Platonic Vampirism

Magical names

(Disclaimer: this is all based on UPG, personal experience as well as my own working theories about magic and witchcraft, feel free to add on anything you’ve found to be true, or correct me if I’ve messed up anywhere!)

In my practice, I use several different names. This includes my false name, my witches’ name and my common name. The number of names a witch will use will vary depending on their practice. For instance, a green witch who does not dabble in spirit or otherworld work will likely only use one or two names at most, while a hedge witch can have as many names as spirits that they interact with.

“But Ysbal, what are all these names for? Why do I need them?”

The short answer is to protect your identity and to imbue your workings with extra power.

The long answer is that most of the time a witch will use three types of name; the first and most obvious type is the common name.

The common name is the name you go by on this plane, which you would answer to if someone called it. Yes, this includes nicknames and chosen names. I personally only have a few variations on my common name, although in the past my common name changed before I eventually settled with the one my parents gifted me. This name is most useful for interacting with other people in this physical plane, though it can be substituted for your true name or a witches’ name in magical workings if you don’t have/know them yet.

The second type of name that most witches (and anyone who goes online!) should have is a false name. Your false name is useful for a number of things, but it’s most effective as a form of protection against the Fae and other spirits that may wish to call upon you.

If the Fae have your common or true names, they have power over you. That’s why it’s important to be careful not to share those names and have a false name that you can provide when asked so that you won’t offend them.

It is very important that your false name should be a name that you do not recognise as your own. Meaning, if someone were to call out your false name, you wouldn’t notice or answer.

To prevent yourself from getting accustomed to a false name, you can have a different one for each spirit or group of spirits that you interact with, but that can get confusing, so I personally choose to use a name that I feel no personal connection to other than liking it.

You could choose a name belonging to the opposite or different gender, if that helps; it’s also good to use a name that’s common among those interacting with the fae (I’ve seen ‘Ainsel’ recommended before). Symbols make good false names if you don’t need to speak aloud. Another tip is to choose a name that holds some sort of meaning, particularly if the meaning relates to independence or gaining independence from someone because, as you’ve probably heard a million times, names have power, and maintaining your independence is very important when interacting with Fae and other spirits.

Other benefits of a false name include:

Protecting your identity

Having an alias when interacting with other witches

Just getting to try on a cool sounding name for a bit

(I would be cautious of using your false name in too many places, though, because you might begin to recognise it as your own, at which point you’d have to change it!!)

“What if I like my false name and don’t want to stop using it if I get accustomed to it?”

Good news! You don’t have to. If that name speaks to you, then you can 100% keep using it in the form of a witches’ name. (Ysbal is my witches’ name.)

This is the name you use in among other witches and in spellcraft. You can imbue it with magic, although it likely already has some from its meaning (if you chose a meaningful name) and numerology. Simplified, it’s a common name but with a little more power and significance.

The one warning I’d give with this is to bear in mind that if you’ve already used this name, any spirits you’ve shared it with will have access to it, which is why you always need to be careful with the wording when you share your name. An example: all throughout this post I’ve been using ‘give’ and ‘share’ out of habit, but both of those are bad!! You’re basically saying to the Fae “come fuck with me, I’m all yours.” Instead, say “you can call me” or “I’ll tell you that my name is.” This way you ensure that they know that you’re not giving them any power, and the name remains relatively safe (but never entirely, so always exercise caution with who you give even a false name to!)

Still want a witches’ name, but want to avoid that risk entirely? You can also create a witches’ name from scratch if you so desire, or even ask to be given one (I know it’s a tradition in some covens to give new members coven names to finalise their entry.)

Remember: some witches use the same name actively as their false name and their witches’ name, so it really varies person to person, and how cautious you want to be.

The trickiest name and the one that you, under no circumstances, should ever give away lightly is your true name.

There are a number of theories on what this name is (and if it even exists), from it being the name of your higher self to it being the name you had during your first (or most significant) incarnation. Personally, I believe it to be the unique name given to the shard of the universe that is you.

What your true name ‘sounds’ like will vary. Most people recognise their true names when they are called by them, but wouldn’t be able to tell you what they are beforehand. Your true name is what identifies you in the deepest sense, and this could be anything from a certain scent; a certain feeling; or even a specific frequency of sound.

If you know your true name, you can use it in magical workings to empower them, as well as to give to (trusted) friends to help them find you on the astral or in times of need.

“How do I find my true name, and how will I know it’s the right one?”

