Tag: 101

thanks so much for the eBay link! do you have any more low-priced witchcraft tips? a lot of things as i have seen are really expensive. thanks for your help :)

thecarvingwitch:

After lusting after the beautiful, completely necessary, horribly expensive witchy items you are no likely looking at, and finding my bank account empty all those years ago (and now….), here are some tips I gathered:

  • DIY. Make it yourself, if you’re crafty! I found out that I was decent at carving, so I started making wands out of woodfall from my front yard. If you sew, you can make your own ritual clothes, or embellish things you already have with embroidery, etc.
  • THRIFT STORES, secondhand, and garage sales. Seriously, any person worth their salt, nevermind a witch, should take full advantage of the thrift store. Especially the trinkets/miscellany section. You’ll find nifty little boxes, hippie looking clothes, candles (I got one about as big as my head for two dollars once. TWO DOLLARS. DUDE. I probably saved like, at least thirty bucks there.) candle holders, silver plates for offerings (tarnished? Polish it with ketchup or white toothpaste), jewelry, all sorts of things.
  • The dollar store. No, really. Need a ritual chalice? Dollar store wine glass. Bam. Need spices? Dollar store. Colored thread for binding? Bag of tealights? Dollar store. Tea? Dollar store. Hand mirror for portable ward? Dollar stooooooore.
  • Clearance section of anywhere. Clearance clearance clearance. It’s worth the digging through bins, because there is nothing like the feeling of digging through crap and then finding that one gem.
  • Never underestimate the power of everyday items. Just because it’s not arcane or supermagicalfabulous looking doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch. Salt is common, salt is cheap. Buy salt. I buy lots of salt. I put that shit on everything. You can use spice mixes for Athena’s sake. You can effing enchant your shoes. Find things around your house to use- a wooden spoon for directing energy, old nails for wards, common everyday kitchen herbs for EVERYTHING. On and on and on. 
  • When the halloween stuff goes on sale in November, pounce. I have to say that Halloween is one of my favorite seasons, because all of the spooky creepy awesome stuff is normal for everyone else. This counts for all seasonal things that go on sale- you can get easter items for Spring festivals, for yule, etc etc, all a year ahead of time and super cheap. Basically after the holiday, stores want to get all of that crap out asap, so they put it on saleeeeeeeeee.
  • Creativity, saving, and bartering. Just about every witch I know is a pack rat of some kind- and for good reason, you never know what might come in handy! Tealight burnt down? Cool, pop that bit of wax that’s left out and save it- melt it all down once you have enough, and make more candles. Remember those wands I said I made? I traded one with someone here on tumblr for an amazing green cloak, plus some extra goodies she tossed in from her etsy shop. Wash out jam jars when you’re done with them and save them.

There’s such a wide old world of things you can do without spending a shitton. I really hope this helps you, anon!

Richtor’s Advice for Witchlings, Part 01

magic-for-the-masses:

I’ve decided to rewrite and update the list of things I think it’s good for a new witch to know and have. It got so long, however, that it now needs to be divided up into multiple posts to make it easy on the dashboard!

This post is still just advice, my opinion and thoughts; as such, isn’t meant as a “you have to do this, no matter what” type of thing. I personally feel that all of these things are useful to at least ponder when starting out, but that doesn’t mean you need to do them. No matter what I say here, your path and your craft are your own, and it is up to you to decide ultimately where you want to go and what you want to do. I only hope that this post will inspire you, and give you an idea of what may suit or benefit you.

Now that all that is out of the way, I’ll begin…

Where to Start & Research

I am often asked “where should I start?” in regards to witchcraft, and the answer is super simple – where do you want to start? I generally reply to those sorts of questions with questions of my own. I do this in the hopes that, by answering these questions for yourself, you can draw your own conclusions and figure out a direction you’d like to go, hopefully one that best suits you and your preferences / desires. Some of the things I tend to ask are:

  • Why were you drawn to the craft in the first place? What got you interested in studying / practicing it?
  • What sorts of expectations do you have, if any, about what you can do with magic?
  • Is magic something you just want to experiment with, or do you want to practice long-term?
  • Are there any things in particular you hope to achieve by doing magic? Do you have any end goals for yourself or your craft? Any expectations?
  • What sorts of things would you like to do (in regards to different varieties of spellwork [candle magic, sachet magic, etc.], divination, etc.)?
  • Do you feel an attraction / affinity to any particular branch of magic (chaos magic, green magic, spirit work, hedgework, etc.)? Why? What in particular makes it appealing to you?
  • Are there things you don’t want to go near no matter what? Why? What bothers you about those things?

