#elder witch

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It's my birthday week! :3

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Introduction To Candle Magic

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back witches in training! We've been covering a lot of ground bases lately, especially within the realms of spellwork. Today, we're going to take that a bit further by opening our horizons to the infinite world of Candle Magic! In this lesson, we're going to discuss basic color magic, the history of candles, and how to use candles in your craft. Let's get to it!

A Brief Candle History

The exact origin of the candle is quite a debate among historical scholars, but there is a large sum of evidence that suggests candles made of beeswax were used in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 BCE. Other early candles were fashioned using tallow-soaked tapers manufactured from fibrous materials like rushes. Rushlights were one of the first types of enclosed light we are aware of, yet they were unlike candles as we know them today because they lacked a wick. The impoverished continued to utilize them for centuries because they were also inexpensive to produce.

It may come as no surprise that the Romans are credited with creating the first wicked candles by continuously dipping a roll of papyrus into tallow, a converted form of beef or mutton fat, while wrapping it around a length of twine. Candles were still used in the same manner, but they had superior quality and a longer lifespan than rushlights.

However, candle production was not only practiced by the Romans. Wicked candles were "invented" by numerous other ancient civilizations who also used local plant-based waxes. The eulachon fish, which is so oily that when dried, it would burn like a candle when you ignite one end, was used as a candle by tribes in Alaska and Canada. The Chinese used wrapped ricepaper as wicks. In India, wax was created from the fruit of the cinnamon tree.

Candles, in any form, were a significant component of religious rites throughout this time. The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, was originally documented around 165 B.C. Constantine, the Roman emperor between 306 and 337 A.D., mandated the use of lamps during Easter celebrations. Indeed, from roughly the time of Constantine, lights have played a significant role in religious events and signify the purifying light of God.

Candle flames were seen by ancient peoples to reveal enigmatic things. One could experience an altered state of consciousness and see gods, spirits, or the future by gazing into a flame. In a magic ceremony for "dreaming true," or getting information from dreams, the late Egyptians of the third century B.C. utilized lamps and possibly candles. He retired to a pitch-black cave that faced south and sat there gazing into a flame till he saw a god. Then he went to sleep, hoping that the deity would show up in his dreams and provide him with the answers he was looking for.

The Roman Christian scholar Tertullian fiercely objected to the ancient Pagan practice of lighting candles and lights during religious ceremonies, calling it "the useless lighting of lamps at noon." Candles and lamps were used in Christian rites from the fourth century, but candles weren't put on church altars until the later Middle Ages, starting in the twelfth century. Consecrated holy candles are used in ceremonies for blessings, atonement for sins, and the exorcism of demons, all of which were instituted by the Catholic Church.

Using Candles In The Craft

Candles have long been used as versatile tools, but in witchcraft, they can also be used for divination, spirit sensing, casting spells, and a variety of other things. Let's jump right in.

Divination - Reading the wax and observing how the candle really burns are the two most popular techniques for candle divination. You must observe the candle's burning pattern, including its height, flickering, and the presence of many flames, in order to make a prediction based on how it burns. Two flames could indicate assistance from the afterlife in achieving your objective. Even the hues of the flame may give you a clue as to how well your efforts are going. However, there is no agreement on what these indications signify. While some practitioners hold that a candle that burns tall and strongly indicates that one's request will be granted, others draw attention to the fact that the wick's length and quality, as well as an air vent, can affect how the candle burns. Prioritize your intention over the candle's burning process. You can always read the wax once it hardens, or pour the wax directly into cold water for it to harden and then interpret the symbols, much like you would with bone throwing, or scrying. Personally, I also like to pay attention to the smoke and interpret the way the smoke from the candle flows in order to interpret surrounding energies.

