Welcome to Hedgewitch Garden! I am a middle years practising a path of Slavic witch-pagan. History, Cultures, Myths, Folk Lore, Magic, Nature, Art, etc. “It's not what you call me, but what I answer to.” ~ African Proverb , “Once you label me, you negate me.” — Søren Kierkegaard I support Ukraine, Palestine, BLM, LGBTQA ... No TERFS, Nazis/Fascists, ruzzists DNI
A new study published online today, April 25, in the scientific journal Science provides the strongest evidence to date that not only is nat
From the article:
“If you look only at the trend of species declines, it would be easy to think that we’re failing to protect biodiversity, but you would not be looking at the full picture,” said Penny Langhammer, lead author of the study and Executive Vice President of Re:wild. “What we show with this paper is that conservation is, in fact, working to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It is clear that conservation must be prioritized and receive significant additional resources and political support globally, while we simultaneously address the systemic drivers of biodiversity loss, such as unsustainable consumption and production.”
This massive meta analysis (for those not familiar, a study analyzing the results of many studies on similar topics) found that the vast majority of conservation efforts show much much better results than doing nothing. In many cases, biodiversity loss was not only stopped but reversed.
This shows that conservation efforts really work and money invested is put to very good use. Legally protecting endangered species really works, restoring habitat really works, removing invasive species really works, returning land to Indigenous communities works. All of the blood, sweat, and tears being poured into protecting the natural world has been making a real, big, tangible, difference on a global scale.
We fixed it. We did fix it and we can fix it and we are fixing it and we WILL fix it!!!
Forty years ago there were zero condors in the wild.
There are over 300 condors now, free and wild and breeding by themselves without our help.
We did that. We did. Lots of people said "that's stupid, you won't succeed" but people made condor puppets and they said "fuck you we're gonna try anyway" and they fed the babies and raised them up wild and did their best with their big human brains and human cooperation and WE FIXED IT!!!!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Okay, you know what? Given that over the last week I have seen at least one of the common myths of "things you should not do in the heat" come over my dashboard, let us quickly go over this:
If it is hot, you will need to drink more than normally because you are sweating. You can drink too much, though usually your body knows how to regulate it.
Yes, if it is liquid and not alcoholic it counts to your drinking intake. Yes, drinking lemonades, coke and whatever counts. All of it is still mostly water with some sugar and flavors added. It is fine. Be careful about taking in too much caffeine though, as it is a mild diuretic (means it makes you pee more and hence lose more water).
Yes, you also need electrolytes as you sweat them out. But you do not need to drink sports drinks. Eat some yoghurt with fruits, or some watermelon with salt, or maybe cold soup. It will refill your electrolytes.
No, it is not dangerous for you to sleep in front of a ventilator. This is a complete myth that has absolutely no basis in science whatsoever and literally originates with an Urban Legend. Especially with the recent heat wave in Europe for a lot of people the alternative is the possibility of heat stroke. It is fine. Sleep in front of that ventilator. Just make sure you are not getting too cold.
No, using sunscreen does not stop you from taking in Vitamin D, unless you are permanently using super high standard sun screen and are reapplying it every 6 hours as intended. And let's face it: you are not. Your skin gets enough UVB to make Vitamin D, don't worry about it. Skin cancer is worse.
Yes, switching between a very hot outside and a very cold context (be it super high AC or just jumping into cold water) can be a danger for your cardiovascular system, though unless the weather is very hot or the water very cold making the contrast very extreme, it is normally not a danger to people who do not have otherwise issues with their cardiovascular system. Though being a bit careful and allowing yourself to acclimatize is not a bad idea in general.
Yes, you should definitely not leave any living thing in a car while it is hot. Just don't. Cars heat up while standing very quickly and will become a death trap. If you leave an animal or a child alone in the car for even just 5 to 10 minutes, they might die. Don't do that shit.
Yes, you need to be extra careful about your medications. For once, most medications are not meant to be stored at above 25°C (don't ask me what this is in American units). But also a bunch of medications - especially psychoactive medications - will make your body worth at temperature regulation. So be careful.
Yes, you need shadow. Ideally the shadow of trees, because there is indeed a difference between that and the shadow of a building. But any shadow is good, especially during extreme heat.
In the same vein: be also careful about drugs during heat waves - like, the recreational type. Some of them work differently when your body is warmed up like that. Just... ideally read up online on possible side effects that might occur/be worse if taken during the heat.
Generally speaking: stay hydrated. Stay cool. Try to do it as well as you can in your respective situation. Stay safe.
Wait, is there a typo in the second-to-last bullet point? I would have thought the only difference between treeshade and building shade would be that the trees are worse because they let more sunlight through; am I missing something?
You are missing evaporation. Trees are alive and full of water, which constantly evaporates, making shadow underneath trees in general cooler than the shadow of buildings. This is also the reason why people are pushing for green cities, because anything green is lowering the temperature - and of course also green usually comes along with some natural ground which is better at heat exchange than concrete and helps breaking up heat islands.
