#witchcraft101

[wiccapedia-author]

[ivysanctum]

🌖✨ The Waning Gibbous Moon: Time to Cut the Ties ✨🌖

Feeling weighed down by old patterns?

Witches know that the Waning Gibbous Moon is the perfect time to finally let go. Traditionally linked to the Crone aspect of the Goddess, this period invites deep reflection, purification, and the cutting of ties that no longer serve you. It's also a great opportunity to express gratitude for the lessons learned and the progress made. Use this phase to clean house and set the stage for postive change.

🕰️ Phase Duration: 4~6 days

🧙‍♀️ Ritual for Banishing Negative Attachments 🧙‍♀️

🕯️ Start with a black or gray candle—these colors are perfect for releasing and protection. Pair it with Amethyst for clarity and Obsidian for grounding. You can also (always) use a Black Tourmaline for protection.

🪄 Cast a circle to create a sacred space for your ritual and light your candle. Focus on the negative influences or habits you want to banish from your life. Picture them as weights tied to you and dragging you down.

Write down each of thes burdens on a piece of paper. Hold it and chant this incantation 3 times with intent:

🔥 By the waning Moon’s glow I release what must go As the flame burns These cords dissolve I am complete, I am free, New energy is called to me 🔥

Burn the paper in the candle’s flame and watch your troubles turn to smoke and dissolve. Scatter the ashes near a big plant or a tree, or bury them, as a final goodbye.

Close your ritual by thanking the energies supporting you and reflect on the space you’ve cleared for new, positive growth. 🌿

🌔✨ Elements associated with the Waning Gibbous Moon ✨🌔

These elements align with the Waning Gibbous Moon's themes of release, protection, and transformation. They support banishing rituals and can help you clear away what no longer serves you:

🕯️ Candle Colors: Use Black to banish negative energies and provide strong protection. Gray complements this by neutralizing and dissolving residual negativity.

💎 Crystals: Incorporate Obsidian for grounding and protection. Smoky Quartz transmutes negative energy into positivity. Black Tourmaline is the strongest crystal for shielding against negative influences, and Onyx helps with releasing old patterns and providing strength.

🌿 Herbs: Sage is ideal for cleansing and purifying. Mugwort enhances spiritual clarity and protection, while Rue helps dispel negative energy and offers an extra layer of protection.

🌬️ Incense: Burn Myrrh to deepen spiritual cleansing and purification. Cedar is also powerful for driving away negative energies and safeguarding your space.

🌿 Essential Oils: Cypress helps to release and transition. Pine renews and purifies, and Patchouli supports grounding and protection.

🎴 Tarot Cards: Use The Hermit for introspection and wisdom, Death to signify transformation and endings.

Incorporate these elements into your ritual to fully harness the Waning Gibbous Moon's energies, supporting your intentions for release and protection. 🪬

Follow for more magick and witchy tips 🔮💜

#IVYSANCTUM

[grey-sorcery]

Suggested Reading

*- Highly suggested for beginners

What is Witchcraft?* Fundamentals of Energy Work* Spell Design* Basics of Warding* Basics of Binding Basics of Banishing Introduction to Gnosis* Spell Dictation Anchors Paths of Least Resistance* Conceptualization Vs. Visualization* Research Tips* Threshold Theory

Introduction

When first stepping onto the long winding path of witchcraft and mystical understanding it can be very intimidating, especially when it comes to casting your first few spells. The catch is that designing and casting spells is the only way to advance forward in your practice. It's a case of knowledge Vs. experience. Sadly, there isn’t much in the way of educational media on the topic of spell design, magic theory, and casting processes. This causes most practitioners to turn to Wiccan or Ceremonial sources for their initial research, neither of which are viable foundations for a well-rounded, effective and efficient craft. 

Trinity of Spellcasting

Intent, Headspace/Focus, Passion are the cornerstones of spellcasting. These elements create the network or threshold in which spells pass through to their target. These concepts are also the root of what constitutes a spell. Intent is the designation of the target for the spell. Headspace is the sight in which the spell is aimed. Passion is the fuel that fires the spell towards the target. Without pure intent, the spell will apply broadly, lowering its potency and lead to potential unwanted side effects.  Without a honed headspace, the spell will flicker out or lead to unpredictable results. A lack of Passion will cause a spell to be weak, ineffective, or latent. 

Spellcasting Process

Before casting a spell, there are some preparations to be made, especially when first starting out.

Decide on what spellcasting method you’d like to use.

Find and gather any representations, correspondences, and environmental boons for your spell. (Enviromental boons being things like candles, music, incense, or a physically clean space.) If you are using incantations, be sure to memorize them to the best of your ability.

