Folkloric Traditional Witch

Rural witch influenced by folklore and the local environment. I support cursing bigots.

[imaginarywitchcraft-deactivated]

"In order to be able to do their job effectively; to work magic, provide wisdom and divine people’s fortunes, the witch needs first to develop this relationship and become attuned to both the physical and spiritual reality of the land in which they live."

Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary

[perse-phoneee-deactivated202007]

how do i get started in traditional witchcraft? and im a little confused on what the mighty dead is/are as well, even with the definition you gave. could you elaborate any or point me in the right direction? thank you very much prim i hope you have a good day

Hello, friend! As for how you get started, I recommend looking through my “traditional witchcraft” tag and research beyond that as well. If you have any family traditions, even if a few generations back, that can be a good place to start! If not, research local folklore, field guides, and books specifically on traditional witchcraft.

The term “Beloved Dead” refers to our ancestors: both blood-related and family-by-choice. Some people even extend this beyond family and include spirits with which they share a common lineage (such as career path). The term “Mighty Dead” refers specifically to witchcraft ancestors: people who, while they were alive, made great discoveries and/or left a powerful impact on the Craft itself and continue to leave their mark.

Essentially, both terms are simply categories of spiritual ancestors, though the Mighty Dead are “elevated” ancestors, much like ancient Greek heroes were elevated and venerated for their feats. One could argue that the Beloved Dead and Mighty Dead often play slightly different roles. For example, in some instances it’s a good idea to call upon great-grandma (Beloved Dead) for protection, and other times you may want to call upon Medea (Mighty Dead.) Regardless if a spirit is your ancestor or a witching ancestor, you need to build and maintain a relationship with them.

I hope this helps to clarify the terms for you a bit more! I hope you have a nice day as well.

[deathbydevilsweed]

I have been always been more on the "light and love" side of the craft (during my relatively new and brief period of practice) but I have begun to feel drawn to the witch father. I am, understandably, apprehensive given that I come from a Christian upbringing. I am doing as much research as is possible, and I find that whenever I read anything about the witch father, I become sexually aroused. Would you consider this some kind of sign?

Sorry this is probably very late, there seems to be an issue with the notifications I get for the inbox on this blog.

It’s difficult to say, as I don’t know your personal experiences with this, and views of the Witch Father can vary (ie, some people consider there to be different Witch Fathers depending on region). I would say it’s reasonable to think this could be some sort of connection with him, however.

Two things I want to bring up:

One is that the Witch Father is different from the Christian Devil (in varying degrees depending on who you ask). In my view, the being I call the Devil is Nature: the nature of humans and of the Earth, both the creative and destructive. He is an entity but also connected to a larger thing. However, I’ve come across people who have both more concrete and much vaguer interpretations. But basically, you don’t inherently have to incorporate Christianity into your practice.

Second is that you do not have to work with the Witch Father if you aren’t comfortable with it, whether you feel a connection or not. I’m firmly against proselytizing and holding one’s beliefs above anyone else’s, so I will never tell someone that Trad Witchcraft is the thing that they should be practicing. There are many paths of witchcraft and though many witches view the Witch Father as the path to initiation, you don’t have to take that view if you don’t wish to.

TL;DR: It’s not really a simple yes/no question. If you feel you should proceed with connecting to the Witch Father, you can, but as with most spirits, you should make sure you are ready and that is a step you want to take, and spend a lot of time researching beforehand. It is not a decision you have to make right away, either. If you haven’t been practicing long, you absolutely do not have to dedicate yourself to any particular spirits, deities, or initiator right off the bat--you can take time to research and come back to this question later if you aren’t ready.

[necromancyandme-deactivated2020]

Necromancy skills: Mummification and Preservation.

One of the key skills required to create some of the most powerful necromantic talismans and foci is a firm grasp on mummification and preserving organic materials. In this lecture i will cover the mummification process as practiced by the Egyptians in a secular manner, to be adapted into one’s own path.

___________

Key knowledge/Foundations: ___________

These are the logical foundations of the mummification process.

