While I'm talking about writing I do want to rec two INCREDIBLE writing apps that have helped me immensely as a writer with ADHD
Stimuwrite is a little program that you can customize with all sorts of really rewarding instant tactile feedback, for example sound effects every time you hit a key, emoji notifications and balloons when you hit your custom goal (which can be as low as you want for low energy days), and neat animated backgrounds.
4thewords turns writing into an RPG and you can kill monsters via word count in order to complete quests and progress through what I personally find to be an interesting and fun storyline. It comes with all the RPG trappings like loot, gear, even custom housing (win more stuff for your house by writing).
I cannot stress ENOUGH how amazing both of these have been in terms of my writing productivity as someone with pretty severe executive dysfunction issues. Usually I use Stimuwrite for the instant feedback and then copy and paste those over into 4thewords for the gamification.
Both are small indie projects, Stimuwrite is pay-what-you-can-afford and 4thewords is $4/month but they are very good about helping people who genuinely can't afford it.
and AS THE CHERRY ON TOP, Stimuwrite's programmer is a trans woman, and while I'm not sure about the 4thewords team in specific, the game is FILLED with really great rep, they are literally having a lesbian wedding global event going on right now as I type this. So like. I like giving money to them more than giving money to a lot of other projects lol.
Anyway no neither of these projects have told me to write about them or anything I just want to spread the love. Go check them out!!
People who call themselves priests and priestesses of Greco-Roman Deities are not necessarily more knowledgeable or more helpful and you need to vibecheck them the same way as the rest of us. Priesthood is nothing but a social duty over a community; one I am very doubtful can exist outside of physical, palpable religious organization with their inner hierarchy, climate, rules, and physically accessible ritual space.
I once had someone claiming to be a “priestess of Aphrodite” send me a LONG hateful message about how sex workers were gross and “made women look bad.” 🤐
See, this is why I don’t like modern self-appointed online “priestesses”! They aren’t doing any helpful work for the community (like a priestess should, because priesthood is community service), they take up meaningful terms to obtain control and position.
Yikes to whoever that was, Aphrodite is a Goddess of sex workers, too! A Shame that Her “priestess” doesn’t know anything of sacred prostitution!
Designing Spells, a how-to guide for every level of experience and discretion: Threshold Theory
Suggested Reading
*-Highly recommended
Threshold Theory*
Path of Least Resistance*
Anchors*
What is Witchcraft?*
Basic Energy Work
Conceptualization Vs. Visualization
Spell Dictation*
Spellcasting Basics*
Basic spell components:
All spells have a few components that are absolutely necessary for potent results. It is going to be assumed that physical and/or energetic work was done to actually prepare and cast the spell.
In order to cast a spell, one needs to be in a space of mind that facilitates the spell working. We often refer to this as ‘Headspace”, this assists one to be more focused. This can be the most difficult aspect of spellworking for some practitioners. The mind needs to be honed in on the spell, the energies, spirits, and intentions involved. This headspace exists to channel the practitioner's focus on the task at hand. This combination of headspace and focus is referred to as a state of gnosis.
Secondly, one would need to have passion, an emotional state that is used to fuel the spell.
Lastly, one needs to have an Intention for a spell. This is the most discussed aspect of spell casting, but is also the most misunderstood. Intention is not to be confused with desire. Intent is a personal truth, something that cannot be lied to. It is possible to cast a spell without one of these three components, however the spell most likely will not be as potent as if one did. You totally can cast spells based on desire and not intent, but validating the spell may be difficult or it may have varied results.
Too read about how to record your spells accurately, check out this post.
Correspondences, Tools, & External resources:
When looking through the internet or other informational resources and/or guides on witchcraft, you’ll probably notice that a few things tend to be regularly occurring:
1. That though a lot of practitioners may say that tools and correspondences aren’t necessary, a vast majority of sources and guides include and/or require correspondences and/or physical tools.
2. The correspondences used in each source are only as common as the dominant source for those correspondences within that specific tradition. For some, those sources are books, and for others they are the first result on a Google search.
When it comes to Tools used to perform magic, there are a few things that must be kept in mind. Some tools are culture/tradition specific and it would be disrespectful for you to use them, which may or may not have spiritual consequences. Many tools are used to accomplish the same ends. For example, wands and athames are used for very similar purposes, the casting and/or projection of energies within a specific space- typically when sanctifying an object or opening/closing a space for a working. If you decide to use a tool for your practice, please be sure that you understand the cultural ramifications of doing so within a spiritual space.
When it comes to Correspondences, there are a plethora of sources that may appear to have contradicting data. This is because they stem from various traditions and sources. This occurs because correspondences are 100% subjective. However, if you practice within a specific tradition or culture, then you are expected to follow the correspondences of that practice. This can be incredibly powerful because people have been building on those ideas and connections for lifetimes.
IF you aren’t a part of a preexisting tradition ask yourself what you feel you should use. Magic can be a very personal and intimate experience. Don’t be afraid to create your own correspondences. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to invent your own tools- but be sure to do so as if it were a sacred act. Magical tools aren’t something that should be thrown together thoughtlessly and then treated like pencils or hair ties, they should be created and treated as what they are: a medium for your magic. They should be planned and made with materials that you deem appropriate. The should be stored as if they were fragile or put on display on an altar. If you’re not open about your practice, this aspect may be challenging to hide.