If you believe so, you can ask your higher self to give it to you. You can also ask around among spirits you know well and trust or who knew you in a previous incarnation, as well as spirit guides, angels, or patron deities. I’ve also heard of hypnosis as a method, although this might be risky as the hypnotist will also then have access to your true name. It is important to note that none of this guarantees you will be told your actual, genuine true name.

I personally, do not yet know my true name (and it’s totally ok not to!!), so I can’t tell you anything other than the cliche, “if it is your name, you’ll know” that I’ve picked up from speaking to other people.

So, there you have it! A quick run-down on how to use names in your magical practice. I hope this is helpful to someone, and if I’ve been grossly misinformed on any of these, please let me know!!

What color do you main in Among Us? And what hat?? I’m an orange egg at heart <3

Wholesome baby witch

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖔𝖓

The allure of the Moon has a place in our hearts, and whilst it remains a mystery to us, something we know and something we feel is the strong magick and connection that surrounds it. The Moon affects the oceans of the earth and the cycles of nature. Animals of all kinds are more active during the full moon, weather is more intense during new moons, human pregnancy incubation is calculated by lunar cycles…

The moon has many appearances in folklore, and it plays a very profound role in witchcraft and spell casting, for the subconscious mind is ruled by the Moon. And by becoming acquainted with all the phases of the Moon and it’s many faces, and how to apply them into your magickal practice, its energy will guide you to a deeper connection with nature and magick all around you. Your life could be transformed by working with the different energies of the Moon.

When casting spells you are working with the subconscious mind, the elements, and a higher energy. The Moon is accessed and its transformational powers utilised. So it is always a good idea (with any form of spell casting, working with the moon or not) to make sure you are in a calm and focused state of mind before you begin, and you can do this in many ways, like using meditation. If you are patient, waiting for the correct phase of the Moon, you will enhance the results of your spell casting, and any magickal activity.

𝐓 𝐇 𝐄  𝐌 𝐎 𝐎 𝐍  𝐏 𝐇 𝐀 𝐒 𝐄 𝐒

🍁Waxing crescent: motivation, attraction, success.

🍁First quarter: creativity, divination, calming.

🍁Waxing gibbous: refine, observe, good health.

🍁Full moon: charging, cleansing, power, clarity, healing, reflection.

🍁Waning gibbous: undoing bindings, undoing curses, introspect.

🍁Third quarter: banishing, breaking negative habits, breaking curses.

🍁Waning crescent: balance, success, wisdom.

🍁New moon: new beginnings, cleansing, clarity, reflection, fresh start.

Witchy Update!

so apparently witchtok is a bad place to get info about witchcraft, and i have gathered a vast majority of my current knowledge from tiktok and pinterest should i be concerned?

I don’t intend on working with deities or gods, I’m choosing to stick to spells, spirituality, maybe some divination, connecting with nature, etc. I’ve heard that intent matters most, but i just want to be on the safe side because I am not trying to summon fae or do some of the crazy things people have warned me against.

Grimore Ideas

So you want to make a grimore, but you have no idea what to put it! Here are some ideas!

Spells, of course

The elements

Crystals and herbs you like, and their correspondences

Astrology: the signs, your chart, etc

Divination, both how to’s, and answers you’ve gotten

Sigils!

Moon phases, I find even sticking a calendar in there is good

Deities, Spirits, and things like that you’ve talked to or worked with

The Sabbats, if you do those, and what you can do on them

Recipes and Potions

Meditation charts and what you get out of them!

Dreams and dreamwork

Plant identification

Tarot card meanings

Art

Terminology

Crystal Grids

Pendulum keys

Tarot spreads

Essential oils you like

Mythology

Scrying

Pocket Altars

Runes

Hopefully this has give you some ideas! Good luck!

~Advicewitch Kween

I’m sure someones already said this but I often see Tumblr described as a hellsite. This is fundamentally incorrect.

Tumblr is the faesite. Everybody is super confused and lost, you keep running into random places. Somehow you end up stuck there forever after interacting a couple of times. The people are all strange, everybody simultaneously seems to be from the future and the past as if time is meaningless.

You can buy your own tarot deck.

Witchcraft for the Chronically Fatigued

Fatigue looks at things such as tiredness, drowsiness, exhaustion, weakness, lethargy and memory issues and says “I can do all that and more!”. It leaves you feeling utterly trapped in your own body; unable to move, or even think at times. It fluctuates, but is always looming. 

While this post is open for all, it is written for those who truly relate to this all-consuming feeling (due to ME/CFS, other chronic illnesses, mental illness, or undiagnosed causes). Not all of these may work for you, but hopefully they inspire something that will. For general low energy witchcraft, check out my Bedridden Witch Series!

