Moss-pond - *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ - Laravel

Latest Posts by moss-pond - Page 6

moss-pond

8 years ago

Tips for Making Sigils

* Learn the arrangement of the Seven Planets (also called the Chaldean): Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon.

* If you have a Android powered smart phone, download the Planetary Times app to help you become more familiar with the planetary times as well as what each planet represents.

* Try to create the sigil during the matching planetary hour to increase its magical properties and power.

* Decide which planet best matches your sigil intention. Some examples for planetary associations and intentions are:

Saturn: Constrain or prevent someone from doing harm

Jupiter: Draw wealth and prosperity

Mars: Evoke strength and courage to face an intimidating situation

Sun: Improve health

Venus: Attract a lover, friendship, love

Mercury: Instill mental clarity and balance

Moon: Increase psychic ability

* Use a pen with the matching corresponding planetary colored ink:

Saturn: Black

Jupiter: Purple or Blue

Mars: Red

Sun: Gold

Venus: Green

Mercury: Grey (Pencil Color)

Moon: Silver

* Burn appropriate planetary incense while creating your sigil:

Saturn: Roots such as Costus or Mandrake (WARNING: Mandrake can be toxic)

Jupiter: Fruits and Spices such as Nutmeg, Cloves, Orange Peels

Mars: Woods such as Cypress, Balsam, Sulfur, Dragon’s Blood

Sun: Resinous Gums such as Mastic, Storax, Copal, or Amber

Venus: Flowers such as Roses or Saffron

Mercury: Rinds and Sweet Seeds such as Cinnamon or Cassia

Moon: Leaves such as Myrtle or Laurel

* Condense the intention/desire of your sigil into 1 or 2 words. *If creating a sigil to affect a particular person, write the person’s first and last name.

* Use the following conversion chart to match letters to numbers: 1:A, 2:B, 3:C, 4:D, 5:E, 6:F, 7:G, 8:H, 9:I, 10:J, 20:K, 30:L, 40:M, 50:N, 60:O, 70:P, 80:Q, 90:R 100:S, 200:T, 300:U, 400:V, 500:W, 600:X, 700:Y, 800:Z, 900:&

An example would be HEALTH>>> H=8, E=5, A=1, L=30, T= 200, H=8

* If you are using a number that is too high to fit into a designated square, divide the number by 10 or 100 until it can fit.

* Use the following planetary number squares to help create your sigil.

Sun: 4 9 2 3 5 7 8 1 6 Jupiter: 4 14 15 1 9 7 6 12 5 11 10 8 16 2 3 13

Mars: 11 24 7 20 3 4 12 25 8 16 17 5 13 21 9 10 18 1 14 22 23 6 19 2 15 Sun: 6 32 3 34 35 1 7 11 27 28 8 30 19 14 16 15 23 24 18 20 22 21 17 13 25 29 10 9 26 12 36 5 33 4 2 31

Venus: 22 47 16 41 10 35 4 5 23 48 17 42 11 29 30 6 24 49 18 36 12 13 31 7 25 43 19 37 38 14 32 1 26 44 20

Mercury: 8 58 59 5 4 62 63 1 49 15 14 52 53 11 10 56 41 23 22 44 48 19 18 45 32 34 38 29 25 35 39 38 40 26 27 37 36 30 31 33 17 47 46 20 21 43 42 24 9 55 54 12 13 51 50 16 64 2 3 61 60 6 7 57

Moon: 37 78 29 70 21 62 13 54 5 6 38 79 30 71 22 63 14 46 47 7 39 80 31 72 23 55 15 16 48 8 40 81 32 64 24 56 57 17 49 9 41 73 33 65 25 26 58 18 50 1 42 74 34 66 67 27 59 10 51 2 43 75 35 36 68 19 60 11 52 3 44 76 77 28 69 20 61 12 53 4 45

* When making a sigil, you can use a light table or piece of white cardboard to help you see and trace the design.

* Begin the sigil by denoting you first letter by making a small circle on the top sheet of paper over the first letter’s corresponding number. * Use straight lines to connect each successive letter/number until you’ve spelled out the entire word.

* You can draw either angles or curves when you change directions during the process.

* Signify repeating letters or numbers with a half circle.

* End each sigil with a small, anchoring square or transverse line on the last letter/number.

* You can add 2 sequential letters’ numbers together to obtain a third number. Example: In H E A L T H. A= 1 + L= 30 equals 31. The same concept can be applied to reduced numbers as well. T= 200= 20 plus H= 8 equals 28.

* One your sigil is created, you can play around with this shape and position to heighten its power and symbolism.

* When you finally get a sigil looking the way you intended, you can close the sigil with 2 concentric circles to turn it into a magical seal.

Source: The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells for Modern Problems by Dixie Deerman and Steven Rasmussen

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moss-pond

8 years ago

How do you know when a God has responded?

Let’s just say, when you know, you know.

I realize how vague and unhelpful this is, so I’ll list some common ways the Gods respond to people:

They appear in your dreams

You hear Their voice in your head

The elements around you respond when you pray to Them (i.e., the wind shifts, the candle rises or flickers, etc.)

Your mood changes abruptly

You feel Their touch

You feel another sensation come out of nowhere, such as a temperature change, or a feeling of a blanket on your shoulders when there is none

You constantly run into Their symbols (for example, suddenly the crows of Apollo are following you or being extra loud or something)

A circumstance in your life changes, or you run into serendipity at a much-needed time (proving that They’re watching over you)

You feel an irresistible gut feeling to do something, such as make an altar for Them, research Them, do a certain spell or the like

Gods responding is similar to spirit work or locating omens: when you know, you just know. It’s very intuitive. But sometimes it takes Gods a while to respond.

Just know that the Gods will respond to you. Blessed be lovely ~ ( ^ ω ^ )

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moss-pond

8 years ago

🌸 Edible Flowers & Witchery 🌸

As a chef-in-training I love to use flowers in my cooking so why not witchcraft too! Flowers add a splash of colour, taste, and a little bit of whimsy. People have been using flowers in cooking all the way back to the Romans and ancient Greeks. Many cultures today still use them too; Indians use roses and Italians use artichoke flowers. The tastes also vary! Some add spice and others a sweetness.

Eating Flowers Safely

Eat flowers you know are definitely edible - if you’re uncertain look in a reference book.

Eat flowers you have grown your self or are consumption grade. Nurseries and florists commonly use pesticides on the flowers.

Do not use flowers you have found at a park or near the edge of a road as they may be contaminated by car pollution and pesticides.

Only eat the petals and remove the pistols and stamens before eating.

To keep the flowers fresh place them on a wet paper towel and keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days.

If your flowers wilt put in some ice water.

Flowers and Their Properties

Allium - Depends on which variety but means the same as the herb- All the flowers in the allium family (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible. Flavours go from leek to garlic. All parts of these plants are edible.

Angelica - Inspiration/protection - The colours of the flowers range from lavender all the way to a deep rose and have a licorice flavour.

Bachelor’s button - Love - Grassy flavour. Dont eat calyx as it is very bitter.

Basil - Success/banishing - Very similar in taste to the basil leaf but milder in taste.

Borage - Courage - flowers are a lovely blue colour and they taste like cucumber.

Calendula - Love/joy - They taste spicy and have a vibrant golden colour.

Carnations - depends on colour but usually healing - Petals taste sweet but the base is very bitter.

Chamomile - Peace - They have a sweet flavour much like the tea.

