SynfulWitchcraft

Tarot and Divination Requests: OPEN (see #synsdivination for information or email me at [email protected]) paypal.me/synfulsinthetic

[synfulwitchcraft]

These cute little stones called to me today, this one in particular. I got the name “Sarah Ann Weston” from it as I approached, I’m not sure if that’s my own creation or a communication…. kinda hoping there is some way to find out. County records? I don’t know. Either way these are adorable, plans to picnic and lounge when it gets a little warmer…. don’t mind me, just going to spend the summer hanging out with the dead.

Update: with a lot of record digging and some help from a very kind follower I have a current theory that I will continue to explore and probably keep you all updated on because I love this! Right now I think the person in this grave is Samuel Alexander Wilson and I think Sarah Ann Weston is his mother. Piecing some relatives and dates together from both the Wilson and Weston families there are a lot of name similarities (like family names passed down) and a few interesting holes that leave room for questioning. The Weston plot is much pricier looking than the Wilson plot… taking the time period and some birth/death dates into account among a bunch of other things I think *maybe* the Wilson’s were taken under the wing of the Weston’s as “help” so the family could survive the rough time period (mid1800s to 1900s). For some reason or another Sarah Wilson had Sam and gave him up to Sarah Weston to raise? Or maybe Weston gave Sam to Wilson to raise? ….this is where I get a little foggy… but it’s a working theory and I can’t wait to see where it goes. :)

[synfulwitchcraft]

That spirit worker feel when...

You have been speaking with the inhabitant of an unidentified grave for a while, finally gone in search of confirmation only to find you *did* get the name correct… and then find more info on the person you’ve been in contact with… and now you’re the weirdo requesting transfer of the memorial page on findagrave to your name for additions. Because no, I’m not related… but he’s asked me directly for assistance and I’ve spent the last year (or more) in contact with him and hunting his information down.

Please please please don’t ask me my relation before transferring… I don’t want to explain that to a (most likely) muggle. 😂

[appalachianetiquette]

Saw this cool bug in the graveyard but I’m no good with identifying things of the bug variety.

[yayananana]

That’s some sort of Fae. Offer it milk in a shallow bowl and fresh steel cut oats with cream and butter.

[appalachianetiquette]

Finally someone gives me a straight answer. Cicada this and cicada that, I knew there had to be more to it.

[snake-scale-deactivated20181107]

“so what do death witches do?”

good question!

before i jump in, i wanna emphasize that there’s no right or wrong way to do death work. i know i’ve struggled for a long time with the idea that i’m not “witchy enough” or don’t spend enough time with the craft, so don’t take this as any sort of shaming of your practice or the time you spend with it! this is just what works for me.

that said…

we do a lot of things!

ancestor work

spirit communication

divination

comforting the living left behind

attending to the dead, emotionally or physically (as in mortuary workers)

work with cycles of change

healing

shadow work

lots more!!!

if you’re interested in anything specific that i listed, let me know and i’ll work on a separate post about it!

here’s a rundown of how i incorporate these things into my life:

ancestor work is my primary practice. i honor long-gone ancestors, but also close relatives who have died. “honor” can look very different for many people, as can “work,” but i do things like tend to my grandparents’ grave, talk to my ancestors about what’s going on in the world they’ve left behind, and petition them for favors.

to attend to the dead, i tend other graves in the cemetery. 

this story is of those moments where i’m like “wow, willow, how did you not know you were a witch” – when i was first driving and spent a lot of time with my grandparents’ grave (moment 1), i had a strong affection for another grave of someone unrelated to me and would regularly tend to it and place flowers on it, despite not knowing them, because it was regularly unattended and i felt that he deserved the comfort of being cared for (moment 2).

other death witches attend to the dead by working in mortuary sciences!! a great book on this topic is Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, by Caitlin Doughty, about facing her fear of death by working in a crematorium.

now, shadow work is one of my favorite topics. essentially, you work with the darkest parts of yourself to integrate yourself as a whole person by facing what you fear about yourself. this can be done through divination but also with self-reflection, journaling, and mindfulness.

divination itself is one of the oldest ways i’ve practiced witchcraft. i’ve been reading the tarot cards for 10 years now and also dabble in pendulums, oracles, shufflemancy, osteomancy, curio casting, and tons of other forms. in death work, divination can be a form of spirit communication, where you speak to spirits of the dead or other types of spirits, or it can be fortune-telling, self-reflection, and many other things.