Ideally, once those kinds of questions have been answered, it leaves one with a sense of direction, and an ideal place to begin looking and studying. Once you know what you want from magic, and what you like about it, you can then set yourself on the right path to get there and do those things. Since I don’t know you, or what you like or dislike, I can’t set you on an exact path on my own; that is up to you to decide where you want to go with magic and what you’d like to do with it. The best thing I think I can offer from a third party perspective, is things that can help you narrow down your path for yourself – no one knows best what you want or like or can do than you.

At this point begins a degree of studying. Yes, you need to do research, though how much research is entirely up to you and what you’re comfortable / capable doing. Like any new subject or craft (not just the magic kind), it is best to learn about what you’re doing. One can’t drive a car successfully without knowing how the car works, or how to control it. A scientist wouldn’t mix together chemicals without knowing how to do so properly, or what the chemicals even are. At least, a safe scientist wouldn’t. Knowing what you’re getting into and what you might be doing, and why, will allow you to proceed safely, and make sure you can avoid any accidents or mistakes. This will also provide you with knowledge that can be used to develop your craft particularly to your own tastes – writing your own spells, creating your own methods, etc. What you learn in this time of study will be like a foundation that you can then use to build the rest of your craft off of.

A lot of my information on witchcraft has been gathered on Tumblr, and I’ve made blogs to compile what I find and learn, so you may just be in the right place for learning! Tumblr isn’t extensive, however, nor should it be relied on completely for all your information. There are many other resources to be found on the internet, including blogs, other websites, and, if you know where to look, entire books in digital format. (This also depends on how comfortable you are pirating – I myself have no issues with it, clearly. Someone recently came into my ask box telling me that downloading books for free like that was wrong, actually, and I just had to chuckle. At this point nothing is going to stop me from downloading stuff the way I do, because I honestly can’t afford otherwise. I am also of the mind frame that knowledge should be free to all people, but that’s not the point here.)

The internet does not hold all there is to learn, so seeking out physical books is not a bad idea. I know it can be hard to find books, depending on your location and whether or not you can be open about your craft, but it shouldn’t be completely ruled out if you have access to them. The library has actually proved to be pretty beneficial for my own research – the selection was limited, but still far more than I expected for the small city I live in. Here are some posts of recommended reading that are a good place to start; however, don’t be afraid to try any book that appeals to you and form your own opinion on them. Also, these books are recommended based off each individual’s personal preferences and opinions, your own may vary.

The following book lists are pages that can be found on various Tumblr blogs; they are not rebloggable, and apparently not accessible from the mobile app.

[Here] is a list of authors you should try to avoid – trigger warning for mention of various disturbing topics. [Here] is a post that talks about why your book on witchcraft might be full of it; if you have any questions as to why that might be, feel free to ask the OP or even myself.

When it comes to studying, it is very important that you take what you read with a grain of salt. There are many problematic authors within the witchcraft community, and not just on Tumblr. Misinformation and cultural appropriation are everywhere, even among well known or renowned authors. It is highly recommended that you use discretion, criticize what you read, and fact check what you learn, if you can; sometimes I use as many as six or seven sources when checking the properties of a single herb. [Here] is a post that explains using discretion and critical reading in regards to witchcraft books.

You are not going to agree with or connect with everything you read. There may be cases where you pick up a book that you have high expectations for, and you read through the whole thing, and pick up nothing from it. It isn’t that you didn’t gain knowledge, but sometimes it doesn’t apply to you or where you wish to take your magic. That is fine. Just because you have the knowledge, doesn’t mean you must use it. And having knowledge without using it isn’t a negative thing either – some day you may want to use that knowledge after all, or it may come in handy when applied with other branches of magic, or it may help you inspire your own path…

With all that being said, there is also nothing wrong with not completing a book if you really aren’t feeling it. Again, it all comes down to you and your preferences, what you want to learn and what you plan to do with that knowledge. If there is anything that you read that makes you uncomfortable, don’t bother incorporating it at all. It is your path, your magic; do with it as you will, and only what you will.

