- it's closely associated by alchemists with the elixir of life, which is a liquid that rejuvenates the user, bringing them youth and immortality. Creating the philosopher's stone is the ultimate goal of every alchemist, which is why it's a central element in alchemy symbolism
- the four basic elements come from the Ancient Greeks beliefs that everything in the universe is made of them: fire, water, air, and earth.
- fire is associated with masculinity, emotions such as anger and love, and warm colours like orange and red. Aristotle's classification says that it's a hot and dry element
- water is associated with femininity, and the colour blue. Aristotle classifies it as a cold and wet element
- earth is associated with physical movements, and the earth colours of brown and green. Aristotle classifies it as a cold and dry element
- air is associated with life-giving forces, and the colours white grey, and blue. Aristotle classifies it as hot and wet
- the renowned swiss alchemist, Paracelsus, suggested that all seven metals are made of 'the three prime elements': sulphur, mercury, and salt
- he believed that all beings are made of the three primes, with sulphur representing the soul and emotions, mercury representing the spirit, intellect, moral judgement and imagination, and salt representing the body and the physical form of everything in the universe
- the second symbol for sulphur is what is known today as the leviathan cross/satanic cross. it's not clear how this symbol became the symbol of the satanic faith, but it has been used long before it was adopted by Satanists in the 20th century
- lead, iron, tin, copper, silver, gold, and mercury are the seven planetary metals that are closely associated with the seven classical planets
- these planets and the deities associated with them are featured quite often in alchemical symbolism, and often share their symbols with the seven metals, despite some metals having their own symbols
- lead is associated with the planet Saturn, and is one of the metals that has two symbols
- mercury (also known as quicksilver) is associated with the planet mercury. Its symbol is the same as mercury's Paracelsus symbol
- tin is associated with the planet Jupiter, and has two symbols
- iron is associated with the planet mars, and has two symbols. the first/planetary symbol of iron is the same as 'the male symbol'
- copper is associated with the planet venus, and has two symbols. the first/planetary symbol is the same as 'the female symbol'
- silver is associated with the moon, and has two symbols. the planetary symbol is a crescent moon
- gold has more than one alchemical symbol. the creation of this metal has been the inspiration of the Great Work of alchemists for centuries. it's associated with the sun, and shares it's first symbol with it
- mundane elements in alchemy are the ordinary elements that are used in alchemy, but haven't been considered as significant as the ones above
- sulphur is both one of the Paracelsus primes, and one of the mundane elements; sometimes referred to as brimstone. it's symbols remain the same
- arsenic has several alchemical symbols, but the main one is as follows:
- bismuth is another element that has been used in alchemy for a long time, but it's specific purpose is not very clear
- zinc is a metal burned by alchemists to create the material called 'the white snow', also known as 'philosopher's wool'. it's represented by several symbols, but here is the most common one:
- potassium carbonate/potash is a commonly used element in alchemy
- antimony is a metal, with the most common symbol being an inverted female symbol. it's believed to represent the free spirit, and the beast inside every person. because of this, wolves are occasionally used to represent antimony
- phosphorus is a special element in alchemy; light is a symbol of the soul for alchemists, and phosphorus is an element that can actually hold light within
- platinum is believed to be a combination of gold and silver, and so alchemists used the symbols of the Sun and Moon to create it's symbol
- magnesium cannot be found in it's pure form in nature (magnesium alba/ the white magnesium), so magnesium carbonate is used by alchemists. it also represents eternity in alchemy, as it's hard to extinguish once set on fire
Astragalomancy or Astragyromancy is a procedure of divination cast by throwing five dice, teeth, or bones engraved with celestial symbols, numbers, or letters. The placement and symbolism of each particular thrown item matters. In prehistoric times, mammal knuckles were primarily used in Astragyromancy.
Belomancy:
A structure of divination used by monitoring and examining the passage, performance, and landing of arrows during and after being shot off by a Bow. Different structures of arrows and materials should also be taken into account. This is not to be mistaken for or confused with Rhabdomancyâs use of arrows.
