Wicca

My path

[the-unidentified-witch-deactiva]

Everyone who reblogs this will get the name of a deity your blog reminds me of

I’m bored and this seems like fun. I’ll send the name in an ask!

[darkfyretheumbrawitch-deactivat]

Oh please!!!! :D

[dumbbbunnnyy-deactivated2021021]

Lunar Phase Associations 🌙

New Moon – new beginnings, health, cleansing, inner harmony, peace, love

Waxing Crescent – growth, wealth, prosperity, luck, attraction

First Quarter – balance, decision-making 

Waxing Gibbous – motivation, positivity, success, attraction

Full Moon – power, cleansing, charging, healing, divination, emotions, psychic awareness, enlightenment, banishing

Waning Gibbous – reassessment, letting go, clearing away, cleansing, releasing, undoing bindings, opening up, making amends, making space

Third Quarter – letting go, banishing, breaking bad habits

Waning Crescent – achievement, rest, peace, deep wisdom, completion, banishing 

Dark Moon – retreat, reflection of self, destruction, banishing, justice

Blue Moon – achieving goals, focus, major wishes and dreams, divination

Black Moon – power, manifestation

last edited: 8-18-2016

compiled from my personal grimoire 

[havencraft-deactivated20200917]

Apples for Remaking

You will need:

An apple

A knife or peeler

A moment to yourself

Take a moment to yourself and think – what am I trying to peel away from myself? What skin am I shedding? What am I trying to leave behind?

Hold the apple in your hand and think of its flesh as your flesh. Its skin as your skin. You can speak aloud, if it helps, as you say what you’re trying to be rid of.

Peel the apple as you think of or say aloud clear, direct statements about what you’re peeling off of you. Discard the peel – burn it, trash it – whatever works best in your mind as getting rid of something.

Then hold the flesh again, conceiving of what you want to have remain. Then embrace it – eat it.

You peeled off feelings of inadequacy? Ingest feelings of being enough.

You skinned off the worries about your upcoming job interview? Eat confidence.

You left behind a recurring, gnawing concern that your friends dislike you? Consume the knowledge of the fullness of their affection for you.

For added effectiveness, bury the core, so that the idea you are embracing is rooted in your life to continue helping you.

[sunarcrissa-wicca]

I love this!! Can't wait to try it! ❤

[kissing-the-abyss]

I am so in love with my new tarot/milkcap major arcana deck from Snaughtie, who is a local artist that I met by chance today at the Weirdo’s Holiday Market.

If you grew up in the 90′s like I did, chances are that this will be giving you some seriously radical nostalgia right now.

Love how the booklet is folded up just like the Paper Fortune Teller I used to play with my friends as well. Just like the instructions say, think of your question, shuffle the milkcaps, put them face down in a pile and slam it with the slammer! Whichever ones that are facing up afterwards is the answer to your question.

I got The I-Ball and The World for my first reading, very accurate to my feelings.

Absolutely love the design and overall vibe of The Milkcap Arcana, some of them give me a really good chuckle like The Bullies (3 smirking Dolphins) and The Fool (a cat on a skateboard on the edge). My fave one is The Seaker (it’s a shark surrounded by fish, with lit candles and is using the planchette on the ouija board - it’s so totally Vepar).

This tarot deck makes me so damn excited (and you really should check out Snaughtie’s art as well).

Capping the images off with a milkcap of Canuck, if you’re a local Vancouverite, you’ll know who he is.

[thestarrywisdom]

i feel like @da-at-ass and @hellboundwitch would appreciate the weird format of this

[da-at-ass]

Tarot pogs tarot pogs tarot pogs

[duskenpath]

HOLY SHIT TAROT POGS

[astreathewitch]

My advice for Beginner Witches.

Dear Witchy Friends. 🌙

I’ve been requested this post various times and finally I’ve had the time to write it. Many of you have asked me for some advice for beginner witches.  There are countless posts and books and articles out there that talk about this topic, written by people way more experienced than I am; this is just my personal take on the subject. My advice is based on my personal experience with magick, and, of course, it’s not the absolute truth.  Nevertheless, I hope that this post will be helpful to anyone who wants to approach witchcraft.

Every witch is a real witch. I can’t count the times I found myself asking the question of whether I was a “real” witch or not. All the energy and time I spent thinking about this, was energy and time I didn’t spend progressing in my craft. If you choose to be a witch, you can be one, no matter your level of experience and no matter what your beliefs are. There is no such thing as a “natural” witch; you don’t need to have witches in your family or ancestry to be one.

No Gods, no masters. While all forms of religious magick are perfectly valid and should always be respected, not all witches adhere to a specific religion or worship specific deities. It’s easy to be persuaded that the only way to do magick is to work with a certain God and Goddess, especially since the vast majority of the witchcraft community online is formed by Wiccan witches. As a witch with an atheist upbringing, this was a big problem for me, since I could not (and I still can’t) bring myself to worship a God. You don’t have to force yourself into beliefs that don’t resonate with you; many forms of magick don’t involve religion, such as Alchemy and most of The Left Hand Path.

