Practical Magic: Circle Casting

If you’re brand new to witchcraft, you’re probably seeing this phrase left and right: casting the circle, or circle casting. For some, it seems fairly obvious, because casting circles is often represented in pop culture, from the Devil’s Traps in Supernatural to the circle of brooms in Practical Magic.

However, what purpose does casting a circle serve? How do you cast a circle? Why does it have to be a circle and not, say, a square? And do I always need to cast a circle when working magick?

Well, we’ll take this in small bits!

Why should I cast a circle?

A circle serves several different purposes in witchcraft. For some, it’s a means of protection. To others, it’s a means of magnifying ritual energy. For still others, it encourages slipping into meditative consciousness. Whatever the reasons for the tradition, it remains a rather good way of getting the spell started.

In terms of protection, the circle acts sort of like a bubble. After all, it’s not just a cylindrical wall. When a witch casts the circle, he or she is envisioning the energy rising up from where it had been cast on the floor and forming a dome over the ritual space, and below the floor to encase the space in a bubble of intent. For many witches, this forms a sort of shield from outside spiritual influences, and to enter the circle after it’s been cast would require cutting a doorway into it.

As you cast your spell or work your rite, the energy you send out interacts with your altar, your tools, yourself, and your ritual space. The circle acts sort of like a can of soda that’s been shaken up. It holds in all of that energy, allowing it to increase in concentration and potency, allowing it to continuously interact with all ritual components, including the witch casting it. When the rite is done and the circle is opened, it sends all of that energy out into the world with extra force and intent, allowing it to more effectively do as the witch desires. This is particularly useful for rites and spells intended for someone else, or for spells intended to cause large changes.

Furthermore, casting a circle is usually the first or second act done in a spell - often a witch will cleanse a ritual space by asperging or smoke cleansing before casting the circle. As a result, casting the circle is an ideal start to a rite because it begins to set you into the state of mind you need for spellwork. By channeling intent and starting up the circle, you get your magical energy moving so that by the time the ritual starts, you’re already warmed up (like an athlete taking a couple of laps around the track so she can be warmed up and ready to go for practice or for the game).

Why does it need to be a circle instead of another shape?

This largely is rooted in tradition. If you really feel that a different shape is more sacred than a circle, you’re welcome to use that instead in your practice - some cultures believed in triangles being the shape of perfection. However, in most cultures and beliefs, the circle is a rather sacred shape. We see it everywhere, the only shape that can truly be called perfect - no corners, no sharp edges, no beginnings, no endings. It is a symbol of eternity, and reflects the shape of Mother Moon and Father Sun.

The circle also has another impact in witchcraft in that it can be seen as a fertility symbol - representing the full womb.

When casting a spell and beginning with a circle, you’re creating a sphere of energy - a magical manifestation of the principle of “as above, so below.” In a sense, you’re not casting a circle, but instead casting a sphere. It allows you to encompass your ritual space in a way where the energy can flow smoothly and freely like water. In general, other shapes don’t allow this kind of movement. Just like in Feng Shui, corners collect energy, prohibiting it from moving freely and causing it to grow stale and potentially sour into negative energy. Without the corners, you don’t have to worry about stale energy.

Do I always need to cast a circle in order to work magick?

The simple answer is no. The more accurate answer is that it largely depends upon the tradition you follow and what brand of magick you work. There are witches out there who will absolutely refuse to cast any kind of magic without the protection of the circle. Meanwhile, there are witches out there who only cast the circle for esbats and Sabbats. What feels best for you should be what dictates how frequently you cast your circles.

In my case, I always cast a circle when I am doing a full rite. Since many of my spells are done on the fly (intuition is key for me, so I don’t always write out elaborate spells), I don’t cast a circle for every working I do. Instead, with some spells I make use of circle imagery in order to provide the same effect - the pentacle is basically a mini circle. If you’ve seen the picture I showed of the protection altar I made for a friend of mine, you would notice that I have the pentacle there, but on either side of the pentacle are crystals pointing outward - through the use of imagery, and by using the crystals to project the energy, I’ve managed to cast my circle in the process of casting the spell.

When I’m working in my kitchen, I never cast full ritual circles - the pots and pans provide the shape, and I can cast the circles in the bottoms of those utensils if I need to empower the food.

I do, however, recommend casting circles any time you wish to work with spirits or any time you perform divination or healing spells. This is as much for empowerment as it is for protection.

How do I cast a circle?

Casting a circle can be as elaborate or as easy as you feel it needs to be. It can make use of actually drawing a circle on the floor, or it can be entirely energetic and felt. Ultimately, like any aspect of magick, the circle should be cast in the way that you feel it should be. The guidelines I give here are exactly that: guidelines. Work with them however you feel works best for you!

Step One: Cleanse your space

Cleansing your ritual space is necessary for any magick, depending upon your craft. When doing a ritual spell, I always cleanse with sage smoke or asperge with holy water. When you feel your ritual space is cleansed of all negativity, you’re ready to begin the casting of the circle.

In my practice, I go around the circle a total of three times. The first time is when cleansing the space. In addition to cleansing the room, I cleanse the circle in a clockwise direction, stopping briefly at each cardinal point to allow the smoke to linger in the space. For me, this helps begin the process of casting, and enhances the visualization.