Spirit Work - Fire scrying is the most common way to communicate with spirits, and as it's the only method with candles I have experience with, that's what I will be discussing here. I encourage you to do your own research into spirit communication outside of my suggestion, because I'm sure there are plenty other methods out there. Again, there is no base consensus in a means to interpretation, as spirits and practitioners alike have different ways of communication. Just like with any other scrying, its imperative to stay connected to your personal energy while connecting with surrounding energy to properly interpret the signals you are receiving. Connecting with deities is also possible using this method of Candle Magic.

Rituals/Spellwork - In rituals and spells, candles are used to increase vibrations, represent specific elements and other important objects or creatures, use symbolism, and seal items like letters or spell bottles. Even candle spells can be created simply lighting a candle with intention. It is very common to carve, dress, and anoint candles in aid for ritual and spellwork as well. Fire being the main force driving the work, of course.

Worship - Candles are often used as offerings for various deities. Symbolism, color, and dressings can all play a part of this as well. They are also used as a beacon for an entity to guide you through your working.

Candle Correspondences

When undertaking serious candle work, choosing the right candle colors is crucial. Each hue has a unique meaning and possesses unique abilities. It's crucial to pick colors that align with your aims while working with candles in spells or rituals. Please remember that this is a very basic list and that the things you will read in your personal correspondence are far more significant than anything you will read here.

White - Attraction, Purification, Protection, Balance, Clarity, Grounding, Healing, Hope, Innocence, Optimism, Peace, Truth, Willpower

White can take the place of any other color when not available. Just a bit of visualization is required.

Black - Acceptance, Afterlife, Banishing, Binding, Determination, Endings, Justice, Loss, Release, Break, Security, Grief, Negativity, Patience, Persistence, Rebirth, Strength, Self Control

Red - Assertiveness, Courage, Creativity, Energy, Desire, Loyalty, Motivation, Power, Survival, Change

Yellow - Action, Communication, Learning, Finances, Business, Intellect, Inspiration, Knowledge, Wisdom, Stimulation

Pink - Acceptance, Affection, Beauty, Compassion, Healing, Family, Harmony, Kindness, Longevity, Nurturing, Partnership, Prosperity

Green - Abundance, Agriculture, Beauty, Creativity, Family, Fertility, Healing, Luck, Environment, Nurturing

Purple - Authority, Enlightenment, Spirituality, Emotions, Imagination, Influence, Truth, Wisdom, Overcoming Fear

Orange - Adaptive, Ambition, Confidence, Courage, Discipline, Energy, Freedom, Justice, Positivity, Pleasure, Stimulation, Travel

Blue - Honesty, Truth, Trust, Dreams, Sleep, Mental, Wisdom, Leadership, Fertility, Marriage, Healing, Study

Brown - Endurance, Animals, Balance, Courage, Grounding, Stability, Protection

Silver - Awareness, Intuition, Money, Purification, Potential, Stability, Success, Celestial

Gold - Abundance, Ambition, Money, Happiness, Power, Influence, Solar energy

Even if you aren't aware of it, the type of candle and the type of wax it is made of may have an impact on your craft. It can all come down to functionality or magical implications.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are tall, thin candles with a tapered top; they are often placed in vintage, smaller candle jars and are more ornamental and symbolic. Shorter taper candles are typically used to seal objects with wax. They can, however, be utilized for any task.

Pillar Candles

There are many different types of pillar candles, but these are the ones I see used almost exclusively. They differ from being short and fat to being tall and slim. They can be utilized for a variety of purposes, but I've found that rituals are where they're most useful.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are little and barely taper more at the base. They are frequently placed in glass candle holders and are used as offerings to deities. Given that their modest, tapering size is what makes them votives, their sizes rarely fluctuate. But they do come in a variety of colors. They are often white.

Tealights

Tealights are tiny, thin, and short candles. You can use them to make offerings, perform spells and rituals, decorate, or even keep wax warmers warm. I frequently observe this kind of candle being used, largely because they are the least expensive candles available.

Now, let's go over some of the different wax types.

