Problematic Sinnamon Witch

You can call me Ari for now. I am 19 and I use xe/xem/xyr pronouns. I do shit that runs in my family and sometimes my spirit companions post here.

[witchimplumis]

Since nazis+ their ilk keep trying to steal norse symbolism for their racist and fascist bullshit, and Kenaz is the torch rune (and a rune they haven't obsessed over as much), I submit that we claim Kenaz as an anti-nazi/anti-fascist/anti-racist symbol. Use the Torch to brighten the places that they've tried to take over, and take them back.

If you're heathen, a person who does rune readings, or just a person who really likes norse stuff + you want to wear a rune that's explicitly anti-nazi, join me in wearing Kenaz.

That is all thanks for your time.

[this-isnt-magic]

“Why don’t my gods talk to me anymore I gave them so many emojis on that post I reblogged”

[witchimplumis]

Do you do any research on sets of beliefs before you mock them or is it enough for them to just be different from yours?

A significant part of kemetic belief is that words and images have power on their own. This is legitimate kemeticism in the same way that crossing out A/p/e/p's name is legitimate kemeticism.

[witchimplumis]

For those who want to know why I haven't done any blog updates or tarot for a while: 1) I've been busy with college, what I have been practicing is a lot of personal stuff and things that don't need to he put here 2) my tarot cards got mysteriously water damaged. I have no idea how, they have never even been near water (except when I let them sit by a window when it rains to charge, but even then I watch to make sure they're staying dry), but regardless I need to get new ones.

[witchinthenight]

Believe it or not this sweet potato vine is in a 4 inch pot. It seeks world domination. It’s my job as a green witch to support that goal.

[witchinthenight]

Believe it or not this sweet potato vine is in a 4 inch pot. It seeks world domination. It’s my job as a green witch to support that goal.

[polar-solstice]

I’m watching Kitchen Nightmares and I realized I’m basically Gordon Ramsey when I’m in someone’s space and they’re complaining about bad energy, like

“When was the last time these crystals were charged?”

“Do you not cleanse your space? Look at all this spiritual build up! Don’t you dare tell me you cleansed this!”

“Malachite next to carnelian? No wonder you can’t sleep and you’re eating everything you noodle!”

[polar-solstice]

[polar-solstice]

[polar-solstice]

you’ll kill someone

[polar-solstice]

[polar-solstice]

[polar-solstice]

[magicianmew]

This is amazing. Mind if I add one?

[witchy-wondering]

If I hear one more white light witch suggest this over pills I swear to god!

[thepersephonecabin]

just gonna… leave that here

[blackbearmagic]

so like, is it possible for me to summon the spirit of the common pleco/suckerfish to basically clean the surroundings of my house? my ward especially? cause apparently multiple wards leads to multiple excess and excess energy transforms into slimy bacteria thingy and they clog up stuff. Do I just say out loud its scientific classification and hope for the best? any ideas?

I personally feel that calling out the taxonomic classification calls on not an individual spirit, but rather the spirit of the species writ large. So rather than calling out to a common pleco, you may be calling on Common Pleco, the epitome of H. plecostomas. 

Which could still work. I wouldn’t personally ask a species-spirit to be my personal guardian (she says, somewhat hypocritically, with a guilty glance at Ancestor Megalodon), but I might ask them to introduce me to an individual spirit of their species who would be willing to do so.

Here’s how I would handle the situation. You are welcome to adapt or ignore it as your preferences and personal practice see fit.

First, I would prepare some offerings. Maybe fresh water and an algae wafer, or maybe some slices of zucchini or cucumber or a lettuce leaf, since those can be used as supplements to their diet. Then I would clear the space (which for me involves going around and asking the Beasts “hey is it okay if I invite someone…”), maybe light a candle, and settle in. 

Once everything was ready, I’d lay out the offerings, recite the taxonomic classification, and end it with “Spirit of [common name], be welcome in this place.”

If I felt then that contact had been made, I would indicate that the offerings for the species-spirit’s enjoyment, and allow them time to accept them. Then I would introduce myself and explain a bit about why I had called on its presence. Explain what I wanted, and what I would give in return. If I had a cycled, clean, freshwater tank up and running, for example, I would offer that the individual spirit could rest there as it wished, and enjoy the company of my other fish. Regular offerings of treats as thanks for its hard work, as well.

