Generic Witchy Sideblog

To put it in phrasing I've heard used elsewhere on Tumblr, if sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from chores, then I'm not sure that's a burden I'm willing to take on. I struggle enough trying to find the motivation to do my mundane chores; having an extra set of spiritual ones on top of that workload just doesn't sound... well, for lack of better phrasing, "worth it" to me.

Granted, I also think a big part of my feelings on this topic come from my current circumstances. Without getting too far into it, I've become kinda spiritually stagnant as of late, and whatever energies are around me right now don't particularly care for that. (I don't really look (or ask) for signs anymore, but the few I have seen all indicate a need for change/growth in my practice.)

But from my perspective, stepping away from witchcraft feels like finally finding solid ground again after years of trudging through a flooded swamp. Getting any more invested in a magical practice just feels... wrong.

Is it such a bad thing to want to "refuse the call," as it were, and choose to disengage with practicing magic altogether rather than pursue it?

Not rude at all.

The most important part first: no, it's not bad to refuse the call to magic. That's not bad at all. This old post may be of use to you. If witchcraft is something that you can sow into your life like an annual wildflower, and it's not currently/no longer serving you, then why stick with it? What would be the point of that?

(Of this, another post may be helpful for you: growth in witchcraft as shedding of snake-skin.)

"Sufficiently advanced witchcraft is chores" is a bite of a sound bite to be sure, and so I have made this longer post for you stepping it out.

Besides that long post, my other answer to your question is:

I don't think that investing in a magical path is supposed to increase your net difficulty/labor.

This was something that really got me early on. I'd hear practitioners saying how much work and struggle it all is. To which I'd say, sure - but then you have MAGICAL POWERS. You do all this so you can have magical powers which presumably you can use to make your life better.

So can't you then just use your magical powers to untangle, de-escalate, resolve, soothe, improve, and elevate your life in other ways, thus ultimately making your life much better than it was before you got into magic?

Magic is not a zero sum game, for me. I'm not in this for veneration or worship or earth spirituality. I'm in it because I want the utility. I'm here because I want the joy of deep connection with my friends when I'm tranced out and giving readings that zap their socks off. I'm here because I want to see what's behind people's eyes. I want to see how the conversation can go and know the exact words to make it go that way. I want victory, I want success. I want catastrophe and grace, not measured and mixed by a higher power and bestowed upon me but meted by me and sent outwards, downwards, forwards.

I can have all of this. But I myself can only have it one way.

I can only have it if I treat my practice as something so mundane and common that it's likened unto chores, that I put altar tending on my chore chart next to cleaning the bathroom, Saturdays are laundry and warding and wealth. Laundry is an endless chore only if you want endless clean clothes; warding is an endless chore only if you want endless protection.

It's no choice for me any more. I half run on magic now. And so I have to turn the spigot on and water myself first, or else I can never get the mundane chores finished anyway. I am not unique in this, although this is not the path of every Witch.

So if you are saying: this doesn't seem right for me right now, or maybe never again, and stepping away brings relief - then there is no argument from me, I would encourage you to find your solid ground.

But if you are saying, I see all these practitioners who seem to like the chore label, and isn't that overwhelming? isn't it a drag - then, no: for me it is energizing, liberating, fulfilling, actualizing.

There are dozens of plant species in the arsenal of the green witch. Commonly-used varieties and usage varies somewhat between traditions, but most of us are fairly familiar with industry standards like basil, bay, rosemary, sage, and so on.

But what do you do when faced with a plant that has no listed magical correspondences anywhere that you can find in your witchcraft library? Simple - you create some.

Allow me to demonstrate with a little plant I found in my own backyard. It's a common weed called Virginia copperleaf (Acalypha virginica). But despite it's widespread range and abundant growth as a field weed, there are surprisingly few references to the plant in regional folk medicine and none at all that I could find in contemporary witchcraft.

So in order to incorporate this hardy little weed into my practice, I set about creating some correspondences for it.

First, I researched the physical properties of the plant. It is a small annual spurge with long taproots, a resistance to drought and many herbicides, and a reputation for fast growth and being difficult to eradicate from fields due to prolific seeding. The leaves turn coppery-red in the fall and small spiky flowers bloom among the foliage. It is also mildly poisonous. The juice of the plant may cause contact dermatitis or a mild rash in some people and if ingested, it may cause GI symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Next, I researched references to the plant in folk medicine. I could only find a single reference that cited copperleaf as a possible diuretic and expectorant. That does track with the previous mention of GI symptoms, but it doesn't mean the plant is safe to use. I did discover that an alternate name for the plant is three-seeded mercury or mercury weed, likely because of its' tendency for fast growth and the fact that it is propagated by the wind.

So now comes the business of creating the correspondences, using the physical properties of the plant as a basis.

The first and most obvious association is strength. Any weed that is resistant to drought and herbicide and uprooting is bound to be useful for spells involving tenacity and fortitude. Prosperity is also a likely use, both because of the name copperleaf and the way in which the plant grows and spreads quickly. Because of the alternate name mercury weed and the wind propagation, it could be used for wind magic or communication spells. (I often associate the element of air with communication and the name of a messenger god is right there as well, but your mileage may vary.)