One of the things that bears repeating before the hot weather takes over is that once your body reaches a certain temperature you can no longer count on making good decisions that you would normally make and you can no longer count on your physical coordination.
Keeping yourself as cool as possible isn't being weak or wimpy. It's protecting your capacity to think and move well if you need to.
In France and other countries last week it was clear that some people died from doing things they never would have done had they been thinking clearly. That confusion can happen to anyone and it comes sooner than people expect. Please, my Tumblr friends in places that will be getting very hot this week, be safe! Don't tough it out and don't take chances. Go somewhere cool if you can and of course, hydrate!
Y’all I’m being so serious when I say this: go to the library for witchcraft reasons.
You can usually find books on witchcraft, yes, but there’s also field guides on local foraging and wildlife, cookbooks, books that teach you how to craft and DIY, books about environmental protection and stewardship, books on how to use herbs medicinally, books about other religions, cultures, and spiritual practices. My favorite local library even has a seed swapping program and fantastic resources to research your own family history!
I'm a librarian, and the ability for you to continue learning, especially about other ways of viewing the world and your country, is a big part of why right-wingers hate libraries. Libraries are one of the best values for the money you pay in taxes.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Basket of Figs , wall painting from the Villa of Poppea in Oplontis (Pompeii region), before 79 CE.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_RX4HZlatr/?igshid=xhe7pw8neyzw
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology, and celestial intelligences in an attempt to bring the most
Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology, and celestial intelligences in an attempt to bring the most effective results. In this article, we'll discuss the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week, and the best day to perform different types of magick.
Planetary magic can seem cumbersome, especially to Witches more accustomed to elemental (Earth) magic. But you don't have to spend hours drafting talismans or poring over charts to add some planetary flavor to your spellwork. Using a very simple overview of magickal timing, you can make sure your working is aligned with the appropriate planetary ruler.
The idea of planetary rulership (and the 7-day week) dates all the way back to Chaldean (Babylonian) astrology. They assigned a planet to rule each day, and further divided the day into planetary hours. Later, the Greek and Roman civilizations adapted the Babylonian calender for their use. Planetary magic was re-discovered by the medieval magicians, who looked to the Classical world for inspiration. The tradition of using different days for different types of magic was put forth in the 16th-century Key of Solomon, a foundational text of the Western magical tradition.
Planetary magick relies mainly on the seven Classical "planets," (although minor planets, comets, and other features enter into advanced systems). Of the seven, the sun and moon aren't really planets, of course. But ancient astrologers didn't know that, so the nickname stuck.
In English (as well as in French, Spanish and related languages), the names of the days of the week still reflect their planetary rulers. (This is very handy when you're trying to remember which is which!) Below, you'll find the ruling planet for each of the seven days, and suggested magick for each day:
Sunday (The Sun)
Bright, life-giving, and magnanimous, the Sun is the largest heavenly body in sight. Therefore, Sunday is the day for your biggest, boldest spells. Active change, wealth, hope, popularity, health, charisma and vitality fall under the sway of Solar magick. The first day of the week is also the day of bright beginnings. Call upon fresh, Solar light to scrub out the corners of a stale situation and bring renewed energy. Do workings to make friends, gain favor, or raise your profile at work or in your personal life. Grow in confidence and leadership. Bring clarity and simplicity to difficult problems. Make affirmations. Begin projects.
Monday (The Moon)
Ruled by the inconstant moon, Monday is a powerful but unreliable day for spellwork. It is the day of introspection, illusion, and fantasy, the day when the astral plane is said to lie closest to the Earth plane. Monday is the perfect day to do scrying, trance work, or dream journeying. Spells of love and fertility may be performed on Monday, especially if the moon phase is a right. Because the Moon rules the tides, Monday is the best day for Water magick of all kinds. Create traveler's amulets. Anoint and cleanse magickal tools. Commune with Fae and spirits. Reflect and renew the spirit.
Tuesday (Mars)
On Tuesday, warlike Mars will see that you're justified in your nitty-gritty magicks. This is the day for breaking out the nastier spells when the nice one just didn't work. Sowing strife, if you're so inclined, will be most effective on a Tuesday. Also, charms of aggression, ambition, lust, and sexual potency. Activate protective talismans. Reverse hexes and psychic attack. Cultivate personal strength. Prevail in fights or games of skill.
Wednesday (Mercury)
Wednesday is named for Wotan (Odin), closest Norse equivalent to the fleet-footed Roman god. Adaptable Mercury rules learning, luck, travel, and trade, so Wednesday is good for workings on any of these matters. Improve communication. Increase focus and alertness. Prosper in business or games of chance. Make or consecrate money-drawing charms. Wednesday is also a fine day for divination, especially using cards, runes, or lots. Mercury is a nimble trickster, so if you were going to do a spell to distract or mislead (not that you would!), Wednesday is the day for those shenanigans.Thursday (Jupiter)
Beneficent Jupiter rules the night sky, and he is the go-to planet for petitions of power and luck. Thursday is a great day to craft spells for good fortune, health, and prosperity. (Mercury brings quick cash, but Jupiter governs the long term accumulation and preservation of wealth.) Thursday is considered an auspicious day to sign contracts and acquire property. Do spells related to justice and authority. Visualize future success. Create protective and restorative charms. Bless friends, family, and home.
