A Student and Witch

Rather than being angry and harboring negative energy over gatekeeping and exclusion in witchcraft, I have decided to make a list of things that you can likely do as a student witch in college, along with some things to maybe stay away from (if you so choose; these are mere suggestions to follow only if you’re feeling extra secretive like me). These also could help a closeted witch who lives with strict parents, judgmental roommates, or in otherwise restrictive housing.

*DISCLAIMER*: these may not all apply, and I’m not an expert! I hope they work for you, but everyone’s situation is different. If you have suggestions, or if I’ve said something inaccurate, please let me know! 💖

Potpourris, and essential oils are excellent for dispersing aromas and energies

Wax melts are a perfectly good substitute for candles when you’re not allowed to have open flames. If you can’t have hot plates, battery candles can work in a pinch, but are less effective and should be supplemented with other methods of charging and powering spells and rituals

Setting out plants is ALWAYS a good thing, and since being cottagecore is trendy it’s super common and not sus at ALL

Get a cheapo lockbox for tarot cards, crystals, dice (for divination!), a mini notepad grimoire, and other small items

SPEAKING OF COTTAGECORE If you have access to a kitchen with an oven, take up baking as a kitchen witch activity. There are tons of recipes here on tumblr!

Find a private place outside if possible, or a quiet, typically unoccupied study space to perform rituals, readings, or other witchy activities! (Bonus points if your outdoor space is near nature!)

Stir intentions into your tea, coffee, or other drink of choice

Many things are still easy to do, such as sigils and meditation!

Since you probably don’t have a bath, consider using bar soaps or scrubs with natural ingredients that you would use in a ritual bath, like rose petals or salts.

Most of all, do not do anything you’re not comfortable doing, especially if you believe it might put you or others at risk. You’re still a real witch, even if you stay away from divination or candles or putting up sigils or smoke cleanses. I promise, you’re still a valid witch.

As always, be extra careful when dealing with open flames, and it might be best to just avoid them completely. It’s not just a “follow the rules” thing, you could potentially set off fire safety mechanisms in the building. Some buildings have sprinkler systems that can’t be turned off, which could cause tons of damage to your dorm-mates’ things. That’s not even considering the fact that it could set off an unnecessary call to emergency services. These are extreme examples, and can probably be avoided with some trickery, but if you’re inexperienced I’d just advise you to stay away.

Be conscious of your roommate(s), and what may make them uncomfortable. If you feel safe doing so, open up a dialogue with them about what they’d prefer to stay outside the room. Ask before using a diffuser, warn them if you plan on using candles or other open flames, and be considerate of imagery or items that they aren’t comfortable with. Keep in mind that when you’re living with someone, they have wants and needs too. If you want them to be open and considerate for you, allow them the same courtesy.

If you don’t want to, or for any reason feel you cannot talk about your practice with your roommate(s), then your best bet is to find another place to do your spells/rituals/readings/etc. If your dorm is not a safe space for your craft, then find somewhere that is safe.

Be aware of anything that might look suspicious, like ceremonial blades, herbs, or unpackaged teas. This sounds a little ridiculous, but my friend gave me a going-away gift of tea wrapped in plastic wrap, and I’m sure it doesn’t take much thinking to figure out what that looks like. Depending on rules about dorm searching at your school or on the openness of your roommates (as discussed above), these could get you in some trouble.

Keep a dream journal. Keep it right by your bed and write in it as soon as you wake up to record your clearest memory possible. You may not be able to remember a dream every night, but this practice will lead to increased rememberance, and possibly eventual Lucid Dreaming.

Start a garden if possible. Nurturing plants is just nice, and using your own fresh herbs is really empowering in my opinion.

Notice when things resonate with you. Anything that gives you pause and makes you curious in a good way, do a little research and learn more about it! I'm talking a color, creature, work of art, plant, concept, literally anything. Research! Free PDF files are available online for tons of books! (I'm considering making a separate post with my own pdf library for y'all too.)

Cleanse! Take intentful baths/showers and clean your body regularly. Try and keep your physical space clean too, and intentionally cleanse the energy of your environment on the regular. (Note to peeps who struggle doing these: I know it's hard to tackle doing these things when you're feeling shitty, but try anyway. Doing these things will improve your mood 9/10 times, even if all you do is wash your face, light a candle, and put laundry in baskets.)

Practice Energy Work. Energy is a part of everything, and connects everything, so being able to sense it is helpful. A common example is being able to tell if you're being watched, even if you can't see the one watching you. One way to practice is by getting in a comfortable position for meditation, and try to sense what you feel inside your body, ex. try and focus on the sensation inside your big toe, and move that awareness around your body. I once was able to sense my pulse anywhere in my body by thinking about it, I consider that an energy work practice. Once you feel confident about sensing your own energy, you can try a crystal, plant, etc, and start playing with energy balls/thoughtforms if you like.

