Here’s a quick-and-dirty list of things that I think sets up a good foundation for someone moving forward with magic work and why. They’re also in order of what I think is best approached first. (For a time reference, I recommend the whole thing taking at LEAST a year, but individual steps and overall length will vary in each person.)
Learn basic magical theory. What is happening when you cast a spell? What is grounding? How do correspondences work? Why is X step or tool important? Learn about what it is you’re doing before diving into actual casting. Have a basic grip on how it works.
Some form of divination, even if it’s something as simple as a pendulum. Other people won’t always be there to help you answer questions, validate your interpretation of something, or offer direction. Having some form of divination under your belt helps you avoid dependency on other people. You can more easily answer your own questions, check your own intuition, and take matters into your own hands.
Protection and Cleansing. No matter what path you go down or what type of magic you end up doing, these are two things that every magic worker needs to know how to do, and know how to do it well. They also tend to be fairly straightforward to learn. Cleanse your space, cleanse yourself, cleanse that object, cleanse your grandma. Then protect them. Learn how to set up wards and shields, which brings us to….
Basic energy work. You’ve probably already run into it a lot by this point and it’s fine if you’ve already picked up some things. But now is the time to really focus on it and get comfortable with it. Learn how to confidently sense what’s around you and interact with it, fix gaps in your wards and shields, project your intent into things, you get the idea. Energy work will always be there in a pinch and requires no materials besides your body, and is extremely versatile. Plus, most paths really require at least a base-level understanding of it these days. Can’t hurt.
Start honing your specific path. Here’s where the cookbooks, the old graveyards, the skulls on the shelf, the fairy figurines start really coming into play. If you have an idea of what sort of path you’d like to follow, start really getting into the meat of it! What does it look like? What are the first steps to that type of magic? If for now you’re still eclectic or aren’t sure, then just read what interests you or try more advanced general spells than you have so far.
Go back and do it all again. That’s right. You can also put time into your path or your regular research, but go back and pick up those old books from step one. Read the old articles. Return to the basics and see how your views have become more nuanced, or how you disagree. What details flew over your head the first time? Can you pick up a new form of divination or try something new with your main form? Could those wards and shields be stronger? You get the idea. Once you’ve revisited it, you should have a really solid foundation that will help you no matter what direction you take next!
Other stuff to study on the side: Local folklore, mythology, and types of spirits. You may not want to work with spirits, but sometimes spirits want to work with you! So it’s good to have an idea of what to do if they pop up. What plants grow in your area? What‘s edible? What is used in healing? What plants are NOT edible in your area? What’s poisonous?
If you think there’s another important step that you recommend that I didn’t include, feel free to add it! :)
hello!!!!!
Please reblog if you’re a witchcraft blog of any sort. I would love to follow you~. Also, don’t be shy about talking to me if you’re interested! I don’t bite.
Full Moon Vibes. (gif found on giphy.com)
Description: For when you are stressed and need love to feel ok.
Amethyst (small)
Cat
Catnip (optional)
Chamomile Tea
Pillows
Blankets (optional)
Notes:
Charge your amethyst beforehand.
You may substitute any pet.
In the event that your furry friend has passed you may substitute a stuffed animal or visualize them. You should also look up a purr simulator in youtube.
Brew the chamomile tea.
Perform any pre-spell rituals.
Place the amethyst under a pillow you will be resting on.
Call your cat. You may need to tempt them to come over and stay with catnip spread on your chest. Wrap yourself in blankets or alternatively wrap both of you in blankets.
Pet them until they purr loudly.
Sip your tea and pet your cat. Repeat these words as necessary:
No matter what happens, my cat will still love me.
His/her purrs wash over me with their healing power,
Calming me and making me whole again.
His/her love heals my heart.
Their unconditional love is a true measure of friendship.
Notes:
This spell is best when done with a cat because a cat’s purr does having healing abilities. If you have another pet you can talk about their kisses in place of the purr, or any other aspect of them.
Take time to allow yourself to slow down and just be loved. Before I was diagnosed with my anxiety disorder, cuddling with my cat was the only way I knew how to cope.
