Curate, connect, and discover
Beginner Witch - Blog Posts
GREEK DEITIES!
a complete collection of all my posts currently on the topic of Greek deities! I hope to soon add some more in depth posts to this list!
PART ONE ^^^
PART TWO ^^^
PART THREE^^^
Merry meet! Phae✨
Follow for more!
— Solar Witch Aesthetic ☀️
Welcome to ♡000♡! This server offers:
✧ chances to become a staff member!
✧ color roles and vanity roles!
✧ fun bots to play with in specified channels!
✧ channels for learning divination forms as well as other aspects of the craft!
✧ aesthetic channels for posting in!
✧ helpful and interactive pings!
✧ love-core & angel-core aesthetic server theme!
See you there!
Note to self and any who wish to note it:
Sometimes it's best to not have a predetermined tarot spread and instead while shuffling your deck ask the question out loud, including details, emotions and even what you're hoping the answer will help with and allow your intuition to tell you what cards to draw, what formation/order you should flip them in and how many cards you will need.
The moon is by far the love of my life😍
Purslane (portulaca oleracea)
This plant is generally considered a “weed” even though it is a superfood with many health benefits, and you probably have some growing near your home.
Purslane has some of the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids of any foods on the planet, and also contains vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants.
The entire plant is edible, and has a lemony/peppery taste.
Magickal Properties:
Element: Water
Planet: Moon
Feminine
Correspondence: love, luck, protection, happiness, sleep
Place under pillow/near bed to ward off nightmares
Carry with you to attract luck and love and to protect against evil/negative energy
Grow in your home to bring happiness and protection to it
Culinary Uses:
Add to salad, or eat by itself as a salad
Add to salsa
Add to scrambled eggs or omelets
Purslane pesto
Brew into tea
Sauté in oil of your choice
Happy Foraging!
Botanical Collection by amandaherzman
The clouds are being illuminated by lightning.
Liminal Spaces:
Places where the veil is thin due to reality feeling distorted. These are usually spaces of transitional energy and are excellent for meditation, divination, astral work, etc.
Examples of Liminal Spaces:
the beach at night
any time after midnight but before sunrise
abandoned places
cemeteries
tunnels
underneath bridges
convenience stores after midnight
empty parking lots at night
airport terminals
waiting rooms
laundromats
empty classrooms/schools
*Reminder*: if you choose to visit any of these places please remember to make your safety your top priority. Liminal spaces are meant to feel like reality is distorted, but if you have any actual bad feelings or fears about a place, listen to them.
Catnip - Magical Uses
Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Water Deity: Bast Plant type: Perennial
Uses: Invite more love into your life, remind yourself to play, enhance your good looks
Sprinkled in the corners or around the rooms, makes guests seem happier, long lost friends can reappear
Used in conjunction with love petals in love sachets
Hold it until warm, then hold someone else's hand. Keep the catnip somewhere safe, they'll be your friends
Make catnip tea to become more radiant and beautiful (1/4 cup of dried catnip leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 min, add to your bath water)
Bay Leaf - Magical Uses
Gender: Masculine Planet: Sun Element: Fire Deity: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunos, Eros Plant type: Evergreen tree/shrub
Uses: Enhance any magical endeavors, strenghten spiritual connections, increase creativity, bless & protect home
Used in clairvoyance & wisdom brews
Placed under the pillow for prophetic dreams
Used for protection and purification, worn as an amulet, burned during exorcisms
Placed on the window to ward against lightning
Hung to ward off poltergeists
Wishes written on bay leaves are said to come true
Burned with Sandalwood to remove curses and evil spirits
Sprinkled in water rituals for purification
Basil - Magical Uses
Gender: Masculine Planet: Mars Element: Fire Deity: Vishu, Erzulie Plant type: Annual
Uses: Calm tempers, banish evil from home, bring luck, prosperity, harmony, mend lovers' quarrels
Sprinkle some in the corners of a room to remove negativity, protect the home, bring good luck
Carried in pockets or on the doorsill/ cash register attracts potential customers
Used in exorcism incenses and purification baths
Sprinkle over who's asleep to bless the relationship with fidelty
Used in love divination, put 2 fresh leaves on a coal, if they burn quickly is a harmonious relationship, if they crackle there are quarrels, if they fly away it's not a good pair
When gifted it brings good luck to a new home
15 Herbs for Your First Aid Kit
1. Calendula: • Cuts & Scrapes • Minor Burns • Inflammation
2. Clove: • Toothaches • Strained Muscles • Flu Aches
3. Chamomile: • Indigestion • Rashes • Inflammation
4. Eucalyptus: • Antiseptic • Insect Bites • Minor Wounds • Minor Burns
5. Fennel Seed: • Indigestion • Gas • Bloating • Aids in Breast Milk Production
Keep reading
The Elements and their correspondences
E A R T H
Earth represents strength, grounding, prosperity, the material, wealth, success, foundations, death and rebirth. Focus on this element if the goal of your spell is about fertility, prosperity, business or stability. Earth spells may take longer to work, but they’re also more firm and are good if you’re looking for long-term solutions.
GENDER: Feminine SEASON: Winter DIRECTION: North HOUR: Night
COLOURS: Green, Brown, Black ANIMALS: Bears, Deers, Wolves, Badgers HERBS/PLANTS: Ivy, Ash, Vetiver, Wheats, Oats INSTRUMENTS: Drums (Percussion instruments)
STAR SIGNS: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn STONES/GEMS: Jade, Onyx, Emerald, Salt RITUAL TOOLS: Stones, Dirt, Bones, Pentacle, Salt, Crystals RITUAL FORMS: Burying, Planting, Imprinting to soil or sand TAROT SUIT: Pentacles
A I R
Air represents intellect and the mind, wisdom, knowledge; logic as well as abstract thought, intuition and higher consciousness. If you’re seeking freedom, travels, or to enhance your memory and focus - focus on Air spells! Air is whimsical and amiable, personally I haven’t found it useful for more serious spells, but it does wonders for my studies.
GENDER: Masculine SEASON: Spring DIRECTION: East HOUR: Dawn
COLOURS: Yellow, White, Sky Blue, Pastels ANIMALS: Birds, Spiders, Butterflies HERBS/PLANTS: Lavender, Birch, Vervain, Dill, Aspen INSTRUMENTS: Flute (Wind instruments)
STAR SIGNS: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius STONES/GEMS: Amethyst, Opal, Alexandrite, Beryl RITUAL TOOLS: Incense, Wand RITUAL FORMS: Fanning, Tossing into air, Suspending in a high place TAROT SUIT: Swords
F I R E
Fire represents energy, passion, purification, love, inspiration, desire, will, courage, power, leadership, sexuality. In spellcraft, focusing on Fire is good for purification, healing and love spells; it’s the best element for quick, strong spells. Although, Fire is fierce in essence, and Fire spells are susceptible - they should be well thought out.
GENDER: Masculine SEASON: Summer DIRECTION: South HOUR: Noon
COLOURS: Red, Orange, Gold ANIMALS: Snakes, Lions, Horses HERBS/PLANTS: Cacti, Cinnamon, Pepper, Basil INSTRUMENTS: Guitar (Stringed instruments)
STAR SIGNS: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius STONES/GEMS: Amber, Citrine, Ruby, Tiger’s Eye RITUAL TOOLS: Athame, Candles RITUAL FORMS: Burning, Smouldering, Heating TAROT SUIT: Wands
W A T E R
Water represents purification as well; though it’s focused more on the soul and the subconscious rather than the physical, material world. Water stands for emotion, intuition, wisdom, eternal movement, reflection, lunar energy. Focusing on the Water element is good for psychic abilities, getting in tune with your inner self, mysteries, friendships, love, dreams and sleep.
GENDER: Feminine SEASON: Autumn DIRECTION: West HOUR: Dusk
COLOURS: Blue, Indigo, Silver ANIMALS: Otters, Fish, Sea Mammals, Frogs HERBS/PLANTS: Lotus, Water Lilies, Aloe, Gardenia INSTRUMENTS: Cymbal, Bell (Resonant instruments)
STAR SIGNS: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces STONES/GEMS: Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl RITUAL TOOLS: Cauldrons, Chalices, Seashells RITUAL FORMS: Diluting, Placing into water, washing away, bathing TAROT SUIT: Cups
P.1 Common Herbs A-Z
This is A-C of some common herbs and their uses
*longer read*
Acorn
Good luck
Protection
Wisdom
Personal power
A dried acorn is an excellent natural amulet for keeping a youthful appearance.
Allspice
Money
Luck
Healing
Obtaining treasure
Provides added determination and energy to any spells and charms. Burn crushed allspice to attract luck and money. Use in herbal baths for healing.
Almond
Wisdom
Money
Fruitfulness
Prosperity
Invokes the healing energy of the deities. Provides magickal help for overcoming dependencies & addiction. Associated with Candlemas and Beltane. Carry, wear, or use as incense to attract abundance.
