Notice: This is one of my side blogs, I follow from @possibly-in-wonderland
Hey, it's me, Alice from my main blog. I've been meaning to make a side blog specifically for my witchy shenanigans (and anything referencing nature & fantasy aesthetics) for a while now.
Without further ado, here's a bit about yours truly:
how do i not feel bad as an ex-christian-turned-pagan that never stopped believing in jesus who wants to actually learn more about the bible and j-dog for fun.
i know for a fact odin and lucifer and the rest of my gang ain't gonna give a damn, they'll just be like, "lmao have fun."
seriously if anyone has any tips my ask box is open :'|
I've noticed a lot of deities I work with are focused around learning and knowledge and are typically seen as the more brutish and bloodthirsty deities by outsiders when in fact they're all just..."Give me chocolate. Cool now let's learn about this."
Also, sorry I'm not all that active here, I'm more active on my main blog and this is kinda just a place for me to reblog witchy things so they're easier to find for later.
Small but Mighty: Violets & Their Many Magical Uses
by Keziah
Spring is settling in throughout the northern hemisphere, bringing with it buds and new growth aplenty. Violets, also called sweet viola, sweet violet, and blue violet, are among the earliest of spring bloomers in my region, and, as they're particularly special plant allies in my personal practice, I thought I'd welcome them back this season by sharing works these oft overlooked beauties can be utilized in.
Violets are springtime perennials that can also grow in shady areas during the summer. They're a versatile tool in the world of witchery, serving in works to ward off spirits, call forth spirits, protect, heal, cleans and purify, secure luck and fortune, and so much more.
French botanical illustration of a species of viola/violet; source unknown/indistinguishable
Violet Working Oil
This working oil can be used to aid in any of the below listed workings, or can be used to anoint tools, areas, or one's body for the purposes of magical protection, drawing luck or fortune, wish fulfillment, empowering love workings, or both drawing good spirits and warding against evil spirits.
What You'll Need:
violet flowers & leaves (NOTE: always gather plants for magical or herbal workings from an area that you know is free of animal waste, chemical sprays and agents, or any other potentially harmful matters)
an oil of your choosing - oils commonly used for magical working purposes include olive oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed or canola oil
a jar with a lid
What to do:
After gathering your violet flowers and leaves, gently wash them. This can be done with a simple water rinse, a light and brief soak in water, or a light and brief soak in a very diluted mixture of saltwater. If you use the saltwater method, take care to gently rinse the violets once more afterward. You can also use a storebought or prepared organic fruit and vegetable wash to gently wash your violets.
Once you've cleaned your violets, lay the leaves and flowers out on a flat surface to air dry. Depending on the size of the plants and the thickness of leaves or stems, it can take anywhere from 6 to 48 hours for the plants to dry completely.
Take your dried violet flowers and add them to your jar.
Cut or tear violet leaves before adding them to the jar, exposing more of the plant's properties to the oil in doing so.
Your jar should be filled anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with just your violet plants.
Now add your chosen oil, completely submerging the violets in oil. There should be at least 1 to 2 inches of oil atop your layer of violet plants.
Cover your jar with a lid.
Place the jar in a dark, cool cupboard space - a cupboard, cabinet, or shelf - to steep and infuse for at least 3 weeks (though 4 to 6 weeks is the most commonly recommended amount of time to infuse your violets for a working oil).
Once your working oil has steeped for long enough, you can strain the oil from the plants to transfer the oil into smaller vials or jars for easier use, though some prefer to keep some bits of plant matter in their oils after transferring it.
Protection
Against Spirits & Evil
Violets are believed to be a powerful force against evil spirits. It's even said that malevolent spirits can't cross ground where violets grow, which is one reason you should be glad to see violets growing on your property.
As amulets or charms, violets can be carried - dried or fresh - or kept on one's person/in one's home to offer protection against evil spirits. Places that violets can be easily carried for protection are:
in one's wallet, purse, or pocket
in one's hair
in one's shoe or sock
affixed to one's clothing
Wearing violet in perfumes or oils - essential oils or infused oils - is also a fantastic way of bringing the protection of violets with you wherever you go.
