Witchy Tips

What is it?

Runecasting is a form of divination that uses runes, which are an ancient Germanic alphabet that has always been entwined with magic.

The word rune came from the Old Norse “runa” which can be translated as “secret”, “whisper” or “mystery”.

Why are runes effective?

Even before people adapted runes as a writing system, their ancestors have used these symbols as talismans, carving them into weapons and shields. 

Simultaneously, they were used for communing with the old gods and determining their will.

How many runes are there?

Twenty four. As with tarot cards, each has associated messages. Also like tarot cards, they are read with reversals, except for several of them that look the same when reversed and therefore maintain their original meanings.

Recently, people added a 25th piece. A blank one they fondly call “Odin’s rune”. Its meaning is simply that the future is yet unwritten, and one can make any dream happen.

Which rune set should I get?

The very first ones were made of wood. In my family, we create our first set ourselves — we cut a branch into small pieces, and carve the symbols into them.

Nowadays, wooden runes have somewhat been overshadowed by runestones, which are made of crystals, because of New Agers’ belief in their powers.

Metal is another popular material. Because of its durability, this is the type I have in my charm set. For personal use, I prefer wooden ones.

Whichever set you purchase, it will come with a pouch.

How do I use them?

Step 1: Invoke your higher power or higher self, then ask a question.

Step 2: Shuffle the runes by mixing them inside their pouch.

Step 3: When you feel ready, grab a handful and cast them onto a surface.

Step 4: Interpret each rune alone, and then together, to get your answer.

You can also draw a rune one by one, and give them positions, as in a tarot spread. I personally never do this, because runes are meant to form themselves into a message. Giving them a spread would be restricting their freedom.

Or you can simply pull a single rune, as if you are doing a daily tarot draw.

Are they better than tarot?

Given that there are only 25 runes, while there are 78 tarot cards, of course the latter can give more detailed messages.

If you are only after meditation or reflection, runes would serve you well.

I use them with tarot. This way, I can benefit from the runes’ preciseness without forgoing tarot’s specificness. This is what I do in some of my Pick a Card readings.

What does each rune mean?

As with tarot cards, runes have a wealth of meanings. But these few keywords should be enough for beginners.

Enchant your morning cup of tea/coffee*

Match the colours of your makeup to your intentions for the day

Visualise the water washing away all the negativity when you shower

Enchant your nail polish (bonus: match the colour to the intention, black for protection, red for love, green for prosperity, etc)

Say your affirmations (for clear skin, fading scars, reducing dullness, etc) when doing your skincare

Charge your perfume with the energy you wish to attract

When tying your shoes, visualise them symbolically protecting you from tripping and “falling” into places and situations that disturb your peace

Use music to your advantage, listen to songs that match your intentions, or alternatively, use music as a tool for divination

Some witches veil to keep their energy from draining and to protect them from others’ emotions, but a beanie works too

If you wear glasses, use them as a tool so that they help you “see clearly”

Put your moisturiser on in the shape of a sigil before massaging it in

Child’s pose is always there for you, use it when you need it (alleviates stress and anxiety, helps clear the mind, releases tension in the back, helps to steady breathing, is overall great for grounding, etc)

Visualise the A+ (on your report card/on the paper after it’s been graded/etc) right before beginning to solve your test/exam, it also helps if you can draw a sigil somewhere on the paper, or trace it on the paper with your finger

When shaving, visualise any energy buildup being shaved off as well

If you play the guitar, draw a sigil on your plectrum/pick for an added boost (this works with other instruments too)

Do not litter out of respect for nature and its spirits

Feel free to add more things onto the list

When you’re just starting out, or even when you’re just too drained to practice your craft like you used to, it can feel like there isn’t enough magic in your life. This is your daily reminder that a lot of the time, the only difference between routine and magick is intent.

Divination through candles and flames is probably one of the easiest forms of divination in my experience. This is a form of divination that some people do without knowing, which I find really fascinating.

As always, everyone has different opinions and perspectives on what particular things mean, you are allowed to disagree, but this is based on my experience. ANYWAY here is what all the pretty flames mean

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Tall Strong Flame

You've been heard by the divine and they're going to grant you what you want. It's a big ol' green light pretty much. In regards to questions, it means yes

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Smaller Flame

Yikes, it's probably not meant to happen. This is usually a sign of "no".