Chervil - Joy - The flowers are very delicate and have a slight anise flavour.

Chicory - Success - Slightly bitter and good for pickling.

Chrysanthemum - Relaxation - Come in a variety of colours and flavours which range from peppery to pungent. Use fresh.

Citrus - Depends which type of citrus but generally joy - Some of the flowers in the citrus family are edible (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat). They have a sweet flavour and have a very strong taste.

Clove - Protection/Manifestation - They are sweet with a touch of licorice.

Dill - Protection - The lovely yellow flowers taste like the leaves.

English daisy - Luck - They are very bitter.

Fennel - Confidence/Protection - Beautiful yellow flowers with a licorice taste much like the herb.

Fuchsia - Love - They have a lovely tangy taste.

Gladiolus - Strength/Beauty - Quite bland actually.

Hibiscus - Beauty - Tastes like the tea with an interesting tart cranberry flavour.

Hollyhock - Ambition - Bland but are very pretty.

Impatiens - Motherly love - Dont have much flavour but are nice for decoration.

Jasmine - Romance - Have a nice sweet taste so they’re nice in sweet dishes.

Lavender - Relaxation - They are sweet and spicy and are great for both sweet and savoury dishes.

Lemon verbena - Beauty - The small white flowers taste like lemon.

Lilac - Beauty - They have a strong citrus flavour.

Mint - Protection - They taste minty.

Nasturtium - Victory - Very popular in cusine. They have a sweet, floral flavour and are also spicy.

Oregano - Protection - Same taste as the leaves but more subtle.

Pansy - Joy - Bland.

Radish - Protection - Very peppery.

Rose - Love - Very floral in taste which gets stronger the darker the flower is.

Rosemary - Memory - Milder rosemary taste.

Sage - Clearing - Taste similar to leaves.

Sunflower - Happiness - Dont really have a taste.

Violets - Happiness/Love - Floral taste.

As I am a baby witch all the correspondences might be wrong so please tell me if you would change anything.

I use flowers in salads, on cakes, in cakes, and I sometimes pickle them too so the options are endless!

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moss-pond

8 years ago

🔔 BELLS IN WITCHCRAFT 🔔

Bells might just be the earliest form of superstitious practise that I remember. My baba attached three sakura-patterned suzu bells on my schoolbag as a kid, purportedly for good luck and protection from evil spirits – and Japan is far from the only place to have associated bells and bellringing with mystic practise. They’ve been used worldwide to ward off evil and carry messages – and in a more metaphysical sense, sound is the movement of energy through substance. Sounds have the potential to work powerful magic.

Here are some of the ways I’ve found utilising bells to be helpful to my craft. While I’m more likely to use traditional suzu type bells, your own background, path and culture will likely have its own types of bells – and as ever, bells can be ornate antiques or they can be a bottle cap in a tin can, as long as they’re used with intent.

GETTING STARTED

🔔 As with so much of the craft, if you’re new to the witching bell, it’s a matter of exploration and experimentation. Get a “feel” for what works for you and the specific bell you’re using.

🔔 It’s good practise to ensure that the bell itself is cleansed, warded and protected – you don’t want anything nasty tapping into that power. All witching tools can do as much harm as good, intentional or accidental.

🔔 A good way to begin incorporating bells into your craft is infuse them into any typical ritual that you’re comfortable with, or even just a prayer or moment of contemplation at your altar if you have one.

🔔 Give the bell a soft ring while focusing on the energy it’ll ripple and move, try to track the movements it creates and what it touches. The tone it’s sending out. The most primal and versatile use of the bell – and what many of the below come down to – is simply another manner of physically channelling energy, giving it shape and direction.

PROTECTION

🔔 “Passive” bells such as windchimes or small bells attached to belongings you don’t want disturbed are a starting point. They will scare off some forms of spirit all by themselves, especially if appropriately blessed, charmed or enchanted. Or cursed.

🔔 Gently tolling can draw energy into a ward or circle you are forming and enforce its protective properties, or for a simple cleanse, letting the sound travel to every corner of the area you are protecting. It’s a little more “cutting” than a smoke or incense cleansing, which I view as more “gentle” forms of cleansing. Both have their uses.

🔔 Harder tolling is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful ways in which to enforce a banishing – however, it’s best to you know what you’re doing with the bell before you go bashing it about.

DISCERNMENT

🔔 Bells can have quite the effect on your perception and awareness. Ringing and then stopping, listening to the silence left in its wake, can bring you new perceptions or make things you’d previously missed obvious. Let it attune your mind and senses to something new, whether that’s in your thoughts or something with a little more presence. Visualise travelling with the sound, taking heed of the energies it touches and disturbs. Take note of the echoes – you’ll learn what they mean with experience.

🔔 A set of windchimes can let you know if something is passing through or if there’s some unusual energy afoot – and, yes, it may also just be letting you know that it’s a particularly breezy day, but that’s witchcraft for you.

CONJURING

🔔 This can be as simple as calling good energies to witching tools, spell jars, tarot decks, crystals, altars and shrines, your favourite teddy bar, anything at all.

🔔 With spirit work, it can truly help to magnify your “calling”. This can range from gently bringing your latest offering to the attention of your friendly neighbourhood house spirit – all the way to trying to catch the attention of something more. Be mindful, however. As I said, I consider bells pretty powerful tools and a call that’s too loud is not good spirit work practise for the spirit worker’s own sake. It can really help coax something out of hiding if you’re gentle with it, though.

COMMUNING

🔔 Some use bells to mark the beginning and end of a ritual, and I’ve read that in Wiccan practise an altar bell can be used to invoke the Goddess, although as a non-Wiccan, I’ll welcome corrections on that if I’m wrong.

🔔 In my experience, very simple forms of communication via bell work a lot better than anything too complex – “come here” and “stay away” have already been covered, and other than that they can serve as greetings or signals of a start or end of some practise or ritual, the opening or closing of a door, etc.

🔔 They can also serve as a warning or a litmus test regarding spirits, a signalling of your presence and awareness, lack of fear, or willingness to defend – but be prepared to deal with whatever responses these garner.

BINDING

🔔 Bindings are where you most often see that famous (clockwise) circular motion of the bell, embodying the meaning of the spell. This can be a simple binding to seal a spell or charm or enchantment, or a spirit-binding.

🔔 Personally, spirit-binding is something I do as little as possible simply due to my beliefs holding the autonomy of spirits in very high regard. However, sometimes situations arise that call for it, and I’m aware that not all bindings are unwilling. Far from it – and some spirits are dangerous when unbound.

🔔 As an animist (believing that all things, including inanimate objects, contain a spirit of their own), I consider gently nudging a spirit back into its physical form a sort of semi-binding, and that can be useful.

I’ll leave you all with a note that I am an urban apartment-dwelling witch through and through, so I understand that we can’t all be jangling away at all hours. I myself have a glass windchime in my front window that makes a distinct but muted sound when disturbed by passers-through, and highly recommend wooden ones also. I also only use my small and relatively quiet suzu bell for my crafting – one given to me by my baba herself.