Aloe
Protection
Luck
Place on the grave of a loved one to promote peaceful energy. Thought to relieve loneliness and assist with success. Hang in the home to attract luck and protection for those who live there. Grow in the home to provide protection from household accidents. Burn on the night of a full moon to bring a new lover by the new moon.
Apple
Love
Garden Magick
Immortality
Friendship
Healing
Place seven apple seeds in a bag with Orris Root to attract sexual love. Use in rituals to give honor to gods and goddesses of fertility. Considered the food of the dead, which is why Samhain is called the 'Feast of Apples'. Symbolizes the soul and is burned at Samhain in honor of those who will be reborn in the spring. When doing a house blessing, cut an apple in half -- eat half and put the other half outside of the home as an offering.
Apricot
Love
Add leaves and flowers to love sachets or carry apricot pits to attract love.
Banana
Fertility
Potency
Prosperity
Basil
Love
Exorcism
Wealth
Sympathy
Protection
Dispels confusion, fears & weakness. Drives off hostile spirits. Associated with Candlemas. Carry to move forward in a positive manner despite perilous danger. Strewn on floors to provide protection from evil. Sprinkle an infusion of basil outside of the building where you hope to be employed for luck in a job interview or in your business to attract money and success. Wear or carry to aid in attracting money and prosperity.
Bay leaf
Protection
Good fortune
Success
Purification
Strength
Healing
Psychic powers
Write wishes on the leaves and then burn the leaves to make the wishes come true. Place under the pillow (or use in dream pillow) to induce prophetic dreams. Place in the corner of each room in the house to protect all that dwell there. Carry bay leaf to protect yourself against black magick.
Black pepper
Banishing negativity
Exorcism
Protection from evil
Blackberry
Healing
Protection
Money
Sacred to Brighid. Leaves and berries said to attract wealth and healing.
Bluebell
Luck
Truth
Friendship
Incorporate into rituals of death & dying to comfort those left behind and ease their sorrow.
Blueberry
Protection
Though not recommended, blueberry is said to cause confusion & strife when tossed in the doorway or path of an enemy.
Burdock
Used for cleansing magick when feeling highly negative about oneself or others. Use in protection incenses and spells. Rinse with a decoction of burdock to remove negative feelings about yourself or others.
Cabbage
Fertility
Profit
Good luck
Lunar magick
Money magick
Cactus
Chastity
Banishing
Protection.
Bury with other banishing symbols for protection. Grow in the home or garden to prevent unwanted intrusions. Place in all directions of the home (north, south, east, and west) for full protection.
Cardamom
Lust
Love
Fidelity
Carrot
Lust
Fidelity
Cashew
Money
Celery
Mental powers
Psychic powers
Lust
Fertility
Male potency
Chamomile
Love
Healing
Reducing stress.
Add to a sachet or spell to increase the chances of its success. Sprinkle an infusion of chamomile around the house to remove hexes, curses and spells. Burn or add to prosperity bags to increase money. Burn as incense for de-stressing, meditation, and restful sleep. Wash hands in an infusion of chamomile for luck before gambling or playing cards. Use in bath magick to attract love. Keep a packet of the herb with lottery tickets for luck.
Cherry
Love
Divination
Gaiety
Happiness
Chestnut
Love
Chilli Pepper
Fidelity
Love
Hex breaking
Scatter powder around the house to break hexes and spells against you. Use in love charms & spells.
Chives
Protection
Weight loss *weight loss spells can be dangerous*
Cinnamon
Spirituality
Success
Healing
Protection
Power
Love
Luck
Strength
Prosperity
Burn as an incense or use in a sachet to raise spiritual and protective vibrations, draw money, and stimulate psychic powers. A popular herb for use in charms to draw money & prosperity. Wear in an amulet to bring passion.
Citronella
Draws friends to the home, customers to the business. Promotes eloquence, persuasiveness, and prosperity. Protects and cleanses the aura. Encourages self-expression and creativity (great for writers & actors!) and brings clarity to the mind. Repels insects and deodorizes
Clove
Exorcism
Love
Money
Protection
Coconut
Chastity
Protection
Purification
Coffee
Helps to dispel nightmares and negative thoughts and to overcome internal blockages. Provides peace of mind and grounding.
Coriander
Love
Health
Immortality
Protection.
Tie fresh coriander with a ribbon and hang in the home to bring peace & protection. Add to love charms and spells to bring romance or use in ritual work to ease the pain of a broken love affair. Promotes peace among those who are unable to get along. Throw the seeds in lieu of rice during Handfastings and other rituals of union. Use the seeds in love sachets and spells. Add powdered seeds to wine for an effective lust potion. Wear or carry the seeds to ward off disease and migraines.
Cucumber
Chastity
Fertility
Healing
Cumin
Fidelity
Protection
Exorcism.
The seed is said to prevent the theft of any object which contains it. Burn with frankincense for protection. Scatter on the floor alone or with salt to drive out evil. Use in love spells to promote fidelity. Steep in wine to make love potions.
Curry
Protection
Burn curry powder to keep evil forces away.
And as always, merry meet <3
Atti
(photo - attichaos)
Things to put in your book of shadows
Of course, only put in your book of shadows/grimoire what you want. If you don't want to put certain subjects in your book then that's fine. It's your book, utilize it how you want. This is just a masterlist of ideas that I've put together. Feel free to add anything else to the list that I may have missed, because there's absolutely no way I included everything.
And for the love of all the gods, if you come across a closed entity or practice, don't try to work with the entity or practice if you're not already part of that group or tradition. You can research it but don't practice it.
+ A blessing and/or protection
+ A table of contents
+ About you:
Your current path
Your personal beliefs
Your spiritual journey
Favorite crystals/herbs/animals
Natal chart
Craft name
How you got into the craft
Astrology signs
Birthday correspondences (birth tarot card, birth stone, etc)
Goals (if you have any)
Anything other relating to your personal practice
+ Safety
Fire safety
What NOT to burn
Plants and oils that can be toxic to your pets
What crystals shouldn't be in water, sunlight, etc
Things that shouldn't be put out in nature (salt, glass, etc)
Potion safety
How to incorporate blood safely
+ Core concepts:
Intention and how it works
Directing energy
Protection
Banishing
Cleansing
Charging
Shielding
Grounding and centering
Visualization
Consencration/Blessing
Warding
Enchanting
Manifestation
+ Correspondence
Personal correspondence
Crystals and rocks
Herbs and spices
Food and drink
Colors
Metals
Number
Tarot card
Elemental (fire, water, air, earth)
Trees and woods
Flowers
Days
Months
Moon phases
Zodiac
Planets
Incense
Teas
Essential oils
Directions (north, south, east, west)
Animals
Local plants, animals, etc
Dream symbology
+ Different practices
Practices that are closed to you (some examples below)
Voodoo and Hoodoo **Closed**
Santeria and Brujeria **Closed**
Shamanism and native american practices **Closed**
Wicca and wiccan paths
Satanism, both theistic and non-theistic paths
+ Different types/practices of magick
Pop culture magick
Technology magick
Chaos magick
Green witchcraft
Lunar magick
Sea witchcraft
Kitchen magick
Ceremonial magick
Hedge witchcraft
Death witchcraft
Grey witchcraft
Eclectic witchcraft
Norse witchcraft
Hellenic witchcraft
Animism
+ Deities
The deity/deities you worship
Different pantheons (the main five are Celtic, Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Norse, all open)
Deities and pantheons that are closed to you
Common offerings
Their epithets
Their mythology
Their family
Deity worship vs deity work
Prayers and how to make your own
Deity communication guide
Devotional acts
Ways to get closer to them
+ Other spiritual entities
Angels
Ancestor work
Spirit guides
The fae
Demons
Familiars
House spirits, animal spirits and plant spirits
Other various folklore entities
Spirit etiquette
Cemetery etiquette
Setting boundaries with the spirits
Communication guide and etiquette
Grounding, banishing, protection and cleansing, aka: "Spirit work safety guide"
How they appear to you
Common offerings
Circle casting
+ Divination
Tarot cards
Oracle cards
Tarot and oracle spreads
Pendulum
Numerology
Scrying
Palmistry/palm reading
Tasseography (Tea leaf reading)
Rune stones
Shufflemancy (Shuffling of a playlist)
Dice divination
Bibliomancy (Randomly picking a phrase from a book)
Carromancy (Melted wax)
Pyromancy (Reading flames)
Psychic abilities
Astrology
Aura reading
Divination via playing cards
Lenormand
Sacred geometry
Angel numbers
+ Other types of magick
Candle magick
Crystal magick
Herbalism/herbal magick
Glamour magick
Hexing
Jinxing
Cursing
Weather magick
Astral work
Shadow work
Energy work
Sigils
Art magick
Knot magick
Crystal grids
Color grids
Music magick
Charms, talismans and amulets
+ Spellwork
What makes a spell work
Basic spell structure
What NOT to do
Disposing of spell ingredients
Revitalizing long term spells
How to cast spells
What to put in spells (See correspondence)
Spell mediums- Jar spells, spoken spells, candle spells, sigils, etc
Spell timing
Setting up a ritual
Taglocks: What they are and how to use them
+ Holidays and Esbats
Yule
Imbolc
Ostara
Beltane
Litha
Lughnasadh/Lammas
Mabon
Samhain
The 12 full moons (Esbats)
How to celebrate
Deity specific holidays
+ Altars and tools
What they are
The different types and their uses (travel altar, working altar, deity altar, ancestor altar, etc)
What you can put on your altar
What you use your altars for
Common tools in witchcraft
How to use the tools
Food and drink
Common herbs in recipes
Sabbat recipes
Moon water: What it is and how to use it
Potion bases
Tea magick
How to get your herbs
Foraging
+ Mental health and self care
Bath magick
Affirmations
Burnout prevention
Aromatherapy
Stress management
Mental health coping mechanisms
+ History of witchcraft
+ Dream records
+ How to differentiate between the magickal and the mundane
+ Calendar of celestial events (Esbats, retrogrades, etc)
+ How to dry herbs and flowers
+ What chakras actually are and how they work within Hinduism
+ History and traditional uses of reiki
+ The witches' alphabet
+ The runic alphabet
+ Common witchcraft terms
+ Common symbols in witchcraft
+ Your own witch tips
+ Good witchcraft books and authors to avoid
+ Any online resources you utilize often
Curse work using poppet dolls. Poppets as we know are used to represent a person. You name the doll after them, stating clearly that what ever happens to the doll symbolically will also happen or effect the actual living person. Here I am turning this persons good fortune & successes financially into losses & misfortune. When I perform poppet magick I work on the poppet for several days using a wide range of techniques. For example I might down the poppet, run it over, hang it upside down from a tree, have my dog rip it up & bit it, I could bury it in sinking sand, cover it in dirt & filth, cut body parts off of it & bind it with string or chains. All symbolic of different forms of energy & attacks on the targets life.
