Frater Ahrtea

[revralph]

I probably should have done this from the beginning…

Hi, I’m RevRalph, also known as Frater Ahrtea. Mid-west middle aged mage, history buff, lifelong comic reader/collector. 34 years plus husband, father of four, grandfather of five. My existence leans a bit more to the left: intolerance, hatred and any MAGA or QUANON related beliefs leaves me cold. I have no interest or time for that nonsense.

My interests range within what I call High Weirdness. Magick, Chaos, Thelema, John Dee, Austin Osman Spare, Grant Morrison, Alan Moore, the history of magick, Hermeticism, Egyptology, philosophy, Gnosticism, Rosicrucians, sigils, dreams, any and all things pertaining to the left handed path, or most other paths for that matter. Everything except New Age.

I love the podcasts Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio, Rune Soup, Imaginary Worlds, The Secret History of Western Esotericism, Dark Ozarks Podcast, and Magick Without Fears. My love of comics is deep and knows no limit. Music is a big love as well.

Like onions and Shrek, I too am multi-layered. Reach out with any questions, I’m more than happy to respond!

[chatsintowolves]

The Occult Secrets of The Invisibles by Grant Morrison

To analyze Grant Morrison’s *The Invisibles* is to embark on a guided tour of the occult underground of the 20th century, a deliberate synthesis of counter-cultural thought designed as a "hypersigil" to alter reality. The series functions as a philosophical bomb, and its shrapnel is composed of Gnostic, Buddhist, and Esoteric fragments.

Here is an explanation of those core themes at play:

---

### 1. Gnosticism: The World as a Prison and the War for Liberation

Gnosticism provides the central **cosmological and dramatic framework** for *The Invisibles*. It is the engine of the plot.

* **The Archons and the Demiurge:** In classic Gnosticism, the material world is not created by a benevolent God but by a flawed, often malevolent, lesser deity known as the Demiurge (Yaldabaoth). This false god and his minions, the Archons, create the physical universe as a prison to trap divine sparks of the true, transcendent God (the Monad) within human bodies.

* **The Invisible College:** Morrison’s Invisibles are the modern Gnostic rebels. They are the ones who have gained *gnosis*—not intellectual knowledge, but direct, experiential knowledge of the true nature of reality. Their war against the Archons of the Outer Church is a literalization of the Gnostic struggle. The Outer Church represents the forces of the Demiurge: control, conformity, consensus reality, and materialism. They keep humanity asleep, trapped in the "prison" of five-sense perception and linear time.

* **Salvation through Knowledge:** The goal is not to be saved by an external god but to awaken and liberate oneself. Characters like King Mob and Lord Fanny are "pneumatics" (spiritual beings) who remember their divine origin and fight to shatter the illusions that bind others. Dane McGowan's (Jack Frost) entire arc is a classic Gnostic journey: from a trapped, ignorant soul in a mundane world (Liverpool) to the awakened, liberated "messiah" figure who can see the code of reality and rewrite it.

### 2. Buddhism: The Mechanics of Perception and the End of Suffering

If Gnosticism provides the *why* of the struggle, Buddhism provides the *how*. It is the **psychotechnology of liberation**.

* **Maya and Samsara:** The Buddhist concept of *Maya* (illusion) and *Samsara* (the cycle of suffering) maps perfectly onto the Gnostic prison. The material world is a state of delusion, and suffering is caused by our attachment to it. The Invisibles' mission is to achieve what Buddha did: to end suffering by piercing the veil of illusion.

* **Anatta (No-Self) and Fluid Identity:** A core Buddhist doctrine is the negation of a permanent, unchanging self. This is everywhere in *The Invisibles*. Characters shift identities, change bodies, and break down ego boundaries. Ragged Robin’s time-looping existence and King Mob’s shifting personas are expressions of this. To be free from the Archons' control, one must first be free from the illusion of a fixed, separate self. This is a key weapon against the rigid, controlling ideology of the Outer Church.

* **Mindfulness and Non-Attachment:** The Invisibles' training often involves mastering perception and letting go of fear and desire (attachment). The famous line "**It's only a ride**," delivered by Tom O'Bedlam in the "Sheman" issue, is a quintessentially Buddhist sentiment. It encourages detachment from the terrifying spectacle of the material world, recognizing it as a transient, illusory experience.