Practice breath work. Similar to energy work, but with a focus on your breathing. There are lots of breathing exercises, so feel free to experiment with the length of inhale/exhale/hold. Breathing exercises will help you in meditation exercises as well. In yoga, your breath is often refered to as your prana, which is your energy. It's all connected.

Write yourself a personal mantra. It should be empowering and use affirmative language (meaning say something like 'i am safe' rather than 'i am not in danger'). Repeat it to yourself frequently. Be your own best friend here, uplift yourself, and engage in self care even if self care in the moment means doing something difficult.

‘October is a month filled with happiness, love, laughter and blessings’

The last few months have been hell for me y'all and there’s absolutely no sign of it letting up. The astrology for this year is pretty clear that it’s only looking to get more intense between now and part way through next year so I’m trying to focus on ways I can better ride this wave out. I realized other people might appreciate these challenges that I’ve created for myself so I decided to share them with all of you. Please take what is useful and leave the rest. Try as much of it as you can or as you want. I will say it would probably help to use a journal throughout this process or a planner. Whichever works for you!

The Routines

Given the astro weather and what’s going on in the world generally, now is a really good time to reexamine routines and solidify the helpful parts. I’ve been doing a lot of this lately and it’s been really impactful.

So one part of this challenge involves creating both a morning and evening routine that has at least one of item of maintenance self care, kindness self care, and reflection self care. Expression self care too if you can manage it.

So for instance maybe your AM routine would be:

Brush teeth + get dressed (maintenance)

Morning pages, TMS journaling, or a tarot challenge (reflection)

Make a nice cup of tea and read or listen to something (kindness)

And maybe your PM routine would be:

Brush teeth + wash face (maintenance)

Write about what happened that day (reflection)

Put on a diffuser and read of listen to something (kindness)

Try to stick to it more days than you don’t and that’s already a win.

I also like to anchor my routines around 123 and 321. In the morning, I like to write down 

1 way I can give back to someone 

2 things I want to get done

3 things I’m thankful for. 

In the evening, I like to write down 

3 things I accomplished

2 ways to improve

1 thing I’m proud of or thankful for

These could count as reflection if need be. I just find them really handy for starting off and finishing a day on a good note.

The Content

I’ve been feeling bombarded by content that stresses me out lately. I can tell it’s been taking a toll on my health. As a disabled person, I’ve had watch so many people, including family, suddenly decide COVID wasn’t worth worrying about while I remain in the same lockdown as ever because I haven’t stopped being high risk. It can be really overwhelming seeing how little folks care.

But I was recently introduced to the idea that instead of trying to scroll through the news less, it was more productive to focus on what I want to do more of instead. So I’ve cut back to reading a news roundup around midday and then focusing on completing the following challenge.

Read 5 new books

Watch 5 new films or documentaries

Listen to 5 new podcasts

Listen to 5 new albums

Create 5 new works

When I say new, I mean new to you.  I’ve found that novelty helps keep my mind from wondering which is helpful in these times.

What work is is ultimately up to you. For me it will be mostly writing and embroidery this month. Maybe some knitting or crocheting. For you it could be creating a new art piece, learning a new song, taking and editing 5 new photos - whatever would really engage you in a meaningful way.

The Prompts

These are designed so that you can pull cards for these, journal through them, or both. So please do however many of these are actually helpful to you and then don’t sweat the rest. I wanted to include a tarot challenge as a way to help take care of one of the reflection categories for the routines and prompts deeper thinking on the theme.

