afraid of. Each object on the altar is merely a tool to help visually direct energy. In witchcraft, every tool has its significance and its own symbolism, and it often helps to understand what makes these tools so important. In this series of articles, I will endeavor to lift the shroud of mystery from these tools and assist in helping you understand what each tool is used for, where it comes from, and why we use it.

The Book of Shadows

We’ve all seen various shows that portray witches with various spell books, from the massive tome in Sabrina, The Teenage Witch to the living spell book in Hocus Pocus. It sometimes seems as if the book is as inseparable from witchcraft as the broom, pointed hat, and black cat! However, unlike how they’re portrayed in media, spell books, or Books of Shadows, are unique to each individual, and may have spells, correspondences, references, or may simply be a journal.

Ultimately, the Book of Shadows (hereafter, “BoS”) is a repository of knowledge pertinent to your practice. It’s your reference guide and a measure of your growth as you progress and learn more.

As many experienced witches who teach can attest to, one of the most frequent questions we get is “How to I make a BoS?” or “What do I need to do to get a spell book?” And this question is tricky not because of complexity, but because of its simplicity. So let’s take a look at the different types of BoS, and what could go into them!

Hard Copies, Media Files, and Oral Tradition

Every witch has his or her own aesthetic, preferred method of going about things, and pocketbook. As such, the types of BoS out there vary depending upon the witch! The most stereotypical BoS is the hard copy book. Durable, long lasting, and with a rather gorgeous look, it’s no surprise that from the get go, many of us will reach out to take hold of one of those faux-leather-bound blank journals lining the back wall of Barnes & Noble. 

However, when first starting out, jumping straight to these often expensive books is not necessarily practical. The reason for this is that like our practice, our book will likely change and evolve over time to reflect our growth. As such, it isn’t uncommon early on to tear pages out, reorganize, and add pages to incorporate what suits you.

That said, it’s often recommended for the new witch to start simple. And for that there are a couple of options! First is for those who prefer hard copies. In the .gif above, the keen eye might notice that the BoS shown is a simple graph paper notebook. This is not uncommon, and while some may initially fear having a BoS that looks “tacky,” remember that the book will change over time, and as you practice more and find aspects that you know will not be going away anytime soon, you can incorporate them into another more aesthetically pleasing BoS (there’s no rule that says you can’t have more than one! I have several, and for different aspects of my practice). 

Far less expensive is the digital BoS. Earlier on, I addressed Technopaganism and how it relates to paganism and witchcraft. In it, I acknowledged that one rather practical aspect to technopaganism is that witches who adopt this philosophy will often set aside files on their devices specifically for witchcraft. For instance, on my computer, I have a folder dedicated to witchcraft, with subfolders that have word files for notes, rites and spells, my blog articles (yes, my articles go in my BoS!) pictures, and correspondences. Though many witches prefer to cast spells and blessings on their BoS and may scoff at the thought of having a digital BoS, remember that in technopaganism, it is not uncommon to bless and cast spells on the device or drive that has the files in question, just as one would bless and cast a spell on a physical book.

Some witches who like the digital aspect even create public BoS’s here on Tumblr! Blogs are often a great repository for spells and notes regarding witchcraft, so it’s good to keep your eyes peeled for a good BoS page!

Lastly, there is another type of BoS that often goes unrecognized and treated less carefully because it’s not a physical object, and that’s oral tradition. Many of our ancient ancestors who did not have a written language passed their traditions, spells, and rites down to one another through strictly oral means. And some who had a written system maintained a mostly oral tradition as well (take, for instance, the Celts and Norse - both had written systems but maintained their traditions orally). The message here is that if you don’t feel that having a BoS is necessary or desired, you are not a lesser witch for it. Even today, some families maintain an oral system, passing their faith and traditions down from one generation to the next with the spoken word. 

Compilations, Dreams, and Magic

So we’ve seen the different formats used for a BoS. But… what goes into it? Well, the simple answer is anything you want! And much to the frustration of many new witches, that’s exactly the answer they get. So let’s take a look at what commonly goes into a BoS, and how it can be varied.

Spells: This one’s the most common subject. After all, many witches prefer a repository of their successful spells for future reference. So many include a section in their books dedicated specifically to spells. (If the book were dedicated solely to spells and rites, it is often referred to as a grimoire instead of a BoS, though this is mostly a matter of preference).

Rites: This varies from tradition to tradition, as some partake in full rites whereas others don’t. But a section devoted to rites will likely include rituals for the Wheel of the Year, other holidays and sabbats, esbat (lunar) rites, and even initiation and dedication rites for covens.

