A Witch’s Guide to Welcoming A Magickal October: Simple New Month Rituals
Magickal Rituals to help bring in a new month. Its October 1st – the countdown to Halloween has begun!
We are now officially in Spooky Season and the countdown to Halloween has begun! As the calendar turns from September to October, there’s a palpable shift in the air. The light slants differently, the wind carries a new crispness, and the world begins to hum with a spooky, magickal energy. For witches and magickal folk, this isn’t just a date change; it’s a potent threshold. Pass us the Halloween decorations, we’re going in.
A new month is a blank page in your grimoire, a chance to set powerful intentions and align your energy with the themes of the season. This October, don’t just let the month happen to you. Conjure it with purpose.
Here is your simple guide to welcoming October with witchcraft, from a beloved prosperity ritual to other ways to set your magickal tone.
The Cinnamon Abundance Ritual: A Sweet Start to October
Perhaps the most popular and joyful new-month ritual sweeping through the witchy community is the act of blowing cinnamon into your home. This simple practice is a powerful piece of sympathetic magic, rooted in the intention of drawing abundance—in all its forms—across your threshold.
Why Cinnamon?
Cinnamon has been prized for centuries not just for its flavor, but for its potent magical properties. It’s associated with:
Prosperity & Abundance: Its warm, stimulating energy is believed to attract wealth and success.
Protection: The strong scent is said to create a protective barrier against negative influences.
Spiritual Power: It raises vibrational energy, making it perfect for amplifying your intentions and spiritual work.
How to Perform the Cinnamon Ritual:
Gather Your Supplies: All you need is about a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is ideal, but any cinnamon from your kitchen spice rack will work beautifully.
Set Your Intention: Before you begin, hold the cinnamon in your hand. Close your eyes and focus on what “abundance” means for you this October. Is it financial prosperity? An abundance of joy, creativity, or peace? Be specific in your mind.
Blow in the Blessings: Stand outside your open front door, facing inward. Place the cinnamon in the palm of your hand. Take a deep breath, focusing on your intention, and gently blow the cinnamon from your hand, across the threshold and into your home. As you do, you can say a simple affirmation aloud, such as:“With this cinnamon, I blow in prosperity and joy. Welcome, October. My home is a magnet for abundance.“
Let it Settle: Do not sweep or vacuum the cinnamon for at least 24 hours. This allows the energy to settle and permeate your home, giving the magic time to work. After that, you can clean it normally, visualising any residual stagnant energy being swept away with it.
Beyond Cinnamon: Crafting Your October Energy
While the cinnamon ritual is a fantastic foundation, you can build a more personalised monthly practice around it. Here are a few other ways to welcome October’s unique magic.
Energetic Cleansing: Sweep Away the Old
Before you can fill a cup, it must be empty. Start your month by cleansing your physical and energetic space of any lingering September energy.
Open a Window: Even for just a minute. Let the stale air of the past month out and invite the crisp, new energy of October in. Shouting and commanding bad spirits out of the house is another fun way to get the house vibes up.
Smoke Cleansing: Pass a bundle of rosemary, cedar, or sage around your front door, windowsill, and yourself to clear stagnant energy. As you do, state, “I release all that no longer serves me. My space is clear and receptive.” or whatever intents feel right to you.
Sound Bath: Ring a bell, chime, or sing a note in each corner of your main rooms. Sound is a powerful vibratory tool for breaking up dense energy. Yes, banging a saucepan does actually count.
2. Set the Tone: Candle Magic for Your Intentions
What do you want to manifest this October? A candle spell can set the tone.
Take a candle (a tea light or a small chime candle is perfect). Anoint it with a drop of olive or sunflower oil, moving from the wick outward to draw energy in, or from the base to the wick to release energy.
As you do, speak your intention for October. Is it protection for the spooky season? Introspection for your shadow work? Joy for the Halloween festivities? Press that intention into the wax.
Light the candle and let it burn safely while you meditate, write in your journal, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet. Visualize your month unfolding as you desire.
3. Divination for the Month Ahead: Consult the Cards
Ask your tarot or oracle deck for guidance. A simple three-card pull can offer profound insight:
Card 1: The Energy of September’s End. What are you carrying over?
Card 2: The Core Theme of October. What is the central lesson or focus?
Card 3: Advice for Navigating the Month. How can you best work with this energy?
Journal the message and keep the cards on your altar or desk as a guide you can revisit all month long.
4. Create an October Grimoire Page
Dedicate a page in your Book of Shadows or journal to this powerful month.
Write the word “OCTOBER” in a beautiful script.
Note the astrological events (New Moon, Full Hunter’s Moon).
Circle Samhain on October 31st.
Jot down your cinnamon ritual intention, your tarot pull, and any goals or spells you want to work on.
This act physically and magically dedicates space for the month’s magic, making you an active participant in its creation.
Weaving Your Monthly Tapestry
You don’t need to do all of these things. Even one small, focused act—like blowing cinnamon across your threshold—is enough to mark the transition with magic and purpose. By taking just 15-30 minutes for this practice, you move from passively watching the calendar turn to actively weaving the tapestry of your month.
Book a tarot reading or workshop with Me, Emma, just email [email protected] and we can go from there (my actual Witchcraft Shop is launching over at Witchytype.com soon).
Follow the magic on social: @Bunnypudding (Tiktok) / @Witchytypebookclub (Tiktok) / @Bunnyscopes (Instagram) / Link Tree / Digital Coven Facebook
Blessed Samhain, Coven, until next time, all the love Ems x X
Posts about Kitchen Witch written by bunnypudding and AJ The Witch
“Crystals have been used for centuries to promote serenity and as a tool for meditation. They can be helpful allies in our quest for calm.”― Amy Leigh Mercree
This week I’ve been talking about crystals, like these posts on how to cleanse your crystals, which crystals are good for anxiety and a post all about healing crystals. Today I thought we’d continue on this path and explore how to make crystal infused water.
We must share the standard disclaimer that we are not a doctors and cannot give out medical advice. Crystals for healing should be used only as a compliment to other therapies and not as a replacement for regular medical care and or medication. Please always consult a medical professional.
What Is A Crystal Infused Water?
Crystal infused water, also called gem water is simply water that has been infused with the vibrational frequency of a specific crystal. The water is often charged with moon or sunlight and is thought to promote certain health benefits. I’ve also found crystal infused water to be a great way of connecting directly with the vibration of the crystal.
Making crystal infused waters is a fun, witchy weekend activity and a bonus, you’ll eventually have a pretty line up of hand labelled bottles to decorate your altar or bathroom cabinet with.
How To Use Crystal Infused Water
Crystal infused water can be used in a number of different ways. You can place a few drops onto your wrists or pulse points, place a couple of drops undiluted under the tongue, add a few drops to your bathwater or lace your drinking water with a few drops. I love to have spray bottles with different crystal infused waters in my bag which I use to mist my face with. For example, I have one bottle with contains a crystal infused water I made with amethyst.
When I’m feeling like I want to connect with my heart chakra, I spray a little of the water directly onto my skin and visualise it surrounding me in a mist of loving energy. I do the same with a bottle of jasper crystal infused water which I use when I feel like I need an extra layer of protection.
Because facial sprays and mists are so common now, no one bats an eyelid when I do this. In fact, friends and colleagues often ask for a spritz too lol.
How To Make Crystal Infused Water
Crystal infused water can be made with all of your favourite (non-water soluble) crystals
You will need:
A small bowl
A desired cleansed crystal (make sure that the crystal you use can be placed in water! Some crystals will disintegrate if they come into contact with water)
Water (I prefer mineral water which I bless and thank before using)
A dark glass or spray bottle
Labels for your bottles
1 – Pick a light source with which you will charge your infusion. Remedies made using sunlight will need a minimum of 3 hours to infuse. Remedies made with moonlight should be done on a new or full moon. (please note that some crystals do not tolerate direct sunlight if you are unsure work with moonlight which is safe for all crystals)
2 – Charge the crystal – Position it within the bowl and cover it with the mineral or spring water. Place the bowl so that it catches the sun or moons light. Leave until sunrise if using moonlight or for 3 hours if using sunlight.
3 – Bottle the water – decant into your glass bottle of choice. You can place the actual crystal used into the jar to make it more potent if you like.
4 – Label your infusion – Label your water noting the intention you used, when it was made, the crystal used and whether you worked with moon or sunlight. Note also what the remedy is for. You can store the crystal-infused water in a dark place for a number of years if you made sure that the equipment used was sterile.
Note: If you are unsure about whether your crystal can be placed in water, I also have another recipe for crystal-infused water which doesn’t require the crystal to be in contact with water at all.
Note also: for emotional, spiritual and psychic remedies it is more beneficial to charge with moonlight, for physical remedies sunlight charging is best.
It’s beneficial to charge crystal infused water relating to emotional and spiritual matters with moonlight. Crystal infused water relating to physical remedies are better charged with sunlight.
Crystal Infused Water Remedies
Agate – Useful for insomnia. General all-round health and vitality enhancer.
Amber – Good for muscular aches and to boost memory
Amethyst – Use to boost the immune system. All-round healing crystal
Adventurine – Good for skin conditions. Counteracts negative emotions
Beryl – Use it to build up confidence. Perfect for those suffering from low self-esteem
Bloodstone – Helpful for circulatory problems. Beneficial for feelings of insecurity
Malachite – Good for menstrual issues
Onyx – Helpful for strengthening the body overall
Quartz – Use when you feel in need of protection from negative influences. Overall energy amplifier
Tigers eye – For eye problems. Excellent for combating an unspoken fear of success
Agate – Great for divination
Carnelian – Useful for astral travel. Banishes fear and promotes joy and a feeling of peace
Citrine Quartz – Good all-round stone for increasing your psychic abilities. Can help to eliminate harmful toxins from the body
Diamonds – Protects from negative energy.
Jasper – Protects from misfortune. Connects us with the energy of the earth. Useful for grounding.
Moonstone – Lovers reconciliation. Protection.
Obsidian – Anti pollutant and useful for protection.
Black onyx – Great for grounding. Useful as a protective charm and for promoting peaceful sleep
Rose quartz – The ‘stone of love’. Wonderful all-round healing stone. Useful for connecting with the heart chakra
Ruby – For bringing good fortune and abundance into your life.
Sapphire – Useful for calming and soothing
Turquoise – Good for fertility and to help improve your luck
So, my loves, I hope this gives you all the inspiration you need so that next time you need it, you know exactly how to make crystal infused water.
Blessed Be,
Amythest xoxo
Learn how to make crystal infused water including tips on what types of crystals to use and what the benefits of crystal infused water are.
12 Powerful Herbs for Protection to Keep You Safe and Strong
My Favourite 12 Magickal Herbs for Protection
Below are all the best plants and herbs for protection. Many of them are wonderful as protective barriers around the home and for protective spells. A lot of these herbs also work well in protective charms. As many herbs are multifunctional, I’ve included other magical uses into this guide, along with some health benefits of each plant or herb.
A word of warning: Please remember to always be careful when using herbs and plant. Never consume something you aren’t 100% sure about. I am not a medical professional and don’t claim to be! The medicinal benefits of these money herbs should not be taken over the advice of a trained doctor.
Herbs for Protection #1 Angelica
Angelica is an old healing herb which has been used for centuries. It was used by the Vikings and is one of the first medicinal plants exported by the Nordic countries to the rest of Europe. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was used in order to treat the Plague and against intestinal infections. It increases the production of stomach acid, which can weaken or get rid of bacteria causing gastrointestinal distress. Angelica can also be used to stimulate appetite and lessen gas production.
Let that gas out, bottling things up doesn’t help anyone! But if you want to reduce your gas production, angelica can help.
If you are planning to eat this plant, be careful. Although the stems are edible, if bitter, the root is mildly poisonous when fresh. Make sure you are picking the right kind of Angelica. Some members of the same family, such as water hemlock, are more poisonous and can be dangerous. Fun fact, Angelica is often used as a cake decoration, maybe due to it’s almost unreal looking and shiny leaves.
Grow Angelica in your garden to protect your home and to keep out spirits looking to harm you. Wearing the root of the angelica plant in a small pouch for personal protection.
These are the leaves of the Angelica plant. I see this all the time as a decoration for cakes and on food displays. Aren’t its lustrous leaves are pretty?
Herbs for Protection #2 Anise
Anise is not only a delicious spice to add to things like mulled wine and curry, but it is also a great protective herb.
This aromatic herb for protection is perfect for warding off any spirits that might not have the best of intentions. Put anise seeds into a small pouch and place them under your pillow while you sleep to prevent nightmares. If you have a spell casting circle, you can use anise leaves inside the circle to prevent any malevolent spirits from entering while you are communicating with the other side.
Anise can be used in the treatment of coughs and colds. It aids digestion and when used as a tea, it can help with any stomach problems you might be having. Anise is great for women as some of its chemical make-up is similar to estrogen. If you are breastfeeding, Anise can help you with milk production.
Other Magickal Uses: Purification (use it in a bath when you need cleansing), Joy, Awareness, opens the third eye, connection with the divine
Herbs for Protection #3 Ash
Ash is a great protection plant, especially if you are on or near water. Keep a small piece of it on your person and you will be protected from harm. If you want to ward off malevolent spirits, hang a piece of ash in the doorway of your home.
If you feel that your whole house needs protection, you can use wood chips from an ash tree. To do this, take some small pieces of ash wood and sprinkle them around your house in the four elemental directions (North, East, South, West). Follow this by placing a small talisman for each element (Earth, Fire, Water and Air) on each of the 4 directions. After you have done this, think about how you want to create a protective net around your home. As a result, if you have set your intention strongly enough, the ash will protect you from harm.
Ash makes a great broom for purification rituals and is often used for healing wands.
Other Magickal Uses: Put the leaves in a small pouch and wear it around your neck for good luck. If you want to have dreams of premonition, put some ash leaves under your pillow at night. Mythologically, Ashwood repels snakes and Faeries. It is also associated with lighting.
Doesn’t the Ash Tree have a beautiful form?
Herbs for Protection #4 Cacti
Cacti are wonderful protection plants. If you need to protect your home (link for home protection spell here), these are an easy-care option. Because they require so little attention, you can easily keep a couple around your house for protection. Plant one in each corner of your garden to form a general protective boundary. If you don’t have a garden, you can also keep a potted Cactus in each corner of your living room to provide the same protection. They will help keep out burglars and unwanted visitors
You can also collect the spines and add them to a small glass vial or locket to form a protection amulet. Although you can use a cloth pouch for this, I wouldn’t suggest it as the sharp spines might puncture through the fabric.
Other Magickal Uses: Chastity
Herbs for Protection #5 Fennel
This delicious vegetable is multi-functional. Not only is it very delicious as a vegetable, but you can also use the seeds, fronds and flowers in cooking too.
Fennel is a wonderful protection plant and is amazing at warding off spirits with ill intentions. Hang it in windows and doorways to protect your home. Grow it in your garden to provide general home protection. Planting Fennel around the home is also said to bring good luck. Fennel also has some great healing properties. This protection herb is great when used for digestion. Make a fennel tea to help with colds and to expel mucus. If you have bad breath and want to improve it, chew some dried fennel seeds.
Other Magickal Uses: Purification, money
I love to roast fennel in the oven until it is tender and then drizzle it with olive oil.
Herbs for Protection #6 Fern
There are so many different types of ferns. As such, choose one that you like, as all of them provide great protection.
Ferns are a very powerful protective plant. Because of this, they are an extremely useful plant to grow around your home. They protect you from negativity and keep ill-intentioned spirits at bay.
If you want to protect your home from burglars you can sprinkle fern leaves on the windowsills of every room in the house. You could also keep a small vase with a fern leaf on the windowsill if you aren’t that keen on having dried herbs on your window sills.
Make a small pouch and stuff it with fern leaves in order to have a personal protection charm. This should also ward off unnatural illnesses. If you are worried about your house being jinxed, you can add fern leaf to the water next time you mop the floors. As a result, the jinx should be removed.
