[sheydmade]

the Background Check:

by Keziah | Support on Ko-fi (leave a tip, commission a reading)

Use this spread when you need to vet someone to learn all you can about them. This spread was originally written for vetting someone before you (or someone you know) decide whether or not to go out with someone, pursue them, or accept their advances, but it can be used to vet anyone. New acquaintance you're unsure of? It works for that. Met someone new and you get the feeling they're not being genuine about themselves? It works for that. Your best friend starts seeing someone new and something just doesn't feel right? It works for that. And then some!

From @sheydmade 's 'With Love: Tarot Spreads for Matters of the Heart.'

1. The person the world sees. 2. Who they really are. 3. Their true intentions. 4. Their focus. 5. Are they compatible with you? 6. Would they be good for/with you?

[breelandwalker]

Worm Moon - March 13-14 2025

The world is thawing and spring will soon be sprung. Dust off your garden tools and get ready for the Worm Moon!

Worm Moon

The Worm Moon is the name given to the full moon which occurs in the month of March in the Northern Hemisphere. Most sources claim this name is taken from the renewed visible presence of vermicast (worm droppings) and earthworms themselves, as the spring thaw allows them to emerge from the soil.

There is a possible alternative explanation, involving a colonial explorer's notes about the Naudowessie (Dakota) observation of emerging worm-like beetle larvae from the bark of trees. "Every month has with them a name expressive of its season; for instance, they call the month of March (in which their year generally begins at the first New Moon after the vernal Equinox) the Worm Month or Moon; because at this time the worms quit their retreats in the bark of the trees, wood, &c. where they have sheltered themselves during the winter." (It's entirely possible that this "worm" in this instance is a mistranslation of an indigenous word for "larva," since it refers to the larval state of certain beetles. Without knowing whether the language in question makes a distinction between larval worms and earthworms, it's impossible to tell, and I was unable to find further sources.)

Other North American Indigenous names for this moon include Goose Moon (Algonquin and Cree) and Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), in reference to the reappearance of migratory birds, and Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) and Sap Moon (Shawnee), in reference to the season in which the maple sap begins to run and can be tapped for the production of maple syrup.

Fun Fact: The term "Worm Moon" only occurs in southerly indigenous nations. The March moon is commonly named for trees or birds in more northerly areas of North America because in those places, the native species of earthworms went extinct during the period when glaciers covered that portion of the continent. About 12,000 years ago when the glaciers receded, the forest grew back without earthworms. The species which now inhabit those areas are invasive or introduced specimens originating from Europe and Asia.

The March moon, if it occurs prior to the spring equinox, is also the Lenten Moon, named for the Christian holiday of Lent. If it occurs after the equinox, it is called the Paschal Full Moon, corresponding with the Christian holiday of Easter, or Paschal Sunday (This year's Worm Moon will occur the week before the equinox and Easter Sunday will be in April.)

This year's Worm Moon will also feature a lunar eclipse, the only one we'll see this year. The peak of the full moon will occur at 2:55am EST on March 14th, but the moon will appear to be full and the eclipse should be visible on the night of the 13th. Check the Dark Sky Place Finder for visibility conditions in your area and livestreams of the event.

What Does It Mean For Witches?

Full moons are both the beginning and end of the lunar cycle. With the Worm Moon, we can look forward to the beginning of spring and the yearly harvest cycle. So now is the perfect time for seasonal divination, plans for the coming months, and the setting of goals for the future, both short-term and long-term. You can also check in with goals you may have set back in January and record your progress. (Remember - even a little progress is still progress!)

Consider also how you can change or begin new routines and habits to improve your life, make better choices, streamline your schedule, or just give yourself a much-needed break. If there’s something hanging around that no longer serves you, now is the time to consider bidding it adieu and moving forward to a new path.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

The Worm Moon heralds the imminent start of the planting season. If you’ve got green fingers, now is the time to begin planning your garden for the season. Prepare your sprouting trays and browse your favorite seed catalog for inspiration.

It’s also time for that all-important spring cleaning, so open up those windows on a warm day and air out all the staleness from winter. As you scrub and dust and declutter, you can also magically cleanse your space of stagnant, disruptive, or unwanted things, replacing them with your own energy and your good wishes and goals for the upcoming season.

This is also an excellent time for spells focused on fertility, optimism, and new growth. It’s important to remember that fertility spells don’t just have to focus on procreation. They can also be geared toward planting, creating, opportunity, inspiration, motivation, prosperity, abundance, and anything that requires nurturing and productivity.

As the land begins to turn toward springtime, even if the weather is still cold, take note of the changes in the flora and fauna in your area. What species can you identify? How are the animals acting? Is there anything new that you notice since last year? Tracking these changes can help you connect with your local biome and identify patterns that can help you draw forecasts for the weather, the coming crop cycle, and any personal omens you have which are connected to nature. Try this knowledge-building exercise as part of your study - Dig Through The Ditches.

Since there is a lunar eclipse set to occur, this is also an optimal time for not only the usual fulfillment and abundance magic associated with the full moon, but for any magic meant to yeet something into the all-devouring void with all your might. Contrary to certain schools of belief, eclipses do not automatically negate magical workings done on the date they occur and there are ways of employing that energy to useful purpose. Picture the earth's shadow moving over the moon like a giant cosmic disposal bin which carries away anything thrown into it to be released into the void of space.

As always, for best results, make sure you are focused and specific with your intentions and close loopholes in your wording. Remember that YOU are the most important component in your spell, since you're the one providing the impetus and the energy and telling the magic what to do. Don't be afraid to clear and emphatic!

Recall also that in any environment, there comes a time when progress cannot occur until harmful elements are removed, stagnation is released, and detritus is returned to a state where it can decay and benefit new growth. Do with this what you will.

The season of greening and renewal is upon us, so it’s time to Ready, Set, GROW!