Beeswax

It used to be difficult and dangerous to obtain beeswax, which added to the candle's mystique and spiritual power. Beeswax is a natural substance that burns more slowly, making it a premium item among contemporary candle spiritual practitioners; yet, because of its price, it may not be the best choice. Beeswax candles are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and hues and can be rolled, poured, or dipped. Longer ancestral rituals that demand higher vibrations and purpose work best with these candles.

Soy

People who use earth magic sometimes like soy candles since they are natural. Although they tend to burn for a shorter period of time than beeswax candles, they keep fragrances quite well. When dressed, they can also be extremely fragile and challenging to mold or carve. The majority of soy candles are already housed in glass. They are most effective when utilized in ancestral rituals for healing and rebirth.

Paraffin

Since it's a byproduct of the petroleum industry, many people consider it to be less natural than the available alternatives. The fact that it releases chemicals like toluene into the air makes it a poor choice for poorly ventilated areas. Other than providing the foundation for candles, I haven't discovered any sources that discuss the magickal powers of paraffin itself. I found a few for petroleum jelly, which is frequently used as a foundation for herbal salves, but they mainly praised how simple it was to use as an ointment. Even our non-human ancestors may have used petroleum, according to some sources, which makes it a solid foundation for ancestor magic.

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Making Moon Water

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back everyone! Since we've covered an introduction to Lunar phases, I figured it'd be a great time to have a quick lesson on moon water! In this lesson, we're going to talk about what exactly moon water is, different methods of making it, and how we can use it in our craft! Let's get to it. ♡

What Is Moon Water?

Humans have revered the moon and all of the lunar energy it offers since ancient times. Numerous religions and activities place a significant emphasis on the moon. The moon is viewed by many of these religions as a goddess-like figure that is crucial to human existence. These beliefs and behaviors frequently use the moon as a guide or energy conduit. Moon water is frequently used in witchcraft, Wicca, and other spiritual disciplines. The idea of moon water actually dates back to the early to mid 1800s and is associated with witchcraft. Moon water is simply water that has absorbed the energy of the moon by being exposed to it for an extended amount of time.

How To Make Moon Water

Many moon water recipes found online suggest placing a container of water outside in the moonlight. Even though that is undoubtedly a component of the standard recipe and a precise description of the magic's external, visible shape, creating moon water takes a little more than simply pouring some water outside. Any good moon water must be carefully crafted; while the moon and all it represents provide the majority of the blend's power, it is the witch who must weave the threads that eventually unite these energies to make it all possible. You must tell the moon where to direct its energy, and you must tell the water where to locate the energy's absorbent medium. In the absence of that, all you have is some water that has been left outside. You must actively participate in the creation of moon water if you want it to be as successful as possible.

Fill a non-plastic container with water to start. Some recipes specify that water must be procured from a natural source. While water taken straight from a natural source, such rain or a lake, will have a stronger intrinsic "charge" and a more distinct magickal imprint, it may also include bacteria, parasites, organic or chemical pollutants, and it might also be contaminated. Drinking water, such as purified spring water or even regular tap water, is a more practical and convenient option for some workings because it is widely available and creates a secure and drinkable potion foundation. The type of water that is suitable for your recipe will depend on how you plan to use the moon water.

Bring the water container outside, put it close to a window, a wall outside, or a high position inside your house. The water can be heated, cooled, or left at room temperature. Spend some time contemplating the moon and focusing on the purposes you have for your moonwater. Will the water to absorb as much moonlight as it can by visualizing it literally opening to the energy of the moon. Directly invite and ask the lunar energies to enter the water by focusing your heart on the lunar essences you want to add to your concoction. It could be beneficial to picture energy connecting threads running from your body to the moon and from the moon into the water in your container. Imagine the water's internal structure truly altering, its vibrations rising as it takes in and harmonizes with the moon's energy flow. As you call on the moonlight to illuminate the water and assert your witchcraft by telling it what it should become, have faith in your instincts and your links to nature.

