aister

Irish-American witch & forest witch folk magic | divination 23 | he/they sé/siad

[witchofthewildwood]

welcome ༄ about the witch

& table of contents

fáilte! welcome!

i’m glad you’ve found my blog!

name: call me Aistear (ASH-ter), they/he (sé/siad)

about me: Irish-American witch, my family is from Co. Mayo, and Galway. ~ 5 years practicing as a witch.

i primarily follow/study Irish paganism, as well as Irish-American folk magic and witchcraft. this is a HUGE part of my practice, there’s so much to learn! though—it is not the complete entirety of my practice.

i guess you could call me a bit eclectic bc i do also observe, honor, and work with my local land, wildlife, spirits, and traditions

having a Right Relationship with Ireland’s people, culture, and land is very important to me, as a non-native witch. Importance goes for Indigenous communities of the land i live on, Turtle Island, just the same.

i was one of those little kids secretly checking out witch books from the library, obsessed with magic, animals, & brewing mud and clover “potions.”

i can spot a mean four leaf clover.

my practice:

divination: tarot, oracle, and pendulum. learning/studying the Ogham, scrying, & other divination styles.

i honor and work with plants & trees—primarily oak.

strong animist

i <3 folk magic

i celebrate the four fire festivals, as well as the solstices and equinoxes. i follow the seasons and changes of nature, moon phases, etc.

meditation!!!

i call myself a wild witch. to me, this means that my practice is always evolving & is closely tied to wilderness + nature’s cycles. my practice has ebbs and flows. embracing my inner wildness, and connection to nature is crucial.

more about me: i love drag race, cozy grandpa sweaters, thrifting, music, poetry, art, loose leaf tea, weighted blankets, and writing in my notes app.

NAZIS, ZIONISTS, TERFS, HOMOPHOBES, RACISTS, ANY BIGOTS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT WELCOME HERE.

**header image taken by Paula Thomas on Flickr

‧₊˚𖦹 ࣪.𓋼𓍊𖤣𖥧‪𖡼‬𖥧𖤣𓍊𓋼. ࣪𖦹˚₊‧

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

lists— (seasonal lists are listed in their season)

low effort witchy things

ways to rewild your craft

Four Fire Festivals—

Imbolg in Ireland

last minute ways to celebrate Imbolg

winter witchcraft—

list—little winter witchcraft things

list—what do wild witches do in winter?

snow magic

new years folklore in Ireland

fun facts—

the three realms of Irish cosmology

the numbers 3 & 9 in Irish paganism & witchcraft

[witchofthewildwood]

witchcraft for hope

hold a small icicle in your hand and notice how quickly warmth can transform something cold

wear a yellow veil/hat to keep your mind protected and optimistic

candle magic with white or yellow candles

honor and connect with BIPOC, trans, and queer ancestors and elders in your community

bathe with a salt scrub to cleanse the day away from you

donate what you can to a fundraiser for a cause you believe in. donation in honor of: [deity/ancestor name]

tea with lemon & honey

justice spells.

read physical books on witchcraft and other subjects. keep CD’s.

carry protections with you to hold if you need: crystal, sachet, rock, etc

meditate to music that fills you with warmth in the way that feels right

cultivate loving kindness in yourself

place symbols of the sun or stars on your walls, phone lock screen, anywhere that feels right

some witchy-related things that might bring you some optimism in addition to being an active member of your community. we can get through this!

[sorrrowfull]

[witchofthewildwood]

forest witches in the winter… ❆ ❅

they’re singing to the evergreens

scrying with small pieces of snow or ice. holding small bits in their hand. they watch the shape it forms while it turns to water.

thanking the moon for never ever leaving the sky for too long

you may find them touching the stems of perennials, knowing that—like a phoenix—the leaves will grow, and will rise again when spring returns. they wish the plants luck on their journey back to life.

wearing coats, layers upon layers, to go on a walk when it’s lightly snowing. they can feel the peace in the air.

when it’s really windy, you might see one take a bit of dried leaves from under the snow, set an intention of something they want to release, then watch the leaves dance, carried in the wind.

or, watching the snow from a window.

they might be reading this. if so, i have to remind them—have no shame about resting, because we know how natural it is to hibernate. humans, among many animals, sleep more and spend more time resting and staying warm indoors. this is a cycle of the year.

know—the green will come again.

~~some methods to try to stay in touch with nature in the winter~~

ᨒ↟ 𖠰𖥧˚

[aodhan-art]

[witchofthewildwood]

reminder to put out your Brat Bríde!