Hanging dried violets near any entry doors can ward against evil spirits or entities entering the home.
Drawing Spirits
Burning violet incense whilst invoking or drawing certain spirits is said to aid one in doing so.
One can also burn the plants themselves. In a firesafe bowl, cauldron, or vessel, burn dried violet, dried rose hips, and dried, crushed pipsissewa (also called prince's pine and umbellate wintergreen) to attract or draw good spirits or specified spirit allies to aid one in magical workings.
Peace
Associated with the values of serenity and harmony, violets can be incorporated in magical works to attract peace and comfort.
Violet has been used as charms, amulets, and in food and drink to bring about peace - peace of spirit, peace of mind, peace of temper.
The violet flower was worn by the Ancient Greeks to calm tempers and induce sleep.
For those enduring trying times, gifting them with violet flowers is believed to aid in manifesting an end to their difficulties and bringing peace their way.
Healing
The healing and medicinal properties of violets in herbalism and traditional medicine are well documented, but it's also common to include violets in magical means of healing.
Flower crowns of violet can be worn to ease away headaches.
Wearing violets on the head either as flower crowns or in the hair while drinking alcohol is also said to prevent drunkenness and/or hangovers.
Violets and marjoram are worn together during the winter months to ward against cold and illness.
Including violet flowers (dried or fresh) to one's bath water is believed to ward away illness and promote healing for the sick.
The scent of violets is believed to promote sleep.
Luck & Fortune
Violets are believed to be a potent tool when seeking a change of fortune. They've a particular association with bringing good fortune to women.
Violet flowers can be carried or worn as good luck charms.
Love
Violets can be added to workings to draw love, encourage attraction, or ignite passions.
Charms & Tussie-Mussies
One such work calls for mixing violet with lavender flowers to embolden one's love interest and ignite a spark of passion.
This can be done by making a charm bag for this purpose, but it can also be as simple a working as making a small bouquet or tussie-mussie to keep in a space where a) you're performing other love workings, or b) you know you'll be seeing your intended. You can also carry the tussie-mussie with you in their presence.
illustration of a bouquet of violet flowers from a Victorian era greeting card, possibly circa 1850-1870
Promoting Harmony in Relationships
For those who have been arguing or have been at odds with their partner, it's said that bringing violets into the house will bring peace into the home with them. So, too, does carrying or wearing violets on your person promote peace, harmony, and balance.
Easy Charm Bag to Attract Love
What you'll need:
violet flowers
lavender
rose petals or rose hips
a small cloth or leather bag, with or without a drawstring, or a square piece of fabric and a string of some kind
Other ingredients that can be included if you wish - apple seeds, basil, cinnamon (preferably sticks if trying to avoid mess), dried orange peel, marjoram, meadowsweet, moonwort, myrtle, orange seeds, periwinkle, primrose.
What to do:
If using a bag, place your flowers or other ingredients in the bag. Your bag or cloth can be any color, though some prefer to use pink/red (as many cultures associate those colors with love). That being said, you can use absolutely any color you want to or any color that's relevant in your personal practice.
If using a fabric, place your flowers or other ingredients in the center of the square of fabric. Draw the four corners of the cloth up around the contents, securing the contents inside of the fabric. Holding the sides/corners up together, tie them securely in place with your string, making a bag for yourself.
Your charm bag can be kept under your pillow or bed, can be kept in your purse or bag or on your person, or it can be hung up in your home.
Wealth
Violets are used in spells, amulets, and charms to attract money.
One of the simplest methods of doing so is by keeping a violet flower (fired or fresh) in one's wallet, pocket, purse, or anywhere one would keep money/means of payment. This is believed to draw money in.
Wearing a violet flower (fresh or dried) in one's shoes whilst walking into their place of work, a place where one is interviewing for a job, or into a meeting pertaining to one's business or finances is said to ensure that money comes one's way from these endeavors.