Any lunar working will benefit from a simple moon water, which will also strengthen any spells cast to advance healing, foster love, increase psychic power, or foster creativity. Moonlight, water, and the witch herself are the only necessary components of a moon water. If you'd like, you can add stones or plants that more directly reflect your aspirations, but be careful not to include anything poisonous to a potion that you want to consume or apply topically to your body. Witchcraft frequently involves the use of toxic herbs, and many common stones can leach toxins into moonwater.

Ways To Use Moon Water

Moon water is both a blank canvas and a carefully crafted work of wonder. It can be modified with additional components to fit any particular magical aim you may have, used as a base for other potions to increase their magical potency, or used as a spell all by itself. The moon's phases can also be used to make moonwater with various properties. With the exception of abstaining from ingesting any harmful substances and avoiding contact with potentially irritating substances, there are no restrictions on how you can utilize moon water. Here are only a few suggestions.

Anoint your ritual spaces & tools before a magical working

Use it in cleaning to bring in certain energies

Use it to cast a circle

Use it in glamor magic by washing your face and hair with it

Freeze in ice cubes for quick elixirs

Use for scrying

Dip your paintbrushes in them to add enchantment to your art

Drink it & cook with it

Water your plants with it

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Monthly Special ♡

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Ancient Craft & Occultism

More On Spellwork

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By KB

Introduction

Whew…it's been a rough few weeks. Thanks to everyone for holding out and being patient with me as I try to get things together. Anywhooo - welcome back to class ♡ We're going to sink our teeth a bit deeper into the sweet and savory taste of spellwork! Last time, we went over the basic foundations of spellwork - raising, gathering, directing, releasing, sealing, and conducting a spell! Today, we're going to discuss different energy currents to create for your spell, talk a bit more on sealing the spell, and were going to talk about some mishaps that may happen during spellwork.

Energy Currents/Tethering

Scientifically, this would be a conduit you build that acts as a battery to send the surge of energy towards your goal - the exchange of potential and kinetic energy. If say, you were to create a tether from the sun, or moon, or a power plant, or your favorite waterfall, to say, yourself, you would be taking potential energy from that source and storing it (like a battery) in yourself. Until you used it, in which case you would convert that energy into kinetic energy.

You have the ability to intentionally direct energy currents from one energy source to another, much like a connection of attachment forms between you and whatever you hold dear. Even while these may require some upkeep, they are perfect if you are working on anything that calls for a lot of concentrated energy.

Typically, it functions best when there is a charged object between which you wish to establish a cord of conduit and an energy source. For this, it's crucial to connect with your personal energy, visualize, and open your mind's eye. When the chord has developed, you'll notice it. You can now construct a constant flow toward your directed target for the spell once the cord has established. The best part is that, like with a typical chord cut, you can toggle it off at any time as if it were a switch.

Sealing The Spell

For magical activities, endings are immensely potent. If you know what you're doing, you can exploit endings' strength to make your magic more effective. If you are executing a ritual to rid yourself of a problem, sealing the ceremony is a means to make sure that the energy of the ritual stays concentrated on eliminating the problem rather than fading away. By sealing the ritual, you permanently lock the ritual's energy in place. You strengthen your will by establishing that concluding contract. Something coming to an end provides closure and can help define limits. It might provide as a space to unwind and consider what has happened.

A sealed spell keeps out unwelcome effects similarly to how sealing a jar keeps out undesirable air. Sealing your spell is crucial for any practitioner who wants to have long-lasting effects because of these advantages. Your spell becomes more enduring and less prone to change if you seal it. This indicates that your magic will be considerably more difficult to change, which may be advantageous if your spell was well-written. But if you wind up regretting it, it may be a problem.

Making ensuring your spells are properly tied and secured to prevent alterations without your consent is known as sealing them. A sealed spell is comparable to saying "amen" or "so mote it be" following a working. It is a declaration that you have completed applying magic to this specific spell and is followed by your name. Even in secular circumstances, such as when signing a lease for a new car, there are rituals for finality. When you sign it, the intention (the new car) becomes yours.

