Below is a list of helpful terms to know when working with gems and minerals. It includes terminology on various crystal shapes and forms. Terms specific to mineral shapes have “(form)” next to them for ease of reference.
Abundance (form): An abundance crystal consists of one long quartz crystal with many small crystals clustered around its base. Its function is to attract wealth and abundance.
Adamantine Luster: A particularly brilliant shine as shown by a specimen such as a diamond.
Amorphous (form): Amorphous crystals, such as obsidian, have no particular shape. Energy flows rapidly through and amorphous crystal as it has no rigid internal organization.
Aura: The subtle bio-magnetic sheath that surrounds the physical body, providing a protective zone that extends for about 18 inches to 3 feet from the body and contains information about a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being.
Aura Crystal: A crystal specimen, usually of the quartz variety, that has been coated with metal (i.e. gold, titanium) in a vacuum chamber resulting in an iridescent sheen.
Ball (form): Balls are usually shaped from a larger piece of crystal and may have planes or flaws within them. They emit energy in all directions equally.
Barnacle (form): A barnacle crystal has many small crystals covering a larger crystal.
Bridge (form): A bridge crystal grows out of another larger crystal. It assists in bridging gaps and bringing things together.
Carat: The standard measure of weight for precious stones and metals. A carat is equal to 0.007 oz (0.2g).
Cathedral Quartz (form): Cathedral quartz may appear to be composed of several convoluted pieces, but these are in fact all part of the main crystal which has multiple terminations with at least one point at the apex.
Channeler (form): A channeling crystal has a 7 sided facet at the front of the termination and a triangular face on the opposite side. It channels healing energy or information from higher sources.
Cleavage: The way a mineral or rock breaks along a certain plane, or in a certain direction.
Cluster (form): A cluster has many points bedded, but not necessarily fixed, into a base. The crystals may be small or large.
Companion (form): A companion crystal has two crystals entwined and partly growing in each other, or a small crystal that grows out of the main crystal.
Cross (form): A cross formation has one crystal at right angles to another, usually larger crystal.
Crystal: A naturally occurring substance whose atoms are arranged in a regular manner.
Crystal System: The systems in which crystals are grouped based on their symmetry. There are 6 crystal systems: cubic, monoclinic, triclinic, trigonal/hexagonal, orthorhombic, and tetragonal.
Diamond Window (form): Flat faces at the top of crystals are called windows. A diamond window is large and connected to the apex and the base.
Double Terminated (form): A crystal with two naturally faceted ends.
Dull Luster: A shine that reflects very little.
Earthy Luster: A non-reflective mineral luster.
Egg (form): A crystal cut in the shape of an egg.
Elestial (form): An elestial has many natural terminations and folds over a multilayered crystal.
Etched (form): An etched crystal that looks as though hieroglyphs or cuneiform writing has been inscribed on its faces.
Faces: The External flat surface that make up a crystal’s shape.
Fault Line: An inner flaw or break in a crystal that refracts light and appears to divide the crystal into sections.
Fluorescence: The optical effect whereby a mineral appears a different color in ultraviolet light than in ordinary daylight.
Fracture: The distinctive way a mineral breaks.
Friable: Minerals that easily crumble are referred to as friable.
Gemstone: A mineral, usually crystal-like, which is valued for its color, rarity, and hardness.
Generator (form): A generator crystal has six facets meeting equally in a sharp point.
Geode (form): A geode is contained within an outer form. When opened, it is hollow with many crystals pointing inward.
Geologist: A scientist who studies the Earth and its structure and composition.
Gridding: The placing of crystals around a building, person, or room for protection or enhancement energies.
Habit: The general shape of a mineral.
Inclusion: Any material that is trapped inside a mineral during its formation, often producing a rainbow.
Iridescence: A play of colors that looks like oil on water that occurs when light reflects off internal elements of a rock or mineral.
Layered (form): Plate-like crystals such as lepidolite are referred to as layered.
Luster: The way in which light reflects of the surface of a mineral.
Manifestation (form): One or more small crystals are totally enclosed by a larger crystal.
Matrix: The bedrock on which crystals are formed.
Metallic Luster: A shine like that of polished metal.
Mineral: A naturally occurring solid with specific characteristics, such as a particular chemical composition and crystal shape.
Mineralogist: A scientist who studies minerals.
Mohs Scale: A scale of hardness used in classifying minerals. It runs from 1 to 10 using a series of reference minerals, and a position on the scale depends on the ability to scratch minerals rated lower.
Occlusion: A mineral deposit within a crystal, which usually shows up as cloudy patches, spots, or a ghostlike image depending on the color of the material.
Opaque: A substance or material that does not let light pass through it.
Ore: A rock or mineral from which metal can be extracted
Phantom (form): A phantom crystal appears ghostlike within the body of a larger crystal.
Pleochroic: In a crystal, appearing to have two or more different colors or shades of color, depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
Point (form): Points may be natural or artificially shaped. A single crystal point has a faceted pointed end and the other end tends to look ragged where it has been separated from a cluster base.
Prism: A solid geometric figure with a set of faces parallel to one another.
Pyramid (form): A crystal with four sides on a base, but the base itself may be squared off if the crystal is natural (i.e. apophyllite) rather than artificially shaped.
Record Keeper (form): A record keeper crystal has clearly etched pyramid shapes on its side or sides.
Resinous Luster: A shine like that of resin.
Scepter Quartz (form): A scepter quartz is a large central rod around one end of which another crystal is formed.
Seer Stone (form): A seer stone is a natural, water polished stone that is cut to reveal an inner world.
Specific Gravity: The ratio of a mineral’s weight compared to the weight of an equal volume of water.
Square (form): A square crystal consolidates energy within its form. It’s useful for anchoring intention and grounding.
Streak: The color of a mineral’s powder. It is less variable than the color of the mineral, so is a more reliable identification tool.
Striation: One of multiple, usually parallel grooves or scratches on a rock surface, produced by abrasion associated with glacial movement, stream flow, a geologic fault, or meteoric impact.
Tabular (form): A tabular crystal has two wide sides resulting in a flat crystal which may be double terminated.
Transmitter (form): A transmitter crystal has two seven-sided facets with two perfect triangles between them.
Tumbled (form): Refers to stones that have been polished in a large drum with grit, resulting in a smooth and often shiny stone.
Vitreous Luster: A shine like that of glass.
Vogal Wand (form): A crystal with specially created, indented facets with specific angles down the sides of a quartz wand.
Wand (form): A crystal in the shape of a wand, either naturally occurring or artificially cut.
A spell to attract a light rain and a bit of water.
What you’ll Need:
One jar with a good lid
A window facing the sun, or a spot to leave your jar outside
One slip of paper and a pen
Blue food coloring or dye (optional)
Handful of salt (Best used when outside)
One cup of water (more water for more rain)
Begin your spell by dumping the water into your jar. Visualize the water in your cup connecting to the clouds in the sky, creating a loose bond.
This can be a cloud-like attachment, a string, or whatever else you can come up with. Slowly make it stronger, and create a pulse of energy within it, beating in rhythm to the rainfall you are calling.
Take your slip of paper, and write the location that you are calling rain towards A simple and vague description is fin, but the more exact your location, the easier it will be to manifest. On the other side of the paper, write down the intensity of the rain you are calling.
Now hold it palm upwards, towards the sky. Call upon the air and the water elements, and feel their energy surge into the scrap, and also all around you. Connect with them, and push their energy into the paper.
Add your own force as well, then place into your water filled container.
Now, if you are like me and like the colors and shapes of magick, you can drop a few squirts of blue food coloring into your jar. It’s completely optional, but I really like doing it, sort of like a color correspondence boost :) And I like the color blue.
Throw a handful of salt into the air, banishing any negativity or obstacles that may be preventing the storm from coming your way. Find a sunny spot for your jar to sit for a while, and then go about the rest of your day. The water will evaporate and then condensate on your jar, and then of course it will fall; right onto the slip of paper with your location on it.
**The more jars, and the more energy you put into the spell, the more likely it is to work**
A spell to call upon a storm, and some heavy rain.
What you’ll need:
Three Cups of Water (rain or storm water is perfect, but any water will do just fine)
One Large Jar
Glitter/other debris
Blue food coloring/dye
Cotton Balls
Grey piece of paper and a pen
Begin this spell by sitting somewhere you can feel the wind. Allow it to consume you and recharge every cell in your body.
Fill up your jar with this energy and then add the water, allowing the two elements to mingle and swirl around together. Let them become one thing; a storm.
Swirl your mixture around and drop in the cotton balls, These represent the clouds and the storm’s physical form. Drop in the blue dye; this represents the cleansing and restorative properties storms can have. (Salt is a good addition if this is your aim)
Now sprinkle the glitter and other debris into the jar, slowly creating a powerful system of energy and power. Place your finger in the middle and energize it even further.
Turn to your grey piece of paper, and write down the location you want the storm to go to, and also its strength. On the other side, record all of the things you are protecting from damage. Don’t be afraid to make the list lengthy and specific.
Screw on the jar lid and tape your paper onto it. Keep the jar somewhere that you will remember to shake it daily, Every time you walk by, turn it over a few flips. Recreate the clouds and the winds and the rains.
~ Rain Sigils ~
“I draw a light rain to the place of my desire” Sigil
“I draw a heavy rain to the place of my desire” Sigil
“I draw a thunderstorm to the place of my desire” Sigil
“I draw lightning filled thunderstorm to the place of my desire” Sigil
~ Rain Sounds ~
To use while you cast a spell or burn a sigil, or just you know to listen to :)
Drink peppermint tea or chew on peppermint leaves when you have a stomach ache
Hold cloves against your gums to numb a tooth ache
Boil parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme and drink them to reduce fever
After cleaning a wound, apply honey to help it heal and keep it from getting infected
Drink catnip and lemon balm tea to calm down after a stressful day
Take 5 grams a night of powdered valerian root to help you sleep and combat depression
Eat garlic to promote digestive health and prevent diarrhea
Dealing with Spirits:
Always leave an offering to house spirits and garden spirits
Only hang bells where you don’t want spirits entering (though there are a few do actually like bells, but they’ve been nothing but positive in my experience)
Clean from the east side of the house, westward
If a fairy ring grows in your garden, wait for the mushrooms to start dying before you pull them out
If you “lost” an heirloom, check your jewelry box, curio cabinet, or the favorite spot your deceased relative liked to keep said object, even if you don’t put it there ever. It may not really be lost.
Always answer the door on Halloween, but don’t let anyone in. (this goes for creepy people too, not just spirits)
Your pet is not crazy. When s/he flips out, reassure them, and be aware that you may not be able to see what they can.
Believe in your own Abilities:
Don’t buy in to the power of persuasion. You may not notice anything supernatural, because there may not be anything supernatural going on.
If you think something happened because you cast a spell, even if you can’t “prove” it, then it happened *at least in part* because you cast a spell. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, the only effect a spell has, is to give us enough confidence to deal with whatever it is we were asking for help with. That’s a success in my book, and it should be in yours too.
If you’ve got a bad feeling about something, then don’t do it.
Ginger tea is also good for a fever, but to much ginger in your tea will give you a fever. Always use fresh slices ginger instead of powdered ginger to avoid this problem.
Local honey plus lemon slices plus ginger slices all mixed in a jar with room to move and stored in your fridge make an amazing healthy allergy and cold fighting potion.
All good except five grams of valerian root is A LOT and also valerian root can actually worsen depression. Valerian root is best for people who only have anxiety, not both anxiety and depression. Lavender and/or chamomile tea before bed can help you sleep peacefully.
