Fiánta Cleasaí

I am an animist, Gaelpol devotee of Brighid, a Lokean, an astrologer and a cosmic hedge folk witch. (Appalachian, Irish & Scottish) 27, It/its, autistic. queer, and disabled. Main: @cryptidcripple

[fiantacleasai]

Introduction

Hi there! You can call me Bat. It/Its pronouns. My username is in Gaeilge (Irish) and means Fiery Trickster. (was previously under the UN Gaelcryp) TLDR; I am: 29, queer, nonbinary, autistic, adhd, and disabled. I am an Astrologer, based in Hellenistic Astrology. I do incorporate this into my practice. I am a cosmic folk hedge witch, with an emphasis on spirit work and am learning the folk traditions of the Appalachian, Irish, Scottish, and Swedish. I'm a Gaelpol, Lokean, and Animist. Actively learning decolonization, antifascism, abolitionism, anarchy and harm reduction. Covid Vigilant. Please only follow if you are over 18, minors don't follow. You are not in a safe space if you are a folkist or any other form of white supremacist, an informed appropriator (including Lilith devotees), racist, ableist, queerphobic, anti-Semitic, pro-Israel or a zionist, fatphobic, anti-masker/vaxer, or harm apologist. Also note that I am Wicca Critical. ---------------------Long Version--------------------------

I have been a witch/magic practitioner for the past 8 or so years. I practice mainly folk magic as of recently, focusing my studies on Appalachian, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and occasionally Swedish traditions. I've been learning slowly about my ancestry and where my family comes from in order to both connect with my ancestors and venerate them, as well as learning about the places of my family's origin and their folk traditions. My family is heavily tied to the Appalachian regions, namely of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Georgia. A great many of them seem to have emigrated from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Another subset of ancestors seem to have emigrated from Sweden and Germany.

That said, I'm also trying to learn about the land I live on currently in the Pacific NW and figure out how to practice the traditions of my homelands while I reside here and incorporate the land respectfully. I have felt homesick for Ireland since I was about 7 years old, and I've wanted to be involved in anything Irish I could find. I feel that the land Herself is calling me back, to the place where my ancestors called home. I'm trying to learn the language and hope that one day I will be able to, at the very least, visit for a long while. I consider myself a hedge witch as well, not for the aspects of solitude but rather for the hedge-jumping/spirit-flight and focus on the Otherworld and spirit work. Connecting and communing with spirits has been a primary focus of my craft since the beginning. As far as my beliefs go. I have been particularly focused on Gaelpol/Irish & Scottish Polytheism the past 4 or so years. (and now learning about Welsh) She is the goddess and deity that I have worshipped the longest, and felt a strong connection to first. Of the Tuatha De Danann, I also hope to form relationships with Donn, Lugh, Manannán mac Lir, Áine, and Aengus Og. Within the past year I've also been connecting to Heathenry, through an unexpected connection to Loki. Though heathenry will not be a particular focus in my practice, I consider myself a Lokean and devotee of Loki and honor their family (partners and children) as well. I use he/they/she pronouns for Loki, personally. I am a strong Animist and have been, without the word, since I was very young. It is important to me to honor and get to know house spirits, land spirits, animal spirits, and plant spirts. I believe in fate and partial pre-determinism and that the planets give us signs through astrology. I believe electional astrology and astrologic magic are ways to work with the universe with some self-determinism. I believe in soul-transmigration and of course, the Otherworld. I believe in the soul having many parts - much like in Norse paganism.

As a disabled person, I am always on the hunt for things to make my practice more accessible. I also am hungry for community, as frequently being home-bound is so lonely. As an ever-growing and changing person, I allow myself to morph and grow as I learn and experience more. So this post will likely be updated over time.

[lokavisi]

Why We Should Treat the Gods as People

In my own spiritual journey and in the journeys of so many people I know, there is a lot of angst around our relationships with deity. As I've mentioned in a whole slew of other posts, a lot of this tends to be rooted in Christian beliefs that are deeply ingrained into the culture of the United States (but it can be seen in other cultures where Christianity is the dominant religion. I can just speak to my own experience as a U.S. citizen). Even if you didn't grow up in the church, in this culture (and ones like it), people still reference Christian mythology, concepts, or beliefs as if they're just a given part of life. Things like people saying, "Not today, Satan," or "Jesus take the wheel" with sincerity despite not subscribing to the existence of Satan or Jesus at all. Or saying with certainty that someone who's done horrible things will/should go to hell after death in spite of not believing in an afterlife. The fact that saying someone is "religious" implies they are a devout Christian as if no other religion exists for them to be devoted to. The Christian worldview is so intrinsic in our dominant culture that it is often very difficult to approach our non-Christian deities (and spiritual practices in general) in a way that isn't steeped in that tradition and worldview.