It's also said that if one seeks a promotion, it's auspicious to do so after seeing the first violet blooms of the year.
For those that own their own business, it's believed to be a portend of good fortune if violets grow on the property of one's business.
Wishing
It's said across a number of practices and belief sets that violets are powerful aids for wish fulfilment.
One common belief is that plucking the first violet bloom of the season ensures that your greatest wish at that time will come true.
Using violets in wishing and manifestation work can include:
keeping violets on an altar where one is working a wishing or manifestation spell
giving violets as offerings to ancestors, spirits, or deities whom one is working with/through for manifestation or wish fulfillment
anointing items associated with one's wish with a violet working oil
wearing violet perfumes or oils - essential or infused - while manifesting or performing work associated with one's wish
burning wish/manifestation candles that have been dressed with violet infused oil and/or violet flowers
Death, Renewal, & Remembrance
Violets have a strong association with death. They've long been used as funerary flowers, particularly on the graves of children, and are thus often used as offerings to spirits of children.
Violets also serve as symbols of renewal, rebirth, and the natural cycles of times. They can, therefore, be included on springtime altars, as well as in works pertaining to death or renewal.
In Dreams
There are many beliefs as to what dreams about or including violets might mean. For my dream interpreting witches, here are a few meanings:
If you see violets or pick them in your dream, this is a portend of a joyous occasion to come 'in which you will find favor with some superior' (possibly a promotion at work).
Gathering violets in one's dream may also be a sign that one is about to embark on a new venture in love - i.e. meet a new special someone, journey into a new romantic chapter in life, etc.
Wilted, withered, or dry violets are a sign that your love will also whither, that your affections won't be returned, or that your relationship is coming to an end.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
Some of the content included here was learned through oral tradition within my region of the Southeastern United States or were customs or beliefs taught to me by my maternal grandparents. Other sources used, however, are included below.
'Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the Herbal Traditions of the Eastern European Jews' - Cohen, Deatra; Siegel, Adam
'Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs' - Cunningham, Scott
'the Flower Encyclopedia & Gardener's Guide' - Wilkinson, Albert E.
'Magical Folkhealing: Herbs, Oils, and Recipes for Health, Healing, and Magic' - Conway, DJ
'the Master Book of Herbalism' - Bereyl, Paul
'10,000 Dreams Interpreted' - Hindman Miller, Gustavus
'12,000 Dreams Interpreted' - Hindman Miller, Gustavus; revised and updated by Shields, Linda; Skomal, Lenore
This is an overview of making your own sigils - what sigils are, what they are used for, how to charge them, and several of the more popular methods of making them! I’ll put a page break here for anyone not interested, as I expect this post to get longer than I intend rather quickly.
January is a month of new beginnings, a time to set intentions and welcome the fresh energy of the new year. It's a time of renewal, reflection, and planning for the journey ahead. This month is about honoring the transition from the old year to the new, letting go of what no longer serves us, and focusing on the goals and desires you want to manifest in the coming months. January is also the month dedicated to Janus, the Roman god of transitions, beginnings, and endings. He stands at the threshold, looking both to the past and the future, offering guidance as we move through change and growth. As the keeper of doors and gates, Janus helps us cross into new phases of life, making this the perfect time to reflect on what we want to leave behind and what we want to invite in. I think it's a great time to take advantage of the energy of the month by setting clear intentions, practicing gratitude, and creating space for both rest and action as we prepare for the journey ahead.
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁
Celebrations:
New Year’s Day – January 1
Planets:
Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Flowers:
Crocus, Snowdrops, Angelica
Herbs/Plants:
Marjoram, Thyme, Pine Cones, Holly, Thistle, Sage, Juniper
(Regardless of what you celebrate, it’s highly likely that you’ll be meeting with or engaging in some sort of holiday sometime during the year, so you might find this helpful. Reconnecting with family and friends can be a joy, but can also be draining for people who are easily overwhelmed by other people’s energies). THESE IDEAS ARE CUSTOMIZABLE BUT ARE INFLUENCED BY MY PERSONAL BELIEFS.