Reblogging again for @thesapphiredragon thank you for that, that v important ^^
Rising:
Your rising sign, in short, is you're actual Zodiac. It is based off of time zones in which the day you are born. The names for them are Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Taurus, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Aquarius, Virgo, Pisces, and Cancer. Your Rising sign might be found easily on first impressions you might give.
Sun:
This is who you are in personality, your normal self. This is how you may act if alone, and is your inner traits. How you act can be described with this sign, also as to who you are.
Moon:
You may call the moon sign you have your emotions. It influences your decisions. It is how you feel on the inside, whether everyone knows this or just you. It holds your loves and fears, hates and excitements. Anything, really.
Mercury:
is how you may be like in time of communication, reasoning, intellect and awareness. It's known for it's power of the brain.
Venus:
The sign of Venus is based upon the time you were born and can be called something of Love.
Mars:
is in charge of attraction and raw energy for that matter.
Jupiter:
The planet of Jupiter is responsible for luck and good fortune. Whether the optimization is for humor or good will, it's going to be a major apart of you no matter what. It's the happy part in your life. You need it there.
Saturn:
This sign, Saturn, is here for the parts in life with things like restriction and limitations. Found as you get older, this is known for being you as you grow up.
Uranus:
is here for the change in life. The sign can be for the worse or better at times, and it's a part of life you'll eventually come across. Take it, hit or miss, and in the end it might make you better than it seemed.
Neptune:
can be called dreamy, for this matter. The sign for this works as great influence, fantasy, and imagination seen in your daily life, so to say. With this, you might find it almost as if a dream.
Pluto:
Not the same change with Uranus, but Pluto is part of big change. It's more of transformation. Life challenges thrown your way will lead to this sign, Pluto.
•
I hope that helped! If you have any questions about your signs or how to find them, you can ask me @dxncingblxck or any other astrology blog basically. Have fun and happy astrology-ing!
Already starting to plan this years garden so I thought I should do a post on Witch Gardens
Moonlight Garden
A garden that blooms in the moonlight, a great place to perform night time rituals, meditations, or to just take a midnight stroll. A garden that is full of magick even after the sun sets.
Plants to add in your moonlight garden:
Moonflower: (Ipomoea alba) A nocturnal relative of the morning glory. Has fragrant flowers that open at dusk and close by dawn.
Evening Primrose: (Oenothera biennis) Has beautiful, scented flowers that bloom only at dusk.
Night Flox: (Zaluzianskya capensis) A sweetly fragranced flower that only unfurls its pinwheeled shaped flowers after dusk.
Four O’Clock: (Mirabilis jalapa) Its scented flowers bloom at around 4:00pm (hence its name) and do not close up until morning.
Queen of the Night: (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) A species of cactus whose flowers only open at night. Attracts moths and bats!!!
Night Blooming Jessamine: (Cestrum nocturnum) Strong, sweet scented star shaped flowers that only bloom at night. Attracts moths and bats!!! All parts are toxic, do not ingest!
Angel’s Trumpet: (Brugmansia) Produces a strong scent on warm summer evenings. All parts are toxic, do not ingest!
Evening Stock: (Matthiola longipetala) Produces lots of small blossoms that produce a perfume described as a mix of vanilla, rose, spice, and cloves only after the sun sets.
Ever-Flowering Gladiolus: (Gladiolus tristis) Release a strong almond fragrance after dusk.
Lilac: (Syringa vulgaris) Although has a perfume during the day, it is said to be a lot stronger after dark.
Flowering Tobacco: (Nicotiana) Open in the late afternoon and have a fragrance that smells of jasmine. All parts are toxic if ingested!
Summer Snapdragon: (Angelonia angustifolia) Preferably in white, to reflect the moonlight. Has a scent apple-scented foliage.
Silvermound: (Artemisia schmidtiana) Has thick foliage that will shimmer under the moonlight.
Jack Frost: (Brunnera macrophylla) Hdeart shaped leaves of silver and green, perfect to add more highlights of silver to your moon lit garden.
Any plant that blooms after dark or has white, lavender, pale pink, pale yellow on it is a perfect addition to your moonlight garden.
Things to add:
Stepping stones that have the phases of the moon.
Fairy lights
A place to sit
Candles
A small fountain to sing along with the insects and birds of the night
String charms and bells on tree branches for a soft jingling every time a gentle breeze passes.
Herb Garden
For witches who need a more practical garden for uses of healing, tea crafting, drying, and growing plants used in their practices.
Plants to add to your herb garden:
Anise: Helps to ward of the evil eye, find happiness, and stimulates psychic abilities.
Basil: Use for anything pertaining with love, exorcism, wealth, sympathy, and protection. Dispels confusion, fears & weakness. Drives off hostile spirits.
Bergamont: Corresponds with money and prosperity. Provides with protection from evil and illness, improves memory, stops interference, and promotes restful sleep.
Borage: Corresponds with courage and psychic powers.
Cat Nip: Is sacred to the Goddess Bast. Brings forth beauty, happiness, good luck, and good spirits.
Chamomile: Corresponds with love, healing, and sleep. Is known to reduce stress.
Chervil: Brings a sense of the higher self, placing you in touch with your divine, immortal spirit.
Coriander: Corresponds with love, health, immortality, and protection.
Dill: Corresponds with money, protection, luck and lust.
Lemon Balm: Corresponds with love, success, healing, and psychic/spiritual development.
Marjoram: Used to cleanse, purify, and to dispel negative energy.
Mint: Promotes energy, communication and vitality.
Oregano: Corresponds with joy, strength, vitality, and added energy
Parsley: Calms and protects the home.
Rosemary: Protects, cleanses, purifies, and aids memory.
Sage: Used for self purification and dealing with grief and loss.
Thyme: Attracts loyalty, affection, and the good opinion of others.
Things to add:
A place to dry herbs
A place to compost any herb scraps
Rocks
A place to leave offerings before you harvest
Bee Garden
Make yourself a sanctuary to watch bees frolic and thrive
Plants to add to your bee garden:
Bee balm
Lavender
Crocus
Snow Drop
Wildflowers/Any native species
Catmint
Borage
Anise hyssop
Heliotrope
Sunflower
Oregano
Yarrow
Coneflower
Black eyed susan
Asters
Goldenrod
Foxglove
Marigold
Pansies
Sweet peas
Nasturtiums
Things to add:
Bee houses
Bee waterers/bee baths
Bee feeders
A place for offerings to the bees
Some other ideas for your garden:
Hummingbird garden
Medicinal garden
A garden whose plants and decorations represent/correspond with your practice.
Butterfly Garden
Faerie Garden
The options are endless! I hope this gives you some ideas for this years garden.
Witches standing over an open fire while stirring up potions in a cauldron is one of the many romanticized views of witchcraft. Today, witches brew many things for love, luck, health, wealth, and etc. Potions are a widely regarded instrument for witches. Potions are simply liquid spells that can be taken internally or applied externally to the body. Teas, enchanted perfumes, tinctures, and washes are the many forms these spells can come in. Some are used for healing, others are used in ritual or magickal work.
Kitchen Herbs and Common plants for Brews
Back in the day, homemade teas and salves were the only medicine available. Using these things today is still very popular and a holistic approach to health that treats the mind, body, and soul together. What you use does not have to be expensive, it can come from your back yard or your home. Many of what you already have you can use to make tinctures, teas, and decoctions. Also, syrups, tonics, waters, and vinegars. If you work with the herbs you have at home already on hand, you will be able to create your own remedy with a distinct local flavor.
The Power Behind the Plants
It is believed that many spiritual forces animate the world; called animism. When working with a plant or crystal, or performing a spell or ritual at a specific place, witches work with the spirits behind those plants or crystals, and call upon the spirit of that location to help them in their work. There is a special partnership and alliance between the witch and spirit, manifesting in forms of animals (familiars) or in the form of other plants, crystals, and locations. Over time, working with these spirits on various projects will deepen the relationship and the witch will gain information on magical associations, properties, and lore. These things often come through dreams, inspirations, or visions. The spirit will gain energy, attention, and physical shelter as animals or plants or crystals carried as a talisman.
Teas and Decoctions for Health
Using teas and decoctions (herb-and-water remedies in the form of conceited potions that your drink) is a very easy homeopathic way to get started. They are made with dried or fresh herbs, roots, or flowers infused in hot water. Cold infusions is used for tinctures, where the herbal properties are absorbed and released into liquids over time.
Decoction Method
For plants woody and seedy such as root and bark, use this method
Once the plant parts are boiled, place on a low heat and set to simmer for 15-20 minutes
After simmered, cool them and strain them, pressing the herbs through a cheesecloth or strainer
Ready to drink
Tea Method
For flowers, leaves, fruits, and/or stems of plans, use this method
Start steeping the herbs in the water before it reaches full boil
Once the water begins to steam or boil, remove it from heat
Steam for no more than 5-10 minutes
While hot, strain into a container
Drink right away or follow the cold tea method
Cold Tea Method
Following all the preparations of the tea method, after straining, pour into a container and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Herbs for Teas and Decoctions
If using a tea ball, only use a pinch of each plant or spice. If using an infusion pot, or something similar, use approximately ¼ teaspoon of each ingredient. If you use root, seeds, or bark, use the decoctionmethod. If you use flowers, leaves, fruits, or stems, use the teamethod. If you use a combination of plant matter, use the decoction methods but then drink it iced following the cold tea method.
Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever; expectorant (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Blackberry (leaves or roots): Reduces diarrhea (note: blackberry roots are used as decoction, while blackberry leaves are used for tea)
Catnip:Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers and diarrhea; soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal gramps, flu; antiseptic (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis, nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with theophylline)
Camomile:Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, arthritis, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs, anti-inflammatory (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills)
Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium rich (discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry Berry: Wards off colds and flu
Elderberry Flower: Reduces fever (avoid taking with medications that decrease the immune system)
Garlic (for syrups): Antiseptic, eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid or medications used for HIV/AIDS, or with medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats (avoid taking with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps vision and premenstrual syndrome (avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo; discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts the immune system (do not take with medications that slow blood-clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps
Lavender: Relieves anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle: Relieves hay fever and arthritis; diuretic (avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high blood pressure, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium)
Onion (for syrups): Helps lower systolic blood pressure, relieves colds, antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Helps with iron deficiency, anemia, fatigue; diuretic (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever, congestion
Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (do NOT take with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Tea and Decoction Health Blends
The amounts listed here are for dried herbs, flowers, and spices. Dried ingredients are preferred for teas. If you wish to use fresh ingredients for decoctions, and they are available, double the amount.
Anxiety Relief
¼ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Cold Relief
¼ teaspoon elderberry flower
¼ teaspoon thyme
Mood Booster
¼ teaspoon lavender
¼ teaspoon catnip
¼ teaspoon rosemary
Gastrointestinal Cramp Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
¼ teaspoon goldenrod
Arthritis/Joint Pain
¼ teaspoon goldenrod
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
(Note: after the tea cools, apply it by rubbing the liquid into the affected area)
Diarrhea Relief
¼ teaspoon blackberry root
¼ teaspoon catnip
Circulation
¼ teaspoon ginkgo leaf
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon rosemary
Energizing Tea
¼ teaspoon ginseng
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Indigestion Relief
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Expectorant
¼ teaspoon pine needles
¼ teaspoon nettle leaf
¼ teaspoon angelica root
Sleepy Time
½ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon catnip
¼ teaspoon lavender
Fatigue Relief
¼ teaspoon ginseng
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Fever Break
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon angelica root
Flu Relief
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Headache Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon lavender
Immune-System Booster
½ teaspoon dried elderberries
¼ teaspoon nettle
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
Sore Throat Relief
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ginger
(Note: add honey after steeped)
Stress Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon lavender
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Cleansing
¼ teaspoon dandelion leaf
1/8 teaspoon goldenrod
1/8 teaspoon parsley
Herbs for Magickal Teas
Follow these steps to empower your tea:
As you steep the potion, envision yourself covered in either a blue or green light (whichever color represents healing to you)
As you drink the potion, visualize a blue or green light coming from the liquid.
