At the end of a long day, there can be a strong temptation to just flop onto the nearest comfortable piece of furniture and just shut down. While it does bring relief, here’s one step I recommend taking first to help you cleanse, de-stress, and disengage from the working portion of your day.
When you get home, put your accoutrements away and wash your hands. Attend to any first-thing-in-the-door rituals you have. Then go to your tub, take off your shoes and socks, get any long garments or trouser legs out of the way, and wash your feet.
It doesn’t have to be a full bath. You don’t have to bend or scrub. It doesn’t have to take more than a minute. The water can be whatever temperature is comfortable for you. Use a bucket or run the tap, whichever is easier. Flex your toes a bit, let the water run between them. Let it flow over your ankles if you can.
As you do, take some deep breaths and consciously let go of the working or schooling or errand-running portion of your day. That’s done with, and you’re home. You might still have some things to do over the course of the evening, but you’re headed for some nice leisure time too. If it helps, you can visualize the stress flowing out through your feet and into the water to be washed down the drain.
If you wish, you can add soothing herbs or bath oils to the water before washing your feet. These can be aligned to whatever magical purpose you like.
When you’re done, rinse the tub, dry off your feet, and go about your evening. I recommend clean footwear like fresh socks or house shoes if you don’t wish to go barefoot.
I do this every day when I get home, with a bucket of cool water in my tub. It’s very refreshing, especially on hot days, and I’ve found it a very soothing way to separate my work day from my evening time. Plus, it cleans my feet and softens my calluses. In the winter, I use hot water and it’s a pleasant way to warm up after tromping around in the cold or sitting in a chilly office all day.
Just a little something to help with your daily cleansing routines. Hope you enjoy!
Purpose: Create a protective shield around yourself or your space to ward off negative energies and harmful influences.
Materials:
Black candle (for protection)
Salt (for purification and protection)
Protective herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or basil)
A small bowl of water
Protective crystal (such as black tourmaline, obsidian, or amethyst)
Incense (such as frankincense or sandalwood)
White cloth or altar cloth
Athame or wand (optional)
Instructions:
Preparation:
Cleanse Yourself: Take a cleansing bath or shower, using salt and/or protective herbs. Visualize any negative energy being washed away.
Set Up Your Space: Choose a quiet, undisturbed area for your ritual. Lay out the white cloth or altar cloth on a flat surface.
Create a Sacred Space:
Arrange Your Altar: Place the black candle in the center of the cloth. Arrange the bowl of water, salt, protective herbs, and crystals around the candle.
Light the Incense: Light the incense and let the smoke purify the space.Â
Cast a Circle:
Use Your Athame or Wand: If you have an athame or wand, use it to trace a circle around your working area. If you don’t have one, you can use your finger.
Visualize: As you draw the circle, visualize a protective barrier of white light forming around you and your space.
Light the Candle:
Invoke Protection: Light the black candle and focus on the flame. Visualize it growing and creating a protective barrier around you.Â
Salt and Water Blessing:
Bless the Water: Hold the bowl of water and say an incantation and blessing directed for protection.
Bless the Salt: Hold the salt and say a blessing for this specific protection intention.
Mix: Add a pinch of salt to the bowl of water. Stir it clockwise and visualize it becoming charged with protective energy.
Herb and Crystal Empowerment:
Empower the Herbs: Hold the protective herbs in your hands and visualize being protected while focusing on the intent of this work. If you have an internal conversation going on, continue an incantation through thoughts or aloud.
Empower the Crystal: Hold the protective crystal in your hands and focus your intent through the crystal allowing it to hold your energy.
Anoint Yourself and Your Space:
Anoint Yourself: Dip your finger in the salt water and touch it to your forehead, heart, and wrists.
Anoint Your Space: Sprinkle the salt water around your space, especially at doorways and windows.
Close the Circle:
Thank the Spirits: Thank any deities, spirits, or energies you called upon for their protection.
Close the Circle: Use your athame, wand, or finger to trace the circle in reverse. Visualize the protective energy being absorbed back into you.
Ground and Center:
Ground Yourself: Sit quietly for a few moments and visualize any excess energy flowing into the Earth. You can also eat something small to help ground yourself.
Dispose of the Remnants:
Dispose of the Herbs and Water: If you use herbs and salt water, dispose of them outside in a respectful manner, returning them to the Earth.
Additional Tips:
Repeat Regularly: Repeat this protection spell regularly, such as monthly or whenever you feel the need for extra protection.
Customize: Feel free to customize the spell with additional elements that resonate with you, such as using specific deities, chants, or personal symbols of protection.
Warding is the practice of shielding or protecting something, someplace, or someone. There are a million and two different types of wards you can create-- in many ways, you are only limited by your own creativity and knowledge.
Why/when should I use a ward?
I always recommend having, at minimum, a protective ward for yourself and your living space if you practice witchcraft (or something adjacent to witchcraft). What a ward does is dependent on what it was created to do. Different people have different needs, and wards are not one-size fits all. Wards can be generic or specific, but my personal preference is a well-defined ward. By well-defined, I mean "clear in what it will and will not do".
Basics
In order to figure out what sort of ward you may need, ask yourself these questions:
What does my practice focus on?
Where might I be vulnerable?
What are my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to witchcraft?
Who and what am I comfortable with having in my space?
When and where am I comfortable with having others in my space?
What do I need to keep out, and what do I need to keep in?
What existing practices/habits may affect my wards? (e.g. cleansing, banishment, rituals, etc.)
Do I have an energy source for a ward? How do I intend to upkeep my wards?
Do my wards need to be moveable or changeable?
What resources are available to me? Are there people or entities that are willing to help me?
What, in my mundane life, do I need help with? What do I need to protect?
What actions am I taking, in my mundane life, to protect myself? (e.g. driving safely, practicing good fire safety habits, etc.)
How to make a ward
As previously stated, there are a million and two different types of wards-- and a million and two different ways to create them. Best practice is generally to lean on your personal strengths and resources to make one. Here are some more specific examples:
Herbalism: A witch who works primarily with herbs could create a protective sachet or jar that is filled with protective herbs.
