Discover.love.Ascend

“i feel connected to nature and all it has to offer”

like = charge

A charm is any object, usually pocket-sized, that’s charged with energy of some kind. An example is a lucky charm that’s worn as a necklace or a lock of hair charged with energy from the person it came from.

Charms can sometimes be called talismans, totems or pendants. Regardless of the name, with slight connotations, these little items can be used the same way.

I use charms when sometimes a crystal isn’t specific enough for my Intent (spell, ritual). Sometimes I’m doing an Intent based on my job but Citrine, also known as the Merchant’s Stone, isn’t quite specific enough, I’ll include a charm I charged with a specific energy.

For example let’s say I really need a specific day off but my job needs as many employees as it can schedule so often times they deny requests for time off, I’ll do an Intent using a golf pencil I took from the scheduling office.

I also collect the charms I have so that I can reuse them whenever an Intent needs it. Or, if it’s appropriate for the day, I’ll carry the charm in my pocket all day.

How to charge Charms

The easiest way to charge any object as a charm is if it already has a personal meaning to it. Choose something that reminds you of whatever that energy is. I have two cross pendants; one is wooden that reminds me of Catholicism and the second is metal and reminds me of Protestants. (Not because one is primitive to the other but because one came before the other.)

Once you have chosen an item and it’s meaning is clear, it’s time to charge with energy.

Purify the space you’re in to rid of residue energy (e.g. burning incense)

Use crystals for meditation and visualization, utilize crystal grids (simple or complex)

Write the specific meaning/significance/value of the charm on a piece of paper so you have a clear interpretation of it (you could make a prayer/incantation)

Burn a purple candle and drop wax on the paper connecting your Third Eye/Psyche to the energy attaching itself to the charm (one or two drops per charm, don’t waste a whole candle on one)

Once you have your Charms

Cataloging them in your guild book wouldn’t hurt. Like I mentioned, you can use them in specific Intents or carry them with you. Gift them to friends so they have energies around them. I also collect mine in a box so they aren’t randomly roaming around.

I like to use Charms in my Intents because they’re reusable, less waste and I don’t have to worry about purchasing new ones as if they run out (unless you give it away or lose it). Although I’ve come to realize the best charms are the ones I find randomly on the ground or in an old drawer. They radiate an energy that’s almost communicative like when grandparents tell you a simple memory but it sticks with you forever.

…If you want to flex your communication muscles but don’t want to be cutting deals or making things complicated for now. Just little things to try.

Let me hear a love story

Show me a song from your people

Tell me something you did today that you are proud of

Let me draw a portrait of you

Tell me a little about your culture

Ask me any questions you may have about human culture (and I will answer them, if I can.)

Look at this song/story/poem I wrote, tell me what you think.

Tell me my local reputation, if I have one.

Tell me your story (and if desired, I will record it and pass it on for more to see.)

Share a joke.

Let me admire your beauty/grace/powerful appearance/plumage/scales/wings/great personality

Tell me about your friends

What is your one big token of advice?

Teach me how to make my home more welcoming for you (while still being safe for me.)

A Practical Guide to Herbology

Lesson One: Medicinal Teas

When I was first starting out with herbology, I was living in a small village in Croatia with a total population of less than 100 people. We depended on homemade teas, salves and medicines to heal us since the nearest hospital was two hours away. We treated ourselves with the power of herbs, gifted to us by the Earth.

These days, we can purchase all the tools we need to grow both common and exotic plants. Dried herbs are also another good option, especially for those that cannot grow their own. And with these tools, we can craft our own medicines. 

For the first lesson, I’m going to focus on something simple: the art of crafting medicinal tea. 

Creating Tea Blends

When starting out with creating medicinal teas, it’s important to understand how each ingredient interacts with our bodies. Be sure that you’re not allergic to any of your herbs and that they won’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications that you’re on. For example, those who are diabetic should not take angelica root; folks who are allergic to ragweed should avoid chamomile. 