Okay, so this first section just ended up being all about research and stuff. xD The NEXT post will talk more about keeping a grimoire, gathering supplies, and being frugal / discreet. 😀

I hope this helps, or gives you something to think about!

“Just don’t curse”

thistletongue:

I’m honestly curious.
On posts that claim cursing is alright and cursing is ok why do people feel like they need to add their opposing demands?

“Don’t curse!” they cry out.

Why?

Why can’t we curse?

“The Threefold Law!”

Incorrect!

The Three Fold Law was originally published in a fictional work titled High Magic’s Aid by Gerald Gardner.

The story is about two brother’s who set out to reclaim their land. In an interview in 1991 Valiente states, “I think old Gerald cooked it up in one of his rituals, and people took it terribly literally.”

(Valiente was an early initiate and high priestess of Gardner, being initiated by him in 1953. She is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Witchcraft” because of her extensive collaboration with Gardner in reworking his notes into a more formal book of shadows. One of her more most well-know contributions is the poetic form of the Charge of the Goddess.)

Belief in the simple law of cause and effect is a popular one among witches of all traditions; however, this particular way of expressing it [the three-fold law] seems to have originated with the Gardnerians and is peculiar to their English tradition.

Gardnerians who did not work with Lady Owen or Raymond Buckland did not have this emphasis on a three-fold return. Unlike the Crowthers, however, Valiente, along with several other coven members split from Gardner around 1960 due to his habit of presenting his personal opinions as law.[x]

Through my research on the topic, though it not completely thorough, many Wiccans and witches agree that the words of one person are not law. Many also agree that witches should not be held to a special set of law and rules simply because they practice witchcraft. 

“The Wiccan Rede!”

Incorrect!

The Wiccan Rede is not the same thing, though it too was created by a single person. Those who practice NeoWicca do NOT have to follow any rules or laws put forth by specific traditions.

 I would also like to emphasize that Gardnerian Wicca is based on initiation and is therefore a closed practice. It is not a title one should claim unless initiated. That being said plenty of Wiccans do not follow the Three Fold Law or The Rede. Those aspects of Wicca apply to very specific traditions in specific practices. If you are at all interested in Wicca I urge you to research “rules” and “laws” before simply accepting them as such.

“Bad Karma!”

Incorrect!

That isn’t how karma works. [x] [x]

“Cursing is only ok when….”

Incorrect!

You don’t get to judge what is “ok” for other people. 
You weren’t elected, selected or asked.
Your own moral values are not the same as other, stop forcing them onto other people.

Stop telling people cursing is “bad” or “isn’t ok”.

“What goes around comes around.” 

Incorrect!

This isn’t a good reason. That is a belief you are personally invested in.
That doesn’t mean anyone else has to follow it.

I don’t believe in it. I’ve seen people lie, cheat, steal and physically abuse others and nothing ill has ever come of it. I’ve seen people help those in need, go above and beyond, and honestly want to just help others lose everything. Newborns dying of horrible, painful diseases. Animals being tortured. People dying in wars they want no part of.

I don’t believe in “what goes around comes around”.

If you personally don’t curse thats fine.
Stop policing pro-cursing posts because you feel like people aren’t paying you enough attention.

I have never once seen a good reason to not curse.
At the core, at it’s origin, witchcraft was born of cursing, of hexes, of spoiling milk and killing livestock….

These are the roots of witchcraft. To say anything otherwise is pretty talk and a complete ignorance to the true history of the craft itself.

Updated Resource Masterpost

poudretteites:

Astral Projection

Beginner Witchcraft

Candle magic

Charms

Correspondences

Cosmic Witchcraft

Cultural Appropriation

Cursing

Deity Related (not Pantheon specific)

Green Witchcraft

Hellenic Polytheism

Kemetic Polytheism

Kitchen Witchcraft

Offerings and Devotion for Specific Deities [Mostly Hellenic ATM]

Other Masterposts

Potions

Secret witches

Sigil Magic

Spells

Tarot cards

Witch Tips

Ouija: Origin of Evil Official Trailer #1 (2016) – Horror Movie HD

theouijagirl:

So here’s the new paranormal thriller, Ouija: Origin of Evil. Looks like your basic “blond white girl gets possessed” movie. Scary movies are fun but let’s remember a few things:

-movies are not accurate, especially horror movies. This movie is not based on a true story.