The feeling that something has been left undone or that the spell itself has no effect can result from failing to seal a spell. Your spells must be sealed in order to be as focused and powerful as possible. It's possible that you won't have enough energy, that you won't be able to control your magical power, or that you won't know what to do next if you don't seal them properly. You might think the spell hasn't fully taken effect yet or that something is missing. If everything was done correctly, though, you would be fully aware of what needed to be done, where you needed to go, and how to get there.

Which brings me to our next section…

When Spells Take a Left Turn

Even the best of us experience it. You compose a spell with an intent, prepare all the necessary components and tools, cast the magic, and then something goes wrong. This section aims to explain the numerous reasons why spells go awry, their causes, and solutions. Now, please keep in mind these are not all of the ways and reasons as to why spells go wrong, but rather what I have found to be the most common through interactions with novices.

Nothing Happens

Simply understanding how a spell functions will go a long way in explaining this. In many ways, a spell is actually rather simple to grasp. It simply involves raising and accumulating energy, giving that energy a purpose or direction, and then releasing the energy into the world with the use of a catalyst. The "release" or "catalyst" is the crucial component in this. A spell that fails and does nothing is a result of the catalyst in this equation not functioning. It was not powerful enough to elicit the anticipated response, resulting in a transformation reaction that would cause the energy to move and flow toward its intended use. Energy returns to the source it was drawn from, as it cannot be generated or destroyed.

The majority of us experience fatigue or exhaustion after casting spells, which is natural. It is because of all the effort and focus we put into attracting that energy to us for use in our operations. The fact that we continue to feel exhausted and drained after casting a spell contributes to the difficulty in determining whether or not it was successful. It's important to keep in mind that the spellwork and energy pulling, rather than the actual energy movement, are what cause the tiredness.

This pattern of spell work, generally the catalyst, is the main cause of a spell failing 99% of the time. Any spell's catalyst is as basic as your knowledge and trust that it will work. You are not releasing the magic into the world and preventing the energy from taking form and shape if you don't believe the spell will succeed. Instead, that energy returns to being what it was before. When you cast a magic, the knowledge and trust that the spell will work give the spell its physical shape. Your faith gives it shape, even though the energy fuels it and the goal provides it direction. There is nothing to keep it together without that form. Imagine it as a bucket that is gathering water. Water serves as both the energy source and the function of the spout, but without a bucket to hold it all together, it simply empties onto the ground.

Backfiring

When a spell you cast backfires, it can cause the magic to act arbitrarily, work on someone else, and have several terrible side effects on you (with purpose, yes, getting to the end goal, yes, but still having random events thrown in being unpredictable to say the least). Contrary to popular opinion, a spell backfire might not harm you or even have any effect on you, therefore the name "backfire" is somewhat misleading.

This is exemplified perfectly by the next example. Imagine casting a charm to help secure a new loan you are requesting. You followed all the instructions exactly (or so you believe), but when the time comes to apply for the loan, you are rejected. Yet a week later, a friend of yours learns that she was given a loan even though her credit was considerably worse than yours. This was a miscast spell. You weren't impacted by it, but your friend was. Let's say you're being harassed at school and you want that person gone. You do a quick banishing spell to get them to go away, and they comply. However, all of a sudden your other pals start acting distant and cold toward you as well, ultimately abandoning you. This is an illustration of a spell that you cast that did its job but injured you in the process by leaving you alone rather than just removing one person.

A distraction when casting a spell is typically the most frequent reason for a spell to go wrong. In order to avoid this, it is crucial to always maintain a proper focus while performing any spell work. A spell's energy and working are very important.

Imagine the magic as a bodily cell. It develops, acquires mitochondria and nuclei, has a definite purpose, and strives to carry out that purpose. Imagine a virus entering a cell and altering even a single strand or minuscule portion of the double helix in the DNA. As a result, the cell might stop functioning, behave strangely, develop cancer, etc. In this illustration, the virus is the interruption that occurred during casting the spell. Even though it is minute, transient, and faint, it can have a terrible impact on how the spell functions as a whole.

