Some Witchy Things

The suit's element would normally match the individual's sun or rising sign. I have had a few rare occasions where the element of the card didn't match the person's sun or rising sign, but most of the time it does. Wands = Fire Signs; Swords = Air Signs; Cups = Water Signs; Pentacles = Earth Signs

In most of my readings, pages and queens are feminine presenting individuals. Knight and kings are masculine presenting individuals.

If the card specifically comes out in reversed, then it is highlighting the negative traits of a person for that reading. Usually that means that the negative traits of the individual are significant to the situation the person is asking about.

King of Wands: A mature, strong, natural born leader. They are fearless and very action oriented. Likely to be an entrepreneur or in a position of power within the workplace. They can be quite charming and good at talking their way into (or out of) something. Reversed, this person is troublesome. Lacks confidence and self-esteem. They may have a nasty temper and are prone to tantrums. Very impulsive and has control issues.

Queen of Wands: A very beautiful individual- the type of beauty that draws attention to them everywhere (not just physical beauty- personality, too). Most likely to dabble in magic out of all of the queens, in my experience. They are very passionate, optimistic and assertive. Very independent. Likes to be their own boss. Truly is the lioness in charge. Reversed, they tend to be jealous individuals. May have a nasty temper, similar to the king of wands reversed. Tends to be very insecure about specific things. Mildly paranoid- they get triggered when they feel they are being manipulated. Very harsh when triggered.

Knight of Wands: Think of a less mature or inexperienced king of wands. Typically, this person is a younger individual, but outgoing and adventurous regardless of age. Has the fearlessness of the king of wands but tends to lack in common sense. The sporty, active type. Has a warm energy and likes to socialize. Loves a good game or challenge. Reversed, they are incredibly impulsive and lacks in self-control. Very reckless and entitled. They think even less of consequences but still manages to make it somebody else's fault. They tend to stay stuck acting the same way for years, until they have a realization that they are the problem.

Page of Wands: Think of a less mature or inexperienced queen of wands. A person who is young at heart and embodies youthful energy. Quite cheerful and optimistic. Incredibly creative, very artistic. Quite adventurous. They tend to seek approval from others, so they should focus on learning what it means to be their own boss. Reversed, this individual tends to find themselves in stagnation often. They can't quite seem to let themselves be authentic. They feel powerless or ignored, which leads to them acting out. Makes up for their loneliness by misbehaving to get attention. They fear being forgotten or left behind.

King of Swords: A very calm, very practical individual. They are disciplined and wise. They are honest and secure in their beliefs but are still open to learning about what others believe. Not the type to tolerate foolishness. Understands that everybody is always a student, no matter what position they are in. They tend to find themselves in positions of authority, especially in places where they get to give people guidance. Reversed, this person is cold. They lack the ability to be empathetic and sympathetic. Very harsh and quick to shame others. Not to the type to play victim often but will definitely point out every flaw and mistakes in others. Just as intelligent as the upright position but will use that intelligence to get what they want, regardless of who gets hurt.

Queen of Swords: This is a very powerful individual. Not exactly a motherly or nurturing person, but they still care about their loved ones. A problem solver. Very intelligent and always seems to have an answer for everything. More likely to find themselves in positions of authority than the king of swords (mostly because they tend to crave the ability to be the boss more). They are ambitious. Tends to impress people with their strong work ethic. Reversed, this person isn't ambitious. They are power hungry. Will manipulate and gaslight people as much as they can to get what they want. Gets very bitter when they lose. Very vengeful. Questions peoples motives and tends to be the best at psychological manipulation.

Knight of Swords: Think of a less mature or inexperienced king of swords. Quick-witted and smart but lacks the experience and knowledge the king and queen of swords have. They'll get there one day, though. Rational, but assertive. They tend to be the friend that will give everybody else multiple warnings when they do something stupid, then say "I told you do" when they end up being right. They're still loyal and will be present when their loved ones need them. Reversed, this person is just as impatient as the knight of wands but doesn't complain as much. Gets upset when they don't achieve something but doesn't acknowledge that they are too pushy. Very rude. Tends to be the bully.

Page of Swords: Think of a less mature or inexperienced queen of swords. This person craves knowledge, though they don't quite understand that knowledge isn't the same as wisdom. Still, their curiosity leads them to become quite intelligent. Analytical, deep thinkers. Asks a lot of questions. Can be quite chatty. Reversed, this person tends to be a loner. Not the type of person to have more than two or three friends. Tends to be insensitive to others, passing it off as "offensive humor" but really, they're just a massive bitch. They are either egoistical or insanely insecure.