+ Microbiology: • Bacteria rapidly decompose organic matter. • Bacteria need water to survive. Therefore: Bacteria are the enemy of the mage attempting to preserve a specimen and must be eradicated hastily, less they destroy the specimen from the inside. The mage must remove as much water and bodily fluids as possible in order to assure the specimen will last long past death.

+ Osmosis: • Water will (if possible) go from high concentrations to lower concentrations. Water will pass through any permeable tissues and membranes in order to achieve this. • Water dissolves salt, and as salt has no moisture, osmosis will attempt to equalize the moisture content between the salt and the water, drawing moisture out from anything around the salt. Therefore: Using salt is an effective way to draw moisture out from your specimen, killing any bacteria and preventing the growth of new ones inside the specimen.

Your specimen must be dead for no more than two days or kept frozen before starting this process. Use your own judgment to know if the subject is in a state worth preserving.

___________

Methods ___________

Once you have acquired your specimen, assess what the best course of action is:

Resin dip: The fastest and cheapest way to mummify a specimen. This process was the most common method of mummifying pets and small animals in ancient Egypt. See “resin dip”

Traditional mummification: This is the possess used on humans by the ancient Egyptians up until the 18th dynasty, it leaves you with the most authentic style of mummy and can be used on almost any animal with minimal damage to the specimen.

Wet preserve: For the smallest and most fragile specimens. Refer to “Preserving individual pieces” for instructions.

Drying: For small specimens like hands and feet. Refer to “Preserving individual pieces” for instructions. ___________

Materials ___________

+Salt: Traditionally, natron salt was used in the making of mummies. If you can’t afford natural natron salt, it can be made with the following recipe: ¼ unit of finely ground sea salt ½ unit of sodium carbonate (powdered bleach, found in the laundry aisle) ½ unit of sodium bicarbonate

+ Resin: You will need a fair bit of resin for any mummy, for a specimen 20cm in length, i recommend 8 cups of resin. I recommend pine resin but any NON SYNTHETIC resin will work just fine.

+ Linen wraps: These are just as functional as they are cosmetic. Wrapping your mummy will keep insects, bacteria and moisture off the body, as well keeping the body from falling apart with the slightest movement. Cut strips 15 - 20cm across and 3 - 5cm wide for your bandages.

+ Sharp and sterile blades

+ Scissors

+ Needle and thread

+ Tweezers

+ Herbs and spices: Use cinnamon, lavender and other herbs and spices between bandages, not only does it hide the scent of the body, but it also keeps away insects.

+ Syringes ___________

The Process: ___________

Step One: Disembowelment

Make a small incision left side of the specimen’s abdomen. If the subject is 15cm or smaller, it is best to make a shallow cut down the middle of the animal, as to avoid damaging the subject too heavily with blind prodding. From your incision, remove all organs as carefully as possible. Take extra care with the digestive tract as it is host to tons of bacteria which can ruin your specimen if released. If desired, one may leave the heart in place as the Egyptians did. With the body now hollowed out, wrap a table spoon of natron salt and any desired herbs in linen to form a small parcel. Place the parcel into the body through the incision and repeat the process until the body regains it’s shape, finish by sewing the incision shut and pouring melted resin or wax over it to seal it shut.

The brain and eyes can be left in their place if desired, they will shrivel, shrink and dry with the rest of the body during the drying process.

If desired, your subject should be shaved/defeathered completely before the next process, this will prevent any chance of the body not drying out entirely, Resin sticking and clumping to the fur/feather/hair or for any parasites such as fleas to remain on the subject.

At this point the eyelids, vagina (if applicable) and mouth are sewn shut and the subject may be castrated if the mage feels it necessary.

Any removed organs can be wet preserved or thrown away to the mages liking (see “wet preserve” in “Preserving individual pieces”). ___________

Step Two: Drying

Spread a layer 3cm thick of natron salt down on your drying table or container. Rest your specimen down on it in the position desired and proceed to cover the subject completely in the salt. For the most optimal drying environment, the table or container should be in a room with high temperatures, low humidity and good ventilation. The total drying time is 35 days - 2 months with salt changes every seven days. During these salt changes, the specimen should be inspected thoroughly for maggots or decay. maggots or eggs should be pulled out and any holes caused by them filled with salt to destroy any beneath the skin. Decay should be monitored closely and recorded as thoroughly as possible to note chages or spread. Once the subject is completely dry, move on to the next step. ___________

Step Three: Resin and Wrapping.

