Sleep Magic

Simple Ways to Connect with Nature

   Nature is my best friend, and often I feel disconnected from it. It’s important to ground yourself with nature, and feel one with it. Nature is the foundation of our lives, holding so much positive energy. You can easily harness this energy in many ways! So if you’re busy or just simply lazy, but would like to connect with nature, try some of these quick and helpful tips! Remember, always be aware of your surroundings and be careful!

Make contact with the earth. Take a walk in the grass barefoot, hug a tree, plant something with your bare hands, meditate on the dirt.

Have indoor plants. Not only do they freshen the air around you, but each plant brings it own unique benefits as well, such as mood boosters.

Open your window and blinds.  Breathe in the fresh air and take in your outdoor surroundings.

If possible, do what you do indoors, outdoors! Even if you’re just sitting on a patio, you can still enjoy the benefits of the outdoors while doing what you need to do.

Collect outdoor elements. Often I see witches decorate their altar with outdoor elements. This is a simple and effective way to better your connection with nature.

I hope you find this useful! xx ~ @chlovoyant

crystals and gemstones by intention

(all credit goes to the stone app, i just took the info and put it in this list as a witchblr resource. the app is amazing and has descriptions of each crystal as well)

☽ balance ☾

azurite, copper, emerald, green calcite, jasper, lemon quartz, tiger eye, turquoise

☽ calm ☾

amazonite, aquamarine, azurite, blue calcite, green calcite, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, smoky quartz

☽ clarity ☾

amethyst, aquamarine, blue calcite, flourite, quartz, smoky quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ cleansing ☾

amber, amethyst, aquamarine, black tourmaline, bloodstone, quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ communication ☾

amazonite, blue kyanite, chrysocolla, danburite, tektite, turquoise

☽ confidence ☾

citrine, honey calcite, malachite, pyrite, tiger eye, titanium quartz

☽ courage ☾

bloodstone, carnelian, desert rose, rhodochrosite, ruby

☽ creativity ☾

blue calcite, citrine, garnet, malachite, pyrite, orange calcite, rose quartz

☽ dreamwork ☾

azurite, barite, blue calcite, moonstone, sodalite

☽ focus ☾

bismuth, flourite, howlite, pyrite, titanium quartz

☽ grounding ☾

apache tears, black tourmaline, copper, hematite, jasper, jet

☽ insight ☾

barite, blue kyanite, chrysocolla, desert rose, flourite, lapis lazuli, meteorite, moldavite, moonstone, sodalite

☽ intuition ☾

blue calcite, barite, blue kyanite, celestite, citrine, meteorite, moonstone, sodalite, tanzanite

☽ joy ☾

danburite, kunzite, labradorite, lemon quartz, tanzanite, rhodochrosite

☽ love ☾ 

amazonite, citrine, emerald, green calcite, kunzite, rhodochrosite, garnet, ruby, rhodonite, rose quartz, tanzanite

☽ manifestation ☾ 

bloodstone, citrine, garnet, hematite, honey calcite, peridot, pyrite, serpentine

☽ motivation ☾

ametrine, carnelian, epidote, honey calcite, ruby, selenite, vanadinite

☽ passion ☾

carnelian, citrine, garnet, orange calcite, pyrite, ruby

☽ protection ☾

amber, amethyst, apache tears, black tourmaline, blue calcite, celestite, dalmatian stone, ruby, smoky quartz, tibetan black quartz, tourmalined quartz

☽ strength ☾

bloodstone, carnelian, chrysocolla, jasper, lemurian quartz, malachite, pyrite, ruby, tiger eye, titanium quartz, turquoise 

please let me know if i made any mistakes!

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Basic Tools of the Craft

There are tools that are essential to every religion. And they are usually ceremonial tools that aid in a practitioner’s spiritual journey. Buddhists have their bells, while Christians have their cross. While not a requirement to each one practicing a religion, having the tools strengthen your dedication.