Step Two: Physical Representation (If Any)

I don’t often draw a circle on the floor. This is largely because most of my magic is intuitive. However, when working with the coven, we sometimes do lay out a circle depending upon the rite we’re working. Especially for new witches who struggle with visualization, laying out a circle can be very nifty and helpful. As such, if you’re new to witchcraft, I do recommend laying out a circle if you feel it helps. If you’re still in the broom closet and want to cast a circle discreetly, you may have to rely upon visualization alone.

Regardless, there are a couple of ways you can lay out your physical circle. The first is to only provide representations at the Corners, or Cardinal Points - North, East, South, and West. If laying out the circle is ritualized for you, it is often recommended to start in the East and move clockwise around the circle. When providing only representations at the Corners, you can either place candles in each direction, or you can provide something that represents the element associated with it (a feather for air at the east, a candle for fire at the south, a glass of water at the west, and a jar of salt for earth at the north, for instance). My coven has considered casting spells at the beach, and we all loved the idea of taking tiki torches and setting one up in each corner, lighting them as we greet each guardian.

The other way of laying a physical circle is to actually draw out the whole circle in some way. If you’re at the beach or in an area where you can draw a circle in the earth, you’re set. But other times, you may be in an area where there’s a bit of foliage, or you’re indoors and don’t have the luxury of scratching a circle into your apartment’s carpet. Depending on what kind of surface you’re using, you can pour salt around the ritual space as a circle, or you can use a protection powder (such as ground eggshells, or ground cinnamon). If laying down something that’s granulated or powdered is a bad idea, because carpets, some witches will use ribbon instead.

One of my favorite moments with my coven was when we had cast a circle on a hill for a Sabbat rite. The hill was rather overgrown, and we were working in a small, grassy clearing. Since the rite was for Imbolc, we had decided that spring flowers would be beautiful. So we took flowers and laid them out in a circle around our ritual space.

Whatever method you use, it is often easier to lay out the physical circle before casting it spiritually.

Step Three: Greeting the Quarters

The second pass around the circle is done as a means of welcoming the Quarters. If your tradition does not have guardians at the cardinal points, you may substitute as needed (welcoming the Faeries, or welcoming deity, for example) or you may omit this step entirely.

Starting at whatever direction is traditional for you (I always start in the north, but many witches prefer to start in the east), greet the guardian, welcoming it to the circle. I do this with an invocation and with the ringing of a bell. Something to the effect of:

I welcome the element of Earth to the North, that it strengthen the circle.

I welcome the Guardian of the North, that it may bear witness to my work. Come in peace and love, so mote it be!

You would move in a clockwise direction around the circle, stopping at each cardinal point and welcoming its guardian or spirit in turn.

Once done, return to the altar.

Step Four: Casting the Circle

My third pass around the circle is the actual casting of it on a spiritual level. Depending upon your tradition, you would do this with a staff, sword, athame, or wand. My personal tradition is flexible - cast it with your hand if you feel that is more effective. I do, however, often cast the circle with a wand - the quartz in my wand helps to empower the circle, and I love encouraging that as much as possible.

With whatever implement you prefer in your casting hand (some traditions emphasize casting hands, others don’t; in general, your casting hand is your dominant hand or whatever hand you use to write with most often; if you’re ambidextrous, this could be either hand), start with the point you began at. Point the implement toward the floor at that point (physical circles help with this - point at the border you’ve created) and begin moving clockwise about the circle, envisioning your energy flowing outward from you, through your implement/fingertips, to the floor and creating a barrier.

Personally, I always tend to see energy as being like slow, fire-like mist that glows blue. I see it coming outward from my heart, traveling down my arm, through the wand (glowing brighter as it passes through each crystal) and then passing onto the ground where it ignites like a little wall of fire. Every witch sees it differently. That’s just how I visualize it.

Some witches will see the circle forming a sphere on its own. Great! If you feel you need to shape the sphere yourself, you can do so. Once you’ve cast the circle, go back to the altar and lift the energy upward from the floor until it closes above your head, creating a dome, and then push it downward in the same manner so that the sphere encloses the space below ground.

Visualization is key.

Congratulations! You’ve cast your circle. Some traditions will mark this in the ritual format: “Here is the border where the circle is cast none but love may enter, none but love may leave” or “The circle is cast in the presence of Goddess and God, so mote it be!”

When doing a simple spell and casting a circle for it, I acknowledge the casting quietly before setting to my work.

In Conclusion…

As you can see, casting a circle is something that can be very elaborate or very simple. It can be required for all workings or it can only be required for some. I feel that the way you cast your circle is often deeply personal. For that reason, in the steps I gave as an example above are only some of the key parts of how I cast the circle without revealing any personal details of what I do for it when not working with the coven.

Every tradition, every path, every witch casts circles differently. If you are starting out as a witch, I greatly encourage you to create your own, personalized method of casting the circle. If you keep a Book of Shadows (as most witches do), the way you cast your circle should be one of the first things that you write down in it.

All that said, may all your circles be unbroken!