The plant could also be used as an ingredient for baneful magic, either to bind and frustrate someone's efforts by consuming available ground where their ambitions might grow, or in its' capacity as a mild poison, to cause physical discomfort and stomach trouble.

So in the end, I have a handful of copperleaf and a listing in my witchbook that details the properties of the plant and notes that it could be useful for spells involving strength, tenacity, prosperity, wind, or communication, as well as possible baneful uses including binding, discomfort, and sickness.

This is my system for assigning correspondences to previously-unknown plants, and I encourage readers to use it as a template for their own practices or to create their own system. Either way, I recommend the use of a field guide or plant identification app like PlantNet to properly identify plants as you find them. Remember to forage and harvest responsibly, be a good steward of the land around you, and always label your plant cuttings.

Check out more tips for harvesting local wild plants here.

Happy Witching! 💚🌿

(If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. You can also check out my show Hex Positive wherever fine podcasts are heard. 😊)

More witchcraft exercises here:

— - Ludwig Klages, Rhythmen und  Runen (via coldalbion)

Ebook - The Wise and Subtle Arte of Reading Cards

Binder Margins - The Wise and Subtle Arte of Reading Cards

Original version as I copy-pasted it from the archive website

Quickref guide, 1 page front and back

If anyone has input on the slur disclaimer, I am open to input and replacing or altering my disclaimer for something more suitable.

If you notice any errors in formatting or other issues, please reach out. I can fix the files. File versions are just dated to help keep track if there are changes.

These documents are here because this information has mostly disappeared from the internet. Save resources you value.

the throne of the sun will be golden and silent, glistening in the dancing air. but not yet, not yet! you howl, you sing, you wail, crossroads and scythe, the barking of dogs.

In my paradigm offerings serve to deliver energy or resources, basically taking up the niche of food and money in the human world.

Even offerings we perceive as being very cheap can readily deliver energy (like mass-produced pressed incense being prayed over so it's filled with power, and burned to send this power to the spirit).

Similarly, an offering can be cheap or easily obtained for us and still contain resources (like a glass of water devoted to the spirits, so they can directly nourish themselves from it).

I believe that as a Witch, the miracle comes from your ability to pluck things from the physical world and give them to the spirits.

It's not a miracle that the cheap pressed incense can deliver necessary nourishment and fine things to the spirits.

The miracle is that you can put things valuable to the spirits inside of incense, and through your power deliver it to them.

It's not the substance but you which are the fulcrum of power. Witches stand with one foot in each world, as they say - this can be taken quite literally; you can take magical power, condense it, and deliver it from this world to theirs, or from theirs to ours.

The pressed incense is nothing but the cardboard box it's all delivered in. You know?

For example, Avalon Is Risen - a song in which the magic comes back and a whole pile of divinities other than the God of Abraham show up to rule humanity. (Also gods are immortal and powerful and wise but do in fact need starships - that's humanity's job).

However, it has a verse listing a pile of non-Christrian practitioners and asserting that "all [their] faith is now rewarded, prophets of the ancient lore" - and like, I don't think that's true?

If I followed Coast Salish religious practices and saw Raven chariot-jack Apollo while Loki rode up on Sleipnir to give him a high-five, I don't think my first thought would be "I'm right about everything!". Religious beliefs involve both what exists and what does not exist.

Jennifer Jokhoo (British, born 1948)

"Tree Tunnel", 2025.

Color layered Reduction Linocut Print.

Not only will you get a cooler design, often, but you're also keeping things out of landfills.

An oath can be made with honest and earnest intentions but sometimes, when new information comes to light or requirements for upholding an oath become harmful (for example, staying married to an abuser), breaking one's oath is the right choice. Another example may be if someone has sworn themselves to serving an unjust cause or figure or community (such as Trumpers or Moonies), they may one day learn new information which finally snaps them out of it.

The main example of oath-breaking from my life was when I swore to Odin to quit smoking. No nuance, just quitting cuz I said I would. Initially I was making oaths I couldn't keep ("I'll never smoke again!") then when I'd inevitably break them, I'd become so sad and afraid of the implications of my oath breaking that it'd send me deeper into my bad habits than vice versa.

Eventually I learned to phrase these oaths more like "I promise I will try to fight off cravings for [x amount of time] before giving in," or "I promise I will seek out smoking cessation medical help," or even just "I promise I will try my best." These were oaths I could keep--and darn it, I did! x0x

Worshipping both Odin and Loki together, a major thing I have learned from them is that sometimes, there are certain oaths that must be broken.

Before I was on this path, I swore religious oaths to another god to uphold a corrupt organization that makes money off members, hides enormous wealth, and worst of all- promotes rape culture and extreme misogyny. There are members in this group who hold government positions who are actively engaging in corrupt behavior to cover up egregious cases of child abuse and set up systems that continue the cycle intentionally. In my opinion, an oath to an organization like this is something that must be broken after leaving in order to heal. I did invoke Loki to officially break these oaths so that I could set my spirit free. It was more symbolic than anything else. I wouldn't say everyone has to do what I did, but for me, it had to be done.

