I Hate How I’ve Always Been Able To Purr But Not Meow Or Hiss.

Hellenic polytheism - free (and reliable!) resources

The Homeric Hymns: http://www.theoi.com/Text/HomericHymns1.html                

The premier translations by Apostolos N. Athanassakis are also available to read online for free:   https://archive.org/details/homerichymns00home and https://archive.org/details/homerichymns00atha

The Orphic Hymns: http://www.theoi.com/Text/OrphicHymns1.html

The Delphic Maxims: https://www.scribd.com/document/186693295/Delphic-Maxims

Many other primary sources from ancient Greece can be found in English translations at theoi.com, which is a fantastic resource for information about the Theoi.

Modern prayers to the Theoi:

Hearthstone https://greekpagan.com and https://greekpagan.tumblr.com/ Note: downloads of Hearthstone’s two books of Hellenic prayers can be purchased at https://www.etsy.com/shop/HearthfireHandworks

winebrightruby https://winebrightruby.tumblr.com/devotional

Some of the best and most essential books to start with - and for continuous reference, in my opinion:

Handbook To Life In Ancient Greece by Lesley Adkins & Roy A. Adkins   https://archive.org/details/handbooktolifein00adki

Greek Religion by Walter Burkert   https://archive.org/details/greekreligionarchaicandclassical

The Ancient Mysteries: A Sourcebook: Sacred Texts of the Mystery Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean World by Mavin Meyer   https://archive.org/details/ancientmysteries0000unse_p7i2

The Homeric Gods by Walter Otto  https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.4448/page/n5/mode/2up

The free student guide to Classical Mythology by Mark Morford, Robert J. Lenardon, and Michael Sham: https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199997329/

Taglocks

What is a taglock?:

An object or item that represents a person, group, or business. Essentially it's an item that's used to tie spell work, ritual or other magickal practice to a target. They're often used for positive and negative magick.

Why are taglocks used?:

Not all workings need a taglock. They're often used by practitioners who are doing their spell casting remotely, often for people who aren't present for their workings. They're often used for people who want remote spells done for them. For example you're doing a spell for a friend who lives in a different country, you'll often use a taglock to attach them to that working because they aren't present. This also applies to spell work and ritual who's aimed at a particular person that aren't present for that working because they can't be there or they don't want to be there. It can also be used for those who don't want to carry around those spell items, the spell will still influence them though they don't have the physical objects on them.

If you're doing a long term spell for yourself and you don't want to carry around those spell objects or item 24/7 then you'd want to add a taglock to attach the energy of that working onto you. This is often used in bags or jars that are quite bulky or difficult to carry around, but you want it to still continue to affect you though you aren't in it's energetic space. If you're doing a remote healing spell for someone who lives in a different country, and so if you're using a doll you'd want to add something into that doll that represents the person as a taglock so that working will manifest in their life.

What classes as a taglock?

They're an item that represents the intended target weather it's a person, group, business or company. They're an object that represents them so closely that you can use that as a replacement for their own presence for that working. In other words it's apart of them that is also separate from them. This can be anything from the mundane to the gruesome.

Types of taglocks:

There are two types of taglocks. For example the bodily objects that can be taken from someone, that's hair, nail clippings, saliva, urine or the very gruesome. The items are a representation of that person and are often given freely.

Other types are items used to represent a person that's not directly from them. That's full names, photos, signatures, and date of birth. You can also use items that belong to them. That's something of significance, pieces of clothing, or scraps of clothing, typically unwashed. You can also go for business cards, or logos that represent that company or business. The more personal you can get the more closely that working can attach to the person or the target. If you can use more then one taglock that's even better.

How to use a taglock:

Witch's bottles are one of the the oldest forms of taglock that's found in the UK or Europe, they are objects that are designed to act as protection for an individual or a home. They are seen as a scapegoat, they contain objects or items that represent you so closely that any spirits or spell work or negative energies that are aimed at you will instead be directed at the witch's bottle. They are an energetic duplicate of you. Traditionally what is used in a witch's bottle is urine, this goes back to hundreds of years, and are still often found today. You may also find hair, nail clippings, blood, saliva, red wine, vinegar, urine, pins or nails, and shards of glass. They're designed to attract the energy by using a taglock and then contain it and make it very rancid and horrible. Then once it's filled to compacity it will then break, which is a sign you need to make a new replacement. They are often used for a year.