Set aside time and energy for casting. Try to ensure that you will not be interrupted.

Cleanse all tools and components that are going to be used.

Enter into a state of gnosis or trance.

Prepare your subtle body and energetically prepare all tools and representations.

Take your actions for casting, being sure to consciously do energy work as you do.

Calm or center yourself and do a physical movement that helps take you out of the headspace. (Ex. snapping, clapping, jumping, ringing a bell, etc)

Cleanse yourself, tools, representations, and the space.

Beginner Friendly Spellcasting Methods

Here are some methods for casting. They can be used in any combination, if desired. I often use all three in my spells.

Sympathetic Casting: Method of casting through items, herbs, crystals, taglocks, etc that are representative of your target, headspace, passion, and correspondences. These items create a mental network of concepts in order to cast. 

Energetic Casting: Utilizing energy work to build constructs that contain all necessary components for a spell and then delivering it to the target.

Gestures: Using gestures to program the naturally existing energy into the components for a spell before delivering it to the target.

Intent, Desire, & Goals

Intent and desire are very different concepts. Intent is an inner truth, while desire is something that is wanted. Goals are an expectation of an outcome. For example, I am vehemently against capitalism and the notion of another’s loss for my benefit. Because of this inner truth, I struggle immensely with casting money magic, no matter how strong my desire is. No matter how clear my goal is.

Headspace, Aesthetics, & Visualization

Witchcraft and spellwork cannot be reliant on visualization and aesthetics. They are useful tools for constructing a strong headspace; but, using them alone will result in a spell not working, being ineffective, unpredictable, and/or weak. Using aesthetics to build yourself up will result in your spells working much better. Visualization isn’t energy work, but a tool to aid in planning and casting a spell, much like a wand. Aesthetics are an environmental boon. It helps build confidence, and assurance. 

Focus, Trance, & Gnosis

Focus is the purpose of the headspace. The combination of the two is called a state of gnosis. When spellcasting, trances and states of gnosis can be extremely useful practices. Trances may be induced with *substances, music, self-hypnosis, etc. Trance makes it easier to be of one mind about the spell you’re casting. Gnosis is a meditation-like state in which one embodies the very concepts that make up a spell. In a state of gnosis you become the working, allowing the mind to become of a singular essence. *-I am not suggesting using substances, nor condoning it. Merely stating that it is possible and is used by some practitioners.

Passion, Channeling, & Mental Health

When casting, it is in good practice and easy to get swept up in whatever emotions are involved in your spell. Emotions are channeled from the caster into the essence of the spell, empowering it. Depending on the working, this can be unhealthy or even dangerous if not done within reason and self-awareness. Channeling certain emotions can lead to triggering trauma responses or even cause trauma. Remain mindful of yourself and what emotions, memories, and/or actions may lead to worsening or feeding into mental-illness. 

The Importance of Keeping a Spell Log, Critical Thinking & Objectivity

Especially when taking your first steps, keeping a log of your workings will allow you to remain objective and aware of your past casting. If a spell backfires, or has unwanted results, having a detailed log of your workings can make the canceling process much easier. Keeping a log will also aid in studying your craft as objectively as possible. Recording an estimation of when the spell should take effect, the specific goal, and qualifications of success will allow you to judge whether a spell was successful or not. When a spell isn’t successful it becomes a learning opportunity. Figuring out which components worked, what processes could be improved, etc. will help advance your craft rapidly if you cast regularly. When doing these studies, you are conceptualizing aspects of magical theory, or a critical approach to magic. 

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[triciamfoster]

Herbal correspondences for your grimoire: Lavender

[cantva190]

About Love Spells❤️

The Different Types of Love Spells. Sweeten ( sweetening ) : enhance positive feelings and improve coexistence. Domination: It is used to control, subdue or tame someone Although I want to give a small clarification, it is not only used for matters related to love, it is also used to dominate enemies. Tie up: to strengthen love bonds Make a person you loved come back. For most, Sweeten ( sweetening ) is considered white magic. Because it doesn't hurt. and tie up dominate like black magic. Because it hurts the other person. Because you are forcing him to feel something that he no longer feels towards you. Why are you forcing that person to be with you even if they no longer want to. Furthermore, you are closing the opportunity for that person to meet Someone else ,and not only to that person but also to yourself,You Are closing yourself off from the opportunity to meet someone else. Or it may end up becoming toxic or obsessive. Sometimes the best thing is to let go and let go.

