The-horned-raven - The Horned Raven

staying awake

to chase a dream

🍁 🍂

dancing in the mushroom circle

Racism, Spirituality, and Witchblr

As a Black witch, it first made me relieved to see so many people in the community band together for Black Lives Matter. Over the past 5 years as a member of the Witchblr community, I have been subjected to numerous acts of racist microaggressions and attacks ranging from slurs being thrown at me, death threats, insults to my cultural practices because they’re different from European witchcraft and folk magic, attempted doxxing, and more because I was outspoken about anti-racist action. And that doesn’t include the many accounts of racism and bigotry that I witnessed secondhand. So seeing the community come together to support BLM made me hopeful that there would be a cultural shift within the community. 

But, as time went on, the amount of support for BLM that I saw in the tags slowly began to dwindle as if the movement had some hidden expiration date for allies, as if all the work was done after the mass spells performed on the eclipse.

The work is far from over, witchblr. We still need to protest, sign petitions, donate, and do our part to end police brutality, defund/disband the police and abolish prisons, and address the systemic racism that exists in all facets of society.

To look “locally,” the same problems in our community still exist. And while we alone cannot eradicate racism from the whole of society, we can absolutely prevent its spread on witchblr and in other spiritual/occult communities. 

Being an ally means more than posting a black square on your Instagram page or changing your profile picture to “heathens against racism.” Being an ally means actively being anti-racist and doing your part to ensure the community is truly inclusive and safe for people of color.

So, how can we begin to address the problem of racism in the spiritual communities both online and offline? Here are a few tips. I’ve focused largely on how white allies can address racism as it impacts Black practitioners, as I can only speak from my own experience as a Black person. Other people of color of all races are welcome to add onto this.

Stop supporting cultural appropriation. I don’t care if they’re your favorite blogger, your favorite diviner, your favorite occult supply store, etc, but if they’re posting about hoodoo sweetening/honey jars and they’re not Black, it’s time to block and unfollow. If they claim they speak for the Orisha or the Lwa and they aren’t initiated, it’s time to block and unfollow. If you don’t respect our cultural practices, you don’t really respect us.

Educate yourself on non-European practices. Did you know that there are more ATRs than just Lucumi, Vodou, and hoodoo? Can you explain the difference between Voodoo/Vodou and hoodoo? What is the difference between hoodoo and witchcraft? If you can’t answer these questions, time to do some reading! Educating yourself prevents you from appropriating or saying/spreading ignorant misinformation.

Stop supporting spiritual/occult organizations that act as performative allies and/or refuse to explicitly support practitioners of color. That means covens, fraternal organizations, Discord servers, pagan temples, conventions, and other spiritual organizations (large and small.) Don’t donate to these groups and don’t attend these groups or their events.

Amplify the voices of Black practitioners. How many Black spiritual/occult authors, diviners, bloggers, podcasters, astrologers, priest/priestesses, and/or vloggers can you name? How many African or Black philosophers can you name? Our voices and contributions to religion, spirituality, and the occult matter. Listen to us.

Deplatform racists. If you are a moderator or leader of a spiritual/occult community, delete/ban/kick out anyone who expresses racist or bigoted ideologies. Defending racists under the guise of “freedom of speech” just allows them to spread their hate and potentially harm or traumatize POC. Even if you’re not in a position of power, refuse to engage with bigots to prevent their message from spreading. Don’t reblog their posts, watch their videos, buy their products, etc. If you can, spread receipts of their racist acts instead.

Stop speaking over practitioners of color. If we say that something is racist/appropriation/insensitive, listen to us instead of arguing in an attempt to “save face.” We all make mistakes. Just own up to it and do what you can to fix the situation. Attacking us just because we demand equal respect is an act of racism in and of itself.

Support Black-owned businesses. Instead of buying your herbs from Amazon, go to a botanica. Get readings or other metaphysical services from Black diviners. We deserve to be compensated for our labor. It’s the least you can do considering a large chunk of modern folk magic is inspired by, influenced by, or straight up stolen from Black spiritual practices.