Once you drink , the light will start radiating from within throughout your whole body and then out into the world around you
See it reach heaven (as above) and into the earth (so below), extending your will and desire into the universe
if you are the kind of person who likes affirmations and chants, try saying: “Herbs grown naturally, health and wellness come to me” (Robbins & Bedell, 2017)
Angelica Root: Angel work, protection, hex removal, exorcisms, health, meditation, divination (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Basil: Loves exorcisms, wealth, astral travel, rituals for the dead, house blessings, ancestral work, calling on and working with dragon spirits, calling draconic or dragon spirit–based energy into your spell, protection, attracting money
Blackberry: Healing, money, protection, exorcism
Catnip: Love, beauty, happiness, calling on the energy of cats, working with cat spirits, used as an offering for cat spirits, breaking spells, fertility, psychic powers (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Money, prosperity, health, psychic development, protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, psychic powers, healing (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Fidelity, hex breaking, protection, removal of blocks and negative energy, overcoming obstacles, fire, strength, passion (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting an with theophylline)
Camomile: Protection, luck, money, sleep, peace, purification (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon: Sexuality, lust, wealth, money, consecration, purification, love (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion (both root and leaf): Purification, manifestation of wishes, enrichment, money (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry: Exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep, protection against witchcraft (avoid taking with medications that decrease immune system)
Ginger: Love, money, success, power, protection (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Ginkgo: Healing, mental clarity, fertility; avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Fertility, sexuality, lust, manifestation of wishes, healing, beauty, protection (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting; avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Money, divination (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lavender: Love, protection, purification, happiness, peace, healing, meditation, psychic abilities (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Love, success, healing, cleansing (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle Leaf: Protection, exorcism, healing, jinx-breaking, lust (avoid taking with sedatives, lithium, or medications for diabetes, for high blood pressure, or that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Healing, fortune, success, lust, protection, purification, ancestor veneration, working with the dead, traveling to the land of the dead, calling upon the energy of death and decay (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Purification, love, healing, psychic powers, (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Cleansing, drawing the aid of spirits, love, mental focus, protection, lust, exorcism, healing
Thyme: Health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, good luck (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting)
Magickal Tea Recipes
Attract and Protect Money
¼ tsp goldenrod
¼ tsp chamomile
¼ tsp basil
Exorcism
¼ tsp angelica root
¼ tsp nettle leaf
¼ tsp elder flower
Spirit Aid
¼ tsp parsley
¼ tsp rosemary
Love and Lust
1/8 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp catnip
¼ tsp ginseng
Cleansing
¼ tsp dandelion
¼ tsp lemon balm
¼ tsp thyme
Protection
¼ tsp pine needles
¼ tsp elderberries
¼ tsp blackberry leaf
Divination
¼ tsp goldenrod
¼ tsp peppermint
Psychic Development
¼ tsp calendula (marigold)
¼ tsp ginkgo leaf
¼ tsp lavender
Tinctures and Tonics for Health
A tincture is a traditional herb infusion made with an alcohol base. A tonic usually uses either vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar as the base. The alcohol used in tinctures must be at least 100 proof, or 50%, alcohol, which is why most vodkas and gins are used. Tinctures can also be made with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar for those with alcohol issues, although less potent and yet still effective.
Crafting Tinctures and Tonics
Tools needed:
Two mason jars
Cheesecloth
The herbs/plants/spices
Measuring cups
An herb grinder
Alcohol/vegetable glycerin/apple cider vinegar
Tool to measure the dosage such as droppers for infant medication
Steps for recipe creation:
When preparing a tincture, the rule of thumb is you want a 1:4 ratio of herb to alcohol. If your herbs start to float, your ratio is good. Allow them to settle, and add a little more alcohol until the mixture is fully saturated.
Prepare the ingredients
Fill the mason jar with the herbs/plants/spices
Add the alcohol or alcohol substitute (If using apple cider vinegar as your base, you will need to take the additional step of laying wax paper on top of the jar lid)
Keep in a cool, dark place for a month (some may require refrigeration, and that will be noted)
Shake twice daily
After 1 month, strain the herbal matter from the liquid into the second jar using a cheesecloth (squeeze the cheesecloth to get out as much of the liquid as you can)
After straining, fill the remainder of the jar with distilled water–this dilutes the alcohol, allowing you to ingest it directly
Ready for use
Herbs and Plants for Health Tinctures and Tonics
Many of these will not taste good, but will work:
Alfalfa: Energy booster, laxative, cleanser(avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting or suppress the immune system and with birth-control pills)
Allspice: Stimulant; eases indigestion, colds, coughs; reduces hives and swelling (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Aloe Vera Juice (liquid): Soothes the skin, antiseptic (external use only)
Angelica (fruit or seeds): Eases indigestion, gas, gout; balances nervous system (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Bay Leaf: Eases indigestion, coughs, colds, fevers (do NOT take with any narcotics or sedatives)
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Antiseptic, eases symptoms of urinary tract infections (do NOT use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have stomach irritation or kidney disease; avoid taking with lithium)
Black-Eyed Susan: Soothes swelling, back pain, earaches; immune booster
Black Peppercorn: Anti-fungal, heals ulcers, relieves arthritis
Burdock Root: Detoxifying, soothes colds and skin issues (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Cedar (freshly dried leafy twigs): Soothes gout, naturally antiviral, boosts immune system (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Clover (red): Soothes coughs, colds, bronchitis (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with tamoxifen; may decrease effectiveness of birth control pulls and medications that are changed by the liver)
Cloves: Soothes nausea and indigestion; antiseptic, expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Comfrey Leaf: Ease arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, colds, diarrhea, asthma; antibacterial (do NOT take with medications that can harm the liver)
Coriander Seeds: Aids in digestion; aphrodisiac; boosts immune system
Echinacea: Eases colds, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system (interacts with various medications, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Garlic: Antiseptic; eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, symptoms of urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid, medication used for HIV/AIDS, or medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Goldenseal (roots and leaves): Aids digestion; eases colds, hay fever, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Nutmeg: Stimulates digestive system; relieves diarrhea, nausea, anxiety (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Orange: Lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, relieves arthritis and anxiety, stabilizes mood, boosts immune system; laxative (do NOT take with celiprolol, ivermectin, or pravastatin)
Onion: Helps lower systolic blood pressure, eases colds; antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Wormwood: Eases indigestion and stomach disorders; aphrodisiac (avoid taking with anticonvulsant medications)
Yarrow: Antiseptic, relieves pain, hay fever, colds, fevers, menstrual cramps (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting, avoid taking with lithium or sedatives)
Yellow Dock: Laxative; reduces anemia, relieves fatigue, aids digestive system (do NOT take with digoxin, diuretic medications, or medications that slow blood clotting)
For tincture recipes, there are many books and sites that can be used for reference.
Magickal Tinctures
When making a tincture for use magickally and spiritually, shake the tincture two times a day to direct your energy into the jar and activate the magick within the herbs.
Tincture-Charging Spell
Materials:
1 green candle (herb spirits)
1 white candle (spirit and magick)
1 candle to charge the tincture (color depends on spell)
1 mixing bowl
Herbs and alcohol for the tincture (or alcohol substitute)
2 Mason jars
Cheese cloth
Ritual:
Place the three candles in a triangle on your altar or workspace. The white candle should be the top of the triangle (facing away from you to direct the energy out into the universe). The green and other candle form the base
Place the bowl at the center of the altar, and place your containers of herbs and alcohol on the floor
Light the white candle while stating: “For the power of spirit”
Light the green candle while stating: “For the herbal spirits”
Light the colored candle for your need, and state your need
Place an herb in the bowl, state a thank-you blessing to the herb, and explain why you are using that herb. Repeat for each herb, and as you add each herb, stir the mixture of herbs clockwise for increasing or bringing something to you and counterclockwise if you are trying to remove or decrease something in your life
Once you have mixed all the herbs in the bowl, hold your hands over the mixture and state your intent
Visualize a light coming out of your hands for that need (red for love and passion or power; green for money, success, growth and fertility; blue for healing; yellow for success; etc)
Pour the mixture into one of the mason jars and add the alcohol (do this at a safe distance form the lit candles)
Place the lid on the jar
Remove the mixing bowl from the alter and put the mason jar with the tincture blend in its place, in the center of your candles. Keep the mason jar there until the candles have finished burning
Shake the tincture, focusing your mental, emotional, and physical energy into the jar. As you shake, chant: “I can upon the powers green, Release the powers unseen. Herbs awakened on this day, Blessings in this tincture stay.”
Shake the jar twice daily for one month, each time visualizing the need behind the tincture
Once the month has passed, strain the mixture into the second jar using the cheesecloth.
Now the tincture is ready to be used in magickal work
Herbs for Magickal Tinctures
For magickal uses, the following herbs, spices, and plants are only for external use in tincture blends:
what are good recipes for samhain? i'm thinking of hosting a feast for my friends that night, and i'd also like to practice whatever dishes i want to make. any suggestions?
Tasty savory fall foods make up the bulk of my Samhain cooking, and a lot of it includes apples, potatoes, pumpkins, and wine. I’m planning two simple suppers this year, one for the living and one for the dead.
The Dead Supper is always the same - local apples, salt, and wine. The apples and salt sit on small plates with cups of wine in the center of the table. Small candles are lit at sundown and the supper lasts until the candles have burned down. During that time, spirits are welcome to visit my home and partake of the meal, provided they leave when the candles are out and do no harm to any in the staying or the going.
For the living, I’m planning a nice supper of stuffed roast chicken, apple-potato dressing, colcannon, salad, and cranberry-pumpkin cake. The chicken is rubbed with butter and a blend of garlic, onion, paprika, salt and pepper, then stuffed with cornbread stuffing and diced apples, with half an apple capping the opening. Set the bird in a roasting pan on a bed of cubed tart apples and red russet potatoes, and cooked in the oven as you’d cook any roasting fowl - 350F, 20min per pound. The apples and potatoes break down during the cooking and become a nice sweet-and-savory dressing for the chicken.
Colcannon is an Irish dressing made with mashed potatoes and cabbage, or kale or seaweed, depending on where you’re from. The version of the recipe that I use also calls for crumbled bacon. I use more red russet potatoes to make the mash, adding butter and sour cream to make it smooth. Chopped boiled green cabbage is then added at about a 2:1 ratio (2 parts potato, 1 part cabbage). Bacon is added to taste and everything is mixed together into a gorgeous mess of savory goodness. Some folks also season with chopped chives when serving.
The cranberry-pumpkin cake comes out of a box, largely because otherwise I’m hopeless at baking. It’s actually a mix for pumpkin bread, but if you add a can of pureed pumpkin to the mix, it turns into a heavy moist cake. I throw in a good cup of dried cranberries for extra sweetness and bake the whole thing in a buttered bundt pan. The finished cake is topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar. You can add chopped walnuts to the cake as well, but I tend to leave them out in case of allergies.
The salad is nothing special. It’s just greens in a bowl with some dressing, because my northern ancestors would have a fit if I served a holiday meal without a vegetable. I may swap out the salad for corn, I haven’t decided yet.
Two people I care about very much were in a very bad car accident, the healing process is very slow and painful and expensive… This is a spell to help for a speedy, healthy recovery after an accident or illness, to keep them safe and healthy for the future, and to promote peace to help them get passed this horrible event emotionally.