Witchcraft has a wide range of tools, and most are usually those that are placed on an altar, and each almost always represents an element.

What you decide to procure will really depend on your beliefs and what you are comfortable with. It is also important to know that your tools should be treated with respect and reverence since each represents a divine element.

Here are just some of the tools a witch could have at his or her person or altar:

THE ATHAME An Athame is a dagger traditionally with a black handle that is used to cast a circle. It should never be used for cutting or to cause physical harm. The athame represents masculine energy and the element of fire.

THE CHALICE The chalice witches use can come in a goblet styles, or simply any mug and cup, and is used to hold water or wine, which is to be drank after a ritual. The chalice on your altar also represents the element of water.

THE WAND The wand that you use can come in any material that you feel a connection to: wood, bone, or metal. A witch’s wand is very personal, so much so that many Wiccans prefer to fashion themselves their own wand that suits their taste and represents their personality or character. Another option is to buy a Magic Wand. The wand is used to direct energies during a ritual, and represents the element of air.

THE PENTACLE The pentacle is a very powerful and protective symbol in Wicca. On an altar, it can come in the form of either a pendant or a platen. The pentacle represents earth, and is used to cleanse yourself, your surroundings, and all other items on your altar.

You can also use a Pentacle necklace on your altar.

THE CAULDRON Like the chalice, the cauldron represents the element of water. A cauldron can hold many things like water, herbs, incense, and candles, and is very useful when it comes to rituals involving burning and creating small fires. The preferred material for the pot-bellied cauldrons is cast iron. This is mainly due to the fact that cast iron cauldrons can take the heat and don’t crack under high temperatures.

THE BELLS Bells are used to mark passages in a ritual. Try taking a look at spells, you’ll notice most require you to ring a bell once or twice, and also ask you to ring your bell to mark the beginning and the end of a ritual.

THE CANDLES Candles represent the element of fire. A pair of candles also symbolizes the God and the Goddess.

THE BOWLS Having a bowl on your altar represents the element of earth. A bowl can hold water, sea salt, and oils. It is important to have a bowl that can hold sea salt, since a small bowl of sea salt on your altar can cleanse your other tools for magick, and also any possession you have that you feel is holding negative energy.

Smudging bowls are essential for magickal working.

INCENSE

Incense symbolizes the element of air. It is used to clear energy, cleanse, and call in energies.

THE CRYSTALS Each crystal holds a different energy. Crystals enhance the power of your spells, and keeping a variety of crystals on your altar will help you in various rituals.

THE BROOM A broom is very symbolic of sweeping energy and keeping negative and unwanted energies out of your space.

There are so many more tools in Witchcraft that you can use to enhance your spiritual journey and your magickal workings. What I mentioned are just the essentials, and you can add to them as you progress in your journey.

Before you begin using each tool, it is important that you clear and cleanse it. And make sure that you treat each with respect and care, as it represents a divine element. Some witches, including myself, don’t allow others to touch their tools and crystals and supplies to prevent any unwanted energy from absorbing into these things. You can make the choice yourself for your items obviously, but keep in mind that you should keep your tools and supplies full of light energies!

✨ signs of house fae ✨

okkkk this post is just for fun and for you babes are into the more mystical side of spirituality! signs there are faeries in your house : 

you see lights dancing out the corner of your eye 

your shoes seem to move - when I was little, I would always swear to my parents that my shoes would shift every time I woke up. the movements are usually so tiny that most people will dismiss it as their brains messing with them.

jewelry and shiny objects vanish  a l l   t h e   f u c k i n g   t i m e.  I once left a dangly earring on my bathroom counter, turned around, and looked back to see it slipping into the sink. it was as if a magnet was pulling it in, craziest thing in the world !! (then proceeded to cry because I really wanted to wear that fucking earring bitch)

you walk into a room and immediately forget what you went in there to do/get - sometimes just a psychological thing but if it happens randomly + frequently, could be a sign!

plants grow effortlessly around your house - even if you live in an urban area or don’t actively garden, you’ll find that everything just grows quickly.

birds, bees, wasps, etc. build nests around your house - even though there are a thousand other natural places for them to live.

your pets get random bursts of energy/excitement despite any visible stimulation - in celtic folklore this is considered a sign that the fae are playing around with your pets!

you hear bells, tapping, or singing at night or early morning - will sound like it’s distant but close at the same time, as if drifting from another realm.