[daddysdem0n]

Pentagram vs Pentacle

Pentagram:

a pentagram is usually used for invoking and evoking

the points of the pentagram represents the element of earth, fire, water, air and spirit, with the spirit on top representing the divine ruling over the material world

inverted pentagram:

the inverted pentagram is still connected to the elements, but now spirits is at the bottom, showing the material world is ruling over the divine. It is meant to show the powers of the individual and not the powers of a divine or dogomatic system

The inverted pentagram has been used to represent the horned God

Pentacle:

a pentacle is usually used for protection and power

same thing as the pentagram but it is now unified and protected by a circle

the pentacle also represents male and female energy mixing together in a symbiotic relationship. The pentacle being the male energy and the circle being the female energy

inverted pentacle:

shows the unity of the elements inside the individual power and it's still a powerful protection talisman

[poisonnxkki]

The Witch's Calendar & The Sabbats🔮

This beautiful artwork depicts a Ukrainian tradition but I imagine that ancient pagan celebrations likely looked similar.

What are the Sabbats?

The pagan sabbats are the 8 religious holidays associated with Wicca. Although these holidays come from many different places, they were complied into the wheel of the year by a Wiccan. Most witches celebrate some variation of these holidays even if they are not Wiccan. The sabbats were specifically chosen to correlate with important transitions within the seasons (like the equinox, etc.) so it is common for witches from a variety of different practices to celebrate during these days.

The witches wheel of the year begins on Samhain (or Halloween), which is considered the witches new year.

Where do They Come From?

The witch's wheel as we know it comes from Wicca, although all of the sabbats originate from other traditions. They were first gathered and incorporated into modern witchcraft by Wiccans. This is why some witches choose not to celebrate the sabbats in the format present below. Some will only celebrate the sabbats that are meaningful to them, while others will incorporate them (amongst other celebrations) into their ritual work. It all depends on the practitioner and what they want to do.

Many of the sabbats originate from Celtic culture with evidence of several celebrations found in Ireland, Britain, Scotland and Wales.

Celebrating the Sabbats:

Note: Pinterest has many different offering/celebration ideas so if you are looking for more ways to celebrate, I suggest going there!

Samhain- when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. The last harvest festival and a time to celebrate past ancestors. Offering can include apples in honour of the dead.

Yule- the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. Signifies the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. Offerings can include yule logs and holly.

Imbolc- a celebration linked to fertility and rebirth. The halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Offerings can include Brigid's crosses.

Ostara- the spring equinox and a germanic holiday. This is the time to plant seeds and begin projects. Offerings can include coloured eggs and is strongly associated with the rabbit.

Beltane- celebrates the coming of summer and is the halfway point between the equinox and the summer solstice. Offerings can include a bonfire, a maypole and lots of dancing. This is still celebrated across Europe as May Day.

Litha- longest day of the year and the summer solstice. Signifies the shortening of days. Offerings include feasting and honey cakes.

Lughnasadh- halfway point between the solstice and the fall equinox. The first of three harvest festivals and signifies the ending of summer and the coming of fall. Offerings include bread and wheat.

Mabon- the fall equinox and the second of three harvest festivals. In hellenic paganism, it is when persephone travels to the underworld. Offerings can include fall leaves and acorns (or other tree nuts).

*All images are from Pinterest*

🖤For more information on the sabbats and their origins, check out this website:

Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a symbol of the eight Sabbats (religious festivals) of Neo-Paganism and the Wicca movement which includes four sola

[mysticinfluencermilkshake]

✖ COLOR CORRESPONDENCES ✖

ʀ ᴇ ᴅ

elemental: fire.

planetary + astrological: aries, scorpio + mars influencing saturn.

associated chakra: root.

associated body parts: bones, teeth, nails, colon, prostate, rectum + blood.

magical association: passion, fire, courage, strength, power, joy, renewal, energy, health, motivation, desire, ambition, leadership, self-esteem, business deals, combat, confrontation, buying & selling, mechanical things, repairs + hunting.

ᴘ ɪ ɴ ᴋ

elemental: ---

planetary + astrological: venus influencing mars.

associated chakra: ---

associated body parts: muscular system.

magical association: personal success, self-love, personal harmony, friendship, calming, romance, harmony, passion, partnerships, getting a move on, physical energy, sex, action, exercise, surgery, buying, selling & adopting animals, gardening, woodworking, new beginnings, honor, morality, emotions, femininity, breast cancer, homosexuality, compassion, relaxation + infants.

ᴏ ʀ ᴀ ɴ ɢ ᴇ

elemental: fire.

planetary + astrological: sun, leo + sagittarius.

associated chakra: sacral.

associated body parts: pelvis, kidneys, uterus, bladder, lymph, sperm, adrenalin + digestion.

magical association: relieving depression, feelings of abandonment, increasing opportunities, happiness, mental alertness, breaking down barriers, material gain, kindness, sealing a spell, harvest, strength, dominance + legal matter.