Other Magickal Uses: Faerie favourite, boost the magical properties of other plants
Herbs for Protection #7 Holly
Another home protection plant, Holly will prevent intruders of both the magical and non-magical kind. Plant a few trees around your home to form a protective ring.
Other Magickal Uses: If you want luck, carry a sprig of holly in your pocket. Attracts love, increases virility and masculinity. You can make a love potion with holly leaves. Place leaves under your bed to bring a peaceful and restful nights sleep.
Aren’t these pretty? I love the contrast between spikey leaves and soft, smooth berries. Consequently, I think that this plant is the perfect herb for love and protection.
Herbs for Protection #8 Juniper
No one needs negative thoughts or energies coming their way, Juniper can help keep these at bay.
Another very strongly protective plant. If you keep juniper berries around your person, they will keep unkind thoughts and energies away from you. They will also protect you from accidents and theft. Juniper will also negate hexes and ill-intentioned magic while dispelling malevolent spirits. Did you know that Juniper berries provide the main flavouring for gin? They also make a great addition to a Gravlax marinade.
Other Magickal Uses: Wearing the dried berries in a small pouch will attract a lover.
Herbs for Protection #9 Mugwort
Common mugwort, also known as Artemisia Vulgaris.
Mugwort is a well know and often used magickal herb which provides, among other things, extremely strong protective properties.
Historically, mugwort has been used for hundreds of years to flavour foods and to provide anti-microbial properties to prevent food spoiling. It used to be one of the main flavourings for beer before hops took over as it provided a delicious bitter note. Did you know that mugwort is in the same family as wormwood? Given the hallucinogenic properties of wormwood, it’s not surprising that many members of the family are considered as strongly magickal.
As one of our herbs for protection, mugwort is commonly associated with the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess and also with the Moon Goddesses. Because it’s a herb that is often used for psychic and divinatory purposes, it can be great at helping to ward off psychic attacks. Some witches will sleep with it under their pillows to provide protection while enhancing their ability to astral project and lucid dream. Wearing a wreath of mugwort was once thought to repel spirits with malevolent intent.
Mugwort is great in protection oils and for cleansing ritual tools. If you want to make a ritual broom, bind plenty of mugwort into a broom and then use this broom to sweep negative energies from your home. Burning mugwort in a smudge stick will also work to protect you and clear negativity from your life and home.
Mugwort isn’t legal everywhere and if you are thinking about consuming it be careful. It can have hallucinogenic effects and as such has been banned in some states. These effects are particularly prevalent during sleep, or if you manage to achieve a trance-like state. It’s also an anticoagulant, has disinfectant properties and can calm your nerves.
Other Magickal Uses: Divination, psychic work, astral projection, lucid dreaming, attracting faeries. Used frequently as a helper for visionary work and magick. Protects against fatigue and injury.
Herbs for Protection #10 Oak
These magical trees have a long history in the magical community. They are sacred to Druids and Witches. As well as this they are seen as old souls who offer protection and knowledge to us. As mentioned in our post about Love Herbs, acorns are a symbol of fertility.
If you burn oak wood, you can use the ashes as magickal protection from lightning. Did you know that in ancient times, all the fires in the village would be extinguished at the start of Yule? An oak log was then lit as the “Yule Log” and all other fires in the village were reignited using this flame. This was thought to bring protection, wisdom and a strengthened spiritual connection to the divine.
Oak wood is often used to make witches tools like wands and anthames. Wear oak on your person to harness its’s protective magick. If you are lucky enough to have a grove of oak trees near you, try casting a spell there. The ancient magick in oak trees is thought to guarantee the success of any spell cast under them.
Other Magickal Uses: Helps with the conception of ideas. Strength.
Herbs for Protection #11 Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most multi-purpose herbs out there. I like to make smoke cleansing sticks with rosemary and sage to purify.
This wondrous herb can be used for so many things that it’s hard to classify which category it should fall under. It’s an all-purpose herb which is used in protection and purification rituals. Another way to use it is to wear it on your person for personal protection. Plant it at your front door to protect your home.
As a healing herb, rosemary (check out a detailed post I wrote about rosemary here) is great in improving your mood. Furthermore, it reduces inflammation, relieves pain and boosts your immune system. It helps with circulation and will protect you from bacterial infections. Rosemary will also help with skin conditions and can improve your skin’s youthfulness.
Other Magickal Uses: Wear it for good luck, attracts love, positivity, peace. Use rosemary oil to consecrate your magical tools. Used in cooking to bring passion. Improves memory.
Rosemary is an absolutely wonderful herb which is a great all-purpose powerhouse.
Herbs for Protection #12 Sage
Sage is a wonderful herb which protects and purifies.
Sage is one of the most well-known herbs for protection. Use it to make smoke cleansing sticks and it will purify your space of negative energies. Additionally, wearing sage provides you with personal protection.
Please note that using white sage and calling it “smudging” is discouraged as it’s cultural appropriation of Native American culture. White sage is being over-harvested and this is causing white sage populations to plummet. Smoke cleansing with common garden sage is a much better option, this is something that has been done for centuries in Europe and if done respectfully is fine.
Sage is said to make you wiser, and as such, will help you if you are meditating.
I like to use it when I have a cold, it seems to have antibacterial properties so I like to gargle with it when I have a sore throat. It will also aid with digestion and helps with fevers. You can make a poultice with it which will help with skin irritations. Sage can also help with asthma and can ease muscle aches and pains. It has high levels of Vitamin K which we all need to help with bone density and integrity.
Other Magickal Uses: Healing, Longevity, Fertility, helps with memory.
Using a sage smoke cleansing bundle will quickly purify your space and expel negative energies and thoughts. We all need that sometimes don’t we?
So my loves, I hope this guide to my 12 favourite herbs for protection has provided you with some go-to plants and herbs to use next time you need protection.
I’ll leave you with a prayer for protection, maybe you can use it next time you are burning sage to purify your home.
The breath of life
And the light of my mind
Creates an enchantment
Of protection and comfort
As the air I breathe is purified
And separated from any negativity
May my space be protected
So Mote it Be
In this guide, we discuss 12 of the most powerful herbs for protection. We've included their magickal uses along with some of their other in
What is Witchcraft 101? Magical Secrets of the Craft 2
What is Witchcraft – What Do You Call a Person Who Does Witchcraft?
A person who works with witchcraft is generally called a ‘witch’. For some people, the word ‘witch’ is a difficult one, loaded with negative connotations. The word ‘witch’ is often associated with black magic by the tabloid press and fundamentalist religious groups. Because of this, some people who practise witchcraft prefer not to go by the name of Witch. There are many other terms to describe a person who works with witchcraft including Wiccan, Pagan, Neopagan or Feri.
You can call yourself whatever you want. The flexibility of Wicca and Witchcraft is what I love about it.
What is Witchcraft – Is Witchcraft Real?
The short answer is yes, witchcraft is real and these days it’s likely that someone is practising the ‘craft’ right around the corner from you. With the surge of interest in witchcraft, practising witches are everywhere. You might find them floating down the catwalk in gauzy black silk at a Valentino show, immersed in a pile of books at your local cafe or gazing at the night sky at your local rooftop bar.
The idea of witchcraft conjures powerful emotions within us. It propels us into an altered state of reality in which the magical intertwines with the mundane, where consciousness expands and possibilities become limitless. Witchcraft helps us to connect with our intuitive selves, it gives us agency over our own lives and allows us to stop playing the victim role.
Magic and witchcraft allows us to access our own power and expands our horizons.
The idea that the world is more than simply a collection of matter, that divinity guides us and flows within us, that we are connected and constantly in the process of becoming is highly appealing. Women especially feel drawn to the magic of witchcraft and for many, the craft has become a way of life. For all those of you who are still on the proverbial fence about magic, who question the existence of the divine and who feel trapped by the logic of the rationalist mind, I invite you to suspend your disbelief, if only for a second.
What is witchcraft in the Bible?
What is Witchcraft in the Bible? It is written in the bible and various other Christian texts that Witchcraft is punishable by death. An example of this can be found in the following verse, taken from the book of Moses which states “A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them, their blood will be on their own heads”.
The witch-hunts which took place across Europe and later on America, between the 14th and 17th centuries were largely fueled by Christian dogma. This specific set of Christian dogma saw witchcraft as Devil worship. By proxy, anyone accused of being a witch became instantly prosecutable. Those accused generally faced a terrible dilemma: either confess and be burned at the stake or stay silent and die horribly under torture.
The Biblical injunction, taken from the Ten Commandments which states that “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” was regularly cited by witch hunters during this time. Although more modern forms of Christianity positions itself as tolerant of divergent belief systems, it can be generally stated, given the historical context, that Christianity and Witchcraft are not compatible.
Christianity and Witchcraft have a long and brutal history. The Church tended to try to eradicate anything it found threatening to its power and Witchcraft was extremely threatening. So much for love and understanding.
What is Witchcraft – Learning Witchcraft
There are some who believe that witchcraft can only be passed down generationally through a distinct lineage but I find this idea to be elitist and altogether false. If we think about witchcraft as being concerned with the manipulation of energy it makes sense that anyone with a strong enough desire could learn the craft.
Witchcraft is generally seen as a path of self-inquiry and while some may be fortunate enough to have the knowledge passed down to them directly, for most others the process of learning witchcraft begins with learning about oneself. One of the first steps that any aspiring witch can take is to learn to meditate.
Meditation is an ancient technique, used by sages, magicians, monks and witches. Meditation is the art of halting and transforming thoughts and the associated energies through a positive act of will. Through practising meditation regularly you will begin to train your mind into a tranquil space.
The state of mental tranquillity and clarity achieved through regular meditation is essential if you wish to practice the craft. If you are serious about learning witchcraft I also recommend that you read some of the following books as they will provide you with clear and actionable guidance on your path.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a witch, check out this beginners guide to becoming a witch and also this post about what to research as a baby witch.
Meditation is a key skill to being a powerful witch.
What is Witchcraft – Witchcraft Spells
What is Witchcraft spellwork? Witchcraft is a mystical practice concerned with the manipulation of energies. Rituals, spells and spell-work are the tools through which witchcraft is practised. If we consider thought to be a pattern of particles, moving in a similar way to light, then a spell can be conceived of as a condensed pattern of thought focused with clear intent. The spell than becomes like a sort of wave of energy moving out into material reality. It is through this manipulation of thought and energy that the magic of witchcraft takes place. Spells are simply a way to focus and contain the energy of our thoughts.
Think of spells like a wave of magical energy.
If you are interested in training your mind in preparation for spell-work I recommend the following exercise taken from the book ‘Witchcraft – Theory and Practice’ by Le de Angles.
Exercise:
Do not do the following exercise in bed until you are used to the technique, as it is likely you will fall asleep.
Have a soft dim light behind you somewhere as a direct overhead light can be distracting
Seat yourself comfortably
Begin (with your eyes closed) and take several deep breaths. Fill your lungs to capacity before exhaling totally. Be aware of your breathing by counting your breaths. Take no fewer than ten to begin.
Allow your breathing to become natural again
The aim now is to allow yourself to fall into the velvety blackness of non-thought. You will initially find that your mind will want to function in overtime. It will trick you into thoughts that seemingly enter your mind at their own volition. Firmly but gently push them out again always aiming for that state of velvety-blackness and non-thought.
Allow just a few minutes the first time. And remember not to apply force against unwanted thoughts, just gentle pressure. The aim is to still your foreground. Your centre is somewhere within that velvety-blackness. Once you have reached a state of non-thought you will have reached your centre, which is a state of tranquillity.
Allow yourself to drift there as long as you like or as long as nothing interferes. When you have done this, repeat the deep breathing and stretch yourself like a cat.
Focus on maintaining this sense of tranquillity beyond the exercise.
Do this exercise daily.
Through practising this exercise you are doing three things:
Disciplining your will
Discovering the sublime silence at the centre of your being and activating that centre
Preparing the ground for active and intentional magic
If your keen to try your hand at spell work I recommend you first read our post ‘all about spells’. After that, you can learn all about how to cast a spell and maybe even try one of our love spells that work
What is Witchcraft used for?
What is Witchcraft? “Witchcraft is a spiritual path. You walk it for nourishment of the soul, to commune with the life force of the universe and to better know yourself” Christopher Penczak
Witchcraft is used to acknowledge the holistic nature of the universe, it is an acceptance of personal and social responsibility, it is a way to raise consciousness. According to Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft the ‘Craft’ is a practice centred around love and joy.
Witchcraft can be used as a tool to enhance your everyday life, to foster a deeper connection with yourself and those around you, to commune with nature and to live in a state of love and harmony. Witchcraft can be used to manipulate your own energies so that the difficulties in your life becomes easy. Witchcraft is a way of life, its a path of power, it’s an acknowledgement that there is more to reality than meets the eye!
Being in tune with nature and its cycles is a wonderful part of Witchcraft.
My Loves, I hope this post reaches you with the spirit of love and light in which it was written. May your path unfold before you and the universe bless you with bountiful abundance.
As always, Blessed Be
Amythest
In this post, we answer the question of 'What is Witchcraft'. Find the answers to all your questions as well as a bunch of handy resources.
What is Witchcraft 101? Magical Secrets of the Craft
What is Witchcraft – When Did Witchcraft Begin?
Many people write to us wanting to know the origins of witchcraft. Where, they ask, did it come from? What is Witchcraft really? Is witchcraft a cult of devil worship? A delusion? A mass hysteria? I can honestly say that is none of the above.
The word ‘Witchcraft’ has its origins in England where was used from the 12th century until the close of the 17th century to describe a person who used spells and charms to accomplish certain ends. The term ‘witch’ appeared to be the result of an amalgamation of various components drawn from folklore.
These elements were “fused together with the conceptual glue of ‘demonic pact”. During this time, witches were assumed to have abandoned Christianity and to worship Satan. Through labelling someone as a ‘witch’, religious and political groups, as well as ill-intentioned individuals, were able to exercise a system of subjugation and control over the people whom they perceived as a threat. People were seen as threatening, due to their abilities as healers, because of their divergent beliefs or simply because they did not ‘fit’ into the roles which society had deemed as being acceptable.
Labelling a person as a ‘witch’ left them vulnerable to attack and open for persecution. The persecution of ‘witches’ often resulted in torture and death. The witch-hunts and inquisitions which took place from 1450 to 1750 are thought to have resulted in 35,000 – 100,000 deaths. Most of the people killed during this time were women. Possibly the most notorious witch trial of all is that of Joan of Arc. Joan was burned alive at the stake after having been accused of being a witch in what was later deemed to have been politically motivated and unlawful trial.
A woman accused of being a witch being burned alive at the stake.
Witchcraft itself is steeped in mystery and hidden in antiquity. There are few written sources describing witchcraft and those that do exist are often obscure and difficult to make sense of. We can find traces of witchcraft and magic in old Norse legends and an Arthurian legend has it that Arthur’s half-sister, Morgan la Fay was a witch.
Much of what we now understand as ‘witchcraft’ is simplified and unsophisticated in comparison with the lost witches lore burned during the inquisitions. Witchcraft itself has long been associated with cultural stigma and even recently, to call a woman as a ‘witch’ was considered a grave insult.
Up until 1959, the ‘Witchcraft act’ which prohibited the practice of witchcraft remained in force in Britain. In 1959 the ‘witchcraft act’ was repealed by British courts. Following the repeal, witchcraft has undergone a worldwide renaissance and interest surrounding the topic seems to be following a sharp upward trend.
It’s becoming much more common to hear people identify themselves as witches. Isn’t it great home times have changed?
What is Witchcraft?
Modern understandings of witchcraft have been largely shaped by people such as Gerald Gardner, Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune.
According to Gerald Gardner witchcraft can be divided into three categories:
Those who believe that witchcraft is a mass hysteria resulting from psychological causes
Those who believe that witchcraft is real but centred around the service to Satan
Those who maintain that witchcraft is the remains of an old Pagan religion, dating back to the stone age and that the church’s persecution of it was because it was a dangerous rival.