There might be some back and forth, some negotiations, (in my experience, species-spirits tend to see members of their species as something like their children, and are very protective of them; the spirit of Common Pleco may have some concerns that you will need to address) but hopefully by the end of it, the spirit and I would reach an agreement, and they would honor my request. 

If this were a spirit I contact regularly (as I do my most ancient ancestors), I would end with “Thank you for meeting with me. Stay or go as you please.” and extinguish the candle to indicate that I have nothing more to say to them. 

Because I only ever invoke spirits that I’m comfortable hanging around, I don’t really have any formal banishing rituals, so if you want one, you’ll have to come up with it yourself.

That’s how I would handle it, anyway!

Of course, now I’m re-reading your ask and seeing it a different way. If your intent was just to call on the spirit of Common Pleco from time to time, with offerings in exchange for an energy-cleaning, yeah, that’s pretty cool. I’d handle it the same way as above, just… not asking to be introduced to an individual spirit, and negotiating what Common Pleco wants in return for its services.

Your idea is really unique and interesting, and while I’m sure you already know this, I just want to emphasize to anyone who might be considering asking for an individual to protect them/serve them that animal spirits are not to be taken in lightly. Just like you wouldn’t adopt a dog and then leave it home alone all the time, you don’t want to bring in an animal spirit and then ignore it–especially not in the early days. They’ll need to get to know you, and trust you, and understand that you have their best interest at heart.

As you spend more time with them, and you understand each other better, they’ll be less dependent on you–just like a dog will learn how to entertain itself while you are away from the house–and you won’t have to check in on them as often. But just like live animals, you can’t just forget about them and let them fend for themselves. And you especially don’t want to “get” one just because it will fill some need for you; it’s an actual, thinking, feeling entity, and your relationship should be that of cooperative partners, rather than a craftsperson and their tool. 

Anyway, I hope this information was helpful!

[witchimplumis]

Pokemon Divination Challenge 1: Let's Get Started! So at this point you all know that I'm doing this (because why not right?) and as I said a spirit is joining me on this challenge as a learning experience for both of us. His name, like I said in the bio, is Ky, and while he's been excited for this reading since yesterday, he's not all that interested in talking about himself just yet. All in due time. Anyhow. Card 1-What will I learn on my Journey? Judgement reversed: learn a healthy amount of self-assurance. While some skepticism keeps us from doing foolhardy things, you'll have to believe in yourself to succeed. Card 2- What lessons do I need to take with me? Ace of Cups reversed: Yes, personal relationships can be hard, but don't give up. (I got the distinct thought impression: "even though it's long distance, if you really love him you'll make it work") Card 3- What should I leave behind? The Queen of Swords: leave behind your cynical rationality. There's more than one way to experience the world, and this old identity is unhelpful. Card 4??? Why, you ask? When it doesn't call for a card 4??? I just wanted to use a clarification card, whether for Ky to use as a signifier for himself or as a final card relating the others. I find the Knight of Cups to be the latter, as it's usually my boyfriend's signifier, and these cards are very explicit to me. I want to note: especially when it comes to my private life, or my companions' provate lives, I will sometimes leave personal info out of reading postings. This challenge I expect will especially have several of those times.

[witchimplumis]

Fixed. Pages should work, and the desc. should look a little cleared up. If you're on mobile you should be able to use chrome to view pages, just go to witchimplumis.tumblr.com/ and after the slash put "about" "companions" or "byf" and that should let you view my pages on mobile.

[witchimplumis]

My description is getting to be A Lot And I didn't mean for it to go this long before actually creating pages with that info on them. Gonna try to do that tomorrow.

[tarotofthekittenofblade]

These are just the titles. Each day, we will have a spread, a little Pokemon history, and a touch of roleplay. Trainers, grab your cards, it’s time to play!

[witchimplumis]

I've wanted to work on these challenge spreads for a while (I'm a pokemon fan) and since my last attempt, on a different blog, went sour, I'm going to do it here, for realsies.

Of course, as always when I do a tarot challenge, I'm accompanied by a spirit who will try to help me out, though in this case, I'll be helping HIM moreso at first. Either way, he can introduce himself if/when he wishes.

