The Adventures of a new Druid

Hello! I am very /very/ new to Druidism. Here is a blog documenting my journey

[beclectic-witch-moved]

Altar Tips for Beginners

Okay, so you’re a baby witch and you come to Tumblr looking for references on setting up your altar. There tend to be two extremes: People telling you exactly what they think must be included in an altar and then people telling you that you can set it up however you want.

While I agree that you can and should set up your altar in a way you want (there’s no right or wrong way to do it), sometimes when you’re just starting out, it’s hard to figure out what the heck to actually put on there. I know from experience. Here are some ideas for things to include on a beginner altar, utilizing items you might already have around the house!

A tablecloth, place mat, old t-shirt, etc. all work well for an altar cloth.

If you have a tarot deck, you can place it somewhere on the altar. You can also pick specific cards to feature around your altar, like The Empress to represent fertility, etc.

Rocks look great on altars! Even random rocks you dug out of your backyard! (Although you may want to clean them off first.)

While they might not look very fancy, you can put storebought containers of dried spices on your altar for easy-access. You could always switch them to nice jars or something if you want the aesthetic.

I like to put flowers and leaves on my altar because they help me feel more connected to nature. Fake flowers from a craft store are great too because they don’t wilt and they don’t trigger allergies!

Any magical item that you own and work with can go on your altar! This includes pendulums, spirit boards, scrying mirrors, etc. Remember that these don’t have to be fancy one-of-a-kind tools. You could even use that one dollar-store necklace you’ve been inexplicably holding onto since your third-grade birthday party as a pendulum.

Shiny things. Beads, gems, tinsel, metal cans, idk. I like to put shiny things on my altar. I swear I’m not several birds in a trenchcoat.

Have you ever found something random on the side of the street and kept it? Like a broken keychain or a shiny penny? I like putting those on my altar. They feel special, like I found them for a reason. One time I found a tiny broken ceramic bear head half-buried in my front yard. Obviously that’s gotta be magical, right?

Candles!!! You can never have too many candles. Especially fake candles. No fire hazards! Yay!

Feel free to add more! Remember the choice of what you put on your altar ultimately goes to you, but if you’re at a loss, I thought I’d offer some suggestions!

[thesiriusmystic-deactivated2018]

Don’t forget though, if you really can’t have a permanent altar or don’t want to you don’t NEED ONE.

[beclectic-witch-moved]

I completely forgot to mention that, so good point! There are thousands of different magical items and tools in the world, but the only thing that you truly need is yourself. The rest are just accessories in a sense.

[death-witch-envy]

Offerings for Deities

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post. I’m going to address one of the most frequently asked questions I receive: How do I give offerings? For some reason, many beginner books don’t dive into the specifics of this religious practice which many are unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help.

General Rules:

Offerings are given as thank-yous, as little gifts to say that you appreciate the deity’s existence. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be special in your eyes. For example, I often offer donuts or wine simply because I don’t buy those two things often.

Offerings should be appropriate for the deity you’re giving them to.

You’re allowed to get creative with offerings–in fact, the Gods even prefer that you do!

How often you give offerings in accordance to your practice is up to you.

You may give apology offerings for any offense you think you may have made.

Prayers, songs, playlists, and there intangible gifts still count as offerings.

You do not need an altar to give offerings. You can give offerings anywhere, at anytime.

Simply saying “This is for you” makes the object an offering.

Food Offerings:

Most food offerings are eaten after being offered. The main exceptions are Greek chthonic deities, and ancestors, in which case you do not eat the offerings. Research your specific pantheon to make sure if eating is appropriate or not.

There is no set amount of time to leave out food offerings. In fact, many worshippers will eat said offerings right after they offer them.

If you do not eat food offerings, you may throw them away, saying something like, “Though I discard these physical offerings, the spiritual offering remains”.

You may also bury the offerings. Make sure that the offerings will not harm the surrounding environment or animals. Do not bury them in a jar or plastic bag.