Correspondences: If you rely heavily on correspondences, be they for astrology, color, runes, plants, or otherwise, it is often recommended to have a reference or resource where you can look up the proper correspondences for your tradition. As such, many witches who work with such correspondences will have a section dedicated appropriately.

Recipes: Giggle as you may, but kitchen witches often joke about their BoS being a cookbook. And some legitimately have a cookbook as a BoS. Regardless, those who work magic into their cooking may prefer to have some good go-to recipes on hand! Need an example? One of my books is dedicated solely to Foodie Friday recipes, and I do consider it to be a BoS!

Journals: Whether it be a dream journal, or a diary, there are many witches out there who incorporate their journals into their BoS. This has a couple of benefits: the first is that it is an excellent way of tracking growth; the second is that it provides a cross reference, so if you forget something in another section of your BoS, you could have it in your journal. It is also an excellent way of providing a personal narrative regarding your development and relationship to the gods, if that is part of your path.

Notes: Let’s face it, as a new witch (or even an experienced witch), you probably do a lot of note-taking, jotting down new information or spells or philosophies for your craft. The BoS is an excellent repository for these scribbles!

There is plenty more that can be added to a BoS, but these are the most common subjects. Is there a proper order to have in a BoS? Only if you feel you need one. However, for me, I have found that if I were to establish a table of contents in my BoS, it would be rendered null rather quickly as I add and remove subjects. Instead, sticky notes, tabs, bookmarks, or ribbons can be used to separate sections so that you can easily page through your book!

Custom Made!

Many new witches might see a lot of those rather gorgeous home-made books out there. Though your book need not be pretty to be functional, it is encouraged to make your book your own. If you’re artistically inclined, bend that toward your book and create a BoS that doubles as a masterpiece! Some will create wood bindings, while others may simply draw and decorate the edges of their pages. It can be as complicated as that, or as simple as adding a ribbon with a crystal on it. The book is yours, so do what you’d like with it!

So Josh, what kinds of BoS do you have?

Well, I have several. The first is my aforementioned digital BoS. Though I don’t use it for spellcasting, it is a backup repository of my notes and articles, as well as a place where I can write out new spells and rites as needed before printing them for coven work (because my handwriting isn’t exactly the easiest for others to read). The second is the aforementioned Foodie Friday Notebook. The notes and recipes that I write down are later shared with all of you, and I keep it all for future reference and for my own work! Third is my coven BoS. This is a hard cover blank journal in which I write down all of the rites and spells that we do together, as well as where I write down any notes that may be pertinent to our practice. Fourth is my personal BoS, which is a faux-leather-bound journal in which I write my finalized aspects to my practice.

It’s likely that I could end up with new books in the future, and my BoS’s will continue to change over time!

How can I make my own BoS?

Use everything we’ve covered above as a guideline in crafting your personal BoS. Remember that if affordability is an issue, you can always start small and later on build up to something you’d prefer. Whether it be a digital file, a spiral bound notebook, or a blank journal, remember that your BoS is your reflection and repository! Treat it with care and as much respect as you would any other tool for the craft!

And as always, Blessed Be! )O(

waters. (1/2)

rain water. rain water can be used in place of any water, for any intention. rainfall is both destructive and restorative, depending on where and how it falls.  leave or hold a container outside during a rain. 

storm water. storm water can be used in work dealing with power. it is strength. rain is only a shower, until it builds into a storm. this can be used for either defense or offense. leave a container outside during a storm. 

hail water. hail water can be used in work dealing with direct damage. hail is water that has been treated too coldly, it lashes out. this can be used for bringing damage or harm. collect hail stones, allow them to melt.

snow water. snow water can be used in work dealing with rebirth. snow is a fresh slate, it covers what is beneath, it smothers the old. it washes away, leaving room for a new beginning. collect clean snow, allow it to melt.

salt water. salt water can be used in work dealing with cleansing, and protection. salt water is security. it is the planet’s well. it is the ever-present resource, and it is a force to be reckoned.  collect rain water, add sea-salt.

moon water. moon water can be used in work dealing with passive energies. collect rain water, allow to bask in moonlight.

sun water. sun water can be used in work dealing with active energies. collect rain water, allow to bask in sunlight.

application to the craft: water is a common and important supply in the craft. in spell jars and bottles, in cleansing and charging, in offerings, in altars, in kitchen and bath magick, scrying and divination, the list goes on. water in itself a highly spiritual entity, but using water from a source compatible with your intentions can only serve to intensify its effect. i’ve written before about using the environment to aid your craft, this is an extension of that. just as any material we use, water comes from somewhere. how it came into the world is innately linked to its energy.

did it pour down onto the ground, flooding away soil, stones, and bits of earth?

did it peacefully bask in the presence of moonshine and stardust?

you could collect during a moon phase that compliments your intentions for even an even greater effect.

note: when cleansing/charging items, be sure to research the item beforehand- many things can be damaged by sunlight, water, and salt.

