Thorn Mooney

Traditional Wiccan Priestess, Author, Tarot Reader, and YouTuber. www.thornthewitch.com @thornthewitch www.youtube.com/drawingkenaz

[thornmooney]

I’m so excited to be kicking off 2020 with the new edition of Triumph of the Moon! Our Patreon book club starts today, and I’m writing out the first guiding questions in preparation for later discussion. Here I’ve got both editions, and it’s fun going through my old notes (from 2002!) and seeing what I found surprising and informative back then. I forgot how much I love this book. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #witchybook #wicca #witchcraft #wiccansofinstagram #babywitchbookclub #witchessociety #witchbooks #knowyourhistory https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yBrd6HJWv/?igshid=1g8y14rmod52s

[thornmooney]

Here’s a flashback for you: excerpts from a book of shadows I kept in 2004. I’ve learned a lot since then, changed my mind about some things, but I’m grateful to have these snapshots of my younger self (who was so frequently wrong, but possessed a level of earnestness that I wish I could replicate at will). Also, this whole book was illustrated with pastel, which was exactly as messy as you can imagine. Full scans of these pages will be available on Patreon later today! . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #witchcraft #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #bookofshadows #wheeloftheyear #pastel #journaling https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ikIdWHeDy/?igshid=199v48j4irpuw

[thornmooney]

Weekends home are my favorite. I make coffee, spend the morning writing, posting, and doing work around the house, and then I get to just read, purely for myself. Today I’m revisiting this old friend. Later this weekend, I’ll have a fresh book review, and a new video about advanced books (rather, how to be an advanced *reader*). Shoutout to my Palgrave stack in the background. . . . . . #wicca #witchcraft #witchesofinstagram #wiccansofinstagram #witchbooks #witchessociety #babywitchbookclub #witchyreads https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ECfddnDTj/?igshid=1dc3gwv840yzw

[thornmooney]

Book reviews will be back this month! I’ll be kicking things off with “Initiated” by Amanda Yates Garcia, which I finished last week, and then moving on to these others! See any you’ve been eyeing? . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #witchbooks #witches #witchcraft #witch #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #witchessociety #babywitch #babywitchbookclub #thornmooneybookreviews https://www.instagram.com/p/B50KbgiHSmg/?igshid=j7yun31qgogj

[thornmooney]

My second book is coming along, however slowly (I am *not* a fast writer, for sure). This one is teaching me a lot as I write it, and I hope that it will be as useful for others as it has been for myself. Writing by hand is part of my process. I can’t share much of this one yet, but I’ll be posting scans of “Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide” for Patreon members in January. If you’re curious about how I make books, the link is in my bio (or find me at thornthewitch). . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #wiccansofinstagram #witch #witchcraft #authorsofinstagram #cursive #fountainpen #leuchtturm1917 #wicca https://www.instagram.com/p/B5u7kWxHeHa/?igshid=ozwig40z2zm2

[thornmooney]

I love witchy YA fiction that draws on actual Wicca (even where it adds fantasy elements), and there just isn’t enough of it. Sweep is equal parts terrible and wonderful, and I reread these every couple of years. I’m still very sad that my favorite series, Circle of Three by Isobel Bird, was never as popular. It was the most realistic, and had the more relatable characters for me. Got any recommendations for us? Especially titles that look to actual witch practices for inspiration. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #witch #witchcraft #youngadult #yabooks #witchyreads #witchbooks #catetiernan https://www.instagram.com/p/B4iFVtWHsVG/?igshid=1tbsmz9wf5r0h

[thornmooney]

I love witchy YA fiction that draws on actual Wicca (even where it adds fantasy elements), and there just isn’t enough of it. Sweep is equal parts terrible and wonderful, and I reread these every couple of years. I’m still very sad that my favorite series, Circle of Three by Isobel Bird, was never as popular. It was the most realistic, and had the more relatable characters for me. Got any recommendations for us? Especially titles that look to actual witch practices for inspiration. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #witch #witchcraft #youngadult #yabooks #witchyreads #witchbooks #catetiernan https://www.instagram.com/p/B4iFVtWHsVG/?igshid=1tbsmz9wf5r0h

[thornmooney]

For us, Halloween isn’t the new year. It’s the end of the old year, marking a time of darkness between now and the rebirth of the sun at the winter solstice. I like to use this period to plan for the coming year, set goals, and clear the space necessary to meet those goals. So much of the focus in the last few months has been about making a new home, and now it’s time to turn and consider what sort of place I’ll be building for myself in my new communities, as well as how that will impact me as a writer and covenleader. As always, lots of journaling is in order. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #wicca #witchcraft #halloween #samhain #witch #wiccansofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Z-wKEnz5t/?igshid=16l8el073tekc

[thornmooney]

It’s Halloween and I came to WIN.