You can also use poppets for positive magick such as love, healing & happiness. Examples of this would be to bind two poppets together for love magick, dress the poppet on nice clothes for interviews, spray it with perfume for attraction magick, rub herbs & oils into it for healing, bury it in the earth to ground any unwanted energy & to offer healing, wrap the poppet in bank notes to attract money etc.
Use your imagination & be creative. Blessed be
Thecitywitchuk@gmail.com
Herbs and their uses 🌿
Basil: Money, luck, prosperity, Happiness
Bay leaf: Energy, cleansing, can be charged with almost any intention
Camomile: Caring, kindness, luck, growth, self-love growth, confidence, avoiding negativity, happiness
Cinnamon: Passion, quick success, fire magick (put some cinnamon in your hand, set an intention, blow it into your home for wealth or prosperity)
Chia seeds: Growth, health, kindness, property
Chili flakes: Pride, confidence, power, strength, passion
Cumin: Courage, bravery, protection, loyalty
Dandelion: Wishes, charisma, success, good luck
Dill: Sexual love, luck, protection
Eucalyptus: Cleansing, healing, purifying, relaxing, comfort
Fennel: Hate, anger
Flax seeds: Prosperity, growth, new beginnings
Ginger: Fiery passion, success, personal power
Jasmine: Love, dreams, sensuality, luxury, kindness
Lavender: Love, attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep
Nutmeg: Luck, health, fidelity, love, prosperity, comfort. loyalty
Oregano: Comfort, love, warmth
Paprika: Pride, confidence, power, strength
Parsley: Cleansing, purification
Peppermint: Healing, purification, love, energy, prosperity
Poppy seeds: Protection, intuition, self-assurance, hexing and cursing
Rose: Love, beauty, harmony, romance, attraction
Rosemary: Cleansing, purification, wisdom, protection
Sesame seeds: Prosperity, growth, health, nurturing
Spearmint: Love, cleansing, renewal, blessing
Sunflower seeds: Happiness, growth, joy
Thyme: Beauty, strength, courage
Turmeric: Confidence, creativity, energy
Vanilla: Love and sexuality
Draconic Mercury Sesquiquadrate Neptune
Reblog if you're an active witchy account!
I need some active witch blogs to follow! <3
tips for adhd witches!
[[before you expand: LONG text post!!]]
I got diagnosed only a couple months ago, but I have been practicing witchcraft for a little bit now. So in retrospect, here is stuff that I realized I have been doing to cope the whole time, and some new things I'm tinkering with :) Please feel free to leave your own tips or thoughts!
At all costs, avoid promising gods and spirits that YOU WILL uphold a rigid routine.
Just do not promise to give daily offerings! JUST DON'T DO IT. If you struggle with upholding a regular routine, do not promise gods or spirits you will uphold a routine for them. You should only promise things you are confident you can deliver. ((If you identify as a beginner witch it's my personal belief that you should not be promising anyone anything.))
Delete from your mindset that all witches are supposed to uphold rigid routines.
Give yourself breathing room: if you want to give scheduled offerings, maybe do one on the full moon. Or, plan it to coincide with other activities that interest you, and that you're likely to show up for.
Unless you have a few hours a week to devote to your practice, you should probably not be dedicating yourself to doing daily anything.
Rigid routine is not the only way to get regular experience with magic, build relationships with gods or spirits, or improve in your craft! You simply do not have to promise yourself or anyone else that you will do X actions at Y times.
Instead of having "do X for Y minutes on Z days" routines, try developing a streamlined ritual you can fit in anywhere for the really important stuff.
Maybe there are some really important things in your practice that you want to do on a regular basis. Maybe these are things like:
Quick personal shielding
Acknowledging and honoring spirits
General offering
Prayer for guidance
Instead of saying "I'll do shielding for 5 minutes every day after breakfast, then of course my offering ritual-", you can put a streamlined (short, easy) ritual together where you do all four of these things at once.
Deep breaths, acknowledge and honor the spirits, ask for assistance in raising a shield, offering excess raised energy to them, and praying for guidance in the upcoming task.
It should take maybe like, 2 minutes tops.
Then, slot this streamlined ritual in before most practice activities. Like:
Before other energy work
Before divination
Before spellwork
Or, use it as a sort of 'generic' access point of connection and perform this ritual:
When you shower, to calm down from the day
When you're on transit to prepare for the upcoming day
When you're feeling grateful and want to share the moment with the spirits
When you're feeling sad and need support
Instead of forcing important actions into routines that may be hard to follow, find a way to carry these actions around with you in an accessible ritual, like carrying snacks around in a bag. This way you can use other exciting activities, or other life events, as a reminder to practice your ritual of important things :)
Build a clear system of omens for yourself. Omens can intrude on your daily life and get your attention.
Maybe you have alarm blindness, forget to do divination, forget to check in with spells - so asking for omens can be a huge help. They are spontaneous messages that catch your eye. Helpful!
Research cultural omens
Research omens in your magical tradition
Journal and brainstorm personal omens
Write out, for yourself, a short list of personal omens.
Solid black pigeons mean a spirit wants attention. Seeing your favorite tree species means a spell was successful. Three gray dots means a spell failed. The scent of cinnamon buns means fortune is headed your way.
Perform a ritual announcing your chosen omens to the Powers That Be. Invite those Powers, Yourself, Life, the Universe, and Everything to send you true, accurate, and helpful messages through these omens.
Working with omens in this way is a skill that evolves over time. Your personal omen system will evolve over time if you use it. Think of it as another form of divination!
(Tip: Combine symbols with colors for an advanced system that's easy to remember. Oak trees are prosperity, but black means slow movement, red means powerful, and white means failure. After a spell you see a plumbing truck with a red oak tree logo; powerful prosperity. Etc.)
Build all your spells, rituals, and everything with the foresight that you are probably going to forget about it or not return to it for a long time.
Employ foresight and:
Encode retirement/shutdown functions into your spells!! Do you want the spell to burn out completely and leave the vessel hollow so you don't have to deal with the vessel later on? Specify that! Do you want the spell to go to 'power saver mode' and hibernate so you can save the vessel and recharge it later? Specify!
ENCODE OMENS INTO SPELLS TO REMIND YOU TO TAKE ACTIONS! "This spell brings me financial benefit, and when it runs low, I will see my omen of slow growth - a solid black tree."
Assume that you are going to completely forget that you're able to take care of this problem, so encode the spells assuming you will never remember to deal with this again:
Spell for people that will remember they want to deal with Monica (they will also be working with wards, divination, and subtle cunning): "Stop Monica at the front desk from assaulting me with her dark energies, or else limit how much of her energy can reach me."
Spell for people that are going to completely forget this is an issue they can take care of and won't do another spell on it for maybe 18 months: "Stop Monica from assaulting me with her dark energies, or reveal to everyone in the office her dark nature, but if neither of these things is possible, change something in the office so that we never interact again."
Assume you will forget about individual spells, that you will accumulate way to many spells than you can individually attend to, and that you may never take final steps like cleansing and deconstructing old spell vessels.