### 3. Esotericism (Ceremonial Magic, Chaos Magick, & Sigils): The Practical Toolkit

This is the **active, practical dimension** of the series. Morrison is a practicing chaos magician, and *The Invisibles* is a textbook of modern occultism.

* **Magic as Reality Hacking:** In the universe of *The Invisibles*, magic is not about supernatural spells but about the manipulation of consciousness and, by extension, reality itself. Belief is a tool; "**belief is a weapon**," as the series states. By changing one's consciousness, one changes the world. This is the core principle of chaos magick.

* **The Hypersigil:** This is Morrison's most famous esoteric contribution. A sigil is a symbol created to embody a magical desire, charged with intent, and then released into the subconscious to manifest. Morrison conceived the entire seven-volume run of *The Invisibles* as a **hypersigil**—a vast, narrative sigil designed to manifest their own personal transformation and, on a larger scale, to break the consensus reality and push human consciousness toward a new, liberating paradigm. The comic itself is a magical act.

* **Initiation and Symbolism:** The series is structured as a series of initiatory ordeals. Dane's torture by Sir Miles, Lord Fanny's transsexual shamanic journey, and the entire "Gideon Stargrave" arc are all rituals of initiation drawn from esoteric traditions like the Golden Dawn. The series is dripping with Kabbalistic symbolism, tarot references (The Tower, The Sun), and Enochian magic, positioning the reader as an initiate who must decode the symbols to gain their own *gnosis*.

### Synthesis: The Unified Field Theory of Rebellion

These three themes are not separate; they are braided together into a single strand of liberation theology:

* The **Gnostic** myth says the world is a prison run by a false god.

* The **Buddhist** philosophy explains that the bars of the prison are made of perception, thought, and attachment.

* The **Esoteric** practice provides the tools to bend those bars, pick the lock, and escape.

The ultimate message of *The Invisibles* is that the revolution is not political but **psychological and spiritual**. The final war is not fought with guns but with consciousness. The goal is to achieve the "supercontext," a state beyond dualism (another Buddhist/Gnostic fusion), where one recognizes that the Demiurge and God, the prison and the paradise, are ultimately part of a unified, paradoxical whole—and in that realization, one becomes truly free. The comic is a manual, a warning, and a spell, all designed to invite the reader to join the invisible war and become their own liberator.

[alchemisoul]

What is a magician?

‘One who does magic’ is the Magician’s reply.

What is a magician?

‘One who stands at the centre of everything’ is the Developing One’s reply.

What is a magician?

‘One who reflects the golden rays’ is the Foremost One’s reply.

What is a magician?

‘One who is I,’ replies the Divine.

- Josephine McCarthy, Magical Knowledge II: The Initiate

[talonabraxas]

“The classical world thought of this pneuma as Dionysus … whose divine substance is distributed throughout the whole of nature.” - Carl Jung 0 The Fool - Dionysus Talon Abraxas The Fool is the symbol of true innocence, a perfect state of joy and freedom, the sure feeling to be one with the spirit of life, at any time. The Fool has the number 0, for someone ready to go in any direction, open to all possibilities. He belongs nowhere, has no past, but an infinite future. Every moment is a new beginning. In arabic letters the 0 has the shape of an egg, the symbol for the origin of life. The Fool is change, motion and the readiness to jump into life, with no cares ever. The Fool knows no difference between possibility and reality, the zero means a total lack of hope and fear, the Fool suspects and plans nothing. He reacts directly to the current situation, nothing is calculated, nothing is hidden. In most decks the Fool is shown with an animal, as a symbol of nature, the animal soul in perfect harmony with the spirit that just follows its instincts. The Fool is courage, optimism and the belief in life and himself. When times are hard, and we suffer the pressure of 'being reasonable' or denying our instincts, the Fool reminds us that our inner person knows best what to do. 'Always trust your instincts'...

Crowley Thoth Tarot - ATU - Major Arcana - 0. The Fool

Tarot card explanations and analogies based on the Thoth Tarot of Aleister Crowley.

[crabwarlock-deactivated20260108]

Keeping a Journal in Occultism

"Your brain is for having ideas, not keeping them."

I like to keep my grimoire and journal separate. Primarily, my grimoire which is actually just a bunch of documents on my drive is made for recording purely rituals. My journal is for ideas, notes and maintaining thoughts and concepts.

A journal is actually a very interesting thing to keep.