1 T - What’s been getting in your way lately? How can you get it out of your way or adapt to it?

2 W - What spell work would improve your life? What do you need to perform it?

3 T - What have you been wanting to learn more about? Where could you start?

4 F - What’s would make you feel more confident in your body? How could you do that?

5 S - What’s your biggest limitation you’re facing? What can you learn from it?

6 S - What talent could you share with others more? Where could you start?

7 M - What’s been bothering you around the house lately? What would lessen it?

8 T - What way to move your body would bring joy? What do you need to start?

9 W - What friend or community have you not reached out to in a while? How can you?

10 T - What spiritual practice brings you peace? What would you need to do it more?

11 F - What small change would feel luxurious? How can you implement it in your life?

12 S - What structures do you need to set up? How would they benefit you?

13 S - What way could you brag on yourself a little? Who would be proud to hear about it?

14 M - What food would make you feel more cozy? What do you need to be able to make it?

15 T - What is the biggest drain on your energy? How can you lessen or get rid of it?

16 W - What really needs said? Who needs to hear it?

17 T - What could you give someone to cheer them up? Who should you give it to?

18 F - How could you spend more time with beauty? Where should you look?

19 S - What should you cut back on? How would it benefit you?

20 S - What would make you more sovereign? How can you implement it?

21 M - What intuition have you not been listening to? What does it say?

22 T - What’s a better way to deal with anger? Where can you learn more?

23 W - What charm could use refreshed or recast? What needs to be different?

24 T - What opportunity is presenting itself? How can you take it?

25 F - What could you revel in more? How can you make it happen?

26 S - What needs to be gotten rid of? Where’s the place to dispose of it?

27 S - What’s the dark side of your ego? How can you manage it better?

28 M - What would make your home more calming? How can you bring that in?

29 T - How are you when you’re aggressive? What’s a better way to get what you want?

30 W - What connection needs extra energy? How can you add to it?

Conclusion

Full Moon tonight! Charge your crystals, set out your moon water, and let the full energy of the powerful full moon into you!

19th Aug 2020

As today is World Photography Day, I braved the delightfully torrential weather and headed up to the Quantocks hills. Catching the tops of the forest in fabulous cloud and marvellous atmosphere, provided by Storm Ellen.

-The sabbats-

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City Witch Tips for all of my fellow witches stuck in apartments, dorms or other city areas.

If you can’t burn incense you can make your own sprayable incense by mixing alcohol (usually vodka or rubbing) with essential oils and a bit of oil, spray in the air to act like incense

If you are unable to go outside for whatever reason to get rain water (in my case just no where to collect it safely), fill a jar or glass with regular water and keep it near a cracked window to charge it with the wind, sound and scent of the rain outside. Same goes for storm water

Trapped in city and unable to get ocean water? Sea salt mixed with rain/storm water can be an excellent substitute

To continue on with water substitutes, if you can’t collect snow crushed ice from your fridge will suffice

Low key warding/protection you can use: spray moon water, salt water or sprayable incense about your apartment or dorm, place sigils under doormats, furniture, inside cupboards, etc; place crystals about hidden or out in the open, sweep and dust out the door or towards windows

If you need melted wax to seal a jar or for any other magical purpose, but can’t burn candles, by a wax melter and melt that wax and imagine the light from the burner acting like a flame (plus they are rather cheap, I got mine for 25 bucks)

Need stars in your craft but too much light pollution? Glow in the dark stars on your ceiling or wall can work just as well for visualization. Print out pictures of your favorite constellations or planets and place them up on your walls or on your altar. Live video feed of the night sky can also be easily found on the internet

Bath magic is amazing for low-key ‘in the woods’ witches. Use teas, milk, oils, herbs, bath bombs, bubble baths, salts, etc that relate to your intent. It is also a good place to meditate if you have roommates or family around that would disturb you otherwise

If you do for whatever reason need to burn a candle, birthday candles are small, melt fast, and don’t create a lot of smoke or smokey scent

Sigils are another great low-key form of magic. To boost them up, use color magic related to the color you draw them in, write them using quills made of feathers related to your intent, use colored paper, rub a drop of essential oil on them, charge them with crystals or in your windowsill

You don’t have to burn sigils to activate them, which is hardly an option when you are in a dorm or apartment. Other options are: Shredding them, erasing them, soaking them in a bath or shower, using body heat or your own pulse, etc

Miss having the outdoors and plants around? Windowsill gardens can really help. Small plants you can consider keeping in your windowsill or counter-tops: succulents, cacti, bamboo, lemongrass, basic, rosemary, mint, rosemary, mosses, aloe, snake plant, pothos (and other vines), carrots, beets, shallots, lettuce, spinach, garlic, chives, parsley, oregano, thyme, and marigold

Open your window to let the wind and air from outside to help energize you and clear out negative energies inside

Fun places to put sigils: under furniture, carved into soap, onto shampoo/conditioner bottles, on your make up, inside phone cases, in shoes, under bandages, sewn into pillow cases and blankets, behind pictures in frames, underside of nail polish, carved into wax squares for your wax melter, keys and keychains, behind mirrors or in medicine cabinets, on bookmarks, on or in binders and pencil cases, on medicine bottles, and water bottles/travel mugs

Easy to make and dispose of poppets: carrot sticks (one of my personal favorites), apples or other fruit, clothe, paper, popsicle sticks, paper towels/napkins, toilet paper rolls, eggs, celery stocks, and cotton balls

The internet is an amazing thing. Need some sounds to help you focus or meditate? Easily look up the sounds of rain, storms, wind, ocean waves, jungles, forests, etc

Christmas lights are fun and great way to use discrete witchcraft. Select ones in the colors you wish for them to bring ie green for growth, yellow for inspiration, white for protection, purple for psychic abilities, etc. 

