On Saturday I said to my partner, as I have said for months, "A ten thousand dollar a year raise would solve so many of my problems."
As of this morning I was reluctantly looking for jobs because I love my job and don't want to leave it, but see: $10k raise problem solver.
As of noon today this was no longer an issue, because my boss called me with the news that I was getting a $10K merit raise.
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. This is roughly $200 extra per paycheck. Enough to pay off debt faster, rebuild my savings, and spend a weekend a month in Milwaukee getting obscenely laid. The sex I'm going to have on $200 extra per paycheck. You can't even.
May all of you get the $10K raise your soul has yearned for. And whatever level of sex you can be satisfied with for $200.
A friend: "Wow, they really stopped yapping about you so suddenly and just haven't said much since."
Me: "Yeah, I wrote their name on a sliver of parchment in red ink, wrapped it around a lemon, pushed pins into the lemon, put the lemon in some tupperware, filled the tupperware with chili flakes, black pepper, coffee grounds, and salt, and chucked it in my freezer."
Protection Work in Folk Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Charms for Protecting Yourself & Others
by Keziah
Times are hard, and hard times, unfortunately, often come along with an increased need for protection. Due to this, I felt it was only right to start sharing the protection work series I've been planning to do for quite some time now. In this first piece, I share a collection (both curations and creations) of magical workings within the realm of folk magic that can offer protection. From herbs and tools to turn to, to spells and charms to work, there's plenty of protection help to be found here.
What is Folk Magic?
First and foremost, I'll answer this question so there's no confusion as to what sort of spells will be found in this piece. Folk magic is a term that has come into more common use (thanks to social media) in recent years, but that use isn't necessarily the most accurate explanation or representation as to what folk magic is.
While you'll see many claiming that folk magic is strictly Christian, that simply isn't the case. Folk magic is bigger than any one religion, and the term applies to a broad spectrum of belief sets. In its most barebones definition, folk magic is applied to the magical systems of a common people, a magical craft that exists outside of the realm of ceremonial magic. Some folk magic exists outside of initiatory and hierarchical systems, some within such systems. Some folk magic is Christian or Christianized, some is simply not. For instance, there are forms of Jewish folk magical practices and countless other non-Christian paths of folk magic.
Folk magic is not always called witchcraft, and its practitioners don't always label themselves as witches. Each folk path has its own terminologies, but some you may have heard will be charmers, cunning men and cunning women, rootworkers, granny witches, conjurers, and much, much more.
And now onto the magic!
Herbs, Ingredients, & Tools Commonly Used in Protection Work:
Agrimony: Agrimony is excellent for protection work of various kinds.
It can be used to both protect against harmful magic sent your way and to reverse spells, break hexes, and reflect the malicious work back to its sender.
Agrimony can also be used to protect one from evil spirits.
Angelica: Also known as wild celery, angelica has long been used across a variety of historical and traditional European medicinal and healing practices, as well as being associated with protection magic and warding.
Angelica root is known to be used in protective charms and works throughout Europe and in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the US.
It can be used in spells and charms to protect from malicious and malevolent magic used against you - curses, hexes, evil eye, etc.
Angelica was used to ward off plague and, thus, is associated with protection from illness and safeguarding one's health.
Angelica can be carried (dried or fresh) for protection against evil, be it evil spirits, energies, people, or some other entity or force.
Burning angelica incense can provide protection and defense to the space it's burned in.
Basil: Due to basil's association with love, it can be used in charms to protect romantic relationships from hardship and infidelity. Basil can also be included in works or carried as a charm to protect those in transitionary periods of life - i.e. coming of age, transitioning, grieving and mourning, engaged to be married, moving into a new phase in life, being initiated or converted into a faith or creed, etc.
Garlic: Garlic is used across many cultures and countries in health, protection, banishing, and empowering work.
Dried garlic bulbs and garlic cloves have long been used as amulets against evil entities and forces, negative energy, and malicious people.
Minced and crushed garlic and/or garlic cloves are often used to infuse working oils for protection purposes.
Garlic cloves are added to jar spells and various pouch and bag charms - i.e. hex bags, charm bags, hands, sachets, etc. - to bring protection. Minced and crushed garlic can also be used in jar spells.
Braids and strands of garlic can be hung from window frames, doorframes, porch beams and rails, etc. to protect the space from evil, ill health and disease, malicious work, and negative energy.
Planting garlic on one's property is believed to keep away disease and illness, bring prosperity, and protect the land and household.
Ginger: Ginger is often used in healing work and can be used to protect against illness.
Carrying a piece of ginger root or sleeping with one under your pillow is believed to protect one from taking ill. The same is said of taking ginger (either a ginger shot, ginger tea, or ginger pastes) daily, as ginger boosts the immune system.
