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Keep them safe

I pray tonight to my many gods, and gods that are not my own, to keep my friend safe until they escape their current situation.

Let the monster down the hall be clouded in a haze of fatigue, without the mind to harm anyone else.

Let his accomplice be too swept away in his complaints to cast blame or raise alarm.

May this witch be protected, encased in their own magic and mine, until they are safe once more.

Let the buzz of the city and the chaos in the streets redirect any suspicion, back into his past if need be.

All the drowsiness and heavy feet of mono, with the suppressed thoughts of a serious flu, in effort to snuff out his sting for this transition.

Let his few thoughts be elsewhere, cast on a phantom that creeps through his nightmares.

And may this witch have peace, feeling safe as a thief under a new moon, to weave their magic and make safe escape.

#please don’t repost

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Building a Magical Home

One of my favorite quotes about the magic of homemaking comes from Cory Hutcheson, host of the New World Witchery podcast. He says, “Home is a transformational act. It is the thing you do to turn a space into a space… that is full of ritual and significance and meaning. So there is sort of this ongoing relationship you have with the space that makes it a home.”

The act of creating a home, of making a space your own, is inherently magical. But if you want to make your space feel a little more witchy, here are some ideas to get you started.

Charms and Talismans

Making your own magical objects can be a powerful way to bring magic into your space. The best thing about making your own charms is that you can make them look however you want, so it’s easy to disguise them as ordinary household objects. You can make a charm for any intention by combining objects based on their magical correspondences.

I’ve talked about protective charms in previous posts, so I’m not gonna spend a lot of time on it here. The simplest protective charm is keeping a large piece of iron under your bed to keep away nightmares, evil spirits, and negative energy. You could also make your own protection charm, like a witch bottle.

You can create a “happy home” charm to bring peace, harmony, and happiness into your home. This charm could include herbs like basil, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and/or bay leaves, as well as other items that you associate with peace and good fortune, like lucky coins, crystals, or black cat fur. Write your desires for a harmonious and happy home on a piece of paper, fold it up, and add it to the charm. You could store these items in a green bag, bury them in your backyard (in this case, make sure you’re only using biodegradable plant matter — leave out the coins and crystals), or place it inside a household object like a lamp or an end table.

If you suffer from insomnia or other sleep issues, try making a dream charm to help you sleep well and have sweet dreams. To make a simple dream charm, fill a blue or purple bag with lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and any other objects that you associate with peace, restfulness, and sleep. If you want to have lucid dreams or receive psychic messages in your dreams, include a bit of mugwort. Place the charm in your pillow or under your mattress. (I personally swear by this one, as it’s helped a lot with my insomnia.)

Charms are great for homemaking magic because you’re actually creating a magical object, which can then become a permanent fixture of the space.

Magical Decor

You can use magical items to decorate your home to bring certain qualities into that space.

Hanging or displaying a broom is said to bring good fortune, protection from evil, and good hospitality. Cauldrons are used to represent the Goddess, rebirth, and raw potential. Horseshoes hung above door frames bring safety and luck to all who cross under them, and keep unwanted guests away. If you can get them legally and ethically, animal bones, teeth, claws, and feathers can represent the spirit and energy of that animal. You can also put up images of spiritual and occult symbols — I have an image of the Sun tarot card hanging in my bedroom to promote positivity and growth.

If you need to be a little more subtle with your witchy decorations, working with the magic of color is a great way to do that. Gathering a lot of items of a single color in one room changes the energy of that room. Here’s a quick guide to give you some ideas:

Yellow is associated with divination, mental clarity, the element of air, success, communication, and inspiration.

Purple is associated with divine power, spiritual awareness, mystery, astral travel, magic, and authority.

Blue is associated with healing, psychic abilities, the element of water, peace, truth, and patience.

Red is associated with protection, the fire element, sex, power, vitality, and love.

Orange is associated with ambition, creativity, breaking through blockages, and career success.

Pink is associated with romantic love, friendship, self love, compassion, and emotional well-being.

Green is associated with nature, herbalism, the earth element, money, wealth, prosperity, and luck.

