#stellar witchcraft

[henbane-and-honeysuckle]

Offering to the stars on the cloudiest, foggiest night I've ever experienced. Looks like a cotton blanket across the sky

[space-queen]

How might one define the practice of a celestial witch from a personal perspective, in contrast to the more commonly accepted or mainstream definitions? What are the key similarities and distinctions between the individual interpretation and the broader understanding of celestial witchcraft?

❤︎ Curious but also just giving you a topic to write with. ❤︎

i loooooooooooove this! i think the best way to answer this is to just spill my heart out so here we go.

people have always always always worked with the planets, lunar phases, etc. obviously, but, detailed information about things like the outer planets and other celestial bodies wasn't really available or easy to find when i started writing about all this in like, 2016 i believe.

i think it's important to note that some of my observations below are from that time period.

like, i couldn't find correspondences for constellations. i couldn't find correspondences for a black hole or a nebula or a supernova. my version of cosmic/celestial witchcraft encompasses the entirety of this universe, not just a few objects or aspects. so i made my own correspondences and rituals and started a practice of my own and called it cosmic witchcraft.

the second part of this is that planetary magic is more common in the realm of ceremonial magic: invoking and evoking spirits, lots of rituals and dedication involved. i tried it out for a while - it's a lot. i could not stick with it, i didn't really vibe with it, and eventually found out that it's not mine to practice anyway and that's the honest truth. i decided to work with the planets from the perspective of an eclectic, secular witch who does folk magic. the associations i have for the outer planets are LARGELY UPG that was formed from a lot of research on medieval and renaissance astrology and a lot of modern science. information for these things has come from a variety of sources but mainly the picatrix and the three books of occult philosophy. i have a couple of translations of both so i like to cross reference information to make sure i have the most accurate understanding and interpretation of the info i am reading.

little tidbit: the three books of occult philosophy does mention the outer planets but only in reference to the deities they are named for because the outer planets had not been discovered yet.

third part: science. i am a nurse. i believe in evidence based practice. i believe that science and witchcraft are friends. i think space is cool as fuck. so i have spent a lot of my free time learning about astronomy - lately i have had a special interest in fixed stars and the colors of astronomical objects based on their temperature and the elemental composition of them. i have even crafted magical correspondences for the elements that make up the planets ! hehe neat.

my practice heavily incorporates science, and from that i have created magic.

number four: astrology? i think that people automatically assume that a cosmic witch is someone who specializes in astrology but that's not really what i was going for. not to say it's not an important part of it! but not in the "horoscope, personal traits" kind of way like people might think.

i think that covers a lot of key points about my practice and how i define it.

tldr; cosmic witchcraft is a folk practice that incorporates all aspects of the cosmos

thank you SO MUCH for your question - i loved answering, it really gave me something to think about and stimulated my brain so again, thank you!

and, like always, asks are always welcome!

[songsofbloodandwater]

RE: people online talking about how Mercury Retrograde affects them negatively or urging others to do protection work because of this and that eclipse or trine or conjunction or stellar event of your choice. May I bring a different perspective to the table?

I haven't personally felt any negative repercussions. I have felt pressure and shifts here and there, but I wouldn't call that negative or malevolent. I actually only felt a surge of energy recently and, in fact, even did a money working on the day of the last eclipse!

Put down the pitchforks, I am a witch but I'm not senseless. I simply don't see any stellar events as inherently beneficial or malevolent. I find that reductive. Movements, conjunctions, eclipses, anything about the luminaries... is all part of the wider spirit ecosystem and part something else. Part warning and part lesson, and part opportunities that you're invited to take... or resist. It all becomes subjective when you take into consideration who these events are affecting and what the person is doing in relation to that.

You wouldn't call a wildfire inherently malevolent, yet it is destructive. It's simply nature finding it's way. It is an important part of many ecosystems ensuring fertility of the land and the correct sprouting of those seeds that need warmth and ash to grow. Same thing with those considered "malevolent" stars... they're wildfires or, given the current placement of certain Luminaries that seem to worry some of you so much, perhaps you can see them more as floods. A big flood. Where you can learn to go with the current or try to go against it and keep doing whatever it was you were doing before the flood happened.