Carrying ginger or wearing it as an amulet is also said to offer a general protection.
Graveyard dirt: A versatile tool of the trade, graveyard dirt is used across many folk and ritual practices for a wide array of purposes. An ally that can be used to both harm and to help, graveyard dirt can both be used in hexing, cursing, and other such work, while also being used for protection, warding, binding, and the like.
Hair of a black dog: Dog hairs can be used as amulets for luck and protection. The hair of a black dog is considered especially good for protective purposes.
Holy water: In Christian religious and folk magical practices, holy water is water (usually from a sacred source, such as a holy well, holy spring, etc.) that has been blessed and sanctified by clergy (most often a priest in the Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Eastern Orthodox, Asian Orthodox, and Lutheran customs).
Holy water can be used to protect against evil energies and forces via the anointing of one's body, items, or home.
Holy water has been included in many protection spells and works, and to wash and purify ritual tools, by those who practice forms of Christian witchcraft and Christian folk magic.
Iron (cast iron): Iron is believed to protect from evil of all ilk - spirits, demons, curses, evil eye, etc.
Iron nails can be hammered into doors, walls, floors to offer protection to a space. Iron nails are also worn and kept as amulets to ward off evil eye and protect one from being cursed or hexed.
Keeping a cast iron skillet hanging on the wall (and some beliefs say to keep a cast iron skillet under one's bed) is said to protect the home from evil.
Iron is also believed to keep away malicious spirits and various types of fae folk.
Rosemary: Rosemary used across many cultures and countries to sanctify and protect in so many different ways.
Rosemary is considered a powerful herb that provides protection against all forms of evil.
Rosemary incense can be burned to cleanse a space of negativity, impurity, and evil, so as to make that space sacred.
Dried rosemary can be hung up in the home to protect the space, or it can be added to spells and charms to defend against evil, illness, and negativity.
Rosemary charms can be carried or worn when working against or facing an enemy, as it's believed to protect the wearer and to strengthen their work and purpose.
Oils and waters infused with rosemary can be used to bless and purify sacred spaces and tools, and can be used as anointing oils and waters on those in need of protection, healing, strength, and purification.
Salt: Salt is often included in charms and spells as a tool for protection. It's both a purifier and a great defender and can be used to ward one's home and shield one from evil, negativity, curses, hexes, and the like.
Salt water can be sprinkled on thresholds and walkways to keep unwanted entities and energy from the space. It can also be used to cleanse sacred spaces in preparation for work.
Salt can be used in all kinds of sachets and charm bags for protection.
Salt sweeps are often used in the Southern US to cleanse, bless, and ward the home. Salt can also be added to washes for the same purpose.
For General Protection
Hagstone Charms:
Hagstones, also called adder stones, serpent's eggs, fairy stone, and witch stones, are stones which bear a naturally occurring hole, holes caused by erosion or some other natural event. Hagstones have been used as protective amulets for long while in traditional folk magic of Britain. Hagstones can be used to protect from a number of things - general protection overall, as well as protection from spirits of various ilk, protection from harm on the sea, protection of livestock and farmlands, protection from nightmares, and more.
What you'll need:
Hagstone (one or more)
Thread, cord, or twine.
What to do:
-Pass your thread, cord, or twine through the hole of the hagstone. You can knot the thread beforehand for added protection as a form of knot magic. Knots are believed to strengthen protective work, as they can confuse or distract spirits.
-You can add as many hagstones as you like. One is plenty, but I've seen charms with as many as nine stones.
-Keep your hagstone charm on your person for protection. I wear mine around my neck. It hangs from a nail in my doorframe when I'm not wearing it.
Protection from Evil Eye
the Iron Nail:
Iron nails are used for protection in an array of folk magical traditions, including (though not limited to) in Jewish folk magic, British folk magic, Appalachian and Southern folk magic in the United States, and within a number of European folk magic systems.
What you'll need:
An iron nail
(optional) A red or black thread, string, or ribbon
What to do:
-Keep an iron nail on your person to negate evil eye or malicious energies and intentions from others. The nail can be kept in a purse, wallet, pocket, car, or anywhere it can fit.
-The nail can be tied to the end of either a red or black thread, string, or ribbon for added strength. I keep mine on a cord of red twine. I keep it in my purse, but I can take it out and wear it around my neck or wrist if necessary.
Fox Tail Hairs:
Fox tails and fox tail hairs were employed in Jewish folk magic as an amulet of protection from the evil eye. Keeping a fox tail for this purpose wasn't uncommon in medieval times, but keeping a hair from a fox tail serves the same amuletic purpose.