You are your own temple. Magick can be done anywhere, anytime. As a beginner witch I always thought that I had to go to specific places in order to be inspired. I guess I had this stereotypical idea of the witch that walks through the forest and becomes one with Nature. While it’s ok to do this if it’s your thing, it’s important to remember that you are all that you need and there isn’t a place inherently more magickal than another. When casting a spell or doing a ritual, especially as a beginner, it’s better to be comfortable and relaxed in a place you know well and that makes you feel safe. 

Expect and welcome change. Witchcraft is a transformative experience. You will find yourself believing one thing one day and completely changing your mind the day after. As you go through your first year as a witch, you will probably end up challenging all the beliefs that you had in the beginning. It’s fine to try out different forms of magick and shift between different belief systems; as your ideas evolve, you will discover what is really significant to you. Regret nothing; every experience you made is a part of your spiritual journey and it won’t be wasted. 

Magick in theory and practice. Theory is important. As any witch will tell you, if you want to do magick, read as much as you can, write as much as you can. Nonetheless, abstract knowledge is pointless if it’s not associated with practical experiences. I know that performing a ritual or casting a spell can be scary and overwhelming in the beginning. Still, it’s important to experiment and try new things. You will never know if something works for you unless you try. As a beginner witch, you will find yourself pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone - don’t be afraid and go for it!

[thehoneybeewitch]

Perfect!

[breelandwalker]

A Lesson for Young Witches

If you cannot find representations for a given element, remember…

You are supported by a rigid skeleton made of minerals. You are earth.

Your body is over 70% fluid. You are water.

Your lungs take in and expel breath. You are air.

Your blood is warm and your brain runs on electrical impulses. You are fire.

Your essence, however you describe it, resides within you. You are spirit.

You are composed of gifts from every element, and every element is given marvelous life in you.

Never feel that you are insufficiently magical for lack of icons or accoutrements or accessories.

You are ALWAYS magic. You are ALWAYS enough.

[sunarcrissa-wicca]

Well said!

[whiteappalachianwitch]

DIY: Brews and Potions

Witches standing over an open fire while stirring up potions in a cauldron is one of the many romanticized views of witchcraft. Today, witches brew many things for love, luck, health, wealth, and etc. Potions are a widely regarded instrument for witches. Potions are simply liquid spells that can be taken internally or applied externally to the body. Teas, enchanted perfumes, tinctures, and washes are the many forms these spells can come in. Some are used for healing, others are used in ritual or magickal work. 

Kitchen Herbs and Common plants for Brews

Back in the day, homemade teas and salves were the only medicine available. Using these things today is still very popular and a holistic approach to health that treats the mind, body, and soul together. What you use does not have to be expensive, it can come from your back yard or your home. Many of what you already have you can use to make tinctures, teas, and decoctions. Also, syrups, tonics, waters, and vinegars. If you work with the herbs you have at home already on hand, you will be able to create your own remedy with a distinct local flavor. 

The Power Behind the Plants

It is believed that many spiritual forces animate the world; called animism. When working with a plant or crystal, or performing a spell or ritual at a specific place, witches work with the spirits behind those plants or crystals, and call upon the spirit of that location to help them in their work. There is a special partnership and alliance between the witch and spirit, manifesting in forms of animals (familiars) or in the form of other plants, crystals, and locations. Over time, working with these spirits on various projects will deepen the relationship and the witch will gain information on magical associations, properties, and lore. These things often come through dreams, inspirations, or visions. The spirit will gain energy, attention, and physical shelter as animals or plants or crystals carried as a talisman. 

Teas and Decoctions for Health

Using teas and decoctions (herb-and-water remedies in the form of conceited potions that your drink) is a very easy homeopathic way to get started. They are made with dried or fresh herbs, roots, or flowers infused in hot water. Cold infusions is used for tinctures, where the herbal properties are absorbed and released into liquids over time. 

Decoction Method

For plants woody and seedy such as root and bark, use this method

Once the plant parts are boiled, place on a low heat and set to simmer for 15-20 minutes

After simmered, cool them and strain them, pressing the herbs through a cheesecloth or strainer

Ready to drink

Tea Method

For flowers, leaves, fruits, and/or stems of plans, use this method

Start steeping the herbs in the water before it reaches full boil 

Once the water begins to steam or boil, remove it from heat

Steam for no more than 5-10 minutes

While hot, strain into a container

Drink right away or follow the cold tea method

Cold Tea Method

Following all the preparations of the tea method, after straining, pour into a container and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

Herbs for Teas and Decoctions

If using a tea ball, only use a pinch of each plant or spice. If using an infusion pot, or something similar, use approximately ¼ teaspoon of each ingredient. If you use root, seeds, or bark, use the decoction method. If you use flowers, leaves, fruits, or stems, use the tea method. If you use a combination of plant matter, use the decoction methods but then drink it iced following the cold tea method. 

Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever; expectorant (do NOT use if you are diabetic) 

Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia, earaches; reduces stress and tension, improves skin 

Blackberry (leaves or roots): Reduces diarrhea (note: blackberry roots are used as decoction, while blackberry leaves are used for tea)

Catnip: Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives) 

Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers and diarrhea; soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal gramps, flu; antiseptic (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives) 

Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis, nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with theophylline) 

Camomile: Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, arthritis, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver) 

Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs, anti-inflammatory (avoid taking with diabetes medications) 

Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills) 

Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium rich (discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver) 

Elderberry Berry: Wards off colds and flu

Elderberry Flower: Reduces fever (avoid taking with medications that decrease the immune system) 

Garlic (for syrups): Antiseptic, eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid or medications used for HIV/AIDS, or with medications used to slow blood-clotting) 

Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats (avoid taking with medications that slow blood-clotting) 

Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps vision and premenstrual syndrome (avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo; discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking) 

Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts the immune system (do not take with medications that slow blood-clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors) 

Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps

Lavender: Relieves anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives) 

Lemon Balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives) 

Nettle: Relieves hay fever and arthritis; diuretic (avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high blood pressure, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium) 

Onion (for syrups): Helps lower systolic blood pressure, relieves colds, antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting) 

Parsley: Helps with iron deficiency, anemia, fatigue; diuretic (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics) 

Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver) 

Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever, congestion

Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, blood pressure, circulation; antiseptic, antidepressant; eases indigestion

Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (do NOT take with medications that slow blood-clotting) 

Tea and Decoction Health Blends 

The amounts listed here are for dried herbs, flowers, and spices. Dried ingredients are preferred for teas. If you wish to use fresh ingredients for decoctions, and they are available, double the amount. 

Anxiety Relief

¼ teaspoon chamomile

¼ teaspoon lemon balm

Cold Relief

¼ teaspoon elderberry flower

¼ teaspoon thyme 

Mood Booster

¼ teaspoon lavender 

¼ teaspoon catnip

¼ teaspoon rosemary

Gastrointestinal Cramp Relief

¼ teaspoon basil

¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)

¼ teaspoon goldenrod 

Arthritis/Joint Pain

¼ teaspoon goldenrod

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

(Note: after the tea cools, apply it by rubbing the liquid into the affected area)

Diarrhea Relief

¼ teaspoon blackberry root

¼ teaspoon catnip

Circulation

¼ teaspoon ginkgo leaf

¼ teaspoon ginger

¼ teaspoon rosemary 

Energizing Tea

¼ teaspoon ginseng

¼ teaspoon peppermint 

Indigestion Relief

½ teaspoon ginger

¼ teaspoon lemon balm

¼ teaspoon peppermint 

Expectorant

¼ teaspoon pine needles

¼ teaspoon nettle leaf

¼ teaspoon angelica root

Sleepy Time

½ teaspoon chamomile

¼ teaspoon catnip

¼ teaspoon lavender 

Fatigue Relief

¼ teaspoon ginseng 

¼ teaspoon lemon balm

Fever Break

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

¼ teaspoon angelica root 

Flu Relief

¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)

¼ teaspoon lemon balm

Headache Relief

¼ teaspoon basil

¼ teaspoon thyme

¼ teaspoon lavender 

Immune-System Booster 

½ teaspoon dried elderberries 

¼ teaspoon nettle 

¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold) 

Sore Throat Relief

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ginger

(Note: add honey after steeped) 

Stress Relief

¼ teaspoon basil

¼ teaspoon chamomile

¼  teaspoon lavender 

¼ teaspoon peppermint 

Cleansing 

¼ teaspoon dandelion leaf

1/8 teaspoon goldenrod 

1/8 teaspoon parsley 

Herbs for Magickal Teas

Follow these steps to empower your tea:

As you steep the potion, envision yourself covered in either a blue or green light (whichever color represents healing to you)

As you drink the potion, visualize a blue or green light coming from the liquid. 

Once you drink , the light will start radiating from within throughout your whole body and then out into the world around you

See it reach heaven (as above) and into the earth (so below), extending your will and desire into the universe

if you are the kind of person who likes affirmations and chants, try saying: “Herbs grown naturally, health and wellness come to me” (Robbins & Bedell, 2017) 

Angelica Root: Angel work, protection, hex removal, exorcisms, health, meditation, divination (do NOT use if you are diabetic) 

Basil: Loves exorcisms, wealth, astral travel, rituals for the dead, house blessings, ancestral work, calling on and working with dragon spirits, calling draconic or dragon spirit–based energy into your spell, protection, attracting money

Blackberry: Healing, money, protection, exorcism

Catnip: Love, beauty, happiness, calling on the energy of cats, working with cat spirits, used as an offering for cat spirits, breaking spells, fertility, psychic powers (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives) 