Blessed Be! )O(

More Posts from Greenswitchery and Others

greenswitchery

5 years ago

✨Crystals Masterpost ✨

I have had this saved on my phone forever and do not know of any specific source but it makes a great reference for crystals. I hope you all enjoy ~

ABDOMEN -gamet, agate, smoky quartz

ABSENT - MINDEDNESS - carnelian

ACHES - agate , charoite

ACNE - amethyst

ADDICTIONS - amethyst, fluorite, labradorite, lepidolite, quartz, ruby, tourmaline

ADD - ADHD - lepidolite, rutilated quartz

ALLERGIES - carnelian, lepidolite

ALTITUDE SICKNESS - jet

ALZHEIMER`S - chalcedony, rose quartz

AIR PURIFIER - quartz crystal

AIR TRAVEL STRESS - hematite

ANEMIA - bloodstone, gamet, ruby in zoisite, hematite, tiger eye

ANOREXIA - gamet, lepidolite, rhodochrosite, rose quartz

ANXIETY - howlite

ARTHRITIS - amber, agate, carnelian, charoite, fluorite, gamet, malachite, moonstone, pyrite, rhodonite, ruby, tourmaline

ASTHMA - agate, amber, carnelian, lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger eye

ASTRAL PROJECTION - hematite

AURA CLEANSER - lapis lazuli

AUTISM - moldavite, sugilite

BACK - carnelian, hematite, lapis lazuli

BIRTHING -lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, onyx, opal, peridot

BLADDER TROUBLE - amber, jade, jasper, rhodochrosite

BLEEDING - bloodstone, ruby

BLOOD CIRCULATION - bloodstone, citrine, gamet, moonstone, rhodochrosite, ruby

BLOOD CLEANSER - amethyst, bloodstone, gamet, ruby, sodalite

BLOOD PRESSURE - aventurine, charoite, tourmaline

BODY ACHES (general) - dolomite, quartz

BONES - apatite, dolomite, fluorite, howlite, lapis lazuli, zoisite

BONE MARROW - amber, onyx

BRAIN - amber, amethyst, aventurine, agate, labradorite, lapis lazuli, pyrite, ruby, sodalite, tourmaline

BRUISES - agate, hematite, rose quartz

BULIMIA - gamet, rose quartz

BURNS - agate, quartz crystal, rose quartz

CALMS BODY - agate

CALMS MIND - agate, amethyst

CANCER - amethyst, aventurine, bloodstone, jade, malachite, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, smoky quartz, sugilite, tourmaline

CERVIX - zoisite

CHAKRAS BALANCED - quartz crystal

CHAKRAS OPENED - fluorite, quartz crystal

CHEMOTHERAPY - smoky quartz

CIRCULATION - bloodstone, blue tiger eye, citrine, gamet, moonstone, rhodochrosite, ruby

CLEANSING - dolomite, malachite, sodalite, smoky quartz

COMMUNICATION - lapis, aquamarine

COLDS & FLU - amber, agate, carnelian, fluorite, jet

COLON - bloodstone, carnelian, gamet, rhodochrosite

COMA - lapis lazuli, moldavite

CONCENTRATION - fluorite, hematite, onyx, tourmaline

CONFIDENCE, SELF - aventurine, tiger eye

CONVULSIONS - amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, quartz crystal

COUGH - amber, aquamarine

CREATIVITY - amethyst, aventurine, howlite, ruby

DEMENTIA - rose quartz, rutilated quartz

DENTAL PROBLEMS - agate, fluorite

DEPRESSION - carnelian, citrine, smoky quartz, garnet, howlite, jasper, lapis lazuli

DETOXIFICATION - amber, amethyst, bloodstone, carnelian, charoite, jade, lapis lazuli (etheric, spiritual), malachite, peridot

DIABETES - citrine, jade

DIGESTION - citrine, dolomite, howlite, sunstone

DIRECTION IN LIFE - citrine

DIZZINESS - quartz crystal

DNA REPAIR - pyrite

DREAM INDUCER - citrine, garnet

DREAMS, INTUITIVE - amethyst, jade

DRUNKENNESS - amethyst

EARACHE - amber

EDEMA - aqua aura, aquamarine, carnelian, jade, moonstone

ELOQUENCE - agate, turquoise

EMF POLLUTION - aventurine, lepidolite, tourmaline

EMOTIONS (calms) - rose quartz

EMPHYSEMA - amber, amethyst, aqua aura, aquamarine, rose quartz, tiger eye

ENDURANCE - sodalite

ENERGY - garnet, hematite, ruby

EPILEPSY - jasper, jet, lapis lazuli, onyx, tourmaline

EXHAUSTION - garnet

EYES - amethyst, aqua aura, aquamarine, fluorite, jade, jet, labradorite, lapis lazuli, nuummite, opal, rhodonite, turquoise

EYESIGHT - aventurine, bloodstone, citrine, peridot, tiger eye

FAINTING - lapis lazuli

FATIGUE - garnet, rose quartz, rutilated quartz, tiger iron

FEAR (banishes) - agate

FEET - onyx, smoky quartz

FERTILITY - carnelian, jade, moonstone, rose quartz, zoisite

FEVER - agate, jet, opal, ruby, quartz crystal

FRACTURES - fluorite, onyx

FRIENDSHIP - lapis lazuli, rose quartz, turquoise

FRUSTRATION - howlite

GALLBLADDER - carnelian, citrine, dolomite, fluorite, tiger eye

GLANDS - agate, aquamarine, sodalite

GOUT - charoite, tourmaline

GRIEF - amethyst

GROUNDING - carnelian, fluorite, hematite, obsidian snowflake, smoky quartz

HAPPINESS - citrine, howlite

HEADACHES - agate, amber, amethyst, charoite, citrine, fluorite, hematite, jet, lapis lazuli (prevention), moonstone, nuummite (relief), quartz crystal, rose quartz, sugilite, turquoise