Coral & Jet:
In many cultures, including in both my own ethnoreligious culture and my own regional culture, coral is believed to ward off and protect against evil eye. In some traditions it's specified that a hand with closed fist made from either coral or black jet can be worn or kept to protect one from any evil eye sent their way as well as any wishes of harm or suffering sent to them.
Antique hand-carved coral pendant or charm; photo courtesy of Invaluable Auction House.
In general, coral and jet beads or charms, either together or separately, can be worn to protect against the evil eye. You'll find such customs in Jewish folk magic, Southern folk magic in the United States, and throughout much of Central Europe's folk magical paths.
Protection from Hexes, Spells, Curses, & Malicious or Malevolent Magical Work
Dime Steppin':
Where I'm from, wearing a silver dime in the heel of your shoe is believed to keep any spells put on you from reaching you.
Church Dirt:
It's believed in various Southern U.S. regions that keeping a bit of dirt taken from church grounds will protect you from any witchcraft sent your way. The dirt can be kept in a baggy, pouch, envelope, vial, or any small thing you can keep on your person or in your home.
Iron:
Again, iron comes to save the day! It's long been believed that iron protects from witches, demons, and other forms of evil, and that it repels or dispels evil spells, curses, and hexes sent the keeper's way. For this reason, a bit of iron can be kept on one's person, or forged iron jewelry can be worn. Iron charms, rings, and amulets can be worn to protect from all forms of nefarious magical workings.
Angelica Baths:
For those who feel they've had a curse or hex put on them, add angelica or angelica root oil to your bath. Doing so is said to remove any curse, hex, or harmful magic laid upon you.
Mirror Method:
This spell is perfect for when you have someone you suspect is trying to spell, curse, or otherwise harm you, even in it's just through malicious gossip. This spell aims to protect you by making sure their work doesn't reach you and instead bounces back on them.
What you'll need:
A photograph or drawing of the person(s) you wish to prevent from harming you or the written name of the person(s)
A compact mirror
Red string, thread, cord, or ribbon.
What to do:
-Tape, glue, or fix the picture(s) or name(s) inside your compact mirror, making sure the name(s) or picture(s) will face the mirror when the compact is closed.
-Bind and tie the compact mirror closed with the red string, thread, twine, or ribbon.
-Keep your mirror somewhere safe where it won't be broken or disturbed. The curses or malicious work of those contained within the compact mirror should always be reflected back to them instead of reaching you.
Protection from Violence, Assault, & Harassment:
Sator Squares:
Pennsylvania Dutch variation of a Sator Square found in 'Long Lost Friend' by German-American Pennsylvania Dutch healer and charm worker, John George Hohman; published in 1820.
The Sator Square / Rotas-Sator Square is a palindromic word square used as a magical charm or amulet. It's been around for quite some time (with the oldest known square possibly being from as early as AD 50) and has been found to have been used historically throughout Europe, Africa, Asia Minor, and the Americas. As to its origins and intended purpose, no one knows for sure, but the Sator Square has come to have a number of magical uses, including as a tool for curing ailments, aiding in childbirth, putting out fires, and, in fitting with the theme of this piece, in protection magic.
Medieval Sator Square etched into a wall; Oppède-le-Vieux, France.
There are many variations of Sator Squares / Rotas-Sator Squares, but the most common forms consist of five rows of five words, each with five letters, arranged in a 5x5 grid. The Rotas-Sator Square (in which rotas is the word listed first, pictured below on the left) was the more common in pre-medieval use, but the Sator Square (in which sator is listed first, pictured below on the right) became far more prevalently used than the Rotas-Sator variation at some point in medieval Europe.
Rotas-Sator Square (left) and Sator Square (right).
In Southern Appalachian and some Southeastern folk practices within the United States, one can use a Sator Square for protection from violence or assault against your person.
What to do:
-Write out a Sator Sqaure or Rotas-Sator Square and carry the charm with you. It can be kept in the pocket, especially a shirt pocket, in the shoe, or even be sewn into one's clothes.
It's also said to be used in/on charm bags for general protection from evil in Cornish folkloric based witchcraft.
Protection from Illness & Pain
Shielding from Illness:
There is an oral version of the abracadabra charm I use to safeguard one's health and keep from falling ill.
What to do:
-When you lay down to go to sleep at night, press your teeth together. Not enough to cause you pain or discomfort, just enough to keep your mouth fixed so that your jaw doesn't move.
-With your jaw fixed in such a way, recite this charm in a hushed tone of more breath than voice -
-This should be recited three times in the same manner in order to shield one from illness.