Happy Worm Moon, witches! 🌕🌱

Further Reading:

Worm Moon: Full Moon for March 2025, The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Worm Moon: The Stunning Full Moon of March 2025, The Peculiar Brunette.

Witchcraft Exercise - Dig Through The Ditches, Bree NicGarran.

Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America, in the Years 1766, 1767 and 1768, Capt. Jonathan Carver, London, 1781. (Text available on Project Gutenberg)

Total Lunar Eclipse March 2025, Space.com.

Easter and the Paschal Full Moon: Determining the Date of Easter, The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison, Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[heatherwitch]

Finding (animal) bones

Note that I live in a heavily forested area of the Pacific Northwest (in North America) so not all of this may apply to you!

Considerations:

Please be mindful of animal parts laws. Not all bones are legal to possess.

Also know the laws and regulations in the area you’re searching. Who owns the land? Is it a protected area? Can you legally take anything from it?

Animals (such as rodents) use antlers and bones as a source of nutrients. How impactful will taking the bones you found be to them? I ask that you hold some awareness and do what feels best, even if it means leaving the bones behind.

Where to look (casual version):

Under bridges, you’ll often find owl pellets with rodent and bird bones in them.

If you see hairy scat (poop) get a stick and break it apart, sometimes there’ll be small animal bones/bone shards. Please be safe, predator scat can have icky things like parasites.

The sides of trails. I’ve found so many bones there!

Forest to meadow edges.

The sides of the road.

Driving pullouts that are a bit private, if you feel okay with using bones from roadkill/poached animals.

Along railroad tracks, unfortunately many animals get killed by trains.

Where to look (dedicated version):

A few feet to 10+ feet into the bushes past a meadows edge.

Follow deer trails.

Go to the big trees, animals are drawn to them.

Get off the main trail.

Check out holes in the ground.

The sides of back roads/logging type roads.

Explore the parts of the forest you haven’t been to before. Make new trails. Walk along fallen logs.

In strangely clear spots in the forest. (As I’m editing this post, i see this and realize that’s exactly how I found a skull today)

Crawl. I’ve found so many bones by just crawling around (usually looking for other things/checking stuff out).

Go where you feel drawn to. What areas stand out to you?

DEER. TRAILS. They take you to less humanized areas easily.

When to look:

I mean really, whenever you want. I’ve found bones every time of year and every type of weather, but some times tend to be more fruitful than others!

After spring thaw, heavy rains, floods, or freezes. Weather changes can either push up and expose the bones, or remove a layer of leaves/soil/snow that kept them covered.

Think about what lighting will make the bones “pop”, or have the best contrast with the terrain around it. In my experience, overcast or indirect light it best.

Rainy/wet days can also help because they make the bones more shiny—especially in forested places where they normally are camouflaged color-wise with the forest floor.

Keep in mind:

Bones can often get spread out, but where you find one you can typically find more if you look far/ wide enough.

If you live in a foresty type place, bones are rarely bleached white. Look for browns, greens, mild whites that don’t quite look like sticks.

Skulls aren’t always in same area as the rest of the bones because it’s a good food source for animals so they’ll drag the head off for themselves!

Think about where animals would go to die.

Learn the killing/feeding behaviors of the predators in your area. Where do they hunt? Where do they like to eat? (And make good choices. If you put in the dirt time you will start finding killsites and not all of them will be old).

You won’t always find bones! Some places just don’t have any! Some have bones that are buried.

This certainly isn’t all-encompassing, and I’d welcome people in different regions to jump in with their methods :) I wrote this while living West of the Cascades in the PNW.

Other posts:

On cleaning bones

On using bones in witchcraft

Animal parts laws (external site)

Book recommendation: (animal skulls)

[dark-corner-cunning]

Honoring the Spirits of Home: Creating Sacred Spaces for the Unseen

Welcome back, Seekers! Within my local coven, we are journeying through the mysteries of Spirit until Winter Solstice. Today, I introduced the art of crafting Spirit Houses, and I thought it would be fitting to share a bit of that here. I like to keep these crafty posts simple and open-ended, leaving space for the practitioner to add their own touch. The best magick often arises from just diving in and letting your intuition guide the way. May this inspire you to connect, create, and explore! 🌙✨

As witches, we work with spirits every day, whether we realize it or not. Our homes, like ourselves, are steeped in the spirit world, alive with layers of unseen inhabitants that have their own roles, wisdom, and stories to tell. For many of us, it’s a quiet understanding that a witch’s home should be haunted—not in the fearful sense, but filled with life that pulses in harmony with our craft. From ancestral guides and house spirits, to the land’s ancient beings, these entities weave themselves into the very fabric of our spaces, enriching them with energy and presence.

Regardless of whether a home is newly built or weathered by decades, each dwelling becomes imbued with spirit. There’s an existing ecosystem of energies that connect to the land itself, the history of the area, and the layers of life that once lived or passed through. These spirits, sometimes subtle, sometimes profound, thrive within the space we call home, coexisting with us and enhancing our magick. But it is up to us to nurture a balanced and harmonious relationship with them.

Why Connect with the Spirits of Your Home?

Developing a deep, reciprocal relationship with the spirits of your home doesn’t just benefit your craft; it offers blessings for everyone under your roof. When these spirits feel acknowledged and respected, they offer protection, lend strength to your magickal workings, and create an atmosphere of peace and nourishment. A home can truly feel like a sanctuary when the spirits that dwell within it are in harmony with those who reside there in the flesh. This connection turns your space into an anchor—a place of personal power, healing, and resilience.

Building Friendships with Spirit

Nurturing relationships with spirits requires time, care, and a commitment to reciprocity. Just as with human friendships, there is a cycle of giving and receiving. Spirits respond to sincere attention and intention, as well as the gifts and gestures we offer them. One meaningful way to foster this connection is by creating a spirit house or a dedicated space where spirits can feel welcomed and honored.

