Moon Light Mystics

  Witchcraft is my life, nature is my muse, the Deities are my guardians, and the moon lights my path.  

[the-ethereal-serpent]

Night Blooming Flowers

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Chocolate Daisy

The chocolate flower, Berlandiera lyrata, blooms at night, releasing its heavenly chocolate scent until early in the morning.

Cape Jasmine

While this shrub's pretty white flowers give off their signature smell during the day, they're even more fragrant at night. Plant these along your walkway or in your yard, and their sweet and strong scent will begin wafting around your home at dusk.

Queen Of The Night

Queen of the night only blooms once every one or two years. But once it does, prepare for a show. The nocturnal cactus can open several large flowers at once on summer nights.

Japanese Wisteria

A woody vine, Wisteria floribunda is hardy to zone 5. This finicky plant can take several years before the white or lilac clusters emerge, so be sure to buy one that's already in bloom.

Datura

Datura wrightii is known by many names—datura, moonflower, jimsonweed, angel's trumpet— and has quite an interesting history. But what we like best about the moonflower are its silky white night-opening blooms that attract sphinx moths and other pollinators.

Night Phlox

Zaluzianskya capensis appeared in garden books as early as 1935. With small purple buds that open to white, the plant grows to about a foot, making it ideal for the front of a border.

'Red Flare' Water Lily

Nymphea 'Red Flare' is a tropical water lily with bold red blooms that float high over ponds and bogs through the night.

Night-Blooming Jasmine

Cestrum nocturnum's tubular flowers are tiny, but at night their perfume spreads 20 feet. The plant blooms from spring through fall, flourishes in containers, and is hardy to zone 8.

Dragonfuit Cactus

Beautiful, exotic dragonfruit comes from a night-blooming cactus. But be on the lookout: its flower only opens up for a single night before withering the next morning.

Evening Primrose

Pink evening primrose opens up showy pink and white blooms in late afternoon. Pinkladies are hardy, vigorous spreaders that also attract bees.

'Casa Blanca' Lily

This oriental hybrid is known for its intense fragrance and night-blooming flowers. Its large white flowers are a favorite for weddings and will brighten up a summer garden.

Gardenia Augusta

This Southern charmer releases its sweet scent on late summer evenings.

Four O'Clocks

As its name would suggest, four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) open their bright blooms in the afternoon.

Easter Lily Cactus

Echinopsis, also known as the Easter lily cactus or night-blooming hedgehogs, produces striking white flowers on tall tubes. The fragrant blossoms open up for a night, then begin to whither the second day.

Rain Lilies

Known primarily for opening up its fragrant blooms after a summer rain, a particular rain lily variety—Zephyranthes drummondii—is also nocturnal.

Tuberose

This fragrant summer bulb is said to hail from Mexico. Polianthes tuberosa shows tall spikes of white flowers that open at night, increasing its sweet fragrance.

Angel's Trumpets

The highly fragrant Angel's Trumpet blooms in white, yellow, peach and pink and can be limbed to grow in a tree form.

Nicotiana

Commonly called "flowering tobacco" because of their high concentration of nicotine, these slender plants have trumpet-shaped florets in a wide variety of colors.

Yucca

Extremely drought tolerant, yuccas have creamy-white sweetly scented flower stalks that last much of the summer.

Lilacs

These old-fashioned Lilacs are deciduous shrubs and perennial favorites. One of the more fragrant cultivars, 'Miss Ellen Willmott,' has white blossoms that attract bees and butterflies.

Dianthus

Commonly known as Cottage Pinks, Dianthus is a ground cover that features pale pink flowers that offer a cloves-like scent.

Moon Flower Vine

No evening garden should be without this annual vine. Its hand-size bright white flowers are highly scented, and the vine is a prolific grower.

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Sources :

http://aminoapps.com/p/tbe4am

[deactivated-blog]

The Magical Girl Guide to: Floral Magic

Originally a post from another blog of mine that I deleted but am reposting here on this blog.

Flowers in witchcraft is a subject often talked about on the green witch side of tumblr and for good reason, flowers can be a very versatile tool in one’s craft. They can be utilized in jar spells, candle spells, can be used when fresh or dried, and for a variety of spells you can think of. Love-related, curse-related, prosperity-related, what you can use flowers for in witchcraft is endless. 

They’re a perfect resource for both open and broom closeted witches that are great resources for both experienced and beginner witches.

Of course, you’ll always want to keep in mind the properties of a flower and associated meanings. There are a few posts in the green magic-related tags that dive into subject, but I also want to mention that keeping in mind the properties of the plant itself can also lay a hand into a spell that you perform. 

Let’s get crafty.

Keep reading

[todayinastralhistory]

🌺 Flowers in Witchcraft 🌺

Flowers in witchcraft is a subject often talked about on the green witch side of tumblr and for good reason, flowers can be a very versatile tool in one’s craft. They can be utilized in jar spells, candle spells, can be used when fresh or dried, and for a variety of spells you can think of. Love-related, curse-related, prosperity-related, and so on and so forth. Now seeing this is a nature spirit-focused blog, it only stands for me to discuss a type of magic that most of the spirits mentioned in the blog often use. 

I actually answered this in an ask I received yesterday, but I had so much writing it that I decided to make an official info post on the blog about it. So let’s get crafty and talk about the various ways you can use flowers in witchcraft regardless of the type of path you’re on. You can even use flowers in witchcraft in ways where even those that are bloom closeted could do it out in the open!

Of course, you’ll always want to keep in mind the properties of a flower and associated meanings. There are a few posts in the green magic-related tags that dive into subject, but I also want to mention that keeping in mind the properties of the plant itself can also lay a hand into a spell that you perform. I’ll dive into that further in the post!

Homework: Try out your hand in a spell with flowers! Whether it be through a glamour or tea magic, trying out a new way to perform magic is always fun especially to see if it’s a form of magic you’d like to continue doing.

Keep reading

[viragmezo]

🌼🌼🌼The May is in bloom🌼🌼🌼

And by “May” I mean the plant hawthorn.

The fair maid who, the first of May

Goes to the fields at break of day,

And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree,

Will ever after handsome be.

