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The Use of Hornets and Wasps in Witchcraft

Image Credit: Alclear Pest Control

I’m sorry for my absence my lovelies! It’s been a difficult few weeks for me recently, because I’ve been trying to cope with exams, then the end of classes, and then constant exposure to an abusive family member, all whilst struggling with significant depression. However, I’m pushing on through, and one of the things that’s getting me through is thinking about new things to post on!

A note about the ethics of animal part usage

Insects parts are a very traditional element of witchcraft, and they are much more ethical than any other animal parts because (like bivalve and gastropod molluscs), arthropods do not have a brain capable of supporting consciousness. Killing hornets for your craft, then, is an ethically safe thing to do. However, killing animals that are capable of consciousness exclusively for the reasons of Craft is disputed by many witches from different traditions and is usually considered to be unacceptable. Please don’t take this post to be in support of killing conscious animals for usage in Craft activities – I am personally strongly against pointless slaughter, including sport-hunting and sport-fishing.

Witchy Uses for Hornets and Wasps

Curses that involve pain and fear – Any curse that has pain or fear as a major component of its magick (either because it’s what you want to cause, or it’s what you want to get justice for) would be greatly enhanced by the addition of dried and crushed wasps or hornets.

Curses that involve falling afoul of spies, infiltrators, or deceivers – Wasps and hornets are most infamous in apiculture (beekeeping) for their tendency to enter into a beehive and kill every single bee inside, completely destroying a colony in a matter of hours or days. They do this by camouflaging their scent, and then sneaking into the hive round a back entrance. Once inside, they will kill everything in their path to achieve their goals. Any spell that involves either retribution for those that have done this, or hope to invite these kinds of people into someone’s life, would do well to have crushed or whole hornet or wasp nest in them.

Curses that involve projects or structures going wrong – Wasps and hornets are also well known for causing colony collapses. Using dried and crushed hornets and wasps in your spellwork can be very effective in causing organisations, projects, or communities to break apart, or again to get retribution against those who performed these actions. Most effective against organisations with power that’s highly consolidated in one person, like in a beehive.

Any spell focused around matriarchal or feminine-specific social structures – Using wasp or hornet nest in your spell can (if you properly cleanse it with salt and smoke to remove negative inclinations) help boost spells that are focused around matriarchal social orders. This is also true with ant nest and honeycomb pieces, though honeycomb is the best of the options.

Any spell focused on people who leech things off of others – Hornets and wasps don’t work for their food like bees or ants do, but prefer to target those who work hard and steal or leech off of them. Any spell that’s aimed at human leeches, mooches and other human parasites can be increase with the addition of crushed wasps and hornets. Parasitic creatures like actual leeches, mosquitoes and ticks are better, but less readily obtainable in some areas.

Spells that involve wasps! – You’d be surprised how non-obvious this is to some people, but yes, if you want your spell to literally involve wasps or hornets, it would be a good idea to include one or two in your spell!

I hope this is of use to all you lovely witches out there!

– Juniper Wildwalk

Home Protection Magic: A Method For The Low-Spoons Spellcaster

After a rough couple months of mental health, all my wards and shields kinda… fell by the wayside. Since I’ve been putting them back up, I thought I’d offer a general explanation of how I do it.

Basically, I use a form of sympathetic magic to reduce the toll my wards take on me. Otherwise it has to be an obnoxiously complex multi day process. Since this works just as well, I don’t see the point in putting myself through that.

So clearly it comes in handy if you have limited energy reserves, but it’s also useful if you have issues visualizing. I’ve included another method to make this work specifically for folks with visualization issues.

Supplies

All you need is a few writing utensils in assorted colors and some paper, or an image editing program. It doesn’t need to be a fancy one, you can literally do this in Paint if that’s what you’ve got.

The Prep Work

For the sake of convenience (and also not publicly posting my actual house on the internet like a dingus) I’m gonna be using a random Sims 3 lot for this post. Say hi to our demo house:

We’ve got the house, so now we’re gonna map the place!

If your place is on its own lot, include the whole lot. I like to do this from a top down view so if I’m struggling I can go to Google Earth and get a reference.

But since I’m using the Sims for this demonstration I’m gonna just… shift the camera angle.