The Christianity I grew up in* emphasized devoting your entire life to God/Jesus. God and your service to him should be the primary focus of your life. Everything comes back to God. God is the only perfect thing in existence and your belief in Jesus' resurrection is the only thing that will make you perfect in God's eyes. Even when you aren't going to church on Sunday, when you know people that do (and especially people that take this stuff extra seriously) you're still learning that regular church attendance is what it means to be in relationship to deity. That there's an expectation to make everything in your life about them and to give them absolutely everything, and that anything less than total devotion and unwavering belief in their perfection means you aren't a "good" Christian/believer. You're taught that Jesus is your friend no matter what, but if you don't believe in him you're destined to suffer for all eternity in the afterlife. Talk about a toxic relationship dynamic. If we saw people acting like this towards another human, not a deity, we'd say there's an unhealthy power dynamic at play. There's codependency. There's constantly ignoring your own needs and desires for the sake of someone else and being made to feel guilty when you do actually stick up for yourself or do something that you want to do for you.

*I realize not everyone who practices Christianity does so in a toxic, cultish way like I did. It's just not as common in my experience.

So. You find paganism/polytheism in a monotheistic culture that normalizes toxic relationships with deity. You likely recognize that on some level because you're rejecting that dominant religion and worldview in the first place. But when all you know about relating to deity comes from that perspective, you're inevitably going to default to that way of thinking whether you're conscious of it or not. You approach these new-to-you deities as if they are perfect, untouchable, all powerful beings that ask the world of you. Anything less than devoting all your time, energy, and resources to them means you're not a "good" devotee/worshiper/etc. and that will invoke their anger towards you. You feel pressure to formally dedicate yourself to them in some way through oaths and the like. A lot of voices in the pagan/polytheist sphere echo this mentality (consciously or not) because, in many cases, they, too, were raised in this culture and struggle to untangle this mindset from their practices, making it all the more challenging to even recognize that you are entangled in this mindset yourself or to break free of them if you are.

It's okay. It's not your fault. Our human ancestors made choices that shaped our culture into what it is today, for better or worse. Our Christian ancestors just so happened to colonize cultures with their beliefs to the point that we struggle to decipher what cultural traditions existed pre-conversion. At best we're often able to notices points of syncretism when compromises were made to maintain local traditions while still promoting Christian faith (i.e. forcing Christianity onto people/the culture). What matters in the here and now is that we consciously recognize this toxic relationship model between humanity and deity, and actively work to build healthier relationships between us.

This is where treating deities as people comes in. Notice I'm saying "people," not human. From an animist perspective, everything has a spirit and personhood. Naturally, deities are included in this. Deities exist in a way that we as humans do not, just like a deer or a rosebush doesn't exist the way we do. Even so, just like human people, they all have their own personalities and areas of interest or expertise. They are capable of helping others in many ways, but, because of these points of interest/expertise, some are better suited to help in certain situations than others. Equally, we are not going to vibe with all of them (just as we don't vibe with every other human we come into contact with) and that's perfectly okay. They have flaws and imperfections and have done morally questionable things, much like humans. It's normal to come to the defense of those we love and care about, but trying to insist they've never done anything wrong or imperfect isn't acknowledging or seeing them for who they really are. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Creating fruitful and meaningful relationships with deities requires us to use healthy relationship models that we strive towards with our fellow humans. A relationship is a relationship, regardless of the physical form (or lack thereof) of the person you are in relationship with. The challenge is, of course, that this approach conflicts with the dominant narrative of Christian approaches to deity relationships that we are so accustomed to. It might feel disrespectful or too "casual" or otherwise strange to adopt and apply this mindset to our deities. But a healthy relationship is a healthy relationship no matter who it's with.

Now, these relationships may still look more "traditional" from the outside looking in. We can leave offerings at altars or other sacred spaces. We can meet in public places for rituals and making offerings together. We can spend time in prayer in conversation with our deities. It's our mindset and approach to these actions that can change. We're not doing it out of a sense of obligation or guilt. We're not doing it because it's expected of us. We're not doing it because we'll have an eternity of suffering if we don't. We're doing it because we want these relationships. Because these relationships fortify and strengthen us. Because mutual service to one another is beneficial and meaningful and build connections.

Yes, if you make a promise and don't uphold it, they might be upset, but so would your human bff. But, just like with your human bff, there is always opportunity for mending that relationship. Offering them food and drink is essentially no different than doing so for the human guests you invite into your home. Having relationships with multiple deities is no different than having a friend group at work or getting to know and hang out with a friend's family. The only thing keeping us from seeing things and approaching our relationships with deity in a healthy way like this is the dominant cultural narrative around deity worship and relationship.

Our ancestors knew that right relationship with deities and other spirits was important to our existence. They knew deities were people, part of our natural ecosystem like any other person/being. They knew the value of reciprocity in all relationships. They knew befriending their deities built meaningful allyships and would serve each other well. They may have valued the skill sets and strengths of certain deities over others for any number of reasons (including their own cultural biases), but that is just as true today as we navigate modern existence in our own cultures.