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Flame That Leans Right

What you want isn't meant to come just yet, but it will soon. "In the future" is a basic meaning of the candle flame

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Flame That Leans Left

You guessed it, this one references the past! It's also a potential sign that you are going through a cycle and have done this before

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Flame That Leans Away From You

TAKE ACTION HOMIE. The ball is in your court, you have to physically do this thing.

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Flame That Leans Towards You

You know the answer already.

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Strong Flickering Flame

Yeah, what you want will come, but it definitely won't come easy. Get your big witch hat on, because some trials and conflict may be coming your way

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Crackling/Popping Flame

YOU'RE NOT LISTENING your guides gave you the answer, or you know the answer, listen a little closer

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I hope this gave everyone a good idea of what candle flames mean. If you feel it means something different, it probably does for you, but this takes experimentation and practice.

I am making a Patreon to offer paid access to more exclusive information and I can't wait to share it with you all. Make sure to support my Etsy and other links in the meantime!

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beacons.page/notrixxtarot

Working with spirits is a fun experience in my opinion, but definitely comes with a risk. You’re meeting someone new, and there are “good” entities and “bad” entities and entities in between, just like with anything. Working with spirits requires some preparation, and may be easier for some and very difficult for others. I personally had to train quite a long time to get to where I am and I am still learning a lot even today.

Preparation Stage

1. Warding

Knowing how to ward is so important in witchcraft in general, and this is definitely no exception. Please make sure to have strong wards around yourself and your mind. A spirit with bad intentions can definitely hurt you or possess you against your will if you are not careful.

Note: Ward against all spirits, even the ones you trust. You deserve your own space and there are going to be times when you want to be alone. This is so important.

2. Learn about yourself

This may sound strange but you need to know who you are before working with spirits. This way, you can tell the difference between when you feel them around or your own energy, and the same with trying to hear/see them vs. your own thoughts.

To do this, meditate as much as possible. If you can end up meditating at least a few minutes every single day, that’s awesome. Focus your meditations at first on quieting your mind and focusing on a single random object in your mind. Visualize it and observe the details. How it smells, feels, tastes, sounds. Usually I do this with an apple. Something simple. Once you feel like you can do this comfortably, then begin exploring your current emotions. Identify as many as you can. You can dig deeper if you would like, trying to see what underlying emotions you carry that can cloud your readings, both telepathy and divination. Explore your energy- what color does it look like to YOU, not what others have told you? Everyone sees things differently, so you need to see how you see.

I could go into more detail about this but that will have to be a whole other post. This is such a big part of spirit work and your own journey that I cannot stress it enough. The more you know yourself, the easier it will be in a lot of your workings in witchcraft.

3. Trust yourself, be confident

Doubts and fears cloud readings, both physical and mental. Your intuition will become clouded if you do not trust yourself. It is good in my opinion to have a little doubt and to not be too confident, but it is a delicate balance. It’s hard to explain how much is too much, so the one way I can put it is allowing the first thought be your instinct. The thoughts that come automatically tend to be the instinctive ones.

4. Learn what is instinct, and what is yours

This is important as well. I briefly mentioned it in the previous point. A good idea to practice this is begin with divination- for example, tarot cards have basic meanings, but also should be interpreted with intuition as well. Learn to listen to that intuition in your divination and not only will it help you with listening and identifying spirits, but also will help you with your divination techniques. Definitely an awesome double whammy! Don’t forget, tarot is NOT the only way to talk with spirits!

5. Learn how to banish

Just in case you come across a spirit who wants to hurt you or will not leave you alone even if you ask it to, you need to learn how to banish it. There are many ways you can perform a banishing- it highly depends on your own abilities and what is easiest for you. Some people have a lot more power in words, while others need to make a spray with herbs and oils. I highly suggest doing some research on banishing and find what works best for you.

6. Find a communication method

Once again, everyone is different. Some work better with pendulums (I personally don’t like using them), while others use tarot or another method. Getting to the point of seeing and hearing a spirit takes a while for some people, and that’s ok. It took me almost four years to get to the point where I can comfortably see and hear spirits with my third eye.

