Who Do I Attract?

A few recommended witchcraft books

The Basics

Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson

This book is super popular. It is ceremonial in nature - don’t worry about needing to make Huson’s many ‘required’ items - but it has some really good stuff, especially the introduction and the Witch’s Pyramid. 

Pure Magic by Judika Illes

This is the lady who wrote the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. Her book is good, leaning more towards New Age than Mr. Huson. I found the book to be generally well-rounded. It does cover a lot of basics, including plenty of rituals and spells.

The Sorcerer’s Secrets by Jason Miller

I have personally learned more from this book than any other. Instead of relying on spells, Mr. Miller teaches you the actual techniques of improving your magical skills. He also gives a reasonable explanation for how magic works and the ways you can practically apply skills to get what you want.

The Complete Guide to Psychic Development by Cassandra Eason

Mrs. Eason is the “if six candles are good, twelve is better!” type. I don’t agree with her that imagining a pink fluffy cloud (and I do not mock; this is literal) will remove all dangers. This book is perhaps best mixed with a more traditional one, such as Mastering Witchcraft. But if psychic stuff is for you, this book may be a great help.

Beyond the Basics

The Witch’s Familiar by Raven Grimassi

A surprisingly complete system of calling, working with, controlling, and dismissing familiars. If you have no idea where to start, and you prefer a slightly more ceremonial take on things, this is the book for you. It also holds value for those interested in spirit work.

Financial Sorcery by Jason Miller

You guys already know I have a thing for Mr. Miller, and I offer no apologies. He knows his stuff and he’s a good writer. Read this book if you want to make money with your magic in a way that actually works. 

Seven Spheres by Rufus Opus

Not witchcraft - Hermetics. But it is a fantastic book, good for those who are looking for ‘the next step’ and are ready for spirit work and conjuration. I really learned a lot by reading this book, even if his tone is somewhat bro-ish at times. 

Protection & Healing

Protection & Reversal Magick: Beyond 101 by Jason Miller

This was the first witchcraft book I ever bought! Gosh do I love it. Mr. Miller speaks in a straight-forward tone about certain dangers, and fills a book with different methods on how to fight, defend, and heal yourself after the battle. To those interested in Hekate, there are a couple original Hekatean rituals in this book. I highly recommend.

Psychic Self-Defense by Dion Fortune

An old, albeit still well-written handbook. Her accounts of psychic attack are fascinating and her solutions are practical and useful.

Spiritual Cleansing by Draja Mickaharic

This book is extremely practical and lays out several methods of cleansing for each problem addressed. Mr. Mickaharic loudly advocates against changing or substituting his spells, and basically says if you can’t do it the way he presents it in the book, don’t do it at all. So if you are the sort of practitioner who can’t get a hold of a pint of beer or seven walnuts to pop in the bathtub, this book is not for you. However, I was very pleased with the book and saw new content I had never seen before.

Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and References

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Yes, it’s getting on in years now. If it were a human it would have bought it’s first home and have two kids at this point. But it’s survived this long because it’s a solid reference for plants. When you get your hands on a new plant and don’t know what in the dickens you can use it for, Mr. Cunningham will give you a good overview. When planning a spell and you need to know what plants follow your correspondences, his tables in the back will list plants in accordance with your intent.

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

What can I say. It’s like the plant book, but for crystams, gems, and metals.

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

This is the only book I’ll recommend that I haven’t *gasp* read personally. I’ve heard really good things about it. It is a big book of crystals. I just don’t care enough about crystals to get it, but if you care about crystals, then this is the book for you, I’ve heard.

(Elemental) Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes

Correct me if I’m wrong on this one, but the ‘elemental’ encyclopedia is the same as the regular, non-elemental edition. What I find to be of real value in this book is not the spells themselves, but the extensive forward which has a lot of magical knowledge. You can also pick up great tidbits by browsing the book. The formulary in the back has recipes for all kinds of oils, powders, and potions. It’s a good book, I highly recommend.

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

I’ll tell you what, Mrs. Illes sure does love her elemental encyclopedias. This is a solid book, covering a vast range of topics such as animals, holy days, and tools. I find the ‘animals’ section to be particularly useful.

