Alex | Sagittarius | Official Vodka Aunt.
/// Tarot reader, writer, and professional drama queen.
///
I'm really chatty so if you don't want to listen to me, just blacklist the tags spksies (chatting with people) and alexstuff (personal updates and rants)
a revenge based curse that incorporates this song (x) designed to return the pain this person has inflicted on you from the new moon to the full moon.
perform under a new moon. play the song in the above link. curse only lasts until the full moon.
gather:
- a burnable object of theirs - storm/hurricane water - river water - dirt from a foul place - a black candle - a bowl
prepare the waters in advance by charging them under a full moon. light the candle. fill the bowl with the waters, let the empty night sky reflect in it. mix the dirt in. burn the object of theirs and mix the ashes in.
chant along to the lyrics if you like. bottle the mixture, store where the sun won’t reach them. sunlight touching the jar will undo the moon’s influence.
Hope you got your things together. Hope you are quite prepared to die. Looks like we’re in for nasty weather. One eye is taken for an eye.
There are a number of plants which can be extremely useful to the necromancer. Among these are the following.
Mullein: Erroneously described as a substitute for graveyard dirt, this in fact is a misconception. Known as the “Hag’s Taper”. The soft leaves are used as candle wicks and the dried stalks are soaked in beeswax or tallow to make a torch for rituals of necromancy. It is also burnt to see manifestations of spirits of the dead at night, to see into the Otherworld, and communicate with the spirits and deities that dwell there. Can also be used in talismans.
Wormwood: Used for summoning spirits and to help them manifest.
Cedar: The dried needles when smouldered serve both as a sustaining feast and call for the blessed dead, and the smoke is used to exorcise malevolent shades. The wood works for this purpose as well when turned into a fetish or as a staff.
Dittany of Crete: Used to aid in the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. Also has somewhat of a nasty reputation because of where it tends to grow. Harvesters tend to fall from the cliffs and crags where it grows and plummet to their death.
Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood. Because of its incredible toxicity it is better to not to harvest it. If one has the dried root it can be preserved in order to serve as a tutelary spirit. Not to be used by amateurs.
Yew: Known in European countries as the Death Tree, it is a symbol of death, reincarnation, and longevity. Is planted in graveyards to protect the spirits of the dead. It can be used to banish malevolent spirits of the dead. Often associated with sorcery and dark magic. It is considered the sister of the Tree of Life, the birch.
Apple: Considered the food of the Irish dead and the inhabitants of the Otherworld. Can be added to incense blends to feed the spirits of the dead and ancestors.
Mugwort: Ingested as a tea to aid in divination and talking to the dead. Also boiled in water and, then the liquid is used to wash divination tools.
Copal: Serves as a offering to the dead and can be used to appease the spirits who remain in states of trauma or confusion after death.
Willow: The wood of the willow is used in incenses and in the construction of fetishes dedicated to the dead.
Tobacco: May be presented as a herbal offering upon a ancestral altar or a grave in the form of a incense or sacramental smoke to honor the shades of the dead.
Cypress: The oil of this tree serves as a great addition to incenses and formula of the underworld.
Myrrh: The oil aids in all blends of a necromantic design. Can also be mixed into incenses.
Graveyard Mold: Technically no folklore or magical traditions associate this herb with necromancy of any kind. However I have included it here because I believe it can be used as a compound in necromantic incenses. Since it grows on graves it should contain some of the essence of the dead.
Mandrake: According to legend King Solomon carried a piece of this root in his seal ring to give him sovereignty over souls. Since one of its names is the “Little gallows man” it can be used as a poppet for laying curses of death, illness, pain, etc.
Birch: Petitions and blessings are written on the bark of this tree which is then burnt or buried in the grave of the spirit.
Bay Laurel: Used to communicate with the dead, possibly through use as an incense. Easily available in the form of bay leaves.
Chervil: Also known as garden chervil or “gourmet’s parsley” a tea or other drink made with it can be imbibed to aid in rituals of communion with the dead.
Lavender: Burnt as incense in order to bring peace of mind to the dead.
Marigold: Associated with funerals and used in funeral sprays.
Asphodel: In Greek legend is connected with the dead and the underworld. Sacred to Hades, Persephone, and Hekate. The roots were eaten by the poor of Greece and hence thought good enough food for the dead. Could be burnt as incense or the roots could be given as food offerings.
