What Are Runes?

Sour Jars

So I usually post works and spells that would generally be considered “light” and positive but it is worth noting that Hoodoo is definitely not always these things. So today I am posting how to perform a sour jar. This is 100% a curse friendly blog and I will not tolerate any curse shaming in the notes. There are a million reasons people may feel the need to curse and it is not my place to judge. This is a defensive and potent work and it will fuck someone up so make sure this is what you want. The only rule to cursing and my personal advice on it is to feel NO guilt and be absolutely certain you justify your own actions. From my perspective, the universe grants us what we ask for and the concept of “deserve” does not exist. There are plenty of truly vile pieces of shit who will never be punished for the things they do and have done. There are just as many wonderful and amazing people who suffer for no good reason. The world is an unfair place, and as witches, conjure wo/men, brujas, magicians, etc in some form we seek to make it a bit sweeter for ourselves, our clients, and those we love. Cursing sometimes is a part of that.

A little history:

Sour jars are used to literally sour someone’s life. Sour jars can be used on one single person but are also often used to sour and break up relationships be it romantic, familial, or otherwise. Sour jars are considered defensive magic and aim to make the targets life miserable, sour, and otherwise destroyed. In my experience, most sour jars I have come across have bases of vinegar (*four thieves, white, and apple cider, all depends on the preference of the person). The great thing about sour jars is that they are highly customizable and like most folk practices, cheap. All you actually need is a jar, vinegar of your choice, a petition with the targets name, and your intention. In place of a petition, some people opt to use dolls but that’s up to you. Of course, there are tons of other things you can put in sour jars that make them even more potent but it is your intention and energy that make your works manifest.

Things you can use

 *some of these items I highly recommend using gloves to handle. Also, some of these are not for the faint of heart. Hoodoo uses animal products so please don’t come at me in the comments. I always recommend obtaining animal products ethically.*

Hot peppers/Hot sauce- you can use whole chilis, chili flakes, Tapatio, literally anything spicy. You want this person to be burning and irritated. Spicy stuff adds great oomph to defensive works

Urine- take this one as you are literally pissing all over this person’s life.

Cat and Dog hair- This one would be specifically if you were making a jar to break up a couple because you want them to fight like cats and dogs.

Nails- in Hoodoo coffin nails are often used in defensive work and you can get these from your local or online botanica or hoodoo shop. If you don’t have any way of getting coffin nails you can use regular ones. In the vinegar, they will rust and give more power to the jar.

Spiders/Insects- These are often used in darker works for added negativity. You can imagine spiders and insects covering this persons life as it decomposes and falls apart.

Mustard seeds-excellent for making couples or people fight and also causing fights and misunderstandings in the persons life.

Poppy seeds-causes confusion and chaos in the mind of the target and can also cause nightmares.

Sulfur- be extremely careful with sulfur and I always recommend using gloves when handling it. You only need a little bit as this stuff is POTENT. It will cause a bubbling reaction in the vinegar and this is why a lot of people use it. It makes it look like there is literally a fight in the jar. Sulfur is also just traditionally used in a lot of hoodoo defensive work like hot foot powder.

You can use 1, 2, or all of these. I have had a lot of personal success with many of these ingredients. When I am working my jars I work them for 7 or 9 days and burn candles on the top of the jar. I usually use black if it is a revenge or curse jar like I’ve described. I burn a candle each day and let them burn out. I also shake the jar every day to keep the energy moving. I also usually wrap my jars in aluminum foil so no light gets in. You want the targets life to be dark and despairing and for them to have to look at all the destruction with no way out in sight. After my 7 or 9 days, I discard the jar. This is traditionally done by leaving it in a river or a body of still water. I have in the past just thrown the jar in the trash because that’s what the person is to me: garbage. Some people interpret this as “throwing the magic away” and I get that but living in a city now nature is hard to come by and folk practice is about making things work for you so to each their own. While I am performing the spell I make sure to cleanse myself before and after with cleansing baths or showers. I also do a cleansing and protection work after the 7 or 9 days. Happy cursing!

