Bedridden Witch: Nature Edition

Bedridden witch: Divination edition

Ideas for practicing divination while bedridden: Varying in energy + mobility required - please don’t push yourself, hopefully there’s options for everyone! Quick note: I’ve only included forms of divination I personally do.

Tarot:

Tarot apps are a great way to pull a card with a tap or two (Labyrinthos and Galaxy tarot have been recommended). 

Spread the deck on a flat surface, and move your hand over to pick (let your hands sense the energy), or pick based on intuition. 

Do a two-card (or more!) spread - you don’t have to lay it out if you can’t sit up, you can hold them in your hand or place on your lap.

Sleep with the deck under your pillow.

Pick one card that represents what you want from the next day and slip it under your pillow or mattress for the night, or place on your altar.

Memorize the meanings of the cards.

Make or buy a mini deck for easier use.

Do the easy “find this card and whatever is above or below it =X” spreads.

More limited mobility suggestions here

Scrying:

Use a black mirror or picture frame with black cloth/paper behind it.

Get a mini scrying bowl and fill with water, cradle it in your hands.

Pendulum:

Wear it around your neck.

Shorten the string so you don’t have to sit up.

Prop your hand on a pillow if you need the strength/steadiness.

Use off of the side of your bed if it’s too long (this can be a bit awkward)

Keep it under your pillow.

Use a mini pendulum or a necklace as a pendulum.

Make a simple board or don’t use one at all, just condition your pendulum with basic movements.

*You CAN use a pendulum even with shaky hands, it just takes a bit of bonding and conditioning.*

More limited mobility suggestions here

Tasseomancy:

Get a mug with two handles.

Keep in a sealable container until you’re ready.

Put a towel over yourself in case you spill.

Use a Tupperware container. No shame.

Runes:

(With a huge thanks to @adragonspath for compiling a list of suggestions!)

Sleep with your runes next to you.

Memorize their meaning.

Draw one rune and meditate on their meaning and how you can manifest them in your life.

Charge them with sun/moon light by your window.

Study their origin and reading methods.

Crystal and wooden runes: connect with the element Earth and the intent corresponding to the crystal/type of wood.

Other materials: meditate on the origin and development of that material. Connect with the corresponding element and intent.

Other ideas + Posts

Automatic writing

Astragalomancy - Divination using playing dice

Oneiromancy - Interpretation of dreams in order to predict future.

Stitchomancy - Get a book. Ask question, then open book to random page and read what pops out to you.

This awesome post

Bedridden witch: Nature edition

Bedridden witch: Worship edition

All my bedridden witch posts

Limited hand mobility + witchcraft

So, you want to be a witch? #5

Part one talks about spells, wards, sigils, cleansing, divination and more!

Part two talks about grimoires, crystals, wands, altars and more!

Part three talks about this vs. that for a lot of the common terms you hear!

Part four talks about types of witches, deities and more!

It can be easy to feel super overwhelmed when you’re first starting off. This post is for very new witches who have limited knowledge and would like a broad overview! These are my opinions, feel free to disagree but be polite about it. *And please note that you do not have to do every thing I listed, this is just an overview of basic terms/things some witches do.*

This post is a little different than the other ones, it’s all about casting spells!

Grounding and cleansing yourself:

It often is harder to focus on a spell if you are stuck in your own thoughts or have the energies from the day on you. I’ll often start with cleansing myself, by burning a sage or cedar herb bundle, and then sit and take some focused breaths and becoming present in my body.

Casting a circle:

Many witches cast circles as a way to protect themselves from outside energies or unwanted spirits while they’re performing magic. You can use the elements, a salt circle, invoking a deity, etc. Click the links to learn more!  [X] [X] It is recommend you stay in the circle until you finish the spell and close the circle.

Drawing energy from something:

(So you don’t draw all the energy from yourself, which can be draining). Energy can be drawn from the elements, from crystals, deities, and many other things. This can be done by visualization and energy work or by asking. 