Gardner claims that there are still witches practising the craft today who are direct descendants of ancient witch families. He believes that these witches have inherited ancient knowledge but that they remain highly secretive and that their knowledge remains largely hidden.
Garner also writes that witches believe in reincarnation with a common saying amongst witches being ‘once a witch always a witch’. Although much of the ancient knowledge of witchcraft has been lost or destroyed, Garner believes that the real knowledge can never be lost and that it will continue to find its way into human consciousness life after life.
“The witch is the babe in the womb and the child in the arms of the mother. She is the maiden racing through the sun-drenched fields and dancing coyly in the moonlight. She is the eternal women in the arms of her lover, the mother giving birth and caring for her young. She is the old one sharing her knowledge and love with those who follow in her footsteps, waiting with a happy heart for the cycle to start anew. The Witch is the Wise One, and to her door come those seeking to share her knowledge, love and light. Standing solidly she flows with the tides, drifts with the winds and warms herself in the flames of knowledge”
What is Witchcraft – Types of Witchcraft
We’ve also written a detailed guide about different types of witches if you want a more detailed guide.
The Dark Witch – Deals with the darker side of magic. Works with hexes and taboos. Focus on raw primordial energy. They do not have laws like the ‘threefold law’ and do not believe in Karma
The Grey Witch – Works with both the lighter and the darker side of magic and seeks to balance the two. For them, magic is a neutral grey, neither inherently good or bad.
The Green Witch – Works with the energy of natural objects and the natural world such as herbs, crystals and the elements.
The Hedge Witch – A healer or wise woman. Skilled in the use of herbs and natural plant-based medicine.
Wiccan Witch – One who embraces the religion of Wicca
Stregha / Stregheria – A form of witchcraft native to Italy. Its followers worship the forces of nature.
Do you know what type of witch you are? Maybe you love to work with familiars!
What is Witchcraft – Are Wicca and Witchcraft the Same?
Although opinions differ in regards to this question, with some people putting witchcraft and Wicca into the same ‘pot’ so to speak, I beg to differ. Whilst Wicca is a recognised religion, birthed in the 1950s by Gerald B Gardner, Witchcraft enjoys no such official recognition.
In fact, many people who call themselves ‘witches’ do not believe in any form of religion at all and may even find it irritating to be defined as ‘Wiccan’. Witches may be spiritual but non-religious, they may define themselves as Pagan or as non-Pagan. They might call themselves Wiccan or they may seek to differentiate themselves entirely from Wiccan religion.
Amaria wrote a whole article explaining the difference between Witchcraft and Wicca if your interested in learning more.
What is Witchcraft – What is the Purpose of Witchcraft?
“Witchcraft is a practical system of mysticism, whose method is known as magick” The foundation of magical beliefs, of which witchcraft is one, is that there are certain unseen powers in existence and that through performing certain rituals or actions these powers can be contacted or asked to assist in some way. Witches believe that this magical power also resides within themselves.
Magical powers are in everyone and everything. Learning how to harness them is the key.
Witchcraft actively acknowledges and encourages a psychic dimension to life. Through the use of rituals and certain actions, this elemental and unseen power is given expression. The purpose of Witchcraft is to foster and maintain a lifelong relationship with these powers.
As such, Witchcraft itself is neither black nor white, good or bad. It is the intention or knowledge behind it which matters. As one witch said to a reporter, “What do I get out of it (witchcraft)? I get a life that holds infinite possibilities and is entirely satisfying to me on all planes of consciousness. I experience pleasure in forms unknown to most people, I have conquered fear. I have learned the unordered pattern behind apparently unrelated things”
What is Witchcraft – Can Anyone Become a Witch?
This is a question that I have been asked quite often and whilst I am aware that some opinions differ from mine, I would answer that yes, everyone can become a witch. Some people believe that you are either born a witch or not but I find this to be an outdated and elitist understanding of witchcraft.
Some people do not yet know that they are witches but they will discover it over time. If you have a natural inclination towards spellwork, found yourself engaged in magical thoughts and fantasies as a child and have sometimes or often had visions come to pass, all signs point to the fact that you may be on your way towards becoming a witch.
What is Witchcraft – What Religion is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is not a religion. Unlike Wicca, which has been officially recognised as a religion, witchcraft enjoys no such recognition.
What is Witchcraft – What was the Mark of the Witch Really?
The mark of the witch was used as a way to identify witches during the witch trials and inquisitions which took place between the 12th and late 17th centuries. The search for the witches or Devils mark made up an important part of the examination of suspected witches. In England and America, the mark was often thought to be an extra nipple where the witch’s familiar suckled. New witches were believed to have been given the witches mark by the devil himself.
The mark is described by Reverend John Bell, minister of Gladsmuir in 1705, as being found in “secret places, as among the hair of the head, or eyebrows, within the lips, under the arm-pits, and even in the most secret parts of the body… I myself have seen it in the body of a confessing witch, like a little powder-mark, of a blea colour, somewhat hard, and with all insensible, so as it did not bleed when I pricked it”.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the mark of the witch exists at all. In all probability, the mark was used as a way to persecute innocent people accused of witchcraft. The mark could have been a mole, a skin lesion, an area of discoloured skin, a genetic abnormality or a tattoo.
People who confessed to having the mark of the witch often did so under extreme duress in the form of torture. During the 17th Century, so-called ‘prickers’ were employed to validate that the mark in question was indeed the mark of the witch. This was done through ‘pricking’ the mark with a needle. The mark was confirmed as being ‘of the Devil’ if the person in question did not flinch in pain when the mark was pricked or if the mark did not bleed after having been pricked. Many of the men employed as prickers were rogues who “ went about the country abusing simple and ignorant people for private gain and commodities‘.
As to the question of why some people did not flinch in pain, I offer the following excerpt as an explanation:
“Finally, some subjects may have voluntarily suppressed any display of pain in order to get the search over with … Many suspects must have come to the conclusion that the procedure would continue until the prickers found what they were looking for. Being repeatedly stabbed to the bone with a long needle could be embarrassing as well as painful … some suspects might have suppressed a flinch to a needle prick in their arm in order to avoid having their anus or vagina probed … or to simply put an end to a painful and seemingly endless search”.(Mcdonald, S. W. (1997). The Devil’s Mark and the Witch-Prickers of Scotland. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine)
You can read about the way in which witches marks were used as a way to prove guilt in this article. The story centres around Mrs Laing, who was accused of stealing a glass of milk in Scotland in 1704. After the prosecution carried out a full body search on Mrs Laing and confirmed that she did indeed carry the mark of the witch, she was brutally tortured, placed in a dungeon and died shortly thereafter.
In this post, we answer the question of 'What is Witchcraft'. Find the answers to all your questions as well as a bunch of handy resources.
Beginner Witch Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Magical Practice
Introduction: Embarking on Your Witchcraft Journey
When beginning your research into witchcraft as a novice, the world of spells, rituals, and magical practices can feel both enchanting and overwhelming. If you’ve found yourself on this page, chances are you’re seeking guidance on where to start your beginner witch research and path as a beginner witch. This blog post aims to be your ultimate guide when first diving into witchcraft research, offering insights into various aspects of witchcraft, from its rich history to the myriad of practices that form part of this spiritual path. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of tarot cards, intrigued by the power of energy work, or simply wish to connect more deeply with the natural world, this guide is a great place to start your journey.
Understanding the Basics: Witchcraft and Its Roots
The History of Witchcraft and Its Evolution
Witchcraft has a complex and varied history, stretching back to ancient times. From the witch trials in Salem to the practices of modern witches, it’s essential to appreciate the different paths and perspectives that have shaped witchcraft. Understanding the history of witchcraft, including the infamous Salem Witch Trials, helps you connect with the spiritual practice on a deeper level.
Handy Resources for Further Exploration:
Cornell University Witchcraft Collection – A comprehensive resource documenting the historical and modern aspects of witchcraft.
History of Witchcraft – Salem Witch Trials – Detailed information on the Salem Witch Trials, a pivotal event in witchcraft history.
Wicca Now – Types of Witches – Insights into various types of witchcraft and witch traditions.
Different Types of Witches and Traditions
There are many different types of witches and traditions in the world of witchcraft. You might hear terms like green witchcraft, kitchen witchery, hedge witches, and more. Each type embodies a unique approach to the craft, often influenced by the natural world, personal beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Gerald Gardner, Aleister Crowley, and Leanna Greenaway are such figures who have contributed significantly to modern witchcraft practices.
Handy Resources for Further Exploration:
Celtic Wicca – Myths and Secrets Explained (wiccanow): An exploration of Celtic Wicca, uncovering the myths and secrets of the ancient Celts and their influence on modern Wicca
Wicca for Beginners – 9 Amazing Tips for Becoming Wiccan (wiccanow): A guide for newcomers to Wicca, offering valuable insights and tips on how to embrace this path.
What Are Wiccan Beliefs? 6 Important Questions Answered (wiccanow): This article discusses core Wiccan beliefs and provides an overview of Wiccan practices and principles.
Who Are the Wiccan Gods? Your Easy Guide to Wiccan Deities (wiccanow): A detailed guide about the main deities in Wicca, helping beginners understand the divine aspect of Wiccan practice
Cornell University Witchcraft Collection (Cornell University): An extensive collection of over 3,000 titles documenting the history of the Inquisition and the persecution of witchcraft, primarily in Europe, and exploring the belief in witchcraft across its geographical boundaries.
Modern Wicca and the Witchcraft Movement (Journal Article): This academic paper discusses the growing popularity of Wicca, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the need for a rebranding of the term ‘Witch’ to recognize the positive influence of Witches on society.
Exploring Witchcraft Practices: Tools and Techniques
The Book of Shadows and Other Sacred Texts
A Book of Shadows is a personal and essential tool for many witches. It serves as a diary or a spellbook where you can record rituals, spells, and personal reflections. Along with other sacred texts, it can be a powerful resource in your witchcraft practice.
Handy Resources for Further Research:
Create Your Own Book of Shadows with Our 6 Top Tips (Wicca Now): An article that talks about the importance of the Book of Shadows in Wiccan and witchcraft practices, offering guidance on how to create and use your own.
Tarot, Runes, and Other Forms of Divination
Tarot cards, Elder Futhark runes, and oracle cards are popular tools for divination. They offer insights into the future and help you tap into your subconscious mind. Each type of divination comes from different cultures and traditions, providing a rich tapestry of methods to explore.
Energy Work, Candle Magic, and Spellcasting
Energy work, including practices like reiki or chakra balancing, is a key aspect of many magical practices. Candle spells and protection spells are also fundamental, especially for beginner witches. They are a simple yet effective way to incorporate magic into your daily lives.
Ethical Considerations: Cultural Appropriation and White vs. Black Magic
Navigating the Nuances of Cultural Appropriation
In the modern context, it’s important to be aware of and sensitive to cultural appropriation. As you learn from various traditions, it’s crucial to respect their origins and not trivialize or exploit them.
Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft and Wicca
Wicca & Cultural Appropriation by Jason Mankey on Patheos
This article explores the subject of cultural appropriation within the context of Wicca.
Sage – The Magickal Cleansing Herb on WiccaNow: This article discusses the use of white sage in smudging, a practice originating from Native American customs. It addresses the problematic nature of cultural appropriation associated with the westernization of “smudging” and suggests alternatives like smoke cleansing with common garden sage, a European tradition.
The Debate Around White Magic and Black Magic
The terms white magic and black magic often spark debate among spiritual practitioners. Understanding these concepts and their implications is vital, as is developing a personal ethical framework for your practice.
Connecting with Nature and the Seasons
The Role of Moon Phases and Seasonal Celebrations
Moon phases, from the full moon to the new moon, play a significant role in witchcraft. Many witches align their practices with these phases, as well as with seasonal events like the summer solstice or the spring equinox.
Green Witchcraft and the Importance of the Natural World
Green witches focus on the natural world and use elements like herbs, essential oils, and crystals in their practice. This path emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the environment and can be a fulfilling way to connect with the Earth.
Your Path Forward: Building Your Practice
Finding Resources: Books, YouTube Channels, and Communities
There are countless resources available for beginner witches. Books on various witchcraft practices, YouTube channels dedicated to witchcraft, and social media platforms offer a wealth of information. Joining online communities or local groups can also provide support and guidance.
Developing Your Unique Practice: Personal Beliefs and Experiences
Ultimately, the best way to approach witchcraft is by integrating it with your personal beliefs and experiences. Your practice should be a reflection of who you are and what resonates with you. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to be a witch; it’s a deeply personal journey.
Embarking on your witchcraft journey as a beginner can be both exciting and overwhelming. Remember, take your time, be respectful of different cultures and traditions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of exploring this magical path. Blessed be on your journey!
For those of you completely new to the craft, the list of topics in this ‘beginner witch guide’ might seem overwhelming but don’t worry, feel free to just pick one or two topics that appeal to you the most and start from there. There is absolutely no need to become an expert in every topic. The idea is to provide you with a roadmap from which you can work out your own preferred route on the journey to discovering your inner witch.
Beginner Witch Guide
I suggest working with this list as a broad guide. See which topics interest you the most on an intuitive level and start from there. You’ll find that the more that you dive into each topic, the more it will unfold for you.
I, for example, was instantly drawn to crystals when I first started out. I read everything I could about them and the more I learned the more I wanted to know. This is still a large part of my craft and my love for them hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. If you want to read more about being a crystal witch, check out this post about crystal witchcraft.
21 Topics Every Beginner Witch Should Research
Types of Spells
Basic Witch Supplies
The history of witchcraft
Different types of witches
Witches familiars
Types of magick
Types of divination such as Tarot
Talismans and sigils
Symbols
Deities
Lucid dreaming (astral projection)
The elements
Grounding
Meditation
Herbs
Crystals
Plants
Altars
Moon phases
Sabbats
Energy
Discover the ultimate beginner witch research guide! In this blog post, we list 21 topics that every beginner witch should know.
How To Become A Witch – 12 Illusive Tips From An Actual Witch 2
The Pentagram – A Witches Power House
The pentagram, a five-pointed star, is considered one of the most powerful symbols of witchcraft. Often misrepresented as an ominous symbol aligned with dark energies, the pentagram actually symbolises The Great All, the universe, consciousness, the five elements, you name it. It’s been used as a symbol of protection since ancient times and standing upright, it represents the spirit ruling over the world of materiality.
Although some people believe that the pentagram standing upsidedown is a satanic symbol, most witches simply believe that in its upside-down iteration the pentagram represents the horned god or in other words, the dark side of the light, the yin of the yang, the night followed by the day.
As a beginner witch, you may choose to work with the pentagram if you like or you can put it into your ‘to do later’ pile and approach it again once your knowledge and understanding of witchcraft have increased.
Supplies – A Witches Tools Of The Trade
A Book of Shadows
A Book of Shadows should be something that every witch keeps. A Book of Shadows, sometimes also called a BOS, is a blank book in which a witch records all of his or her spell and rituals as well as any notes, thoughts, dreams, belief system, or whatever else he or she considers relevant to his or her practice of the Craft.
Some witches like to keep a virtual book of shadows rather than writing into a physical book. The choice is yours, however, make sure that regardless of what style of Book of Shadows you use, you are methodical about recording your work in it. A Book of Shadows might live on your witchy altar if you have one or in a special draw or cupboard.
Imagination
To be a witch is to develop a strong imagination. Without first imagining it, nothing can be brought into being. All began as a thought, an image an inspiration within the mind. A good question to ask yourself as a beginner witch is ‘what do I want’ Once you have a clear answer begin the work of imagining it as vividly as possible.
Later you can begin to work with spells, rituals and visualisations to further help bring your imagination to life. Write all of your imaginations, your dreams and your wishes into your Book of Shadows. Record any exercises or meditation practices you do. Keep note of any spellwork you have started in regards to your imagined desires. Note the effectiveness of your spells. Revise your spells if they are found to be ineffective and make new notes. Rinse and repeat.