some people think healing is strictly the place of green witches or light workers, but you can’t have light without shadow. for example, many witches think of Hades as just a “death deity,” without recognizing how He can be a healing force by helping us reckon with our fear of death and knowing when it’s our time. it’s also working with the cycles of change.

other cycles of change include observing the wheel of the year, or my personal take, observing the local changes of season. i have my own associations and my own calendar related to the midwest climate, but practicing the wheel of the year is an excellent way to tap into general seasonal shifts and have a community to help!

finally, comforting the living left behind is one that many people practice without realizing it’s a form of death magic. not only are you honoring the deceased by helping their loved ones, but you’re helping create change, or death of the old, within the living.

i hope this helps any budding death witches! ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

[therianomalocaris]

Pardon me, I’m unfamiliar with the term, but death positivity?

Being death positive is defined by The Order of the Good Death as :

I believe that by hiding death and dying behind closed doors we do more harm than good to our society.

I believe that the culture of silence around death should be broken through discussion, gatherings, art, innovation, and scholarship.

I believe that talking about and engaging with my inevitable death is not morbid, but displays a natural curiosity about the human condition.

I believe that the dead body is not dangerous, and that everyone should be empowered (should they wish to be) to be involved in care for their own dead.

I believe that the laws that govern death, dying and end-of-life care should ensure that a person’s wishes are honored, regardless of sexual, gender, racial or religious identity.

I believe that my death should be handled in a way that does not do great harm to the environment.

I believe that my family and friends should know my end-of-life wishes, and that I should have the necessary paperwork to back-up those wishes.

I believe that my open, honest advocacy around death can make a difference, and can change culture.

tl;dr : death is only a part of life and we shouldn’t see it as a big scary thing. Talking about death and what you want to do with your body after you die is important, and respecting the dead’s wishes is even more important.

If you want to find more info on death positivity and The Order of the Good Death, here are the links to their main website and their youtube channel.

[synfulwitchcraft]

Finally giving Marseilles Tarot a chance… got the sister of my very first deck in rainbow technicolor and she reads like a DREAM (though the tarot snob in me is perpetually miffed about pip cards hah). Anyways, here’s a wonderful cheat sheet I want to keep for myself and also share with anyone still tuned in to this ghost-town of a blog:

[dosomethingprettywhileyoucan]

Money spell! Reblog to charge it with your intent; the more people see it, the more powerful it becomes. Magic should be fun!

[deadgorl]

this actually does work the witches of tumblr really are out here doing something lol

NOW THIS MONEY POST I AM HERE FOR

[sassysugarnyc-deactivated201904]

Yesss November come throughhhhhhh!!

[darkcocosb-blog]

Reblogging with all my intent and desire.

[darkcocosb-blog]

I Made $750 For Nothing

[theechrysalisamidst]

I need a transition and also to not be in abject poverty

[earthshaker1217]

I too require money.

[fnb1223]

would like some money plz

[spacematriarchy]

reblogging bc after I saw this last time I found out that I haven’t been getting my orphan’s benefit because of an administrative issue, not because I no longer qualify, and got a whole year of back pay

[gottacatchemsome]

Reblogging because I just got a letter in the mail that there is still some money in my 401k from the job I got pettily fired from and so I’ll be getting somewhere around $650 dollars, thereabouts, in about a month.  I MEAN WHAT.  Witches of Tumblr, my hat is off to you.

[decayyingrights-deactivated2021]

We’re broke, and I could really use some more money not only for food, but for more stuff to help me with my craft ^^;

[synfulwitchcraft]

A Manifesto of Apocalyptic Witchcraft (Gender Neutral Version)

I found an amazing post by @wytchtrack called The Manifesto of Apocalyptic Witchcraft and found it to be a very powerful statement, especially in the current world we live in. However, I was bothered by the gendered language on some of the items and concerned that it was missing impact on a large portion of people (Syn, your avid gender-activism is showing…) So, like I do with everything in my craft, I made it my own. I want to make it clear THIS WAS NOT MY ORIGINAL IDEA and I do not intend to take credit for the original author’s genius. I encourage you to go have a look at the original, so long as gender and female-tailored writing does not bother you. Witchcraft was originally (and continues to be) centered around empowerment and healing driven by women… I in no way wish to erase that history or power. I simply wanted to give an alternative version to our male, trans, and gender-nonconforming witch family out there… we are powerful together. 

