Let the Stars guide you

Hi, you can call me Mal and I'm the Guessworkwitch.

[guessworkwitch]

About worshipping the 'wrong' Gods

I want to talk a bit about worshipping gods, more precisely, worshipping the ‘wrong’ gods for you and how it affected me and my craft.

When I first actively started my craft I saw witches of different faiths worshipping a god or following a pantheon and I felt that that was what I had to do to become a powerful witch myself.

I started to look into the faith systems and gods I knew most about, those being the norse, Roman, Greek and Egyptian gods and decided to follow Freya because she symbolised what I wanted to become - a strong, beautiful woman who loves who she wants to love and has cats. She is also great with divination as she taught Odin how to read runes. So I started following her, making a shrine and trying to do devotional acts but it felt like a commitment I needed to do and wasn’t something I really wanted or loved to do. So I did less and less things for her. So I stopped. I still ask her favours in return for offerings but I don’t worship her and she understood. I wasn’t ready for her and I felt weak for not being able to worship her like I saw others doing it.

Then Inari-sama called me. I saw foxes everywhere. She sent me a two tailed kitsune to ‘hint’ at me that she wanted to work with me. And she did help me for a bit but I also didn’t worship her. It was like a work relationship. She wanted a favour from me and granted me a favour in return. After that the work relationship stopped. We still talk from time to time and she still shows me a lot of foxes if she thinks I could need a reminder to the lesson she taught me. I still get favours in return for offerings. But other than that I don’t worship.

After I learned that I don’t need to worship gods to work with them it was like a switch flicked in my head and my soul. My craft started to feel like *my own* again. I still ask Freya to help me be as beautiful and strong as she is and that she may help me with my runes and it’s perfectly fine. I still ask Inari-sama to help me be smart and cunning, to help me with keeping and finding secrets. I still ask Bastet and Sekhmet to protect my cats from all harm and to bring them home safely if they should stray, to grant them strength and health. And they don’t get worship in return to the things they grant me. They get offerings. Just like anyone else. Maybe bigger offerings but offerings nonetheless.

So, what I am trying to say, you don’t need to worship gods if you don’t want to or if you don’t click with them. You don’t need to ask them for favours. You don’t need to work with them at all if you don’t want to. On the other hand, if that’s what you want to do, feel free to and I am not stopping you. Basically do what feels right. Experiment if you want to, if you don’t, then don’t. It’s all up to you, and you only. You are not a bad witch nor a weaker witch if you decide to not worship. It doesn’t makes you stronger either. You’re simply your own witch and that’s perfectly fine.

Tltr; if you want to worship gods, worship them but it doesn’t makes you a bad or weak witch if you decide not to worship any gods.

Edit: Just to make it clear, there are no wrong gods, just gods you don’t click with. No god is more right or more wrong than another.

[papasmoke]

I hope bad things happen to evil people

[arcsigils2]

I Hope Bad Things Happen To Evil People - a sigil created to manifest a most fervent of wishes during this most turbulent of times; for bad things to happen to evil people.

[papasmoke]

Hell yes I have a sigil now folks

[innerchildabortionclinic]

[innerchildabortionclinic]

Everyone keep sending your attacks. She can't protect him forever

[dogpuppy]

[redavexat]

[gallusrostromegalus]

How do you preserve the food from your garden so it doesn't go bad before you can eat it?

You are wildly underestimating my ability to go fucking feral about fresh produce. I don't think I even brought snap peas into the house last year. Just ate them right off the vine.

Though I did end up freezing the strawberries/blue berries as they ripened, but even those were consumed within the week.

The only tough one was the potatoes, but that was resolved by just foisting potatoes on everyone I knew. Much more welcome than Zucchinis.

[anubidian]

Oh this is why every gardening person I know keeps trying to give me the food they grow

[gallusrostromegalus]

That, and we love you. Homegrown produce is a love language.

Unless it's zucchini. Then it's a cry for help.

[elodieunderglass]

Tomato (June) - I think highly of you; treasured friend

Tomato (September) - you are a warm body that is nearby

Fresh new asparagus - romantic love

Artichoke - fondness

New rhubarb with leaves removed - flirtatious potential

Rhubarb with leaves left on - the bloom is gone

Swiss chard - I have made mistakes

Perpetual spinach - declaration of animosity between our houses

White-fleshed potato - you are a neighbor

Blue or red fleshed potato - as above, but with overtones of camaraderie/affection

Kale - you are a person who was nearby when I had kale

Raspberries - you are a person I admire

Strawberries - you are a treasure

Onion - I am confused

Young French beans or young peas - I thought of you especially

Runner beans - mild criticism; familial ties; gift from parent to child

Pumpkins - overt romantic, sexual or childhood-bestie interest; highest declaration of loyalty

