Historically Accurate Offerings To The Theoi

WITCHY ART CHALLENGE  ✨ 🌘🔮

Summer is coming and here is for you, all witch artist/writer of this world, a Challenge with only witchy stuff to draw or write about! You can do whatever you want with it, whenever you want! It’s just a list of witches I really wanted to design and bring to my story or I really wanted to draw just for fun~ 

You can mix it with some color palette meme found on the web, there is a lot of it around deviantart and Tumblr! It doesn’t have to be done in the order, you can just reblog it and ask to you followers to suggest you some of these! And you can suggest me some of these too! I’ll do it in July or August anyway ;D

This is a character design challenge~ You can do anything, any body type, any skin color, any disability, any religion or any gender you want, it’s totally free, so be creative ♥ That’s the only thing that counts! 

Lots of love *:･ﾟ✧

How to Make Tarot Spreads

Learn how to make your own tarot spread. This is based on my personal practice so feel free to customize it as needed! 

I've written the steps out in a linear manner but they are not numbered. The reason for this is because the process itself is rarely linear (for me) and I tend to bounce between steps, changing things as I go until I've got the finished product.

On to the creation process!!

Think about a life event that you wish to have guidance on (or wished to have guidance on at the time). Or perhaps a situation that left you with many burning questions time and time again. These will be your main topic for the tarot spread.

You can also choose a topic that's easier and less hard-hitting like a new season, natural phenomenon, or celestial cycle (ie. the new moon in Leo, Taurus season approaching, the last frost, etc.) You can also pull from pop culture to create a tarot spread.

Pick a number, something manageable. I usually go between 3 and 7 cards, personally. Sometimes the number of cards you use will also be relevant to your spread if you hold certain beliefs about numbers. If this is the case then feel free to leverage this when creating cards!

Think about questions that the situation left you with or things you wished you'd thought about while going through the event. You'll use these to create prompts for the cards. 

Choose a pattern, aka how your cards will lay once they've been pulled. This is the "spread".

Put it all together and you've got a spread! You can choose a title or not, I usually choose the title somewhere within the creation process as they just sorta come to me naturally. Sometimes the title comes first and I work from there.

Example:

Topic: I've been dealing with a breakup recently so that will be my topic for the spread. I'll walk you through my process. 

Questions someone has when going through heartbreak are things like: What went wrong? Is this for the best? What did I do wrong? What did I do right? When will I feel ok again? What do I do now? Etc.

Pulling the Cards: Of course, you can choose the tried and true shuffle-and-pull method of pulling cards, but you can also get more creative with it.

I've chosen a "sandwich" method, where you shuffle the deck and find a specific card, then you pull out the card directly in front of and behind the card in question.

What do I think of when I think of tarot and breakups? The three of swords, a card notorious for being about heartbreak.

So, we'll look for the 3 of swords and pull out the card in front of and behind it. I will shuffle again and pull the 3rd card from wherever in the deck it calls to me.

Pattern: I want to keep with the theme of the 3 of swords so I plan on the 3 cards being pulled laying above and slightly angled, similar to the look of the original 3 of swords.

Prompts: Questions someone may have when going through heartbreak are things like, What went wrong? Is this for the best? What did I do wrong? What did I do right? When will I feel ok again? What do I do now? Etc.

Using these questions and emotions, I can come up with the card prompts.

Put it all together. If you're extra, like me, you can create a graphic or draw up a design for your tarot spread! You can find the finished product of my tarot spread here: 

3 of Swords Heartbreak Spread

Enjoy my work? Consider leaving me a tip on my ko-fi!

Your Complete Guide to Ayurvedic Treatments: Balancing Mind, Body, and Soul

Introduction: The Holistic Approach of Ayurveda

Ayurveda's Wisdom: Harmonizing the Human Body with its Environment

Ayurveda's outlook is as holistic as it gets. It sees the human body as intricately linked to its surroundings. Any shifts in the environment reflect in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Heart of Ayurvedic Treatments: Harmony and Root-Cause Healing

More Than Skin Deep: Treating the Source, Not Just the Symptoms

Unlike conventional medicine's focus on symptom suppression, Ayurvedic treatments are all about targeting the root cause. This system aims for a perfect symphony between mind, body, and soul, paving the way for a vibrant and ailment-free life.