Banishing Illness & Pain:
I've used a few variations of this work for years to rid one of illness or pain. Here are two variations -
The "Hands On" Approach:
If you or someone you know is coming down with something, is ill, or has been suffering pains, either place the palm of your hand on the area of their body where the pain or illness is rooted to or hover the hands just over the body. Recite either aloud or in your mind these words either 3 or 9 times (I typically use 3, but I've used 9 in more serious situations) -
All the ails shall leave (me/you/him/her/them/the person's name),
All that pains shall go away.
Good health shall surround (me/you/him/her/them/the name),
Good health shall come to stay.
The Long Distance Approach:
What you'll need:
A candle (preferably white or any other color associated with healing)
Powdered or ground ginger
Salt
What to do:
-When one is unable to be touched due to distance from the worker, severity of illness or pain, desire to not be touched, or any other reason, take a candle (preferably white or any other color you associated with healing) and hold it whilst you think of them and their ailments and how you wish for them to get better.
-Select where you're going to burn your candle and, before lighting the candle, make a circle of powdered ginger and salt around the candleholder.
-Light the candle and look into the flame, keeping your intention of healing and helping close to your heart and mind.
-As you look into the flame, recite these words either 3 or 9 times -
All the ails shall leave (me/you/him/her/them/the person's name),
All that pains shall go away.
Good health shall surround (me/you/him/her/them/the name),
Good health shall come to stay.
Alternatively, a variation of this spell calls for the recitation of these words -
Sickness burns, good health returns.
Protection from Enemies
Binding A Dangerous Enemy:
To bind someone dangerous who could do you harm.
With Sympathetic Magic
Sympathetic magic is one of the most common means of working against someone else where I'm from. It entails using an image, belonging, likeness, or symbol of who you're working against. In this case, we'll be using one of those things above to try to bind that someone from working against you or from bringing trouble, maliciousness, or suffering your way.
What you'll need:
A photo or drawing of the person;
or a doll of the person (which can be made of clay, cloth, wood, grass, corn husk, etc.); and/or a scrap of clothing, hair, or item belonging to that person
Red thread, string, or ribbon
A candle (preferably black or red)
What to do:
-Light the candle, which can be carved with the target's name if you'd like.
-If you have an item or scrap of clothing or hair belonging to this person, press it against the likeness when you pick it up. If you don't have any such item, skip that step. Item or no, hold the likeness in your hands, focusing on the object and your intent. Once you're fully focused, recite these words -
I name thee (name of the target of this work).
Thou art (she/he/they/name) in the flesh.
I name thee (name of the target of this work).
Thou art (she/he/they/name) in the flesh.
I name thee (name of the target of this work).
Thou art (she/he/they/name) in the flesh.
-Take the likeness (and if you have an item, scrap of clothing, or hair belonging to them, make sure you keep it against the likeness or symbol while you work, so that it's trapped beneath the bindings as well) and begin wrapping it up, tying it tight with your ribbon, thread, or string. If you're using a drawing or photograph of the person, you can roll or fold the image first before tying it up. While you wrap and tie up your symbol, recite these words -
Your hands are bound, your hands are tied.
They cannot be raised against me.
Your feet are bound, your feet are tied.
They cannot move against me.
Your lips are bound, your tongue is tied.
They cannot speak against me.
You're bound, you're tied, you're bound, you're tied.
You cannot work against me.
-Recite this as many times as you need while finishing the tying work, or you can tie them up as much as you need whilst reciting these words 9 times. It's up to you.
-Let the wrapped and tied symbol sit in the light of the candle as it burns down.
-Do with the likeness, doll, or symbol what you will. Some bury it (far from your home, preferably under the light of a waning moon so as to diminish the power of that person to move or work against you), some (especially if it's a clay or paper doll) burn the likeness, and some keep the item in their home and occasionally recite the binding words and add to the wrapping and tying when they feel they need to again.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
Most of the spells listed above are variations found within the realms of folk magic which I've learned through my family, ancestors, and from simply being born and raised where I am. Spells similar to these can be found in the reading list below, as can any spells included that were not from my own family or regional homebrew of craft.
'Conjure/Doctors: An Exploration of a Black Discourse in America, Antebellum to 1940' by Brown, David H.
'Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs' -Cunningham, Scott
'Doctoring the Devil: Notebooks of an Appalachian Conjure Man' - Richards, Jake
'Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion' - Trachtenberg, Joshua
'the Master Book of Herbalism'- Beyerl, Paul
'On the Origin of the Rotas Sator Square' - Fishwick, Duncan
'Silent as the Trees: Devonshire Witchcraft, Folklore, & Magic' - Gary, Gemma
'Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways' - Gary, Gemma
If you don’t want to use animal parts or curse or whatever in your magic, that’s fine, but don’t go telling other people they can’t. And don’t act like your way is the only way that has ever been.
I’ve seen so many authors (and so many people on here 👀) acting like magic that they personally don’t like just doesn’t exist.