Calendula (marigold): Money, prosperity, health, psychic development, protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, psychic powers, healing (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)

Cayenne Pepper: Fidelity, hex breaking, protection, removal of blocks and negative energy, overcoming obstacles, fire, strength, passion (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting an with theophylline) 

Camomile: Protection, luck, money, sleep, peace, purification (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver) 

Cinnamon: Sexuality, lust, wealth, money, consecration, purification, love (avoid taking with diabetes medications)

Dandelion (both root and leaf): Purification, manifestation of wishes, enrichment, money (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)

Elderberry: Exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep, protection against witchcraft (avoid taking with medications that decrease immune system) 

Ginger: Love, money, success, power, protection (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Ginkgo: Healing, mental clarity, fertility; avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)

Ginseng: Fertility, sexuality, lust, manifestation of wishes, healing, beauty, protection (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting; avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors) 

Goldenrod: Money, divination (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)

Lavender: Love, protection, purification, happiness, peace, healing, meditation, psychic abilities (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)

Lemon Balm: Love, success, healing, cleansing (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)

Nettle Leaf: Protection, exorcism, healing, jinx-breaking, lust (avoid taking with sedatives, lithium, or medications for diabetes, for high blood pressure, or that slow blood clotting)

Parsley: Healing, fortune, success, lust, protection, purification, ancestor veneration, working with the dead, traveling to the land of the dead, calling upon the energy of death and decay (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)

Peppermint: Purification, love, healing, psychic powers, (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)

Pine Needles: Cleansing, drawing the aid of spirits, love, mental focus, protection, lust, exorcism, healing

Thyme: Health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, good luck (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting) 

Magickal Tea Recipes

Attract and Protect Money

¼ tsp goldenrod

¼ tsp chamomile

¼ tsp basil

Exorcism

¼ tsp angelica root

¼ tsp nettle leaf

¼ tsp elder flower

Spirit Aid

¼ tsp parsley

¼ tsp rosemary 

Love and Lust

1/8 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp catnip

¼ tsp ginseng 

Cleansing

¼ tsp dandelion

¼ tsp lemon balm

¼ tsp thyme

Protection

¼ tsp pine needles

¼ tsp elderberries

¼ tsp blackberry leaf

Divination

¼ tsp goldenrod

¼ tsp peppermint

Psychic Development

¼ tsp calendula (marigold) 

¼ tsp ginkgo leaf

¼ tsp lavender 

Tinctures and Tonics for Health 

A tincture is a traditional herb infusion made with an alcohol base. A tonic usually uses either vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar as the base. The alcohol used in tinctures must be at least 100 proof, or 50%, alcohol, which is why most vodkas and gins are used. Tinctures can also be made with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar for those with alcohol issues, although less potent and yet still effective. 

Crafting Tinctures and Tonics

Tools needed:

Two mason jars

Cheesecloth

The herbs/plants/spices

Measuring cups

An herb grinder

Alcohol/vegetable glycerin/apple cider vinegar 

Tool to measure the dosage such as droppers for infant medication

Steps for recipe creation:

When preparing a tincture, the rule of thumb is you want a 1:4 ratio of herb to alcohol. If your herbs start to float, your ratio is good. Allow them to settle, and add a little more alcohol until the mixture is fully saturated. 

Prepare the ingredients

Fill the mason jar with the herbs/plants/spices

Add the alcohol or alcohol substitute  (If using apple cider vinegar as your base, you will need to take the additional step of laying wax paper on top of the jar lid)

Keep in a cool, dark place for a month (some may require refrigeration, and that will be noted) 

Shake twice daily 

After 1 month, strain the herbal matter from the liquid into the second jar using a cheesecloth (squeeze the cheesecloth to get out as much of the liquid as you can)

After straining, fill the remainder of the jar with distilled water–this dilutes the alcohol, allowing you to ingest it directly

Ready for use 

Herbs and Plants for Health Tinctures and Tonics 

Many of these will not taste good, but will work:

Alfalfa: Energy booster, laxative, cleanser (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting or suppress the immune system and with birth-control pills) 

Allspice: Stimulant; eases indigestion, colds, coughs; reduces hives and swelling (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Aloe Vera Juice (liquid): Soothes the skin, antiseptic (external use only)

Angelica (fruit or seeds): Eases indigestion, gas, gout; balances nervous system (do NOT use if you are diabetic)

Bay Leaf: Eases indigestion, coughs, colds, fevers (do NOT take with any narcotics or sedatives) 

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Antiseptic, eases symptoms of urinary tract infections (do NOT use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have stomach irritation or kidney disease; avoid taking with lithium) 

Bergamot: Soothes colds, fevers, coughs, nausea, indigestion, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with photosensitizing medications) 