ʏ ᴇ ʟ ʟ ᴏ ᴡ

elemental: air.

planetary + astrological: mercury, taurus + libra.

associated chakra: solar-plexus.

associated body parts: lower back, spine, gall bladder, pancreas, liver, spleen + digestion.

magical association: healing, friendship, increase productivity, remove negative thinking, increase creativity, inventiveness, prosperity, self-esteem, beauty, life, humility + intellect.

ɢ ᴏ ʟ ᴅ

elemental: ---

planetary + astrological: sun.

associated chakra: ---

associated body parts: ---

magical association: money, inspiration, prosperity, wealth + power.

ɢ ʀ ᴇ ᴇ ɴ

elemental: earth.

planetary + astrological: venus, mercury, aquarius + cancer.

associated chakra: heart.

associated body parts: upper back, spine, shoulders, breasts, heart, lungs, respiratory system + circulatory system.

magical association: increasing love and trust, faeries, general healing, wellness, transformation, new beginnings, prosperity, money, career, employment, hope, immortality, rebirth, garden magic, herbal magic, fertility, luck, courage, change, peace, harmony, relationship success, beauty, soul mates, artistic ability, affection, partnerships, alliances, grace, luxury, social activity, marriage, decorating, cosmetics, gifts, income, gardening, gardeners, architects, artists, cosmetologists, chiropractors, dancers, engineers, entertainers, fashion, models, designers, music, painting, poetry, courtship, dating, household improvements, planning events + shopping.

ʙ ʟ ᴜ ᴇ

elemental: water.

planetary + astrological: jupiter, moon, virgo, capricorn, aquarius + pisces.

associated chakra: throat.

associated body parts: neck, throat, thyroid, lungs, ears + mind.

magical association: increase wisdom, wealth, joy, opportunity, patience, peace, truth, loyalty, meditation, introspection, insight, happiness, fidelity, remove confusion, the ocean, elevation, calming, long distance travel, higher education, political power, social standing, dealing with foreign cultures/countries, religion, philosophy, forecasting, broadcasting, publicity, expansion, luck, growth, sports, horses, legal matters, doctors, guardians, merchants, police officers, psychologists, charity, self-improvement, research, studying + reading.

ᴠ ɪ ᴏ ʟ ᴇ ᴛ - ᴘ ᴜ ʀ ᴘ ʟ ᴇ

elemental: ---

planetary + astrological: mercury, saturn, capricorn, jupiter, gemini + sagittarius.

associated chakra: brow.

associated body parts: face, nervous system, upper respiratory system, bones, eyes, ears, pituitary gland + emotions.

magical association: clairvoyance, relief of emotional hurt, spiritual protection, heal wounded pride, spirituality, wisdom, increasing psychic powers, meditation, justice, forgiveness, humility, the occult, hidden forces, secret dealings, memory, intelligence, communication, intelligence, education, correspondences, messages, students, merchants, editing, writing, advertising, contracts, kinship, ambition, progress, visiting friends + astrology.

ᴡ ʜ ɪ ᴛ ᴇ

elemental: ---

planetary + astrological: moon + pisces.

associated chakra: crown.

associated body parts: brain, pineal gland + semen.

magical association: safety, protection, transformation, enlightenment, connection to higher self, becoming more outgoing, relieving shyness, the cycle of life, freedom, health + initiation.

ʙ ʟ ᴀ ᴄ ᴋ

elemental: earth.

planetary + astrological: saturn,

associated chakra: ---

associated body parts: teeth + bones.

magical association: use in combination with white to represent balance, opposites, the union of opposing forces. Divination, beginning, creation, rebirth, absorbing energies, patience, binding, stability, neutralizing forces, material gain, protection, karma, death, manifestation, law, understanding one’s limits, overcoming obstacles, challenges, tests, real estate matters, farming, sacrifice, separation, criminals, civil servants, plumbing, justice, wills, debts, discoveries, elders + truth.

ɢ ʀ ᴀ ʏ - s ɪ ʟ ᴠ ᴇ ʀ

elemental: ---

planetary + astrological: moon.

associated chakra: ---

associated body parts:---

magical association: divination, secrets + psychic awareness.

ʙ ʀ ᴏ ᴡ ɴ

elemental: earth.

planetary + astrological: scorpio + capricorn.

associated chakra: ---

associated body parts: ---

magical association: security, friendship, animal magic, nature magic, generosity, fruitfulness, new beginnings, harvest, the health of pets & livestock, endurance, grounding, strengthening, solidifying, sound decision making, improved concentration, focus, telepathy, finding lost things + anything to do with animals.