King of Cups: This person is diplomatic, empathetic and caring. The type to do what it takes to keep the peace. Pretty easy-going, not the type to be very strict. They are in control of their emotions, but they are able to express their emotions in a healthy way. Not the type to seek positions of power but is likely the patriarch of the family. Reversed, this person's emotions control them. They react emotionally, not thinking of what they are saying until it is already said. Moody, irritable types. Doesn't hide their feelings well. Can be withdrawn after an argument.

Queen of Cups: A genuine, kind person. Very supportive of their loved ones. Sensitive, but not toxic. This person is also very sentimental- things such as heirlooms, family photos and even the smallest gifts mean a lot to them. Empathetic- more than the king of cups. The type to cry when somebody else starts crying. Usually, the first to listen when somebody needs support. Reversed, they are emotionally possessive. The type to manipulate people with their emotions. May mean well but ends up causing harm in the process. Vain. Very stubborn when they are not supportive of somebody else's decisions. Will throw a tantrum after a while if their various attempts of getting somebody to agree with them or do what they want fails.

Knight of Cups: Think of a less mature or inexperienced king of cups. Tends to be a romantic. In love with the idea of love. Optimistic, maybe a little dramatic. In tune with their emotions but may not have figured out the best ways to express them quite yet. Adaptable and easily influenced by their surroundings. Reversed, they are performative. Will wear a different personality depending on who they are with and what they want. Emotional, but repressing their emotions. Emotional outbursts can be explosive. Has intimacy and commitment issues.

Page of Cups: Think of a less mature or inexperienced queen of cups. Tends to be the shyest out of all of the pages. Sensitive and tends to take things to heart. Tends to cry over little things. Genuinely nice and wants to help others. Very imaginative. Similar to knight of cups, tends to be in love with the idea of love. Daydreams a lot. Reversed, they are like spoiled children. Used to getting what they want. Not the type to stay in one relationship for too long. Tends to be manipulative of others. Prone to lying.

King of Pentacles: Similar to king of wands, very likely to become on entrepreneur. Very successful in their career field (and generally most aspects of their lives). Most likely to be able to retire young but tends to keep working anyways. Very ambitious and knows what they want. Grounded- they aren't manipulated easily. Seeks to do better. Respectful towards others and demands respect for themselves. Will help their loved ones but has limits. Reversed, this person is greedy and stingy. Only thinks of themselves. Stubborn. Materialistic and judgmental. Sometimes a gambler. Don't expect empathy or sympathy from them- they are ruthless.

Queen of Pentacles: The most motherly and nurturing out of all the queens- even the queen of cups. Very loving. Tends to be more of a homemaker. Family is everything to them. Practical, yet empathetic. Offers comfort and support when needed but does not tolerate their kindness being abused. The parent, parent friend, plant parent, animal parent... They love taking care of others. Reversed, they are smothering and possessive. Selfish. Tends to be very anxious and gets nervous when they feel people are against them. Good at pretending they did nothing wrong. Doesn't like it when people don't tell them things. Don't share finances with this person- they will spend all your money and not feel bad about it.

Knight of Pentacles: Think of a less mature or inexperienced king of pentacles. They are hardworking and strive for success, though they may not always be sure of what they want in a career yet. They either have a clear vision of what they want or are still dabbling in anything that interests them until something clicks. Tends to have their morals and values straightened out young, but their sense of stability is lacking. Reversed, this person doesn't know what they want. They lack in confidence and tend to make up for it in indulging in other things (such as video games, partying, etc...). Tends to seek perfection but can never reach it. Don't befriend or date them if you're looking for loyalty.

If you pass by a ring of mushrooms, don’t step in the circle, but do tell the mushrooms your dreams. They love to hear stories.

If you see large, foreboding pawprints in the middle of the trail, do not follow them; the path leads only to sorrow and despair.

If you hear the lull of a flute by the bubbling of a river, you may listen, but not for long; if you linger, you can never leave.

Be sure to keep any items you bring secured in your rucksack, with a few seashells hanging from it; the crashing waves from the shells will scare off thieves.

Return home before night falls. You never know what might appear when the forest is cloaked in darkness.

If you do stay after sundown, do not look at the stars. They are temptresses in their beauty, but can bring death and destruction.

If you come across wildlife, avoid eye contact. Some creatures may steal your soul if you stare long enough.

Never pass under a gnarled, curling tree, for you may enter a world that looks like your own, but is different still.

If you find a jar of honey or jam resting upon a boulder, ignore it. There are those who would tempt you with sweet nothings; don’t accept their gifts.

Mark a trail from your starting point with plain yarn. If you cut the trees, they’ll come for you. If you tie a ribbon on branches, they’ll capture you.

