For Those With Anxiety.

u guys ever wonder if someone’s using ur pictures to catfish

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FIRST, gather your herbs.

Consider starting with something gentle that will be nice to learn with. Some of my first tinctures were skullcap and lemon balm. These herbs aid in stress and are usually effective if taken multiple times daily over time. I find that trustworthy plants like these are great doorways into herbalism. 

The best place to gather herbs from would be your own garden. If this is not possible be sure to find a trustworthy local herb shop or a bigger buyer like Mountain Rose who sells organic. It is best to tincture most herbs fresh, but dry works well too.

*** If the herbs are coming straight out of the garden you can gently wash the aerial parts, and definitely scrub the roots clean of any dirt residue.  

THEN, chop and macerate.

Chop up the herb or root as small as possible. Once you think it is small enough, go smaller. The more surface area that is exposed during the maceration process, the stronger the medicine can be! For roots, dried herbs, and larger projects I will use a Vitamix. If you often have a small amount that can be easily ground, you may want to consider getting a coffee grinder to reserve for all your herbal endeavors. 

Now you are ready to macerate, which basically means to let the plant sit in alcohol for a few weeks. This process pulls out all the healing constituents that make tinctures therapeutic! 

For your menstrum (or solvent) you will need to use some sort of alcohol. Some people like to use glycerites which are sweeter, or apple cider vinegar. Traditionally brandy or some form of alcohol like vodka was used. When I do the standard method, which is a bit more complicated, I use grain alcohol that is nearly 100%!

Fill a jar all the way to the top with your herbs. Cover it with your brandy or alcohol of choice. Let the herbs macerate for one full lunar cycle. Starting medicines on the full moon can be quite magical! Label your jar with the ingredients and date, and store in indirect light. Shake the maceration daily with good intentions.  

***Remember that you are powerful and the energy that you put forth and the intentions that you set will come through in the medicine.

FINALLY, strain and enjoy!

After a month (or longer) has passed, strain out your herbs with the muslin cloth. Squeeze out any remaining liquid that might be living in the herb. Compost the finished herb which is also known as mark. Pour the now tincture back into jar or into a dosage bottle with a custom label. You have now made your very first folk tincture!

Now you can make medicine from all the beautiful plants that grow around you. You will begin to discover that most of what you need is pretty close by. The St. John’s Wort on the highway, the kudzu on the pine trees, the wild oats dancing in the pasture, the dandelion in your lawn, all the plants are here waiting for you! 

With love and healing light,

Summer Ashley

Reading A Candle

Watch your candles closely and learn to read them to help you with your practice.

The Flame

A strong flame: It means that your energies are raised. There is a lot of power behind your spell and little to no resistance. Indicates that all your power and energy is focused on your manifestation. This is a good sign. If a candle shaped into a figure is used and has a strong flame it means that whoever it represents is either angry, winning, or using authority over another. When their are two figures the candle with the higher flame has authority over the other person.   

A weak flame: Indicates that the magick you cast is facing a heavy opposition and is a sign that you may need to recast your spell in order to overcome the opposing force. On a figure candle this may indicate that the representative may be loosing a battle or an argument. 

A jumping flame: This indicates strong emotions. There may also be some sort of resistance against you. Maybe close your circle and bring your mind back to focus before continuing. It may also mean an explosion of energy. When two figure candles are being used it often means that an energetic or a heated argument is taking place between them.  

A noisy candle: Indicates a conversation. It may may that a spirit is trying to send you a message or get in contact with you. The louder the noises get the more urgent communication must be. 

The flame catches something on fire: Someone one may be using malicious magick against you.  

A clean even burning candle: Means your spell and manifestations are likely to come true.

Fast Burn: The results of your spell will happen quickly.

Flickering Flame: If there is no breeze then it means a spirit is near by. If it is a devotional flame it means you were able to get in contact with your deity.

