Posts

Showing posts with the label Witches

On being an Eclectic Witch

Image
Being a Eclectic witch means you don't follow just one certain path. You choose to learn magical things from various cultures. Let's explore this idea. I'm as white as it gets - Scandinavian, blond (now grey) with blue eyes should I even attempt Hoodoo? Some would admittedly say NO, I don't have the right to do an African based magical system. Okay, I see your point, but what if their way of handling herbs and roots is of great interest to me as I work with the spirits of herbs/roots regularly in my practice? I start by respecting every aspect of their culture, deities and spirits and learn all I can before I attempt to use any herbs. I'm limited because there's no way for me to connect with their ancestors, but I want to learn all I can from the ones who can. The way Voodoo and Hoodoo practitioners use the spirits of the herbs is far different then how, say, Cunningham would use them. Cunnigham is a bit "fluffy bunny", not all my magic is "fluffy...

How does one become a Witch?

Image
Well, there's many a belief and idea on this matter. Some would say your born a witch and there's no other way. (They're wrong). Some would tell you you have to be chosen by a coven - also wrong. Some would say you have to walk backwards around a church 13 times denouncing god to become a witch. Sure, if it works for you. Simply - Being a Witch is a CHOICE and a lot of PRACTICE! Being a Witch simply boils down to practicing witchcraft - the art of manipulating energy into a desired result. The most wonderful thing about being a witch is there are no set rules (MANY would argue) only yours and natures. If you choose to join a Wicca church or coven there is a ton of rules. Wicca and Witchcraft can be two entirely different things. But you can see my first blog post for the explanation as to why this is.  Back to becoming a witch... First of all you have to have the desire, the longing and this weird feeling in your gut. You know what I mean. Once you feel drawn to witchcraft ...

Witches Intuition and Why we follow it.

Image
Have you even been drawn to gathering or harvesting herbs, flowers, roots, etc and had NO IDEA why?  Yeah, that just happened to me. I was outside with Asher, my tiny Hell hound, and had the irresistible urge to pluck acorns off our neighbors tree. Now, in the 16 years we've lived here I've never been "inspired" to pluck acorns from their tree. Strange? Then I couldn't help myself, I had to harvest all the seed pods off our Iris Oriental bush. So I got a bowl and scissors and gathered a bunch. Then took all the seeds out, keeping the pods in tact so they still made a 3 pointed star. Good grief. Why?  I looked up the magical meaning for Iris, here's what I found:  "Iris species. A Moon plant, orris root is good for digging deep into the Moon-ruled subconscious and uprooting what is hidden. Like any Moon herb, it can also be used in divination and dream work. The iris is also called the fleur-de-lis, so this Moon plant has often been associated with dom...

In the mean time the World is on Fire.

Image
I haven't written for a long time. Between the holiday rush, then Covid-19, then the senseless death of many a black person, then the protests and riots, I just lost it.  The World is in so much upheaval. So much hate and division. So much selfishness. Don't worry, I'm not going to go on a political rant how poorly everything is being handled. What I'd like to do is give suggestions on how a sensitive or empath can navigate through times like this.  Empaths and sensitives feel everything that's going on. The negative energy is palpable in the air. How can we shied ourselves and stay balanced? (Here comes another list:) ~ One way is to meditate and cleanse ourselves every day. Concentrate on the positives, what we do have, not on the "what if's". Use a sage wand and smudge yourself and your home, everyday.  ~Use different incenses to create a positive, loving energy in your space and to surround you in positive energy. ~ Wear Smoky Quartz and any black...

What do you give a Witch for Yule/Christmas?

Image
Face it, it's hard enough giving people the right gift, but when it comes to the Witch in your life you want to give them something magical. I've had many a friend ask me "What do you give a Witch?". Simple answer (crystals) anything she/he would like, just like anyone else. I promised no more lists, but Tis' the Season for lists so here we go. May it inspire your magical gift giving. Yes, I do have many of these thing on the website! Gift ideas for the Magical People in your life: 1. Books on herbs, oils, brews and crystals. What ever their chosen path - Wicca, Hoodoo, Voodoo, Santeria, Natural, Green, Hedge . . . there's SO many, there is a book for it. 2. A beautiful journal. No matter what path, we all need to write down things. Most will turn it into a Book of Shadows. Don't forget a special pen - glass, quill, wooden. Something you wouldn't find at an office store. 3. Bottles. Okay, sounds funny, I know, but really - bottles. Cool ones. Anti...