Kitchen Witchcraft: Someone who practices kitchen witchcraft could cook protective foods, or incorporate small actions into their regular cooking that add protective qualities into their food (i.e. stirring a certain way, routinely using certain ingredients, etc.)
Storm Witchcraft: A witch who works with storms could use the energy of storms to protect their home. They could call on fearsome breezes to blow away harm, rainfall to wash it away, darkness to hide their home, etc.
Glamour witchcraft: A glamour witch can work on how they are perceived. Don't want someone approaching you? Make them afraid of you. Have a fearsome appearance to those who would wish you harm. Make them hesitate. Or hide yourself altogether, as if you were never there.
Deity witchcraft: Ask your gods to guide your hand, to show you how to protect yourself. Ask them to protect you, and clarify what you need protection from.
Green Witchcraft: Grow a plant with the intention of having it take the blow for you, if anything negative gets sent your way. Or have it purify your space.
Divination Wards: Use the energy of specific tarot cards to protect yourself. Write protective runes on things you care about.
Music Witchcraft: Play empowering music. Belt out a song about how nothing can harm you. Hum a tune to make things go away.
Energy Witchcraft: Envision great shields and walls, fortresses and moats. Whatever screams "protection" to you.
Etc.
Types of Wards/Ideas for Wards
Keep in mind that any ward can be for both the magical and mundane (though, always act with common sense, and act as if your wards do not exist. A ward will not make you immortal, and they can be counteracted and/or destroyed. They are there for when shit hits the fan-- but they are not a free pass to start throwing shit AT the fan!)
Transmutative wards: Tranform harmful energy sent your way into something positive and useful. (e.g. negative rumors -> increased opportunities, bad intentions -> abundance)
Baneful wards: If someone hits you, hit them back. Reflect whatever they sent to you back on them, and thensome.
Banishment Wards: If something steps into your space, kick it back out.
Hiding Wards: Hide something from prying eyes. Make it invisible, or make it appear boring/uninteresting.
Reflective wards: Reflect something's image back at them, let them see what they expect to see, or let them see themselves.
Healing wards: Protect your health, or force healing upon those who brush up against them (e.g. if someone lashes out at you because they have not been working on themselves, a healing ward can be just as painful as an outright baneful one.)
Scrambling/maze Wards: Scramble any information someone/something gets, or make them lose their way. Commonly used for unsolicited divination.
Protective wards/wall wards: Stop anything from getting in or out. Stop or prevent harm
Alarm bell wards: Warn you about things coming your way.
Comfort wards: Keep comforting/soothing energy around you.
Examples of Useful Wards
Name/Reputation wards
Household/common places wards
Wards for safe travels
Wards to keep specified spirits/entities out
Wards for malicious intent
Wards for curses/hexes
Wards for natural disasters
Wards for misfortunes
Please feel free to ask any specific questions you may have, this is only a very brief overview to introduce the topic.
Here’s a list of visualizations for psychic warding, which are designed to create energetic barriers or protections around your space, rather than just around your body. These visualizations help protect your home, belongings, or personal energy from unwanted influences.
These psychic warding visualizations are designed to protect your personal space, whether it’s your home, workplace, or other important areas. Use whichever resonates most with you to keep unwanted energies at bay and create a safe, energetically balanced environment.
Crystal Grid Ward
Visualize a grid of protective crystals (such as obsidian, black tourmaline, or amethyst) surrounding your home or space. Each crystal amplifies the protective energy of the grid, creating a barrier that blocks out negativity and harmful energies.
Flaming Circle Ward
Picture a circle of fire around your home or space. The flames burn brightly, purifying the energy around you and preventing any negative forces from entering the protected zone. The fire is a symbol of transformation and protection.
Thorny Hedge Ward
Visualize a thick, impenetrable hedge of thorns surrounding your home or area. Any negative energy or ill intent that tries to pass through is caught and neutralized by the thorns, keeping your space safe and protected.
Iron Wall
Imagine tall, solid iron walls surrounding your home or space. The iron is unbreakable, deflecting any psychic attacks or harmful energies. This ward creates an impenetrable fortress that protects everything within its boundaries.
Web of Light
Picture a glowing web of light woven around your space. The threads of the web are strong, catching and dissolving any negative energy or psychic attacks that try to enter. The light acts as a powerful ward against any harmful influences.
Cloaking Ward
Visualize a cloak of invisibility draping over your home or space. This cloak makes your space energetically invisible, hiding it from unwanted attention or psychic attack, while keeping it safe and protected.
Stone Circle Ward
Envision a protective stone circle around your home. Each stone is imbued with grounding and protective energy, creating a powerful ward that deflects negativity and keeps your space secure from outside influences.
Mirror Wall
Picture walls of mirrors surrounding your home or space. These mirrors reflect any negative energy or harmful intentions back to their source, ensuring that nothing harmful can penetrate your space.
Protective Vortex
Visualize a swirling vortex of protective energy spinning around your home or space. The vortex pulls in any negative energy and disperses it, preventing it from entering your protected zone while keeping the energy within clear and safe.
Elemental Ward
Imagine the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—surrounding your home. Earth grounds and stabilizes, air sweeps away negativity, fire burns away harmful energy, and water purifies the space. Together, they create an elemental ward that protects your home on all fronts.
Guardian Spirits
Visualize protective spirits, animals, or deities standing guard at the four corners of your home. These guardians act as sentinels, warding off any negative energies or ill intentions from entering your space.
Sigil Barrier
Picture glowing protective sigils or runes inscribed around the boundaries of your home or space. Each sigil is charged with protective energy, forming a magical barrier that repels any harmful energy or psychic interference.
Black Obsidian Shield
Envision a large, black obsidian shield placed at the front and back entrances of your home. This shield absorbs and neutralizes any negative energy or psychic attacks that try to enter, acting as a powerful protective ward.
Lattice of Light
Imagine a lattice of pure light surrounding your home or space. This lattice is a fine but strong network of energy that blocks out all negativity while allowing positive energy to flow freely inside.
Sacred Flame Ward
Visualize sacred flames burning at each corner of your home. These flames purify the energy surrounding your space, creating a ward that keeps negativity and harmful influences at bay.