[thornmooney]

Pretty pumped about my new hat. 💙 October is flying by, and we’re spending weekends at @carrenfest. . . . . . #witchcraft #witchesofinstagram #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #renfest #carolinarenaissancefestival #carrenfest #witch #halloween https://www.instagram.com/p/B3z20PznNuN/?igshid=16fnxeolq96n9

[thornmooney]

I’m lucky enough to live in a city with a big tarot meetup! Once a month we meet, eat Italian, and sling cards. Trust me, I’m not taking this for granted. Oh, and go ahead and zoom in on my tarot journal! I would, too. That’s an entry about a meditation in which I selected a card (purely by visualizing the deck—no actual cards were handled) and stepped into it to see what was to my left and right for an additional message. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #tarot #tarotreadersofinstagram #witchcraft #witch #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #journaling https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sl9ainIcC/?igshid=n3l91kw17mi5

[thornmooney]

“Show me a witch with a clean, organized altar and I’ll show you a witch without a daily practice.” An early teacher said this to me many years ago. That’s definitely true for me—the more focused and involved I am, the more things spread beyond my designated sacred spaces. My attention is pulled in many directions right now, which is exciting. What about you? Is your magical work neat and contained, or are you expansive and messy like me? . . . . . #witchcraft #witchesofinstagram #witchesofyoutube #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #westernesotericism #occult #ceremonialmagick #tarot #tarotreadersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hroPKnULR/?igshid=1kxdq466kzy9r

[thornmooney]

It finally feels like fall here in Raleigh. The change always seems to come suddenly here. One day, the leaves just turn and fall. One day you need short sleeves and the next you’re pulling out a coat and hat. This winter will mean buckling down on book two, which I’m very excited about. It got off to a rough start, contending with marriage, moving, new job, and illness. Hopefully the quiet of the coming season will be a little more conducive to writing! . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #witchesofyoutube #witchcraft #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #witchbooks #authorsofinstagram #autumn #halloween #spookyseason #fallcolors https://www.instagram.com/p/B3elzJsnqEH/?igshid=4rftyqamlx16

[thornmooney]

It’s opening weekend at @carrenfest! My mom took me to the Maryland Renaissance Festival beginning in middle school and now my home faire is Carolina. I got most of my first magical tools over the years at the faire, and have met so many people. Ren faires are a great place to find other witches, Pagans, and occultists, even though these spaces aren’t explicitly magical. The combination of history, fantasy, and play makes it feel like a safe place to be open. . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #wicca #witchcraft #renaissancefestival #carolinarenaissancefestival #witchesofyoutube https://www.instagram.com/p/B3QNxdMH_SB/?igshid=1l6ec8cjxxkdl

[thornmooney]

New books! I’m especially excited about @phoenixlefae’s new book, because there’s surprisingly little conversation happening in popular spaces about actually developing relationships with gods, spirits, and ancestors. A lot of folks worry about “what pantheon do I use” and then never take things any farther. @phoenixlefae is a brilliant witch (she’s one of the voices in my own book!) and I know this will be so valuable. @amyblackthornauthor is another one to watch, and I’m pumped to hear what she has to say about a subject that so many dismiss as basic (and then neglect). I also want to see if she weighs in on the controversy surrounding white sage. @your.irish.connection’s book comes right on the heels of yesterday’s discussion on YouTube. I can’t wait to see what she had to contribute. Have you read any of these new titles yet? . . . . . #witchesofinstagram #witchcraft #wicca #wiccansofinstagram #witchbooks #babywitchbookclub #witchessocietyreads #witchessociety https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_vOyYHOsT/?igshid=1p4rv6wuv1g0r

[thornmooney]

I love Saturday mornings, because it’s the only time I have to sit at my desk and write uninterrupted. I use the time to reflect, journal, read those texts that require more focus and attention, and generally recharge. I often wish I could do this every day, and resent my day job for getting in the way. But in many ways, my day job protects my Craft practice and keeps it sacred. I’ve had moments where witchcraft has walked the line between being a calling and being a job, and I’ve discovered that I can’t thrive when it’s the latter. Some people are great at it, but I don’t have the personality for it! I’m about to post a video musing on the topic of witchcraft as a job, and I’d appreciate your thoughts! Does monetizing your Craft practice alter it? Do you trust Witch influencers who do promotional work? What role do paid clergy have (or not) in our traditions? Search Thorn Mooney on YouTube or follow the link in my profile later today! . . . . . #witchcraft #witch #witchesofinstagram #witchesofyoutube #wicca #traditionalwicca #witchessociety #witchbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/B29aq49nekN/?igshid=ndd56ngqvjd9

[celestial-dolphin]

Hiya I'm looking for some help/information

I've been reading into witchcraft lately and I found an article on Thought Catalog that had 16 types of witches. Of all of them I feel like I resonate more with Sea/Water witch and Star/Cosmic witch. But I do have a few questions if anyone is able to help?