Brown is associated with grounding, animal magic, stability, and balance.

White is associated with purification, cleansing, the full moon, new beginnings, healing, and spiritual growth.

Black is associated with protection, truth, outer space, banishing, and transition.

Decorating your home with colors that are meaningful to you can create a powerful magical space. You may also have your own color associations (for example, yellow is a very “happy” color for me), so feel free to incorporate those into your decor as well!

Growing Magical Houseplants

Most witches feel a very deep connection to nature and draw power from the natural world, but we can’t all live in a cottage in the heart of the forest. Even if you live in a tiny apartment in the city, you can still bring nature into your space by keeping houseplants. Many popular houseplants have magical uses, and many popular magic herbs can be grown inside. Here are a few to get you started.

Aloe. This is one of my favorite plants. Aloe brings luck and protection, especially protection on an energetic/spiritual level. I like to keep aloe in my bedroom to protect me while I sleep, as well as to bring luck and inspiration while I’m working at my desk.

Basil. Basil is very popular in money spells, and will attract prosperity and luck to your home. However, it also has protective properties — both spiritual protection and protection from bugs, since basil is a natural insect repellent! Basil can also be used in love spells, and is just generally a good plant to have around for good vibes.

African Violet. This flowering plant attracts positive spiritual energy into your space. It has associations with the moon and the water element, and is very good for promoting spirituality and psychic power.

Rosemary. Rosemary is one of those herbs that every witch should have on hand. It’s so darn versatile, it can be used as a substitute for virtually any other herb, and can be used for almost any intention. Some of the most common magical associations for rosemary include: cleansing, purification, protection, healing, mental activity, and enhancing memory. According to author Deborah J. Martin, there’s an old English saying that, “Where rosemary grows, the woman rules the house.” Like basil, rosemary is a natural insect repellent.

Lavender. Lavender brings peace, love, and gentleness, which makes it a perfect addition to any home. It can be used in spells for cleansing and purification, enhancing psychic abilities, and stress relief. Lavender is also a powerful addition to love spells. Keeping lavender in the bedroom can aid in restful sleep, while lavender in the kitchen will bring harmony to the home.

Sage. Sage is the most talked about cleansing herb, and with good reason. Unfortunately, a lot of the sage bundles you can buy at metaphysical stores are made with white sage (Salvia apiana), which is sacred to Native American peoples and is endangered due to overharvesting. Instead of buying those, why not grow your own garden sage (Salvia officinalis), which has a lot of the same magical properties? Growing sage in your home will purify the space and protect those who live there. Sage also has an association with wisdom and mental prowess.

Hoya. Hoya is a common houseplant that you’ve probably seen even if you don’t know it by name. It has a distinctive appearance with waxy, dark green leaves and clusters of white, star-shaped flowers. Hoya aligns and balances the energy centers within your body, as well as in the surrounding space. It’s associated both with grounding and with spiritual openness, so it can be great for balancing the two.

Peppermint. Peppermint has a variety of magical uses, but my favorite way to use it is for gently opening up blockages and getting things moving. It’s great for cleansing, but is more gentle than rosemary or sage. Place it in any room where you tend to do a lot of healing work, or where you could use some peace and love. Peppermint is also used in dream magic, so growing it in the bedroom may bring on vivid or lucid dreams.

Orchid. Orchids are used in magic for love and lust. Historically, orchid has been used in folk medicine to promote male virility and “Jezebel root,” used in American folk magic to attract wealthy male lovers, is a type of orchid root. If you live with a significant other, try growing an orchid in the bedroom to promote passion in your sex life. Otherwise, grow orchids in your home to promote love or to attract romance.

Catnip. If you have cats, they’ll love this one. Catnip is actually a type of mint, and has strong lunar associations. It’s said to make one more charming and attractive, and is especially useful for attracting women. At the same time, catnip promotes courage and fierceness. It is also, of course, associated with cats and feline deities, so this is definitely a plant you’ll want to keep around if the cat is one of your animal guides.