Crystal Dome
Picture a large, shimmering dome made of protective crystals (like quartz or selenite) covering your entire home or space. This dome radiates protective energy, warding off any negative influences or psychic attacks that might approach.
Wind Barrier
Envision a powerful wind circling around your home, sweeping away any negative energy or harmful intentions. The wind creates a protective ward, ensuring that only clear, positive energy can enter your space.
Moonlight Veil
Visualize a veil of silver moonlight covering your home or space. The moonlight creates a protective, calming energy that wards off any negativity or harmful energy, keeping your space peaceful and serene.
Rune of Protection
Picture a glowing rune of protection (such as the Algiz rune) at each entrance to your home or space. These runes act as wards, deflecting any negative energy or psychic attack and keeping your space secure.
Phoenix Fire Ring
Imagine a circle of phoenix fire surrounding your home or space. The flames of the phoenix burn away any negative energy, and their regenerative power ensures that your space remains protected and free from psychic harm.
Waterfall Ward
Visualize a waterfall of cleansing, protective energy pouring down around the boundaries of your home. The waterfall washes away any negativity and creates a continuous barrier of protection, keeping harmful energy out.
Candle Flame Ward
Picture a row of candle flames burning at the edges of your space. Each flame represents a point of protection, burning away negativity and creating a circle of light that wards off psychic attacks.
Barrier of Thorns
Visualize a thick barrier of thorny vines wrapping around your space. The thorns are sharp and protective, allowing no negative energy to pass through while keeping your home or area safe and secure.
Shield of Stars
Envision a protective shield made of starlight surrounding your space. The light from the stars is powerful and ancient, creating a ward that keeps out any harmful energies and protects your home from psychic intrusion.
Sunlight Wall
Picture a wall of radiant sunlight encircling your space. The sunlight dissolves any negative energy that comes near, creating a warm and protective barrier that keeps your space filled with positive, uplifting energy.
[ ] black or white candle + something to carve it with
[ ] bowl or dish
[ ] protection oil(optional)
[ ] a piece of hair/fur/scales/etc from everyone you wish to protect as a taglock (optional)
Herbs + Crystals
[ ] salt
[ ] cloves
[ ] agrimony
[ ] rosemary
[ ] nettle leaf
[ ] hyssop
[ ] comfrey
[ ] eggshells
[ ] lavender
[ ] amethyst
[ ] obsidian
[ ] clear quartz
(not all are necessary, pick what feels right to you)
Instructions
1. Cleanse your space and your bowl. I like to do this with incense, however you can do it using sound, sprays, visualizations, etc. Pick whatever method(s) feel right to you.
2. Fill the bowl with salt and add your eggshells and herbs (except for the cloves). As you add each herb, set your intention and express your gratitude to the plants for aiding in protecting you. If you're using crystal chips, you can also add those at this time.
3. Stir the herbs counterclockwise to banish any residual negative energy a few times, then clockwise to welcome in the protective energies
4. Grab your taglocks. If you don't have DNA items such as hair, you can write their full name and birthdays on a slip of paper or bay leaf. Bury them into the salt, visualizing the salt as a protective shield around them.
5. Place 5 cloves around the bowl in the places where the points on a pentacle would be, and then place your charged crystals.
6. Grab your candle and carve word "protected" into it. Hold the candle in both hands and concentrate on who and what it would be protecting. If you have a protection oil, annoint your candle at this time. Place it in the middle of your bowl
7. Light the candle with intention and let it burn all the way down. If you'd like to enchant any jewelry or items to protect you in your travels, you can place them in the bowl before lighting to charge them
Refresh once a month, or whenever the energy feels off and you think it caught something
Lowering Wards: Steps for new and established spells
"Lowering" a ward means to temporarily pause some or all of its protective effects, usually to make way for other magical actions or divination; "lowering the draw-bridge."
Here, a ward is any protective spell.
Although these steps will work for just about any spell. An alternate title for this post is, basic spell administration: managing your spells after they've been cast.
The whole caboodle is deceptively easy. No need to over think it.
Lowering any wards, even for spells not established with convenient lowering in mind
SELECT WHICH EFFECTS SHOULD BE PAUSED. Hypothetically, a ward with multiple effects can have some effects paused, while others are ongoing (*this is highly variable and really depends on how the spell was built).
But technically, if you have a ward that's A) no magic can come into my house, and B) no energies of ill-will can come into my house, you may be able to allow magic to come into your house while a friend sends a positive spell your way, while still filtering out ill-will.
In my experience, protection loopholes are a bit of a beast, and if your magic starts behaving weirdly, or won't work, or friends can't magic on you like they can for others, check out to see if you've sealed yourself in a labyrinth of protective measures.
Sometimes you'll want to pause all effects - that's fine too. Just have in mind what you want to have happen.
IMO, an excellent way to deal with this step is to just state what it is you want the ward to allow for.
"Let this Discord friend do a reading for me."
"Make way for this spirit to leave the house."
Etc.
TAKE ANY BASIC STEP TO MANAGE YOUR MAGIC.
Enter, or at least brush up against, magical mindspace.
Find the spell - this is easier if its attached to a physical object, which just means finding the object.
While in magical mindspace and interacting with the reality that your spell exists, do any of the following:
Just tell it what you'd like it to temporarily do
Put a black cloth over the spell vessel with intent that it be paused
Hide it away in a drawer, or turn it so that it's "facing" a corner
Draw some sort of stopping symbol on top of it (pentagram or an X work well)
Put the ward close to an energy battery and have it take a break and go out for lunch
Any action that, for you, makes sense to represent a "pause, time-out" instruction
WHEN READY, PUT THE WARD BACK UP. Take away the black cloth, put the ward back in its proper position, "wipe away" the blocking symbol. Especially communicate through magical speech, thought, writing, signing, etc., that the ward is to resume its normal mode of behavior.
For those curious about sorcerous theory, reading on a ward before and after you raise and lower it can offer helpful feedback
Of course, that stuff might not work well, so making a ward with an eye for pausing it is a good idea
Spellcrafting can get complex and there could be any number of reasons why a ward created to be a permanent wall doesn't have convenient, easily-workable drawbridges.
Building a ward with drawbridges is easy. First, decide how you want the drawbridge to work.
