nothing is as it first appears...

by natural-magics:

I know this is obvious - but, spend more time in the sun. especially if you are doing any exercises, which is something that can also help a lot with depression. read outside, meditate outside, go for walks, etc. find a peaceful place, ideally under some shade to read or meditate. you can set up an altar dedicated to the sun. use solar symbols, warm colors, flowers, and crystals and/or herbs associated with the sun and happiness.

here is a sun charm that you can make:

3 small citrine

3 small sunstone

1 teaspoon lemon balm

1 teaspoon chamomile

1 teaspoon calendula

½ teaspoon St John’s Wort

½ teaspoon sea salt

a yellow or orange pouch/sachet

a yellow, orange or gold candle (and a carving tool)

this is best done outside on a quiet, sunny morning (or, you can open a window and work at the windowsill), but you can do this any time during the day. gently mix the herbs and sea salt together in a bowl while thinking of positive thoughts and anything that makes you feel happy. visualize the herbs being infused with positive, light energy. next, carve a symbol of the sun into the candle, then light it. as you do so, say:

“This candle is charged with the strength and warmth of the sun.”

combine all of the herbs and stones into the pouch. after you’ve filled the pouch, tie it closed and hold it in your hands. close your eyes and enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin. now say the following:

I am alive As the earth is alive, I have the power to take back my happiness.

I have the strength, and I will heal Like the sun, my spirits shall rise. I have the strength, and I will heal. Like the sun, my spirits shall rise.

allow the charm bag to charge in the sun for a day, then keep the charm bag close to you, and burn the candle for 15 minutes every day.  you can repeat this as much as you like. 

other crystals and stones: carnelian, amber, fire agate, orange calcite, yellow aventurine, yellow obsidian, golden topaz

Meditation

Meditation is a great way to deal with stress, negativity, anxiety, and/or depression. It can be very difficult for some people to get into, but it’s something that you will improve at as you keep practicing. Here are some tips and information:

here is some beginner meditation information

here are meditation tips if you are having trouble focusing

here are recommendations for crystals to aid meditation

20 practical tips for quieting the mind

Crystals

Citrine is perhaps one of the best crystals to carry or wear if you are dealing with anxiety, stress and/or depression. While it’s also a great stone for success, it’s a lovely stone for promoting positive energy and happiness.

Other stones that are very helpful: clear quartz, rose quartz, selenite, celestite, amethyst, blue lace agate, lapis lazuli, blue calcite, chrysoprase, sodalite, fluorite, smoky quartz, turquoise, bloodstone, tiger’s eye, amazonite, lithium quartz, ametrine, green moss agate, sardonyx, unakite, howlite, moonstone, black tourmaline, obsidian, green aventurine, green apatite, blue apatite.

Herbs, Incense, Essential oils, and Teas

Herbs: valerian root, skullcap (note: pregnant women should avoid this), St John’s Wort (has notable side-effects and can interfere with some medications, discuss with your doctor), passion flower, kava kava, chamomile, lavender, juniper, fennel, catnip, peppermint, Ginkgo Biloba, meadow sweet, lemon balm, hops, rose, rosemary, licorice root.

Some of these can be found in supplement form at pharmacies and/or in teas (Tazo’s “Calm” and “Rest” teas especially). You can also make your own teas out of them, but it’s extremely important to consult a professional before ingesting anything. Be sure to thoroughly research herbs, their side effects and possible drug interactions. Herbs can also be used in spells and rituals, particularly when making sachets or charm bags.

Incense (scents) and essential oils: eucalyptus, sandalwood, lavender, jasmine, frankincense, rosewood, Marjoram, cypress, cedar, Patchouli, basil, vanilla, Geranium, Dragon’s Blood, peppermint, Bergamot, citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc), Ylang Ylang.

Oils can be used to anoint candles, rubbed into fabric (clothes and linens) for the aroma and/or added to a warm bath for extra relaxation and comfort. These scents encourage calmness, happiness and peace.

Diet and Lifestyle

Diet is an important part of dealing with anxiety and depression. It’s important to take care of oneself, which includes not only eating healthily and exercising, but remembering that you deserve kindness (and that includes from yourself).

Exercise releases endorphins, which help to combat anxiety and depression. It also gives you something to focus on. Vitamins play a huge role in your mood as well, vitamin B and C in particular. You can take supplements, but you can also eat foods that are rich in these vitamins. Nuts, veggies, fruit, seafood, beef, eggs, cheese, and brown rice are good sources of vitamin B. Most citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, so are green and red peppers, strawberries, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, and broccoli. Try to avoid too much caffeine.

Go for walks and/or sit outside. Doing this is a great way to clear your mind and change the direction of your thoughts altogether, and a change of scenery is always good for you. If you struggle with social anxiety, this may be difficult, but it’s worth trying. Keep an eye out for more quiet areas in your are (but not completely secluded, to be safe) where you can walk peacefully and get in touch with nature. 

Spells and Rituals

I’ve personally found spells to be very helpful in managing my anxiety.

Vanilla Anti-anxiety Spell

Anxiety Relief Spell

Relaxing and Soothing Bath

Rid Negative Energy Spell

Soothe Negative Emotions Spell

Encourage Positivity

Release Intense Emotions Spell

Happiness Spell

Joyful Candle Spell

A Spell for Calming and Relaxing

Mental and Physical Health Spell

I made this spell a couple days ago, I was in a hurry and needed some quick results. It worked out really well, thank god! It was quite an impromptu spell as well, and I’ve never really had success with those. But it worked this time. 

Materials:

Fire proof container (cauldron, bowl, abalone shell, etc.)

‘Splinter of wood’ (piece of wood that is shaped like a splinter, but large enough to write on)

Pen, pencil, charcoal, or paint (anything to write with)

Candle (preferably white)

Get all of your materials out and cast a circle if you normally do. Write down any negativity onto your splinter. This can be anything from “negative energy” to “anger” or “sadness”. Write as many things as needed. Now hold your splinter and visualize all of that negative energy, and transfer it to the splinter. Then light the candle and set the wood ablaze. Place it into your fireproof container and hold your hands over the flames (be careful not to burn yourself!) and chant aloud:

Negative energy, a splinter in my mind,

I burn you away leaving you behind,

Replace it with happiness and peace within me,

As I say so mote it be!