Dedicated to my cat: I still need you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel like I have forgotten about a reading that you have asked for! Sometimes I just plain forget and other times notifications get buried by likes and stuff. Please contact me if I have neglected you! It's accidental and I need to be made aware of it. Love and hugs 💚💚💚
Three words… Amethyst. Crystal. Fireplace 😱🔥✨💜
via @lightsandlilacs . . . . . #spiritual #boho #bohemain #manifest #enlightenment #pagan #goodvibes #hippie #witchesofinstagram #higherconsciousness #wicca #wiccan #spiritjunkie #energy #freespirit #metaphysical #healingstones #crystals #amethyst
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 decoction method. If you use flowers, leaves, fruits, or stems, use the tea method. 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)
Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia, earaches; reduces stress and tension, improves skin
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
Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, blood pressure, circulation; antiseptic, antidepressant; eases indigestion
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)
Bergamot: Soothes colds, fevers, coughs, nausea, indigestion, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with photosensitizing medications)
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
Cramp Bark: Eases arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual cramps
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)
Horseradish: Antiseptic; antibacterial; expectorant; soothes flu, colds, coughs, symptoms of urinary tract infections; diuretic; appetite stimulant (avoid taking with thyroid medications)
Hyssop: Soothes colds, fevers, sore throats, asthma, rheumatism, indigestion; expectorant
Lemon: Boosts immune system, helps prevent kidney stones, eases indigestion and constipation, relieves toothaches
Lemongrass: Supports healthy cholesterol; antibacterial; detoxifies; relieves constipation, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, coughs, colds, fevers, anxiety, stress, fatigue; boosts immune system
Mugwort: Eases menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, fevers, colds (do NOT take if pregnant)
Mullein: Relieves asthma, coughs, colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids; expectorant; diuretic
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)
Skullcap: Eases headaches, stress, menstrual tension, insomnia, anxiety, sedative
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Valerian Root: Eases insomnia (do NOT take with alcohol, sedatives, or anti anxiety medications)
Witch Hazel Bark: Relieves pain, diarrhea, colds, fevers, ulcers, colitis; antiseptic
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:
Angelica Leaf: Angel work, protection, removing hexes, exorcism, health, meditation, divination
Alfalfa: Money attraction (drawing money to you), prosperity, protection
Allspice: Money, luck, healing
Aloe Vera: Protection, peace in the afterlife, prosperity, success, love
Bay Leaf: Protection, purification, enhancing psychic powers, strength
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Victory, protection, money, power, strength
Bergamot: Money, clarity
Black-Eyed Susan: Cleansing, releasing, grounding, integration, mediumship, connecting with the dead
Black Peppercorn: Protection, exorcism
Burdock Root: Protection, uncrossing (removing hexes or curses)
Cedar: Healing, purification, money, protection
Clover: Protection, money, fidelity, love, exorcism, success
Cloves: Enhancing psychic powers, astral travel, protection, exorcism, love
Comfrey Leaf: Money, safe travel, protection
Coriander Seeds: Love, health, healing, lust, fidelity
Cramp Bark: Protection, luck
Echinacea: Strengthening spells, offerings to spirits
Garlic: Protection, exorcism, lust, antitheft
Goldenseal: Healing, money
Horseradish: Purification, exorcism
Hyssop: Purification, protection, cleansing
Lemon: Purification, love, friendship, justice
Lemongrass: Repelling snakes, lust, enhancing psychic powers
Mugwort: Strength, psychic powers, protection, prophetic dreams, astral projection
Mullein: Courage, protection, love, divination, exorcism
Nutmeg: Gambling luck, money, fidelity, prosperity, luck
Orange: Love, divination, luck, money
Saint John’s Wort: Health, protection, strength, love, divination, happiness
Skullcap: Love, fidelity, peace
Turmeric: Purification
Valerian Root: Purification, cleansing, peace, love, protection, breaking hexes and curses
Wormwood: Summoning spirits, working with the dead, enhancing psychic power, protection, love, prophesizing, breaking hexes and curses
Witch Hazel: Protection, chasteness (less likely to give into temptation and sexual desire)
Yarrow: Psychic development, courage, love, exorcism, protection
Yellow Dock: Money attraction, customer attraction, love attraction
Source
Robbins, Shawn, and Bedell, Charity. The Good Witch’s Guide. New York: Sterling Ethos, 2017. Print.
Wording a spell correctly is extremely important! We’ve all heard the stories of someone who cast a spell and technically had it come true, but in a way that wasn’t what they actually wanted at all! Here’s a list of common “loopholes” spells will take to get the job done, and how to make sure you get what you want!
🕯Taking its time- “I want money,” you tell the Universe, hoping to get some help with rent. Well, rent comes and there’s no extra cash in sight! Then, two weeks later, a surprise wad of cash all but lands in your lap. The spell came true, but not in time for when it mattered. This is easily fixed by adding “…by the end of the month,” or specifying what the money is for, which in this case was this month’s rent.
🕯No help needed- “I want money,” you say again. Magic will often take the path of least resistance, so if you’ve already got a paycheck on the way, the spell might not do much besides make sure it doesn’t get lost. There. Money. It can be good to specify that you want your spell to work in addition to everything you’re already doing!
🕯 Bare minimum- This time from your money spell, it arrives on time from an unexpected source! But it’s a quarter you found on the ground. Maybe three quarters. Not much help! If your intent would require the money to be close to a certain amount or any other specific like that, let it be known! The universe isn’t there to make assumptions.
🕯 For the worst- Let’s say you have two friends that have been flirting, so you cast a nice little spell to let any mutual interest between them blossom into a relationship and save them some trouble. It happens, but it turns out they do NOT work well with each other. They are interested in each other, but argue constantly and bring out the worst in each other. The relationship is hurting them both. You had the absolute best of intentions, but there was no way of knowing that would happen! This is why a lot of witches include the phrase, “for the highest good” in their spells, as a failsafe for any unexpected pitfalls like this that may be lurking. The universe will see them but doesn’t know to care unless you specify.
🕯Another layer- Once I made a dream bear to bring me more dreams. Well, I had lots more dreams, but couldn’t remember any of them! I didn’t think that was something I needed to specify. Make sure you hit every point you need to be satisfied with a result.
As a general rule, if my spell includes a prayer or petition of any sort, I take a few minutes and comb through it for stuff like this beforehand. What am I specifying? What am I leaving up to interpretation? Could any of that manifest in a way I would be unhappy with? Take a little time before you start casting to smooth out all those wrinkles! Best of wishes!
"I am worthy of trust." -Wicca Oracle (Lo Scarabeo)
You can call me Greg! I love crystals, tarot, runes, nature, space, and all things witchy and magical. Catholic-Male-Witch. Positivity, and an open mind are welcome.
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