So, forgive my ecologist brain for having no better way to explain this but see, if you're a very dry soil acclimated plant with no tolerance for salty marshgrounds, you'll obviously see this spring tide as malevolent. You could even argue that the sea is out to kill you, and you're a poor little innocent land plant. Evil Ocean. But other species thrive in the intertidal. I'm having the time of my life.

Assess your current situation, in all that is material and mundane and also in all spiritual fronts, consider what Spirits (up among the Stars, or related to them) may be working with you or against you, and how. You'll likely find more allies than enemies. That by itself is a reassurance, and you'll do good staying by their side until your "problems" are solved. Reorganize and restructure your plans accordingly, with the help of these allies. That could look like protection, yes, but hiding away in a little magic bunker isn't the one solution to everything that presents a challenge to you, or that could potentially be harmful to you and yours either. Sometimes it means walking away until the tide is gone instead of burying yourself in the sand. Sometimes it means learning to swim.

Sometimes it means an orca could get a taste of mouse for the first time. Or Moose, or God Forbid! even a Wolf! Who would've thought. What a great opportunity for the otherwise unthinkable to happen. What a sweet reminder that these are things that not only do happen, but happen more often than we think, and acknowledging it could serve us...

Yes, orcas have been known to eat moose occasionally. Get with the program. Terrestrial mammals prey on sea life all the time, why wouldn't we turn the tide? (very bad pun intended)

The "Cunning" part of witchcraft people talk so often about is exactly that, not letting anything step on you, instead use it as a stepping stone. Do you want to be the plant, the moose or the orca?

I don't think any particular stellar events demand doing more protection work from me than any other regular time. You should always have protective measures around your loved ones. But specifically to those practicing magic in any way? Protection wouldn't be my first thought. Put those shifts to good use. Don't just aim to leave unscathed. That's not doing you or yours any favor.

One of my favorite astrologers made a post a while back saying "The stars impel but do not compel". I wholeheartedly agree and I believe specially us, as magical practitioners, should be able to rise above these events. Whatever that means to you and your spirits.

[stellar-witchcraft]

“In its own person the Swan hides a god and the voice belonging to it; it is more than a bird and mutters to itself within." - Manilius

[themanicnami]

Cosmic Witchcraft: Tools & Associations

Tools: Alien Shapes/Toys, Astroglobe, Astrolabe, Beads, Celestial Globe, Constellation Globe/Map, the Constellations, Dice, Fairy Lights/Garden Lights, Galaxy Patterns, Glitter/Edible Glitter, Glitter Jars, Glitter Lamps, Glitter Wands/Sticks, Glowsticks, Glow-In-the-Dark Stars/Planets, Glow-In-the-Dark Objects or Items, Images of Space/Planets/Stars/Astronomical Objects, Live-feed/Video of Sky/Astronomical Objects/Events, Lunar Calendar, Moon/Planet Lamps, Moon/Stellar Water, Night Sky, Pendulum, Pendulum Board, the Planets, Sky Maps, Star Charts, the Stars, Telescope

Colors: Black, White, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Magenta

Corresponds to: The Mind, Divination, Knowledge, Wisdom, Travel, Beauty, Justice, Cleansing, Empowerment, Astral Energy and Banishing

Crystals: Moonstone, Selenite, Pearl, Goldstone, Opal, Jade, Peridot, Amethyst, Obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian, Hematite, Garnet, Opalite, Fluorite 

Metals: Gold, Silver, Mercury, Iron, Lead and Bronze

Plants/Herbs: Lavender, Sandalwood, Parsley, Hibiscus, Passion Flower, Thyme, Violet, Cloves, Skullcap, Willow and Nightshade

Animals: Rabbit, Wolf, Owl, Dolphin, Sheep, Ram, Fox, Goat, Dog, Bear, Deer/Stag, Bull/Cow

