This is a blog for things magical and spiritual. I am a southern folk practitioner that is learning to balance the folkways of my ancestors and the folkways of the land I reside. I grew up along the fall line of Georgia and now reside in the hollers of Appalachia, so you can imagine what that looks like.
I am, for the most part, self taught. I didn't have any living relatives that could teach me when I first took on magic and spirituality.
The block button will be used on accounts that are empty. The block button will be used on accounts run by racists, sexists, homophobes, biphobes, terfs, antisemitics, bigots, "starseeds", pro-generative AI... The list goes on but you get the idea.
This account was previously the-weaving-cryptid.
Profile image was made using snakeinajar's oc maker (picrew).
Dividers were made by @jasper-graphics (thanks, friend).
Maybe 12+ months ago I spent some time writing on how if you want to lead a magical life I think a lot of this stuff has to be framed as chores. And I did not know how serious I was.
It is chores. Sufficiently advanced witchcraft is chores.
making this response post about my personal warding systems inspired me to describe some methods of warding, especially for those of us with low energy or little time.
i will eventually be posting a more extensive version of this post as an article on my substack.
layered wards are nested within each other; from innermost to outermost, i've organized them as: the body, the bed(room), the home, the property, and spiritual allies.
the body
if your hair is long enough, braiding the hair can be utilized as a potent protective method, to tie up spirits and negative energies within it.
if you regularly wear makeup, it can be incanted over to protect from the evil eye, and/or from negative energy intrusions.
bracelets may be enchanted for protective purposes; traditional protective bracelets include those with blue and red braids, or charms of cross, cornicello, hamsa, nazar, serpent, or phallus.
the lords prayer was traditionally written and stored within the shoe for protection throughout the day.
a stronger protective charm may be created that is not worn every day, such as a SATOR square charm bag, or a jar of iron nails.
the bed(room)
a spell pouch underneath the pillow is a common contemporary spell for aiding sleep, hedgewitchery, and/or psychic dreams.
an open pair of scissors under the bed is a traditional(?) method of deterring nightmares.
witch balls or witch's ladder may be hung in windows to trap spirits attempting to enter.
the home
traditional wards over the home include the horseshoe, bulbs of garlic, witch bottles & balls, prayers & psalms over the house (such as within Carmenica Gadelica), to cross upon the hearth the iron fire-tools, the stuck heart, carving sigils into door frames, floor washes, incense, & crosses.
traditional delineators of home boundaries include go-away powder, salt, cascarilla, graveyard or church dirt. in hoodoo traditions goofer powder may be employed.
the property
a traditional property ward is the hedge or "witch's lump" figure, described by Gemma Gary:
To protect farm land, and all that lies within its boundaries, take small amounts of earth from the north, south, east and west of each piece of land that is to fall under the protection of the charm, remembering to collect also dirt or dust in the same way from each of the farm’s buildings. Mix these small samples together, and work them well into a lump of rough clay (even better if the clay used can be dug from the land to be protected), crafting this into a human but sexless form. As the body is worked, so the Pellar breathes life into it. The figure’s garments must then be set with small panels of broken glass. Once fired, set the figure somewhere within one of the farm’s hedges, so that it may keep a protective watch over the land and all that lies within.
farm-building specific charms can be found in Gemma Gary's texts ("To Protect Farm Buildings and their Contents"), as well as in Carmenica Gadelica.
traditional delineators of property boundaries include buried witch bottles, & protective blackthorn or hawthorn hedges.
spiritual allies
a contemporary method of spiritual allyship for protection is befriending and asking local nature spirits around you for protection (or other petitions) – especially trees, creeks, and birds of prey.
traditionally, specific trees would be planted on the property for this purpose; here is an excerpt from The Black Toad by Gemma Gary:
The Bay is to be planted by thresholds to impart a protective influence upon the home...The climbing Ivy, grown up the walls of the cottage, creates a verdant shell of protection around the home...To impart protections upon the home, the Rowan may be planed near doorways.