Witchcraft has always used bones, fur, meat, and blood.
Witchcraft has always been used for personal gain.
Witchcraft has always been used to curse, hex, jinx, and cross.
Witchcraft has always used plants and herbs.
Witchcraft has always been used to heal.
Witchcraft can be used for good, for evil, or for neutral.
Do whatever you want with your magic, but don’t deny history.
A–Z of Stones, Bones, and Sentient Vibes Locked in Rock Form
Full disclosure: I was into rocks before I found out my grandmother was pagan and had been quietly enchanting every mirror in her house since 1973. Geology was my original hyperfixation. This is my domain. It's my Final Fantasy class.
Welcome to the mineral multiverse.
⟡This is not your Pinterest crystal starter pack⟡
This is a chaotic, reverent, footnote-infested spiral into the literal bones of the earth.
We are not here to collect shiny things like feral magpies with a credit card. (I mean you could... I'm just not gonna tell you to)
We are here to work with the stones. Listen to them. Cry a little. Possibly get hexed by an ancient fossil.
(It happens)
This is a working index. Not sorted by market hype, influencer trends, or what TikTok thinks will cure your heartbreak.
This is about presence. Lore. Spellcraft. The stories inside the stone.
Each post will include:
Ritual uses and energetic correspondences
(aka what it’s good for besides looking like fancy jewelry)
Myth, magic, and elemental affinities
(yes it’s shiny. yes it could also be ruled by death gods. we contain multitudes)
Traditional uses across cultures
(history matters. folklore matters. the vibes are not enough)
Planetary rulership and magical properties
(when Mars gets involved, wear gloves and don’t ask questions)
⚠︎ Toxicity and ritual safety
(no seriously. do not lick the malachite. this is not a test. it will initiate the ER visit)
✥ Cultural and closed-tradition context
(some stones are not yours to use. and that’s okay. respect is also magic)
This is not a collector’s guide.
It’s a conversation. A weird, mineral-heavy alphabet of listening.
Some of these stones are buried in riverbeds.
Some are carved into blades.
Some are still resting in sacred places that should not be disturbed.
Some are traded like secrets across centuries.
All of them carry stories.
Follow the index from A to Z. One letter, and one witchy footnote at a time.
Each post is a touchstone.
Literal and magical.
When the full index is complete, I can share deep-dive spreads for any crystals you want more detail on. Just send a request for the ones you're curious about.
But for now...
Your practice doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be aesthetically pleasing. It doesn't have to involve expensive crystals, rare herbs you have to special order, or five, six, ten-card draws.
Your practice is not meant to wipe you out until you're completely broke: emotionally, physically, mentally, or financially. You are allowed to practice at your own pace, within your own allowances. All of these complicated, aesthetically pleasing, expensive rituals and spells you see on tiktok and instagram and tumblr are pretty to see and maybe fun to imagine doing, but it's okay if you just can't. It's okay if you don't have a pretty decanter for your moon water or fancy bottles for oils. It's okay, I promise!
Use dollar store herbs and spices. Recycle sauce jars as spell jars. Make moon water in a milk jug or bucket. Use birthday cake candles because they're cheap and quick-burning. Paint runes on your baked bread with melted butter instead of struggling to carve a rune into the store-bought dough. Draw runes with a white crayon on your white walls. Put a jar of garden dirt on your altar, if you have one. Do the easy things. Do the things that won't get ten thousand likes or retweets or reblogs.
What matters most is how you feel, how your craft reacts to you, and how you react to your craft. Just keep that in mind whenever you see a beautiful post and think wow, I wish I could do that. And remember, don't believe everything you see online - I know damn well that some of those aesthetic posts are just set-ups for likes and reblogs.
Be kind to yourself. Always. Even if no one or nothing else is kind to you, show yourself the kindness you need and deserve.
Write sigils on the inside of wrapping paper before you wrap gifts for happiness, joy, health, etc. Hiding the sigils on the inside of the wrapped paper will charge them, and the paper being ripped open will activate them!
Bless passing ambulances and fire trucks with speed and safety for them, their patients, and destination.
Enchant money so that retail and low wage workers can have a better day when they serve you.
Enchant your spare change so that it gives luck to beggars you donate it to. They need it.
Paint protection sigils in the misty windows of buses or shops when it rains, and leave words of encouragement and praise on public bathroom mirrors.
Leave coins or small bills in vending machines, laundromats, or parking meters. Whisper a blessing into them: "May this bring ease to whoever finds it." Money carries energy, it transfers luck.
Before giving a compliment, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and think "let this land like honey". It gives your words extra sticking power, so they brighten someone's whole day.
Scatter flower or herb seeds in neglected patches of earth. As they grow, they bless anyone who sees or touches them.
