BLACK SALT (also Known As WITCH’S SALT) Is Used Primarily For Protection, Banishing, And Repelling.

Iron sword, Scythian, 600-400 BC

from Apollo Galleries

🌑 New Moon Ritual 🌑

Hello Loves! 

I’m posting this a little late but thought I would show you what I did for the New Moon.

The New Moon is all about new beginnings, cleansing, setting and reassessing intentions, goals and manifesting your desires. It’s a time to rid of things that no longer aid you and welcome the things that do, and putting those aids in to practice. It’s also a wonderful time to start new projects.

The Ritual:

I started the day by cleaning my room, sweeping out the negativity, cleaning my altar, cleansing with sage and burning lavender incense for inner peace and tranquility.

After I cleansed my surroundings I started to cleanse myself. Starting with light stretching to awaken the body from slumber and guided meditation for opening the mind and soul. I then went for a water cleanse and swam leisurely in the pool (the ocean would’ve been ideal but a simple shower or bath works great too), it’s important to admire and thank your surroundings, find beauty in it all. I love to thank Gaia for all she gives us. After the pool, I did a sort of second water cleanse in the shower. Simply imagining negativity seeping out of my body and down the drain and fresh positivity and ambition seeping in.

Once I cleansed my self, I let the sun set and at moon rise I began my spell work and manifesting. Here’s what I did and what you can do:

🌑 I started by writing down all things that no longer aid me and the negativity I wanted out of my life.

🌑 I then proceeded to burn it (safely, please be cautious with fire!) where the New Moon could see and wash it away. As it burned I visualized the negativity and unhelpful habits leave my body and fly away.

🌑 Next, I wrote down all the things I wanted to invite, keep and manifest in to my life. 

🌑 I then carefully rolled the piece of paper up into a little scroll and tied it with some blessed twine/rope, I added some pieces of Rosemary, Baby’s Breath and a lavender coloured flower for knowledge and intuition. 

🌑 Once I had created my scroll I meditated with it and some crystals, holding it in my hand and infusing it with power.

If you make this cute little intentions scroll I recommend keeping it somewhere visible, so you can always look upon it when you feel you’re going astray.

I ended the night by thanking the Moon and Gaia and proceeded to journal and get a good nights rest!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for the New Moon and setting intentions.

A gentle reminder is, whilst Moon phases are strong times to do certain things there is no right or wrong time to set intentions, break bad habits and manifest your dreams! You don’t need to wait for the next Moon phase, and if you feel now is or isn’t the time then trust what your intuition is telling you! 

Blessed Be!

I’m posting this under the excuse that this could be a witch’s pet.

Anti wolf heck collar

“The purpose of the collar is to protect the dog wearing it when it has to fight the wolves. The collar base protects the dog’s throat and carotid arteries, while the spikes are intended to deter bites to the neck or even injure wolves trying to do so.”

Creating and Enchanting Wards

I wrote a post all about secret witches and how they could potentially form wards from everyday objects, and/or keep them under wraps. This post is for those that don’t have to hide anything, and also for those of you who just want to know how to enchant a ward. There are many ways to do so, I have only mentioned a few. Happy warding!

Creating Your Ward

Now, in terms of creating a ward, there are two main options: intangible, and tangible. You can make them a combo of the two as well (ex: a tripwire made of energy connected to a tangible mirror that will lead the intruder straight into the mirror, thus being reflected). Whatever you choose, there are a few steps you can follow if you want to. These are my suggestions:

Decide what it will do. Is it going to keep away spirits? Only certain ones? Curses sent by others? Negative energy? Spells cast on you without consent (though not necessarily considered a curse? You can choose all of the above, a few, or just one. The more things you have one ward do, the less energy it can put into each individual task (in my experience). Write down your intent for this ward, and work it out until you are happy with it. On that note, I recommend working on one ward at a time if you fear being distracted and confused, but if you find it is difficult to do so, use it to your advantage: string them together as if they are part of a circuit. It may help you connect each one to each other, thus ensuring no conflicting energies.

Design the ward. Will it be a ball of energy? How about a basket? A box of mirrors? Pick something that resonates with you and makes you feel protected. Personally, I would probably choose a labyrinth style ward if I wanted a new one, which may confuse and diffuse an energy before it reaches me or another ward. I would fill it with things that might slow it down, such as nightmare-based energy, or illusions. Keep in mind the physical properties of an item if you want it to be tangible; what makes this a good option for a ward? Ex: a dog’s tag may be great, not only for protecting them, but also for acting as a constant ward within whichever room they travel to.