-this movie is made solely to sell Ouija boards. It’s a toy movie, like The Lego Movie or Transformers or Warcraft. It’s made to sell a game. This movie is not a “warning” to not play Ouija boards, it’s literally the opposite of that.

–you cannot become possessed through a Ouija board

–you cannot summon a demon with a Ouija board

-planchettes won’t move on their own if you’re not touching it

–you cannot see spirits through a planchette

–Ouija boards ARE just games

-none of the paranormal things you see in this movie are accurate, and are only meant to scare you. It’s not a documentary, it’s a two hour advertisement for a board game.

You can read more common misconceptions here.

Ouija: Origin of Evil Official Trailer #1 (2016) – Horror Movie HD

“Where do I start?”

tiny–witch:

The question I receive the most in regards to witchcraft is, “Where do I start?” so I decided to make a quick guide on the most helpful areas to me as a beginner. 

Visualization – Learn to use and work with your imagination. Visualization is used in pretty much every aspect of witchcraft. 

Intent – Learn how to formulate a well-constructed goal for your spell work.

Grounding and Centering – Learn to ground to release energy; Center to focus and bring yourself back to reality. 

Channeling – Learn the various energies you can channel or draw from and how they can correspond with your intent.

Protection – Learn about shields and wards, from putting them up and taking them down to the different methods of protection – this can involve the use of various magickal components such as herbs or crystals. A method of protection should be employed before all acts of spell work, in my opinion. 

Different types of magick – Learn about the different types of magick and make note of what your interests are – there are SO many paths to choose from. 

Divination – If it’s something you’re interested in, research different methods of divination: some good starter methods IMO include scrying, pendulum, runes, and tarot cards.

After you’ve got some idea of your witchy interests, do some further research! See what path is right for you, and expand on it. 

What type of books/reading material do you suggest for beginners or those who are new to all of this?

natural-magics:

This ended up turning into a reading list for my FAQ and has been updated over time and will be added to in the future. All of the PDFs and other on-line resources below are free. If you encounter any broken links, please let me know.

Last updated: 4/18/2014

Paganism:

  • A Pagan Primer — For Those New to Paganism
  • Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by River and Joyce Higginbotham
  • Pagan Spirituality: A Guide to Personal Transformation by River and Joyce Higginbotham
  • Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler
  • Connecting to the Power of Nature by Joe H. Slate
  • Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom from the Elders (a collection of articles, essays and general commentary from various pagan authors)
  • ChristoPaganism: An Inclusive Path by River Higginbotham and Joyce Higginbotham

Wicca:

  • Wicca for the Rest of Us
  • Wicca Resources
  • Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin
  • Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner (the founder of Wicca)
  • The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner
  • The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (most recent edition only, old editions have inaccurate info that has since been updated)

Witchcraft (non-Wiccan):

  • The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes
  • Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes
  • Crone’s Book of Charms & Spells by Valerie Worth
  • Witchcraft: a History by P.G. Maxwell-Stuart
  • Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery by Kris Bradley
  • Candle Magic for Beginners by Richard Webster
  • Master Book of Candle Burning by Henry Gamache
  • Non-Wiccan Witchcraft Reading List

Witchcraft by Type:

World Mythology:

  • www.sacred-texts.com (free archive of online books about religion, mythology, folklore, and the esoteric)
  • Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies by Alice Mills
  • Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology: Heroes, Heroines, Gods, and Goddesses from Around the World by Philip Wilkinson
  • The Oxford Companion to World Mythology by David Leeming
  • World Mythology: The Illustrated Guide by Roy Willis

Hellenic Polytheism and Greek Mythology:

Magic in Ancient Greece:

  • Magic in the Ancient Greek World by Derek Collins
  • Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Daniel Ogden
  • Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Georg Luck
  • The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PDF)
  • Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion
  • Greek Folk Religion by Martin P Nilsson 
  • Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World by John G. Gager
  • Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf
  • Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman World by Matthew W. Dickie