Types of spells:
In my experience, there are seven types of spells. Please bear in mind that these are by no means finite boundaries for spellwork to exist within, just an acknowledgement of trends.
Altar Spells: Spells that require not only tools and correspondences, but also require a ritual or ceremony in order to cast it. Often, these spells utilize candles and crystals, prayers and symbology, and may even go as far to actually require an altar.
Glamours: These spells more often than not, require only symbols and energy. They are use to altar the perceptions of whatever they’re placed on, whether targeting other or yourself.
Divination: Spells used to heighten your intuition. A lot of practitioners don’t view divinations as being spellwork, but a good diviner uses all three of the basic components of spellwork for their readings.
Psychological Spells: These are spells put on yourself to altar your own mind by manipulating your own subconscious. These spells are performed often through repetitive action and subliminal messaging through turn of phrase of symbology.
Energetic Spells: These spells require only the energies of yourself and/or beings and objects around you. Most energetic spells that are easy to find on the internet are very small spells, typically aimed at small scale manifestation. However, with enough practice and intuition, Energetic Spells can do anything that any other spell type can achieve.
Astral Spells: These are spells that require being in an Astral form or even on the Astral Plane. They are very similar to Energetic spells but they require even less. However, due to the nature of the Astral, maintaining the basic components of spellwork while in this form can be very challenging.
Spirit Spells: These are spells that either use spirits as the medium for the spell to travel through, or employ a spirit to do the spell work for you entirely. Like energetic spells, this type of spell can achieve anything that all the others can if given enough experience and practice.
Spell dictation: Whether it be for recording a spell that you have already cast or recording how to perform a spell you have only just thought of, the way you choose to record your spellwork with have a massive impact on your craft as a whole.
The importance of record keeping:
When performing spells, it is imperative to keep a record of the exact spell process and results. By doing this you’ll be able to keep track of successful spells and those that aren’t. Then it becomes easy to home in on effective spell processes.keeping a record also makes it a lot easier to undo spells that take an undesired turn. I recommend having a dedicated book or Google drive folder to record your spells.
Spell Design Process:
All spells can be thought of as a combination of Thresholds, Nodes, Intent, Focus, and Passion. (And an action)
Without any of these a spell will not function as intended or would not work at all.
Nodes are things like correspondences. They are individual concepts that are connected to form a complete web, or Threshold, for the spell to travel through. Correspondences need not be only for the physical objects involved. They can be as simple as word association or a memory.
Start creating a spell:
1: Decide on a goal, what you wish the spell to accomplish. It is important that your spell takes the path of least resistance in order to have the highest chance at success
2: Create or find correspondences and concepts to create your nodes from and then find how they can be connected. This can be done mentally or by using nodes that are associated with each other.
3: Get all your tools and sympathetic representations together, if you decide to use them. If not, skip to 4.
4: Decide what is the best headspace to be in for casting the spell. It is important to record this as well.
5: Find what is the best emotion to fuel the spell and record that as well.
6: Figure out what energetic programming you wish to use and record that. Do this as best you can, I do realize that the current energetic model definitely leaves a ton to be desired.
7: If you wish to involve spirits, be sure to commune with them beforehand if necessary. And be sure to keep record of the conditions that are reached and which entities you involve.
8: Compile your spell into a single process.
9: Cast and record results.
Be sure to do as much research into your target as possible. Like if you’re casting a spell onto the brain of another person, it would be wise to know their medical history or there could be unwanted side effects.
Discrete Spells and Practices:
The best way to keep your spell work private is to forgo your physical tools and sympathetic representations. This can be achieved by relying on spirit work or energy work.
If you wish to keep the physical aspects of the craft and the way you keep records, I recommend having a small discrete bag to hold your tools and such and coming up with a transcription orthography to write with. This can be either a personal alphabet or a simple encryption like a caesar cipher. A lot of discrete practitioners cannot use candles or burn, in order to get around this you can have ashes as your fire representation and draw things you would burn in water soluble inks. You can also draw Sigils using invisible inks as well.
Networking and How to Talk About Spells:
When discussing witchcraft, it is of the utmost importance to first establish personal semantic meaning. Since witchcraft is a multicultural and multilingual phenomenon, the words used to discuss it vary wildly. This is why I take the time to define my terms.
Once the baseline of semantics has been discussed, it is safe to proceed with discussions about magic. It would be easier to start with practitioners who have a similar practice. But I recommend connecting with anyone who is willing to have fair, free and, open discussions. Remain aware of the nuances of culture as to avoid taking and using what is not meant for you.
Validating Spells:
when recording spells, be sure to note the date and time of casting and have a timeframe in which you would expect a given result. Once the timeline runs its course take any notes of what might be pertinent.
If the spell is continuous, be sure to make note of the situation beforehand so that as time passes you can make notes of relative change.
Sometimes spells don’t work and that’s okay. That just means you need to reassess the working and try again.
