winter is upon us

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post. I’m going to address one of the most frequently asked questions I receive: How do I give offerings? For some reason, many beginner books don’t dive into the specifics of this religious practice which many are unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help.

General Rules:

Offerings are given as thank-yous, as little gifts to say that you appreciate the deity’s existence. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be special in your eyes. For example, I often offer donuts or wine simply because I don’t buy those two things often.

Offerings should be appropriate for the deity you’re giving them to.

You’re allowed to get creative with offerings–in fact, the Gods even prefer that you do!

How often you give offerings in accordance to your practice is up to you.

You may give apology offerings for any offense you think you may have made.

Prayers, songs, playlists, and there intangible gifts still count as offerings.

You do not need an altar to give offerings. You can give offerings anywhere, at anytime.

Simply saying “This is for you” makes the object an offering.

Food Offerings:

Most food offerings are eaten after being offered. The main exceptions are Greek chthonic deities, and ancestors, in which case you do not eat the offerings. Research your specific pantheon to make sure if eating is appropriate or not.

There is no set amount of time to leave out food offerings. In fact, many worshippers will eat said offerings right after they offer them.

If you do not eat food offerings, you may throw them away, saying something like, “Though I discard these physical offerings, the spiritual offering remains”.

You may also bury the offerings. Make sure that the offerings will not harm the surrounding environment or animals. Do not bury them in a jar or plastic bag.

If you offer herbs, you may either burn them using a charcoal block or cauldron, or you may throw them out/bury them. While burning is certainly traditional in many pantheons, do not feel the need to if you will be bothered by the potent smoke or handling fire.

Liquid Offerings:

Liquid offerings are handled in the same way food offerings are, with the exception of oils.

You do not have to drink oils after offering them. (Drinking straight olive oil is pretty gross, and please DO NOT drink harmful essential oils!) I recommend pouring them into the ground outside, or into the trash can.

You may pour liquid offerings into the offering bowl, or, you may keep the liquid offering in a cup. I have a special teacup that I often use for offerings such as tea, but any regular teacup will do. After all, you are offering the liquid, not the cup.

Incense and Candle Offerings:

According to tradition, these offerings must be left to burn out on their own. I recommend lighting small tea light candles for these offerings, as big candles burn for a long time. However, some modern Pagans may blow, rinse, or snuff them out early to prevent a fire hazard.

Make sure to be present while the offering is lit, and make sure nothing catches on fire.

If you are bothered by incense smoke, using an essential oil diffuser or unscented candle works fine.

Although many Pagans recommend incense as a general offering, you do not have to offer it, or any candles, if they bother you.

Plant Offerings:

If you offer a plucked flower, you may leave it on an altar or table until it withers. Afterwards you may throw it away. Basically, you handle it as any other friend would had you given them a plucked flower.

If you offer a growing or potted plant, tend to it as you would your other plants. If it dies, that’s okay. Simply discard it as you would normally. The Gods understand that plants die, and They appreciate the beauty of plants while they last.

Other Offerings:

For objects such as stones, shells, or family heirlooms, keep them on the altar or somewhere else special. Ideally, you will not need to throw these away. If they get damaged somehow, and if you cannot repair them, you may throw them out, but give an apology offering and try to replace them.

For artworks or crafts, place them on the altar or hang them somewhere. Don’t sell your offerings; they are gifts you gave to the Gods and not yours to sell.

For songs, play or sing them anytime you’d like to connect or give something to your deity.

For writings, you may keep them, or some people might burn them to “send” to their Gods. Whichever way is up to you.

For e-shrines or other technological offerings, keep them saved in their own folder, keep them nice and up-to-date.

For magical tools, such as grimoires or wands that you dedicate, feel free to use them as normal. Just take care of them, and remember to thank the deity you devoted them to once in a while.

For daily or private actions, such as cleaning, giving to others, etc., simply think “This is for you” or send your energy to the God, and finish the action.