[witchofthewildwood]

3 & 9 in Irish Witchcraft

In Irish folklore, mythology, symbolism, and spirituality, the numbers 3 and 9 are very important. They come up often.

3

land—sea—sky

life—death—rebirth

triskele, triquetra, and treefoil/3 leaf clover

aspects of the Morrigan: Badb—Macha—Nemain

three sons of Uisnech

three cup-bearers of Nechtain

Three is sacred—a number of harmony and life.

9

The number nine is seen as the number of ultimate completeness, 3 x 3 =9. This creates extra potency, magic, and power.

Often a salve or remedy must be repeated 9 times, for 9 days until an ailment is rid of. Sometimes cures call for a 9th son of a family to perform the cure.

You may plan to “feed” a spell over the course of 9 days, to increase its effectiveness and add power. You may tie 9 knots in a piece of string or twine for an intention, especially powerful with the color red (expelling demons).

The numbers 7, 11, and 13 are also important.

sources / further reading:

The Witch and the Hare

Duchas.ie (Co. Sligo — Old Cures)

Duchas.ie (Co. Galway— Nine harrows pins)

Duchas.ie (Co. Monaghan— Nine Thorns)

[lore-gore]

Hey so apparently the Trump administration is trying to include Natives in his unconstitutional birthright citizenship end order. They haven't been non citizens since 1924. He trying to fucking reverse the Snyder Act.

A lot, if not all, of his plans impact natives in some way. Remember to keep advocating for native rights.

[witchofthewildwood]

accessible ways to celebrate Imbolc last minute ｡𖦹°‧

enjoy a charcuterie board with cheeses and breads

put out a scarf the night before Imbolg to be blessed by Brigid’s healing powers

collect snow to make snow water

make a Brigid’s cross out of whatever you have available — paper, straw, grasses, wire, pipe cleaners, anything

light a candle and watch the flame dance

pray to Brigid, thank her for her blessings

bundle up & go on a walk—try to notice/find any speck of green or new buds growing

make tea with honey & milk, toast with butter

journal or reflect on growth or healing, what it means to you, ways you’d like to grow/heal, aspects in your life you’d like to grow/heal

take a bath and soak for a while—cleanse yourself of any negative energy that’s attached itself to you

clean your space on Imbolg or prior, if you can!

(full Imbolg post here)｡𖦹°‧𖦹ׂ ₊˚⊹⋆

**these are modernized adaptations of ways to celebrate inspired by the lore and language surrounding Imbolg/Imbolc, in an attempt to make observing the day accessible to the average person! :)

[llovinghome]

[stormbornwitch]

"Let your craft be like a tree, firmly rooted in the old, but stretching into the new. Get your hands dirty, and find out what works and what doesn't work for you."

- Roger J Horne's Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land & the Familiar Spirit for the Solitary Practitioner

[witchofthewildwood]

Imbolg in Ireland

Imbolg Associations -

Brigid of the Tuatha Dé

St. Brigid

the sun, warmth, & hearthfire

cleaning & cleansing, washing, creativity, poetry, protection, healing, connecting to nature, renewal, and light

Cros Bríde (Brigid's crosses)

Brídeóg (doll of Brigid)

Brat Bríde/Bratóg Bríde/Brigid's Cloak or cloth blessed by Brigid (the saint and/or goddess)

ewes, lambs, sheep, cows, animals awakening from hibernation

cream and milk, cheese and butter, especially dairy from ewes or sheep, oats and porridge, seeds, eggs, honey, breads (especially bannock), herbs, blackberries, wild onion, wild mustard, & garlic

herbs may include yarrow, ground ivy, nettle, burdock, winter cress, cowslip, and more

farms, birth, fertility, lambing season, whistling, and holy wells

snowdrops, white wildflowers, yarrow, crocuses, the first flowers that bloom

Imbolg is one of the fire festivals, often celebrated on February 1st, with January 31st being a sort of “eve.” A great feast may be had on February 1st. Also may be celebrated on February 1st and 2nd. Some wait until they see the first signs of green, or the first lamb born.

The word Imbolg may be based on the Old Irish word i mbolg (meaning: in the belly) or the word oímelc /oí-melg (ewe’s milk). There is another word, iomfholc (washing or bathing). Scholars debate the word’s origin.

** Little is recorded of how Imbolg was celebrated historically in Irish paganism, though it is mentioned.

One of the first recorded mentions of the festival refers to ewes milk.

This brings “the rush of warm milk as ewes begin lambing, the return of rich butter, and golden yolks from eggs newly laid.”