Black-Eyed Susan: Soothes swelling, back pain, earaches; immune booster

Black Peppercorn: Anti-fungal, heals ulcers, relieves arthritis

Burdock Root: Detoxifying, soothes colds and skin issues (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Cedar (freshly dried leafy twigs): Soothes gout, naturally antiviral, boosts immune system (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)

Clover (red): Soothes coughs, colds, bronchitis (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with tamoxifen; may decrease effectiveness of birth control pulls and medications that are changed by the liver)

Cloves: Soothes nausea and indigestion; antiseptic, expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Comfrey Leaf: Ease arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, colds, diarrhea, asthma; antibacterial (do NOT take with medications that can harm the liver)

Coriander Seeds: Aids in digestion; aphrodisiac; boosts immune system

Cramp Bark: Eases arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual cramps

Echinacea: Eases colds, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system (interacts with various medications, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)

Garlic: Antiseptic; eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, symptoms of urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid, medication used for HIV/AIDS, or medications used to slow blood-clotting) 

Goldenseal (roots and leaves): Aids digestion; eases colds, hay fever, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)

Horseradish: Antiseptic; antibacterial; expectorant; soothes flu, colds, coughs, symptoms of urinary tract infections; diuretic; appetite stimulant (avoid taking with thyroid medications)

Hyssop: Soothes colds, fevers, sore throats, asthma, rheumatism, indigestion; expectorant

Lemon: Boosts immune system, helps prevent kidney stones, eases indigestion and constipation, relieves toothaches

Lemongrass: Supports healthy cholesterol; antibacterial; detoxifies; relieves constipation, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, coughs, colds, fevers, anxiety, stress, fatigue; boosts immune system

Mugwort: Eases menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, fevers, colds (do NOT take if pregnant) 

Mullein: Relieves asthma, coughs, colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids; expectorant; diuretic

Nutmeg: Stimulates digestive system; relieves diarrhea, nausea, anxiety (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver) 

Orange: Lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, relieves arthritis and anxiety, stabilizes mood, boosts immune system; laxative (do NOT take with celiprolol, ivermectin, or pravastatin) 

Onion: Helps lower systolic blood pressure, eases colds; antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Skullcap: Eases headaches, stress, menstrual tension, insomnia, anxiety, sedative

Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Valerian Root: Eases insomnia (do NOT take with alcohol, sedatives, or anti anxiety medications) 

Witch Hazel Bark: Relieves pain, diarrhea, colds, fevers, ulcers, colitis; antiseptic

Wormwood: Eases indigestion and stomach disorders; aphrodisiac (avoid taking with anticonvulsant medications)

Yarrow: Antiseptic, relieves pain, hay fever, colds, fevers, menstrual cramps (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting, avoid taking with lithium or sedatives)

Yellow Dock: Laxative; reduces anemia, relieves fatigue, aids digestive system (do NOT take with digoxin, diuretic medications, or medications that slow blood clotting)

For tincture recipes, there are many books and sites that can be used for reference. 

Magickal Tinctures

When making a tincture for use magickally and spiritually, shake the tincture two times a day to direct your energy into the jar and activate the magick within the herbs. 

Tincture-Charging Spell

Materials: 

1 green candle (herb spirits) 

1 white candle (spirit and magick)

1 candle to charge the tincture (color depends on spell)

1 mixing bowl 

Herbs and alcohol for the tincture (or alcohol substitute) 

2 Mason jars

Cheese cloth 

Ritual:

Place the three candles in a triangle on your altar or workspace. The white candle should be the top of the triangle (facing away from you to direct the energy out into the universe). The green and other candle form the base

Place the bowl at the center of the altar, and place your containers of herbs and alcohol on the floor

Light the white candle while stating: “For the power of spirit”

Light the green candle while stating: “For the herbal spirits”

Light the colored candle for your need, and state your need 

Place an herb in the bowl, state a thank-you blessing to the herb, and explain why you are using that herb. Repeat for each herb, and as you add each herb, stir the mixture of herbs clockwise for increasing or bringing something to you and counterclockwise if you are trying to remove or decrease something in your life

Once you have mixed all the herbs in the bowl, hold your hands over the mixture and state your intent

Visualize a light coming out of your hands for that need (red for love and passion or power; green for money, success, growth and fertility; blue for healing; yellow for success; etc)

Pour the mixture into one of the mason jars and add the alcohol (do this at a safe distance form the lit candles)

Place the lid on the jar

Remove the mixing bowl from the alter and put the mason jar with the tincture blend in its place, in the center of your candles. Keep the mason jar there until the candles have finished burning

Shake the tincture, focusing your mental, emotional, and physical energy into the jar. As you shake, chant: “I can upon the powers green, Release the powers unseen. Herbs awakened on this day, Blessings in this tincture stay.” 

Shake the jar twice daily for one month, each time visualizing the need behind the tincture

Once the month has passed, strain the mixture into the second jar using the cheesecloth. 