Ritual Record

If the grimoire is made to keep rituals, where do the drafts go? The journal is a place to keep drafts and ideas for rituals and can be extended to keeping log of the rituals, servitors and other spirits contacted. It is also suitable for progress. Let's say you cast a money spell, then the journal records the following (at least in my case):

Sensations during the spell

Ingredients used

Astrological timing and influences

Notes on improvement

Smaller signs that were noticed

Possible information given by spirits

Notes after the ritual

Let's take an example of a money bag.

Day of Saturn, mm/dd/yyyy

Magnet, two coins, a crocheted bag, hair, spirit powder, perfume

*Bag must be tended to frequently. Maybe kept on a money altar or with the Graal

Perfume - look for personal scent

Resonance: keeping the bag on the self, maybe under the bed?

Saturn Influences. Saturn rules my work house, Saturn in Aries. Remedial pattern

First Note: Came across a coin today, add to bag. Good Sign, add it to the bag.

Spirit invoked during the process: Master Belphegor

Tarot Readings

One of the bases of reading tarot is pattern recognition. Imagine that the tarot reveals a narrative and see how the symbols blend into each other. A tarot Reading with mostly Pentacles is earth centric, and corresponds to material affairs. Major Arcana are initiatory.

Making notes of these recurring patterns allows for the development of understanding of the self, the cosmos and what forces are most at work in a person's life. It also allows for knowledge on what areas demand specific attention.

Dates and Astrology

As noted in the first, astrology tends to take placement in ritual work. Some people are more sensitive to the tides of the planets, which begs further research. Why am I susceptible to saturnine influence? Which house is Saturn in currently? Do specific Lunar Phases hold more dominance with me? Would I say that Algol, after the creation of the talisman, takes hold on specific days or times? Do vivid dreams come more during certain times of the month? All these questions of self and external analysis can provide a basis for a personal praxis.

Discernment

Though negativity is generally avoided in practice, it has a necessary part. Negativity can be considered a reaction, and tells us parts of our situation that we are not satisfied with or need to change. It also helps us process our emotions and find a method to placate or integrate them.

It can also establish things we need to focus on. If a person keeps appearing in our negative journal, what can we do? Is it a time for binding, Warding, protection? If a particular issue keeps coming up, what can we do about it? This approach to negative energy tries to embrace the fullness of life and the wisdom that we can ultimately find in the aspects we try to ignore or balance.

[talonabraxas]

Metatron's Cube: A Symbol of Cosmic Geometry and Modern Art Historical Origins The origins of Metatron's Cube can be traced back to ancient texts and beliefs. The name "Metatron" is derived from the Hebrew Bible, where Metatron is described as an angelic scribe and intermediary between God and humans. The cube itself is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional shape known as a "Metatron's Cube" or "Metatron's Cube Octahedron." It is composed of 13 circles (nodes) interconnected by straight lines, forming a symmetrical and harmonious pattern. One of the earliest known references to Metatron's Cube is found in the Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical tradition. In the Kabbalah, it is believed that Metatron's Cube represents the structure of the universe and the divine blueprint of creation. Each of the 13 circles within the cube is associated with an archangel, and the lines connecting them symbolize the paths that these angels use to communicate with one another and with the divine. Mathematics and Sacred Geometry Metatron's Cube is not only a symbol of spirituality but also a masterpiece of sacred geometry. It embodies several mathematical principles, including the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (e.g., 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...), and the Golden Ratio (approximately 1.61803398875) is a mathematical constant that appears in various aspects of nature and art. This geometric masterpiece is not limited to any single religion or culture. It transcends boundaries and is embraced by individuals from different spiritual backgrounds and worldviews. Metatron's Cube is a testament to the universal appeal of geometry and its ability to inspire awe and wonder.

Metatron's Cube: A Symbol of Cosmic Geometry and Modern ArtMetatron's Cube is a captivating geometric symbol that has intrigued mystics, mat

[astra-ravana]

Looking Into Hag Stones

A hag stone, also known as a witch stone, adder stone, holey stone, or eye stone, is a naturally occurring stone with a hole running through it, usually created by water erosion. These stones have been revered in folklore and magickal traditions for centuries due to their unusual appearance and the belief that they hold protective and mystical properties.