Draw tiny sigils for love, luck, or safety in chalk on sidewalks, bus stops, or benches. They fade naturally but until then, every passerby gets a little dose of magic.
When lighting a candle at home, dedicate its glow to "anyone tonight who feels unseen, may they feel warmth." That intention radiates outward.
When in a library, bless a random book by tracing a sigil on its inside cover or whispering over its spine. Whoever reads it will receive extra clarity and inspiration.
Because everyone gets sick, even witches! Witchcraft is to be used in addition to proper medical care, and please be cautious when using herbs and do your research*
Teas and potions:
Sore throat potion
Sore throat sage tea
Cough/cold tea
Cold banishing potion
Us witches get colds too
Magick sick tea
Feel better tea spell
Fire cider recipe
Sick witch’s brew
Flu and cold buster
Milly’s “the flu can f*ck off” brew
Soothing tummy tea
Vitamin C healing potion
Syrups:
Easy DIY cough syrup
Soothing lemon cough syrup
Simple elderberry syrup
Magic cold syrup
Food:
Swamp’s immunity boosting noodles
“I am not getting sick!” broth
Spells:
Simple sickness spell
Simple healing spell
Christian witch healing spell
Bath magic:
Anti-nausea bath
Healing bath
Shower meditation
Odds and ends:
Cold remedies and tips
Common cold healing
Lil’ witch tips for sickness
Immune system sigils
Basil
Coriander seeds
Onions
You may also like:
Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms
Witchcraft and meds
Witchcraft in the hospital
My spoonie sigils: (1) (2) (3)
Spoonie witch masterpost
*Resources for herbal interactions*
Links updated August of 2022. Please inform me of broken links via askbox!
Basil is more commonly referred to as witches herb or sweet basil in most books. It is one of the most universal and, argumentatively, most important herbs. In most things you come across, it’ll be mentioned or needed. Its definitely a good starting point for a garden or a herbal collection. Since it can be used in teas and foods, its uses are endless.
The planet associated with Basil is Mars, and it’s considered masculine.
Deities it represents:
Vishnu ~ Supreme god of hinduism.
Erzulie (Ezili) ~ Goddess of love and beauty in voodoo and is often seen in places such as Haiti and New Orleans.
Powers:
Love ~ In Italy, pot of basil on a balcony means that a women ready for suitors and in Romania, an act of passing basil to a lover represents an engagement. The scent of fresh basil is also used to smooth tempers between lovers. Often it is added to most sachets and incenses regarding love, and is considered a natural love perfume.
Exorcism ~ Basil is used during exorcism by grinding (or burning it) into ash and put on forehead of the one being exorcised. It can also be put into the nasal cavities if the person being exorcised is going into comatose, bringing them back into consciousness.
Wealth ~ It can bring forth wealth if carried in pockets. You can also put the leaves in your register or above the store’s door, which will bring in customers.
Flying ~ Witches used to brew half a cup of basil juice before riding their broomstick. Basil can also aid in astral travel.
Protection ~ Basil leaves (or crushed basil) can be put into pockets and sachets for protection, or can be ingested. You can also place it underneath your pillow for good dreams.
Magical Uses:
Basil is great for cleansing baths before spells and rituals, and is extremely helpful during skyclad. You can also burn it to purify energies in a room or area.
Medicinal Uses:
Sharpens memory
Strengthens nerves
Removes phlegm from bronchial tubes
Strengthens stomach
Anti-inflammatory
Fevers ~ Basil leaves mixed with 2 cups water, sugar, and milk will help bring down the temperature. Every 2 to 3 hours you can give the sick some sips of cold water. Works best for children. If taken over hours, it can cause profuse sweating (which is often a remedy for fevers).
Coughs ~ Basil is an important ingredient in cough syrups and can help with bronchitis. You can relieve cold and flu symptoms by chewing on the leaves.
Sore throat ~ Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as tonic and can relieve symptoms.
Respiratory disorders ~ Boiling basil with honey and ginger is useful for asthma, bronchitis, and cold symptoms. For a rapid relief of influenza, boil basil with sea salt and water. Both combinations boiled in 2 quarts until half the water remains works wonders on respiratory problems.
Kidney stones ~ Basil can strengthen your kidneys. In cases of kidney stones, mix juice of basil and honey, and take daily over 6 months. This will expel them through the urinary tract
Heart problems ~ Basil can be used to strengthen those who are weak due to heart disease
reduce cholesterol
Children’s illnesses ~ Any pediatric complaints can be relieved slightly with basil juice.
Rashes ~ Rashes are reduced with a mixture of basil leaves and saffron. This brings them to surface quicker and helps relieve them in the process.