You can design a ward where one effect ("no ill-energy") is always active, while another is meant to be raised and lowered ("no outside magic.")
You can design a ward with a skeleton key, where all of the doorways are unlocked at once
You can design wards in such a way that outsiders may be able to obtain the key and unlock them (like, a passcode and energy signature you share with others), or you can design them in such a way that only you can unlock them (like, requiring you yourself to draw a symbol over them in the physical realm)
Etc.
One example of an unlocking action is tapping on the spell vessel three times and saying, "stand down until sunset* so [specific thing the ward is blocking] can occur."
*For the forgetful, giving the spell a timeframe is useful.
When casting the spell, whenever the time feels right, go into a portion where you 'teach' the spell how to listen for your instructions to lower defenses, and how it should operate when this occurs. ("Never stay unlocked beyond the next twilight; the guards named No Bane are eternal, but the guards named No Spying sometimes lie down to rest.")
You can always go back and "open up" old spells to modify loopholes and improve unlocking mechanisms
My paradigm allows for certain things:
Most spells are not so much mindless machines but rather are more like garden plots, or animals. They may be bad at performing a certain thing the first time you ask them to, but over multiple lessons, even a very stubborn spell might learn a new trick.
Therefore, it can take time to teach a spell how to do something new that it wasn't designed to do.
Learning can be improved by holding a formal class. This is the equivalent of taking the spell back into spellcasting space and partially re-casting new magic on top of the old base.
The gist of re-forging an old spell is to carefully outline what you want to change, remove, and add. Using your preferred spellcasting or ritual format, connect with the spell and provide new parameters.
I find this process to be different than casting an entirely new spell, so I think it's normal if it all seems a bit different.
Provide the spell with more energy, tie off the ritual as normal, and deploy the spell immediately or give it a little time to firm up, as you prefer.
There are many ways one can do protective magick. In this post I'll be going into 6 of the most common and accessible ones!
Please understand that even one "protection magick type" can be done in an infinity of ways, some of which are closed to certain practices.
Disclaimer: based on my experience and research. I don't claim to know all truth. Further study is encouraged!
_________________♡♤◇♧_________________
#1 — Magic circle
The magic circle consists of creating a protection and delimiting a sacred space for magic and/or ritual.
The magic circle is probably one of the most popular protection methods thanks to its encouraged use in Wicca. However, other traditions have made use of similar concepts, such as in the afro-brazillian Umbanda concept of "chain".
The circle can be physically drawn on the ground, delimited by the members inside the circle, or visualized.
Casting one is fairly simple since it can be done in different ways, either in groups or solitary practice. You can use tools such as wands, chalk or physical objects to draw it, but what matters most is intention and successful visualization.
Before casting a circle it's important to have everything you will need already within grasp and inside the circle, since once created it is advisable that no one leaves it until the work is complete.
#2 — Amulets, and Enchanted Items
Enchanted Items are a very popular and effective form of magic, especially for personal use. These are often common objects that have been enchanted for protection.
They are often necklaces, rings and other jewelry since these are the most practical to carry around without suspicion. However, they can be any object.
Amulets can be created via enchanting, charms, or by asking deities and spirits to bless them with protective qualities.
The material and imagery used to create the talisman is also important in determining the kind of job it wants to do.
#3 — Sigils and other drawn Symbols
Sigils and Symbols can be used both for personal protection and for warding spaces. Here I am also including Runes.
They can be carved into objects, drawn upon skin and surfaces, or even tattooed.
However, before using any sigil, symbol or rune it is of extreme importance that you know exactly what they do, and know as much about them as possible. Especially if you plan on drawing them on your skin (either temporarily or permanently).
Unless specifically used only for protection purposes, inadequate use of them can lead to disaster. Even then, the type of protection they bring can vary.
For example, a protection sigil that works by hiding you from threats is different from a sigil that fights threats that come to you. It's important to set or to know how their protection work so that you do not come across unwanted results.
#4 — Prayer
My definition of praying: focusing on sending a message to a higher spiritual power, be it an entity, deity or energy.
Prayers are a great way of manifesting protection, though since you are asking for it to a higher power you must understand that it may choose to not grant it, or not grant it in the way you expect.
Plus, it is very important to know where you stand with this energy or entity. Do you work with them already? For how long? What is the nature of the relationship? Do you truly know them well enough to ask them for this? Is it really appropriate?
Cultivating a good relationship and having manners can be decisive factors for manifesting this sort of protection. Plus, it's always good to "give back" in some way. To receive something, something must be given eventually.
#5 — Affirmations and Visualizations
Words and the mind have innate power. Affirmations and visualizations are great ways to manifest protections because they rely only on yourself.
They are easier to do right if you use them together with other methods, or if you have physical representations of the work being done. To be successful one must focus, "feel" them happening, and maintaining that without help can be difficult. Frequent practice will help you get the hang of it.
There are also techniques that make affirmations and visualizations both more powerful and easier to accomplish.
#6 — Warding
Warding is when you set up a semi-permanent protection in a specific place, such as your house.
It can be done in many different ways. One of the most common is to have an object or place designated as the "holder" of the ward, which should be well kept.
Warding will be more powerful if you are frequently cleansing the space and recharging the ward. Leaving it alone for too long can weaken in or make it lose its properties altogether.
Some plants are used for this kind of protection, since they (usually) stay in place, can be powerful magical allies, and you'll be checking on them often anyway. The ones usued are often those with thorns, threatening-looking leaves, or even poison.
Note: always be very careful about bringing poisonous plants home, especially if you have children or pets.
Conclusion
This was an overview of the most common types of protective magick. A lot of protection spells and works fall somewhere within these categories, or are a combination of them.
Each tradition has a certain way of going about spiritual protection, so if you are exploring an specific path, I encourage you to not only research about protection in general but to also look into what unique techniques your path has to offer!
So today, I was lying in my bed, and I was thinking about how I desperately did not want to refresh my wards. I was feeling tired, burned out, frustrated, and just generally awful. I knew I needed to refresh them, but I also knew that it was going to take so much effort that I didn't have. Thus began the thought:
Is there an easier way to ward my space?
