Wires, Steam, and Magick

A blog that includes #Mythology, #Magick, #Paganism, #Science and #ScienceFiction, Adventure, #Steampunk, Fantasy, and Cyberpunk

[recreationalwitchcraft]

5 Ways to Make Your Shower Magical

So, you don’t have a bathtub or the time to take an arduous bath. You’d like to do something mood-lifting and positive but honestly feel a little lazy (and maybe a little gross, too). The good news is, you can still be indulgent and just as magical with a good shower.

1. Make DIY shower disks with various herbs and essential oils. Not only will the steam improve your health, but the ingredients can have magical properties as well.

2. Steep the herbs you would put in your bath in a pail of warm water and rinse yourself with the brew post-shower. Many herbal rinses also offer tons of benefits for the skin.

3. Choose soap with intent. You can use bar soap (either DIY or store-bought) or handmade body wash. Looking to be energized? Try a minty eucalyptus soap. Need to unwind before bed? Go with a chamomile and lavender wash. Be sure to use ingredients that match your purpose! 

4. Use a purposeful body scrub. Rub away bad energy and dead skin with recipes for purification and protection, energy, stopping gossip, glamour, recovering from violation, preventing unwanted touching, removing bad energy, romance, self love, luck, or create your own recipe. 

5. Finish it off with a body oil post-shower. In addition to their various skin benefits, different oils have different mythological, magical, and aromatherapeutic connotations. Use coconut oil or olive oil for purification and protection, almond oil for prosperity, apricot kernel oil or avocado oil for love, or sunflower oil for energy. Add a drop of an essential oil for even more magic. 

[oldmotherredcap]

Magical Failure: Why wasn’t my spell successful?

Why spells fail and a reminder that you’re not alone. 

There are various reasons why a spell may fail. You will certainly find it a hard task to come across a seasoned witch with a 100% success rate.

In addition to the following factors, we must always remember that sometimes there is no explanation why a spell didn’t work. Sometimes, a ‘just because’ is the only answer we can give when all other avenues have been explored and ruled out. 

Details/Specifications. I cast a money spell as I am in need of a little extra cash before pay-day. Time goes on and it seems like the spell didn’t work. 6 months down the track a fifty dollar note lands on my wind-shield in what it seems in rather sheer good luck.  When I cast the money spell, I failed to detail when the money was needed or the timing in which the goal was intended to be reached. 

Minimal Mundane Efforts. I cast an employment spell and give myself a limit of 1 month. During this time I send my resume to 4 out of a possible 20 positions. Even though I get a call back for 1 or 2 vacancies, I fail to respond in a timely manner and I am eventually overlooked. 

Impossible Goal. I cast a spell to help me lose weight in a healthy manner over the next 3 months. I plan to drop 3-4 dress sizes in a minimal amount of time with the help of diet and exercise. Although I am losing weight slowly and healthily, the realisation of losing this amount of weight in such a short period of time was not feasible for me or my body.

Manifested Unexpectedly. I cast a spell to find, genuine friendships. I don’t really meet anyone new, but some of my old friends have been in contact with me recently. The spell didn’t seem to work, although I have re-connected with some old friends which is a good thing. 

Frame of Mind. I cast a spell for prosperity and household luck. I am seeing no positive results and put it down to spell failure. I was emotionally drained before attempting the spell, tired and found myself losing concentration whilst casting it. 

Minimal Energy. I cast a banishing spell for a friend. I find myself rushing through it and skip some seemingly unimportant steps when casting. I didn’t spend much time raising energy or visualising the ultimate goal. 

Skimping on the Essentials. I make a sweetening jar but I have run out of the essentials. As a substitute for sugar, I add artificial sweetener and sour candies. Although I follow the remaining steps to a T, the spell seems to be a failure.  

Barriers. A cast a spell for a friend. I have their permission and I send forth the energy. My friend’s life hasn’t changed in the slightest. They inform me that they forgot to take down their spiritual wards before I cast the spell. I contend that they may also have an unknown protective force attached to them. 

