Witches Journey

I've been a practicing witch for going on seven years now. I've recently wanted to blow more life into my faith by starting a blog. This is a blog about my journey as a college witch focusing on personal growth, resources, and community.

[pyrokittycat]

Save our rivers and oceans please.

[thegoddessisafoot]

From summerland spirit festival 2016

[thegoddessisafoot]

The Magic of Conflict

by Leora Effinger-Weintraub at Paganicon 2016

I went to a really interesting panel talking about how elements relate to conflict styles. I’d never thought about this before and how maybe channeling that element or another element may help find a resolution to a conflict more quickly. In general, the five core concerns that lead to conflict are appreciation, affiliations, autonomy, status, and role. When one of these is infringed upon, the spiral of conflict resolution occurs. 

The spiral is viewed as a model to view conflict resolution as an evolving and continous process that you may start/end/revisit throughout a relationship. The spiral brings us back to a new starting point, but with a different perspective of each other and the situation and hopefully new skills. 

Clarity- define  Expression- explore core concerns Creation- make options Synthesis- develop solutions Resolution- reach agreement Clarity- new position

Perhaps being able to channel an element will give more clarity to be able to move through the spiral more effectively. 

Heres a quick overview of the elements and what style the associate with: 

Earth- Avoiding 

This is characterized by low assertive and low compromising aspects. With this style, you tend to just not address the issue. This can be a positive thing however. This especially good for in situations where you need to step back and gain some perspective or the whole conflict needs to cool down a little bit. This relates to Earth as earth doesn’t push back. It is steady and doesn’t rise to meet. However, it also has the highest mountains and deepest ravines to be able to gain the height for perspective and depth of calm. 

Fire- Competing 

Characterized by assertiveness (or aggression) and uncooperative tendencies. In this style, your own goals are above others. As negative as this sounds, it can be highly beneficial in immediate emergencies and issues where you wouldn’t change your views, like core values.  This is embodies in fire because of its heat and power with no regard for what it burn. 

Air- Compromising 

Give and take, a kind of combination of the above two. In this you pursue your own goals but not to an extent that you wouldn’t change. This is really good in finding a quick middleground in a conflict. However, generally most of the time both parties are not 100% satisfied with the outcome. It’s the true give and take of conflict resolution. This is embodied in Air as symbolized by breath. The give and take of life: you breathe so trees can and vice versa. 

Water- Accommodating 

Characterized by being unassertive but working together. You put others goals before your own in a self-sacraficing way. This is highly effective in situations where you realize you’re wrong or the issue is really more a fire conflict to the other person. However, this does have the negative aspects of never putting yourself first if you use it too often. This is embodies by water as it accepts what flows into it and also changes to fit the container that it is. The real element of change for you. 

Spirit/Center- Collaborating

Highest in assertiveness and compromising with high flexibility. This is kind of the “gold standard” where you work towards a resolution that 100% satisfies everyone. It can be highly time consuming but is great for very important things, to gain commitment, and to really learn someone else's views.  Embodied by spirit as it is all but none and you come together to make something new, like each persons spirit upon birth.  References:  Image: http://thematerialmavens.blogspot.com/2012/03/lindas-quilt-4-or-5-elements-for.htmlThe Magic of Conflict by Leora Effinger-WeintraubBeyond Reason by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro 

[thegoddessisafoot]

I'm at Paganicon 2016!

Come say hi if you're here! Look out for some new posts on things I learned!

[thegoddessisafoot]

Travel Witch

So I’ve been busy traveling for the past 4 weeks and man is it exhausting. Here’s 5 tips I used to stay connected and grounded in the Goddess, even with a hectic travel life without all my usual tools. 

1. Blessed Salt If you’re like me and staying at hostels, you’re probably cooking your own food. I found that having some blessed salt to add to the food/boiling water/etc. could add that little touch of the goddess without it seeming weird. 

2. Journal A lot of people journal when they travel and once you’re in the habit, it’s an easy thing to do. For the 170 days I’ve been away from home, I’ve written something for everyday. Whether it’s just how I’m feeling or what I did or questions I had it was a way that I connected to myself, reflected on the day, and became more mindful of myself and my life and thus the spirit. Not only that, it’ll be nice to read back one day on all your adventures!