Cartomancy:
The use of playing cards, tarot, or oracle decks to gain insight into current, past, or future personal affairs. Crucial in personal development and individual progress from a spiritual standpoint. Each suit in playing cards represents a suit in tarot, with different elements and senses of their own.
Cleromancy:
A form of divination in which one is to cast a lot based off of random chance or divine will. âCasting a lotâ is often gently tossing objects with their each individual significant meanings to analyze the pattern in which they land. There are so very numerous unique varieties and procedures to this.
This technique of Cleromancy involves casting a lot employing beans. The origins of Favomancy come from the Ubykh of Russia. However, most archaic methods were lost through the passing of time and are now open to interpretation. I must admit I wish I knew more about this fascinating concept.
Osteomancy:
The use of bone casting for divinatory purposes or perspective. Each distinct bone has covers a specific aspect of your life, and are thrown in order to determine your current position. Certain bones have specific values but the arrangement of the bones also should be considered.
Rhabdomancy:
Rhabdomancy is a kind of Cleromancy including the use of casting rods, wands, branches, or something similar. There are various ways to do this, but is most frequently used to cast lots for answering questions or insight. The items could range from arrows to dowels which I find incredible from a possibility prospect.
Rune-casting:
Rune casting is a process of divination in which a practitioner uses small items such as stones, crystal tumbles, or chips in order to determine ones current circumstances and upcoming opportunities. Runes are also extraordinarily commonly used as words of power and sigils but are predominantly established for this.
Tasseomancy:
A technique of divination developed by just about polishing off your cup of loose tea, and then flipping the tea leaves onto a plate for evaluation. Representation plays key to reading tea leaves, and all figures, characters, and placements account for something. Can also be preformed with coffee grounds or wine fragments.
Theriomancy:
Divination involving animals through either observing their movements, reactions, or demeanorâs shifts. Wildlife themselves have intuition and abilities that are easier for them to stay connected with. Almost all of these are also forms of Augury.
Think black tea makes you feel good? Youâre right. Itâs been proven to help you de-stress fast. It also helps eliminate bad breath. Plus medical research indicates that it lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and reduces bad cholesterol.
Green tea
Want to stay slim, trim and beautiful? The antioxidants in green tea just might slow signs of aging, prevent the flu and raise your metabolism. More dramatically, itâs being shown to prevent and slow cancer, and help with arthritis and bad cholesterol too.
Oolong tea
This oneâs known as a fat-buster in China, and science is indicating that it does indeed speed up your metabolism, burn fat and block fat absorption! Use it to fight expanding waistlines, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
White tea
Science is saying that white tea might be more effective than even green tea at preventing cell damage, shrinking cancerous tumours and stopping the growth of cancer cells. Plus itâs becoming the new cosmetic fix for aging skin. Beautiful!
Puâerh tea
Traditional Chinese medicine prizes Puâerh as a wonder tea. Itâs said to aid digestion, cleanse the blood and help with weight loss. Studies in Europe are also saying it busts cholesterol as effectively as some medications.
Rooibos tea
Itâs said that rooibos helps you recover from hangovers, and that it could slow dementia. Plus thereâs evidence that it fights skin cancer and boosts the immune system. And itâs supposed to help with insomnia!
Yerba tea
Yerba mate is a fabulous stimulant, without the jitters. Itâs also full of antioxidants, so thereâs scientific speculation that it could have anti-cancer properties, help stimulate the immune system and protect against disease.
Herbal tea
Herbs, spices, fruits and flowers have long been used in traditional medicine to cure everything from headaches, stomach bugs and colds to stress and insomnia. The power of the tea depends on its ingredients.
Just a quick thing to add, PLEASE learn how to brew these teas correctly!! Green tea, oolong tea, and white tea should not be steeped in boiling water, this will burn the leaves and negate any health benefits (also this is why a lot of people claim green tea is bitter).