Approaching deities as fellow people has greatly decreased the weight of guilt and fear that I have historically felt around deity. Treating them as people has made me less afraid of forgetting to leave offerings. (I have ADHD and forget to interact with humans just as frequently, but those humans still love and support me. So, just maybe, my deities still do, too. Spoiler alert: they do.) Treating them as people has made me feel less pressure to make oaths or promises regarding the nature of our relationships, and less fearful of breaking any kind of oaths I may make. (I don't have to make excessively formal declarations to other humans for them to know they're my friends or family, and not doing so doesn't make our relationships less meaningful. And I know that if I break a promise to someone, I can hurt them and have the responsibility to make it right.) Treating them as people reminds me that I am also my own person with my own needs and wants that deserve to be acknowledged and honored. (Every second of my life and attention is not owed to them. I'm not beholden to anyone's supposed will for my life, deity or otherwise. I have a say in how our relationship looks and functions.) Treating them as people as facilitated a lot of healing around both my religious trauma and my approaches to human relationships. (Recognizing toxic patterns with deities helps you recognize toxic patterns in other relationships, too.) Treating them as people has made it easier to reach out to a variety of deities for help or general connection without feeling guilty. (My human friends and family know and accept I have other people in my life I like to spend time with. They also know when they aren't doctors and I should go talk to one to help me with a medical problem, not them.) Treating them as people has reminded me that my worth does not come from my relationship to them but is intrinsic to my being. (I am worthy of love, dignity, and respect no matter what my spiritual leanings are or how many deities I choose to interact with. They don't give it to me, just help me see it when I struggle to.)

I know I cannot tell you what is best for you or your practice as it is not mine. What I do know is what I see around me and what I have experienced, and my hope is that sharing these thoughts and experiences helps you in your life and practice in some way.

Blessed be.

[biggest-gaudiest-poltergeist]

i worry we are losing touch with the True Meaning Of Halloween (avoiding the fairies)

[biggest-gaudiest-poltergeist]

celebrate a good old-fashioned Halloween with the very important traditions of:

lighting candles in jack o'lanterns (to keep away the fairies)

roasting s'mores on bonfires (to keep away the fairies)

bobbing for apples, fortunetelling, ouija boards, and other assorted divination rituals (to forewarn those doomed to be kidnapped by fairies)

haunted houses (to preach against the dangers that lurk across the veil in the otherworld, home of the fairies)

community effort to stuff kids full of candy (that if whisked away (by the fairies) they might resist the temptation (of strange fae foods) long enough to escape)

disguising your face and identity in elaborate costumes (to keep away the FUCKING FAIRIES)

[biggest-gaudiest-poltergeist]

ways NOT to celebrate Halloween: sneaking into graveyards aka the modern day successor of burial mounds aka portals to the otherworld aka home of the FUCKING FAIRIES

[silversuggestion]

I go to feed him,

and god bites my hands through the bars of the cage -

the preachers ask what prayer is like,

and my fingers bleed in answer.

[martyrsuggestion]

and the preachers laps up what i bled,

from the cold marble floor,

because maybe -

to even be able to stand god,

is to be something divine yourself.

[darkearthsuggestions]

I go to worship

And the temple calls itself clean.

The blood is banished, the altar burnished,

as if peace could satisfy

the god who taught me how to hunger.

And so I pray and gnash my teeth

And hope that my libations sate him

My god– my god, a holy beast.

[hellostranger1961]

the choctaw vampire hunters in sinners, photographed by eli joshua adé, smpsp.

[butterflytarot]

Low-Energy Ways to Work With Nature

Whether you're chronically ill, work three jobs, or slept in an extra hour and decide it's a good day to have a lazy day, we all have days or moments where we're low-energy but still want to connect with the elements, spirits, and forces around us.

Here are some low-energy ways to connect & work with nature, categorized by the 4 elements (+ the ether)! Please enjoy and I hope this helps <3

THE EARTH

Open a window or sit outside! Yep. It's that simple. Just watch. Smile. Gaze. It's worth it ;)

Watch a documentary or nature-based movie. Even something that's loosely based on defending the earth, or something about plants or ecosystems. There are YouTube pages that make much more interesting documentaries than your typical History channel video, but there's lots of sci-fi & fantasy & adventure movies with similar themes too!

Go for a walk... or a nap, by your favorite tree.

Learn about a new plant - local or foreign - even just once a week, or once every two weeks! Just look up the picture to see the different colors it can come in, or learn about where its name comes from, or explore spiritual uses and properties. You could slowly build a tiny collection in a cute journal or your notes app if you wanted, one fact for one plant each week!

