Witches And Their Craft

A deep dive blog that explores the topic of witches and how they go about incorporating their beliefs into their practice.

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Items that Witches and Practitioners use for Divination

In this blog, we will be discussing the various kinds of items used in divination spells. There’s a large range of them, from tarot cards to dowsing rods, to even tasseaography (tea leaf readings) and we will be looking through and exploring a lot of them!

Tarot Cards: Tarot cards are used for divination. They are a deck of 78 cards and each card represents a value on the tree of life. A reading is made usually in a set of 3, with each card representing the past, present, and future. There are 21 arcana within the deck, and the rest are a set of Ace to Ten in Wands, Pentagrams, Cups, and Swords. The cards even have different meanings if they are drawn right side up or upside down and they are used as guidance for how to go about things to prepare for the future predicted by the cards.

Oracle Cards: Oracle cards are like the kinder version of tarot cards. While the tarot give it to you straight, oracles tend to be more benign in their guidance towards the person being given a reading. In fact, each deck of oracle cards is different in its looks and has different meanings with different symbols. Readings for these cards are usually done in 3s, similar to tarot, but they can also be done with a single card to give guidance on a specific problem occurring in your life.

Pendulum: This is a method of seeking answers and guidance by interpreting the movements of a pendulum, often used to answer questions or make decisions. The pendulum works by tapping into the sixth sense and acts as a form of receiver and transmitter, from the practitioner’s higher guidance, guardian angels, and spiritual teachers. As the pendulum moves, the practitioner gains answers in response to questions. A pendulum divination works best with “yes” or “no” questions.

Dowsing Rod: Also known as divining rods, they are tools used in a practice that aims to locate underground water, minerals, or other hidden objects. Some believe they can be used for divination or spiritual insights. Dowsing rods are usually used in attempts to locate ground water, buried metals, ores, gemstones, oil, claimed radiations, gravesites, malign “earth vibrations” and many other objects and materials without scientific guidance.

Crystal Scrying: Also known as crystal gazing, this type of divination involves gazing into a crystal ball or other reflective surface to seek visions, guidance, or insights into the future or hidden information. It can be done with the aid of a medium such as crystal ball in order to scry, gaze, or even through modern technology like a smartphone.

Water Scrying: Also referred to as hydromancy, this is a form of divination where practitioners gaze into a bowl of water, or a large body of water, to seek visions or insights into the future or present. There’s a similar technique that is also used with pyromancy, in which practitioners gaze deep into the flame of a candle wick and do similar methods as used in hydromancy.

Automatic Writing: involves channeling messages or insights by allowing a pen, pencil, or writing object to move freely on paper, without conscious control, to potentially access the subconscious or spirit world.

Palmistry: Also known as chiromancy and palm reading, this involves interpreting the lines, marks, and bumps on a person’s palm to gain insights into their character, fortunes, and potential future events.

Numerology: The study of supposed relationship between numbers and events, based on the idea that numbers have a vibrational frequency and can provide insights into a person’s character, destiny, and life path. It’s the belief in an occult, divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events. Another name that numbers in numerology call themselves is “Angel Numbers”. Think number sequences like 333 or 111.

Tasseography (Tea Leaf Reading): A divination or fortune-telling method that interprets patterns in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments. This divination has Arabic origins, the word “tasse” or “Tass” meaning small cup or goblet. Certain symbols made by tea leaves, coffee grounds, and wine sediments would mean certain things or predict future events.

These are just some of the unique ways in which practitioners, witches, and warlocks divine and ask questions about uncertain situations. There’s some notable movies in which some of these techniques of divination are used, such as Coraline (Henry Selick, 2009). In the movie, Coraline is seen using a dowsing rod made out of poison ivy to locate an old well. Later in the movie, Coraline meets Miss Spink and Forcible, who give her a tea leaf reading to guide her as she continues to explore the Other World.

We encourage people who come across our blog to share and do more research in what other kinds of divination exist out there. It’s a lot to explore and it’s all very fascinating! Have fun learning and Blessed Be!

[witches1111]

What Objects do Witches Use in their Rituals?

Here in this blog we will be talking about common objects and magical tools that witches, warlocks, and practitioners use to do spell work, meditate, and practice their craft. Some use a few of these items while others use all of them, it really depends on what works the best for each individual practitioner.