Thyme: Burnt as an incense helps ease the soul of a person who died a violent death.
American Sycamore: Known as “Ghost Trees” for their distinctive patchy appearance. Associated with the dead and poverty.Elder: In Norse mythology the tree is considered the Guardian of the Road to Hel (and thus sacred to Hela, Goddess of the Dead). Also associated with the ancestors.
The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to the
Chinese, Greeks and Romans. Many cultures use flowers in their traditional
cooking, medicine, and magick.
Adding flowers to your food can be a nice way to add color, flavor
and a little magickal whimsy. Some are spicy, and some herbaceous, while others
are floral and fragrant. The range is surprising. Flower petals can be
used in salads and as garnish for desserts, but they also inspire magickal
creative uses as well. Use them to make floral spirit water for rituals, as a
medicinal tea, or add to a healing spell or love potion…. the possibilities are endless.
TIPS FOR SAFE AND TASTY DINING:
Not all flowers are edible (those listed below are safe for consumption) - As lovely
as eating flowers can be, some can also be a little … deadly, so only
eat flowers
you know to be consumable — if you are uncertain, consult a reference book on
edible flowers and plants. (Always refer to the botanical name when verifying whether a flower is
safe to eat.)
Just
because a flower is edible doesn’t mean it will taste good. Some will be more to
your liking than others – it’s all a matter of taste. Keep in mind that the
stamen, pistil and sepal of some blossoms are bitter and can contain pollen
that may detract from the true flavor of the flower. Consuming only the
petals will further heighten the appeal factor.
Eat flowers you have grown yourself, or know to be safe for
consumption. Flowers from the florist or nursery have probably been treated
with pesticides or other chemicals.
Do
not eat roadside flowers or those picked in public parks. Both may have been treated with pesticide or
herbicide, and roadside flowers may be polluted by car exhaust.
Eat
only the petals, and remove pistils and
stamens before eating.
If
you suffer from allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as they may exacerbate allergies.
To
keep flowers fresh, place them on moist paper towels and refrigerate in an airtight
container. Some will last up to 10 days this way. Ice water can revitalize limp
flowers.
1, Allium
All blossoms from the allium family (leeks,
chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible and flavorful. Flavors run the gamut from delicate leek to
robust garlic. Every part of these plants is edible. Garlic is masculine in nature and associated with the planet Mars, the element fire and the sign Aries. It is sacred to Hecate and is a suitable offering to her left at a crossroads. Garlic has antibiotic properties, but should
not be used directly on wounds or in poultices or salves because it can be
irritating to the skin and may inhibit blood clotting.
2. Angelica
Depending on the variety, flowers range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose
and have a licorice-like flavor. Believed to have
originated in Syria, angelica is now found just about everywhere. In ancient
times it was used to ward off the plague and evil and as a cure for poison and…
well, just about everything else.
Angelica is associated with the angels Michael and Gabriel.
It is aligned with the sun and the element of fire and sacred to Venus. Angelica tea is useful for colic, gas,
indigestion, hepatitis, heartburn, nausea, ulcers and various other digestive
ailments.
3. Anise Hyssop
Both flowers and leaves have a subtle anise or licorice flavor. Anise
is one of the oldest known plants that were grown for both culinary and
medicinal use. Anise is associated with the element of air, the God Apollo, the planets Mercury and Jupiter, and the astrological sign Gemini. Anise is also considered masculine.
4. Basil
Blossoms come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to lavender; flavor is
similar to the leaves, but milder. The word Basil comes from the Greeks, meaning
“King”. Basil is sacred to Vishnu, Tulasi and Erzulie, masculine in nature, and
associated with the element of fire and the planet Mars.
Basil helps steady the mind, brings happiness, love, peace, and money
and protects against insanity.
5. Calendula / Marigold
A great flower for eating, calendula blossoms are peppery, tangy, and spicy —
and their vibrant golden color adds a dash of magick to any dish. The
ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all loved calendula and used it for
culinary and healing purposes. During the medieval period it was considered a
cure for just about everything. Marigold is associated
with the Sun. Calendula
symbolizes love and constancy. It is great for wedding bouquets and
decorations. It is the traditional “he loves me, he loves me not”
flower and is useful for love potions. Dried
petals can be strewn to consecrate an area or burned in consecration incense.
