novice witch yo.

I turn, and look at the fridge. It seems to be the same fridge that was here when I moved in. 

I mean, I’m also kind of embarrassed. I never do that, I know that’s how you get roaches, but my back hurts so bad that getting up and down is next to impossible, much less bending over. “Um, you holding up okay down there?” I ask.

There was silence. 

“I know that we’re probably the only apartment in the building that doesn’t have a bug problem. That’s, well, that’s you, right?”

Again, silence. But I know I heard it.

“Listen, I can’t really bend over right now, but if you’re down there and hungry, like, there’s half a rotisserie chicken in there that’s about to go bad. I was going to throw it away, but if you could use it-”

“Yesssss. Please.” 

Well. Whatever it is, it’s well-mannered, anyway.

“Liber Juratus Honorii” (The Sworn Book of Honorius) Joseph Peterson, translator

The Sworn Book of Honorius is a medieval grimoire purportedly written by Honorius of Thebes. One of the earliest works of the grimoire tradition it is attested in the trial record of Olivier Pepin in 1347 but likely dates from much earlier. Its oldest preserved copies are Sloane MS 3854 (fol 117-144, mid 16th century) and Sloane MS 313 (late 14th century) in the British Library, Sloane MS 313 is said to have been in the possession of alchemist John Dee.

The Honorii is without a doubt one of the most influential works of occultism written in history. Much of its contents have been cribbed by authors over the centuries for their own works and it represents a cornerstone work of Solomonic magic. Students who were to receive the text were sworn to absolute secrecy, thus the “sworn” portion of its title.

Purporting to be the work of a conclave of 93 magicians summoned together to compile the book as a reinforcement against the persecution of magic rituals by the church it presents a rather Christian take on ceremonial magic. The holy trinity is cited in numerous passages, and the power of Christ is called upon throughout the text.

It is my own opinion that the work must have been compiled by a member of the clergy, as the latin of the earliest manuscripts holds close to ecclesiastical latin. The author’s familiarity with divinity make it unlikely that any layman outside of the church could have compiled its contents. It could easily have been the foundational text of an early Christian magical/mystical tradition.

As well, there are numerous tracts that are near identical to works like the Heptameron of d'Abano, and works by Agrippa (later versions of the MS’ have inserted bits of Agrippa in order to flesh out otherwise missing tracts alluded to in the text). Making it the clear reference for those in the middle ages and early modern era of occult studies.

In the main the Honorii is concerned with a series of extensive rituals designed to bring the magician into a state of ‘visionary’ experience of god. The bulk of the text refers to the detailed accounts of ritual purification, circle design, suffumigation, and the vast lists of angelic and demonic names and the divine names with which to conjure and bind them.

Additionally the later part of the text gives accounts of finding treasure, revealing thieves, avoiding a trip to purgatory and other more mundane magical operations. But the true core of the work is intended to bring knowledge of divinity, and the realm of the heavens, to the acolyte. Interestingly a portion of the text changes its structure to a less authoritative, more passive form of conjuration that according to Gershom Scholem is influenced by Arabic ceremonial magic.

Joseph Peterson is an author and translator whose website Esoteric Archives has become a standard reference for those doing research into historic magical texts. A treasure trove of translations with extensive footnotes on dozens of rare works, all offered for free online. Peterson is at the forefront of research into historic magical texts.

The first version of Peterson’s Honorii began to appear online in 1998, and over the following decade would be fleshed out considerably. With this volume Peterson has completed his decade or longer translation and it is without a doubt a major achievement in the history of occult research.

The text is laid out with the latin and english on facing pages with numerous footnotes and numbered lines that allow for easy translation comparison. Peterson provides extensive commentary throughout the work, comparing various manuscript ommisions and alterations.

With the release of “The Sworn Book of Honorius” Peterson has worked with Hell Fire Club Books to bring about an incredibly beautiful set of bindings in full goat skin and vellum, hand bound by master binder Eamonn Loughran. Limited to only 50 copies this hand numbered burgundy colour goatskin binding is beautiful. The rich colour and hand feel of the book makes it an exceptional addition to the library of any serious occult scholar. The copper stamped titles and front seal are taken from an original manuscript. Additionally Hell Fire Club Books has released an ultra-limited version bound in white vellum in a green slipcase and the same copper titles and seal in an edition of 11. Both are extraordinary works whose value goes far beyond their incredible content.

Find yourself a copy of this incredible work before they are gone.