Some Advice for Getting Started:

*Start with things that interest you!* 

I know i get terribly bored very quickly (gemini curse lmao) so i find that if i dive into stuff i’m interested in learning about, that it will tend to hold my attention longer and help me get back into the swing of things! So in my example one of my first things i researched when i was starting out was about Crystals and their properties/uses in magic! From there i was able to use that as a sort of base jumping off point for my magical practice! And if you find something you were learning about doesn’t seem like it fits you/your style/ your practice then drop it and move on to the next thing! 

*Ask Questions!*

No Questions Are Stupid Questions No Questions Are Stupid Questions No Questions Are Stupid Questions!!!! Questions mean you care enough to try and learn more about something! I’m pretty much always here and will try my best to answer as best as i am able And if I can’t i will do my best to help direct you to someone more knowledgeable!

*TAKE YOUR TIME!*

This one is important because most of the time i feel like i see baby/beginner witches try really REALLY hard to “reach the same level” as other witches as quickly as possible when in reality that just hurts THEIR path in the long run. Your path is your own, take it at your own pace. Enjoy the little bumps along the way and find the “Roses of your Path” (the things that make you want to stop and appreciate them: the satisfaction of calling your first Storm, the chill of the night air when you set out your first Full Moon Water, the spark when you find that one crystal.) Enjoy it. Enjoy your path, Enjoy your Craft. 

*Use the Things you Already Own!*

Another thing i see beginners getting hung up on (myself included, i was/am extremely guilty of this lol) is wanting to go out and buy a ton of supplies. try looking around your house for things that can be re purposed. Old Spaghetti Sauce Jars can be cleaned and used as spell jars, deity altars/shrines, or ingredient storage! Take pictures from old magazines and make a collage Altar on paper! Use a composition notebook as your Book Of Shadows! Your old broken glasses case can be used as a case for your portable altar! Dig around and see if there are extra candles you haven’t used in a while! Wash out and save those eggshells from your cooking to use as spell ingredients! It takes some creative thinking but you can reclaim pretty much anything for your craft!

*Look for Bargains!*For one thing prices can be outrageous for actual craft materials: like Crystals and Gems? Truly truly truly outrageous. So keep your eyes peeled for bargains and deals! Some of the best places to look for things on the cheap would be Dollar Stores, Flea Markets, Thrift Shops, Garage/Estate Sales! Most of the time in those places you can try haggling to get things at a cheaper price (or get more for less.) It really just depends on the place but you can find the most interesting assortments of things! Keep your eyes peeled in your general day to day life as well see if there are sales at your local grocery store for seed packets, seasonal items/holiday items (look for the sales afterwords to really save haha) The internet is a great place to look, i know Ebay has sellers who sell raw crystals/ crystal chunks by the pound. There’s also places to buy spices in bulk too . *Don’t Compare Your Path to Others!*Your Path is Your Path, Their Path is Their Path. Being online and part of the witchy community in tumblr means that there are a lot of ideas being shared from people’s paths and their views on how they think magic should be practiced. What works for them might not work for you and vice versa. Only YOU can decide what is best for you and your path. and on that note:*Figure Out What YOU Want Out of Your Path!*When you get some time, sit down and write out all the things you want to get from your path and think critically about how you want magic to work in your daily life. Do you want it to be Super Formal or more casual? perhaps a mix of the two?  Test the waters! Try things once and if you don’t like it then you know and can move on to the things that work better for your lifestyle/craft/path!Some examples from my list that i can think of right now would be:-Better knowledge of Crystals/ Crystal remedies and their healing properties-Daily research -aka tumblr--Appreciating Nature more (Whenever i go on walks with my dog i try to pick up some litter if/when i see it)-Daily Deity appreciation  -aka deity aesthetic reblogs to @theemeraldgod & Pintrest-

Helpful Links for Beginners:Sww Master List of Tags- Here’s my main hub of things that i tag feel free to look and see if something interests you!Altars/ Altar set up Advice- My long winded post about what to put on your Altar.My Beginner Tag// My Beginner 101 Tag- There are two tags because they have similar information, the 101 tag is for more ‘Hey I just started today what do I need to know’

Anyways thanks for sending this in! I’ve been meaning to make one of these for a while and this finally gave me the excuse ^^

How much of it is actually useful, how much of it applies to your spirits or cosmology?

Who or what do you neglect regularly? What areas need more attention, more focus? What flames need to be tended?

Is there anything that no longer serves a purpose? Can anything be simplified to greater effect? How much time do you devote to strengthening your core skills and foundations?

And what you say reminds me of some advice a Buddhist mentor gave me, the one who taught me the basics of the Yi-ching :

Never neglect what remains in the shadows. Never neglect what you yourself leave in the shadows.

When a card or hexagram never appears during your divinatory experiments, question yourself why it remains in the shadows. And what complementarity it is made of.