🌷 feel free to add onto this list with your own signs and experiences! 🌷

Witch Tips: Lavender

*if you are allergic to lavender, read my post on substitutes*

~ What is Lavender?

   Lavender is a part of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region, and parts of Africa and India. This purple herb carries a very fragrant scent.

~ Planting and Harvesting your Lavender

   Plant your Lavender in a warm, sunny spot that is shielded from harsh winds. Lavender can take heat and occasional drought. Make sure it’s planted in a pot that is at least 1-2 inches bigger than the root ball and has a hole for drainage. Water when the soil feels dry, and try your best to not get the leaves wet.  

   Harvest your lavender plant when the buds are just beginning to open. Cut them into long stems and bundle them up and hang them upside down to dry. *To learn more about drying out herbs, read my post here* 

~ Magickal Uses of Lavender

   Lavender can be used in spells for protection, enhancing psychic abilities, encouraging love and fertility, and to promote peace. Burn it in a bundle to invite spirits or promote dreams.

~ Healing Uses of Lavender

   Lavender’s fragrance is very relaxing and peaceful, which makes it an amazing herb for individuals dealing with depression and/or anxiety. Put a washcloth with lavender oil on it in your pillowcase before bed. This will promote restful sleep.

~ Culinary Uses of Lavender

   If you ever make a dessert to use in a spell for love or fertility, sprinkle a little bit of edible lavender on top.

   You can use lavender extract to make delicacies!

   Lavender sugar; put lavender in a jar with sugar in a shaded place for about a month. Enjoy! 

I hope this is useful! xx ~ @chlovoyant

September 29th, 2023 Super Harvest Moon!

On September 29th, there will be the 4th and final super moon of the year! It's the perfect time to take advantage of that energy!

Ways to utilize it

Journal- write down the things you need to release, and then (safely) burn them. I like to burn a candle at the same time, seal the ashes in a jar with the candle wax with rosemary and peppercorn and then throw it out to get rid of it.

You can also do the same thing with things you want to bring into your life, burn them, put the ashes in a jar with things that match your intent, seal with wax and then put it somewhere you'll be able to see it consistently.

Charging your Crystals

Visualization Meditation- full moons are routinely utilized for manifestation. Sitting in the moonlight and meditating on your intentions and setting your goals goes a long way!

And of course, don't forget to stock up on your moon water!

Another thing, I like to do a ritual bath for an extra boost!

What do you guys usually do on the full moon?

How To Find Your Path As A Witch (Or Not)

New witches often come to me confused and lost because they’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of directions that they could potentially take their craft. They see talk of green witches and kitchen witches, tech witches, sea witches and so many others and they have a completely human reaction to being confronted with such an overabundance of information.

THEY FREEZE UP!

Without a defined direction they feel incapable of continuing forward, they stagnate while they try to pick a path and they stop learning. They don’t want to pursue something only to have to backtrack later so they pursue nothing at all!

How is anyone supposed to get their start in the craft when they have NO IDEA what direction they want to go in? Or what if they have more than one kind of witchcraft that interests them? How do they choose?!

The answer is surprisingly simple.

You don’t!

Having a specialization or a personal path in your witchcraft can be a wonderful thing but unless you just KNOW right from the jump what kind of specialty is for you there’s no need to get wrapped up in those sorts of details.

The important thing is that you keep learning.

For the majority of people their path unfolds in the natural course of events.

Maybe you try a bunch of different things but you find after a few months that you’re gravitating toward divination almost every time you practice your craft.