Feel free to add any of your own findings, and happy tolling.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Master Post For Secret Witches

Witchling tips

Witch Tip (knitting, etc)

DIY Witchery Resources

9 Easy-to-Find Ingredients every Aspiring Witch Needs

A Masterpost with a TON of resources

Reminder about the term “Spirit animal”

A Witch’s Library

Witchy Tip (if you have visitors)

How to Hide Altars (Also Travel Altars)

A Secret Witches Guide to Concealing your craft

100 Secret Witch Tips

Witchy uses for your phone for the frugal or secret witch

Tarot for the Secret Witches

10 Clever Places to Hide Your Pendulum

Alter Ideas for Secret Witches

secret witch tips

A Tip for Secret Witches or Witches with Minimal Supplies

How to hide/disguise Wiccan/Witch Supplies

A Secret Witches Guide to Concealing your craft

10 discreet witch ideas ~

~witch tip!~

WITCHES OF TUMBLR, I need your help! ( good information but its all in the reblogs)

secret witch tips

From @witchthatiam

Spells

Equalizing Rain Spell

Weight Loss Spell

Protection Ring Enchantment

Aggressive Curse and Banishing Spell

Money Injection Spell

Cloaking Spell for Witches

Beauty Reflection Spell

Geminino Spell (HP Inspired)

Quick Accio Energy Spell (HP Inspired)

Summoning Your Patronus (HP Inspired)

Alohomora Spell to Unlock Your Potential (HP Inspired)

Aguamenti Cleansing Spell (HP Inspired)

Growth Spell for Beltane

Leo Spell for Warmth and Joy

Cancer Spell for Sensitivity and Intuition

Best Friend “Success” Spell(Corpse Bride Inspired)

Pepper and Dish Soap - A Binding and Banishin Spell

Spell to Reduce Cutting Urges

Charms

“Unbreakable” Charm

Charm for Beauty

Sigils

I Will Not Be Caught in My Acts of Witchery

I Channel the Energy from the Constellation ‘Leo’ easily

I Scry Easily and Accurately

I Channel the Power of My Star Sign With Ease

I Stay Alert and Focused Throughout the Day

I Love Deeply

Truth

I Do Not Fear The Future // My Sleep Schedule is Balanced

Tools/Tips/Advice

My Wand and How I’m Blessing It

My Secret Alphabet

DIY Quill

Harry Potter Inspired Grimoire Covers

Enchanted Luna Lovegood Glasses

DIY Pill Wards

Witchy Items For Your Altar

What’s on My Altar

Make Your Own Crystals

Salt Dough Wards

Grimiore Tip

10 Clever Places to Hide Your Pendulum

Scrying Ball

Mini Circle Casting

Visualization

My Favourite Crystals for BPD

Witchy Crafts

Witchy Crafts II

What to Do With 5 lbs. of Violets

A Few Tips for Getting Started

Witchy Tea Tips

How to Charge Sigils With Fidget Spinners

Somewhat Witchy Beauty Tips

Divination

Cartomancy Meanings

Pensieve Scrying (HP Inspired)

Marauder’s Map

Triwizard Tournament Cup/Sorting Hat Divination (HP Inspired)

Star Scrying

How to Scry

True Self Mirror Gazing

How to Smoke Scry

Tips for Scrying

How to Wax Scry

How to Do A Stichomancy Reading

How to Do A Nephelomancy Reading

How to Do a Shufflemancy Reading

How to Make Your Own Cartomancy System

DIY Pendulum

How to Deal With A Negative Reading Done for Someone Else

Divination Chants

Types of Divination

Teas for Divination

Respect, Courtesy, and Manners

How to Cleanse Your Tools

Ill be adding more secret witch resources and secret witch help as I find them and storing it on my online Grimoire. For more secret witch help HERE

Follow me for more secret witch help and more <3

-VEX

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Tarot in Magic Use

I have a tarot deck that was gifted to me made entirely of leather and just the major arcana. It has an extremely powerful energy to it, and I knew right away this was a tarot deck to be used in spell work, not divination. So I started meditating and looking into the cards and really thinking about what they could be used for/associations. So here’s what I came up with!

(Note: I mention curses in here because some of the cards do lend themselves really well to that. If you don’t curse personally, feel free to disregard those parts. This is based on my personal relationship with the cards, so your personal associations and meanings for your deck may be very different. Be sure to understand the nuances of your cards before using them in a spell.)

🗝0 The Fool: Wiping the slate clean, a fresh start. Opening oneself to new experiences and knowledge.

🗝I The Magician: Manifestation and invocation. Energy work. Personal capability. Utilizing the power already within you and bringing it to the surface.

🗝II The High Priestess: Secrets. Hide and obscure knowledge to others. Increased intuition. Knowledge of the occult. Learn other people’s hidden knowledge while keeping yours under wraps.

🗝III The Empress: Fertility and abundance. Vibrancy, nurturing. Also to some degree, sensuality and sexiness.

🗝IV The Emperor: Strength and stability. Generic masculine power. Traditionalism.

🗝V The Hierophant: Jobs, mentorship and other positions that require some level of conformity. Traditional knowledge, coming more from a dogma or set path rather than a personal experience.

🗝VI The Lovers: Love (obviously,) union, harmony between two people. But mostly love.

🗝VII The Chariot: Success, motivation, overcoming any nasty obstacle. Personal power working with outside powers for your benefit.

🗝VIII Justice: Pretty self explanatory. Justice, getting what one deserves for better or worse. Could also be used as an aid to help guide you to the best decision when stuck at a crossroads.

🗝IX The Hermit: Knowledge latent within oneself that you want to bring to the surface. Cutting ties between yourself and people/groups that no longer benefit you. Any spell designed to get people to stay away from you (but warning here, the Hermit doesn’t discriminate between the people you still want to see and those you don’t!)

🗝X Wheel of Fortune: Luck, a change of fate. Finding one’s true calling/destiny. A request of a long-term type of success.

🗝XI Strength: Emotional strength, mastery of emotions, self-control. Resilience and courage.

🗝XII The Hanged Man: Release of unwanted emotions, new perspectives. In a curse or hex setting, it can also be used to represent someone who has been traitorous, especially in decks with a more traditional art style.

🗝XIII Death: Can be used to represent death during rituals such as a dumb supper. Important endings, rebirth, shedding the skin of the past. Hard cutoffs.

🗝XIV Temperance: Balance, cleansing, a restoration of energies as they should be. Healing.

🗝XV The Devil: Addictive negativity. All things bad in life that can be avoided, but are easy to slip into. Can be used to sic this on someone else in a powerful hex, or can be used as a representation of your own demons as you break free from them.

🗝XVI The Tower: Another card that’s particularly good for offense magic. Sudden, unexpected crisis. A destruction of what one has been working for. Upheaval. Could also be used to try and protect oneself as much as possible from this before it happens, if you sense trouble ahead.

🗝XVII The Star: Hope, guidance, generosity. Can be used when searching for a sign for something or for a pathway to be illuminated.

🗝XVIII The Moon: Mystery, emotional/spiritual fog, being stuck in a grey area. Illusion, hiding/obscuring yourself or something else. Could be used as a more gentle hex to weaken somebody without wrecking them like some of the other cards. Alternatively, it could be used to represent the literal moon, as either a replacement (if you can’t access the moon) or as a way to draw down the moon’s power.

🗝XIX The Sun: Recharging, success, vitality and enlightenment. Celebration. A powerful source of positive and productive energies, but without a lot of direction on its own. Similarly to The Moon, it could also be used as a representation of the literal Sun.

🗝XX Judgement: Guidance in making tough decisions. Luck or good fortune in the final stages of something important. Reaping the benefits (or punishments, so be careful) of our work up to this point.