As always: witchcraft is to be used in addition to proper medical care, treatment and medication; not as a sole alternative.

To draw energy:

If you cannot produce your own, magically created will be just fine!

Crystals. 

I tend to use clear quartz for an energy boost, but trust your intuition; if something calls to you, it’s for a reason. 

Keep it near your bedside table, under your pillow, hold it in your hand or place it on your body where you feel the fatigue most strongly centered. 

When on the go, carry it in your pocket or wear as jewelry. If it is larger, carry in a bag and hold it when you need it. 

Charge using a charging board or the elements. 

Crystals for fatigue

Waters.

Physically touching water brings me energy. I keep jars of snow, rain, storm, river, stream (etc, etc.) water and will dip my fingers in it and mark that parts of my body where the fatigue feels strongest. Be aware of pollutants and do not ingest!

The same method can be done with tap water (or water charged under the sun or moon)

Drink sun water or sun tea (start with drinking safe water and let it absorb the energies of the sun).

Some people find moon water to be energizing (same process as above, just with the moon). 

See also: Bedridden witch: Bath edition.

Other elements.

Note what is energizing to you and what is draining to you. Consider: the sun, moon (and it’s phases), weather (rain, overcast, snow, storm, wind), cold vs. hot, the earth, fire, air, etc.

Once you find which elements are energizing to you, find ways to incorporate them into your life. Examples: jars of different waters or soils, rocks collected from places, candles, and more.

I usually draw energy up from the earth by placing my palms flat towards the earth by the sides of my body. So if I was lying down, my arms would be at my sides with my palms facing down.

Expose yourself or protect yourself. I’ll use my personal experiences as an example here… Rain often energizes me. When it rains, I’ll open my windows, and if I’m able I’ll step outside or collect some water. On the flipside, full moons often drain me. I’ll close my windows and curtains, hang an extra blanket over my bedroom window, use water to paint protective sigils on the window and increase my wards.

See also: Bedridden witch: Elements edition and Bedridden witch: Weather edition

To manage symptoms:

Brain fog:

Brainfog lifting

“Brainfog begone” sigil

Fatigue: 

Spoonie spell for energy

Energy gain spell

Energy boost spell

Energy bath

Fatigue recovery spell jar

Headaches (and migraines):

Headache healing

To banish a headache

Anti-migraine spell

Anti-migraine spell bottle

Migraine relief bath

Joint pain:

Arthritis pain relief oil

Joint pain spell

Healing spell for joints

Memory:

Memory masterpost

Memory and concentration spell

Mental reboost tea spell

Muscle pain:

Muscle pain sachet

Warming salve for sore muscles

Crystals for muscle pain (external site)

For more categories of symptoms please see my posts for symptoms relating to chronic illness and mental illness!

Practicing the craft with energy limitations:

Tips and tricks:

I highly recommend preparing things when your energy allows, so it’s always ready to go when you need it (and isn’t dependent on current energy levels). 

Cleansing: Let other things do your work for you. Open your windows/get fresh air, steam or smoke, sound, etc. Bedridden energy cleansing.

Divination: Use apps when physical movement is hard. One card spreads, shorten your pendulum so you don’t need to lift your arm, divine using the elements, etc. Bedridden divination.

Spells: Make your own spell kits. Spell jars and sachets are also an excellent way to already have the spell prepared, set it up so you can simply shake it to re/activate the spell.

Warding: Create physical ties for your wards that aren’t reliant on consistent upkeep (as a failsafe), and reinforce your other ward layers when you have the energy. I create far more layers than I need so when I am unable to reinforce them, they still protect me. 

Worship: Compile prayers and devotions somewhere you can easily find and read them, have a wall altar for easy maintenance, keep offerings simple (a glass of water, for example). Bedridden worship.

Many more tips and tricks in these posts:

Bedridden witch series (masterpost of all my current bedridden witch posts, including some that weren’t linked here!)

Limited hand mobility + witchcraft (divination, spells, working with flames, recording information and more)

Nonverbal witchcraft

You may also like:

Magic to replenish energy

Spoonie witch masterpost

Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Mentally ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Witchcraft & Meds

Low energy cleaning + cleansing

Sigils: (pain + symptoms) (mental illness + energy) (healing + misc.) 

Drink magic masterpost

Rejuvenating witchcraft

Do none of these posts fit your needs? Let me know, I’m always looking for more ways to make witchcraft accessible!

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

Last updated May of 2020. Please check for updates and inform me of broken links via askbox!