Now the tincture is ready to be used in magickal work

Herbs for Magickal Tinctures

For magickal uses, the following herbs, spices, and plants are only for external use in tincture blends:

Angelica Leaf: Angel work, protection, removing hexes, exorcism, health, meditation, divination 

Alfalfa: Money attraction (drawing money to you), prosperity, protection

Allspice: Money, luck, healing

Aloe Vera: Protection, peace in the afterlife, prosperity, success, love

Bay Leaf: Protection, purification, enhancing psychic powers, strength

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Victory, protection, money, power, strength

Bergamot: Money, clarity

Black-Eyed Susan: Cleansing, releasing, grounding, integration, mediumship, connecting with the dead

Black Peppercorn: Protection, exorcism 

Burdock Root: Protection, uncrossing (removing hexes or curses)

Cedar: Healing, purification, money, protection

Clover: Protection, money, fidelity, love, exorcism, success

Cloves: Enhancing psychic powers, astral travel, protection, exorcism, love

Comfrey Leaf: Money, safe travel, protection

Coriander Seeds: Love, health, healing, lust, fidelity

Cramp Bark: Protection, luck

Echinacea: Strengthening spells, offerings to spirits

Garlic: Protection, exorcism, lust, antitheft

Goldenseal: Healing, money

Horseradish: Purification, exorcism

Hyssop: Purification, protection, cleansing

Lemon: Purification, love, friendship, justice

Lemongrass: Repelling snakes, lust, enhancing psychic powers

Mugwort: Strength, psychic powers, protection, prophetic dreams, astral projection

Mullein: Courage, protection, love, divination, exorcism

Nutmeg: Gambling luck, money, fidelity, prosperity, luck

Orange: Love, divination, luck, money

Saint John’s Wort: Health, protection, strength, love, divination, happiness

Skullcap: Love, fidelity, peace

Turmeric: Purification

Valerian Root: Purification, cleansing, peace, love, protection, breaking hexes and curses 

Wormwood: Summoning spirits, working with the dead, enhancing psychic power, protection, love, prophesizing, breaking hexes and curses

Witch Hazel: Protection, chasteness (less likely to give into temptation and sexual desire)

Yarrow: Psychic development, courage, love, exorcism, protection

Yellow Dock: Money attraction, customer attraction, love attraction 

Source

Robbins, Shawn, and Bedell, Charity. The Good Witch’s Guide. New York: Sterling Ethos, 2017. Print.

[sunarcrissa-wicca]

Wonderful resource!

[earth-suggestion]

don’t feel like a failure if your plants die; death is natural, and we can’t be perfect

[julesdivine]

“My anxiety will disperse quickly”

[orriculum]

I hope this isn't rude, but I'm following a LOT of witch blogs. you being one of them. yet, when I look at the witch-related asks & answers for all of those blogs, other blogs are helpful and list spells and such. you just "no" whenever someone asks? Can I ask why you reject magic for a lot of your situations, considering you run a magic blog and are quite literally a creator of a magical how-to book?

simply because magic is not needed in every situation, nor is it advisable. recognizing when magic is and isn’t needed, or even a good idea is important in the life of the witch. 

here are a couple of examples of such:

things i have answered “no” to today:

bewitching your significant other (consent issues anyone?)

bewitching a non-signif to find out personal things (consent again)

asked for a spell for communicating with spirits (just because a skill isn’t developed doesn’t mean a spell will replace experience)

weight loss spells (dangerous and against my personal morals)

however, the one outlier i include is this, because it’s important:

easily google-able question (as stated in previous posts, i encourage people to develop their own research skills so they can grow in their craft when they reach an area of their path where there isn’t someone around to hold their hand and slip them the answers)

as for your “other blogs are helpful and list spells and such”, i’d like to direct your attention to the many posts of lists and ~stuff~ i make for people. such as the:

200+ spells all helpfully organized by type

the sideblog @orriculum-grimoire​ in case that wasn’t helpful enough

fucking huge witchcraft 101 masterpost 

every potion related post i have ever made rolled into one

how to ground masterpost because apparently it needed one

how to charge objects with intent or energy

cleansing masterpost

emoji spells 101

how to adjust a spell to suit your super specific needs

how to substitute ingredients in a spell

what does it “MEAN”

how to nullify a spell or remove a curse

disposing of spell materials 

where to find some goddamn herbs

how to make moon water 

an example discussion of researching and understanding correspondences using rosemary