After melting your resin in a double boiler, fill a syringe with it and use the syringe to fill the anus and ear canal, preventing insects from crawling into the body.

Next, we will either submerge the specimen in or pour the melted resin over the subject, with care taken to cover the specimen only where the mage wishes to wrap the mummy, some mages will wrap the whole body, others only from the neck down. Quickly, before the resin hardens, the mage must wrap the specimen in the linen bandages, starting from the legs and arms (or wings) and moving on to the body, tail, neck and head and adding in herbs and spices between the bandages. If a thicker, stronger and longer lasting mummy is required, repeat the process again as needed. ___________

Preserving individual pieces: For the smaller bits or individual organs, different techniques can be employed.

Baking: For pieces like the severed hand, foot or tail, fill a deep baking tray 1/3 with natron salt, place the subject(s) in and cover them in more salt*. Place it in the oven at low heat for 9 hours to melt off a majority of the fats in the subject without cooking it. After removing it from the oven, place it in a bowl of salt and proceed with drying as explained in step two.

*it is important to leave the piece in whatever position desired before placing it in the oven as it will stiffen after baking.

Resin dip: Refer to “Resin dip”

Wet preserve: I will refer the reader to this most excellent source for a complete guide on how to accomplish wet preservation: http://mickeyalicekwapis.com/blog/2015/9/10/wet-specimens-a-general-guide

___________

Resin Dip: The absolute laziest and cheapest way to mummify a subject. I warn you that your specimen may loose shape or decay under the resin UNLESS you use this to preserve a peice of a specimen (Tail, ear, Finger etc).

Prepare a container just deep and narrow enough to fit your specimen with melted resin and proceed to dip the specimen completely into the resin. Hang the subject to drip any excess resin before wrapping it in linen. This can and has been done with entire specimens but i urge you to use this only for pieces of a specimen.

I plan on teaching how to apply this into making talismans at a future date.

Best of luck- S

[deathbydevilsweed]

simplified breakdown of what's appropriate to borrow from Catholicism, from a Catholic: going to a church and lighting a candle for your catholic ancestors is encouraged, and they will almost certainly appreciate it. taking communion if you are not catholic is inappropriate. stealing consecrated communion host to use as an offering, as that one person suggested, would be DEEPLY disrespectful. as for anything you do in private, like saying the rosary or appealing to saints, just trust your gut

Thank you for the information, I really appreciate it! I really want to make sure I’m respectful of Catholicism, both because I obviously don’t want to offend my ancestors and also because I don’t want to be disrespectful to religious beliefs. I only just started looking into Catholicism and don’t know much about it, so I’m trying to learn what would be appropriate for me to borrow before actually applying any of it to my practice. I appreciate the breakdown on what would be appropriate and what would be disrespectful, I’ll definitely make sure to apply that to how I approach the incorporation!

[toverijenspokerij]

Hi, @deathbydevilsweed; about the (stolen) host; anon is a bit too serious. There is witchcraft ánd Catholic folk magic/customs that have a host (stolen or otherwise) as an ingredient. It is above all practical. It’s not as if you can ask the priest for one; since he’ll want to know what you want it for… Be not too concerned with the rules of the church or it’s (lay)members. What is appropriate is good to keep in the back of you mind, as is cultural context. What works and builds a good practice is at the front.  See, ‘offering’ a host to ancestors can elevate them. Or increase the fertility of your land, animals, protection of your house, ward off evil, etc… Mind you, if you can get your hands on the ‘blood’ which is a coveted substance in ANY magical tradition, that would be interesting too. Catholicism isn’t exactly a religious minority. So the disrespect, ogh. And there is a certain power in that as well. This mainly comes down to personal preference and need. Though good manners make you a welcome guest everywhere, be weary of anon’s who try to tell you what is disrespectful or not.. 