For anyone, I highly suggest using some sort of divination method to read what spirits are telling you. Pendulum, runes, and tarot are most common. Keep in mind, when you use these for spirit communication, you will need to avoid putting your own energy into them so the reading doesn’t get mixed up or end up reading you instead. Practice reading other people first to help with this.

Spirit Stage

So now about spirits. Once again, remember, spirits have their souls. They have emotions. They make choices. They have personalities. This means they are capable of both helping and harming you. I don’t really believe in “good” and “evil” since it is relative to everyone’s beliefs. Instead, I believe that every spirit is capable of positive and malicious intent. Please remember this: Spirits can hurt you. But also, don’t judge a book by its cover. Just be cautious.

How do I get in contact with a spirit?

I would suggest starting with a deity you trust and feel close to. Deities have an energy that can be easier to read, and you may already have a relationship with this deity. You can also reach out to spirits in an area that you feel is safe.

First of all, with any entity, you should remain respectful and treat them like you would any person you meet for the first time. Introduce yourself (out loud or projecting gently through your mind is fine) and ask if they would like to introduce themselves. Use your divination method to help receive answers.

Trust your intuition. If you feel unsafe, say goodbye and ward up more. Banish them if they won’t leave you alone.  Give yourself a good cleanse as soon as you can.

But also, trust your intuition in how the spirit feels as well. If you sense they are uncomfortable, apologize and back off. Some spirits are shyer than others- others may not feel like interacting.

Don’t feel frustrated if your first few tries are unsuccessful, it happens! This is one of the most difficult skills to get in my opinion, and can take a while to master.

I also highly suggest having a look at this pretty good thoughtform post

Clove -Exorcism, love, money, and protection 

Lavender - Magickal uses include love, protection, healing, sleep, purification, and peace. Promotes healing from depression. Great in sleep pillows and bath spells.

chamomile -Love, healing, and reducing stress, success, hex breaking.

Basil - Love, exorcism, wealth, sympathy, and protection. Dispels confusion, fears & weakness. Drives off hostile spirits. Associated with Candlemas.

Bay leaves - Protection, good fortune, success, purification, strength, healing and psychic powers. Write wishes on fresh leaves and then burn the leaves to make the wishes come true.

Mint - Promotes energy, communication and vitality. Draws customers to a business. Use dried leaves to stuff a green poppet for healing. Can also draw good spirits when used during a ritual.

Cinnamon - Spirituality, success, healing, protection, power, love, luck, strength, and prosperity.

Aloe - Protection, love and luck. Place on the grave of a loved one to promote peaceful energy. Thought to relieve loneliness and assist with success.

Rose - Magical uses include divine love, close friendships, domestic peace/happiness, and lasting relationships.

Rosemary - Health, love, protection, purification. Can be used as a substitute for many herbs. Associated with Fey.

Sage - Used for self purification and dealing with grief and loss. Carried to improve mental ability and bring wisdom. Used in healing sachets & incense. Promotes spiritual, mental, emotional & physical health and longevity. Removes negative energy.

Witch Hazel -Magickal uses include chastity and protection. Carry to ease grief over a lost love. Use in a sachet to reduce passions. Use in love spells and spells to ward off evil. 

Vanilla Bean - Magickal uses include love, lust, passion, and restoring lost energy. Carried to increase energy & strengthen mental abilities.

Vinegar - Banishing, binding, averting evil.

Tangerine - Promotes energy, strength, and vitality. Awakens joy and dissolves negativity.

Sunflower - Energy, protection, power, wisdom, and wishes.

Thistle - Healing, protection. Use in sachet or amulet to aid in speedy recovery from surgery or illness. Hang in the home to ward off thieves and unwanted visitors.

Thyme - Attracts loyalty, affection, and the good opinion of others. Wear a sprig to ward off unbearable grief or provide strength and courage when needed. Burn or hang in the home for banishing, purification, and to attract good health for all occupants.

Most of these herbs can be found around the kitchen making them easy herbs for beginner witches’.