You may say prayers out loud, write them down, or simply think them in your mind. All are perfectly legitimate.

please don't tag as d*nation or anything similar i'm fucking begging you not to

okay so this is very likely the last ebegging post i will have to make. for quick backstory my partner and i have been in a long struggle against the mentally/emotionally/physically abusive matriarch of the household to stay housed because we had nowhere else to go, but she's finally kicked us out. the good news is that we've been able to secure a place and our official move-out date is may 17th 2023. the bad news is that she's asking for $400 rent

i can't stress enough that this isn't feasible to pay AND support myself/our moving efforts with what i currently make at my job-- $400 is one paycheck. i currently have $150 saved, so $250 would be needed to cover the cost. i'm afraid what will happen to us and our animals if i don't pay this amount and we really, really need to escape safely. we finally have hope for the future and this is the last hurdle

thank you everyone. i seriously pray this is the last post i have to make

BLUE MONEY APP: https://paypal.me/chiodoser

GREEN MONEY APP: https://cash.app/$circadidnotsurvive (preferred but not necessary)

THE OTHER BLUE MONEY APP: https://venmo.com/u/chimeradoll

$0/$250

Hello my little sprigs! I just made a short “masterpost” of water types. I know there are a lot of these floating around, but I had to do this because I remember things better when I write them down tbh so why shouldn´t I post it.This is out of my grimoire, I added some personal references.

waters you have to “make”: moon water ritual cleansing, spell work, dream work, astral travel - but moon water can be used for almost everything

sun water ritual cleansing, self esteem, social anxiety, truth and the revealing of lies, enlightment

shadow water strengthening of lies, hiding ones location, tarnishing relationships

gutter water curses.

waters you can gather: sea/ocean water healing, psychich work, the ability to adapt changes, manifestation of goals, strenght, glamours

river water changes, moving forward, warding, releasing emotions and feelings

lake water (inner) peace, relaxation, reflection of thoughts and/or emotions

rain water light rain: (gentle) energy, protection, growth, finding truth heavy rain: energy, destruction, curses as well as cleansing

storm water force, motivation, relaxation, spells regarding anger and releasing (unwanted) feelings

swamp water banishing and binding, cursing, protection (to attract negativity and redirecting it from you)

waterfall water power, energy, success, moving forward, bravery

ice water transformation, balance, creativity

snow water purity, resolutions, balance

dew fertility, love, glamours, growth

fog creativity, hiding truth, protection (via hiding your location), curses

a masterpost by noonymoon

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sigils and runes – what are they?

sigils – what are they and how to do them?

crystals – a list of pastel aesthetic stones!

spells – i have a hard time with words…

astrology – what’s ASC, lilith and node?

astrology – natal chart ? birth chart ??

spells – tips for crafting your own spells

spells – spells can be anything

crystals – charging methods

where to begin with your research 1

where to begin with your research 2

spells – really simple spell for rebirth

crystals – which stone for meditation?

crystals – your first crystal selection!

spells – glamour idea: piercings

spells – tattoos and witchcraft

divination – which medium to start with?

crystals – how to do easy crystal grids

what do to when you don’t like tea!

spells – what’s important when enchanting

how to incorporate magic subtly into school

divination – what the fuck is .. tarot ??

water magic – some thoughts on magical water

crystals – can i use regular stone pebbles?

spells – put a hiding glamour on your grimoire!

color magic – different candle color hues .. ?

cleansing – low effort techniques

crystals – do cracks lessen their powers?

energy work – why grounding is important

grimoire – some pointers on usability

grimoire – some more pointers

grimoire – a lil guide by me, an adhd kid

astrology – what are the houses ???

divination – how to create your own tarot deck

spells – the difference: curses, hexes and jinxes

spells – what’s a binding spell ..?

spells – dumb question: can i hex myself ?!

energy work – overcoming an abusive mentor

spirit work – a few words on the Fae

spells – can i use a different language?

altars – what is possible ..?

does a witch have to like being outside in nature?

a few words on omens and signs

grimoire – what’s a book of shadows?

voodoo and cultural appropriation

what do i need to do for being a witch ???