Spiritual Help. I cast a spell for love - to draw in love. I found in a book once that a certain deity is the Goddess of love and relationships. Even though I have never worked with said deity before, I invoke them anyway. The spell fails and I wonder why they didn’t help me.

The Unknown. Sometimes spells just don’t work, and we don’t know why.  

[shipping-the-gods]

Simple Morning Rituals

Brew your tea or coffee, and say a little blessing over it. You could add an intent for the day to boost your likelihood of actually doing it. Stir in sweetener/creamer clockwise to gain positivity, and stir counterclockwise to banish laziness, negative thoughts, etc..

Go outside and meditate on your front porch. Think of how new the day is, and the fact that this 24 hours has never been experienced before. Allow yourself to be refreshed and renewed.

Light a tealight or small candle and grab a fireproof container. Come up with a good sigil to focus on for the day. Burn it and pretend you never even thought about it. Haha what sigil?Alternatively, make a sigil and empower it through the day. Burn or dispose of it when you feel accomplished.

Splash your face with water after you bless it. It feels really good to be purified from energy-filled water, and you can charge it how ever you like. You can make it a gem elixir, a bowl of moon water, sun water, rose water… the possibilities are endless.

Braid your hair if it’s long, and fill each knot with a specific energy. Confidence, love, power. Whenever you feel like you’re lacking this energy, unbraid your hair. If your hair is short, simply put bobby pins somewhere inconspicuous and pull them out for a boost. If you don’t have any hair, put stickers or gems on the nape of your neck where they won’t be visible pull them off accordingly.

[psych2go]

If you like these posts, check out @psych2go.

[browngurr]

La bruja siempre será mala si solo escuchamos a la princesa.

(via psicologa-loca)

[recreationalwitchcraft]

Love Spell Masterpost

A collection of our favorite love (and love auxiliary) spells for Valentine’s Day and all year long. Remember to ask for consent before casting! 

Love (Attracting):

Shower Disks for Attracting Love 

Love Spell for a 3rd Party 

Jar for Attracting Romance

“Funnel of Love” Spell 

Love Drawing Bath Soak 

Bring Love My Way Spell

Simple Love Spell 

Simple Spell Jar for Love

The Love Stone

Love (Strengthening):

Love Spell Cocktail

Kitchen Witchcraft Pies for a Lover

Strength of Love Spell 

Spell to Strengthen Love 

To Make a Relationship Stronger

Lust and Sex:

Tea for Lust and Romance 

Spell for Passion

‘Shot to the Lust’ Mix

Sex Spell Candle 

Mermaid’s Kiss Enchantment

Sex Drive Sachet

Rose Romance Spray 

Spell to Improve Sex Life

Glamour:

Goddess Glamour Bath 

Goddess Glamour Shower Disks

Glamour Solid Perfume

Notice Me Glamour Spell

Lingerie Glamour Spray 

Glamour Facial Scrub 

[michellepsychologist]

Mental Illness Recovery Series: Depression Stories

Depression

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-3/

2- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-10/

3- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-33/

4- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-short-stories-30-31/

5- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-28/

6- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-42/

7- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-55/

8- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-short-story-54/

Depression + Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-25/

Depression +  Dissociative Disorder

http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-8/

Depression + Dissociative Identity Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-9/

Depression + Borderline Personality Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-15/

Depression + Borderline Personality Disorder + Anxiety

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-38/

Depression + Borderline Personality Disorder + Anxiety + PTSD

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-39/

4- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-35/

Depression + Anxiety + Bipolar Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-24/

Depression + Anxiety + EDNOS

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-short-story-43/

2- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-short-story-37/

3- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-47/

Depression + Anxiety + ADHD

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-40/

Depression + Anxiety + ADHD + GAD

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-49/

Depression + Anxiety + ADHD + GAD + PTSD

1- http://www.psych2go.net/34487-2/

Depression + Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-1/

2- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-4/

3- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-6/

4- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-16/

5- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-14/

6- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-13/

7- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-34/

8- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-26/

9- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-41/

10- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-53/

11- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-52/

Depression + Social Anxiety

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-5/

2-  http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-17/

Depression + Social Anxiety + Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-18/

2- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-11/

Depression + Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

1- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-7/

2- http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-22/

Depression+ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder + Anxiety

http://www.psych2go.net/mental-illness-recovery-series-story-20/

___________

Mental Illness Recovery Series Stories

Mental Illness Recovery Series FaceBook Group

Awake Society FB Page / Psych2Go FB Page

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

5 ways to beat loneliness

1. First, don’t isolate yourself – When you’re feeling lonely it is hard to go out and be with others who seem to be OK, and don’t really notice how lonely you feel. But putting up a wall and withdrawing from your friends will only intensify that sense of loneliness, and will further undermine your self-esteem. 2. Second, keep yourself busy – Do things that you normally enjoy with others. For example, listening to a band or maybe going to watch a game … or you could always try something that’s new, but interests you! That would allow you to connect in a non-threatening way … as it takes the focus off talking, and off you. 3. Third, be kind to yourself - It’s likely that you regularly beat yourself up, criticise yourself and are unrealistic in the kinds of expectations that you have for yourself. So what, if it goes wrong? You can always try again – just learn what you can from the experience. And notice your successes and the times when it goes well. It’s likely that this happens a lot more than you think! 4. Fourth, recognise that we ALL battle loneliness at times - You’re not some kind of freak – it’s actually quite normal. It something we’ve all known and understand. 5. Fifth, talk to someone you like and trust – It can really help to talk about your feelings with a family member, a friend or counsellor. It relieves some of the painful sense of isolation – and help to get your life back in perspective again.

[seadieu]

A Poor Witch’s Guide

One thing that kinda ticks me off time after time is the exclusion of short-on-cash witches in the witchcraft community. I see a lot of posts of people’s fancy new $40 Etsy crystals, or handcrafted leather-bound Book of Shadows. Quite a few of my witch friends, including myself, have found ourselves without proper money and the access to the materials we need for our craft.  Here’s a few tips I’ve picked up since: 

Remember that your description of being a witch shouldn’t be defined by how many things you have. If you have a pack of 70¢ birthday candles, you’re no less of a witch as someone with a collection of $20 Yankee jar candles. 

The dollar store (and garage sales!) is your new best friend. Honestly, you can find just about anything there. Candles, glass containers, bottles, dried herbs, scarves, charms, lighters, matches, essential oils - anything. 

Steal things from the fridge and cupboards. Go shopping with your mum and gently mention that her cooking is in a dying need of fresh sage or sandalwood oil. Some fresh flowers would look nice on the kitchen table.

Make music a special part of your craft. Tie your favourite songs into your handiwork to help with inspiration. 

Any space can be made in to an altar or workspace. Whether the corner of your dresser or a drawer of your bed-side table - it doesn’t need to be big or flashy or anything like the displays you’d see on Tumblr. 

A lot of perfumes use real flowers/plant essential oils in their contents. 

Fancy journals can be found at the dollar store for dirt cheap. Use that and a pack of glittery pens for your Book of Shadows. If you’re not one for writing things down, just about all your witchy research can be done online - no one said that your BoS can’t be on your laptop. 

Not all spells require crystals, candles, herbs and/or chants. Make things as simple as you need. 

Look into Kitchen Witchcraft if you’re worried about your practice being found out/shunned upon by your parents or other people in your house. No one’s ever suspicious about cooking. 

Packets of flower seeds are 60¢ at most Walmarts. 

(Add on any other tips you may have. I have a post about my own low-budget workspace here.)

[wiredmagick]

Onetime party drug hailed as miracle for treating severe depression

Ketamine, an anesthetic known as Special K, can work within hours.

Blessed it be. I’m someone with depression.