Tools: - Altar dish or bowl - Pink candle for love and care - Pink Salt for cleansing, healing, love and care - Queen of Pentacles to channel maternal care, love, support, compassion, nurturing, security, practicality
Herbs: - Bay Leaf: healing, protection - Chamomile: Peace, love, healing - Cilantro: health, love, peace, protection - Cloves: banishing negative forces - Cramp Bark: healing, female energy (maternal energy for care and nurturing) - Lemon Balm: healing, peace - Lavender: relief from pain, discomfort, and anxiety - Rosemary: protection, feeling youthful - Sage: long life, peace
Crystals: - Amethyst: healing, soothing, peace - Citrine: happiness, positivity - Rose Quartz: love, care - Black Tourmaline: protection
How To:
Step 1:
Place the dish in the center of the altar, fill the base with pink salt to start with a cleansed base and to promote healing, love, and care. Make a small round space in the center and use melted wax to stick the pink candle in the space.
Like so:
Step 2:
Place the herbs around the candle, over the salt. Focus on your intent as you spread the herbs in a circle around the candle. Once that’s done, place the crystals over the herbs. Then place the Queen of Pentacles tarot card under the dish/bowl as a way of charging the spell.
Light the candle for as long as you would like each night. Every time you light it, imagine the person being their usual happy, healthy, bright personality, loving self. I want them to be ok very badly… Also huge thank you to @starlesswitchybird for their Inspired Healing post, which was a huge inspiration for this one. I hope you don’t mind the changes to it.
🌟 Use socks, coffee filters, paper towels, plastic bags, or napkins as sachets and tie them up with a hair tie or a rubber band when you use them! These items are either cheap or already in your home, so you do not have to splurge on cloth sachets. Be careful if you decide to put liquids in these materials as they can leak out in some of them!
🌟 Use birthday candles in spells or purchase cheap candles at Walmart or Dollar Tree! Birthday candles are usually on hand or very cheap and come in many colors. Stores like Walmart and the Dollar Tree also have cheap candles, usually tealights, that are around a dollar.
🌟 If you can’t afford crystals, rocks can work or you can try to find them in nature. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll find crystals in nature, but here is a post that can help you identify and find crystals. You can also use rocks. They may not have the same correspondences as your preferred crystals, but rocks can be great for grounding and strength and they can also vary in color. Hag stones can also be found in nature!
🌟 You can use sticks, rocks, and plants as wands! These things can be found in nature, so no need to break your wallet over a fancy wand. Practice what kind of natural material is best equipped for you when you channel and direct energy through it and there’s your wand!
🌟 Use hand soap instead of herbs or other expensive ingredients! Hand soaps come in a variety of scents and instead of splurging on expensive ingredients for a spell, you can try to find a hand soap that can replace them. For example, I can’t spend extra on coconut butter, so I bought a hand soap that has coconut butter in it for a dollar. I not only get hand soap, but also a handy spell ingredient, too!
🌟 Take daily tasks and make them magical! Enchant your cooking, cleaning, and working. A few simple words can go a long way when enchanting your daily activities. For instance, I usually bless my food for good health before microwaving and eating it!
🌟 Remember that spells don’t require a lot of materials and energy! A few words, sigils, drawing, singing, or imagining a spell is enough to cast it. Drawing a sigil on my arm for productivity is enough for me to get started on some homework.
🌟 An altar doesn’t have to be fancy! You can use a pizza pan, a plate, a piece of wood, a cardboard box, or even a section of your floor as a space for an altar. Items on an altar can include a regular cup, some salt, blessed water, or whatever you want to add and can afford! All of these items are free, already on hand, or can be found at the Dollar Tree so you don’t have to break your wallet!
🌟 Leave a sigil or charm for prosperity in your purse or wallet! Make sure to close or add loopholes to it so that it does not come from a negative place. This can attract some extra money to your pocket!
🌟 Enchant your most used items to make them last longer or to prevent damage! Clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, and the laundry basket really could use a sigil or some type of enchantment so that they will not break on you when you really cannot afford to fix or replace them.
If you were to look up the definition of both of the words on a search engine (hello, Google!) they are defined as follows:
Curse: (aside from meaning vulgar words) is “casting the evil eye or an evil spell upon someone.”
Hex: to curse someone.
Oh, dear sweet Google, you have tried your best but in this instance, every witch will tell you that you are wrong.
The general consensus is that ultimately, curses are worse than hexes; the target tends to suffer more at the hands of a curse than they do at the hands of a hex.
Curses:
Usually more serious than hexes.
Can live on through generations if that is what the caster intended.
Tend to be long-term in nature.
Usually, curses are borne of anger; of hatred and even a need for justice.
They can usually be reversed or undone; reversals can be done by the caster, and undoings may be done by the caster, target or a third party.
Hexes:
Often cast as a “one-off” piece of magick.
Their effects are apparent very quickly, but they are not long-term - seen sometimes as an instantaneous form of malevolent magick.
Hexes are borne of revenge and/or annoyance, and they usually cause irritation and subsequent annoyance to the target - hexes are a way for the caster make their target feel what they have been made to feel for a short time.
Due to their nature, hexes are usually over and done with quickly and do not require a reversal or undoing.
Both of these forms of magick, are forms of malevolent magick that is used for many reasons. Some people curse their abusers, or people who have hurt them and some people hex their ex-partners, or someone who has brushed them up the wrong way. Like all magick, what you do is circumstantial and no one can tell you whether you should or should not perform magick of this kind (I am pro-curse and hex, but not everyone is).
You’ll notice that I’ve bunched the common ingredients for curses and hexes in one list - that is because these two are simply lesser and greater forms of the same kind of magick, so you must bear in mind what your intent is when you choose your spell/ritual ingredients.
Do you want to frustrate, annoy and irritate your target? Do you want to bring them bad luck? Do you want to bring them untold misery? Consider this carefully.
Check the notes, darklings and darlings. There’s some valuable additions.
My Spellbook is a sorted collection of all of the spells and spell ideas that I have reblogged or posted here on Tumblr. The Spellbook is constantly under construction, with new categories being added, so please click here to see the updated version of this on my blog ^_^
NOTE: Please open this post in a separate tag, as the links are to tag groups and will not be supported in the sidebar blog format on Tumblr. If you open this post in a sidebar, the links will bring you to my blog’s homepage.
OR: HOW I STOPPED WORRYING AND LEARNED TO LOVE PRACTICING TAROT
This is a simple exercise I’ve done really to hone my intuition while divining. I like to pull a three card spread (past, present, future) but you can really use whichever spread you’d like.
Major Arcana:
Most trump cards can be self explanatory if you’re good at word association.
The Fool card starts a story that follows a journey through to the World, the end. Everything in between is character development.
Death does not mean death. Unlike most horror films, its appearance can actually signal a new beginning or change.
Minor Arcana: Know what each suit means or symbolizes in general.
Cups: Water, focuses on your emotional self, creativity and romance, following your heart over your head.
Pentacles: Earth, focuses on your physical self, material ideas like business or wealth, manifestation.
Swords: Air, focuses on your mental self, action and concentration, intelligence and conflict.
Wands: Fire, focuses on your spiritual self, intuition and inspiration, values and flaws.
All in All:
Use the context clues in the imagery of your cards to guide your intuition.
Don’t worry about misreading a card or getting anything wrong. This is really about trusting yourself and your gut instincts.
Don’t be afraid to take the surface value of the card during this exercise. It’s just an exercise.
I hope this helped you if you’re just starting out, want to try a different method to divining with tarot, or just want to generally work on trusting your gut.
So you just decided that you want to read tarot, and perhaps invest in your very first deck. Here are some tips that I found useful when I was just starting out with reading tarot cards!
Choosing a tarot deck for the first time can be somewhat overwhelming. There are thousands of decks out there, with varying art styles and card sizes.
I chose my first deck solely because it came with a guidebook and because the art style was similar to that of the traditional Rider-Waite (the art style wasn’t too gaudy, and the cards were clearly labeled).
I would suggest choosing a deck whose cards list the suit, number, and name on the card, just to make things easier for you.
Another thing to consider is size - there’s a “standard” size for tarot cards, but some authors stick to playing card size, and some make theirs quite large. I have small hands, so the larger sized cards would be uncomfortable for me to use and shuffle. Keep that in mind.
I would also suggest that if your first deck doesn’t come with its own guidebook to invest in one.
A lot of readers will choose the deck that calls out to them the most, or one that they click with. You can go that route, or simply choose the one you like the most based on aesthetics. It’s somewhat difficult to gauge the energy that the deck is putting out if you’re like me and prefer to order online, but if you can get to a bookstore or metaphysical shop to pick out your first deck, spend some time with them and pick the one that resonates with you.
Tips:
Cleanse your deck before you use it for the first time - this helps get rid of any lingering energy that may be left by anyone else who touched it before you obtained it. You may choose to cleanse your deck between readings, or whenever you feel as though your readings aren’t making sense, though these things are not mandatory.
Charge your deck - some readers do this and some do not, but I have personally found that actively charging my deck with an outside source of energy helps gives me an extra boost and reduces the amount of personal energy I have to put into doing readings. Selenite is both a cleansing and charging stone and can be set on top of your deck to do both of those things simultaneously.
Draw a card a day for personal readings, and record your findings in a tarot journal - this will not only help you learn the meanings of the cards, but also to bond with your new deck.
Not into journaling or writing? Create an Excel or Word document to record your personal experiences and findings. This can also be useful for jotting down card meanings (ctrl + f is a lot easier than digging through a book IMO).
Practice readings with your friends or significant other. This will help you decipher card meanings and learn to read intuitively. When we are personally looking for answers, we tend to come up with any reason why the cards are relevant to our own lives, but performing readings for others will really show how accurate the cards are.
Seek answers from the guidebook that your deck came with, if it came with one. There’s nothing wrong with looking up the meanings of cards, especially if you’re just starting out. If it didn’t come with a guidebook, I would suggest biddytarot online for learning card meanings, or even the Galaxy Tarot app for your phone, which also includes card meanings and is a great way to read tarot on the go.
Come up with personal associations for the cards that relate to your every day life. For example, the Death card popping up in a reading can be startling at first, but it doesn’t necessarily mean physical death: in most cases, it can relate to rebirth or transformation. The same applies for cards that signify fertility or birth - this may simply allude to new beginnings. Figure out how the cards relate to you, personally.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with lengthy spreads like the Celtic Cross - stick with short spreads that only involve a few cards and work your way up to bigger spreads.
Readings are not set in stone, they are meant to be used for guidance. That being said, you and you alone have the power to change the outcome of any reading you do. Tarot readings are not the “be all end all” for life events.
Once you have an idea of what the cards signify, you can use them for other things such as spirit and deity communication or spellwork!
Common Myths about Tarot:
You must receive your tarot deck as a gift
You must keep your tarot deck in a [black] silk bag
You have to be a witch to read tarot
You must be psychic to read tarot
You shouldn’t read tarot while you’re pregnant
Don’t let others touch or look at your tarot cards
Tarot cards are evil
Tarot cards are “the Devil’s work”
You can’t read tarot for yourself
The Death card means you or a loved one are going to die
I see a lot of witches drying rose petals for floral arrangements or even making rose water from them. Please keep in mind that roses grown for florists are over treated with pesticides and fertilizers. Anything made from these petals isn’t safe to ingest.
If you’re doing work that requires making a rose preparation for ingestion or topical application that will be absorbed into the skin, you’ll want to get rose petals from a shop that sells for these purposes.
Or grow your own organically. Old fashioned varieties rather than the hybrid teas you see in flower arrangements are usually grown for these purposes because they grown more easily without intense treatments.
THIS IS IMPORTANT Y’ALL.