They are also a good addition to dream pillows.
6. Carnations
Petals are sweet, once trimmed away from the base. The blossoms taste like
their sweet, perfumed aroma. In ancient Rome,
carnations were known as “Jove’s Flower” as a tribute to their beloved king of
the gods, Jupiter. Carnations are
masculine, associated with the Sun and Jupiter, and with the element fire. Those things that fall
under the rule of Jupiter are ideal for use in magickal applications related to
luck, money, good fortune, status, legal matters, fertility, friendship,
ambition, career, success and protection. The
flowers can be used to lend strength in healing applications. The practitioner
can also use carnation essential oils to increase health and vigor.
7. Chamomile
Small and daisy like, the flowers have a sweet flavor and are
often used in tea. Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile. The Romans used Chamomile for incense. Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt for
fevers and was dedicated to their Sun God Ra. Chamomile is associated with the sun, Leo and the element of water. It helps cleanse and invigorate
the throat chakra (5th). It is associated with
various Sun Gods, including Cernunnos,
Lugh and others. It is used
in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification.
8. Chrysanthemum / Mum
A little bitter, mums come in a rainbow of colors and a range
of flavors range from peppery to pungent. Use only the petals. In Celtic folklore, chrysanthemums in the garden were considered a
meeting place for the faeries. Chrysanthemum
is masculine in nature and resonates with the
energy of the Sun and the element of fire. Chrysanthemum has been used
for burial rituals and is a suitable decoration for Samhain and for ancestral altars. The dried flower heads of
chrysanthemum can be burned during house blessings ceremonies.
9. Dandelion
The bright yellow
flowers should be gathered as soon as they open. Remove the green bits from the
base of the flower before using. These can be added to wines, vinegar or
jellies. The name dandelion comes from the French, “dent de lion” which
means “tooth of the lion”. The dandelion is
masculine in action and associated with the planet Jupiter, the element of air and both Pisces and Sagittarius.
It is also associated with any solar deity, Hecate, Brigid and Belenos. A tea of the flowers and leaves may be consumed to increase psychic ability, while pouring boiling water over a bowlful of roots
will aid in calling spirits. You can also make a
wish and blow the seeds off a dandelion head.
10. Lavender
Sweet, spicy, and perfumed, the flowers are a great addition
to both savory and sweet dishes. Some of the earliest
recorded uses of lavender are by the Roman soldiers who used the wild-growing
plant to perfume their bathwater and wash their clothes. Lavender is
masculine in action and associated with Mercury. It is also associated with the element of air and the astrological sign Virgo. It may be used as an asperging herb (to sprinkle water for purification purposes) and dried lavender sticks or wands can be burnt
like incense. It is also useful in spells to sharpen the mind, to
encourage or strengthen pure love and to encourage fertility. The scent of lavender is
relaxing and uplifting all at once making it a great aromatherapy for stressed
out or depressed individuals. Try adding some lavender oil to your bath or add
it to mild oil for a relaxing massage at the end of a hard day. Stuffing a
pillow with lavender buds may help insomniacs relax and fall asleep and soothes
headaches.
11. Oregano
The flowers are a pretty, subtle version of the leaf. Oregano is ruled by Venus and the element of air and
associated with Aphrodite. It is
used in spells for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting
go of a loved one. It can also be used in spells to deepen existing love. When
worn on the head during sleep, it is said to promote psychic dreams. Oregano symbolizes
joy. Use it for rituals celebrating joyful occasions, or in spells to bring joy
into one’s life.
12. Rose
Remove the white, bitter base and the remaining petals have a
strongly perfumed flavor perfect for floating in drinks or scattering across
desserts, and for a variety of jams. All roses are edible, with flavor more pronounced
in darker varieties. From the time of Solomon, the rose has been the
flower most closely linked with love. The rose was sacred to Venus, the Roman
goddess of love, and was connected to her messenger, Cupid. Roses have
been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Roses are associated with Aphrodite, Adonis and Eros.
Rosewater is a protective agent worn on clothes. Rose petals can be added to
charms against the evil eye.