Some everyday things you can use for discrete witchcraft that don’t cost much at all or that you most likely already have: water, table salt, black pepper, paper, crayons/pencils/pens/markers, vinegar, milk, tea, highlighters, make up and beauty supplies, shampoo and conditioner, rubber bands, paperclips, thumbtacks, computer/phone/tablet, music/music player, playing cards, dice, air freshener, perfumes, toothpaste, rice, flour, sugar, honey, and all kitchen herbs and seasonings.

Can’t afford gemstones or crystals on college budget? Crackle and dyed quartz you can find super cheap at craftstores and online. I bought a whole bag for 4 bucks. Use them based on their colors and shapes. Can’t afford that but still want to use rocks in your craft? Find some rocks you like outside, again use their colors and shapes to determine their correspondences. Want to use them for a specific purpose? Paint sigils on them in the color that corresponds with what you want! Charge them in your windowsill or with your own energy and intent. There you go!

Pocket mirrors are cheap, easy to carry around and great for glamours and on the go magic. 

Seriously though, glamour spells are going to be a good option for you. use your make up, skin products, hair care products, brushes/combs, perfume, mirrors, toothbrush/toothepaste and intent. Good to do while you are getting ready for your day

Dream magic is another friend of the city witch! Use crystals, sigils, herbs, etc near your bed before you go to sleep, drink some chamomile, get yourself a dream journal (mine is literally a notebook with construction paper on it), keep it and a pen near you. In the morning write down your dreams, your thoughts, how you feel (tired, refreshed, groggy, etc), and interpret them. 

Can’t afford tarot cards? Print out some, you can usually find them online and they won’t last as long as a real deck but it is a good temporary solution. Want a Ouija board but can’t keep one or need it to be easily hidden? Print one out, draw on one on paper or cardboard, fold it up and store it once you are done. Want a pendulum but can’t afford one? Use your favorite necklace, bracelet or keychain!

Tea and coffee magic is great, make your own tea blends with the herbs you like. Or just buy simple green or black tea and add sugar, milk, etc depending on your intentions

As I said before, crock pot magic. The Modern Cauldron: brew and cook all day with it, fill your apartment with the scent of the herbs and food to fill it with the energies they correspond with and you get a delicious meal to come home to! Most dorms allow them. Rice cookers also work well.

Can’t afford fresh food? Have to survive on ramen, canned soup, and microwaved meals? That is okay! They even correspond with things! Tomato soup for love, beauty and passion. Beef ramen noodles for strength, courage and longevity. Microwave mac n cheese for beauty and feminity. Look at their ingredients and what they correspond with. Sure its not as glamorous as a making a huge made by scratch traditional meal but its kitchen magic none the less. Stir it with your intent while you cook. It isn’t fancy but it works just as well!

Use a notebook or binder for a nice grimoire, decorate it as much as you want on the inside. Print out pictures of nature, animals, planets, stars, places, crystals, etc that you cant’ access/afford and use them in your craft. Spell books and grimoires are powerful tools

Don’t have a wand? Use a wooden spoon. Tie a colored string or ribbon to it to correspond with what energy you want it to have and move and flick it as you would a wand. 

Knitting, crocheting, and knot magic is very apartment friendly. As well as sewing and embroidering plus it is super calming.

Glitter, sequins, and beads are great in witchcraft! Use their colors to determine their correspondences. Put them in spell jars, sachets, bottles, etc. Glitter tip: if you spill any don’t fret, get some packing tape, wrap it around your hand with the sticky part outwards and dab at that glitter spill. You will literally pick up all of the glitter in seconds!

Enchant and charge your pots, pans, skillets, and other cookware to make every meal magical

Make moonwater in your windowsills. Use it for cleansing, beauty, divination, clarity, protection and purification

Take walks. Even if it is a city there is still nature about. Pigeons flying about, potted flowers outside of stores, grass growing in front lawns, etc. Enjoy yourself, even if it is not some wild, vast forest you can still connect with your local nature.

Pick up litter or garbage you see outside, being in the city we all see it. The natural world around you will appreciate you helping out. Bring a bag with you when you take your walks or travel and fill it with wrappers you see on the ground.

Connecting to Nature & The Universe

🌿🌱🍃🌞💫🪐⛅️🌧🌬

More specifically this type of mourning curse can be used in many different variations, one known in my family was to light a candle of mourning at the church for someone still alive to cause harm, so you’re right that the idea stems from the fact that you’re sort of acting like the person has already died.