Casting the spell:

This is when you use your ingredients and the guidelines of the spell. It is best to be completely focused so try to avoid having distractions (like your phone) and have everything you need ready to go. 

Closing any loopholes:

Often, this is not included in the written spell so this is up to you. I usually write a list of loopholes I want to close before starting this process, so it’s handy when I’m finished with the spell! If it’s a spell you want to come to light in a certain way or by a certain time, this is when you clarify that. This post has more info [X]

Completing the spell and dispelling any energies:

Once you have finished with the loopholes, finishing the spell can be as simple as “this spell is now complete”. I recommend dispelling any energies you called on and returning them to where they belong. If you didn’t cast a circle, now is the time to rid of anything you may have attracted by performing your spell.

Closing the circle:

Closing a circle is fairly simple! All you have to do is the reverse of how you cast it. (If it was with smoke for example, you would then undo the circle by burning the bundle in the opposite direction).

Cleansing and grounding:

Cleansing here is optional, depends on the spell, how you’re feeling, and if you want to do it. Grounding is highly recommended. This can come in many forms. I often use water, putting drops on the key points of my face (forehead, eyelids, cheeks, nose, lips and chin) and sit while taking focused breaths.

Other considerations:

Consent: If you are casting a spell on a specific person and they do not know or they have not given you permission, you do not have their consent. Spells cast to bring a general thing (to attract love instead of to make a specific person fall in love with you), with permission, or on yourself don’t need consent/already have it!

Ingredients: Ingredients are often an important part of the spell and are included for a reason. They either represent a part of the spell, what the spell is trying to accomplish or are something you can draw energy from.

Alternative ingredients: If you can’t get your hands on a certain ingredient, you can almost always use a substitute ingredient. Just use correspondences and trust your gut while searching for the perfect substitute. Many people believe: Clear quartz = any crystal, Rosemary = any herb, Rose = any flower. But really, look at what that ingredient is meant to bring to the spell, then find an alternative that still brings that!

Discarding used ingredients: (Click me)

Belief: If you don’t believe the spell is going to work - it probably won’t. To combat this, take the time to find a spell you really believe will work and write a list of ways you might expect it to present in your life.

Intention: Similar to belief. I’ve performed magic only using a pen, paper, and my powerful intentions. The more powerfully you want something and bring it into your life, the more likely it is to appear. Intent is the end goal, why you’re casting the spell. 

Deities: I do not use deities in my spellwork (or witchcraft at all). There is a huge amount of respect and connection-building that is required before asking a deity to help with your spell. I tend to avoid spells where a listed ingredient is a deity. (If you do have a connection with a deity, by all means ask them to help you out if that feels right to you!)

Energy: It is common to feel drained after casting a spell. Grounding yourself, casting a circle and drawing energy from other things all help with this, but allow yourself some time to recover. [X]

When your spell fails: (click me)

Nullifying your spell: (click me)

Writing your own spells: [X] [X] [X] [X]

Related posts: [X] [X] [X] [X] [X]

(Click here for the other parts in this series!)

Bedridden witch: Weather edition

Keep jars of water from different types of weather nearby.

Create a page of sigils, one for each type of weather.

Try to guess the forecast for the day, then check it!

Burn rain scented candles, or ones that remind you of certain types of weather.

Utilize herbs and woods that are connected to weather magic [X].

Draw energy from whatever weather is happening outside.

Read/write poetry that makes you feel the weather.

Hang wind chimes and flags outside your window so you can easily tell the changes in wind.

Put a rain gauge in sight of your window.

Enchant a snow globe to bring snow.

Listen to ambiance tracks that sound like the rain or a storm. 

Use the raindrops on the window as a form of divination.

Make a file with videos and gifs of different weather and pull it up when you need to.

Use a glass of water to summon/dispel rain.

Make bottles for types of weather, shake to bring it and tap to dispel it.

Watch YouTube videos on different types of clouds and how they’re formed.

Use different weather’s waters for scrying, cleansing, or flinging something into manifestation. 