A spirit house is both a physical symbol and a spiritual anchor. It becomes a place where offerings can be left, and it serves as a gateway for interaction with the spirit world in a respectful and clear manner. It’s a way of saying, “You are welcome here, I honor your presence, and I seek your guidance and protection.”

Creating Your Spirit House

Designing a spirit house is a creative, personal process. It need not be elaborate; sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the deepest respect. You may choose a small altar, a shelf, or even a discreet box placed in a peaceful corner of your home. Consider using natural materials—wood, clay, or stone—as they tend to resonate well with spirits of place. Personalize it with items like stones from your land, soil, dried herbs, or even water from a local stream. Each addition builds a bridge between your energy and the spirits you invite into your home.

When crafting your spirit house, remember that offerings and gifts can strengthen this relationship over time. Spirits, like friends, appreciate time, energy, love, and tokens of appreciation. Remember, spirits are aware of intention as much as they are of the physical offering, so approach this creative expression with reverence and sincerity.

For my spirit house, I’ve chosen to weave in unsea, or “old man’s beard,” gathered lovingly from my mother tree, a sacred link to the ancient and wise energies of the land. I've placed birds within the space, their forms standing as messengers and symbols of spirit, guiding and connecting with the unseen. Mushrooms, too, find their place here, embodying my bond with the natural world—grounded yet reaching into hidden realms. They carry the magick of spiritual growth, reminding me of the mystery and connection to realms beyond. Each piece breathes life into the space, deepening my relationship with the spirits I honor… and I placed a bell at the entrance, placed with the hope of hearing it softly chime as the spirits pass through.

[breelandwalker]

General Advice for Beginner Witches

A brief masterpost of some of my advice posts for beginner witches and the episodes of my podcast dealing with the same. (There is UPG here, particularly where marked, as I base a good deal of my advice on my own experience and observations of other witches.)

Hex Positive Podcast Episodes

Hex Positive, Ep. 04 - Advice for Beginner Witches (July 2020)

Hex Positive, Eps. 6-7 - Come In For A Spell 1 & 2 (Sept 2020)

Hex Positive, Ep. 12 - Witching From The Broom Closet (Jan 2021)

Hex Positive, Ep. 24 - Warding A Witchy Home (Dec 2021)

Hex Positive, Ep. 27 - When Inspo Takes A Holiday (March 2022)

General Tips & Advice

I Feel Like I Might Be A Witch...But I Don't Know

I Have Mental Health Issues - Can I Still Be A Witch?

Can I Still Be A Witch And Use Magic If I Take Medication?

How Do I Teach Myself To Believe In Magic?

How Does Magic Work? (upg ahoy)

Will I Be Possessed Or Haunted If I Try Witchcraft?

What Are Some Things I Can Do To Get Started?

How Can I Start My Practice If I Don't Have Tools Or Books?

How Do I Organize My Study Materials?

How Do I Contact A Deity?

How Do I Worship My Deity If I Can't Have An Altar?

Tips On Working With Deities And Spirits (here be upg)

My Intuitive Spark Feels Low - How Do I Get It Back?

I'm In A Slump - How Do I Get Out Of It?

I've Reached A Stopping Point - What Do I Do Next?

My Candle Is Flickering - Does It Mean Something Bad?

How Do I Make A Magic Circle For Spellcasting?

What Happens If I Get Interrupted While Casting A Spell?

Do I Need To Maintain Positive Vibes For My Spells To Work?

What Should I Do If I REALLY Want To Hex Someone?

How Do I Know / What Do I Do If I've Been Hexed?

How Do I Become More Skilled And More Powerful?

How Do I Know When I'm Ready For The Next Step In My Practice?

Additional Tips For Developing Your Practice

Witchcraft Exercise - Quantifying Your Craft

Witchcraft Exercise - Dig Through The Ditches

Witchcraft Exercise - The Book of Lessons

Witchcraft Exercise - Home Brews

Tips on How to Visualize and Construct Basic Wards

Practicing Your Warding Technique

Cleansing Before Warding / Warding A Shared Space

Refreshing / Patching Existing Wards

Non-Appropriative Herbs for Smoke-Cleansing

Smokeless Cleansing / Other Methods

Recommended Reading & Book Suggestions

[breelandwalker]

UPDATES:

"Witch" Is A Gender Neutral Term (Yes, It Is. Shut Up.)

Critical Thinking Should Play A Role Building In Your Craft

Learn About Baneful Magic...Even If You Never Intend To Use It

Tips for Fact-Checking Your Witchcraft Sources

PSA - Will It Summon Demons?

The Toad Talk on Curse-Shaming

Friendly Reminder - Your Tools Don't Hate You

How Do I Know If I've Been Cursed And What Can I Do About It?

I'm Not Sure Where To Start. Is It Okay To Dabble?

I Feel Tired After Spellwork. Is This Normal? How Do I Deal With It?

How Can I Use Local Plants In My Practice If I Can't Find Magical Correspondences For Them?

Additional Resources

2024 Witches' Calendar

Full Moon Info Post Series

How To Write Your Own Spells

Witchcraft Exercises for Building Your Craft

Additional Book Recommendations

JSTOR Articles on the History of Witchcraft, Witch Trials, and Folk Magic Beliefs

Podcast Recs - Witches and Witchcraft in History

Podcast Recs - Debunking and Fact-Checking for Witchcraft Spaces

Creature-Wizard's Guide To Recognizing and Avoiding Conspiracy Theories and New Age Cult Scams In Witchcraft and Pagan Spaces

Additional Episodes of Hex Positive

Ep. 034 - Building Your Witchcraft Library (May 2023)

Ep. 035 - Money Magic (or Why I'm Not A Rich Witch) (June 2023)

Ep. 037 - Cleaning, Cleansing, and Magical Germophobia (August 2023)

Ep. 038 - Creating Your Personal Grimoire (September 2023)

[themori-grimoire]

Witchcraft 101: Sympathetic Magic

Unlike a lot of witchcraft-centric terminology, you don’t particularly see “sympathetic magic” thrown around a lot. This is because sympathetic magic is an umbrella term with lots of magics under its hypothetical umbrella. That doesn’t mean it’s not important to know what sympathetic magic is, however!