Roman Polytheism

Celtic Recon and Myth:

Druidry/Druidism:

Asatru, Heathenism and Norse Mythology:

Crystals and Stones:

  • The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall
  • The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
  • Crystal Healing by Judy Hall
  • Rocks & Minerals by Chris Pellant  (identification handbook)
  • Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
  • Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work by Hibiscus Moon
  • The Book of Crystal Spells by Ember Grant

Herbal (Magical, Medicinal):

  • The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
  • Compendium of Herbal Magic by Paul Beyerl  
  • The Green Mantle: An Investigation Into Our Lost Knowledge of Plants by Michael Jordan
  • The Book of Magical Herbs: Herbal History, Mystery, & Folklore by Margaret Picton
  • A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (good for quick reference, but not in depth information)
  • The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham 

Notes: please take care before using herbs for medicinal and/or supplemental purposes. Many herbs are poisonous (some authors fail to mention this) and/or have harmful side-effects. Always do research and consult a professional before use. 

Fair Folk:

Runes:

  • Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson
  • Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson
  • The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Runes by Nigel Pennick

Authors to avoid (due to misinformation, historical inaccuracies, poor research, and/or failure to cite sources):

  • Silver Ravenwolf
  • DJ Conway
  • Edain McCoy
  • Ann Moura 
  • Ralph Blum (on runes)
  • approach Llewellyn-published books with caution — there are some great ones, but many aren’t well researched and may contain misinformation
  • if all else fails, Google the author and ask around to see what people have to say about them – many bad authors have entire pages or discussions dedicated on why to avoid them!
  • always fact check information that involves ingesting anything or putting anything on the skin — just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it isn’t harmful/toxic
  • see also: How do I know what to believe? Critical Thinking and Pagan Books

My ULTIMATE Witchy Masterpost of Masterposts

thatkidnamedmichi:

witchcraftmagic:

image

Getting Started:

  • Afraid of the Paranormal?
  • Does witchcraft work?
  • I was raised as a witch comic
  • Pros and Cons Of Living With A Witch
  • Types of Natural Powers in Relation to Empathy
  • Was I born with natural powers?
  • Where do I start?
  • Your natural power
  • Do I Have To Be ____ To Be A Witch?
  • Your Childhood Magic

Basics

  • 10 Terms Every Beginner Witch Should Know
  • Abilities List
  • Beginner Witchery Masterpost
  • Book Of Shadows
  • Easy Accidental Magic
  • Experienced Witches
  • Grimoire Ideas
  • Grounding
  • How to Learn Witchcraft
  • Hypothetical routines for baby witches
  • Living Magically
  • Ouija Boarding
  • PDFs
  • Podcasts
  • Science in relation to Witchery
  • Tinychat For Beginner Witches
  • Types of Witchcraft
  • Witch Types Masterpost

Astral Travel

  • Astral Guide Starter Pack

Astrology

  • Project D (Not Witchy But Still Cool)
  • The Signs As Witches

Animals

  • Birds
  • Don’t Say Totem Animal: Alternatives

Auras

  • Auras
  • How To Practice Seeing Auras

Bathroom Magic

  • Bath Bag
  • Bath Witchcraft
  • Relaxing Lavender Bath Blend

Candles

  • Basic Tutorial
  • Candle Magic
  • Incense and Its Uses

Crystals and Stones

  • A to Z Crystal Meanings
  • Charging Board
  • Charging and Cleansing Crystals
  • Crystals and the Zodiac
  • Crystal Correspondance to Body (Parts)
  • Crystals for Headaches
  • Most Common Crystals
  • Individualized Zodiac Chakra Stones
  • Opalescent Glass
  • Planetary Gemstones
  • Stone Misrepresentation Crash Course
  • Things You Wish You Were Told
  • Ways to use crystals

Nature

  • Connecting to the Elements
  • Don’t Make Salt Circles Outside and Here’s Why
  • Garden Shrines
  • Properties of water in magic
  • Respecting the Earth

