alder

A list of all of the witchy assignments I've created!

Witchy Assignment #1 Diy Deity Deep Dive

Witchy Assignment #2 Misc

Witchy Assignment #3 Native Plant Research

Witchy Assignment #4 Pick a Topic

Witchy Assignment #5 Sigils

Witchy Assignment #6 (Deleted???)

Witchy Assignment #7 Witchy Book Report

Witchy Assignment #8 Reflection

Witchy Assignment #9 Spell Powders

Started: 28/08/2022

Updated: 30/08/2022

Introduction To Sociological Theory

What Is Sociology?

Introduction To Sociological Theory

Functionalism

New Right

Marxism

Feminism

Interactionism

Postmodernism

Theory Of Education

Functionalism

Functionalist View On Education

Functionalism: Secondary Socialisation

Functionalism: Specialist Skills

Other

Recommended Textbooks For A Level Sociology

Hayley Goes Up A Class Documentary

answers below cut <3

As a follow-up to my last post, I wanted to share with you a list of useful resources to get started with note-taking in Obsidian.

Optimal note taking framework for all subjects using Obsidian | Brad Studies

Using Obsidian Canvas to create custom dashboards | Mike Schmitz

Note taking templates I use in Obsidian | Nicole van der Hoeven

Obsidian: The king of learning tools | Odysseas

The key is really to start simple and build your way from the ground up. Don’t think too much about folder structures, file metadata, plugins, etc.

As a follow-up to my last post, I wanted to share with you a list of useful resources to get started with note-taking in Obsidian.

Optimal note taking framework for all subjects using Obsidian | Brad Studies

Using Obsidian Canvas to create custom dashboards | Mike Schmitz

Note taking templates I use in Obsidian | Nicole van der Hoeven

Obsidian: The king of learning tools | Odysseas

The key is really to start simple and build your way from the ground up. Don’t think too much about folder structures, file metadata, plugins, etc.

Over the course of my academic journey, I’ve tried a dozen of note-taking apps (OneNote, Apple Notes, Notion, etc.) and the one I’ve found myself sticking with is no other than Obsidian. The two main reasons are the infinite customisation options (plugins) and how easy it is to backup and use with another device, regardless of the operating system.

Here’s how I’ve been using Obsidian 🖥️

The Ritual Blade or Athame

The ritual blade often gets misunderstood. It’s sometimes portrayed as something extreme or frightening, but in practice, it’s simply a symbolic tool - one used for direction and intention rather than harm.

You don’t need one to practise magic. But if you choose to work with one, it helps to understand its role.

What is a Ritual Blade?

A ritual blade (often called an athame, boline, or simply a ritual knife) is a tool used for the following;

direct energy

mark boundaries

symbolically cut or separate

represent will and focus

It is not typically used to physically cut things during ritual, and it is never required for blood or harm. Think of it as an extension of intention, not a weapon.

Common Uses of a Ritual Blade

A ritual blade may be used to;

cast or close a circle

trace symbols or sigils in the air

symbolically “cut” energetic ties

mark thresholds or protective boundaries

focus intent during spell work

Many practitioners use it purely symbolically - pointing, tracing, or holding it as a focal object.

What Counts as a Ritual Blade?

This is where flexibility matters. A ritual blade can be any of these;

a traditional athame

a small knife dedicated only to ritual

a letter opener

a decorative blade

a ceremonial dagger

even a symbolic object that represents a blade

What matters most is dedication, not appearance. If an object is chosen intentionally, used respectfully, and reserved for ritual purposes, then it counts.

It does not need to be sharp, expensive or even look dramatic. A butter knife used with intent can do the same as an aesthetically pleasing blade.

How to Keep a Ritual Blade

Because it’s symbolic, how you store it matters more than how you display it. Common ways include;

wrapped in cloth

placed on an altar

kept in a box or drawer used for ritual tools

stored safely out of reach of children or pets

If it’s sharp, prioritise safety first - magic should never compromise wellbeing.

Cleansing & Care

Some people cleanse their ritual blade regularly. Some don’t. Both are valid. Gentle options include;

wiping it down with care

sound cleansing

intention and breath

moonlight

simply checking in with it before use

The goal is respect and mindfulness, not perfection.

Do You Need One?

No.