De-center yourself from the conversation. Cool, you’re an empath or a “sensitive”, but venting all day about how much pain you’re in is honestly insulting. And, if you want to rant about all the racist things your family has done, maybe go to one of your other white friends instead of forcing us to listen to you repeat their racist garbage.

Acknowledge your own biases and privileges. There are tons of resources out there on white privilege, white fragility, and unconscious forms of racism. Educate yourself.

Keep up the work outside of witchblr and spiritual communities. Keep donating, keep signing petitions, and keep using your platform for anti-racist action.

These points are only the tip of the iceberg. Racism is so deeply embedded in our society that it won’t be removed overnight. But if you want to claim the title of “ally,” you need to join in and continue doing the work. Unlike you, we don’t get to “opt out” of caring for the movement as racism impacts us every single day of our lives. Don’t opt out on us now.

✨Witchcraft and Weaving✨

Good morning loves! In so many religions - new and old - handcrafts are used as a devotional act or magical process. In particular, weaving and braiding are meditative exercises, making it easy to add magical workings to the process. Fibers, in one form or another, have been around for thousands of years, so it makes sense that they've would've been used in ritual work as well. Deities and spirits have also been depicted as weavers and sewers. For example Frigg, in Norse Mythology, is depicted as a weaving goddess; in Sweden and some parts of Germany, the asterism of Orion's Belt is known as her distaff or spindle. 

Color! This is probably the most recommended thing you’ll read online and that’s because it’s easy to do and to the point. Consider what you’re weaving and why. Is it a rug to protect your home? A wall hanging to bring in prosperity? Once you know why you’re weaving you’ll be able to narrow down to the colors you need to use. I made a basic list for reference! You can also combine colors for your set purpose. For instance, I have a wall hanging I made that’s a variation of greens and browns in honor ofJörð and to help bring good health to my plants.

Red: passion, love, creative energy, heat, fire, aggression, warmth, comfort, boldness, power, Yellow: joy, summer, the sun, fertility, harmony, hospitality, optimism, improve concentration and communication White: cleansing, inviting in good energies, repels negativity, peace, spirituality Green: prosperity, good health, healing, abundance, fertility, freedom, nature, renewal, reassurance, safety Orange: vitality, innovation, energy, fun, friendliness, attract positivity, welcoming Blue: calmness, clear mind, intellect, good for studying, tranquility, refreshing, can also be cheerful like a clear summer sky Purple: divination, magic, peace, intuition, luxury, calming, knowledge, intuition Black: protection, shielding, repelling negative energy, honoring the dead, stability, magic Brown: grounding, evoke nature, relaxation, stability, protective, comfort, fertility, ancient wisdom, centering, warmth, comfort Pink: love, refreshing, self care, youth, compassion, peace, playfulness, harmony Grey: neutrality, balance, calm, empathy, quiet, cleansing

Devotional Work! You can create pieces to hang in your home, car, altar, to honor a god you work with. You can also spend the time weaving as a devotional act. Every time I weave I do it in devotion to Frigg, it’s a way to show her my love and appreciation for the things she’s taught me. You can also make it part of ritual if you’re choosing to weave something small that’s only going to a minimal amount of time(aka not days).

Patterns! This accounts for a variety of things, for one you can weave sigils, runes, or staves into your piece for a direct magical purpose. You could weave circles to amplify energy, half circles to bring in energy, and lines to move energy. Weaving images that correspond to your intention is another option. For example, if you want to bring in prosperity you could weave images of barley, wheat, mint, or calendula.

Incantations! These don’t have to be complicated or long it can be a simple word for each line you make, or “knot” you weave. I usually think of a small spell to say in the beginning and at the end depending on the works purpose. You could sing a song! Be creative with this but honestly you don’t have to do it at all if that’s not your not craft.