Find photos or art online of nature & mother earth that make you feel good, that resonate with you or make you feel grounded, and use it as your digital wallpapers, profile pictures, etc! Make your signature emoji a flower or tree. Share your favorite witchy artists online! Even just changing the color palette works!

Do some virtual window-shopping for earth-themed decor!

Do your nails - even if its messy! - earthen-based colors.

Sit and breathe in some fresh air. It truly does help.

If you have the time, consider getting an insect or domesticated animal as a pet, one where it wouldn't be harmful to look after them or have them indoors with you. There's plenty that can grow on their own, perhaps they just need certain temperatures, clean water, etc. Research the best one for you, and invite a bug friend or critter inside!

Wear crystal jewelry! There's no better way to connect with the earth than to care for its children, the crystals and rocks and stones that beautify our world! You don't have to do anything but buy the bracelet or snap on the necklace, some you don't even need to take off to sleep / shower (make sure you research crystal / stone / rock safety for whichever you choose, same with different metals if you get metal jewelry)!

THE WATERS

Drink a glass of water. Literally! Water is life, and we are deeply connected to it - and it is connected to everything! The best way we can connect with it, is to unify ourselves with it.

Work with water types! Whether it be floral waters (water with rose petals in it, for example) or dewdrops or rain (after a stormy night), you can observe the waters for divination, utilize it for offerings, etc!

It's as easy as dipping your fingers or toes in! Find a river, or pour some faucet water into a bowl, and sit with it. Feel it. Share space together.

Take a shower! You don't even need to wash, especially if it's just a random shower in the middle of the day and not part of your showering routine. Different temperature waters can help with different things (hot water for comfort, cold for self-reflection or divination, etc, can depend on the person), and you can even start baths if you're more of a bath person. Personally, I like to set a stool outside my bathtub, turn on the hot water, and work on a little project while I let the water hit my back or legs.

Things like cleaning up the ocean or beach can take a lot of time and energy, but an equally helpful alternative is returning things to the ocean! Seashells, sand dollars, things you took but weren't gifts - or otherwise found or received - the waters might really enjoy having back. If you can make it to the waters, consider offering these things back. If you can't, even using them with freshwater is sometimes okay - like a seashell to hold your clean sponges, or a sand dollar as decor in your fish tank.

Listen to water sounds - whether it be the songs of whales, a peaceful storm, or even just the ocean waves, it really can be peaceful and - if you close your eyes - transport you right to the dry rock on a summer day next to the glimmering streams! I recommend this video here, if it's for sleep! This video is also a recommendation of mine!

Shadow work near water! You can reflect, or just journal, take notes, write down prayers... Really, any form of writing or art (like water-color painting) near water can really help you connect with the element!

Protection with water -- protection practices are super important, but they don't always involve burning incense or throwing salt! It could involve sitting out a cup of water near a lemon you've put by your window.

Movement - whether it's just your hands or your whole body, finding a way to move like water - gentle flows, instinctual steps, whatever works to enhance your inner tranquility, focus or general energy work & intentions - can really help! Take inspiration from seaweed - firm on the ground, but still flows with the motions of the waves, like it's gliding through liquid.

If you're in an environment that's dry enough for this, and you aren't risking things like molding in your home, having a spray bottle nearby - whether it be of water, or even an ocean-like Febreeze - to just spray into the air is really useful. You can even have fun with it, spraying it above you or walking into it!

THE FIRES

Cook an easy-to-make meal!

Sit by the fire. Careful not to inhale too much smoke, or burn yourself! Even just a candle, incense or even just a lighter is useful. (MAKE SURE TO PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY!) Listen to crackles. Talk to it. Dance with it, or sing to it. Practice fire-gazing techniques (like trataka). Additionally, even oil burners (like some aromatherapy tools) can be helpful! I recommend a citrus scent, it's physically healing and citrus is often associated with summer/heat! Burning herbs may also work, depending on the herb or purpose or intentions etc.

Fire-based affirmations can really help you connect with the element! Something to get you "fired up" or get in touch with the warmth that burns inside you. Even connecting it to your body parts - like being warm-blooded - or culture/religion can be useful!

Connect with the sun. Watch the sunset/sunrise, draw a photo of the sun with its gorgeous warm colors (or a painting with a similar palette), pray to or with the sun, schedule your day with the sun's rising and falling hours, collect some sun water, etc!

Wear warm colors, or decorate your home with them. Sometimes these colors - like deep reds and cream colors paired together - created a sense of comfort, refuge, or homeliness in your space. They help you feel warm, and foster a sense of snuggling! Additionally, wearing brighter colors can really uplift your mood, boost energy levels, or just overall make you smile - especially if you like those colors! It often feels like a raw expression of yourself, so I recommend giving it a try!

This is going to sound crazy - intimacy! It can really boost your connection to fire, especially if your intentions are set to do so! This can also boost manifestation work, just be knowledgeable about this kind of magic before doing so!