Plenty of witches never use a ritual blade at all. Hands, voice, breath, and intention are just as powerful. A ritual blade is a tool - not a requirement, not a status symbol, and not a shortcut.

If you feel drawn to one, explore that thoughtfully. If you don’t, your practice is not lacking.

Because you shouldn't have to buy a single thing to practice magic.

No crystals. No candles. No herbs. No fancy tools.

Just you, your intention, and 60 seconds.

Here are 10 spells you can do right this second:

1. The Invisible Shield Breath Take three deep breaths. Visualize a protective bubble forming around you with each exhale. Say: "I am protected." Use before stressful situations.

2. The Threshold Protection Stand in a doorway. Place a hand on each side of the frame. Say: "This is the boundary. Only what serves me crosses this line." Step through with intention.

3. The Mirror Visualization Close your eyes. Imagine you're covered in tiny mirrors facing outward. Any negativity bounces off and returns to sender. Use when dealing with gossip or jealousy.

4. The Grounding Breath Count Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 3 times. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth. Use for anxiety.

5. The Posture Spell Stand up straight. Roll shoulders back. Lift your chin. Say: "I am powerful. I take up space. I belong here." Hold for 30 seconds. Use before anything that scares you.

6. The Cord Cutting Visualization Imagine an energetic cord connecting you to someone draining. Visualize cutting it. Say: "I cut this connection. Your energy is yours, mine is mine." Use after toxic interactions.

7. The Open Hands Spell Hold hands out, palms up, like you're receiving something. Say: "I am open to receiving. Money flows to me easily. I have enough." Use for financial anxiety.

8. The Five Senses Grounding Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. This pulls you out of your anxious brain and into your body.

9. The "No" Practice Spell Say "no" out loud 10 times. Say it different ways: firmly, kindly, loudly, quietly. Feel how it sits in your mouth. You're practicing the spell of refusal.

10. The Crisis Mantra Say: "I have survived 100% of my worst days. I will survive this too." Repeat until you believe it. Use during panic or bad news.

These are just 10 of the 50+ no-supply spells I wrote about. Want the full guide? Read it here: https://www.edgeandaltar.com/post/no-supply-spells-magic-without-buying-anything

I tried to keep this fairly location neutral - so hopefully you find some helpful things even if you live someplace that doesn’t get snow/cold!

Create strands of pine cones to hang from your ceiling.

Collect a jar of snow so you can always have snow water nearby.

Drink things like seasonal tea, hot cocoa and apple cider (fresh pressed cider too!).

Burn pine/spruce/wintery scented candles.

Get/make a small wreath and keep it indoors!

Use ice cubes to connect to the cold.

Keep clear quartz and snowflake obsidian around.

Make paper snowflakes! Or find an app/website where you can do a digital one.

Use your heat to draw sigils on frosted windows. (If you live somewhere hot, use ice water instead!)

Put a bird feeder outside your window so you get winter visitors! (If you live somewhere warmer, you might get species just visiting for the winter!)

Use sigils that connect you to snow.

Get empty ornaments and fill them with herbs/pine needles/things that remind you of winter and hang them around.

Wear shimmery blue or white nail polish.

Use ice water to clean and cleanse your body!

Check out the winter decor section of thrift stores when you make it out of bed! Or have someone send you pictures!

Visit seasonal themed/winter aesthetic blogs.

White fairy lights!

Keep your curtains open during a full moon.

Wind chimes remind me of everything. Including! Winter. 

Get some cute little snow globes. 

Decorate with winter colors! White, blue, silver, grey, dark green, etc.

Listen to music that reminds you of winter/snow falling. Try instrumentals.

Open the window for a minute to feel the cold air (do this early in the morning if you live somewhere warm).

This cute idea for moon charged ice cubes.

Watch gifs/videos of snow, ice forming, fire crackling, etc.

Connect with any deities that are associated with winter.

Watch shows/movies that remind you of the wintertime from when you were a kid.

Watch winter/arctic documentaries.

Keep a bonsai tree/jade plant. Something that naturally keeps it’s leaves even in winter.