Smart asf.

how to read candle flames

How to read candle flames  

High steady flame: yes 

Low steady flame: no 

Dancing flame: reground and put more focus towards your spell/question 

Violent flickering flame: strong no do not reattempt this spell or ask this question again 

Sputtering crackling flame: there is a more complex answer than a yes or no it could mean maybe or possibly 

Dual flame: thinking, wait for the answer 

Left leaning: yes 

Right leaning: no 

Will not light: try another time 

Will not go out: you are not done with your spell or question yet 

Candle goes out before you are done: wait now is not the right time  

Hey, I saw recently on one of your posts that you mentioned plant and crystal spirits as a good way to start out with spirit work. Do you have any articles or sites i could go to in order to learn more? I never realized these could harbor spirits? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Sorry it took me a little while to respond to this, I’ve been busy :x 

I don’t know which belief system you follow or how long you’ve been practicing, but here are a couple links with some very basic information that I hope will give you an idea of where to start <3 

Plants 

🌿 Dealing With Plant Spirits

🌿“I am receptive to plant spirits” sigil

🌿 Working With Plants 

🌿 Communicating With Plants 

🌿 List of Nature Deities 

🌿 Working With Plant Spirits 

🌿 Plants in Mythology 

🌿 Plant Folklore 

Crystals

🔮 Cultures and Crystals 

🔮 About the Stones 

Information on working with crystal spirits is a lot harder to find because the internet is over saturated with sites about “healing with crystals” and similar information, but it works mostly the same as contacting plant spirits. 

The biggest difference I find in working with plant vs crystal spirits is that usually crystals require a lot more time and physical contact to become familiar with them. There are also people who believe that it’s not the crystal it’s self that has a spirit but that a spirit is using a crystal as a sort of home, so to speak. I personally tend to follow in that belief, that there are small spirits that inhabit crystals, like a bird nesting in a birdhouse. 

I hope this has been helpful! 

Connecting With Your Spirit Guides ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━ 

‧₊˚.  : · •.  * • ˚   . · * ✶   : · •  *   ˚ ✵

In this discussion, we will explore various methods for establishing a connection with your spirit guides. It's important to note that this is not a definitive guide dictating what you should or shouldn't do, but rather a collection of different approaches that can help you discover what works best for you.

However, I will say this, and it's nothing bad. When establishing a connection with your spirit guides or receiving their signs, it's important to release the belief that it will be an extraordinary encounter where they manifest in front of you with physical forms, complete with wings or even a motorbike. By letting go of expectations regarding their appearance, status, and more, you can better open yourself up to recognizing the subtle signs that you might otherwise miss if you cling to such unrealistic expectations.

𖤣𖥧˚ Set Your Intention

Start by clarifying your intention to connect with your spirit guides. Clearly state your desire to establish a connection and seek their guidance and support.

𖤣𖥧˚ Ask For a Sign

If you're seeking guidance on a specific issue, ask your spirit guides for a clear sign to confirm their presence or provide direction. Be open to receiving the sign in unexpected ways, such as through conversations, songs, or encounters with specific animals or numbers.

𖤣𖥧˚ Pay Attention to Signs and Synchronicities

This goes back to the second part of this list. Throughout your day, be mindful of any signs, symbols, or synchronicities that catch your attention. Spirit guides often communicate through subtle messages in the form of numbers, animals, repeated patterns, or meaningful coincidences. My spirit guides would catch my attention by using feathers and placing them in unordinary spots.

𖤣𖥧˚ Practice Active Listening

Be patient and receptive during your connection attempts. Practice active listening by quieting your mind and being open to receiving messages or guidance from your guides. Pay attention to any thoughts, ideas, or insights that arise.

𖤣𖥧˚ Create a Sacred Space

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus without distractions. This can be a corner in your room, a meditation area, or anywhere you feel at ease.

𖤣𖥧˚ Call upon your guides

Silently or verbally call upon your spirit guides. You can address them by name if you already know it or simply ask for their presence and guidance. Be sincere and open-hearted in your communication.

𖤣𖥧˚ Dreamwork

Before sleep, set the intention to connect with your spirit guides in your dreams. Keep a dream journal beside your bed and record any dreams or messages you receive upon waking. Your guides may use dreams as a way to communicate with you.

𖤣𖥧˚ Keep a journal

Maintain a journal or notebook dedicated to your spiritual journey. Write down your experiences, any insights or messages you receive, and any signs or synchronicities you notice. This helps you track your progress and gain clarity over time.