So, without further adieu…

A Gender Neutral Manifesto for the Apocalyptic Witch

(Adapted from wytchtrack’s Manifesto of Apocalyptic Witchcraft) 

If the land is poisoned, the witchcraft must respond

It is not our way of life, but life itself which is under threat

Witchcraft is our intimate connection to the web of life

WE are the witchcraft

Our world has forever changed. The trodden paths no longer correspond. Witchcraft thrives in this liminal, lunar, trackless realm

We are storm, fire, and flood.

We will not be denied!

Witchcraft is the recourse of the dispossessed, the powerless, the hungry, and the abused. It gives heart and tongue to stones and trees. It wears the rough skin of beasts and the slick underbelly of serpents. It turns on a civilization that knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

We have no price; we cannot be bought.

We are not afraid; we cannot be controlled. 

Witchcraft is the magic of the people, used for the people.

We abandon all pretense of respectability.

We will arm ourselves, because war is upon us. 

We will become a part of the face at the front lines. 

Our craft is one, though it is of many names and paths.

Witchcraft is a force, not an order. It is rhizomatic, not hierarchic- we defy our categories and neat organization to attain greater meaning. 

Witchcraft is unbridled vitality.

In witchcraft, we initiate and ask those not of the craft to equal us in love and strength by whatever means they will.

Witchcraft turns on itself, inverts, and is reborn into what is most needed for the time.

Witchcraft is beauty and terror.

Witchcraft is myth which draws on the past and clothes itself in the symbols of its time. We do not mistake myths for history, but we harness their truths to transform the future. 

Witchcraft knows the ground upon which it stands.

Witchcraft honors the spirits and chants for the lost. Witchcraft will not forget!

Witchcraft embodies our ancestors and saints- they carry us with them.

The example we follow is our own.

Witchcraft is power and revolution.

Witchcraft concerns itself with mystery, through which gate knowledge enters- the most powerful form of this is love.

Blood is often the price of love, and we are prepared to pay it.

Our will is finite, infinitely renewed through passion.

We seek and drink this wine together.

Witchcraft is present. It is ensanguined and vivified. 

Witchcraft is prescient, it gazes on the future. 

Witchcraft is oracular, it will not hold its tongue. 

Our time has come. 

[samwisethewitch]

How to Cast Spells That Work

In her book Wicca for Beginners Thea Sabin says, “When you do a spell, you are telling the universe that you intend to bring about a certain change and you are putting the energy in motion to achieve that end.”

A spell is sort of an energetic shove to get things moving in the way you want them to, and we do this by creating a ritual to build and then release the energy to get things going.

Most spells are based on a principle called imitative magic.

In his book Backwoods Shamanism, Ray Hess says, “Imitative magic means that making a symbolic gesture, when combined with intent and will… can affect the intended change on a grander scale.” [Note: I don’t actually recommend this book, but I like Hess’s definition of imitative magic.]

So, for example, you may have heard of a “cord cutting” ritual, where you symbolically cut your spiritual ties to a person you no longer want to have a relationship with. You’re symbolically creating a separation between yourself and that person, which creates physical separation in real life.

There are four basic components to any spell: your will, your intention, focused energy, and a ritual action. Some magical traditions add extra steps, like casting a circle, but from what I’ve read and been taught, these four basic components are constant no matter which tradition you’re following.

Let’s start with the most important bit: your will. Your will isn’t just what you want: it’s the desire and drive that is in alignment with your highest good. But in this case we’re also talking about will in the sense of willpower — Basically, your will is your personal spiritual authority and the source of your magical power.

Any spell that is not in alignment with your will won’t work. This is why it’s important to be clear about what you want and why you want it before you attempt a spell.

There’s also an element of belief here. Because magic only works when your spells are in alignment with your will, if you don’t believe your spell can work, it won’t. This is because you, yourself are blocking it from working.

The second important component of a  spell is your intention. When you do a spell, it’s important to clearly state what you want to happen. Some traditions will write the intention down on a piece of paper, which is called a petition. Other traditions will use a spoken statement of intention in the form of an incantation. Some witches use both.

You need to be clear about your intention before you begin your spell. Magic will always follow the path of least resistance, so it’s important to be specific. However, I find that magic works better when your intention leaves a little bit of wiggle room. It’s about finding that happy medium.

You also want to keep your petitions and incantations simple. If it’s more than a couple of sentences, you probably need to trim it down a little.

The next important part of a spell is focused energy. Magic is a way of directing energy, and this means that your own energy needs to be focused for it to work.

Don’t get too stressed out about focus. Your spell isn’t going to fail if your mind wanders for a few seconds. But you should set aside some time where you’ll be able to fully dedicate yourself to your spell. Try to find a private place where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and try to avoid distractions. You might find that playing meditation music or burning incense helps you focus.