Beasts & Creatures: Tiangou, Kitsune, Ziz, Sylphids, Water/Ocean Nymphs, Moon Nymphs, Werecreatures, Vampires, Moon Hare, Munpipuru (”People of the Moon”), Jade Rabbit, Pegasus, Phoenix, “White Tiger”, Nemean Lion, Azure Dragon, Lunar/Sky Dragons, Capricorn, Centaurs, Moon Men, Cosmic Horrors

Sense: Sight/Vision

Body: Head, Eyes, Spine, Core, Neck, Pelvis, Heart, Arteries

Cosmic Related Magic: Music, Astral, Energy Work, Dance, Cleansing, Banishing, Lunar, Stellar, Solar/Sun, Planetary, Dream Work, Communication, Divination, Trance Work, Psychic Work, Dowsing, Glamour, Illusions, Purification, Attraction and Deflection

*note: each planet and constellation may have specific correspondences related to them, use references for specifics when needed. These listed above are for basic overall correspondences for general work

Special Thanks to @moonfire-dahlia​ for assisting me with some correspondences!

Like what I do/post? Interested in letting me know? Feel free to buy me a coffee!

[loveaquariuslove]

can you be a hellenic cosmic witch and if so where can i read about it

[themanicnami]

Witchy Baths Masterpost

Here is a big masterpost of different types of baths for different types of witches! Use these baths before or after witchcraft to pump yourself up or to wind down. And you do not have to be any specific type of witch to use any of these baths. Any witch can use them.

Note: Many of these baths call for crystals. Research crystals before getting them wet. Many of them listed you should not put in water, instead keep them at the edge of your tub or near it.

Sea Witch Bath

Kelp Powder (1 tsp)

Sea Salt (½ tsp)

Coconut Oil (1 spoonful)

Coconut Water (½ cup)

Sea Glass, Sea shells, aquamarine, ocean jasper, abalone, pearl, larimar, coral, sand dollars and/or clear quartz

Wood Spoon

Blue and white candles (optional- ocean scented ones)

Steps: Light your candles before filling the tub. Once you start filling the tub add your coconut oil, coconut water, sea salt and kelp powder. With your spoon stir clockwise to help mix in the powder, which can take a bit. The water should turn a faint green tint (the more kelp you add the greener it gets but also the stronger the smell gets). Line your tub’s edge with your sea glass, sea shells, and gemstones. Be sure not to let the gemstones fall in the water, especially if they are ones that can’t get wet. Get into your tub and enjoy.

Note: Kelp powder smells very strongly of kelp, it is a scent I personally like but a lot of people don’t. Air out your bathroom a bit after the bath to disperse the smell. Also if you do not wish to smell like kelp yourself, rinse off after your bath quickly.

Swamp Witch Bath

Kelp Powder (2 spoonfuls)

Clay or Bath Mud like Moor Mud (read label for how much to use)

Green and brown candles

Wooden Spoon

Snail shells, alligator teeth, rounded rocks and any green gemstones you may have

Optional- Moss if you have potted moss to keep on the edge of the tub (or a moss bathmat)

Steps: Light your candles then begin to fill your tub. Add in your kelp powder and the mud, using your wooden spoon stir clockwise to mix. Depending on the type of mud/clay you are using the water will either turn very green to a dark brown. Line your tub with your gemstones, rocks, teeth and snail shells. If you are bringing in a moss plant or other plants keep them near the tub. Get into the tub and relax, if your moss is a stepable type of moss and in reach you can rub your fingers in it as you relax.

Note: Like the sea witch bath, you may want to air out the bathroom after your bath. This bath will smell much stronger of kelp and you may want to shower afterwards to avoid smelling strongly of kelp. You may have to rinse your tub to rid of mud used.

Forest Witch Bath

Pine Needles

Pinecones

Pine essential oil (2 drops)

3 bags of green or black tea

Green sachet

Mint

Cedar Chips

Green Candles (optional- tree or plant scented ones)

Steps: Light your candles and begin filling your tub. In you sachet add 1 part cedar chips and 1 part mint. Tie it shut and add to your bath as it fills. You may then add the pine needles to float freely or you may add them in a sachet as well. Add your two drops of pine oil once the tub is half filled to ensure it is well diluted in the bath. Add your tea bags into the water, line your tub with the pinecones and get in.