Stress ~ basil leaves can be used as anti-stress agent. 12 leaves a day reduces stress, purifies blood and prevents other common ailments.
mouth infections ~ Chewing a few leaves can cure infections and ulcers.
Insect bites ~ A teaspoon of basil juice is preventive of bites. Rubbing basil in any form on bites helps itching, along with the paste of basil root.
Skin disorders ~ Basil juice applied directly to the infected area is helpful with ringworm and other common ailments.
Teeth ~ Dry basil leaves mixed with mustard oil make a toothpaste that will counter bad breath and massage gums while helping with other teeth and gum related problems.
Headaches ~ Boil leaves in a quart of water and cook till half the water is gone. Take a couple of teaspoons over an hour with water. Paste of basil and sandalwood can be put on your head to relieve the headache.
Eye disorders ~ Basil juice is good for night blindness and eye soreness. Put black basil juice in your eyes at night to sooth and relieve these problems.
Information gathered and taught by the lovely @lovinghernot, our Mistress of Herbs.
Let’s be honest here. Most of us bedridden peeps don’t have an awesome bed setup like this, and our nature exposure can be limited. However, here’s some tips and tricks to staying connected to nature while stuck in bed, with contributions from myself (@heatherwitch), @thewitchofthenorse, @spooniewitches, @persephoneandthepomegranates & @theepagangrace!
Open a window, or crack the curtains
Hang rainbow prisms in your window
Keep a houseplant nearby
If regular houseplants require too much energy: Try cacti, succulents, lucky bamboo, or spiderplants!
Hang nature/forest/plant artwork around
Get air freshener or room spray that reminds you of the outdoors
Watch a nature documentary or shows with people exploring nature – check out nature (photography) videos on Netflix for calming videos
Listen to forest soundscapes [X]
Set a nature scene as your screensaver
Keep a jar of soil around
Talk with any nature deities you work with
Follow nature blogs
Get sheets, blankets, or pillowcases with leafy designs, flower designs, etc.
Get a star map app on your phone to be more connected to the night sky
Have a vase of flowers (real or fake)
Keep crystals around that remind you of nature (Moss agate, petrified wood, onyx, selenite, agate geodes, etc.)
Use sigils designed to connect you to nature
Use air conditioning or a fan to make it less stuffy in your room
Read and write poetry about nature
Press plants/flowers or hang dried herbs by your bed
Spend some time looking outside of your window
Burn a nature scented candle or incense (Irish moss, myrrh, frankincense, opium, and lavender)
Use astral travel or dream magic to get to outdoor areas
Watch livestream videos of outdoor areas
Make a sachet of grass, oak bark (or whatever tree you like), quartz, and salt. Hang it near your bed.
With help from others:
Get someone to collect rainwater for you, and use it to wash your face
Ask a friend to take some pictures of cool places they go in nature and send them to you
Have someone collect rocks/plants/feathers etc. from each day and bring them back for you
Have someone pick wildflowers for you
Drink some herbal tea
Have someone you trust harvest wild edibles/berries for you – or at least bring fresh fruits and veggies!
Skype or video chat with someone while they’re outside
Take the scenic route/detour to some natural areas the next time you need a car ride
I often find myself getting stuck in a rut and having to drag myself out. So, if you're like me and sometimes need a little magical kick in the ass when you've lost your spark... ta-da!
Materials
Red candle (I also like orange for this one, though red is preferred when I'm especially stuck)
Pinch of cinnamon
Pen and slip of paper
Instructions
Light the candle and say, "Flame of Mars, burn away what holds me down. Awaken passion and strength within me."
Write down a word or short phrase that represents what you want to fuel. (Courage, finish the task, energy, etc). Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon on the paper and fold it. Hold it near the flame, but don't burn it!
Say, "With fire and spice, I reclaim my will. My energy rises. My spirit is strong."
Carry the paper with you, or keep it somewhere where its energy is needed.
Give your house a name nobody knows so they can't get through your protections. Treat your house like a living entity because they are. Name them. Greet them. Like the house from Encanto. You can also do something similar to your car.
Window Water Charm: Fill a jar with water, lemon peel, bay leaf. Place it on a sunny windowsill. It acts like a cleansing light catcher, dissolving stagnant or jealous energy before it comes in. Replace it monthly.
Mirror Placements as Energy Shields: Place small mirrors outward near doors/windows to reflect negativity back out. Place inward facing mirrors behind candles or altars to amplify intentions.
Try burying a moonstone crystal in soil to help balance your work and home life more efficiently. It helps to ensure that work related issues are left at the office.
Having pictures of rabbits somewhere in your room is said to bring peace and harmony, dissolve any tension and prevent an argument.
Plant rosemary by your front door to promote and invite love into your home.