Fabulous Creatures, Mythical Monsters, and Animal Power Symbols by Cassandra Eason

The book is full of what the title says. A good resource for mythical and regular animals. 

Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes

The most sellable property of this book is that it lists many spirits by name. If you come across a certain name and want to know if it is connected to anybody, Mrs. Illes has the book for you. I find general entries such as “Ghost” or “mermaid” to be frustratingly sparse, but if you want to know who ‘Atargatis’ is, forget about it.

A Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson

Want to know about angels and fallen angels? This is the book for you. Detailed. Thorough. No complaints.

Also what are altars used for?

Altars are used for your craft. To practice, to write in your book of shadows and for those who decide to follow a deity, its a place for you to connect with him or her, to worship, give thanks etc. Long story short its your own personal little “church/temple”

Hi! I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about your 'getting to know you' spread for a new deck? It probably sounds silly but my new deck feels a bit 'reluctant' compared to my previous one, if that makes sense, and I was wondering if you had any pointers 😊

Hello! First off, you don’t sound silly at all. Some decks, just like some people, are a little shy or reticent when they meet someone and need a prompt to open up. Which is where Deck Interviews, like my Getting to Know You spread, come in. 

The standard deck interview, which I first came across quite a few years ago, is a six card draw. However, as I’ve worked I’ve expanded on that and my current spread is a nine draw. Yes, this is because I’m quite attached to the magical significance of 3x3 but also because I’m one of those people who can’t resist tinkering to make things personal. 

Caveat at this point to say everyone should please feel free to change this in anyway that feels right to you.

So, the spread itself:

The five cards in the bottom row focus solely on the deck:

1. What is your nature? Basically tell me about yourself, give me an idea of your character.

2. What are your strengths? Tell me what type of readings you’re going to excel at.

3. What do you like doing best? Which may at first glance look like a repeat of question 2, but it isn’t. I have observed that, again like people, some decks may not always enjoy doing the thing they are best at - I’m brilliant at maths but I get much more joy out of reading tarot and writing (which I’m good at but not as good as I am at maths).

4. What are your weaknesses? Tell me what type of readings you’re going to struggle with.

5. What do you not like doing? Again, like people, the thing your deck might like least may not correspond to what it is weakest at.

The three cards in the middle row focus on the immediate relationship between you and the deck:

6. How do you feel about me? (no explanation needed)

7. What do you think I need to learn? Tell me what you’ve come into my life to teach me/help me understand.

8. How can I work to achieve that? Tell me what you want us to focus on first.

The final card on the top row is looking ahead at the relationship between you and the deck:

9. Where do you see us going together? Tell me which path we’re on, in this journey we’re about to take together!

I hope that helps. If you do use it, or create your own deck interview spread from this, please do share the results!

my masterpost ref for astrology

sun: about the basic self, who you are when you’re not surrounded by other people. your general traits

moon: the unconscious side of your personality. it explains why you do what you do. represents your instinctual self

rising: the face you put on in public, the sign that is the general first impression on others. it is expressed in your image and features, your style and your mannerisms

medium coeli: (mc/midheaven) gives insight to what you need to do to realise your place in life. can be used to help understand your personal and spiritual goals

imum coeli: (ic) base of your personality, influences your attitude towards your home and family life (your ic is the opposite sign to your mc)

venus: how you act in love and relationships. feminine energies

mars: sexual attraction, passion and anger. masculine energies

mercury: planning and reasoning skills, connected to communication, interacting and awareness

saturn: restrictions, limitations and delays. influences achievements, helps you mature

jupiter: luck, its an optimistic planet that gives inspiration and improves your life

neptune: reaches spirituality within you, there is mysticism and compassion, about divine love

uranus: change, associated with technology and discovery. about enlightenment and creativity

pluto: secrets, personal power and powerlessness. about transformations and self empowerment

chiron: health and disease and how they affect your spiritual path

ceres: how you best provide love and comfort, shows how you best feel nurtured

pallas: creativity, arts and justice, father/daughter relationships, personal power