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

The Encyclopedia of Crystals

A Little Bit Of Pendulums

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (FREE)

The Symbols of Tarot

The Element Encyclopedia Of Secret Signs and Symbols

Encyclopedia of Spirits

A Little Bit of Intuition

Moon Magic

Blackthorn's Botanical Magic

these are only the tip of the iceberg, but are perfect for new witches who need to learn the very basics.

These are available in many other places than the Apple book store, but that's where I usually buy my books.

You can also look up "(title of book) PDF" and you may find a free version!

writing a protective sigil inside your door to avoid bad energies to enter your room

making sigils by yourself works better because you pour your intention into it and can be a great way to manifest

white candles can replace any candle when doing candle magick

clear quartz can replace any crystal

when drinking your daily coffee/tea, stir clockwise to manifest something and anti-clockwise to let go of something. repeat your affirmations as you stir

salt baths absorb bad energies so having a salt bath once in a while helps with having your energies balanced

write an affirmation in a bay leaf and burn it to manifest it

always keep iron on you for protection

work with the moon phases and transits to make your spells more powerful

keep a sigil in your phone case for protection/manifestation

after giving an offering to a deity, return it to the earth

drink mugwort tea for lucid dreaming/astral projection (don’t drink it if you are pregnant!!)

before you put a crystal under water or in the sun, research about it

keep a dream journal. it helps for lucid dreaming.

put an amethyst under your pillow to sleep better and to recall your dreams

charge your tarot/oracle cards by putting a crystal on top of them while you are not usinf them

mix moon or sun water with your cosmetics for a quick beauty spell

try to do an activity to connect yourself with each element everyday. (ex: a bath for water, walking barefoot for earth, lighting a candle for fire, singing for air)

I have a huge fondness for dandelions. They’re sunny little flowers and their weedy resilience inspires me. I too would like to unexpectedly grow through the cracks of things without a care in the world.

Every part of the dandelion is edible–the leaves are a bitter green and the yellow flowers can be used in teas. Like many bitters, the plant has a mild diuretic effect (in fact, one of the folk names for dandelion is “piss-a-bed” which… how can you not love that?). This is supposedly good for your liver and digestion. Dandelions have been used in herbal remedies all around the world and across time, from Chinese traditional medicine to the indigenous nations of the Americas.

Today though I want to focus on the roots. They’re quite extraordinary! Dandelions are actually a taproot plant like carrots, meaning they have one big main root with several smaller ones reaching out of it. Their roots are notorious for growing really deep into the soil if left unbothered, and can be used as companion plants in gardening to help funnel nutrients up into the top layers of soil for surrounding plants. The roots too are edible with, again, a bitter taste.

How to Harvest Dandelion Root

Firstly, it’s not advisable to just eat any old dandelion you find. They often grow in places that have been treated with pesticides, which you don’t want to eat.

Once a reputable dandelion is found or planted, timing is everything. It’s best to let the plant grow for a couple of years, and to harvest the root in the fall.

In the fall the dandelions typically won’t have their signature yellow flower any more, so be absolutely sure that what you’re harvesting is actually a dandelion!

Depending on how soft the surrounding soil is, you can use your hands to dig up the root or a gardening fork. Ideally, you don’t want to break the root, so try jimmying around the plant to loosen the soil before going in.

Preparing the Roots

Wash the dirt off!

The roots can be eaten raw in salads, but typically they are dried. First take off the stringy excess roots. Then cut the taproot in half longwise and chop those pieces into shorter wedges, about ¼ to ½ inch or smaller. 

To dry, you can use a dehydrator or you can dry them out in a cool, dry spot over a couple of weeks. You can then use the dried roots for whatever witchy applications you desire, such as powdering them or using them in spells.

The dried roots will keep for about a year.

Dandelion Root Tea & Coffee

Once dried, the roots are tastier if you roast them. A lower heat for a longer amount of time is best, such as 250 degrees (F) for 2 hours.

After the roots are roasted, grind them into smaller bits in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle. If you store the roots in a jar and grind handfuls of them right before making them into coffee or tea, this makes the taste slightly stronger.

You can use the ground roots as you would coffee grounds to brew dandelion root coffee!

Alternatively, you can make a decoction tea, similar to how you’d make ginger tea. In a saucepan, combine a cup of water for every serving you’d like to make + 1 tsp of ground root for every cup. Lightly simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, drain the tea and it’s ready to drink.

The taste is earthy and a little bitter, so feel free to experiment with sweeter elements such as cinnamon sticks or mixing with other teas.