3. Mediation Playlist i spent a good amount of time on planes and buses and learned that these down times are a good time to meditate and focus on myself. Download a meditation app on your phone or some guided tracks. I made myself a playlist of soothing music to meditate to on the bus. 

4. Shower  See my Shower Power which was easy to do everyday,even while traveling.

5. Appreciate  Every time you travel, its going to be a different experience. Once a day, take the time to just thank the goddess and the world for the amazing places your seeing and the opportunity you have to see it. It doesn’t have to be a big thing but for example when you’re walking on the beach pick up some sand and let it fall and say your thanks. 

[nubbsgalore]

[nubbsgalore]

stop and smell the flowers. photos by vyacheslav mishchenko

[lizzrobinett]

THIS IS THE KIND OF CONTENT I WANT TO SEE

[ashesofgold1-deactivated2018041]

Simple Sea-Water Spell

I am very interested in the beauty of sea-witchery. But I live over 4 hours away from the ocean right now. I would love to go and fill several jars with real ocean water, but I can’t practically do that. This spell is intended to MAKE your own sea water.

What you need:

A glass jar with a lid, preferably clear or see-through blue/green

One blue candle and one green candle

Purified water (bottled is fine)

3 tablespoons of salt

Optional:

One drop of blue food-coloring

Sand (store bought, or gathered from somewhere. I live in the desert. I can gather it easily. A creek or river sand works, too.)

Method: Perform at night on the first night of the full moon.

1. Light your blue candle and chant: 

“Divine is the ocean

For she holds life’s mysteries inside her

A mother to the marine

She loves the moon, for it guides her waves”

2. Fill the jar halfway with water.

3. Pour in the 3 tablespoons of salt and the same amount of sand.

4. Light the green candle and chant:

“Mother ocean, lover of Luna,

Please breathe life into my water

Give it the energy and power of the sea

Let mermaids sing to me inside the jar”

5. Put one drop of blue food-coloring in the jar, and fill it the rest of the way up with water. Seal the jar and shake it up.

6. Let the water charge outside or in your window under the light of the full moon for 3 nights. During the day, put the water in your closet or in a dark space. Keep in a dark place after the 3 nights until you choose to use it.

Enjoy your ocean water!!! Use it in your practice if you wish to have the power of the ocean give your spell energy.

[thegoddessisafoot]

Definitely good option if you aren’t close to the ocean! (Prob what I’m gonna do when I’m home in a month) 

[thegoddessisafoot]

Unique Meditation: Scuba Divng

I’ve found a very meditative form in scuba diving that I thought I’d share. 

Just like in meditation, you want to focus on your breathing and your body.  For breathing, it has a very meditative feel in diving. To conserve your air to get a longer dive time, it’s important to breathe deeply and evenly and keep an eye on the amount of oxygen you have left. Otherwise being mindful of your breathing.  For the body, you try to be very aware of where your body is going via buoyancy. The goal is to achieve neutral buoyancy where you just hover in the water, thus you need to be conscious of how your body is moving in the water. Then, when you’ve maintained that buoyancy it’s almost as if your body doesn’t exist.   Sound is an important focal point for me in meditation and it again shows itself in diving. You hear the sound of your breath moving in through the regulator and the bubbles being expelled through the regulator. A rhythm that’s quite soothing really.  Finally, you’re diving for a reason and that’s usually to see something underwater. There isn’t anything quite like breathing underwater that allows you to connect with that aspect of nature. 

Overall, once I realized how similar meditation and scuba diving were, I’ve come up much more relaxed after dives and more intune with myself and my surroundings. 

[ladyofthem00n]

Landlocked Sea Witch Salt

I use this sea witch salt to cast circles, amplify sea witch spells, and scrying, etc. as a landlocked sea witch (hopefully not for long) this sea salt has really helped my craft! It can be altered for every kind of sea witch, if you are keeping your craft a secrete or sharing it with the world! I used Rosemary as my herb because it has strong connections to sea witch craft, enhances magickal and psychic connections, and has protection properties. 