🌲Enchant your perfume or cologne with a specific intention. (Example: Ward off uncomfortable conversation, ward off nerves, energize your social battery).
🌲When choosing what to wear, include a necklace, jewelry item, or accessories (such as a tie) that you consider protective of your energy. For me, I wear a pentacle bracelet, but for you it might be something different. You can even ask spirits or deities you work with to charge it overnight on the night before with protection.
🌲I like to draw the rune Wunjo or the rune Gebo on every present I gift with invisible ink or just trace it with my finger, so it brings joy to the person receiving it! You could draw a symbol that represents joy in a similar fashion!
🌲Knot magic is an easy way to incorporate love into the gift exchanging. Tie your presents you’re giving with decorative ribbons and charge each one with love or chant over it this short chant “With love I tie thee, may all be merry!”
🌲If you’re making a special drink (hot-chocolate, mulled wine, etc) be mindful of the energy you put into it while stirring it. You can invite or banish (you’ve probably heard that stirring clockwise is inviting energy and stirring counterclockwise is banishing). But you can also stir simple sigils of calm and peace into it!
🌲If you’re into using crystals, I recommend these crystals for navigating the holiday season:
-Strawberry quartz (for enjoyment and extra enthusiasm)
-Smoky Quartz (for gentle protection and comfort)
-Howlite (for calming during chaos and being present)
-Opal (both non precious and precious, for inspiring generosity and equal exchange of energy)
🌜Dream pillows are wonderful for creating a restful, magical sleep. Filled with carefully selected herbs, dream pillows can be made for; pure relaxation, getting rid of nightmares, encouraging dreams, etc.
⭐Here is how to make a dream pillow for relaxation, deep sleep and vivid dreams.
🌠2 pieces of either blue or purple fabric cut in the shape of a moon. (Feel free to make it any size; small, medium, or large.)
🌠A needle and either a blue or purple thread.
A herb blend of:
🌠Chamomile~ Soothing tension and relaxation.
🌠Lavender~ Relaxation and peaceful sleep.
🌠Mugwort~ Prophetic dreams and psychic power
🌠Cedar~ Purification, cleansing, and protection.
Also included is a large amount of flaxseed for a soft pliable pillow.
1. Cleanse and protect your space.
2. Using the reversed side of the cloth, sew the edges together but leave a large space open to flip your moon inside out. (This helps to keep the thread work inside the pillow than having it show on the outside.)
3. With that done, fill the pillow with the herbs and flaxseed.
4. Close and sew the open hole. Before the final stitch say,
“Moon in hand, I say this spell.
For restful sleep and vivid dreams.
With herbs and fabric held by a seam.
May this pillow, aid me well.”
⭐This lunar pillow is meant to be placed somewhere near your head while you sleep. Use your book of shadows or any journal to record any significant messages/symbols you may have.💜
Dream herbal teas are often used to promote vivid dreams, enhance dream recall, and support a restful night's sleep.
Here are some herbal teas that are commonly associated with dreaming:
Chamomile tea: Chamomile is known for its calming properties, making it a popular choice before bed. It can help relax the mind and promote a peaceful sleep, which may lead to more vivid dreams.
Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea has a refreshing aroma that can stimulate the senses and enhance mental clarity. Some people believe that drinking peppermint tea before bed can result in more vivid and memorable dreams.
Mugwort tea: Mugwort has a long history of use in promoting vivid dreams and aiding in dream recall. Drinking mugwort tea before bed is thought to enhance dream activity and facilitate lucid dreaming experiences.
Valerian root tea: Valerian root is known for its calming and sedative effects. It can promote deep sleep and relaxation, potentially leading to more restful and dream-filled sleep.
Lavender tea: Lavender has calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation and better sleep. Drinking lavender tea before bed may help create a soothing environment conducive to vivid and pleasant dreams.
Calea Zacatechichi tea (Dream Herb): Calea Zacatechichi, also known as "Dream Herb," is a plant commonly used by indigenous cultures to enhance dreaming. It is believed to intensify dreams and improve dream recall. Brewing a tea with dried Calea Zacatechichi leaves may help facilitate vivid dream experiences.