WHAT IS SYMPATHETIC MAGIC?

Put simply, sympathetic magic is an old type of magic in which an object that is associated with a target is used to seek influence over said target.

An easy example of sympathetic magic is magics that use poppets. Poppets are powerful forms of sympathetic magic as they are a physical representation of a human target of the witch’s magic. Poppets are considered to be powerful because they often contain a taglock(s).

Sympathetic isn’t limited to just people, however. It can be used to influence events (an example being that if you desire a monetary gain e.g. a raise at work, you may want to include money in your spell), or even weather.

HOW DOES SYMPATHETIC MAGIC WORK?

There are two factors that make sympathetic magic work. Some magics involve both factor, some magics only one.

“Like-attracts-like”: an example of this, may be that should you wish to bring someone happiness, you can craft a poppet in their likeness and dress it in yellow. You could leave it in the sun with the intent of channeling the connotations of happiness from the sunshine. You could anoint it with an oil made to promote happiness, or you could tie a yellow ribbon around its head or heart. The idea of “like-attracts-like” is pretty self-explanatory  —the method of the magic reflects your desired outcome, or to use the words of Sir James George Frazer: ‘that an effect resembles its cause’.

Items once in contact, retain a bond despite distance: this factor is one that states that once someone or something has been in contact with someone or something, the essence of the object/person will forever be bound to the object/person that touched it. This is why things like hair and nail clippings can be used as taglocks  —it doesn’t matter where or when the hair fell out or the nail was clipped. It carries the essence of its former owner, and always will. This can work when influencing events too. For example, if you wish to bring about a storm and can find a tree that is scarred from lightning, you’ve hit the jackpot. A bit of charred bark would be the perfect proxy object for a spell to bring about a storm.

Sympathetic magic can be subtle, or it can be a grandiose display of awesomeness, but that’s entirely your prerogative. I quite like the idea of standing on a heath in a cloak, waving a lightning-charged branch in the air to summon a storm, but I know that my limits are closer to changing my thinking by writing down my negative thoughts and literally eating my words (on sugar paper with edible pens! Be safe!).

If you like my content and would like to help me keep providing free stuff for my gorgeous Ghoul Gang, you can tip your witch here: Paypal. 

[breelandwalker]

General Advice for Beginner Witches

A brief masterpost of some of my advice posts for beginner witches and the episodes of my podcast dealing with the same. (There is UPG here, particularly where marked, as I base a good deal of my advice on my own experience and observations of other witches.)

Hex Positive Podcast Episodes

Hex Positive, Ep. 04 - Advice for Beginner Witches (July 2020)

Hex Positive, Eps. 6-7 - Come In For A Spell 1 & 2 (Sept 2020)

Hex Positive, Ep. 12 - Witching From The Broom Closet (Jan 2021)

Hex Positive, Ep. 24 - Warding A Witchy Home (Dec 2021)

Hex Positive, Ep. 27 - When Inspo Takes A Holiday (March 2022)

General Tips & Advice

I Feel Like I Might Be A Witch...But I Don't Know

I Have Mental Health Issues - Can I Still Be A Witch?

Can I Still Be A Witch And Use Magic If I Take Medication?

How Do I Teach Myself To Believe In Magic?

How Does Magic Work? (upg ahoy)

Will I Be Possessed Or Haunted If I Try Witchcraft?

What Are Some Things I Can Do To Get Started?

How Can I Start My Practice If I Don't Have Tools Or Books?

How Do I Organize My Study Materials?

How Do I Contact A Deity?

How Do I Worship My Deity If I Can't Have An Altar?

Tips On Working With Deities And Spirits (here be upg)

My Intuitive Spark Feels Low - How Do I Get It Back?

I'm In A Slump - How Do I Get Out Of It?

I've Reached A Stopping Point - What Do I Do Next?

My Candle Is Flickering - Does It Mean Something Bad?

How Do I Make A Magic Circle For Spellcasting?

What Happens If I Get Interrupted While Casting A Spell?

Do I Need To Maintain Positive Vibes For My Spells To Work?

What Should I Do If I REALLY Want To Hex Someone?

How Do I Know / What Do I Do If I've Been Hexed?

How Do I Become More Skilled And More Powerful?

How Do I Know When I'm Ready For The Next Step In My Practice?

Additional Tips For Developing Your Practice

Witchcraft Exercise - Quantifying Your Craft

Witchcraft Exercise - Dig Through The Ditches

Witchcraft Exercise - The Book of Lessons

Witchcraft Exercise - Home Brews

Tips on How to Visualize and Construct Basic Wards

Practicing Your Warding Technique

Cleansing Before Warding / Warding A Shared Space

Refreshing / Patching Existing Wards

Non-Appropriative Herbs for Smoke-Cleansing

Smokeless Cleansing / Other Methods

Recommended Reading & Book Suggestions

[breelandwalker]

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

[breelandwalker]

Bree's Banishing Powder

Ahhhh, nothing like the scent of a fresh bottle of Get The Fuck Out.

Ingredients:

2 parts powdered cayenne pepper

1 part ground cinnamon

1 part black salt (equal parts charcoal and salt)

½ part black pepper

½ part powdered eggshell

To Apply:

Shake it up and sprinkle it wherever you feel a barrier is needed.

Particularly good for keeping away nosy or bothersome people, or an ex who just can’t take a hint.

[myaestheticwonderland]

[heatherwitch]

Bedridden Witch: Wheel of the Year Edition

These will be a combo of low energy and bedridden activities! Please note that absolutely nothing is required in order to honor the seasons besides witnessing them and trying to admire the things they bring <3

Imbolc:

Purification, spring cleaning, home and hearth. Winter to Spring.