Green tea and white tea needs to be steeped at 175-180 degrees (small rolling bubbles the size of a small fishâs eye), and oolong would be at 195 degrees (larger bubbles but not boiling).
forgive me if thats too intrusive to ask but: what do you think of alchemy and its studies? ive recently started to read and get into it just out of curiosity and i really think it offers an interesting way to see life. and also i have a theory that in a way alchemical manuscripts were self-help books centuries before those were invented
it is a running joke on this blog that I despise alchemists to the very core - centuries of getting on each other's nerves and all, I suppose.
but jest aside, I do think that it's absolutely worth it to explore it, as it's a truly fascinating insight into the neverending curiosity of humanity. anyone interested in the occult and witchcraft should know their alchemy 101, even if some of it seems quite puzzling at first.
alchemy is the strange and obscure - nearly forgotten - ancestor of so many modern areas of study it'd be a waste not to dig in at least a bit.
Bells might just be the earliest form of superstitious practise that I remember. My baba attached three sakura-patterned suzu bells on my schoolbag as a kid, purportedly for good luck and protection from evil spirits â and Japan is far from the only place to have associated bells and bellringing with mystic practise. Theyâve been used worldwide to ward off evil and carry messages â and in a more metaphysical sense, sound is the movement of energy through substance. Sounds have the potential to work powerful magic.
Here are some of the ways Iâve found utilising bells to be helpful to my craft. While Iâm more likely to use traditional suzu type bells, your own background, path and culture will likely have its own types of bells â and as ever, bells can be ornate antiques or they can be a bottle cap in a tin can, as long as theyâre used with intent.
GETTING STARTED
đ As with so much of the craft, if youâre new to the witching bell, itâs a matter of exploration and experimentation. Get a âfeelâ for what works for you and the specific bell youâre using.
đ Itâs good practise to ensure that the bell itself is cleansed, warded and protected â you donât want anything nasty tapping into that power. All witching tools can do as much harm as good, intentional or accidental.
đ A good way to begin incorporating bells into your craft is infuse them into any typical ritual that youâre comfortable with, or even just a prayer or moment of contemplation at your altar if you have one.
đ Give the bell a soft ring while focusing on the energy itâll ripple and move, try to track the movements it creates and what it touches. The tone itâs sending out. The most primal and versatile use of the bell â and what many of the below come down to â is simply another manner of physically channelling energy, giving it shape and direction.
PROTECTION
đ âPassiveâ bells such as windchimes or small bells attached to belongings you donât want disturbed are a starting point. They will scare off some forms of spirit all by themselves, especially if appropriately blessed, charmed or enchanted. Or cursed.
đ Gently tolling can draw energy into a ward or circle you are forming and enforce its protective properties, or for a simple cleanse, letting the sound travel to every corner of the area you are protecting. Itâs a little more âcuttingâ than a smoke or incense cleansing, which I view as more âgentleâ forms of cleansing. Both have their uses.
đ Harder tolling is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful ways in which to enforce a banishing â however, itâs best to you know what youâre doing with the bell before you go bashing it about.
DISCERNMENT
đ Bells can have quite the effect on your perception and awareness. Ringing and then stopping, listening to the silence left in its wake, can bring you new perceptions or make things youâd previously missed obvious. Let it attune your mind and senses to something new, whether thatâs in your thoughts or something with a little more presence. Visualise travelling with the sound, taking heed of the energies it touches and disturbs. Take note of the echoes â youâll learn what they mean with experience.
đ A set of windchimes can let you know if something is passing through or if thereâs some unusual energy afoot â and, yes, it may also just be letting you know that itâs a particularly breezy day, but thatâs witchcraft for you.
CONJURING
đ This can be as simple as calling good energies to witching tools, spell jars, tarot decks, crystals, altars and shrines, your favourite teddy bar, anything at all.
đ With spirit work, it can truly help to magnify your âcallingâ. This can range from gently bringing your latest offering to the attention of your friendly neighbourhood house spirit â all the way to trying to catch the attention of something more. Be mindful, however. As I said, I consider bells pretty powerful tools and a call thatâs too loud is not good spirit work practise for the spirit workerâs own sake. It can really help coax something out of hiding if youâre gentle with it, though.