Faeries

  • Faery information
  • Faerie Sight
  • Fairy Herbal Pouches

Herbs and Gardening

  • About Using Herbs
  • A Green Witch’s Guide to Edible Plants
  • Alternatives to Lavender
  • Baking Tips
  • Clover Magical Uses
  • Cute Necklaces
  • Egg Shells
  • Elements and Herbs
  • Green Witchcraft Resource List
  • Herbal Tea Remedies
  • Herb Meanings
  • Lavender Under Pillow
  • Mini Herb Packets
  • Moon Garden
  • Necromantic Herbs: Plants of the Dead
  • Protection Pasta Sauce
  • Substitutes
  • Top Ten Herbs For Lazy Witches
  • Types of Herbs and Meanings

RELIGION/MYTHOLOGY INTRO

  • If You Aren’t Into Wicca
  • Most Complicated Mythical Creatures Diagram
  • Mythological Creatures Picture List

God(dess) Communication

  • Bonding With Deities
  • Dear Newbie Pagans
  • Deity Sigils and Runes
  • It’s Okay If You Don’t Always Feel The Gods
  • Offerings
  • Orthodoxy etc comparisons
  • Small Everyday Rituals
  • Starting to Talk To Your Gods
  • Talking to Deities
  • Those Drawn To Neo-Paganism
  • You Are Good Enough For Your Gods
  • YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE LIKE YOUR DEITIES TO WORSHIP THEM

Hellenic Polytheism

  • Apollo and Artemis
  • Athene
  • Devotional Jars
  • Greek Goddess Aesthetic
  • Hekate
  • Merope
  • Remember Hellenic Polytheists
  • The Hyleoroi

Nordic Polytheism

  • Cute Norse Argument
  • Freya of the Slain
  • Freyja
  • Friendly Reminder About Sol
  • Getting In Touch With Loki
  • Hail Freyja
  • It Bothers Me to See Freya Declawed
  • Loki And Devotee Comic
  • Norse Gods and Goddesses
  • Norse Goddesses
  • Norse Goddess Comic
  • Odin Vs. Loki
  • Signs of Loki
  • Thor: Maybe It’s Just Me
  • Quick Greek Reminders

WITCHERY

Anxious/Depressed Witchery

  • Anxious Witches
  • Anti-Anxiety Spell Charm
  • Anti-Anxiety Spell Jar
  • Box Up Negativity
  • Controlling Negative Thoughts
  • Four Mindsets
  • Fuck You I’m A Pirate Today Confidence Spell
  • Mental Health Spells
  • Mindset
  • Prayer for a Strong Heart
  • Remove Depressing Thoughts
  • Ritual for Self-Love
  • Self-Love Jar
  • Sending Positive Energy
  • Soothing Depression and Suicidal Urges (TW)
  • Soothe the Waters Spell
  • Spells/Sigils and Self Harm
  • Spells For Anxiety and Stress
  • Too Depressed to Practice
  • Transform Destructive Feelings
  • Treat-Yo-Self
  • Trouble Speaking Out Loud?

Divination

  • Beginners Guide to Low Budget Divination

Domestic Witch Tips/Ideas

  • A Poor Witch Guide
  • A Note to All Witches
  • Baking Tip
  • Casual Witchcraft
  • College Witch Tips
  • College Hedge Witch Tips
  • Convenient Witchery
  • Daily Witchery
  • Disguising Magic At Home
  • Fun Fact for Witches
  • Modern Witch AUs (Aka You)
  • Modern Witches
  • Outfit Magic Tips
  • Passive Aggressive Witch
  • PSA
  • Secret Witches
  • Secret Witch Tip #4
  • Suburban Witchcraft
  • Teaching Children
  • Ten Things Every Witch Should Know
  • Urban Witch Tips
  • Urban Witchery 101
  • You Are Your Own Witch

Home Witchery

  • Adult Coloring Books
  • Cute Familiar Comic
  • Celebrating Fall
  • Dream Meaning: Animals
  • Holiday Witch Balls
  • Magical Homes
  • New Year
  • Northeastern Witchery
  • Personal Fireplaces

Pendulums

  • How to
  • Cleansing your Pendulum

Protection

  • Bringing Up Your Walls
  • Casting A Circle
  • Do I Need To Cleanse?
  • Hula-Hoop Salt Circles
  • Nightmare Repellent
  • Patronus Ward
  • Protecting Your Energy
  • Protection Charm
  • Protection Jar
  • Shielding, Protecting and Warding