History and Lore

• Ancient Origins: Hag stones have been found across many cultures and continents. In Celtic regions, they were often associated with Druids and used in rites and protection rituals. The Welsh called them glain neidr or “adder stones,” believing they were created by serpents.

• Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, hag stones were believed to ward off witches, curses, and evil spirits. Farmers would hang them in stables and barns to protect livestock from being “hag-ridden” or attacked by malicious spirits.

• Maritime Tradition: Sailors used hag stones as protective talismans against storms and sea monsters. They would tie them to the rigging of ships or carry them as personal charms.

Uses

• Protection: Traditionally, hag stones are hung above doorways, tied to keys or bedposts, or carried as amulets to ward off negative energies, curses, or the “evil eye.”

• Seeing the Unseen: A common belief is that looking through the hole of a hag stone allows one to see into other realms—such as the fae world—or to spot spirits and magical beings otherwise invisible.

• Dream and Sleep Protection: Tied above beds, they are believed to prevent nightmares and protect against sleep paralysis or spirit visitation.

• Fertility and Health: In some folk traditions, hag stones were believed to cure illness or enhance fertility when worn close to the body.

In Magick and Witchcraft

• Tool of the Craft: In modern witchcraft and neopagan practices, hag stones are used in spells and rituals for protection, clairvoyance, and elemental magick, especially water and earth-based workings.

• Fae Magick: Hag stones are particularly potent in faerie lore, believed to be keys to fae sight or gateways to the otherworld.

• Charging and Consecration: Many practitioners cleanse and charge hag stones under moonlight, particularly during the full moon, to enhance their magickal properties.

• Divination: Some witches use them in scrying or as focus objects in meditative practices.

The hole in the hag stone represents a gateway or portal—a liminal space that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds. It symbolizes perception beyond the veil, spiritual insight, and protection through awareness.

[bewitchingblogger]

Brewing and Blogging

Consider your blog like a cauldron. Your words, images and overall aesthetic that you add to a post are your ingredients. The emotion you put into it is going to create what I call a Blog Brew. it is essentially a spell but the physical components and the emotions used are going to be what separates this from a spell of another kind. What are you going to stir up?

[revralph]

An interesting take!

[web-witch]

Smartwatches: the modern charm bracelet for witches

While I am pretty sure that I have mentioned my use of this before, I feel it bears repeating. In my personal craft, I have developed a way to write spells in a form of pseudocode and save them to google keep. Once there, I sync them to my Apple Watch and can activate them at will by saying the trigger phrase. This is basically subliminal programming where the spell is linked in my mind to the trigger phrase and can be cast quickly without me saying the whole spell. The catch is that I need to be wearing my watch for this to work. That being said it really is useful for spells I use daily or need to invoke quickly. I have come to see it as a form of charm bracelet and thus label each spell as a charm. When I work on this particular method, I often feel as if I’m actually crafting a physical thing. Something about this method makes it feel like it has a form of mass. Maybe that is just me. Regardless, that is what I wanted to share with you all today.

[revralph]

Although this is probably beyond my skill set, it deserves sharing with the larger world.

[wonderstruck]

If you see this you’re legally obligated to reblog and tag with the book you’re currently reading

[writingwithfolklore]

What to Worry About in Each Draft

Your first draft is never going to be your best one. That’s why we’re often told to be prepared to write your worst version first—but what does that really mean? Here’s a (non-strict) guide on what you should really be worrying about in each draft—and don’t move on until you feel you’ve achieved it.

Draft 1: Foundational Scenes

This draft is only about getting the basics of the scenes in the right order and onto paper. You may start exploring who your characters are on a deeper level, but all you’re really focusing on is getting them from their A to B.

Draft 2: Developing the Characters further

Start developing your characters and imbuing those foundational scenes you’ve already written with their motivations and heart. We’re not worried yet about voice or anything, just the bare bones of their arcs and making sure that the conflict they face will eventually form who they become.

Draft 3: Theme

Theme should develop through the character arcs, but I always set aside a draft to ensure that it’s coming through and the ending is working for me. I tend to leave it for a bit later because the theme isn’t always apparent from the get-go, but usually jumps out at the end of my protagonist’s arc. Before you move on, really ask yourself if the message you’re sending is one you like. If not, you may need to adjust your ending.

Draft 4: Pacing

Now that we have the scenes and the heart within them, we want to make sure that there’s nothing extra. You should have a good idea of what’s important after developing your characters and theme, and now’s a good time to cut out the excess.