Build a spellcasting altar, or a spell recharging altar, where you store up all your vessels. Recharge them all at once, as often as you remember to.
Poor plan: "And when this vessel runs down I will recharge it with the waxing moon as I stand under the orange tree-" More tenable plan: "And when this vessel runs down let it drink energy from my altar; let it take up any energy that suits it; let it feed on what is available to it, according to its needs."
Focus on learning how to tie spells to external energy sources so they will stay charged for way longer.
For easy deconstruction, set blanket conditions for every vessel that it be undone and the magic erased if you take a simple action. This is called a kill code. You bake it into spells and it makes deconstruction way easier.
Try developing a barbarous word of undoing and using it every time you want to undo a vessel or a spell; this word will gain power and can become very helpful in other ways.
Once again, plan spells with the foresight that it will be difficult/unlikely for you to re-engage for formal deconstruction procedures. So, anticipate your future needs during spellcasting: "And if I ever open this jar and take out the things inside it, let this spell be released and return to the earth, let it fade away without trouble and nourish anything around it as fallen logs nourish the forest floor." This way, you know that if you accidentally forget about a spell or just take it apart, the magic already has instructions to safely dissipate and you don't have to worry.
Develop a visual language to remind you of what collected objects and spell vessels are.
This folds in real nice with a personal omen system!!
Use a combination of colors, established symbols (planetary, alchemical), and personal symbols to develop a visual conlang that helps you keep track of what things are.
If applicable, decorate or modify spell vessels so you can tell at a glance what the spell is for (violet symbol of Venus next to a paw: a spell to improve relationships with the spirits that help you with psychism)
Build a system that makes intuitive sense to you, perhaps folding in with your color correspondence associations, magical headcannon, or any other mnemonic device:
All the spells in jars are protective
Everything that's tied into a witch's ladder is about prosperity
If it has a red X on it, that's a hex
If it has a 7-pointed star, it involves your dragon guide
If you store it in a bag that has blue on it (blue print, blue button, blue tie-string) then that object is related to cleansing
Your personal visual language will gain its own power over time if used regularly, in the way that egrigores or sigils can gain power if used consistently over time :) It can become a real magical tool, not just a mnemonic device!
During spirit work, just clearly communicate that your sporadic presence has nothing to do with your dedication 🤷
When you conjure/talk to/pray to gods, spirits, or anything, address the fact that your communication/rituals/etc ARE going to be sporadic. Explain yourself and ask the spirits to extend understanding.
Some spirits/gods/etc are going to demand regular routine. AND IF THEY EXPECT THAT, then you guys need to get on the same page ASAP as to whether or not that's possible.
Spirits can be incredibly forgiving and understanding, but unless you tell them why you are sometimes around and sometimes not, they do not necessarily know what's going on.
Your spirit guide may have not read the DSM-5. Obelon the Fox-Man might not be up-to-date with the 2025 diagnosis criteria for ADHD, and Obelon might not recognize that you are struggling with a disorder that can mimic inattentiveness. Obelon might be asking why you appear to be so enthusiastic, and yet only call for him once every 5 weeks.
Just explain!! Explain what you are comfortable explaining. Give them reassurances and ask them to not misinterpret your ability to be present.
At all costs, avoid making your path a carrot that you dangle in front of yourself to try and force yourself to fix your brain through sheer force of will.
If the way you talk to yourself about your path sounds like someone struggling with unhealthy dieting, maybe it's time to readjust.
"I just need to do my daily offerings, on schedule, for two weeks. Then I will have earned researching tarot spells."
Maybe it's not a good idea to intentionally include witchcraft in a cycle of reward and denial that will ultimately drain joy from the process until your passion is a withered husk.
Witchcraft isn't going to force your brain to change any more than Stardew Valley was going to force your brain to change. Or that time you got super into succulents. If your time spent studying wool quality in heritage European sheep breeds didn't cure your disorder, witchcraft won't either.
Witchcraft, I think, deserves to be something that is a part of your joy - not a part of a system of stressful attempts at making yourself into someone you're not because "real witches" all do such-and-such routine (I assure you, they do not) so you must force yourself to do it too.
(Incidentally, if you have a 'streamlined ritual for the important stuff' and it becomes a barrier that prevents you from practicing, then maybe that's not a good idea for you - or maybe it's not as simple and streamlined as you need it to be)
STOP trying to build a static path. Lean into temporary hyperfixations.
There is SO MUCH to learn in witchcraft. It's never-ending. The more you learn, the more doorways open for you with more things to learn behind them.
This is not college, you do not have to declare your major. You don't have to wait to decide on your 'magic specialization' before you start learning.
This is not college, you don't have to take semesters of boring general ed classes before you're allowed to start studying what interests you.
Unless you are getting into very serious initiations, learning stuff, advancing your skills, and building your path is not going to shut doors and prevent you from getting into something else.
If something excites your interests, GET INTO IT! Don't force yourself to ignore what you're passionate about because you think serious, responsible witchcraft is supposed to be rigid, boring, and tedious. (It isn't!)
Avoid declaring your major. As in, maybe the idea of energy glamours is super exciting, so on day 1 you create a lesson plan that will realistically take you 70 weeks to complete. Based on your history, is it reasonable that you will maintain this specific interest in glamours for over a year?
Avoid making lesson plans that intentionally slow you down and make shit boring for no good reason. If energy glamours interest you, are you (*scrolls up*) using energy glamours as a carrot to force yourself to engage in a tedious magical workout routine? Is the reason the lesson plan takes 70 weeks because you decided to spend weeks slowly moving through each phase so you have time to spam energy work exercises?
You know yourself better than I know you. Maybe wanting to slow down and engage in your focuses in a new way is the goal. Of course, listen to yourself first!
But if you have a temporary burst of energy and focus to learn a new skill, and learning that skill won't require you to make unhealthy personal or financial decisions, why not just lean into it and explore it moment by moment, wherever your interests take you?
I think you'd probably learn a lot more doing and undoing 20 glamours in a week, because you're freaking out about how fucking cool it is, than if you practice 1 basic glamor exercise once a day because that's what real disciplined witches do, and then 11 days later you forget it once and never do it again and now your interest has faded because glamouring is just another boring chore.
Invest some time and energy into figuring out exactly what your bare minimum of responsibility and upkeep actually is.
How often do you need to recharge your wards to keep them functioning normally?
Once you've explained your own needs and limits, how often do your spirits actually request offerings?
Are you 100% sure the spirits you're working with expect offerings in the first place?
Are those offerings expected to be physical, or do thoughts and prayers suffice?
How often should you perform a personal cleansing to keep yourself feeling magically refreshed?
Feeling anxious or guilty over whether or not you're supposed to be taking certain actions is NO FUN.
It is much less fun if you don't actually know how often you need to do these things. Then it's just all guessing, all the time, and nothing is ever good enough.
If at all possible, avoid putting yourself into a situation where you feel that you are supposed to be doing something responsible in your practice, but you're never sure exactly what it is.
Spend some practice time, learn some skills, and make notes, to discover whether or not you do have any minimum engagement requirements in the style of practice you want. And most importantly, having clear 'deadlines' so you don't have to keep guessing at what you're forgetting about this time.
Title: Psychic Abilities: First Steps
Suggested Reading
Biases in Witchcraft Dualities Psychic Abilities & Mental Illness Shadow Work: First Steps Energetic Senses The Subtle Body Warding Basics
*- Closed or Semi-closed cultures/practices This article uses yellow text, which may be difficult to read outside of dark-mode.
Understanding Psychic Abilities
Psychic abilities often refer to skills or talents enabling individuals to gain information or influence beyond the scope of human senses or scientific understanding. Such capacities are frequently posited to transcend the boundaries of time, space, and matter. While they can be classified into various types – such as clairvoyance (perceiving remote or hidden information), telepathy (transmitting thoughts), and precognition (predicting future events) – the mechanisms underpinning these phenomena remain the subjects of controversy and speculation.
Historical Perspectives
Throughout history, diverse cultures have recognized and integrated the notion of psychic phenomena into their daily lives and spiritual practices. From ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians, who consulted oracles and seers for guidance, to indigenous tribes who believed in the power of shamans and medicine people to communicate with forces beyond human perception, psychic phenomena have occupied a significant niche.
In the medieval period, psychic occurrences were often intertwined with religious or supernatural explanations. Those who claimed to possess these abilities were either revered as divinely gifted or, conversely, vilified and persecuted for heresy or witchcraft. Notably, the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods began to scrutinize such claims, emphasizing empirical evidence and rationality. This shift led to a decline in the public acceptance of psychic phenomena as mere superstitions or the result of charlatanism.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary times, the debate surrounding psychic phenomena has bifurcated into two dominant perspectives: the skeptics and the proponents.
Skeptics, often armed with a scientific background, posit that claims of psychic abilities lack empirical evidence. They argue that such phenomena can be explained by cognitive biases, logical fallacies, or mere coincidences. For instance, the confirmation bias might lead someone to remember only the instances when a psychic prediction was accurate and dismiss those when it was not. They also highlight instances where purported psychics have been exposed as frauds, using tactics such as cold reading to feign genuine abilities.