fire safety BECAUSE NO ONE EVER DISCUSSES IT

spring witchcraft ideas

winter witchcraft ideas

coffee witchcraft masterpost

coffee lore and superstition

top five herbs because that’s somehow relevant

how to curse

how to glamour

how to do magic with flower crowns

unpacking witchcraft - spell types 

some basic terms to know 

methods for spells  

how to write your own spells - resources 

when to cast a spell - by weekdays 

when to cast a spell - by time of day 

low effort witchcraft 

tools of witchcraft overview

a witch’s wand -how to make one

building a broom/besom 

correspondence resource 

“to be a witch” falsehoods 

other witches and you 

witchcraft and the law 

difference between a witch and a herbalist 

self care for the witch 

when your spell fails 

tarot and pendulums can get it wrong

curses jinxes and hexes masterpost 

harry potter spells masterlist

sailor moon spells masterlist

florence + the machine song spells masterlist

steven universe inspired spells masterlist

valentine and all love related spells masterlist

infused water magic

floral tea magic 

herbal tea magic 

fruit tea magic

general tea magic

smoothie magic

milkshake magic

hot chocolate magic

how to contact a mermaid 

different types of mermaids

various powers of mermaids

offerings for mermaids

mermaid tips

sea witch resources

you want to know why i dont post lists? it’s because i already have.

i post a lot of gathered and organized research of my own, and a lot of 101 type stuff. it’s available and accessible. even a lot of the stuff in my book is available and free (yes, a lot of it is posted here, for free). 

[wiccanmermaid-deactivated201509]

PSA

Reading up on sea witch spells and seeing people suggest putting offerings in bottles and letting the sea carry then away.

This upsets me.

It’s littering. Please leave your offerings on something that’s not harmful to the environment. A sea shell, rock or even just on the beach. Please don’t use anything that could cause harm to the ocean or its inhabitants. Thank you!

[phillypagan]

Not to hijack, but all offerings in natural spaces should be planned to be safe for the environment it’s going into. This is why I’m partial to offerings of water or other consumable fluids–if it’s safe to go in my belly, it’s probably safe to pour over some plants. 

[felis-praecantrix]

Yes. Stop telling people to bury things in jars, particularly . Bury things in (unbleached) paper towels, or the insides of bell peppers. And don’t bury things that won’t degrade. There are so many ways to do witchcraft that doesn’t involve burying things that won’t decompose!! If you can, opt to recycle the item, or better yet, just change out all your spell ingredients for stuff that is eco-friendly and able to rot if buried. Srsly.

[angeluslorelei-deactivated20181]

THANK YOU!

[xtrapockets-deactivated20171024]

to add: making bowls or balls of ice to bury or to be carried awayby the sea. Use unbleached paper towels or banana peels(if it’s safe) to write your spell on, etc. There are many safe ways to do magic without littering.

[polar-solstice]

You can also use cabbage leaves and cotton kitchen string in place of a jar, or write your spell on a piece of un-coated (like not metallic, etc.) paper and fold it into an origami creature because the paper will degrade

[lowspoonswitchcraft]

Eco friendly witchery tips. :)

[brujxanimist]

*GESTICULATES LOUDLY AT THIS ENTIRE POST*

[the-gentle-monster]

I CANNOT REBLOG THIS POST ENOUGH!!

[sunarcrissa-wicca]

Rose Quartz

I have a rose quartz that I hold when I need a quick little boost. I even keep it by my front door for quick use before starting my day. But recently I've noticed a portion of it is turning white. Any thoughts on what could be causing it, and/or how to remedy it? Thank you!

[irisedwhisperer]

Quick idea I had and need to note down before I forget it:

a witch bottle designed not to harm the incoming energies (like most witch bottles seem to be with their nails, thorns and black pepper) or block them (like the protective witch bottles I’ve seen with rosemary and basil), but filter and transmute.

Somebody throwing bad luck at you? Great, you’re giving me energy, I’ll filter it and change it into a blessing. 

“When life gives you lemons” sort of idea, inspired by a post I’ve seen floating around about that witches shouldn’t ground bad energy, but filter it and transmute it, because earth only can take as much negative. 

[3allthingswitchy3]

🌜Moon phases and Casting spells🌛

🌑NEW MOON🌑 The new moon is the beginning of the moon’s cycle and a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Spells involving beauty, health, personal improvement, new employment, and new beginnings are most powerful when cast during the new moon.

🌒🌓🌔WAXING MOON🌔🌓🌒 The waxing moon are the phases between the new moon and the full moon when the light grows. Spells that involve growth should be done during these phases. During this time spells involving luck, courage, motivation, inspiration, friendship, healing, and any elemental mail are most powerful.

🌕FULL MOON🌕 The full moon is the point in the moon’s phases when the light covers the moon completely. The moon is at its most powerful point in its cycle. Any positive spell with have a good outcome if performed during this time. The full moon’s energy can also be harnessed for about two days after it is truely full. Spells involving artistic projects, love, romance, fertility, psychic abilities, decision making, healing, guidance, and completion should be performed as this is the time they will be most powerful.

🌖🌗🌘WANING MOON🌘🌗🌖 The waning moon are the phases after the full moon and before the next new moon when the light is slowly growing smaller. During this time spells that are focused on removing things from your life. Banishing things are best if performed during this time. Spells involving banishing bad habits and addictions, ending relationships, banishing stalkers or bad people from your life are most powerful during this period.