[deathbydevilsweed]

Thanks for letting me know! I tend to get really worried about offending people in any way, so sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if I’m simply being respectful or if I’m just being unreasonable about something that wouldn’t actually be disrespectful lol. Anyway I appreciate the answer, looking at you blog it seems like you know what you’re talking about so I’ll look through your posts as a resource, tysm!

[deathbydevilsweed]

simplified breakdown of what's appropriate to borrow from Catholicism, from a Catholic: going to a church and lighting a candle for your catholic ancestors is encouraged, and they will almost certainly appreciate it. taking communion if you are not catholic is inappropriate. stealing consecrated communion host to use as an offering, as that one person suggested, would be DEEPLY disrespectful. as for anything you do in private, like saying the rosary or appealing to saints, just trust your gut

Thank you for the information, I really appreciate it! I really want to make sure I’m respectful of Catholicism, both because I obviously don’t want to offend my ancestors and also because I don’t want to be disrespectful to religious beliefs. I only just started looking into Catholicism and don’t know much about it, so I’m trying to learn what would be appropriate for me to borrow before actually applying any of it to my practice. I appreciate the breakdown on what would be appropriate and what would be disrespectful, I’ll definitely make sure to apply that to how I approach the incorporation!

[deathbydevilsweed]

I’ve had a few witchcraft blogs before and I deleted them either because I got stressed about asks or because my anxiety was too bad to handle to ridiculous amount of discourse both within the witchblr community and with those outside of the community looking in (also I always felt like I had to engage with people who were spreading shitty opinions). I think I’ve gotten better at deleting asks when needed and just blocking assholes.

[deathbydevilsweed]

Does anyone have advice on respectfully bringing Catholicism into the craft without actually being Catholic?

I’m working on connecting with my Italian ancestors, and the majority of that side of my family is Catholic, so I feel it would be more respectful to them to approach them with elements of Catholicism even if it’s not something I believe in. I have never had much connection with Christianity at all (I think I’ve been in a Catholic church once?) and I’ve never attempted to blend my craft with anything before. I don’t want to disrespect Catholicism in any way, I just want to respect my ancestors by properly bringing in spirituality that they believed in.

I’m aware of the use of the Bible in witchcraft and the power that it can have regardless of whether someone is Christian or not, but beyond that I don’t have experience in this at all.

[helheth]

Every side of my family is staunchly Catholic, and I am one of few to break off. But it does contain a treasure trove of magical resources, especially necromantic ones! Masses for the dead and prayers for the souls in purgatory both come to mind. Or, if you can attend Mass, a consecrated Eucharist makes a potent offering. There is also the topic of Saints, who can make excellent allies.

To work Catholic magic, terms of “belief” and “disbelief” don’t hold much sway. You don’t need to be baptized, or identify as Catholic to work it. But do recognize that you’re playing in God’s territory, whether he is your god or no. Whatever you are working with is granting your petitions through His power, so keep this in mind.

Though it may not be your faith, attending Mass or saying prayers entirely for their sake is a great way to build relationships with Catholic ancestors as well.

[deathbydevilsweed]

Thank you! I appreciate the information a lot. :)

[deathbydevilsweed]

Does anyone have advice on respectfully bringing Catholicism into the craft without actually being Catholic?

I’m working on connecting with my Italian ancestors, and the majority of that side of my family is Catholic, so I feel it would be more respectful to them to approach them with elements of Catholicism even if it’s not something I believe in. I have never had much connection with Christianity at all (I think I’ve been in a Catholic church once?) and I’ve never attempted to blend my craft with anything before. I don’t want to disrespect Catholicism in any way, I just want to respect my ancestors by properly bringing in spirituality that they believed in.

I’m aware of the use of the Bible in witchcraft and the power that it can have regardless of whether someone is Christian or not, but beyond that I don’t have experience in this at all.