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

Bringing it into the house was considered unlucky

Could protect from lightning

Reginald Scott wrote about people hanging in their entrances cinquefoil and hawthorn, which had to be gathered on May Day, in order “to be delivered from witches”

Considered to be a fairy plant, especially the solitary ones were sacred to them - these trees should not be hurt in any way, it was said that one should not take even the fallen branches home to serve as firewood

It is also thought to be a tree of the witches - they meet under it, or turn themselves into one, usually on May Eve

Sleeping under one, or just staying a while under it could also be dangerous (because of the fairies and witches)

A cross made from it put over the door can break a witch’s spell

In Serbia they made cradles out of its wood as a protective device for the babies

The Romans attached a sprig of it to the cradle of a newborn baby

Its smell was said to arouse sexual desire, and was used as a symbol for carnal love

The Croatians put it on the chest of those corpses they considered to be vampires in order to stop them

[lunefrog]

Succulent Magic

In my experience, succulents are some of the easiest and friendliest plants to work with! They’re very easy to care for, and I would definitely reccomend them to beginner witches!

Echeveria : a very common plant to find in stores and nurseries, they come in a wide variety of colors and textures! Very easy to care for.

-good for spells involving emotional healing, color magic, and sympathetic magic.

Sempervivum : looks similar to echeveria, thought also called the live forever plants for their longevity, houseleeks because they were grown on roofs and eaten, and hens and chicks (though I’m not sure why.) It is also said that planting these on/in your house will protect them from lightning.

-good for spells involving longevity, the home, weather magic, and emotional bonds.

Bear Paw (Cotyledon) : A small, fuzzy succulent shaped like little paws! They’re so, so cute but a little more difficult to find than others.

-good for spells involving emotional comfort, emotional protection, and glamours involving cuteness/softness or seeming non threatening.

Barrel Cactus : a round, barrel shaped friend. They come in many colors but most common is dark green, they’re also covered in spines. Be very careful, keep out of way of children or pets that may come to investigate it!

-good for spells involving protection, banishing, retaining energy/spoons, and keeping things out/away.

Rock Plants (Lithops) : little plants with two large, fleshy leaves that part to make way for flowers and new leaves. The name comes from the Greek for “rock” and “face.”

-good for spells involving the earth, warding, emotional + physical strength, and holding things steadfast.

Stonecrop (Sedum) : they’re little drooping friends and they come in so many shapes and sizes. So easy to care for, they thrive even in inhospitable areas.

-good for spells involving staying strong, emotional + mental hardiness, and thriving where it’s inhospitable.

String of Pearls (Senecio) : long strings of round leaves, these plants get rooted and start growing forever. They definitely earn the name.

-good for glamours, exponential growth, and wealth spells.

Aeonium : sweet friends! Very colorful, each plant containing vivid and wide coloration, they just exude happiness. Just look at them!

-good for happiness, energy boosts, and spoonie magic.

This isn’t a complete or comprehensive list (I’ll make one of those some other time) and there are many more succulent species! Good luck and grow well

[astreathewitch]

Tips for the urban witch #1: herbs and flowers

Hi everyone! 🌿🌱🍃🌸

As a witch living in a studio apartment in a big city, sometimes I miss being surrounded by nature and fields to pick herbs and flowers for my spells. Luckily, there are still lots of very common but powerful plants that can be easily spotted in city parks and even just growing on the side of the streets.  I went to a local park today and I found so many interesting things! The herbs I picked are very common in my area (northern Italy) but I’m sure they are also very easy to find all over Europe and in many other parts of the world. 

🌸  Here’s what I found… 🌸

Ornithogalum umbellatum (“Star of Bethlehem”): it can be used to help deal with severe trauma and emotional stress, and it helps to recover from grief, accidents and scary experiences. 

Lamium purpureum (“Purple Dead Nettle”, “Red Archangel”): this herb is connected to the Archangel Michael. It can help recover strength and happiness in times of challenge, and to overcome obstacles.

Veronica Agrestis (“Eyes of the Madonna”): since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with these flowers. In Italian folklore, it is said that these flowers are the eyes of Mary, that stare upon us to protect us and guide us. These tiny, blue flowers are incredibly powerful in protection against harm and injustice. But be careful: never use this flower for hexing or for hurting someone else.

Glechoma hederacea (“Ground Ivy”): this flower is very powerful in protection against evil magick and psychic attacks. Using this herb will help you in identifying other witches and will help you reveal who is using negative magick against you.

Geranium molle (”Vulgar geranium”): these tiny purple flowers are traditionally used as a painkiller in folk medicine. In magick, they can be used to bring calm and peace and to help let go of painful feelings and experiences. 

Prunus serrulata ( “Japanese cherry tree”): in these weeks, lots of pink flowers fall from these beautiful trees, covering the earth beneath them in soft, pink carpets. These trees are very common in city parks because of their scenographic beauty. You can pick the fallen flowers while they’re still fresh. Because of their fleeting beauty, they represent the transience of life and can be used in spells to encourage you, or someone else, to “seize the day” and find the courage to act, especially in love matters.

Potentilla reptans (“Cinquefoil”, “Five-finger grass”): I was very surprised to see how common this powerful herb is. It’s commonly used in hoodoo to bring good luck and wealth. The five points of the leaf represent love, money, health, power, and wisdom. It’s ideal for success in business and studies. The flowers may also be used in spells to attract money.

🍃  Preservation 🍃 To preserve the colour and properties of these tiny flowers and delicate herbs, I suggest putting them between paper towels and pressing them using heavy books, or using a flower press.  

🌿  Safety 🌿 Even though most of these plants are edible, if you picked them in a city park or in any urban area I wouldn’t suggest eating them or using them in tea for safety and hygienic reasons.

Happy spellcasting! 

Astrea 💎🌸🌙

[noweyesee]

Shadow Work

Origins, Meaning and Utility

The Structure of the Mind

Carl Jung theorized the existence of three levels/spheres in the human psyche: the Ego, representing the conscious mind, the Personal Unconscious where memories are contained and the Collective Unconscious, where all knowledge and experiences of the species are shared.

Each Sphere has in it a certain number of Archetypes, used to better describe the components of those structures, and the Shadow is one of them.

What is the Shadow

The shadow can be seen as a instinctual or primitive part of ourselves, it exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.

It is this archetype that contains all of the things that are unacceptable not only to society, but also to one's own personal morals and values, normally going against social norms and rules as well as what we personally consider right.

The Shadow is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown, and it is common for people to deny this element of their own psyche and instead project it on to others.

The Shadow in Witchcraft and Benefits of Shadow Work

Art: Unknown

The Shadow, in witchcraft, can represent The Unknown, hidden depth of ourselves. Speaking in terms of energy, this is an area that can be a deep source of energetic issues, because it’s locked up in the dark and always striving to reach the light.

To not work with one’s Shadow is to make it greedy and aggressive, as well as denying a big part of oneself, making everything a half of a whole.

Through that brief explanation, we can already establish the importance and role of the Shadow in witchcraft, and with that in mind, comes the concept of Shadow Work.