Willow’s Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft: Where to Begin?

Hello my dears, especially all of you young new enthusiastic witches who are curious about the world of witchcraft and the use of mysticism in your life. Witchcraft is very rewarding and is practiced worldwide for a variety of reasons. I, too, was once a curious and honestly confused young witch trying to figure out where to start and how I should begin my journey. This is why I am creating this new series of guides for all of you who have found yourselves in that boat. I truly hope that these will help you greatly!

With these guides, I will be posting all sorts of information for you including vocabulary, links, resources, correspondences, exercises to practice, examples and even in some cases “homework” for you to give a try. So feel free to take notes or save these posts to your blogs for easy access. Feel free to message me or send me asks as well if you have any questions on the topics I cover. Also, to show your appreciation for these free lessons you can buy me a coffee at my Ko-fi Page as a tip, but this is not required at all.

What is a witch?

Let’s start with something simple but important for all beginners to understand. What actually is a witch? A witch is an individual who uses magick, pretty simple. They do NOT have to be female or born “into it” or Wiccan. A witch is a person who uses and practices witchcraft and Magick.

What is magick?

Magick is making an effort through energy of oneself or other types of energies to change aspects of one’s life. These changes can vary depending on the type of spells, rituals and practices you are using. The reason a “k” is used at the end of magick is simply to separate it from the word magic which is often associated with illusions and parlor tricks. Though some do still call it “magic” so it is really out of preference.

Keep reading

passive and active energies.

the passive and active. they are opposites, but there is a part of each within the other; both energies exist in all things.

for everything, there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

energy is not created or destroyed, it is only changed. 

this is to say, all energy is one and the same; expressing and manifesting itself through different lenses, in different forms.

the passive. moon. earth.  empathy. external. value of others. shield. existence. tranquility. allowance. creativity. silence.

the active. sun. heaven. strength. internal. value of self. sword. action. strife. control. logic. expression.

neither energy is more or less important or valuable.

if you have more empathy than strength, you bring harm unto yourself.

if you have more strength than empathy, you bring harm unto others.

what is expression without creativity?

what is creativity without expression?

balance is essential.

application to the craft:

most importantly, in my opinion, is learning that balance in all things comes first from balance within. this is something that can- and often does- take a lifetime to attain. to err is human, to err with one energy is natural. but finding an overall acceptance of both energies in and around your life can help bring understanding and peace.

use energies to inform intentions, to guide focus. an active intention may require more activity in your thought, whereas a passive intention may require more tranquility.

use the natural energies of elements and existences around you to help manifest your intentions. use the passive or active phases of the moon to inform and amplify your intentions.

Candle Magick Omens

If you are doing candle magick, watch for omens that may predict the success of your spell:

Tall, strong flame- your spell is empowered and getting through, it will work very well.

Flickering, unsteady flame- your spell is having trouble manifesting your results.

Dancing, wild flame- get ready for the roller coaster ride

Normal flame- things are working as expected

Small, blue flame- Your spell is not getting through, prepare a backup plan.

Crackling, popping flame- your spell may manifest in unexpected ways.

Smoke Cleansing

verb 

To purify people, objects, and/or places.

*note: some information included in this post is from personal experience*

~ What is Smoke Cleansing?

   Smoke Cleansing is the action of burning herbs to rid of negative energy or bring in good energy to a home, person, or object.

~ Why do You Smoke Cleanse?

   The most common reason people smoke cleanse is to banish negative energy and evil spirits. You can also smoke cleanse to bring in good energy and enhance psychic abilities.

~ Tools and Why They Are Used

   Abalone Shell: This shell is believed to be an element of water, which balances the other elements of fire, air, and earth, which is why it is usually used to collect the ash of the smudge stick or to just simply hold it.

   Feather: Traditionally used because birds represents the breath of life as well as a way of connecting with Mother Earth and the Heavens. Turkey feathers are the most commonly used.

   White Sage: Traditionally used to banish negative energy.

   Sweet Grass: Traditionally used to bring in good energy and to call to the ancestors.

   Yerba Santa: This herb is usually burned to enhance psychic abilities.

   Palo Santo: Can be burned to banish negative energy, and also instills a feeling of love.