When performing the Celtic Cross, there are three positions that can reveal when the event will happen: The Advice, The Ultimate Outcome, and The Underworld. Acknowledge all these possibilities. But your intuition will tell you which is most likely.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

The Fool – Whenever you are ready

The Magician – It has already begun

The High Priestess – You know exactly when

The Empress – During harvest season

The Emperor – It is almost done

The Hierophant – It is finished

The Lovers – As soon as you make the choice

The Chariot – In just a few moments

Strength – The minute you accept it

The Hermit – Only after you meditate on it

The Wheel of Fortune – During your first or next Saturn Return

Justice – When you least expect it

The Hanged Man – When the circumstances change

Death – Whenever it is ready

Temperance – After the storm

The Devil – It is happening right now

The Tower – Soon, unexpectedly and suddenly

The Star – The more you believe, the sooner it will happen

The Moon – It cannot be determined at the moment

The Sun – In the summer or by sunrise

Judgement – Soon and inevitably

The World – In divine timing

THE MINOR ARCANA

THE SUIT OF WANDS

Ace of Wands – One day

Two of Wands – Two days

Three of Wands – Three days

Four of Wands – Four days

Five of Wands – Five days

Six of Wands – Six days

Seven of Wands – Seven days

Eight of Wands – Eight days

Nine of Wands – Nine days

Ten of Wands – Ten days

Page of Wands – As we speak

Knight of Wands – End of November to most of December

Queen of Wands – End of March to most of April

King of Wands – End of July to most of August

THE SUIT OF CUPS

Ace of Cups – One month

Two of Cups – Two months

Three of Cups – Three months

Four of Cups – Four months

Five of Cups – Five months

Six of Cups – Six months

Seven of Cups – Seven months

Eight of Cups – Eight months

Nine of Cups – Nine months

Ten of Cups – Ten months

Page of Cups – Very soon

Knight of Cups – End of February to most of March

Queen of Cups – End of June to most of July

King of Cups – End of October to most of November

THE SUIT OF SWORDS

Ace of Swords – One week

Two of Swords – Two weeks

Three of Swords – Three weeks

Four of Swords – Four weeks

Five of Swords – Five weeks

Six of Swords – Six weeks

Seven of Swords – Seven weeks

Eight of Swords – Eight weeks

Nine of Swords – Nine weeks

Ten of Swords – Ten weeks

Page of Swords – Now, behind the scenes

Knight of Swords – End of May to most of June

Queen of Swords – End of September to most of October

King of Swords – End of January to most of February

THE SUIT OF PENTACLES

Ace of Pentacles – One year or one season (3 months)

Two of Pentacles – Two years or two seasons (6 months)

Three of Pentacles – Three years or three seasons (9 months)

Four of Pentacles – Four years or four seasons (one year)

Five of Pentacles – Five years or five seasons (15 months)

Six of Pentacles – Six years or six seasons (18 months)

Seven of Pentacles – Seven years or seven seasons (21 months)

Eight of Pentacles – Eight years or eight seasons (2 years)

Nine of Pentacles – Nine years or nine seasons (2 years and 3 months)

Ten of Pentacles – Ten years or ten seasons (2 years and 6 months)

Page of Pentacles – It will take quite a while

Knight of Pentacles – End of August to most of September

Queen of Pentacles – End of December to most of January

King of Pentacles – End of April to most of May

To Help You Remember:

Wands are days, because they are fire, and fire moves fast.

Swords are weeks, because while a sword is quick to cut, it first requires some thinking on the warrior’s part.

Cups are months, because they are water, and water flows with the moon, which completes a cycle in roughly a month.

Pentacles are seasons to years, because they are seeds, and some seeds only require a season to grow while others need a year.

The timings for the Major Arcana and the Pages are related to the cards’ meanings. Once you know the meanings, you know the timings.

The Kings, Queens and Knights are the Zodiac signs’ birthdays:

King of Wands – Leo (Fixed Fire)

Queen of Wands – Aries (Cardinal Fire)

Knight of Wands – Sagittarius (Mutable Fire)

King of Cups – Scorpio (Fixed Water)

Queen of Cups – Cancer (Cardinal Water)

Knight of Cups – Pisces (Mutable Water)

King of Swords – Aquarius (Fixed Air)

Queen of Swords – Libra (Cardinal Air)

Knight of Swords – Gemini (Mutable Air)

King of Pentacles – Taurus (Fixed Earth)