As a witch who worked at a florist, whenever I ‘cleaned’ the roses for sale (taking off excess leaves, slicing off thorns, etc), I would immediately wash my hands afterward. The chemicals were so bad I would feel immediate irritation and would have skin issues if I didn’t scrub clean every 30 minutes or so (I aimed for 1 wash after every 12).
It’s especially worth noting that roses from florists are often (almost always) flown in from other countries where the laws about pesticides are a lot more lax. Originally we got ours from a grower in Colombia, which wasn’t too bad, but I believe we switched to Ecuador and holy moly I don’t know what the company we got it from used but it was strong. As in ‘The smell of the chemicals hit me like a wall as soon as I opened up the dozen, despite them having traveled all the way from Ecuador in a freezer’ strong.
It was so bad I legitimately had worries about how handling the roses would effect my long term health, and gods above and below I felt for the workers over there that had to deal with these pesticides regularly and up close.
Also, if you buy your own rose bush to use for ingestion purposes, DO NOT use the petals off of it for the first year UNLESS you got it from a organic nursery. Because most places do spray the roses with pesticides and fertilizers from seedling on up, and it will take a year for all that stuff to work it’s way out of the plant’s system.
If you need rose petals to ingest ASAP, I would strongly suggest checking out tea shops. Many local or online sellers have rose teas that are lovely, and either have rose hips (which might not be as fancy as petals and have a more citrus-y flavor, but are the fruit borne from a rose and thus symbolic as all hell) or rose petals mixed in with their teas. This are absolutely edible, and are easily accessible to boot.
Signed, a ex-florist and Rose Nerd.
I really hope people see this because it is very important. Roses from the floral section are not intended for consumption. I have found whole rose buds at herb stores, Asian grocery stores (in cooking sections), and tea stores. I would highly suggest going to those places for roses. They may also sell tea with a high quantity of rose petals which you can use in place of pure roses. Another note: jasmine tea is not tea with dried jasmine. Most jasmine varieties are not edible and you can’t use dried jasmine in tea unless it is a variety specifically marketed as being edible (jasmine sambac aka Pikake)
Reblogging this immediately because my most popular post is ‘How to dry rose petals the lazy way’ and I completely forgot to mention this.
Steps: Add herbs to hot water and let them steep for a few minutes. Squeeze in lemon then let the wedge and skin soak for another 1 or 2 before drinking.
Sour Tummy Be Gone Potion
Chamomile Tea
Spearmint
Ginger Root
Spoonful of Honey
Steps: Brew tea then add herbs to it, let them steep for 5 minutes before stirring in your honey counter-clockwise to banish the cramps and sourness in your stomach.
Deep Slumber Potion
Chamomile Tea
Lavender
Dried Rose Petals/Buds
Lemon Balm
Steps: Brew tea then add in herbs to steep for 5 to 6 minutes, add sugar or honey to taste. Drink slowly before bed in a quiet place.
“Bring Me My Own Love” Self Love Potion
Rose Water or Rose Tea
Sugar
Milk or Milk substitute
Steps: Brew your tea or warm your rose water. Pour in milk and sugar to taste and stir it clockwise to welcome in your own love. Drink while doing something you enjoy.
Release from a Bad Day Potion
Green Tea
Catnip
Lemon Wedge
Steps: Brew and steep your tea and catnip, squeeze in your lemon and stir it counter clockwise to banish the negativity that the day has given you. Add sugar or honey to taste
Give My Heart Strength Potion
Black Tea
Orange Peel
Honey
Steps: Brew tea and let orange peel steep for 5 minutes, stir in your honey clockwise to bring yourself emotional strength.
Open My Mind Awareness Potion
Black Tea
Cinnamon
Milk or Milk substitute
(Optional) pinch of Mugwort (use with caution)
Steps: Brew tea and add ingredients. Sit in a quiet place and drink the tea slowly while centering yourself and if you can meditate.
Cleansing Potion
Moon Water
Rosemary
Thyme
Steps: Heat your moon water and let herbs steep for a minute or two before drinking. You may add sugar if you desire
Protect Me From Parasites Potion
(protects from psychic and energy parasites)
Moon Water
Rosemary
Mint
Steps: Heat moon water and steep your herbs for 5 minutes. Drink at the start of your day.
Coffee Potions
Strength For a Big Day
Coffee
Cinnamon
Sugar to Taste
Like a Storm Confidence Potion
Coffee
Hazelnut creamer
Cinnamon
Fresh Orange peel
Spark of Creativity Potion
Coffee
2 Drops Vanilla extract
Fresh Orange Peel
Spoonful of Caramel
Romancing Myself Potion for Self Acceptance
Coffee
Hot chocolate mix
Milk
Red rose petal
To Good Friends Friendship Potion
Coffee
Caramel
Sugar
A cherry
A good friend to share it with
Hot Chocolate Potions
Warm My Bones Happiness Potion
Hot chocolate
Marshmallow/Marshmallow fluff
1 drop vanilla extract
Cherry
To Get Through Hard Days Potion
Hot Chocolate
Cinnamon
Milk
Fresh Mint Leaf
For Enhanced Energy Potion
Hot Chocolate
Orange Peel
Gem Elixir Potions
Note! Unlike the others, these ones are NOT edible nor should they be ingested! These potions are for anointing or bath magic.
None of these potions are made with the crystals in the water! I ALWAYS put my crystals around a jar or cup of water to charge over night. SOME OF THESE CRYSTALS SHOULD NEVER GO IN WATER!!! So please just place them around your jar of water over night, not in it.
Okay so in astrology you have two polarities. These aremasculine (extroverted, direct, and energetic) and feminine (introverted, receptive, and magnetic).
Four Elements, it’s just like Avatar guys.
The four elements are, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Fire and Air are opposite and masculine elements while Earth and Water are opposite and feminine elements.
Fire is will and passion.
Earth is physical and stable.
Air is logical and social.
Water is emotion and intuition.
If Fire had a consciousness it would see the world as fuel and not fuel. In the same way, I think the fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, see the world as their very own playground and they look for what stimulates them the most. They all have an insatiable appetite for life that’s in constant need to be satisfied, be it discovery, expression, or transcendence.
If Earth had a consciousness it would see the world as what it truly is and what they can bring to it. I see the earth signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn as always giving a part of themselves to provide stability to the world, be it wealth, perfection, or professionalism
If Air had a consciousness it would see the world as a barren place devoid of interaction and detachment. I believe the air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are always on the prowl for fulfillment. They strive for something that will stimulate them, be it knowledge, collaboration, or progression.
If Water had a consciousness it would try to envelop the world and everything in it. The water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are always trying to lose themselves in someway, always looking for something to immerse themselves in, be it home, transformation, or the subconscious.
Modalities? That seems like a made-up word. Fake News
So you know the elements, you know their polarity, so what else can there be? Modalities, my friends, are essentially the quality of the element. All elements come in three types:
Cardinal- The element in its purest form. These are the self starters, leaders, and initiators (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn)
Fixed- The element at its most condensed and stable form. They are stubborn, unyielding, and basically the ones that finish what the Cardinal starts. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius)
Mutable- The element at its most fluid and free. They are adaptable, flexible, and versatile. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces)
Now that we know how the signs are all divided, we can classify them!! :D ARIES Masculine/Fire/Cardinal TAURUS Feminine/Earth/Fixed GEMINI Masculine/Air/Mutable CANCER Feminine/Water/Cardinal LEO Masculine/Fire/Fixed VIRGO Feminine/Earth/Mutable LIBRA Masculine/Air/Cardinal SCORPIO Feminine/Water/Fixed SAGITTARIUS Masculine/Fire/Mutable CAPRICORN Feminine/Earth/Cardinal AQUARIUS Masculine/Air/Fixed PISCES Feminine/Water/Mutable
So you’re saying there’s an entire solar system that explains why I have such a shitty unique personality?
Yes, yes there is. You can use a variety of sites to find your natal chart but for just starting off I prefer to use https://alabe.com/freechart/ . It’s really user friendly and gives you a brief description of each placement, though it doesn’t show retrogrades. (FYI you need your birthday and time, along with the location of your birth) But we’re keeping this basic here, anyway, upon entering your info you’ll notice that each planet in our solar system has a sign and its degree assigned to it. Take this for example, my mom’s chart, or a glimpse of it.
So if you’re new to astrology and you’re confused on what planets mean what, this is your section.
Luminaries vs Planets
The Sun and Moon are luminaries, the brightest and most important objects in the sky. The Planets are planets (lol duh) The North Node is a mathematical point relating the Sun, Earth, and Moon at the specific time
Now that that’s cleared up continue reading for an interpretation of each heavenly body and what they mean when it comes to you
SUN- Ego, the divine representation of life, the head honcho of the chart, the “adult” that censors the “inner child”, you at you’re most basic level, our vitality, it is reason as opposed to instinct, can also represent the father
MOON- Unconscious, while the Sun acts the Moon reacts, our deepest personal needs, the inner child and inner mother, how we nurture and how we like to be nurtured, your immediate instincts, can also represent the mother (it is common for people to relate more to the Moon more seeing as it’s our deepest and purest self)
MERCURY- planet of communication, thought processes, ideas, how we analyze a situation, the logical mind and mental faculties
VENUS- planet of love, grace, charm, and beauty. Our artistic inclinations, Venusian energy is harmonious in nature. What we look for in love, what type of relationships we like and which ones are good for us, how we love, how we act with friends, it also represents both love and money
MARS- the planet of energy, action, and desire. You at your most primal, what you’re like when someone eats the last toaster strudel, your assertive and dominant self, this planet is all about action, your drive and work ethic, what you’re like in bed
JUPITER- the planet of expansion. Closely associated with good luck. Your spiritual and mental growth, what you overindulge in, optimism, mercy, and humor
SATURN- the planet of limits and restrictions. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn constricts. what values and disciplines were you raised with, what are your boundaries and responsibilities. Associated with delayed satisfaction and personal tests also the father or dominant parental figure.
URANUS- the planet of revolution and innovation. The higher octave of Mercury, progression, enlightenment, rebellion, and individuality are central themes of this planet.
NEPTUNE- the planet of dreams, confusion, self deception, psychic receptivity, and spirituality. The higher octave of Venus. Sensitivity, disillusionment, and compassion are central themes of this planet.
PLUTO- the planet of death, rebirth, our “dark side”, and transformation. The higher octave of Mars. Self destruction, power struggles, paranoia, trauma, inner demons, and upheaval or major themes of this planet (it’s still a planet don’t @ me)
So who rules what, again?
Each sign has planet or luminary that is considered its ruler. The rulers of these signs give further insight to the complex personality archetypes. You’ll notice that some planets have two rulers, we call those corulers and since the planet is always coruled by a feminine and masculine sign they represent different expressions of that planet. Feminine “Night”= inward Masculine “Day” = outward When a planet is in the sign that rules it, the planet is in its “home”
or domicile where the values of this planet are easily and clearly
expressed, however, if a planet falls into its ruler’s opposite sign
these values aren’t easily expressed and is considered an uncomfortable
position for the planet to be in, therefore, the planet becomes debilitated and very weak, this is the planet in detriment. (PSA NO PLACEMENT IS A “BAD PLACEMENT”. THERE ARE NO GOOD OR BAD PLACEMENTS IN ASTROLOGY, IT JUST IS WHAT IT IS) Here are the rulers (Domicile // Detriment) SUN Leo // Aquarius
Planets also have two other dignities, exaltation and fall. While a planet in its domicile is at home, a planet in its exaltation is, to me, in a palace. While the energies of the domicile planet are clearly expressed, the exaltation refines the overall qualities of the planet and expresses that energy at its best and most
efficient. A planet’s fall however, is very different, here the overall nature of the planet is muted and overwhelmed by the sign whose core traits oppose that planet’s nature. I picture this as someone who lied about their skills on their resume, and, because of this, their manager throws them immediately into the midst of a rather complicated project. The person clearly doesn’t have the skills to accurately perform the job and thus struggle is born. Keep in mind that while detriment and fall may not be the best places for a planet to be in, these placements can show the hidden parts of a planet that’s not typically expressed, and, in a developed placement, add more depth to it. These additional dignities add even more insight to the signs. Here are the additional dignities (Exaltation // Fall) SUN Aries // Libra
MOON Taurus // Scorpio
MERCURY Virgo // Pisces (though there is much debate with this but I believe that Mercury’s exaltation is Virgo mostly because Cherry from astrolocherry says so and she’s the tumblr goddess of Astrology)
VENUS Pisces // Virgo
MARS Capricorn // Cancer
JUPITER Cancer // Capricorn
SATURN Libra // Aries
URANUS Scorpio // Taurus
NEPTUNE Leo // Aquarius
PLUTO Heavily debated among astrologers so almost all info is conflicting
Planets that fall into signs that are not in their domicile, detriment, fall, or exaltation (ie Scorpio Mercury, Pisces Mars, Aries moon, etc) are said to be in peregrine. I see this as being fairly neutral, showcasing different aspects of the planet, but some astrologers consider this a small form of debilitation.