   Lavender: Traditionally used to invite spirits.

   Cedar: Burned to promote a calm and comforting environment, and to purify and protect.

   Juniper: Burned to cleanse an area, promote clarity, increase focus, and center someone.

   Pine: Burned to cleanse and renew, and promotes strength. 

~ How To Smoke Cleanse Yourself and Others

   Have an invocation and all tools ready to go! Invocations vary depending on what smudge stick you are using. Personally, I like to use White Sage for when I’m smoke cleansing myself and others, but you can use any smudge stick you’d like.

   Stand with the burning smudge stick you’d wish to use and an Abalone shell or fireproof bowl layered with sand sitting on a surface arms-length from you. Move the smudge stick in a counter clockwise motion around you to banish negative energy. Start at the head, the neck, arms, torso, and so forth. Say the invocation you’d wish to use during this time. Example for banishing negative energy:

“Into this smoke, I release all energies that do not serve me, all negativity that                       surrounds me, and all fears that limit me. So mote it be.”

   If you are Smoke cleansing someone else, move the smudge stick in a counter clockwise motion around them, and use “you” instead of “me” and etc. in the invocation. 

~ How To Smoke Cleanse Your Home

   First things firsts, crack open at least one window in your home so the energy has a way of escaping or entering (depending on if you’re banishing energy or bringing in energy). Have all doors to rooms you’d wish to smoke cleanse open and ready to enter, including closets, garages, basements, and attics. You can also use invocations (optional, see tips). Light the smudge stick and have an Abalone shell or bowl with sand layering the bottom ready to hold the stick and ash. If you wish to use a feather, get that at this time as well. Start at your front door. Walk slowly, really let the smoke marinate in the areas you are focusing on. Outline doors, windows, and entrances with the smoke. 

Banishing Negative Energy

   Traditionally, White Sage is used for this. If you wish to rid of negative energy, walk counter-clockwise from your front door. This motion symbolizes banishment. Make sure to smoke cleanse the corners of your home, this is a common place negative energy will collect and/or linger. 

Bringing in Good Energy

   Traditionally, Sweet Grass is used for this. If you wish to bring in good energy, walk clockwise. This motion symbolizes such. 

Using a Feather

   Traditionally, people use a real turkey feather. When using a feather, make sure to wave the smoke in the direction that you wish to banish energy or bring it in. You don’t need to worry about clockwise or counter clockwise motions if using this method.

Not Using a Feather

   If you are ridding of negative energy, wave the smudge stick in a counter-clockwise motion. This motion symbolizes banishment. If you are bringing in good energy, wave it in a clockwise motion, this motion symbolizes such.

~ How to Smoke Cleanse Objects

   Usually, people like to smoke cleanse objects they will have on their altar, or any divination or sacred tools like athames, wands, crystals, crystal balls, etc. You can really smoke cleanse anything you’d like to! Just remember to cleanse the object first. Have an invocation ready to go (optional, see tips). Personally, I only banish negative energy from objects. I don’t bring in good energy, mainly because I believe the object is now at it’s balanced and true form after being rid of bad energy. You can definitely bring in good energy into objects if you prefer!

   For smaller, more handheld objects, pass the object through the smoke several times slowly. For bigger objects, move the smudge stick around the object several times slowly. While doing this, if you wish to use an invocation, you can. You can say it out loud or internally.

Tips

   Do NOT leave burning smudge sticks unattended. If you don’t have an Abalone shell to hold the smudge stick or the ash, use a fireproof bowl with some sand layering the bottom.

   When smoke cleansing your home, try not to take steps backwards. Some believe that if you do so, you’ll reverse the effects.

   Collect your ash! It can be used for spells for protection.

   Have an invocation (a saying, or chant) ready to go while smoke cleansing your home and objects. You can make your own or use others you find. You can say these internally or out loud. I personally made my own short and simple invocations, I’ll use them for example:

Banishment: 

          “Negative energy, I banish thee. You mustn’t stay, you must leave.”

Bringing in Energy:

“Positive energy, I invite thee. You’re welcomed in my home, belongings, and in                                                           me.”

  Different invocations will be used when burning different smudge sticks.

*If there is anything we missed, you’d like to add, or something is wrong, just let us know!*

xx ~ @chlovoyant

Happy Mabon, everyone! 🍂  🍎

I’ll be writing down the things I used, and in bold will be replacements you can use! I hope this inspires others, and gives people some new idea for future sabbats! 

I know I said I’d post this on my account, @lovely-amethyst-witch, but this account has such a bigger following it would be easier to share on here to spread faster! 