Here’s a list of common herbs and their functions for the purposes of crafting medicinal teas:

Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever. (Do not use if you are diabetic)

Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia; reduces stress and tension

Blackberry Leaves or Roots: Reduces diarrhea

Catnip: Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia. (May cause drowsiness. Avoid if on Lithium or sedatives)

Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers, soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal cramps, flu; antiseptic. (May cause drowsiness. Avoid if on sedatives)

Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis (topical), nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant. (Avoid taking with medications that contain Theophylline).

Chamomile: Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief. (May decrease effectiveness of birth control pills and some cancer medications, may increase the effects of warfarin; avoid if you are taking medications for your liver)

Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs; anti-inflammatory (Avoid taking with diabetes medications)

Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative. (Avoid if on antibiotics, lithium or water pills)

Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium-rich (Avoid if on medication for liver)

Elderberries: Wards off colds and flu

Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats. (Avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps PMS. (Avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo so speak to your specialist before use)

Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts immune system. (Do not take with medications that slow blood clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)

Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps

Lavender: Reduces anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, IBS; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (May cause drowsiness; avoid if on sedatives)

Lemon balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia, restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (May cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)

Nettle: Reduces hay fever and arthritis; diuretic. (Avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high BP, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium)

Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, IBS, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (Avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; avoid if on liver medications)

Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever and congestion

Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, BP, circulation; antiseptic; antidepressant; eases indigestion

Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (Do not take with medications that slow blood clotting)

Recipes

For those starting out, here are a few recipes for common ailments. As you start making your own teas, you’ll learn which blends of herbs work best for your body. Keep track of which ingredients and combinations are successful - with each steep, you get closer and closer to crafting your perfect personalized medicine cabinet.

Anxiety Relief - ½ tsp chamomile - ½ tsp lemon balm Cold Relief - ½ tsp elderberry flower - ½ tsp thyme Mood Booster - ½ tsp lavender - ½ tsp catnip - ½ tsp rosemary Cramp Relief - ½ tsp basil - ½ tsp calendula (marigold) - ½ tsp goldenrod Indigestion Relief - ½ tsp ginger - ½ tsp lemon balm - ½ tsp peppermint Expectorant - ½ tsp pine needles - ½ tsp nettle leaf - ½ tsp angelica root Insomnia - ½ tsp chamomile - ½ tsp catnip - ½ tsp lavender Sore Throat Relief - ½ tsp cinnamon (or half a stick) - ½ tsp ginger - 1 tbsp honey Fever Break - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper - ½ tsp angelica root Flu Relief - ½ tsp calendula (marigold) - ½ tsp lemon balm

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Photographs are under the Creative Commons License. Content is from my grimoire and is embedded with information from a variety of sources over the years. 

Updated 7 March 2018 with relevant warnings and to be consistent with other posts in this series.

Warnings:  All plant material should be sourced appropriately and responsibly for your own safety and well-being. Be certain that you are purchasing food-grade ingredients from a reliable retailer or supplier. Along these lines, not all dried herbs are meant for consumption so please be on the lookout for “external use only” labels - you do not want those products for this.

Do your own research regarding medicinal plants and usage, especially if you are sensitive or have allergies of any kind. If you are on medication(s), consult a doctor before use.

As my new found love for oracle decks bloom, I wanted to make a basic information page for them! It’s not much, but I needed to write this down somewhere so I don’t forget it since I don’t have a book for my many witchy info at the moment. <3

What are oracle decks? ✨

Oracle decks are a divination tool used to predict and answer your inner questions! They’re cards with depictions and specific meanings to aid you with answers.

What’s the difference between oracle decks and tarot decks?

The main difference between tarot decks and oracle decks is that tarot decks have a specific set of rules and structure to them. Tarot decks usually have 78 cards, whilst oracle decks can have as many or as little cards as the creator wants. Oracle decks don’t have rules or structures either. Tarot decks are very “strict” you could say while oracle decks are “free”.

Oracle decks have specific themes to them. And some oracle decks are created for a specific use (but they can still be used generally if that’s what you wish.)

Another difference I’ve personally seen, is that oracle decks are way more intuitive evoking and easier to read than because of how simple the oracle card’s message is, usually decks that have sentences on them.