Possible Correspondences

Along with resilience, dandelions personally remind me of joy and luck. The association with granting wishes in their seed head form can also be borrowed for spells.

The English word “dandelion” is a bastardization of the French “dent de lion” meaning “lion’s teeth.” Dandelions can therefore be associated with Leo.

They say lose yourself in a maze but find yourself in a labyrinth.

Unlike a maze a Labyrinth only has one path with no dead ends, once you enter you will eventually find the centre and will never get lost.

From above

This symbol is ancient and used as an aid for spiritual awareness. The Rocky valley Labyrinth carvings near Tintagel, Cornwall are thought to be over 4000 years old. The symbol was popular with the celts and used throughout the medieval period.

Traditionally Labyrinths were constructed around lay lines and the act of creation harnessed its power so that as the person walked around the Labyrinth they crossed different sections of energy on their path. One of the most famous and powerful can be found in Chartres Cathedral.

There were various uses for Labyrinths. Ceremonial for various religions including the Pagans, Celts and Christians, usually chanting a passage or verse. Some wedding ceremonies would have the groom walk the path to the centre to pickup his bride and carry her back out again. They were even used by sea witches for capturing evil spirits or sprites. But mostly they are used as a tool to help bring spiritual awareness. The simple act of walking the path to the centre and back while concentrating on a specific issue, clears the mind and awakens the senses.

A quick guide to walking the Labyrinth.

Before you start think of what problems are stuck in your mind.

Think on them as you walk to the centre and release them as you walk out.

Some find the act of walking the path barefoot more powerful

It is best to pick a time where you will have the Labyrinth to yourself

If that’s not possible its fine to pass others but be respectful.

This is the Touchstone Labyrinth in Scotland. Its modern but well worth a visit.

I have a hard time doing something that involves magic every day, even though I've been on this path for quite some time.

Practicing magic a lot is by no means mandatory but it does help (in my opinion) to get better at it and it just helps with everyday problems. So here are some low effort activities you can do everyday that will hopefully help those of you with similar problems!

Write words like "protection", "healing" or whatever you want into your drink with a straw or spoon before you drink it. Or draw sigils in it.

If you feel super exhausted for no apparent reason, open a window and scream or, if you like it, put on some angry punk or metal music to banish whatever is feeding on your energy. While you're doing that, keep in mind that you want to banish. Otherwise you're just playing angry music. Yelling "Fuck off" also does the trick.

When you eat or drink something, try to pinpoint at least one magical property of each ingredient in your drink/food. It can also be one that has no historical evidence but is personal to you. That will help keep you in the magic mindset and also helps you to get all if that info into your long-term memory.

Open the window, stand in front of it and breathe in the air deeply with your eyes closed while you remind yourself that tge wind is part of nature and that you're connected to it. It doesn't have to be a half hour meditation, 5 seconds get the job done as well.

Offer everyday activities to your deities. For example: cooking for Hestia, standing up for yourself for Loki, practicing magic or **self care time** for Freyja, disposing of trash the correct way to your local nature spirits, etc

Take a shower or a bath, or just wash your face or brush your teeth with the intent of cleansing yourself from all that negative energy that has built up over the day.

Carry Rosemary and salt in your pocket, purse, or keep in a satchel.

A lit white candle in a circle of salt will protect a room.

A lit black candle repels and banishes unwanted energy quite well.

Hang Garlic in your kitchen to ward away mischief and evil.

Add Pine essential oil to cleaners for an added cleansing boost when washing tile/hardwood floors.

Grow Rosemary, Lilac, Lavender or Rose at your doorways to protect them.

Use knot magick when tying shoe laces, bows, headbands, etc for added protection.

Draw protective sigils or wards onto your skin with make up or lotion/moisturizer before blending.

Hang protective charms off your pet’s collar.

To Banish: • Burning to ashes and sweeping away the ashes • Cast out a window, down a cliffside, etc • Bury it and spit on the spot

To Bind: • Wrap in black thread • Cover in wax or other material • Seal in jar and hide in dark spot

To Hide: • Wrap in ribbon • Place in a (painted) black jar or other container • Cover in cloth or other material and bury

To Encourage: • Plant or bury near the front door/steps • Plant or bury near a window • Place near a window

To Communicate*: • Anoint a candle • Leave out an offering • Meditate • Open the front door and/or windows

To Glamour: • Leave under the full moon • Work with its reflection

To Cleanse: • Bury in salt • Burn herbs and pass through the smoke • Let it bathe in the moonlight

To Protect: • Leave sigils/wards on doors and windows • Carry sigils/wards on every day items (keys, phone case, etc) • Enchant jewelry with protection spells