Shadow Work can be seen in a number of practices, meditation, trances, inner journey’s, lucid dreaming, astral travels, spells and divination.

The method can change, but the principle is simple: Centering your intent to self discovery, self knowledge and self acceptance.

Working with one’s Shadow is not only beneficial to one’s craft, as it allows one to get in touch with their intuition as well as allows for easier connection with one’s guide/guides, but it also allows for healing and acceptance of one’s feelings and needs.

Think of all aspects of life as a wheel. If there is one part bent, the wheel can turn, but with more effort. If the owner spends time fixing that bent part, the wheel will turn in a much more smooth manner.

That is what happens when you take the time to do Shadow Work, you have to put in effort, and most of the time it’s not easy, but once done, all other components on the wheel of your life will be relieved to move on without that obstacle that makes their job harder.

The Shadow is not evil, as evil is just a moral compass invented by humans. It is a part of one’s nature, and to deny it is to supress a connection with yourself.

Take the time to know and accept your shadow, and you’ll see that life will be a little easier.

References:

A Natureza da psique (Structure & Dynamics of the Psyche) by C.G. Jung

The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung

[stupidkaty]

broke witch hacks 🍄

🌙 use old socks to make spell satchets! these are also great because theyve spent a lot of time with you, so the spell will have an enhanced effect :))

🌙 buy your herbs in bulk!!!!!!!!! never pay more than a dollar for a lil bag of herbs! buy huge bags of them, you wont regret this! i recently bought a huge container of cinnamon sticks, i absolutely love it.

🌙 if you simply cannot get a physical copy of a book, download a pdf of old grimoires and spellbooks! theres so much knowledge out there, you just have to go find it!

🌙 cant afford fancy herbs? thats okay! table salt can be used in almost every recipe, (savory) and has cleansing properties. it can also protect against misfortune. pepper is also good for banishing negativity, and if you can get your hands on some cinnamon or sage those are wonderful for drawing love and happiness, and sage is perfect for cleansing.

🌙 if you cant afford a big fancy leather vintage whatever book for your bos, its okay! a composition book is fine. better yet, you can use the notes app on your phone! this is great for if youre on the go.

🌙 not being able to afford fancy shiny gems and crystals is okay!!!!!! stones you find yourself have a much more sentimental value and can be used just as youd use any other rock.

🌙 you dont have to dress witchy!!!!!!!!! witches can wear whatever, they dont have to wear all black and crystal necklaces! although thats the aesthetic i hope to achieve

🌙 meditate. even if its the only magick you can do! try energy work!!!!

🌙 collect rocks and sticks and stones and plants you find! go outside hunting for cool rocks! talk to the bugs! hug the trees!

🌙 hotels sometimes have tea in the lobby, steal a crap ton of teabags because fuck capitalism

the most magickal tool is yourself. you are divine 💘

[therainshallmakeadoor-deactivat]

**ON PLANTS : SOME PIECES OF ADVICE & LORE FROM FRENCH TRADITIONAL WITCHCRAFT**

These ancient superstitions and beliefs prove the deep respect human beings had for their environment, back to an era when we were aware of the unity of this nature.

HARVEST

- Avoid cutting the plant with a vile metal such as iron. The first mythical reason is that spirits (especially faes) abhor iron, known to repel and hurt them. Use a bronze or copper blade, sometimes even a gold or silver coin to dig up the roots. There also lies a logical, scientific explanation of a remarkable empiric coherence : iron salts quickens the action of the tannins contained in certain plants, significantly altering their components.

- Some plant spirits are not cooperative, so you’ll have to foil their harmful influence. Do not talk to anyone about your intention of picking the plant on your way to reach it, so as not to warn the spirit - thus counteracting any intention to flee it may have.

- Pluck the plant backwards to protect yourself from the spirit’s ire (this is particularly true of poisonous beauties such as foxglove, belladonna, etc.).

- Drawing a circle around the plant, using a wand or a knife, or even the finger, isolates the reaper from the wrath of the spirit while preventing it from escaping its plant host .

- It is expected to explain to the plant the intended use for which it is plucked.

- Pay a small tribute to the spirit of the plant as a salary for the effort you asked from it.

PRAYERS, PLEAS & INVOCATIONS

« Je coupe ta verdeur parce que tu purifies toutes les humeurs qui entraînent l’Homme sur des chemins d’erreur et d’injustice ; par le Verbe vivant qui a fait l’Homme sans le regretter. »

•

“I will cut your greenness, so you could purify all the moods that lead Man on the paths of error and injustice; by the living Word who made Man without any regrets.”

(Supposedly from abbess Hildegarde de Bingen, who also advocates to cut the plant with the left hand)

« Ô toi par qui s’endort la nature, toi qui fais fuir le jour et amène la nuit, toi qui nous cache le soleil, qui engendre toutes les herbes et les donne aux humains pour la guérison… Celle qui vous a créée avec vos propriétés salutaires veut bien que je vous cueille. »

•

"O thou by whom nature falls asleep, thou who drive away the day and bring about the night, thou who hides the sun, who generates all the herbs and gives them to the humans for healing… She who made thou with all thy salutary properties allows me to pick thou. ”

« Lève-toi, lève-toi, va guérir X… Je sais que tu dors, mais j’ai besoin de toi. »

•

“Wake up, wake up, and come to heal X… I know you are asleep, but I need you.”

STORAGE

- Drying a plant makes it lose a large part of its properties. Whenever possible, always favor the use of fresh plants.

- The plants are hanging in a bouquet or spread on a flat surface to dry in open air.

- Plants are stored in glass jars or paper bags once fully dried. Iron boxes and containers are of course prohibited.

- Do not keep your plants more than a year: their power slowly fades then disappears, so you will have to renew the stock every year.

***

(Appreciatively sourced and translated from BERTON H., Sorcellerie en Auvergne, Éditions De Borée, 2003. All rights reserved.)