If you have a yard space that you can turn into an outdoor garden, your magical plant options are limited only by your local ecosystem. Some outdoor plants that have magical uses include roses, sunflowers, rue, lemon balm, and strawberries.

Creating an Altar

Altars are focal points of magical and spiritual energy. Many people, both witches and non-witches, find that having a designated space for their spiritual practice creates a deeper sense of sacredness and purpose.

An altar can serve lots of different purposes. Many witches use their altar as a magical work space to prepare spells, meditate, and do divination. You may choose to dedicate your altar to a deity, your ancestors, or some other spirit(s) you work with. You can also build altars for specific intentions, such as a money altar or a love altar — performing rituals at this altar everyday is a powerful method for manifestation. You altar may be some or all of these things, or it may just be a place to sit and connect with the spiritual.

You can set up an altar on any flat surface, like a shelf or table, or inside a container like a jewelry box. Your setup can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. An altar can be huge and complex, with statues and candles and flowers, or it can be as simple as a tealight and an incense burner. It’s all about what appeals to you.

Resources:

New World Witchery pocast, “Episode 143 — The Magical Home”

Southern Cunning: Folkloric Witchcraft in the American South by Aaron Oberon

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

“Candle colors and their meanings” by Michelle Gruben on the Grove and Grotto blog

Green Witchcraft by Paige Vanderbeck

A Green Witch’s Cupboard by Deborah J. Martin

“The Magic of Orchids in Wiccan Love Spells & Rituals” on the Art of the Root blog

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Witchcraft: Some Basic Terms to Know

ENERGY MANIPULATION:

GROUNDING— To ground is an exercise that is used to clear and release excess energy, as well as to renew the energies within oneself and clear out the old. Traditionally done by envisioning roots stretching out from oneself into the ground, like a tree, and connecting through them to the earth. However, it can be done with simple visualization, and does not need to include nature, as long as the cycling of energy is completed. Various techniques will be mentioned later.

CENTERING— Usually done after grounding. To center oneself is to organize and become aware of the energies within you, and overall be magically aware. 

CLEANSE— To remove negative or unwanted energies, spirits, and imprints from an object or a space. There are a number of simple rituals and actions that are done to cleanse. This is often done to rid an object of past memories or uses, to make it spiritually new.

CHARGE— To infuse an object with personal or external power/energies/intent. There are vast many methods that can be used to charge an object, water, or crystal.

VISUALIZE— Similar to imagining, the intended conjuring of images in one’s mind that are accompanied by energy, and used to help conduct one’s intent.

 INTENT— Your goal, or purpose behind casting a spell. The emotions and power within you that power the spell and bring about the effect of the spell.  

BEWITCHED OBJECTS

CHARM— Any object that is worn or used that is meant to have magical effects on the holder/user.

AMULET— Usually a natural object, worn to ward off illness, evil, and possession. Often crystal-based, for protection.

TALISMAN— Typically gives power to the wearer, often a crafted object that has gone through a consecration ceremony.

MISC.

SABBAT—Witch festivals/holidays, based off the changing of the seasons and equinoxes. Wiccan influenced, celebration is not mandatory.

ESBAT— Full moon celebrations.

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A sigil to provide guidance in difficult times

Commissioned by with-amore-infinito

Sigil commissions are currently open for 25 dollars each, please message me if you’d like one :)

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Witch Tip

Dont deny yourself the right to write curses. Down the line they may evolve into excellent healing and protection spells. It’s silly to deny the human and neutral aspects of magic. Sometimes great things come out of the worst of times.

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Types of Herbal Remedies

I’ve compiled a list of types of herbal remedies, with brief instructions on how to make them. Choose your herbs carefully, as some are poisonous, some will interfere with health problems and medications, and some can cause allergic reactions.

If you are concerned about any health issue you have, or worried about herbs reacting with your medications, go talk to your doctor. This post is not intended as medical advice.

Compress

This is usually cloth that has been soaked in a herbal infusion so that it can be applied topically. Useful for skin issues, muscle pain, joint pain, and general aches.

