Catnip:

🌲🌿🪴🌻🪷🍂🌳

ward checkup checklist

if you have an astral or physical space that is warded, you’ll probably have many layers of wards or at least a few strong wards, but regardless of the number of wards you have it’s always prudent to do regular checkups. 

do note that each of your wards will have a different composition and function so these checkups probably won’t apply to every ward, so based on the type of ward you will have to learn to adjust your checkup accordingly. 

leaks and weak spots. this is quite universal for a lot of wards out there, especially for large wards or wards that involve more complicated shapes or that cover spaces that are filled with corners and objects. certain parts of the ward may be less concentrated than others or may receive less attention when being made, which makes them tend to become more vulnerable faster. make sure that the energy distribution is consistent when making or repairing wards.

stiffness or rigidity. sometimes wards can harden or become rigid in certain areas, which makes them more vulnerable to impact from attacks as they are more likely to break or shatter. there is a difference between rigid wards and sturdy wards, wards don’t necessarily have to be completely unmovable and inflexible to be sturdy and durable. keep energy flowing through wards until it breaks down the rigidity and keeps the wards more malleable.

decrease in concentration. sometimes wards can lose their energy when not in use, especially wards that are made to only activate when provoked. these can lose essentially the body and what powers the ward and make the ward less effective when in use. check up on these wards frequently and make sure that they are still functioning optimally.

clumps and clogs. the energy in wards can gather and clump up or cause a clog sometimes, especially in wards that involve moving energy. this can pose a problem as clumping often leads to well, blockages and decreased flow which can just slow the flow of the ward and stop it from doing what it was meant to do, you know? find clumps or clogs and work energy through it until it spreads out and the energy is flowing like it’s supposed to.

energy reactivity and selectivity. for wards that are meant to filter stuff (e.g. anti-glamour ward) or wards that only react when a certain set of conditions are met (e.g. offence ward that sucks intruders’ energy), they can get less reactive or less selective over time without use. check these wards frequently and test them to ensure that they still work optimally.

energy contamination. for wards that are used a lot and involves a lot of passing through, or wards that are for cleansing or absorption, these can get contaminated very easily. cleanse these regularly or reset them to ensure maximum function.

Help me. I made more. How did this AU come about again? I basically spent way too much time being interested in all things mythological when I was younger so it was inevitable that this happened I guess?

I’m tagging everyone that was involved in the other post as well @vikingstrash @quantumlocked310 @ritual-unions-gotme @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @kataphine and the person that gave me the idea to begin with @ofmanderley 😊

Merman Ragnar. The idea of Lagertha catching him in a net still cracks me up.

Valkyrie Lagertha. Given her fighting nature, this was the only choice.

Witch/Siren Aslaugh. Like @quantumlocked310 I couldn’t decide which of these two she should be, but both options work for me.

Dryad Floki. A tree spirit! It makes total sense!

Minotaur Rollo. I don’t why, but it works for me.

Phoenix Siggy. Because she comes back stronger every single time. Apart from that one time that will not be mentioned.

Werebear Bjorn. He got attacked by a bear in the show so it’s basically canon.

Siren Sigurd (which has been written into existence quite excellently by @vikingstrash ❤️)

🖤 Spell Jar for Protection 🖤

Ingredients/Equipment

Chilli Flakes (or Chilli Powder, whatever's around) - to ward off unwanted guests

Rosemary - purification, protection

Salt - absorbing negative energy, protection, purification

Black Pepper (both peppercorns and grounded) - banish negativity, protection from evil

3 Bay Leaves - protection from harmful energies

Protection Sigil or a Banish Negativity Sigil

Preferably Black Candle to seal the jar (white may be used as a substitute as I have done)

A Jar

A Funnel (trust me, if you don't use one shit will go everywhere, make and use a homemade paper funnel if you need to)

Spell Method

Cast a protective circle or do your own pre-spell rituals, whatever works for you and light the candle

Cleanse your equipment and ingredients (I use specific ritual incense but again whatever works for you, sage burning, etc)

Put the ingredients in the jar one at a time, repeating a chosen affirmation for protection with each one. The order doesn't nessicarily matter as the intent is what's most important. However, I recommend leaving the bay leaves until last

Use a marker to draw a sigil that represents protection or banishing negativity on at least one of the bay leaves. If you need to break up the leaves to fit them in the jar that's okay; again, the intention is what's most important

Close the jar and seal it with the wax from the candle

🕯️spiritual veiling🕯️

Veiling (or head covering) is a spiritual practice that is found within nearly all world religions! Veiling is the act of covering ones head, partially or fully, with an article of clothing or hanging cloth. The type of veil or head covering varies from faith to faith. Also, everyone has different reasons for veiling. In general, it is a sign of respect to ones deities, to the self, and to the sacredness of the body. Vestal Priestesses of Vesta veiled before their goddess, Yoruba initiates cover their head for spiritual protection, Catholic Nuns veil for spiritual distinction and modesty, etc. Historically, women are more likely to practice veiling but there are many practices where men are also called to cover their heads. Veiling is for anyone and everyone who feels called to practice! 💐🌹

✨ BENEFITS OF VEILING ✨

(Note, this is an amalgamation of different reasons why people veil. Not everyone shares these same benefits or beliefs. This is a generalization!)