Draft 5: Voice, Tone, Motifs

Voice I tend to leave pretty late in the game since dialogue is pretty easy to go through and edit altogether, and it’s helpful to know what the characters mean before I add subtext and voice quirks that make them individual and add more interest to the dialogue.

This is also a good time to do the same with your narrator’s voice—the overall tone of your piece—and make sure that you have those key things that continue to come up throughout your writing to make it feel cohesive.

Draft 6: Grammar

You should never edit for grammar/spelling until you have totally locked in your story and are happy with how it reads, because if you need to add or remove any scenes, all that work on grammar you had done will be wasted. This is always the very last thing I do before I move onto beta readers.

Draft 7-??: Feedback!

I try to send out my pieces to at least 3 people, so if there’s any discrepancies there’s a tie-breaker. Also, two could be seen as a coincidence, but three is a pattern—if all three people point out something, I usually take that as a sign that it needs work.

This isn’t usually one draft but several as you talk with your beta readers and have them take second and third looks (if they are willing!)

As well, you may get feedback from editors or agents, and will definitely get feedback and need to write subsequent drafts if you get far in the trad publishing process. Everything before Draft 7 is your baby, and you get to keep that forever, but you should know that afterwards, this baby is being raised by the village and may no longer look exactly how you thought it would. That’s okay, that’s part of it, and while you may not see it at first, it does make the work better.

Anything I missed?

[astra-ravana]

The Wonder Of Foraging

Foraging is an ancient and magickal practice, allowing witches to deepen their bond with nature while gathering powerful herbs, plants, fungi and even bones for spells, potions, and rituals. This guide will help you safely and ethically harvest nature’s gifts while honoring the spirits of the land.

𖥞The Ethics of Foraging

Before you set out, follow these principles:

• Harvest Respectfully - Take only what you need, and never overharvest.

• Know Your Land - Learn the local laws and indigenous practices of the area.

• Ask Permission - Some witches seek permission from the plants or land spirits before harvesting.

• Leave No Trace - Avoid damaging the ecosystem and thank nature for its sacrifice.

𖥞Essential Foraging Tools

• A foraging basket or cloth bag

• A sharp knife or scissors for cutting herbs

• Gloves (for thorny or toxic plants)

• A field guide (or app) to identify plants and fungi

• A journal for noting magickal correspondences or general notes

𖥞Sacred Rituals & Offerings

• Thank the Spirits - Leave a small offering (water, crystals, trinkets, a song, or a prayer).

• Moon-Charged Foraging - Gather herbs under a full moon for extra potency.

• Wild Altar - Arrange collected items as an outdoor altar to honor nature.

𖥞Crafting with Your Foraged Finds

• Herbal Magick: Use dried herbs to dress candles or as offerings.

• Herbal Bundles: Dry herbs for smoke cleansing.

• Infused Oils: Steep plants in oil for anointing and spellwork.

• Herbal Incense: Crush dried herbs for loose incense burning on charcoal or craft your own cones/sticks.

• Tinctures & Teas: Brew magickal potions for healing and intention-setting.

• Spell Jars & Mojo Bags: Combine dried herbs with crystals and charms for long-lasting magic.

𖥞Harvesting Herbs for Drying

• Timing Matters - Gather herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot.

• Lunar Harvesting - For extra magical potency, harvest under a full or waxing moon.

• Use Sharp Tools - Cut herbs with scissors or a boline to avoid damaging the plant.

𖥞Methods of Drying Herbs

Hanging Method (Best for Sturdy Herbs)

• Gather small bundles of herbs and tie them with twine.

• Hang upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken magical properties.

Drying time: 1-3 weeks.

Flat Drying (For Delicate Leaves & Flowers)

• Spread herbs in a single layer on a mesh screen, paper towel, or cloth.

• Keep in a dark, dry place with good airflow.

Drying time: 5-10 days.

Oven Drying (For Quick Drying)

• Set the oven to the lowest temperature (around 100-150°F or 38-65°C).

• Place herbs on a baking sheet and leave the oven door slightly open.

• Check every 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.

Drying time: 1-2 hours.

Dehydrator Method (Efficient & Even Drying)

• Place herbs in a dehydrator at a low setting (95-115°F or 35-46°C).

• Dry until leaves crumble easily.