HEALING (general) - agate, amethyst, aquamarine, fluorite, jade, moonstone, quartz crystal, turquoise

HEALING EARTH - amber, smoky quartz

HEARING - amethyst, onyx, rhodonite, tourmaline

HEART - amber (strengthens), aqua aura, aquamarine, aventurine, dolomite, garnet, hematite, lapis lazuli, rhodonite, tourmaline, zoisite

HEARTBURN - carnelian, dolomite, peridot, quartz crystal

HIP PAIN - petrified wood

HYPERACTIVITY - garnet

HYPOCHONDRIA - quartz crystal, tiger eye

IMAGINATION - rose quartz

IMMUNE SYSTEM - amethyst, jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, quartz crystal, rhodonite, tourmaline

IMPOTENCE - carnelian

INDIGESTION - agate, jasper, peridot, tourmaline

INFECTION - agate, carnelian, fluorite, opal, rhodochrosite

INFERTILITY - carnelian, jade, malachite, moonstone, rhodonite, rose quartz, rubelite tourmaline, smoky quartz, tiger eye, zoisite

INSIGHT INTO SELF - tiger eye

INSOMNIA - amethyst, aventurine, hematite, jade, lapis lazuli, lepidolite, moonstone, sodalite, zoisite

INTESTINES - amber, carnelian, fluorite, garnet, jasper, ruby

INTUITIVE AWARENESS - amethyst, ruby, turquoise

JOINTS (INFLAMMATION) - hematite, rhodonite

KIDNEYS - amber, carnelian, charoite, citrine, fluorite, garnet, jade, nuummite, quartz crystal, rose quartz, smoky quartz, ruby zoisite

KNOWLEDGE OF SELF - citrine

LARYNGITIS - agate, amber, lapis lazuli, sodalite, turquoise

LEGS - aquamarine, garnet, hematite, jasper, ruby, smoky quartz

LIVER - aquamarine, carnelian, charoite, garnet, jade, sodalite

LOGIC - sodalite

LOVE - garnet (passion), rose quartz

LUCK - smoky quartz, tiger eye

LUNGS - amber, dolomite, fluorite, pyrite, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, rose quartz, rutilated quartz, tiger eye

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM - amber, sodalite, tourmaline

MEDITATION - amethyst, quartz crystal, turquoise

MEMORY - carnelian, fluorite, howlite, pyrite, quartz crystal, rhodochrosite, rhodonite

MENOPAUSE - garnet, lapis lazuli, lepidolite, moonstone, ruby

MENSTRUATION - jet, carnelian, lapis lazuli, moonstone, rose quartz, ruby

MENTAL CLEANSER - lapis azuli

MENTAL DISORDERS - beryl

METABOLISM - labradorite, rhodonite

MIGRAINE- amber, amethyst, aventurine, fluorite, lapis lazuli, nuummite (relieves), rhodochrosite, rose quartz, smoky quartz, sugilite, turquoise

MIND (troubled) - jasper

MUSCLE ACHES - dolomite, jadeite, quartz

MUSCULAR/SKELETON - aventurine, dolomite, hematite (heal fractures), lepidolite, malachite (breaks/tears), moonstone, tiger iron (aligns spine, heals breaks), tourmaline

NAUSEA - jasper

NEGATIVE VIBRATIONS - amethyst, dolomite, fluorite,

obsidian (snowflake), quartz crystal, smoky quartz

NERVOUSNESS - turquoise

NERVOUS SYSTEM - amber, aquamarine, jasper

NEURALGIA - amethyst, aquamarine, carnelian

NIGHTMARES - amethyst, chalcedony, hematite, jasper, lepidolite, ruby, smoky quartz, turquoise

OSTEOPOROSIS - howlite, malachite

OVARIES - amber, carnelian, onyx, smoky quartz

PAIN - amber, amethyst, carnelian, jade, lapis lazuli, quartz crystal, ruby, rose quartz, sodalite, turquoise

PANCREAS - agate, amber, bloodstone, carnelian, charoite, citrine, garnet, jasper, moonstone, smoky quartz

PANIC ATTACKS - lapis lazuli, rhodonite

PAST-LIFE RECALL - garnet, quartz crystal

PEACE - rose quartz

PMS - moonstone

PNEUMONIA - fluorite

PREGNANCY - amber, lapis lazuli, moonstone

PROTECTION - obsidian, tourmaline, turquoise

PSORIASIS - agate, labradorite

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT - amethyst, howlite, lapis lazuli

PULSE (rapid) - hematite

PULSE (steady) - jasper

PURIFIER - smoky quartz

RADIATION - malachite, sodalite, tourmaline, turquoise

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS - carnelian, ruby zoisite

RHEUMATISM - amber, carnelian, fluorite, ruby

RIGID MIND - sodalite

SCIATICA - malachite, tourmaline

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD) - citrine

SEXUAL ABUSE - rhodochrosite, ruby zoisite

SELF-CONFIDENCE - ruby, carnelian

SELF-LOVE - rose quartz

SEX IMPROVED - garnet, smoky quartz

SHINGLES - agate, lapis lazuli, rose quartz

SINUS - agate, aquamarine

SKIN - aventurine, dolomite, garnet, jade, rose quartz, ruby zoisite

SLEEP - amethyst, lapis lazuli, lepidolite

SMOKING - labradorite

SOBRIETY - amethyst

SPASMS - labradorite, ruby

SPIRITUAL CLEANSER - amethyst, lapis lazuli, quartz crystal

SPIRITUAL GIFTS - amethyst, lapis lazuli, quartz crystal

SPLEEN - citrine, fluorite, sodalite

STOMACH - amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, fluorite, garnet, jet, labradorite, lepidolite, moonstone, sunstone