Can I practice both forms of witchcraft at the same time?

Do I need to be religious or follow any specific religion to practice these forms of witchcraft?

Does anyone know of any good reading material/blogs/websites I can use to figure out where to start or get accurate information on these forms of witchcraft or witchcraft as a whole? I've found a few books but in the reviews there have been people that have said they aren't accurate so I'm hoping people on here might be able to help me more?

Many thanks in advance and I'm super sorry if any of this was inappropriate to ask!

[teawitch]

FUCK FUCK FUCK!

Sorry.

FUCK! 

When will folks stop doing these “types of witch” things?

Look, these are fairly new. I mean a few have been around for awhile - Green Witch and Kitchen Witch, but even those aren’t considered exclusive types of witchcraft. Hell, the kitchen witch is the most popular witch in every coven, regardless of lineage. And the Green witch is probably growing the herbs. Hedgewitch does tend to have it’s own tradition, but even then, it’s not exclusive.

A witch works with what is there. Not only would I tell you that you can work with both of those - you probably SHOULD work with both of those. And more. Spend a year exploring each element. Spend a decade studying where you live. Spend a lifetime learning about the craft. The only title you need is witch.

Note: There are certain lineages or schools of witchcraft that do have specific teachings and workings, but the difference will be more how you work that what you work with and many are coven or lineage based meaning you have to be trained by someone in the craft. But with those, you’ll see terms like Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Feri, British Traditional, Cornish, etc. 

[celestial-dolphin]

Thanks for the advice! I'm new to all this as you can tell so I'm sorry if I upset you, I didn't realise types of witches were a problem

[teawitch]

It’s not you. Today has just been a day for bad info in the Wicca and Witchcraft tags. 

This is one of the topics that particularly bugs me because it seemed to start innocently enough. People called themselves spacewitch, sunwitch or crystalwitch or hey, even teawitch. But then the idea that these were exclusive types of witchcraft took hold. Next there were “find out what kind of witch you are” things with these as types of witch. Which seemed like fun. But...

Then the questions became “can I work with both crystals and tea” “what if I like the stars and the sea” “what do I do if I’m a storm witch and it’s a sunny day?” and “I took the test that shows I’m a sea witch but I don’t live near the ocean, what should I do?”

Honestly, I’ve seen all of these. The problem is that the information is limiting and confusing people. Like, you, new witches think they have to chose a “type” that confines their craft. Don’t let them confine you. Go stand on the beach and watch the stars. It’s wonderful and powerful and are you. 

[celestial-dolphin]

Thanks so much for clarifying! I really appreciate it! Do you by any chance know anywhere I could look into this more? Help me get started? Books or anything?

[teawitch]

I probably owe you that after yelling on your post. Let’s see

Penczak’s Outer Temple of Witchcraft covers a lot of info. It’s a bit older and the concepts are Wicca adjacent, so it does have a deity/religion aspect to it. But it covers everything from casting circles and doing ritual to spellwork. (Disclaimer: I know Christopher)

Weaving the Liminal by Laura Tempest Zakroff is a newer book by a well versed witch. It tackles creating a personal craft without as much of the Wicca reliance. 

Traditional Wicca: A Seekers Guide by Thorn Mooney is another newer book. Thorn is part of the up and coming Wicca generation and her writing is probably more approachable than some older books. She has very insightful opinions on some much debated topics like the Law of Three and such. Try her if you want an Wiccan approach. (I know Thorn too)

Besom, Sword and Stang is a good book if you’re more interested in Trad Craft (taking the Wicca out of the equation). (okay, I’ve met Tara but she probably wouldn’t remember me.) They also do the Down at the Crossroads podcast so free info. 

Keeping Her Keys is a new book out exploring a path with Hekate. 

Thorn Coyle has several good books out. She’s Feri tradition, which is a deep tradition to delve into. Close to Wicca but different. 

For sites, check out PatheosPagan and the Wild Hunt for good articles written by a variety of voices. They’re also good places to find book reviews before you plop down your money. I think most of the authors I mentioned also have sites or blogs to explore.