Use a super in-depth weather app.

Leave small offerings to weather/storm deities if it fits your craft.

Create a terrarium that resembles your area, and add things to manipulate the environment. 

Open your window!

Use a map to draw weather certain places.

Create art for your favorite types of weather.

Related posts:

Bedridden witch  - Nature edition

Bedridden witch - Elements edition

Bedridden witch - Winter edition

Bedridden witch - Ocean edition

All current bedridden witch posts can be found here!

Bedridden witch: Elements edition

Little ways to connect to the elements while you’re bedridden or stuck inside.

Earth:

Keep jars of dirt from special places.

Grow cacti or succulents.

Make a mini sand garden.

Hang macrame with crystals or stones.

Keep a bouquet of flowers.

Hang herbs from your walls/ceiling.

Get a little plant starter kit, keep seedlings by your window.

Keep some books on plants and geology around.

Watch nature documentaries.

Keep pebbles and crystals under your pillow.

Make a miniature garden/landscape using fake or real plants!

Reach down and feel the energy of the earth below you. Sometimes this is easier on the floor.

Burn candles that smell like the earth/forest/your favorite place.

Drink herbal tea.

Water:

Get a mini waterfall or fountain.

Keep plants that grow in water.

Get a water essential oil diffuser.

Make a spray from infused water.

Open windows when it rains.

Set up a bird fountain outside.

Fully savor your next glass of water.

Keep blues and sea green colors around.

Watch videos or documentaries on aquatic/marine life.

Watch the raindrops or condensation on your window.

Keep a bowl of water around. 

Listen to water/rain ambiance.

Burn candles that smell like the ocean or the rain.

Use a washcloth to wipe down your face/body.

Keep jars of water from your favorite places.

Air:

Open your window.

Use room spray/mist.

Burn candles that smell like the wind.

Hang wind chimes.

Listen to air/wind ambiance.

Get a small fan for some air flow.

Burn incense and watch the smoke move through the air.

Use your breath.

Hang feathers in your room.

Hang scarves and cloths around your room, watch the breeze sway them around.

Get some air plants.

Use an app that lets you see the sky/night sky.

Watch the clouds from your window.

Meditate, allow your senses to explore the air around you.

Fire:

Burn candles/incense.

Hang red or orange curtains.

Get a Himalayan salt lamp.

Use a wax melter.

Get an electric candle.

Use a heating pad or electric blanket.

Listen to fire ambiance. 

Use the heat of your body.

Watch gifs/videos of fire.

Keep a lighter nearby when you need a little flame. 

Place a little tealight in a fireproof vessel near your bed.

Feel the warmth and strength of the sun.

Build up energy with your hands, imagine it’s fire.

Drink tea with warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, etc.)

Click here for my other posts in this series!

Thanks to @healing-water-witch for giving me the idea and contributing!

Bedridden Witch: The Setup

A revamp of my very first bedridden witch post, which now pales in comparison to all my themed ones! This post is all about setting up your bedroom/space to aid in witchcraft while bedbound. See my other bedridden posts for ideas on performing witchcraft while bedridden (click here!).

The Bed:

Pillow:

Pillowcase color correspondences

Sigils in pillowcase

Scented (or not) sachet under pillow

Crystals under pillow or (small ones) in pillowcase

Tarot cards under pillow

Mattress:

Sheets/bedding color correspondences

Sigils under mattress

Spray with scented mist (I have one from a local lavender farm)

Wash with scented (or not) detergent that has specific correspondences/components

Under the bed:

Tie a sachet underneath the bed

Place/secure a physical tie for your wards under each corner–if you spend a lot of time in bed, reinforcing the wards specifically on your bed can be helpful

Keep a crate/drawer of frequently used witchy supplies you can easily access; crystals, herbs, divination tools, spell components, etc. 

Keep a stack of witchcraft books you want to read

Bedside table:

Store supplies: crystals, books, sprays, etc. 