STRESS - amethyst

STROKE - lapis lazuli

TEETH - aquamarine, dolomite, fluorite, howlite, rutilated quartz

TENSION (emotional) - amethyst, tiger eye

TESTICLES - smoky quartz, zoisite

THINKING (improve) - tiger eye

THOUGHT (clear) - aquamarine, carnelian

THROAT - amber, aquamarine, fluorite, lapis lazuli, nuummite

THYROID - aquamarine, citrine, quartz crystal, garnet, hematite, rhodochrosite, sodalite

TOOTHACHE - amber, aquamarine, jet, lapis lazuli

TOXINS - amber, bloodstone

TRAVEL SICKNESS - aquamarine, jasper

TRAUMA - amber, aventurine, hematite, rose quartz

TUMORS - amethyst, bloodstone, smoky quartz

ULCERS - agate

URINARY - agate, amber, carnelian, jasper, ruby

VERTIGO - lapis lazuli, quartz crystal

WOUNDS - agate, carnelian, ruby

VIRAL INFECTIONS - fluorite

VITALITY (improving) - agate, aventurine, garnet, ruby

VOICE STRENGTHENED - aquamarine, carnelian, lapis lazuli

WARTS - agate, smoky quartz

WEAKNESS - carnelian, hematite

WILL POWER - citrine, tiger eye

WISDOM - jade, lapis lazuli, ruby, turquoise

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greenswitchery

3 years ago

No, dont let them come in.

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

Some Sigil Basics

Ok so let me just start by saying this is some VERY beginner stuff that a close witchy friend gave me and I figured I would put it here to share with the world!

Begin with a simple phrase

I’m going to use the phrase “I am safe and protected” because it is a little more complex

Take out all the vowels

In the instance of this phrase we are then left with “m sf nd prtctd”

Take out duplicate letters

That will leave us with “m sf nd prtc”

Match the alphabet to letters…

There is no other way to describe this than with a picture…

Match the letters to numbers

So “msfndprtc” = 416547923

Match the numbers together with lines on your circle

So another picture is… my only form of help!

Your sigil is finished!!!

So this is what mine looked like when I was totally done adding my flourish to it!

So this is… how it’s done? I know I probably did a TERRIBLE job at explaining this but I am willing to help anyone who has any questions!!!

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

Different Crystal Shapes and How To Use Them

TUMBLED

Crystals that have been smoothed or polished from their raw form are usually classified as tumbled stones. They have not been carved into any specific form, but are not jagged to the touch. These crystals are usually more affordable and are good for basic crystal use, including grids, meditation, affirmations, altar work, feng shui or more.

ABUNDANCE

Crystals in an Abundance formation are made up of an elongated quartz crystal with smaller crystals clustered around its base. This is a great stone to attract abundance to your life (hence its name) and is great for acting as a conduit to your wealth and business stones.

NATURAL POINT

Natural points are not necessarily long crystals in a wand-like formation. They are any part of a faceted crystal with a point that has formed naturally, and has not been carved to perfection. These types of stones must be used with caution as the point draws energy to the body (when pointed toward a person) or it draws energy away from the body (when pointed away from the body). These properties make it a great tool for cleansing and healing work.

PHANTOM

The Phantom formation is slightly difficult to find. These crystals have a hazy image within them, although most of the crystal is particularly transclucent. This phantom of ghost within the crystal is said to carry a vast array of information for the past, making it a powerful tool for past-like work and healing. Depending on the crystal that the phantom is found within, additional properties will apply. However, any Phantom formation will be a powerful stone to shake out your skeletons and pave a healthy path for growth.

GENERATOR

A Generator will have six facets (of equal or unequal proportions) that meet into one point. It gets its name for its ability to generate amplified energy, boosting the power of other stones, or the stone it is made of. This type of formation is also very powerful for charging other stones.

GEODE

These stones are elusive because they appear ordinary from the outside. However, when they are opened or broken they reveal a hollow cave with crystals sparkling within. Because of their contained form, geodes have the ability to hold energy within and soften it, allowing it to naturally flow out and disperse evenly. These formations are great for protection or for assisting with healing abusive habits such as alcoholism, drug abuse, sex addiction, shopping addiction, and abusive internal monologues.

RAW

Raw stones are in their natural form and have not been smoothed, polished or altered. Though they are more fragile and can break more easily than other formations, many prefer the look of these stones as they would appear raw in their natural habitat. Like tumbled stones, raw stones are great for all spiritual work and are often quite affordable.

PYRAMID

Pyramids are stones that have been shaped into a point with four equal faceted sides and a square base. These formations are great for warding off negative vibrations or removing blocks within the chakra system. This shape is also a great choice to use in affirmation and manifestation work. The properties of the crystal are amplified in this formation. It is a good choice for healers.