Think of the signs as 12 roommates who are all pretty basic and cliché
With all the basic info we now know of the signs we can go into depth about the qualities of each archetype. We will be more able to fully understand the internal workings of each sign and why they act the way they do.
ARIES Aries is a fire sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct. Fire is the element of passion and will, the modality of this sign is cardinal so they have innate leadership and initiating qualities. Aries is cardinal in the way that their independent nature and high level of energy can be a catalyst that drives and motivates all those around them, along with their being the first sign of the zodiac. Being the day ruler of Mars combined with its element and modality, Aries is impulsive, aggressive, head strong, and passionate. The Sun exalts in Aries, so the fire seen around them is a true reflection the one that burns within. They are direct and honest. However, Venus is in detriment when ruled by Aries, showing that their aggression and passion can get in their own way when trying to establish a partnership with another person. Fiercely independent, Arians love the chase of love but the actual substance can be seen as unfavorable being that this sign does not want to be tied down. Saturn is at its fall in Aries as well, demonstrating their foolhardy approach at life, often burning bridges, and acting too impulsively without pondering the consequences of their actions.
TAURUS Taurus is an earth sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Earth is the element of the physical, material, and stable, and the modality of this sign is fixed so they have strong wills, determination, and unchanging qualities. Taurus is fixed due to its incredibly slow momentum, Taurus doesn’t charge ahead and take initiative like Aries, but rather slows down to enjoy the finer details. Being the ruler of the night expression of Venus combined with its element and modality, Taurus is materialistic, sensual, stubborn, and loyal. The Moon exalts in Taurus, so we can see person who is a firm lover of the comforts of life and whose emotional nature remains constant. This person is warm and down to earth. However, Mars is in detriment when ruled by Taurus, their slow and patient nature is at odds with this aggressive, expressive, and vibrant planet. Taureans, and the other earth signs, have the tendency to rationalize and suppress their emotions however this trait is exacerbated with this placement, they will suppress their internal aggression until it explodes in a fantastic way. These traits are then coupled by Taurus being Pluto’s, the higher octave of Mars, detriment. Pluto is the planet of upheaval and transformation while Taurus is the sign of stability and internal security. In my opinion, Taurus, being an earth sign, is the most fixed of all the other fixed signs, so they and the themes of transformation do no mix well. Uranus is at its fall in Taurus demonstrating this sign’s tendency to prefer to maintain the status quo than to delve deeper into the more taboo and immaterial concepts.
GEMINI Gemini is an air sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct. Air is the element of logic and communication, the modality of this sign is mutable so they have adaptive and versatile qualities. Gemini’s mutability comes from the nature of communication itself. A conversation needs two parts, with each side bringing new information and knowledge to the table, the mind of Gemini works in the very same way. Communication is always changing and knowledge is always in fluctuation due to new levels of understanding, so the sign of communication should have adaptive traits for acclimating themselves to the steady flow of new knowledge and the multifaceted nature to deal with the duality, even plurality, of communication. Being the day ruler of Mercury, Gemini is all about opinions, communication, and logic, they constantly oscillate from a euphoric high to melancholic lows, however each mood never lasts long. Gemini has high levels of mercunian (it’s actually a world lol) energy that gives them the attention span of an eternal child. They have a habit of quickly jumping from topic to topic, minute detail to detail, all in one breath. Their attention to detail is so strong that they even have the tendency to unconsciously mimic those they come into contact with, another trait of their mutability. Jupiter is in detriment when ruled by Gemini, showing their inability to grasp the bigger picture at times. Gemini is too concerned with the individual strokes of a paint brush than to step back and take a look at the beautiful masterpiece. The complexities of religion and philosophy are difficult for Gemini to understand for they live in the world of logic and the tangible.
CANCER Cancer is a water sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Water is the element of emotion and intuition, the modality of this sign is cardinal so they have innate leadership and initiating qualities. Cancer is cardinal because they take their emotions into account first and foremost, and with being this emotionally free they take into account the needs of others and nurture them. Being the true ruler of the Moon, Cancer is nurturing and empathetic. Their strong compassion and sensitivity is naturally maternal. Cancer is the ultimate mother in my eyes, warm and soft in nature but mess with her babies you get her unbreakable shell and piercing pincers. They are also the expression of the inner child, given that what Cancer seeks most is a comfortable place to call home. I always think of Cancer as the child that clings to their mother before leaving her side for the first day of school, in much the same way they cling to those they love with an almost suffocating embrace of need and devotion. Exaggeration and overabundance are also the traits that are held by the planet that Cancer exalts, Jupiter. Their emotional nature is just as exaggerated and overemphasized as Jupiter, Cancer is a benefactor that gives and gives and rains the gifts of family, compassion, and deep commitment. Saturn is in detriment with this sign showcasing Cancer’s unfortunate tendency to display and act with only their emotions as their guide and justification. They lack the ability to put their emotions to the side to do what is needed and logical because they feel everything so deeply. This also shows their inability to function when the going gets hard for them, their inability to process hardships without resorting to the whole “woe is me” rhetoric in their underdeveloped state. Mars in Cancer is at its fall, their ability to be assertive is completely hindered by their emotional reactivity causing massive and unpredictable explosions and lashing outs. Cancer, even as a water sign, loses its manipulative edge in this planet due to its extreme moodiness and overall temporary passive aggressiveness that will quickly turn into explosive outbursts, however they remain fiercely loyal to loved ones and will fight to the death for them.
LEO Leo is a fire sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct. Fire is the element of passion and will, the modality of this sign is fixed so they have strong wills, determination. and unchanging qualities. Leo is fixed in their own pride, their ego simply refuses to allow them to compromise. Being the sol (I made a pun lmao) ruler of the Sun, Leo exudes warmth and passion. They are filled with light and much like how the Sun remains in center of our solar system, Leo desires to remain in the center of their personal world. Neptune is exalted in Leo, so they are among the most creative and artistic of the signs, looking at this rulership compared with their relation to the Sun, demonstrates their need to showcase their talents and creativity to the world, they are true performers. Neptune also shows the capacity for compassion, generosity, and kindness that this sign can demonstrate when developed. Uranus is in detriment in Leo, the self centered approach to life is at complete odds with Uranus’ energy being the focus on groups and coalitions. Their compassion and generosity can be completely overwhelmed by their need to be praised and in the spot light. Saturn is also in detriment with this sign, I interpret this as a trapped ego, Leo’s energy comes from the heart (they rule the heart) and when its in such a rigid and cold planet, this energy can become disillusioned and suppressed. Thus creating a disconnect, their ego is fortified and structured, but their expression of the warmer qualities of this sign are nullified; making them come off as standoffish, aloof, and arrogant.
VIRGO Virgo is an earth sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Earth is the element of the physical, material, and stable, the modality of this sign is mutable so they have adaptive and versatile qualities. Virgo is mutable in regards to their adaptive nature, always seeking to perfect themselves, they take on the traits that will help them reach their goals. Being the sign that both rules Mercury and is its exaltation, Virgo is obsessed with the minute details of all that fall under their critical eye. They are the night expression of Mercury, so while they are not as communicative and inquisitive as Gemini, they are hardworking, since Mercury rules day to day routines, and seek perfection and efficiency in everything they do. Highly intelligent and analytical Virgos have the confidence that their way is the best way. Jupiter and Neptune are in detriment when ruled by Virgo, this shows their inabilities to think in the abstract. With Jupiter, Virgo lacks the ability to think outside the box, and are limited to their very own sense of routine. They refuse to experience the variety and unpredictability of life. With Neptune, Virgo’s need to think rationally and objectively leave them at a lost when it comes to the more lateral and emotional side of communication, leaving them to be very oblivious to the emotional impact their words have on others. Venus is fallen with Virgo as its ruler, this is where the maiden and the sign of service archetypes come in, Virgo often rejects the dreaminess and romanticism of love and instead show the depth of their affection through service. To them, the truest form of love is not through pretty words but what you do for them, solely for their comfort. Their rejection of Venus’ sensuality is why they are often painted as the maiden, the purity of their love is entirely giving, making them much like their sister sign, Pisces, in regards to losing themselves for the ones they love and adore.
LIBRA Libra is an air sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct. Air is the element of logic and communication, the modality of this sign is cardinal so they have innate leadership and initiating qualities. Libra is cardinal in the sense that they actively seek out partnerships and collaborations with other people, they actively communicate between varying groups of people often in need to find balance between one another. Being the day ruler of Venus, Libra oozes charm and grace. Their social aptitude is unparalleled by others. This Venusian influence also shows in Libra’s continuing search for partnership and love. They love the security relationships brings and their partner often brings balance to their zany life. Saturn is exalted in Libra showing their strong talents at compromise and finding the middleman, they are always harmonious and so well understanding of the need for justice and fairness that they often give more than they take, thus becoming the biggest hypocrite of the zodiac by not being fair to themselves. Mars is in detriment due to Libra’s strong preferences towards peace rather than aggression and domination. Mars’ violent nature is forever at odds with their need for harmony and understanding. The sun is at its fall in Libra as well emphasizing their overly compromising nature. How can the ego be recognized and praised when it spends so much time changing itself to fit the narratives of other people’s lives?
SCORPIO Scorpio is a water sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Water is the element of emotion and intuition, the modality of this sign is fixed so they have strong wills, determination, and unchanging qualities. Scorpio is fixed in regards to their own emotions. They feel deeply and intensely for everything and because of the extreme depth of their emotion they become unmovable and fixated. Most people assume Scorpio isn’t as emotional as their watery cousins, Cancer and Pisces, because of the plutonian and martian influence that clouds their ability to express themselves, but out of the zodiac, I see Scorpio as being the most emotional. Imagine the strength and depth of feeling it would take to become so fixed based off of something as fluid and changing as emotion. Being the night ruler of Mars, the battles waged by this planet are fought inwards. Scorpio is always in a state of battle internally, they fight their personal demons along with the dark skeletons of their past selves. The martian influence of this water sign makes them guarded and closed off from others, crouching and waiting for the battle felt inwards to be seen on the outside. Mars loses its impulsiveness and excess energy in this sign and is instead traded in for cunning and manipulation, the scorpion is a retaliatory creature and only seeks vengeance when attacked. Pluto adds into this sign the themes of death and transformation, which are Scorpio’s key words. Emotionally sensitive to others, the sting of Scorpio is their deadly intuition and empathy which they use to hit where it hurts the most. Venus is detriment in this sign, the plutonian influence adds paranoia and the need for control while Mars adds in haughtiness and aggression. The love of Scorpio is filled with paranoia due to their fear of being vulnerable and hurt, they desire all of you while giving you very little of themselves, you are theirs while they refuse to call themselves yours. The Moon is fallen in Scorpio due to their intense nature and emotional isolation, instead of expressing their feelings, a lunar Scorpio will suppress them until a massive explosion, a lot like a Cancer Mars but more destructive. The overall nurturing nature of this luminary is drowned out by the war cry of Mars and Pluto’s vindictive streak.
SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius is a fire sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct. Fire is the element of passion and will, the modality of this sign is mutable so they have adaptive and versatile qualities. Sagittarius is mutable in regards to their need for a constant change in scenery, mindsets, and philosophy. Being the day ruler of Jupiter, Sagittarians are naturally gregarious and wise. They like to expand their horizons, always on the prowl for something new, and always on the search for enlightenment. They seek the truth first and foremost and have no qualms with expressing it to all those with a lent ear. Sagittarius represents higher thought and religion, they often feel that their opinions are divine and prophetic in nature, Jupiter also expands upon their fiery and energetic nature. They like the experience of life but not necessarily the prices that come with it. They despise being owned and controlled and desire to live life only on their terms. Mercury is in detriment with Sagittarius showcasing the whole cliche of having ones’s head “stuck in the clouds”. They are too busy considering the grandiose that they often forget that it is the combination of the smaller details that form the bigger picture. Their own innate sense of morality and their complete disregard for social niceties such as “white lies”, often being frank and direct, is in complete opposition to the typical conversation held by people. They think too deeply for the small details Mercury rules over.
CAPRICORN Capricorn is an earth sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Earth is the element of the physical, material and stable, and the modality of this sign is cardinal so they have innate leadership and initiating qualities. Capricorn’s cardinality comes from the being the personification of ambition itself. Being the night ruler of Saturn, Capricorn’s internal strength and regulation is beyond compare. Their ambition, work ethic, and drive are damn near the strongest indicators of success. They are powerful and obsessed with how their image is projected to others. They seek to project the image of success and legacy and if given the option to be the people pleaser as well, they would choose it to add to their numerous titles, but it is still of little importance to them. Mars is exalted in Capricorn showing their ability to separate emotion and passion from logic and gain and from there being able to channel the former into their unending reserve of energy to achieve their goals. Wise and practical, it takes a lot to throw them off their mechanical and methodical rise in power. However, just because Capricorn is quite adept at channeling their emotions towards professional success doesn’t mean they lack in other areas. The Moon is in detriment with this sign. Capricorn’s cold nature is completely out of place in the Moon’s warm, comfortable, and fluid domain. Emotions are always in a state of suppression and they try to use logic to dilute and deal with their emotions. High expectations of them may have caused them to blot out this crucial part of their personality. This can also be seen in Capricorn’s standard association with them being unconcerned with the feelings of others as they step on them to climb the ladder of success. Jupiter is fallen with this sign as well showing their deep cynicism regarding luck and gifts, they believe hard work is the only way to succeed and that nothing in life is free. Extremely traditional, they have a strong distrust for the new innovation of life preferring the tried and true methods.
AQUARIUS Aquarius is an air sign, and with this element, their energy is extroverted and direct . Air is the element of logic and communication, the modality of this sign is fixed so they have strong wills, determination, and unchanging qualities. Aquarians are fixed in their own intellect and refuse to compromise themselves and what they believe in. Being the ruler of Uranus, the ideas and intellect of Aquarius transcends the self and affects the world and everyone around them, Their intuition is strong and their love for progress and equality, unmatched. They idealize themselves and see their way as the best way. Often rebelling and causing instability so a newer and better stability can take form, thus showing their corulership with Saturn. One must acknowledge the old and traditional to improve upon it and expand for the future. We can’t learn if we have nothing to learn from. Aquarius understands the need for rules and structure, but also understands that a rule needs to be broken or changed when it no longer applies, they are the humanitarians of the signs and advocate for all. The Sun is in detriment in Aquarius giving us insight as to why they are so rebellious, the fragility of their ego is in desperate need for recognition. They make up for their lack of self identity by, taking a page out of Leo’s book, creating a larger than life persona that is unique and unlike everybody else in every way. Their disgust for conformity can be seen in Neptune’s fall. Neptune is the planet of the collective consciousness and they see themselves as too unique and revolutionary to be grouped with the not-so-innovative minds of others. They often form their larger than life plans without taking into account the needs and feelings of others, their independent nature and refusal to submit to others ironically manifests itself in the need for others to submit to them. Their empathy only takes them so far before they ditch the rest of us and head for the stars.
PISCES Pisces is a water sign, and with this element, their energy is introverted and receptive. Water is the element of emotion and intuition, the modality of this sign is mutable so they have adaptive and versatile qualities. Pisces is mutable in regards to their own fluidity, water is naturally a liquid element so in mutable Pisces, their receptivity is unmatched. Like actual water they flow and take the shape of any environment they’re in. Being the ruler of Neptune, Pisces represents universal empathy and compassion. As a water sign, Pisces operates through the medium of emotions, they are essentially sponges to the emotions of others. Extremely sensitive and kind, Pisceans are prone to being self deceptive and elusive, another embodiment of Neptune. Neptune represents dreams, the imagination, and spirituality which is why Pisces, to me, is the most psychic of the signs. Pisces is the sign of self undoing and destruction, their receptivity combined with their nature to lose themselves to the emotions of others are the main causes of this, they are essentially lil cinnamon rolls that must be protected at all costs. They are also the night expression of Jupiter showing they all have a strong desire and capability to transcend the spiritual barriers of man. Jupiter’s expanding energy being channeled so inwardly amplifies the qualities of Neptune which leads to them having an incredible mind and fertile imagination, often day dreaming and retreating from the real world. They need their isolation because their incredibly receptive nature often subjects them to the whims of others leaving them unable to explore and live for themselves. Venus exalts in Pisces, showcasing their sacrificial nature and overall dreaminess and idealizations of love and romance. Their kindness and giving is often taken advantage of because their ego is so impressionable they often question their self value. Mercury at its detriment and fall with this sign, showing that their expansive inner mind can become a prison preventing them from assertively expressing themselves and their ideas. They can be easily ran over because of their demure nature and inability to stand up for themselves using logic and direct communication. However they make up for this in their extreme capabilities when it comes to manipulation, their soft spoken nature often makes them appear to be the victim even when they’re at fault.
Degrees Lives Matter!!
The main type of astrology practiced on tumblr is Tropical. In this type of astrology, the signs are oriented around the seasons, with the 1st degree of Aries being the Spring Equinox. The signs are then allotted 30 degrees which is basically 30 days for the sun to traverse through (360/30 = 12). As shown in the screen shot above, each planet and luminary gets a 30 degree association as well. Degrees are important because they show how the energy of the sign and planet are expressed. They also show how the planet will interact with the other heavenly bodies in your chart which we will cover in the next section. This section we will mostly discuss decans.
Decans are basically the breaking down and separation of a sign’s 30 degree segment into 10 degrees where the energies become altered by the other influences of this sign’s triplicity. That sounds pretty confusing, but it’s fairly straight forward. I’ll break down the key terms here:
Decans- Divide 30 by 3 and you get 10. Each 10 degree segment within these 30 degrees are a decan. 0-9, first decan, 10-19 second decan, and 20-29 third decan. Influences- Mainly the sign and the planet that it rules. Triplicity- Think 3, there are 3 signs per element. So basically the signs that have the same element as each other.
Here are all the decans ARIES First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Mars & Aries Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees)
Ruled by Sun & Leo Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Jupiter & Sagittarius
TAURUS
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Venus & Taurus Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Mercury & Virgo Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees) Ruled by Saturn & Capricorn
GEMINI
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Mercury & Gemini Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Venus & Libra Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Uranus & Aquarius
CANCER
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Moon & Cancer Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Pluto & Scorpio Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees) Ruled by Neptune & Pisces
LEO
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Sun & Leo
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Jupiter & Sagittarius
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Mars & Aries
VIRGO
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Mercury & Virgo
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Saturn & Capricorn
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees) Ruled by Venus & Taurus
LIBRA
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Venus & Libra
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees)
Ruled by Uranus & Aquarius
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Mercury & Gemini
SCORPIO
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Pluto & Scorpio
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees)
Ruled by Neptune & Pisces
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Moon & Cancer
SAGITTARIUS
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest, Ruled by Jupiter & Sagittarius
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Mars & Aries
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees) Ruled by Sun & Leo
CAPRICORN
First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest,
Ruled by Saturn & Capricorn
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Venus & Taurus
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Mercury & Virgo
AQUARIUS First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest,
Ruled by Uranus & Aquarius
Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees) Ruled by Mercury & Gemini
Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Venus & Libra
PISCES First Decan (0 to 9 degrees) Purest,
Ruled by Neptune & Pisces Second Decan (10 to 19 degrees)
Ruled by Moon & Cancer Third Decan (20 to 29 degrees)
Ruled by Pluto & Scorpio
I’ll go more into depth about these influences in future posts, and decans apply to every planet, not just your sun sign :) So go ahead and have fun y’all.
Critical Degrees vs Anaretic
Anaretic degrees are 0 and 29 for all signs, having a planet in one of these degrees means that decision making is a real problem for this facet of your personality. You could either overanalyze your choices to the point of a stalemate or rush right into making a critical choice, this can even happen after overanalyzing.
Critical degrees are different they represent the sensitive and the strengthening points of said planet and said sign. This planet and its energies tend to be emphasized in one’s life, the degrees vary between the modality of the sign but here ya go Cardinal (0, 13, 26) Fixed (8, 9, 21, 22) *Ya boy got his sun at 21 degrees Scorpio😆 Mutable (4 and 17)
Your Natal Chart is basically a community bbq where the planets can interact with each other
The degrees of your planets are important because they can show how these plants interact with one another, in this section I’ll list the requirements and definitions of the 5 basic astrological aspects
CONJUNCTION (0°) Same Polarity/Same Element/Same Modality In order to have a conjunction the planets or points must be within 10 degrees of each other. With a conjunction the energies of both planets become united and act as one. This is a fairly neutral aspect seeing as conjunctions between Jupiter and Venus can be positive while Saturn and Mars conjunctions can be more malefic. Energies between the planets are intensified and are always in unity which can create a blind spot seeing as it is extremely difficult for people to separate the planet’s distinct energies from one another. The closer the orb, the distance from one another, the more powerful the aspect. Sun/Mercury conjunctions are fairly common seeing as Mercury can never stray too far from the sun. My Moon (28° Capricorn) conjuncts Neptune (1° Aquarius) with an orb of 3°. Both my emotional sensitivity and vulnerabilities to others are emphasized through my heightened and sympathetic empathy.
SEXTILE (60°) Same Polarity/Different Element/Different Modality In order to have a sextile the two planets or points must be within 10 degrees of each other. Sextiles are a harmonious aspect and are a lot like trines, except the trine is so ingrained within the native’s psyche that it can be unconscious and dormant, while the Sextile is more present and has to be called upon for the native to use. The harmonious nature between these planet can be used consciously. My Moon (28°
Capricorn) and Mercury (25° Scorpio) are sextile with an orb of 3° Diplomacy and persuasion come easy to me as my logical and communicative mind have an insatiable curiosity and with the Moon’s strong sensitivity to the feelings of others, this allows me to aptly pick up on these cues to change my approach in regards to persuading them.