A surface for candles; flame or electric, or a Himalayan salt lamp. Wax melters are also fantastic.

A surface for a EO or reed diffuser

Keep a charging board there for the crystals you use

Keep your favorite divination tools nearby

A nice spot to keep your grimoire/journal

Create a small altar

Spell jars

Walls:

Hang….

Herb and/or spell sachets

Artwork that relates to your craft

Devotional work/prayers

Star and moon phase charts

Witches ladder

Herb/flower/plant garlands

Plants to dry

Fairy/twinkle lights along the top of the walls

Physical tie for your wards in each corner

A hanging altar

Window/Windowsill:

Curtain color correspondences

Hang a rainbow prism to let the sunlight scatter through your space

Place some houseplants or herbs on the windowsill

Hang windchimes outside

Hang bird feeders outside

Place a rain gauge outside 

Other: 

Decorate with seasonal things (flowers, leaves, paper snowflakes, etc.)

Keep jars of the different elements and/or their correspondences (water, earth, air, fire)

Keep spell bottles nearby. 

Having a bed tray (typically used for food) can make a great working surface

Technology can also help tie everything together: ambiance tracks, videos of things like a fire crackling, snow falling, a stream, a forest, etc. 

This post remains fairly neutral/vague, but designing your space with a certain theme can influence your craft!

You May Also Like:

Bedridden witch series (all of my bedridden witch posts)

Bedridden witch: Stale energy edition

Bedridden witch: Discreet edition

Spoonie witch masterpost

Housewarming magic

Making your room magical

**Do not repost or share on other platforms - reblogging is okay!**

So, you want to be a witch? #2

Part one talks about spells, wards, sigils, cleansing, divination and more!

It can be easy to feel super overwhelmed when you’re first starting off. This post is for very new witches who have limited knowledge and would like a broad overview! These are my opinions, feel free to disagree but be polite about it. 

Grimoires:

A grimoire is a book/notebook here you store witchcraft related information! It can be highly personal and doesn’t have strict guidelines at all.

Grimoires can be a place to store personal spells, records of your craft, and journal how things went, or cheat-sheets and charts on correspondences and anything you want to remember.

You could also fill it with usable pages, like one that becomes your altar, a pendulum board, a page to charge your crystals, etc.

It’s basically anything you’re interested in recording, and in whatever format/method suits your fancy!

Crystals:

Crystals are lovely, and usually quite beautiful! While you do not NEED to have crystals, it is a draw for many.

Crystals are often used based off of the correspondences they have, or the energies they give off. Amethyst, clear quartz and rose quartz have versatile energies, and clear quartz can substitute any crystal.

How to use them. Crystals can be used in a variety of ways! They can be part of a spell’s ingredients, used in a crystal grid, or simply put in your pocket or worn as jewelry. 

How to cleanse and charge them. Crystals should be cleansed and recharged every once and a while. This can be done by using the elements, the moon, incense smoke, meditation, and more!

Wands:

Let’s face it, wands are pretty freaking cool and are often closely tied with magic! 

How to make them. Wands are highly personal, and can be made out of practically anything. Some people use wooden spoons, pencils, crystal points and other pre-made things. Other’s make their own, often using things like wood, leather or string, crystals, bones, and more! 

How to use them. Wands are for channeling your energy and magic!

Altars:

Altars are another one of those things that can be highly personal and totally up to you! They can also look a variety of ways.

What they look like. Altars can be on a table, shelf, dresser top, or the floor. In an altoids tin, a closet, a book or a drawer.

Who/what to make them for. Whoever or whatever you want! Some people dedicate them to deities, some to the seasons, an element, a mood, and more.

What to put on them. Many people have an altar cloth that marks that space as being an altar. You basically put anything on it that reminds you of what that altar is for. You could include an offering bowl, where you place things as an offering to whatever the altar is for. 

General note:

Tools do not have to be expensive or fancy. You don’t have to keep the same one if your want to upgrade later. 