🗝XXI The World: Harmony, tying up loose ends. Completeness and wholeness. Resolution of all conflict.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Basics of Astrology

Dates:

Aries: March 21—April 19

Taurus: April 20—May 20

Gemini: May 21—June 20

Cancer: June 21—July 22

Leo: July 23—August 22

Virgo: August 23—September 22

Libra: September 23—October 22

Scorpio: October 23—November 21

Sagittarius: November 22—December 21

Capricorn: December 22—January 19

Aquarius: January 20—February 18

Pisces: February 19—March 20

•

What These Signs Mean:

Aries - Active, Demanding, Determined, Effective, Ambitious

Taurus - Security, Subtle strength, Appreciation, Instruction, Patience

Gemini - Communication, Indecision, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable

Cancer - Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity, Impulsive, Selective

Leo - Ruling, Warmth, Generosity, Faithful, Initiative

Virgo - Analyzing, Practical, Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful

Libra - Balance, Justice, Truth, Beauty, Perfection

Scorpio - Transient, Self-Willed, Purposeful, Unyielding

Sagittarius - Philosophical, Motion, Experimentation, Optimism

Capricorn - Determination, Dominance, Perservering, Practical, Willful

Aquarius - Knowledge, Humanitarian, Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous

Pisces - Fluctuation, Depth, Imagination, Reactive, Indecisive

•

Your Signs:

- ________ Rising

- ________ Sun

- ________ Moon

- ________ Mercury

- ________ Venus

- ________ Mars

- ________ Jupiter

- ________ Saturn

- ________ Uranus

- ________ Neptune

- ________ Pluto

•

What Those Signs Mean:

Rising: Your rising sign, in short, is you're actual Zodiac. It is based off of time zones in which the day you are born. The names for them are Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Taurus, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Aquarius, Virgo, Pisces, and Cancer. Your Rising sign might be found easily on first impressions you might give.

Sun: This is who you are in personality, your normal self. This is how you may act if alone, and is your inner traits. How you act can be described with this sign, also as to who you are.

Moon: You may call the moon sign you have your emotions. It influences your decisions. It is how you feel on the inside, whether everyone knows this or just you. It holds your loves and fears, hates and excitements. Anything, really.

Mercury: is how you may be like in time of communication, reasoning, intellect and awareness. It's known for it's power of the brain.

Venus: The sign of Venus is based upon the time you were born and can be called something of Love.

Mars: is in charge of attraction and raw energy for that matter.

Jupiter: The planet of Jupiter is responsible for luck and good fortune. Whether the optimization is for humor or good will, it's going to be a major apart of you no matter what. It's the happy part in your life. You need it there.

Saturn: This sign, Saturn, is here for the parts in life with things like restriction and limitations. Found as you get older, this is known for being you as you grow up.

Uranus: is here for the change in life. The sign can be for the worse or better at times, and it's a part of life you'll eventually come across. Take it, hit or miss, and in the end it might make you better than it seemed.

Neptune: can be called dreamy, for this matter. The sign for this works as great influence, fantasy, and imagination seen in your daily life, so to say. With this, you might find it almost as if a dream.

Pluto: Not the same change with Uranus, but Pluto is part of big change. It's more of transformation. Life challenges thrown your way will lead to this sign, Pluto.

•

I hope that helped! If you have any questions about your signs or how to find them, you can ask me @dxncingblxck or any other astrology blog basically. Have fun and happy astrology-ing!

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Fuckboy Repelling Potion

A spell to get rid of unwanted courters.

What you will need:

-Poppy seeds

-Cloves

-Hibiscus petals

-Rosemary

-Goldenrod stems (to stir)

-Sumac

-Rose thorn

-Apple seeds

What you shall do:

Bring water to a boil in either a cauldron or a wax warmer. Throw in your ingredients, except the goldenrod, one at a time in the order of the incantation:

By sumac, I poison thy heart,

By rose thorn, I prick thy eye,

By rosemary, I put up a fight,

By poppy, your feelings I thwart,

By hibiscus, your ply I quiet,

By clove, I harken you stop,

By apple, I shall riot.

Stir the whole counter-clockwise with the goldenrod, and 8 times clockwise. Let cool, and bottle with one part alcohol and 3 parts brew.

How to use it:

Rub on your wrists when faced with an unwanted courter. Alternatively, soak their picture in the solution. You can also annoint a black candle with the brew and carve the subject into the base.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Hi, do you have links on casting circles and warding areas? I tried to look through the blog but ran out of spoons looking, thank you <3

Hey there!

So, just a forewarning, a good portion of the resources for circle casting are from Wiccan sources, because it is such a huge part of their practice.

Casting Circles:

[Advanced Circle Casting]

[Answering the “Why” of Circle Casting]

[Basic Charging / Casting Circle]

[A Basic Guideline to Casting a Circle]

[To Cast a Circle or Not?]

[Casting a Circle]

[Casting a Circle] (this one specifies “Without invoking any Gods or Goddesses”)

[Casting a Circle]

[Casting a Circle: Calling the Watchtowers]

[Casting a Circle for Beginners] (cw: gif)

[Casting a Circle for Beginners]

[Casting a Circle 101]

[Casting a Magic Circle]

[Casting the Circle]

[Casting Circles]

[Casting Circles for Different Countries]

[Circle Casting]

[Circle Casting 101] (cw: gif)

[Circle Safety]

[Crocheted Circle Casting]

[Draconic Witchcraft: Circle Casting]

[Eclectic Circle Ceremony for Solitaries]

[Elemental Circle Casting]

[How to Cast a Circle My Way]

[How to: Casting a Circle]

[Mental Circle Casting] (cw: gif in blog description)

[A Method of Building a Circle for Astrological Magic]

[Methods of Casting Circles]

[Performing Rituals: Sacred Space and Circle Casting] (cw: gif)

[Practical Magic: Circle Casting]

[Simple Circle Casting]

[Simple Circle Casting & Closing]

[Three Simple Ways to Cast a Circle]

[Triple Circle Casting (Ritual)]

[Ultra-Simple Circle Casting]

[Wicca 101: Circle Casting]

[What’s Wrong With My Circle?, or, Circle Casting Clinic 101]

As you can see, so many ways to cast circles. Find one that suits you, or hey, create your own! Because that’s a thing.

Warding:

[Bringing Up Your Walls]

[A Crash Course in Warding]

[Earthen Shield]

[Elemental Wards]

[Energy Warding]

[Energy Warding Before Witching] (cw: gif)

[Energy Work: Expansion vs. Contraction] (cw: gif as blog header)

[Harry Potter Inspired Ward Incantations]

[How to Create & Use Wards]

[A Long List of Ways to Spiritually Protect Yourself]

[Personal Shielding]

[Shield Yourself] (can be applied to spaces as well)

[Shielding]

[Ward Fillers]

[Ward Types and Components]

[Warding Meditation] (cw: gif)

[What Are Wards and How Do You Make Them?] (an ask)

Alternatively, here is this post: [Transmuting Energy: An Alternative to Shielding] (tw: gif as blog header)

I hope that helps you!

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moss-pond

8 years ago

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moss-pond

8 years ago

I'd very much like to punch a feminist.