Other bedridden witch posts:

Bedridden witch  - Nature edition

Bedridden witch  - Worship edition

Bedridden witch - Divination edition

Bedridden witch - Stale energy edition

Bedridden witch - Elements edition

Bedridden witch - Pastel edition

Bedridden witch - Kitchen edition 

In years past, I posted a two-month series of recipes suitable for the autumn season, which everyone seemed to enjoy very much. I’ve been too busy this year to make up a new queue, so I thought I’d compile a big long list of links for anyone who’s looking for recipe ideas this fall.

Update: I’ve posted more recipes since the original roundup and I’ve added those additional links to the list below. I’ve also done my best to mark which ones are vegetarian (🌿) or could be easily altered to be so. (Some could also be altered for a vegan diet using egg, milk, or butter substitutes.) Recipes which may include alcohol as an ingredient are also marked (🍷).

Some are fall-themed, others are for more wintry occasions. But all are designed to make the most of the season and keep our hearts and bellies full as we face the coming cold. Enjoy!

Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks

A Pair of Stuffing Recipes 🌿

Asparagus Salad 🌿

Baked Apples 🌿

Beets with Cloves and Cinnamon 🌿

Bree’s Cheddar-Garlic Mashed Potatoes 🌿

Bree’s Homemade Colcannon 🌿

Carrot Fritters 🌿

Cheese & Bacon Pinwheels

Cheese Toasties 🌿

Cranberry-Orange Sauce 🌿

Fish Cakes

Irish Stout Apple Fritters 🌿🍷

Oatmeal & Potato Bread 🌿

Parsnip & Apples 🌿

Pumpkin Seeds 🌿

Sprouts au Gratin 🌿

Soups

Butternut Squash and Pear Pottage 🌿

Cheese Soup & Dumplings 🌿

Chestnut Soup 🌿

Garlic Soup 🌿

Gingered Pumpkin Soup with Molasses Cream 🌿

King’s Arms Tavern Cream of Peanut Soup 🌿

Mashed Potato Soup 🌿

Mushroom Soup 🌿

Entrees

Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Honey 🌿

Bree’s Baked Ziti

Bree’s Cream-of-Mushroom Chicken with Rosemary

Bree’s Crockpot/One-pot Chili 🍷

Bree’s Fried Chicken Parmesan

Bree’s Honey Baked Salmon

Bree’s Lemon Chicken Lentil Stew  🍷 🌿

Bree’s Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole 🍷

Bree’s Roast Chicken with Apples and Potatoes 🍷

Bree’s Sesame Ginger Chicken

Bree’s Turkey Hash Casserole

Dill-Crusted Salmon

Farmer’s Breakfast and Farmer’s Casserole 🌿

Irish Stew 🍷

Meat Patties in Crust

Michaelmas Goose with Sage & Onion Stuffing 🍷

Pan Haggerty

Pumpkin Plenty 🌿

Roast Pork Tenderloin with Orange & Onion Sauce

Rosemary-Orange Beef

Savory Yuletide Pie 🌿

Spiced Pot Roast 🍷

Stuffed Acorn Squash 🌿

Stuffed Braised Beef

Surry Sausage, Squash, & Apple Bake with Savory Streusel Topping

Thieves’ Stew 🍷 🌿

Xanodrian Beef Stew 🍷

Welsh Potato Pie 🌿

Welsh Trout in Bacon

Baked Goods

Applesauce Buttermilk Biscuits 🌿

Barm Brack 🌿

Beer-Bacon-Onion Muffins 🍷

Caerphilly Scones 🌿

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern Sweet Potato Muffins 🌿

Drop Scones 🌿

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins 🌿

King’s Arms Tavern Apple Cheddar Muffins 🌿

Tea Table Goodies

Apple & Potato Cake 🌿

Apple Raisin Cider Teabread 🌿

Bree’s Cranberry Pumpkin Bread 🌿

Faerie Cakes 🌿

Irish Apple Cake 🌿

Irish Apple Teabread 🌿

Irish Whiskey Cake 🌿🍷

Isle of Wight Farmhouse Cake 

Marmalade Loaf 🌿

Porter Cake 🌿🍷

Seed Cake 🌿

Shortbread 🌿

Welsh Crumpets 🌿

Desserts

Apple Fritters 🌿

Baked Apples 🌿

Bramble Dessert 🌿

Bree’s Easy-Peasy Molten Chocolate Cake 🌿

Bree’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Chocolate Liquer Glaze 🌿🍷

Chranachan 🌿

Christmas Plum Pudding 

Romanian Cheese Doughnuts (Papanasi)