Oracle decks are very straightforward. They tell you about the whole situation and what may come while tarot decks just tell you why it’s happening and how it’s happening. An example that always helps me remember what these two divination tools are used for is to always remember that tarot decks are telling the story and oracle decks ARE the story (credit to biddytarot.com for that an example, it’s a lifesaver)

Remember: tarot decks aren’t better than oracle decks and vise versa. It’s all based on personal preference and how you connect to the divination tool. I suggest trying both out and seeing which form of divination you feel helps you best.

What are they best used for?

Deity/spirit communication

Spreads (made for tarot or not, they work just as well with oracle cards)

Decision making

Daily draws

Past, present, future

General readings

Seriously oracle decks can be used for just about ANYTHING. Don’t limit yourself honestly, they work really great with almost every spread and question you have in mind.

What are some good oracle decks for beginners?

Personally, I think a first timer can go for any oracle deck they desire as that’s how you create a bond with your deck and find it easier to read the deck. So my first recommendation would be to get the oracle deck that calls out to you; you won’t be sorry.

If you want to make sure you have an easy first experience I really suggest finding oracle decks that have sentences on them! They make the card really easier to understand!

So with that being said, I suggest the “Work Your Light” oracle deck! It’s very straightforward with a “Yes” and “No” card included with its cards and the illustration is beautiful! Not only is it very pretty, but it includes woc and incorporates a lot of religions.

Goddess guidance oracle deck is another great beginner deck! It shows many goddesses from different pantheons respectfully and the illustrations are very beautiful! The cards themselves have those sentences at the bottom which are always handy in immediately knowing what the card is about when you pull it in a reading.

Magickal messages from the faeries oracle deck. This deck, obviously, is very faery based! Now, you can use it for communication with the fae or just in general.

The power of surrender cards. Like most of the cards I’ve listed off, this deck is very easy to interpret and understand when you draw cards. Very great for beginners!!!

How do I cleanse my oracle deck?

Knock on your deck three times

Cleanse with moonlight

Put a crystal on your deck

Blow onto it

Set it on your/or your deity’s alter

Sing to it

Shuffle it with cleansing intention

Wave it through incense smoke

Set your deck near your plants

A great way of connecting with the element of earth, or even another form of grounding or meditation, is to connect to a tree. Here’s how:

Find a large tree and sit down with your back against its spine. (You can also climb the tree and sit with your back against it in it’s branches)

Close your eyes and feel the tree’s solid strength as you rest against it.

Breathe in and out in a relaxed manner. As you do, visualise the energy of the tree being absorbed into your body. Breathe in and out thirteen times, each time taking in some of the tree’s energy until your whole body is enveloped. Feel yourself becoming part of the tree.

Call to the tree’s spirit, commune with it, and settle into the feeling of being a tree. Rest in this state for as long as desired.

When you wish to return to normal, bid farewell to the tree’s spirit and breathe in and out thirteen times, this time releasing the energy of the tree. Open your eyes.

Notes:

If for any reason, you feel uncomfortable or “rejected” by the tree, simply disconnect from its energy, apologise for intruding, and leave the area. It doesn’t happen very often, but it’s possible.

For more advanced witches, this exercise could be evolved to include transplanting your consciousness into the tree.

If you’re going to do a magical working that conducts energy through a tree (e.g. drawing energy down through a tree, using a tree to symbolise the element of earth in a circle, etc.), it’s polite to use the exercise here with the tree, and when you feel a connection, ask the tree’s permission to participate in the magical working. Aside from being polite, this also help’s align the tree’s energy flow with the rite’s, starting things off in the correct manner.

Wands:

Ace: Beginnings, birth, energy, self-image, new opportunities

2: Potential, planning, choices, contemplation

3: Long-term, foresight, putting things into motion

4: Rewards, celebrate good times (come on!), teamwork, home

5:Competition, conflict, brainstorming

6: Praise, self-confidence, recognition, role model

7: Defense, threat, perseverance

8: Progress, energy, swiftness

9: Perseverance, wounded, guarded

10: Responsibility, burden, stress or success

Page: Adventures, inspiration, ideas, journey, desires

Knight: Risk-taking, experiments, travel, fun, passion

Queen: Creativity, independence, friendly, optimistic, beauty

King: Leader, pride, energy, charisma, passion

Cups:

Ace: New feelings, awakening, imagination

2: Equality, respect, harmony, sharing

3: Friendship, celebration, fun

4:Withdrawal, indifference, boredom

5: Sadness, mourning, disappointment, regret, suffering

6: Kindness, caring, memories, childhood

7: Fantasy, illusion, creative brainstorming

8: Travel, retreat, spirit quest

9: Contentment, host, wish fulfillment

10:Happy home, shared love, peace, family

Page: Sensitive, gentle, Imaginative, kind

Knight:Romantic, flirt, artist, emotional intensity

Queen: Empathetic, sensitive, emotional, psychic, mother

King: Wise, calm, emotionally mature, father

Swords:

Ace:Truth, intellect, communication, clarity

2: Standstill, mediator, indecision

3: Loss, sorrow, betrayal

4: Rest, mental restoration, reflection

5: Defeat and self-defeat, irritability, arguments

6: Support, moving, retreat, mental healing

7: Gathering information,mental tests, strategy

8: Helpless thoughts, limiting beliefs, excuses

9: Worry, anxiety, insomnia, repressed thoughts

10: Finished, closure, give up

Page: Curious, student, intellect, thoughtfulness

Knight: Debate, explorer, rushing, revolutionary

Queen: Truthful, self-aware, teacher, intellect

King: Objective, intelligent, assertive, fair, logical

Pentacles:

Ace: Healthy beginnings, investing, grounded, opportunity

2: Play, changes, multitasking, adapting

3: Planning, employment, teamwork, assistance

4: Stable, saving, cautious, boundaries

5: Unstable, illness, supportive friends, lack of security

6: Charity, generosity, giving back, assistance

7: Assessment, trial and error, editing, feedback

8: Repetition, precision, commitment, meaningful work

9: Luxury, discipline, earned rewards, fruits of labor

10: Wisdom, home, wealth, legacy, home

Page: New project/job, Student, new studies, cautious

Knight: Loyal, dependable, hard working, practical

Queen: Mother, Fertile, down to earth, nurturing, protective

King:Wealthy, successful, loving father, stubborn, practical

Major Arcana:

The Fool: Trust, Beginning, open minded, innocence

The Magician: Will, personal power, intention, resourcefulness

The High Priestess: Inner Wisdom, Meditation, spirituality

The Empress: Mother, creativity, nurturing, sensuality

The Emperor: Power, structure, stability, father

The Hierophant: Responsibility, knowledge, teacher, belief system

The Lovers: Sexuality, union, love, cooperation

The Chariot: Determination, Control, momentum, competence

Strength: Courage, Strength/ inner strength, survival

The Hermit: Guidance, wisdom, perspective, solitude

Wheel of Fortune: Luck, expansion, destiny, change, movement

Justice: Ethics, law, balance, fairness, accountability

The Hanged Man: Release, waiting, surrender, sacrifice

Death: Regeneration, ending, closure, transformation

Temperance: Experimenting, creating, combining, compromise

The Devil: Limitations, attachments, commitment

The Tower: Sudden shock, chaos, destruction, questioning beliefs

The Star: Renewal, peace, optimism, boundlessness

The Moon: The shadow self, dreams, confusion, intuition

The Sun: Playfulness, acceptance, personal growth, enthusiasm

Judgement: Transition, maturing, reviewing

The World: Integration, connection, wholeness, completion, options

THIS SHIT WORKS OKAY, I AM DEAD SERIOUS.

The last time I saw this on my dash, I didn’t think it would happen, so jokingly I wished I could go to a fun. concert.

AND GUESS WHAT, I WENT TO A FUCKING FUN. CONCERT.

I SAW THIS ON MY DASH THE OTHER DAY AND THOUGHT “ITS WORTH A TRY” SO I WISHED I COULD GET A 3DS

LITERALLY LIKE 4 DAYS LATER MY DAD SENT ME A PICTURE OF THE 3DS XL HE BOUGHT FOR ME WHILE I WAS AT SCHOOL

GUYS.