 You will need:


 -Rosemary essential oil (or dried herb)

 
- sea salt
- sea shell powder/ crushed seashell 


- moon stone 


- small jar, container (I used an empty spice jar) 

Combine a few drops of the essential oil or dry herb to desired amount, add sea salt, moon stone, sea shell to container. Ground and center yourself, charge with thoughts and feelings of the moon and ocean. I like to specifically add the way I feel when I first touch the ocean waters when I go to the beach. Think of the way the moon and tide affects you. After charging with your intent, shake the container to mix ingredients, leave outside or in a windowsill to bathe in the moonlight for one night. 


And there you go! 
Use it to cast circles and add to ocean/moon spells to help you feel close to the sea💙🌊

[wiccanink]

Dollar Store Secrets

Jars

Candles

Statues around Halloween

Little dishes and plates, good for altars

Books for bibliomancy

Little journals and notebooks

A frame (to create a black mirror or to place pictures of your God in)

Organizers and containers

Knives, for use as athames or bollines

Craft supplies

Herbs

Salt

Goblets, good as chalices

Altar decor (little flowers, etc)

Incense, incense burners

Matches

Garden stones. Paint runes on them, instant ruin set.

Check out your local dollar store or thrift store! Witchcraft doesn’t need to be expensive!

-Alerisa

[thegoddessisafoot]

Been super busy with exams

But I'll make some posts soon I promise!

[pyrokittycat]

Guess what I’m being for halloween?

[theowlandthekey]

witches cottage

Oh to be a witch in the woods…

[forgedinmetal666]

These rule

[thepunkgreenwitch-deactivated20]

Could you give me some tips to get started?

This is gonna be a long ass post. My apologies. Anyone is more than welcome to add to this list.

Blogs I recommend: X

 Beginner Witchcraft

Old Motherredcap’s Reading List

Advice for beginner witches

Things to consider

Defining “witchcraft”

Magic and witchcraft

Research for Newbie Witches

Websites for Herbal Properties and Useage

Different Types of Witchcraft

Secular Witchcraft

Cultural Appropriation

The G word

Spells and charms for Beginners

Dispelling Spells

Lavender’s Wishing Spell

Burning Bridges Spell

Chocolate Money Spell

Spell to Ease Jealousy

Emotional Cleansing Spell

Rainbow Protection Bottle

Wreaths for Protection and Happiness

Energy Bath

Motivation Chant

Pick me up Cleansing Jar

Protection Jar

Rosemary and Lavender Smokeless Cleansing

List of Cleansing Spells

Meditation

50 Meditation Tips

An Earth Meditation

Benefits of Meditation

Breathe & Relax

Grounding, Centering, & Shielding

Grounding - Grounding Techniques - Ungrounded Symptoms

Grounding & Centering

Centering

Shielding: (1) (2)

Budgeted Witchcraft:

Tips & Tricks for Frugal Witches

Moonstone Beginning’s Frugal Pagan Resource

A Witch in a Pinch (Blog)

Budget Witch (Blog)

Witchcraft on a Budget

Being a Witch on a Budget

Budget Witchcraft (Site)

Accumulating Witch Stuff on a Budget

Ways to Practice Witchcraft with Little or No Money

Chaos Magic:

Chaos Magic in a Nutshell

What is Chaos Magick? 

Chaos Magic- The Misunderstood Path

Chaos Magick (a multitude of articles pertaining to chaos magic)

Introduction to Chaos Magic

Chaos Magic Theory

Chaoism & Chaos Magic: A Personal View

Oven-Ready Chaos; Phil Hine

Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic- Peter J. Carroll

Sigil Crafting:

A Beginner’s Guide to Sigil Craft

Ways to Use Sigils 

Sigils Reboot: How To Get Big Magic From Little Squiggles

An Essay On Sigil Crafting 

Practical Sigil Magic- Frater U. D.

Sigilmaking with Lee 

Sigil Magic: Making a Magical Sigil

Sigils… 

Sigil Daily: Creation & Activation

Magic/Sigil Circles 

Chaos Magic: Basic Sigil Magic

Sigils 

A Brief Overview of Sigil Magick

Sigils and Seals 101 

Sigils

Sigil Crafting Method 

Creating a Sigil

Sigil Masterpost (gif warning!)

Sigils in Theory and Practice

How Do You Make Sigils? 

On the Preparation and Usage of Sigils

Sigil Magic

Sigil 101 

Practical Sigil Magick

The Sigil Bowl 

Sigil Basics

What Are Sigils? 

