The Musings of Witches

Taking a “Craft” Name and the Importance of Naming... A “Craft” name, is much like a title chosen to represent your spiritual path and where you may be on that journey. Sometimes this name comes from people close to you, but more frequently it is something personal that simply resonates with your spirit. As a person’s journey progresses, often to, do their names change. We all change throughout our lifetimes in both subtle and dramatic ways, and so having a dead craft name is completely normal. It’s healthy to know when something doesn’t fit anymore, and changing your name if and when you feel necessary is symbolic of your growth! A Craft name can be kept private, known only by yourself and the forces you work with, it can be used solely for meetings with your spiritual group or within the safety of a Circle, or, it can be public. In a lot of instances, people will have variations that they use on different levels, and for different purposes. Choosing a name in itself can be a journey. Give your options lots of thought, make notes, keep a record of words that seem to just “come to you” during this period of time. You may like to meditate or ask your Guides for suggestions, likewise you could ask your friends for their ideas! Consider the ways that you are drawn to your work, the things you are good at, the places you find your Magick, and the things you instinctively feel are sacred. It can take some people years to find something that fits, so don’t be disheartened if it takes time. Once you have found that fit it can be very encouraging, uplifting and empowering. Each time you consciously or subconsciously use this name as a representation of yourself, it will grow in power. In Ancient times especially, and even today in various cultures, Naming Ceremonies were and are very important. A person’s name carries identity and meaning. Often it was considered vital to keep a baby’s name secret until the Ceremony, to protect them on a spiritual level. 

The cleansing energies of kyanite brings itself forth today to tell us that the is something we need to let go. You may well already know what it refers to. You attachment to this thing, for whatever reason is hindering your life and growth. Although you may not be at fault, your energy would be better spent on other things. Begin the process of setting yourself free, and let go of your troubles.

To the Reader, 

This is a little divergence from daily readings and the odd card I post on here, but after another grisly experience today I feel it’s something that is important.

Reading the Tarot for strangers can be dangerous. Not because “spirits” or “demons” but because it’s on our shoulders to be honest about what comes through, and some of the time this is going to be a tough bun to bite. Of course, we’ll likely get a bit of verbal abuse or heaven forbid, be labeled a “fraud” but at some stage, you’ll probably get to meet one that's happy to lead a social crusade on you and your business, despite having an archive of contradictory feedback from other customers. Naturally, you want to remain professional despite feeling hurt or angry, and that is really responsible of you- but you don’t have to take their shit. 

A bad review here and there in the grand scheme of things when you are going out of your way to guide, counsel and help others every day is more of a reflection of them than you or your abilities. You have no obligation to abusive clients and you’re better off showing them the door before things escalate. There will be the ones who demand a refund because the things you said didn’t instantly resonate or failed to answer their question. Truth is that sometimes the cards don’t care if your boyfriend fancies his boss when you might be looking at something like redundancy yourself (strictly a fabricated example, but you get the idea). Your energy would still have gone into that service, so make sure they're clear on your terms from the word go. Sometimes you’ll read for people who are unwell, you still don’t have to take abuse. It’s not an excuse.

As it should be with any career, job, or experience- if you don’t feel safe you don’t have to put yourself in that position. Remember that if you ever feel like you’re physically in danger get help (though that is a far cry from my own experiences I’m sure it could happen) 

Don’t let one weed ruin your garden, so to speak. Stay magickal, Witches!

A recurring theme I'm seeing at the moment has to do simply with our differences. It's no secret that people are different, of course, there are similarities that unite us but what I want to talk about is how we each do things in different ways...

It seems that right now, there is a lot of "exaggeration" on how we might complete tasks in different ways, or more specifically, carry out our spiritual practices. I'm talking about bashing another persons system or routine for no real, helpful purpose.

For those of you that may be doing the condemning, some questions: ❓Why is this so important? ❓In what way does this affect your practice? ❓Does it make you feel good to belittle someone in this way? ❓Does pursuing this judgemental activity align with your practices and beliefs? ❓Is this making you a better person? It may be that you haven't realised how impactful it is to tell someone that they're doing these things wrong, and then dictating to them the reasons why your way is better or right. With the slight exception of traditional or religious ceremony, spiritual practice is personal, and therefore fluid. There is room to stutter, there is room for character, for loudness and peace, for growth.