Candles: Candles are used as tools for spell work, meditation, divine/spiritual connection, manifesting intentions, wish fulfillment, and connecting with spiritual energies. Different colors and types of candles are associated with specific purposes. For example, white candles are usually used for purification.

Herbs: Herbs are used for a variety of purposes, including protection, healing, love spells, and prosperity, with common examples including basil, lavender, rosemary, sage and mugwort. Each of these herbs are used for different purposes, such as lavender for stress relief and relaxation.

Besom: Also called a broom, a besom is a traditional broom used for cleansing and banishing negative energy from a space or during rituals. They are also used as decorative items, like decorating them with flowers and becoming “floral swag”, besoms with dried flowers and leaves that are tied together in a rope.

Wand: Wands are tools used to channel and direct energy, often representing the practitioner’s will and intention, and can be used for various purposes like invoking deities, drawing circles, or casting spells. They’re usually made out of wood, metal, crystal, glass, or plastic.

Cauldron: A large round heat-resistant pot, it’s a symbolic tool of representing the womb of the Goddess, the element of water, and the transformative power of magic, used for various rituals and magical workings. Practitioners and witches would burn offerings of herbs, generating smoke, petitions and incense during spell casting and rituals. Sometimes witches would use cauldrons for cooking, scrying (a type of divination), creating dyes and dying cloths.

Chalice: A chalice, or a goblet, is a ceremonial drinking vessel symbolizing the element of water, the Goddess and her womb, often used to hold liquids for ritual purposes. The chalice is actually a common sight in tarot cards for there is a line of cards called the Cups cards, which shows chalices in numbers of ace to ten.

Crystals: Crystals are used for various purposes including marking sacred circles, honoring deities, decorating magical tools, and incorporating them into spells, amulets, and talismans for healing, divination, and manifesting. Many crystals have various purposes, such as amethyst being used for promoting serenity, reducing stress/anxiety, and enhancing intuition and spiritual awareness.

Altar: A sacred space where practitioners can connect with the divine, nature, or their own intentions, serving as a focal point for rituals, meditation, and spell work. It’s a place to honor deities, ancestors, and the elements, and the items placed on the altar hold personal and spiritual significance.

This is just some of the main objects and items that witches, warlocks, and practitioners use for their practices! We will be creating a separate post discussing the different kinds of divination that they use such as pendulums, tarot cards, palm readings, and more! Stay tuned for that post, Blessed Be!

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Music has a big part when it comes to doing spell work…

When witches and practitioners perform spells, sometimes music is involved. Music can serve as a powerful tool for setting intentions, enhancing focus, and creating a magical atmosphere. It serves a similar purpose to a ritual or a chant, with some practitioners finding specific genres of frequencies resonate with their intentions.

Listening to music can help induce a trance-like state that is helpful in casting spells. It helps to get witches/practitioners in the zone and tunes them in the frequency of the intentions they’re casting.

Being in the witch, warlock, and practitioners realm, there’s a common trope in which sometimes they mention using artists such as Fleetwood Mac. While this is a response to what some practitioners use to work their spells, there’s a bit of a background in why they use Fleetwood Mac for their work. Stevie Nicks, the main singer of the band embraced a lot of occult imagery, and the song Rhiannon is supposedly about a “welsh witch”. When Stevie performs, she also does ethereal prancing around the stage, wearing lace and scarfs with crystal beads. Nicks herself has this style/presence similar to how a lot of witches and practitioners envision themselves.

While Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks are usually the answers when it comes to music for spell work, there’s different kinds of music that’s used for different kinds of spell work. Slow and steady music could be used for meditation and setting intentions. Catchy and fun music would be for spells to encourage positivity and such. (Ex. Abracadabra by Lady Gaga and its empowering beat and fun lyrics) Heavy metal and rock for spells on protection, dealing with feelings of rage and hexing.

No matter what kind of music you’re listening to when you cast your spells, the music helps to make the spell come to life and brings the practitioner in the mood being set by the music! Hope you have fun incorporating music into your intention setting and spell work, my fellow witches, warlocks, and practitioners!

Blessed Be!

[witches1111]

The Wheel of the Year

While most practitioners follow along with their beliefs and depend on which pantheon to focus on, there's a universal understanding that there's seasons and seasonal changes that happen within the year. Whether they would call it Persephone returning to her mother Demeter as the start of spring, or her departure to the Underworld as the beginning of colder days, there's many ways of looking at the seasons and their transitions.