Drying time: 4-12 hours, depending on the herb.

𖥞Storing Dried Herbs

• Glass Jars: Store herbs in airtight glass jars, preferably tinted to block light.

• Labeling: Always label with the herb name and date of drying.

• Cool, Dark Storage: Keep herbs away from sunlight and moisture.

• Energetic Cleansing: Charge dried herbs with moonlight or crystals before use.

𖥞Herb Foraging Schedule (Midwest)

🌷Spring:

• Dandelion

• Stinging nettle

• Hemlock

• Violet

• Chickweed

• Foxglove

• Wild onion/garlic

• Wild lupine

• Milkweed

• Lilac

• Black raspberry

• Tulip

• Wild plum

• Spiderwort

• Basil

• Trillium

• Yarrow

• Knot weed

• Plantain

• Lemon balm

• Mint

• Chervil

• Chives

• Dill

• Burdock

• Oregano

• Locust

🌻Summer:

• Wild raspberry and blackberry

• Elderberry

• Mullien

• Nightshade

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Purple cornflower (echinacea)

• Goldenrod

• Wild bergamot

• Datura (Jimson weed)

• Gooseberry

• Monarda

• Chicory

• Wild carrot

• Lily

• Queen Anne's lace

• Cutleaf toothwort

• Mugwort

• Wormwood

• Rosehips

• Purslane

• Mulberry

• Pokeweed

• Bittersweet

• American mandrake

🍄Autumn:

• Acorns

• Buckeyes

• Burdock root

• Hawthorn berries

• Pine needles

• Poison sumac

• White snake root

• Garlic mustard

• Black walnut

• Pawpaw

• Shagbark hickory

• Persimmon

• Witch hazel

• Juniper berries

• Cat tails

• Mushrooms

❄️Winter:

• Beech nuts

• Pine nuts

• Chestnuts

• Pinecones

𖥞Foraging Bones

Foraging for animal bones is a sacred practice that connects witches to nature, death cycles, and spirit work. Whether for divination, spellwork, or ancestral veneration, ethically collecting bones requires respect and knowledge.

Where to Find Bones:

• Forests & Woodlands - Look near animal trails, under trees, or in dry areas.

• Riverbanks & Lakeshores - Water can wash up bones over time.

• Fields & Deserts - Open areas may have sun-bleached remains.

• Roadsides & Farmland - Unfortunately, roadkill can be a source, but always ensure it is safe and legal to collect.

Ethical & Legal Considerations:

• Respect the Dead - Offer gratitude or a small offering when taking bones.

• Check Local Laws - Some areas prohibit collecting certain animal remains.

• Leave No Trace - Do not disturb entire ecosystems while searching.

Cleaning & Preparing Bones:

• Dry Cleaning - Brush off dirt and debris.

• Water Soaking - Soak in warm water to loosen soft tissue (never use bleach!).

• Hydrogen Peroxide Bath - Use 3% peroxide to whiten and disinfect bones.

• Sun Drying - Leave in the sun for a few days for natural purification.

Magickal Uses for Bones:

• Divination - Use small bones in casting (Osteomancy).

• Altars & Ancestral Work - Honor spirits with bone offerings.

• Talismans & Charms - Carry bones for protection and strength.

• Crafting Tools - Use bones for wands, runes, or ritual tools.

Foraging is an essential skill for a witch, as it deepens their connection with nature and provides access to fresh, potent ingredients for spells, potions, and rituals. Wild herbs, roots, and flowers carry strong natural energies that enhance magickal workings in ways store-bought materials cannot. Understanding the land and its seasonal growth also fosters self-sufficiency and sustainability, aligning a witch’s practice with the cycles of the Earth. Additionally, foraging strengthens intuition and knowledge of plant properties, ensuring safe and ethical use of nature’s offerings.

By embracing foraging as part of your craft, you not only strengthen your magickal practice but also develop a deep, sacred relationship with the land. You will discover that it to be its own spiritual practice, a communion with nature, and a fantastic way to spend your day. Happy foraging, witches!

[writer-logbook]

How I improved my writing style... without actually writing.

Intro : It's just a clickbait title to talk about theory and side techniques - before actually practicing, of course.