On the contrary, proponents assert that the existence of psychic abilities is a genuine and untapped dimension of human potential. While acknowledging that fraudulence exists, they argue that there are genuine cases that defy conventional explanations. They contend that science, in its current form, may not be adequately equipped to understand or measure these phenomena. Some postulate that advancements in neuroscience, consciousness research, or quantum physics might one day elucidate the enigmatic nature of psychic abilities.
Types of Psychic Abilities
Clairvoyance
Derived from the French words "clair" (clear) and "voir" (to see), clairvoyance essentially translates to "clear seeing." Clairvoyance refers to the claimed ability to gather information about an object, person, location, or event without any known humanly means. This phenomenon is often described as receiving visual information in the form of symbols, colors, or visions. Throughout history, many societies have revered clairvoyants as powerful figures. In some cultures, they played significant roles as advisors to rulers or as mediators between the physical and unseen worlds. Contemporary society, with its emphasis on empirical evidence, often views clairvoyance with skepticism, yet there remains a persistent cultural fascination with this ability. In many spiritual traditions, clairvoyance is seen as a heightened state of consciousness, a gift or a skill that connects the individual with higher dimensions or spiritual guides.
Telepathy
Stemming from the Greek words "tele" (distant) and "pathos" (feeling), telepathy can be understood as "distant feeling." Telepathy is the purported transmission of information between individuals without using known human sensory channels or physical interaction. It encompasses the transfer of emotions, thoughts, or even complex ideas. From ancient legends to modern science fiction, telepathic communication has captured the human imagination. While empirical research in telepathy remains inconclusive, it is a recurrent theme in popular media, underscoring the human yearning for connection. Mystic traditions may regard telepathy as a manifestation of universal interconnectedness, suggesting that at a deep level, all consciousness is one and separateness is an illusion.
Precognition
The term derives from the Latin "prae" (before) and "cognitio" (getting to know), effectively meaning "foreknowledge." Precognition involves knowledge or perception of future events before they occur, without any logical basis for such foreknowledge. This might manifest as dreams, feelings, or intuitions. Predicting the future has been a universal human pursuit, with precognitives often serving crucial societal roles as prophets, oracles, or seers. However, contemporary views on precognition are split, with skeptics pointing to cognitive biases as explanations. Many mystical traditions suggest that time, as humans perceive it, is an illusion. In such a framework, precognition might be understood as accessing timeless dimensions where past, present, and future coexist.
Claircognizance
"Clair" (clear) combined with "cognizance" (knowledge) indicates "clear knowledge." Claircognizance denotes an intuitive ability to just "know" something, without any logical basis or prior information. Individuals with this ability might suddenly know facts, insights, or understandings without knowing how they acquired them. The concept of inherent knowledge or insight is recognized in many cultures, often attributed to divine inspiration or profound intuition. However, in a world valuing empirical data, such spontaneous knowledge can be met with skepticism. Some spiritual interpretations posit that claircognizance is a connection to universal knowledge or the collective consciousness, suggesting an innate ability to tap into an omniscient source.
Clairsentience
Combining "clair" (clear) with "sentience" (feeling), clairsentience means "clear feeling." Clairsentience refers to the ability to physically feel or emotionally sense the energy or emotions of people, places, or events. This might manifest as gut feelings, sudden mood changes, or physical sensations. Empathy and heightened sensitivity have been recognized across various cultures. While some view clairsentience as a heightened form of empathy, others approach it with caution due to its inexplicable nature. Within mystical traditions, clairsentience might be seen as an enhanced sensitivity to the energy or vibrations of the universe, reflecting a deep interconnectedness of all things.
Compulsion
Derived from Latin "compellere," meaning "to drive or push together." Compulsion, in this context, refers to the purported ability to influence another's thoughts or actions without overt persuasion or physical interference. Historical records are replete with tales of individuals who held sway over masses, their compelling presence seemingly altering the will of others. Modern interpretations often approach such claims with caution, exploring psychological mechanisms behind suggestibility. Some spiritual interpretations suggest compulsion is an exertion of one's will or energy over another, tapping into the subtle dynamics of interwoven consciousness.
Common Misconceptions
While psychic abilities have been recognized and debated for centuries, modern society often conflates them with broader supernatural phenomena. To distinguish: psychic abilities are often defined as potential innate capacities of the human psyche, whereas supernatural phenomena encompass a broader range of occurrences that supposedly defy natural laws. An example of such a conflation might be equating clairvoyance solely with ghostly apparitions or haunted locales, limiting the nuanced understanding of psychic phenomena. This conflation can be attributed to myriad factors, including cultural narratives, folklore, and limited exposure to diverse interpretations of psychic occurrences.
The Hollywood Influence
The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, has significantly molded perceptions of psychic phenomena. From sensationalized depictions of mediums speaking to the departed in horror movies to superheroes with telepathic abilities saving the world, these portrayals often prioritize spectacle over accuracy. While they capture the imagination and offer thrilling narratives, they may distort or exaggerate the nuances of genuine psychic experiences.
Hollywood's penchant for dramatization means that psychic abilities are frequently portrayed with an added layer of spectacle, potentially leading the general populace to harbor unrealistic or skewed expectations. For instance, telepathy in movies might be showcased as characters having fullblown conversations without speaking, while actual anecdotal accounts might reference fleeting impressions or emotions.
Skepticism and Belief
Public opinion on psychic phenomena is polarized, with skeptics and believers often at odds. Skeptics caution against gullibility, pointing to instances of fraud, the influence of cognitive biases, and the lack of empirical evidence as reasons for disbelief. On the other hand, staunch believers might dismiss skeptics as close minded or overly analytical.
However, a nuanced view acknowledges that both skepticism and belief have their merits. Blind skepticism might close one off to exploring uncharted territories of human experience, while unbridled belief risks being deceived by charlatans. An informed approach considers available evidence, remains open to possibilities, and constantly seeks deeper understanding, free from dogma.
New Age Influences and How to Avoid Them
The New Age movement, originating in the late 20th century, amalgamates various spiritual and metaphysical beliefs. While it has popularized many esoteric concepts, including some pertaining to psychic phenomena, it often does so without rigorous foundation or context.
To avoid undue New Age influences when exploring psychic phenomena:
Educate Yourself: Delve into historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives on psychic abilities. Understand that the New Age interpretation is just one among many.
Question Sources: Not all literature or speakers on psychic topics are reliable. Discern between those who have done comprehensive research and those echoing popular yet shallow narratives.
Practice Discernment: Be wary of commercialized aspects of the New Age movement, such as workshops or products that promise quick psychic awakenings without any substantial groundwork.
Theosophical Influences and How to Avoid Them
The Theosophical Society, founded in the 19th century, aimed to explore, study, and disseminate knowledge about the mystical and unknown. However, its interpretations of psychic and spiritual phenomena are specific to its doctrine.
To steer clear of Theosophical biases:
Broaden Your Horizon: While Theosophy offers a rich tapestry of esoteric thought, it's essential to explore other cultural, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives on psychic phenomena.
Recognize Distinctive Theosophical Concepts: By identifying core Theosophical tenets, one can differentiate them from other psychic or spiritual beliefs.
Engage in Open Discussion: Interacting with a diverse group of thinkers, researchers, and practitioners can help in discerning Theosophical influences from more universal or varied interpretations.
The Science Behind Psychic Abilities
Psychic phenomena have long captured human curiosity, leading to extensive investigations, both informal and academic. Over the past century, numerous institutions have endeavored to study psychic abilities under controlled conditions. These include efforts by prominent universities and independent research bodies.
One well-documented approach has been the use of Zener cards — a set of five symbols (circle, cross, waves, square, star) — to test for extrasensory perception (ESP). Participants predict the sequence of cards, and results are assessed against statistical probabilities to discern any significant deviations suggesting psychic abilities.
Another area of interest has been the study of telepathy, where participants, often in isolated chambers, attempt to transmit or receive thoughts, images, or emotions. Success rates beyond chance levels could, in theory, indicate telepathic capabilities.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite the extensive body of research, psychic phenomena remain a contentious topic in the scientific community. Some of the primary criticisms include:
Replicability Issues: A foundational principle of science is that experiments should produce consistent results when replicated. Psychic phenomena, however, often lack this consistency, leading many to question their validity.
Methodological Flaws: Critics often point out potential flaws in the design or execution of psychic experiments. These could range from insufficient controls, potential biases, or even fraud.
Statistical Interpretations: While certain psychic studies claim statistical significance, skeptics argue that these could be anomalies or the result of incorrect data interpretation.
Potential Explanations
Given the elusive nature of psychic phenomena, several hypotheses have been proposed, ranging from the purely physiological to the quantum mechanical:
Subconscious Perception: Some suggest that what's perceived as psychic ability might be heightened sensitivity to subconscious cues. This could mean picking up on subtle body language, temperature changes, or even pheromones.