other areas you may benefit from warding:
an office or place of work
your name or reputation
vehicles
pets & livestock
gardens
suggested reading:
Simple Methods of Magical Protection by Keziah @sheydmade
Witchcraft 101: Protection Explained by Windvexer @windvexer
Beginner Witch Protection Recommendations by Windvexer @windvexer
Home Protection in Folk Magic by Keziah @sheydmade
Protection Work in Folk Magic by Keziah @sheydmade
Protection & Reversal Magick: A Witch's Defense Manual by Jason Miller
referenced texts:
Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary
The Black Toad: West Country Witchcraft and Magic by Gemma Gary
Carmina Gadelica (AKA Charms of the Gaels) by Alexander Carmichael (Accessible via Internet Archive or Internet Sacred Texts Archive)
learning the names of local plants.
noticing where water gathers.
thanking a tree before taking from it.
picking up trash.
leaving a place better than you found it.
sitting quietly long enough to feel the mood of the land.
animism is not always spectacle.
sometimes it is relationship, attention, and care.
A rare hot take from me - If you have to algospeak about a topic like death or sex, or around words like blood or menstruation, you have no business making those topics a focal point of your practice.
I don't really interact with occult or spiritual communities outside of Tumblr, but I've seen folks here and on other platforms say things like "s*x magic is the most powerful magic I've ever done" or "I've started doing bl00d magic."
So much of my practice centers around death, dying, and caring for the spirits of the dead. I can't imagine not using the actual words and instead using "d3ad" or "🎲-ing". If a topic is important, powerful, vast, etc. enough to be a central tenant of your spiritual or magical practice then it deserves to be spoken with the real words.
I don't care what platform you're on. Do not comply in advance.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but just because you’re having trouble with your tarot readings doesn’t mean you need to cleanse your deck.
I treat my decks like cast iron, the more you use them the more they are seasoned and the better they work. Cleansing your deck strips away that magical seasoning and you’re starting from square one.
There is a time and place for cleansing, but it’s not every month. The last actual cleanse I did on a deck was 3-4 years ago, and the problem came right back (my rider Waite is sassy and likes to only give reversals, I’ve learned to just live with it). Cleansing is my last resort and I think too many people jump to it when there are a lot of other ways to troubleshoot.
It's been a while since I've posted here, and there have been a lot of developments in my life over the past couple years. Let's sit down and have a chat about it.
So, simply put, much of my time offline has been taken up by work or getting things done around my home. It's been busy here. Between lack of wifi at home and lack of energy I just haven't had a lot of motivation to write the long, thought-provoking posts that I want to create.
That doesn't mean I've abandoned my practice and spirituality. I've been spending some time reevaluating my own beliefs, experimenting with my magic practice, and studying up on different things that I find intriguing.
To be honest, I'm not sure what to do with this profile right now. I still want to create long informational posts. I'm just not certain this is where I wanna do it, or if that's all I wanna do. I've been observing witchblr and similar tags quietly, and I gotta say that I haven't been enjoying some of the discourse and "hot takes" I've been seeing. I've been considering switching to Substack or maybe posting on both platforms.
I haven't made final decisions yet and there is still a lot I'm considering. But if anybody wants to share their thoughts I'm open.
After thinking about this some more, I've decided I wanna keep posting here (for now) and also start posting more on Substack to see how I like it. Not sure how long that will last since it seems Tumblr staff are actively attempting to burn this platform to the ground.
It's been a while since I've posted here, and there have been a lot of developments in my life over the past couple years. Let's sit down and have a chat about it.
So, simply put, much of my time offline has been taken up by work or getting things done around my home. It's been busy here. Between lack of wifi at home and lack of energy I just haven't had a lot of motivation to write the long, thought-provoking posts that I want to create.