Demystifying Ayurvedic Treatment/Therapy

Balancing Act: Herbal Remedies and Lifestyle for Optimal Energy

Ayurvedic therapy marries herbs and lifestyle shifts to balance the three key body energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas play differently in everyone, and the predominant one defines your unique constitution or Prakriti. Ayurveda believes that diseases stem from vitiated doshas, often triggered by external and internal factors like diet and physical activity.

The Ayurvedic Diagnostic Dance

Pulse and More: Naadi Pariksha and Ashtavidha Pariksha

Two key diagnostic tools in Ayurveda: Naadi Pariksha (pulse checking) and Ashtavidha Pariksha (in-depth examination). Skilled practitioners decode these to understand your physiological and psychological makeup, revealing dosha imbalances.

The Ayurvedic Healing Recipe

Tailored Treatment: Symptomology, Dominant Dosha, and More

Your Ayurvedic practitioner crafts a unique plan—factoring in your symptoms, dominant dosha, and constitution. The prescription blends herbal remedies, dietary tweaks, exercises, and lifestyle shifts. And here's the truth: Ayurveda can complement modern medicine when your doctor gives the nod.

The Ayurvedic Treatment Menu

A Deeper Dive into Ayurvedic Therapies

Discover some captivating Ayurvedic treatments that play in harmony with your doshas, reviving your mind, body, and soul's equilibrium.

Abhyanga Massage: Loving Your Body, Head to Toe

From Crown to Toes: Abhyanga's Stress-Melting Strokes

Abhyanga is the full-body hug you need. Medicated oil, warm and gentle strokes—this self-administered massage says goodbye to stress, spurs circulation, and eases inflammation. Different herbs, different results.

Kati Vasti: Soothe the Lumbar Symphony

Trouble in Your Lower Back? Enter Kati Vasti

For lumbar blues, there's Kati Vasti. Think a doughy well holding warm oil on your lower back. The result? A gentle, soothing treat for those tender areas.

Elakizhi: A Herb-Fueled Perspiration Party

Let's Sweat It: The Elakizhi Induced Glow

Perspiration is golden, and Elakizhi coaxes it out with herb-stuffed muslin and warm oil. Say adieu to stress, soreness, and body aches.

Njavara Kizhi: Rice, Milk, and Muscles Unwind

Rice and Milk for Aching Muscles: Njavara Kizhi

Ayurveda goes grainy with Njavara Kizhi. Cooked rice, milk, and herbal pouches caress your muscles, bringing relief to your aches and strains.

Panchakarma: A Week of Body Magic

Toxin Tryst: Panchakarma's Ancient Detox Ritual

Panchakarma is detox's A-lister. Over a week, it revs up your body's self-cleansing machinery. Five therapies, one goal: a toxin-free, vibrant you.

Varicose Veins Treatment: Vein Voyage with Ayurveda

Varicose veins meet their match in Ayurveda. A blend of herbs and oils could be your ticket to improved vein health.

Psoriasis Treatment: Soothing the Skin Symphony

Psoriasis's no match for Ayurveda's herbal pastes and skilled hands. A natural approach to taming the itchy, flaky beast.

Shirodhara: Oil and Calm for Your Mind's Sea

Heated oil meets your forehead in Shirodhara. This 60-90-minute serenade relieves stress, anxiety, and headaches. Let your cares drift away.

Ayurvedic Treatment's Inner Mechanics

Decoding Ayurvedic Healing: Ancient Wisdom at Work

Ayurveda? It's 'knowledge of life.' With its 3,000-year history, it's your holistic roadmap. Cleanse, diet, herbs, massage, meditation—these are your keys to mastering balance and vitality.