Quantum Mechanics: Some posit that the nonlocality principle in quantum physics, where particles can be interconnected over vast distances, might provide a framework for understanding psychic interconnections. Though this argument tends to be provided by those who do not understand quantum theory.
Unified Field Theory: Drawing from physics, some speculate that a yet to be discovered unified field might explain the interconnectedness of consciousness. Though this argument also tends to be provided by those who do not understand quantum theory.
Potential Biases Within Scientific Approaches
While the scientific method prides itself on objectivity, biases can infiltrate any field of study, including investigations into psychic phenomena:
Confirmation Bias: Researchers, like all individuals, can unconsciously favor data that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, potentially overlooking data that contradicts their hypotheses.
Publication Bias: Studies producing positive or sensational results are often more likely to be published than those with null or negative findings. This can skew the available literature and public perception.
Cultural and Historical Biases: Western scientific paradigms, rooted in materialism, might inherently dismiss phenomena that don't fit within this framework, whereas other cultures might approach the same phenomena differently.
It's crucial to approach psychic research with an awareness of these biases, ensuring comprehensive and balanced investigations.
Comfort with Paranormal Explanations and Experiences
Across the globe, individuals vary in their comfort levels with paranormal explanations. For some, a spiritual or mystical interpretation of an event is natural and enriching. For others, such interpretations might provoke discomfort, skepticism, or even fear.
Some cultures have rich traditions of spiritual and mystical experiences, making paranormal explanations more accepted and integrated. Direct personal experiences with phenomena that defy conventional explanations can either enhance comfort with the paranormal or, paradoxically, provoke greater skepticism. Awareness and understanding of various phenomena, whether through formal education, personal research, or exposure to diverse viewpoints, can influence one's comfort levels.
Developing Psychic Abilities: A Comprehensive Approach
The initial phase in understanding psychic abilities requires identifying subtle indications that point towards their potential presence. Historically, various cultures have believed in the capability of certain individuals to perceive information hidden from the regular senses. These potential indicators might include:
Heightened Sensitivity: Some individuals report a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, especially in terms of emotions and energies. They often feel strong empathic connections, allowing them to sense the emotions and moods of those around them, even if subtly expressed.
Frequent Déjà vu: The sensation of having experienced something previously, even when encountering it for the first time, may indicate a potential psychic inclination. While this phenomenon can be explained by various neurological processes, some interpret it as a sign of precognitive ability.
Predictive Dreams: Though dreams often arise from the subconscious mind processing daily events, some individuals note dreams that appear to foretell future events. While not always accurate, these dreams' predictive nature often stands out due to its specificity and detail.
Practice Techniques
To nurture psychic abilities, one must employ certain techniques and exercises that are designed to enhance these potential faculties. Here are some scientificallyacknowledged methods that might be beneficial:
Meditation: Meditation is a tool that aids in focusing the mind and building awareness of one's thoughts and surroundings. By practicing regular meditation, individuals can develop a heightened sense of intuition and possibly tap into deeper levels of perception.
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help individuals become more attuned to their surroundings and the subtle energies therein. Practicing mindfulness, like meditation, can be a foundation for honing psychic skills by fostering a keen awareness of the world around us.
Exposure to Varied Stimuli: Engaging with diverse environments, cultures, and experiences can sharpen one's intuitive skills. By exposing oneself to a broad array of stimuli, it becomes easier to identify patterns and connections that might not be immediately obvious.
Consistent Training
Consistency is vital when cultivating any skill, and the development of psychic abilities is no exception. Regular practice and a commitment to growth are imperative. Keeping a record of experiences, feelings, and intuitions can be beneficial. Over time, patterns may emerge, providing insights into the development and accuracy of psychic abilities.
Seeking feedback from trusted sources helps in gauging the accuracy of one's psychic perceptions and offers opportunities for refinement. Engaging with literature and scholarly articles on topics like parapsychology, cognitive science, and neurology can provide a rounded understanding and facilitate better practices.
Identifying Cognitive Bias
While exploring psychic abilities, it is crucial to be aware of cognitive biases. These are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, where individuals create their own subjective reality from their perception. Examples include:
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. In the context of psychic abilities, this might manifest as remembering only accurate predictions while disregarding inaccuracies.
Apophenia: The human tendency to perceive meaningful patterns within random data. This could lead individuals to believe they've identified significant psychic insights when, in fact, they're drawing connections from unrelated events.
Identifying Mental Illness Symptoms that Seem Like Psychic Abilities
It is essential to differentiate between genuine psychic experiences and symptoms of mental illnesses. Some symptoms can mimic psychic phenomena, such as:
Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences in which a person can hear, see, smell, taste, or feel something that isn't there. While some might interpret these as psychic visions or messages, they are often associated with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Delusions: Strongly held beliefs despite evidence to the contrary. For example, believing that one has a unique ability to predict events or read minds, when, in reality, evidence does not support these claims.
Hyperactivity and Racing Thoughts: Conditions such as bipolar disorder can lead to periods of hyperactivity and rapidly changing thoughts, which can be misconstrued as psychic energy or heightened intuition.
If you or someone you know shows symptoms of mental illness, you can find a list of assistance and services at the end of THIS article.
Psychic Abilities and the Mind
The intricate network of the human brain, with its myriad neural connections, governs how we think, act, and perceive the world. Central to our understanding of psychic abilities is the role of cognitive functions. These are the mental processes that allow us to carry out tasks, make decisions, and interpret the world around us. A cornerstone of cognition, memory allows us to store and retrieve information from the past. It's been posited that individuals who claim to have psychic abilities might have an enhanced or different utilization of memory, allowing them to recall events or details others might overlook.
The capacity to concentrate on specific stimuli or events in our environment is critical for any psychic exploration. An acute sense of attention might enable some individuals to pick up on subtle cues or information generally unnoticed by the average person. Processing Speed is the time it takes for an individual to interpret and respond to stimuli. A heightened processing speed might allow for faster interpretation of sensory input, which some argue could be linked to certain psychic phenomena.
Role of Subconscious
The subconscious mind, operating below the level of conscious awareness, is a vast reservoir of thoughts, memories, and feelings. Its role in psychic abilities is a topic of significant interest.
Our subconscious continuously processes information, even when we are not actively thinking about it. These processes can lead to sudden insights or "gut feelings" that seem to come out of nowhere but might, in reality, be the result of the subconscious working behind the scenes. While dreams are a regular part of the human experience, some propose that they can serve as a conduit for psychic information. The subconscious mind, active during dreaming, might present information in symbolic or direct ways that could be interpreted as precognitive or clairvoyant insights. The subconscious mind plays a pivotal role in our emotional responses. Some individuals claim to "feel" others' emotions, suggesting that their subconscious minds might be more attuned to emotional stimuli from the environment.
Perception and Intuition
At the intersection of psychic abilities and the mind lies the realm of perception and intuition. These faculties determine how we interpret the world and react to it, and they play a potentially significant role in psychic phenomena.
Enhanced Sensory Perception: Some who claim psychic abilities report a heightened sense of sight, hearing, or other senses. This enhanced perception allows them to detect stimuli that others might miss, potentially leading to insights that seem psychic in nature.
Gut Feelings: Intuition, often described as a "gut feeling," is a form of innate understanding or knowledge without the need for conscious reasoning. While everyone experiences intuition to some degree, its role in psychic abilities might be more pronounced. This intuitive sense might be more developed or refined in some individuals, leading to perceptions that are out of the ordinary.
Pattern Recognition: Humans are naturally inclined to seek patterns in the environment, a trait that has evolutionary advantages. However, some propose that those with psychic inclinations might have an enhanced ability for pattern recognition, allowing them to see connections or insights that might elude others.
Ethical Considerations in the Exploration of Psychic Abilities
The exploration of psychic abilities is not merely an introspective journey; it often intersects with the lives of others, especially when abilities are employed to provide insights or guidance. Herein lies the critical juncture of ethical use versus misuse.
Objective Approach: It is paramount for individuals claiming to possess psychic abilities to approach every situation with an objective mindset. Allowing biases or personal beliefs to interfere can lead to skewed interpretations, which might misguide those seeking counsel.
Financial Exploitation: With the commercialization of psychic readings and related services, there is a risk of financial exploitation. Ethical practitioners should be transparent about their services' costs and avoid exorbitant fees or manipulative tactics that compel repeated visits.
False Claims: Authenticity and truthfulness are fundamental. Individuals should refrain from making unsubstantiated claims about their abilities or the results they can achieve, as this can mislead and potentially harm others.
Respecting Privacy
Delving into the personal lives of others, whether intentionally or inadvertently, comes with significant ethical implications.
Unsolicited Readings: It is ethically questionable to provide unsolicited readings or insights into another person's life or situation. Even if one believes they have valuable information, it is essential to respect boundaries and only offer insights when explicitly asked.
Confidentiality: Similar to medical or therapeutic professions, individuals offering psychic services should maintain strict confidentiality. People's personal information, emotions, and situations should never be divulged without explicit consent.