SPHERE

The circle emits energy evenly from all angles, and the Sphere formation is no different. These are powerful formations and are often used in scrying as a tool to peer into the past and future. Because the shape is even from every possible angle, it is believed that light, energy and time pass through it with no rules or hindrances, hence their scrying abilities. They often have flaws or occlusions within them which help with the scrying process, though they can be quite expensive depending on their size.

SQUARE

This formation works well with grounding energies and intentions since its energy is contained and enhanced evenly within the stone. It acts as a foundation to meditation practices and has the ability to transmute negative energy into positive energy. They’re stacking ability makes them great tools for mindfulness and concentration, especially if you’re doing detailed work.

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

Zodiac Correspondences

/ˈzōdēˌak/ noun ; astrology

1. a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets.

*On the bottom of the post we have included some vocabulary.*

1. Aries ♈

The Ram. March 21st-April 19th. The House of Self. Begins at the Vernal Equinox. A sign of a new beginning. The Aries moon is a good time to work on charging yourself or a loved one with courage and positivity.

Anatomy: Head

Animal: Ram

Astrological Fall: Saturn

Brightest Star in Constellation: Hamal

Celestial Body/Domicile: Mars

Color(s): Dark Red

Crystals: Bloodstone & Garnet

Detriment: Venus

Element: Fire

Herbs: Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves, & Sage

Incense: Dragon’s Blood

Quality: Cardinal

Symbol(s): Horns

2. Taurus ♉

The Bull. April 19th-May 21st. The House of Possession. The Taurus moon is a good time to work on love-related and healing-related magick, general material gain, and stability.

Anatomy: Neck & Throat

Animal: Bull

Astrological Fall: Uranus

Brightest Star in Constellation: Aldebaran

Celestial Body/Domicile: Venus

Color(s): Green & Yellow

Crystals: Emerald, Jade, & Malachite

Detriment: Mars

Element: Earth

Herbs: Honeysuckle, Patchouli, & Thyme

Incense: Storax

Quality: Fixed

Symbol(s): Bull & Crown

3. Gemini ♊

The Twins. May 21st-June 19th. The House of Communication. The Gemini moon is a good time to work on divination and prophecy wishing spells, luck, communication, and success.

Anatomy: Arms & Shoulders

Animal: Hybrids

Astrological Fall: Neptune

Brightest Star in Constellation: Pollux

Celestial Body/Domicile: Mercury

Color(s): Orange & Yellow

Crystals: Agate, Alexandrite, & Citrine

Detriment: Jupiter

Element: Air

Herbs: Lavender & Lily of the Valley

Incense: Lavender

Quality: Mutable

Symbol(s): Mirrors & Twins

4. Cancer ♋

The Crab. June 19th-July 21st. The House of Family and Home. The Cancer moon is a good time to work on domestic life, family, or hearth and home related magick, and supports comfort.

Anatomy: Chest & Stomach

Animal: Crab

Astrological Fall: Mars

Brightest Star in Constellation: Al Tarf

Celestial Body/Domicile: Moon

Color(s): Blue & Silver

Crystals: Moonstone & Pearl

Detriment: Saturn

Element: Water

Herbs: Eucalyptus, Milkweed, & Lemon

Incense: Sandalwood

Quality: Cardinal

Symbol(s): Claws

5. Leo ♌

The Lion. July 21st-August 19th. The House of Pleasure. The Leo Moon is a good time to work on courage, creativity, confidence, success, overcoming obstacles, and fulfilling dreams.

Anatomy: Heart & Upper back

Animal: Lion

Astrological Fall: Mercury

Brightest Star in Constellation: Regulus

Celestial Body/Domicile: Sun

Color(s): Gold & Yellow

Crystals: Amber, Sunstone, & Tiger’s Eye

Detriment: Saturn

Element: Fire

Herbs: Heliotrope, Marigold, & Nutmeg

Incense: Frankincense

Quality: Fixed

Symbol(s): Belts & Tails

6. Virgo ♍

The Maiden. August 19th-September 21st. The House of Health. The Virgo moon is a good time to work on helpful energy for spells, organization, communication, financial planning, and to build networks, and overall health.

Anatomy: Intestines & Lower Digestive System

Animal: Rooster

Astrological Fall: Venus

Brightest Star in Constellation: Spica

Celestial Body/Domicile: Mercury

Color(s): Purple & White

Crystals: Amazonite, Amethyst, & Chariote

Detriment: Jupiter

Element: Earth

Herbs: Cypress, Moss, & Peppermint

Incense: Narcissus

Quality: Mutable

Symbol(s): Innocence & Virgins

7. Libra ♎

The Scales. September 21st-October 19th. The House of Partnerships. The Libra moon is a good time to work on artistic expression, partnerships, balance, and love-related magick.

Anatomy: Kidney & Lower Back

Animal: Elephant

Astrological Fall: Sun

Brightest Star in Constellation: Zubeneschamali

Celestial Body/Domicile: Venus

Color(s): White & Yellow

Crystals: Ametrine, Topaz, & Watermelon Tourmaline

Detriment: Mars

Element: Air

Herbs: Majoram & Sweet Pea

Incense: Galbanum

Quality: Cardinal

Symbol(s): Scales

8. Scorpio ♏

The Scorpion. October 19th-November 21st. The House of Sex. The Scorpio moon is a good time to work on psychic-related magick, including talking to other planes, merging with Deities, reincarnation, karma, cleansing, psychic healing, and spirituality.