how do i start being a witch ???

how to be part of the witchy community !

how to start being a witch, an example

spells – a ritual for getting rid of fear in the dark

divination – can i have more than one tarot deck?

can i be more than one type of witch?

divination – what’s the difference: tarot + oracle cards

divination – the difference: tarot + oracle cards

cleansing – cleaning and cleansing your apartment

energy work – enchanting an item with energy

altars – what’s that and why ??

crystals – stones for protecting your energy

herbs – what to do with them anyway ..?!

crystals – do i need to activate my crystal …?

grimoire – do i have to be artsy to have a grimoire?

how to explain witchcraft to your parents ..

crystals – stuff to know when purchasing stones

spells – some thoughts on the elements

crystals – healing your third eye chakra

spells – do i need a magical wand ?

water magic – storm water vs. rain water

spells – a few words on the beautiful rose

herbs – how to dry flowers and herbs

herbs – a few words on st. john’s wort

spells – can i make my own correspondences?

crystals and herbs for mental health and stomach

crystals – a few words on quality and prices

am i too young for beginning my studies?

how to be a cute magical girl witch

herbs – what can i gather outside in nature?

sigils – gym witch: does sweat work for charging?

don’t let anyone tell you who you are

some important tips and tricks

energy work – is feeling others pain possible?

divination – how to trust in yourself more

familiars – my cat did a thing: is it magic ?

familiars – some thoughts on magical pets

synchronicity – why you see your birthday on the clock

angel signs – asking for guidance

angel signs – the complete guide

don’t fear to begin.. all you can do is start

some witchy thoughts on the cold season

crystals – how to get rid of dirt on tumbled stones

smells and scents in witchcraft

witchy holidays – samhain and beltane

crystals and herbs for more energy and balance

energy work – my third eye hurts!

crystals – all about rose quartz

divination – my pendulum isn’t working well

crystals – an overview of some crystals

divination – which crystal for a pendulum?

uhh.. lucid dreaming vs. astral travel ???

some thoughts on dream walking

divination – how to attune your pendulum!

spells – how to enchant without many tools

crystals – for sex, libido and intimacy

do it yourself – all that glitters is gold box

do it yourself – pocket sigil wax seals  // updated on dec 9th 2018

altars – how to create a pocket altar

divination – some tarot decks for beginners

sigils – my sigils don’t really work

spells – some important views on witchcraft

meditation – i get sick while meditation!

deities – i feel my offering is not good enough?

divination – can i buy decks online?

energy work – cleansing yourself is important

herbs – some herbs for motivation and willpower

deities – i think a deity is reaching out to me?

divination – the strongest card in a tarot deck?

crystals – i’m a secret witch and i want crystals

astrology – some thoughts on what astrology does

herbs – a pointer for growing your own stuff

astral travel – some pointers to get started

meditation – it helps with focus and memory

astrology – how to easily read your natal chart  

spells – when it comes to replacing ingredients

sigils – how i create digitalized sigil artwork

i want to start witchcraft but i don’t know where

divination – noony’s favourite tarot decks

divination – can i only use the major arcana?

crystals – can i buy crystal jewelry online?

spells – is it morally okay to enchant gifts?

deities – how do i know that a deity reaches out?

personal growth – how to not be angry at people

moon phases - everything about the dark moon

personal growth – how to attract positivity and goodness

divination – can i use a spread multiple times?

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This is gonna be a long ass post. My apologies. Anyone is more than welcome to add to this list.