🌑🌑🌑DARK MOON🌑🌑🌑 the Dark moon or Dark of the moon is the three day period at the end of theunar cycle before the new moon when the sky is absent of the moon’s presence. This is symbolic of the death of the old and birth of the new and spells involving such should be Performed. The dark period is a time of retreat, dreaming of the future, and healing. Healing, renewal, psychic spells are most powerful during this time. Meditating on your inner self is good to do during this period during the lunar phase.

[in-her-broomcloset]

Witch Tip: making your sigil look better

Construct your sigils inside a shape. Make this outer shape a different color or thickness to differentiate the sigil from the outline. Develop a Key for deciding which shape to use. For example: a circle = neutral/all-purpose, triangle = protection or ward, square = enhance ability (for motivation or creativity), rectangle = spell-work (for sealing a bottle or charging a spell), star = curse, heart = love, clover = luck Adapt your sigil shapes to whatever you want!

[spiritofally]

Back in middle school, my friends and I used a very simple coded language for writing secret messages. I saw some posts about needing to hide one’s beliefs from partners/bosses/parents so I wanted to share it with you! These would also be great to incorporate into sigils since they are simple lines and dots.

[deactivated-blog]

Hello everyone! As promised, I am here with a new 30-day challenge. It’s focused on introspection and geared towards self-exploration. But wait, there’s more! It’s designed for witches who are just starting out in their exploration of witchcraft. 

You can do this challenge regardless of your length of time practicing, but it’s likely to be most useful for people who still feel that they’re just getting started. I wanted to create this so that witches could answer it as they begin their Craft, then (hopefully) look back on it later and see how (and if) things have changed because of their magical work! 

it would be really great if those of you doing this would tag the posts with #rootsofcraft so I and other witches can read the responses easily, compare, and learn more about how diverse our community can be. As noted, I designed this to be highly introspective, and I do hope the questions inspire a lot of thought!

In a few days, once I’ve typed it up, I’ll be posting a second challenge, called Fruits of Your Craft, designed for those who consider themselves more experienced witches. 

Neither of these are really confined to any skill level or number of years/months spent practicing; it’s just a matter of how you, personally, feel about yourself. Do you feel that you’re beginning, or more experienced? So, feel free to do this, or the next one, based on that rather than the amount of time spent. 

Enjoy, and I look forward to reading responses to the questions!

Roots of Your Craft 30-Day Challenge

Divination. Does it work? Would you use it? What do you think of those who do? Why?

What do you think Magick actually is? What is the power or force behind witchcraft?

How powerful do you believe Magick to be, and why?  

What are your beliefs about ethics and morality? Do you think practicing witchcraft will change your views? If so, how?

Do you plan to be open about witchcraft to people you know? Why or why not?  

What kind of belief system were you raised with? Do you feel it suits you, or are you making a change?

What was your earliest memorable exposure to the concept of witchcraft? How did it influence your interest in it?  

Do you think you will work with or worship deities as part of your Craft? Why or why not?  

Was there a tipping point that convinced you witchcraft was worth practicing? What influenced your desire to learn more and why are you learning about it?

What kind of witch do you want to become?  

What kind of witch do you believe you will become?

What do you think your life will be like in five years, magically speaking?

What worries you most about learning witchcraft? What might be a risk?

What excites you most about learning witchcraft? What might be a reward?

If you could list one thing that you hope to gain from practicing witchcraft, what would it be?

Which of the four classical elements best describes you at the beginning of your journey? (Earth, Wind, Air, or Fire)

If you’ve practiced spellcraft, what was the experience of casting your first spell like? If you’ve not yet cast one, what do you think your first spell will be and why?

Are there any witches or magicians in fiction or history that you particularly admire? Why or why not?

If you were to think of your beginnings in witchcraft as a certain color, what color would it be and why?  

What are your general thoughts about newer magical traditions such as pop culture spells, and technowitchery?

What are your general thoughts about older magical traditions such as rune Magick, kabbalah and esoteric eastern traditions?

Do you think that tradition is important in witchcraft? Why or why not?

What role do you think dreams play in magical life, if any? Why or why not?

Are you more aligned with chaos or order in terms of the Magick you have or will practice? What do you think Magick itself is more aligned with?

Curses. Do they work? Would you use them? What do you think of those who do? Why?

Blessings and protective Magick. Do they work? Would you use them? What do you think of those who do? Why?

Do you have an affinity with an animal or type of animal? What does it mean to you? If you don’t, but had to have one, what do you think it would be?

Do you think that there is any potential in utilizing certain ritual places or “ley-lines” between ritual places? Why or why not?

What role does the archetype of death play in magic to you, if any? Why or why not?

What do you think of practicing magic in a group setting? What about practicing alone? Why?

[dumbbbunnnyy-deactivated2021021]

Been practicing for nearly 2 years but I think I’d like to do this!