Friday (Venus)
Friday is ruled by Venus, and that can only mean one thing: Love magick! Friday is the traditional day to do love-drawing magic, or cast a spell to bring your lover closer. Besides sexual attraction, spells of friendship, sympathy, reconciliation and self-love fall under Friday's love-magick heading. Because Venus is closely connected to the natural world, it's also a good day to harvest plants and herbs for magical uses. Also on Friday: Do mirror magick. Make baths, potions, and philtres. Weave glamours and enchantments. Craft workings for pleasure, enjoyment, and intoxication.
Saturday (Saturn)
The final day of the week is ruled by Saturn, lord of endings. Saturn has a reputation as an inauspicious day for magick--but of course, it depends on the type of magick. There is no better day for spells of binding and banishing. Saturday is also a good day for Underworld magick, communing with ancestors and contacting spirits. (The Key of Solomon specifies that Saturday is the day of spirits who died a natural death--those who died heroically should be honored on Tuesday.) The energy of Saturn helps to cultivate patience and wisdom. Recover from grief. Overcome addictions. Cast protective wards. Sever unhealthy bonds. Visit elders or reflect on the past.
A bit about planetary hours
As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, each day may be further divided into planetary hours. Each hour of the day may be ruled by the same or a different planet from the one that rules the day. (For example, Sunday begins on the hour of the Sun, but the second hour of the day is attributed to Venus.)
You can use planetary hours in different ways. Sometimes, you might want the day and hour to match. (Doing a working during the hour of Jupiter on a Thursday, for instance, in order to get the strongest influence of Jupiter.) Or you can mix 'n match them for more a more specialized influence. (The hour of Mercury on the day of Venus, say, when you need a little extra luck in your online dating life.)
You can consult a magickal almanac for the planetary hours. In addition to knowing the sequence of the hours, you'll also need to know how they apply to the time of day where you are. This can be a rather complex calculation, involving time zones, exact time of sunrise and sunset, and so on. Not to mention, you'll need to be available at the right planetary hour--free from work and distractions.
For some practitioners, it's simply too much--and that's okay. Don't fall into the trap of believing that ignoring planetary hours will ruin your magick. It's better to do a working at the "wrong" time than to put it off indefinitely.
Does planetary timing matter?
Opinions differ on what difference planetary timing makes in the outcomes of spellwork. The best way to determine this is to try it for yourself. Most Witches already use some kind of magical timing. If you do attraction magick during the waxing moon, or commune with spirits at Samhain, you're probably aware of the powerful difference that timing can make.
Personally, I think that timing is an influential--but not determining factor--in the outcome of a spell. Just like any other correspondence, the right planetary day will add to your chances of success. Timing can work for you or against you. But it ultimately depends on your will, the will of others, and the will of the gods.
You may have read somewhere, for instance, that a love spell requires a pink candle. But what if you only have a green candle? Does that mean the working will fail?
No, of course not. But you'll be missing out on the cultural and psychological associations of the color pink as it pertains to romance. You may also have a lingering doubt about using the "wrong" color candle, and that thought can hurt your magic. Disregarding magickal timing can have the same ill effect.
One of the best things that can be said about planetary timing is that it encourages discipline. It makes you plan ahead. If you feel that you have to wait until Wednesday to make that lucky talisman, you're likely to put more preparation (and therefore more energy) into the working. You're likely to give yourself the time to assemble the right ingredients, and meditate on the best possible outcome. For me, having a standing Monday night appointment with my crystal ball makes me a lot more likely to practice with it, since Monday only happens once a week.
I also like that planetary timing aligns the magick worker with all the other temporal beings practicing magic at that time. When making a love spell on Friday, you're joined by countless brothers and sisters of the Craft. It doesn't really matter what the planets are doing--your working can be augmented and amplified by all the compatible human energy.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Life is sweet but sometimes it needs to be a little sweeter, yes? Today I wanted to share with you in words and pictures how to put a honey
Life is sweet but sometimes it needs to be a little sweeter, yes? So it is that honey jars were born and have become one of the most popular and well-known techniques in folk magic. Today I wanted to share with you both in words and pictures on how to put a honey jar together.
As it turns out, honey jars are not just for tea and biscuits! There is actually a long history of folk magic traditions working with sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses, simple syrup, and other sweeteners to promote love, kindness, joy, harmony, goodwill, and favored status. The theory is simple enough and a great example of sympathetic and contagious magic: because the primary medium (a sweetener of some kind) is used in a directed manner towards a specific person the intention is that said person will become “sweeter,” more kind, tender, loving, and harmonious.
Hedgewitch Garden @hedgewitchgarden - Tumblr Blog | Tumlook