Athame
An athame is a double-edged witches knife. This knife is used for magickal purposes only and should never be used to cut anything physically. The athame is either kept on your witchy altar or in a special place where it won’t be disturbed.
A Wand
A wand is a tool associated with the will. You might like to incorporate a wand into your witches toolkit but it is certainly not required. Personally I find wands to be a little cliche and my magick works perfectly fine without the use of a wand.
A Chalice
A chalice represents the element of water and some witches like to use a chalice within their spell or ritual work. A chalice can be filled with water, you might like to use moon water or any other liquid of your choice. Many witches keep their chalice on the west-facing side of their altar. Personally I don’t have a single chalice but rather work with a set of beautiful Japanese ceramics which I cleanse and bless before any magickal work.
A Magickal Name
Some witches like to choose a special magickal name for themselves. You might like to keep this name for yourself, using it privately in your spellwork or you might like to share it with members of a Coven, between like-minded friends or use it out in the world at large. Again, the choice is yours and if you decide to stick with your birth name, of course, that’s also perfectly fine.
Divination Tools
Many witches like to have a set of divination tools on hand. This might include a deck of Tarot cards, a pendulum, a scrying bowl or runes
Mason Jars
There’s a running joke within the witch community that you can always spot a closeted witch by the number of mason jars in her kitchen. Mason jars are a super practical tool for witchcraft. You can use them for spell work like this protection jar, this honey jar love spell or for storing different type of magickal waters. You can also use jars for storing special herbs and spices, crystals, magickal trinkets and other useful bits and pieces.
For a more detailed explanation of the witches toolbox I suggest Amaria’s post on the top her top 13 witch supplies.
A Magical Diet – What Do Witches Eat?
Because witches generally try to live in harmony with the natural world and try to walk gently on the earth, the same can often be said about their diet. Many witches prefer a plant-based diet, often comprised of seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic where possible. To have a witches garden and gown their own produce, fruits and herbs is the dream of many witches.
Witchy kitchens often feature a broad array of potted herbs on the windowsills, and a witch can often be found pursuing the stands at his or her local produce market. Again, as with all things witchy, there are no rules about diet. Decide what works for you and go with that. Test it out, refine, re-test.
A Witchy Way Of Life – Rituals And Routines
Working with rituals and routines is part of the witchy way of life. May witches start their day with a practice of mediation and visualisation, others like to walk outdoors and commune with nature. Some witches like to perform daily cleansing rituals in the shower or they enjoy the soothing comfort of a bath ritual.
For many witches, words are vehicles of power and working with affirmations and incantations form a part of their daily practice. Meditation, communing with the Gods and Goddesses or connecting with the animal world are also rituals which many witches find to be invaluable. You may also like to begin journaling, gardening or take up yoga. Some witches love to dance, others prefer to sit still in contemplation.
Designing your rituals and routines is part of your witchy practice and can be as individual as you like. Again, make sure to keep a note of what you are doing, what works and what doesn’t, how you feel and what your energy is like in your Book of Shadows.
Light Or Dark Witchcraft – The Rules Of the Craft
Whilst the Wiccan way of witchcraft is governed by the rule ‘An ye harm none, do as ye will’, witchcraft itself has no such code of ethics.
However, witchcraft does have some general rules which many witches instinctively adhere to. These include:
Never reveal anyone as a witch. Every witch has the right to keep his or her practice of the Craft a secret.
The need for informed consent. Most witches ask for consent before they perform and spellwork relating to a person other than themselves.
The Law of Three. Many witches believe in the Law of Three which states that anything you release into the world will be returned to you threefold
Can I Get A Spell With That? Magick and Spellwork Explained
Is magick real? If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me this question… To answer the question, YES, magick is totally real but it’s quite different from the magic you might know from series or movies like Sabrina the teenage witch, and harry potter. To understand what magick is we first need to define it. Magick in its essence is really about using the conscious and subconscious mind to transform oneself and the environment. Knowing your true self, your goals, and applying energy to these goals is the basis of all modern witchcraft.
Magick can be divided into two categories: practical magick and theurgy. Practical magick covers all areas related to health, wealth, travel, work and such. Need a spell to protect your home? Practical magic (along with a deadbolt) will be your go-to. Theurgy, on the other hand, is a higher form of magick related to spiritual development and the higher dimensions.
As a beginner witch, I suggest you first try your hand at the most basic of practical magick. Perfect the simplest spells first before moving on to anything more advanced. Magick takes real patience, practice, and self-reflection. Anyone thinking it’s as easy as waving a wand and shouting ‘abracadabra’ is seriously barking up the wrong tree.
As a beginner witch, you might like to start your magickal practice with some of the beginners spells Amaria and I have added to the site. For example, this easy love spell, or this full moon spell to attract abundance.
Remember to record all of your spellwork and the results in your Book of Shadows.
There are also a number of different types of witches and spellwork.
Some of these include:
The kitchen witch – works with practical magick, mainly in the kitchen
The nature witch – works primarily outdoors using the sun, the rain and the wind
The Shamanic witch – works with nature and also ventures deep into the spirit realm
The simple ritualist – works primarily with rituals
The ceremonial witch – works with rituals on a deeper and more complex level than the simple ritualist
The intrinsic or inner witch – works only with the own mind and body to manipulate energy
For a more detailed look at the different types of witches check out Amarias post on the different types of witches.
What Are Spells And How Do I Make One?
Spells are the tools through which witches manifest their magick out into the world. To most witches, a spell is any type of magickal operation and a spell may or may not involve tools and or words. Spells can be as complicated or as simple as needed and many witches prefer to make their own spells according to their own specific needs. Spells always involve imagination, intention and action
Lovelies, I hope this article provided you with at least a little taste of what modern witchcraft and being a witch might mean for you. If you’d like to delve further into the topic I suggest working through this list of resources and also checking out some of the book recommendations I’ve listed for you below. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily witchy tips and inspo.
List of Resources For Beginner Witches
A guide to Moon magick
A list of things to research as a beginner witch
Different types of witches explained
The history of witchcraft explained
Herbs for protection
How to make crystal infused water
All about crystal correspondences
All about the Sabbats
A guide to witchy gods and goddesses
The best witchy books for beginners
All about witches familiars
Discover how to become a witch with our comprehensive guide for beginners. Written by a real witch, learn about magick, spells and discover
How To Become A Witch – 12 Illusive Tips From An Actual Witch
“Some find their home in the Witches’ Craft, Touching magick, drawing down the moon and wielding power, But each must seek and find their path, Is this your way, is this your hour?”I Am a Witch” by Amber K
How To Begin Your Journey Into Witchcraft – A Magickal Guide For Beginners
‘Merry Meet’ – That’s a traditional greeting amongst witches – we’re so glad you found us! As some of you may already know Wicca Now is a place where Amaria and I write all about witchcraft, magick and Wicca. Lately, we’ve been writing about moon magick, water magick and kitchen witchery and today I thought we’d cover another popular topic, namely how to become a witch.
The first thing that any baby witch or person curious about witchcraft needs to know is that pretty much everything you’ve seen television or in the movies about witches is wrong. The witches you see in the movies are pure fantasy, they are the make-believe creations of a clever scriptwriters mind and bear little resemblance to real-life witches. Witches (as far as I know) are not able to fly on broomsticks, turn princes into frogs or dust into diamonds. You might be disappointed to read this but it is the truth and from experience, the truth is always the best place to start.
Both Amaria and I define ourselves as witches so you can be sure that this information is coming straight from a reputable source, however, the world of modern witchcraft is so diverse there may be those who disagree with what we have to say and others still who would tell you a completely different story about witches and witchcraft and swear upon its truth. This is perfectly fine and the choice of whom to believe or not is yours. To walk the way of witchcraft requires one to be an explorer and as with all adventures, not knowing the final destination, and instead, finding joy in the journey itself is what makes it interesting.
As a beginner witch, you can be sure of one thing: there is no One True Way to be a witch. Witchcraft is no place for dogmatics and if you happen upon a witch who tries to enforce his or her rules upon you my advice would be to run. What witchcraft IS is a place of Freedom and Diversity. It is a place where spirituality and the Craft (the art and science of magick) meet. It is a place where you can learn about yourself, express your creativity and connect with your higher self. The world of witchcraft is colourful, diverse, magickal and available to all those who seek it.
Why Do You Want To Become A Witch?
There are so many reasons you might feel drawn to witchcraft. Maybe you’ve always felt drawn to mystical and magickal stories, felt a connection to the gods and goddesses you learned about during history lessons or felt intuitively connected to nature and the rhythm of her cycles (the seasons, the tides, the phases of the moon). Perhaps you’ve experienced synchronicities in your life, things that made no logical sense but seemed to happen for a reason.
You might have family or historical connections to witchcraft or to magickal ways of being. You may feel drawn to Pagan or Wiccan rituals and beliefs. You might like to explore your power as a female, as a male or in whatever form you choose. You might have a curiosity about the deeper mysteries of the universe and about the laws of attraction, manifestation and healing. You might feel misplaced within your current perception of reality and be seeking to find new ways of understanding the world around you.
Whatever your reason for choosing to express interest in witchcraft the choice is yours to make and you are also free to change your mind at any time.
The Wrong Reasons For Deciding To Become A Witch
For as many wonderful reasons there are to choose witchcraft there are also, in my opinion, just as many wrong reasons for choosing the Craft.
Witchcraft is not a way to make yourself more ‘special’ (you are already special and unique), it is not a tool for impressing people or for making yourself feel better than others. It is not a tool for acquiring power or influence (although some use it as such in the form of black magic) nor is it an easy way to get what you want. Witchcraft will not allow you to simply manifest your desires with the shake of a wand. Become aware of your motivations before choosing the path. Understand your own desires and know what it is that you seek.
Please also keep in mind that there are many dishonest people, including those who call themselves witches, who might attempt to scam you. Some people use spirituality and witchcraft as part of a scam to get your money, acquire power over you or influence you into doing things you might not feel inclined to do. Keep your wits about you and trust your intuition when it comes to these matters. Anyone can start a coven or call themselves a witch. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they have your best interest at heart.
The Rewards Of Witchcraft – Merry Be
Being a witch has so many awesome benefits and can be incredibly rewarding! Because witchcraft is so diverse and open to personal interpretation the range of benefits to be expected can be wide-ranging depending on where you choose to set your focus.
I can say from personal experience that being a witch has helped me to feel more connected and loving towards myself as well as helping me to feel more connected to the earth, the moon and the stars. Being a witch has also taught me so many new skills like divination and herbology as well as allowing me to get in touch with my own psychic abilities.
Some of the benefits of being a witch might include feeling more connected to mother earth as well as to nature in general. You might also feel a deeper connection to your ancestors and those that went before. Because witchcraft is a path of constant learning, witches are often some of the most well-read people you’ll meet.
Witches are also often skilled in the healing arts and may be able to communicate with the animal realm. Some of the other skills you can expect to develop as a witch include divination, herbology and kitchen witchery, knowledge of the moon and stars as well as heightened psychic abilities. Because witches learn to gain control of their own energy and thoughts, you’ll often find that they have very grounded and peaceful energy.
What Is Witchcraft? – A Witches Tale
If you’ve made it this far it seems fair to say that you have a real curiosity about witchcraft but you probably have a lot of unanswered questions am I right? The first question I often get asked by beginner witches is ‘what is witchcraft actually’? As you may have noticed already, witchcraft is a multifaceted domain open to interpretation and wildly diverse. Because of this, it’s hard to put a clearly defined label on it but I’ll try and give you some examples of witchcraft in action so that you can create your own idea of what witchcraft might be.
The first story is about a teenage boy who’s pet goldfish is sick and appears to be swimming listlessly. At night after his parent have gone to bed, the boy walks over to the aquarium and places four pink candles in front of it. He lights the candles and recites a prayer to the god Bast. As he recites the prayer he imagines waves of healing energy flowing towards his sick fish and surrounding it with light. He continues to recite the prayer and hold the image of the healing energy in his mind until he feels its power has reached a zenith. Thereafter he blows out the candles and thanks Bast for helping him with the healing. The next morning he returns to the aquarium to find the fish swimming normally, appearing to be in the best of health as it nibbles on a piece of fish meal. You’ve just seen a young witch in action.
The second story concerns an older woman who has just found the courage to leave her abusive husband. She is sitting alone in a small empty room (the only place she can afford at this time) with her eyes closed. In her mind, she is weaving a picture of her future life. She is experiencing the touch of new comfortable surroundings as she mentally enjoys having a space of her own. She is weaving an imaginative picture of well being and abundance so powerfully that she knows she will begin to draw it into her material experience. She is freeing herself from the bonds of abuse and low self-esteem as she feels connected to a higher power. You’ve just witnessed a witch in action.
The third story concerns a young couple. The family of the young woman are unhappy about the match and are doing everything they can to make her partner feel unwelcome. The couple invites the disapproving family members over for tea and cake to try to smooth things over. The cake is served. It’s delicious and slightly unusual tasting. As each member of the family finishes their plate the energy in the room begins to lift and someone laughs. Soon the laughter catches on and the room is engulfed in a great feeling buzz of warm soft joy and laughter. The family begins to feel connected to the partner of the young woman and new friendships are born. The cake was baked by the couple using a blend of special herbs and spices, blessed with intention and served with clear intent. You’ve just seen two witches in action.
Seasons, Moon Cycles And The Wheel Of The Year
Many witches, especially those following the Wiccan or Pagan path celebrate eight sabbats or holy days throughout the year. These sabbats comprise a yearly calendar called ‘The Wheel of the Year’. Again, as with all things concerning witchcraft, it’s very much up to you if you would like to celebrate these holy days or not.
The sabbats are as follows:
Yule (or Midwinter, Winter Solstice): December 20–23
Imbolc (or Oimelc, Brigit’s Eve, Candlemas): February 2
Ostara (or Eostre, Spring Equinox): March 20–23
Beltane (or May Eve, Mayday, Walpurgis): April 30
Litha (or Midsummer, Summer Solstice): June 20–23
Lughnassad (or Lunasa, Lughnasadh, or Lammas, August Eve): August 1
Mabon (or Harvest Home, Fall Equinox): September 20–23
Samhain (or Hallows Eve, November Eve): October 31
The sabbats are a way of reflecting the changing seasons and the energies that accompany these changes. If you’d like to learn more about the Sabbats why not check out our blog post on the Wheel of the Year.
Witches also often feel intuitively drawn to the moon and may follow the eight phases of the moon closely. Each phase of the moon brings different energy with it and understand each phase and its corresponding energy forms an essential part of moon magick.
Some witches (including myself) like to perform special rituals on the night of the full moon as this is considered to be the time when the power of the moon has reached its peak power. As well as working with the eight phases of the moon, many witches like to take their moon magick a step further by incorporating the zodiac signs.
The energies one can expect as the moon moves through the zodiac are as follows:
Moon in Aries
(the Ram, a fire sign ruled by Mars): Spontaneity, energy, enthusiasm, action, openness, independence, passion.
Moon in Taurus
(the Bull, an earth sign ruled by (the Bull, an earth sign ruled by Venus): Security, conservatism, nature and strength, health, stability, endurance, Calmness, strength, health, stability, endurance, also stubbornness, slowness.
Moon in Gemini
(the Twins, an air sign ruled by Mercury): Thought, recklessness, communication, intelligence, knowledge, analysis, social skills, ideas, words.
Moon in Cancer
(the Crab, a water sign ruled by the moon): Attachment, home, roots, intuition, motherhood, caring, receptivity, emotions, memory, moodiness, stubbornness.
Moon in Leo
(the Lion, a fire sign ruled by the sun): Light, sun, warmth, love, passion, drama, expressiveness, charisma, pride, generosity, confidence; also self-absorption, craving for attention, egotism.