Consideration of Potential Harm
The potential repercussions of psychic readings or interventions are not always immediately apparent. Therefore, a deep sense of responsibility and foresight is required.
Emotional Impact: Interactions can leave a lasting emotional imprint. Whether the information shared is positive or negative, practitioners must be sensitive to how it might affect an individual emotionally and mentally.
Dependency: There's a potential risk of individuals becoming overly reliant on psychic insights, sidelining their own judgment or decisionmaking abilities. Ethical practitioners should encourage autonomy and personal growth rather than fostering dependency.
Physical Actions: On rare occasions, insights or predictions might prompt individuals to take specific actions in their lives. It's crucial for those with psychic inclinations to understand the weight of their words and the potential physical ramifications they might have on others.
Psychic Abilities in Different Cultures
The concept of psychic abilities, while interpreted differently, exists in some form across various global cultures. Each culture's perspective provides a unique lens through which to understand and appreciate these phenomena.
Eastern Perspectives
In many Eastern traditions, psychic abilities are often interwoven with spiritual and philosophical systems.
Buddhism: Within Buddhist traditions, especially in Tibetan Buddhism*, there are references to "siddhis," which are supernormal powers attained through meditation and spiritual practice. These can range from clairvoyance to precognition. While these abilities are acknowledged, they're often considered secondary to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
Hinduism*: Ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, detail various psychic abilities termed "vibhuti." These abilities are said to emerge as one progresses along the path of yoga. However, they're treated with caution and are not the primary focus of spiritual development.
Daoism*: In Daoist traditions of China, psychic phenomena might be attributed to the harnessing of "qi" or vital energy. Daoist practitioners often engage in exercises to cultivate and balance qi, which in turn can lead to heightened abilities.
Western Perspectives
The Western world, influenced by a mix of JudeoChristian beliefs, scientific rationalism, and GrecoRoman philosophies, has its own take on psychic phenomena.
Ancient Greece: Oracles, like the famed Oracle of Delphi, played essential roles in ancient Greek society. These priestesses were believed to possess the ability to communicate with the gods and offer prophecies.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, individuals who claimed to have psychic abilities or other supernatural powers often faced persecution, associated with witchcraft and heresy.
Modern Era: With the rise of spiritualism in the 19th and 20th centuries, psychic abilities gained renewed interest. While often met with skepticism, especially from the scientific community, there remains a segment of the Western population that believes in and seeks out psychic experiences.
Indigenous Beliefs
Indigenous American Cultures: Among the Navajo*, there are individuals known as "hand tremblers" who are believed to diagnose illnesses or predict events. Similarly, the Lakota Sioux have "heyokas" or sacred clowns, who act in ways contrary to societal norms and offer unique insights.
Aboriginal Australians*: Dreamtime stories and spiritual beliefs play a central role in Aboriginal culture. The concept of "Dreaming" refers to both the ancient stories of creation and the personal dreamjourney of an individual, which can offer guidance and insights.
Shamanic Cultures of Siberia*: The term "shaman" originates from the Tungusic peoples of Siberia. Shamans in these cultures serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, accessing knowledge and healing through altered states of consciousness.
Maori of New Zealand*: The Maori have "tohunga," experts in specific areas, including those who interpret signs, dreams, and omens. They play a crucial role in guiding societal decisions and understanding the world.
African Cultures: Among the Dagara* of West Africa, there are individuals recognized as having a unique connection to the spirit world, often identified at a young age and trained to serve the community. Similarly, the Zulu* of South Africa have the "sangoma," traditional healers who diagnose and treat illnesses and communicate with ancestors.
Psychic Abilities and Personal Growth
The exploration of psychic abilities transcends mere curiosity about the supernatural. For many, it is an avenue towards profound personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the larger tapestry of human experience.
Self-awareness and Understanding
The journey into psychic phenomena often demands a heightened sense of selfawareness. This introspective path can lead to significant personal revelations.
Delving into psychic practices necessitates continual selfreflection. This process can unearth previously unrecognized aspects of one's character, beliefs, and motivations. Such insights offer opportunities for personal development and transformation. The exploration of psychic abilities can help individuals distinguish between their inner voice — that intuitive sense of knowing — and the cacophony of external influences. Recognizing and trusting this voice can guide decision making and foster a stronger sense of identity.
Some individuals believe that their psychic inclinations provide clarity about their life's purpose or direction. By tapping into these abilities, they feel more aligned with their personal and spiritual goals.
Emotional and Mental Health
The intertwining of psychic exploration and emotional and mental wellbeing is multifaceted and profound.
Processing Trauma: For some, psychic practices serve as a conduit for addressing and processing past traumas. By confronting these issues, individuals often find a path to healing and acceptance.
Managing Stress: Techniques often associated with psychic development, such as meditation and mindfulness, are beneficial for managing stress. These practices promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Boosting Confidence: Recognizing and honing psychic abilities can bolster confidence. Individuals often feel empowered by their unique insights and the validation they receive from accurate perceptions or predictions.
Influence on Relationships
The ripple effects of psychic exploration extend into interpersonal relationships, shaping interactions and connections in various ways.
Enhanced Empathy: A heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of others can foster deeper empathy. This understanding can lead to more compassionate and supportive interactions with loved ones.
Navigating Conflicts: With increased intuition and perception, individuals might find it easier to navigate conflicts. Recognizing underlying issues or emotions can facilitate communication and resolution.
Building Trust: For those who share their psychic experiences with close friends or family, it can foster trust. When perceptions or insights prove accurate, it reinforces the bond between the psychic individual and those they interact with.
Psychic Abilities and Shadow Work
Shadow work refers to the process of confronting and understanding the darker, often suppressed facets of oneself. The interplay between psychic abilities and shadow work is intricate.
Unearthing Hidden Fears: Psychic experiences can bring to the surface latent fears or insecurities. These revelations, while challenging, are essential for personal growth. By addressing these fears, individuals can move towards holistic wellbeing.
Confronting Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism, shielding individuals from painful truths. However, psychic insights can pierce this veil, forcing a confrontation with realities one might prefer to ignore. This confrontation, though initially unsettling, is a step towards authenticity and selfacceptance.
Integration for Wholeness: The culmination of shadow work, when combined with psychic exploration, is the integration of all aspects of oneself. Recognizing and accepting both light and dark facets lead to a more balanced and whole self.
If you enjoyed this article, and would like to binge more, check out my Masterpost!
Patreon Shoutouts!
Meegs Jinsu
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Patreon supporters of Mystic ($10/mo) or higher had access to this article 2 weeks in advance. If you'd like to checkout my Patreon benefits, check out this post.
This article was reviewed and edited by ChatGPT
Recommended tips for research as a beginner witch/practioner:
Research as a beginner can at times feel stressful if you don't know credibilties or anything about the craft really. So, I'm going to share some tips I use in my practice and would recommend when researching witchcraft.
Research what interests you. If research begins to feel like a task instead of genuine interest or fun, there will be problems down the line with researching thoroughly. That isn't to say don't research things that bore you, it means that you should take what resonates with you and from there you can begin to build the framework for your personal craft.
Does the source align with your moral standing and personal beliefs? If the answer is no, time to find a new source. For example, if a source is fully against any harm towards another person and tries to push that narrative on the reader/viewer (or vice versa) and it's not something you personally align with, find another source. The most important example of this is many authors are bigots, terfs or cultural appropriaters. Remember to research the author and their practice before trusting what they have to say.
What may work for some people will not work for you. Do not feel inclined to do everything a certain way as said by a certain practioner. The point of witchcraft is to develop your own habits and outlooks. Crystals and astrology may work best for someone, but you may have an inclination towards herbs and palmistry for example. You do not need to practice every form of witchcraft out there. So circling back to the first point, pay mind to what sparks joy and what aligns with your abilities.
Take everything with a grain of salt. Learn to question what you learn. As witchcraft and spirituality have been practiced in many cultures for many years, things have evolved and been taken from one context to the next. Research various practices and rituals as well as the authors and cultures who promoted said practices
Use multiple sources. Blindly believing one post can be harmful, especially when concerning topics that can be a manner of physical safety (fire hazards, dressing candles, consumption and burning of herbs) or spiritual safety (spirit work, baneful work, trickster spirits). The more research the better, as it solidifies understanding too.
Do not rely solely on social media, but use it as a crutch to what you already know. Many content creators care more about views or aesthetics than educating. But many creators also DO care about what they're putting out there and have genuinely good tips and tricks for various practices. Just be wary.
Don't worry about aesthetics or perfection when you're just learning. Don't let pinterest photos of altars downplay your own craft and beauty. Right now, you're learning new topics and there's plenty of time later to find pretty altar tools or to neatly scribe in a leather journal. Don't let it distract you from research, and ultimately, the goal is to grow.
Have fun with it! There are so many research topics, and it can be as expansive or specific as you make it. Remember this isn't supposed to be stressful, it's supposed to be rewarding.