For those of you on the receiving end of this... "Advice": ❗️Don't cave into the expectations of outsiders when it comes to YOUR work. You owe them nothing, so stick to what feels right. ❗️Never doubt your intuition. Never doubt your abilities. ❗️Remember that essentially your spiritual practice is for the benefit of yourself and your own growth. If you decide to help others with your gifts, then more for you! ❗️If you feel small and insignificant now, remind yourself of your successes, and imagine where you'll be in a years time if you continue down the path you've chosen. ❗️It's never too late to learn something new.

TANZANITE

 Water

Picses, Aries

December

MoH: 6.5

Throat, Third-eye, Crown

Ca2AI3(Si02)3(OH)

 Tanzanite is a costly stone with most specimens weighing around 5karats with 50karat pieces being immensely rare. The mineral is found an mined solely in Tanzania, Eastern Africa and is a form of zoisite. The rare blue colouration of the gem is owed to a small assemblage of vanadium within the structure of the crystal. Tanzanite is a pleochloric gemstone; the colouration of the mineral visibly changes when viewed from different angles. This change can be minimal, from blue to violet but can even extend to red.

 Tanzanite is a valuable stone in terms of rarity and metaphysical uses. Those who are lucky enough to own a piece of the stone would do well to give it a place of honour, and you’ll likely see why as I go on. This is a high vibrational crystal that invites protection and encourages the development of psychic power, which makes it a wonderful choice of amulet for those who may have just stumbled onto their spiritual path.

 At higher levels, the stone is a strong support for meditations and trance rituals. It endorses astral travel and spiritual exploration, often opening the gate to otherworldly visions. This mineral is capable of aiding the user in raising their consciousness and advocating messages from other realms, angels and spirit guides. This is only the tip of the iceberg in regard to Tanzanite’s communicative powers; whether you are wanting to communicate with the unseen or the physical it will work wonders.

The stone correlates to the three higher Chakras, these are the Sahasrara (crown) Anja (third-eye) and the Vishuddha (throat). As a throat Chakra stimulant it’s easy to see where the stone gets its ability to aid communication. It will encourage the user to speak honest words not only to others, but to themselves also. The connection to the third-eye adds the benefit of being able to see things for what they are and with the crown thrown in the mix, understand these things from an onlookers perspective. It hereby gifts realisation and enables people to speak and understand truth and to share spiritual knowledge. A priceless tool for councillors, mentors. empaths and healers that unites the heart and the mind.

 Tanzanite is also known to be a stone of transmutation. As we are all on a seemingly timeless quest to become the best version of ourselves, this can benefit us in different ways. Simply and most commonly it can be put to use in healing. Allowing us to emerge revitalised from past trauma or pain as it radiates a calm and soothing energy and relaxes the user into change. This soothing is most likely to be felt strongest by Pisces and Aries signs above all. It can also prove helpful in seeking career changes, overcoming fear and re-establishing trust.

I want to talk about what it means to be a practicing witch or spiritual person while being on prescription medication.

It means absolutely nothing.

I have discussed this with countless individuals in the past, many of whom have chosen to shun pharmaceuticals all together, proclaiming that their bodies are able to heal themselves through meditation, practice, good vibes or even just believing really hard. Well, that’s fantastic news and I’m really happy for those people. However, in reality, there are those of us that rely on taking medicine each day to get by, to feel normal, be healthy and even to survive.

Now I am not denying that holistic medicine doesn’t work. For some peopl it’s enough, and that is great- but if you’re one of these people that encourage strangers (or even loved ones) to ditch their prescription medicine, just stop for a moment and think about exactly what you are doing and what you are supporting…

*This is where it’s going to get personal, which is why I’m typing this and not videoing it. So to my friends and family: don’t have kittens. I’m okay and I have support so after reading this please don’t treat me any differently.*

I can go on about how the gifted people are often the most sensitive and I quote another article “Are we medicating our healers?” Yes and yes- but both mental and physical illness can affect anyone and as far as this post goes, falls into the same basket.

I battle every day with depression, social anxiety and although I often don’t recognise the behaviours immediately, OCD. Just like so many other people.