I’d never, ever hurt a lady but I’d be happy to punch a feminist. It’d bring me great joy.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Animal Release Spell

You will need the following items for this spell:

Sandalwood incense

1 Brown candle

2 Black candle

1 White Candle

Picture of your lost pet

Quartz Crystal

White sage

Bowl of Water

Bowl of animal food

Set up your altar as you see fit, in the case of this rite, it should be mellow as for a proper funeral. When ready invoke the gods of your pantheon. In this case, gods of the afterworld and gods of animal protection. (Never invoke gods that are not of your faith nor gods you know nothing about) Light any candles you wish to use as illumination. Perform first prayers and gift your offerings and then the white sage. Take up the brown candle and hold it tight. Infuse the candle with images of the pet you lost. As you do say the following:

__(Pet name)__, I love you so much And I miss you so much Know that even though you are gone, You will always be in my heart. This candle I light is a part of you. As this candle burns slowly away, I set you free from the mortal world And yet, we will always be together

Rest a minute and when read light the two black candles and say the following:

My lord and Lady of the afterworld, may you make the journey of __(Pets Name)__ to the Isles of the Blessed swift and sure. I ask that the blessing of the Spirits of the Ancestors, of Time and of Place, and of the journey be blessed. I ask that the Blessing of the Spirits of North and South, East and West be with you. I ask that __(Pet name)__ be blessed with Fire and with Water, with Earth, with Air, with Soul, with Spirit and with Balance. I ask for the blessing of the Lord and Lady of the Animals and the Woods, the Mountains and the Streams. I ask that the Blessing of the Lord and Lady of the Wildwood may always be with you.

Take a minute and light the white candle and say the following:

By the beauty of the fields, the woods and the sea, by the splendor that is set up on all that is, we send you our own love and blessings, dear __(Pet Name)__. As the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, so too are each of us born and so too do each of us die. But as the sun returns anew each day, so too do we return to earth, refreshed and renewed.

Now take a moment and relax. Play some music for a minute. When ready say the following:

You’re free to go now, Little One. Rejoice and play the time has come For your spirit to be on its way. Have fun, be happy your love will stay!

Pick up the stone and say the following

So long as this stone is close to me, together we shall always be. And though I may gain another pet in time to come you can never be replace, you hold a special place in my heart. And when it is time for me to step on the shores of evermore, We will once again be together…for-ever-more.“ Seven days, Seven days the gods have allotted all spirits and souls, to travel the world and say goodbye to those we loved in life. I open my windows and open my door for these seven days that we may be together one last time, for one last kiss.

Let the brown and white candle burn out on its own. Blow out the black candles only afterwards speaking “With loves sweet kiss.” Never pinch out a candle, as it is dangerous and rude. Whatever is left of the wax place in a jar with the picture and a pinch left of the white sage. Burn it in the hole along with the bowl of food and water. (Use a old tin for the food and water.) Then bury them all and if possible with your pet.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Reblog this if Ben is a hoe

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Witchcraft Authors to Avoid

So one of the most often thing I get asked is “why do you hate this author” so I decided to make a post about all the bad occult and witchcraft authors out there and why I dislike them. Also remember folks, just because someone is published it does not mean they are intelligent, know a lot about the subject, or that it is a good book. Kim Kardashian has entire book of selfies for fucks sake.

D.J. Conway - Her book on Norse magick don’t even mention seiðr, its just neo-pagan and neo-wiccan rites with norse deities names in it. Conway is famous for her book on dragon magick, yet from what I can tell, she leaves out all the info of living traditions of dragons; people still worship dragons, dragons are still religious entities in parts of the world. I could go on and on about how her books are full of blatant misinfo and ignore the actual traditions she claims to write about. Besides the crap content of her books DJ Conway makes it very obvious that she has a deep hatred of men, she talks about trying out spells on shitty men, talks about her first marriage and how much of a “living hell” it was, and also how controlling her mother was. Do you really want to read that in a book about witchcraft?

Silver Ravenwolf- Do I have to even say anything about Ravenwolf? Like…do I really, y’all should know better by now

Raymond Buckland - I don’t even use his actual name when I refer to him. Cuckland created the Seax-Wica tradition because when his wife wanted a divorce he got upset and asked Gardner to kick her out of the Gardnian tradition, and when Gardner didn’t Cuckland got butt hurt and left. Cuckland makes claims that have absolutely no historical evidence and presents them as facts. Cuckland also spilled initiatory secrets of Wicca after he got butt hurt and left, uses the g-slur against the Romani people, is a very avid curse shamer.

Douglas Monroe: His books are FILLED with historical inaccuracies,for example he claims that druids are from Atlantis, mixes up deities very frequently. He claimed a pumpkin is a sacred tree (IT IS NOT). He has no botanical knowledge, yet tries to write about it, for example he has a mistletoe tincture, mistletoe is poisonous and he does not specify which type of mistletoe to use. To top it all of he is also misogynist.

Scott Cunningham - Many people love Cunningham, I already got hate in my ask box last time I bashed Cunningham. Cunningham presents a lot of outdated information such as incorrect correspondences for herbs and crystals, but he is dead, so he can not help that. But, Cunningham’s work also contributed substantially to the dilution and degradation of Craft tradition (both Wiccan and other) which lead to many problems in traditional initiatory practices of Wicca. There are also historical inaccuracy in his works, mostly because he is dead and now outdated. More (X)

Judika Illes - Has a whole shit ton Cultural appropriation in their books, particular towards hoodoo and African Diasporic Traditions. She is also an avid fan and support of Slither Rasinwood (silver raven wolf)

E.A. Koetting- He knows how to get a reader’s attention but the information presented in his books is absolute bullshit. He rips off Order of the Nine Angles. He clearly cares more about money than the quality of his books and work, his motto is literally “Become a living God”. Claims he is at war with Haitian Vodou Houngans on his YouTube channel. He is commonly referred to as “the silver Ravenwolf of the Left-Hand Path community”

Dante (Andrew Pike)- Calls himself a necromancer but is mainly a showman. Dances around graveyards next to Halloween props. A lot of historical misinformation, he also presents historically inaccurate practices.

E. A. Wallis Budge- good jumping off point for Kemetism but he is outdated with a lot of his translations and works, so it is now historically inaccurate.

Oberon Zell Ravenheart- If you are looking for a historically accurate practice, then do not read Ravenheart’s work. He formed the “Church of All Worlds” which is based on Robert Heinlein’s science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land. If you are into that pop-culture stuff then go ahead and look into that, but I thought it would important to know that before you jump into his work. He also claims to have raised unicorns and swam with mermaids…so keep that in mind as well.

Catherine Yronwode - Literally one of the worst people. Not only is she in charge of lucky mojo; (which any black rootworker will rant about as she is claims to be a “white rootworker” and has a “better then you” attitude toward any POC) she also who sells faulty spells and false ingredients, she is also a bully to LGBTQIA+ youth, and a rampant racist. You an find more drama with her here (X and X)

So, you are probably wondering who the hell would publish these authors and the answer is Llewellyn worldwide. Not all of these people are published by Llewellyn worldwide, but a majority of them are. This is why I frequently tell people to avoid books published by Llewellyn worldwide

Bree Landwalker has a similar post, some of the authors included here on this list are also in their post. You can find that post here

As Always -Robin

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Animals Master List

Here is a very brief list of symbol meanings of various animals and other shapes. Never feel the need to stick to one definition or meaning, the most powerful correspondences are those that you discover for yourself.