[noonymoon]

green correspondences

i’ve made a list of all kinds of correspondences you can find in nature and in the supermarket, based on the book The Green Witch ☆

♡ WOODS

APPLE — life, longevity, fertility, fairies, the otherworld, afterlife, creativity, love, healing, harmony

ASH — water, strength, intellect, willpower, protection, justice, balance, harmony, skill, travel, weather, wisdom

BIRCH — cleansing, protection, purification, associated with children

CEDAR — healing, spirituality, purification, protection, prosperity, harmony

ELDER — protection, prosperity, healing

HAWTHORNE — fertility, harmony, happiness, the otherworld, fairies, protection

HAZEL — luck, fertility, protection, wishes

HONEYSUCKLE — psychic awareness, harmony, healing, prosperity, happiness

MAPLE — love, prosperity, life and health, abundance

OAK — defense, thunder, strength, courage, healing, longevity, protection, good fortune, fertility

PINE — cleansing, purification, healing, clarity of mind, prosperity, protection from evil

POPLAR — prosperity, communication, exorcism, purification

ROWAN — improving psychic powers, divination, healing, protection from evil, peace, creativity, success, change, transformation

WILLOW — moon, water, love, tranquility, harmony, protection, healing

WITCH HAZEL — protection, healing, peace

YEW — death, spirits, the otherworld

♡ FLOWERS 

CARNATION — protection, strength, energy, luck, healing

DAFFODIL — love, fertility, luck

DAISY — love, hope, innocence, associated with children

GARDENIA — love, harmony, healing, peace

GERANIUM — protection, fertility, love, healing, courage

HYACINTH — love, happiness, protection

IRIS — purification, blessing, wisdom, peace, harmony, love

JASMINE — moon, feminine energy, love, meditation, spirituality, harmony, prosperity

LAVENDER — relaxation, sleep, peace, harmony, tranquility, love, purification, healing

LILAC — protection, banishing negative energy

LILY — protection, death and afterlife, rebirth, cycles

LILY OF THE VALLEY — concentration, mental ability, happiness

PANSY — divination, communication, happiness, love

POPPY — tranquility, fertility, prosperity, love, sleep, invisibility

ROSE — healing, divination, tranquility, harmony, love, psychic ability, spirituality, protection

SNAPDRAGON — protection, illusion, deception, reflect negative energy

SUNFLOWER — sun, happiness, success, health, abundance

TULIP — prosperity, abundance, protection, love, happiness

VIOLET —  peace, hope, harmony, protection, luck, love, sleep, tranquility, fertility, abundance

♡ HERBS

ALLSPICE — prosperity, increasing energy, love, healing, luck

ANGELICA —protection, purification

BASIL — prosperity, success, peace, protection, happiness, purification, tranquility, love

BAY — success, wisdom, divination, making a wish

CHAMOMILE — prosperity, peace, healing, harmony, happiness

CALENDULA — happiness, prosperity, love, psychic powers, harmony

CINNAMON — energy (booster), money, success, action, healing, protection, love, prosperity, purification

CARAWAY — anti-theft, health, mental abilities, protection, fidelity

CLOVE — protection, purification, mental abilities, healing

COMFREY — health, healing, protection, travel, prosperity

DILL — good fortune, tranquility, prosperity, lust, protection

GINGER — energy (booster), kick-starter for love, finances, success

MAJORAM — happiness, protection, love, joy, family

MINT — prosperity, joy, fertility, purification, love, success

MUGWORT — prophetic dreams, divination, relaxation, tranquility, protection, banishing, consecration

NUTMEG —psychic abilities, happiness, love, money, health

OREGANO — love, courage, action

PARSLEY — power, strength, lust, purification, prosperity

ROSEMARY —protection, improving memory, wisdom, health, healing

SAGE —purification, protection, anxiety, wisdom, health, long life

VERBENA —divination, protection, inspiration, abundance, love, peace, tranquility, healing, prosperity, artistic skill, reversal of negativity

YARROW — courage, healing, love

♡ FRUITS

APPLE — health, longevity, love

CHERRY — love

PEAR — health, properity, love

ORANGE — joy, health, purification

LEMON — purification, protection, health

LIME — happiness, purification, healing

GRAPE — properity, fertility

KIWI — fertility, love

BANANA — fertility, strength

MANGO — spirituality, happiness

PEACH — spirituality, fertility, love, harmony

PINEAPPLE — prosperity, luck, protection

PLUM — love, tranquility

MELONS — love, peace

STRAWBERRY — love, peace, happiness, luck

RASPBERRY — strength, courage, healing

BLUEBERRY — tranquility, peace, protection, prosperity

BLACKBERRY — prosperity, protection, abundance

CRANBERRY — protection, healing

♡ VEGGIES

GARLIC — healing, protection, banishing, purification

ONION — protection, exorcism, healing, prosperity

LETTUCE — fertility, peace, harmony, love, protection

CARROTS — fertility, health

PEAS — love, abundance

CUCUMBER — fertility, healing, harmony

POTATOES — fertility, protection, abundance

CELERY — love, tranquility, concentration

SQUASH — abundance, harmony

MUSHROOM — strength, courage, healing, protection

LEEK — protection, harmony

CAULIFLOWER — protection, prosperity

BROCCOLI — protection, abundance

BEANS — love, family, protection

CABBAGE — protection, prosperity

TOMATO — protection, love

[heatherwitch]

So, you want to be a witch? #6

Click here for all the other posts in this series!

This post is all about how the mundane can broaden your craft, and what topics you might consider researching!

Why bother with the mundane?

The mundane is the base for witchcraft. It includes basic skills, information and abilities. One must have an understanding of these things before influencing them/incorporating them into magic. For example: you need to know your way around the kitchen if you want to be a kitchen witch.

It tends to be less biased. Any resource with information on witchcraft will be influenced to some degree by the person’s experiences, view of the world, and the way they built their craft. It can sometimes appear that there is only “one true way” to be a witch—this is not accurate! There is great value in learning from experienced witches, but there is also great value in learning things for yourself.

Where to research?

Please do not rely on tumblr for accurate information! It’s an excellent place to hear about personal experiences and to get ideas, but it often lacks sources.

How to find credible sources: (here) and (here). (Links are for finding academic sources, so they may be a bit more strict than what you need)

Websites

Published books

Videos (Online lectures, YouTube, TedTalks, etc.)

Free classes/information sessions

Are you a student? Be strategic with which electives you choose!

Also consider: clubs, talking with people who are experienced on the subject, etc.

What to research?

This highly depends on you and where you want to take your craft! These are just a few starting points to get the ideas flowing. I always recommend starting with whatever called you to the craft, and letting it naturally flow from there!

The natural world:

Learn local plants (natives, “weeds”, etc.), and how to ethically forage them.

Get a small calendar and note the dates of phenological changes. This can be helpful if you use the plants in your craft/life.

Where to research plants (apps, websites and field guide suggestions)

Learn local wildlife. Get to know your neighbors! Look at range maps.

Do they stay all year or move with the seasons? Some animals make startling noises. Do you have any of those in your area? (Think: wildcats, owls, foxes)

Learn geology, or at least how to identify some common rock types in your area.

Here’s a post on using rocks you find in your craft.

Learn weather patterns and some ways you might predict them.

Find a moon phase calendar for the year. Learn the moon phases and the science behind them if you aren’t familiar with it!