Our thoughts shape the energy that generates and regulates spell work. A spell is not sentient; it does not think for itself; instead, it functions similarly to a computer. To get the computer to do what you want it to do, you must follow a series of protocols. When you are distracted, the computer doesn't know or care; it simply incorporates that into its program. This is why concentration and intent are so vital.

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Beginner Class - Moon Phases

Introduction to Moon Phases & Lunar Magic

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to class everyone! Today we're going to have a small introduction to lunar magic & discuss the Moon phases! The Moon has been significant in myths and customs all around the world from the beginnings of human civilization. It has been used as a light source and a chronometer for ages. Similar to the Sun, it has been associated with a variety of deities all throughout the world. This heavenly body has always been connected to many fundamental aspects of human existence, including love, passion, fertility, mystery, death and rebirth, and the afterlife, in both myth and magic. The Moon continues to play a significant role in Wicca and other contemporary Witchcraft and Paganism practices.

Briefing of the Moon

The Earth has its own energy, which is separate from the energy it receives from the Sun, according to scientists. The Moon also gives off a faint yet distinct energy. The energy of the moon is feminine and receptive as opposed to the masculine, projective energy of the Sun. Anyone who has experienced the Moon's physical pull can understand why its power is frequently described as magnetic. At the Full or New Moon, some people who are especially sensitive really experience a physical tug in their bodies, while others merely have a heightened awareness of everything around them.

The feminine, receptive, and magnetic energy of our own intuition is perfectly suited to engage with lunar energy. This is the most important mode of perception when it comes to magic, often known as our sixth sense. Therefore, when we intentionally connect with Moon energy, we are creating a channel for that energy to help bring about the necessary changes in our life. And we can actually increase the power of our magical activity when we do this in conscious sync with the energetic rhythms of the Moon's cycle. This is so because each moon phase offers unique energies that can be tapped into for special magical purposes.

Working With The Moon

Moon magic is the practice of enhancing spellcraft by utilizing the power of the moon and its cycles. You undoubtedly already know that spellwork and rituals are frequently performed during the full moon by magical practitioners. It's simple to use the moon for your intended purpose because it is at the peak of its metaphysical potency. However, depending on the kind of spell work you wish to conduct, all phases of the moon offer strategic advantages.

Lunar magic is a type of sympathetic magic in which practitioners align their spells and witchcraft with the moon's cyclical phases. Lunar magic users interpret the moon's changing phases as having characteristics that are helpful for various purposes, sorts of spells, or rituals. Each phase, from waxing to waning, has a magical correlation that guides a witch's work. The connections come from humanity's long history of using the moon as a calendar, navigational aid, and fertility symbol. The moon has traditionally been associated with masculinity by many civilizations, but in the modern West, the moon is frequently associated with femininity and is connected to women, fertility, and feminine cycles.

Now, all of this may seem historically complex and even scientifically oriented (and it certainly can be! ), but working with the moon is a flexible sort of witchcraft that allows for "choose your own adventure" thinking. It can be as intricate and challenging as you wish, or it might just be about interacting with the natural rhythms' exquisite beauty. You can focus all of your magick on lunar living or you can just perform a ritual for the new or full moon whenever it is convenient for you. Don't be afraid; the moon is not erratic and is always present. Simply get in and give it a go however seems appropriate to you.

Moon Phases

Witchcraft practitioners frequently use the moon's phases and their corresponding rituals to give their spells and rituals a little extra strength or to just serve as a reminder to focus on different things throughout the month. Although I'm here to offer inspiration and suggestions for how to use the moon in your magical life, how you work with it is distinctly particular to you, so this post isn't the be-all and end-all of lunar magic.

Here are the fundamentals. In witchcraft, we frequently add a ninth phase before the new moon, which scientists would regard as the same. However, there are eight moon phases every month according to science. The lunar cycle begins with the dark/new moon, increases or waxes until it reaches the full moon, then shrinks or wane until it reaches the dark moon, when the cycle resumes.