If you offer herbs, you may either burn them using a charcoal block or cauldron, or you may throw them out/bury them. While burning is certainly traditional in many pantheons, do not feel the need to if you will be bothered by the potent smoke or handling fire.

Liquid Offerings:

Liquid offerings are handled in the same way food offerings are, with the exception of oils.

You do not have to drink oils after offering them. (Drinking straight olive oil is pretty gross, and please DO NOT drink harmful essential oils!) I recommend pouring them into the ground outside, or into the trash can.

You may pour liquid offerings into the offering bowl, or, you may keep the liquid offering in a cup. I have a special teacup that I often use for offerings such as tea, but any regular teacup will do. After all, you are offering the liquid, not the cup.

Incense and Candle Offerings:

According to tradition, these offerings must be left to burn out on their own. I recommend lighting small tea light candles for these offerings, as big candles burn for a long time. However, some modern Pagans may blow, rinse, or snuff them out early to prevent a fire hazard.

Make sure to be present while the offering is lit, and make sure nothing catches on fire.

If you are bothered by incense smoke, using an essential oil diffuser or unscented candle works fine.

Although many Pagans recommend incense as a general offering, you do not have to offer it, or any candles, if they bother you.

Plant Offerings:

If you offer a plucked flower, you may leave it on an altar or table until it withers. Afterwards you may throw it away. Basically, you handle it as any other friend would had you given them a plucked flower.

If you offer a growing or potted plant, tend to it as you would your other plants. If it dies, that’s okay. Simply discard it as you would normally. The Gods understand that plants die, and They appreciate the beauty of plants while they last.

Other Offerings:

For objects such as stones, shells, or family heirlooms, keep them on the altar or somewhere else special. Ideally, you will not need to throw these away. If they get damaged somehow, and if you cannot repair them, you may throw them out, but give an apology offering and try to replace them.

For artworks or crafts, place them on the altar or hang them somewhere. Don’t sell your offerings; they are gifts you gave to the Gods and not yours to sell.

For songs, play or sing them anytime you’d like to connect or give something to your deity.

For writings, you may keep them, or some people might burn them to “send” to their Gods. Whichever way is up to you.

For e-shrines or other technological offerings, keep them saved in their own folder, keep them nice and up-to-date.

For magical tools, such as grimoires or wands that you dedicate, feel free to use them as normal. Just take care of them, and remember to thank the deity you devoted them to once in a while.

For daily or private actions, such as cleaning, giving to others, etc., simply think “This is for you” or send your energy to the God, and finish the action.

You may say prayers out loud, write them down, or simply think them in your mind. All are perfectly legitimate.

I hope I got all of this. Feel free to reblog or message with corrections, since I know I don’t know everything about every pantheon. Have a beautiful day, and have fun worshipping!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[thewindydruid]

I actually sat down and started to read The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer. I’ve only read the introduction and already feel a need to document my thoughts.

First off, I already like where this is going. It’s not a strict set of rules you have to follow. It doesn’t tell you exactly how you have to express your spirituality. They are guidelines. There is no one way to be a Druid and that speaks to me. No two people are the same so why should they have to worship the same? It just makes sense

Also it talks about being a Druid in the modern world. You don’t have to throw away technology or disown all modern inventions. As someone who is an advanced avid believer in science and the advancement of the world, it makes me happy that I can live in both worlds.

It talks about learning how to live with the earth especially in modern times and, again, as someone who is an enthusiast or environmental science and the advancement of clean technology, it makes me so happy.

I feel like I’ve chosen the right path to start down. I feel like I will finally find the right spirituality to fill the piece in my life I felt was missing.

[beclectic-witch-moved]

Question: Can I worship a Greek deity and still be a Druid? What’s your opinion?

I’ve felt really a really strong connection to Persephone and I feel like it’s a sign. Do I need to change my religion to worship her, or can I worship her as a Druid?