COMMUNING
đ Some use bells to mark the beginning and end of a ritual, and Iâve read that in Wiccan practise an altar bell can be used to invoke the Goddess, although as a non-Wiccan, Iâll welcome corrections on that if Iâm wrong.
đ In my experience, very simple forms of communication via bell work a lot better than anything too complex â âcome hereâ and âstay awayâ have already been covered, and other than that they can serve as greetings or signals of a start or end of some practise or ritual, the opening or closing of a door, etc.
đ They can also serve as a warning or a litmus test regarding spirits, a signalling of your presence and awareness, lack of fear, or willingness to defend â but be prepared to deal with whatever responses these garner.
BINDING
đ Bindings are where you most often see that famous (clockwise) circular motion of the bell, embodying the meaning of the spell. This can be a simple binding to seal a spell or charm or enchantment, or a spirit-binding.
đ Personally, spirit-binding is something I do as little as possible simply due to my beliefs holding the autonomy of spirits in very high regard. However, sometimes situations arise that call for it, and Iâm aware that not all bindings are unwilling. Far from it â and some spirits are dangerous when unbound.
đ As an animist (believing that all things, including inanimate objects, contain a spirit of their own), I consider gently nudging a spirit back into its physical form a sort of semi-binding, and that can be useful.
Iâll leave you all with a note that I am an urban apartment-dwelling witch through and through, so I understand that we canât all be jangling away at all hours. I myself have a glass windchime in my front window that makes a distinct but muted sound when disturbed by passers-through, and highly recommend wooden ones also. I also only use my small and relatively quiet suzu bell for my crafting â one given to me by my baba herself.
Feel free to add any of your own findings, and happy tolling.
In the early days of alchemical science, there were a lot of wise men in the race to find the longed-for immortality, but in a small group of this profession, there was someone who focused on expanding the knowledge and wisdom of this science through innovation and experimentation, Peles Legiopetas, the sage of fire.
The study of his life was the combustion of matter without the need of an external factor, simply a combination of substance that in itself created fire. To achieve this achievement, he had to sacrifice his whole life to the study of alchemy, error and discarding was his only scientific method.
After a long time, he managed to come up with an experiment, with the combination of air, earth dust, water vapor and ether materialized in gas, he was able to come up with a combustion proportional to the amount of elements added. This scientific breakthrough was the greatest achievement of his life, and unfortunately was hidden by the church of the time for being considered witchcraft.
Hey, there! I hope you're having a good day so far. I saw a page you posted the other day with alchemy symbols on it. I'm looking to read more about alchemy, specifically it's tie to witchcraft, and I thought I would ask you if you know of any good places to start. Thanks so much for all the resources you share! đ
Hi,
The way alchemy ties into my witchcraft is that I use the planetary symbols and the cosmos in my magic. Also I use the alchemical planetary hours in spells and talismans.
When Iâm making potions or flying ointments Iâll sometimes consult the book the herbal alchemist handbook by keren Harrison. Thereâs a lot of books on the subject of herbal alchemy that can be useful in incorporating it into your witchcraft.
I also enjoy learning about and using magical symbols in my practice like with sigil making. And the alchemical subjects are often allegory and represent something else. For example the philosophers stone is enlightenment.
I know we have chemistry stuff and as someone in a bio undergrade I appreciate this, but what happened to good old alchemy? Of course alchemy as a thing is real; you can process one material into another chemically, but I want to know what happened to good old wackjob alchemy? The wizard in the tower, the mixing in animal parts and plants like an anti-vegan botinist to just see what would happen? What certain chemical in these parts of this organism can be heated to a degree that they will react and produce something? Well sure it's unsafe, but when was finding the secrets of the world supposed to be safe?
In this essay I would like to contribute my knowledge to the alchemical community, to the people who understand the scientific method but prefer to call it common sense. As proposed in the early 12th century alchemy was a magic and the pure purpose of any alchemist was to make gold less valuble. The creation of gold, Aurum, from another element.
