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Crystal Elixirs

Crystal elixirs, or sometimes referred to as essences, are made by infusing water with the vibrations of a particular crystal or stone. They are used for physical, emotional and spiritual healing as well as magic. The most common way of using them is by drinking the water, but they can also be used topically on the skin or added to bathwater.

WARNING & TAKE CAUTION: Some crystals and stones are highly toxic and should never be used in elixirs. Amazonite, azurite, cinnabar, emerald, malachite and pyrite are just a few examples of minerals containing toxins that can leach into water. There are other stones that will begin to dissolve in water, such as selenite and kunzite. Rule of thumb; names ending in ‘ite’ are problematic when they come into contact with water.

If you are considering substitutions for the elixir spells, or branching out to create your own, this is not  the time to simply “go with your gut”. It’s very important to do a thorough research on any stone you’re considering for use in an elixir. It’s also recommended to use polished stones rather than raw, since there is even less likelihood of any unwanted mineral traces leaching into the water.

Simple Elixirs

Below are some instructions for creating a simple elixir to be used within a day or two. For longer-lasting elixirs, you’ll need to use a preservative - brandy, vodka or distilled vinegar for you young’uns. The advantage of taking this extra step is that you can use the elixir multiple times over an extended period of time, just a few drops will usually suit most purposes. 

For the sake of keeping it simple, I will not be including this step. But if you are intent on this, ask me how privately!

Note: There are methods for charging water with toxic stones that don’t involve placing the stone directly in the water. However, for safety’s sake, we will not be going over those at this time.

Spring water or purified water - tap water is okay in a pinch but it’s best to at least use a Brita or other type of filter if possible.

Clear glass bowl - a drinking class is an appropriate substitute. 

Clear lid or plastic wrap.

A crystal or stone (nontoxic) of your choice. 

3-5 quartz crystals (optional - these amplify your intentions!)

Place the cleared and charged stone in the bowl, focusing on your intention for the elixir. Slowly pour the water over the stone, using at least enough water to make one class but not much more than that. 

Allow the crystal’s vibrations to charge the water. This could take a couple of hours or it could be overnight, depending on your preference. Many witches like to use sunlight for a couple of hours. This doesn’t work on cloudy days, however, and isn’t recommended for stones that fade in sunlight such as colored quartz and fluorite. Moonlight is a great alternative, provided it’s clear skies and the moonlight shines directly onto the stone for a couple of hours.

In addition, you can use quartz crystals placed around the elixir to strengthen the vibrational quality of the water, but this is entirely up to you.

It is also possible to leave the elixir indoors overnight, either covered or in the fridge. The stone will release its vibrations into the water regardless of where it’s sitting. It’s just nice to have the enhancement of natural light. 

If neither sunlight or moonlight is possible, don’t let that stop you! And if you can use quartz around the elixir, this can definitely raise the quality!

Once charged, pour the water into a drinking glass or a jar - not made by metal or plastic if possible - and catch the stone in your hand before it falls into the new container.

Thank the stone for its energy and its presence in your life. You can repurpose the stone and charge it for other intentions!

Your elixir is good for 24 hours.

Crystal Bath Spells

If the elixir does not work for you, then using crystals in a bath is just as good of a way to create an energy adjust for the mind, body and soul! Similar to the elixirs, the vibrations of the crystals infuses the water with their balancing energies. Clear quartz and rose quartz are safe, popular stones to use this way.

Remember to research other crystals if you are wanting to experiment. Some stones will dissolve and others may be toxic for the skin. Be sure to rinse and recharge stones after using them in the bath!

Crystal & Candle Spells

Crystals and candles make great partners in magic, symbolizing the elements of earth and fire, as well as the stones representing their own elements! This type of crystal magic allows for more flexibility when it comes to creating your own variations, as you can use any kind of stone you like without worrying about toxicity or water damage.

You will need:

4 of your chosen crystals

1 candle representing your intentions. 

Arrange the crystals in a circle around the candle.

Touch each one with your power hand and directly charge it for the purposes you are seeking to manifest. Remember your affirmations! Say along the lines of: “I now charge this crystal with the power to connect to ______” Insert your intentions.

After charging each crystal, close your eyes and visualize how you will feel when there are no concerns to trouble you. Really feel the emotions and embrace them, remember how it feels knowing that your shoulders bear no more burdens regarding your intentions. You can say, “I manifest ______ in my daily life, having all that I need and more.”