Light a candle or turn on an electric candle.

Open the curtains to let light in. 

Crack open all your windows to let in some fresh air.

Visualize a light cleaning each and every room in your home.

Spray a cleansing spray throughout your bedroom.

Clean an area in your home, big or small. (It could be as simple as making a pile of trash so it’s easier to move later.)

Wash your bedding or rotate your blankets and flip over your pillow.

Change your pajamas.

Bathe yourself (either in the tub or sponge bath style). Infuse some herbs/flowers into the water!

Low energy Imbolc + Imbolc masterpost

Bedridden witch: Cleansing + Bath Magic

Ostara: 

New life, growth, celebration of lusciousness. Spring. 

Water your plants and whisper blessings to them.

Plant something new! It can be as simple as a beansprout in a paper cup.

Open the curtains to let light in. 

Crack open all your windows to let in some fresh air.

Spray floral water in the air and on your bedsheets.

Have someone bring you some spring flowers.

Draw flower designs or in pastel colors.

Make some herbal/floral tea or infusions.

Burn incense or smoke cleanse.

Drink lots of water.

Ostara masterpost

Bedridden witch: Garden + Pastel

Beltane: 

Peak of life, renewal, fire. Spring to Summer.

Wake up earlier than usual to enjoy a full day of light.

Make flower crowns with real, fake or paper flowers.

Braid something (your hair, a bracelet, ribbons, etc.)

Make sure sunlight and fresh air can reach you.

Enjoy some fresh fruits, nuts and seeds.

Drink tea or water infused with fruit.

Decorate with/wear/create things with bright colors

Light a candle or turn on an electric candle.

Decorate a new pot for your plants (painting, sharpies, ribbons, etc.)

Write a list of things you would like to release and burn them (alternatively: tear it up and place in a glass of water).

Beltane masterpost

Bedridden witch: Nature + others linked above.

Litha: 

Sunshine, joy, celebration. Summer.

Make sure sunlight and fresh air can reach you.

Try to be awake and witness both the sunrise and sunset.

Pour an offering of water for the plants (indoors, outside or out the window).

Decorate with flowers and crystals.

Have a picnic (outside, on the kitchen floor or in bed).

Enjoy locally grown fruits and veggies.

Find a way to incorporate honey into your day (scrubs, food, tea, etc.)

Burn beeswax candles.

Listen to music that just sounds like summertime.

Make sun water or sun tea.

Bedridden witch: Elements + others linked above.

Lammas:

First harvest, gratitude, abundance. Summer to Autumn.

Eat grains and local veggies.

Eat bread or your closest alternative.

Start a new project like crocheting or knitting. This is also a great time to finish that project you’ve been avoiding.

Read an entire book, start to finish or finish a book you put down and forgot about.

Infuse berries into water.

Wear and decorate and create with browns, golds, dark greens, oranges and yellows.

Drink rich teas.

Decorate with sunflowers.

Low spoon ways to celebrate Lammas

Mabon:

Second harvest, balance, abundance. Autumn.

Drink apple cider or juice.

Decorate your home to make it look more like Autumn (fake or real leaves, acorns, paper cutouts, etc.)

Eat things like breads, nuts, grapes, pomegranates, pies, apples and root vegetables.

Wear/decorate/create with oranges, reds, golds and browns.

Write down all of the things you can think of that you’re thankful for.

Apple magic

Drink warm drinks like coffee or cocoa and add warming spices (cloves, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.)

Create a picnic/feast wherever is reasonable, with a little bit of everything.

Pull up a video of leaves falling or a fire crackling.

Mabon masterpost

Samhain:

Final harvest, honoring ancestors, reflection. Autumn to Winter.

Spiced apple cider

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spiced-things, pumpkin seeds.

Decorate with small pumpkins, paint them or draw on them if carving is too high-energy.

Create an altar honoring loved ones who have passed on, either a material one or a photo album online.

Pull up a video of a burning fire or light candles.

Turn off all of the lights and sit/lay in darkness.

Visualize your wards and boost your home protection.

Do spirit work/leave offerings for the spirits.

Burn incense/make a spray that smells of spices (cloves, basil, etc.)

Watch spooky/witchy movies.

Yule:

Creating, sharing gifts and feasts, warmth. Winter.

Create an apple pomander with cloves or dried orange slices.

Watch videos of fires burning or snow falling.

Decorate with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, etc.

Make rosehip, peppermint, vanilla, rooibos or spiced tea.

Step outside/open a window to feel the cold air (if you live somewhere warm, do this in the early morning/night).

Handcraft gifts for loved ones or write heartfelt cards/letters to the people you care about.

Put birdseed outside/a bird feeder by your window.

Make a simmer pot, or use this idea to create a scented spray.

Wash your face with snow/cold water.

Drink hot or spiced drinks.

Yule masterpost.

Bedridden witch: Winter + others linked above. 

You may also like:

Bedridden Witch Series

Spoonie Witch Masterpost

Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Mentally ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

My resource masterposts: Imbolc / Ostara / Beltane / Litha / Lammas / Mabon / Samhain / Yule

Links updated May, 2022. Please inform me of broken links via askbox!

[le-coffee-witch]

Actual Alternatives to "So Mote It Be"

"It is as I will it. "

"As I speak it so it is. "

"This I command."

This is by my power."

"This I manifest."

"By me and the powers that be."

"Because I fucking said so."

(Feel free to add some of your own.)

[crazycatsiren]

"So it shall be."

"And so it will."

"May it be."

"As I said and so it is."

"It better the fuck be."

[cloudselkie]

One of my favorite ways of calling a storm. Reeds tied into a whisk. I whisk the water while visualizing the kind of storm I want. I also keep a water library that includes water from different storms to help form the right kind of storm.