Holding a warm object - stone, mug of coffee or tea, etc - can help, or even just bundling up in blankets! This is a bit harder as it's not a direct connection but it'll help you focus on connecting with the element.

BURN THINGS! Don't do anything dangerous or illegal, but burning paper or an old wedding dress might work if done appropriately ;)

Explore fire-based fae, creatures, etc. Whether it be critters that live on volcanoes, or the great phoenixes of many stories and lore, exploring their symbolism, representations, and how they feel or connect to you and your story are all great associations to get in touch with the element!

Fire-based visualization: Using light, campfires, flames, phoenixes, or similar imagery in your visualizations can really help with respectfully tapping into the energy or calling it to you, and you don't need any resources or materials to do it! If you struggle with visualization, verbalizing statements of this theme, or thinking other thoughts, work too!

THE WIND/AIR

Fly a kite or blow something (environmentally-friendly and generally safe) into the air! You can also hang something, so that you don't need to physically do anything but watch!

Whistling! Singing, humming! Breathing & self-regulation techniques! The air is often associated with communication, so scream! Write! Journal! Exist! Experience! Survive! Live!

Open a window and don't mind if it blows some papers!

Connect with smoke - like from incense or sage! Uplifting scents really help with this - something light, soft or dainty!

Let the wind blow in your hair - and don't mind the mess, it's beautiful and funky and fun!

Watching the sky or listening to the wind. It is patient, and the world bustles by - but not just people on the street or water pushing by rocks, it's also daisies and leaves letting loose into the air, and the cold caress of the wind on your jawbone as the night gets cold or the day gets warm.

Mindful listening - it really does help! Even if its silence, even if its loud! It helps you feel the air, and space, around you, and really get in touch with yourself, your community, and the element around you at the same time!

Bird-watching, cloud-watching, leaf-watching, storm-watching! Whether it be finding creative shapes, admiring beauty, or practicing divination, simply observing is worth the try!

Breathe intentions or prayers. Whether it's the classic "inhale beauty, exhale bullshit" or simply putting the energy, prayer or intentions of a desire of yours into your breath as you exhale, it's worth it for some people. Some people believe that their god, or their creator, is breath itself - representing life - and so each breath you take is in their creator's name and carries power.

Lunar work! Connecting with the moon - an energy in & of itself - is made possible thanks to the atmosphere, thanks to air. Be grateful for all the ways air sneaks into our lives and connects us with one another, and work with other elements in a way that keeps you tied to it.

THE (A)ETHER (SPIRIT, OR SPIRITUAL WORLD)

Explore open spaces. Whether it be crowded or empty, finding a way to resonate with both stillness and movement at the same time can be really powerful. I recommend going somewhere alive in one capacity or another - like bustling people, or just strong winds in the grass blades - and just existing with it. Eventually, you can also try meditation, pondering or self-reflection (even as deep as shadow work), or speaking to the nature spirits around you if they're friendly!

Energy work, in all honesty, can be very tiring - duh, it takes energy. However, even something as simple as calling an energy force to hang out with you, giving a gift or offering, or collecting the paraphernalia of your favorite or most beloved force (such as the ether but others like love, void or divinity too), can really help you connect with the ether in general!

Connect with sound energy - like meditative videos, sound healing techniques, or even just music!

Learn about spirit communication - you don't even need to start, and offerings or tools are not required! Alternatively, learn about different spirits - you could do types like fae and angels, or practices like psychopomp work! This is usually easily accessible somewhere online. You could do some good research, or just talk to others on social media about their beliefs and perspectives and knowledge!

Practice being aware of the energy & world around you, as well as yourself!

Intuition! Enhance your intuition. This can be done with things like tarot, but to preserve energy, even online "intuition tests" or evaluations help - like ones where you see a black and white photo, guess the color of the item it pictures, and then see if you're correct or not!

If you're experienced enough, mantra work might be for you! You can learn about it here.

Create an altar - whether it be for a deity/spirit, or just a space for your workings! It really helps centralize energy and get you feeling the vibes!

Floating and flying visualization - basically as it sounds! Practice visualizations of floating or flying. Be careful if doing this before sleeping - for some people it helps them drift off peacefully into a good rest, but for others it sparks that feeling of being lifted up and then falling down into your bed (among other similar feelings that may be scary for you). I also don't recommend it if you're sensitive to themes of death or grief. However, even doing it during the day can both be powerful and calming.

Get an aura reading! See what color your spirit form is, and what that color may be associated with! You don't have to learn this practice or develop this ability in order to do it, you could easily find someone else - online, even - who can perform this service for you!

Thank you!

I hope this was helpful and that you enjoyed!

Don't hesitate to comment any questions.

Have a good day / night!