DIVINE DEVOTION

The crown of the head is, in many practices, believed to be the center of divine communication. It is the part of our body that is closest to divinity. As a result, many people veil in order to respect the sacredness of this connection. It’s almost as if placing a crown upon our head to symbolize our pure connection with our gods. It can also be a sign of humility and humbleness before divine. Veiling for divine devotion is often worn during rituals or worship but may not be worn for everyday use (this varies). This practice of veiling results in a closer, sanctified bond with our divinity. 

SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

Similar to the last point, the head is believed to be sacred. If the head is not protected, the rest of the body may suffer. Emotional empaths may be called to veiling out of a desire to protect their energy from the world around them. Full-body veils can also be worn for this purpose. It offers comfort, peace, and a sense of spiritual protection!

DISTINCTION

For many people, veiling is a way of “wearing their faith”. A clear religious habit (form of clothing) sets you apart from the rest of the world. Not in the sense that you are higher or holier than the world but in the sense that your life is lived in devotion. It is a reminder of the covenant you have made within your spiritual path. It makes your faith visible and tangible. My Muslim sisters often express that wearing their hijab creates a sense of unification and connectedness. 

EMPOWERMENT

I’ve noticed a lot of people, especially women, express how empowered they feel when they’re wearing their veils. It can often garner a sense of respect and reverence. Sadly there are spaces where veiling (especially for muslim women) is met with judgement but, even when faced with criticism, it is an empowering practice. It forces the world to view us as more than bodies to be objectified. It adds a sense privacy that demands respect. 

SELF AWARENESS 

Wearing a veil is a reminder to the world but also to ourselves. When we wear a veil, we are wearing the tradition of our respective beliefs. It is a physical symbol that aligns us with our spiritual practice and reminds us of why we do what we do. I find that I am much more aware of my actions when I am veiling (for rituals and for everyday wear). There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with wearing a veil. It’s highly symbolic and we have to respect its importance. 

A BLESSING

For many, it is a reminder that we are forever blessed, protected, and empowered by our spiritual practice! It’s like taking up a mantle of power. For some it’s out of modestly but, for most, it’s an outward sign of the blessed relationship that we have with our respective spiritual paths!  ✨✨✨✨ Thank you for stopping by! My askbox is always open for anyone who wants to learn more! If you are someone who veils, I would love to hear your reasons and experiences. I feel like there are so many misunderstandings about the purpose of veiling and I hope this post could shed some light! 💐 🌷 🌹 P.S anyone can veil, as it’s a part of pretty much every culture, but be mindful of the style of veil you choose! There are some styles that are sacred and should not be used unless you are a part of that religion/tradition. Do your research. 

🕯️

🕯️ Masterpost 🕯️

this is a collection of links to all the important

posts on my blog.

It will be updated regularly.

Last Update: September 18th 2021

If you happen to notice that a link isn't working, please leave a comment and I'll fix it.

Spirituality: Red Flags

🌬️ Things Toxic Spiritualists Say

🌬️ Things Toxic Spiritualists Say 2.0

Reminders

🕯️ Deities are not a requirement

🕯️ Friendly Reminders II

🕯️ You are deserving of love and happiness

🕯️ Your experience is valid

🕯️ You are allowed to say no

🕯️ People aren't judging you (overthinking)

🕯️ "communication is key" applies to deities too

🕯️ You're not a bad devotee

🕯️ No one knows where the giant primordial norse cow went

🕯️ Take care of your human vessel

🕯️ Your Gods love you for who you are - flaws and all.

Deity Prayers/Poems/Moodboards

✨ A Prayer For Loki

✨ Hail Thor

✨ Hail Loki

✨ Hail Odin

Worshipping

🌻 Different ways of worshipping the Gods

Resources

🔮 Different kinds of personal books

🔮 What it means to be a witch (for me)

🔮 Moon Phases And Their Meaning

🔮 Last Quarter Moon Magic

🔮 Small Things To Contact Spirits About

🔮 Spell Record Worksheet (how to keep track of your spells)

🔮 Transitions between the Wheel

🔮 So you've lost connection with a God.