Turns out there is! Now, I know wards are normally random things you put in your room and re-do every once in a while, but ✨️these ones are fun and cool✨️. I compiled a list of the five easy wards I do for when I'm feeling absolutely AWFUL. Here they are!
Morning and Night Playlists
Make two playlists— one that you'll listen to as soon as you wake up, and one that you'll listen to right before you sleep. They don't have to have any specific genre; just do what you feel like you need during those times. Maybe even create a playlist cover photo if you're feeling inspired!
Turn your fan on
I am dead serious with this one, folks. It could technically be considered cleaning, but FUCK IT. Open your window and/or your door and turn on a fan. Let that air flush OUT the energy from inside and pull IN the good shit from outside. I would probably do this like once a week. Have fun with it! Maybe even play those playlists and have a whole dance party!
Stuffed Animal of the Month
That's right. You heard me. Choose a stuffed animal that will protect your space for a month. Next month, choose a different one. Repeat that for, like, forever or whatever. The important thing is that you choose a stuffed animal, you tell them "Hey, I need you to guard my shit," and you give them LOOOOTS of cuddles in return. I love this one a little too much.
Tape a picture of a sigil on your door
This one's for the people who are able to be out as a witch. If you can't do a sigil, even putting a picture of an animal or object is good enough! Just tape it to your door, either facing you or the outside, and let it do its thing.
Incense and screaming
This is more of a cleansing method than a ward. DO IT. Open your window and/or your door again, light that shit up, and scream out all the energy that you've been building up. Tell it to get-the-fuck-out or you'll roundhouse its ass. But also find the good shit and ask it to join you!
I hope yall like this post. I really liked making it!! These methods are probably not all new, and I'm most definitely not the one who invented them, but STILL. I like them and I hope you do too!
Lady Hestia, daughter of mighty Cronos, undying flame, you are the center of every home. May you bless the initiates of your holy rites, granting them strength, wisdom, and wealth. Home of the great gods, fortress of humankind, ever-living, variable, slender, and beloved; graciously, O holy queen, accept these offerings, and grant us health and prosperity.
—A Year of Pagan Prayer, compiled by Barbara Nolan
Colors • pink & red, rose gold , blue, green, white, gold, baby blue, pastel colors, Seafoam green, Aqua
Appearance in astral or general • many ancient artworks of her, depicted her with traditionally male features, like beards, along with traditionally female features, she can change looks many times, but no matter her looks she is the most beautiful alive.
Jewelry • pearls, rose gold, promise rings, diamonds
epithets of Aphrodite•
Psytiros - whispering Aphrodite, epithet also is attributed to Eros, Euploia - a marine epithet to Aphrodite of easy sailing, fair voyage, Leaina -the Lioness, an epithet given to the Goddess by Athenian orator Democha, Praxis - Aphrodite of action, a statue to whom stood in the city of Megara, Peitho - as an epithet to Aphrodite, it describes Her a persuasive, Epiodoros - Aphrodite of bountiful gifts as She was titled by Greek poet Stesichoru, Argounis - shining Aphrodite, worshiped in Boeotia and likely associated with Dawn, Philomedes - Aphrodite of a lovely smile or smiling Aphrodite, Helikoblepharos - quick-glancing, or Aphrodite with an ever-moving eye, Polychrisou - rich in gold, rich in many golden gifts, Chrisopeplos - gold-clad, Aphrodite dressed in gold, Chrisostephanos -  Aphrodite wearing a golden wreath, Chrisanios - Aphrodite holding golden rein as Her chariot was often said to be fully made of gold, Nikêphoros- She is the Warlike, Areia- She is the averter of unlawful desires and actions, Apostrophia- She is one who blessed marriage and unions, Migôntis- She is the one who turns to love, Ourania- Heavenly, Divine Love, Pandêmos- Common To All, Epistrophia - She who Turns to Love, Nympthia Hêrê - Of Hera of Marriage, Symmakhia- Ally in Love, Pontia - Of the Sea, Kypria - Of Cyprus, Pothon Mater -  Mother of Desire, Chrysea- Golden, Aphrodite Urania (also spelt Ourania), Aphrodite Pandemos, Venus Genatrix, Peitho, - meaning persuasion, Philommeidḗs - "smile-loving", Cypris and Cythereia -  for her association of Cyprus and Cythera, Eleemon, In Athens, she was known as Aphrodite in kopois ("Aphrodite of the Gardens”, At Cape Clias, a town along the Attic coast, she was venerated as Genetyllis "Mother", Aphrodite Euploia - of the fair voyage, Anaduomenê - The Goddess Who Arose From The Sea, Ambologêra - The Ons Who Delays Old Age, Antheia - The Blooming One / Friend Of Flowers , Apotrophia - The Expeller ( Of Shameful and Sinful Desire), Areia - The Warlike, Kupria/Kuprigeneia - The One Born in The Island Of Cyprus, Despoina - The Rulling Goddess/ The Mistress , Genetullis - The Protectress Of Births , Nikêphoros - Bringer Of Victory
How to get closer • sign her hymms or dance in her honor
Number• 5
Courting• Ares, she is no longer married.
Past lovers and flings • Anchises (a mortal in the past she dated), Adonis ( handsome young man killed by a boar (Ares in disguise), Dionysus, Zues (maybe), Hermes, Phaethon, Posideon, Butes, Apollon
Devine children • Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, Eros, Anteros, pothos, hermaphrodios, (From the mortal Anchuses), Aeneas a mythical hero of Troy and Rome, and Lyrus/Lyrnus (From Butes), eryxs, Meligounis and several more unnamed daughters, Hymenajks, lacchus, priapus, the Charites, (graces: Aglaea, Euphrosyne, Thalia) (From Dionysus) Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, The Erotes (Eros) , Anteros, Himeros ,  Pothos,  from Ares, Hermaphroditos, Priapus, from Hermes, Rhodos from Posideon, Beroe, Golgos, Priapus (rarely) (from Adonis), Astynous from Phaethon, Priapus (from Zeus)
Attendees • The erotes, Harmonia, Hebe, peithos, the kharites , Naiades
Regions• Cyprus; Kytherea, Corinth, Eryx in Sicly
Holiest shrine•  Paphos, island of Cyprus, (her birth place & seat of her mysteria)Â
Other shrines • Temples throughout Greece and Asia Minor and ur moms house. Some places, most notably Sparta, Thebes, and Cyprus honored her as a goddess of war.