9 Moon Phases

Dark Moon

New Moon

Waxing Crescent

First Quarter

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous

Last Quarter

Waning Crescent

The intents, spells, and rituals associated with each of these stages include banishing, abundance, shadow work, manifesting, times of release, and times that attract things toward you. It is claimed that aligning your magical activities with the moon's phases can help you tap into their energy and encourage the results you want.

Dark Moon

The moment has come for destructive magic. Not necessarily "harmful," but now would be the ideal moment to cast a curse or hex. The optimum time to perform magical work to eliminate or banish strong spirits, addictions, or illnesses is during the Dark Moon. Do not waste this opportunity. It is advisable to use this time for something that presents a real threat. Also a fantastic time for divination and soul-searching. The black moon phase is all about the unconscious mind and is most frequently employed as a period for dream work, ancestral remembrance, and divination. Take advantage of this stage to really explore your inner thoughts. Turn inward, meditate, and consider your course of action. Simmer your soul in a hot ritual bath, or have a deep-tissue massage to release accumulated trauma.

New Moon

Moon mapping practitioners assert that the new Moon is a good time to reflect on significant issues or make broad plans for the next lunar cycle and beyond. The new Moon is focused on concepts of attraction and invitation. As a result, the majority of new Moon rites focus on sowing seeds for the future, which makes sense given what's going on in the heavens.

Waxing Crescent

The waxing moon looks to be expanding. This period's magnetic energy aids in bringing things out. The optimum time to work with beneficial magic is during this full waxing phase. This is the ideal moment if you want to develop a more optimistic outlook or greater patience. This is the moment to cast spells for self-improvement, such as enhancing psychic talents or learning information about a new class.

First Quarter

The First Quarter Moon is all about appeal from the outside world, whereas the New Moon is all about going within and bringing out. It is the best moment to do any type of magic that involves luring something in—whether it's a person, success, money, or anything else. Additionally, now is a great opportunity to return lost items.

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous Moon's energies, which are still in the 'constructive' magic phase, are excellent for giving anything you've been working on that may have stalled that extra push. Use these energies to give you a boost and help you resist temptations if you are having trouble staying motivated to complete a task or maintain a routine.

Full Moon

The Full Moon phase is the most potent of the cycle, making it the best time to deal with any pressing problems or difficulties you may be experiencing. Concentrate your rituals and spells on issues that are most crucial to your life. Additionally, this is a perfect time for magic and meditations centered on psychic growth, spirituality, and divination. The Full Moon is the time you would use for increased power when you are confronting really challenging problems, even more so than the Dark Moon. Full Moon magic is designated for those significant aspects of your life that require significant changes or boosts; it is not only for small jobs. It is best to focus on priorities during this period.

Waning Gibbous

Working on spells to banish is an excellent idea at this time because waning energies repel rather than attract. During the fading phases, minor banishings can be carried out. The ideal time to clean everything in general, including your house, yard, office, personal items, magical instruments, etc. It is best to end everything during the Waning Gibbous period, whether it be a commercial endeavor or a romance. Self-reflection is also an excellent thing to do at this time. Think on your past and inwardly rather of focusing on the future. Perform spells and rituals during this phase that are intended to perform minor banishings and cleansings. Now is a great moment to reflect and identify anything that is no longer in line with your goals.

Last Quarter

This is the ideal time to go through any challenges you've had to face while working toward your objectives. Use charms to help you overcome obstacles that might encourage you to give up. The same is true for whatever transitions you may be going through; take advantage of these energy to iron out any kinks and make the procedure move more smoothly.

Waning Crescent

The energies are more suited for larger banishings, including getting rid of anything that has been depleting your energy and stealing your joy. Work with the energy of this time to eliminate anything from your life that you wish to just get rid of. Focus your spells and rituals on the intentional dumping of anything that you no longer desire, whether it be quitting a fruitless project or ending a damaging acquaintance or relationship.