Wash down your front door with warm water and a couple drops of peppermint essential oil. It refreshes the vibrations and welcomes in luck, wealth. You could also use peppermint tea.
Plant sunflowers in your yard to repel negativity and attract courage, strength of mind, unconditional joy, and healing for emotional wounds.
Sprinkle black salt along your property line to keep out nosy neighbors, solicitors, and other unwanted nuisances.
Stuff dried rosemary, lavender, or bay in a pouch near vents, fans, or fireplaces. As air circulates, it spreads protective cleansing energy invisibly.
If people are in your house and want them to leave, turn your broom upside down and put it back in its place it upside down.
In your house cleaners add sage and peppermint to it to ward your space off and allows only good things in.
Add sigils into home decor, back of picture frames, under rugs, so they radiate throughout the room.
Slip a sachet of lavender, rose, or chamomile between mattress & box spring. It will help with sleep but also magnetize the bed space for love and peace. It’s hidden, powerful, and continuous. 54
Draw sigils on marshmallows using those tiny food colouring bottles. Match the colours to your intent, and have fun using them however. I like to put them in hot chocolate and watch the intent seep into the drink.
Alright alright alright my witches!! Todays post is a basic way to make throwing bones for a rune set!! Fair warning this does take a couple days so ya gotta have patience.
Okay first thing ya wanna do is get yo self some bones (I used chicken bones) , a spoon to scoop them out and a pot of water!!
Then next yer gonna set that shit on high and wait for it to boil. And once it starts boiling your gonna put all of your bones that you collected into the pot and let them boil for an hour or so. This helps loosen the remaining meat as well as get rid of lingering bacteria.
Next after there done boiling your going to take them out and your going to gently scrape the rest of the remaining meat of the bones. It usually helps to get the majority of the meat off beforehand though.
Once you've removed the rest of the meat your going to soak them in a bowl with warm water and Dawn soap. The Dawn soap acts as a degreasing agent so that it removes the rest of the grease. And your going to soak them over night.
After you've soaked them over night your going to rinse off the bones and pat them dry and then you going to get a huge ass bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Pour just enough to cover the bones. Your going to soak the bones for several hours to achieve the shade of white you want them to look like.
After your done soaking the bones your going to rinse them off and let them dry for about 2 days. Once they're completely dry you can design them using whatever you'd like ( I used sharpie) and you can seal them using a Matte or Gloss varnish.
What you need: A rib bone, (must be white) string, knife or needle, water and water basin.
Instructions: Fill the basin with water and cut a length of the string and sink it into the water.
Cut the tips of your pointer fingers (or poke) and put them into the water.
Blood to Blood.
Bone to Bone.
As though they were new.
Recitation of the spell is important but it’s more important to concentrate. Feel negativity flowing out of your body through the fingertips.
Repeat the spell over and over again.
Take the string out of the water and wrap it around the rib. Place the rib back into the water and let it soak for the night. Dress your wounds and go to sleep. When you wake up drain the water before removing the bone. Wrap it with cloth or more string and remove it from the household before nightfall. During the day make sure to focus bad feelings on the bone and commit that day for good acts for your own health and well being as the households.
I know you all have heard this before. But of course I HAVE to say it. Yes, this is a healing spell, and no, it should not take the place of medical attention. Magick like this is for minor causes and in worst case scenarios can be performed with a potency 10 fold of the following spell. Good Luck, and may light guide you.
Material:
Red Candle
Any color candle that means healing to you.
Assortment of Healing herbs
(Such as Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Rosemary, horehound, etc)
Anti-flammable container
Piece of paper with the person’s name, (DNA would be very helpful as well)
Lighter
Directions:
Start by setting up the non-flammable container in the middle (with the charcoal in it) put the red candle to the back of the bowl, and the healing candle in front of the bowl. Go ahead and light the charcoal and let it begin to heat up. After opening the sacred space, light the red candle first and then the healing candle.
Get the piece of paper with the name on it, sprinkle the herbs clockwise around the name on the paper and fold the herbs in the paper, always folding towards you, turning it clockwise and then towards you again until the herbs are secured in the paper.
Pass the paper through the flame of the healing candle, when it is aflame lay it in the container.
As it burns visualize the healing candle radiating a healing light into the paper and the red candle radiating a light of power into the paper. Now, Visualize the person you are healing healthy as could be, strong, standing tall, the symbol of health. While chanting
“Bright Eyes. Glaring Soul,
Heal thy self, take thy pain,
and no longer be stained.” (Repeat this until the paper burns out, or you feel comfortable.)
I understand the words don’t rhyme or sound cool, but these words have always rang power in my life.
As always with my spells, end it with a smile, and you are done. Feel free to do this spell as much as you feel necessary.