Enchant the ward, and put it in its designated place. I will explain a few different processes that one may use to enchant a ward in the next section of this post. However, placement is important and I do want to discuss that. I find that placing things throughout the home instead of in just one area is more affective. In this way, there aren’t as many neglected barriers, and it is easier to switch them out in a staggered period of time and location. Place a few in each main part of your home to prevent any barrages in one spot. Another thing I feel I should mention is that windows, doorways, and even faucets/outlets can be methods of entry for spirits. I rarely have any problem with the latter, but it has come up once, maybe twice. Place your wards according to what you think is best for your home.

Enchanting Your Ward

Everyone seems to do this a bit differently, so take my methods with a grain of salt. Keep in mind that I honestly will not share all of my methods, simply because it’s safer that way. The best protection from other witches, in my opinion, is not giving them a key to your energetic home.

Method One: Self-Charging

Cleanse the ward beforehand.

Gather your ward, and whatever else you use for a basic ritual. If you do any circle casting with salt, or prefer to use a wand while enchanting​ things, grab those, too.

Situate yourself with the ward, holding it in some way. Place your hands/wand/etc. over it, or just focus your energy onto fueling this ward without moving.

Think of the intent of this ward. If you are making an intangible ward, figure out exactly what you want it to look like from the planning steps in the last section. Visualize it working in action, deflecting and repelling any unwanted forces that may be around you. Strengthen it each second with your energy, growing more and more. I tend to like swirling my hands around the object to build the energy and draw in any of it that may be escaping.

Visualize the energy bonding to the ward, and the intent being instilled into its very core. Connect this ward to another energy source that will fuel its intent when you stop doing so. The Earth, the sky, energetic leylines, and even the moon or sun are good options, ad they all let off immense amounts of energy.

Place the ward in its proper location.

Method Two: Crystal and/or Herb Charging (or anything else you feel will charge it with the right intent)

Cleanse and charge the crystals beforehand. Do the same with the ward.

Gather your ward, crystals, herbs, or whatever it is you are charging the ward with. If you find yourself easily drained, I recommend adding three candles to this ritual to aid in the energy you may be using

Place the objects you will charge your ward with in some sort of circle, line, or pyramid. If it is a circle, place your ward in the center. If it is a line, have one end pointing at you, and the other pointing at the ward. Similarly, if it is a pyramid, have the large portion facing you, and the point facing the ward. If you are also using the candles I suggested, place those between you and the crystals/herbs/etc. Light them and wait for one minute or so until the energy from the flame begins to seep into the air around you.

Push the energy of the objects into ward by expending a little of your own. In short bursts, like a pulse of electricity, shoot out energy from your being. Try to have as neutral as possible, or have some warding properties instilled in it. If you are using the candles, try to take in that energy to use as often ad you need to.

Wait one minute after you feel the ward has been charged, and then put it in its place.

Charge as often as you feel the need, which, for me, would be about once every 1 ½ weeks.

Method Three: Chant Charging

Cleanse your ward beforehand.

All you need for this method is the chants you wish to use (verbally or otherwise) and your ward. I find tangible wards to be the best option, otherwise, I have noticed my ward dissipates quickly.

Chant over the ward using my chant listed below, or your own personal one. Depending on the ward, you may want to switch it up or change the wording.

This is the method I have tried that needs the most upkeep and charging, so it’s great for temporary issues such as passing storms.

This ward will protect all who I welcome within this home.

With these words, I form a shell,

An opaque, strong dome.

Let nothing in I do not permit,

And let no one learn my ways.

I give you the power to (insert instructions)

Now I leave and trust in you and the energy I provide,

May we all be well and shaped with love, with nothing left to hide.

Hey so I’ve collected snow water, but I don’t know what to use it for - do you have any suggestions?

hey there!

well that partially depends on your personal correspondences for snow! for me, it represents new beginnings, innocence, transformation etc, but it could mean something entirely different to you, so I’d start by figuring that out! I’d also recommend making sure the snow is as clean as possible, and maybe boil it before use, but I wouldn’t drink it, if I were you. 

uses for snow water:

❄️make a ‘spritz’ for refreshing spaces. this is what I’m thinking of doing with mine! the air in my room is feeling pretty stagnant, partially because it’s too cold to open any windows so I’m going to make a spritz of snow water and other vitalising ingredients to freshen up my room. (I might make a post detailing my recipe?)

❄️on a similar theme, perhaps clean any ritual items or your altar etc with a lil’ snow water to reinvigorate and charge ready for the arrival of the spring

❄️add a little to a ritual bath, especially with the intention of starting new habits, making changes in your life, purifying etc

❄️it’d be good to use in any spells that involve its correspondences, for example, I wrote a spell for washing away bad habits and snow water would be perfect for it!

❄️give it to any houseplants for a little boost!