Universally in the realm of practitioners is this calendar called "The Wheel of the Year". Each season and peak of that season is celebrated by a "Sabbat" and on each of these sabbats, practitioners would celebrate in accordance to these seasons/transitions in between seasons. In this blog, we will be looking into each of these 8 sabbats and what practitioners/witches do on these special days.

Yule (Dec 21 - Jan 1): The first of the 8 sabbats is Yule, which aligns with today’s holiday of Christmas. This holiday was observed by Germanic peoples and welcomes the winter solstice. It is celebrated by burning a yule log, decorating a pine tree with berries, pinecones, etc., along with observing the sun’s short rising and setting. Witches and practitioners would practice Yule by lighting yule logs, decorating evergreens, creating an altar, and feasting. They would also make a wreath, perform blessing rituals for donations, light candles, and give gifts.

Imbolc (Feb 1 - Feb 2): The second is Imbolc, which is based on worshiping the Celtic fire goddess Brigid along with the coming of spring. White flowers, white candles, a corn husk doll, and a bowl of milk are used at altars to worship Brigid. Practitioners and witches would light candles, do spring cleaning, create an altar, craft Brigid's cross, perform divination, plant seeds, purify their spaces, and feast with grain and dairy dishes.

Ostara (March 20): Ostara is the third sabbat. It is the celebration of the spring equinox for by now the flowers have bloomed and fertility has returned. The goddess celebrated on this holiday is Eostre of the Anglo-Saxon pantheon. The painted eggs seen all throughout today’s holiday of Easter originates from the myth that Eostre turned a bird into a rabbit who laid colorful eggs. Witches and practitioners would decorate eggs, plant seeds, do spring cleaning, perform healing rituals, meditate, connect with nature, and set intentions for the coming spring season.

Beltane (April 30 - May 1): The fourth sabbat is the Gaelic holiday Beltane, which commences the beginning of summer. A large bonfire is held as people dance around a maypole and reenact a god and goddess confirming their love for each other. In ancient times farmers would walk their cattle between bonfires as prayers for a bountiful harvest. Practitioners and witches would light bonfires, dance around a maypole, make flower crowns, have spa days, plant seeds, and connect nature with the union of God and Goddess.

Litha (June 21 - June 22): The fifth sabbat is Litha, also known as Midsummer. It is celebrated on the summer solstice and worships Earth’s growing fertility as the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Origins of the holiday come from Anglo-Saxons for “Litha” was the old word for June. Witches and practitioners would light bonfires, create a Litha altar, connect with nature, go for a picnic, go swimming, and watch the sunrise. They would also meditate, make flower crowns, and enjoy the beginning of the summer season.

Lammas *AKA Lugnasadh* (July 31 - August 1): The sixth sabbat is Lammas, or its other name Lughnasadh. This holiday comes from Anglo-Saxon origins and in Old English means “loaf mass”. By this point in August, the days are getting slowly shorter but there’s a bountiful harvest on the way. As for now, the wheat is ready for harvesting. Practitioners and witches would bake bread, create corn dolls, have a feast with seasonal ingredients, and give thanks for the abundance of the season. They would also craft Lammas wreaths usually out of wheat, give harvest offerings, visit a farmers market, and collect seeds.

Mabon (Sept 21 - Sept 23): The seventh sabbat is Mabon, which welcomes the fall equinox. This is the major season of the harvest. Believers will dress and eat lavishly to celebrate the bounty of life. The days are getting shorter and the nights become longer by this point. Witches and practitioners would set up altars with Mabon symbols, express gratitude, and consider sharing their bounties with others, while also reflecting on balance and the changing of longer/warmer days to shorter/colder days. They would also meditate, go apple picking, donate, and have walks in nature as autumn sets in.