Prettily coloured popping corn, I.e. glass gem - let this seal the breach between our houses

Zucchini/courgette - cry for help, resignation

Novelty pumpkins - marriage proposal

[guessworkwitch]

This reads like a new divination System and I will treat it as such

[systlin]

“A daffodil bulb will divide and redivide endlessly. That’s why, like the peony, it is one of the few flowers you can find around abandoned farmhouses, still blooming and increasing in numbers fifty years after the farmer and his wife have moved to heaven, or the other place, Boca Raton. If you dig up a clump when no one is nearby and there is no danger of being shot, you’ll find that there are scores of little bulbs in each clump, the progeny of a dozen or so planted by the farmer’s wife in 1942. If you take these home, separate them, and plant them in your own yard, within a couple of years, you’ll have a hundred daffodils for the mere price of a trespassing fine or imprisonment or both. I had this adventure once, and I consider it one of the great cheap thrills of my gardening career. I am not advocating trespassing, especially on my property, but there is no law against having a shovel in the trunk of your car.” 

― Cassandra Danz, Mrs. Greenthumbs: How I Turned a Boring Yard into a Glorious Garden and How You Can, Too

[z-a-d-i-e]

I clicked the link because I enjoyed this quote and was not disappointed

[jthm-moved]

[hobo-rg]

“spicy pillow” jokes aside, I think @flowerkrone​’s tags deserve a serious reply:

#my old phone looks like this on my shelf lmao #im too scared to touch it to throw it away #idk what trash this even goes into when its at this point

The pillow-shaped object here used to be the phone’s battery. It’s not a battery anymore. Now it’s a balloon full of corrosive, pyrophoric chemicals and hydrogen gas and it’s one puncture away from burning your house down. I am 100% serious. You should be scared to touch it.

But you gotta touch it, because you gotta get it out of your house before the pressure builds up to the point where the balloon pops. This isn’t going to happen soon – there is no need to panic – but it will happen eventually.

And, indeed, it doesn’t go in the ordinary trash. You put this in the ordinary trash and you’re gonna set the garbage truck on fire. Don’t do that to the garbage collectors, their job is hard enough already.

The first thing you need to do is get a fireproof container. The most common household item that qualifies as a fireproof container is a cast-iron cookpot with a cast-iron lid – often sold as a “Dutch oven.” Any other cooking container that’s unreactive, has a very high melting point, and has a lid made of the same materials will also work: enameled or stainless steel, Pyrex with glass lid, etc.

However: Do not use a pot with a PTFE-based non-stick coating. If the battery does explode, the fire will probably be hot enough to degrade a PTFE coating, producing toxic smoke. (Not that you should breathe the smoke from the battery fire either, but PTFE breakdown products are worse.) Do not use a pot made of aluminium or copper. The fire might even get hot enough to melt those.

Whatever container you use, you might have to throw away along with the phone, so don’t use your good Dutch oven for this. Go to a thrift store and buy a cheap one.

Once you have the fireproof container:

Gently pick up the phone and put it in the fireproof container. If possible, gently tape the phone to the bottom of the container to prevent it from bouncing around. Don’t put any padding in there, that’ll just make a fire worse if it does happen. Put the lid on and tape it shut.

Put a label on the container, something like “DEFECTIVE LI-ION BATTERY – FIRE HAZARD”.

It is now reasonably safe to move the container around. However, if the battery does explode, the container is very likely to leak smoke and get hot, so keep it in a well-ventilated area and away from things that will be damaged by heat. Don’t leave it exposed to the weather, either.

You need to find either a hazardous waste disposal site, or an e-waste recycler that will accept defective Li-ion batteries. I can’t help with that because I have no idea where you live.

However, your local fire department, if you have one, will probably be happy to help. Call their non-emergency number. Nothing is on fire yet, so this isn’t an emergency, but things that can easily start a fire are still within the fire department’s responsibilities. Tell them you have a phone with a bulging lithium-ion battery, you put it in a fireproof container, and you want to know how to dispose of it safely.

If the fire department tries to tell you this isn’t dangerous or it’s okay to throw it out in the regular trash (with or without fireproof container), hang up on them and write a cranky letter to your local government representatives, then keep looking for a proper disposal site.

When you do find a a hazardous waste disposal site or an e-waste recycler, call them and make sure they will take defective Li-ion batteries, before showing up. That’s also a good time to ask if they will let you have the fireproof container back.

[lolbatty]

Reblog to save lives.

[carpethedamndiem]

Artist: Welder Wings

[angelwurdz]

🌱 Shadow

work

prompts 🌱

What is shadow work?