Cannot blow the flame out: A spirit may not be finished its conversation with you or you did not complete a spell. The spirit needs to complete its work, something may be may in the works that you do not want to interrupt. 

A flame goes out while burning: This means the spirits cannot help you and the answer you seek is already determined.  

The Smoke

Black smoke/soot: Your energy and magick is being blocked. Negative energy is being sent your way, whether as a curse or hex. You may soon be faced with tough challenges and a hard road ahead of you. 

Smoke wafts towards you: It means your call will likely be answered or your spell has been cast successfully. You will get results quickly.

Smoke wafts away from you: You must work harder in order for your calls to be answered.

Watch the direction the smoke wafts: East - Something powerful is assisting you, North - You are ready to begin your ritual and get results, South - The spell will be successful, West - A powerful interference from an outside force.

Smoking Candle: Negative energy is being burned away.

The Wax

When a candle leaves wax residue: Your spell may need to be repeated.

Look for symbols in the candle wax, like reading tea leaves.

Resources: askanthony.weebly.com, anamericanwitch.wordpress.com,   

May the Moon light you path!

☾ Moonlight Academy ☽ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respect all living things, including plants and insects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone of any gender can be a witch.

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

Share your knowledge to people who are willing to learn.

Animals Master List

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

Animal Symbolism

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J Jaguar - confidence, power, preparation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U Unicorn - singular, unique

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

Z Zebra - clarity, individuality, balance

Other Symbols

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

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the phrase “curiosity killed the cat” is actually not the full phrase it actually is “curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back” so don’t let anyone tell you not to be a curious little baby okay go and be interested in the world uwu

Hot Chocolate Magic ☕

with hot chocolate season on the way, there are a lot of subtle ways to work a little magic into your mug! a compiled list of easy recipes to have some magic in your day

for all recipes, melt chocolate in the microwave, and mix in heated milk.

Caramel 🍬

½ cup milk, 5 oz. chopped milk chocolate, 3 tsps caramel, ¼ cup heavy cream.  for love, kindness, domestic works

Cinnamon Spice 🍃

1 cup milk,  5 oz. chopped dark chocolate, ¼ tsp cinnamon, a pinch cayenne pepper. divination, fortune, healing, power, prosperity, protection, psychic abilities, spirituality, wealth, and wisdom.

Orange  🍊

1 cup milk,  2 oz. chopped dark chocolate, ½ tbsp sugar, ½ tbsp grated orange peel. for beauty, divination, fortune, love, purification, and wealth.

White Lavender 🌾

1 cup whole milk, ½ chopped white chocolate, ¼ tsp lavender flowers. for chastity, happiness, love, peace, protection, and purification.

Peppermint 🍬

1 cup whole milk, ½ cup chopped milk chocolate, 1 peppermint candy.  for healing, love, psychic abilities, and purification.

Pumpkin Spice 🎃 

1 cup whole milk,  1 tsp. chocolate powder, ½ tsp pumpkin spice, 1 tsp. maple syrup.  for banishment, divination, healing, prosperity, and protection

Hazelnut 🌰

1 cup whole milk, a pinch salt, 1 tsp cocoa, 2 tbsp nutella or ¼ tsp hazelnut extract.  for fertility, protection against evil, creativity, intuition, and psychic abilities

Vanilla 🌾

½ cup milk, 5 oz. chopped milk chocolate, 1 tsp vanilla extract. for happiness, love, and lust.

Peanut Butter 🌰

1 cup skim milk,  2 oz. chopped dark chocolate, ¼ cup peanut butter, add cream to taste. for wealth, love, and fortune.