𖤣𖥧˚ Nature connection

Spend time in nature, whether it's going for a walk in the woods, sitting by the ocean, or simply being in your backyard. Nature can provide a serene and harmonious environment to connect with your spirit guides and receive their guidance.

𖤣𖥧˚ Meditation

Meditation can quiet your mind and create a receptive space for communication with your spirit guides. Additionally, listening to music or following a guided meditation centred around connecting with your guides can be beneficial. In my personal opinion, the duration of your meditation session is not as important as the intention behind it. Whether it's a brief 30-minute session or a shorter period, the ultimate aim remains the same: establishing a connection with your guides.

Infused Oils

How to infuse Oils

How to make herb-infused oil: 1. Prepare your jar. Make sure the jar is clean and very dry. Again, any water in the jar can lead to spoilage. 2. Fill the jar to the top with herbs. 3. Pour oil over the herbs slowly. Using a chopstick or knife, move the herbs around to make sure all air pockets are filled with oil. Add enough oil to completely cover all the herbs, filling right up to the brim of the jar. 4. Cover the jar, give it a few shakes, and put it in a cool place inside your house. Every now and then, give your jar a shake. It will be ready to use in 3-6 weeks. The jar may ooze or leak a little, so place it on a plate or towel. 5. Strain the oil into your storage bottles through a cloth-lined strainer. Give the herbs a final few squeezes to get the last of that herb-soaked goodness. 6. Cork and label your bottles. The oil should last at room temperature for up to a year; two years if you add a capsule or two of vitamin E, a natural preservative.

Herbal oils make lovely gifts and can be used as a massage oil or added to the bath. You can also turn herbal oils into soothing salves by warming 4-6 ounces of oil in a double boiler or a glass container set inside a pot of water on the stove. Gradually add about a cup of grated beeswax and stir until the mixture melts. Add a little vitamin E, then pour into clean, very dry tins or small jars.

Depending on the herbs you used, these can be helpful for itching and rashes and can make an ultra-moisturizing lip balm. Enjoy!

Article by Meagan Francis HGTV Picture: Earth Essentials by Erica 

How to Write Your Own Spells

There are lots of ways to create spells, from planning everything to the minutest detail ahead of time to absolutely flying by the seat of your pants in the moment. If you'd like to write your own spells, either for use in your craft or as a creative exercise, here are some suggested steps that I use in my own practice:

1) Determine the intent or goal of your spell. Decide, first and foremost, what you want the spell to do. Refine your goal if necessary and try not to be too nebulous. Your intent tells the spell what it's meant to do. A more focused goal may increase the chances of success.

2) Determine how you want the spell to manifest. Decide how the spell should work and what the result should look like. This is a good time to build in a sign of success, especially for spells that may not work in an obvious or visible way.

3) Determine what or whom the spell will affect. If the spell is to have a target, be it a person or a place or an animal or an object, decide what that should be and how they or it will be represented in the casting.

4) Determine how long the spell is meant to work. If your spell is timebound or has a deadline, decide what that will be. If the spell is meant to work long-term, you may want to check in and refresh it from time to time. (Not every spell will be timebound. Many spells will simply expire when they have fulfilled their purpose or if they are blocked or circumstances are not favorable.)

5) Determine the timing of the spell, if applicable. Not everyone uses celestial or astrological timing for their spells, but if you do, look into the prevailing conditions and decide on an advantageous time for your casting. (Please note that magical timing can only enhance your spell and casting something on the "wrong" day will not necessarily cause it to fail.)

6) Determine what methods and materials you want to use to cast the spell. Decide how you're going to go about performing the casting, whether you're doing a ritual or making a charm or just using energy. If you're going to need a ritual space or physical components, plan that out and make sure it fits with what you want to do.

7) Determine the words, if any, which will empower the spell. If you want to include a prayer or a petition or a song or an incantation with your spell, decide what that should be. This is not strictly necessary and the words need not be spoken aloud. (Rhyming incantations are not required, but if you prefer them that way, you can certainly do so.)