Moon in Virgo
(the Virgin, an earth sign ruled by Mercury): Task orientation, organization, competence, effectiveness, facts and data, perfection, cleanliness, low visibility, simplicity, personal relations, young people; also self-abasement, moralism, perfectionism, fanaticism.
Moon in Libra
(the Scales, an air sign ruled by Venus): Awareness, diplomacy, partnership, peace and harmony, intellect, wisdom, understanding; also instability, oversensitivity, manipulation, and fear of solitude or conflict.
Moon in Scorpio
(the Scorpion, a water sign ruled by Mars and Pluto): Emotional intensity, passion, devotion, wholeheartedness, intuition, transformation; also introversion, selfishness, and addiction to drama.
Moon in Sagittarius
(the Archer, a fire sign ruled by Jupiter): Idealism, enthusiasm, vision, passion, friendliness, dislike of conventions, need for freedom; also fanaticism, impracticality, lack commitment need for freedom; also fanaticism, impracticality, lack commitment.
Moon in Capricorn
(the Sea-Goat, an earth sign ruled by Saturn): Responsibility, solidity, reliability, self-control, family bonds, security, conservatism, tradition; also lack of spontaneity, distancing from others, lack of flexibility and openness.
Moon in Aquarius
(the Water Carrier, an air sign ruled by Saturn and Uranus): Intellect, community, collective effort without intimacy, observation, perception; also emotional detachment, isolation, lack of self- knowledge, erratic behaviour.
Moon in Pisces
(the Fish, a water sign ruled by Jupiter and Neptune): Sensitivity, empathy, connection, kindness, understanding, imagination, solitude; also daydreaming, impracticality, emotional parasitism, over- sensitivity.
Beyond the cycles of the moon, the seasons and the year, witches may also like to work with the cycles of day and night, life and death, inner and outer worlds or the astrological cycles of the planets.
Discover how to become a witch with our comprehensive guide for beginners. Written by a real witch, learn about magick, spells and discover
A Beginner’s Guide to Casting a Protection Spell 4
Cultural Variations in Protection Spells and Practices
The tapestry of human history is rich with protective symbols, rituals, and spells. While the underlying goal—ensuring safety and warding off harm—remains consistent, the methods and motifs change dramatically from one culture to another. This vibrant diversity offers a captivating journey into the ways different societies have perceived and sought protection.
Middle Eastern Traditions: The Hamsa Hand In Middle Eastern cultures, the Hamsa, often called the “Hand of Fatima” or “Hand of Miriam,” is a revered protective symbol. Representing an open hand, it is believed to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune. This symbol can be found on jewelry, door entrances, and even vehicles, serving both as a decorative element and a powerful amulet against negativity.
Mediterranean Beliefs: Evil Eye Rituals The concept of the “evil eye” is particularly strong in Mediterranean cultures. It’s believed that envious or malevolent glances can bring misfortune. To counter this, many people wear blue and white “evil eye” talismans. Rituals often involve using oil in water to diagnose and dispel the malevolent gaze. Some households also hang the eye amulet at the entrance of their homes, ensuring that envy and harm are kept at bay.
African Traditions: Amulets and Charms Various African cultures have a rich history of using protective charms. The “gris-gris” or “juju” bags from West African traditions often contain herbs, stones, bones, and other potent items. These bags are consecrated and carried by individuals for protection against harm, evil spirits, and to attract good luck.
European Practices: Witch Bottles and Herbs Europe has a long-standing tradition of protective spells. One such practice involves the use of witch bottles—jars filled with pins, nails, and sometimes the urine of the homeowner. Buried under the home’s threshold or hidden in walls, these bottles were believed to absorb and trap negative energies. Additionally, herbs like sage, rowan, and salt have been used both for cleansing spaces and offering protection. Learn how to make your own Powerful Protection Spell Jar.
Asian Rituals: Symbols and Chants In many Asian cultures, written symbols and chants play a pivotal role in protective rituals. Chinese homes often display calligraphy, Fu symbols, or even lion statues as protective emblems. Similarly, in Hindu traditions, specific mantras are chanted to invoke divine protection, while the “Swastika” (meaning well-being) is considered a protective and auspicious symbol.
Native American Practices: Dreamcatchers and Totems Dreamcatchers, originally from the Ojibwa (Chippewa) nation, have become symbols of protection, particularly against negative dreams or energies. Woven to resemble a spider’s web, they are believed to trap harmful intentions, allowing only positive dreams to pass. Totem poles, on the other hand, often represent family lineage, with each animal carved offering its unique protective energies.
Pacific Islands: Tattoos and Masks Many cultures from the Pacific Islands, such as the Maori of New Zealand, use tattoos, known as “Ta Moko,” not just as an art form but also as protective symbols. Each design is unique to the individual, signifying their lineage, achievements, and personal protection. Masks, prevalent in cultures like those of Papua New Guinea, are believed to harness the power of spirits and ancestors, offering protection during rituals and ceremonies.
Exploring the myriad protective practices from around the world offers a deeper understanding of our shared human yearnings. It showcases our collective creativity in crafting shields against the unseen and highlights the beautiful diversity in the ways we seek solace and safety.
Subtle vs. Manifest: The Dual Nature of Protection Spells
Protection spells, like most things in the realm of the esoteric, can vary immensely in the ways they manifest their effects. Broadly, they can be categorized into two primary types: subtle and manifest. This distinction not only highlights the diverse range of magical practices but also emphasizes the adaptability of protection spells to different circumstances and intentions.
Subtle Protection Spells Nature of Operation:
Subtle protection spells operate on an energetic level, often beyond the immediate perception of our physical senses. They might work by shifting the vibratory frequency of a space, person, or object, making it less susceptible to negative influences. Examples:
A spell that infuses an individual with positivity, making them less likely to be affected by external negativity.
Rituals that cleanse a space of lingering negative energies, bringing a sense of calm and serenity. Benefits:
Unobtrusive: Subtle spells won’t draw attention, making them ideal for those who prefer to keep their protective measures private.
Continuous: They often work continuously, emanating a protective aura over extended periods without needing frequent renewal.
Manifest Protection Spells Nature of Operation:
Manifest spells have tangible, observable outcomes. They might produce a physical sign, create an obvious barrier, or induce a palpable change in the environment. Examples:
A protective charm that, when carried, causes potential threats to be repelled or turned away.
A ritual that guards a home, making trespassers feel an unexplainable urge to avoid the property.
Benefits:
Immediate Impact: Manifest spells often produce results that can be noticed right away, offering instant reassurance.
Deterrent: Their tangible nature can act as a deterrent to potential threats. Just as a security sign might deter a burglar, the visible or palpable effects of these spells can ward off negative entities or ill-intentioned individuals.
Finding the Right Balance:
Depending on the situation and the desired outcome, a practitioner might opt for either a subtle or manifest spell, or even a combination of both. For instance, someone wanting protection during a discreet business negotiation might opt for a subtle spell to maintain a serene atmosphere without drawing attention. Conversely, if guarding against a known and direct threat, a manifest spell might be more appropriate.
Conclusion
The journey into the world of protection spells is not just an exploration of magic but a profound connection to a rich and ancient wisdom that has been part of human history for millennia. Understanding how to cast these spells is not merely a mechanical process but a delicate intertwining of mind, spirit, and universe.
The significance of understanding and responsibly casting protection spells goes beyond mere curiosity or aesthetic appeal. It embodies a respectful engagement with forces that have shaped cultures, philosophies, and personal lives across ages. Magic is not a game or a simple tool but a complex and powerful craft that demands respect, understanding, and responsibility.
As you take steps to further explore the world of magic, remember that it is a world filled with mystery, beauty, and depth. Approach it with the reverence it deserves, acknowledging the traditions and knowledge that form its foundations. Magic offers a doorway into a realm that defies conventional wisdom, challenges our perceptions, and enriches our lives in unexpected ways.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious novice, the path of magic is one that offers endless opportunities for growth, reflection, and empowerment. Encourage yourself to delve deeper, explore with integrity, and embrace the world of magic with an open heart and a mindful approach. The understanding and casting of protection spells are just one facet of this multifaceted world.
Remember, magic is not about power over others but power with oneself and the universe. Treat it with care, use it with wisdom, and let it guide you to a more enlightened and connected existence.
References:
Historical Context and Ancient Civilizations:
The British Museum – Contains vast collections related to ancient civilizations.
Ancient History Encyclopedia – Provides detailed articles about ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia.
Cultural Practices Around the World:
World Atlas – Offers articles on cultures and practices from around the world.
Smithsonian Institution – Has extensive resources and articles on various cultures and their practices.
Herbalism and Natural Ingredients:
Botanical.com – A modern herbal resource.
Herb Society of America – Offers resources on the use and history of herbs.
Crystals and Stones:
The Crystal Council – Provides information on the properties and uses of various crystals.
Geology.com – A resource for different stones, their origins, and properties.
Animal Totems:
What Is My Spirit Animal – A site dedicated to understanding spirit animals and their significance.
Cyber Safety:
StaySafeOnline.org – Managed by the National Cyber Security Alliance, offers tips and resources for staying safe online.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) – Provides tools and resources for cybersecurity.
Mental Health and Well-being:
Mental Health Foundation – Offers resources on mental health.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Offers information and resources related to mental health.
A Beginner’s Guide to Casting a Protection Spell 3
Crafting A Simple Protection Spell: A Step-by-Step Guide
A. Preparing Your Space: Cleansing and Grounding
Begin with Cleanliness: Before embarking on any ritual, ensure your physical space is tidy. This includes decluttering the area and achieving a serene environment.
Energetic Cleansing: After physically tidying up, turn to sage, palo santo, or a bell to dispel lingering negative energies. Remember to choose garden sage or other dried plants, keeping in mind the cultural significance and sustainability of white sage.
Grounding: Connect with Earth’s energies for stability during your spellwork. Techniques include meditation, visualizing roots extending from your feet deep into the Earth, or holding grounding crystals like black tourmaline or hematite.
B. Choosing the Right Ingredients Based on Intention
Purposeful Selection: Each ingredient, whether it’s an herb, crystal, or token, emanates its own energy. Investigate and align the properties of every ingredient with your aim. For protection spells, components like salt, and amethyst are highly recommended.
Trust Your Intuition: Despite the weight of historical and traditional knowledge, your personal affinity with materials can intensify a spell. Trust your gut—if you feel a pull toward an ingredient, there’s likely a meaningful reason.
C. The Casting Process: Chants, Visualization, and Sealing the Spell
Chants: The potency of words is undeniable. Traditional chants or your unique creations both work. What counts is the sincerity and emotion in your voice.
Visualization: Envision a radiant shield or barrier encompassing you or whatever you’re aiming to protect. This mental imagery solidifies the intent and magnifies the spell’s energy.
Sealing: Conclude your spell by voicing a closing statement, making a distinct hand movement, or igniting a specific candle. This sealing action captures and maintains the energy you’ve summoned.
D. Aftercare: Maintaining the Potency of Your Spell
Regular Reinforcement: Spells may lose their vigor over time. Periodically bolster your protection spell with reaffirming chants or by replenishing its ingredients.
Respect the Spell: Acknowledge the intent and power encapsulated in your spells. Storing spell ingredients on your sacred space or erecting an altar amplifies their potency. Doubts or negative feelings can dilute their strength, so keep faith in their efficacy.
Stay Attuned: Consistent meditation and energetic awareness are vital. By staying attuned, you’ll know when your spell requires rejuvenation or intensification.
A Simple Protection Spell Example
Infusing a Crystal Talisman for Protection
Setting the Ambience: Begin by lighting a purple candle, a color often associated with spiritual protection. Let its glow be a beacon, attracting protective energies to your space.
Ingredients:
A protective crystal of your choice (black tourmaline, obsidian, or amethyst are all strong choices for protection). Make sure the crystal is water safe if you are planning on cleansing with water as detailed below.
Essential oil of frankincense or rosemary for anointing (both known for their protective properties).
A cloth pouch or a setting to hold and wear your crystal.
The Infusion Process:
Purification: Hold the crystal under running water (preferably natural, like a stream, but tap water will work in a pinch). Visualize the water washing away any impurities or lingering energies.
Anointing: Dab a bit of your chosen essential oil on your fingertip, and then touch the crystal gently, visualizing the oil’s essence imbuing the stone with added protection.
Charging with Intent: Hold the crystal in both hands and close your eyes. Picture a radiant light, ideally a shade of purple or white, descending from the universe, permeating through you, and then infusing the crystal. As you do this, mentally or verbally recite: “Stone of the Earth, guardian so true, be charged with protection, in all that I do.”
Solidifying the Infusion: Place the charged crystal in front of the purple candle. Let it sit there, absorbing the candle’s protective glow, for a duration that feels right to you (generally, anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour).
Concluding the Ritual:
Thank your guides, deities, or the universe for aiding you in this protective endeavor.
Extinguish the purple candle, understanding that the ritual’s end does not mean the end of its protective power.
Place the infused crystal in the cloth pouch or setting. Wear or carry it with you for protection. Every now and then, repeat the charging process to keep its energies vibrant.
Note: When creating talismans or casting spells, always remember the importance of intent. It’s your focused intention and belief that truly drive the efficacy of any magical working. Be respectful, and ensure your workings are for the highest good.
Unique Insights into Protection Spells
Protection spells have always been an integral part of human spiritual and magical practices. Their significance and the mechanics behind them offer profound insights into the human psyche, our collective history, and the evolution of our societies. Here’s a closer look:
Protection as an Empowering Act: Protection spells aren’t just about warding off external negative influences; they’re a means to reclaim personal power and autonomy. In a world where we often feel vulnerable—be it emotionally, physically, or spiritually—these spells provide a way to assert control over our environment and destiny. They act as reminders of our innate strength and our capability to shield ourselves and our loved ones from harm. By casting a protection spell, an individual is making an active choice to shape their reality, rejecting passivity and embracing agency.
The Reflection of Societal Fears and Hopes in Popular Protection Spells: Protection spells often mirror the prevailing concerns of the era in which they’re most popular. For instance, during times of widespread disease, spells and talismans for health protection may become prevalent. In periods of social unrest or war, spells focusing on shielding one’s family and home might take precedence. In the modern digital age, there’s a rising trend of spells and rituals designed to protect against cyberbullying or to shield one’s online presence and identity. This evolving nature of protection spells showcases how they are not static; they adapt, reflecting societal fears, hopes, and the challenges of the times. Furthermore, the popularity of certain protection spells can also reflect collective hopes. In periods where there’s a collective shift towards environmental awareness, spells to protect the Earth or natural habitats may gain traction. Such spells are not just reactive (based on fears) but also proactive, embodying collective desires for a better world.
Protection spells, thus, are more than just rituals. They are windows into the human soul, revealing our vulnerabilities, strengths, and the ever-evolving nature of our societies. They emphasize the enduring human need for safety, empowerment, and connection to the world around us.
Dive into the mystical world of protection spells. Discover their rich history, learn step-by-step casting techniques, and unearth unique in
A Beginner’s Guide to Casting a Protection Spell 2
Spiritual Protection: Safeguarding One’s Aura and Energy
Our spirit, the ethereal core of our being, requires its own set of protective measures:
Aura Cleansing: Over time, our auras, the energy fields surrounding us, can accumulate “debris” from negative experiences or interactions. Regular spells for aura cleansing help maintain its purity, ensuring that our spiritual self remains untainted and vibrant. Learn how to make your own Witchy Cleansing Spray here.
Energetic Barriers: Much like a moat around a castle, these spells create a protective circumference around an individual. Any malicious intent or energy directed towards the person is either neutralized or reflected, preserving the sanctity of one’s spiritual essence.
In embracing protection spells, one is not merely erecting defenses but actively cultivating a space where the mind, heart, and spirit can thrive unencumbered. The true magic lies not just in the casting but in the profound peace and empowerment that such protections bring.
Modern Threats and Their Magical Countermeasures
In an age characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal pressures, our need for protection has transcended beyond just the physical realm. The modern world presents challenges unheard of in ancient times, but witchcraft and magic have always been adaptive, evolving alongside humanity’s shifting needs. Here, we delve into the innovative responses of contemporary witchcraft to the unique challenges of our time.