Sea Witchery

  • Add Sand
  • Don’t Buy:
  • Healing Sea Spell Jar
  • Properties of Sands
  • Sea Witchery
  • Sea Witch Idea
  • Stones Connected to the Sea
  • Things to Think About
  • 4 Sea Witch Tips

Storm Witchery

  • An Ask On Storm Magic
  • How To Know Your Weather Witchery Worked
  • Storm Craft Basics
  • Weather Witchery

Spells

SPELL MAKING APP OMG

  • 50 Simple Charms
  • Banishing
  • Belladonna’s Spells Page
  • Bring This Person Back Into My Life
  • Cursing: Discussion
  • Glamour Spell
  • Simple Glamour Ideas
  • Simple Grounding Ritual
  • Spell Masterpost
  • Hair Color Change
  • Healing Spells
  • Help For Exams
  • Imbolc Blessings
  • Let Go An Unwanted Memory
  • Mechanics for a Spell
  • Minor Magic
  • Nightmare Repellent
  • REVERSING A SPELL
  • Safe Driving
  • Spell for Creativity
  • Spell That  Makes You Dream More Frequently
  • Spell to Enhance Natural Power
  • Truth Spell
  • Ways to Cast Binding Spell

Spell Bundles

  • Love
  • Protection
  • Anti-Anxiety
  • Purification

Sigils

  • Casting Runes
  • Charging Methods
  • Convenient Places
  • Confidence Sigils and Related
  • Cool Constellation Idea
  • Doormat Sigils
  • Electronically Charging Sigils
  • Elemental Wards
  • How to Use Sigils
  • Making Your Own Runes
  • Rune Alphabet
  • Sigil Maker Online
  • Soap Runes
  • The Elementarium

Tarot

  • Beginners
  • Tarot For Beginners
  • When I First Started Tarot

Spirituality

  • All the Spirits All the Places
  • Building Mind Spaces
  • Enchanting with Touch
  • Energy Work Masterpost
  • Enhancing Dreams
  • Hedgecrossing With Stag
  • Living With Sensitive Abilities
  • Mindfulness and Spirituality
  • Sending Energy to Others
  • Simple Exercises to Increase Intuition
  • The Call
  • Trouble Trusting Your Intuition?

Spirits

I don’t want to be a nag, but definitely look into this more if you are truly seeking to contact spirits 🙂

  • Fossiled Stones Vs. Spirit
  • How to Communicate With Spirits, Deities, and Gods
  • New Companions
  • Playing With Demons
  • Relationships With Your Deity/God/Spirit/Etc
  • Safe Blogs Reblog
  • Speaking With Spirits Guide
  • Spiritpedia
  • So Y’all Want To See Spirits

Supplies

  • Buying Stones Online
  • Five Things That Can Be Easily Attained
  • SUPPLIES

Wands

  • Choosing a Wand


Other Masterposts and Resources

  • Basic Witchcraft Masterpost
  • Books Online Masterpost
  • Cursing 101
  • Limited Witchcraft Masterpost
  • Masterpost of Masterposts
  • Quick Online Resources
  • Shadow Work Mega-Masterpost
  • Tari’s Spellbook Masterpost

Reblog If You’re a Witch Posts

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13

Other Nice Witches!!!

  • Sea Sorcery’s Follow List
  • Friends in Magic
  • Tarigrove
  • Lavenderwhisp
  • Witchbxbe

I hope you are having a lovely day!

@azaizall-witch-of-shadows

Advanced Circle Casting

windvexer:

Many
of us are familiar with the magic circle, which goes by many names;
witch-ring, compass round, witch’s circle, and so on. If I asked a
hundred people what the purpose of the magic circle is, I’d bet most
people would say either “protection” or “so your energy doesn’t
escape during a spell.” I would like to talk about another vital
function that the circle serves; that of gathering
power, and acting as a gateway or portal to the spirit world.

Let’s
start at the beginning; how to actually cast a good circle. On my
laziest days I point my wand around me in a circle and say words that
surmount to “let the circle be cast.” But most of the traditional
resources I have found use elaborate circle-casting (or circle
conjuring), and almost all elaborate circle casting I see calls on
spirits. I think this points to a greater purpose of the circle; it’s
not a simple wall of protection, but rather a spirit-space created so
that a witch can commune with otherworldly powers.