Troubleshooting Spells:
If a spell effects more than what was desired, you likely weren’t focused enough or your nodes weren’t connected thoroughly.
If a spell worked but wasn’t to the desired intensity, you likely didn’t fuel it with enough passion during the casting.
If a spell didn’t work at all, it could be that it didn’t take the path of least resistance or you were missing a crucial element. As an example, it is more effective to cast a spell for your employer/client to notice your hard work than it would be to cast one to get a raise.
As you adjust aspects of your working, you’ll be honing it to perfection. Keep track of your changes and overall processes.
If you have any questions, want to know about my blog, commission a Sigil, commission a magical script, suggest content, get a divination reading, or see a list of my planned and published content click here.
all your stuffed animals love you. they're not sad if they're in a box, or on the floor, or not held/played with as much. they understand. they know that you might need another stuffie more, or that you don't have enough space. they're just happy to be with you, and if you ever give them away, they'll be happy there too. stuffies are for comfort. they understand. they love you too. it's okay.
The deafening sound as it cracks overhead, the way it would send everything around me into a tremble and rattle me to the bone. The raw, unbrideled, and terrifying power buzzing in the air.
I've honoured Aphrodite for almost three years, but last year, I started feeling a strong pull to another of the Hellenic gods.
I never expected to feel so suddenly drawn to King Zeus. He was honestly the last God I'd expect to feel such a pull towards. But since then, he is alongside Aphrodite, the only god that never truly leaves my mind and heart.
Since then, I've slowly started to see thunderstorms differently. There is still so much power, and the sound still shakes me. But I also feel a sort of warmth.
I no longer sit through thunder and lightning afraid and rattled, hoping for it to pass.
I can sit in it now, letting myself become filled with the energy instead of pushing it away, and my heart fills with respect, gratitude, and reverence.
I'm still learning how to honour Zeus, but at least this feels right.
Just a quick compilation of the posts I've made about exercises to help improve your craft. These can be used as journaling prompts, inspiration for activities, or as methods for pulling yourself out of a slump and recharging your witchy inspiration.
Witchcraft Exercise - Quantifying Your Craft
Witchcraft Exercise - Dig Through The Ditches
Witchcraft Exercise - The Book of Lessons
Witchcraft Exercise - Home Brews
Witchcraft Exercise - Witchy Inspo Journal
Witchcraft Exercise - Spring Cleaning
Witchcraft Exercise - Creating Your Own Runes
Witchcraft Exercise - Shakespearean Witchcraft
Prompt - Music to Witch By
Most of these are also available in the May 2021 bonus episode of Hex Positive (check your favorite podcatcher).
(If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)
You need to fuck up in your path in order to learn and if it doesn’t work try again or try a different way.
Witches of the past majority of the time learned from their spirits so while it’s nice that we have a large community to learn from, pay attention to your spirits and learn from them first and foremost.
Ares has a few really interesting symbols that speak to the more nuanced parts of his domains, in particular the woodpecker and his shrine Guardians, who feature heavily in the mythologies of Cadmus and Jason. While he has the typical symbols you'd associate with a war deity, I am in particular interested in his associations with snakes as they were often seen as aprotopaic in antiquity.
Estate & Attributes
Chariot with gold reins drawn by four fire breathing horses
Bronze-tipped Spear (his typical weapon)
Golden armor & shield, usually with a serpent design
Shrine Guardians - Drakon at his sacred Grove in Thebes and another in Kolkhis
The Spartoi (fully grown warriors who came from the teeth of the Drakon that was slain by Cadmus and buried in the soil)
Sacred Animals & Guardians
Barn Owl & Eagle Owl (note these are different from the owl sacred to Athena). The owls represented ill omens and were considered a warning sign of war and sedition
Woodpecker - considered a good omen and sign of good fortune, especially when related to a hunt or feast
Vulture - another bird of ill omen as it was often associated with the dead left behind after a battle
"Zeus loathed them [the giants Agrios and Oreios] and sent Hermes to punish them . . . But Ares, since the family of Polyphonte [mother of the giants] descended from him, snatched her sons from this fate. With the help of Hermes he changed them into birds. Polyphonte became a small owl whose voice is heard at night. She does not eat or drink and keeps her head turned down and the tips of her feet turned up. She is a portent of war and sedition for mankind. Oreios became an eagle owl, a bird that presages little good to anyone when it appears. Argios was changed into a vulture, the bird most detested by gods and men. These gods gave him an utter craving for human flesh and blood. Their female servant was changed into a woodpecker. As she was changing her shape she prayed to the gods not to become a bird evil for mankind. Hermes and Ares heard her prayer because she had by necessity done what her masters had ordered. This a bird of good omen for someone going hunting or to feasts."
Poisonous serpent (he was the father of the Drakon of Thebes that was slain by Cadmus)
and just as a personal side note, I think it's so interesting that the woodpecker is one of the "positive" symbols of Ares. While we know his mythology paints the war god as more than just chaotic and evil and wanting to cause suffering, we don't see that in his attributes and symbols very much. Part of me wonders how much of this is due to his small cult presence, and how much is due to lost knowledge through the ages.