13. Rosemary
Flowers taste like a milder version of the herb; nice used as
a garnish on dishes that incorporate rosemary. The word Rosmarinus is from the Latin meaning “dew of
the sea”. Rosemary is also associated
with Aphrodite and appears in many ancient images of
Her. Rosemary was used to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. The wood was
used to make musical instruments. Rosemary is male in nature and ruled by Leo, the element fire and
the sun (or Moon,
depending who you ask). It’s sacred to Hebe, Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary. Rosemary can be used in spells
for fidelity and remembrance as well as to dispel jealousy. Rosemary is useful
for ritual baths, and for making
sacred herbal water for ritual cleansing, blessing and purification. Bathing in
rosemary will enhance your memory.
14. Sage
Blossoms have a subtle flavor similar to the leaves. Sage is
a hardy perennial of the mint family. The
Romans regarded sage quite highly and much sacrifice and ceremony was
associated with its harvest. They believed it stimulated the brain and memory
and used it to clean their teeth. Sage is masculine in nature and associated the element of air and
the planet Jupiter. Sage is
sacred to the Greek Zeus and Roman Jupiter. It is also a symbol of the
Virgin Mary. Sage is used in
magical workings for immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection and the
granting of wishes. Sage is also believed to help alleviate sorrow of the death
of a loved one.
15. Sunflower
Petals can be eaten, and the bud can be steamed like an
artichoke. Sunflower is associated with the sun and
all solar deities. Its essence helps balance the first chakra and also helps
with confidence in leadership roles. Sunflower
oil can be used as carrier oil for healing oils used in massages and ointments.
16. Violets
Another famous edible flower, violets are floral, sweet and
beautiful as garnishes. Use the flowers in salads and to garnish desserts and
drinks. In Roman mythology, violets were said to be
lesser goddesses who once dared to rival the beauty of Aphrodite, goddess of
love and beauty. Violets are affiliated
with the planet Venus or Pluto and are associated with the nymphs of ancient Greek myths. Violets are also
associated with death and rebirth through the story of Attis.
Violets are useful in love spells and may be carried as an amulet to increase one’s luck in love. Try
combining them with lavender for an enhanced effect.
Sources: HerbalRiot, Cheralyndarcey, Witches of the Craft, Inspirationforthespirit,
Witchipedia
To brighten up your day and help you stay energized and positive! For best results, do this spell right after you wake up.
Tools & ingredients {The amount of each ingredients can vary. Use the amount you feel comfortable with and don’t be afraid to follow your instinct}
» A small glass » 1 slice of lemon » A pinch of rosemary » 3 or 4 daisy petals » 1 tbsp. of honey » 1 tbsp. of your favorite hair oil {you can use coconut oil if you prefer}
Steps {Just like the ingredients, the steps can be interpreted to suit your practice and/or your needs}
»Mix all the ingredients into the small glass while visualizing happy moments you lived and/or images that make you feel good and relaxed. » Step into the shower and pour the potion over your head. » As the liquid runs down your hair and onto your body keep visualizing these happy images. » Massage your scalp, your shoulders and your arms. » Take deep breaths, close your eyes and smile. » While doing so, rub the slice of lemon over your body to dispel all the negative energies. » Once you are done, simply take a shower as you would normally do!
I can talk about tea literally all day (and I have because I’ve worked in a spice and tea shop for years), and there is SO much to talk about with both health and magical benefits. Teas are made from tea leaves called camellia sinensis, with the exception of herbal teas/infusions. For this, I’m going to list magical and health benefits by type of tea.
Black Tea
Feminine * Earth * Winter * Strength * Stability * Death * Expelling Negativity * Alertness * Energy
Black tea is the most fermented and oxidized of all teas. Its tea leaves look shriveled and black. It combats heart ailments, digestive problems, high cholesterol, asthma, and breast/menstrual problems. Black tea also has a lot of caffeine (47 mg, still less than coffee) and too much of it can cause acidity issues in the stomach.
**There is a subset of black tea called Pu-erh, a post-fermented black tea. Some consider this to be the “purest” of all teas and connect it to the aether, as it is rare and valuable.
Green Tea
Masculine * Fire * Summer * Passion * Healing * Conscious Mind * Sexual Health * Love * Energy * Progress * Magic
Green tea is slightly steamed but not fermented, which maintains its green color. It has many health benefits, such as detoxifying, reducing cholesterol and weight, boosting immunity and stamina, and reducing blood glucose. It has less caffeine than black, but still some.