Blogs I recommend: X

 Beginner Witchcraft

Old Motherredcap’s Reading List

Advice for beginner witches

Things to consider

Defining “witchcraft”

Magic and witchcraft

Research for Newbie Witches

Websites for Herbal Properties and Useage

Different Types of Witchcraft

Secular Witchcraft

Cultural Appropriation

The G word

Spells and charms for Beginners

Dispelling Spells

Lavender’s Wishing Spell

Burning Bridges Spell

Chocolate Money Spell

Spell to Ease Jealousy

Emotional Cleansing Spell

Rainbow Protection Bottle

Wreaths for Protection and Happiness

Energy Bath

Motivation Chant

Pick me up Cleansing Jar

Protection Jar

Rosemary and Lavender Smokeless Cleansing

List of Cleansing Spells

Meditation

50 Meditation Tips

An Earth Meditation

Benefits of Meditation

Breathe & Relax

Grounding, Centering, & Shielding

Grounding - Grounding Techniques - Ungrounded Symptoms

Grounding & Centering

Centering

Shielding: (1) (2)

Budgeted Witchcraft:

Tips & Tricks for Frugal Witches

Moonstone Beginning’s Frugal Pagan Resource

A Witch in a Pinch (Blog)

Budget Witch (Blog)

Witchcraft on a Budget

Being a Witch on a Budget

Budget Witchcraft (Site)

Accumulating Witch Stuff on a Budget

Ways to Practice Witchcraft with Little or No Money

Chaos Magic:

Chaos Magic in a Nutshell

What is Chaos Magick? 

Chaos Magic- The Misunderstood Path

Chaos Magick (a multitude of articles pertaining to chaos magic)

Introduction to Chaos Magic

Chaos Magic Theory

Chaoism & Chaos Magic: A Personal View

Oven-Ready Chaos; Phil Hine

Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic- Peter J. Carroll

Sigil Crafting:

A Beginner’s Guide to Sigil Craft

Ways to Use Sigils 

Sigils Reboot: How To Get Big Magic From Little Squiggles

An Essay On Sigil Crafting 

Practical Sigil Magic- Frater U. D.

Sigilmaking with Lee 

Sigil Magic: Making a Magical Sigil

Sigils… 

Sigil Daily: Creation & Activation

Magic/Sigil Circles 

Chaos Magic: Basic Sigil Magic

Sigils 

A Brief Overview of Sigil Magick

Sigils and Seals 101 

Sigils

Sigil Crafting Method 

Creating a Sigil

Sigil Masterpost (gif warning!)

Sigils in Theory and Practice

How Do You Make Sigils? 

On the Preparation and Usage of Sigils

Sigil Magic

Sigil 101 

Practical Sigil Magick

The Sigil Bowl 

Sigil Basics

What Are Sigils? 

Making Outdoor Sigils

Online Sigil Generator

Sigilisation

Sigil Magic

Sigil Making Process, by Rook 

Sigil Making Process, by Richtor 

Sigil Charging:

My Super-Physically-Mentally Intense Method of Charging Sigils…

How to Charge Sigils 

Firing Off Sigils

A Personal Method of Charging Sigils 

How to Charge a Sigil Playing Video Games

Charging Your Sigils- A Brief Explanation 

Charging and Firing Sigils 

How to Use Sigils 

The Fae Resources

Books

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries – W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies – Robert Kirk

Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry – Yeats

Treasury of Irish Myth, Legend, and Folklore – Yeats

The Fairies in Tradition and Literature – Katherine Briggs

An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, & Other Supernatural Creatures – Katherine Briggs

The Vanishing People: Fairy Lore and Legends – Katherine Briggs

The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld – John Matthews

Through the Faerie Glass-Kenny Klein

Websites

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries (Sacred Texts)

The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies (Sacred Texts)

Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland – Lady Wilde

Puck – That shrewd and knavish sprite called Robin Goodfellow

The Fairy Family: A Series of Ballads & Metrical Tales Illustrating the Fairy Mythology of Europe