juno: qualities of your soul mate, deals with marriage, fashion and beauty

vesta: focus, metal clarity and self respect

first house: self image

second house: self worth, money

third house: communication

fourth house: family + home

fifth house: self expression, creativity and romance

sixth house: work and health

seventh house: partnership and marriage

eighth house: transformations and sexuality

ninth house: belief and higher learning

tenth house: career, responsibility, reputation

eleventh house: aspirations and personal goals

twelfth house: soul growth, privacy and secrets

basic earth qualities: practical, reliable, realistic

basic air qualities: unpredictable, intelligent, independent

basic fire qualities: passionate, intense, impulsive

basic water qualities: sensitive, empathetic, emotional

earth dominant: practical, productive, patient, reliable

earth lacking: disorganised, messy, impulsive, irresponsible

air dominant: sociable, independent, curious

air lacking: unsociable, dependent, distant

fire dominant: energetic, impulsive, confident, adventurous

fire lacking: unmotivated, pessimistic

water dominant: empathetic, sensitive, nurturing, creative

water lacking: insecure, reserved, unemotional

Are there any health-boosting spells you would recommend? I'd essentially be doing it by myself, for myself. Thank you!

If you wear masks you could try my Lark’s Oil mixture. Alternatively you could use the same essential oils to flavor some epsom salts, and then use it in a bath to coat your outer shell. It might be fun to make your own epsom salts and coat them with intention while you make them.

Need ingredients that are easier to find or less homemade? Try this:

Well-Being Ward

Materials:

Bath tub

Epsom Salts (plain)

Green food coloring (optional)

Jasmine Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Notes:

You can get all of these ingredients from Wal-mart for 15-20 dollars, and this recipe will last you several washes.

The epsom salts should not be scented or colored.

The jasmine is for warding, health, and well-being. The rosemary is for vitality. The green color is also for health and vitality.

Instructions:

Place the epsom salts in a large mixing bowl. Add a few drops of each oil and food coloring (optional), and mix.

Run a bath.

Add the salts and soak for 30min-hour. As you soak, visualize the magickal properties of the salts seeping into your skin and forming a protective barrier, like an extra layer of skin. Soak as many parts of your body as you can, for as long as you can.

Notes:

This is designed to be a ward. It will deflect illness, but I do not claim it is impenetrable. If you show signs of an illness it is already in your body and performing this spell will not get rid of it.

This does not replace the evaluation of a medical professional, but is meant to strengthen your body so it can fight off infectious disease. It is to be used in tandem with medication.

✨Crystal Cleansing 101✨

“I am calm”

I have anxiety so calm sigils are pretty important to me :)

*Now taking sigil requests*

How To Dress a Candle

Although candles are a relatively modern part of magic, they are now a significant one. In candle magic, the candle is often dressed before it is burned.

Dressing can include some or all of these steps:

Cleaning the candle of unwanted energies

Filling the candle with the intent of the spell

Carving information on the candle, especially identifying information if the candle represents another person

Rubbing special oil on to the candle

Adding powdered herbs on top of the oil (big chunks will burn!)

Adding additional decorations

In ceremonial magic such as Wicca, dressing a candle may be very ritualistic and have specific rules. Refer to your tradition to figure out the correct steps. In folk magics or intuitive paths, think about your goals for the spell, what the candle represents, and what feels right to you.

Should all candles be dressed? No, I don’t think so. Sometimes a candle is a small sacrifice (of goods and effort) and simply burning it is the right thing to do. If you want to light a candle to honor an ancestor or spirit, I don’t think it needs to be dressed.

Is this list comprehensive? I doubt it. These are just the common ones I know about.

Fire hazard? Magic is a part of nature, it does not defy nature. Magical candles are not less likely to set things on fire. If you’ve never dressed a candle with oil or herbs, do a test run first to see if it will ignite. No candles should be allowed to burn without supervision, so if the spell calls for the entire candle to burn down, consider choosing a small one for the spell. That being said, if you are going to leave a candle by itself anyway, keep it in a big dish filled with sand or water (that is sure to catch the candle if it falls over), at least 2 feet away from all fabrics and walls.

Candlesticks and carvers. The candlesticks or holders that you use will be soaked in the energy of the spells you cast. Give them a good washing to get the wax off and a nice spiritual cleansing to get rid of the ‘leftovers’. Likewise, whatever you use to carve in the candle is a miniature wand that will be imprinted with whatever you send through it. Consider using a disposable tool like a toothpick and throw it away outside.

- Tho