I think I’ll just show this on snapchat the next time around to show the process live. ( Let us know, if you’d like to see that)

Things I used: 🍂 🍎

Soy Wax  ( 464 )  -Any Fall Colored and Scented Candle to remelt-

Nutmeg, Cinnamon sticks,Star Anise, and Cloves  -These are Optional- 

Autumn Scent for candle, I used Cinnamon and Vanilla ( and a splash of pumpkin spice)  

A Container to put the candle in. -Any Jar will do-

Orange, Red and Brown Color Blocks 

Thermometer 

Pouring Pitcher ( for the candle wax)

Wooden Spoon ( one you won’t miss, you can’t use it for food again)

Knife to cut colored blocks ( one you won’t miss ) 

An old pot ( you can’t use it for food again)

Wicks and Wick Stickers  -Needed for remelting candle-

First and foremost, all utensils used for candle making can not be used for food again. Don’t risk it, be safe and avoid any problems by mixing them.

Now here is my Mabon Candle and flower tribute, it is my interpretation of it and I love my candle.  🕯️

Here are the steps I used: 🍂 🕯️

Prepare Candle Containers, place wicks using wick stickers in the center. Use a pencil ( or a wick holder) to keep the wick from moving as it cools.

Melt the wax on a double boiler, until it reached 170-180 degrees (Fahrenheit) 

Cut colored blocks, use little chunks and mix into wax. Be sure the color blocks is completely melted, if not, then there will be chunks of color in your candle. ( it will still function perfectly fine, but it’s not as pretty.)

Take Wax off double boiler to cool it down to 135 degrees (Fahrenheit) 

Turn off Stove, be safe! 

Add Scent and stir, never use more than one ounce of scent per one pound of wax. Anything over will be too overpowering.

Carefully pour wax into containers, it’s okay if your wick holder moves, you can adjust it any time while the wax is still in liquid form. 

Wait for it to firm up and add your fall scents! I choose Cinnamon, Star Anise, Nutmeg, and whole cloves!

Enjoy!

Simplified Version: 🍎 🕯️

Melt Candle of your choice on a double boiler, be very very careful not to burn yourself. Use oven mits to be safe.

Prepare new jar, place wick and wick sticker inside 

Pour melted candle wax into new jar, be careful not to spill hot wax on your skin. 

Allow Candle to solidify a little before adding any decor, if you don’t wait long enough it will sink into the candle itself; or will dent the candle wax. 

Add the optional spices, decorate to your hearts content.

Enjoy!

- Kinara

Spell Writing Tips for Beginners

Hello Lovelies!

So you’ve decided to write a spell, great! Everyone has the capacity and capability to write a working spell. This is a list of some beginner tips for new spell writers, or for experienced writers who feel they need to go back to the basics.

1. Don’t be afraid of your own style.

Some spells are super flowery with long words and Shakespearian phrases. Some spells require 18 ingredients and 3 days to cast them. Some spells require specific times to cast them and the perfect astrological conditions. Some spells are simple, consisting of a single phrase. Don’t be afraid of your own individual style. A spell written by you, for you, should be a personal experience. Just because your spell doesn’t flow a certain way doesn’t mean it’s “wrong” or won’t work. Spell writing is a form of self expression and each spell will be as individual and unique as the person writing it.

2. Don’t think too much.

Spell writing (for me anyway) is more of a spiritual experience than an intellectual one. I usually sit down with my pen and paper. Then I meditate for a minute thinking about what I want to achieve. Then I just let the words flow out onto the paper, without thinking about what it all means. You can always read it after and make adjustments. If you just sit down and let it happen, you may be surprised by what you come up with!

3. Make your own associations.

Don’t feel like you have to research the meaning of every ingredient or color that you use. I may think red is a color for lust while you see it as a color for anger. Both associations are right. If something doesn’t feel right to you, or you personally feel different about something. It’s ok to use an ingredient in a different way than what is “traditional”.

4 Do research on any ingredients you use.

This may seem contradictory to my last tip, but this time I’m talking about physical properties. Will your gemstone dissolve in water? Is that herb you want to use toxic? Could you have an allergy to that essential oil? It’s important to do your research because some of the ingredients used in spell craft can be very potent. 5. Have fun!

If spell writing is stressing you out, try taking a break and coming back to it later. Whatever energy you have while writing your spell is going to show up in the casting of your spell. If you’re angry while writing a healing spell, it probably won’t work as well as you wanted it to. Don’t get frustrated with yourself. You’re new at this it will take some time. Just have patience with yourself.

I hope these tips are helpful for any new spell writers! Happy writing! -Liz