Samhain (October 31 - November 1): The eighth and final sabbat is Samhain. This holiday aligns with present day Halloween, and the traditions of today were present in Halloween’s ancestor, Samhain. In Gaelic origins, the veil between the profane world and the spirit world becomes thin and spirits of loved ones along with malicious spirits emerge from the veil. Worshipers disguise themselves with animal masks, going door to door asking for gifts, turnips were jack-o-lanterns, and a bonfire was lit to celebrate the end of summer. Essentially, Samhain was a celebration of the dead. Not only that but it was also the end of the Pagan year so Samhain was essentially the first New Years Eve. On this day, practitioners and witches would honor their ancestors, perform divination, host bonfires, feast, carve and light pumpkins, give out treats, and engage in releasing/renewing rituals. They would also commemorate the dead and disguise themselves as they go out for all spirits from the other side have come out, both good and malicious. This holiday coincides with All Hallows Eve, where the themes of costumes, giving treats, and carving/lighting pumpkins are passed down to present day Halloween.

And then we go back to Yule to start all over again! Thank you for coming along and reading this blog to educate yourself on the 8 Sabbats of the wheel of the year! It's a really fascinating way to celebrate the seasons and while some witches/practitioners may do things a little differently depending on their practices or beliefs, this wheel is sort of a universal use that can go any which way! As was seen, this wheel of the year came from Pagan beliefs, ranging from Celtic to Anglo-Saxon to even Germanic. Of course while this wheel is universal, different cultures celebrate the seasons and their peaks in different ways. I definitely encourage researching on those topics!

Thanks again for sticking long enough to read and learn more about witches! Blessed Be!

[witches1111]

Types of Witches and what they focus on

There are various people out there who identify as witches. While these practitioners use some of the same universal techniques such as spell work, manifestation, meditation, etc. not many know of what types of witches they truly align themselves to. There are many types of witches, from green witches who do their work in greenery and gardens, to lunar witches who use their practice to focus on the moon and follow along its phases.

In this blog, I will be sharing some information about the types of witches that exist. I may not be able to list them all, but this will hopefully encourage you to curiosity and perhaps look more closely and research for yourself.

Types of Witches

Eclectic Witch: This is a kind of witch who enjoys practicing methods of witchcraft across all paths and finding out what works for them along the way. They bring something special to the table in how they’re open to any form of practice and find what’s works best for them.

Kitchen Witch: This witch has the kitchen as their main source of practicing their craft. The act of cooking, prepping, or baking is like a mesmerizing ritual for them. The heart of their home is like a sacred sanctuary. Kitchen witches would have their altars usually set up near or around their kitchen.

Green Witch: The green witch embraces nature by drawing energies from the earth and untamed things/places. They find their strength in wild and untamed Earth, places where human civilization hasn’t touched and where wild animals still call their home. They use stones and crystals, plants, flowers, and herbs in their practice and call to nature for guidance and respects every living being. They are like stewards to Earth, but they truly mean to respect and give reverence.

Cosmic Witch: Also referred to as the “Star Witch” this practitioner focuses their energies on the cosmos above Earth. The planets, stars, moons, and all celestial phenomena. Their practices are deeply intertwined with astrology, lunar phases, and the energies of the planets. These witches see the universe as a living entity with its own cycles, rhythms, and influences that can be used for their practice.

Hedge Witch: The practice of the hedge witch is usually those who are solitary and involve a deep study of plants and the natural world. While they could be confused with the “Green Witch”, they are an homage to the wise women of old who lived beyond the hedges of villages. They find magic in day-to-day activities and their practices align with the threshold of this world and the beyond.

Hereditary Witch: The hereditary witch describes someone who comes from a family or lineage of witches. Magical practices and traditions are passed from generation to generation, where often they are rooted in folk magic or specific rituals. They get their magic from their parents, grandparents, and ancestors.

Ceremonial Witch: Also known as practitioners of “high magic”, they focus on elaborate and structured rituals. These rituals would involve specific accessories and esoteric practices such as astrology, Kabbalah*, or Enochian* magic. These kinds of witches work best in ceremonial roles for that is where their magic is the strongest.

Sea Witch: This practitioner focuses their magical practices on the sea and its elements. Their connections is between themselves and the ocean, embracing the ebb and flow of the tides, the power of the waves, and what lies beneath the water. They focus their attention on creating a bond with the sea and its inhabitants, working with its energy to manifest their intentions and achieve their goals.

Crystal Witch: Crystals are the life source for these practitioners. They deeply resonate with the power of crystals and gemstones, integrating these natural elements into their practices and daily lives. Their integration goes beyond admiration for they communicate with, understand, and harness the unique vibrations each crystal brings to enhance spells, rituals, and personal energy work.