Ayurvedic Healing's Timeframe

Patience Pays: The Slow-and-Steady Success of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic therapies don't snap their fingers for instant fixes. They're about sustainable solutions. Dosha harmony, natural healing, resilience building—it takes time.

Perks of Ayurvedic Treatment: A Life Well-Lived

Ayurveda's Bounty: From Weight to Immunity, It Has You Covered

Ayurveda isn't just ancient—it's wise. From weight balance to stress relief, radiant skin to strong immunity, Ayurveda brings ancient goodness to modern lives.

Conclusion: Balancing Act for a Flourishing Life

Ayurveda's Dance of Harmony: Mind, Body, and Soul in Sync

Ayurveda is your holistic partner, orchestrating your doshas' melody for a harmonious existence. Modern medicine plays its part, too, but with your doctor's nod, these two systems can unite for your well-being.

Remember, Ayurveda isn't just a quick fix—it's a journey to your best self.

Are you on the hunt for top-notch Ayurvedic herbal supplements in India? Look no further – Aadav Ayurveda has got you covered! Let's dive into why Aadav Ayurveda is your ultimate destination for all things Ayurvedic.

When magic works

I’ve spent much of my life wondering about whether magic is “real”, whether it “works”, whether it’s silly for me to invest my time and emotional energy into witchy stuff (even though at this point, I can’t not invest emotional energy into it; it makes me happy). I’ve spent the past eighteen years of my life trying to live magically and every few years I boxed up my witchy stuff in shame and told myself not to be so stupid. Because I was scared. Because trusting in that which I cannot see makes me feel vulnerable. But I could never bring myself to get rid of anything; particularly my crystals.

This week I’ve done two specific witchy things which made me think. I stuck a pin in the arm of my sofa after I lost my watch (thanks to @loveofakind who posted about this!), and I reblogged a money spell. Neither of which are things which take a lot of time and effort, but both of them made me think “eh, I really don’t think this’ll work but what’s the harm in trying”.

Straight after I put the pin in the sofa, I found my watch. The morning after I reblogged the money spell, I had a meeting with my new employer and they told me they’re giving me a relocation allowance for my move across country. I wasn’t expecting to get that because I asked weeks ago and they hadn’t responded so I thought it was a “we’re not gonna give you the money but we don’t want to have to tell you that” kind of situation.

Part of me is thinking, “Well, was it the witchy stuff? Would I have found the watch/got the money without it? I mean, the watch was literally right in front of me, and the money from my employer was already a possible option. Where’s the PROOF that there is a direct causal link between my witchy stuff and the money/finding my watch?”. I’m a researcher. I work in analysing evidence to form conclusions based on that evidence, and most of my job is about disentangling coincidence from causality. But just because I apply those rules to my job doesn’t mean I have to apply them to my life.

Witchcraft is a total mindshift for me (and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in that). I’m finally learning to reconceptualise what I mean by evidence and when my actions, my body and my experiences are that evidence. Because ultimately, I don’t know that my actions led to those particular conclusions. What I do know is that I achieved what I wanted to achieve. I found my watch, and I can afford to move across country. And I don’t know whether my actions played a part in that, but I also don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t reblogged that post or put a pin in my sofa.

And the biggest part in me learning to feel comfortable as a witch is realising that I’m not trusting something “out there” to achieve the goals I’m aiming for. I’m learning to trust myself.

Application for the Lily of the Valley School for Witchcraft

This information will be used to set roles in the server and give other members a brief bio of yourself.

Hey there! We are a discord based coven made for baby witches. If you’re looking for a group of people to learn the craft with, then you’ve found it! Submit one of these applications so we can find out a bit about you and when you’re done we’ll send you the link to our server.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Della Balfor

Head Mistress (Admin)

🌸 Edible Flowers & Witchery 🌸

As a chef-in-training I love to use flowers in my cooking so why not witchcraft too! Flowers add a splash of colour, taste, and a little bit of whimsy. People have been using flowers in cooking all the way back to the Romans and ancient Greeks. Many cultures today still use them too; Indians use roses and Italians use artichoke flowers. The tastes also vary! Some add spice and others a sweetness.