When I'm done, I use the whisk to flick the water in the air like rain, much like the old broom and bucket folk magic spell. It's better if done outside, I think, but I usually end up doing most of my storm calling inside just due to convenience.

This particular set up was done on a night when I wanted to influence an already existing storm system to get here faster.

[theoldcottage-deactivated202208]

I was taught a method for summong winds and rain and that was to get a bottle and blow into it. You say a prayer, call the four winds and you blow into the bottle at an angle that makes a very low note. If you want to summon rain, add rice and then the breath kinda shakes the rice. It was a method that worked really well for some reason. You'd blow into it, the next day there'd be rain.

It was a part of magick to whistle up the wind, and we all know that whistling summons spirits and demons and that's why you never whistle at night otherwise a spirit will come home with you.

[theskepticalwitch]

Practical Things I Think Witches Should Research

Cultural Appropriation

Closed paths and practices

Cult warning signs

Spiritual Discernment

Herb interactions (i.e. how they interact with your medications, if they are poisonous, if you are allergic, can you ingest them, etc.)

Fire safety (for candles, smoke cleansing, incense, etc.)

Crystal Care (learn if your crystals will dissolve in water, if they can be in the sun, if they can be in the cold, etc.)

Pet Care (make sure herbs don't have poor interactions with your pets, make sure you know what to keep away from them, etc.)

[ianmalcolmptsd]

Native vs invasive vs exotic plant species (what’s endangered, legally protected, what should be removed, what should you plant to boost the local population, what’s used in a closed practice, etc.)

General regulations for collecting natural materials in any areas you might collect from

[will-o-the-witch]

Peering Down the Path

A tarot spread for helping decide if a new direction you’re considering is right for you.

What Am I Missing? Things typically don’t beckon us when we are 100% content. What hole are you looking to fill? What element are you seeking out? What are you hoping to gain from this?

What Does This Path Offer? This is both the response to the question posed in the previous card and a guiding signifier for the whole spread. What does this specific path bring you? Does it heal, look pretty, or empower you in some way? Does it compliment what you’re searching for?

Short-Term Look What will the beginning of this path be like during the first month or three? Will it require a lot of prep-work? Will it be enlightening or frustrating? 

Long-Term Look  Where does this path lead after more time? Is it tough in the beginning but become really fulfilling if you stick with it? Does it start out strong but fizzle out later? Is this path an investment in your future or a temporary supplement? (Either is fine, but it’s good to know so you don’t cling to it after it’s spent.) 

[death-witch-envy]

Herbs for the Dead

Here, I will list herbs that I frequently use in death witchcraft, along with their correspondences. Correspondences stem from a mixture of personal experience, historical use, and folklore. Note that I will not mention trees here; I have already covered trees in another post. I will not mention cooked/baked foods like bread, but I will cover naturally-grown foods like fruits and vegetables.

Before you use these, research the risks. Herbs like mugwort and St. John's Wort may have side effects with certain conditions and medications!

Apples. Apples are known as “the fruit of the dead” in Ireland. As such, they are a traditional offering for the dead on Celtic holidays like Samhain. The wood from an apple tree can be carved into necromantic wands or poppets.

Basil. Basil has a long history in purification and cleansing rituals. The Egyptians prepared embalming salves with basil; the Gauls infused it into purification washes; and basil juice was said to “help witches fly” in the Middle Ages. In Hinduism, Basil is used in both weddings and funerals because it is said to link people in love. It was a symbol of sorrow of ancient Greece. Use basil to aid in divination, hedgecrossing, or spirit communication.

Bay. Bay leaves are often used in clairvoyance spells and divination. They aid communication with the dead; the ancients either chewed them or burned them as incense. I often burn bay to enhance divination and ward off evil. (Be careful–it burns fast!)

Beet. Beet can be used as a blood substitute and as a dye in necromantic inks.

Carnations. Carnations are a common funeral flower, especially in France (where purple carnations are traditional). They are common in healing spells but are also used to remember the dead. After the crucifixion of Christ, it is said that Mary’s tears grew carnations. In the Netherlands, people wore carnations to remember fallen veterans.

Chamomile. Chamomile is best-known for its ability to aid sleep and meditation, but its history branches far before that. The ancient Egyptians associated chamomile with the sun, specifically with the God Ra, who was said to heal malaria with it. They used it in mummification to repel flies. The Romans also dedicated chamomile to their Gods and bathed in it for its healing properties. Chamomile makes a great offering to assuage the dead.

Cinnamon. Ever since Moses anointed the Tabernacle with cinnamon oil, it has been associated with deity and spirit work. Cinnamon oil was common in the Egyptian mummification process. The Roman emperor Nero tossed cinnamon onto his wife’s funeral pyre. In magic, cinnamon can amplify magical workings such as divination.

Copal. There are many different types of copal that have unique properties. However, most of them make great offerings for the dead, especially those who remain disoriented from trauma.

Damiana. In my experience, damiana is one of the best herbs to use in incense and herbal smoking blends. Its smoke produces visions, increases your ability to astral project, and aids meditation.

Dittany of Crete. As another spirit work herb, Dittany of Crete is burned to manifest spirits. It is especially potent in summoning spirits of the dead. Since it grows near cliffs, many farmers fell to their deaths trying to harvest them, giving this plant a negative connotation. However, the ancient Greeks valued it as a symbol of love and healing.

Dragon’s Blood. It’s nearly impossible to research ceremonial magic without running into this resin from the palm tree. Dragon’s blood is burned to aid spirit work and protect the magician. You can also infuse it into necromantic inks.

Eucalyptus. According to Australian Aboriginals, eucalyptus trees divided the Earth between the Underworld and Heaven. It is commonly used in healing poppets and health spells. DO NOT burn green eucalyptus; its oils produce too much smoke.

Fennel. Fennel is a protective and purifying herb. In the Middle Ages, people placed fennel inside their keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering their homes.