❄️some deities or spirits might appreciate it as an offering

❄️if you’re into art magick,, you might like to paint with it, or make inks etc, it would be especially great to use in your grimoire!

hope this helps!

nymphie🌸

“Witchcraft comes so naturally; it is in the way I feel the sun on my skin and the grass under my feet, the way the stars look and how the wind whispers to me.”

— b.f.

Flameless Hearths & Devotions

Ideas for Hestia devotees/worshippers who are unable to use a fireplace or flames in their worship. Welcome for all who find this helpful!

Using flames safely and/or discreetly:

(For the occasional need)

Use a tea light or lighter outside; on a fire-safe surface such as concrete or gravel.

Burn objects over your sink or a bowl of water.

Outdoor fire pits or grills. 

Creating your hearth:

Your hearth should feel like a central, focused place that represents your home. Someplace where you feel calm and safe. Traditionally, this was often in the kitchen; but it can be anywhere in your home. It can also be in multiple places, or small and contained. 

My shelf altar. I keep it clean and tidy. It contains items that remind me of home, and offerings to Hestia. It represents hearth and home, and is a space I can visit when I wish to feel connected to her. 

My dedication wall. I used to have a wall with a dried marigold garland, soothing poetry, devotional poetry, artwork and prayers on it. This is an excellent way to have a discreet (if you so choose) dedicated space that doesn’t take up much surface area. 

My stovetop. Each time I put the kettle on for tea, I feel connected to Hestia. I offer the first sip to her. I simmer pots of water with herbs, spices or other scented things (such as orange peels) to spread a beautiful aroma around my home. 

Don’t have a stove? An electric kettle and microwave will do!

My oven. Each time I bake (both the preparation and the baking itself) I feel connected to her and give a portion as an offering.

My woodstove or outdoor firepit. It is worth noting that because I have these things (and use my woodstove as a primary heating source) I do often use these as my hearth and burn offerings here. 

Flame and candle alternatives:

What feels right to you? What matches the energy/warmth of fire and flame?

Electric candles, especially ones that flicker and have warmer colors.

Electric tealights in candle holders. 

Solar charged lanterns

Fairy lights in a jar

Himalayan salt lamp

Wax or oil warmers (with heat bulbs).

Electric fireplace

Flame ambiance videos

Scents:

For me, certain smells embody home. And this is wonderful, because we can control them–even without candles or incense!

Essential oil or reed diffusers 

Wax or oil warmers

Scented electric candles

Potpourri 

Scented sachets

Room/pillow sprays

Pot of water on the stove with scented things

You  may also like:

Resources for Hestia devotees - a masterpost

Hestia small devotional acts

Bedridden devotion to Hestia

Man I needed to hear this

“You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.”

— Alvin Toffler

Salted Rose and Honey Pie

I’ve begun to feel under the weather, so I made this soup tonight. It’s one of my favorite recipes from my blog!

Cold Season Soup–Vegetable Soup with White Beans, Cauliflower, and Quinoa:

2 heads cauliflower, washed and roughly chopped

1 large white or yellow onion

1 shallot (not totally necessary, but I like to pack in the alliums when I’m sick)

5 large carrots

6 celery stalks

1 head of garlic (Yes, head, not clove. Go big or go home if you really want to clear the sinuses.) peeled and pressed, grated, or chopped

1 large or 2 small zucchini squash

1 c. dry red quinoa

2-3 c. cooked white or cannellini beans

4 large kale leaves, washed and roughly chopped

large handful of fresh parsley, washed and roughly chopped

3 quarts vegetable or chicken broth

½ t. ground black pepper

1 T dried thyme

1 T dried oregano

3 bay leaves

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt to taste

4-6 T olive oil

———————————————–

Preheat oven to 400.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread chopped cauliflower onto the baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and toss to coat. Roast in preheated oven until slightly charred and soft all the way through, about 40-60 minutes. Turn/mix cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

While cauliflower is roasting, chop onion, shallot, carrots and celery to desired size. Bring a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot to medium high heat, and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once olive oil is fully heated, add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook 10 minutes, stirring often to keep from over browning. Add shallot and pressed, grated, or chopped garlic. Cook another 10 minutes or until onions are translucent and very fragrant. Add broth and all spices. Bring to a simmer and then taste and adjust spices/salt as needed. Add dry quinoa and bring to a simmer again.

Finely dice zucchini and add to the pot. Let simmer about 30 minutes or until quinoa is cooked through and all vegetables are tender. Add roasted cauliflower, chopped kale, beans, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and taste. Adjust salt and spices as needed, and don’t be afraid to add more olive oil if it lacks richness!

Also, t.= teaspoon and T= tablespoon