8) Prepare the materials for casting the spell. Get all your necessaries together ahead of time. Make sure you have everything you need, that tools and components are in good and useable condition, prepare your workspace, and make sure everything is within easy reach so you don't have to stop and search for things in the middle of your casting. (And for goodness sake, if you're working with open flame, observe fire safety and tie your hair and sleeves back.)

9) Finalize details and perform the casting. When you're ready to begin, try to eliminate as many possibilities for distraction or interruption as possible. Go over your spell and components one more time, then proceed with casting the spell.

10) Record the particulars for future reference and to determine how well the spell worked. Make a record of the spell, including your goal, how it should manifest, the words and components used, the date of the casting, the casting method and procedure, and how the casting went. If there are any additional details or observations that seem important, include those as well. This will serve as a useful learning tool in the future and will allow you to check your work if the results make themselves known.

It's useful to write spells from time to time if the inspiration strikes you, in order to better understand how they fit together and how they work. Plus it's a fun and creative journaling exercise and recording the spells you cast a great way to measure your progress later on.

For additional tips on writing your own spells and helpful tricks for using timing and available materials to your advantage, check out my podcast, Hex Positive, Eps. 006-007, "Come In For A Spell, pt 1 & 2."

(And if you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

Happy Witching! 🔮✨

I hope this isn't rude, but I'm following a LOT of witch blogs. you being one of them. yet, when I look at the witch-related asks & answers for all of those blogs, other blogs are helpful and list spells and such. you just "no" whenever someone asks? Can I ask why you reject magic for a lot of your situations, considering you run a magic blog and are quite literally a creator of a magical how-to book?

simply because magic is not needed in every situation, nor is it advisable. recognizing when magic is and isn’t needed, or even a good idea is important in the life of the witch. 

here are a couple of examples of such:

things i have answered “no” to today:

bewitching your significant other (consent issues anyone?)

bewitching a non-signif to find out personal things (consent again)

asked for a spell for communicating with spirits (just because a skill isn’t developed doesn’t mean a spell will replace experience)

weight loss spells (dangerous and against my personal morals)

however, the one outlier i include is this, because it’s important:

easily google-able question (as stated in previous posts, i encourage people to develop their own research skills so they can grow in their craft when they reach an area of their path where there isn’t someone around to hold their hand and slip them the answers)

as for your “other blogs are helpful and list spells and such”, i’d like to direct your attention to the many posts of lists and ~stuff~ i make for people. such as the:

200+ spells all helpfully organized by type

the sideblog @orriculum-grimoire​ in case that wasn’t helpful enough

fucking huge witchcraft 101 masterpost 

every potion related post i have ever made rolled into one

how to ground masterpost because apparently it needed one

how to charge objects with intent or energy

cleansing masterpost

emoji spells 101

how to adjust a spell to suit your super specific needs

how to substitute ingredients in a spell

what does it “MEAN”

how to nullify a spell or remove a curse

disposing of spell materials 

where to find some goddamn herbs

how to make moon water 

an example discussion of researching and understanding correspondences using rosemary

fire safety BECAUSE NO ONE EVER DISCUSSES IT

spring witchcraft ideas

winter witchcraft ideas

coffee witchcraft masterpost

coffee lore and superstition

top five herbs because that’s somehow relevant

how to curse

how to glamour

how to do magic with flower crowns

unpacking witchcraft - spell types 

some basic terms to know 

methods for spells  

how to write your own spells - resources 

when to cast a spell - by weekdays 

when to cast a spell - by time of day 

low effort witchcraft 

tools of witchcraft overview

a witch’s wand -how to make one

building a broom/besom 

correspondence resource 

“to be a witch” falsehoods 

other witches and you 

witchcraft and the law 

difference between a witch and a herbalist 

self care for the witch 

when your spell fails 

tarot and pendulums can get it wrong

curses jinxes and hexes masterpost 

harry potter spells masterlist

sailor moon spells masterlist

florence + the machine song spells masterlist

steven universe inspired spells masterlist

valentine and all love related spells masterlist

infused water magic

floral tea magic 

herbal tea magic 

fruit tea magic

general tea magic

smoothie magic

milkshake magic

hot chocolate magic

how to contact a mermaid 

different types of mermaids

various powers of mermaids

offerings for mermaids

mermaid tips

sea witch resources

you want to know why i dont post lists? it’s because i already have.

i post a lot of gathered and organized research of my own, and a lot of 101 type stuff. it’s available and accessible. even a lot of the stuff in my book is available and free (yes, a lot of it is posted here, for free). 