Animal Symbolism

A

Alligator - aggression, survival, adaptability Alpaca - minimalism, generosity, interdependence Ant - team player, worker Antelope - nimble, quick, sensitive Armadillo - active, nocturnal, protection

B Badger - aggression, assertiveness, powerful defense, determination Bat - guardian of the night, cleaner Bear - power, adaptability Beaver - builder, planner Bee - communication, abundance, productivity Bison - survival, fortitude, strength Black Panther - secrets, solitude, stealth Blackbird - mystery, sacred messenger, cosmic knowledge Blue Bird - joy, pleasures, messenger Boar - sacred, cunning, ferocious Bobcat - patience, listening, interpreting Buffalo - sacredness, life builder Bull - strength, warning Butterfly - metamorphosis, carefree, transformer

C Cat - protector, guardian Chameleon - adaptation, patience, perception Cheetah - accuracy, elegance, refinement Chinchilla - curiosity, innocence, warmth Chipmunk - creativity, intuition, exploration Cougar - leadership, courage Coyote - prankster, insight, playful Crab - emotion, security, vulnerability Crane - solitude, independence Cricket - meditation, vibration, spirit Crocodile - longevity, fierceness, power Crow - messenger, clairvoyance, change, ancient wisdom

D Deer - kindness, love, gentleness Dolphin - kindness, play, bridge man to ocean Dove - peace, understanding Dragon - wisdom, nobility Dragonfly - flighty, carefree Duck - intuition, awareness, communication

E Eagle - divine spirit, connection to creator Eel - adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, defense Elk - strength, agility, freedom Elephant - patience, strength, wisdom

F Firefly - illumination, possibility, belief Fox - cunning, provider, intelligence Frog - water element, prosperity, transformation, true love

G Giraffe - graceful, observer, foresight Goose - community, synchronicity, treasure Grasshopper - discipline, balance, freedom Grizzly Bear - hunter, nature’s pharmacist

H Hawk - messenger, observer of the sky Heron - moon magic, shamanic travel, secrets, the logical mind Horse - stamina, nobility, strength Hummingbird - messenger, stopper of time

J Jaguar - confidence, power, preparation

K Koala - slow down, mystery and power of self, soulmates

L Ladybug - luck, enchantments, dreams Leopard - secrets, mystery, sensuality Lion - wisdom, power, mastery Lizard - conservation, agility Lynx - instincts, observation, silence

M Magpie - omens, prophecies Marmot - truth, consciousness, curiosity Moose - headstrong, unstoppable, longevity Moth - wonder, delight, passion Mountain Lion - bravery, freedom, intention Mouse - survival instincts, cunning, observations, shyness

O Orca - healing, spirituality, journey Otter - laughter, curiosity, mischievous Owl - wisdom, truth, patience

P Panda - enjoyment, prosperity, carefree spirit, conservation Peacock - grace, pride, prosperity Pegasus - carrier of lightning Penguin - elegance, survival, imagination Polar Bear - power, fearlessness Porcupine - liesure, nonchalance, wisdom Praying Mantis - intention, hypnotism, perception

R Rabbit - alertness, nurturing Raccoon - fearless, exploration, secrets Ram - determination, new beginning Raven - trickster, teacher, hoarder Reindeer - determination, visionary, magic Robin - new beginnings, good luck, serendipity

S Scarab - eternity, creativity, imagination Scorpion - precision, defense, passion Seahorse - confidence, grace Shark - hunter, survival Skunk - power, respect, protection Snake - shrewdness, transformation Snow Leopard - intuition, solitary, secrets Spider - creative, pattern of life Squirrel - trusting, innocence Starfish - flow, movement, sensitivity Swan - grace, balance, festive

T Thunderbird - caller of rain Tiger - sanctuary, mysticism, passion Tortoise - treasure, guidance, peace, meditation Turtle - self-contained, creative source

U Unicorn - singular, unique

W Wren - divination, strengthening, cleansing Whale - wisdom, provider, cleaner White Peacock - illumination, renewal, attraction Wolf - loyalty, success, perseverance

Z Zebra - clarity, individuality, balance

Other Symbols

All Birds - freedom, messengers from the divinities Angel - guardian of hope and wonder Bear Paw - strength, mobility Cross - redemption, salvation Eye of Horus - protection, nobility, good health Heart - love, fondness Hopi Hand - life, creative, healing Kokopelli - fertility, joy, music Om - the sound of the universe Star of David - union, heart, love Trinity Celtic Knot - long life, eternity Wolf Paw - freedom, success, guidance Yin & Yang - balance, harmony Zuni Bear - good health

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moss-pond

8 years ago

I believe this spell is called “Fuck You I Am a Goddamn Witch and Don’t Have to Tolerate This Bullshit”.

Let’s see how well this plays out for the offenders.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Understanding Shadow Work: Pt. III

How Does One Prepare for Shadow Work?

Before we get into the different methods in which we can practice shadow work, it is essential to determine how we can (or should, rather) prepare to do so. Be aware that shadow work is not an easy or comfortable process. On the contrary, it tends to be discouragingly difficult and extremely uncomfortable at best and downright horrifying and sometimes even further damaging at worst.

The Importance of Perspective

With that being said, it is of utmost importance to first evaluate and transform how you perceive the negative aspects of existence– primarily in regards to your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states of being. If you believe the negative aspects of existence (and the Self) are only meant to cause harm, to hinder and debilitate you, or are “evil” in any sense, you are going to run into some serious resistance issues– possibly even strengthening and perpetuating your Shadow. Simultaneously, the holding of this view is a tell-tale sign that you are most definitely in need of shadow work. Do not feel compelled to rush into it, however.

If you do find that you seem to maintain an unhealthy perspective of the negative, start by contemplating duality. Try meditating on the concept of day and night. The sun (our physical source of light) is always ‘there’– burning, casting light in all directions; it is our world, our point of perspective, that rotates and creates a mirage which suggests that it is not. It is always something that stands in the way of the light which casts a shadow and creates the illusion of darkness. Essentially, darkness is an aspect of light.

Also keep in mind that without darkness, light would not possess the same quality. Without death, [physical] life would have no real meaning. The negative, in part, serves to allow for the positive to be perceived.

This shifting of perception may take some time and may prove exceedingly difficult for some. But if you cannot understand, accept and embrace the truth and purpose of duality, you will find it even more difficult to face your Shadow. This is when shadow work can be seen as counterproductive and even dangerous.

The Importance of Knowing Your Limits

Additionally, it is important to know your boundaries, to be in tune with yourself. I feel you should be fairly familiar with grounding exercises, meditation and energy work in general before pursuing shadow work. You should be able to discern when you need to rest or when your state of being is too weak to handle any additional stress. If you are suffering from severe depression, PTSD or other adverse mental conditions, you should proceed with extreme care and discretion. Though, again, if you are experiencing such conditions it is a tell-tale sign that you would certainly benefit from shadow work. Such conditions are very much created and perpetuated by those experiences we have trouble facing– whether it simply be uncontrollable, undesirable emotions or severely traumatic events. By virtue, shadow work is practiced because we are sick and broken; so it is silly to assume we need to be in some sort of perfectly stable, elevated state before pursuing such an endeavor.

That does not mean, however, that you should rush into it in effort to ‘fix’ yourself. You should be able to become fairly acquainted with and accepting of whatever condition you may find yourself in– again, this has a lot to do with perspective. Also, don’t feel it necessary to do all on your own. Though a large part of shadow work must be done alone, always feel free to reach out for support from others, especially those who have already consciously engaged in shadow work. Don’t feel hesitant or ashamed to share your experiences with others either. Sharing is an integral part of the healing process for most people; not only can it help you, it can help others as well.