Cyber Shields: Protection Spells for the Digital Age
Digital Footprint: In an era where our online presence can be both an asset and a vulnerability, it’s essential to protect our digital aura. Just as we’d cleanse a physical space, our virtual spaces, from social media accounts to email inboxes, also require regular energetic maintenance.
Magic and Technology: Believe it or not, technology and magic aren’t mutually exclusive. Envision creating a protective barrier around your devices. Rituals might involve the use of crystals like black tourmaline placed near computers, chanting specific mantras before logging onto social platforms, or even anointing your device with protective oils.
Guarding Personal Information: Beyond the metaphysical, it’s a reminder to incorporate practical measures, such as strong, unique passwords and being wary of sharing personal information online.
Mental Health Protection: Warding off Modern-Day Emotional and Psychological Challenges
The Urban Jungle’s Mental Strain: The hustle and bustle of modern life, with its relentless pace and pressures, can take a toll on our mental health. For some, city noises, crowded spaces, and the constant barrage of information can trigger anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Crafting a Mental Sanctuary: Spells and rituals in this realm focus on crafting a mental safe haven. Meditation, guided visualizations, or grounding exercises can play an integral role. Imagine creating a protective bubble around yourself, where external stresses bounce off, leaving your inner peace undisturbed.
Harnessing Herbal Allies: Modern witchcraft often intertwines with herbalism. Plants like lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm have long been revered for their calming properties. Incorporating these into teas, baths, or sachets can work alongside spells to bolster mental well-being.
Seeking External Support: It’s essential to emphasize that while spells can provide solace and a sense of empowerment, they are not replacements for professional medical advice or therapy. Always consider seeking help if you find yourself persistently struggling.
Nature’s Arsenal: Common Ingredients in Protection Spells
The power of nature has always been at the heart of witchcraft and spellwork. Ancient practitioners revered the Earth and its abundant gifts, believing that each element of nature harbored specific energies that could be harnessed for various purposes. Protection spells, in particular, often draw from a rich palette of natural ingredients, each with its unique vibrational frequency and protective attributes.
The Protective Qualities of Herbs:
Sage: Sage, especially in its smudging rituals, is a revered tool to cleanse spaces, driving away negative energies and spirits. Particularly, white sage has been a staple in indigenous cultures’ sacred ceremonies for countless generations. However, when considering the use of white sage today, it’s crucial to understand and appreciate two primary concerns: Cultural Appropriation: The ritual of “smudging” with white sage is deeply embedded in the spiritual practices of Native American and other Indigenous cultures. Its growing popularity outside these traditions brings forth issues of cultural appropriation. It’s paramount to approach white sage with reverence, full awareness, and comprehension of its profound roots. Conservation Concerns: The threat to white sage doesn’t stop at its cultural significance. Presently, it faces endangerment, not just from habitat destruction or climate adversities but notably from large-scale, illegal harvesting of wild plants. As highlighted by The Independent, this illegal harvesting is primarily to produce smudge bundles for commercial sale. For those keen on preserving and respecting the sanctity of white sage, consider using alternatives like garden sage or other dried plants for rituals. If one insists on using white sage, always verify its ethical and sustainable sourcing. Learn more about Sage – the Magical Cleansing Herb here.
Rosemary: This fragrant herb is not just for culinary delights. Rosemary is often associated with protection and cleansing. Hanging dried sprigs of rosemary by doorways or windows can serve as a barrier against harmful intentions.
Basil: Recognized for its power to deflect negative energy and ensure peace within the home. It’s also often used in money and love spells, showcasing its versatility.
Mugwort: Traditionally used for psychic protection, especially during dreamwork or astral travel, ensuring that the spirit returns safely to the body.
Stones and Crystals: Their Resonating Energies for Shields:
Black Tourmaline: Renowned for its grounding properties, black tourmaline is believed to shield individuals from electromagnetic smog and negative energies. It’s often recommended to keep a piece near electronic devices or wear it as jewelry.
Amethyst: While best known for its spiritual and calming properties, amethyst also offers protection, especially for the mind, aiding in warding off negative thoughts or psychic attacks. Discover 4 Little Known Benefits of Amethyst here.
Obsidian: This volcanic glass acts as a mirror, reflecting negativity back to its source, making it a potent protective tool.
Tiger’s Eye: A stone of courage and power, tiger’s eye is believed to protect against ill-wishing and curses.
Animal Totems and Their Protective Attributes:
Bear: Symbolizing strength, courage, and grounding, the bear is a powerful guardian in challenging times.
Wolf: Representing keen instinct, intelligence, and freedom, the wolf offers protection in group dynamics, ensuring unity and communication.
Owl: Often seen as a protector of the hidden and the unknown, the owl provides insight and guidance in the dark, ensuring safe navigation through life’s mysteries.
Turtle: As a creature of both land and water, the turtle embodies grounding and emotional clarity, providing a shield against emotional disturbances.
Drawing from nature’s vast and vibrant arsenal can add depth and potency to any protection spell. The innate energies of herbs, crystals, and animal totems serve as powerful allies, guarding us from a myriad of seen and unseen threats.
Dive into the mystical world of protection spells. Discover their rich history, learn step-by-step casting techniques, and unearth unique in
Have you ever wished for an invisible shield against negativity? Enter the age-old art of casting protection spells.
Introduction
Protection spells have been an integral facet of various cultures and traditions throughout history. They serve as more than just mystical barriers; they’re a testament to humanity’s enduring desire for safety and sanctity. In a world rife with emotional, physical, and digital threats, the relevance of these spells has only grown.
Today, amidst the chaos of our fast-paced lives and the deluge of information, protection spells offer a beacon of hope, providing a means to anchor oneself against the tempestuous currents of negativity. They bridge the ancient and the modern, reminding us that, sometimes, the solutions to today’s problems can be found in the wisdom of yesteryears. Whether it’s warding off cyberbullying, safeguarding mental well-being, or simply seeking a haven from the daily grind, protection spells emerge as a powerful tool in the contemporary arsenal against negativity. You might also be interested in reading our post on Witchcraft and its stunning transformation over centuries.
The Historical Tapestry of Protection Spells
Protection spells, as with many spiritual practices, have roots that run deep into the fabric of human history. They represent the collective desire of civilizations to shield themselves from unseen threats, to find solace in symbols and rituals, and to manifest safety in their surroundings.
Tracing Back to Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Celtic Druids, and Beyond
Mesopotamia: Often referred to as the cradle of civilization, ancient Mesopotamia was rife with rituals and talismans meant for protection. The Cuneiform tablets, some of the earliest written records, make mention of incantations intended to ward off evil spirits and ailments. The Mesopotamians believed in a world inhabited by both good and evil entities, and their protective measures were designed to create boundaries against these malevolent forces.
Celtic Druids: In the lush, green landscapes of ancient Europe, the Druids — priests of the Celtic people — practiced their esoteric rituals. Among these were protection spells, often woven into their celebrations of the natural world and cycles of the moon. Sacred groves were chosen sites for these rituals, and the Druids invoked both the spirits of the land and their ancestral energies to cast protective barriers around their communities.
How Different Cultures Perceive and Practice Protection Rituals
Across continents and epochs, the need for protection has remained a constant, yet the ways in which different cultures conceptualize and actualize this need have varied immensely:
African Traditions: In many African cultures, protection spells often take the form of amulets or charms, crafted with specific materials believed to possess protective properties. The wearing of these amulets isn’t just symbolic; it’s a deeply entrenched practice that spans generations, linking the spiritual world with the physical.
East Asian Beliefs: In countries like China and Japan, protective rituals might involve the use of specific symbols or characters. The placement of Fu, protective Chinese characters, around the home during the Lunar New Year is a testament to age-old traditions of safeguarding one’s home from ill-fortune.
Native American Practices: For Native American tribes, the world is animated by spirits. Ritual dances, chants, and totemic symbols play a pivotal role in their protection spells, summoning the powers of their ancestors and the natural world to guard against threats.
Evolution: From Ancient Symbols to Modern-Day Rituals
As societies evolved and modernized, so did their methods and beliefs surrounding protection spells. The ancient symbols once etched into stone or metal have now found their way into tattoos, jewelry, and digital art forms. Modern witches and practitioners of the craft blend time-honored traditions with contemporary understanding, creating a tapestry that honors the past while embracing the potential of the present.
Today, a new generation is rediscovering the potency of these ancient practices. In urban settings, amidst the hum of technology, many are turning to the wisdom of protection spells, recognizing that the age-old need to safeguard one’s spirit remains as relevant as ever. Whether it’s a chant before an important meeting, a protective crystal worn as a necklace, or a digital symbol shared across social media, protection spells have undeniably woven themselves into the mosaic of modern life. Discover 9 Powerful Protection Symbols here.
More Than Just Physical Shields: The Dimensions of Protection Spells
Throughout history, humans have developed physical armors — walls to shield cities, weapons to deter threats, and fortresses to protect monarchs. Yet, when diving into the realm of the esoteric, protection takes on nuanced dimensions that span beyond the tangible. Protection spells cater not just to the corporeal but to the very essence of our being: our minds, emotions, and spirits.
Protecting the Mind: Warding Off Negative Energies and Intrusive Thoughts
The mind is an intricate labyrinth, capable of profound thought and creativity, but also susceptible to doubt, negativity, and harmful energies. Protection spells tailored for the mind serve as mental barriers:
Mental Filters: These spells function as a sieve, filtering out harmful energies and negativity that could cloud judgment or hinder cognitive clarity. A well-cast spell can help retain a clear, positive mental space amidst chaos.
Guarding Against Psychic Attacks: A less discussed but very real concern within esoteric circles, psychic attacks can manifest as intrusive thoughts or overwhelming anxieties. Specific spells are crafted to detect and deflect such unwanted mental intrusions.
Emotional Safeguard: Keeping One’s Energy Secure from Emotional Vampires
Our emotions are core to our humanity. They give depth to our experiences but can also render us vulnerable:
Protective Shielding for Empaths: Highly empathic individuals often absorb the emotions of those around them, for better or worse. Protection spells can help create a selective barrier, allowing empathic understanding without unnecessary emotional burden.
Deflecting Emotional Drain: Emotional vampires, whether intentional or not, can drain one’s vitality, leaving feelings of exhaustion and sadness in their wake. Spells in this domain focus on identifying and averting such drains, ensuring emotional balance and wellness.
Understanding Emotional Vampires and Their Impact
Emotional vampires might sound like creatures straight out of a gothic novel, but in reality, they represent people in our lives who, often unintentionally, feed off our emotional energy. These individuals possess a knack for drawing vitality from others, leaving a trail of emotional exhaustion in their wake.
Characteristics of Emotional Vampires: They can manifest in various ways: the perpetually needy friend, the co-worker who constantly belittles others, or even the family member who thrives on drama. Their common thread? An uncanny ability to leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or on edge after interactions.
The Subtle Drain: Not all emotional vampires are overtly malicious. Some might be entirely unaware of their effect on people. Their needs and dramas can overshadow conversations, making interactions feel one-sided or leaving one with a heavy emotional weight to bear.
Guarding Against The Drain: Protection spells designed for these situations help in recognizing and warding off the draining effects of emotional vampires. They act as a barrier, ensuring one’s emotional reserves remain intact, and offer a sense of equilibrium.
Dive into the mystical world of protection spells. Discover their rich history, learn step-by-step casting techniques, and unearth unique in
Create a Powerful Witchy Altar with these 7 Top Tips
Today I want to veer off in another direction again and talk about something I haven’t covered yet, which I probably should have, namely how to set up your witchy altar!
Learn all about the best ways to set up your witchy altar below!
As I mention all the time, how you want to do things like set up your witchy altar is completely up to you. There are some guidelines that I’ll outline below about how many people like to set things up, but just because most people do it one way, definitely doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit.
Altars are a very personal thing and each and every one of us will set them up differently. Some people love to have an elaborate altar in a prominent position in their home and others prefer a more simplistic and pared-back version somewhere out of the way. Because your witch’s altar is so personal, choose whatever you are more comfortable with. I’d suggest starting out simple and then adding to your altar if it feels right.
My 7 Top Tips for Setting Up Your Witchy Altar
So, let’s get into it! Here is my guide to setting up your witchy altar.
Witchy Altar Tip #1 Figure out what’s important to you
Your altar is a personal space, which celebrates and symbolises your spirituality. It’s the place where you’ll put representations of your hopes and dreams and where you’ll set intentions for spell work you might be doing.
Figuring out what’s actually most important to you and your life is vital here. What are your future plans? Why do you want an altar? What energy do you want to channel? Why are you drawn to witchcraft? Do you honour a deity? Are the cycles in nature important to you? These are all good questions to set about answering before you start setting up your witch’s altar.
Witchy Altar Tip #2 Choose your location
When choosing a spot for your altar, think about how often you’ll be using it and how much space you want to dedicate to it. Some people will have an entire altar room (I don’t know many people who have that much space but that’s beside the point really) and others will have a very small space set up in a corner of their desks. Either is totally ok and you need to decide how much space you have to spare.
When choosing a space to set your altar up in, be aware of getting in the way of other people that you live with. Maybe you have housemates at home and the dining table might not be the most appropriate place to set up on. Maybe you’ve got kids and that lower side table might be in reach of inquisitive little hands. Maybe your cat (this is me) is a little less graceful than she might like and enjoys jumping onto things only to find herself falling off again and sending everything crashing onto the floor. What I’m saying is, pick an appropriate spot that won’t bother the other creatures you’re living with.
Is the bathroom your happy place? Set up your witchy altar there if that’s where you feel like your best self.
When thinking about the location of your altar, it’s also nice to consider how good the energy feels in that space. I tend to get morning sun in my apartment and I’ve positioned my altar to make the most of that. I love that it gets bathed in natural light every morning and I feel like this brings a really special energy to my altar. Maybe you have a favourite plant you’d like to incorporate? Or a favourite window? A favourite room? Your altar is meant to be a space that feels special to you, so choose your location accordingly.
Witchy Altar Tip #3 Direction of your Altar
Did you know that many people choose to face their altars to the north? If you’re curious as to why this is, let me explain.
The 4 directions on a compass have a corresponding natural element that they represent.
Elements and their corresponding directions
North Earth South Fire East Air West Water
Because Wicca is an earth-based religion (and I’m coming at this from a Wiccan perspective), many of use choose to have out altars facing to the north.
This is absolutely not something you have to follow, however, and feel free to choose whatever direction you want for your altar, even if this is no specified direction at all. Maybe one of the elements speaks to you more than the others, or maybe you appreciate them all and choose to rotate your altar every 3 months. Decide what’s important for you and go with that. Test out different orientations and see which works best for you.
Witchy Altar Tip #4 Altar Decorations
This is such a big one, that I’m going to write a separate post on all the things you can add to your Witchy altar and the reasons that you might add them. Check out my witchy altar decorations here.
In the meantime, here is a small selection of things you might want to include. Again, choose things that you love and that give you good energy and raise your vibrations.
Salt – keeps away malevolent intents (see this post for my recipe for banishing salt).
Water – It’s great to represent the 4 main elements.
Favourite plant – this represents earth in the 4 elements.
Candles – I actually use one candle to represent air (fire can’t burn without oxygen) and one to represent fire. In this way I’m covering my 4 elements.
Anthame – for drawing energy to you.
God and Goddess figures – this can be whoever you choose to worship to. It can be just one, both, many or none depending on what you believe.
Pentacle – this is a common one within the Wiccan community. If you don’t identify with it that’s totally ok too!
Possible Witchy Altar Layout
This is a common way to lay out an altar.
Witchy Altar Tip #5 Free Space
To me, it’s really important to leave a little free space on your altar. I know that it’s really tempting to fill it up with everything you love, and realistically you’ll find more and more things to add to it as time goes on (if you’re like me and love flea markets). This being said, everything needs some breathing room. Think about how you feel when you’re in a room full of way too many things, it’s stifling! Your altar feels the same way. Make sure that you only add things that are relevant to you RIGHT NOW.