Same with the sun! What time does it rise and set? Where will it be in the sky this time of year? Learn the science behind it.

Constellations, and which ones you’ll see as the seasons change.

What natural phenomena might occur in your area?

Do you live near the ocean? Find some tide charts. What knowledge gaps do you have?

Live near a different type of water? Where is its source? Can you trace it on a map?

Do you garden? Pay attention to your zone and frost dates. Learn which plants are beneficial for your area and which may be invasive. How can you benefit the beings in your area with your garden?

What is the natural history of your area?

In the home + odds and ends:

The basics of tea: how to make your own blends, what temperature the water should be, etc.

Herbal remedies: how herbs can boost your health, which ones can already be found in your kitchen, and herbal interactions/side effects.

Cleaning and tending your home: learn how to safely make your own cleaning supplies, create routines to keep your home feeling clean and comfortable.

How to fix things and build things, how to use basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.), how to mend clothes and simple sewing.

Crafts: learn how to make your own supplies (candles, wands, etc.)

Kitchen: learn some basic cooking and baking skills.

Crystals: how to identify them, how to ethically source them (and their properties).

The flow of your world; familiarize yourself with the routines of life around you. Orient yourself, begin creating a map in your mind of the area. What routines do the birds have? The people around you? The bus schedule?

What is the human history of your area?

How much do you know about your personal/family history?

LAWS: know what’s legal and what isn’t. Can you harvest here? Is it okay to have those animal bones or feathers? Are you allowed to be in certain areas? It’s on you to be informed.

There are so many more things I could’ve included, but I didn’t want this post to go on forever!

Hopefully this has given you some ideas; you may be surprised by how much newly acquired information can begin to influence your craft. Go forth, and enjoy learning something new :)

[kitchenwitchtingss-deactivated2]

BEST WITCHY BOOKS FOR THE BEGINNER WITCH

Buckland’s Complete Book Of Witchcraft - This book is a most have in every Wiccan’s (If you are) collection because of how informative it is. I highly recommend this book to really every witch who hasn’t read it yet.

The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells - This book is a nice add to a baby witches collection, for how simple of a read it is. Not to mention how aesthetically pleasing it is.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - This book is also a very nice read, it has a perfect amount of information where you wont get information overload too quickly. Its unbiased and offers a great first start to starting the craft.

Wicca: by Harmony Nice - If you are a complete newbie to Wicca or the craft, then this is the book for you. This book is easy to swallow, and offers easy to understand information for newbies without being too difficult to process. 

Of Witchcraft and whimsy - I think this is the book for newbies who want to seek the more modern practices of witchcraft. This is a book that focuses more on the craft than Wicca itself. It is also complete with plenty of unique and fun spells perfect for beginner level.

Pastel Spells - A perfect book for newbies looking to try out spells of all types at a beginner level.

The Green Witch - Perfect for a beginning green witch, this book is complete with all the basics of Green magick complete with the correspondences of herbs and food, recipes, and basic practices and morals of a green witch.

Spellcrafting: Strengthen the Power of Your Craft by Creating and Casting Your Own Unique Spells - Perfect for a new witch looking to formulate their own unique spells.

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide - Perfect for new witches looking to expand their knowledge on herbalism.

The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs: Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs - Beautifully illustrated guide to herbs and their magickal properties.

The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary:Rituals & Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making - Perfect for the beginning witch interested in herbalism, ands its all around a pretty little book.

I love you all! My DMs, mail, and comments are always open! 

xoxo, Angel

[eclipsednodes]

SHADOW WORK SIMPLIFIED

What is shadow work?

If I had to describe shadow work in one word, it would be introspection. Introspection is the examination of your own mental state and is necessary in order to learn more about your fundamental nature. Although it may sound off-putting and even scary at first, shadow work is a necessary component in the process of healing. We all have aspects of ourselves that we’ve rejected and hidden away out of fear. Through shadow work, we’re able to reflect on our thoughts, emotions, and habits so that we can find the root cause of our suffering and heal ourselves. By reincorporating those aspects of ourselves that we’ve denied, we feel more fulfilled and can begin to love ourselves fully. 

Where does shadow work come from? 

The concept of the shadow self comes from Carl Jung who believed that our shadow self is the subconscious aspect, or “dark side”, of our personality that our conscious ego doesn’t identify with. However, I would like to clarify that “dark” does not imply or equate with bad. That which resides outside of our consciousness can be either good or bad, but aren’t inherently reflective of our value or “goodness” as a person. 

Although these repressed aspects of ourselves can manifest negatively, it isn’t because those parts of us are “bad”, but that the process of repression is inherently painful and toxic. This is reflected by Jung when he states, “Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.” He believed that until we’ve merged our conscious and subconscious selves, that our conscious would be “the slave of the autonomous shadow”. This is due to the shadow self overwhelming our conscious selves by falling victim to our own self-imposed traps. 

Through assimilating this shadow self, not over-identifying with it, Jung believed we go through the process of enantiodromia, thereby integrating the subconscious by reincorporating our shadow selves into our personality and allowing us to solidify ourselves through wholeness. He best described this by stating “assimilation of the shadow gives a man body, so to speak.” However, don’t fall into the misconception that shadow work is a short-term practice. Shadow work is a continuous practice and integration of the shadow self is a will take place throughout your life.

How do I do shadow work?

In the last question, I identified that practicing self-reflection is a key component of shadow work, but what does that mean? What am I supposed to be reflecting on? Well, the first thing that you should focus on is being present throughout the day. Identify feelings that come up throughout the day and observe them objectively. What situation or interaction triggered these emotions? How did I react to those emotions? Were my emotions controlling me or was I in control of my emotions? Why did this situation or interaction cause me to feel this way? How did I cope with those feelings (self-harming, lashing out at others, communicating my feelings, journalling, etc.)? Did I punish myself for getting upset? If so, why? 

There are numerous ways to reflect on your feelings and experiences in order to get a better understanding of yourself. Through evaluating how you react to situations, which situations upset you, and how you managed those feelings, you’re able to build the foundation to understanding your emotions and bridge the gap between your subconscious and conscious mind.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll find that the emotions you feel in the present are reflective of unhealed emotions from your past. Perhaps the reason you feel that you’re unable to set boundaries as an adult is because as a child, your parents never respected your boundaries by going through your phone or diary, yelling at you when you said no to a request, forcing you into situations that made you feel you had no choice. 

By identifying the root cause of your emotional pain, you’re able to address it in the present and heal from the trauma. The simplest way that I’ve found to address them is through journalling. You can purchase a physical journal or even use your notes app, either way, you’re writing out your feelings and reflections to gain deeper insight. It’s important to remember that this looks different for anyone and that the best way to approach shadow work is by doing what feels most natural! You can choose to stick to self-reflective journal prompts, vent about whatever is upsetting you, write letters to whoever has hurt you, etc. Ultimately, you can guide yourself based off of what you feel you need and where you are in your journey.