You can make one by soaking cotton wool in a warm infusion of your choice, wrapping the balls in a piece of clean cloth, and applying to the affected area. Once the cloth cools down you can soak it again in the warm tea and reapply.

Infusion

This is basically the herbalist term for tea. The herbs are usually dried and ground before being steeped in very hot water and then strained out. If you use a bag then you can skip the straining.

Tincture

This is similar to an infusion but much stronger, and with alcohol instead of water, which helps to preserve it.

Put your herbs in a jar. Cover them with alcohol (most people I know use vodka). Put the lid on the jar and shake it daily for a month or so, then strain the herbs out. I tend to keep mine in the little dropper bottles, as you normally don’t need to take much at once.

Decoction

I like to think of these as a stronger infusion. You need four times as much boiling water as dried herb, and you want to simmer the mixture for about half an hour before straining.

Syrup

These are herbs mixed with a sugary substance, which makes them easier to consume and helps to preserve them a little. They’re a good way to get your herbs in if you have a sore throat, as they are often quite soothing.

You’ll need a couple ounces of fresh herb per pint of water. Put them on the stove and heat until about half of the water has evaporated. Then you need to add about five tablespoons of sugar/honey/maple syrup per pint of water you used originally (so if you put two pints in the pan, you need ten tablespoons). Keep stirring for about twenty minutes, then take it off the heat and bottle it up. You need to keep syrups in the fridge, preferably in a dark coloured jar or bottle.

Balm

Essential oils and beeswax, basically. Add about twenty drops of essential oil to a cup of melted beeswax, stick it in a jar, let it cool, and there you go! You can mix in juiced herbs if you like, but that’s optional.

Salve

A salve is basically essential oils mixed with beeswax, oils and herbs. I have seen them made with coconut oil, though if you live in a warmer environment then coconut oil won’t work for you as it melts. You need about fifty/fifty dried herbs and beeswax (if you live somewhere warm) or use a mixture of beeswax and an oil like olive or safflower if you live somewhere colder, just so it’s soft enough to use. Use about twenty drops of oil per cup of beeswax. You’ll need to melt the wax in a double boiler, and let the herbs infuse in the molten wax for about half an hour. Then you add your essential oils, and pour the molten salve into the containers and let it cool.

Ointment

This is basically a liquid balm or salve. Follow the methods above, but use oil instead of beeswax.

Bath

When taking a herbal bath, you are basically making a giant cup of tea! Fill an organza bag with your chosen herbs, and put it in the bath while you run the water, then remove it before you get in. You can reuse the bag of herbs, but they lose potency with each use, so I try to avoid doing this.

Poultice

This is a paste of herbs and sometimes other things that is applied to the skin. Used for infections, splinters, burns, boils etc. They’re pretty simple to make, you just mix some dried herbs with a tiny bit of boiling water to form a paste, put it on the area, and use a piece of cloth or gauze to keep it there. If you want to use fresh herbs you just mash them up.

#herbalism #herbalist #green witch #herbs

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Hymn of Thanks

Oh Hera, my goddess divine, ever motherly in your kindness. Thank you for delivering me from my previous position. I will be released in a few days and my soul feels lighter for it. I feel your kind hand resting on my shoulder.

Gentle Hestia, tender of the hearth flame, I will do my best to earn your pride in the coming months. A warm meal and a cozy home will be my aim, until I am called back into the world of working once more.

Lovely Aphrodite, who bestows the stars in the eyes of lovers, and grants the maiden her first skipped heart beat, you are most needed in my future trials. I thank you for sparing me clothing I feel like myself in, I finally want to go out. Please help me with my body as I move forward.

Lord Apollo, musical and healing, thank you for your aid of courage, and providing a quiet time to rest. My bones are sore and my soul is weary, but with your borrowed bravery, I am now able to return to your study while I heal.

Lucky Tyche, with perfect timing, and soft golden footsteps, I sing your praises, for you covered my sleight and gave me a soft place to land just in time. Oh Tyche, kind and cunning, blessed are those who look to thee

My appreciation cannot be overstated to all of Olympus, as to those below, for your strength and gentle encouragement. I borrow your blessings, so that I may be a vessel tomorrow to bless others. Thank you for my deliverance.