Athame = a kitchen knife

Cauldron = a kitchen pot

Chalice = regular glass

Besom = a broom

You get the idea! Witchcraft is all about using what you have in my opinion!

Finding tools on a budget

Here is a list of tools recommended for beginner Wiccans.

(Click here for the other parts in this series!)

So, you want to be a witch? #3

Part one talks about spells, wards, sigils, cleansing, divination and more! 

Part two talks about grimoires, crystals, wands, altars and more!

It can be easy to feel super overwhelmed when you’re first starting off. This post is for very new witches who have limited knowledge and would like a broad overview! These are my opinions, feel free to disagree but be polite about it.

Please note: Some sections contain information from other posts. All are sourced and linked both within the post and at the bottom!

Coven vs. Solitary?

It is a common belief that you must join a coven to be a witch, but that is not always true.

Many witches are solitary, meaning they primarily do witchcraft on their own. They may however do it with a friend or two on occasion! I am a solitary witch myself.

“Covens are a group of practitioners with like minded interests, ethics, and beliefs. They gather together to perform rituals, to connect, and to learn. They often celebrate sabbats and create their own traditions.” [source]    

There are benefits to being solitary, and to being in a coven. It is often a matter of personal preference!

Secular vs. Religious?

Another common belief is that witchcraft = religion.

Witchcraft certainly CAN be a religion for you.

It also can be tied into whatever religion you are already practicing.

However, witchcraft is not inherently religious, and you can keep witchcraft and your religion separate.

Additionally, witchcraft isn’t inherently spiritual, and that also falls under the category of secular.

You can practice witchcraft without worshiping or believing in deities!

Paganism vs. Wicca vs. Witchcraft?

Trust me, this is about as simplified as I can make it while trying to keep it accurate and informative! Basically, people may identify under one of these categories alone, or multiple. They are all valid. 

Paganism. Was used as a blanket term for everything that didn’t fit into a tidy box of “main world” religions (anything pre/non-Christian). The phrase paganism is now used to describe anyone who follows ancient religions. It is often connected to nature worship as well. [external source] 

Wicca. “A form of Neo-Paganism. The practice of Wicca places religion and magic together. They are linked together and cannot be separated. If you practice traditional Wicca, you cannot do magic without attaching religious reference to it, usually in the form of calling on their Goddess and/or God. There is also a set of rules that many practitioners follow.” [source] 

Traditional witchcraft. “Often serves as a reconstruction of what we believe, from the sources of folklore and history we have, witches did and the roles they served. It is based in and inspired by the lore of witches in the Early Modern Period.” [source]

Witchcraft. Is a bit of a blanket term. Although by definition it falls under paganism, not all witches identify as being pagan. There is a diverse group who chooses this label, and some may follow certain rules and guidelines, while others do not. 

Curses vs. Hexes vs. Jinxes?

You do not have to do these if you don’t want to. I personally don’t, but fully support those who do perform curses/hexes/jinxes.

Curses. Curses are long-term, potentially life ruining things. They hold the power to do a lot of harm.

Hexes. Often considered a weaker version of a curse, designed to make all the little things go wrong, and are long-term.

Jinxes. More of a momentary, short-term thing. Designed for the target to have all the little things go wrong or have a touch of bad luck.

Enchantments vs. Charms?

The terms can be interchangeable and it is a matter of personal preference. My personal opinion is….

An enchantment is what you DO to an item. It can also be done to a person.

A charm is the end result (an item being enchanted).

Blessings vs. Spells?

Blessings are typically short term and nice little things. A blessing could be “may every light be green for you today”. 

To bless something with certain intent is kind of a mix between a blessing and a spell, and can last a long time.

Spells can range in length and intent, and are basically everything not already covered in this post!

Sources: [X] [X] [X] [X]

Bedridden witch: Worship edition

Sometimes as someone who is stuck in one spot, it can be hard to feel connected to your gods/goddesses/deities. However, it’s not as hard as you may think to find some solid methods! Please note that your deities understand your situation and don’t expect you to suffer for them or consistently do things for them!