[thecultoflexithewulf]

Hello my friend, my opinion would be that, yes you can worship a Greek deity and still be a druid. My thought process behind this would be that what makes you a Druid are your druidic practices , and  as long as you are still practicing druidism in some form of manner, you are still a druid. follow your calling, and work with Persephone in the ways that you see fit as a druid, or not. You will not have to change your religion, if you do not want to, and everything should work out perfectly fine.

- Wolf of Antimony

[beclectic-witch-moved]

Thank you! 💛

[tysmiha-witchnotes-info]

Sea Urchin

Magical Associations

Banishing

Beauty

Caution

Gentleness

Grounding

Kindness

Luck

Preservation

Protection

Strength

Warding

Wealth

[thewindydruid]

I didn’t really do anything for Imbolc and I’m kind of upset about it. I was very excited about it and then I just did nothing. My depression got the better of me that day and I really didn’t have the energy to do anything more then light a candle and sent what positive energy I had out into the world hopping for a good transition from winter to spring. I was really hoping to do more. 

I guess there is no use worrying about things I cant change. Hopefully i have the energy to celebrate the next sabbat 

[shroud-of-roses]

Witchy Crafts

I’ve been scouring pinterest lately for witchy crafts, and here are some I’ve found, along with what I would use them for!

Wall Hanging - Okay so I made a really cool wall hanging for someone a while ago, and with their permission, I enchanted it to bring motivation, happiness, and warmth to their space. I feel like you could do the same with any wall hanging. I added braids, chestnut halves, and even color coordinating yarn to make mine. 

Star Light Garland - Great for Cosmic Witches! Or for those of you who need a little light around your altar, around your bed for soft light, etc. 

Flower Candle Holders (Plaster Dipped Flowers) - Yes, you can buy these already made, but aren’t the ones linked so awesome? I think it makes perfectly preserved flowers to keep all year, and the flame of the candle might help draw their energy out!

Concrete Dragon Egg Candle Votives - While we’re on the topic of candle holders, why not take a look at these amazing ‘dragon egg’ ones? If you work with dragon spirits, or really any animal/creature spirit with eggs, it will look amazing on your altar!

Watercolour Painted Pillow - For all of you who use magic to work your way into your dreams, or are looking for a fun way to calm yourself before bed, try this! You can even paint it with moon water!

Dream/Wish Jar - All you have to do is write down your dreams/wishes on the paper of your choice, and throw them in a jar. I suggest making matching sigils for each one, and burning them at the full moon. I made one, and it looks so cute in my room! Super great for hidden witches!

Moon Rocks - I know, I know, not exactly a moon rock, but if you make these with moon water in place of regular water, and charge them under the full moon, they could stand in for the moon on cloudy nights, charge your crystals, etc. 

DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Necklaces - Obviously, this is a really inconspicuous way to use essential oils! You could wear one for protection when you’re feeling unsafe, attract love on the days you want too, and even give them away as gifts to other witches!

DIY Detoxifying Activated Charcoal Soap - Okay, but how much witchery could you do with these? So much!! After you are finished cursing, or perhaps on the night of a full moon, you could scrub up with this and get all kinds of cleansed!

Ombre Mermaid Soap - All the yes. Sea witches could use this in Mermaid beauty bath spells, or give it up as an offering! They’re so pretty, and with a little enchantment, could be magical!

Jellyfish in a Bottle - Do you interact with spirits of the sea? Maybe Jellyfish? Then go ahead and capture their beauty with this awesome DIY, and use the bottle as a spirit vessel for your jellyfish guests!

Mini Natural Brushes (Brooms) - These are great for on the go witchery, or for painting out your spells. You can keep dried ‘brushes’ in mini altar kits to use as a besom, or use them as brushes for making sigils, etc. 

Lay-Flat Storage Mat - Divination Supplies, witchy spell kits, enchanted jewelry- the opportunities are endless! Use black to keep the energy locked inside, and paint or draw sigils on it for an added boost!

DIY Hand Cast - Make your own palmistry guide using this neat craft. You can cast your hand and paint on it however you’d like!

Pressed Flower Candles - Preserve the beautiful energy of almost any flower by creating a candle with it! Burn the candle when you need the herb or flowers energy for your spell, and Make as many as you can while the flowers are blooming!