Anyway,
from the sources I have seen there are (blank) general steps to
casting a circle, which I agree with.

  • Blessing
    the circle-marker be this water, salt, flour, or cord, or any other
    implement.
  • Cleansing
    the space within the circle, most often using blessed water, salt,
    and fire and/or incense.
  • Marking
    out the circle using the blessed objects from step one.
  • Walking
    clockwise or counter-clockwise around the circle with holy items,
    such as the ritual knife, wand, or stang; holy water, incense, flame,
    or any other objects specially chosen for the job. The circle is
    often circumambulated multiple times with different objects, while
    chants are repeated a certain number of times. For example, first you
    would tread the circle with your holy water and asperge the borders,
    repeating a chant about cleansing water. Then you would do the same
    with incense, and your chat about cleansing incense. Then you would
    walk with the stand or wand, and repeat your chant about the circle
    being raised.
  • Calling
    powers to the circle; most often the cardinal directions, but also
    including familiar spirits, gods, powers that be, and the powers you
    wish to work with during the spell. Protectors to the circle can also
    be called, to stand outside and keep guard.
  • Finally,
    the spell work or communion can begin.

This
does seem like an awful lot of work for a simple protective circle,
especially when many of us raise shields we rely on with just a
little meditation and visualization. Looking back on the steps, there
is also a very high importance placed on all ingredients and tools
being cleansed, the circle being totally freed of all unwanted
influence, and connections made with spirits. If you work with
deities, all this work can be done in the name of your chief god;
otherwise the work can be done under the cleansing influence of the
elements or another power.

Such
a circle “gathers” power because powers are called to it. I have
not seen yet a “traditional” circle that did not involve calling
powers, spirits, or virtues (or more likely, all of them) to the
table before the magic is cast. Which leads to another topic of
discussion – if traditional witches have their own power, why the
need for all these spirits? But that is a topic for another time.

My
argument that the circle is a gateway to the spirit world is based on
UPG; I have found it to be a portal to the spirit world, and so have
many others before me. What you speak in a circle is highly magical.
Powers you have called will listen, and if they like you, they will
help you (perhaps in exchange for a few gifts).

If
you are used to casting a more simple circle, I encourage you to try
a more complex one. The power, to me, is tangible and the difference
is plain to see.

If there is any interest I can post the steps to casting a full “traditional” circle.

Finding Your Witch Niche

polar-solstice:

I think young or beginner witches get caught up in those posts they see that label witches into discreet categories. And there is value to them. You’d rather ask a green or kitchen witch about herbs than, say, a techno witch, and you’d rather ask a Pagan about deities than a secular witch. But I think that new witches need to know that its ok to fit into more than one bubble, or no bubble at all, and that magic is about so much more than just those labels. 

Here’s how to find out what kind of witchcraft to practice:

  • Find the things you love in life, that make your breath catch and your fingers tingle
  • The things that you really, really feel the magic in
  • Apply spells and thought (and maybe prayer if you want that) to that thing
  • You are that kind of witch

For some of you that’s standing in a forest, or the heart of a city, or knee deep in the sea. For some of you that’s staring up at the night sky, or in the pages of a book, or any one of a million other things. Find your natural, intuitive conduit to magic, hold onto it like a lifeline, and see where it takes you. 

Its ok if its just one thing, or a million little ones. I have a tag on this blog and my main blog that I call “small magics”, and its for the little things in life that are so mundane that they’re magical. Things like flowers growing in the middle of a city sidewalk in a crack in the cement, or the possum that lives in the an apartment complex garden by my house.

Take that first sip of a hot beverage in the morning and the way that the warmth curls in your chest and infuse it with power for the day, or devote it to a god or goddess.

Note a particularly healthy tree and maybe leave the fae that guard it an offering. 

See a pop culture symbol that resonates to your bones? Fill it with your own magic.

Because if you are here looking to become a witch, if this feels right, then you’re right, and no label out there is ever going to take that away from you. The world tries desperately to take away your wonder and hope and power, and you have no business letting them. If you are here, looking to be a witch, then you’re already most of the way there.