Like so many other people that do readings, Reiki, spiritual mediumship.

Like so many people that work in coffee shops, supermarkets, offices.

Like so many of the people that you walk past in the streets, and at a glance you’d think they were completely healthy, normal, functioning individuals.

To tell us to abandon our medication is like telling a man with a broken leg to ditch his crutch, and that if he believes really hard, the bones will just magically heal. Our bodies don’t work like that, and neither do our minds.

I take my medication in the morning every day so that I am able to have a fairly normal life. It means I can work, see clients, run my business. It means that although I’m struggling, I’m not completely incapable of looking after myself. It means I might have the energy to shower on days where I’d otherwise stay in bed pulling my hair out and sobbing irrationally. I still have bad days, we all do. I take my medication so that even though my first thought when I wake up is to put a drill to my head or hang myself, I can actually get out of bed and make breakfast for my kid. I take it so that my family doesn't have to look after me constantly and so that ghastly black cloud doesn’t start to reach out to them too. So that as the icy cold numbness that gathers me up while I’m not consciously trying to shut it out loosens its grip. So that I can exist, see my friends, be a wife and a mother. So that I can LIVE.

If I listened to your advice, I’d be dead.

So please, Mr and Mrs All Natural Remedies, before you sneer at the person that might mention in conversation that they’re on medication, THINK about what you want to say vs what that means you’d be encouraging them to do.

Your advice could literally be the death of another human being.

Your advice could spell the difference between life and death.

Is this getting through? Is this what you deem as spiritual?

Although I’ve used my own struggles here as a colourful example, I have heard so many ridiculous discussions where this dangerous advice has been given. Shockingly this reception isn’t reserved only for people with invisible illnesses, but I once even overheard a woman preaching to a young girl in a wheel chair with a feeding pipe being chaperoned by her mother. Seriously… I have no words.

Take note of the sacrifices you've made to follow your chosen path. Often we cannot have our cake and eat it, and so you've likely had to negotiate with yourself over some things. Those decisions have helped you get to where you are now, and that's not a bad place to be. Check yourself before you take the next step. Make certain that you're ready, there no shame in taking a little extra time to prepare. As human beings we are (or should be!) learning continuously- it would be unfortunate to assume you know it all, but then find yourself in deep water with no one to pull you out.

LODOLITE QUARTZ

Earth, Water

Aquarius, Scorpio

Crown & Third eye Chakra

MoH: 6.5-7

Sio2 with impurities

 Lodolite quartz comes in many varieties. Known also as “garden” quartz or “scenic” quartz, it derives these names from the various inclusions of different minerals within the quartz crystal itself. These inclusions can range from feldspars to hematite and everything in between. Gazing into a Lodolite crystal can take you on a journey to another realm, some even believe them to be portals to the world of the fae.

This gemstone is most often related to the Sahasrara chakra (the Crown) located at the top of the skull. It is attributed to all houses of the zodiac but is most empowering to Scorpio and Aquarius. The stone encourages learning of the self and is able to bring truths to the surface of your being, that you may have previously been unaware of. It promotes nurturing and acceptance and is a potent ally to Rose Quartz and Rhodonite when used to incite self-love. Lodolite is able to unearth trauma from past lives and childhood. Don’t let this frighten you away, however, as these fears and anxieties are then able to be faced, accepted and released -again with the help of the crystal. In these cases, the mineral is able to break down barriers and allow the user to overcome unhelpful hurdles and also to clearly understand why those hurdles had come to be.

It is a strong manifestation aid, encourages clear thinking and helps set stable, logical intentions. Its capability to physically support the healing of ailments such as burns, pain, migraines, heartburn, sexually-transmitted diseases and decalcification of the Pineal Gland could arguably correspond it to other chakras such as the Ajna and even the Muladhara. It helps improve memory, emotional-balance and bodily harmony.

A notable crystal when aiming to provide joy, it has long been given as a token of friendship and allows for worlds to be shared between two or more people. This strengthens bonds and nurtures understanding, providing lifelong relationships.