The Hibernica Minora includes an Old Irish poem stating it to be proper to wash the head, feet, and hands at Imbolg.

We can infer that dairy, particularly dairy of ewes and sheep, would have been an important part of this day, as well as ritual cleansing.

On Brigid—

St. Brigid’s lore is likely based on that of the goddess. Scholars infer that the saint’s involvement in Imbolg was influenced by the goddess’ ties.

Brat Bríde:

“On St. Brigid’s Eve the old people always hang out a white piece of cloth on the thatch of the house. They ask St. Brigid that the cloth may have the same power as St. Brigid’s Cloak. They bring the cloth in, in the morning, and put it away safely. They say that it is a certain cure for a headache to tie this cloth around it. (County Kerry — duchas.ie)

In Galway, other garments of clothing may be left out as well. Others leave a ribbon, old cloth, or scarf. Some use it only for headaches, others use them for any ache or pain, good luck, and even safe travels (Irish Pagan School). She pays a visit to homes the night before Imbolg to bless them.

Cros Bríde:

You may also craft a cros bríde (Brigid’s cross). Often out of straw or rushes gathered the day prior to Imbolg, but they’ve also been made out of grasses, leather, wire, and even cloth. (Some recommend to pull the rushes, not cut them. Spirits are averse to iron. Some even say, if cut with iron, you will deter Brigid.) There are 23 different varieties of these crosses. Don’t be afraid to use what you have.

Cros bríde, hung over the home’s entrance, are said to protect from fires, famine, illness, and prevent evil people from entering.

Other ways to honor Brigid:

light candles in windows for Brigid

gather water from holy wells of Ireland

make corn dolls / Brigid’s dolls

chant, pray to Brigid, expressing gratitude to her

clean and cleanse the home before Imbolg, to honor her arrival

Other activities of Imbolg

Fire festivals are a cause of celebration. As Imbolg lies between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, many activities that celebrate and herald in the springtime can be appropriate. (Feb 1st may not seem like the start of spring to those in the U.S.—February is a month of springtime in Ireland.)

Here are some other ideas:

dancing

bonfires

planting seeds

feasting—dairy and grain dishes

make sun water and moon water the day before Imbolg and save to use through the year

Accessible/ low effort ways to celebrate, here.

.☘︎ ݁˖⚘‎₊˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆₊ ⊹ ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

**Cover art by Talon Abraxas

[witchofthewildwood]

Irish witchcraft fun fact

The concept of the four elements is not universal.

In Irish cosmology—there are the three realms:

Land

Sea

Sky

The three Irish realms are not to be ‘invoked.’ They exist as a constant presence all around us. They surround us—without them there would be nothingness. They are the Earth we walk on, the water we drink and swim in, the air we breathe. Above, under, and all around.

Fire is incredibly important—and is its own thing.

the Triple Spirals of the Chambers at Newgrange

[aurorasmagic]

Connecting with nature

Mindful walks Mindful walks isn't about just going for a walk or how often. It is about listening to nature, observe nature, stop, sit down, meditate, look at natures details in plants and rocks and landscape. The more you look the more you find. Nature is amazing that way.

Mindful shopping Yes, mindful shopping. Do you really need it? Is it organic? Is it a brand that tests on animals? Do the brand produce somewhat ethically? (I'm aware most brands are super unethical in all ways, but try find some you can afford that are the least harmful on nature)

Ground in nature Hug a tree, sit on a rock, feel the sun in your face, let the water wash over your feet or hands. Something about being in nature in general and interacting with nature feels refreshing and grounding. Ever tried to say hi to a tree? Hold one of it's branches and bow/curtsy to greet them? Give it a try if you haven't!

Research Research plants and insects around you, learn to identify them and which ones toxic. Research how to forage ethically and thank nature for every harvest.

Garden If you have a garden you can use that to know natures energies, plant some plants you like. Bonus point if they're bee-friendly! As humans it might be a normal thing to dislike insects, but it's so important for our nature. Set up insect hotels, insect friendly drinking station and other (cute) nature friendly decor!

Pick up trash Yes, it is a very boring job. But the nature needs us to do it, and we can't always think "someone else will do it". It's a PERFECT way to honor the nature. Be the one person that matters. Remember to always bring a trash bag and a couple of gloves for the job.

I run a Discord server! Join here if you're interested (Ages 15-30). You can find a bunch of resources in the server, and we're happy to help you by finding more.

[witchofthewildwood]

picking up trash is so important and such a wonderful gift to the land.