Adding too much clutter can end up making this weird mash of energetic energy that doesn’t quite know what it’s doing. Too many things hold too many ideas and the whole thing ends up confused. Again, this is just my opinion, so if you love lots of things then go for it!
Witchy Altar Tip #6 Crystals
While this falls under Altar decoration, it can be an important addition to your altar. Crystals carry a lot of power in them, so if you want to add them to your witch’s altar, make sure you know what kind of energy they are bringing with them before you add them to the altar.
You can make a crystal grid on your altar if you want to channel something specific.
Witchy Altar Tip #7 Have fun!
While creating an altar can feel heavily loaded and full of ways you can “mess up”, remember that we’re not talking life or death and this is something that is meant to bring you joy and make you feel good.
An altar is there to enhance your craft, not to make you feel guilty or to browbeat you with a set of rules that you feel like you have to follow. A witch’s path is meandering and what you liked yesterday you may not like tomorrow. Remember this when creating your altar, and don’t fixate on how you might be doing something “wrong”. If you aren’t a ceremonial or super traditional witch, then you have all the freedom in the world to create an altar which brings you joy.
Do you love plants? Make a plant altar, with herbs, cacti, flowers and whatever you love most. Enjoy crystal more? Cover all your bases with crystals which correspond to each of the 4 elements. Do you love cooking? Make your kitchen your altar and your kitchen knife your ceremonial knife.
Make your witchy altar on a shelf in your kitchen. That’s where mine is sometimes…
My loves, whatever you do on this path, make it your own! I’m here to give you suggestions and tips but never feel like you have to follow anything said here 100%. Being a witch is all about claiming your own power, and if you have ideas different to mine, embrace them!
You’re all forces to be reckoned with, don’t ever forget it.
Blessed be and until next time,
Amaria xx
Are you wondering how to set up a witchy altar? We've got you covered with our 7 top tips for beginner witches who want to set up their own
Essential Steps for Starting Witchcraft as a Beginner: Your Guide to Getting Started 2
Let’s Talk About Tools: Use What You Have
The witchcraft community can feel overwhelming, with endless lists of “must-have” tools and supplies. But the truth is, you don’t need expensive items to practice. In fact, some of the most powerful magic can be done with everyday household items. Let’s explore how to use what you already have on hand.
🏡Use What You Have
Your kitchen is a treasure trove of witchcraft supplies. Things like vinegar, lemons, rosemary, bay leaves, and cinnamon can be used in all sorts of spells and rituals. And don’t forget about those trusty tea light candles – they’re inexpensive, widely available, and perfect for quick workings.
Beyond the kitchen, look around your home. Pens and paper can be used to write spells, create sigils, or make paper spell dolls. Mirrors, bowls of water, and recycled jars – they’re all fair game for your magical practice.💰DIY and Low-Cost Alternatives
Get creative with repurposing items you already have. Old journals, sketchbooks, and binders make great junk grimoires. Fabric scraps can become charm bags or spell dolls. And don’t underestimate the power of natural items like dirt, sticks, and flowers – they’re perfect for home protection spells and offerings.🛒Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores are a Witches best friend! You can find all sorts of useful items, like glass candles, candle holders, ceramic and glass plates, I’ve even found crystals and un-opened Tarot decks. They also have great options for small tables or chests of drawers, which make perfect mini altars or storage for spell ingredients and tools.🎨Craft Store Essentials
Craft stores are a goldmine for witchcraft supplies. Yarn, string, cord, paint, chalk, and air-dry clay can all be used to make charm bags, draw sigils, and create various spell tools.🧠Creative Spellwork
Don’t be afraid to get crafty! Use air-dry clay to make unique candle holders or offering coins. Birthday candles are perfect for small, discreet candle magic. And if you’re not a fan of drawing, you can always print out tarot cards or sigils.
✨The key is to view everyday items through a witchy lens and think creatively about how you can use them in your practice. Witchcraft isn’t about expensive tools; it’s about using what you have and focusing your intention. So get resourceful, and watch the magic unfold!
🔮 Altar Basics: Your Sacred Space, Your Way
Altars can feel intimidating, with all the “rules” about what’s right or wrong. But the truth is, your altar is a deeply personal space. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a meaningful, intentional environment for your magical work. Let’s dive in and demystify altar basics.
🧘Altars vs. Shrines
First things first: Altars and shrines aren’t the same thing. A shrine is an offering space for a specific deity or person, while an altar is a working space for your magical practice. I have both – a cozy kitchen altar for everyday spellwork and a minimalist vanity altar for my morning rituals.💫Altar Essentials
My vanity altar is all about self-care. It has a vintage mirror, a simple white candle, and a few of my favorite perfumes and crystals. I activate it each morning with intentions of confidence and self-love. On the other hand, my kitchen altar is a vibrant, eclectic space. It’s an old dresser filled with herbs, tarot cards, and a collection of trinkets that hold personal meaning.🎨Personalize Your Altar
The key is to make your altar emotionally and spiritually meaningful. Think of it as a vision board – include items that make you feel good and powerful. Ritual knives and altar cloths are optional; the only “must-haves” are the things that resonate with you.🌀Altar Maintenance
Changing your altar is entirely subjective. You can do it based on the seasons, holidays, or personal milestones. Let your altar evolve with your practice, reflecting your growth and changing interests. And don’t forget to use it for manifestation – place symbolic items for your goals and desires.🔒Altar Etiquette
Many witches prefer to keep their altars private. Activate and deactivate your altar through personal rituals, like lighting and extinguishing candles. If you’re on the go, create a travel altar in a shoebox or other container.
✨Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to set up an altar. It’s about your personal connection and intention. So have fun with it, get creative, and let your altar be a reflection of your unique magical essence. Your space, your rules!
Banishing: Removing Unwanted Energies and Entities
Banishing is the process of actively removing unwanted energies, entities, or even people from your life. While it may sound intense, it’s a crucial skill for any witch to master. Let’s dive into why banishing is so important and how to do it effectively.
🧹Cleansing vs. Banishing
Cleansing and banishing are related but distinct practices. Cleansing is about removing negative energy, like mopping up a mess. Banishing, on the other hand, is specifically about removing unwanted presences or entities, like evicting an unwanted houseguest. It’s a more targeted and intentional process.🔍Types of Banishing
Banishing can take many forms. Energy banishing involves actively removing negative vibes from a space. This is different from a general cleansing, which is more about maintaining a clean energetic environment. Banishing can also be used to cut ties with toxic people or remove unwanted spirits and entities.🌿Banishing in Action
Let’s say you’ve been feeling a heavy, oppressive energy in your home. You decide it’s time to do some banishing work. You gather your supplies, which include sage, cinnamon sticks, and a bell. You start by opening all the windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Then, you light the sage and walk clockwise around each room, visualizing the negative energy being pushed out. As you do this, you ring the bell, commanding any unwanted entities to leave. Finally, you place the cinnamon sticks in the corners of the room to maintain the protective barrier.🌿Banishing Levels and Tools
The intensity of your banishing work will depend on the situation at hand. For mild negative energy, you can use herbs like cinnamon, rosemary, and lavender. For slightly stronger energy, try orange or lemon peels, cedar, and juniper. And for more moderate entities, consider using herbs like mullein, hyssop, nettles, dragon’s blood, clove, and guava leaves. You can also use banishing sprays, oils, bells, and the help of local land spirits or deities.📚Recommended Reading
If you want to dive deeper into the art of banishing, check out these books:
“Psychic Witch” by Mat Auryn, “The Witch’s Shield” by Christopher Penczak, and “Protection & Reversal Magick” by Jason Miller.
✨Banishing may seem intimidating, but it’s a crucial skill for any witch. Trust your intuition, be polite but firm, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach if something doesn’t work. With knowledge and practice, you’ll be able to clear your space and your life of any unwanted energies or entities. Your magic, your rules.
Discover the essential steps for starting witchcraft as a beginner. Learn how to set up your altar, choose your tools, and perform your firs
Essential Steps for Starting Witchcraft as a Beginner: Your Guide to Getting Started
Embarking on a journey into witchcraft can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for beginners. With so many traditions, tools, and practices available, it’s easy to feel lost. However, understanding the essential steps for starting witchcraft as a beginner can make the process more approachable and rewarding. Setting up your altar is a crucial first step, as detailed in this guide on Setting Up A Powerful Altar. Additionally, learning How To Cast A Circle Of Protection is vital to create a safe and sacred space for your practices. For those looking to delve deeper into personal growth and the nuances of the craft, 12 Illusive Tips From An Actual Witch and Wicca For Beginners offer practical advice and insightful tips. Moreover, integrating lunar energy into your practice through the Guide To Moon Magic can enhance your spellwork and rituals. Each of these resources provides valuable information to help you navigate the path of witchcraft with confidence and knowledge.
The Raw Truth About Witchcraft: What They Don’t Tell You
Forget the Hollywood hype. This is witchcraft stripped bare – no sugar coating, no mystical fluff. Just the unvarnished reality of what it means to walk this path.
⚖️Wicca vs. Witchcraft: Not SynonymousWicca is a religion. Witchcraft is a practice. You can be a witch without being Wiccan, but all Wiccans practice witchcraft. Witchcraft is about manipulating natural energies to influence your reality.🔍Your ‘Why’ MattersSelf-discovery? Ancestral connection? Personal growth? Your reason for practicing is crucial. It’s what will sustain you when the initial excitement fades.🏷️Labels: Use Them, Don’t Let Them Use YouGreen Witch, Kitchen Witch – they’re useful shorthand, but don’t let them limit you. ‘Witch’ is gender-neutral. It’s for anyone who claims it, regardless of identity.📝Document EverythingYour thoughts, spells, rituals – write it all down. It’s not just recordkeeping; it’s your personal evolution tracker.🎯Start Focused, Expand LaterPick one area that fascinates you. Dive deep. Cross-check your sources. Misinformation is everywhere, even in respected texts.🧪Your Reality, Your RulesWhat works for you is what’s real. Test, record, repeat. Your practice is uniquely yours.🧺Use What You HaveFancy tools aren’t necessary. Your ancestors used what was available. That kitchen herb rack? It’s a magical goldmine.⚡Magic is NeutralLike electricity, it’s neither good nor evil. Your intention determines its nature.🔬The Science Behind the MagicThis might be controversial but for us, magic is unexplained science. Dig into the scientific basis of your practice. Understanding the ‘why’ empowers the ‘what’.👁️Cultivate a Magical PerspectiveIt’s not about Hollywood-style spells. It’s seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, staying curious, and always learning.
🌀Your practice will evolve, and that’s the point. Embrace the changes. Learn from everyone and everything. The path of a witch is one of constant growth and discovery.
The Philosophical Foundations of Witchcraft
The way we view the world and the nature of reality can have a profound impact on our magical practice. While these ideas may not be scientifically proven, they’re the philosophical foundations that underpin my approach to witchcraft. Consider them, see if they resonate, and observe how they might enhance your spellwork.
🌌The Energetic Essence of All Things
At the core of my beliefs is the understanding that everything – from humans to objects to spirits – is made up of energy. This common ground is essential for comprehending the mechanics of magic.🔮Manipulating the Energetic Flow
Magic, in my view, is the art of directing this energy to achieve specific goals. I visualize it as an energetic push – sometimes direct, like an arrow, and other times more diffuse, like ripples in a pond.🌊Visualization and the Butterfly Effect
When casting spells, I use imagery like shooting an arrow or creating ripples to help me direct the flow of energy. The energy I send out causes changes that then ripple outward, creating further shifts – just like the butterfly effect.🧠Intention: The Guiding Force
Intention is what directs the energy, determining the outcome of a spell. Both intention and energy are necessary – intention without energy is less effective. But the intention must be clear and specific, yet not overly restrictive, to allow the energy to work at its full potential.🔌Sourcing and Raising Magical Energy
Energy for spellwork can come from various sources: personal energy, spirits, deities, objects, planets, or even thought forms. I use techniques like visualization, emotional evocation, movement, and breathwork to raise and channel this energy into my magical workings.🔍Directing the Energy Flow
Once the energy is raised or channeled, I direct it into the spell, often using chanting or incantations. Visualization, physical sensation, or breath can all be used to push the energy into an object or out into the universe.
✨These are the philosophical underpinnings of my magical practice. They may not be scientifically proven, but they’ve helped me deepen my understanding of how witchcraft works. I encourage you to consider these ideas, see if they resonate, and observe how they might enhance your own spellcasting. After all, your magical worldview is your own to define.
🔮 Four Core Energy Practices for Effective Witchcraft
These four practices are fundamental to witchcraft. They’re not just theory – they’re practical tools that can significantly improve your spellwork and daily life. Let’s break them down and see why they matter.
🧘1. Centering: Finding Your FocusCentering is about mental clarity and focus. It’s crucial when you need to direct your energy precisely, like during spellcasting or meditation.
💡 Example: Before a protection spell, take a moment to center. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and visualize your scattered thoughts converging into a bright point in your mind. This focused state enhances your spell’s potency.
🌳2. Grounding: Connecting with Earth’s EnergyGrounding stabilizes your energy and connects you to the Earth. It’s essential after intense magical work or when you feel disconnected.
💡 Example: After a vigorous ritual, ground yourself by visualizing roots growing from your feet into the Earth. Feel the excess energy drain away, leaving you balanced and refreshed.
🛡️3. Shielding: Protecting Your EnergyShielding creates a protective barrier around you. It’s vital for empaths and when working with intense energies or in crowded spaces.
💡 Example: Before entering a busy area, visualize a bubble of white light surrounding you. This shield deflects negative energy, helping you maintain your own energetic integrity.
🦶4. Earthing: Direct Energy ExchangeEarthing involves physical contact with the Earth to balance your energy. It’s a simple yet powerful way to recharge and align yourself with nature’s rhythms.
💡 Example: Before harvesting herbs for a spell, spend a few minutes barefoot in your garden. This direct connection can enhance your attunement to the plants’ energies.
✨ Incorporating these practices into your craft isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Start by choosing one technique and integrating it into your daily routine. Pay attention to how it affects your energy and magical work. Over time, you’ll likely notice improved focus, stronger spells, and a deeper connection to your craft.
Connecting with Nature: The Witch’s Power Source
Connecting with nature isn’t just a nice hobby for witches – it’s the backbone of our craft. Here’s why it matters and how it amplifies your magical practice.
🔋Energy AttunementNature is raw, unbridled energy. When you connect with it, you’re tapping into a vast power source. This connection enhances your spells, rituals, and overall magical potency. It’s like upgrading from a AA battery to a power plant.🧠Intuition BoostRegular interaction with nature sharpens your intuition. You’ll start noticing subtle energies, reading omens, and understanding the language of plants and animals. This heightened awareness is crucial for divination and spell timing.🌱Herbal Magic MasteryKnowing your local flora isn’t just botany – it’s expanding your magical toolkit. Each plant you identify is a potential ally in your spellwork. Understanding their growth patterns and properties firsthand makes your herbal magic more potent and precise.👥Spirit AlliancesNature spirits, land guardians, and elemental beings are powerful allies in witchcraft. By regularly connecting with nature, you’re building relationships with these entities. They can offer protection, guidance, and amplify your magical workings.🔄Grounding and CenteringNature provides the ultimate space for grounding and centering – essential practices in witchcraft. The more connected you are to your environment, the easier and more effective these techniques become.📅Seasonal AttunementWitchcraft often aligns with natural cycles. By observing nature regularly, you’ll become attuned to the subtle shifts of seasons. This knowledge enhances your sabbat celebrations and helps you align your magic with natural rhythms.🧪Magical ExperimentationNature is your magical laboratory. As you explore, you’ll discover unique ways to incorporate local elements into your practice. This personal experience leads to more authentic and powerful magic than simply following guidebooks.