Beverages, Jams, and Sauces

Eggnog 🍷

Hot Buttered Rum 🌿🍷

Mulled Cider 🌿🍷

Samhain Wine Cup 🌿🍷

Wassail 🌿🍷

Blackberry & Apple Jam 🌿

Irish Whiskey Marmalade 🌿🍷

Bree’s Dad’s Sauce Recipes 🍷

Delectable Dressings 🌿

Sources

Celtic Folklore Cooking (Asala)

A Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook (Telesco)

A Witch’s Brew (Telesco)

Kitchen WItch’s Guide to Brews and Potions (Telesco)

The Kitchen Witch (Soraya)

Witch in the Kitchen (Johnson)

The Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook (Gonzalez)

Favorite Meals from Williamsburg (Turgeon)

Holiday Fare: Favorite Williamsburg Meals (Gonzalez)

The Very Best of Irish Traditional Cooking (Lennon and Campbell)

An Irish Country Cookbook (Taylor)

And of course, a selection of family recipes, shared with all of you for the joy of the season.

Happy Cooking!

At the end of a long day, there can be a strong temptation to just flop onto the nearest comfortable piece of furniture and just shut down. While it does bring relief, here’s one step I recommend taking first to help you cleanse, de-stress, and disengage from the working portion of your day.

When you get home, put your accoutrements away and wash your hands. Attend to any first-thing-in-the-door rituals you have. Then go to your tub, take off your shoes and socks, get any long garments or trouser legs out of the way, and wash your feet.

It doesn’t have to be a full bath. You don’t have to bend or scrub. It doesn’t have to take more than a minute. The water can be whatever temperature is comfortable for you. Use a bucket or run the tap, whichever is easier. Flex your toes a bit, let the water run between them. Let it flow over your ankles if you can.

As you do, take some deep breaths and consciously let go of the working or schooling or errand-running portion of your day. That’s done with, and you’re home. You might still have some things to do over the course of the evening, but you’re headed for some nice leisure time too. If it helps, you can visualize the stress flowing out through your feet and into the water to be washed down the drain.

If you wish, you can add soothing herbs or bath oils to the water before washing your feet. These can be aligned to whatever magical purpose you like.

When you’re done, rinse the tub, dry off your feet, and go about your evening. I recommend clean footwear like fresh socks or house shoes if you don’t wish to go barefoot.

I do this every day when I get home, with a bucket of cool water in my tub. It’s very refreshing, especially on hot days, and I’ve found it a very soothing way to separate my work day from my evening time. Plus, it cleans my feet and softens my calluses. In the winter, I use hot water and it’s a pleasant way to warm up after tromping around in the cold or sitting in a chilly office all day.

Feeling dirty and grimy for extended periods of time is extremely draining on the mental well-being of humans. Psychological studies prove it is detrimental to our self-esteem and contentment. And no wonder; we are animals--homo sapiens, a kind of ape--that instinctively places high importance on personal grooming. Like monkeys and cats and birds in a zoo, one of the best ways to make us feel sad ... is to make us feel gross to ourselves.

So here's an easy saying from my therapist/zookeeper:

"If you feel like you hate the world, eat something.

If you feel like the world hates you, get some sleep.

If you feel like you hate yourself, take a shower.

Some nights even filling up the kettle and setting an empty mug out for my morning tea felt hard. But I was always thankful for it in the morning.

Other nights, one thing would lead to another, and I’d wake up in a clean house with everything ready to go.

And, on a rare few nights, the one thing that I could do to make my morning easier was going straight to bed and allowing myself to rest.

Components:

Railroad spikes

Compass (optional)

Mallet/hammer

Anointing oil (for the spikes)

Protective smoke blend

Cast iron cauldron (or other high heat resistant vessel)

Charcoal tablet

Matches/lighter

Timing: New Moon - secrecy, renewal

On the eve of the new moon, unbind the spikes and anoint them with the pre-prepared oil.

Take up the compass and mallet, and strike the spikes into the ground at the cardinal directions (alternatively you can do the four corners of the property).

Prepare the cauldron with charcoal, light the tablet and as you burn the loose incense, walk the boundary between the spikes.

Continue walking as many laps as you see fit.*

Once finished, extinguish the charcoal tablet.