Eating Flowers Safely

Eat flowers you know are definitely edible - if you’re uncertain look in a reference book.

Eat flowers you have grown your self or are consumption grade. Nurseries and florists commonly use pesticides on the flowers.

Do not use flowers you have found at a park or near the edge of a road as they may be contaminated by car pollution and pesticides.

Only eat the petals and remove the pistols and stamens before eating.

To keep the flowers fresh place them on a wet paper towel and keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days.

If your flowers wilt put in some ice water.

Flowers and Their Properties

Allium - Depends on which variety but means the same as the herb- All the flowers in the allium family (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible. Flavours go from leek to garlic. All parts of these plants are edible.

Angelica - Inspiration/protection - The colours of the flowers range from lavender all the way to a deep rose and have a licorice flavour.

Bachelor’s button -  Love - Grassy flavour. Dont eat calyx as it is very bitter.

Basil - Success/banishing - Very similar in taste to the basil leaf but milder in taste.

Borage - Courage - flowers are a lovely blue colour and they taste like cucumber.

Calendula - Love/joy - They taste spicy and have a vibrant golden colour.

Carnations - depends on colour but usually healing - Petals taste sweet but the base is very bitter.

Chamomile -  Peace - They have a sweet flavour much like the tea.

Chervil - Joy - The flowers are very delicate and have a slight anise flavour.

Chicory - Success - Slightly bitter and good for pickling.

Chrysanthemum - Relaxation - Come in a variety of colours and flavours which range from peppery to pungent. Use fresh.

Citrus - Depends which type of citrus but generally joy - Some of the flowers in the citrus family are edible (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat). They have a sweet flavour and have a very strong taste.

Clove - Protection/Manifestation - They are sweet with a touch of licorice.

Dill - Protection -  The lovely yellow flowers taste like the leaves.

English daisy - Luck - They are very bitter.

Fennel - Confidence/Protection - Beautiful yellow flowers with a licorice taste much like the herb.

Fuchsia - Love - They have a lovely tangy taste.

Gladiolus -  Strength/Beauty - Quite bland actually.

Hibiscus - Beauty -  Tastes like the tea with an interesting tart cranberry flavour.

Hollyhock - Ambition - Bland but are very pretty.

Impatiens - Motherly love - Dont have much flavour but are nice for decoration.

Jasmine - Romance - Have a nice sweet taste so they’re nice in sweet dishes.

Lavender - Relaxation - They are sweet and spicy and are great for both sweet and savoury dishes.

Lemon verbena - Beauty - The small white flowers taste like lemon.

Lilac - Beauty - They have a strong citrus flavour.

Mint - Protection - They taste minty.

Nasturtium - Victory - Very popular in cusine. They have a sweet, floral flavour and are also spicy.

Oregano - Protection - Same taste as the leaves but more subtle.

Pansy - Joy - Bland.

Radish - Protection - Very peppery.

Rose - Love - Very floral in taste which gets stronger the darker the flower is.

Rosemary - Memory - Milder rosemary taste.

Sage - Clearing - Taste similar to leaves.

Sunflower - Happiness - Dont really have a taste.

Violets - Happiness/Love - Floral taste.

As I am a baby witch all the correspondences might be wrong so please tell me if you would change anything.

I use flowers in salads, on cakes, in cakes, and I sometimes pickle them too so the options are endless!

Hymn to Bast

To Bast who grants the best of blessings, I offer my praise. O mighty Eye of Ra, O slayer of the serpent, Mistress of Bubastis, your city of famous name: well-honored you were in the fairest of temples, well-loved you remain throughout the wide world. Preserver against all ills that plague us, Protector against all foes that imperil us, Yours is the care of humanity, our shelter and our shield. Yours too is the sistrum, the sweetness of sound, the joy and the pleasure of dance, the delight of good company, laughter and song; O goddess of merriment and mirth, I thank you for good friends and good cheer, for respite and rest, for the comfort of love. Defender of the good and the right, I honor you, O goddess. Devourer of evil and disorder, I honor you, O Bast.