HE FUCKING CALLED ME 20 MINUTES LATER

20 FUCKNG. MINUTES. LATER.

A Tip for Secret Witches or Witches with Minimal Supplies

Introduction

When I was first starting out with witchcraft, I didn’t have that many fancy supplies or extravagant herb and crystal selections. Hell, there were times when I was lucky to just have a white candle.

So, being a baby-witch of about 14 years old, I tried to research ways that I could cast all of these cool spells I was finding on the internet without needed to spend the little money I was given from my parents on supplies. And then I was introduced to the Visualization method.

Spells and Ingredients

Now, before I go into the details of it, let’s look at why spells even have ingredients or supplies. Each ingredient or item serves a purpose. They are a catalyst for your energy. They are a way for you to focus your energy. Rosewater, for example, is often used in love spells because people associate roses with love. So, when you use it, your mind (and your intent) basically go “okay, this is going to boost the possibility of drawing in love with this spell, since this ingredient basically means love.” However, people who wash their faces with rosewater or use it as a simple perfume don’t necessarily draw love to themselves. The ingredients aren’t inherently “magical”, the witch provides the magic. The witch is the one who takes the natural power that resides in these ingredients and uses them to their potential.

So, are ingredients truly necessary for a spell? Or can you just will it to happen?

Some witches may not need ingredients at all. They may have mastered bending reality to their whim and will things into happening. And for those witches, good for you! This post probably won’t be very helpful, nor do you need it, if that’s the case.

However, if you’re like most witches who need something to cling to to help make their spell more concrete and tangible, thus making it easier to put into existence, keep reading.

What Does This Have To Do With Visualization?

If a spell calls for certain ingredients, just visualize having them. Imagine having that priceless athame you’ve been coveting. Imagine having piles of quartz, or crystals that may be dangerous to handle in real life. Imagine having any herb that you may need. Imagine any vessel that you may need.

Now, this is definitely pretty tricky to do, and may take some practice, so start out small.

Practice

Imagine a cup resting on a flat surface in front of you. Imagine a jug of water next to it. Take your time to really visualize these items however you want them to look. Then, once you feel confident in that, try picking up the cup and the jug. Physically move and try to touch them. Imagine how they feel. Are they smooth, bumpy, slippery? Does the liquid inside the jug make the outside cool or warm? Which is heavier or harder to lift: the cup or the jug?

Hi my friends! Now, this is something I’ve noticed since joining witchblr: a lot of witches don’t do any research beyond Tumblr itself. Maybe a little googling, but despite this, it’s always good to reach out into other realms for your information! 

Starting Points

Internet

I didn’t know where to start either, but because we have the internet at our fingertips, try some of these blogs! They’re very good for the modern witch, as well as simple and clear enough for the baby witch!

The Traveling Witch

Witch of Lupine Hollow

The Witches Box

Biddy Tarot (this one has a podcast too!)

Books

There are so many books you can read, I’m just going to list off the topics you might find interesting to cover. Check out your local library, or if they don’t have it, then try finding an e-book online!

Religions(this one if fun to learn more about, especially if you’re like me and was raised with only one religious influence.)

Lore(from your local area, from your country, around the world, ect.)

The supernatural

Meditations

Gardening

Tea makings, blends, etc

History of any kind

Mythology of any kind

Spell books

Other Practitioners

I know that this isn’t accessible to everyone, but you’d be surprised. Even if someone doesn’t call themselves a ‘witch’ doesn’t mean they don’t have spiritual practices of their own. Be polite and open minded when asking about these things. It’s no secret that not everyone agrees with the practices and beliefs of others, and keep in mind that Tumblr has shifted opinions about things, that don’t necessarily exist much outside of this website.

Try just casually asking people in your local metaphysical store, if you have a tarot reader or psychic that you see. Maybe even ask your grandma why she has that strange thing hanging from her window. You never know where magic lurks.

Honestly, just try to keep in mind that you will never know everything. Tumblr is a strange setting to learn witchcraft from, so whatever you’ve learned to believe here, make sure you keep an open mind when learning from other sources.

This is the ✨Wonderful $100 Weekend Post✨, charged with crystals of abundance and prosperity. Seeing this post will bring you good fortune and your wish will come true. May you be fulfilled and enjoy this weekend.

✨Like and reblog for prosperity to come your way.✨