That doesn't mean I've abandoned my practice and spirituality. I've been spending some time reevaluating my own beliefs, experimenting with my magic practice, and studying up on different things that I find intriguing.
To be honest, I'm not sure what to do with this profile right now. I still want to create long informational posts. I'm just not certain this is where I wanna do it, or if that's all I wanna do. I've been observing witchblr and similar tags quietly, and I gotta say that I haven't been enjoying some of the discourse and "hot takes" I've been seeing. I've been considering switching to Substack or maybe posting on both platforms.
I haven't made final decisions yet and there is still a lot I'm considering. But if anybody wants to share their thoughts I'm open.
I've recently developed some motivation to do pick a card readings and thought this one was a cute idea. Hopefully y'all will get some positivity from this reading.
From left to right, we have three photos to choose from. All are of Link from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Once you've chosen your group, continue reading under the cut.
Group One
Your Cards: Eight of Cups + Decision
Your Side Quest: Choose to let go of something so that you can have peace again.
This is the group that is going through it right now. I need y'all be to be kinder to yourselves, group one. Y'all deserve better.
Those of y'all who chose the first photo have a decision to make. There is a source of toxicity in your life, and I think most of y'all are aware of where it's coming from. You're being called to cut ties with whatever is the source of that toxicity. You'll feel better for it in the long run.
Group Two
Your Cards: The Moon + Patience
Your Side Quest: Take time off for some self-care and relaxation.
I'm gonna need those of y'all who chose group two to stop and take a breath. Some of y'all have been hustling as of late, and the consequences are going to catch up if you don't give yourself a break.
Most of y'all that chose group two have a specific goal in mind and have been working hard to reach it. It's okay. Y'all will achieve your goals, but you need to allow yourself time to relax. You won't be able to enjoy the rewards of your hard work if you're exhausted.
Group Three
Your Cards: Queen of Wands + Awareness
Your Side Quest: Acknowledge your strengths and achievements. Celebrate them.
The queen of wands is the embodiment of confidence and capability. You should be more proud of yourself, group three. Choose to celebrate your achievements, even the small ones.
This group has likely been feeling insecure due to a setback. I'm here to remind y'all that this happens sometimes, and it is okay. One obstacle doesn't need to destroy your path to achieving your goals. Pull yourself together and push forward, group three. You've got this.
Dirt and dusts are some of the easiest tools you can acquire for your workings. Here's a list of dirts and dusts that are common in southern folk practices.
If you intend to make your own powders, please wear a mask and proper eye protection. You don't want this stuff in your lungs and eyes.
Consider your local and federal laws before attempting to acquire dirt from private property.
Graveyard Dirt
Gathered from a specific grave or a corner of a graveyard, this dirt is typically gathered for two things: to work with the grave's spirit or to buy the dirt from the spirit for magic purposes.
Graveyard dirt is one of the most versatile tools you can have. You can use it for spirit work, protection, cursing, finances, love... Pretty much anything you can think of. Always offer something of equal value before taking it. You don't want an angry spirit following you.
Churchyard Dirt
Churchyard dirt is gathered from the yard of a church. This is best done on a Sunday since that is considered the "holy day" in Christian terms. Some old folk remedies call for churchyard dirt to ease some ailments such as colds or toothaches. For magic, churchyard dirt is best used for healing and protection purposes.
Bank Dirt
Gathered from the yard of a bank, the purpose of bank dirt it pretty self-explanatory. Bank dirt has been used to increase luck regarding finances and gambling. Common methods include sprinkling the dirt in your shoes or adding them to a sachet.
Police Station Dirt
Gathered from the yard of a police station, this dirt is also self-explanatory. You can use this keep the law away or to help bring the law down on a person.
Courthouse Dirt
Gathered from the yard of a courthouse, this dirt is typically used for the purpose for gaining a positive outcome from a court case.
Railroad Dirt
This dirt is gathered from a railroad, but if you want it to work it has to be a railroad that is still active. That being said, railroad dirt is best used for workings related to having people come or go, and to make charms for safe travels.