Or perhaps you started out with kitchen magic but suddenly find yourself with a burning interest in stars and how they can be used in the craft.

Perhaps over the course of your time as a witch you even find that you prefer not to narrow your focus, instead pulling from many paths to create something personal to you.

Every individual witch will find their own path which, while they may choose to call it by a recognizable title, will be entirely unique to them. Finding your path is not about choosing what kind of witchcraft you want to practice, it’s about allowing your craft to develop its own flavor and personality as you learn and grow.

In order to find your path you must let go of the imposed boundaries of titles. Titles can be useful in many ways but for newer witches they can be limiting. Witchcraft is a way to claim your power! Why would you limit yourself in that pursuit?

Instead cast your net as far as you like, read about anything and everything that interests you. Allow yourself to wander in your learning, follow your whims and soak up as much variety as you can.

Don’t limit yourself to only the things that are obviously magical! The mundane can always be made magical. What do you love? Can you transform your hobbies and existing interests and incorporate them into your craft? (Hint: the answer is almost certainly yes!)

As you explore and learn and practice your path will make itself clear, the things you love, the things that make you excited will always come to the surface. You will find yourself reaching for the practices that truly FEEL magical to you again and again.

That is the essence of your craft! Those foundational practices that you use so regularly that they come as easy as breathing are what make up your personal path.

Tomorrow I’m going to be telling you about the workshop I’ve been putting together to help new witches get started and avoid the stagnation that can come from this sort of information overload!

What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to pursuing your craft? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Making an Altar Master Post

Considering making an altar but don’t know where to start? This long-ass post should cover all the bases of altar building for those of you who are interested but stuck. This post is pretty vague on purpose, altars are an interesting grey area of this practice. When you build an altar you can’t really go wrong, it’s something for you to take control of and decide for yourself.

📖This is all taken from my grimoire so feel free to add any info of your own in a rb or in the comments.📖

🌻What is an altar?🌻

Altars are a magical work space for any witch/pagan/wiccan/other. 

Historically altars and shrines were built all over the world in different cultures to house offerings and worship the gods/spirits/ancestors.

The difference between an altar and shrine can depend on the culture you’re looking at but generally an altar is both a work space and a place of worship and a shrine is solely a place of worship (the Theatron of Athens was an altar as it served as a place to house offerings and a communal performance space).

Modern day altars however are more private and unique to the practitioner/s. Altars and shrines can now be created using anything and include many different types.

There are many ways to think outside the box with altar building but don’t think you have to make one just because every other witch does.

🌻Types of altars🌻 (not an inclusive list)

- Home/family altar🏠: This serves as the energy centre of the home that is shared by the entire family. It can be simplistic, change with the seasons, and feature something representing each family member. (this is one that my dad built that lives in our kitchen). 

- Personal altar: This altar is usually only connected to 1 or 2 people and kept separate from the rest of the family in a bedroom/box/draw. It can be put anywhere and be of any size (mine used to be on a shelf in my wardrobe and now it sits on the window) This altar is very personal to the practitioner often representing their passions and/or their patron. (this is my own to Dionysus and Apollo but it also includes my desk and bookshelf next to it since the window is so small).

- Working Altar: This altar is very practical. It’s only taken out when it’s needed for spells/rituals and is unique to the spell and it’s intention. If you want this type of altar then when you build it think carefully of what corresponds to the outcome you wish for.

- Shrine: (a form of altar to some, completely separate to other but I’m including it just in case). Created to honour a specific deity/creature/spirit. This is used to house offerings and pray.

-Travel/mini altar: Often stored away in a box/tin. Travel/mini altars can consist of small trinkets to carry around when you’re away from your larger altar or have to conceal your magic (it’s great for witches in the broom closet but depending on the size it could go missing).

- Image altar📷: Less traditional but very creative. An image altar could be a collection of images on Photoshop (for techies), a collage of pictures on a wall or board, or even a drawing of an altar (It’s personal, inconspicuous and it doesn’t matter if you can draw or not). I made this one in my sketchbook using pencil, ink and watercolour.