[here-am-i-sitting-in-a-tin-can]

i was born in the wrong generation, i should be singing hymns to the gods in their temples rn

[pigeonflavouredcake]

Grimoire ideas that aren't research

While my grimoire is dedicated to research and documentation and I love that for it, I totally get how a load of writing isn't for every practitioner. I didn't want to leave you guys out so here are some grimoire ideas that aren't related to research.

_________________

Pen test/paint test page

make a spell page or prayer page in the style of collage/black out poetry

make a zine of the holidays/your preferred tools/deities/spirits ect.

make collage of your deities/spirits or local wildlife

tape grid/dump

sticker dump

sigil dump

If you're handy with a needle and thread, turn those sigils into patches for your clothes

Tape in an envelope to store excess thread or make a page of thread colour correspondences

if you enjoy cooking, make a list of flavour combos and their magical properties including dish uses, colour schemes, aromas, general vibes ect.

Rip off the labels of your candles, herbs and spices and stick them in your grimoire for future reference

design your own insignia (you don't have to be in a coven)

stick in pictures of local haunted attractions/spiritual places and (optionally) write about them

make a collage of you ideal work space or meditation spot

Plan/design your ritual outfit

make a charging station for small objects then design a large one for yourself (can be conceptual or literal)

[carbon-heart]

You can literally just ask the spirits, you guys

Me: *going out wildcrafting this morning*

Land spirits: "What are you looking for today?"

Me: "some bones would be nice."

Literally 15 minutes later:

If you're cool with your spirits, you often don't need a lot of pomp and circumstance. Just ask. Most likely, they'll be willing to do you a solid.

[lunar-witchin-deactivated202509]

coffee magic ☕️

a list of simple tips and correspondences for coffee magic

— sun water | energy, happiness

— new moon water | new beginnings, new projects

— full moon water | manifesting, calming

— cinnamon | love, happiness, money

— honey | friendships, relationships, protection

— sugar | manifesting, attraction

— nutmeg | legal matters, good luck

— clove | protection, clarity, abundance

— cardamom | love, lust, confidence, beauty

— anise | purification, protection, love

— ginger | quicken manifestations

— cocoa | grounding, prosperity

— vanilla | calming, good luck, love

— hazelnut | protection, fertility, wisdom

— milk I growth, fertility, strength

— oat milk | prosperity, abundance, fertility

— almond milk | love, prosperity, wisdom

— coconut milk | cleansing, protection, blessing

— stir clockwise | to manifest

— stir counterclockwise | to banish

— paint sigils on your coffee mug / glass

— read your coffee grounds / cream clouds

— scry using black coffee as a reflective surface

[glitterandwitchcraft]

Some little things I've learned over a decade of witchcraft:

If you are feel called to work but are tired/drained, sit outside. Take in all the energies around you. Nature can help charge you

Every witch does a little bit of a bunch of types of magic but sticks mainly to one or two in general. You usually won't be eclectic forever. You'll find what magics work best with you.

Never be lazy or cut corners with spirits. Always be respectful and always tell them to leave when you're done

When you see a plant or ingredient with a long list of properties, there are different things at play. Season of collection, the part of the plant, the health of the plant, etc all play a role in impacting which properties it will carry.

Don't call on spirits unless you have confidence and control

Be careful with sea/water magic. Get into it gently and slowly until you have the energy figured out because it can get out of hand quickly.

Adding a little pinch of magic into your breakfast can make a major difference in your day.

Your personal emotions/feelings over something will impact a work

Planting some plants is good, not only to have a garden, but the dirt helps cleanse you too. Get all dirty and muddy. It's good for ya

Not all trees are nice

The more you listen to your intuition, the easier it will be to tell it apart from your anxieties and worries

Incense is very easy to make which is why it's usually cheap to buy. But you can find a million tutorials online on how to make your own personal incense which is great if you want a spell to take effect over a while but also want to infuse the fire energy in it.

The more you work with something the better feel you get for it. Cinnamon goes in almost everything i cook and most of my spells because me and cinnamon just get right along

Your path is yours and no one else's. It will look like yours and no one else's

[sierrawitch]

Scottish Divination Practices

by autumn sierra

The Frith

The Frith—translating to “to find”—is a divination charm practice used to gain insight into the future, specifically about missing people or predicting events. Traditionally performed on the first Monday of a quarter, the frithir (seer) would stand in a doorway at sunrise, cross their hands or fingers to represent the equal armed cross, and observe the landscape for omens found in birds, animals, or weather patterns.

The Ritual of the Frith

Traditionally performed on a solstice or equinox at a liminal time such as dusk or dawn. Frithers would often fast to heighten spiritual sensitivity, as well as use Saining water to bless themselves

Frithers would step past a threshold of the home or other significant place (crossroads, old well, etc) to stand with either foot on opposite sides, symbolizing standing between two worlds

Observed images, animals, environmental phenomena, etc were used to divine answers to questions or prophesy

Saining

Although the practice of saining is used to cleanse and bless primarily through the use of smoke, water, fire, etc, it can also be used as a method of divination. During the saining, the diviner would pay close attention to the movement of smoke and flames of burnt herbs—specifically Juniper, which is a traditional saining herb.