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Beginner Class - Introduction To Spellwork

Introduction to Spellwork

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome to Chapter 5 of the beginner Class! Woo-Hoo!! Only 2 chapters to go. We're diving head first into the world of spellwork! Today, we're going to be discussing the key elements and underlying foundation of any spellwork in order for you to begin casting your own spells confidently.

Ultimately, spells serve as intermediaries that unify entities through concepts. Though there are infinite ways to create a spell, there are different types of spells based on how entities are joined. These patterns of connection demonstrate the different ways a spell can create — or break — a bond.

Intention

We've all heard this a thousand times, I'm sure. Spellwork requires focus of intention. While this isn't necessarily the most important part of spellwork, it does play a major role in helping direct energy. Your intention is your reasoning for casting a spell. The important part about intention is to hone in on this as specifically as possible. When your mind is focusing on your intention, it gives less of a risk for scattered or unwanted energies to interfere with your work. It allows you to focus all of your personal energy into one facet, rather than having a hand in every cup. This is one of the most important factors within preparing for spellwork. It's also important to remember to keep your correspondences in association with your intention, as it will help keep your focus.

Raising/Gathering Energy

When you actually begin to cast your spell, you must know how to raise and collect energy in order for it to carry out your intent. Allow yourself to get in a relaxed state of mind until autopilot takes over. You know this feeling - it's when you're so focused on something you're absolutely immersed in the work without even realizing it. You're not thinking about what you need to do, what could happen, or anything else for that matter. Once you have achieved this state of mind, it's time to raise and gather this energy. There are multiple ways of going about this, so let's go over some of the most basic.

Chanting/Mantras

By repeating your intention, you are speaking it into existence, thus raising the energy of your intention. You begin to forge a connection between your mind, your reality, and the intention itself.

Sensory Immersion

Using our biological human senses can be more valuable than you'd like to think. This somewhat ties into correspondences, but if you surround yourself that naturally raise this energy within you - you'll have a much easier time gathering the energy you need to direct.

Visualization

Personally, my favorite way to raise energy is through visualization. Symbolism and imagery has a profound effect on the human subconscious. When you're able to visualize your intentions and symbolism that is directly linked to your intention, it will significantly raise the energy levels for your spellwork.

I'm sure there are several other methods of raising energy, such as drum circles, dancing, activity, and even more, but these are the most common within spellwork. The main thing is to keep your mind focused on your intention. You will begin to feel the energy levels rise through your method of choice. Once you have reached the "crescendo", it is time to move to the next step.

Now, this could take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, to several hours. It depends upon the practitioner, the spell itself, and several other factors. Experiment with raising energy in different methods to find your jam.

Direct & Release

Directing is nothing more than keeping your mind focused on your intention. I know this is a bit repetitive, but human mind's are funny, especially those who are neurodivergent. It's very easy to get distracted - but it is essential that you don't! We don't want any energies that don't align with your working to interfere with anything at all.

As far as releasing goes, there are several ways to do this as well. Burning, breaking, or tearing objects seem to be the most common method, but you could stomp, shout, or use any other motion if it feels right. Sometimes people infuse their spells into food or drinks - in which you would eat or drink in order to release this energy. Once you feel you have released the energy you raised in the initial phase, it is time to "seal" your spell.

Again, there are several ways to seal a spell. Some like to seal it with a phrase such as "so mote it be", others may opt to draw a sigil with an athame or wand in the air, or just a simple gesture. This is all very personal, so just go with what feels right for you. Once you have finished, it is EXTREMELY important to take care of your energy levels. Ground out, eat a good snack, and go outside to let Mother Earth absorb your excess energy.

Create A Channel

This is essentially creating a connection to flow freely between you, your intent, and the worldly energies swirling around. This is the action you must take in order for your work to come to fruition. For example, if I cast a spell to meet new people, I may choose to volunteer at new places, create a profile in a new online space, visit the dog park - anything that puts myself in a position in which the energy has potential to manifest. Without putting action behind your intention, remember, that's just "wishcraft".