🌱 Shadow work is deep diving into your heart, mind and soul. It’s a meditation on what really bothers you, pains you and matters to you. Shadow work can be really uncomfortable as you have to be transparent and honest to yourself. You have to face your shadow self and some parts you have hidden even from yourself. At the end it helps you reach acceptance, and processing traumas, unhealed emotional wounds and understanding yourself and your surroundings better.🌱

These are some shadow work prompts I worked with so far, I will add more with time. I hope it will be helpful.

🪴

1- when, where, how and with who do you feel most like your authentic self ?

2- is your perception of yourself and your surroundings filtered by your traumas?

3- are there any parts of yourself you don’t show to anyone? What are they and why

4- what are aspects of yourself you project onto others?

5- what traits get under your skin? Do you possess any of those qualities?

6- how’s your relationships with your parents and how does it affect your relationships ?

7- what is an emotion/feeling you constantly avoid? Do you suppress it? If yes, why.

8- how did your parent show love and what is your love language ?

9- do you have strong boundaries? How do you usually react when someone crosses them?

10- who hurt you the most and can you forgive them?

11- what toxic traits you have learnt from your parents?

12- what’s the best way someone can describe you and is that the best picture you have of yourself?

13- are you honest with yourself about who you are?

14- describe your first heartbreak. Does it still affect you?

15- do you tend to fall for self-destructive behaviors or self-harm activities?

16- when you meet someone what are the first qualities you tend to notice? Are they physical or mental and why are they important to you

17- is there a pattern in your relationships and do you tend to attract the same people ?

18- what are the common themes, symbols , emotions in your dreams ? What could they mean?

19- are there any generational curses/traumas in your family ?

20- what are the things you need to forgive yourself for?

21- did your caretakers teach you about self-care and self-love or was it self-learnt ?

22- do your goals and achievements bring real satisfaction and joy to you or you are doing them for other people and external validation ?

23- what are you afraid someone would judge you for?

24- do you hold any resentment against your parents? What are they and why can’t you let it go

25- what do you think your friends think and feel about you?

26- how do you handle criticism?

27- what is something you are jealous of?

28- what positive or negative patterns keep repeating?

29- think of people who have done you wrong, is there a possibility you were responsible too?

30- did you ever intentionally manipulate someone? If so, why?

31- what are your values and morals?

32- did you ever judge someone for things you did or do ?

33-What really matters to you?

34- what mistakes do you keep repeating?

35- are you living on autopilot mode ? What was the last time you did something for the first time?

36- do you think you are similar/different to other people? Why?

37- what makes you , you ?

38- do you follow your intuition and do you make the difference between intuition and anxiety?

39- are there any unfair or tyrannical rules in your family? Do you challenge them or surrender to them?

40- how do you feel about being vulnerable and showing your weak side to someone?

41- do you find difficulties forming long lasting friendships? If so, why?

42- do you stuff down your feelings until you blow up or you communicate them?

43- who were the adults surrounding you when you were a child? How did they make you feel?

44- did you hurt someone unintentionally and how did you deal with it? Do you carry any shame or regret?

45- do you have any repressed anger inside? Where does it stem from?

46- how do you feel about other people’s success?

47- were you allowed to express negative emotions and opinions when you were a child?

48- how do you feel about your achievements? Do you still feel not enough after doing something great? If so, why

49- how do you deal with conflicts, arguments and how do they make you feel?

50- who would you be if all the wounds and pain didn’t happen?

[httpcottagewitch]

💰

another @thepulpgirls post!

[hagoftheholler]

This is your reminder that doing shadow work by yourself isn't an option for everybody, that doing shadow work alone can trigger a person and cause them to relive their traumas and sometimes shadow work is best done with a licensed therapist. If you are one of these people, that is okay.

[coinandcandle]

Per my last reblog, I'm gunna rant about shadow work for a second. Not about Runa's post, because I think her post is very helpful <3

I truly loathe the push that deep shadow work gets from some people in the magical community, especially those who push it onto people who are very new or those who say that your magic is somehow lesser if you don't do shadow work.

I have watched my friends get re-traumatized by bullshit shadow work prompts that had no place in their practice but were pushed onto them by "more experienced" practitioners. These prompts triggered repressed memories for them and fucked with their heads. Especially young folks in magic, they don't know better right off the bat that you don't have to do what other witches do in order to succeed in magic.

I have personally broken down due to the pressure of feeling like I had to do shadow work but knowing full well that I am not mentally prepared to do the deeper shit.

Digging into repressed memories without the proper knowledge of how to handle them can re-traumatize you by forcing you to relive traumatic events and ultimately has no purpose other than to fuck you up. You don't need to suffer through your trauma a hundred times over to heal, you've already suffered enough.

You do not need to sacrifice your mental state for magic.

You do not need to do shadow work to be a witch or to be successful in magic.

Your witchcraft or your magic does not need to link to your psychological health at all if you don't want it to.