Making Outdoor Sigils

Online Sigil Generator

Sigilisation

Sigil Magic

Sigil Making Process, by Rook 

Sigil Making Process, by Richtor 

Sigil Charging:

My Super-Physically-Mentally Intense Method of Charging Sigils…

How to Charge Sigils 

Firing Off Sigils

A Personal Method of Charging Sigils 

How to Charge a Sigil Playing Video Games

Charging Your Sigils- A Brief Explanation 

Charging and Firing Sigils 

How to Use Sigils 

The Fae Resources

Books

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries – W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies – Robert Kirk

Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry – Yeats

Treasury of Irish Myth, Legend, and Folklore – Yeats

The Fairies in Tradition and Literature – Katherine Briggs

An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, & Other Supernatural Creatures – Katherine Briggs

The Vanishing People: Fairy Lore and Legends – Katherine Briggs

The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld – John Matthews

Through the Faerie Glass-Kenny Klein

Websites

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries (Sacred Texts)

The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies (Sacred Texts)

Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland – Lady Wilde

Puck – That shrewd and knavish sprite called Robin Goodfellow

The Fairy Family: A Series of Ballads & Metrical Tales Illustrating the Fairy Mythology of Europe

The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries

“The Fairy Doctor” – Lady Wilde

Sacred Text: Fairy Mythology Index

Divination

Tarot

All About Tarot

All About Tarot Readings

Many Different Uses For The Tarot

Tarot Deck Outline

Choosing The Tarot Deck That Is Right For You

What To Look For In A Tarot Deck

Choosing A Tarot Deck Just For Reading Others

Connecting With Your Tarot Deck

Top 3 Beginner Tarot Books

When To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

How To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

Recharging Your Tarot Cards

Cleansing Your Tarot Reading Space

Purifying Your Tarot Cards

Three Ways To Shuffle Your Tarot Deck

Six Ways To Choose A Tarot Card

How To Clear Your Tarot Deck

How To Store And Care For Your Tarot Cards

Minor Arcana Keyword Chart

Tarot: Quick and Dirty Keyword Sheets

Tarot Cheat Sheets

Tarot Reversal Keyword Sheet

Major Arcana Meanings

Court Card Interpretations

The Major Arcana

Court Cards In Tarot

The Tarot Suits

Tarot Suit Info Cards

Topics You Can Use In Your Own Custom Tarot Spreads

Great Topics To Ask The Tarot With Only 1-3 Cards

Four Decks To Help You Create Your Own Tarot Spreads

How To Design A Tarot Spread For A Client

Classic Tarot Spread Positions

Interview Your New Tarot Deck

Effective Tarot Questions

How To Create Your Own Spreads

Tips When Reading Tarot For Others

New And Old Tarot Traditions

Four Myths About Fortune Telling

Fortune Teller Isn’t A Bad Word

Quirky Tarot Habits

Six Types Of Tarot Readers

4 Easy Steps to Learn Tarot

How To Read Tarot Cards

Why “Free” Tarot Readings Are Not Ever Really Free

How To Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards

What To Do With Jumper Cards

Tarot Exhaustion

Tarot Relaxation And Grounding Exercise

Four Tips On Reading “Negative” Tarot Cards

How To Deal With “Going Blank” During A Tarot Reading

Tips When Reading Tarot At A Special Event

Ideologies That Hold You Back As A Tarot Reader

Six Mistakes To Avoid When Reading Tarot For Yourself

How To Obtain The Clients Energy During a Tarot Reading Without Them Touching Your Cards

Reading Tarot With Confidence

Scrying

How to

Lithomancy

How to

Runes

Interpretations

Glamours

Glamoured Shower Disks

Goddess Glamour Bath

Witch of the Waste’s Glamour Enchanted Jewelry Spell

Blood Magic

Ethics and Safety

PSA to Blood Witches

Blood Magic 101

Starting Blood Magic

When you’re no longer a beginner

Blood Christening

How Not to Use Blood Magic

Sexual Sangomancy and Blood Bonding; Pros, Cons, and Safety

Blood and Bone Magick

Use of Blood in Folklore and Magic

Potions

Quick Guide to Potions and Lotions

Herbal Brews Introduction

Herbal How To: Infusion

Herbal How To: Tinctures and Extracts

Minerals that are NOT Suitable for Adding to Water

Magical Properties of Herbs, Roots, Flowers, Barks, and Resins

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Poisonous Herbs: Hazards

List of Poisonous Herbs (Magical Uses and Safety Warnings)

Familiars

What are they?