The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries

“The Fairy Doctor” – Lady Wilde

Sacred Text: Fairy Mythology Index

Divination

Tarot

All About Tarot

All About Tarot Readings

Many Different Uses For The Tarot

Tarot Deck Outline

Choosing The Tarot Deck That Is Right For You

What To Look For In A Tarot Deck

Choosing A Tarot Deck Just For Reading Others

Connecting With Your Tarot Deck

Top 3 Beginner Tarot Books

When To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

How To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

Recharging Your Tarot Cards

Cleansing Your Tarot Reading Space

Purifying Your Tarot Cards

Three Ways To Shuffle Your Tarot Deck

Six Ways To Choose A Tarot Card

How To Clear Your Tarot Deck

How To Store And Care For Your Tarot Cards

Minor Arcana Keyword Chart

Tarot: Quick and Dirty Keyword Sheets

Tarot Cheat Sheets

Tarot Reversal Keyword Sheet

Major Arcana Meanings

Court Card Interpretations

The Major Arcana

Court Cards In Tarot

The Tarot Suits

Tarot Suit Info Cards

Topics You Can Use In Your Own Custom Tarot Spreads

Great Topics To Ask The Tarot With Only 1-3 Cards

Four Decks To Help You Create Your Own Tarot Spreads

How To Design A Tarot Spread For A Client

Classic Tarot Spread Positions

Interview Your New Tarot Deck

Effective Tarot Questions

How To Create Your Own Spreads

Tips When Reading Tarot For Others

New And Old Tarot Traditions

Four Myths About Fortune Telling

Fortune Teller Isn’t A Bad Word

Quirky Tarot Habits

Six Types Of Tarot Readers

4 Easy Steps to Learn Tarot

How To Read Tarot Cards

Why “Free” Tarot Readings Are Not Ever Really Free

How To Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards

What To Do With Jumper Cards

Tarot Exhaustion

Tarot Relaxation And Grounding Exercise

Four Tips On Reading “Negative” Tarot Cards

How To Deal With “Going Blank” During A Tarot Reading

Tips When Reading Tarot At A Special Event

Ideologies That Hold You Back As A Tarot Reader

Six Mistakes To Avoid When Reading Tarot For Yourself

How To Obtain The Clients Energy During a Tarot Reading Without Them Touching Your Cards

Reading Tarot With Confidence

Scrying

How to

Lithomancy

How to

Runes

Interpretations

Glamours

Glamoured Shower Disks

Goddess Glamour Bath

Witch of the Waste’s Glamour Enchanted Jewelry Spell

Blood Magic

Ethics and Safety

PSA to Blood Witches

Blood Magic 101

Starting Blood Magic

When you’re no longer a beginner

Blood Christening

How Not to Use Blood Magic

Sexual Sangomancy and Blood Bonding; Pros, Cons, and Safety

Blood and Bone Magick

Use of Blood in Folklore and Magic

Potions

Quick Guide to Potions and Lotions

Herbal Brews Introduction

Herbal How To: Infusion

Herbal How To: Tinctures and Extracts

Minerals that are NOT Suitable for Adding to Water

Magical Properties of Herbs, Roots, Flowers, Barks, and Resins

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Poisonous Herbs: Hazards

List of Poisonous Herbs (Magical Uses and Safety Warnings)

Familiars

What are they?

Is this my familiar?

The Familiar Self

Familiars and Gender

The Three Kinds of Familiars

Plants as Familiars

i am now home for the summer and parents have decided i am no longer allowed to burn incense in the house….. not even sage which had become one of my main ways of cleansing my spaces. (which seriously sucks because i just stocked up on everything) so my solution for cleansing my room has become making cleansing sprays they are super simple to make and they work great. ive started making them with other herbs for different effects, i will probably post them in the future. 

You will need-

1 empty spray bottle preferably glass ( i try avoid using plastics)

a heat proof for the boiled water 

Enough boiled water to fill bottle 

½ part Sea Salt

2 parts Rosemary

2 parts Sage

1 part Basil

3 Bay Leaves

a few drops of Lemon juice 

Collect and gather the supplies, and start boiling the water once the water has boiled pour it in a heat proof container or mug. then add the herbs and stir them around while focusing on your intent. let them steep until the water has become cool. once the water has cooled strain out the herbs and add the mixture to your spray bottle. Now Enjoy,  you can use it on yourself or your altar or wherever you like. 