The Importance of Patience

As I previously emphasized, don’t rush. Try not to have any expectations or set forth with the desire to 'conquer’ this entity, the Shadow; this will not serve you. The purpose of shadow work is to befriend and reintegrate the Shadow, not to challenge it– doing so will only strengthen its influences. This requires a great degree of patience. Understand the importance of working slowly and earnestly, heeding to your limitations as necessary. This also means not jumping into shadow work before preparing yourself. It can be tempting to rush into it headstrong and determined to mend your wounds so that other aspects of your life might improve. Again, you are defeating the purpose by having this attitude; in essence, you are still resisting your Shadow because your aim is to use it to incite positive effects rather than to simply understand and accept the negative. Also be aware that shadow work is an ongoing practice; once you begin, you will realize there is no real end to true shadow work.

For Understanding Shadow Work: Part II, visit: http://unmaskingthedivine.tumblr.com/post/112889344340/understanding-shadow-work-pt-ii

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Cheap, newbie lithomancy

Ok so I love the idea of divination by throwing things about, and lithomancy is stone divination. Now, you can use your lovely crystals or tumbled stones for this but a. I’m cheap so I don’t have too many and b. I am not gonna be throwing around my precious gem babies. Nooope.

So, what to do? Go outside and grab a bunch of small to medium stones that appeal to you, you should need about 10-15 depending on what you wanna put on them. Give them a wash and dry. Take paint or use markers (I used gold and silver markers) to add symbols of meaning to each one. Common themes include the planets and elements along with some tarot influence.

Next, take a spare piece of paper and figure out what categories you want, 8 in total. I did: Self, love, money, work, friends, home, magic and health. Now you should make a circle with whatever you can that looks like the below, and place your categories in the 8 sections. Still with me? Cool.

Now here’s the fun part! Shake up your stones and (not too hard) cast them over the circle. They will scatter about and maybe bounce a little. Stones that lie outside the circle or lines are irrelevant and should be put back in the storage while you read. Depending on which section they land in, the stones will have a message about that topic. Stones in the centre circle show past/current events, the middle ring shows things to come and the outer is for future possibilities.

This is super fun, inexpensive and actually pretty accurate so if you get the chance, go do it!!

Lots of love and good luck,

Gazelle.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Ten Mistakes New Herb Gardeners Make (and How to Avoid Them!)

Mistake 1: Growing from seed. When you first start out trying to grow fresh herbs, I recommend you begin by trying to grow from seedlings rather than planting your own seeds. These great little starter plants are widely available in grocery stores in the late spring. For the same price as a packet of fresh herbs from the produce section, you can buy your own little starter plant. Lots can go wrong in the seed to seedling transition (including not thinning out plants properly), so its probably best to begin by skipping that complicated task or you are in danger of washing out before you really begin.

Mistake 2: Starting with the wrong varieties. I recommend you start by trying to grow fresh basil. It is the perfect trainer herb. First, basil grows quickly, allowing you to observe the effects of your care more easily. Second, basil leaves wilt visibly when not watered enough, but recovers well if you water the wilted plant. This makes basil a great ‘canary in the mineshaft’ to help you figure out how much water is enough.

Mistake 3: Watering herbs like houseplants. Instead, water herbs a moderate amount every day. While some houseplants flourish with one solid watering per week, most delicate herbs require moderate and regular watering. This is particularly true during hot summer months. If you have good drainage at the bottom of your pot (at least a drainage hole, possibly rocks beneath the soil), it will be difficult to water herbs too much.

Mistake 4: Not cutting early and often. As a novice gardener, it may seem like your puny little plant just isn’t ready for a trip to the barber, but then you will find yourself sitting there wishing for leaves without much success. Again, basil is a great herb to practice pruning. As with all herbs, you want to cut the herb just above a set of growing leaves. With basil, when you cut the plant that way, the originally trimmed stem will no longer grow. However, two new stems will grow around the original cutting, creating a “V” shape (see the photo above, can you spot the Vs?). If you don’t trim basil aggressively, it will continue to grow straight up, and become too tall and top-heavy. Making your first trim approximately 3-4” above the soil produces a nice sturdy plant. Of course you want to be sure you are always leaving a few good sturdy leaves on the plant (see below). As it continues to grow, continue to prune it approximately every 3-4" for a nice solid plant. I like to let it grow for some time and then cut back to within 2-3 inches of the original cut. After only a few early trial cuts, this usually makes for a nice clipping with plenty of basil to use for a pizza.

Mistake 5: Taking the leaves from the wrong place. When you are just starting out it seems to make so much sense to pick off a few big leaves around the bottom of the plant, and let those tender little guys at the top keep growing. Wrong. Leave those large tough old guys at the bottom alone. They are the solar panels that power your herb’s growth. Once your plant is big enough to sustain a decent harvest, keep on taking from the top, as you have been when you were pruning. That way you get all those tender new herbs that are so tasty, and your plant gets to keep its well developed solar power system in place. Plus, if you pluck from the base and leave the top intact, you get a tall skinny plant that will flop over from its own weight (and yes, I know this from experience). When you pluck from the top, instead of clipping off just below a pair of leaves, you want to clip off just above a pair of leaves. It is a bit counter-intuitive as a novice, but trust me it works. The place where the leaf joins the stem is where new growth will occur when your plant sends off new stems in a V.

Mistake 6: Letting your plants get too randy. If you are pruning regularly, this may never become an issue, but unless you are growing something for its edible flowers, be sure to cut back herbs before they start growing flowers. My friend once brought me to her backyard garden and pointed, frustrated, at her wimpy, small basil plants. “I just keep tending them, but they don’t even produce enough leaves to put on a salad!” she lamented. I pointed to the glorious stalk of flowers at the top of each plant, “That’s your problem” I explained. Because herbs are kind of like college boys: if you give them half a chance, they will focus all their energy on procreation and neglect growth. If you want leaves, keep cutting off the little flower buds whenever you find them (see photo above), and it will encourage your plant to focus on growing more leaves.

Mistake 7: Using tired soil with no nutrients. Tired soil that has been sitting in your garden or lawn for ages often looks grey and a little depressing. Would you want to grow in that stuff? Give your plants a dose of the good stuff and they’ll thank you for it. I grow my herbs in a combination of potting soil, used coffee grounds (with a near-neutral PH, available for free at Starbucks), and organic compost. If I have some on hand, I also throw in crushed egg shells. Those without access to compost (and no deep commitment to organic growing) may find Miracle grow useful. My momma swears by it for tomatoes. A diluted solution of Miracle grow occasionally can help many herbs flourish.

Mistake 8: Getting in a rut. There is an element to passion about herb gardening. In order to be good at it, you need to feel rewarded. So don’t stick too long with one or two herbs just because they work. Branch out to a few other basic herbs that you will use regularly in your kitchen. There are few things more rewarding as an urban foodie than being able to pop out to the fire escape to clip fresh herbs to use in my cooking. Once you have become comfortable with basil, I recommend moving on to try growing oregano, mint, rosemary and thyme. All are regularly useful herbs in the kitchen, and all are relatively easy to grow. You will notice that rosemary cleaves after cutting in a somewhat similar way to basil, but grows much more slowly, so the effect is difficult to notice. Some plants also respond to clipping by throwing out more full leaves at their base. I have long wanted to grow cilantro but have not had much luck with it.