Will you do a spell for me?

Image
I'm going to try to lay this out as nicely as I can, here it goes: I hear a version of this question at least 2-3 times a week. The answer is always the same, "No, I cannot do a spell for you. I have no vested interest in your issue, no one does but you. Only you have the correct energy. Only you have the power to perform a spell for yourself. I can help you gather the supplies or give you ideas where to start, but ultimately YOU are the magic." As I get up on my soap box - This is an issue that comes up a lot and to a real witch it's like nails on a chalkboard. This is what they are actually asking "Do it for me. I don't want to put in the effort. You do it." If you don't want to put in the effort, don't bother. Witchcraft and Spell casting is NOT a "do it for me" kind of ritual and the people that will charge you $200 to throw some herbs around a candle and call it a spell are a scam, pure and simple. Just, don't. Instead do som...

Successful Spells and Rituals: Do they need to be elaborate to work?

Image
Many, many books on Witchcraft will have long, elaborate rituals spelled out to the letter of the "Universal Law" with lot's of rules, that if not followed to the letter will mean the destruction of your very soul!   -   Oh my, what to do? When I first started, all of that seemed so overwhelming and expensive! I didn't have a couple hundred dollars for a ceremonial robe or the means to make one, another hundred or so for an athame (ritual knife), a crown, twelve candles, the name of a spirit or daemon to summon blaa, blaa, blaa. Not to mention the times! On this exact night, at this specific hour, but only if the moon was waxing, and if you saw three ravens that day. Good grief. I pretty much shoved those books aside and did what I could. Guess what, soul is still intact. Magick is just as powerful when it is simplified to fit your life, schedule and budget, as long as the knowledge, intent and energy is there. Now, if you want to do the elaborate rituals, by all m...

Simple Rituals for a Full Moon

Image
Tonight is the full Sturgeon Moon. Full moons have always been a mystical, magic time to get in touch with the power of the Universe. When the moon is full it represents the joining of energy, celebration and completion. It's a time to recharge and renew, not only ourselves but our magical tools and crystals as well. The moon is known to increase intuitive sensitivity and psychic powers making it an optimal time for divination, tarot readings and connecting with ancestors. Burning Incense. The one thing we always do in our home is do an easy incense ritual to clear ourselves and our space and prepare them to release anything that no longer serves us. Depending on the month we've had we use Sage, Palo Santo and/or Dragon's Blood to clear out the heaviness. This gives you a clean slate as the moon turns to waning. Time to clear and charge those crystals. Crystals will absorb and store energy, periodically it is necessary to clean and re-charge their energy. The light of ...

My Favorite Things About Witchcraft

Image
Being a proper witch for over 28 years has given me a lot of time to practice the Craft. It's been a fun, sometimes exhausting journey, but one happily taken. Here are a few of my favorite things about witchcraft: 1. No set rules, only your own and natures. Now, don't get confused with the Wicca religion, it has a ton of rules! - Witchcraft does not, only the ones you appose upon yourself and what nature sets. Common sense things like, "Harm none, but take no shit!", be civil, "with great power comes great responsibility". Just remember for every action there's a reaction. 2. The freedom and power to be yourself. You are allowed to follow what ever branch of the Witchcraft tree suits you the best. There is no right and wrong way. It's your path. 3. There's SO much to learn you'll never get bored or hear the same things over and over again. I think that's why I enjoy being an Eclectic Witch so much because of all the new things ...

Where did you start?

Image
That is probably one of the most asked questions I get. Truth is, I was always different so it started for me as far back as I can remember. When I was in my 20's I really started delving into the craft and picked up some essential books that really sent me on my way. Here's a short list of books I suggest for those of you just starting in the Craft: 1.) "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by Scott Cunningham. One of my personal favorites and the first book I purchased. It explains the herb along with hand drawn images of the herb for identification. It gives you ideas of what you can use for different spells and explains in simple English the magical preparation for an herbal spell. A must for beginner witches interested in herbal magick or Hedge witchery. 2.) "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews" by Scott Cunningham. Again one of my favorites. So many useful recipes and how to use the energy from the different elements. A true gem...