Witches Ladder! Its intent is similar to that of a rosary – it's more or less a tool for meditation, prayer, and ritual, in which different colors and items are used to show one's intent. It can also used as a counting tool, for in some spell work there is a need to repeat the process a particular number of times or to keep count of something. It's also popularly used for knot magic. Also, if you have a strong connection to the moon, you can create a Moon Braid to honor the three different phases of the moon.

You can weave in other materials. This can be a variety of things; a birch twig for fertility, a pine cone for protection, amethyst for divination, the options are infinite! I personally enjoy weaving with twigs and dried herbs the best as they can make your home smell wonderful and they tend to be easier to work with!

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When it comes to animal signs and other omens, remember that it is only those extraordinarily unusual or uncommon occurrences, or those that draw your attention, which may be a portent. Not every lizard heralds change, nor every crow or owl death. Omens are not needles in a haystack, they are stepping barefoot on a Lego.

《daily witch tip 215. 》

2 Big Tricks In Life That They Don't Tell You About:

Be straight up whimsical. Find beauty in everything you see. Force yourself to see that beauty if you must. Just do it. Theres so many things in this world that can be found beautiful in so many different ways. Today I looked at my pen as I was noting something down and thought of it as beautiful because I have been using it for such a long time. I also made art I didnt really like but I submitted it anyway and the receiver found it so beautiful that it helped me see it as beautiful too. Everything can be beautiful and lovable if you open your eyes wide enough

Get strange. Be weird. Let small things become part of your soul. Talk about everyday things as if they were extraordinary. Indulge. Indulge a lot. In everything that makes your soul shine bright. Have some strange beliefs. Be happy , even if you might be feeling completely neutral / numb (<- A "fake it til you make it" kind of thing - though its good to keep in mind that it doesnt work for everyone all the time. Do what you think is best for you). Make things that appeal purely to you. Prioritize yourself and your own heart , soul and mind. Embarrassment / cringe is temporary and a speck of dust compared to this whole life ahead of us. Authenticity is the precedence. Be the strangest & cringest version of yourself

✨Soft witchy words🌼:

Nefelibata - a cloud walker, A creative person who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams.

Lotus eater - a person who lives a dreamy life of ease, indifferent to the busy world.

Burble - to speak in a excited manner.

Floromancy - divination using flowers.

Floresta - woodland, greenwood, dell, glen, forest a dense collection of trees.

Hederate - to decorate with ivy.

Bumble Bee bliss - joyful and care free.

Tryst - a secret meeting between people who are romantically in love.

Honey hearted - extremely sweet/kind hearted.

Aita - a garden

Bluebell hearted - good natured and hyper empathetic to a fault.

Wonderment - a puzzle or curiosity

Mouse heart - shy and easily scared.

Vim - lively or energetic spirit/enthusiasm.

Kindliness - friendliness evidence by a kindly or helpful disposition.

Wanderlust - a strong desire for adventure.

Bonhomie - good natured cheerful friendliness; geniality.

Resplendent -  shining brilliantly, characterized by a glowing splendor.

Rosarium - a garden specifically for roses.

Florentis - blooming/in bloom, flowering; flourishing, prosperous; flowery, bright/shining.

Lambent - glowing with soft radiance.

Woolgathering - indulgence in aimless thought or dreamy imagination.

Moonstruck - dreamily romantic or bemused.

Stardusted - naive romantic qualities.

Peach hearted - extremely sweet/soft hearted and extremely emotionally sensitive.

Forget-me-dots - someone who's innocently/harmlessly forgetful and naive.

Daisydew - a innocent person.

Honey hymns - a beautiful voice.

Twitterpated - extremely love struck.

Redamancy - the act of loving one who loves you, fully that loves you back.

Phosphenese - the colors or " stars " you see when you rub your eyes.

Strawberry mooned - deeply in entranced by another person.

Balter - to dance aimlessly without grace or skill but usually for enjoyment.

Sun speckled - having kind and warm natured qualities.