In trying to create gold as science kept evolving, Alchemy was seen as the wackjob's trade, purely against the church too, creating one element after another is the worl of God alone, to do so would be witchcraft, or in otherwords not scientific. That is until 1896 when french scientists, Henri Barquerel and his team observed uranium break down, the first steps to creating the atomic bomb. Of coufse this is purely alchemy, letting one element decompose into another element. Of course but then that's the thing you are only letting one atom stabilize and decay naturaly, what we want to see is the active process of turning a stable nuclei into anotger stable nuclei of another element.
This is where I introduce the new alchemic goal, creating gold is boring, it's happened, who needs gold nowadays? The goal needs to be strong enough to bring alchemy back into the limelight, yet crazy enough to keep it fun and away from good old safety precautions. I propose the goal of creating any large sum of metal purely out of chemicals that an alchemist has extracted out of any biological organism themselves. The goal here is to extract elements and chemicals other than the metals to make this happen, any metal alloy will do and at least more than an ounce of it. Bonus points for over an ounce any pure heavy metal and it's always more fun in a wizardry tower. Have fun, make mistakes, get messy, and I do not support animal abuse. See y'all next time alchemy chums.
If you're in a situation where you have a roommate that may not be open to your craft, you're in the broom closet and being in college makes it even harder to practice, you're starting your witch journey while in college, you couldn't take a full sized altar to school, or you're like me and attend a private Christian college (ugh) that makes you feel the need to be discreet, this post is for you!
If you have an altar: Find a way to downsize your altar. For some this isn't a huge thing, but I'm the kind of gal that liked to go all out with my space. The best way to do it is to find a box or container that can be moved easily and has all your essentials, and only take what can fit. If you can't fit certain tools, it's best to find substitutions. A small bowl that can hold water will work just as well as a crystal ball. Putting herbs in bags will allow more room than jars.
Alternative to candle magic: I know the urge to put tape over that fire alarm is real but I'm unfortunately a goody two shoes. Luckily wax burners exist and you can get all the fun of candle magic minus the flame. I like to draw sigils into my wax before melting it for spellwork; and you can get all sorts of different colored wax. If you need unscented wax, you can buy white wax and dye it.
Some discreet types of magic to look into:
Tea. Tea. Tea. I cannot stress how useful tea magic is. There's loads of information about it right here on Tumblr! Most dorms allow ectric teapots and tea is easy to store.
Knot magic. Here's a great post about it. Absolutely any kind of spell can be done with a knot and it's super easy to implement into everyday activities.
Moon magic. Guys, the moon is awesome. Work with it. Moon water is a great manifestation tool and corresponding anything with the moon phases is an instant boost. It's also free and super easy.
Sigils. Really fun to learn and really easy to draw in a couple journals, on a foggy window, in your tea as you stir it, or on your skin. I recommend Pinterest if you're trying to find tutorials.
Runes. I like to cast physical runes but there's lots of ways to use these in everyday magic. Each symbol has their own meaning and there's an abundance of information on them. Similar to sigils, I like to draw them on things.
Extra tips:
Learn the correspondences for each day of the week. Doing little things for each day will keep you connected to your craft as you get through college.
Anything can be a chalice. Cleanse that cup and you're good to go.
Astrology is your friend.
I'm here for you. College is hard. Dorming can be a pain too.
I hope this helps someone. Reblog if you can. Love you all!
Knots are an incredibly versatile tool to use in your spells. They allow you to cast powerful spells with pretty much anything you can tie in a knot. Some people will tell you that things like the material and colors that you choose heavily impact your magic but really, these things are only helpful if they speak to you. If color affects your magic a lot then by all means, choose a cord for the color but otherwise it isnât necessary.
Possible materials to choose from include:
Rope
Chord
Yarn
Floss
Copper wire
Chains
Vines
Sinews
Scarves
EtcâŠ
So, the basic premise is that as you tie the knot youâre binding your intention. You can think of the knot as an anchor point for an idea that you want to manifest.
What kinds of ideas?
Pretty much everything. Iâm not joking, I canât think of a type of spell that canât be performed using a knot. Curses, binding spells, healing spells, protective spells, prosperity and luck spells, it can all be done with a knot. Traditionally, knot spells were heavily associated with air elemental magic and with weather spell casting.