An Dà Shealladh (Second Sight)

An Dà Shealladh is a prophetic ability occurring through visions, and was often associated with Highland seers. Those with the ability were said to see spirits, wraiths, or omens of death and misfortune which would give them insight into future events. It was said to be hereditary, and some speculate that the ability may have unfortunately become dormant in the descendants of previous seers.

Hearth Divination

Once logs had been added to the fire of the home’s hearth and burned, diviners could read the behavior of the wood in response to the flames. Sparks and cracks had varying indications, as well as ashes which could be read similarly to how one reads tea leaves.

Mirror/Water Scrying

Water and mirror scrying are popular forms of divination in modern practice. Scrying with darkened, spiritually significant bodies of water (wells, lochs, lakes, bulláns, etc) was very effective for identifying shapes and visions within the water’s reflection (or lack thereof). In a similar way, darkened mirrors—or black mirrors—are use to mimic this effect. The keek-stane, most commonly known by its mention in Raymond Buckland’s Scottish Witchcraft & Magick, is something of a cousin to the black mirrors that are most popular today in that it uses a glass lens rather than a flat pane.

Creating a Keek-Stane

Find and obtain a glass lens, preferably one from an old clock or thermometer face, or one made specifically to be just that—a lens (frequently found in the scientific community)

Black out the lens using black paint on the convex side, careful to make the color as solid as possible without streaking or trapping dust. Be sure that the convex side is completely opaque with no light passing through

Place the lens convex-side down in a protective container of choice (Buckland specifies a box) with the proper materials to keep it in place and keep it from breaking

Oomancy

Egg divination, or oomancy, was a common form of folk divination often performed at Samhainn, Latha Bealltainn, or Hogmanay. It was mostly used to predict marriage, future events, or fortune. An egg would be cracked into a bowl of water, and then the diviner would interpret the shapes made by the egg whites.

Salt and Wax Divination

This method of divination is achieved by pouring salt or hot wax into water. The patterns and shapes created through this method would then be interpreted by the diviner. This method of divination was commonly used during Samhainn and Hogmanay.

Scapulomancy

Scapulomancy is a divination method in which seers would divine the future by interpreting the shoulder blades of animals (usually sheep). Cracks, dents, and other abnormalities in the bones would change the outcomes of the readings. Some would use fire to create the cracks necessary to read the bone, and others would read the natural bone as it was following its cleaning. Scapulomancy was used for predicting weather and harvests, guidance for battles, monitoring the well being of communities, and other fortune telling.

Stone and Fairy Mound Divination

Stones, Hagstones in particular, were believed to enhance An Dà Shealladh when peered through. Visiting fairy mounds at Samhainn and listening to the wind or the whispers of the fair folk and other spirits was another way to divine the future.

[thecupidwitch]

Magical Properties of Vegetables

Alfalfa sprouts: prosperity

Asparagus: lust, grounding

Artichoke: lust, protection, personal growth

Beans: grounding, love, lust, prosperity, protection

Beet: beauty, love, passion

Broccoli: strength, leadership, protection

Brussels Sprouts: protection, luck, rebirth, stability, courage

Cabbage: fertility, health, longevity, love, money, protection

Carrot: banish, clarity, fertility, illusions, health

Cauliflower: protection

Celery: grounding, lust, mental powers, peace, psychic powers

Corn: spirituality, protection, abundance

Cucumber: purity, fertility, healing

Eggplant: wealth, prosperity

Endive: love, lust, physical strength

Horseradish: Exorcism, purification, banishing, empowering, warding

Lettuce: stamina, sleep, rest

Leek: love, physical strength, protection

Mushroom: psychic awareness, physical strength, hidden truths, courage, healing, health

Onion: warding, protection, health, banishing, virility, fertility, energy, psychic power

Pea: love, prosperity

Pepper green: growth, prosperity

Pepper red: energy, strength, vitality

Pepper yellow: empowered creativity

Potatoes: Protection, compassion, potency, wishing

Pumpkin: healing, money, prosperity, abundance, divination

Radish: lust, protection

Rhubarb: fertility, love, protection

Spinach: fortitude, physical strength, general physical health, prosperity, money

Sweet Potato: love, lust

Squash: spirituality

Tomatoes: protection, warding, health, money, luck, love

Turnip: warding, banishing

Zucchini: spirituality, protection, prosperity, lust, abundance

*source: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen*

*source2: Scott Cunningham Encyclopedia Of Magical Herbs*

[sitting-1n-silence]

Graveyard etiquette from a cranky traditional witch:

-Leave shit at the gate (coins, cigarettes, eggs, flowers)

-If alone go in silence, if with others speak in a hushed tone

-Wear a hat or head covering to prevent possession or bringing home unwanted spirits.