Parents • Ouranos Sometimes it’s said that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. And born from the severed genitals of the primordial god Ouranos.
Siblings • Aeacus, Angelos, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Dionysus, Eileithyia, Enyo, Eris, Ersa, Hebe, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hermes, Minos, Pandia, Persephone, Perseus, Rhadamanthus, the Graces, the Horae, the Litae, the Muses and the Moirai.
personality• she isn’t intimidating at first, she likes not having already used products on her alter if possible, a clean, nice smelling alter.
dislikes• She does not like Medusa, she wants nothing to do with her for some reason, just what I’ve heard from people who worshiped Aphrodite and Medusa in close timelines
Diety of • Sex, libido, self-image, self-love, relationships, friendships, parent love and pet love, crushes, lust, procreation, seduction, pleasure, happiness, sadness, passion, stalking, ports, port homes
Home• Olympus and was living in the sea before Olympus
Devotional• light your favorite candle, put on your favorite lotion or perfume, put on your favorite piece of jewelry, put on your favorite article of clothing, enjoy a sweet treat, Sex magic, Glamour spells, Dressing up, acts of self care and acts of self- love, Caring for mental & physical health, Take a bubble bath,Spend time at the sea, Collect sea shells, Read Sappho poetry, Donate to LBGTQ+, Support sex workers, Have safe sex and learn about it, Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, Donate to woman programs and shelters, Do stuff to make ur self feel empowered and beautiful, Honor her kids and ares, watch a romcom, watch a regular romantic movie or show or read your favorite romantic story, Make plans with loved ones and friends or your lover in her honor, Treat yourself to something you enjoy, if you have a pet and they like to snuggle, snuggle or lay with them. Talk to them and tell them how much you love them (If able take them for a walk or a ride), listen to ocean/sea soundscapes, read up on all the many kinds of love, engage in an act of self-care, listen to love songs, listen to a devotional playlist for her, make a Pinterest board or playlist, or journal all of your favorite things and things that you love, learn about the different kinds of love, do things that boost your self esteem, be gentle with yourself, take it easy, etc, watch a ballet, read love poems, Dress up and selfies, Keep menstrual products on you (even if you don't bleed), Advocate for pro-choice, Give/accept compliments, Advocate for SA victims, Go on a date, Take yourself on a date, Do something nice for your partner, get a Manicure/pedicure, Flirt, Affirmations in the mirror, Drink wine, Advocate for proper sex ed (Including queer sex ed), Experiment with your style, Mirror scrying, Listen to sleep affirmations, Love letter to self/her/partner, Take a bath/shower,Go to the ocean/water, Finally give into that one kink (You know the one, 18+), do Masturbation in her honor (only 18+, I heard she’s not comfortable with minors doing it, but that’s between y’all, just ask her beforehand.), Practice safe sex (18+), Educate yourself on the porn industry, Support sex workers (TIP THEM, 18+), Have sex (18+), Get educated on consent/safe sex, Take nude/lewds (18+)
Holiday • on March 18, goddess of fertility dayÂ
Season• springÂ
Status• Olympian, major goddess
Music • Harry styles, Classical music, old love songs (50s & 60s)
Day• FridayÂ
Planet• Venus
Tarot• High priestess, the lovers, the empress, the star
Rituals • honored and invoked for love and fertility and beauty
Fact• She was most worshiped during times of politics, Many people offered her Opiates, or did Opiates in her honor. opium-burners were often found at her shrines in ancient times, please do not do opium.
Prayer•
1• sing, sing, oh i sing to aphrodite who is most beautiful! she who stirs the passionof men & god alike! o, to she — i sing! golden goddess with soft lashes, golden goddess withsoft arms, i spin and sing and delight in the bright rose that is you. may i dance with your grace, lifted up as the foam from the sea as you were — may my smile be blessed with delight. golden-haired goddess, bless my tongue to be sweet as honey, bless my fingers to be delicate and swift, bless my steps so they may bound forth in soft beauty. glory to she — praise to she! goddess of ever golden smiles, of fierce beauty, of spilling laughter and delight. o! may i love as you love — may i delight as you delight! goddess, fill me with your beauty — may i shine & rise above the wrathful waters of those around me and delight, delight, delight in the glory that you have given to me!Â
2•Golden Aphrodite
Lady of beauty and grace, Please give me the power to appreciate my body, Grant me confidence in my masculinity, Help me to feel your love within myself, and to express it outwardly as well, Lady Aphrodite, please hear my prayer, I sing your praises and offer you this incense
3•Aphrodite, guide me towards love. Help me discover it, receive it, embrace it, give it, celebrate it, honor it, teach it, and live it. Let love be the mark I leave, as your devotee, as a human being.Â
4• AntheiaÂ
Hear to me my call for spring to have sprung,Oh, sweet one scented of honey and nectar. Hear my call Aphrodite Antheia,As I harken a need for the sweet bloom. I crave the beauty of the opening flower, The sweet taste of its nectar upon my lips. Ah Aphrodite Antheia, Bring to me the joy of the fresh blooms. Let the petals cascade upon my body, Allow me the joy of the sunshine. Oh sweet one, Oh Aphrodite Antheia. Bestow upon me and mine, The gifts of the flowers fair.
5•daughter of seafoam, goddess of beauty, aphrodite please hear my cries. please listen as i describe all the parts of me that are shattered & torn, please understand as i tell my stories of pain. aphrodite accept me please. aphrodite pick me up & help me mend myself for i am yours, thank you so much & so mote it be
6• Aphrodite rivals the beauty of the sun setting over an ocean's horizon as you stand on the shore, the water tickling your feet as it pulled in and pushed back out repeatedly by the waves.