[witchimplumis]

Knitting Witchcraft 101, a crash course by witchimplumis

To start this off, obviously there are TONS of ways to do a lot of this stuff. This is mostly the method I use. This also isn't a tutorial to knitting, there's lots of great videos out there explaining how to knit, if I tried to teach all of that in this post, it would be at least 3 times as long. Finally, most of this probably also works for crochet, but I don't know the first thing about crochet, so I'll let someone else weigh in on that. Knitting magic is great for anyone, from witches on a budget (yarn, especially acrylic, can be dirt cheap), broom closet witches (it's easy-peasy to pass off as a normal, non-witchy hobby), practical witches (you get a useful garment at the end!), and more. You can use it on its own, or as a part of a larger spell or ritual. Intent Much like all magic, a lot of knitting magic is intent and visualization. Before starting a project, come up with a purpose for the finished product. For this scenario, I'll use a real project I've done. I wanted to make a shawl to help me in the upcoming school year. When you're knitting, focus on the purpose that you want to imbue the finished product with. Imagine your hopes for it entering each stitch, and being locked in place with your needles. When you first start, it may feel mentally exhausting or draining, or it may be really hard to focus and you may find your thoughts drifting away, but as you practice you'll get better and be able to focus longer. I find that once I start to lose focus the best thing to do is leave for a while and pick the project up later, once I've had time to clear my head. Rs/ws If you've been a knitter for any length of time at all, you know that flat knitting has what's called a "right side" (the side that shows when you're wearing/using your created object) and a "wrong side" (the side that faces towards you, like the bottom of a blanket or inside of a cardigan), or rs and ws on patterns. When working out the beginning of my projects, I come up with two different intents, one for the outside world to see (right side) and one to affect only me (wrong side). So, in the example of my school shawl, I wanted other people to view me as capable in my field. So my rs intent was "I am a learned student of my trade." On the ws, I choose an intent that helps me to acheive my ultimate goal (doing well in school) so the intent I used was "I have the focus required in my studies." HOWEVER, when working in the round, there's no wrong side. So then how do you go about wrong side intents? Two options: one, have only one overarching purpose for all knitting (such as "I will succeed in my chosen field"), or alternate lines as you would if you weren't knitting in the round. Color/texture Yarn comes in pretty much every color and color combination imaginable. Color associations/color magic are not only possible to do with yarn but strongly encouraged. I use lots of sources for mine, googling "color associations" brings up bunches of pages, or you can use your own personal associations. If you're going to do this, read reviews for the yarn and check for or ask about color bleeding. Textures are an often-overlooked factor. Prickly yarn can be used in a defensive spell, or soft yarn in one for comfort and warmth. Always keep in mind what kind of thing you're making though, and try to work off of that. Some textures are not ideal for some uses. Materials Yarn materials are important to fit to your project. For example, you don't want to make a knit bralette out if dish scrubby yarn (ouch). You have tons of options, but I'll stick to the kinds you're most likely to run into cheap-ish. My standing recommendation for all of these is if there is any way at all you can see and feel yarn in person before buying it, do so. I don't recommend buying in bulk of you haven't dealt with a brand or line of yarn before. Acrylic- acrylic yarn is usually extremely cheap and comes in tons of colors and textures, some are shiny, others are really fuzzy, there's all kinds for all purposes. It's really great if you have allergies because it's synthetic fiber. Wool/superwash wool: usually somewhat coarse, wool is a natural fiber that comes from shearing specific breeds of wool-producing sheep. Some brands will even say specifically what breed(s) or country their wool comes from. In my experience, wool is much easier to work magic with than acrylic, however it will usually also be more expensive, and there are fewer textures and appearances available. Cotton: cotton is a nice in-between of acrylic and wool. It's a natural fiber, but I don't know of anybody being allergic to it. It can come in many different colors, but not really any texture variety, they all just feel like cotton. If you're not morally opposed for any of various reasons, Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton yarn is by far the best cotton yarn I've found, in terms of softness. If you ARE morally opposed however, Sugar n Cream makes cotton yarn on huge spools very cheap. Bamboo: it's considered eco-friendly yarn. I don't know how true that is, as I don't use it enough to actually look into the carbon footprint of bamboo yarn. That said it feels like actual clouds and looks like them too. Silk: we all know what silk is. Silk yarn exists. It's on the expensive end of cheap stuff, usually only comes in small amounts. Merino: wool that comes from the merino sheep breed specifically. This wool is really soft, I don't work with it much because it's usually really expensive compared to every other kind. Novelty yarns: I love incorportating these. Some are great for practical reasons (dish scrubby yarn) and others are great for using some of their elements as part of a spell (like feathery yarns or beady yarns etc.) Stitch types I don't think there's a widely agreed upon set of associations for stitch type/pattern, these are just some common ones I've come to associate. YO/lace- these large, open patterns I associate with "bigger" or more wide effects. Alternately, because they're basically big holes in the object, allowing your intents to come out into the environment. seed- just like its name, I associate seed stitch with potential and growth. Garter- I tend to associate garter stitch with mundane life, alternately with its common use as a border stitch I associate it as a holding stitch, keeping things in (like secrets) or protected. Stockinette- a super common stitch pattern for fronts of things, especially socks (as per the name). I tend to associate it with appearances, and spells like glamour aids. Blocking When/if you block, visualize the water charging your finished object. You can use scented wool wash in scents that are associated with the spell you're doing, you have tons of options. Beads, etc: You can get all kinds of things at craft stores! I found crystal charms last time I went that would look great on a heavier-weight shawl, there's beads of various different materials and colors, if I went over all of these things it'd take a whole extra post. Play around and see what you like. Finished products: Clothing- either for yourself or for others. Make ritual clothing or just a warmth-intent hat. Possibilities are totally endless. Poppet- maybe make a poppet out of yarn? Stuff it with things you want the poppet associated with? Disclaimer: don't burn knit poppets unless you are 100% certain ALL ingredients are safe to burn wherever you're burning them. I prefer to "destroy" my knit poppets by stabbing them with knitting needles, so that I can reuse them, even better, make the end drawstring-style, so you can reuse it with different ingredients. Eco friendly witchcraft! Spell swatch- I call it a spell swatch but it may have another name by now. It works pretty much exactly how it sounds, knit a swatch of fabric in varying colors, stitches, etc., based on what the spell is. Knit in beads or feathers or hair or whatever you feel like you should. Then pin it on your wall or carry it with you. It doesn't have to (and probably won't) look nice, it's just a little spell to carry with you, like a very personalized sigil. Other uses: knitting is great for meditation! Finding a simple pattern to knit for a while can leave your mind free to relax and do its own thing, I love leaving guided meditations, binaural tones, etc. on while I'm knitting things like socks or blankets.