Celtic Gods and Goddess

The Celtic world included Ireland, Britain, and a large section of the mainland

Aine: Goddess of love and fertility; encouraged human love; has command over crops and animals; daughter of Eogabail  

Amaethon: God of agriculture 

Anu or Danu/Dana: Mother goddess 

Aonghus: God of love; son of Dagda and Boann

Badb: Irish goddess of battle; could influence the outcome of conflict by inspiring fear or bravery in warriors

Balor: The one-eyed god of death, everyone he looked upon was destroyed

Belenus or Bel: Sun god; appears throughout the Celtic world in different forms; Beltaine celebrates him 

Boann: Water goddess; mother of Aonghus

Brigantia: Chief goddess of Brigantes tribe; associated with water, war and healing

Brigid/Brigit: Goddess of healing and fertility; said to help women during labor; possibly same goddess as Brigantia 

Camulos: God of war mostly worshiped in Belgium areas; said to wield an invincible sword

Ceridwen: Goddess of fertility

Cernunnos: God of wild animals, forest, and plenty; possibly also the god of death; known as the horned one

Cliodhna: Goddess of beauty; her three birds could sing the sick to sleep and heal them 

Dagda: The great god; could restore the dead to life

Dian Cecht: God of healing 

Don: Welsh version of Dana

Donn: God of the dead

Dylan: Sea god

Epona: Horse goddess

The Formorii: Sea gods; violent and misshapen

Goibhniu: Smith god 

Lir: God of sea, healing  and magic 

Lugh: Sun god (Ireland)

Lugus:  Sun god (France and Britain) 

Mac Cecht: God of eloquence

Macha: One of the war goddess

Manannan Mac Lir: Sea god; could stir up or soothe the sea

Manawydan: Welsh sea god, extremely similar to Manannan

Morrigan/Morrigu: Goddess of death on the battlefield 

Nechtan: Water god 

Nemain: Goddess of war

Nemglan: Bird god

Nodens: God of healing; owned magic healing hounds

Ogma: God of eloquence; creating of Ogham, the oldest writing system in Ireland

Taranis: Name means thunderer; Romans equated him to Jupiter; symbol was the wheel

Teutates or Toutatis: Romans equated him to Mars

**Not all inclusive 

All information gathered from “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Mythology by Arthur Cotterell and Rachel Storm 

Kitchen Witch Ingredients Master Post

Enjoy, witch-fam!

Wealth & Prosperity Salt, Almonds, Banana, Beans, Cabbage, Cinnamon, Ginger, Lettuce, Spinach, Pumpkin, Onion, Pasta, Pomegranate, Potato, Rice, Strawberry, Tomato, Basil, Clove, Orange, Cacao, Poppy Seeds, Parsley

Love Apple, Avocado, Cherries, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemon, Lettuce, Thyme, Pasta, Strawberry, Sugar, Tomato, Basil, Orange, Poppy Seeds, Rosemary, Parsley

Fertility Apple, Banana, Carrot, Egg, Poppy Seeds

Protection Salt, Black Pepper, Bay, Rosemary, Broccoli, Beans, Parsley, Carrot, Cabbage, Cinnamon, Coconut, Garlic, Lettuce, Soy, Onion, Pasta, Potato, Rice, Tomato, Basil, Clove

Healing Bay, Carrot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Pumpkin, Onion, Potato, Salt, Tomato, Mint, Cacao, Rosemary, Cilantro

Wisdom & Insight Almonds, Apple, Beans, Sage

Sexuality & Lust Avocado, Beans, Carrot, Celery, Cinnamon, Ginger, Sugar, Cacao, Vanilla, Parsley

Purification Salt, Black Pepper, Bay, Coconut, Garlic, Lemon, Thyme, Onion, Rosemary, Sage

Divination Beans, Cherries, Egg, Lettuce, Clove, Orange

Luck & Good Fortune Salt, Bay, Cabbage, Ginger, Pomegranate, Potato, Strawberry, Basil, Orange, Poppy Seeds

Psychic Power & Ability Bay, Celery, Cinnamon, Garlic, Thyme, Soy, Mushrooms

Positivity & Happiness Cherries, Coffee, Basil, Rosemary

Peace & Harmony Chamomile, Celery, Lettuce, Cilantro

Mental Stimulus & Clarity Celery, Basil, Clove, Lemongrass, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Vanilla