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

10 Tips for Creating a Happier Life

1. Examine and challenge your negative thinking. Don’t allow yourself to jump to painful, negative conclusions.

2. Imagine a better, and more positive, future and think about the steps that could take you there.

3. Try to live a purposeful, and meaningful, life.

4. Choose to focus on the positives instead of the negatives. They both exist – so choose to think about the good.

5. Let go of the demands, of the “oughts”, “musts” and “shoulds”.

6. Don’t just bury all your negative or difficult emotions. Face and deal with the things that are getting you down.

7. Be grateful for the small things that bring joy to your day.

8. Take your eyes off the past, and things that have gone wrong, and think about “the next time” and what you’ll do differently.

9. Relinquish the need to try and fix other people – and just focus on creating your own happiness.

10. Recognise that happiness is a choice. It may be hard work, but you can choose your attitude.

[fyp-psychology]

We cannot ignore our pain and feel compassion for it at the same time.

Brené Brown (via fyp-psychology)

[wiredmagick]

5 Signs You Should See a Doctor for Depression

Feeling down every so often is a normal part of life. But when you’re gripped by an unrelenting sadness or hopelessness that keeps you from…

All of this. I experienced this and more when my depression was at it’s worse over the summer.

Please, I can emphasize enough how important seeing a doctor is. It helped me so much to see people and call warm lines.

[wiredmagick]

How I calm myself during an anxiety attack.

Me: WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING MYSELF!!!!? I feel useless and like shit. I'm scared I won't make it in life? I'm scared I won't have family? Shit, I don't even know if I'll be living in this country in the future? Wait? Which country am I going to be living in.

Rational Me: Daenara?

Me: Yeah?

Rational Me: Okay, you work a full time job in Mental Health that most people will kill for? You are part an amazing troupe filled with amazing individuals at the Skyhigh Odditorium. You are fluent in two languages and teaching yourself a third. You are able to live in one the most expensive cities in the world without fear of making rent. Plus, you live in it comfortably I might add. You are actually taking part in social activism, like you always dreamed you would. Plus, you are still trying to find more ways to improve yourself and society.

Me: *Blinks*

Rational Me: Were you productive today?

Me: Yeah, I tried to set up my twitter in a way to stay more informed and rewrote the script for my monologue.

Rational me: Okay then. CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!!

[recreationalwitchcraft]

Celebrate Imbolc

Outside:

Leave cheese and bread offerings to soil you hope to be fertile in the coming season

Take a walk or hike in search of signs of the changing season

Gather and jar melting snow or icicles

Prepare flower beds for the coming of spring

In the Home:

Cleanse the home by burning Rosemary or Myrrh incense

Sweep the house with a besom

Reduce clutter and start spring cleaning

Burn white candles on the windowsills and around the house

Use the fireplace for the last time

Drink hot tea melt the ice from your insides

In the Kitchen:

Make potato leek soup

Make braided rosemary bread

Make and drink spiced wine

Make a seed cake to symbolize coming potential

In the Bath:

Prepare an Imbolc Ritual Bath

Bathe surrounded by white candles

Add ice to your hot bath to symbolize the melting away of winter

Add a few drops of Rosemary oil or myrrh to your bathwater

On your Altar:

Represent the melting snow on your altar by making ice candles, ice bowls, or ice luminaries.

Decorate with white candles and flowers

Incorporate the scents of rosemary, myrrh or angelica.

Sprinkle your altar with seeds for prosperity and the coming spring

[recreationalwitchcraft]

imbolc is this coming monday!! 

[recreationalwitchcraft]

15 Simple Spells

Magic doesn’t have to be tough. Here’s proof that there’s a lazy witch in all of us, and it’s easy to let them out.

Purification and Protection Scrub

Making Magical Sleep Circles

Motivation Charm Bag

Jar for Attracting Romance

Violation Salt Scrub

Anti-Anxiety Tea

Love-Drawing Bath Salt Recipe

Easy Tarot Tricks

Herbal Dream Pillow

Magical Shower Disks

Repel an Unwanted Lover

Do some Bath Magic

Tea Spell for Sleep

Gossip Stopping Scrub

Love Repression Spell

[psych2go]

Some tips to help remind you on what to do during stressful periods.