Poppets or puppet are representational tool, it is designed to represent you or a target. It's very useful if you have a taglock of that person. It's either added inside the doll, such as hair, nail clippings, a photograph, signature, date of birth. The clothes of the poppet are often made out of the scrap of the persons clothes. Which is often unwashed and gifted to you. You can place items outside of the poppet as well. Often hair is added onto poppets of the actual person that it's aimed at. Some people will even stitch the photograph of the person on the outside of the poppet as well to represent that person. You can either put the taglocks on the outside or the inside of the poppet. Your personal choice. They're often kept for years and years. When not in use they are commonly wrapped in a black cloth and stored in a safe place, so they can be drawn out again if workings need to made again in the future. Often used in long distance workings.

Candle spells are a little different, you need to find something that isn't going to burn that isn't going to go rancid and is appropriate for that working. So you'll want to use a business card for example, by placing it under the plate or a candle holder. You can also use photos, full names, date of birth, or signatures. As always the more taglocks the better. It's worth playing around with them, but be sure to be safe about doing it.

Most of us are wizards, Harry.

You’re not special, Harry.

You are not a wizard because wizards are fake.

I can neither agree nor disagree with that statement unless you are able to define exactly what you mean by "wizard."

Farewell online privacy

Rune Meanings

These are a few keywords and themes for rune symbols along with their modern alphabet equivalents.

*longer read*

Ansuz - Message, A

God, Ancestors, Revelation, Signs, Visions, Insight, Message, Knowledge, Communication

Berkana - Birch, B

Earth Mother, Birth, Fertility, Growth, Renewal, New beginnings, Creation, New projects, Creativity

Kaunaz - Torch, C/K/Q

Fire, Knowledge, Enlightenment, Comprehension, Insight, Illumination, Calling, Purpose, Idea

Dagaz - Dawn, D

Intuition, Light Within, Day, Awakening, Consciousness, Clarity, Hope, Balance, Growth, New cycles

Ehwaz - Horse, E

Twin Gods, Relationships, Progress, Movement, Harmony, Trust, Loyalty, Friendship, Assistance, Duality, Animal instincts

Fehu - Wealth, F

Wealth, Mother Rune, Abundance, Luck, Hope, Prosperity, Fortune

Gebo - Gift, G

Divine Interaction, Generosity, Partnership, Gifts, Talents, Charity, Service, Assistance, Luck, Fortune

Hagalaz - Hail (as in the type of weather), H

Transformation, Egg of Life, Destruction, Natural wrath, Uncontrolled forces, Testing, Change, External input

Isa - Ice, I

Cosmic Coherence, Suspension, Delay, Stillness, Frustration, Blocks, Pause, Waiting

Jera - Harvest, J

Earth, Right Action, Year, conclusion, Life cycle, Endings and beginnings, Abundance, Learnings, Growth

Laguz - Lake, L

Fertilty, Living Renewal, Water, Intuition, Imagination, Healing, Dreams, Mysteries, Insight, Instinct, Knowing

Mannaz - Man, M

Divine Union Manifestation, Humanity, Collective, Mortality, Community, Relationships, Morals, Values

Nauthiz - Neccesity, N

Needs, Friction, Shadow, Restriction, Disagreements, Resistance, Survival, Lacking

Othila - Heritage, O

Genetics, Legacy, inheritance, Spiritual growth, Abundance, Values, Contribution

Peorth - Destiny, P

Divination, Luck, Primal law, Fate, Mysteries, Occult, Feminine fertility, Chance, Fortune, Mysticism, Unknown

Raido - Journey, R

Solar Chariot, Rhythm, Progress, Movement, Evolution, Perspective, Journey, Travel

Sowulo - Sun, S

Thunderbolt, Wheel of Power, Success, Vitality, Inspiration, Justice, Success, Joy, Happiness, Abundance

Teiwaz - Victory, T

Masculine Gods, Warrior Rune, Leadership, Rationality, Honour, Bravery, Courage, Strength, Perseverance, Endurance