LINGUISTIC ISN'T GRAMMAR - AND IT'S BETTER TO KNOW ABOUT BOTH. It's useful for writing impactful dialogue and giving your characters depth. Your characters' language should (ideally) take into account: their social position (rich or poor), the locality (local expressions?) and sometimes their age (different cultural references). And this is best transcribed with linguistic knowledge. In short: linguistics is descriptive, grammar is prescriptive.

The areas of linguistic analysis are syntax (rules governing the structure of sentences),  semantics (meaning),  morphology (structure of words), phonetics (speech sounds and equivalent gestures in sign languages), phonology (the abstract sound system of a particular language, and analogous systems of sign languages), and pragmatics (how the context of use contributes to meaning). (Linguistics, Wikipedia)

Literary theory isn't as boring as it sounds. Learn more about internal criteria of the text (figure of speech, style, aesthetic...) and external criteria of the text (the author's persona and responsability, the role of the reader and what is left to interpretation...). I refer you to the French Wikipedia page, which you can translate directly via your browser in case you need more information. (Make sure you translate the page not switch language, because the content isn't the same).

Listening to Youtube Video about the analysis of film sequences and/or scenario. Remember when I told you to read historical fiction to learn how to describe a castle properly ? Same vibe.

Novel adaptations of movies. = when the movie exists before the book, and not the other way around. e.g : The Shape of Water ; Pan's Labyrinth. In line with tip n°3, it allows us to see how emotions, scenes and descriptions have been translated into writing - and thus to better visualize concepts that may have been abstract.

Read books about authors' writing experiences. e.g : Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Everyone's different, but they can provide some insightful tips not only on the act of writing itself, but on the environment conducive to writing, planning… Comparing completely different authors' experience could also be fun (this video of King and Martin is actually one of my fav)

Ah and many thanks for your ❤ and reblogs on my latest post ! UwU

[vintage-tigre]

[astra-ravana]

The Necessity Of Baneful Witchcraft

Baneful magick refers to any spellwork intended to harm, manipulate, or obstruct a target, whether for justice, retribution, or personal defense. While some witches avoid it due to ethical concerns or spiritual beliefs, others see it as a natural and necessary aspect of the craft. Baneful magick has existed in various cultures for centuries, from the hexes of European cunning folk to the protective bindings of African diasporic traditions. It is neither inherently good nor evil; rather, its morality depends on intent, consequences, and perspective.

There are several schools of thought regarding baneful magick. Practitioners who follow the Wiccan Rede (“An it harm none, do what ye will”) generally avoid baneful magick, believing in karmic consequences or the Threefold Law, which states that any energy sent out returns threefold. Some witches believe baneful magick is justified when used to restore balance, enforce justice, or protect the vulnerable. In these traditions, curses and hexes are seen as rightful retribution rather than malicious acts. Many practitioners see magick as a tool, neither good nor bad. They believe in personal responsibility, understanding that every action carries consequences, but do not impose rigid moral codes on their spellwork.

Examples of Baneful Magick

• Binding Spells – Used to restrict an individual’s actions, preventing them from causing harm.

• Reversal Spells – Sending negative energy or a curse back to its sender.

• Curses & Hexes – Magick designed to inflict misfortune, pain, or long-term suffering.

• Jinxes – Short-term spells that cause minor inconveniences or bad luck.

• Poppet Magick – Using a doll or effigy to influence or harm a target.

• Gazes – Using a method such as the Evil Eye or overlooking to curse with the eyes.

Why is it Needed?

The necessity of baneful magick in witchcraft is a topic of debate among practitioners, but those who advocate for it argue that it serves several essential functions within a balanced magical practice. Here are some key reasons why baneful magick is considered necessary by some witches:

• Protection and Self-Defense: Baneful magick is often used as a form of spiritual, energetic, or even physical protection. Many practitioners believe that not all threats can be dealt with through passive means, and sometimes, direct action is necessary to deter harm or prevent further attacks. This can include curses, bindings, and hexes against those who pose a danger.

• Justice and Retribution: Some witches view baneful magick as a means of enforcing justice when mundane methods fail. If someone has committed harm without consequence, certain magical traditions believe that spells can be used to balance the scales, ensuring that the wrongdoer faces the repercussions of their actions.

• Maintaining Balance: Witchcraft, like nature, operates on the principle of balance—both creation and destruction. Baneful magick is seen as part of the natural cycle, ensuring that energies remain in harmony rather than allowing unchecked positivity to enable harm. Just as nature has predators to maintain ecosystems, some believe magick must include baneful aspects to keep equilibrium.