“Liber Juratus Honorii” (The Sworn Book of Honorius) Joseph Peterson

WHY EATING SEASONALLY IS IMPORTANT

•save money - food is at it’s highest supply

•food is better - it is grown closer to home so less likely to rot

•support local, sustainable farmers

To protect houses from witches and spirits, this [picture] is written:

The deformed pentacle to the right of the magic square was called a trolltecken (troll sign). It can be found in all the Germainic lands, where it is called “foot of the Drud” meaning of the “witch” or “nightmare”. In 1872, in Norway, it takes the form of a double star of David and protects from nightmares. Oddly enough, this form of protection can also be found in Brittany (Morbihan), carved on a chimney (see illustration)

A spell meant to protect an object, being, or space from being seen by certain people; a spell to have an object inside your home go unnoticed by creating a barrier across your threshold. 

Items & Ingredients: 

Black chime candle with holder

Dragon’s blood oil 

Carving tool 

Mortar & pestle

Chili powder

Chili flakes

Cayenne pepper

Black pepper

Black salt

Small jar

Instructions: 

Performed in the hour of Saturn on the night of the dark moon.

Inscribe on the candle “prying eyes cannot see” while focusing on the object or space you want to keep hidden

Anoint the candle with Dragon’s blood oil and place in its holder - light the candle 

Combine the ingredients in your mortar and proceed to grind into a powder - for this particular spell, the powder doesn’t need to be finely ground 

As you grind up your ingredients, repeat the inscription carved into the candle aloud: “prying eyes cannot see”

Add the powder to a jar and seal - set the jar in front of the candle as it burns down completely

I happened to use a jar whose lid has a chalkboard surface, so I drew the symbol of Saturn on the top of the jar in chalk 

This list will explain common stones that are either toxic to use for drinking in gem water or stones that are soluble in water. :)

Alunite: Non toxic but soluble in water

Anglesite: Toxic and slightly soluble in water

Arsenopyrite: Potentially toxic

Azurite: Harmful

Azurite-Malachite: Harmful

Azurite-Pseudomalachite: Harmful

Bunsenite: Toxic; allergen; avoid skin contact

Calomel: Possibly hazardous to health

Cerussite: Toxic

Chalcanthite: Harmful; easily soluble in water

Cinnabar: Very toxic!

Cinnabar-Opal: The cinnabar stored in the opal is toxic

Crocoite: Toxic 

Cuprite: Harmful

Durangite: Potentially toxic

Eclipse Stone: Limestone with orpiment, toxic

Eilat Stone: Harmful

Erythrite: Potentially toxic

Fiedlerite: Toxic

Fluorite, Antozonite variety: Potentially harmful

Galenite: Toxic and slightly soluble in water

Gaspeite: Harmful; allergen; avoid skin contact

Greenockite: Toxic

Halite: Not toxic in small quantities, but dissolves easily in water

Iron-nickel Meteorite: Harmful; allergen; avoid skin contact

Jamesonite: Potentially toxic

Lemon Chrysoprase: Potentially harmful; allergen; avoid skin contact

Lopezite: Very toxic! Hazardous even through skin contact

Malachite: Harmful

Millerite: Toxic; allergen; avoid skin contact

Minium: Toxic

Nickeline: Toxic; allergen; avoid skin contact

Olivenite: Potentially toxic

Orpiment: Toxic

Proustite: Potentially toxic

Psilomelane and Pyrolusite: Harmful

Pyromorphite: Potentially toxic

Rauenthalite: Toxic

Realgar: Toxic. Store in dark, securely locked place.

Scorodite: Potentially toxic

Sphaerocobaltite: Harmful; allergen; avoid skin contact

Stibnite: Harmful

Tetrahedrite: Potentially harmful

Ulexite: Non toxic but slightly soluble in warm water

Valentinite and Senarmontite: Harmful

Vanadinite: Toxic

What is an Esbat?

Each occurrence of the Full Moon is observed as a celebration called an esbat. The Full Moon for each of the 12 months in a year is known by a specific name, for example ‘Hunter’s Moon’ or ‘Snow Moon.’ These names for each Moon change depending on if you are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, the same way the Wheel of the Year’s sabbats are opposites depending on which hemisphere you are in (e.g. Southern hemisphere witches celebrate Beltane during their spring, while simultaneously it is winter in the Northern hemisphere and witches there are celebrating Samhain and vice versa).

An esbat is defined as a ritual observance of the night of the Full Moon, with the Moon as the sole focus and dedication. They are typically used as an opportunity for covens to meet, but solitary practitioners can perform their own rituals alone on esbats too. Esbats can also be celebrated on the New Moon instead if the Full Moon is not a convenient time, which is often the case with secret and solitary witches. A practitioner can choose the Full Moon or New Moon interchangeably each month depending on what works best for them at that time.