Uruz - Power, U

Primal Creative Force, Gateway, Strength, Endurance, Health, Courage, Vigour, Vitality, Force, Perseverance

Wunjo - Joy, V/W

Kinship, Heritage, Joy, Pleasure, Feast, Celebration, Comfort, Belonging, Community, Success, Festivities

Thurisaz - Thor, X, th

Protection, Polarity, Regeneration, Defence, Challenge, Danger, Attack, Strength

Eiwaz - Yew, Y

Tree of Life, Dreaming, Magic, Connection, Inspiration, Endurance, Sacred knowledge, Protection, Life cycles, Divinity

Algiz - Elk, Z

Divine Protection, Sanctuary, Protection, Guardian, Awakening, Courage, Defence, Instincts

Inguz - Fertility, ng

True Love, Music, Harmony, Fertility, Virility, Inner growth, Virtue, Peace, Harmony

Merry meet,

Atti <3

(~7 = around 7)

I remember a fanfic that did something that reminded me of ~7 year old me. What they did was they made a person alternate between hero and villain. Or sometimes-they’re-a-hero-sometimes-they’re-a-villain.

And ~7 year old me loved to take a barbie doll that was supposed to be a hero, and have her cover her face with her hair to hide her hero identity. When her hero identity was hidden, she was a villain. She’d cause trouble, get out of sight, show her hero identity and “defeat the villain”. Basically, she took credit for “defeating” herself.

This of course wouldn’t actually work in real life, mainly because in real life people don’t have super powers. The other part is because the barbie always showed herself, in the same clothes as her hero self. Another part is because it’d take too much effort.

📚 A Witch’s Book 📚

there are a lot of different names for a witch’s personal book, which can define what type of book it is. a witch might have multiple books, or just one. however, you don’t need to have one singular book for each topic, it’s perfectly acceptable to keep everything in one book.

📚  GRIMOIRE / AGYR - a book of spells and other knowledge

📚  BOOK OF SHADOWS - a wiccan term for a witch’s book

📚  BOOK OF MOONS -  spells and knowledge relating to moon magic

📚  BOOK OF TIDES - a book of sea witchcraft and related knowledge

📚  BESTIARY - lists and accounts of the creatures/spirits you encounter

📚  DREAM JOURNAL - records of your dips into the astral plane

……..and many more types, whatever you like!

things you might want to include in your witch’s book:

rituals / offerings ideas

moon cycle notes

sabbats / rituals

chants / prayers / quotes

astrology notes

spiritual correspondences 

herb and crystal associations

recipes / spells / notes on spell results

divination board illustration

tarot readings / notes / spreads

Your transcript is nice, why were you nervous?

does Loki count as a chthonic god? because I've been burning incense for him as an offering, but I've read it somewhere (I can't remember where) that incense isn't a good offering for chthonic gods. what are your thoughts on the topic?

These take me forever to write up so have an audio clip of me prattling instead:

(Apologies for stumbling over my thoughts and for the audio quality. People are welcome to transcribe!)

A Witch’s Ingredients: Sand

Sand is an abundant resource that can be found across the world including along the coasts, through deserts and even in many people’s yards and gardens. Sand is rather easy to obtain and natural making it ideal for witchcraft. Though some types of sand may be harder to obtain, and more costly, than others, let this post be a guide on how to utilize it for its magical properties.

Types of Sand & Their Correspondences

Beach/Coastal Sand: calming, grounding, cleansing, connecting to the sea, self-love, protection and warding, motivation, memory, spiritual clarity, purification of the heart, easing pain, physical and spiritual strength, can represent both the elements of earth and water

Ocean Sand (from the ocean floor/deep sea): primordial energy, banishing negative emotions and energy, grounding, mental clarity, psychic clarity and strengthening, divination, guidance, ancient wisdom and power, connections to the sea and primordial waters, birth, creation, can represent both the elements of earth and water

Desert Sand: curses and removing energy from others, weakening, draining, banishing, grounding, mental clarity, physical health, enduring hardships, “drying up” love and past emotions, healing heartbreak, burying the past, often related to burial ceremonies

Volcanic Sand: destruction, intense energy, strength, death, rebirth, banishing, secrets or hidden messages, warding, baneful magic, offensive magic, often represents both earth and fire at once