• Empowerment and Boundaries: Engaging in baneful magick can be an assertion of personal power and boundaries. It allows practitioners to reclaim control over their lives, particularly when they have been wronged or oppressed. It can serve as a psychological and magical declaration of sovereignty.

• Shadow Work and Personal Growth: Baneful magick forces practitioners to confront their own darkness, ethics, and the consequences of their actions. It requires deep self-awareness, ensuring that spells are cast with full knowledge of their impact. Many believe that working with darker aspects of magick leads to a more complete and mature understanding of power and responsibility.

• Dealing with Persistent Negative Forces: Some believe that certain entities, people, or energies simply will not respond to healing or banishing techniques. In such cases, baneful magick may be seen as the only viable solution for neutralizing a persistent threat or malevolent force.

While baneful magick is not necessary for every practitioner, those who incorporate it into their craft see it as a tool—one that, like any tool, should be used responsibly, ethically, and with careful consideration of its consequences. Just like nature, magick is neither black or white, it just is. As a witch, it is your right to use your magick to defend yourself, and then some.

[thejournallo]

Explain the basic: sigils.

I genuinely can’t remember if I’ve already talked about sigils, but I couldn’t find any post where I did. So, here we go again (maybe it’s time-shifted—who knows?).

What Are Sigils?

Sigils are symbols created to represent a specific intention or desire in witchcraft. They are often unique, crafted by combining letters, shapes, or personal designs that resonate with the practitioner’s goal. Once charged with energy and intent, they act as a focus for manifesting that goal.

How Are Sigils Used?

Creation: A sigil is designed through a process that typically involves writing down the intent, simplifying it into symbols, and arranging the symbols into a unique design.

Activation: The sigil is "charged" with energy by methods like meditation, visualization, or burning. This sets the intent into motion.

Placement: Sigils are placed in meaningful locations where they can align with their purpose, such as on personal items, in living spaces, or even drawn invisibly.

How to do a sigil?

Define Your Intention

Clearly state what you want to achieve.

Use positive and specific language (e.g., “I attract abundance,” not “I don’t want to be poor”).

Simplify the Phrase

Write down your intention as a short phrase.

Remove vowels and duplicate letters.

Example:

Intention: “I attract abundance.”

Letters remaining: "IATRCBND"

Create the Sigil Design

Use the remaining letters to form a unique symbol.

Combine, stylize, and overlap the shapes until the letters become unrecognizable.

Focus on making the design feel meaningful and visually appealing to you.

You can even use a simple chart with letters to create your personal sigil.

Charge the Sigil

Infuse the sigil with your energy and intention using one or more methods:

Meditation: Visualize your goal while focusing on the sigil.

Physical Action: Trace or redraw it with intent.

Elemental Release: Burn, bury, or submerge the sigil to activate it.

Place or Use the Sigil

Decide where to put the sigil for it to fulfill its purpose:

On objects you use daily (e.g., a water bottle, wallet, or phone).

Hidden in meaningful places (e.g., under your pillow, in a journal).

Where can you place a sigil?

On Your Body

Draw it on your skin with makeup, henna, or washable markers.

Wear jewelry or clothing with the sigil inscribed or sewn in.

Personal Belongings

Inside your wallet or purse (e.g., for abundance or protection).

On your phone case or inside the phone cover.

On your keys, keychain, or a charm.

At Home

On mirrors or windows for protection or clarity.

Under your bed, mattress, or pillow for restful sleep.

Near your front door for protection and inviting positive energy.

On Daily Items

On water bottles, food containers, or your coffee mug (e.g., for self-love, health, or energy).

On your planner, notebook, or laptop for focus and creativity.

On cosmetics or perfume bottles to enhance beauty or self-esteem.

Workspace or Study Area

Under your desk or chair for focus and productivity.

On your computer or work tools for success in tasks.

Outdoors or Public Spaces

Etched in dirt or sand for temporary, natural effects.

Drawn on stones, leaves, or other natural items and left in meaningful places.

[astra-ravana]

hi, im a fan of your sigils. i was hoping you could share more of them with me please? your symbology pages are my new obsession x

Yes!! I am also obsessed with sigils, runes, symbols, all of it. I have a dedicated notebook for the sigils I collect and draw. I'll post some of the pages. 🖤