Anatomy: Genitalia & Groin

Animal: Scorpion

Astrological Fall: Moon

Brightest Star in Constellation: Antares

Celestial Body/Domicile: Pluto

Color(s): Dark Red, Grey, & Black

Crystals: Apache’s Tear, Obsidian, & Serpentine

Detriment: Venus

Element: Water

Herbs: Cumin, Ginger Root, & Myrrh

Incense: Benzoin

Quality: Fixed

Symbol(s): Blood

9. Sagittarius ♐

The Centaur or The Archer. November 21st-December 19th. The House of Philosophy. The Sagittarius moon is a good time to work on travel-related magick, growth, spiritual relationships (including Deities), and change or transformation.

Anatomy: Liver, Hips, & Thighs

Animal: Horse

Astrological Fall: Ceres

Brightest Star in Constellation: Kaus Australis

Celestial Body/Domicile: Jupiter

Color(s): Brown, Orange, & Gold

Crystals: Labradorite & Smokey Quartz

Detriment: Mercury

Element: Fire

Herbs: Anise, Juniper, & Sage

Incense: Cinnamon

Quality: Mutable

Symbol(s): Bow & Arrow

10. Capricorn ♑

The Goat. December 19th-January 21st. The House of Social Status. The Capricorn moon is a good time to work on spells related to making plans, clearing clutter and banishment, investment or business growth, organization, networking, and foundation security.

Anatomy: Joints, Teeth, & Bones

Animal: Goat

Astrological Fall: Neptune

Brightest Star in Constellation: Deneb Algedi

Celestial Body/Domicile: Saturn

Color(s): Black & Maroon

Crystals: Black Diamond & Onyx

Detriment: Moon

Element: Earth

Herbs: Cypress & Vervain

Incense: Musk

Quality: Cardinal

Symbol(s): Horns

11. Aquarius ♒

The Water-Bearer. January 21st-February 19th. The House of Friendships. The Aquarius moon is a good time to work on magick related to innovation, inspiration, inventions, and social and philanthropic causes.

Anatomy: Ankles & Circulation

Animal: Peacock

Astrological Fall: Pluto

Brightest Star in Constellation: Sadalsuud

Celestial Body/Domicile: Uranus

Color(s): Blue & Lavender

Crystals: Amethyst & Lapis Lazuli

Detriment: Sun

Element: Air

Herbs: Almond, Lavender, & Peppermint

Incense: Galbanum

Quality: Fixed

Symbol(s): Vase & Water

12. Pisces ♓

The Fish. February 19th-March 21st. The House of Subconscious. The Pisces moon is a good time to work on a journey to seek out wisdom and truth, psychic development, dream work, and your connection to your spirit.

Anatomy: Feet & Immune System

Animal: Fish

Astrological Fall: Mercury

Brightest Star in Constellation: Eta Piscium

Celestial Body/Domicile: Neptune

Color(s): Pink, Blue, & Indigo

Crystals: Pearl & Aquamarine

Detriment: Ceres

Element: Water

Herbs: Catnip, Gardenia, Iris, & Jasmine

Incense: Cypress & Orris Root

Quality: Mutable

Symbol(s): Water

Vocabulary:

1. Astrological Fall: The sign that is positioned directly opposite of a celestial bodies sign. The fall is a position of weakness concerning the functioning of the celestial body and what it represents.

2. Cardinal: Associated with being active, self-motivated, insightful, and ambitious. The Cardinal Houses are the First, Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth.

3. Detriment: When a celestial body is positioned in the zodiac sign opposite of which it is domicile.

4. Domicile: A planet’s domicile is the zodiac sign over which it has rulership.

5. Fixed: Associated with stability, determination, depth, and perception. The Fixed Houses are the Second, Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh.

6. Mutable: Associated with adaptability, flexibility, and sympathy. The Mutable Houses are the Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth.

7. Quality: Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable. How the sign is.

*If there is anything we missed, incorrect information, or something you’d like to add, just let us know!*

xx ~ @chlovoyant

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

Tips for lazy witches

We all love our witchcraft but sometimes you’re just too tired to do some certain things so here is a list to help make a busy witches life a little easier.

• too exhausted to make a sigil? Go onto sigilscribe.me and it creates a perfect sigil for you all you need to do is charge it!

• if you wear glasses enchant them so when you wear them when your tired they will help your eyes more

• when casting a circle do it metaphorically instead of lying down crystals, stones, salt etc.

• use music lyrics if you are too tired to create a spell

• want to increase or decrease things? Stir tea clockwise (increase) anti-clockwise (decrease)

• enchant your bed on a good energy day so on a low energy day it may help

• make little pre-made ritual and spell kits/bags so when you need to preform something all your measured ingredients and supplies are already there

* Happy enchanting 🖤✨🌙

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

Hekate: Patreon Comic Stories I

This was the first of the Patreon stories

All our Patrons have access to them but if you want us to illustrate your witchy story , remember its an exclusive benefit from the $20 USD patrons.

Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/witchystuff

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greenswitchery

3 years ago

Hey guys here are some tips for charging objects for spell-casting and why!

1. Bury the item you want to charge. Sometimes an item is used so often or for so long it starts to absorb energies around it. Reconnect it to the earth, literally grounding the item.

2. Charge with heat. There are many ways you can add heat to an item. The hot sun, a candle, an oven, a stove top, even the microwave. Please be careful when doing this however as it is very easy to get burned. As someone of finnish decent however, sauna stones are something I have often, and would recommend others try!