- Love/self care altar❤: This altar is fully dedicated to self care, loving yourself, or introspection. It includes things that have a lot of meaning to you and make you happy when you’re down (I have one by my bedside and use it when I feel shitty, I also use this space to contact my spirit guide).

🌻Supplies🌻 (again not an inclusive list)

These are some general supplies to have for an altar but this doesn’t mean that anything is 100% necessary.

- A flat surface: This can be anywhere with enough space to display everything.

- A cloth: Not just to protect the surface or fragile objects, it can be a sign of respect to your patron.

- Incense/oil diffuser: To smell nice and can be used to cleanse the space.

- Candles: Decoration, to represent fire or your patron, for candle magic, and meditation.

- Bowl/dish: To hold any offerings.

- Cup/chalice/bottles: For drink offerings, to represent water, to hold water for a spell.

- Matches/lighters: If you include candles.

- Crystals/stones: Decoration, could also be elemental/seasonal/represent the chakra.

- Wand/athame: Can be used to direct energy in a spell.

- Bell: To represent air, to call spirits/your patron.

- Mortar & Pestle: To grind up any ingredients in a spell.

🌻Building an Altar🌻

This is part is going to be a simple guide to building a personal altar (I will be using my own preference for deities as an example but you don’t have to).

1- Find a space: Think about where you want to work and consider the energy you get from different spaces (also consider any pets and fragile objects).

2- Find a surface: This can be as big as you like. I’ll be using my art desk as an example, I took everything off it and cleaned it before I did anything else.

3- Get a cloth: Fabric from a craft shop or an old scarf/veil are perfect and come in any available colour and size. In terms of colour you can chose one of your favourites, something seasonal or something to represent your patron. 

4- Set your intention: Now this is the time to decide what your altar is going to be used for. You can pick a centre piece that reflects this. 

I wanted to connect with the gods so I made the centre of the altar about myself and my deities go on either side. The centre piece I chose is a picture of a fairy scene I’ve had for a very long time.

5- Candles: The next thing to put down are candles (or any source of light). The light acts as the switch to turn on your altar and give light to any patron for when you want to communicate.

6- Tools: If you want to include any tools from the previous list then now is the time to chose where you want to put them (I included a cup of water, an incense holder, a bell, and a wand).

7- Decoration: Next is to add any personal decoration that can go wherever you like. I put mine in the centre piece.

8- (OPTIONAL) Representing patrons: This step is optional because it isn’t necessary to have a patron in your practice.

Because of the intention I decided on in step 4, I places the decoration representing my patrons on either side of my altar (btw these photos were before I switched from Aphrodite to Apollo so I apologies for the inconsistency).

I left a large space empty to use for when i’m writing in my grimoire, performing a spell or doing a tarot reading. I didn’t include this in my real altar because it’s a decorative section.

🌻Tips🌻 

- There are templates that you can follow if you really want to. They’re usually for a large traditional elemental altar though (I personally don’t recommend them because it’s boring and not very creative).

- An altar can be as big or as small as you like and you have no rules or expectations and it doesn’t have to be just one surface.

- If you want an altar for a spirit/deity/fae as well as their respective candle, you could include a candle for yourself to represent your own spirit to stay connected with them.

- An altar is a very subjective thing, if it’s personal it should change with your interests (like from light and fire the first year to sea and sand the next year).

-There are hundreds of videos on altars here’s a few I recommend you look at: 

The Witch Of Wonderlust- All About Altars:  https://youtu.be/p3ysPbvQa7c

Molly Roberts- Sacred Spaces and Kick Ass Altar Crafts: https://youtu.be/_kcki25BY6o

Harmony Nice- My Wiccan Altar II And how to set up yours: https://youtu.be/tGWkNeoE6RY

Green Witch Glamour- How to Build an Altar: https://youtu.be/v3s_etlsUE0