[witchimplumis]

I'm working on my megapost and I'm about halfway through. I promise it's coming guys!

[witchimplumis]

Would anybody be interested in a knit magic infodump post? I see a few posts about yarn/needles in the witchcraft tags but not a lot of in depth or how to info so would that be a thing people want to see? I'll write one up if this gets any interest, could you like/reblog/comment/something if you'd want that so I can gauge interest?

[witchcraftartifact]

[spiritvexer]

Questions to ask your spirit friends

This post was written by Thicket, Rosemary, Tom, and Alexandria.

Questions for all spirits

How are you?

By what name may I call you, if you wish to give me one?

What offerings do you enjoy? How often do you need them? (This does not mean you must give offerings as often as a spirit requests. Do things on your own terms)

What is your true nature?

What laws do you obey?

Do you live near me?

Why did you answer my call today? (alternatively: Why are you here?)

How do you manifest to me? (Visions, sensations, light orbs, etc)

What do you like to do for fun? What are your pastimes?

What is your preferred method of communication? (Psychic, tarot, runes, other systems)

Is your spirit home comfortable?

Questions for guardians

Is there any danger to me at this time?

What is your normal method of protecting me? (Magic, brute force, cunning)

Are you able to do your job alone? (Be careful, some spirits may find this question to be insulting)

How may I assist you in keeping me safe?

Would you like a thoughtform to aid you in your task?

How are my wards and shields?

In what area are my defenses lacking?

Is there any pitfall or dangerous situation I am getting close to?

Who do I need to be careful of at this time?

Do you require any healing?

What problems can we take care of together?

Alexandria says: “What attacks are necessary at this time?”