(Please add your own tips too if you'd like!)
There’s no such thing as the Devil.
The Devil is a Christian invention; the Christian invention used to put a stopper in the Old Religion and propel the massacre of 9 million people on its way to power. It succeeded. Almost.
It’s 2023 and I am seeing more and more Pagans and Witches rise from the ashes, and so this post is for you.
Witchcraft, Mediumship, Energy Work and Spiritualism do not need nor want this Christian lie in their teachings. It has been put there to STOP us from working with Spirit/Source. If you work with Source, you will receive abundance in this life for yourself AND others. Why would the self-appointed select few want the majority to access this wisdom? It would stop their own power in the form of control that they firmly believe is theirs for the taking. This idealism is a folly.
Fear is unnecessary for stepping through the veil, as the “Hell” or “Demons” that we are conditioned to expect is already occurring here on Earth by those who taught you them. The invention of organised religion has created ways in which to perpetuate fear - this manifests what we are scared of. Slavery, trafficking, famine, disease, senseless murders, conquer & divide - this is the Hell that we, as a collective, have produced over the centuries under the guise of false religions and what they are propped up by; Capitalism, Corporate Greed, Money.
The Hell that so many are afraid of is already here and now to millions of our people. Because we create it. We allow fear to seep into our lives and eat us alive. We allow the toxic drips of Capitalism and Elitism by simply paying attention. Demons? They are already in Congress, multi-billion dollar companies, Churches. They lurk in your banks, in your shops, in your workplaces, in your homes. Demons are the 1% who control the Citizens of this planet by one simple tool, fear. It works so well that beings from one country will ignore the beings of another. We ignore what is happening to our one true God; Gaia, Earth, Home. We allow the murders of our collective selves because we have different skin colours, different genders, different ideas.
Fear can bring the strongest to their knees and weep.
So if we create our own Hell by succumbing to fear and accepting the global rules applied, is it possible, then, to create our own Heaven? We manifest what we want to see in our world. If most are scared, it comes to reason that most would inadvertently manifest fear of Hell right here. Can we change the narrative? There is nothing to fear in Spirituality, Witchcraft, Energy Work. The powers that be would like you to believe so as it ensures their futures in power. It’s Christian hogwash designed specifically for them. To keep you subservient.
I find that many beginners who come into these circles are afraid due to what we are sold throughout life regarding The Veil - it’s here that I want to say that there is nothing to be frightened of. If you approach your way of life and your practice from a place of positive energy, you will manifest great things. Approach it from a place of fear and this is where Hell begins.
Don’t be afraid of the facets of this movement. Why be afraid of the Witches and Sensitives? Be afraid of the ones who burned us alive.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
if you can't keep crystals, keep rocks but set them with whatever intentions you want.
On full moons, "accidentally" leave a glass of water near a windowsill, and use it quickly!
Draw sigils in hand soaps, sanitizers, and lotions when no one's looking.
Research how to use a regular deck of cards for tarot readings.
Draw pictures of offerings for your deity, and rip the paper to give it to them.
Good luck yall, and stay safe <3
Closeted witch tips
some more tips to help my closeted babes out <3
soap making is a really fun way to incorporate herbs and essential oils
research herbalism
keep an online book of shadows (on google docs, or canva) if it is safe for you to do so
scrap booking is an easy and secretive way to give offerings to gods/ goddesses (leave it out to "dry")
do e offerings on tumblr
go to your local library to read and borrow books on herbs, Gods and more <3
reblog with more ideas!!!
Thank you to everyone who has been giving me advice, I really appreciate it!!
!! ART NOT MINE!!
I am a baby witch I have been a witch for a while but I couldn't practice because I thought my mom would be mad or something but turns out she likes witchcraft too and wants to study as well. Also i love these pics so here! If you are a witch could you give me some advice?
「TAROT COURT CARDS」
--------------------------------------------------------
➳ SWORDS
--------------------------------------------------------
THE PAGE OF SWORDS
UPRIGHT :-
Messages
electronic communication
new projects
renewed vigour
new learner
a sibling
school/college friend
youngster/child
REVERSED :-
issed messages
a delayed project
a troubled youth
falling to your fear
bad news
missing internet messages
hearing or telling falsehoods
indecision and inconsistency
immaturity
THE PAGE OF SWORDS AS
People :
A quick-witted and quick-minded youngster
analytical and a logical thinker
can be seen to be aloof, but is a keen observer
enjoys the written word and languages
a student
Occupations :
Postman/courier
envoy
student/undergraduate
news desk/reporter
trainee or apprentice
systems analyst
Events :
News of official matters
legalities, bureaucracy
delays in business and personal projects
gossip and chatter
documents being prepared, delivered or delayed
the post
going to college or university
Inner Processes :
Facing inner demons
overcoming moods
regaining mental clarity
settling inner conflicts
internal rebellion
self belief and confidence
understanding wisdom
getting over yourself!
--------------------------------------------------------
KNIGHT OF SWORDS
UPRIGHT :-
Active
energetic
exacting
swiftness
sudden changes
assertive
mental agility
problem solving
being able to think on your feet
resolution
courageous
travel
REVERSED :-
Conflict
insensitivity to others
prejudice
acting in haste
lying and being deceitful
impatient
pettiness
loss of clear thinking
KNIGHT OF SWORDS AS
People :
Quick-minded and decisive
a problem solver and strategist
can appear insensitive but is mostly forthright
often ruthless and direct
forward thinking
communicators and analysers
Occupations :
Soldier
advocate
lawyer
negotiator
travel writer
copy writer
politician
spine doctor
surgeon
hairdresser
archer
activist
researchers and graduates
Events :
Meetings and conventions
negotiations and disputes
a legal case being brought to you or by you
management of ideas and projects
backing the under-dog
pursuing ideas
taking control of a situation
over seas travel
Inner Processes :
Finding solutions to your problems
creative thinking; changing ideals and beliefs
removing what thoughts and beliefs don’t serve you anymore
a journey of self-examination
discovering and establishing your own set of beliefs
--------------------------------------------------------
QUEEN OF SWORDS
UPRIGHT :-
Aloofness
intellectual
factual
solemn
a great thinker
critical and precise
observant
a widow
rationality
independent
witty
REVERSED :-
a complainer
can be verbally vicious
ruthless
cutting
manipulative
cunning
cold hearted
vindictive
spiteful
gossip
QUEEN OF SWORDS AS
People :
An analytical and intelligent woman
quick-minded
a problem solver
clinical but not cold
likely to be highly educated or with an interest in continued education
a people watcher who observes more than she speaks
ardent and stoic
a sharp dresser
independent and self-disciplined
an astute businesswoman
Occupations :
Lawyer
judge
journalist
college/university lecturer
prison guard
executive
career woman
high flyer
negotiator
trouble shooter
politician/government official
Events :
Success with literary projects
independence perhaps through divorce
entering into self-employment
a meeting with an advisor, perhaps even a psychologist
end to personal troubles
business meetings
professional learning and certification
networking
Inner Processes :
Applying logic to a situation
stepping back from the emotions
being objective
stepping out from behind your mask
finding mental clarity
having to be ruthless or strong willed
finding the light after the dark
new found inner wisdom
having the courage of your convictions
--------------------------------------------------------
KING OF SWORDS
UPRIGHT :-
Just and fair
intellectual but enigmatic
a great thinker or philosopher
authoritative
commanding
logical
moral and ethical
trustworthy and reliable
REVERSED :-
Dictatorial
domineering
suspicious
untrustworthy
a liar
spineless
cowardly
cynical
arrogant
intimidating
uncouth
impatient
KING OF SWORDS AS
People :
A decision-maker
a judge or mediator
has a sharp mind and high intellect
found in many of the professional careers
lives by clear logic and fact
diplomatic and a great communicator
an orator
writer and critical thinker
feels deeply but shows little emotion
ambitious but flexible in his approach
lives by justice and fairness
in modern society he lives by the pen instead of the sword
Occupations :
Senior judge
barrister
senior civil servant
surgeon, doctor
intelligence/police
scientist
professor
military officer
Events :
Making plans and organising events
dealing with the authorities
facing big decisions
setting boundaries and rules
taking control and man-managing a situation
meeting with a legal expert or facing a legal case
completing university studies
success and/or completion of a literary project
signing of contracts
acting as a mediator
acting swiftly and decisively
Inner Processes :
Putting aside your emotions to make an informed decision
learning to see all sides of a dispute
thinking for yourself
applying mind over matter
expanding on inner wisdom
filtering thoughts and imagination into cohesive ideas and projects
goal-setting and having commitment to those goals
--------------------------------------------------------
➳ GRABOVOI CODES 🔥
--------------------------------------------------------
IM SO IRRESISTIBLE - 685686597
FAITHFUL PARTNER - 3321596
HE IS OBSESSED WITH ME - 62613005
HE LOVES ONLY ME - 82883120
IM SEXY - 84104148
--------------------------------------------------------
I hope these help you🔥❤ @melaninnmagixc