So I’ve been noticing over the course of my time exploring witchcraft on Tumblr, that one of the most popular question the more experienced witches get, are requests for spells or tools that can help ease a witch’s anxiety or depression. Often times, they don’t get an answer, because the ones being asked are hesitant (justifiably so) to give advice without proper medical knowledge.
Of course, if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, your first step should always be to try and get professional help. However, speaking from personal experience, sometimes that’s just not an option. Whether you can’t afford it, are in a situation where you can not access it yourself (underage in an abusive household or similar), sometimes the professional help you need is out of reach. And while witchcraft should never be a substitute for mundane efforts to keep yourself well, it has also helped me more then anything else I’ve tried. I’ve suffered from anxiety for my entire life, though it’s become severe the past four years, and depression the past three, and the relief and sudden change witchcraft has allowed me I know is for one main reason: It’s given me control back.One of the hardest things about anxiety is how it makes you feel helpless, like you can’t do anything to fix that tightness in your chest or the breath that escapes your lungs.
By putting the power back in my hands, and giving me tools to take action myself against my anxiety, witchcraft has soothed me, and helped end panic and anxiety attacks, and that relief has helped me move forward to take even better steps against my mental illnesses.
So the point of this prelude is not to invalidate the decisions of witches who do not wish to offer advice on how to use witchcraft to deal with anxiety, but offer the perspective from an anxious witch that has had her illness much helped because of it. I will say, however, that if you are having thoughts of self harm or suicide, you should contact a health care professional immediately no matter what.
Below, I’ve written the tools and steps I take using my craft to combat anxiety. I hope they can offer a starting place for other anxious witches, and help put some of the control back in your hands too!
Herbs and Spices - use these as materials in spell jars, sleep pouches, or rubs for when you’re feeling anxious.
Lavender - anti-anxiety, calming
Sage - protective, calming
Anise - protective, prevents bad dreams
Mugwort - promotes sleep and dreams, NOT FOR THOSE WHO ARE PREGNANT
Rosemary - protective, anti-depressive
Cinnamon - health, protective
Chamomile - calming, meditation
Bergamont - in Earl Grey tea, boosts confidence, helps overcome addiction and bad habits
Thyme - healing, sleep, courage
Basil - strength, peace, courage
This just scratches the surface for herbs that can be utilized. I like to use Lavender, Pine, or Patchouli essential oils too when I’m having an anxiety attack. Remember to always check for an allergic reaction before using essential oils.
Crystals - I like to keep charged crystals near the places where I feel the most anxious. I keep one crystal in my bank at work, another sits above my bed, and I wear crystals around my neck or wrists to rub or squeeze when I’m having anxious moments on the go.
Rose Quartz - peace, love (not only the romantic kind. Self love is important too!)
Tiger’s Eye - protection, courage
Bloodstone - protection, strength
Amethyst - my personal favorite, healing, soothing, wards against nightmares and anxiety
Citrine - happiness, dispels negativity
Obsidian - protection, healing
Colors for Candles - Remember to never leave a candle unattended. I like to use candles to kind of center my craft, and create a focal point when I have preforming a spell or cleanse. You can anoint the candles with essential oils to further their abilities (watch out for flare ups, practice safe candle rules). Plus, they’re just pretty and soothing :)
White - purifies, can be substituted for any color
Black - absorbs negativity, my favorite when I’m anxious
Other Suggestions - these are measures I take that help me personally. You might be able to tweak or try something different to find the right thing for you.
Ground Yourself - this does not necessarily mean you have to go stand on the earth. I believe you can ground yourself using any of the elements. For me personally, that means taking a bath, shower, or playing sounds of a rainstorm, because I feel most comfortable and supported around water.
Try a Tarot Spread or other form of divination - A lot of what causes me anxiety is unknown situations, or stressing about what is going to happen. Divination tools can be a great way to give you an opportunity to put those stresses to rest. Be careful you don’t just dive in and end up reading something terrible because your mind is in a bad place, however. If you’re worried, try asking a friend or fellow divinator to read for you. My most common question I ask my cards are ‘How can I reduce my anxiety about this situation?’ or ‘How should I approach this problem thats causing me anxiety?’
White Noise - I mentioned the sound of rainstorms earlier. Any sort of ‘white noise’ that helps you block out the voices in your head can be a great way to help you get to a place where you can meditate or practice your craft. This could be the sound of waves, the sound of wind, or even just true white noise.
Light incense - Being surrounded by a scent that comforts you is important when you’re feeling anxious. I like lilac or lavender, but you should choose a scent that comforts you regardless of what magical qualities it’s supposed to induce. If you’re in a place you cant have smoke incense, try the Scentsy’s wickless candles.
Do some Cleansing - both magically and mundanely. If you can, throw open the windows of your house. Clear out dirty laundry, dishes, and trash. Make your bed! MAKE YOUR BED! This sounds like a silly suggestion but I swear, giving the pillows and good whack and having a clean, warm place to slip into can be so healing. Magical cleansing is also good. Try smoke cleansing, but please refrain from using the endangered white sage. I suggest using Rosemary bundles or even just incense instead. Again, if you’re in a place where you can’t have smoke, trying a spray instead. A few drops of lemon or rosemary essential oil and water in a spray bottle can be spritzed around your windows and doors to help protective your space.
I’ve just scratched the surface here, but I hope this will give other anxious witches some tools that will allow them to take some of the control back, and start taking steps toward recovery. Good luck, and please remember that you can always jump in my ask box if you have a question or concern.
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