So, from here you’re going to mark off the property line, walls of the house, trees, gardens, paths, frences, decks, etc. Whatever you think is relevant.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or 100 percent straight, just enough you can tell what’s going on.

This is what I ended up with for the demo house:

So yeah, clearly it doesn’t have to be perfect, just close enough you have everything of importance covered.

This is a lot sloppier than I’d normally do it since it was like 5 AM and I wanted my bed, but it would still work because I don’t really do a ton with plants so the missing tree and chunk of garden aren’t a big deal to me.

(That said, be smarter than me when you’re doing this for realsies. Don’t do it for real when you’re about to drop from exhaustion.)

So, now you set up your external protections.

For this exercise I picked a fire based ward for the property line to incinerate malicious magic and deter anybody nasty, a ward filler that was inspired by Apollo and made up of golden arrows that will sap the strength of malicious magic and cause extreme discomfort to people with less than honorable intentions who got through the first ward, a fog based ward to slow/delay any intruders and to hold any magic that gets through the rest of it till it dissipates, and a sanitization ward at the front porch and the back deck because I’m an empath and don’t like taking residual crud from outside into my house.

You can set these up in a few ways, but I’ll be including one with visualization and one without so this doesn’t get any longer than it already is.

The Procedure: Visualization Edition

Drag your finger along the lines of the diagram and visualize the ward going up on that part of your property. While you do, focus on what you want your ward to look like, how it feels, what you want it to do, how strong you want it to be, where you want it how you want it to react to an attempted breach, etc. That’s it!

It’s still going to take energy, but the drain on your resources should be a lot smaller.

The Procedure: Not Visualizing Edition

So, this is a little more complicated but not too much so. You might want to make a few copies of your diagram (or take a couple pictures on your phone. Just in general replicate it a couple of times.) just in case, because you’re gonna draw your wards.

Grab some pens/pencils/markers in colors that correspond to your wards (or pick colors in your graphics program if you’re going the tech magic route)- elemental affinity, purpose, both, up to you.

Using my example wards, I ended up with this:

Since you’re not visualizing, focus on the intent as effectively as you can while you’re drawing, because you’re gonna speak (or think!) those suckers into existence.

Describe what you want it to look like, what you’d want it to do, how strong you want it to be, where you want it how you want it to react to an attempted breach, etc. All the same things you’d be visualizing if you were going that route.

If you’re confident in your art skills, you can save a bit of energy by not focusing as much on what you want it to look like and drawing a direct representation of your ward instead. (I’m not fantastic, so I’m sitting there adding stuff like “this red line is a wall of fire taller than the house” into my description. Still works!)

This is a little less energy efficient than the visualization method in my experience but it’s still heaps better than doing it all on a large scale.

So that’s the process! It’s the same deal inside your place, except instead of rocks, trees, and decks you’ll be marking windows, doors, and furniture.

Feel free to modify the method here however you see fit, and if you do I’d love to hear about it!

Let's Talk Imbolc!: The Earth Stirs

As the first proper Sabbat of the Spring and the (ostensibly, depending on your system) first Cross-Quarter of the year, Imbolc represents the time of the Wheel when the seasons begin to turn from winter to spring, snow and ice beginning to mely, and the first vestiges of life start to pop up from beneath the blanket of winter. (Your results may vary - I live in New England where everything is still metaphorically dead as doorknobs on February 1st!).

Imbolc marks the time when winter begins to seep away, when greenery first begins to poke its head through the stillness of the Dark Half of the Year, and, of course, themes of light abide throughout.

Neatly tucked between Yule (the Winter Solstice) and Ostara (the Spring Equinox), Imbolc is the transitory celebratory day positioned exactly between these two climes. Though "Imbolc" and Sabbats are typically associated with Wiccan tradition, secular & non-Wiccan witches can observe and celebrate these days as mathemetical nature festivals marking the turning of the year.