Remember that individual responses to herbal teas can vary, and not everyone may experience the desired effects.
If you have any health conditions or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal teas into your routine, especially if you're considering using herbs with potentially strong effects like mugwort or Calea Zacatechichi.
Dream Journaling: Keeping a dream journal is the foundation of dream work in witchcraft. It involves writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up, even if you can only remember a few details. This practice helps you remember your dreams more vividly, identify patterns or recurring themes, and develop a deeper understanding of your subconscious mind.
Lucid Dreaming: Lucid dreaming is the ability to become aware that you are dreaming and to control the dream. It can be used for manifestation, healing, and exploring your inner world. To practice lucid dreaming, you can use reality checks, set intentions before you go to sleep, and practice visualization techniques.
Astral Projection: Astral projection is the practice of leaving your physical body and traveling to different realms or dimensions. It can be used for spiritual exploration, connecting with spirit guides, or receiving messages from the universe. To practice astral projection, you can use meditation, visualization, among other journeying techniques. It's important to practice caution and preparation, and work with an experienced practitioner or teacher if possible.
Dream Incubation: Dream incubation is the practice of setting an intention before you go to sleep to dream about a specific topic or question. It can be used for divination, problem-solving, or spiritual exploration. To practice dream incubation, you can use visualization, affirmations, or ritual to set your intention.
Dream Interpretation: Dream interpretation is the process of analyzing the symbols and messages in your dreams to gain insight into your subconscious mind. It can be used for spiritual growth, self-awareness, and problem-solving. To practice dream interpretation, you can use books, online resources, or work with a dream interpreter or witch.
Dream Protection: Dream protection is the practice of protecting yourself from negative energies or entities that may enter your dreams. It can be used for spiritual protection, emotional healing, or to prevent nightmares. To practice dream protection, you can use visualization, affirmations, or protection spells or talismans.
This is from my recent (first video, awful quality) Samhain video on Evergreen Sorcery. It will get rid of all gunk in your space including nasty spirits.
Here is the recipe.
Ingredients
- Distilled Water: 3/4 cup
- Witch Hazel (alcohol-based is best for preservation): 1/4 cup (for solubilizing essential oils as well)
- DRIED Herbs: Pine, Cedar, Rue, Rose and their thorns
- Optional: Essential Oils Can be used in the placement of herbs
- (Optional for storage) Preservative: Optiphen Plus or Geogard ECT (follow manufacturer’s instructions; typically 0.5–1% of the total mixture)
Instructions
1. Infuse the Water: Boil the distilled water, then pour it over the dried herbs in a glass jar. Cover and let it steep until the water cools to room temperature. This creates a strong herbal infusion.
2. Strain the herbs out of the infusion using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to avoid any plant particles in your spray. Make sure the liquid is clear.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a (preferably tinted) spray bottle, add the witch hazel and essential oils (optional) to the strained herbal infusion or just essential oils instead of herbs if you do not have herbal components.
4. Add Preservative: Add the preservative according to the manufacturer's recommended percentage for water-based formulas.
5. Mix and Store: Shake well, label (with date), and store in a cool, dark place and keep out of sunlight.
Tips on Preservatives
- Optiphen (op-tiphen) Plus: Ideal for water-based solutions.
- Geogard ECT: An eco-certified preservative that works well in a range of products.
Cautions:
Please be mindful of pets and other living beings, as certain ingredients, like essential oils, can harm them—it may be best to avoid using these near animals. Note that it’s normal for this mixture to become cloudy or separate over time; however, if you notice an off smell, it’s time to discard it. Also, remember that the oils in the mixture may cause stains on surfaces like bedding.
Freyja: Your communication skills need work, I'm here to help.
Me: But why did y'all, specifically Odin, want me to stop talking to him if things were going to wor- wait a minute. Y'ALL DID THAT ON PURPOSE DIDN'T YOU?