Esbats are seen as powerful times to perform magick and workings, as opposed to sabbats which tend to be more celebratory. Esbats are a good time for magick of all kinds, especially that involving lunar energy. Feasting and commemorating the Moon’s cycles is also common. It is also a good time to reflect on what has happened in your life since the last esbat. Meditate on what you are thankful for and what you would like to achieve by the next esbat.

There are also traditional altar decorations for esbats, typically corresponding to the Moon. These can include a bowl of water, candles, mirrors, silver decorations and white and clear crystals.

Possible Esbat Activities: (Based on my own personal experiences as a solitary witch).

🌙 Make offerings and pray.

🌙 Renew any spells that need it, such as wards, recharging sigils and charms etc.

🌙 Reflect on yourself, meditate, treat yourself a little for all your hard work throughout the month and reflect on what is yet to come. Set some goals.

🌙 Cleanse and charge yourself and your tools and space.

🌙 Spend time in the moonlight; watch the moon rise.

🌙 Collect natural items that have been charged by moonlight.

🌙 Make moonwater.

🌙 Make a crystal grid charged by moonlight.

🌙 Have a ritual bath.

Sigil Basics

What are sigils? Sigils are symbols designed and drawn with the intent of having an effect on something. For example, I have sigils for productivity, attracting luck, and more. There are many different styles of sigils! Many are written on paper but you can also write them on your skin with a pen or marker, depending on the sigil. Ones that are written on paper are often buried, burned, hung up, or carried around. Some like to write sigils in their notebooks, on the bottom of their shoes, on letters, or place a sigil in their pencil case, phone case, or in their wallet, etc. 

How do I draw sigils? I really like sigils because they’re extremely accessible! You really only need a pen and paper. I would also recommend a pencil, eraser, and stuff to help you create shapes like a ruler for straight lines and coins/cups for circles. 

@strangesigils has a sigil tutorial that is very geometric and process based. Think straight lines and sharp corners. It’s great for those that don’t feel like they want to be super creative when drawing sigils. 

@teaberrymagic has a tutorial that’s a bit more abstract, curvy, loopy, etc but is still very process based. So a mid-level creativity sigil style. 

I use @scry-and-sketch‘s sigil tutorial that is more abstract and flexible with shape. Perfect for artists! I don’t consider myself an artist but I do use this style! (@strangesigils also has another tutorial in this style!)

@sigildaily has a very abstract sigil style and I have no idea how they do it, but they always turn out beautiful! 

My personal style is still very geometric but offers a lot of flexibility. I love having one or more circles and a bunch of straight lines. Another trick is playing with line thickness. I’d recommend drafting in pen or pencil, then when you’re ready to draw your final draft, start in pencil then go over it with marker. That’s just for neatness though, you can really do it however you like. You can also do this in a digital illustration program, though I don’t have any recommendations. Experiment until you have a sigil you like! 

How do I charge and activate sigils? I like to meditate with my sigils while thinking about the intention of the sigil to charge it. You can also use crystals, moonlight, sunlight, candle light, music, another sigil, or any other method of charging you can think of, really. To activate, you can burn it, bury it, say a chant, etc. 

Some sigils last a long time, while others only last a short time. Sigils that are meant to last a while, like my productivity sigil, can be hung up or carried around. Sigils that are meant to be quick, like my attract luck sigil, can be burned or written on the skin. Try and match your intention to the method of charging and activating. 

Final Tips

Your sigil doesn’t have to look nice. 

If you want it to look nice, keep trying! (You can do it, I believe in you!)

Look at other sigils for inspiration.

You don’t have to draw your own sigils. Many witches, like myself, post sigils for everyone to use. Just give credit if you post a picture of you using it online or anything. (If a witch says not to use or post though their work though, listen to them and don’t!)

Sigils are flexible! Do it how you like. 

Monmouthshire, Wales - September 2018

Also, Norse myths are thought to have the earliest literary descriptions of the Norwegian Forest Cat. They were described as large, strong cats that drew Freya’s chariot and were so heavy that not even Thor, God of Thunder, could lift them from the floor. (Source)

There is an old belief in Serbian villages and small towns that certain pumpkins (and watermelons), when left outside during a full moon, will turn in to a vampire.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

🍂✨🎃✨🍂

like to charge

Needed:

acorns (20 or more)

Small twigs

Leaves

Sea salt

Three green candles

Pouch to hold everything

Steps:

🌿go outside and collect all your acorns, twigs, and leaves and place them in the pouch.