🔮 Crystals - Uses and Properties

🔮 Masterpost on how to move out and live on your own

🔮 Simple explanation of different Clair-Senses

🔮 Things that made me stop wanting to die that require no effort whatsoever

🔮 Why I personally (!) advise against deity work when it comes to beginner witches

🔮 Manifesting vs working your ass off

🔮 Nordic Holidays

🔮 Protective Spell Ingredients

Cute Animals

🦊 A baby otter in the water

🦊 A black cat that brings good luck

🦊 Calling cats in different languages

Pierce my heart 🖤

things i love about bees part 2:

🐝 when they groom each other AGH my heart💖💖💖💖

🐝 the lil bouncers that make sure ur not a robber bee from a different hive before ur allowed to go back inside

🐝 the surprising frequency of which they land on each other or summersault or trip when they land on the entrance of the hive

🐝 how stubborn they are trying to build comb where they’re not supposed to, even when we provide them comb to draw out

🐝 how sweet my bees are, we’ve had them for like two years and only one has ever even tried to sting me

🐝 even when my dad and i helped move africanized bees out of their makeshift hive and into a box they didn’t sting us

🐝 they actually gathered in huuuge clumps on us, they all loved my dad especially, but still didn’t sting us

🐝 how confused they get if you move their hive like. five feet away. it takes like half an hour for them to stop looking for their hive in the crack in a wall and turn around to see we just moved it

🐝 how they look when they fly in clouds. i wish i could run my hand through and scoop them all up

🐝 the way queens measure the cells with their legs to figure out which egg to lay

🐝 the fact that she can lay either gender egg at will that’s wild !! her reproductive system is incredible !!

🐝 getting to see the queen during an inspection

🐝 when you break off brace or burr comb between boxes of the hive and suddenly every single bee is there to clean it up

🐝 when you notice a bee on the sidewalk and get to move her somewhere safe or warm her up so she can go back home

🐝 different colors of bees !! i saw a bee in my hive that was so dark she hardly had stripes at all, it was crazy !!!

🐝 when they have that bright orange pollen that looks like cheeto dust

🐝 bee space in the comb where they crawl through, it’s so cute to think of them having little hallways

🐝 their👏honey👏is👏to👏die👏for👏

🐝 how beekeepers talk about their africanized hives as “hot hives” so it’s not such a trigger word, it’s kinda affectionate

🐝 selfless beekeeping where absolutely anyone will pick up africanized bees that moved in near your house, just to keep them from being exterminated (and then the beekeeper requeens them and turns them “domesticated” !!)

🐝 how well they manage their temperatures not only for brood but for the honey, as well

🐝 how dramatic the fight between two queens in one hive is, it’s extremely extra

🐝 one time i saw a camo beekeeping suit online and a question on the listing was “how do the bees like the camo?”. the response was “it put the fear of god in them”.

🐝 how bees know when to bail (i’ve had one attacked by bears and one almost down to colony collapse disorder and they both bailed to preserve themselves)

🐝 bees even know when to take breaks !! they’re programmed to be as efficient as possible and that includes breaks !!!!! they wander around the hive chillin because otherwise you would work yourself to death ! take that, overwork-centric american culture !!

🐝 ultimate structure for comb !! most efficient with least wax !

🐝 as a keeper, figuring out what a good brood pattern is and being able to recognize it

🐝 the way they make wax !!!!!!! is so weird !!!!!!!!! it’s so weird !!!!!!!!!! but it’s amazing !!!!!!

🐝 little mouth that multitasks. eat honey to save for later ? check. make hardened wax workable ? check. feed the babies ? check. bite varroa mites ? check.

🐝 someone’s working on breeding bees that are not only more resistant to varroa, but that have higher and higher tendencies to bite and kill them !!!!! that’s so good and exciting !!!!!!

🐝 when i finally got the hang of the perfect structure for the smoker !! (the secret is the berries/pine needles in the bottom, then some newspaper, then more berries over that, and you light the newspaper

🐝 seeing any bee any time at all. i can have the worst day ever but if i saw a bee at least it wasn’t a total loss !!

🐝 i love how sweet most bees are. even when they’re confused or scared i’ve scooped them up and helped them somewhere safe and they’ve never stung me for 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 | ]

witch self care masterpost!✌️🌿

✌️🌿what to do if witchcraft drains you

✌️🌿self care magic

✌️🌿🔮 spoonie witch tips 🔮

✌️🌿magics for self love

✌️🌿self-care tips masterpost

✌️🌿✨an altar to yourself ✨

✌️🌿self care: witch style

✌️🌿witchy emergency masterpost

✌️🌿witches with depression

✌️🌿self care tarot routine

✌️🌿self care spell jar

✌️🌿self love spell jar

✌️🌿emoji spell for peace

✌️🌿witch tip : computers

✌️🌿witch tip : dishes

✌️🌿simple self love spell

✌️🌿tasks for the tired witch

✌️🌿gentle reminders

✌️🌿witchy reminders

✌️🌿self care stretch

✌️🌿witchcraft for the grieving

I will be updating this whenever I find anything new!

✨disclaimer // none of these belong to me! all credit goes to the creators! never listen to just one source, do you own research! ✨