I always describe Oolong as being between Green and Blacks, since it is half fermented. It can help manage weight and stress, balance blog sugar levels, remove free radicals, and promote healthy skin and bones. HOWEVER, too much can actually speed up bone degradation because it sweeps away excess calcium. And beware of its high caffeine content (I used to drink Raspberry Wulong to pull all-nighters).
White tea is a little harder to find. Either the tea leaves are plucked as immature leaves and steamed, or the leaves have not been processed (there seems to be little consensus across cultures). Some have a small amount of caffeine. It’s a great antibacterial and antioxidant, and it improves the heart, oral health, and skin. Drinking a couple cups works better than one, and you can reuse the tea leaves, granted that the second cup will brew longer.
Examples: White teas come in many flavors and are usually labeled as white tea. You may need to seek out a tea shop to find some.
Herbal Tea
Magical properties depend on which herbs are used
This tea seems to be the most popular for witches on tumblr, because it is composed of dry, unprocessed herbs, seeds, fruits, or roots, and has no caffeine (as long as the herb doesn’t!). There are many recipes online as herbals are easy to make. In general, herbal tea promotes calm, reduces cholesterol and risk of heart conditions, cancers, and diabetes. Due to its lack of actual tea leaves it has less antioxidants than other teas. Some don’t even call it a tea, but dub it Herbal Infusion.
Examples: Rooibos, most Chais, Ginseng, Chamomile, Peppermint, Spearmint, Hibiscus
**Yerba Mate is an herbal tea that is notorious for its high caffeine levels (you’ve probably seen the energy drink). It also zaps one’s appetite and can become addictive, so be careful around this tea!
As always, feel free to add/message me of any corrections, and I hope you find your cup of tea!
🎆 Known as ‘The Stone of Truth’, lapis lazuli is highly connected with the mind and intellect, and assists it’s wearer from deciphering actual meaning as apposed to emotionally-clouded judgement.
🎆 A highly beneficial stone for problem solving, and would be recommended by those who are searching for answers in their life, or who have severe anxiety disorders that cause them to be unable to logically view their problems.
🎆 Balancing out the Throat Chakra and being connected to the Third Eye (Brow Chakra), it allows repressed unresolved problems to be gently brought to the surface, unbiasedly resolved and peacefully released.
🎆 This makes it perfect for anyone dealing with repressed memories or bottled emotions that may be causing detrimental manifestations such as addiction or self harm.
Hello everyone! As promised, I am here with a new 30-day challenge. It’s focused on introspection and geared towards self-exploration. But wait, there’s more! It’s designed for witches who are just starting out in their exploration of witchcraft.
You can do this challenge regardless of your length of time practicing, but it’s likely to be most useful for people who still feel that they’re just getting started. I wanted to create this so that witches could answer it as they begin their Craft, then (hopefully) look back on it later and see how (and if) things have changed because of their magical work!
it would be really great if those of you doing this would tag the posts with #rootsofcraft so I and other witches can read the responses easily, compare, and learn more about how diverse our community can be. As noted, I designed this to be highly introspective, and I do hope the questions inspire a lot of thought!
In a few days, once I’ve typed it up, I’ll be posting a second challenge, called Fruits of Your Craft, designed for those who consider themselves more experienced witches.
Neither of these are really confined to any skill level or number of years/months spent practicing; it’s just a matter of how you, personally, feel about yourself. Do you feel that you’re beginning, or more experienced? So, feel free to do this, or the next one, based on that rather than the amount of time spent.
Enjoy, and I look forward to reading responses to the questions!
Roots of Your Craft 30-Day Challenge
Divination. Does it work? Would you use it? What do you think of those who do? Why?
What do you think Magick actually is? What is the power or force behind witchcraft?
How powerful do you believe Magick to be, and why?
What are your beliefs about ethics and morality? Do you think practicing witchcraft will change your views? If so, how?
Do you plan to be open about witchcraft to people you know? Why or why not?
What kind of belief system were you raised with? Do you feel it suits you, or are you making a change?
What was your earliest memorable exposure to the concept of witchcraft? How did it influence your interest in it?