Crossroad Dirt
The crossroads are known to be a place of immense power. It's why so many workings call for visiting them. Crossroad dirt can be used for increasing luck, acquiring something you want, or removing an obstacle. Always pay the crossroads three of the most shiny dimes you can find before taking its dirt.
Home Dirt
This dirt can be gathered from within your own property or another person's property. Home dirt is used more as a taglock. You could use it to lay down protection for the home, or you could use it for more malicious workings.
Red Clay & Red Brick Dust
Old folk remedies call for red clay to heal bug bites, rashes, and shingles. For magic purposes, red clay and red brick dust are used for pretty much the same things. They are best used for workings related to protection against witchcraft and bad luck.
"There's an age-old superstition that a cat is conjuring up a rainstorm when it washes its face. So what did the mountaineer do? He got it to wash its face! Usually a glob of bacon grease, butter, or ice cream was smudged on a cat's nose or cheek for them to wash off. They'd get the cat to wash its face at least three times that day, and it's said rain would come three days after."
The spades suit is associated with matters such as conflict, inner turmoil, sickness and death.
Please keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards depending on region and culture. My interpretations are heavily influenced by Jake Richard's (author of Backwoods Witchcraft & Doctoring the Devil) interpretations, as well as southern and German folklore and superstitions.
I choose to read reversed cards for most of these because my playing card decks have imagery that help me determine if they're reversed or not. This guide may not be the best if you're using a standard issue playing card deck.
Ace of Spades
To dream of a birth is a sign of death, as is the rocking of an empty cradle. Death in this context is usually metaphorical, though in rare cases could be literal. The ace of spades is all about death: changes and endings.
Key Words
Upright: Sudden Changes, Abrupt Endings, Misfortune, Bad Luck
Broken bottles symbolize drama and aggression. The two of spades highlights an external conflict. This conflict can be either verbal or physical.
Key Words
Upright: Arguments, Fighting, Trouble, Separation
Reversed: Making Amends, Reconciliation, Finding a Middle Ground
Three of Spades
Many believe things come in threes: good and bad. You don't really get to decide when it happens, it just does. It all depends on your luck. The three of spades will let you know which threes you're currently dealing with.
Key Words
Upright: Bad Luck, Setbacks, Obstacles, Struggle
Reversed: Good Luck, Balance, Harmony, Overcoming Obstacles
Four of Spades
Acorns are used for both good luck and protection purposes. Some say that oak trees have a special connection to thunder storms, and that if you place an acorn on your windowsill it will protect your home from being stuck by lightning. The four of spades is all about protection and safety.
Key Words
Upright: Protections Compromised, Danger, Take Precautions
Reversed: Secure, Safe, Danger Avoided
Five of Spades
The five of spades is the corpse card. The past cannot be changed, what's done is done. The future is still unknown and full of potential. The five of spades can be a sign of hope that things will only get better from here, or that internal conflict will hinder you. In rare cases, this card may also warn of sickness.
Key Words
Upright: Bury the Hatchet, Release, Moving On, All Uphill From Here
Reversed: Anxiety, Sorrow, Pity, Grudges
Six of Spades
Coffins are the final resting place for many. The six of spades represents a conclusion to something. The situation might not be over quite yet, but it will be. In rare situations this card could represent a literal funeral.
Key Words
Upright: Ending, Conclusion, Separation
Reversed: The Past, Resurrection, Holding Onto Something, Spirit Communication
Seven of Spades
Blood spilled represents loss. The seven of spades represents something lost that cannot be replaced.
Key Words
Upright: Loss, Grief, Regret
Reversed: Something Stolen is Returned, Replacing Something
Eight of Spades
There are many sayings and folk tales about beds. One that I think most of us recongize is, "You've made your bed, now lie in it." The eight of spades represents the consequences of one's actions. What happens after depends on if there is a change.