Leave the crystals in place until the candle burns out on it’s own.

Crystal & Herb Spells - my favorite.

Joining crystals with herbs in spellwork is a great way to amplify the power of each of these Earth-given magical tools. We will go over spell jars later, but these come into play. You can combine your stones or crystals with any herbs you are needing to use that will help with your intentions, whether it’s love, finances, career, etc. 

Buried Crystal Spells

These spells use the power of the Earth even more directly by returning the crystals to their source. Raw stones are ideal for this type of work since there are no traces of chemical additives between the surface of the stone and the soil, but you can use polished stones as well! The strength of your focused intention is more important than the stone and whether it’s polished or raw. 

Simply charge the crystal with your intention and, making sure this crystal is one you can part with, take the stone to a location far from your home. Somewhere you rarely find yourself in. It could be a park, across town or a wooded/otherwise rural area. Bury the stone in the earth. Then walk away without looking back.

Calling a Crystal into Your Life

If you are finding yourself in a position that you are unable to get any crystals or stones, or feeling as if you’d like to bring more into your life, ask the Universe directly. The Universe will then help you connect to the stone that was meant for you!

Here is a good spell to work prior to making online orders for crystals.

You will need.

1 white candle.

Sea salt (the crystalline structure of sea salt adds a magical boost to your intention)

Sprinkle the salt in a circle around the candle while saying: “With this sacred salt of Earth, I ask the right crystal to come into my life.”

Close your eyes and visualize yourself surrounded by beautiful, sparkling crystals of every color. Take a few deep breaths and then light the candle while saying: “It is so. Blessed be.”

Final Thought

What makes each crystal unique and special is its dynamic composition, which is made up of highly structured patterns of molecules called lattices. As their pattern repeats itself over and over again, shapes and facets with particular types of symmetry are created. In stone identification, crystals are categorized into several types of shapes, which influence their aesthetic and energetic properties.

Crystals such as Pyrite, Diamonds, and Fluorite are cubic lattices created from three equal axes formed into a cube. The balanced structure gives these types of stones a naturally harmonious energy that magnifies everything around it. Crystals can also be hexagonal, like Emerald and Aquamarine, which are shaped in four axes of six-sided symmetry.

Other crystals such as Apophyllite and Zircon are tetragonal, a shape that resembles two four-side pyramids joined at the base. Some crystals aren’t as highly uniformed. In the mineral kingdom, orthorhombic crystals have three unequal axes that form an elongated spear, like Peridot and Topaz. The most asymmetrical of crystal shapes are the triclinic kind like Labradorite and Turquoise while trigonal crystals have an elongated lozenge shape.

Colors are another common crystal identification method. In fact, many gemstone experts classify crystals according to color because of its link with specific healing properties. The color blue, for instance, has a gentle and soothing quality while red is associated with passion and desire. In the gemstone world, colors are also linked with certain types of crystals and how they are used for specific chakras, which are designated energy centers in the body.

Crystal identification by color can be challenging for some crystals like Calcite, Fluorite, and Tourmaline, among others, since they come in different colors. In that case, you should refer to a crystal book or directory that categorizes by color and includes a photo of the specimen. Here is a list of the most widely available crystals to point you in the right direction.

Black – Associated with power, protection, and mystery, commonly available black gemstones include Black Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Hematite, Jet, and Onyx.

Blue – A tranquil and relaxing color, blue crystals are excellent for emotional and physical balancing. Commonly found crystals in this category are Angelite, Aquamarine, Celestite, and Lapis Lazuli. Blue crystals also include Blue Lace Agate, Apatite, Azurite, Blue Chalcedony, and Chrysocolla.

Brown – Associated with the earth and the trees, brown stones help to absorb negative energy. Harness the earthy healing vibes of brown gemstones with Smoky Quartz, Brown Jasper, Bronzite, Petrified Wood, and Tiger’s Eye.

Yellow and Gold – The color of the sun at full midday strength, yellow and gold colored stones represent optimism and joy. Bring a little sunshine into your life with Golden Topaz, Citrine, Amber, Yellow Tiger’s Eye, and Yellow Jasper. Gold stones are also a symbol of wealth and power such as Pyrite and Gold.

Green – Activate and clear your heart chakra with green stones, which have a healing and balancing effect on the emotions. Bring good fortune and prosperity into your life with Emerald, Aventurine, Green Fluorite, Jade, and Malachite, the lucky charms of the mineral kingdom.