While you cast your spell, keep focusing on what it is you want to manifest. Again, don’t overthink this and don’t worry if your thoughts wander a little, but try to stay in the moment. Repeating your incantation can help with maintaining focus.

The last important part of a spell is your ritual action. This just means doing a specific set of things, in a specific order, with a specific intent behind them. If we go back to our definition of imitative magic, your ritual actions are symbolic of the change you want to manifest.

Your ritual actions do not have to be complex. A very common ritual for spells is anointing and lighting a candle. Making a charm or poppet is also popular. But any action can be a magical ritual if it is done with intent and focus, in alignment with your will. Making a cup of tea or coffee can be a ritual. Running a bath can be a ritual. Cooking food can be a ritual. The only limit is your imagination.

These four things are literally all you need to cast a spell. A spell doesn’t have to be complicated or include a bunch of crystals and herbs to work. You can do an effective spell with nothing but your own mind and body.

[synfulwitchcraft]

An alternative view on the concept of consuming chthonic offerings

Can I be the one to offer a alternative opinion/disagreement? I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m saying “no, you’re wrong!” and I definitely believe it is a personal choice whether you follow the strict chthonic practices (that originally say not to consume foods for these deities) but it’s not an absolute “Do. Not.” At least in my opinion and experience. I share meals with Hekate. I have offered food to her and eaten it later after asking if I could consume it (rather than wasting). I have, exactly twice, channeled Hekate and eaten her offering for her. When I do offer and later “throw out” offerings, I usually take the safe to consume stuff to the edge of the wooded area that is behind our apartment for animals to consume. It’s consistent with ancient practices of leaving food at the crossroads. Now, this may be JUST Hekate, or JUST me… I don’t know… but I honestly believe the hardline “do not eat after chthonic deities” was more of a practical protection at the time. I can only speak from the perspective of the learning I’ve done with and about Hekate, but her New Moon offerings were the cleanings from the home… food that had been left over and other unwanted items. They were left for the poor and for animals to consume at the crossroads. In a time when medicine and health was not fully understood, and only primitive measures of preservation for food were a thing, it would have been extremely dangerous for a devotee to return later and consume these items. They would have likely rotted and they were on the ground by roads… which often were contaminated with waste because there was no modern plumbing and no distinct rule to use even the rudimentary technologies they had. Honestly, you were probably blessed by Hekate or any of the other crossroad deities who received these offerings if you consumed them and did NOT get sick. This is probably why crossroad deities, who these offerings were left for, are also often considered protectors of the poor. They insured they were fed and (we hope) that they did not fall sick from it. Much like ancient biblical diet regimens (no pork, for example), I believe it was much more for the safety of the people at the time who were ignorant of modern cleanliness and safety measures and less about “okay no really you’re not allowed to eat this.” So, today, with the precautions we know, and the fact most of us are offering safe and fresh foods, I personally do not believe it is dangerous or disrespectful to consume chthonic offerings. Just another perspective. Please always do what you believe is best. :)

[synfulwitchcraft]

The Zenniel child has advised me that I need to inform my tumblr followers I now do most of my witchy and tarot stuff on tiktok soooo... follow me there, yeah?

@synfulwitchcraft just like here ✌🏼

[synfulwitchcraft]

Mystic Garbage Tarot by Junkyard Prints Co.

[archives-backup]

Here's a link to hundreds of books, videos, and information about witchcraft and occultism. Updated weekly and organized by experienced practitioners - with a space to submit new information and request titles to be posted!

Reblogs help out a lot!

[synfulwitchcraft]

Protection and empowerment to the new administration.

Wormwood- inhibition of violent acts

Yarrow- healing, warding off fear

Juniper- banishing all things injurious to health, burned specifically for protection

Cloves- protection from and banishing of hostile and negative forces

Cinnamon- prosperity and strength

Bay leaf with POTUS and VP tags and “protection, empowerment” inscribed used to light candle

Candle clementine and mango- harmony, balance, shift in perspective, uplifting energy, protection, happiness, success, clemency (mercy, lenience)

We have reason to be angry, much to mourn... but we also must open ourselves to heal and to unify in order to move forward. The actions of a few should not divide us. We are stronger as one.

[deathandmysticism]

Perin’s science of palmistry, 1902

[astrodecoding]

How The Chakras Show In Your Hands! 💫🍃🍀✨🖐️

[astralhoney]