3. Although an unusual way to consider charging, make sure the space around your altar is clean. Or clean something while carrying what it is you want to charge. The purpose of this is to transform the space, and remove additional energies that might be clogging up your spell

4. If possible, soak an item in salt water for a period of time. Salt’s status as an electrolyte means that it’s atoms carry a charge. I would recommend at least 24 hours. This is a very literal way to charge something, but also very easy. Note that any salt will work as epsom salts are also electrolytes (just not ones you should eat)

5. Use the New or Full moon. Naturally these are powerful times to spell cast, collect, and charge items, as even ocean waves are influenced moreso during these times. This also may be why your spells are not working–about a weak after a full or new moon, the moon is at its weakest. This reflects in the oceans as neap tides. Avoid spellcasting during those times.

6. Have someone close to you hold the item for a length of time. Every person has their own energy, and their own shared energy, and if the spell involves them, or they have a quality you want to invoke in yourself,

7. For spells relating to change, take items from, or use a charging spell in liminal spaces. What does this mean? Loosely, liminal places that are only meant for transition, getting from one place to another. These are also places that make most people uneasy because lingering feels like it is outside of it’s normal use. This includes stairwells, elevators, train stations, empty parking lots, schools during break, even when at art galleries alone, because they imitate rooms we live in, while not being livable space.

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greenswitchery

5 years ago

moon phases.

new moon: setting intentions. active energy.

waxing crescent moon: resting, focusing. passive energy.

first quarter moon: taking action. active energy.

waxing gibbous moon: trusting, holding faith. passive energy.

full moon: acknowledging. active energy.

waning gibbous moon/disseminating moon: receiving, expressing gratitude. passive energy.

last quarter moon: returning, giving thanks. active energy.

waning crescent moon/balsamic moon: reflecting, resting, restoring. passive energy.

new moon: the moon is literally new. a rebirth. use this moon for intentions to do with fresh beginnings, starting again, cleansing.

waxing moons: the moon is increasing its size, it is opening; use these moons for intentions about gaining, growing or expanding.

full moon: the moon is at full charge, and can be the most powerful phase in the moon cycle. use this moon for intentions to do with power, clarity, or psychic ability.

waning moons: the moon is decreasing its size, it is closing; use these moons for intentions about ridding yourself of something (or someone), or purging.

application to the craft:

focus is the most important aspect of bringing an intent to manifest itself. focusing your energy can be made simpler by working with a compatible energy in the world as you focus that intent.

if the world around you is releasing an energy complementary to yours, it can be easier for that energy to find its way into reality; as opposed to facing any natural adversity.

cast passive energy intents in passive phases of the moon. (tranquility, creativity)

cast active energy intents in active phases of the moon. (strength, control)

this, in my opinion, is the concept of “the power of thought.” when more than one person thinks a thought, that thought holds more weight. this could explain why people practicing or praying together can often yield stronger, or more immediate results. it is a similar reasoning as incorporating tools and ritual into magick, as well.

your energy is a power in itself. but using the power of the elements, the environments, and the world can serve to add to that power.

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greenswitchery

3 years ago

This Is My Little Precious Dark Prince!. He Means The World To Me. And I’d Do Anything To Keep Him

This is my little precious dark prince!. He means the world to me. And I’d do anything to keep him out of harms way. I’m here to share some Protection Spells for pets!

Animal Blessing Protective Spell Number One:

You will need:

Blessed Water or either Holy Water

Say the following three times:

“Bast of grace and beauty, Protectress of all the animal race, Shield my pet/pets (name your pets) from all harm and hurt, Keep my animal warm and safe always, Watch over my pet (name your pet/pets) from day to day and at night, If my pet goes stray, grant them happiness and keep them safe but please bring them back to me in due time, Let my pet have a life that is stress free and no strife”

So Mote It Be

When you say the spell drip only one drop of the blessed water on the forehead of your pet.

Animal Protection Spell Number 2:

What you will need:

A couple of green candles

One white candle

A picture of your animal

Consecrated water and salt

Protection oil

Favorite treat that your pet likes

What to do:

Take your two green candles and light them. The candles represent the conscious of what is going on in regards to the conservation issues that’s in your animal.

Take your white candle and light it because it represents the animal that is concerned or that you want to protect.

Take your picture and the white candle then say:

“Spirit of fire burning bright, give protection to my pet this night (name your pet) The moon above for this pet please provide shelter and keep them safe from harm Draw close all spirits of the same as my pet come hither, come hither. Power of the wild and of strength that is so great please help to defend and protect the fate of my pet, so mote it be.”

To finish the spell give the treats to your pet or either scatter them outside for other animals to enjoy having.

Animal Protection Spell Number 3:

Sometimes you need to do a protection animal spell but you might not have any items to do the spell. This spell does not require anything except a quiet room to concentrate.

Here is what you do:

Close your eyes and picture a white light around your pet. Say this:

“My pet is protected right now and safe. No harm or sickness can come to my pet” So Mote it be. Say it 3x .

If your pet is astray then say this:

“My pet is astray right now Goddess so please keep my pet safe from all harm. Let my pet quickly find his/her way back to me. So Mote it be”

Say it 3x and picture your pet returning back to you safe and happy.

Conclusion:

After you do the spells or affirmations think positive about your pet and know now that your pet is safe from all harm. If know any other protection for pets, feel free to share! :)

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