What parts of yourself do you find yourself rejecting the most? Many of us have experienced the pain of rejection in some aspects of our lives and sometimes, it’s incredibly painful and leaves us with long-lasting wounds. We end up going through our lives carrying baggage that we don’t even know we have! Many times, I’ve found myself wondering why I felt so repulsed by aspects of myself and why I felt so strongly that they needed to be locked away forever. I couldn’t allow myself or others to see my truest self, my whole self, out of fear. I was scared of being rejected, shamed, humiliated by the people around me. I was scared of hurting other people by being myself and of being hurt by others. That’s no way to live, is it? When we tell ourselves that aspects of ourselves aren’t good enough, we end up going through life devaluing ourself. We’ve broken our own trust by rejecting ourselves, we’ve told ourselves that we aren’t good enough or worthy of love. In shadow work, you’re called to go inward and unpack everything that we’ve kept hidden for years and sometimes even decades. 

Bring the parts of yourself that you’ve repressed to the surface and nourish them with love, allow yourself to see that ALL OF YOU is deserving of love and support. For you, that could mean unlearning your unhealthy beliefs about food or eating, allowing yourself to be emotional around the people you love (despite how much you were told that you were too emotional, a crybaby, too sensitive in the past), allowing yourself to relax without feeling guilty about not being productive because you recognize your needs (even though you feel your sense of worth is tied to being productive at the cost of your own health).

Common misconceptions about shadow work?

Shadow work is evil or bad, the shadow is evil or bad 

The purpose of shadow work is healing through working with your subconscious to release repressed aspects of yourself and heal from painful, traumatic experiences. Your shadow side is simply your unconscious and to believe that it’s bad is to believe that you are bad. It’s merely the part of yourself that you aren’t aware of consciously and shouldn’t be feared. 

Certain emotions are “bad”

When you let go of the idea that emotions are either good or bad, you’ll allow yourself to just be and stop putting so much pressure on yourself to feel “good” all of the time. Happiness isn’t a constant state of being so stop expecting to be all of the time, we have a range of emotions for a reason so stop being ashamed of them. Your feelings are natural and if you feel like they’re out of control and something to be ashamed of, there is nothing wrong with that! It’s okay to feel like your emotions are controlling you because that isn’t permanent. Your feelings aren’t permanent and are completely manageable with proper guidance! The reason you feel like your emotions are controlling you is because you probably don’t have the knowledge to cope with them in an effective and healthy way. It’s helpful to sit with your emotions alone and look at them objectively without placing any judgement on them, this will help you calm down and assess your feelings. From there, you can identify what you need to relax and recover as well as acknowledge to yourself that your feelings are natural. When you stop categorizing your emotions as bad, they’re no longer shameful to experience and therefore you can see with better clarity how to cope with them and move on.

I’ve already released it so…

Why am I still upset?

Why does it still keep popping up in my head?

Why haven’t I moved on?

Why am I not making progress?

With the rise of self development and spirituality, I find that more and more people are rushing to complete their healing. Healing is a continuous, life-long cycle and not a destination. Putting the pressure on yourself to reach the place of ultimate healing is not only toxic, but it impedes your ability to actually heal anything. Healing is about love, compassion, and patience and it’s not going to happen according to a timeline. Allow yourself the time to experience your emotions, see them objectively, forgive yourself and others and move on without the pressure of expectations. 

 Another reason that you could be experiencing this is that despite the work you think you’ve done, it hasn’t been sufficient. I’ve found that a lot of journal prompts provided online are surface level at best and can be more pacifying than revealing. If you’re not feeling anything while doing your inner work, you’re not doing it correctly. Ultimately, this is about uncovering what makes us UNCOMFORTABLE and moving through those feelings. When you allow yourself to experience the sadness, hurt, anger, and/or frustration than you’re telling yourself that these feelings are okay and don’t need to be suppressed. The reality is that no matter what you’re feeling, you are allowed to experience those emotions and it’s only human! Unfortunately, many people associate lower vibrational emotions as bad, but this is a huge misconception! Telling yourself that anger, sadness, etc. are “bad” implies that you shouldn’t experience these emotions and that you have to get rid of them which is not only wrong, but unhealthy. There is no right or wrong emotions so don’t buy into the belief that you should feel a certain way, simply allow yourself to be and you’ll find that it’s much easier to navigate your emotions and needs. The only way to make it to the other side is by wading through the water, be patient and know that you’re feeling exactly what you should be. When you stop censoring yourself, you’ll discover a newfound sense of freedom and wholeness. 

 If you find yourself circling back to certain topics, for example, your ex-boyfriend than perhaps there are triggers in your environment that remind you of the situation, you have more that needs to be addressed that you may not have been ready for or aware of previously (hence why shadow work is a practice that is ongoing), or they’re representative of a deeper issue that you’re repressing. Whatever the cause is, the same methods as earlier will apply and can be discerned through your own intuition. 

What are some basic journal prompts that I can do?

What feelings come up when you think of ____?

How did that experience make you feel emotionally? How did it make you feel about yourself? How did it make you feel about the other person or people?

Write a letter to yourself, your inner child, the people who’ve hurt you, and the people you’ve hurt. Express how you feel honestly, without holding back and then forgive yourself and the other person.

If you could say anything to yourself or another person for closure, what would it be?

How have these situations and experiences impacted your mental health? How have they affected your belief system about yourself, other people, and the world?

What about yourself are you ashamed of? What about yourself are you embarrassed of? What about yourself makes you angry? What do you regret? Why do you feel this way about yourself and where do these feelings stem from?

What makes you feel most alone? What makes you feel most loved? How can you incorporate that knowledge into your life to make it better?

What’s the most hurtful thing someone has said or done to you? Why did it hurt you so much? How does it still affect you now? How can you heal from it and allow yourself to move on?

What do you need to forgive yourself for? What do you need to forgive others for?

Where do you feel you lack security in your life? Why? How does this impact your life and your relationships?

This is a list of generic prompts for you to start with, but feel free to message me if you need help with more specific topics or I can make another post altogether for journal prompts.

[therestlesswitch]

Witchcraft for the Restless ep 3.5  Bread Magic

This Episode is Patreon Exclusive. To listen to this, and all other bonus episodes, join me in The Restless Grove on Patreon at any level! Listen to all public episodes here or through most podcatchers.