Wind Chimes - Perfect for alerting you of potential intruders, Wind chimes placed inside can add a natural, as well as witchy, flair to your space. If you hear it, but there is no wind, you’ll know someone has come to visit!

DIY Candles - Add your energy as you make these candles for a boost in your spells. There’s even a ‘Sprinkes’ candle you can enchant to grant wishes, and you can light this every year on your birthday. 

Bird’s Nests - Yes, you can make a nest of your own! Using special herbs, you can make a home fit for a spirit, or use it as a shrine to the Air element. 

Wooden Spoons (Personalized) - With a wood burner and some concentration, you too can make a Kitchen Wand! Enchant soups and pastas with special energy with your very own wooden Spoon Wand!

Gazing Ball - So, this isn’t exactly a crystal ball, but it will work just like a scrying mirror. Simply follow the directions, and, if you wish, exclude the additions to the sphere. Then, you’re good to go!

DIY Succulent Planters - Green witches, I got a DIY for you, too! Make these succulent planters, and put them near a window, especially if your altar is near by. They’ll provide protection and hardiness to your home and its defense systems!

Crystal Candle Votives - These crystals are 100% made by you. You can give them special intentions and colour them accordingly. Have fun making your own set of crystals!

Paper Leaf Garland - A little bit of nature for your altar! I know it isn’t real, but for those of you who can’t grow a plant near your altar, it will work beautifully!

Wish Bracelets -  I loved mine when I had it! They’re super fun to wear, and will be a discreet witchy project for you to try. Just make a wish, and wait for it to fall off!

Rustic Twig Ornaments - Use these as wards throughout your home, and enchant them to bring you whatever you need. 

Button Bicycles - To help your spell get going, throw in a button bicycle! Use it inside poppets, sachets, etc. 

Packaging Tape Image Transfers - These can help you label your herbs, crystals, and spell jars! Have fun coming up with cute designs and whimsical fonts!

Paper Envelopes - For those of you who send letters, write them, or use envelopes in your spells, you can create them using paper with this method!

[the-intuitive-witch]

I moved into a new apartment last weekend, and it doesn’t quite feel like home yet. It’s just  this big, empty, blank place that I’m still growing accustomed to. I felt inspired to make a wall decoration that I could also imbue with magic for protection, comfort, positivity, and new beginnings. Knot magic felt like the way to go, and this macrame wall hanging was the result. 

As I knotted the first row, I chanted: “My home protects me.”

As I knotted the second row, I chanted: “I am comfortable here.”

As I knotted the third row, I chanted: “My home is filled with positivity.”

As I knotted the fourth row, I chanted: “This is my new beginning.”

For the final row, I chanted: “This home will be my safe haven.” 

It’s a fairly simple design, so it only took about 45 minutes and cost less than $5 in materials. I placed the finished product above my bed, and had the best night of sleep since I moved in! What do you think?

[sylvaetria]

Awesome idea! Super versatile, subtle…colors can be added to match intent if desired…. Ten outta ten, thanks for sharing!

[macroramblings]

Heavy head

[tysmiha-witchnotes-info]

Imbolc Practices

Imbolc is a sabbat which some celebrate to welcome the Celtic goddess Brighid, a deity of fire and fertility. Imbolc can also be celebrated as winter gradually coming to a close with the days getting longer, and the seasonal and agricultural implications of that. Either way, it is a festival of light and new beginnings, and is celebrated with fire and joy.

Before Imbolc - A time for resting

Do not make new plans

Sleep as much as possible

Take care of your body

Take hot baths and moisturize your skin

Arts & Crafts

Brighid rules art and creativity – do anything artistic! Your creative skills are at a peak this time of year. If you’ve been in a rut, now is a good time to do some self-cleansing and bring yourself out of it.

Decorate a candle with spring leaves and flowers

Make a Brighid’s bed

Make a Brighid’s cross

Make a Brighid mantle out of a green cloth long enough to wrap around your shoulders. Leave it on your doorstep on the night of Imbolc and Brighid will bless it for you. In the morning, wrap yourself in the mantle to feel her healing energy.