Throwin’ the Bones

Of the divinatory techniques with which I am familiar, bones are my personal favorite. Yes, they have that very witchy vibe – but it’s more than that; the bones are honest. They don’t sugar coat, and while they have to be interpreted, once you know how to read them – there’s little room for interpretation. They are very direct and are much better suited to answering yes or no questions than tarot. With a little imaginative methodology, there few questions the bones can’t answer. And even fewer they won’t answer (as tarot cards can be known to do). A few examples of things I think the bones are better at answering than tarot: questions involving time, questions regarding health, sickness and maledictions; they present a broader grasp to any given situation – incorporating things outside of the question presented and how these things relate to the question or the reading, showing the interconnectedness of life – and how these things all relate back.

Our countless cultures have countless methods for collecting and reading the Bones – and I can only rightly attest to my own methodology: one in which the Bones need not necessarily consist solely of bones, but a collection of gathered trinkets and curios, all with their own meaning, their own story and their own energy. My collection consists of: bones (bare and painted), coins, stones, shells, jewelry, twigs, buttons, animal teeth and other squabbles. The only rule I implement is that the item can be easily gathered and (safely) tossed without breakage or injury (save your razor-blades and glass shards for witches’ bottles!).

Collecting the Bones and Bobbles

Most any small bones will do, though its recommended that you use bones that haven’t been cooked, as cooked bones have a tendency to get very brittle – especially in the case of chicken, which is quite common. In my collection I have a number of different animal bones: most are chicken, but I also have some raccoon and possum bones, as well as teeth and claws. I built a “base” of bones, but am continuously adding or replacing as I see fit.

A short list of “Bones” I like to include – most of which serve as my “base” bones:

Self Bone – used for the reader

Other Bone – used to represent another person or the person you are reading

Magic Bone – represents the need for or use of magic

“Evil” Bone – malicious or hateful acts, disadvantageous behavior

Love Bone – represents romantic love

Male Bone – represents male fertility, masculinity, sexuality or a man

Female Bone – represents female fertility, femininity, sexuality or a woman

Health Bone – represents physical or mental health

Wealth Bone – represents financial standing or monetary issues

Family Bone – represents familial connections or a family member

Fate Bone – represents destiny and your lifepath (I use a shell for this: open side up means an event can be altered, destiny is not set in stone; open side down, this path must be walked – prepare in lieu of fighting)

“Key” Bone – (I actually use a small key) which represents the key to any given situation, the remedy or problem at hand and its cause

This list is by no means comprehensive and I have many more bones in my collection with more menial meanings. This is simply a small list of options to be added to and adapted by whosoever casts the bones.

Reading the Bones

There is no right or wrong way to read the bones, there is simply your way and their way. Below I will dictate how it is that I do a general reading – again, this is just an example of one way, take and adapt to fit your own unique style or tradition!

Begin by collecting your bones into your hand. I keep mine in a leather pouch, but don’t like to toss them directly from the bag as it doesn’t allow for much control – i.e. the bones fall out either in a massive, unreadable pile or they fly out in such a scattered way nothing is close enough to read. Throwing them from the hand allows for a rather contained casting, and one that can be read easily. I do not include the Self or Other bone, instead, the Self Bone is placed before the caster and the Other Bones is placed either in front of the person you’re reading for or simply in the middle of the casting area. When reading for yourself, place the Self Bone in the center and discard the Other Bone.

Throw the Bones. This can be done on a square of cloth on which a circle (or any number of complex shapes) has been drawn or simply upon a flat table. If throwing in a circle, discard all bones that fall outside of it. These bones are null for the reading, though they can also be read as “far from the person’s mind/current situation.”

Interpret the Bones. This is done by noting the location and connection of the bones present. For instance, note the Love Bones proximity to the Other Bones and the Male Bone. This could be interpreted as being the male love of the querent – but if the “Evil” bones is introduced, this could symbol ulterior motives or a hostile or explosive relationship. Read based on both their proximity to the Other Bone – the closer, the higher priority the matter is – and their relation to one another. It’s very much like investigating a big puzzle, putting it together piece by piece to form a comprehensive understanding of their life or situation. Also not their relation based on the third dimension: x bone seems to be overlapping y bone – is the x issue eclipsing an underlying problem or truth represented by y? It depends. Only through practice will you find clarity.