Key Words
Upright: Consequences, Bad Decisions, Bad Habits
Reversed: Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Good Habits
Nine of Spades
The lily is a common funeral flower, and dreaming of white flowers represents coming illness. In some cases dreaming of white flowers may represent witchcraft is being used against you or a visit from a spirit. The nine of spades represents a haunting, literal or metaphorical.
Reversed: Peace, At Ease, Rest (for both the living and the dead)
Ten of Spades
The graveyard is the ending of all things, as well as a sacred place that demands respect. The ten of spades confirms that something is over and done for, though sometimes it may represent a loss (a small one, not as big as the seven of spades).
Key Words
Upright: The Worst Is Over, Conclusion, Witchcraft At Work
Reversed: Trouble Ahead, Enemies Plotting Against You, Spirits Have Been Offended
Jack of Spades
When we describe a person as being a "snake in the grass", we are trying to say the person is deceitful and not to be trusted. This is the easiest way to describe a jack of spades character.
The jack of spades is typically a young person who has a rebellious or bad attitude. This person uses lies and manipulation to get what they want. This person may also lack respect for authority or generally perceive themselves as above most people.
Queen of Spades
The black widow is a dangerously venomous spider that partakes in cannibalism. Most know to avoid this spider, lest they get bit and end up in the ER. Think of the queen of spades as just that: an older person who is dangerous and toxic.
The queen of spades is commonly a cruel parent, a jealous partner, or a bitter widow. Their toxicity seeps into all aspects of their life. They aren't easy to get close to (not that you should want to) and struggle to keep relationships of all kinds.
King of Spades
While some cultures think of owls as symbols of intelligence and wisdom, others consider them to be harbingers of death and destruction. The king of spades could be perceived in a similar way: an older person who is smart, but ultimately criminal.
The king of spades is a person who thinks of themselves as above the law or knows how to bend the rules (and get away with it). While the jack of spades is impulsive, the king of spades is calculated. They may literally have a criminal record or should have one.
Keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards but playing cards are not the equivalent to Tarot. The rules may be different depending on your family, culture, the type of playing cards, and other factors. This is entirely based on my own style of reading playing cards.
• If you want a quick yes/no reading, shuffle your deck and pull three cards. The meanings of the cards don't matter for this- the colors do. Reds are yes, blacks are no. If all three cards are the same color, it is a definite yes or no. If there are two reds and one black, it is a strong yes but there may be some small caveats. If it is two blacks and one red, it is a strong no but there may be some small truths involved.
• If the seven of hearts comes out followed by the ten of clubs reversed, it is a warning that something bad is coming, and it is coming quick. There is nothing you can do to stop it.
• Ten of spades and ten of clubs (both reversed) together means that somebody is working against you with intentions to destroy something you've worked hard for. The cards following can tell you who it is, why they're doing it and if you can prevent the damage.
• The five of clubs followed by the six of clubs is reassurance. There will be success in things that have been in the works for a long time, especially if it's related to the person's career.
• The seven of diamonds followed by the nine of diamonds (both reversed) indicates that the truth will be disappointing. The rest of the cards can further explain what the truth is.
• Six of spades followed by ace of hearts reversed can suggest a major ending leading to movement; such as moving houses, graduating university, being hired for a job and similar events.
What's your biggest grudge/gripe in witchcraft right now?
The amount of fluff in books meant to be instructional. It's somehow just as bad as recipe blogs. I would prefer if witchcraft authors got to the point, but often, the fluff serves only to obscure the fact that the authors either don't know or don't want to tell you how things work.
Need to spiritually protect your home from unwanted spirits or want to secure your good luck?
Keep a dried corn cob under your doorway to protect against disease and attract good fortune. The corn cob must stay dry lest it mold and bring misfortune.
Hang dried bundles of basil above your doors and windows to protect your home from unwanted spirits.
Hang a horseshoe upright above your front door to hold your good luck.