Imbolc Dates, 2022: Sunset February 1st to February 2nd

Associated Colors (for altars and decorating, etc): White, Cream, Light Blue (Periwinkle), Green & White, Silver

Symbols: Melting snows, evergreens, lights and candles, melting ice, & white flowers

Scents: Vanilla, Benzoin

Herbs: Angelica, Myrrh, yellow, white or blue Flowers, snowdrop, rowan, the first flowers of the year; to burn: basil, bay, benzoin, celandine

Colors for Ritual Wear: White

Magic for Imbolc

As a time of renewal and rebirth, these themes are key to any spellwork or ritualcraft engaged in on Imbolc. Though many might advise you that Sabbats are really days for celebrating and not a lot of heavy-lifting spellcraft ought to be done, I tend to disagree - especially, at least, when it comes to Imbolc and Litha. Here, Imbolc is the perfect time to state new beginnings and begin any cycles of renewal or rebirth you have in mind! The pull of the natural passing of the seasons (again, adjust as applicable here) is a magnificent tide for ebbing or renewal magics.

Other topics or purposes suitable for Imbolc include: Health, omen observation, animal kinship, safety, improving finances, awakening, light, fertility (not just literal - gardening or creative endeavors could fall under here), initiations and self-dedications, turning focus inward, centering power, and attending to the self.

Foods of Imbolc

As a big advocate for lavish feasts on Wheel days, Imbolc is a prime time for preparing seasonally appropriate food! Dishes or courses may include:

Dairy, milk, cheeses, creams and sour cream, peppers, onions shallots, garlic, leeks, chives, olives, raisins, breads, creamy soups, white wine, soy milk, cornbread cake, rowanberry wine, lamb, fondues, creamed spinach

Customs of Imbolc

Observing Imbolc Sabbat rituals (as appropriate to your traditions)

Wearing a crown of lights, or carrying candles/tapers, during invocations & rituals.

Renewing vows of magic, initiation, and dedication to the Craft, one's coven, etc.

Burning of the Yule Greens (for some)

Leaving buttered bread for the Fae who travel with the Lady of the Greenwood on Imbolc Eve (I personally Do Not Eff With the Fae but - for those who do!)

Place three ears of corn over the doorway for/to represent The Triple Goddess and leave til Ostara (for the Wiccans/Those Who Eff With the Triple Goddess in the room)

Cleanse your magic working area with rosemary or vervain

Walk in the snow (as applicable)

Light a candle in every room of the house, or all the lights, even just for a few moments, after sunset on Imbolc.

Take a bath of renewal

Meditate or inquire of your deities - there is a tradition amongst those who call upon a Goddess in the Wiccan fashion to inquire of them, then recieve their answer overnight on Imbolc during which no word must be uttered, which I admit is incredibly appealing (as someone who loves, loves, loves ritual!)

Imbolc is a wonderful time for peacefully looking inward and starting anew - I hope you find what you're looking for, and have a wonderful and lovely cross-quarter day! (Remember: If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, flip the Wheel - February 1st/2nd would be Lammas for you!)

Sources for this post include: Ann Moura, Deborah Blake, Scott Cunningham, Patricia Telesco, Titania Hardie, Ellen Dugan

[Part of the Let's Talk... Sabbat Series: Lammas | Litha | ]

30 Day Devotional For Your Deity.

Create a secret language with your deity and write a dedication as your introduction in your new language.

Use a song to connect and write down images, feelings, ect you saw/felt.

Write a poem about their correspondences.

Write a devotional hymn of praise.

Have a cup of tea (or tea party) and write down the conversation.

Create affirmations with your deity so that you know you're loved.

Shadow work: Focus on your shadow self and write down what your deity wants you to work on.

Write a hymn of gratitude.

Use a card spread to connect with your deity and write down the interpretation.

Bake with you deity and write down the recipe and why They chose it.

Write a chant or two that you can use to magically connect with said deity.

Write a haiku or a few of the simple mundane aspects of your relationship.

Create a dance or stretch with a deity and write down the steps as well as how you feel connected to your deity while performing.

Create a playlist then listen to it while writing about your favorite things about your deity.

Write about why your favorite myth about your deity is your favorite.

Are there any pop culture references to your deity? If so write about why you like/dislike their portrayal.

Are there historical characters that interacted with your deity? How do you feel about them?

Who is your deity to you? Matron? Patron? Grandfather like? Write about how you met your deity and your first impressions.

Middle ground. Write about the first time you felt comfortable with your deity.