[catshapedcoffin]

[visardistofelphame]

Written material on Fairy Doctoring

Sacred Texts: Witches and Fairy Doctors

Sacred Texts: The Fairy Doctor

Irish Fairy and Folk Tales

Kayedraper-writeme: F is for Fairy Doctor

LibraryIreland.com

Sarahannellawless.com

mysticvoodoo.com: Fairy Power

Ancient Cures, charms, and usages of Ireland

Wisht Waters: By Gemma Gary

[deathbydevilsweed]

Something I wish someone had told me when I started practicing

You have to find a balance between research and practice.

When I started, all I wanted to do was practice. I was in middle school and hadn’t really learned anything beyond “people post spells online and I know someone who’s Wiccan.” I didn’t know what was possible and what wasn’t, what led to genuine results and what didn’t, and (being only thirteen) I didn’t really want to put time into understanding that. This meant that I wasn’t really practicing, I was just googling spells and doing them for the hell of it, and nothing was happening because I had no idea what I was doing.

It took a little bit to grow out of that phase, which I forgive myself for because I was a kid and a particularly immature one. This led to my research phase.

My research phase was an important step in my practice. It’s when I recognized that in order to develop my path I had to sit down and read things, track down folklore and historical texts, and spend time understanding the environment of my region. The problem is that I never did anything with this information. I kept feeling like I wasn’t ready to do anything with the things I was reading about, and that I needed to prepare more.

Obviously research is a really important part of witchcraft, because jumping into something with no idea what you’re doing is ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. However, there’s also a certain point where you have to learn from practice. Read about the land, and then let the land teach you more. Read about a spirit, and then listen to the spirit to learn what the books couldn’t tell you. The balance between the two is going to be different depending on who you are as an individual and the path you follow, but finding what that balance is is important to applying both research and practice to your craft effectively.

[qedavathegrey]

The Spirit Vessel

Home of the Spirits, the ideology of the Spirit Vessel spans countless faiths – and rightly so, for it is an “instrument” matched by few in the witch’s arsenal. The Spirit Vessel exists for a number of reasons: it is a grounder – a fetish that binds spirit to our physical plane and builds a bridge between worlds, but – more than that – it is a home, an abode in which the spirit energy dwells. Some are used to trap and harness the energy of the given spirit – so that it may be employed to do practitioner’s bidding, but others exist to house that sacred energy – not with entrapment, but with respect. That is not to say the former is not respectful, only that voluntary bonds exists as oath and agreement. It is a symbiotic, mutual source of power – a hearth by which to draw the force of the arcane. One that bonds both parties. In this aspect, I refer to the Higher Spirits – Gods, the Messengers, and Liminals, though vessels can be employed with equal success to the Dead – specifically ancestors, as a way to draw from the ancestral power – often relying on blood and earth.

Given the vast differences from path to path, I bring a stripped set of instructions: general principles that can be built upon to specialize the vessel for your “camino.”

Begin with the Vessel. What this vessel is depends heavily on both tradition and personal tastes. Possibilities are endless, though cauldrons, ceramic vases, wide-mouthed jugs or basins, even jars can all be utilized effectively. For most, I prefer an opaque, lidded vessel – though for my Spirit Cauldron dedicated to Rosa Caveira, I used a non-lidded cauldron (go figure). This is in line with her fiery energy which lends itself well to iron and sulfur – both of which are present.

One of the most important steps (and one often glossed over) is to treat the Vessel. For my cauldron, I bathed it in high proof alcohol and oils and set it alight. Given its dedication to Rosa Caveira, I did this in her Land – the Cemetery. I also lined the inside of mine with graveyard dirt, which I mixed with the same alcohol (along with flammable oils) and sculpted up the walls, then fired again to create a ceramic-like liner (in part to prevent rust – as iron will readily do so).

After treatment has commenced, it is time to bless and bond the Vessel – which can be as simple or as intricate as you wish it to be. While it was still alight (and since I went heavy handed on the oils, it stayed lit for quite some time) I danced with it in the graveyard. Spinning this flaming cauldron and singing joyfully to the spirits and My Keeper. I explained that this home was forged in her name, gateway between worlds, and a seat for her energy. I drizzled it with rose oils steeped with Herbs of the Dead and my own blood to “seal the deal.”