River Sand/Silt: fertility, procreation, movement, flowing energy, travels, change

Lake/Pond Sand: the present, calmness, serenity, inner focus, self-reflection and meditation

Swamp/Wetland Sand: mystery, secret keeping, silencing lies and rumors, binding, curses related to becoming lost or emotional heaviness, often represents both water and earth at once, often related to animal magic specifically those that live in swamp land

Unearthed/Buried Sand: grounding, hidden power, addressing past issues and mistakes, overcoming controversy, self-discovery, introspection, emotional healing, moving on from past scars

Biogenic Sand/Bone Sand/Shell Sand: healing, moving on emotionally, remembrance but letting go of the pain and loss, honoring those lost (often at or to the sea), close connections to necromancy

Black Sand: protection, warding, banishing, relates to necromancy and spirit work

Pink Sand: love, beauty, youth, harmony, adjusting to change, remembering the past and lost loved ones, rebirth, emotional and mental healing, forgiveness of self and others

Red Sand: strength, courage, valor, relates to fire rather than earth

Yellow Sand: divination, focus, improving memory and skills, mental health, grounding and centering, represents both earth and air elements sometimes both at once

White Sand: purity, cleansing, protection, wisdom, preparing for change, physical and emotional balance, harmonizes all aspects of oneself

Combinations of Sand and Other Ingredients

Sand and Soil: grounding, balance, cleansing, protection of loved ones and family

Sand and Salt: change, growing power, dreams, purification, warding, protection, longevity

Sand and Ash: remembrance, the past, divination

Sand and Clay: change, mental fortitude

Sand and Kelp/Seaweed: beauty, youth, birth, fertility, the ocean

The History

Not much history on the use of sand in magic from what I can find that is a reliable source, but I was able to find some bits about its use.

Sand has been used in connections to rituals for the dead and in burial practices in many different cultures to a varying degree. In some sand was used for burying the deceased such as very early Ancient Egypt for its mummification properties before better mummification methods were invented and utilized. Placing sand into graves or coffins of the deceased somethings as a means to connect them to their homelands if that person was traveling into foreign lands or countries. Some stories speak about mixing the ashes of the dead with sand to be kept in the home. Other stories tell of people mixes ashes from fires or the hearth with sand and casting it out into the sea for lost sailors who could not be brought home. 

Sand was also used historical in some types of spell jars and vessels. In some places sand was put into jars and bottles and given to sailors to keep them connected to home even when sailing. Others said carrying sand could protect one from being lost at sea or from disaster, likely where the history of sand being used for protection properties came from. It has also been used in witch’s bottles and for burying spells for varying purposes. Some cultures would bury offerings to deities into the sand of beaches or deserts.

Modern Use

Sand is still a common ingredient for many sea witches and worshipers of ocean related deities to utilize in their craft and in their altars. Deities commonly related to sand are Poseidon, Aphrodite, Psamathe, Thalassa, Aegir, Neptune and Veles. Sand is also often used in altars to represent either earth or water when representing the cardinal directions or the 4 elements. Some will use sand to represent both in cases of smaller altars.

Modernly, sand is often used in spell jars and bottles when used in spellwork or as a vessel to charge, cleanse and bury objects or tools such as crystals, poppets, amulets and trinkets. Sea witches or witches with accesses to large amount of sand will often use it for grounding and circle casting. Some will use it for runes and sigils as well.

Storing Sand

For those wishing to store and use collected sand ensure that there is nothing undesirable in it - garbage, sharp bits of glass, decomposing fish or animals, insects etc. Shift it thoroughly to ensure anything that could be potentially dangerous is removed and if needed properly disposed of. Once the sand has been shifted ensure it is dry before you seal it into anything.

Wet sand can house bacteria and mold - which can also smell quite foul when the container is opened again. You can use the sun to dry it or indoor heaters at a safe distance. Spread it out thin and flat to help ensure it is thoroughly dried if it is damp or wet.

Once dried the best way to store sand is inside of glass or ceramic vessels. Jars and bottles are the most ideal. Ensure that they are sealed tightly to ensure no spillage or condensation can get inside.

**this post was personally researched, compiled and directly from my personal grimoire. Please do not repost**

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