Do you think you will work with or worship deities as part of your Craft? Why or why not?
Was there a tipping point that convinced you witchcraft was worth practicing? What influenced your desire to learn more and why are you learning about it?
What kind of witch do you want to become?
What kind of witch do you believe you will become?
What do you think your life will be like in five years, magically speaking?
What worries you most about learning witchcraft? What might be a risk?
What excites you most about learning witchcraft? What might be a reward?
If you could list one thing that you hope to gain from practicing witchcraft, what would it be?
Which of the four classical elements best describes you at the beginning of your journey? (Earth, Wind, Air, or Fire)
If you’ve practiced spellcraft, what was the experience of casting your first spell like? If you’ve not yet cast one, what do you think your first spell will be and why?
Are there any witches or magicians in fiction or history that you particularly admire? Why or why not?
If you were to think of your beginnings in witchcraft as a certain color, what color would it be and why?
What are your general thoughts about newer magical traditions such as pop culture spells, and technowitchery?
What are your general thoughts about older magical traditions such as rune Magick, kabbalah and esoteric eastern traditions?
Do you think that tradition is important in witchcraft? Why or why not?
What role do you think dreams play in magical life, if any? Why or why not?
Are you more aligned with chaos or order in terms of the Magick you have or will practice? What do you think Magick itself is more aligned with?
Curses. Do they work? Would you use them? What do you think of those who do? Why?
Blessings and protective Magick. Do they work? Would you use them? What do you think of those who do? Why?
Do you have an affinity with an animal or type of animal? What does it mean to you? If you don’t, but had to have one, what do you think it would be?
Do you think that there is any potential in utilizing certain ritual places or “ley-lines” between ritual places? Why or why not?
What role does the archetype of death play in magic to you, if any? Why or why not?
What do you think of practicing magic in a group setting? What about practicing alone? Why?
A Basic Sleep Spell - white/lavender unscented candle, oil to anoint the candle, your favourite lullaby or poem, small drawstring bag, loose herbs (lavender, cedar, mugwort), small crystal
Sleep Well Spell - amethyst/rose quartz, sachet of dried lavender/lavender essential oil
“Star Sweeper” Calming Sleep Spell - fabric to make a small pillow, chamomile, vanilla essence, lavender, cotton balls, glitter/confetti, needle and thread
Throughout history and our legends, Witches and Wizards were the crazy men and women that lived on the outskirts of the village. Their craft was wild and strange to those that lived in the village, but, nonetheless, people would seek after their wisdom of the land, the plants, the local spirits, and for wisdom or guidance in their path. These men and women, often bachelors, would know the ins and outs of the region and often went walking alone.
Today, our villages are less rustic and more like local towns, and suburbs. But one can still be a Local Witch, and develop special connections with the land you call home.
Become a Local Witch:
Learn Local Lore Folktales, legends, and even tall tales develop the culture of a town or area. Learn these. Retell them over summer campfires, and over drinks with friends. People will start to LOVE your stories.
Start Frequenting locally owned shops and stores Develop connections and relationships with the owners and those that work there every day. Learn their names, and introduce yourself after visiting more often. Supporting locally owned shops helps small business owners and provides nourishment to your community. This is putting down roots, and develops your connection with the people that shape your town.
Find a Local Bookstore This is an extension of 1 and 2. Locally owned bookstores always have a Local Writers, Local Plants, and Local History sections. Ask inside where these sections are, and start devouring these books. Not only will you be supporting a local shop, but you have a direct source of helpful information. Oftentimes, employees and owners also know a lot of Lore. Talk to them about what you’re interested in learning. They probably have some hidden gems of information.
Learn about your Indigenous Plants Start researching and learning about the flora that grows locally, learn their lore, their uses, and magical or folklore associations. If Natives from your area used these plants, find out how. Learn where these plants grow and research local foraging. If you’ve never foraged, see if you can find a local group that can serve as helpful guides to stay safe. Never ingest anything unless you are SURE.
Start a local Plant Grimoire Keep dried presses of flowers and plants in it, draw and diagram to help you remember what they look like.