If that wasn’t fun enough, the last portion consists of Decoration – a term I use loosely, as these same “decorations” will undoubtedly serve a purpose. I filled mine with herbs, sulfur, curios, all of which corresponding to her. Every now and again, I’ll take some of the permanent items out and set the offerings alight. As is forged in fire, so must return. After which, I return the permanent items and place it back beneath my miniature terreiro – which then constantly draws from its energy.

As aforementioned, this general process can be employed for any number of spirits and traditions – even those without a vessel-history. In a sense, it can be equated in part to an altar – as I leave offerings therein and use it as a source of power to draw from. However, given its nature, it can be packed around with me for particularly powerful rituals on the go – which is a particularly useful facet. I’ve also been known to feed any troublesome spirits or energies to it, wherein they may be devoured and purified/concentrated. It is very important to “feed” the vessel, for – as I said – it is a mutual relationship. If you take, it is only right that you return – lest you be cut off from its power.

[the-swamprat]

Do you find laying a compass to not make sense if one comes from an animistic mindset? Since the spirits/spirit world arent seen as entirely separate from the physical? Ive been thinking about this recently and id like to hear some opinions on it.

I guess my opinion on this is that laying and hallowing a compass is probably one of the most animistic-friendly methods of creating a working circle. From what I understand of it, and the way that I’m thinking about it when I do it, is that I’m asking the spirits of the land around me to take part and help me with the work I’ve set out to do. Additionally, and this is especially true of hallowing a compass outdoors, you more or less are supposed to ask and gain permission from the land prior to working on & with it. 

I think the thing that throws people off with this is the similarities with calling corners in the Wiccan tradition. While it’s similar, when you’re considering the directions when laying a compass, you’re taking into full consideration the land you’re working on and the spirit(s) that dwell within it, as opposed to just calling spirits usually associated more broadly within a certain tradition and its paradigm. 

The key for animists lays in the practitioner’s specificity when asking spirits to take part in the ritual within the hallowed compass.

[deathbydevilsweed]

Please reblog this if you post witchcraft-related things so I can follow. I’m specifically interested in blogs that post:

-Spiritwork

-Traditional Witchcraft

-Herbalism (not as an alternative to modern medicine; I take antidepressants and don’t want crap for taking care of myself)

-Folklore (specifically Italian, Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian)

-Divination (especially bone reading!)

-General informational witchcraft

Please don’t reblog if you only post aesthetics--while I have nothing against them, I prefer informational posts. Also don’t reblog if you’re a N*zi, T//ER//F or S//WE//RF, etc. I don’t support cultural appropriation so I don’t want to see any of that on my dash either.

Other than that, even if you aren’t one of the specific things I’m looking for, feel free to reblog and I’ll check out your blog to see if I’m interested! Thanks :)

Edit: This is a side blog so I don’t follow from this url!

[carasidhe]

Cautions For Dealing With Modern Fair Folk

Based on some actual experiences

- When a stranger comes to your apartment door on May day morning asking to borrow some butter or milk, don’t lend any…all your luck will go with it. Never give any stranger a light for their cigarette on May day either - giving out fire is giving away your luck as well. 

- When you are walking at night and you hear music, no matter how beautiful, or voices inviting you to join them don’t acknowledge that you can hear them and turn back towards home.

- When you are out walking at night and you hear the sound of horses or hounds or riders find shelter indoors or in your car quickly. The Wild Hunt (we call them Ghost Riders in America) is mercurial and if it’s the Slua Sí passing by they will do you harm if they can.

- Never run from the Fair Folk, if you see Fairy hounds or anything uncanny that frightens you. Running is what prey does and you do not want to be prey. Don’t acknowledge seeing them, if possible, but leave as quickly as you can. 

- If you are being pixy-led, if you have lost your way in familiar territory, turn your socks or coat outside in or laugh and joke about how much fun you are having. this will free you from the enchantment. 

- Never speak ill of the Good Neighbours aloud, nor express disbelief in them. They take insults badly and if they happen to be nearby and hear you they may respond. You will not enjoy their reaction.

[roadkillandcrows]

Red deer skull.