The Perfect Cake Doesn't Exi-

How Are My Wards Doing Spread

A tarot spread to check and see what part of your wards could use some repair. Useful to those who find sensing energy difficult.

Do not repost. Image made using Krita.

✨Since a Blue Moon takes place on Samhain, here’s some things to know about them🌝✨

The Blue Moon is when a second full moon appears within the same month (first being October 1st). With its gravitational pull being so strong, it’s a second chance for you to cleanse yourself of all that no longer serves you.

‘Once in a Blue Moon’ is a metaphor for ‘not very often’, but literally means about once every two-and-a-half years.

☾·.· Power of the Blue Moon✨

A Blue Moon holds double the power of a normal Full Moon. Make wishes and cast spells under a Blue Moon if you’re looking for long-term results. Your intentions will have until the next Blue Moon to germinate.

☾·.· Magickal Effects of The Blue Moon 🔮

Broadening of personal and psychic abilities

Increases spell and ritual power

Encourages accepting and moving on from lessons

Heightened sense of self-awareness and patterns

Elevated clarity and accuracy in divination sessions

Rare window of opportunity to quantum leap

Powerful time for inner-work and healing.

☾·.· Once in a Blue Moon Spell 🌙

Cut out a piece of paper

Write three wishes/intentions for the Blue Moon

Fold the paper in three

Seal the paper with wax (Blue candle, or correspond the colour with the wishes/intentions you wrote on the paper)

Hold the paper up to the moon to charge it with her energy

Read out the wishes, verbally or mentally, then hurt the paper

Leave an offering of silver for the Moon

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!

Super aura protection

Rose petals (strengthen the aura, self love)

Lavender buds (restore energy)

Sage (protection)

Pink Himalayan salt (detoxify and restore)

Clear quartz (to amplify)

Rose quartz (repair damage)

Citrine (expand and strengthen the aura)

Amethyst (protection against psychic attack)

Fluorite (free aura from peoples energies)

Red agate (remove negativity)

Bamboo coral (prevents negative energy build up)

Brecciated Jasper (cleans and stabilizes)

Onyx (protection against evil)

Smoky quartz (clean aura and purify energy)

Seal with black wax for extra oomf

All crystals used are crystal chips and literally one of each, please change it up to fit your needs and/or supplies available. I’m an empath so I felt like I needed the extra (super extra 😂) protection, feel free to make the jar as big as you want I made mine so I can wear it out and about to protect myself from energy vampires. Keep your bubble safe my friends ☺️

Herbs By Correspondences

There’s an awful lot of posts/websites that have lists of herbs by name which is great if you want the correspondences of lavender but not so great if you’re looking for herbs that correspond with health. So here:

ANIMAL MAGICK:

Catnip, Peppermint, Valerian

ASTRAL PROJECTION:

Cinnamon, Jasmine, Mugwort

BEAUTY:

Lavender, Rose, Catnip, Orange

CALMNESS:

Cypress, Vanilla

CONCENTRATION:

Rose, Rosemary, Thistle, Dill, Orchid

CONFIDENCE:

Cedar, Dill, Geranium, St. John’s Wort, 

CLARITY:

Lavender, Cypress, Clover, Rosemary

CLEANSING:

Lemon, Clover, Sage, Lilac, Cedar

DREAMS:

Peppermint

EMOTIONAL HEALING:

Cypress

EMOTIONAL OPENNESS:

Orange, Orange Blossom

FERTILITY:

Sunflower, Olive, Poppy, Daffodil, Oak, Honey

FEMININE ENERGY:

Daisy, Maple, Poppy, Rose, Thyme, Blackberry

FIDELITY:

Nutmeg

FRIENDSHIP:

Lemon, Sweet pea, Passion Flower

GOOD MEMORY:

Rosemary, Clove

GROUNDING:

Coffee

HAPPINESS:

Lavender, Catnip, St John’s Wort, Peppermint, Oregano, Saffron, Honey

HARMONY:

Orange, Orange Blossom

HEALING:

Lemon, Cypress, Allspice, Saffron, Cinnamon, Cedar, Thyme, Violet, Spearmint, Peppermint, Sunflower

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS:

Vanilla

HOPE:

Chamomile

JUSTICE:

Nutmeg, Violet

LONGEVITY:

Lemon, Cypress, Acorn, Sage

LOVE:

Lavender, Violet, Apple, Chamomile,Saffron, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Lemon, Juniper, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Vanilla, Strawberry, Rue, Ginger, Mistletoe, Thyme, Maple, Spearmint, Willow, Orange, Orange Blossom, Sugar Cane

LOYALTY:

Thyme

LUCK:

Vanilla, Chamomile, Nutmeg, Allspice, Violet, Strawberry, Olive, Poppy, Rose, Oak, Orange, Peppermint, Straw, Strawberry

LUST:

Celery, Cinnamon, Mint, Lemongrass, Sugar Cane, Olive, Nettle, Parsley, Dill, Violet, Vanilla, Saffron

MASCULINE ENERGY:

Allspice, Almond, Basil, Garlic, Hazel, Holly, Olive, Mistletoe, Cedar

MOON:

Lemon

MONEY:

Nutmeg, Peppermint, Jasmine

PEACE:

Lavender, Violet, Olive, Chamomile, Coffee, Clover, Passion Flower, Orange, Orange Blossom

PEACE OF MIND:

Coffee

PROSPERITY:

Orange, Orange Blossom, Onion

PROTECTION:

Lavender, Coffee, Oak, Clover, Acorn, Violet, Peppermint, Acacia, Willow, Thistle, Peony, Cypress, Lilac, Mint, Juniper, Ivy, Olive, Raspberry, Sage, Rose, Rosemary, Foxglove, Cranberry

PSYCHIC POWERS:

Celery, Acacia,Saffron, Cinnamon, Yarrow, Peppermint, Bay, Thyme, Mace, Star Anise, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Bay

PURIFICATION:

Rosemary, Lemon, Saffron, Chamomile, Anise, Thyme, Parsley, Cedar, Turmeric, Peppermint, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, Orange Blossom, Honey

RELEASE:

Peppermint, Spearmint, Fern, Mugwort

RENEWAL:

Peppermint, Spearmint, Ivy

SLEEP:

Celery,Thyme, Peppermint, Valerian, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Lavender, Rosemary

SPIRIT CALLING:

Sweet grass, Wormwood

SPIRITUALITY:

Arabic Gum, Gardenia, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense

STABILITY:

Orange, Orange Blossom, Onion

STRENGTH:

Oregano, Saffron, Thistle

SUCCESS:

Cinnamon,Ginger,  Frankincense, Clover, High John, Strawberry

SUN:

Lemon, Cinnamon, Orange, Orange Blossom

TRANQUILLITY:

Chamomile, Cypress

WILL POWER:

Orchid

WISDOM:

Sunflower, Peach, Sage

WISHES:

Bay, Sunflower, Violet, Spearmint, Sandalwood

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This post is not even close to complete but I intend to continue expanding it as often as possible

Honey Orange Blossom Cake | Adventures In Cooking 

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 ❤️)

Purchase these grimoire prints on my Etsy! 

Guide to Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is a simple practice, and there are several methods to choose from depending on the type of herb and your desire use. Here's how I dry my herbs:

1. Drying on Newspaper

This method works well for larger leaves and herbs that don’t need to be hung.

Lay the herbs flat on a clean sheet of newspaper in a single layer.

Place the newspaper in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Turn the herbs occasionally to ensure even drying.

Once the herbs are dry and crisp to the touch, they’re ready for storage.

2. Hanging Herbs Upside Down

Perfect for longer herbs, like rosemary, lavender or thyme, that can be tied together.

Gather small bunches of herbs and secure them with a cord or string.

Wrap the herbs loosely in a breathable cloth, like cheesecloth or muslin. This helps them air freely while catching any small leaves or flowers that may shed during the drying process.

Hang the bunches upside down in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can degrade the color and potency.

Once the herbs are completely dry (they should crumble easily), remove the leaves or store them as they are.

I do this with fresh lavender that I put in my closet as shown in the picture.

3. Pressing Herbs

This method is ideal for preserving delicate leaves or flowers for decorative purposes or rituals.

Place the herbs between sheets of paper (such as parchment or regular printer paper).

Insert the paper into a thick book, ensuring the herbs are spread flat and evenly.

Place additional books or a weight on top to press them.

Leave them for 1–2 weeks, checking occasionally for dryness.

4. Drying Small Petals

For small, delicate petals or flowers, a rule bag works wonders.

Place the petals or flowers in a breathable rule bag (such as a mesh or cotton drawstring bag).

Hang the bag in a dry, ventilated area.

Shake the bag gently every few days to prevent clumping and to ensure even drying.

General Tips for Best Results

Use Breathable Cloths: Wrapping your herbs or laying them on a breathable cloth allows air to circulate freely, preventing mold while catching any small leaves or flowers that shed during the drying process.

Timing: Dry herbs as soon as possible after harvesting to retain their potency and fragrance.

Environment: Choose a dry, cool, and ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew.

Labeling: If drying multiple herbs, label them to avoid confusion.

Storage: Once dried, store your herbs in airtight containers away from sunlight and moisture.

Using Dried Herbs

Always check if the plant is safe for use before collecting it. Do not make tea or touch anything with unknown properties. Always clean your plants before drying.

Once your herbs are dried, you can use them for teas, rituals, incense, or other magical and practical purposes. Always remember to respect and honor the plants you've harvested by using them mindfully.

If you are panicking because you think you’ve missed Imbolc, it’s ok. While the 1st of February is the traditional date, the astrological date is always when the sun reaches 15° in the sign of Aquarius. This year, the astrological date is the 4th of February. So take a breath, and do what you can when you can. You haven’t missed anything.

Edited to add:

The other major Sabbats fall astrologically as such:

Beltane: Sun at 15° Taurus

Lughnasadh: Sun at 15° Leo

Samhain: Sun at 15° Scorpio

The minor Sabbats fall astrologically as such:

Winter Solstice: Sun at 0° Capricorn

Spring Equinox: Sun at 0° Aries

Summer Solstice: Sun at 0° Cancer

Autumn Equinox: Sun at 0° Libra