Hellenic Polytheism 101-Eusebia and Kharis

Eusebia and Kharis are important factors for building and maintaining a relationship with the theoi. A lot of us are practicing Eusebia and Kharis without necessarily being aware of those words and what they mean even. Eusebia and Kharis are two concepts that can be difficult to define and pin down. I’m sure other people have different takes on the two practices, but I’m goign to talk about how I define them, and what they mean for my practice. Hopefully this is useful to some folks :)

Keep reading

Doing Magic Without Casting Spells

When I was a witch I thought “doing spells” was the height of all magic. After I left witchcraft I found myself doing spells less and less until I just… stopped. But this didn’t mean my life was without magic. The form my active magic took just changed.

I do magic with talismans now. Others may call them “altars in a box.” I call them talismans ^-^

Once a talisman is built, it works forever as long as it is properly charged. In the photograph is the charging of my personal prosperity talisman. 

Talismans are a low-spoon magical solution. The creation, use, and upkeep of a talisman requires no personal energy beyond putting a few objects in a container. You do not need to charge talismans with your personal energy.

A talisman is, in my definition, a magical trinket which can manipulate energies in your favor. In this article I am talking about container talismans.

Container talismans are built like puzzles. Each object added holds a special meaning and will affect the energies of the talisman in a special way. In my example money talisman, I have added:

Lodestone, to draw money, prosperity, and wealth.

Lodestone oil, to draw money, prosperity, and wealth.

Coins, to represent what I desire.

Gold pebbles, to represent what I desire.

A jar of iolite crystals with a $1000 store price tag, to represent great wealth (dressed with lodestone oil).

A bottle of pure gold flakes, to represent great wealth.

A charm bag of basil, to get the spirit ally Basil to work on my behalf for profit.

A sigil to save money, for obvious reasons!

A small jar of marijuana, a gesture of sacrifice to give back to the spirit world, and to represent what I desire.

My last dollar until payday, a gesture of sacrifice to give back to the spirit world, and to represent what I desire.

This talisman brings me a lot of spending money and I am rarely ever out (except now, which is why I am recharging and donating my last dollar!).

On the other hand, talismans are a practical low-fund solution because one can literally be made out of paper slips stuffed in to a jar. No need to get fancy!

Try building different container talismans for prosperity, relationships, wishes, and protection. 

Try adding dried herbs and stones of traditional correspondences.

Add representation of spirit allies who will help.

Include poems, images, sigils, or references of your goals and dreams.

Talismans can be simple or complex. Make them to your tastes and the preferences of the spirits you work with.

To build your own talisman, select an appropriate container and cleanse it using your favorite method. Cleanse objects and state their purpose as you add them to the container. “This dried rose represents eternal love within my heart.” “This quartz chip is to empower the other elements of the talisman.” And so on :)

When your talisman is assembled, charge it by placing candles on or near it and lighting them with intent to draw down power. Or, place it in the Sun and Moonlight for 24 hours, asking Nature to rise from below and complete the trinity of empowerment. In the picture, I placed a candle in the middle of the talisman jar. I dressed the candle with lodestone oil for extra power.

Place talismans on an altar or safe space where it will not be disturbed. Allow it to work for you; I see results within an hour typically but I have many allies so don’t be bothered if things don’t work for you so quickly! Give up to 4 weeks to see real changes; up to 2 weeks to see signs of change. Speak to it regularly. Give things time to manifest. Charge regularly or as needed (I charge mine once every… 2 years on average). 

If you want to include spirits to help you in your talisman, try this method of obtaining a spirit friend from a crystal (modify from the ‘protection’ theme to your own talisman purposes) or this method for making a contract with a spirit.