And if it's possible, go to a therapist! Therapy is a great tool for healing!!!

[ivymaria]

Journal Prompts for Your Self-Esteem

The other day I was in the shower and I was thinking about things I could write about when I want to motivate myself or give myself a confidence boost. These are some of the ideas I came up with and I think they could be really beneficial and encouraging.

While thinking about these things, you may begin to doubt yourself or compare yourself to other people, but I’m telling you right now: DON’T DO THAT. It does not matter how big or small you think these things are. These prompts are meant to generate big and small reminders of how dope you are :)

1. What are 10 (or more) things you like about yourself?

2. What things do you want to do or try that can help you feel good about yourself? For example, I’ve been considering trying out individual lashes and recently started looking into LHR. Also, going to the gym even if it’s just for a walk on the treadmill. Literally, if you go once a week for fun just do something.

3. Think about some of your accomplishments in recent years. Describe them to your younger self and imagine how they would feel.

4. What are 10 (or more) things that you like about your life?

5. What are your energy givers? The big and small things that you do that make you feel joy? I loveee my yoga mat. I can lay on it, do nothing, and be happy. It’s that simple. Also washing my face in the morning :)

I want to EMPHASIZE that these things can be simple, everyday things. Do it for yourself without comparing yourself to other people. This is for you and you onlyyy.

[magnolia-femme]

Shadow Work Prompts

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Shadow work is the act of creating a connection with one’s subconscious mind, often through self reflection. This is a pivotal step that needs to be taken before a witch begins spellwork, because shadow work strengthens an individual’s sense of self- a crutial part of many witches’ craft.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

- write an apology letter to yourself

- why am I insecure?

- how can I be more trusting?

- how do I deal with failure?

- do I feel jealousy of certain people? why?

- how worthy do I honestly think I am?

- what from my childhood makes me angry?

- why do I reject help?

- why do I repress my emotions?

- why do I feel unappreciated?

- how do I feel about opening up to people?

- what is my deepest set emotional wound?

- how do I confront anxiety?

- how do I process sadness?

- who do I resent and why?

- what defense mechanisms do I tend to use?

- why am I a perfectionist?

- how can I be kinder to others?

- how have I behaved in the different stages of my life?

- what are my greatest regrets?

- what are my greatest fears?

- what themes in my life reoccurringly upset me?

- do I feel loved? why or why not?

- what do I value most in relationships?

- what do I value most in myself?

- what do I value most in my life?

- what are my expectations for myself? are they reasonable?

- what do I fear socially?

- in what ways do I doubt myself?

- why do I feel obligated to succeed?

- how do I define success?

- what does it mean to be a good person?

- what do I need to improve in myself?

- how do I deal with loneliness?

- what do I do that’s self destructive?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[maceofpentacles]

shadow work prompts that have left me crying (i felt good after though)

- letter to a parent (hurts so good when you have mommy/daddy issues)

- letter to your younger self (bonus points for pre transition self if that applies to you)

- letter to your childhood pet/pets

- letter to your childhood best friend

- listing out your insecurities and then complimenting said insecurities

- listing everything you’re grateful for,, even if it’s just a few things

- letter to your ancestors or just all ancestors in general (i like doing it for all ancestors that way no one feels left out)

[frndlywtch]

Tarot Inspired Journal Prompts

Fool: what is something new you are doing or want to do?

Magician: what is a magical way to enhance my day? Or, how can I be more like the magician?

High Priestess: what are my thoughts on divination? What about intuition?

Empress: what part of myself do I want to grow/nurture?

Emperor: what part of my life needs me to take authority? How can I?

High Priest: what are my personal traditions? How is my spirituality unique to me?

Lovers: what relationships mean the most to me?

Chariot: what part of my life needs me to be more combative/ warrior-like?

Strength: what part of my life should I face with courage?

Hermit: what do I need to do alone more often? What do I need to do with others more often?

Wheel of Fortune: what do I think about luck, fate, and/or fortune?

Justice: when do I need to focus on legality vs fairness? Or, What may cause me to seek justice/retribution?

Hanged Man: what have/will I sacrifice for -x-? What am I never willing to sacrifice? What will I easily give up?

Death: what is something personal I want to end or change? What is something that will end or change no matter how I feel? How can I accept it?

Temperence: what part of my life needs more patience? What part needs more balance? How can I achieve both?

Devil: what is a primal desire I have? Should I grant it to myself? Why or why not? How can I get what I want?

Tower: what can I learn from the current or recent chaos/disaster in my life?

Star: what do I hope for? How can I get it?

Moon: what part of my life is best kept private? Why?

Sun: what makes me happy?

Jusgement: what part of me needs reflection? What is a fair assessment of that part?

World: what parts of my life have been fulfilled? What parts are still lacking?