Make Brighid wheels and hang them on or above your door

Make a corn doll

Make a priapic (acorn-tipped) wand

Make a sun-catcher

Make ice candles

Make paper snowflakes and hang them around your home

Write a poem about spring

Cleaning & Cleansing

Clean off your altar and redo it

Clean your home

Consecrate tools that will be consumed throughout the year (candles, incense, ritual tools, etc. that you plant to use for spell casting)

Consecrate your agricultural tools

If you do not feel ready to charge or consecrate your own tools, leave them with an offering in a windowsill to be blessed by your deity overnight

Rearrange the furniture in your home.

Refresh any crystal grids or salt lines around your home.

Cooking

Make braided bread

Make your own butter

Use milk in your cooking to represent spring lambing

Decorating

Place a besom at the front door to symbolize purification and cleansing

Put a grain effigy and a phallic wand in a basket next to the hearth or candles at night to welcome Brighid

Remove Yuletide greens and burn or dispose of them (make sure your greens are safe to burn and always practice fire safety)

Spell-casting & Divination

Dip a ribbon into a natural body of water (or moon water, if there is no natural water near you) and tie it to a branch in your yard to welcome hope and healing

Dismantle old spells (jars, talismans, etc) and use what remains to charge new spells. The recycled energy will make the new spells even stronger.

Explore some love or fertility magic

Healing spells are extra powerful this month. Before or during Imbolc when the moon is waning, take time to banish or release any illnesses affecting your or your loved ones. Afterwards, when the moon is waxing, perform spells to draw in healing energies.

Practice lithomancy

Take time to focus on divination and increasing your own magical abilities

Use your priapic wand in your garden to awaken trees and plants from their winter slumber

Other Activities

Go out to a local park or forest and pick up litter to help make way for new spring growth

Light candles in your garden to purify and invigorate them for the coming growing season

Pour some milk onto the earth as an offering and ask that the coming year brings you what you need

Prepare homemade remedies to use through the rest of the year

Put out bread, milk, grains and/or seeds for Brighid on Her eve

Visit a lake, stream or other body of water and go for a swim (or meditate if it’s too cold for that!)

Welcome the sun by lighting a candle (or all your candles!) at sunrise and/or sunset

After Imbolc - A time for cleansing

Clean the home and prepare for spring

Do a body cleanse

Open windows to let in fresh air

Rearrange your furniture

Replace your home air filters

Throw away old belongings

[thewindydruid]

The Beginning

I started this blog to document my new journey into Druidism. I don’t know much but I’m taking it slow. This will be like a spiritual journal 

I have always felt like I was aimless when it came to the spiritual part of my life. I’ve always believed in a higher power but was never sure what that power was or how i felt about it. For a long time I’ve always felt a connection with nature and the environment. Anyone who knows me knows I love nature and am very interested in environmental science. My mother actually affectionately calls me a “Tattooed tree-hugging lesbian” which I wear with pride. The state of our planet has always been a concern and interest of mine.

Lately I have been feeling that connecting more. I unfortunately have graduated, yet to be able to get into grad school and I’ve been unemployed for over a year. I guess without as much daily life distractions, I was able to feel the yearning of a spiritual void. 

As silly as it sounds, I thought of druidism because of D&D. At first it was a joke. If I were in D&D, I would be a druid, no doubt about it. But then I looked deeper. I found a rich spiritual lifestyle that really spoke to me. I have decided to pursue this feeling and really give druidism a chance. 

Even if this doesn't stick and I end up not feeling that being a druid was right for me, I do feel like this journey will help me grow as a person and grow closer to The Earth. 

I plan on celebrating the sabbat of Imbolc at the beginning of February. Seeing as it is a celebration that is focused on change, spring and new beginnings, I feel like its the perfect first sabbat to celebrate! 

Thank you so much @theweepingwillowbird for inspiring me and helping me get a good start!