Queen of Pentacles – Capricorn (Cardinal Earth)

some resources to get you started with lunar witchcraft:

magickal moon

lunar magick

lunar phases

lunar phase associations

full moons in a year

lunar eclipse dates

the moon in zodiac signs

how to celebrate the new moon

how to celebrate the full moon

supermoon activities

wish bracelet spell

easy lunar rituals for closeted witches

new moon banishing ritual

full moon reflection jar spell

supermoon spell jar

moon potion

moon water

uses for moon water

black moon water

moon affirmations

new moon reflection tarot spread

diy lunar calendar

free moon card printables

lunar deities:

artemis

selene

cerridwen

hecate

thoth

the wiccan goddess

crystals:

moonstone

selenite

pearl

milky quartz

aquamarine

plants to grow/use in your craft:

cabbage

evening primrose

honeysuckle

iris

jasmine

juniper

lemon

lotus

mallow

moonwort

morning glory

mugwort

myrtle

sandalwood

sweetpea

violet

watercress

water lily

white rose

willow

things to start doing:

plan your spellwork around the lunar phases and their correspondences

look into your moon sign (free astrology chart generator here)

collect moon water on the full moon

talk to the moon at night. tell her your worries, your dreams, your hopes and desires. tell her what you ache for most deeply, your greatest regret and your biggest fears. dissect your heart in front of her, and feel it heal.

buy, print or make a lunar calendar

get the moon app

do a small ‘spring cleaning’ every new moon, whether that’s cleaning out your room, inbox, kitchen, phone or whole house

create a lunar altar

learn more about astrology, in particular which sign the moon is in and how that affects your life

try meditating outside, in moonlight

research dream magick

a good blog that posts about lunar witchcraft: @lunaesteria

Introduction

Natal Chart

Birth Tarot Cards

Ancestors

13 goals of a Witch- https://theteapractitioner.tumblr.com/post/189925932240/13-goals-of-a-witch

Beliefs

Craft Name

Why be a witch?

Magick Theory/Science

Spiritual Nexus

Basics

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use this info, and why these are important to witchcraft

Intent- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/190184513085/intention-in-witchcraft

Visualizing- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/190206783420/visualization-in-witchcraft

Grounding and Centering- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/190239330060/grounding-and-centering-in-witchcraft

Casting a Circle- https://a-pagan-path.tumblr.com/post/157590144813/now-that-ive-begun-working-more-with-energy-i

Charging- https://orriculum.tumblr.com/post/159615991918/how-to-charge-objects

Meditation- https://partyinthebroomcloset.tumblr.com/post/175898209631/witchy-tips-meditation-meditation-is-a-way-to

Manifestation- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/190933926575/manifestation-in-witchcraft

Enchanting- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/190968400605/enchanting-in-witchcraft

Cleansing- https://ancientmagickacademy.tumblr.com/post/189325205222/magick-101-cleansing

Warding- https://kendallscraft.tumblr.com/post/186733585873/warding

Tools- https://wiccanartistry.tumblr.com/post/164524145533/what-every-beginner-wiccan-witch-should-have

Altars- https://noonymoon.tumblr.com/post/183492230945/altars

Spell Creation - https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/610979090135220224/how-to-write-a-spell

Sigil Creation - https://sybilcrane.tumblr.com/post/145693209659/witchs-sigil-wheel-decide-on-a-word-that

Elemental Correspondences- https://spellchased.tumblr.com/post/190284837161/lunaesteria-elemental-correspondences-some

Times + Space

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Imbolic - https://strigascattus.tumblr.com/post/190778136196/imbloc

Ostara - https://faeryqueenwitch.tumblr.com/post/183507828107/ostara

Beltane - https://witchspeaks.tumblr.com/post/173333048913/beltane

Litha - https://theoryofmagick.tumblr.com/post/173782651110/lets-talk-litha-celebrating-the-summer-solstice

Lughnasadh - https://fae-sidhe.tumblr.com/post/163444262582/celebrating-lughnasadh

Mabon - https://greekwitchchild.tumblr.com/post/187553769933/mabon

Samhain - https://sleepydryad-blog.tumblr.com/post/165852095637/samhain

Yule - https://stormsandspells.tumblr.com/post/180949575542/a-bit-bout-yule

Transitions between sabbaths - https://ofcloudsandstars.tumblr.com/post/138059853456/transitions-between-the-wheel-for-the-four