Other• images of things she’s associated with, jewelry, perfume, bath salts , scented lotion, seawater, seashells, sand, makeup, feathers, self care essentials.Â
Links/websites/sources
 @khaire-traveler
 ephemeral-cryptid.tumblr.com
Offerings
Doves/Swans/Sparrows
Roses
Chocolate
Myrrh
Apples/golden apples
Seashells
Mermaids
Pearls
Jewelry
Gold/Silver/Diamond
C
  @mars-and-the-theoi graffitiphilosopher.tumblr.com teawiththegods.tumblr.com
 @seleniangnosis
@melitheoidevotion
 @seafoamsister
 evilios.tumblr.com hearthcreation.tumblr.com orsialos.tumblr.comÂ
@hisfluer
ROMAN NAME: Venus
🤍Goddess of Love, Beauty, Desire, & Fertility🤍
🎨COLOURS: Red, Pink, Seafoam green, Aqua
🌊ELEMENT: Water
đź—“DAY OF THE WE
A few days ago I wrote about the goddess Aphrodite and how many people still to this day honor and pray to her (me included!). So, I also wa
Aphrodite is the goddess of love, desire and beauty. Apart from her natural beauty, she also had a magical girdle that compelled everyone to
Aphrodite is the goddess of our hearts, we all love her, and she has a great personality, and is beautiful in looks and soul.
Herbs • Chaste trees, Rosemary, Parsley, Basil, Sorrel, vanilla, Cinnamon, coriander, Marjoram, Mint, Lemon balm, cloves, clary sage, Allspice, Angelica, Coriander, poppy seed, chamomile, Angelica, Bay, garlic, mint, peppermint, pepper, marjoram, The lavender, the chaste tree, the datura, the California poppy, the goldenrod, the hollyhock, the yarrow, the purple coneflower, all white flowers, Lavender, White roses, angel’s trumpet, goldenrod, hollyhock, and yarrow, pine, Wildflowers & sunflowers, raspberry leaves, sage, pearly everlasting, yellow rose
Animals• pigs, donkeys, one-year-old cows, a Crane.Â
Zodiac & scared number  • unknown, I cannot find out what month she was born on, or the day. But I would associate numbers 1, and 6 because she is the oldest and the youngest (and etc, but who even likes my rambles?)
Colors •Gold, yellow, orange, red, White, Gold, Lavender, light purple, black, silver, and dark red
Symbols• a kettle, the hearth (fireplace), torch, candle
Jewelry you can wear in their honor• friendship braceletsÂ
Diety of• the virgin goddess of the home and hearth fire, cooking of meals, and sacrificial food for feasts, architecture, domesticity, family, and the state, and sacrificial flame
Patron of where the families ate and congregated, hospitality, family.
Offerings• give her prayer beads that remind you of her that are not Christian (or make one, which is better), wooden beads, Oil Lamps, Seven Day Candles (because they burn for 7 days), LED Candles, A Candle that reminds you of home, White or red candles, Apple juice, cider, Wine, Baked goods, keys to the home (preferably not stolen(looking at Hermes devotees))), Small kitchen antiques/objects,  pottery/cups/bowls, artwork of homey things, a meal, your favorite things, poetry, books, items you made, fall-themed stuff, spring-themed stuff, First/last foods & libations from a meal, Candles/flame, Honey, Pork, Cakes or Cookies made to look like one of Her symbols,), Keeping a candle/hearth fire or lamp constantly burning, Pictures of homes you want to live in one day, pictures of homes you have lived in, Pictures of architecture that you like, Teacups, teaspoons, tea towels, Childhood memories (ex- stuffed toys, baby clothes, old photos), Homegrown herbs, Toys or art of donkeys and pigs, Leaves or blooms from a chaste tree, Tea light candles (real or fake), Your favorite poetry or poetry you have written for Her, Your favorite books, Stories you have written, Art of flames, fire, candles, Garmets that you have made such as clothing, blankets, beanies, Homemade lotions, bath bombs, shower gel, bubble bath (You can ask Her to bless them then use them she probably won't say no), Beeswax products, honey, olive oil, pumpkin pieÂ
Devotional• Pick up rubbish in communal areas, Offer the first or last bites/portions of food your to her, Cooking/baking for yourself or others, Having a candle lit whenever possible (electric or real), playing a video of a fire place, Volunteerring at homeless or DV shelters, donating to homeless or DV shelters,  Setting healthy boundaries with friends and family, reading about Tea/Coffee magick, Getting involved with your local community, Advocating for policies you believe will better the community Allowing yourself to rest,  Do a chore you've been putting off for a long time, organize to hang out with some loved ones, Veil or bind your hair, Wear something red or orange, Make a devotional playlist for her, make a Pinterest board or a mood board for her, Learn about kitchen witchery, Cook a meal in her name, Clean the House, Put together a puzzle, Eat popcorn and watch a movie, do Knitting, read about knitting, donate yarn and
knitting supply’s, prepare food for family, make the table before eating, garden, Harvest berries, pick flowers, Donate to food charity/drives, Support people who lost their homes to natural disasters, Welcoming others into your home, Keeping the peace (especially in the home), Donations of time & money to Habitat for Humanity, Do little (or big) acts of kindness, If you have a fireplace light it for Her or build Her altar around it, Meditate next to a fire, Read poetry or a book, play a playlist for Her and play it while you clean or cooks, Clean your house/room and keep it nice and tidy, Take a cooking or baking class, Collect recipes and keep a recipe book, Host celebrations at your home, Remember your ancestors and learn more about them, Spend time with your pets, Take care of yourself and your mental and physical health (Your body is a home for you),  Take a hot bath, eat some ice cream, chill at home for a day, Pray to Her( ex- for protection, inspiration, happiness, guidance, and help getting rid of negative entities in the home, peace in the home, good food, an abundance of food, independence), help to start/tending to the hearth, work on having strong family bonds, Open your curtains and let the sunlight warm the room, Make a potful of tea and keep it in a large thermos, Watch movies that make you feel nostalgic and cozy, Say goodnight and good morning to her, Get an electric blanket and feel the warmth connect you to her, Cuddle a stuffed animal, Make a blog/journal filled with cozy homely things, Keep a few locally baked goodies nearby for when you need them, String up fairy lights and use them as your only light source, Whisper prayers and devotional pieces before you go to sleep, Use a Himalayan salt lamp to connect to feeling of a fire, Invest in little things (ex- pillowcases, photos, curtains) that make your room feel welcoming and peaceful, Make a little bottle filled with herbs and crystals and other things that remind you of her, Listen to music that makes your soul happy and your heart content, Take care of yourself (ex- Brush your hair, use a wet cloth on your face), Keep a tealight on you, Clean one small area of your house, Savor a hot drink, Do small, unnoticed acts of kindness, Always greet animals (both big and small), Do anything by candlelight,  Wear colors you associate with her, Practice your patience (both external and internal), Be a listening ear or shoulder to cry on for those who need it, Make compromises when it is healthiest for both parties, always have a lighter or matches, Listen to music that reminds you of her, Spend time tending to your body, Leave a big tip the next time you have a chance, Practice kindness in all areas of your life (including driving), Take a hot bath or shower with no time limit, Decorate a space, Build a fire, Compliment people (both strangers and loloved ones), Donate something (ex-clothes, money, or your time), Look at photos and embrace the happy nostalgia, Wear makeup or jewelry that reminds you of her, Wake up early to see the sunrise - or watch the sunset, Watch/read about acts of kindness to be inspired, wear prayer beads that are for her, go to a high school reunion, do a family reunion, do budgeting in her honor, do meal planning, set healthy boundaries, have a household notebook, do seasonal cleaning, try home remedies,As you light your gas stove, say a prayer to Hestia, Spend quiet quality time at home, Gather your family (including your chosen family) for a festive candlelit meal, Commit to spending more time with children and old people.