Frankincense. Due to its powerful vibrations, frankincense often aids spirit work. It is a common consecration herb in Judaism and Christianity. In Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense boosts the powers of other herbs.

Heather. Heather is said to conjure ghosts and open the portals between worlds. In the Scottish highlands, heather marked the resting places of faeries. It was also said to grow where no blood had been shed. As such, it can help to heal deceased warriors.

Holly. Holly is often planted in graveyards to protect both the dead and the mourners. It also promotes good fortune.

Juniper. Juniper has ancient healing associations. The Egyptians used it both medicinally and to embalm the dead. In Scotland, it was said to guard against ghosts and illness. The Key of Solomon often lists it in purification rites. I often use juniper berries as offerings. (Be careful while burning or grinding it in a mortar and pestle–it is incredibly oily!)

Lavender. Beyond its sleep-inducing effects, lavender is also carried to see ghosts. Dried lavender was found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. During the Middle Ages, Christians made crosses out of lavender to protect themselves from evil. It was also used in healing magic, as people carried it to cure headaches in the Mediterranean. You can use it to heal the dead, aid divination and psychic dreams, and protect the home.

Lemon Balm. Known as one of the “witch’s plants,” it is said that Hekate gave lemon balm to Her daughters. Pliny the Elder hyped up lemon balm’s properties as a healing herb, claiming that it could stop the bleeding from a stab wound and prevent bees from swarming. In the Abuzzi region of Italy, women would pick lemon balm between their fingers so Jesus would assist them into Heaven. For death work, lemon balm is a healing herb that helps souls to pass on.

Lily. Lilies do not only symbolize purity and love; they are also planted in gardens to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. They are a common funeral flower, especially for women and children. It is said that Mary’s tomb was adorned with lilies. In the Anglican church, Jesus is sometimes depicted as being crucified on a lily cross. There are many types of lilies with different meanings. For instance, the Calla lily is associated with everlasting honesty and love, so it is used in both weddings and funerals.

Marigold. Marigolds are the most popular flower used in Dia de los Muertos, and they are also common in funerals. Along with being a protective herb, they also improve your relationships. It is said that bathing in marigolds will help you earn respect and admiration. Use it in healing and communication spells for the dead.

Mint. Mint used to be a popular funerary herb in Greece, as it masked the scent of corpses. It is not so popular at funerals anymore. The name stems from the myth of Pluto and Menthe, so many Pagans use mint to connect to chthonic deities. It is also a healing herb and can protect you on journeys.

Mugwort. Another one of my favorite spirit work herbs–mugwort is used in divination teas, smoking blends for spirit work, and washes for magical tools. Native Americans rubbed mugwort on themselves to keep ghosts away. According to a 9th-century grimoire (Bald’s Leechbook), it casts out demonic possession. Use it to amplify spirit work and induce a trance state.

Mulberry. Mulberries (which are technically trees, not bushes) are planted in cemeteries to heal grief and grant eternal life. They also protect against evil.

Mullein. Because of its nickname “Graveyard Dust,” mullein is often mistaken for a graveyard dirt substitute. To be clear: it is not a substitute. But mullein torches used to be burned during funerals, and its smoke can help people see spirits of the dead and the afterlife.

Myrrh. Myrrh is a common incense and oil in necromancy. The Egyptians associated myrrh with Isis’s death aspects, so they used it in magical inks and embalming. The ash from myrrh can be used to draw magic circles. Burn it to enhance meditation and increase psychic powers.

Olive. Olive fruits and leaves were usually used for protection, healing spells, and luck. But olive oil is common in spirit work; the Romans used it for necromantic scrying. The Greek Magical Papyri recommends pouring it into spring water to see spirits of the dead.

Orchid. In Greek mythology, Orchis, the son of a satyr and a nymph, became an orchid upon dying. The Greeks also used orchids in fertility spells, so it became a symbol of death and rebirth. As such, it’s a common funeral flower. It also induces trance states and develops psychic powers.

Oregano. The ancient Greeks believed that growing oregano on graves would ensure that the deceased was happy. This herb enhances love and is used in healing salves. Place it under your pillow to have prophetic dreams, or give it as an offering.

Parsley. Parsley has long had associations with death. According to Greek mythos, parsley sprang from the blood of Archemorus, whose name means “forerunner of death.” It frequently appeared in ancient funerals. During Greek funerary games, victors wore crowns of parsley to commemorate the dead. It also has protective qualities.

Patchouli. Because of its earthiness, patchouli is often linked with graveyard dirt. I use it as an oil to anoint candles.

Rose. Possibly the most commonly recognized funeral flower, roses have been associated with death for centuries. In 5th century Egyptian tombs, paintings of roses covered the walls. Its relationship to love connects the living and the deceased for eternity. It can also heal the dead.

Rosemary. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Studies have linked rosemary to a sharper memory, but the ancients learned this long before. It appeared in Egyptian, Roman, and Medieval funeral rites to commemorate the dead. The Greeks tossed sprigs of rosemary into graves to ensure that the deceased would not be forgotten. It is also burned to magnify divination and infused into ritual washes.

Sage. In Medieval folklore, eating sage in May was said to promote longevity. It also symbolizes immortality. The Egyptians often used sage ceremonially. Sage pollen was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II. In France, sage is said to heal grief, so it is often planted in graveyards.

St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort sometimes appears in spirit work and divination rituals. In the Middle Ages, people carried it in the mouth to find witches. But it is also protective. Dry it during Midsummer and hang it over a door to guard against ghosts, necromancers, and evil spirits. Do not ingest if you are on an anti-depression or mood disorder medication.

Sandalwood. This fragrant plant was used in Egyptians embalming rituals. Nowadays, it is often burned as incense to support spirit work, consecrate tools, and protect a space. In my opinion, it’s more effective if you burn it with frankincense.