How is your relationship now and what you hope for the future?

Write a poem about how They recently made you feel.

Give three examples of Them being benevolent.

Give three examples of when They had to give you a wake up call.

Write an informative paragraph about your deity as if you were writing to a completely unknowing novice.

Create a spell together that only works if both of you do it together.

Allow your deity to make a protection contract with you.

Special bonds. Write a bonding devotional where you dedicate yourself to Them (as a devotee, priestess, fan, ect ).

Create a picture that represents Them with devotional poetry.

Go on a walk and talk with your deity. Record the conversation.

Ask for wisdom and guidance and what They expect from you. Write down their answer.

Start this whenever with your deity and let me know how it's going! Hope you're having a blessed and serendipitous day. Happy witching!

Cleansing Morning Simmering Potpourri

This morning I opened all the windows and made a cleansing simmer potpourri to clean and refresh my home with new energy!

Here is what I did -

Open the windows and sliding doors to let the breeze in.

Get a small pot ready on the stove

Add 1 - 2 cups base liquid - usually purified or distilled water

Add bruised/crushed herbs - I used 1 TBSP lavender for cleansing and peace

Add essential oils and/or larger items - I used the peel of ½ pink grapefruit, for cleansing, self love and energy, and I added ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract for peace and happiness

Bring to a simmer then lower the heat then as low as it goes while still being on

Enjoy the simmering potpourri while cleaning, dusting, or helping your house in some way.

Keep an eye on the pot. When almost all the liquid has evaporated turn off the stove and remove from heat.

Discard remants in a compost bin or trash. If any liquid remains you can use in a bath, or a hand or foot soak to keep the spell with you all day!

I hope you have a relaxing, cleansing morning as well! Happy (witch) crafting!

Honeyed Lips

This glamour is designed to help you appear more persuasive. This can be helpful when applying for a job, public speaking, or convincing friends/family/lovers. BE AWARE - this type of glamour is inherently manipulative and should only be used to help you convince others and make people more inclined to listen to what you have to say.

MATERIALS

10g Shea Butter

10g Beeswax

10g Coconut Oil

1 Tsp Honey (Local if you can)

5 drops Sweet Orange Oil

On a double boiler (medium/low heat) melt the Shea Butter, Beeswax and Coconut Oil. Turn of heat and stir clockwise as you add the Honey and Sweet Orange Oil. Sing as you stir:

Smooth as butter,

Sweet as honey,

Enchant my words,

To be bright and sunny.

With honeyed lips,

And charming smiles,

Those who hear me

Are not hostile.

To my words,

They shall listen,

And be convinced

By my proposition.

Let it cool in a container of your choice (I like a small metal tin). Once cool, apply to your lips and repeat the above chant. The heat of your lips will activate it.

- Marci

,,,, yall wanna hear about some of the weird as hell dreams that I have had?

Winter Solstice simmer pot:

Bay leaves - intention setting

Orange - love, prosperity, luck

Cranberries - healing, protection, love

Rosemary - cleansing, health, protection

Cinnamon - abundance and happiness

Evergreen - in celebration of the solstice

Mental & Emotional Health Protection Spell Jar

D’you ever get those days where enough is ENOUGH and you just have to spell jar the shit out of a protection spell (shuddup that totally makes sense)? Well, that was how I felt his morning.

This here is actually my first spell jar, one to protect my mental and emotional health.

My method and ingredients are mainly based off this protection spell bottle by @greekwitchchild​ with a couple of minor changes.

I don’t have oak leaves to hand, so I used chamomile flowers in their place for protection, peace and happiness.

Instead of writing my sigil on a piece of paper, I wrote it on the bay leaf I used in the jar. Full disclosure - the leaf was brittle and did crumble a bit as I inserted it. So, on the fly, I added though the sigil be broken, my intent remains whole into my “spell” (saying out loud the purpose of each ingredient as I added it to the jar).

The partially burned candle and jasmine incense stick were left from a circle casting I did while meditating a couple of days of ago. So I used them again to cast my circle and purify my space while I worked.

I shall be carrying this little beauty with me as I visit my boyfriend for the next 7 days or so. Negativity can fuck right off <3