Mistake 9: You mean there’s more than one kind of mint?When choosing herbs, read the label carefully. For example, there are two main varieties of oregano: Mediterranean and Mexican. Mediterranean oregano is the more common variety, and what you likely own if you have conventional dried oregano in your cupboard. I have Mexican oregano growing on my back fire escape. I love Mexican oregano in spicy dishes, for making beans from scratch, and often use it in tomato dishes where I don’t want the flavor to seem too much like marinara. Similarly, there are many different kinds of mint. You don’t want to be thinking of the pungent spearmint plant and accidentally take home the much more subtle (and not mojito savvy) applemint by mistake.

Mistake 10: Feed me Seymour! If you are planting in soil instead of pots, take care that your cute little herb seedling doesn’t become a giant plant that takes over your garden. A word of warning for oregano and mint: both can be voracious growers. If you are planting outside in a garden, rather than in pots, you may want to consider potting these herbs and then burying the pots in the ground. This will add a measure of control to the root systems of these herbs, which can otherwise take over a garden and strangle nearby neighbors. When in doubt, check out wikipedia, they usually are careful to point out which herbs are in danger of overwhelming your garden.

Some really useful info here if you’re new to herb gardening.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Doing Magic Without Casting Spells

When I was a witch I thought “doing spells” was the height of all magic. After I left witchcraft I found myself doing spells less and less until I just… stopped. But this didn’t mean my life was without magic. The form my active magic took just changed.

I do magic with talismans now. Others may call them “altars in a box.” I call them talismans ^-^

Once a talisman is built, it works forever as long as it is properly charged. In the photograph is the charging of my personal prosperity talisman.

Talismans are a low-spoon magical solution. The creation, use, and upkeep of a talisman requires no personal energy beyond putting a few objects in a container. You do not need to charge talismans with your personal energy.

A talisman is, in my definition, a magical trinket which can manipulate energies in your favor. In this article I am talking about container talismans.

Container talismans are built like puzzles. Each object added holds a special meaning and will affect the energies of the talisman in a special way. In my example money talisman, I have added:

Lodestone, to draw money, prosperity, and wealth.

Lodestone oil, to draw money, prosperity, and wealth.

Coins, to represent what I desire.

Gold pebbles, to represent what I desire.

A jar of iolite crystals with a $1000 store price tag, to represent great wealth (dressed with lodestone oil).

A bottle of pure gold flakes, to represent great wealth.

A charm bag of basil, to get the spirit ally Basil to work on my behalf for profit.

A sigil to save money, for obvious reasons!

A small jar of marijuana, a gesture of sacrifice to give back to the spirit world, and to represent what I desire.

My last dollar until payday, a gesture of sacrifice to give back to the spirit world, and to represent what I desire.

This talisman brings me a lot of spending money and I am rarely ever out (except now, which is why I am recharging and donating my last dollar!).

On the other hand, talismans are a practical low-fund solution because one can literally be made out of paper slips stuffed in to a jar. No need to get fancy!

Try building different container talismans for prosperity, relationships, wishes, and protection.

Try adding dried herbs and stones of traditional correspondences.

Add representation of spirit allies who will help.

Include poems, images, sigils, or references of your goals and dreams.

Talismans can be simple or complex. Make them to your tastes and the preferences of the spirits you work with.

To build your own talisman, select an appropriate container and cleanse it using your favorite method. Cleanse objects and state their purpose as you add them to the container. “This dried rose represents eternal love within my heart.” “This quartz chip is to empower the other elements of the talisman.” And so on :)

When your talisman is assembled, charge it by placing candles on or near it and lighting them with intent to draw down power. Or, place it in the Sun and Moonlight for 24 hours, asking Nature to rise from below and complete the trinity of empowerment. In the picture, I placed a candle in the middle of the talisman jar. I dressed the candle with lodestone oil for extra power.

Place talismans on an altar or safe space where it will not be disturbed. Allow it to work for you; I see results within an hour typically but I have many allies so don’t be bothered if things don’t work for you so quickly! Give up to 4 weeks to see real changes; up to 2 weeks to see signs of change. Speak to it regularly. Give things time to manifest. Charge regularly or as needed (I charge mine once every… 2 years on average).

If you want to include spirits to help you in your talisman, try this method of obtaining a spirit friend from a crystal (modify from the ‘protection’ theme to your own talisman purposes) or this method for making a contract with a spirit.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Witchy Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Throughout The Years...

Meditating during long car journeys helps clear your mind, pass the time and totally counts as practicing.

If you like plants, collect plants. If you like crystals, collect crystals. Collect things that makes your soul sing!

Charity shops are brilliant. You can always find something you need in there.

Salt, salt, salt. I love it and you should at least consider having it in your witchy cabinet as it is brilliant for protection.

You don’t need all the tools the books say you need unless you feel they’ll help.

Stock up on as many black candles as you can during the Halloween season or wait until they’re on the discount aisle.

Love is a powerful tool, don’t abuse it. The love you have for someone or something can help make any spell stronger.

Wicca is the religion, Witchcraft is the practice. You don’t have to be Wiccan to practice Witchcraft, You don’t have to practice Witchcraft if you’re Wiccan.

If you’re having difficulty with magic and witchcraft, Labradorite can help significantly.

Be careful around incense and smoke if your an asthmatic witch! Goodness knows how many time my lungs have almost quit on me during cleansing. You don’t have to use it.

Stir a bit of cinnamon into your morning tea to help bring good fortune throughout the day.

Respect all living things, including plants and insects.

If you’re having trouble visualising your magic and will, try taking inspiration from fantasy media, such as Skyrim or Harry Potter, and visualise the magic from those.

If you relate a song to a spell or ritual, put it on and sing along to it!

A small rose quartz under your pillow will help ease nightmares.

Sometimes a digital grimoire is better and easier to write than a physical one.

If your life is getting difficult to manage, take a break from witchcraft if it helps.

Craft stores are a great place for mini bottles and jars.

You don’t need to be part of a coven to be a valid witch.

Anyone of any gender can be a witch.

Don’t rely solely on a healing spell or potion to help with an illness, visit your doctor too.

Share your knowledge to people who are willing to learn.

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Yep, there’s an essential oil for that!

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moss-pond

8 years ago

Broken Spell Jar

My travel spell jar broke at last. That thing had been sittiing in my car all summer! Honestly I had expected the wax seal to soften before now but hey! What an opportunity, right?

There can be many reasons why a spell jar has broken or become unsealed, and it’s all dependent on what the jar’s intent was. For me, it was protection and reducing inner road-rage when travelling. So perhaps this particular jar has done it’s job and there’s nothing left of it to give. Figure out why this has happened to your jar and then go from there.

So what do you do when the spell jar breaks? Well, again it’s dependent on your situation, but here I’ll show you what I’ve done for this particular spell jar which can be utilized for other spell jars. Feel free to use this method for yourselves and to adjust it according to your needs!

First, empty its content and separate what is salvagable and what is not. Everything to be discarded you can- burn, flush down, throw away, bury, throw outside- whatever is appropriate for the materials you’re getting rid of.

Take what you salvaged and use whatever cleansing method you see fit for your own items. I’ve also salvaged the jar, because I am ALL ABOUT reusing stuff.

So now what? You can take your kept items and use them for other spells or rituals. Charge them, bless them, charm them, whatever! But deep in my heart guts, I feel like these items should immediately be reused for the exact same spell you previously had it in. But that’s just what my heart guts are telling me. If you wanna put them all back in the same jar for the same spell, go ahead! you do you.

Another method would be to just discard the entire spell jar, but I feel like this is such a waste of potential for the spell’s contents. Again, do what you feel is right. And if you have other suggestions on what to do for a broken spell jar, let me know!

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moss-pond

8 years ago

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