Learn about the indigenous animals Research their folklore and mythology. Start finding out what they eat, and what their habitats are. (Safely) Do your part to help foster their growth and health. This could be making insect houses to help local endangered pollinators, or leaving out special birdseed for endangered bird species in the area. (Safely) Start interacting with the non-aggressive species and leave them treats. This is great for birds, deer, rabbits, moles, chipmunks, hedgehogs, etc
Join local Conservation Projects Getting directly involved in wildlife conservation strengthens our spiritual and natural ties to the land we call our home. Taking personal responsibility and interest in it’s stewardship is honoring the spirits of the land, and the Gods.
Use Google Maps while exploring parks, or protected open spaces to drop pins and places where you find animal habitats or useful plants for foraging.
That’s all for now. More will come later I’m sure. Now go be the best local Witch or Druid you can be!
Although I do have a grimoire, I use a journal to track my day-to-day practices that I do not usually include in my grimoire. A witch’s journal is a great place to record your feelings and discover any repeating symbols that you may not have noticed if you hadn’t written them down. It is a great way to look through and see how much your craft has grown.
Things you could include:
Dreams and visions with any interpretations you have
Day-to-day magickal practice
Symbols that may seem important
Astral protection experiences
Meditation journeys
A list of books you read and any important magickal teachings you learned from them
Progress of any castings or “spell tracking”
Magick Workings
Events and decisions in your life that affect your magickal workings
Magickal goals and plans
Maintenance and home cleaning/cleansing
Daily rituals or habits
Astrological events and any symbols or visions you may have received that are connect to the event
Things to include in each entry:
The moon phases
Weather
Date
Emotion
Position of the moon in the zodiac
Season
Time
Another short post but I hope it may inspire some people.
May the moon light your path
Moonlight Academy
This is how I use my own journal. I started off with a separate grimoire and journal, but I found it too complicated to keep both aspects of my life separate.
Deciding to practice witchcraft and magick can be equally daunting and exciting. Here are some tips about what to do if you are thinking about becoming a witch!
—————————————————————-
First, a few things
that you should NOT do:
1.Do
not do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, period. Trust your intuition, and always stay true to
yourself.
2.Do
not do anything that puts you in danger. This includes casting a spell without
protection, or opening yourself to spirits before you know what you are
doing. This also includes running out in the middle of a storm to collect rain
water, or agreeing to meet a witch that you met online, alone. Use common sense in all matters of your
craft; your safety and health, both physical and mental, must come first.
3. Do not
do anything that contradicts your own
personal, spiritual, moral, ethical, or other beliefs. Unless you plan on changing what you believe,
just don’t do it. It doesn’t matter if
everybody and their familiar is doing something; if it doesn’t agree with you,
walk away from it.
4. Do
not start actually practicing anything witchcraft-related until you have researched it. Do not do a spell until you have a working
understanding of magick, as well as all
of the ingredients involved in the spell – even ones you intend to substitute (especially the ingredients that you intent to
substitute, actually).
5. Don’t
take witchcraft lightly.
Your craft doesn’t need to be all serious spells and spiderwebs, but you
do need to have a healthy respect for
the energies and powers that you will be working with. You shouldn’t fear them - never work with anything that makes you afraid - but you should respect them.
6.Don’t
take your studies lightly. Put yourself through witch school. Research everything; ask yourself questions
and give yourself homework. Ask others
questions and ask them to give you
homework! Be creative in your studies,
but still take them seriously. You don’t
have to be hunched over spellbooks all day, but you should make an effort to at
least mentally review your existing knowledge, on days that you can’t find the
time for more.
7. Do
not be afraid to ask questions or for help – but do not automatically assume
that everybody actually knows the answer. Most witches around here will do their best
to answer your questions, but they’ll also usually straight tell you if they
don’t know something themselves; you should respect that, whether or not they
point you in the direction of somebody else. On the other hand, if something sounds wrong,
trust yourself and double check. Get
a second opinion, if need be.
—————————————————————-
Next, a few things
that you should know before you enter the world of witchcraft:
1.Witchcraft
is real, and magick is real. Whether or not you believe in it, it believes
in you (as the saying goes). Approaching
magick as if you were cosplaying Harry Potter is an attractive but ultimately
unwise idea. Approaching magick as if
you were learning to operate a highly beneficial but potentially dangerous
piece of machinery – now, that is a
wise idea.