Ephithets•ÄĂdios - eternal, AĂŻdius – See Ă„Ădios., Basileia - See VasĂleia, Bulaea - See Voulaia., Chloömorphus – See Khlöómorphos, Daughter of lovely-haired RÇ˝a, Khlöómorphos - verdan, PolĂ˝morphos - multi-formed, Polyolbus – See PolĂ˝olvos, PolĂ˝olvos - rich in blessings, Potheinotáti - beloved, Prutaneia – See Prytaneia, Prytanei, VasĂleia - queen, Voulaia - of the council, Prytaneia -”of the Prytanis.”Â
Signs they are reaching out• having a strong urge to Vail in her honor, seeing her animals and symbols in your dreams, and seeing her imagery a lot, everything at home suddenly going well.
Vows/omans• that she “would be a maiden all her days”
Morals• morally light/pure
Courting• NoneÂ
Past lovers/crushes• None
Personality• She avoids drama, and is generous, but her temper is volcanic in nature, she is slow to anger, but when she gets angry her rage is a force of nature. She is modest, tranquil, and industrious
Home• Mount OlympusÂ
Mortal or immortal • immortalÂ
Fact• Historically she is supposed to be the first deity offered to in a ritual due to being the goddess of fire, she's the oldest Olympian, She is spat out last by Kronos so she is also the youngest, she shares her seat with Diyonisus, she did not give it up, she receives a share of every sacrifice/prayer to the gods, and she is commonly seen alongside with Hermes, I would recommend putting their alters close together.
Element• fireÂ
Curses• a bad family life, food being burnt, having not enough food, being turned away at restaurants, being homeless, your house catching on fireÂ
Blessings• all domestic happiness and blessings
Roots• Greek mythology….and she was raised in her father's stomach, and at the first years of theogony era.
Friends• all of the gods, but most notably Hermes, but is not friends with Priapus, she dislikes him (he tried to rape her.)Â
Parentage• Cronus and Rhea
Siblings• Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, Demeter, HeraÂ
Pet• she has no pets.
Children • she has no children.
Appearance in astral or gen• she was typically represented wearing a veil and robe. In some images, she held a flowering branch or kettle as well.
Festivals • None, at every feast and meal a liberation was made to her name first and last, but I associate Thanksgiving with her, but her Roman counter part Vesta has 1-15 June of each year, an then another festival celebrated on 8-9 July. Hestia is also mentioned on 8 June. But a neo-pagan sets aside 26 December – 22 January as a month devoted to Hestia.
Status• Virgin theoi goddess.
What disrespects her turning away people at your home (she is a goddess of hospitality and it was seen as disrespectful to her to do so.)
Planet• unknownÂ
Her Tarot cards• the Temperance, the fourteenth Major Arcana card.
Remind me of• Hot cocoa, and Thanksgiving.Â
Scents/Inscene • Lavender, Rose, spring water,  rain, Pumpkin, Apple pie, cinnamon, fall leaves, Chamomile, Myrrh, Frankincense, Iris, Angelica, Peony, Angelica, iris, SandalwoodÂ
My opinion • I like her, but I'm scared of her too. (what a shocker!)Â
Prayers•Â
Historical-
Holy Queen of Sanctity, we hymn you, Hestia, whose abiding realm is Olympus and the middle point of earth and the Delphic laurel tree! You dance around Apollo’s towering temple rejoicing both in the tripod’s mantic voices and when Apollo sounds the seven strings of his golden phorminx and, with you, sings the praises of the feasting gods. We salute you, daughter of Kronos and Rhea, who alone brings firelight to the sacred altars of the gods; Hestia, reward our prayer, grant wealth obtained in honesty; then we shall always, dance around your glistening throne.
For the lost -
Blessed Hestia, the first and the last, and the always flame. May your light burn bright and strong, May your prayers be those of respect and love, May you guide the lost, And give to those who have nothing. I give thanks to you, Hestia, for all that you have done And continue to do.
For people with intrusive thoughts -
I ask Hestia, the kind goddess, to help those who feel down. May they find comfort and peace inside of their homes and inside their own minds. Protect them for their destructive thoughts, and be the safe place they need so much
A prayer for homeles—
In Hestia’s name, may you always have a home and a roof over your head. May you always be comfortable and warm with a full belly. May you always be in good spirits and good company, never knowing the pervading loneliness that envelopes the soul.
MorningÂ
Blessed Hestia, Fill this home with your light and bounty, As the day fills it with golden sunshine.
Evening
Glorious Hestia, Let your hearth fire warm this house, As night draws her shadowed cloak over it now.
Blessings of the kitchen-
Hestia bless my little kitchen, I love it’s every nook And bless me as I do my work, Wash pots and pans and cook. May the meals that I prepare, Be seasoned from above, With thy blessings and thy grace, But most of all thy love
germansingergirl
theartofmadeline
stormborns
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blakekathryn