Note: essential oils can be harsh on certain skins, dilute the oil with a carrier oil and test on your skin to see if it affects you. If your skin is too sensitive for pine oil omit it from the spell.

Floral Witch Bath

Rose petals

Lavender

Chamomile

Meadow sweet/Sweet grass

Rosemary

Pink and/or Green sachets

Pink Candles

Rose Quartz and Milky Quartz

Floral scented candles or incense of choice

Steps: In your sachet(s) add your lavender, chamomile, meadow sweet/sweet grass and rosemary. Light your candles and incense. Once you begin filling your tub add your sachets, once tub is half filled add your Rose petals. Line your tub with your quartz and get in to enjoy.

Storm Witch Bath

Rain or Storm Water

Thunder/Lightning Charged Water

Acorns or Acorn caps

Black tea (2-5 bags)

Gray Candles

Sounds of rain, storms, and/or drums

Steps: Light your candles as your tub fills. Add in your charged water and rain/storm water as the tub fills. Add in your black tea bags. Line your tub with the acorns or acorn caps. On a laptop, tablet, or phone that is a safe distance from the tub, begin playing your sounds of choice. Get into your bath and enjoy.

Divination Witch/Psychic Witch Bath

Moon Water

2 bay leaves

Lemongrass

Marigold

Mugwort

Purple Sachet

2-4 bags Green Tea

Amethyst, Jet, Moonstone, Nuummite, Silver, Sunstone, and/or Tiger’s Eye

Steps: As your tub fills add in your moon water. In your sachet add 1 part lemongrass, 2 part marigold, and 1 part mugwort; add it to the filling tub along with your tea. Line your tub with the crystals and metals you have available. Once the tub is nearly filled add in bay leaves. Soak and relax.

Urban Witch Bath

Epsom Salts

Bubble bath of choice

Dyed Quartz, Crackled Quartz, Aura Quartz and/or clear quartz

Bath/Body safe glitter of choice

Sachet of Coffee Grounds (freshly used or never used)

Device to Play Music

Steps: Begin filling your tub. Add in the amount of epsom salts you usually use as well as your bubble bath. Drop in your sachet of coffee grounds when the tub is still filling. Sprinkle in your glitter onto the bubbles once the tub is about half filled. Start your music and line your tub with your quartz. Soak and enjoy yourself.

Tech Witch Bath

3 bags of black tea

Fairy lights, lamps, night lights, etc

LED Candles

Sachet of color of choice

Oatmeal/Oats

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Music Playing Device

Steps: set up your lights and LED candles as you wish. Be sure none of the wires are near the tub or where water will be, be safe! If you can turn off the main lights. Don’t do this if you can’t see well enough to move about safely! Begin filling your tub and add your tea. In your sachet add your oatmeal and add it to the bath. Start playing your music and get into your bath and enjoy.

Death Witch Bath

1/4th cup olive oil

2 spoonfuls of Salt (or more if desired)

Purified, bottled or moon water (at least 1 cup)

White Sachet

Rosemary

White candles

Myrrh, Frankincense, Jasmine, Chamomile, or Sage Incense

Obsidian, Jet, Onyx, Fire Agate and/or Garnet

Steps: Light your candles and incense; fill your sachet with rosemary. Begin filling your tub and add in your water, oil, salt and sachet. Let it fill to about half way before lining tub with your gemstones. Get in and soak and enjoy.

Stellar/Cosmic Witch Bath

Cosmetic/Bath/Body safe glitter in colors of choice

Star Anise

White Sachet

Basil

Chammomile

Orange peels/slices or Lemon peels/slices

Goldstone (blue, green, purple, etc)

Purple, white and blue candles

Steps: Light your candles before you begin to fill your tub. In your sachet add your Basil and Chamomile (about 1 part each). Add in your sachet and star anise as the tub fills. Add your glitters of choice to the water as well and until it glitters the amount you desire. Line your tub with the goldstone. Add your citrus peels or slices before you get in. Relax and enjoy your bath.