2.Witchcraft
isn’t inherently evil, but neither is it inherently pure good. Witchcraft is power, plain and simple. It is what one chooses to do with that power that gives it such
meaning, and even then, the concept of good and evil is an ethical and
spiritual one, and thereby tends to vary from person to person, and from
witch to witch. You have to use your own
morals to guide you. The only type of magick
that should be in your witchcraft is the magick you intentionally choose to put
there. On a related note: I personally
don’t agree with classifying magick as ‘black magick’ or ‘white magick’, period
– not because magick can’t have precise descriptors, but because there’s no
need to use terms that have such negative racial undertones. Light can be harmful and ‘evil’, while
darkness can be protective and ‘good’.
Your intentions aren’t “to do dark” or “to do light”, anyway. Your intentions are “to do harm” or “to do
healing”; your intentions are “to take away” or “to give”.
3.
Witchcraft
is a personal practice.
You do not need to follow any one specific path, spiritual or otherwise,
in order to practice witchcraft. There
are many different types of witches, and many different types of magick. If there is not one specific path that you
feel is absolutely perfect for you, don’t choose one that feels ‘close enough’ –
walk your own path and mold your witchcraft into something that is uniquely
yours.
4. Witches worship in varying ways. Some do not worship at all, and are purely
secular witches. Some are simply
spiritual and do not follow one set path.
Some are polytheists and worship many gods; some are monotheists and
worship one. Some are atheists and
worship none! Some are Wiccan. Some are Christian. Some are Satanists. Some worship ancestors. Some worship the stars. Witchcraft
is a personal practice, and should co-exist with all other aspects of your
life.
5. You don’t need a whole lot to get
started. Twigs
can be used as wands; rock quartz can be used as a crystal. Tea mixes contain herbs, and your spice
cabinet is basically a magick cabinet. Most
of what is in your house can be used for magick, for that matter. While it is definitely helpful to have the
proper tools and ingredients when performing magick, it is possible to DIY your
way through witchcraft until you can afford otherwise. Also, it is probably smarter to wait a second
before you run out and purchase anything, anyway. As you learn more, you’ll start to see which
tools you really need, which ingredients you’ll likely be using the most, which
items really call out to you. If you run
out and buy everything that you see right away, you risk wasting money on
things that just don’t work for you, or that you don’t even need.
—————————————————————-
Lastly, here are the
things that you DO need to do, no matter what:
o
Be
true to yourself. Do not compromise
yourself or your beliefs.
o
Be
safe. Don’t do or use anything
that you do not have a working knowledge of.
o
Be
educated. Never stop seeking out
new knowledge; try to learn something new daily.
o
Use
common sense. Don’t get caught up in
things; think before you take action.
o
Trust
your intuition and instinct. We often know more than we consciously
realize.
o
Be
creative. Write the spell that you’ve
been looking for. See what is laying
around the house that you can use for your witchcraft. Be inventive!
o
Have
patience. Learning takes time;
magick takes time; developing your craft takes time.
That’s it for the moment! Tune in tomorrow for a post regarding more tips and information
on what to do when you do decide to go ahead enter the world of witchcraft ^_^
1 teaspoon chamomile, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon mugwort, 1 teaspoon peppermint, 2 teaspoons rose petals
Mix the ingredients well. Use 1 teaspoon for every cup of boiling water. As the tea steeps, chant:
“Tea of vision, dreaming tea, as I sip you, bring to me an altered state conductive to psychic dreams. And when I’m through, rock me gently into sleep and bring the answers that I need.”
Sweeten with honey, if desired. Drink 30 minutes before going to bed.
Dream Pouch
Anise seed, mugwort, chamomile, rosemary, cloves, rose petals, mint, a small pouch
Mix together until you have a sent to your liking. Fill the pouch with the mixture, and charge it by chanting:
“Psychic dream mix, come alive! Mingles energies now thrive. Show me what I need to see. As I sleep, so mote it be!”
Place the pouch inside your pillow case. Replace the mixture in the pouch when the sent dissipates.
To Dream of Past Lives
Wearing an opal to bed or sleeping with one under your pillow works well for inducing dreams prior to incarnations.
To Recall Dreams
To remember your dreams, place a red jasper on your headboard or nightstand before falling asleep.
To Dream of True Love
Tuck 5 bay leaves in your pillow case on Valentine’s Day to bring dreams of your true love.