Convey the message. I always like to spend a few moments making a variety of “hmm” noises when reading for others – it builds up their anticipation. Or you can throw in the occasional gasp or snarky smirk. Their responses are usually hilarious – even more so when yours are genuine! If you are reading on your own, it may be a good idea to sketch out a general map of the readings as opposed to taking a picture as often bones overlie others, which makes for a rather misleading photo representation. You might also find jotting down notes rewarding, especially in synthesizing a cohesive read.

Once you’ve garnered all the information you can from that particular toss, feel free to specify: take the bone/situation you wish to examine and toss the rest again over it/them, reading the others through that particular lens. I.E. Who is this person mentioned? What are their qualities? What is the nature of this love? What magic is being referenced here? Follow that rabbit hole as far as you wish, building your understanding.

Do not be afraid to adjust your style! Want to narrow down a time frame? Make a sort of timeline with the bones. Wish to determine the source of an ailment? Shape the bones into the form of a body. I find the bones allow for far more creativity and ingenuity than cards. And above all – TRUST YOUR GUT.

Photos: These are photos of my “base” bones when I first started reading; since then they have probably doubled (if not tripled) in number and do not incorporate my other animal bones, claws or teeth. 

A Deep Room Cleanse

The state of my room is extremely important to me. It’s a direct reflection of my mental health, so when it’s messy, my energy levels are low and I just feel yucky. There’s no way I’m getting any kind of work done, magical or mundane. When it feels good and clean to be in, it’s a lot easier to deal with my symptoms and be productive. You don’t have to do every step every time of course, but each step has helped me so I figured a list like this might help someone. 

Change the lighting. Use natural sources of light (like pulling back the curtains and letting the sun in) over artificial ones. If you have salt lamps to turn on, those are still very nice. If you need artificial light to keep it from being too dark, try to prioritize light bulbs you like the color of, and ones that don’t whistle quietly when they’re on.

Change the airflow. Open a window, if you can. Often our rooms feel yucky because the air is stale. Get some fresh air moving. If it’s too cold, it’s okay to only keep it open for a few minutes or put on a coat while you work because you’re stubborn like me.

Change the sound. Put on your favorite cleansing music. Let it soak into the room. I tend to go or ambient spa stuff, or playlists that sound built for a rainy day. (Note: the music that helps you cleanse the best may not be the same as what you like the most. The playlist should keep you focused/uplifted while you work and reflect the vibes you want your room to have.)

Change the smell. Take out the trash, maybe refresh the sheets on your bed. Light a scented candle, some incense, heat up some oil, something to make your room smell distinctly different from the mucky-feeling room from before. (If your method of choice is something short like a room spray, I actually like doing it at the very end.)

Actually clean and organize. Nothing junks up the energy of a room more quicker than actual junk. Organize everything as much as you can (this might mean finally gutting your closet, even if you can close the door and hide it.) Wipe down any surfaces that need it, get everything fresh and functional again. Do some laundry while you work. If you have clothes or trinkets that are just collecting dust, extra points for purging them! 

 Cleanse any sacred spaces by themselves. A lot of us have altars or shrines in our rooms. A sacred space can also be just an extra important area of your room, like a reading nook.  Make sure to give them extra attention! You don’t need to wipe the board energetically (and probably shouldn’t), but taking a little extra time to clean surfaces, straighten up, and make sure everything feels okay on them goes a long way.

Cleanse in your regular way. Bust out the herb bundles, the bells, the ribbons, the broom, whatever you usually do to cleanse a space! The room is SUPER primed for it now, most of the negative energy probably already feels removed if not broken down. A good once-over with your favorite cleansing method should finish it off nicely. 

Refresh any wards or protections. Self explanatory. If you maintain energy borders in your room, now is a good time to check in on them and zhoosh them if needed. Keep the space clean for longer! 

Practice self-care. Take a shower, a nap, eat some food, whatever you need. You’ve put in a lot of work and you deserve it.