What kinds of knots can be used in spells like these?
Absolutely any knot can be used to cast a spell. For quickies I like your typical overhand knot, for more complicated spells you might choose a more ornate knot or even an entire set of knots to make jewelry.
Along those same lines, needlework like knitting and crocheting can be used in the exact same manner. This type of knot magic can become very elaborate, including the use of various stitches, patterns and projects to achieve your intent.
Are there any bad things about knot spells?
Yes, unfortunately there are. Since knots are a physical representation of the spell, if the knot gets broken the spell is broken as well. This isnât always a drawback however, it means that your spells are easily broken if you ever feel the need.
Now for my favorite part, examples! The spells below are spells that Iâve designed myself but theyâre not particularly specific and Iâm certain that Iâm not the first person to think of them. As with most of my spells, theyâre incredibly versatile. Change things in whatever way suits your practice and your intention.
Lovers Knots
Nobody freak out. This isnât your average âmake him love meâ love spell. Instead this spell is designed to be made by a pair who are already lovers. Itâs designed as an activity to bring you together and to remind you of each other when things get rough. Think of it as a magic reservoir of each otherâs love for when you canât be together or are having a spat. Each of you will make a bracelet for the other and place intentions into the bracelet you make. Your intention could be to protect them (love is excellent for protection), to tie the two of you together or to help solve a particular problem between the two of you. The important thing about this is that both parties participate and have discussed what they want out of the spell.
Here are a few knot bracelet tutorials as ideas :)
Friendship Bracelet
Another Friendship Bracelet
Beads and Braids Work Too
Pick one and get knotting! With each knot that you make think and meditate about your intention but this doesnât need to be a somber thing. Laugh and chat with your lover and really get the love flowing between the two of you (breaks for kissing and stuff are a good idea if you want). Basically just use this as a chance to really get close with your partner. The emotion and energy that you have during this is going to stick so no being mad at each other or arguing or nit picking or talking about the dishes or anything. Take this time to just be in love.
If you want, when youâve finished making the bracelet you can let it charge in sunlight or moonlight or say an incantation or prayer to a deity over it, whatever works with your practice. Now swap and wear your new lovers knots.Â
If, for any reason, you wish to undo the spell, each knot in the bracelet must be broken. This can be done by going through and untying each one, by cutting each one or by burning the entire bracelet (if itâs flammable). A single knot left unbroken will still retain its power.
Despite being named âLovers Knotsâ, this spell can be used by any pair of people or even a group! Friends, siblings and parents with their children can all modify this spell for their use. In a group you can have a rotation of sorts, each person begins a bracelet, makes maybe an inch and then passes it in one direction around the circle where the next person will make another inch and continue passing it. Each bracelet will have been made in part by every member of the group.
Luck Knot Spell
Another good example for the uses of knots in magic, this spell works a little differently than the last. Each knot is designed to be a pre-made âquick releaseâ spell. You should choose a cord material that is easy for you to untie.
Prep for this spell however you like, cast a circle, consecrate your cord, call your deities, whatever. Now, pick a number for your spell, my first choice would be my lucky number but use whatever number associations youâd like.
Begin by creating your first knot. This knot is your anchor, it sets the framework for the entire spell, imbue it with the intention that each subsequent knot will be a holder. The idea is to have a spell attached to each knot and as the knot is untied, the spell is released and activated. Once you finish with your first knot you can start on the rest of them, with each that you make charge the knot with your intention, in this case, luck. You can do this in a number of ways, meditating, chanting, incantations and prayers all work. The incantation below is just an example of something Iâve used before.
Ex. Winds of fortune blow, let my good luck grow.
Finish up in your preferred way, close your circle, ground, thank any spirits that you work with, etc. You can now keep the cord with you and whenever you need a little burst of luck (before a test or interview, talking to your crush, competing, anything like that) just untie a knot.
If anyone has more questions about knot magic or specific spells then feel free to drop me a line :)
Nox's witchy stuff @noxs-witchy-stuff - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