How to plan for each sabbath - https://herecomesthewitch.tumblr.com/post/160712733084/laurels-easy-sabbat-planning-guide

Hour/Day/Month correspondences- https://salem-fae.tumblr.com/post/613510599400439808/witchy-time-correspondences

Zodiacs

Astrology - https://magickjustice.tumblr.com/post/166608560930/astrological-placements-01

Reading Stars

Moon phases + special moons - https://mystiksnotes.tumblr.com/post/611420974120927232/the-moon

Planets/Celestial Events- https://lapiscat.tumblr.com/post/168658841737/celestial-bodieszodiacs-crash-course-sun

Botany

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Gardening - https://smudging-sage.tumblr.com/post/156506048615/gardens-of-the-witches

Harvesting

Herb types - https://smudging-sage.tumblr.com/post/156506164575/big-witchy-guide-on-herbs-and-flowers

Drying/Using herbs

Essential Oils/ Aromatherapy - https://stir-by-still.tumblr.com/post/162927505236/essential-oils-their-correspondences

Local Plants

Herbal tinctures - https://witchsworkshop.tumblr.com/post/167311836407/how-to-make-tinctures-part-i

Nature

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Crystals Correspondences

Crystal Use

Crystal Care

Elements

Animals

Insects

Local insects and animals

Seasons

Feather magick

Clouds

Weather

Bones

Vulture culture

Familiars

Divination

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Number correspondences

Tarot

Rune

Tasseography

Palmistry

Pendulums

Scrying

Dice Reading

Dreams

Dream Correspondences

Less common divination of your choice

Spirits + Energy

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Auras

Psychic abilities

Spirit guides - https://wolfofantimonyoccultism.tumblr.com/post/188721104944/spirit-work-how-to-find-your-spirit-guides

Fae work

Mythical creatures

Spirit communication

Alchemy

Home and Health

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Kitchen witchcraft

Bath magick

Cottage/Hearth witchcraft

Physical Health

Sprititual Health

Mental Health

Lifestyle

Cultures

Other Topics

describe what each is, important info on the topic, when/where/how to use information, and why these are important to witchcraft

Types of witches - https://moonlightacademy.tumblr.com/post/156153556830/types-of-witches-witchcraft

Dolls

Planes of existence

(Reincarnation)

Angel numbers - https://powerpriestess.tumblr.com/post/174642680439/angel-numbers

Color theory magick

amulets

symbols

shadow work

witch alphabet - https://witchandbaby.tumblr.com/post/164869348838/theban-script-the-witches-alphabet

shadow portrait

now that i’ve begun working more with energy, i wanted to share my methods of casting circles! when i first started working with energy, it was really hard to find references for casting circles, especially ones not dealing with the traditional Wiccan god/goddess. here are some methods and uses of casting circles!

Why Cast a Circle?

the primary reason i cast circles is to protect me from outside energy influences. most people associate circles to protection from ‘malevolent’ spirits, however, it’s just a great barrier in general!

here are some following scenarios i cast circles:

divination- to protect me from energies that might influence my cards or my interpretation o the cards

spellwork- pretty self-explanatory. i cast circles to protect from energies i don’t want in my spells, or from potential spirit attraction.

meditation- again, for energy use and to also not be disturbed from anything spiritual.

Methods of Casting

1 - Invoking Elements

a very basic way, if not the go-to way, of casting is to place each of the four elements at each of the cardinal directions. Earth at the north, Air in the east, Fire at the south, and Water in the west.

fire

Candles (color them for intent if used in a spell! alternatively, electric tea lights work fine.)

here is a post about color associations for candles!