SQUARE (90°) Different Polarity/Different Element/Same Modality In order to have a square the two planets or points must be within 10 degrees of each other. Squares are a symbol of tension between these two planets, compromise and understanding are necessary to overcome these obstacles. Tension arise as a sort of conflict of interests between these bodies. My Sun (21° Scorpio) squares the Ascendant (24° Leo) with an orb of 3°
. I have the tendency to project myself as something I’m not, the amount of arrogance and standoffish I project to others is at conflict with my true private and emotional nature often leaving bad impressions when first meeting new people.
TRINE (120°) Same Polarity/Same Element/Different Modality In order to have a trine the two planets or points must be within 10 degrees of each other. Trines are highly harmonious and positive, the talents that come from this aspect are so natural that they are almost unconscious. My Moon (28° Capricorn) trines my Venus (5° Libra) with an orb of 7°. My kind, warm, and receptive nature has a habit of making many people feel comfortable and open up to me, regardless to whether that was my intention or not.
OPPOSITION (180°) Same Polarity/Different Element/Same Modality In order to have an opposition the two planets or points must be within 10 degrees of each other. Opposition are hard and difficult to live and function with, but they are not impossible to overcome. At times the native may feel as if they’re being pulled into two opposite direction often leaving them insecure and confused. Due to their lack of internal structure they seek for what they lack in relationships with others. My Sun (21° Scorpio) is in opposition with Saturn (13° Taurus) with an orb of -8°. I face difficulties with expressing and asserting myself. I often oscillate between an overaggressive and dominant extreme to an intense surrender of passivity. I must compromise between these two volatile expressions and meet in the middle.
You know how before I said the signs were roommates? Actually let’s pretend they live in a neighborhood where each one has their own house
Okay, so you guys know that weird circle thing that’s at the top of your screen whenever you put your birth chart info into a website? It has all the symbols of the signs going in a circle, and it looks like a pi chart with the occasional weird ass little glyphs splattered across the pie chart’s divisions? It often has multicolored and confusing lines connecting these glyphs together? That is your actual natal chart, and those little divisions are your houses. Y’all can take a look at mine for example.
Each section is a house and each house represents an area of your life and a part of your body. Each house is assigned a sign that rules over it, the houses are not energy!! They are the area in life where these energies are more likely to manifest.
The four most important houses are the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses and have the biggest impact on one’s life. These are known as the angular houses, and each house has a specific name, 1st is the Ascendant, 4th is the I.C., 7th is the Descendant, and the 10th is the M.C.
This picture right here covers the basics of your houses and their meanings, their natural rulers, the classifications of houses, and where they all lie.
I plan on going more into depth about each house in future posts. But amazing blogs such as astrollusion and leoasf have made amazing posts about the houses already. When talking about the houses you often here the term stellium get thrown around. A stellium is when you have 3 or more planets/luminaries in one house in a chart. The stellium has to consist of at least one personal planet (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars). Where a stellium lies shows that this aspect of your life is illuminated and highly important and emphasized. As you can see in my chart I have a 4th house stellium in Scorpio (Sun, Mercury, and Pluto) and a 6th house stellium in Capricorn (Moon, Uranus, and Neptune). These are aspects of my life that are highly focused on.
Along with an area of life, the charts also represent parts of the body, here they are:
1st- Head, brain, face, eyes, and appearance.
2nd- Throat, neck, thyroid gland, and voice.
3rd- Arms, lungs, shoulders, hands, and nervous system.
4th- Chest, breasts, stomach, alimentary canal
5th- Heart, chest, spine, spinal column, upper back
6th- Digestive system, intestines, spleen, overall health, and nervous system
7th- Kidneys, skin, and lumbar region
8th- Reproductive system, sexual organs, bowels, and excretory system
A planet in a house represents a specific energy being brought to that part of your life. I’ll list what energies these planets can bring. (the first indent represents in aspects of life, while the second is in relation to the body):
SUN
I see it as the part of life where one truly feels alive, they feel the strongest and most in control here. Where we need to feel special and separate from others.
MOON
How we go about getting emotional comfort and satisfaction. Where deep personal attachments should be made, where we can find emotional fulfillment
MERCURY
Where the mind comes alive and is developed, where your thoughts were developed, where you apply your communicative and mental abilities
VENUS
Where you feel valued or where you look to feel values, where money can be gained, enhances beauty, charm, and the aesthetic of the body part or area of life. Where you look for love or where love can be found.
MARS
What makes you passionate, where you showcase your passions and aggression, your sexual life, where you are defensive and powerful.
JUPITER
Expansion, where you’ll grow spiritually and mentally. Where luck can be found
SATURN
Where you felt restricted, boundaries, failures, what will limit you, where your hard work will pay off in the long run, where you are restrained
URANUS
Where you strive to separate yourself from the group, where in life you seek individual freedom and expression. Where your eccentric and restless qualities take root
NEPTUNE
What lies hidden to you, spirituality, where the subconscious manifests, where addiction can take hold, where you overindulge (can be work, love, sex, etc)
PLUTO
Power struggles, trauma, darkness, rapid and complete change
It’s all up to you guys now…
I just want to take the time to thank you guys for baring with me through this outrageously long post. Please bare with me as this is my first new post in years. If you have info to add or suggestions please let me know. Astrology is subjective and always up to the intuition of others, however I hope you all appreciated my perspective and want more insights from me in the future. If you’d like to know the people who’s knowledge inspired me I implore you to check out these following blogs: ayyries astrolocherry ayat-the-aquarius astrollusion aquariusgod lulucute (just to name a few) None of them know who I am but they are by far some of the most informative and wise people on this site.
I know i get terribly bored very quickly (gemini curse lmao) so i find that if i dive into stuff i’m interested in learning about, that it will tend to hold my attention longer and help me get back into the swing of things! So in my example one of my first things i researched when i was starting out was about Crystals and their properties/uses in magic! From there i was able to use that as a sort of base jumping off point for my magical practice! And if you find something you were learning about doesn’t seem like it fits you/your style/ your practice then drop it and move on to the next thing!
*Ask Questions!*
No Questions Are Stupid Questions
No Questions Are Stupid Questions
No Questions Are Stupid Questions!!!! Questions mean you care enough to try and learn more about something! I’m pretty much always here and will try my best to answer as best as i am able And if I can’t i will do my best to help direct you to someone more knowledgeable!
*TAKE YOUR TIME!*
This one is important because most of the time i feel like i see baby/beginner witches try really REALLY hard to “reach the same level” as other witches as quickly as possible when in reality that just hurts THEIR path in the long run. Your path is your own, take it at your own pace. Enjoy the little bumps along the way and find the “Roses of your Path” (the things that make you want to stop and appreciate them: the satisfaction of calling your first Storm, the chill of the night air when you set out your first Full Moon Water, the spark when you find that one crystal.) Enjoy it. Enjoy your path, Enjoy your Craft.
*Use the Things you Already Own!*
Another thing i see beginners getting hung up on (myself included, i was/am extremely guilty of this lol) is wanting to go out and buy a ton of supplies. try looking around your house for things that can be re purposed. Old Spaghetti Sauce Jars can be cleaned and used as spell jars, deity altars/shrines, or ingredient storage! Take pictures from old magazines and make a collage Altar on paper! Use a composition notebook as your Book Of Shadows! Your old broken glasses case can be used as a case for your portable altar! Dig around and see if there are extra candles you haven’t used in a while! Wash out and save those eggshells from your cooking to use as spell ingredients! It takes some creative thinking but you can reclaim pretty much anything for your craft!
*Look for Bargains!* For one thing prices can be outrageous for actual craft materials: like Crystals and Gems? Truly truly truly outrageous. So keep your eyes peeled for bargains and deals! Some of the best places to look for things on the cheap would be Dollar Stores, Flea Markets, Thrift Shops, Garage/Estate Sales! Most of the time in those places you can try haggling to get things at a cheaper price (or get more for less.) It really just depends on the place but you can find the most interesting assortments of things! Keep your eyes peeled in your general day to day life as well see if there are sales at your local grocery store for seed packets, seasonal items/holiday items (look for the sales afterwords to really save haha) The internet is a great place to look, i know Ebay has sellers who sell raw crystals/ crystal chunks by the pound. There’s also places to buy spices in bulk too .
*Don’t Compare Your Path to Others!* Your Path is Your Path, Their Path is Their Path. Being online and part of the witchy community in tumblr means that there are a lot of ideas being shared from people’s paths and their views on how they think magic should be practiced. What works for them might not work for you and vice versa. Only YOU can decide what is best for you and your path. and on that note:
*Figure Out What YOU Want Out of Your Path!* When you get some time, sit down and write out all the things you want to get from your path and think critically about how you want magic to work in your daily life. Do you want it to be Super Formal or more casual? perhaps a mix of the two? Test the waters! Try things once and if you don’t like it then you know and can move on to the things that work better for your lifestyle/craft/path! Some examples from my list that i can think of right now would be: -Better knowledge of Crystals/ Crystal remedies and their healing properties -Daily research -aka tumblr- -Appreciating Nature more (Whenever i go on walks with my dog i try to pick up some litter if/when i see it) -Daily Deity appreciation -aka deity aesthetic reblogs to @theemeraldgod & Pintrest-
Helpful Links for Beginners: Sww Master List of Tags- Here’s my main hub of things that i tag feel free to look and see if something interests you! Altars/ Altar set up Advice- My long winded post about what to put on your Altar. My Beginner Tag// My Beginner 101 Tag- There are two tags because they have similar information, the 101 tag is for more ‘Hey I just started today what do I need to know’
Anyways thanks for sending this in! I’ve been meaning to make one of these for a while and this finally gave me the excuse ^^
Planetary Association: Mars Gender: Masculine Element: Fire Deity: Isis
Magickal Uses: Magickal uses of onion include prosperity, stability, endurance, protection, banishing negative influences, ending bad habits, and removing illness. Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Money, Prophetic Dreams and Lust are associated with the oniion. Use this many-layered food to peel away problems in life and to dispel anger. The onion is also a love food and is said to increase male virility. Red onions promote lust when added to dishes. White onions clear away obstacles when peeled to the core. Use purple onions for power and seduction. Yellow onions dispel anger between friends.
The ancient Egyptians worshipped onions as gods and always planted them in their gardens. Whether your gods are in your garden or the veggie bin of your kitchen, they have many magical uses. Cut an onion in half and put it under your sink to absorb any negativity in your home or nastiness sent your way and replace every week or two — you’ll be surprised how much it absorbs and how quickly it shrivels. Prick a whole fresh onion with black headed pins and place on a window sill to protect from the evil eye and magical attack. Or, simply braid together onions from your garden and hang them in your kitchen or over your pantry door to protect your home.
On Samhain, also known as Halloween, the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. This allows for easier communication with spirits and improved divination. Samhain also celebrates the last harvest of the year and the beginning of the “darker half” of the calendar. Some people call it the witch’s new year.
Activities:
Eat an apple or drink apple cider.
Light incense or a candle.
Honor your ancestors and deceased love ones.
Take a bath.
Decorate your altar.
Carve a pumpkin.
Divination.
Spells for protection, honoring the dead, abundance, and clairvoyance.
Go trick-or-treating.
Make a besom.
Take a walk outside.
Collect fallen leaves and acorns.
Stones:
All black stones (obsidian, onyx, jet, etc.), clear quartz, amber, turquoise, smoky quartz, amethyst, beryl, fluorite, moonstone, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, peridot, and tiger’s eye.
Colors:
Orange, yellow, black, purple, silver, gold, and white.
Symbols:
Fire, besoms, pumpkins, gourds, jack-o-lanterns, nuts (especially acorns), and apples.
Herbs:
Mugwort, mandrake, cinnamon, sage, black pepper, hazel, rosemary, allspice, and catnip.
Flowers:
African violet, cactus, carnation, and dandelion.
Incense:
Dragon’s blood, sandalwood, cinnamon, heliotrope, mint, nutmeg, myrrh, and patchouli.