Elemental Witch: A practitioners who focuses on working with and harnessing the energies of earth, air, fire, and water. Similar to the Green Witch, they have a great respect for the earth. They form a bond with each of the 4 elements to attain the highest and secret 5th element, spirit, which encompasses all the elements together.

Baby Witch: These people are described as beginners, those who are new to the practices and are exploring different paths and learning the basics. While the other categories list experts, baby witches are usually at the starting stage of their practice and their magical journey.

Coven Witch: A coven witch is a practitioners who focuses their work onto themselves and their coven, their group or gathering of witches who practice together. These witches would likely follow a structured tradition or lineage, and may follow a particular magical or religious system such as Wicca*.

Grey Witch: This practitioners who focuses of magic while using whatever methods are deemed necessary. These could include hexes and curses to achieve justice and correct unfair circumstances. They also often seek the help of unseen spirits. They experiment both with light and dark energies.

Faery Witch: Also called a “faerie witch” or “fae witch”, they practice with a focus on working with and honoring nature spirits, particularly faeries and those associated with the Fae realm. Their practices usually incorporate Celtic or Pagan traditions.

Hearth Witch: A home-centered witch who focuses their energies on creating sacred space and weaving magical into mundane. They tend to focus their practices on herbalism, candle magic, ritual cleaning, and creating a sacred space through everyday activities and home rituals.

Lunar Witch: A practitioner who draws their energies and practices from the moon and its phases. They incorporate lunar magic into their spells and rituals. They also understand how each phase of the moon affects energy, drawing in on those energies to help manifest intentions and using rituals and meditations that connect back to lunar energy. They also use herbs to correspond to each phase like mugwort, lavender, chamomile, thyme, and rosemary.’

Divination Witch: They use their magic to try to predict the future, often employing a variety of tools. Some of these tools include the iconic tarot cards, the lesser known oracle cards, pendulums, palm readings, horoscope readings, etc. These practitioners tend to be on the psychic side and are very clairvoyant individuals.

Folk Witch: They practice witchcraft deeply rooted in the traditions, folklore, and magical practices of their ancestors or local culture. Their focus is on the land, their ancestry, and ancient customs. An example of this could be the Braucherei practitioners who focus their practices on the wild and untamed Appalachian Mountains.

And this is only a few of these types of witches! If you’re interested to know more I highly recommend researching on each of these categories and which other ones are out there. There’s a diversity to witches and witchcraft that many more people need to know of and this is the start of that learning experience! Blessed be!

Definitions of ** words

Kabbalah: Often translated as “received tradition”, is a form of Jewish mysticism that seeks to understand the hidden meaning of the universe and God’s relationship with humanity. A body of teachings that explores the nature of the divine and the cosmos, often through esoteric interpretation of Jewish texts.

Enochian: Refers to a constructed, occult language and system of magic recorded in the journals of 16th-century occultists John Dee and Edward Kelley, claiming to be a “celestial speech” used to communicate with angelic realms.

Wicca: A modern, nature-based pagan religion with diverse practices, including honoring the Goddess and God, celebrating the seasons, and practicing magic, all within an ethical framework of “Do what ye will, harm none.”

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Witches are More than just broomsticks, pointy hats, and cauldrons…

Witches have been around since the dawn of humanity and in some cultures are respected while in others are feared. In recent times, witches have started to gain a more positive reputation thanks to individuals who tell their own stories. At the same time however, Hollywood still enjoys portraying witches as either villainous crones or sexual temptresses.

The stigmatization of witches comes from how free their practice is. They do not adhere to an organized religion and in fact use witchcraft to their own advantage. While some witches do follow organized religions and use their craft to aid them in their faith there, a lot of them are way more open in who they choose to offer prayers and offerings to. Sometimes, practitioners even make contact with gods and goddesses from pagan pantheons such as Persephone of Greek mythology or Bastet of Egyptian mythology.

There’s so much to learn when it comes to witches, and whether or not your perception of them is positive or negative, this blog will bring a clearer understanding of who witches and practitioners really are. The entire point is to make anyone who comes across these posts more understanding and perhaps tolerable of those who call themselves witches/practitioners and study/practice witchcraft. It’s not like in the movies, that’s for sure!

Come along the journey and discover the real magic in witches and their craft!