Not to be confused with volcanic salt/Himalayan black salt/kala namak. Black salt has strong protective properties, especially when combined with other protective/uncrossing herbs (herbs meant to undo a curse or hex). It’s used to absorb negative energy, create wards, and undo curses. It’s also good for banishing and binding. Here’s my recipe: 

What you’ll need: 

Cleansing items, such as smoke, bells, spray, whichever you personally use. 

Sea Salt 

Charcoal Disk (or charcoal powder) 

Black Candle

Rosemary 

Garlic Powder

Chili Powder 

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 

Paprika 

Black Pepper 

Black Candle 

Bowl 

Mortar & Pestle 

Black stones/crystals 

Any additional protective items you may have. (Here I gathered dried red peppers, dried chili peppers, lemon, sage, and ashed from a Litha bonfire.) These items are for You to draw some extra energy from, and won’t be directly added to the salt.

Frankincense and/or Dragon’s Blood incense. 

Instructions: 

First, cleanse your space using whatever best works for you. 

After cleansing, start your frankincense and/or dragon’s blood incense, this will be going for the duration of the spell. 

Light your black candle. 

Gather your supplies as seen in the picture. 

As always, make sure your intention is strong, and continuously draw from it. Return to your intent no matter how often your mind wanders (which it will, that’s ok). 

In a bowl, mix the salt with the herbs first. 

Remember your other protective items are there for you to use. If needed, refocus on their protective energies and draw from that. 

Use a mortar and pestle to crush the charcoal disk separately. This takes a lot of physical energy, and it is very messy. If you prefer to use charcoal powder, that’s ok, though charcoal disks will be cheaper. I like charcoal disks because I feel more energetically involved in/connected to the process. 

Mixing counterclockwise, mix the very finely crushed charcoal into the salt. Mix. Use as many charcoal disks needed to get to the level of darkness you want. 

Mind wandering? Remember your intent! Refocus! 

When you’re done, transfer the black salt into a jar and set the crystals around it in a circle. Let it continue to build and charge this way, until you feel it is ready. If you’re not sure, it can also be until the candle or incense goes out. 

Done! Sprinkle this around the parameter of your wards, such as along doorways and windows. It can also be used during unhexing/curse breaking spells, general protection spells, banishing, and binding. 

This is NOT FOR CONSUMPTION. 

Things you’ll need:

~Mop

~Bucket of warm water

~Salt

~Water from a full moon (I have full moon in *Scorpio ♏ water currently.)

~Soap (Whichever you choose to use, can be any scent.)

Step One: Add salt to mop bucket, just a couple of dashes.  Declare the intention of purifying the space and the salt helping to wash away the negative energy.  Continue this with all ingredients, then begin mixing your concoction with your mop.

Step Two:Scrub your floors and visualize the water washing away negative energy.  After doing this you may dump the bucket down the drain, toilet or outside of your property.  Essentially you’re throwing out he negative energy.

*Note: Full moon 🌕 water in Scorpio has banishing energy as well.

"The federal minimum wage in the U.S. has remained glued at $7.25 an hour for the last 12 years, the longest stretch without a boost since it was first adopted in 1938."

Minimum wage should not be a scrape-by-almost-starve wage. It should be a live-frugally, save-a-bit, still get a vacation once a year, and slowly work toward buying a house.

I’ve been telling everyone I know for YEARS not to buy Blue Buffalo.

This is the short story:

A few years ago I took my sick cat, Ankh, to the vet. The vet and vet tech asked what I fed her. I told them Blue Buffalo. They looked like I had just told them I fed her razor blades and cyanide. They diagnosed her with pancreatitis and said that nearly all of the cats they’d been seeing lately with pancreatitis were being fed Blue Buffalo.  They gave her medicine and sent her home.  Two days later she had a seizure and died right in my arms. 

The day after she died Hannibal started displaying the same symptoms she had so I panicked hard and took him to the vet.  Got the same meds and the same diagnosis.  Luckily Hannibal survived.

I wish Ankh had survived. She was only ten and the best cat I’ve ever had. Literally the best and five years later I still cry when I think about her.

- salmonella

- mold

- aluminum

- melamine

- toxic levels of vitamin d

- propylene glycol