Is this my familiar?

The Familiar Self

Familiars and Gender

The Three Kinds of Familiars

Plants as Familiars

Working with Plants as Familiars

[thegoddessisafoot]

for my beginners out there <3

[thegoddessisafoot]

Laptop Concentration Spell

I have a laptop that I use for Uni most of the time. I have a bad habit of getting distracted while doing work so I came up with a little spell to aid in concentration. 

Supplies:  - Decal paper  - Pen/Permanent Marker  - Scissors - Electronic wipes (2) Process:  Take the decal paper and draw a symbol for concentration on it. It can be anything: and owl for wisdom, a C for concentration, whatever. I used the rune Mannaz, the rune for increasing intelligence and bringing success to study and mental power. I drew this rune on the decal paper with permanent marker and carefully cut it out.  Next, I held it in my hands and focused my energy into it on what I wanted it to do. I then took the first electronic wipe and cleaned the place I was going to stick it to. You can really put it anywhere, on the bottom of your laptop, the cover, by the keyboard, wherever. Mines right next to the mousepad. As you stick the decal down, invision yourself sticking to your goals that you want it to bring.  Lastly, I did a full cleanse of the keyboard by taking the other electronic wipe and pushing intellectual and focused energy into the wipe. I then cleaned my keyboard to help me keep my fingers doing what they’re supposed to do (like writing a paper and not typing in facebook). 

And voila! Done! 

[wiccateachings]

Tonight and tomorrow will be the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower. There will be hundreds of shooting stars in the night sky. Remember to make a wish if you see one.

[thegoddessisafoot]

Hi! I was just wondering if you would know anything about seances and how I would go about one etc? Thanks so much:)

Okay so the first things I always say about seances is this: 1. Why do you want to do a seance? 1a. Is there an alternative method 2. Do NOT attempt if you’re a beginner 3. Be very, very careful

Now a little more detail: I’ve only ever been to one seance but I have friends who have done it before so that’s where my knowledge comes from. You gotta first ask yourself why you want to do a seance. Just for shits and giggles? Contacting a dead relative? Think a presence has been around you and wanna talk to them? Really think on it. And obviously, if your reason isn’t a strong one (like a just because reason), don’t do it. That is asking for trouble. If you have a strong reason (wanna talk to grandma), see if there is something simpler you can do: an altar inviting them to your area, divination, prayer. Try this first. It’s simpler and easier.

I can’t emphasize the whole don’t do it if you’re a beginner to the craft or seances. Just don’t. I wouldn’t even want to hold a seance and I’ve been practicing for 7 years. If you feel like you must, try and find an experienced medium (someone who leads seances) to be there to help you and guide you. If you’re new and don’t know the ins and outs it can be bad.

Finally, be very careful. From what I can tell, seances require a large amount of preparation and caution. Especially caution. You don’t want to invite a bad spirit. Again why someone experienced is necessary.

As for how to conduct one, that would be a very long thing to write as well as I wouldn’t be able to give you the complete guide. Maybe try thepaganstudygroup? They might be able to give you further resources. Or put some feelers out for someone to contact you that knows more than I do.

-Lily

[chemicalheart-deactivated202009]

No neo-pagan needs to use smudging Ok you can use all kinds of things for purification like incense, water, salt, u really don’t have to use anything from closed cultures find a different way seriously

[approximate-ritual]

There are even non-appropriative forms of smoke cleansing, particularly for those of you with a basis in heathenry. See recaning!

[burningstarshine]

i dont quite understand how its appropriative, can somebody explain for me please?

[thegoddessisafoot]

Smudging is a Native American term and sacred rite. Taking that from the closed religion/culture that is the Native Americans way is appropriating their culture and taking away its importance. Just call it smoke cleansing and find a different herb (even a dif kind of sage) other than white sage to use to conserve it (as it's becoming endangered) and to preserve it for a culture where it is very important.