🌿back at home, set an altar and scatter some sea salt to purify your space, then place the three green candles in the center and light them.

🌿set the pouch in front of the candles and say:

“Spirits of nature, the magic you weave,

Bring power to this spell with acorns and leaves,

All of the creatures are healthy and free,

Bring total protection to all that we see.”

🌿let the candles burn all the way down then place the sea salt inside the pouch.

🌿on the next full moon, return to where you gathered your items and return them to nature, scattering them on the ground to ensure balance. The animals and insects will remain healthy and protected!

——————————————

Insense Burner (Walmart, Dollar store)

Insense Sticks (Walmart, Dollar Store) 

Seeds Often 4~ $1  (Dollar Store, Walmart)

Ribbons Knot Magic, Sachets, Binding Spells, Color Correspondents (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Honey  (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Salt  (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Crayons Color Correspondents, Candles, Sigil Making (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Chalk Protection, Color Correspondents, Sigil Making  (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Candles or Birthday Candles (Walmart, Dollar Store, Thrift Stores)

Wooden Boards for a Pendulum Board (Walmart, Craft Stores)

Spoons Metal or Wooden, Good for Kitchen Witch Wands (Walmart, Thrift Stores)

Curtains, Pillowcases, Sheets  for Sachets (Dollar Store, Walmart)

Spices (Dollar Store, Walmart, Thrift Store)

Tea  Use as Dried Herbs or Potion Bases (Dollar Store)

Glass Bottles (Dollar Store, Thrift Store)

Fake Flowers (Thrift Store, Dollar Store)

Plant Pots or Mugs (Dollar Store, Thrift Store, Walmart)

Playing Cards Cartomancy (Walmart, Dollar Store)

Dice Cleromancy (Walmart, Dollar Store, Thrift Store)

Pendants Pendulum (Walmart, Dollar Store, Thrift Store)

Notebooks, Sketchbooks, Binders Grimoire (Walmart, Dollar Store, Thrift Store)

Feel free to add more if you have them, bare in mind this is excluding things you can find for free and only including the few shops around me!

Rahdue’s Wheel, a 78-card spread.

If you were wondering what this would be like, wonder no more.

Since my best friend and I have a great deal of magickal motivation and are clearly insane, WE COMPLETED THIS READING.

It was roughly 5 hours of direct cardwork and reading, but we took breaks for food and rest, so the total time spent, between taking the cards out of the box and putting them back in, was about 9 HOURS.

(Photo ft. bad lighting and my unbrushed hair.)

I had the privilege of choosing the cards, setting them up, and giving the reading for my much-beloved @haemoferedoll, who was a very patient and open querent.

By the end of the reading, we were decidedly exhausted.  My eyes were blurry, my head was swimming, my brain seemed to have deteriorated into rude, viscous mush, and my throat felt raw and sore from having talked so much.  Even my joints were achy.  I was basically an old crone by the end of it.

But, oh, let me learn you a thing.  THIS SHIT WAS  

E N L I G H T E N I N G.

The cards spelled out a clear story, with significant life lessons, warnings, and even illuminating information about past lives.  I’ve honestly never had a reading with such clear and definitive messages.  It was like the veil just parted to let the universe throw us some handy-dandy-4-1-1.  

For real, the cards were super specific and helpful.

Actually, after we were done, I was told that the reading was “more helpful than years of therapy.”~.  Potential hyperbole aside, I think the reading really did assist real and significant progress for my friend, which I’m wicked pumped about. 

IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS READING YOURSELF, I say to fuckin’ go for it.  It was a great experience as a diviner, an awesome chance to practice, and very affirming of my ability, and @haemoferedoll found it really helpful.  

However, PLEASE read all of the detailed information on the spread and how it works BEFORE you start the reading. If you don’t, you’re gonna have a hell of a bad time.  

Also, be aware that a significant portion of the reading revolves around past lives. If that doesn’t align with your personal beliefs, I would suggest you either skip those parts of the reading, or replace them with specific questions of your own.

ALSO.  I’m pretty sure this reading doesn’t NEED to last so long.  I was extremely thorough, and I’m very picky with choosing cards, so just the process of setting up took almost an hour.  

I also personally went into a lot detail with helping my friend interpret the cards and their story.  If you simply do a quick overview, I bet the reading would be way faster and much less of an ordeal.

For me though, the “ordeal” of it made it an experience.  It was absolutely worth the effort for what I got out of it.

TL;DR: We did the thing.  We liked the thing.  The thing was exhausting.  If you do the thing yourself, do the thing your own way and be smart about it.