Burn candles or incense that remind you of them. If you are unable to do this, try an oil diffuser or room spray.

Use blankets, sheets, pillows, etc. that have colors you associate with them.

Make an online devotional blog or altar. I do this [X]

Chat with other people who work with them. 

If your body is okay with it, eat foods that are sacred/connected to them.

Hang pictures or decorations that correspond with their sacred animals, plants, or what lessons or teachings they present to you.

Write devotional poetry, or make drawings for them.

Draw sigils for them and hang them on your walls, ceiling, or put under your mattress.

Find a stuffed animal that you feel captures their essence or reminds you of them, and hold it close when you need the support.

Research them/browse their tag on tumblr.

Keep stones and crystals you associate with them near you – on a bedside table or under your pillow.

Use astral travel or dream magic to connect with them.

Listen to music that makes you feel closer to them.

Watch shows or movies that remind you of them.

Pray to them, talk to them, write them a letter. Stay in communication with them, especially in times of need.

Meditate.

Drink something warm or cool that helps you connect with them.

Make a spell bottle/jar that you feel captures their essence. Charge during good days, use for connection and support during the not-so-good days.

Make emoji spells to feel more connected to them.

Expose yourself to natural light (or gentle artificial light) or complete darkness, depending on the deity.

Devote small, everyday tasks to them. (Example for the Greek + Roman pantheon.)

Read books about them, or that remind you of them/their values.

Make herb sachets for them, keep them under your pillow or hang on your wall.

Wear scented oils, perfumes, lotions, or pick a shampoo with a scent or ingredients that make you think of them.

@thewitchofthenorse also has a post on this here!

And here is a post about nature connection while bedridden, which is great for nature deities!

Again, please note that you don’t need to do anything to be connected to your gods/goddesses/deities. They know and understand what you are going through, and are patient. 

Click here for the other posts in this series!

Bedridden witch: Stale energy edition

Anyone who’s been stuck in bed knows how quickly that stale feeling can build up! Here’s some tips (both witchy and non) for clearing some of that unwanted energy. Thank you @tealeavesandpapertrees for requesting this post!

Open a window.

Hang wind chimes outside.

Hang a rainbow prism by your window, let the light cleanse your room.

Keep a small fan.

Flip over your blankets and pillows.

Use a Himalayan salt lamp.

Clean one area per day (can be minuscule or massive)

Let the moon wash over your room.

Burn candles, let the flame burn away any unwanted energy

Make a spritz with scented herbs or infused water.

Let the weather cleanse your room, no matter what it may be.

Manipulate the energy with your hands.

Do at least one hygienic thing per day.

Set out a bowl of water to absorb the energy, dispose accordingly.

Wash all of your bedding, place some cleansing sigils or herbs underneath your mattress.

Wash yourself, even if it’s just with a cloth.

Speak out loud (or communicate in some form) what things you would like to invite into your space.

Use a wax melter with some cheery scents.

Get a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Play music.

Burn incense, as the smoke wafts around the room let it push away any unwanted energy.

Visualize a light clearing out the energy.

Switch which side of the bed your lying on.

When it rains, imagine the rain washing away or drawing out the energy.

Laughter is the best medicine. Watch a funny or heartwarming movie that makes you feel content.

Keep a jar and write down anything you want to let go of. Destroy accordingly.

Change what clothes you’re wearing every couple of days.

Hold a crystal and imagine it sending out positive energy.

So many, many other things!

Click here for my other posts in this series!

A spoonie witch is...

A spoonie who practices witchcraft. Simple!

A spoonie is someone who for whatever reason (usually a physical illness/disability - but it can also be due to a mental illness) doesn’t have as much energy as everyone else. The Spoon Theory [X] is a handy way to explain this to others and remind us of our limitations. It also shows us that we can ration our “spoons” (energy) to a certain extent. An important thing to note is that identifying as a spoonie is a choice, not all ill/disabled people do.