#hellenic prayer #pls do not reblog #personal prayer

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never in my life did i think the phrase “some christians are coming over tomorrow, better hide my bones” would enter my mind and yet here we are

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Wax Seal Charms

From simple love spells to glamours and hexes, wax seal charms are a powerful and versatile tool for any witch’s arsenal. Small, completely customizable, inconspicuous, and easy to hide, these simple charms are useful for nearly any type of magick.

First, you will need a smooth, relatively flat work surface that can withstand heat (I use a ceramic tile I got from Lowe’s). Fold a small envelope from a square of paper. You want the envelope to be the same size as or smaller than the wax seal to ensure complete wax coverage.

Next, write your intent (or draw a sigil) on the inside of the envelope. Keep it simple or write very small.

You can add a small pinch of herbs (or a taglock) if you like, but try not to use too much or the charm won’t flatten and may not seal correctly.

Once you’ve added your herbs, fold the envelope shut. (Here I added one of my 4-leaf clovers for a little extra flair.) You may need to squish it a little to keep it closed.

Pour your wax over the envelope, making sure to cover any open edges, and place your stamp in the molten wax. Apply light pressure for a few moments and then allow to cool.

Once completely cool, remove your stamp and peel the charm off your work surface.

And voila! A small, portable charm that can easily be slipped into a purse or wallet unnoticed.

#charm #sigil

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Hymn of Prayer for Deliverance

Oh shining, loving Hera, who protects as all mothers protect, please deliver me unto wifehood, and away from the torment of my current position. Have mercy on me, and allow me to become the fuller version of myself as the manager of the home and financial affairs. Oh great Hera, our cow-eyed goddess, full of motherly love.

Oh warm and constant Hestia, allow me to once more rekindle our hearth flame, and be available to tend to it and the well being of our household.

Beautiful, gentle Aphrodite, who blesses all with fairness and love, please keep me from falling into despair and show me how to love as you love all. Keep the aura of love emanating from me, and allow me to reach my full potential by allowing me to stay home.

 Apollo, protector of the ill and savior of those in the dark, please have mercy on me and keep me from these trial that make my illnesses worse. Please give me a chance to thrive.

Lucky Tyche, with good fortune like golden honey, give my request wings, and allow it to soar. Take my mate and put him in the right place at the right time and help him to rise above his position. Grant this wish and I will do whatever the gods require of me.

To all of Olympus, please deliver me from my current career. I fear I cannot hold on much longer. Thank you, and guide me to how I can better serve. 

#pls do not reblog #hellenic hymn #personal prayer

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2020 is the Year of Persephone

New Beginnings for Everyone

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Before January ends, I’m going to magically and extremely be blessed by the universe.

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Therapy 😈🕯

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About once every sixth months I go through a cycle of obsessively reading and collecting resources for potential Jewish converts, only to decide I’m probably too much of a pagan to actually go through with it.

The Jewish approach to G-d appeals to me, but I also still love my Chaotic Bisexual Weed Dad and wouldn’t want to give that connection up.

Faith and religion are complicated, and I crave a rich community with traditions and touchstones. Catholicism wasn’t for me, Wicca didn’t do it, and while I’m still in love with so many things about Heathenry, there’s that whole “it got me pulled into a cult” baggage that sometimes makes it hard.

If I see the pagan gods I revere as essentially Really Spectacular Ancestors who attained great spiritual power in life, is that incompatible? What about the reverence for ancestors and cultural heroes, practiced through deathwork and witchcraft?

Nyeargh.

#a whole fucking mood

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I was going to post this on here but then I decided the format of a tweet was more suitable for this specific post, so here are some screenshots of it.

#astrology

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“I Consistently Say The Correct And Needed Thing”

Wear this sigil on you when your words may matter, preferably around the neck or Draw this sigil on a tube of lipstick or chapstick you wear

#sigil #sigil magick