Anything symbolic of fire colors (red or warm-colored cloth, figures/statues,etc.)

water

moon/sun water (in a jar works really well, or in an open container if being used for blessing anything)

blessed water, or water related to whatever you’re working with (storm water, diluted essential oils, etc).

here is a good source of different kinds of water and how to cleanse them!

blue or purple colored items

earth

stones or crystals (this is what i love to use! just be wary that some stones are aligned with other elements. clear quartz is a go-to.)

salt

dirt (from your backyard or specific, such as hospital or graveyard. make sure to cleanse it.)

herbs (especially roots)

brown or black colored items

air

incense (different scents have uses as well!)

here is a post with scent correspondences!

steam

yellow or white colored items

alternatively, any of these could be replaced with a tarot card of the corresponding suit! (wands for fire, cups for water, pentacles for earth, and swords for air).

to close the circle, walk clockwise starting in the east (air) and complete a full walk around the circle. do this as many times as you feel needed to envision a complete circle! after your use for it is done, unwind it by walking the same number of times counter-clockwise.

note: if you live in the southern hemisphere, you may want to reverse fire and earth in your directions and walk counter-clockwise to close the circle, and clockwise to end it.

2 - Envisioning

this is a very, very simple way to cast a circle! if you have very little time, simply imagine a ring of light around your workspace. you could align color to purpose as well.

the only downsides to this method include the fact that it may not be as strong as a physical circle for beginners especially, as i have learned many times over as i find energy that i don’t want in the circle. on top of this, to make it very successful, you may have to keep this image in your head throughout your spell or energy work, which may distract or hurt your concentration.

however, like i said before, it’s very easy, discreet, and requires no clean up! with practice, it could be very easy to maintain.

3 - Salt Circle

by simply spreading salt in a circle clockwise (or counter-clockwise depending on your location), you can create a strong barrier. as you walk around, envision your purpose of protection and safety.

if you are working outside, do not use salt. it will kill plant life! instead, consider alternatives such as: egg shells, diluted salt water, crushed herbs, flower petals, etc.

if working inside, consider setting out foil, cloth, or a tarp for easy cleanup. 

4 - Cleansing the Room Itself

if you find that you for some reason cannot cast a circle, or maybe are just starting out, consider cleansing the entire room instead!

some methods include:

smoke cleansing (NOT smudging. please do not call this action smudging unless it is part of YOUR culture.)

salt or protective mixture

dance/song

salt/water spray

incense and candles

for smoke cleansing, light your bundle and start facing eastward, spreading the smoke and asking for protection from either the corresponding element or any deities/spirits/etc. you worship. move clockwise or counterclockwise.

for salt or protection mixtures, simply place a small pile in each corner of the room or at the cardinal directions.

dance and song can celanse the room when accompanied with smoke especially. 

the salt water spray can be used similar to the protection mixture – spray a little in each corner or at the cardinal directions.

incense and candles can be placed in corners, the directions, or just throughout the room to act as protective energy.

Final Notes

make sure to remove your circle after you’re done!! leaving it up isn’t safe and could be draining on your energy or health.

try not to leave the circle in the middle of your work, if it can be avoided. ive had to do it before and nothing bad happened, but sometimes it ocould break the circle, or bring unwanted energy or precense in.

do your absolute best to have all your materials in the circle before you cast it. bringing items that were not in the circle before could carry energy that you just do not want in your circle. i’ve messed up plenty spells because of it already. if it is really necessary, cleanse the item as thoroughly as you can (quickly if you need to), and enter the circle from the east.

if these methods don’t work right away, don’t worry! these take lots of practice. some easy ways to try casting daily include:

cast a circle before you meditate

cleanse your room before you do homework for a safe space to work

if you have a form of divination, cast a circle before drawing a daily reading (i do this in the morning to see how the day will go or seek advice for the day!).

Outside:

Collect spring flowers

Leave offerings to your garden

Set out sweet food for the Fae

Scatter eggshells to fertilize the soil

Make waterers for Bees and butterflies

In the Home:

Throw open the windows to let in fresh air

Cleanse your home with a floral incense such as Rose or Jasmine

Make eggshell candles

Set out vases to fill with fresh flowers

Paint or dye eggs to celebrate springtime fertility

In the Kitchen:

Make traditional hot cross buns

Bake your own bread

Make an Ostara Tea

Make Ostara Honey Cakes

Concoct your own edible flower cookies

Make Strawberry Sage Lemonade

In the Bath:

Bathe in fresh flowers for spring

Surround yourself with green, pastel, or white candles

Take an Ostara-Inspired Lush Bath

On your Altar:

Decorate with colors of yellows, blues and greens

Symbolize fertility with fresh eggs or their shells

Scatter fresh flower petals across your altar