Tom says: “Do not listen to Alexandria, be careful when engaging the enemy directly.”

Questions for guides

What form are you most comfortable in?

Tom and Alexandria say: “This is mostly for human curiosity and does not really matter.” Thicket disagrees; the form a creature can take can communicate very valuable information to the practitioner.

What do you think about the direction I am going in?

What paths are available to me right now?

Tom says: “Do not agonize over the future.” I think this is personal advice and not really a question.

What am I doing right now that could be dangeous?

What advice do you have for me? (Tom and Alexandria feel this is an excellent question)

What do you feel the outcomes are for this situation? Tom and Alexandria warn you to not be constrained by the limited futures a guide can show you.

How can I improve my life right now?

How can I aid you in your goals of guiding and directing me to a more secure life?

What is your goal for my life?

How long have you been with me? (Tom and Alexandria doubt the usefulness of this question, especially Tom. They communicate that this has no real bearing on a spirit’s ability to do it’s job – Thicket again disagrees)

What situations should I contact you about? (Serious, casual, everyday, rare)

Questions for helpers and servants

How are you able to assist me?

How am I able to assist you?

Are you able to carry out the tasks I have given you?

What is preventing you from carrying out these tasks, if anything?

What is your favorite task to complete?

What do you get out of helping me?

Do you require energy or recharging at this time?

What do you need in order to carry out your tasks?

Do you need a period of rest? Is it regularly required?

Have you discovered anything important that you need to share with me?

Questions for companions and friends

How are you feeling today?

Is everything comfortable for you?

Do you feel you are receiving enough attention from me lately?

Is there anything you would like to talk about?

Tell me about your day. (Tom especially likes this question; Alexandria is fond of it).

What can I get for you right now?

Are you pleased with your spirit home? Does it require upkeep?

What have you been up to lately?

Have any of your preferences changed? (Alexandria likes this question a lot)

What can I bring you as a special gift some time soon?

Is there any place you would like to travel to soon?

Am I doing anything lately that is bothering you?

How are you getting along with my spirit family?

Do you still enjoy the offerings you are receiving?

Other Notes

Some spirits appreciate being chattered to all day long, just like a close friend. Other spirits prefer to be contacted only when a serious matter arises, or even not at all. When greeting a new spirit, ask them how much they would like to communicate in general.

Do not directly ask for names. Names are serious business in the spirit world! Instead ask, “by what name may I call you,” indicating you are not searching for a true name. Tom feels that even these given names should be kept somewhat secret, and another nickname used to communicate about this spirit to humans. Alexandria somewhat agrees. Do not be offended or worried if a spirit refuses to give you any sort of name at all.

Do not confuse offerings with worship. Offerings are more like gifts – literally, you are just “offering” something to a spirit. A cup of coffee, a shot of liquor, some food, or even a nice glass of water makes a good gift. Just as you would offer snacks and beverages to any guest in your home, politely offer spirits something just to be a gracious host.

Avoid asking questions that give spirits leverage over you. “How do you feel about me?” is a question asked primarily by insecure people. Tom thinks this is harsh. Alexandria thinks this is correct. Some of these questions you may feel are somewhat unavoidable in companionship relationships. Let me encourage you to just be careful.

Tom wishes to leave a final note: “Always be careful. Spirits are not always what they seem.”

[havencraft-deactivated20200917]

“Don’t Work with Death!”

“Don’t work with death, because then you invite it into your house.”

Death is already in my house. Death is everywhere. Death is what decays the plant matter that feeds my garden. Death is what feeds the herbs I use in my spells, for each grows from what died before it.

Death is what feeds my family - death of plants, the death of animals. I would not disrespect the spirits of that which feeds us by ignoring their sacrifice. 

Death is the veil between my ancestors and myself, keeping them at rest and then acting as the gate for them to step into their next life.

When I do hospice work and sit with someone who is accepting their approaching death, I don’t tell them death is something to fear or avoid. I tell them death is the friend that walked beside them, every step of their life, maintaining the balance of the world, and waiting for them with open arms, to escort them to rebirth. 

“Don’t work with death!” 

I would not ignore life’s partner, not for arrogance or fear or ignorance. When I go to my own, I want to greet death with respect, acceptance, and gratitude.