yerin

twenty three.

[deep-dive]

[antiquariant]

starting the week with a little study session at the library, borrowing some books and walking around the campus after soft rain. 🧦🕰☕️🎞

[aqqindex]

[cyberbullyinc]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQZsHhlclo/

[lyrium-deactivated20230102]

💀death witch’s cupboard

🖤apache tear + gentle form of obsidian, useful for mending sorrow and grounding + legend states this stone formed when the tears of weeping apache women fell to the ground as they mourned their dead warriors

🖤calendula (marigold) + often used in funerals and remembrance ceremonies, eases sorrow + closely tied to samhain and día de los muertos

🖤cemetery dirt + used in a variety of death rituals and spells + contacting the dead, banishment, protection, astral protection + various types have different effects, research ethical collection first

🖤copal + resin often burned for purification, grounding, exorcism + closely tied to día de los muertos

🖤cypress (tree of death) + used to honor the dead and mend associated sorrow + chips may be sprinkled over a grave to ease the pain of loved ones left behind and help the departed soul move on + classic symbol of mourning, commonly found in cemeteries 

🖤frankincense + resin burned for consecration, exorcism, communing with the dead

🖤mullein (corpse candles) + can be used as a substitute for cemetery dirt + stalks are often used as wicks for homemade candles + used to invoke spirits and for divination 

🖤myrrh + resin burned for purification, exorcism, healing sorrow + increases power of any incense, often paired with frankincense 

🖤patchouli + can be used as a substitute for cemetery dirt + powerful, earthy musk when burned, useful for grounding in rituals

🖤poppy + suitable offering for the dead and many deities associated with such + brings peace to the deceased and loved ones

🖤rowan (mountain ash) + may be worn or planted near homes for protection + planted on graves to prevent haunting by departed spirits

🖤violet + legends tell of violets blooming on graves of virgins and saints + appropriate offering for the graves of children

🖤willow (witches aspirin) + traditional symbol of mourning as it “weeps” similarly to humans + used for protection and to commune with spirits + often found in cemeteries to soothe departed spirits

🖤wormwood + often used to summon spirits and commune with the dead + burned with sandalwood at night in cemeteries to conjure spirits

🖤yew + used for protection from evil and contacting the dead + often found in cemeteries and used in ancient roman funeral pyres

[grindhousecellar]

[humanoidhistory]

[alphonseelriic]

[coltre]

[sneakydraws]

[celeritious]

[velvetcloak]

valentino | fall 2016 (ph: pablo latorre /indigital.tv)

[ufansius]

Italian specimen agate and quartz box, circa 1800.

[kernaka]

✨Not all Witches are Wiccan✨

(op in pic)

[servantofthefates]

I trust you so much because you're a traditional witch but such a modern girl! You know the balance between the right path of the witch and what's it's like to live a realistic life today. Just wanted to put it out there. :) My question, Lady Diana, is about the upcoming New Year. Any customs your family does to welcome the year ahead? I read about your Major Arcana Grand Tableau and I'm so excited to perform it! But I don't mean divination or even spells, but little fun and meaningful customs?

Pagan New Year’s Eve Customs

My extended family being a mixture of pagan witches, Catholic witches, superstitious agnostics, and open-minded atheists, we have very different practices. But here are the ones that are common among us.

A Fully Lit House

At the turn of the year, every single light inside the house – including the ones in the closets, as well as the candles on our altars – should be lit. Light attracts abundance, and every corner of the house should be able to receive it.

Coin-Filled Pockets

We believe that your state of mind and state of being when the clock strikes 12 will define your state for the entire year ahead. So pockets filled with coins on New Year’s Eve means assured prosperity for you in the next 12 months.

Jumping at Midnight

Something only the children do. With coins spilling out of their pockets, they jump up and down during the first minute of the New Year. So that they can grow tall, strong and agile. No one really believes this one, but it’s fun, so kids do it.

Uncaged Pets

Dogs, cats and birds should be unleashed or uncaged. Because everyone in the house should be free when the clock strikes 12. This sends away any oppressive energy, setting the tone for the year. Don’t worry. Our birds always come home.

Open Windows

Speaking of bad energy, its opposite should be invited in. So we leave all the windows open. Ideally, all doors and gates should be open too. But some of us live in condominiums instead of houses, so not all of us can do that.

Deep Cleaning

While we have housemaids, and hire professional carpet, curtain and ceiling cleaners during the year, on the eve of New Year’s Eve, we do it ourselves. Residents must use their own hands to clear their home of any of the past year’s negativity.

The Guest

We should always have a guest. Or more. Someone to feed. Someone to entertain. Someone to cater to. Because if we exude generosity at the start of the year, it will come back to us if we ever find ourselves in need of it.

12 Round Fruits

The New Year’s Eve feast should include 12 round fruits. Watermelons, oranges, grapes, and nine others like them. The round shape mimics that of gold coins, and 12 represents 12 months. They attract prosperity all year long.

[malcsawyer]

Sunset at Millennium Green in North Hykeham.

[julia-wanders]

Beautiful America’s Oregon Coast, 1999