Note: Due to glitter you may have to rinse the tub after your bath.

Fire Witch Bath

Red Sachet

Red, Orange, and white candles

1/4th cup sunflower seed oil

Rosemary

Cloves

Marigold

2 drops red food coloring

Carnelian, citrine, lava stone, fire agate and/or red jasper

Steps: Light your candles before you begin filling your tub. In the sachet add your rosemary, cloves and marigold. Add the sachet and sunflower oil as the tub fills. Line your tub with the crystals and stones you have available. Once the tub is nearly filled add 2 drops of food coloring (or more if you want a more intense color). Get in and enjoy.

Note: food coloring shouldn’t stain your tub unless you use large amounts.

Water Witch Bath

Rain Water

Purified or Bottled Water

Moon Water

Cucumber cut into slices

Blue Sachet

Jasmine

Lemon Balm

Catnip

Aqua Aura Quartz, Moonstone, Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, and/or Pearl

Steps: Begin filling your tub. Add in your waters as it fills. In your sachet add in your jasmine, lemon balm, and catnip. Add in your sachet. As the tub fills line your tub with your gemstones and crystals. Once tub is about half filled add your cucumber slices and get in to enjoy.

Earth Witch Bath

Moor Mud

Agate, Jasper, Jet, and Quartz

Salt of your choice

1 cup oats/oatmeal

Brown or Green Sachet

Sage Incense

Steps: Light your incense before filling your tub. As the tub fills, add in your mud to the amount it states on package. If needed use a spoon to stir it clockwise to mix. Add in your salt. In your sachet add your oats before dropping it into bath as well. Line your tub with your gemstones before getting in.

Note: Due to mud you may have to rinse or clean bath afterwards.

Air Witch Bath

Yellow Candles

Yellow Sachet

Incense of choice

Cilantro

Lavender

Rosemary

Mint

Dandelion

Amethyst, mica, opal, tiger’s eye, and/or turquoise

Feathers

Sounds of wind or wind chimes

Steps: Set up your sound playing device to play the sounds you desire to listen to. Light your candles and incense before you start filling your tub. In your sachet add your cilantro, lavender, rosemary, mint and dandelion. Place your feathers near your tub but where they won’t get wet and ruined. Line your tub with gemstones and add in your sachet. Get into your tub and enjoy.

Solar Witch Bath

Gold and Orange Candles

Marigold Tea (2-5 bags)

Black Tea (1 bag)

Orange slices or peels

1 drop of a citrus essential oil

Sunstone

Steps: Light your candles before filling your tub. As your tub fills add in your teas and one drop essential oil. Place our sunstone near your tub or about the rim. Once tub is about half filled add in your orange slices/peels and get in. Soak and enjoy.

Note: essential oils can be harsh on certain skins, dilute the oil with a carrier oil and test on your skin to see if it affects you. If your skin is too sensitive for the oil omit it from the spell.

Lunar Witch Bath

Moon Water

Jasmine Tea (4 bags)

White and Silver Candles

Amethyst and Moonstone

Silver or White Sachet

Mugwort

Anise

Steps: Light your candles before filling your tub. As your tub fills add your jasmine tea bags. In your sachet add 1 part mugwort and 2 parts anise before adding it to the tub as well as pouring in your moon water. Line the tub with amethyst and moonstone before getting into the water and enjoying.

Special thanks to @cosmic-witch and @death-witch-envy for helping with my research for the Stellar Witch Bath and the Death Witch Bath. Thank you both very much for helping out~

[deadonthebottomoftheocean]

Cosmic witches: it can be hard to remember, but the Sun /is/ a star. He may not be a particularly strong one, but he still sustains all life on this earth. Sunlight /is/ starlight, and his influence on us is much more powerful than his distant brethren. If you're having a hard time connecting to stars, start with the nearest one.