-Bring bells and/or rattles to wake the dead if desired

-Smoking in the graveyard or carrying a flame is an easy way to get the attention of the dead at night.

-Bring a knife or object made of iron should things get hairy (always bring a knife). Canes are also excellent tools for working with the dead

-have a way of gathering occult materia without being noticed by people or spirits (invisibility charms work best)

-If you're bringing spirits home with you (intentionally), don't turn around until you're across the threshold of your home

-Upon leaving the cemetery, say a prayer for the dead and wild things that inhabitant there

-When home, spread white powder (flower, salt, ect...) at the door to keep unwanted spirits out. A colander over a key hole works too.

[texaschainsawmascara]

[zanywitchchaos]

Digital offering to Loki because it's his special day and they deserve it! ❤️‍🩹 (some pics are silly and giving off our trickster's vibes)

[sierrawitch]

Scottish Divination Practices

by autumn sierra

The Frith

The Frith—translating to “to find”—is a divination charm practice used to gain insight into the future, specifically about missing people or predicting events. Traditionally performed on the first Monday of a quarter, the frithir (seer) would stand in a doorway at sunrise, cross their hands or fingers to represent the equal armed cross, and observe the landscape for omens found in birds, animals, or weather patterns.

The Ritual of the Frith

Traditionally performed on a solstice or equinox at a liminal time such as dusk or dawn. Frithers would often fast to heighten spiritual sensitivity, as well as use Saining water to bless themselves

Frithers would step past a threshold of the home or other significant place (crossroads, old well, etc) to stand with either foot on opposite sides, symbolizing standing between two worlds

Observed images, animals, environmental phenomena, etc were used to divine answers to questions or prophesy

Saining

Although the practice of saining is used to cleanse and bless primarily through the use of smoke, water, fire, etc, it can also be used as a method of divination. During the saining, the diviner would pay close attention to the movement of smoke and flames of burnt herbs—specifically Juniper, which is a traditional saining herb.

An Dà Shealladh (Second Sight)

An Dà Shealladh is a prophetic ability occurring through visions, and was often associated with Highland seers. Those with the ability were said to see spirits, wraiths, or omens of death and misfortune which would give them insight into future events. It was said to be hereditary, and some speculate that the ability may have unfortunately become dormant in the descendants of previous seers.

Hearth Divination

Once logs had been added to the fire of the home’s hearth and burned, diviners could read the behavior of the wood in response to the flames. Sparks and cracks had varying indications, as well as ashes which could be read similarly to how one reads tea leaves.

Mirror/Water Scrying

Water and mirror scrying are popular forms of divination in modern practice. Scrying with darkened, spiritually significant bodies of water (wells, lochs, lakes, bulláns, etc) was very effective for identifying shapes and visions within the water’s reflection (or lack thereof). In a similar way, darkened mirrors—or black mirrors—are use to mimic this effect. The keek-stane, most commonly known by its mention in Raymond Buckland’s Scottish Witchcraft & Magick, is something of a cousin to the black mirrors that are most popular today in that it uses a glass lens rather than a flat pane.

Creating a Keek-Stane

Find and obtain a glass lens, preferably one from an old clock or thermometer face, or one made specifically to be just that—a lens (frequently found in the scientific community)

Black out the lens using black paint on the convex side, careful to make the color as solid as possible without streaking or trapping dust. Be sure that the convex side is completely opaque with no light passing through

Place the lens convex-side down in a protective container of choice (Buckland specifies a box) with the proper materials to keep it in place and keep it from breaking

Oomancy

Egg divination, or oomancy, was a common form of folk divination often performed at Samhainn, Latha Bealltainn, or Hogmanay. It was mostly used to predict marriage, future events, or fortune. An egg would be cracked into a bowl of water, and then the diviner would interpret the shapes made by the egg whites.

Salt and Wax Divination

This method of divination is achieved by pouring salt or hot wax into water. The patterns and shapes created through this method would then be interpreted by the diviner. This method of divination was commonly used during Samhainn and Hogmanay.

Scapulomancy

Scapulomancy is a divination method in which seers would divine the future by interpreting the shoulder blades of animals (usually sheep). Cracks, dents, and other abnormalities in the bones would change the outcomes of the readings. Some would use fire to create the cracks necessary to read the bone, and others would read the natural bone as it was following its cleaning. Scapulomancy was used for predicting weather and harvests, guidance for battles, monitoring the well being of communities, and other fortune telling.

Stone and Fairy Mound Divination

Stones, Hagstones in particular, were believed to enhance An Dà Shealladh when peered through. Visiting fairy mounds at Samhainn and listening to the wind or the whispers of the fair folk and other spirits was another way to divine the future.