Things I mentioned in this minisode:

1:30 Living Homegrown - ep. 126 - Making Sourdough Starter and Heirloom Flours 

1:55 Secret Feminist Agenda episode 2.26 Getting Deeply into Sourdough with Emily Hoven 

2:36 Intro - Magical Bread

4:19 Wild Yeast Starter as House Spirit

8:37 Preheating the Oven - Start from where you’re at

9:24 Combining your Ingredient - Building your Spell 

10:16 Kneading - Ancestor Work 

11:55 Rising/Proofing - Something from Nothing 

13:45 Slashing Sigils - Control and Growth

14:31 Baking - Elemental Alchemy

15:20 Closing - Manifestation

Here’s some more bread resources that I didn’t mention in the episode!

Cooked ep. 3, Air on Netflix  A fantastic show, that is basically elemental kitchen witchery. This episode is all about bread and air!  

This is the recipe I use for my basic white loaves, except I use traditional dry yeast instead of instant, and just activate the yeast beforehand. I haven’t tried it with wild yeast though! Paul Hollywood’s White Bread Recipe 

Credits

Written, recorded, edited, produced, etc: Kai, TheRestlessWitch 

Music: Let the Gold Flow by Birds of Paradise

More Episodes 

Website: TheRestlessWitch.com

[will-o-the-witch]

How Magic Works

These are just some of many different theories about how spells work. For anybody who really enjoys “magical theory” like I do or is looking for validation that there’s something to all these weird spells! None of these serve to discredit magic, but rather add a deeper level of understanding to it. The success of a spell could be credited to more than one of these, or something else entirely!

Law of Attraction. Basically, the idea that you attract what you focus on. A popular example is focusing on the color red, and seeing how much red is around you that you didn’t notice before. This is most effective for spells involving personal matters and success, by formally opening your eyes to details and opportunities you may have missed otherwise. 

The Placebo Effect. It’s a proven fact that our bodies can heal ourselves merely by belief that what we’re doing helps! This can extend beyond health spells to things like confidence, performance ability, and other things that aim at personal improvement. The placebo effect may be all that spell needs to be successful ( and it wouldn’t have happened without the spell!)

Direct cause/effect. Something about the spell and the way it was cast directly affects the outcome. Example: a sigil designed for protection, when looked at, serves as a constant visual reminder that you are protected, subconsciously strengthening your wards.

Science/chemistry. This is most true for kitchen witchery and herbalism. Chamomile, lavender, and other herbs aren’t corresponded with calmness and sleep for nothing… they’re made up of chemicals that have been scientifically proven to calm the nerves and aid in sleep!

Quantum physics. There’s a phrase called “Quantum Woo,” where people use quantum physics (often incorrectly) to explain any type of magical thinking or practice. While the ultimate theory behind quantum physics was recently disproven, the discoveries made through research still hold true. Basically, we know particles behave differently when observed, and our energies can effect this. We just don’t know why that is. This is the baseline behind a lot of energy work.

Divine string pulling. Ask and ye shall receive. This is where we depart from the physical to the spiritual side of magic. Many people do magic by appealing to divine forces, Mother Earth, God(s), the Universe, whatever you want to call it. This could be with an offering, a ceremony, or even just bedside prayer. The divine force hears the request, and grants it by affecting change and “pulling strings” to cause the desired outcome.

Spiritual string pulling. Very similar to the previous point, but with entities that are not worshipped or seen as divine. Many believe that spirits can still affect change “behind the scenes.” A spirit worker may make a deal with a spirit for luck or protection, or someone may ask their ancestors for good fortune and health.

Personal string pulling. Instead of asking an outside entity, this is the idea that we, as the practitioner, pull the strings. This is most seen through the “cone of energy” method of casting, where we raise a lot of concentrated energy and intent in a space, then release it all at once to do its thing. You also see it with sympathetic magic, where by doing something to a poppet, we actively affect that change on the target. No middle man included.

[ofwitchesandwolves]

Y’all asked for it so y’all gonna get it! I’mma start off with the barebones essentials and work my way to basic definitions. Sit down on something comfy and get yourself your warm beverage of choice and maybe grab a notebook because here goes.

What are runes?

Runic alphabets have been around since about 150 AD and used as a writing system by a lot of Germanic languages. These systems were eventually phased out, slowly but surely, with the progressive Christianisation that started around 700-1100 AD. The three most commonly known (and used?) Are the Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhark and Futhorc.

Runes aren’t, themselves, broadly meant for divination, thought there are a few passages in the Eddas that mention Odin “finding” and using them.

Alright, so which alphabet should I use?

Whichever one you want! I prefer using the Elder Futhark, because it’s the first alphabet I learned and got familiar with, but that doesn’t at all stop you from using the Younger Futhark or Futhorc. I’d heavily suggest making sure you read up on the differences in each alphabet though; Ansuz, for example, won’t look the same, mean the same or even be called the same from one alphabet to another. 

Familiarize yourself with each of them if you want/can, and choose based on your own preferences and criteria. Always work with what feels best for you!

But I’m not really familiar with Germanic traditions / I’m a baby witch, should or can I use runes for divination?

This is the concept that got my goat real good the first time. You do not, in any way, shape or form, need to be experienced to cast runes. This is a notion that is outdated and perpetuated by gatekeepers and exclusionists. No one gives a flying flip how long you’ve been practicing witchcraft, or if you even practice at all!

Divination should be seen as a tool to further yourself and/or your craft. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other activities, practices or beliefs. I was 15 when I started learning about runes (dear god that was literally over ten years ago) and I had no idea what I was doing back then. I read up as much as I could about the system I was wanting to use and, once I was comfortable with it, I started doing small readings.

It shouldn’t matter how new or familiar you are to divination, rune casting or Germanic traditions. If rune casting feels right to you, you are more than free to use whatever divination method feels right to you.

What should I do before I start a reading?

As a Norse Pagan, I usually invoke my patron deities (Baldr and Loki, in this case), as well as Odin and Freyja, sometimes Gullveig/Heiðr because reasons. I have no idea whether or not this has any actual bearing on the reading itself, as mine were as accurate before I converted as they are now.

Making sure you’re in a quiet and/or comfortable space is also a good idea, even if that just means popping in some earphones and listening to something that makes you focus and feel calm.

This is also a good time to mention that cleansing your runes (stone, bone, wood or otherwise) is a very good idea. I typically do this with candles, incense, a bowl of water and a point of quartz for each element. I don’t do this nearly as often as I probably should, since most people suggest cleansing them after each reading… but, whatever, being lax with that hasn’t bitten me in the ass so far. So if you’re a spoonie, don’t worry: cleanse your runes when you feel they need to be cleansed, and that’s it.