Thyme. In ancient Greek funerals, thyme represented the bravery of a warrior. You can burn it to aid those suffering in death. It was also used in ancient Egyptian embalming and to induce prophetic dreams during the Victorian era. Combine it with marjoram in a bath to wash away sorrows of the past. You can also use it to communicate with the fae and the dead.

Tulips. Since blooming tulips signal the coming of spring, they are associated with death and rebirth. They often appear in funerals to signify perfect love. In Middle Eastern traditions, people wore tulips for protection.

Valerian. Like mullein, valerian root is called “graveyard dirt” when powdered. But it is not a substitute for real graveyard dirt. Instead, it is used to induce a trance state and sleep. The Greeks hung a sprig under a window to protect the home from evil.

Vervain. Vervain is a common herb in spirit work. In Christian mythos, it is said that Christ’s crucifixion wounds were staunched with vervain. The Romans called it a “sacrificial herb,” and it was said to be especially powerful. As a protective herb, vervain can be carried, burned, or infused into potions to drive off evil spirits. Use it in spirit work spells to enhance their powers.

​Wormwood. Wormwood is often burned as an incense or smoking blend to develop psychic powers. In Slavic rituals and dances, people carried it for protection. The Greeks hung it to ward off malicious spirits. Its smoke is said to summon spirits. According to old grimoires, burning it on a grave will raise the dead. You don’t have to perform magic in a cemetery, though–wormwood will aid necromancy anywhere.

If you want to learn how to use these herbs, check out the original post on my blog.

[crimsonsongbird]

I've been told that copal is part of a closed practice

[death-witch-envy]

Reblogging because I was unaware of this. Any more details on where it’s from?

[hearthandhomewitchery]

Copal is tree resin. It's been used by variety of cultures around the world for a very long time. The use of copal isn't closed but there are closed practices that use copal, such as things like sweat lodges.

[will-o-the-witch]

A Deep Room Cleanse

The state of my room is extremely important to me. It’s a direct reflection of my mental health, so when it’s messy, my energy levels are low and I just feel yucky. There’s no way I’m getting any kind of work done, magical or mundane. When it feels good and clean to be in, it’s a lot easier to deal with my symptoms and be productive. You don’t have to do every step every time of course, but each step has helped me so I figured a list like this might help someone. 

Change the lighting. Use natural sources of light (like pulling back the curtains and letting the sun in) over artificial ones. If you have salt lamps to turn on, those are still very nice. If you need artificial light to keep it from being too dark, try to prioritize light bulbs you like the color of, and ones that don’t whistle quietly when they’re on.

Change the airflow. Open a window, if you can. Often our rooms feel yucky because the air is stale. Get some fresh air moving. If it’s too cold, it’s okay to only keep it open for a few minutes or put on a coat while you work because you’re stubborn like me.

Change the sound. Put on your favorite cleansing music. Let it soak into the room. I tend to go or ambient spa stuff, or playlists that sound built for a rainy day. (Note: the music that helps you cleanse the best may not be the same as what you like the most. The playlist should keep you focused/uplifted while you work and reflect the vibes you want your room to have.)

Change the smell. Take out the trash, maybe refresh the sheets on your bed. Light a scented candle, some incense, heat up some oil, something to make your room smell distinctly different from the mucky-feeling room from before. (If your method of choice is something short like a room spray, I actually like doing it at the very end.)

Actually clean and organize. Nothing junks up the energy of a room more quicker than actual junk. Organize everything as much as you can (this might mean finally gutting your closet, even if you can close the door and hide it.) Wipe down any surfaces that need it, get everything fresh and functional again. Do some laundry while you work. If you have clothes or trinkets that are just collecting dust, extra points for purging them! 

 Cleanse any sacred spaces by themselves. A lot of us have altars or shrines in our rooms. A sacred space can also be just an extra important area of your room, like a reading nook.  Make sure to give them extra attention! You don’t need to wipe the board energetically (and probably shouldn’t), but taking a little extra time to clean surfaces, straighten up, and make sure everything feels okay on them goes a long way.

Cleanse in your regular way. Bust out the herb bundles, the bells, the ribbons, the broom, whatever you usually do to cleanse a space! The room is SUPER primed for it now, most of the negative energy probably already feels removed if not broken down. A good once-over with your favorite cleansing method should finish it off nicely. 

Refresh any wards or protections. Self explanatory. If you maintain energy borders in your room, now is a good time to check in on them and zhoosh them if needed. Keep the space clean for longer! 

Practice self-care. Take a shower, a nap, eat some food, whatever you need. You’ve put in a lot of work and you deserve it. 

[themori-witch]

Witch Crafts: How to Make A Scrying Mirror

• WHAT IS A SCRYING MIRROR? •

A scrying mirror is one of a variety of tools that can be used in the divination method that is scrying [click here for more information on scrying].

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A photo frame with glass.

Matte black spray paint (it doesn't need to be spray paint, but I find this easier!).

Glass cleaner (if you want to use a vinegar and water solution instead, that's fine!).

Clean cloth.

Microfibre cloth (optional).

HOW TO:

Firstly, remove the glass from the photo frame and set the frame aside as you'll be popping the glass back inside later.

Using your glass cleaner and cloth, thoroughly clean both sides of the glass and try to avoid leaving smears or smudges. You can use another clean, dry cloth (microfibre for best results) once the mirror is dry, to go over the glass and buff it/remove any dust.

Allow the glass to dry completely, then take it to a ventilated area, lay the glass on a piece of paper or fabric you're not too attached to, and use the spray paint to coat one side of the glass. Allow the first coat to dry, then add a few more layers ensuring that the coverage is as even as possible, and opaque.

Leave the glass to dry in a safe place.

Once the paint is dry, reinsert the glass into the picture frame with the unpainted side facing you.

*OPTIONAL: you can embellish your frame, or the edges of the glass if you wish. It's your scrying mirror, so make it yours!

You are now ready to scry your heart out! Make sure the glass is smudge and mark free before you scry, as to not skew anything you may divine from the mirror.

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