✨ Remember, witchcraft is rooted in the natural world. The more you connect with nature, the deeper and more instinctive your practice becomes. It’s not just about knowledge – it’s about building a living, breathing relationship with the world around you. This connection is what transforms a practitioner into a truly powerful witch.
🧹 Cleansing: The Non-Negotiable Practice in Witchcraft
Let’s cut to the chase: Cleansing isn’t optional in witchcraft. It’s an essential. Here’s why it matters and how to do it effectively.
🌪️Why Cleanse?
Think of energy like dust. It accumulates, and not all of it’s good for you. Cleansing sweeps away the energetic debris that can muck up your magic. It’s your spiritual hygiene.🔧Cleansing Tools
Smoke: Not just sage. Try rosemary, cedar, or palo santo.
Sprays: For when smoke isn’t an option. Mix moon water, salt, and herbs.
Sound: Bells, singing bowls, or even your favorite playlist. The vibrations matter.
Water: A stream, or even your kitchen tap. Water washes away more than dirt.
Earth: Bury your tools. Let the soil do the work.
Salt or Rice: These grains are energy sponges. Use them liberally.
Celestial Light: Moonlight for intuition, sunlight for vitality.
Selenite: The Swiss Army knife of cleansing crystals.
Visualization: Your mind is a powerful tool. Use it.
🗓️When to Cleanse
Monthly deep cleans with the new moon. Quick cleans after any energetic exchange. Trust your gut – if something feels ‘off’, cleanse it.🔍Signs You Need to Cleanse
Your crystals look dull. Your tools feel heavy. Your magic feels… meh. These are red flags. Don’t ignore them.🛁Personal Cleansing
You’re not exempt. Spiritual baths, smoke cleansing, or even a visualized shower of light. Clean your energy as often as you clean your body.🧠The Mental Shift
Cleansing isn’t just physical. It’s a mindset. It’s declaring, “This space, this tool, this body is mine, and I choose what energies reside here.”
⚡Remember, cleansing is personal. What works for others might not work for you. Experiment. Pay attention. Your intuition is your best guide. Cleansing isn’t just about removing negative energy – it’s about making space for your intentions to thrive. In witchcraft, a clean space is a powerful space. So grab your tool of choice and get to it. Your magic will thank you.
Stealth Magic: Everyday Protection Practices
Protection doesn’t have to be dramatic rituals or complex spells. It’s the small, consistent actions that build an impenetrable energetic shield. Here’s how to weave protection into your daily life, no wands required.
💍Jewelry: Your Portable ShieldDon’t underestimate that ring or necklace. An obsidian ring wards off negativity. A necklace, charged under the full moon, becomes a 24/7 guardian. It’s not about the price tag; it’s about the intention you infuse.👘Bandanas: More Than Just FashionThat bandana in your hair or tied to your bag? It’s a secret weapon. Add a few drops of protection oil, and you’ve got a stylish talisman. Bonus: No one needs to know it’s magical.💄Makeup: Glamour Magic in Plain SightYour morning routine is a ritual in disguise. Draw a protective sigil with your foundation. Charge your eyeshadow for confidence. Your face becomes your shield, and no one’s the wiser.☕Morning Brew: Caffeinated ProtectionThat first cup of coffee or tea? It’s more than a wake-up call. Stir in your intention clockwise. Draw a sigil with your spoon. Sip mindfully. You’re drinking in protection with every swallow.🛢️Oils and Powders: Invisible BarriersA dab of protection oil on your car’s door handles. A sprinkle of protective powder in your shoes. You’re laying down an unseen barrier wherever you go. It’s protection in motion.🧱Layered Protection: The Power of ConsistencyEach small act of protection adds up. It’s not about one grand gesture; it’s about building layers. Like compound interest, these small actions accumulate into a formidable energetic fortress.
✨Remember, the most powerful magic often flies under the radar. These practices aren’t just protection; they’re a mindset. You’re constantly affirming your right to safety and positivity. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your daily life becomes a walking, breathing spell of protection. Your future self will thank you for the energetic armor you’re building today.
🛡️ Defensive Magic 101: Cleanse, Protect, Ward
Imagine your energy as a house. Defensive magic is how you keep that house clean, safe, and secure. It’s not just about casting a single spell; it’s an ongoing practice to maintain your spiritual and energetic health. Let’s break down the three key steps:
🧹Step 1: Cleansing – Spiritual House Cleaning
Cleansing is like giving your energy a good scrub. It removes negative vibes, stale energy, and any psychic gunk that’s built up over time. Without this step, it’s like trying to lock a dirty house – not very effective!
Beginner-Friendly Cleansing:
• Easy Cleansing Spray: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, add a sprig of rosemary.
• For Your Body: Use apple cider vinegar in your bath or shower.
• If You Use Sage: Always follow up with a pleasant scent like lavender. This invites good energy back in.
🔒Step 2: Protection – Building Energy Walls
Protection is about creating an energy barrier around you or your space. It’s like putting up walls and a roof on your energy house. This keeps the bad stuff out while letting the good stuff in.
Simple Protection Techniques:
• Doorway Magic: Sprinkle a little bit of salt across your doorways and windowsills.
• Carry Protection: Keep a small stone like black tourmaline in your pocket.
• Visualize: Imagine a bubble of white light surrounding you when you feel vulnerable.
🚫Step 3: Warding – Your Magical Alarm System
Warding takes your protection to the next level. If protection is your energy house’s walls, warding is like adding an alarm system, guard dogs, and “No Trespassing” signs. It actively keeps unwanted energies away.
Here’s what warding does:
Creates Magical Boundaries: Imagine an invisible fence around your space that negative energy can’t cross.
Acts as a Spiritual Alarm System: It can alert you when unwanted energies are trying to enter your space.
Reflects Negativity: Like a mirror, it can bounce negative energy back to its source, keeping you safe.
Maintains Positive Energy: It helps keep the good vibes in while keeping the bad vibes out.
Warding for Beginners:
Symbols: Draw or hang protective symbols near entrances.
Sound: Hang wind chimes by your door. The sound scatters negative energy.
Plants: Grow protective plants like rosemary or lavender near your home.
Crystals: Place black tourmaline or obsidian in the corners of your room or home.
Intention Setting: Walk the perimeter of your space, stating firmly that no negative energy is welcome.
🔄Keep It Up: The Cycle of Magical Defense
Defensive magic isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s like cleaning your house or taking a shower – you need to do it regularly. Cleanse, protect, and ward on a schedule that feels right to you. Some witches do it daily, others weekly or with the moon phases.
✨Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all in magic. What works for one witch might not work for another. Try different methods, trust your gut, and stick with what feels right to you. The more you practice, the stronger your magical defenses will become. You’ve got this!
Discover the essential steps for starting witchcraft as a beginner. Learn how to set up your altar, choose your tools, and perform your firs
Let's be real for a second. We don't always know that our intuition is being utilized every day. We don't always realize we use it occasionally. But I'm here to tell you that, whether you're aware or not, you're regularly directed by your intuition. It's your gut instinct, the feeling you have, the nudge, or even the images you see that are guiding you throughout your life.
That being said, it can be difficult to be aware every time your metaphysical senses are present. Our intuition can feel as simple as a light breeze, or it can be as loud as someone yelling in your ear. In other words, it can show up in so many ways it becomes part of your regular day, without you even realizing it. Though it's not always necessary to identify that you're using your extra sensory perception (ESP), when you acknowledge your intuition, it tends to show up for you more often.
Look, I'm going to tell it to you straight—life is so much better and more fulfilling when you use your intuition. Whether you pay attention to your gut instinct, follow a hunch, or even have a tingly sensation that alerts you to something, it's all intuition. Calling it by a different name doesn't make it any less. And thank goodness! Learning how you perceive your gifts can help you recognize them more often.
The How
The most common perceptions, or the way we receive impressions, are known as the "clairs," clair from the French word meaning "clear." These are coupled with the metaphysical version of our physical senses. Clairvoyance (psychic vision), clairaudience (hearing), clairsentience (feeling), claircognizance (knowing), and I usually put these two together, but they are different—clairgustance (taste), and clairalience (smell). We've all experienced at least one of these, regardless of whether or not we realized it.
I am often asked how to determine which gifts someone may have a propensity towards, and I tell them, "What feels right to you? What do you feel more connected with?" If they still don't feel a distinctive inclination towards one or another, I tell them to pay attention to the words they tend to use more often. For example, when talking to someone, would you be more apt to say:
I hear what you're saying!
I feel you!
I see what you mean!
I know!
This situation just stinks!
This is leaving a bad taste in my mouth!
By simply paying attention to how you're speaking, it helps you realize your intuition is working! You can discover what strengths you may naturally have.
Recognizing Intuitive Moments
Your intuition is there to help you. It is a valuable part of your life because it continually tries to guide you towards your joy or keep you out of trouble. When we are moving through our day, it can be difficult to separate your intuition from everything else, so here are 3 ways to recognize those moments. And, again, when you begin recognizing that these are intuitive moments, and acknowledging that you are indeed, a naturally intuitive being, you will begin having more of these powerful ESP moments.
Here are three ways to recognize when your intuition is working.
1. Having a physical reaction in your body to someone or something.
When you meet someone for the first time, especially if you shake their hand, you instinctively pick up on their energy. This can cause a physical reaction. It might pull you closer towards them, their energy drawing you in. Alternatively, their energy can make you feel overwhelmed or even repel you.
When this occurs, it's because your energy fields are connecting and you are intuitively receiving information from them and from their aura. An aura is the energy field that surrounds all living things. It is usually about one to two inches away from the body, but can and does expand and retract.
When you meet someone, you generally will expand your aura towards them to kind of feel them out, intuitively. If they make you uncomfortable, your gut instinct will be to pull back, physically but also metaphysically. On the other hand, if they give you the warm and fuzzies, you will naturally expand your energy towards them.
This energetic reaction happens instantly, often unconsciously, and is a result of your intuitive vibes in action.
*Practice*
Whether you know someone or not, you can see how your energy instinctively reacts. Practicing feeling the energy of people with whom you're familiar will help you recognize how you feel around people you don't know.
Friends, hopefully, will expand your energy and you'll feel comfy and contented vibes. They make you happy. On the other hand, people you don't like can make you feel off. You might even feel confused or disoriented when thinking about them or when in their presence. Frustration, anger, or irritation also changes your body's reaction to someone you dislike. Pay attention to what your body is telling you!
2. Receiving symbolic information in your mind.
Let me introduce you to your intuitive mind! This is the place where you may hear or see things internally. These images or sounds can be sent from your deceased loved ones or your spirit guides in order to keep you safe and on your path, or they can materialize in your mind in answer to a question you may be thinking about or even asking aloud.
For example, if you're headed to look at a home to purchase that you've never seen before, and you see an image of a sparkly, shiny house in your mind's eye, it can be your clairvoyance showing you that the home you are on your way to visit is going to be a good option for you. Conversely, if you have a flash of a home in disrepair or actually falling down, this is probably that same psychic sight telling you that you will most definitely be disappointed by it (unless you’re planning to do a major renovation!). The imagery you see might not look like the actual house—more likely will just be the representation of a house. That's what makes it symbolic. Pay attention to what you see!
Hearing a symbolic message in your mind can also be random or can be sent in answer to something. For instance, maybe you're thinking about whether to stop at a fast-food restaurant on your way home to pick up dinner. It might be a bad idea if you hear a random toilet flushing! Or maybe instead you hear the jingle of a local grocery store, which can indicate that picking up some healthier groceries to cook dinner might be a better choice in the long run.
Now, these may seem insignificant and extremely simple examples. As you begin paying attention to the information you see or hear in your mind, you will be able to recognize more easily your intuitive guidance from your third eye and your psychic ears.
*Practice*
You don't have to wait to receive random guidance. You can practice by asking for it, instead. Let's say you are trying to decide what college to go to, or to help your child decide what college they should attend. Ask to intuitively hear or see a response and wait. You might get an answer immediately, or it may take a while. When the answer "shows up," it might be in the form of the school logo flashing in your mind's eye. Or, it could be the sound of boat horns blasting if you are looking at a school on the coast. You might just see colors that will relate to a specific college. You may even taste or smell food if you're debating between a culinary school or a liberal arts college. The sky is the limit for the information that may come through, but be open to any version that directs you intuitively.
3. Having intuitive connections to others.
It might be cliché, but it's cliché for a reason. Do you believe it's random when you are about to call or text someone and as you pick up your phone you see they are already reaching out to you? I don't. What I do believe is that we are connected to people we are friends with, or family members. We also can be connected to others, like doctors or neighbors.
This means that we can link to them intuitively. And further, we can retrieve or receive infinite amounts of information from them. It is within this boundless society that our intuitive relationships thrive, allowing us to know when someone is reaching out to us.
Take a mother's intuition, for example. This is when a mother knows something is happening with a child who is not near them or not present. It might be a moment of panic when a mom suddenly knows something's wrong so she rushes to her child's job, to discover they've just passed out. That is a connection that is highly charged because the mother and child are so close.
*Practice*
We are all connected. Think of the energy of the universe like a huge, endless bubble. It can be glittery and sparkly, or just clear. Whatever you want it to be. And now, see yourself and your family and your friends inside this bubble, where there's air and life. Now, imagine this bubble surrounds the entire earth, pushing out, again, to encompass the entire universe. And of course then, you'll see your house and your neighbor's house, and so on and so on.
So, what next? Send an intuitive message out with your mind. Tell your husband (or someone close to you) to reach out to you, call you. Allow at least 15 minutes for a response, and if it doesn't happen by then, try it again. This time, though, show him an image by visualizing it in your mind's eye and sending it to him. It can be dinner that's being prepared or a movie you want to watch or something else entirely. Really focus on the image and focus on sending it to him. You might have to try this a few times for it to work.
Learning to manipulate (in a positive way) energetic connections helps you to create stronger links or bonds among your family and friends, and possibly more importantly, allows you to receive those intuitive calls from them!
You've just discovered three different ways to recognize when you are using your intuition. Remember, there's no limit to how intuitive you can become. These gifts, these abilities that may have once seemed otherworldly, may now seem attainable to you. Possibly you've noticed that some of the examples I've given you have already happened, and you just hadn't realized it was your intuition talking to you. Now that you know how to decipher these messages, it's up to you how far you take it. Above all, enjoy these gifts! They are part of your birthright, and they are accessible right now!
Whether you're aware or not, you're regularly directed by your intuition. It's your gut instinct, the feeling you have, the nudge, or even t
A spread is essentially a storyboard that allows the reader to sequentially follow a pattern that is designed to address a particular topic. Some spreads cover all the bases, whereas others are specific to certain decks and issues. The most commonly used spread is called the Celtic Cross, which has been modified and adapted ad infinitum since its inception. It is highly effective for general overviews of a situation and the energies present.
Without a spread, a reading can be clumsy and awkward, with no parameters to hold the energy of the question being asked. For instance, a simple three-card spread is almost meaningless if we have not assigned a function to each card. It can be as simple as past, present, future or conscious factor, unconscious factor, and action. As soon as each card is given an attribute that it will represent, the reading is given direction.
Most readers have their go-to spreads that they have memorised, but individual decks like Bee Tarot will have developed spreads that are in keeping with their theme. What follows is a bee-related spread for you to try.
The Meadow Spread
This is a spread that utilises elements of your intuition as well as the tarot system. The cards are laid down in five positions, but the number of cards in each position is not set in stone. As you consider the question, lay as many or as few cards in each position without thinking too much about the laying-out process. So you may have three cards in position one, six cards in position three, four cards in position five, and so forth. This offers a greater depth of reading than the usual one card per position system.
1: My current situation or the issue at hand
2: What my expectations are
3: What unseen forces are at play and what my anxieties are
4: What guidance and advice is available to me
5: The potential outcome
Excerpted from Bee Tarot, by Kristoffer Hughes and Nadia Turner.
A tarot spread is essentially a storyboard that allows the reader to sequentially follow a pattern that is designed to address a particular