A stone of spiritual amplification, awareness and of the higher-self. Attractive to Angelic entities and positive vibrations. As mentioned before, Lodolite can help travel to other realms, more specifically higher-realms and is a priceless aid for communicating with spirits. It can also benefit when calling to your inner child and bridges the gap between the age they manifest within, and your age at the time of calling- better helping understanding and negotiation.

This mineral motivates perseverance and humility, integrating these qualities into the user and allowing them to become more patient. This, in turn, encourages the emergence of good habits and new skills.

Earth, Fire, Water

Aries, Leo

Base & Sacral Chakra

MoH: 6.5-7

Sio2

 Red Jasper is a microcrystalline quartz taking its tell-tale colour from inclusions of iron and sometimes hematite. Jaspers of different varieties are found in all corners of the world but despite the abundance of this mineral, it is invaluable to many spiritual practices.

A versatile elemental crystal, having been attributed to not one but at least three elements over the course of its ancient and colourful history. Most would put Jasper under the category of Fire, because of its ability to incite courage and instil passion, not to mention its rich red colouration. Known as both the Stone of Justice and the Stone of Warriors, it is a has a

potent and righteous energy able to protect against physical harm, threats and even robbery. Thus it is often recommended for people working in the justice and mental health systems, especially Police Officers. It’s vibrancy increases energy levels, boosts determination and provides additional physical strength. Red Jasper can also greatly influence communication with mentally fragile individuals and those suffering from psychosis. Simultaneously providing protection to the carrier while stabilising frequencies in difficult situations. On the other side of the coin, Red Jasper is a nurturer, capable of soothing nerves and restoring balance. It alleviates stress and is able to steadily calm emotions, allowing the body to relax into creating a stable flow to improve health and overcome illness.

These properties make Red Jasper a helpful aid to those who centre their lives around physical health and fitness. Providing endurance, strength, stamina and focus, helping to reach goals and providing the drive to continue on when the going gets tough and the body tires. This crystal allows the carrier to persevere in all aspects of their life and see things through to their natural conclusion. Work and artistic or creative endeavours are but two examples of this. Red Jasper is particularly good at manifesting ideas and so is also beneficial for artists and writers, promoting creativity and encouraging them to push their limits and break out of comfort zones.

The mineral is related to the Muladhara Chakra, located at the base of the spine and the Swadhisthana Chakra of the lower abdomen. The effects of using Red Jasper on the base chakra can stimulate the rise of Kundalini energy through the lower meridians and upward toward the crown.  It also has powerful grounding capabilities and is a renowned Earth attributed crystal to many traditions and practitioners, aiding in astral travel and shamanic journeying. It’s able to provide focus to meditation, prayer and contemplation and is also enormously good at helping to connect with Earth Spirits when working in the wilds. The gemstone can help in establishing spiritual disciplines and routines and makes it easier to maintain them. A popular choice in crystals when setting out to cleanse and empower the auric field and strengthen chi, life energy. Wear or carry multiple pieces for protect from psychic attacks and place beside the bed ready to aid dream recall.

Red Jasper’s ability to instil passion has already been mentioned, though that mention has barely scratched the surface. Whether you intend to fan the flames of an existing passion until it rises into an inferno of bliss, rekindle dwindling embers or even to create new sparks- this mineral will provide the energy to achieve that goal and it works just as well for situations involving career and personal projects as it does for romantic endeavours. Use to increase libido, calm aggressiveness towards a lover, soothe jealousy and induce tantric sex.

Other names for this form of Jasper include the Blood of Mother Earth and the Blood of Mother Isis. Using the stone as a representation of the blood from a female entity attributes it to the element of water and emphasises its properties of fertility and renewal. Some choose to simply use the stone as a fertility talisman or as a component in fertility rites, whereas it is also beneficial to ease pains of menstruation or even to stabilise infrequent cycles. Offerings of this stone may be given at planting or harvest of crops. Red Jasper is also effective in dowsing for water and the calling of rain, vital for the growing of crops and the maintenance of healthy land.

The stone may also be used as a representation of the Chinese element of metal, because of its iron inclusions, giving it the properties of steadfastness and amplifying its protective capabilities.

Partner with Prehnite and Clear Quartz if dealing with legal matters, to ensure decisions are made fairly.

Give to expecting mothers to help during childbirth.