[witchofthewildwood]

to rewild your witchcraft

walk barefoot on stones in shallow streams.

talk to the wind and let it carry away your regrets.

forage for wildflowers to place on your altar, press in thrifted books, or give to loved ones —be careful when identifying

watch sunrises and sunsets. wake up before the sun. bare witness to the painted sky.

spend hours in the woods among the wild. take long long walks or sit still and watch the world.

talk to plants and listen to them. make friends.

get field guides to trees, plants, birds, etc. that are native to your area. learn which are which. bookmark pages that you recognize or want to find.

sing back to the robins. caw back to the crows.

journal by firelight and feel the flame burn your worries away.

gather snow and bring a bowl inside. talk to it and tell it your worries. your fears. let it melt, transmuting your stress and worries into healing nourishment. bring it outside and water the soil. see how things can be changed.

dance. run. move your body to sweat, if this is something you can do

collect stones from the river and try to find the best ones. keep them in your pocket. hold onto them to remember that you’re an animal.

go to a lake and float. feel the water carry you. lifting you from your stress. bring a vial and collect some for spellwork.

make a necklace out of an acorn and thread.

stand in the rain. dance in it. lay down in the grass and let it pour. let it wash fears away, transform doubt to hope. start anew.

𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘

[witchofthewildwood]

winter witchcraft list here

snow magic here

(this list does include a snow bowl ritual & wind spirits & dancing/moving/sweating & reading a field guide & watching sunrises and sunsets , which all can be done in winter/indoors. buuuuut i’ll do a wild winter witch list too in supplement to my other winter list. i do believe in staying warm and go through a sort of hibernation-mode in winter.)

[witchofthewildwood]

to rewild your witchcraft

walk barefoot on stones in shallow streams.

talk to the wind and let it carry away your regrets.

forage for wildflowers to place on your altar, press in thrifted books, or give to loved ones —be careful when identifying

watch sunrises and sunsets. wake up before the sun. bare witness to the painted sky.

spend hours in the woods among the wild. take long long walks or sit still and watch the world.

talk to plants and listen to them. make friends.

get field guides to trees, plants, birds, etc. that are native to your area. learn which are which. bookmark pages that you recognize or want to find.

sing back to the robins. caw back to the crows.

journal by firelight and feel the flame burn your worries away.

gather snow and bring a bowl inside. talk to it and tell it your worries. your fears. let it melt, transmuting your stress and worries into healing nourishment. bring it outside and water the soil. see how things can be changed.

dance. run. move your body to sweat, if this is something you can do

collect stones from the river and try to find the best ones. keep them in your pocket. hold onto them to remember that you’re an animal.

go to a lake and float. feel the water carry you. lifting you from your stress. bring a vial and collect some for spellwork.

make a necklace out of an acorn and thread.

stand in the rain. dance in it. lay down in the grass and let it pour. let it wash fears away, transform doubt to hope. start anew.

𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘

(wild winter witchcraft here)

[dykeinlilac]

okay, i'd like to talk about ireland

specifically i'd like to talk about the irish language,

and how important it is that it is kept alive.

gaeilge has been consistently stripped from irish people, starting in 1367 with the statute of kilkenny. this law made it illegal for native irish people to speak their language when interacting with english colonists.

in 1537, the statute of ireland – an act for the english order habit and language made it illegal for gaeilge to be spoken in courts, which was followed by further legislation in 1541, which banned the use of gaeilge in areas of ireland which were then under english rule.

the administration of justice (language) act (ireland) was passed in 1737, which not only banned the use of gaeilge in courtrooms, but also prohibited the completion of legal documentation in gaeilge and imposed a financial penalty of £20 each time gaeilge was spoken in court. this caused many people who only spoke gaeilge to be wrongly accused and incarcerated, as they could not defend themselves in court.

this act was only abolished in the north of ireland in 2022.

today, only 40 percent of residents of ireland speak gaeilge, with 25 percent of those saying that they never spoke it. (based on a study done in april 2022)

[wyrmalien]

Imbolc shona daoibh! (happy Imbolc to you!) 🐄☀🌱

[Image ID: / A coloured sketch of a white calf. It has a golden triskele on its forehead, and its head is bent low to the ground. It stands in a patch of grass revealed by melting snow, dotted with yellow and orange flowers. Behind its head is a golden starburst that mimics the sun. The background is a grey-blue colour, and white text above the calf reads in a mediaeval font: imbolc shona daoibh! (Im-Olk Hunna Yeev) / End ID]

In many parts of Ireland it is believed that on Imbolc, Brigid will go from house to house with her favourite white cow to bless items left outside by the occupants 🌿