Alright, I think I’m ready; how do I start reading?

Let me start by saying that the bullshit about never reading yourself? It’s just that. Bullshit. Do readings on yourself if you want to. Who the hell is going to stop you. Do whatever you want.

On that note, there are a few ways to cast runes, though these probably aren’t close to being the only ones: 

Intuitively choosing the stones Lay the runes down on a flat surface and let your hand hover over them and pick out the ones that feel right. You can either pick them in order of the spread you’re using, or place the runes where you feel they belong on the spread.

Throwing the stones Make sure you have a large flat surface to work with (preferably the floor honestly) where you won’t drop, scatter or lose a rune. You can use a mat underneath, and read the stones that fall on the corresponding positions in the spread or circle. (You can find many of these with a quick google search, or make your own mat!) Otherwise, you can take the first stones you see facing up and lay those out according to your spread.

Picking them blindly Either you or the person you’re reading pull stones blinding out of a pouch, bag or other container, and lay them out according to the spread you’re using. Pretty straightforward.

If you can think of another method, literally nothing is stopping you from using that instead. The runes are acting as a universal translator for whatever it is you’re tapping into. They’re just a tool to receive a message. How you choose to receive that message is completely up to you!

So I’ve got my runes laid out, now what?

Now comes the fun part. I can only really give you a good run-down of the Elder Futhark, and though it’s a good starting point, I would highly advise you do your own research on whatever alphabet you want to use. Wikipedia is a great place to start, but don’t stop there: look at several different websites and lists and compare. Combine and condense the information for yourself, and get to learn the definitions and meanings for yourself!

ᚠ Fehu • catle wealth, money, hard work paying off, can represent spiritual wealth reversed: effort gone to waste, natural and/or financial loss, greed

ᚢ Uruz • ox physical strength and speed, great energy, courage, masculine reversed: physical weakness, illness, violence, misdirected aggression

ᚦ Thurisaz • thor reactive, destructive and/or defensive force, tendency towards change reversed: dangerous compulsions, betrayal and malice, lies, spite

ᚨ Ansuz • of the Æsir  revelations, intuition, signs and signals, wisdom, power of words/names reversed: misunderstandings, delusions and vanity

ᚱ Raido • chariot physical/spiritual journeys, transition, seeing the bigger picture reversed: crisis, maybe due to stagnation, unwanted disruption

ᚲ Kaunan • torch creativity and inspiration, power of transformation, power of life reversed: instability, lack of creativity, false hope revealed, disillusionment

ᚷ Gebo • gift gifts in the form of sacrifice or generosity, contracts, partnerships reversed/opposed: greed, isolation and dependence, over-sacrifice

ᚹ Wunjo • joy comfort, pleasure, companionship, possibility of going over the top reversed: sorrow and alienation, growing distance, raging frenzy

ᚺ Hagalaz • hail wrath of nature, destruction for the sake of creation, natural order reversed: natural disasters, powerlessness, suffering

ᚾ Naudiz • need strength/growth from hardships, survival, determination reversed: deprivation and emotional starvation, constraints/restraints

ᛁ Isaz • ice challenges and frustration, psychological block, anticipation reversed/opposed: can oppose other runes with malice and treachery 

ᛃ Jera • good year hard work is fruitful, peace, happiness and relief, breaking the cycle reversed: sudden setbacks and bad timing

ᛈ Pertho • vagina secrets, mysteries, undiscovered abilities, choosing your own path reversed: stagnation, isolation and loneliness

ᛇ E/ihwaz • yew tree strength, stability, endurance, trustworthiness, your goal is realistic reversed: confusion, dissatisfaction and weakness of the mind

ᛉ Algiz • elk shield, the instinct to protect yourself/others, connection to the gods reversed: hidden dangers, loss of link to the divine, turning away

ᛊ Suwilo • the sun success and goals achieved, you have the power you need to succeed reversed/opposed: deception, false goals, gullibility, divine wrath

ᛏ Tiwaz • tyr honour and leadership, authority, success in competitions reversed: artistic block, over-analysis and sacrifice, imbalance/conflict

ᛒ Berkana • birch tree fertility in a broad sense, personal/physical growth, new beginnings reversed: family/relationship issues, anxiety over loved ones, abandon

ᛖ Ehwaz • horse steady and gradual progress, teamwork/loyalty, relationships reversed: reckless haste and its consequences, restlessness

ᛗ Mannaz • mankind the self, the human race, your attitude toward others and vice-versa, social awareness, altruism reversed: mortality, self-deception, cunning and manipulation

ᛚ Laguz • water literal/metaphorical flow, imagination, the unknown, chance of loss reversed: confusion/uncertainty, may be making the wrong choice

ᛝ Ingwaz • probably freyr warmth and love in general, tying loose ends, relief, freedom to move reversed: moving without change, fruitless effort, helpelessness

ᛞ Dagaz • dawn breakthroughs and clarity, security, power to change and grow, the ideal reversed/opposed: endings and coming round full circle

ᛟ Othila • inheritance ancestral property, what is most important, spiritual heritage and safety reversed: slavery, homelessness, bad karma, what one is unwillingly bound to

Phew! What a list. These are just brief descriptions and meanings that I’ve been able to compile and condense over the years.

But, what does “opposed” mean?

I see where you’re coming from. As a baby diviner, I, also, was confused by this. But let me explain how I’ve come to understand it! 

Sometimes, if you’re doing a set spread, you’ll have a spot for things like, “what will oppose you”, or “what you need to avoid”. Things like that. If, say, a rune like Suwilo was found in something like that, you’d want to try and keep a sharp mind to avoid deceptions or letting yourself be too gullible.

When runes don’t have a reversed form, their position in your spread will usually determine what they mean. (Though really this is true for literally any rune.)

Anything else I should know?

The best advice I can ever give anyone is to always do what you feel is right. If you find yourself wondering, “Should I do this? Is this right?” If you question yourself at all, you should probably not to the thing and go with something else.

It’s also important to mention that the names I have for the runes may not be the ones that you’ve learned to know them by; a lot of runes can go by different names depending on who you ask and where you look. Do your research, and know the runes by the names you feel are best! (And preferably historically accurate.)

As always, if you have any questions regarding runes and how to read them, please ask me! My ask box is literally always open and almost always empty.

ᚺᛖᛁᛚᛚ ∙ ᛟᚲ ∙ ᛋᛇᛚᛚ

[theredwingbriar]

Why are ‘witch tips’ always like “use quartz as a substitute for any crystal!” and not the good stuff like “River spirits are almost always looking to fuck shit up, so if you rile em up and then feed them a name, they’ll lay someone tf out.”