Orange – A power color, orange stones awaken the passion within the spirit. Capture the spirit of the sun with Orange Calcite, Aragonite, Carnelian, Sunstone, and Copper.

Pink – The color of love and compassion, pink stones like Rose Quartz and Rhodochrosite are big-time heart energizers and openers. Other pink stones include Lepidolite, Pink Tourmaline, and Pink Sapphire.

Grey – The color of moonlight, gray or silver stones reflect the expansiveness of the universe, which gives them protective warrior-like qualities. Gray stones like Hematite and Moonstone have a silvery finish that evokes a starry night sky, a subtle yet powerful influx of light that helps to cleanse the spirit.

Purple – The color of enlightenment and intuition, purple stones like Amethyst and Charoite have a magical luster. They also help balance the emotions with relaxing and soothing vibes. The crystalline structure of purple stones makes them powerful energy amplifiers, especially when combined with other heart chakra stones.

Red – The color of passion and life force energy, red stones like Garnet, Ruby, and Red Tiger’s Eye have a warming and grounding energy that helps support the root chakra.

White – Representing purity and transformation, white stones like Selenite and Clear Quartz make excellent healing tools, especially when incorporated into healing layouts.

When you combine astrology with crystals, it has the potential to take your inner wisdom to a whole new energetic level. As Socrates put it, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom,” and the beaming diamonds in the sky can give you insight into your deep inner workings, especially in combination with certain crystals. In the ultimate energy cocktail, try out these crystals for your astrological sign and let it guide you on your epic journey.

Aries – Complement the fiery and passionate nature of the Aries with Carnelian, a bright orange sun stone that boosts creativity and blocks negative vibes. Citrine enhances the creative and ambitious Aries with its ability to increase clarity of thought and purpose.

Pisces – A water sign like Pisces should try pairing up with Aquamarine, which stimulates the heart chakra. For the sensitive Pisces, Chrysocolla rocks at soothing heartache because it encourages the expression of emotions. Amethyst also helps rejuvenate the spirit.

Aquarius – A sociable air sign, Aquarians should rock out with Aquamarine, a stone that boosts the community spirit by encouraging clear and effective communication. The stubborn nature of the Aquarius can also benefit from Yellow Jasper, which helps heal old emotional wounds that are blocking the heart chakra.

Capricorn – This ambitious and determined sign needs energy that boosts the life force, like Garnet, a red stone that invigorates the root chakra. The ethereal quality of Azurite also helps balance the sometimes overly practical and conservative nature of Capricorns.

Sagittarius – The curious mind of the Sagittarian could use a little Bronzite in their lives, especially for its energizing energy that encourages spiritual transformations. The grounding and stabilizing energy of Citrine helps the on the go Sagittarius signs to reconnect with their roots.

Scorpio – The most moody and unpredictable sign in the zodiac, Scorpios need calming stones like Amethyst to balance emotions. Malachite also helps speed up emotional healing while Citrine brings a boost of joy and light into the heart chakra.

Libra – Lapis Lazuli helps with decision making, which helps Libra signs stay focused when pulled in many directions. Libras strive for piece and harmony, which is why Citrine is beneficial—it adds a ray of sunshine and optimism to the spirit. Labradorite also helps protect the sensitive Libra from energy vampires and dream killers.

Virgo – The intelligent and detail-oriented Virgo gets a boost of confidence and determination from Red Jasper, which has a strong stabilizing and grounding effect on the root chakra. They also have a tendency to be overly critical, either of themselves or people in their lives, and Kyanite helps balance these negative impulses. The good luck charm of gemstones, Jade brings abundance and prosperity, which enhances Virgos and their go-getter attitude towards life.

Leo –The proud lion loves to be in the spotlight, which is why Garnet is an excellent stone. It ignites the fiery passion within the heart of the ambitious Leo. Tiger’s Eye manifests feelings of confidence and inner strength while Carnelian boosts creativity and personal power.

Cancer –The dreamy and magical Moonstone helps to bring out the sensitive and intuitive nature of the Cancer sign. Red Jasper also supports the emotional and sensitive Cancer by boosting endurance and stamina. Abalone Shell reconnects the loving and nurturing Cancer with the tides of the ocean.

Gemini –The properties of Rutilated Quartz help keep the dynamic personality of the Gemini in balance by connecting them to their higher selves. A powerful creativity booster, Carnelian supports the fun-loving nature of the Gemini and their need for personal expression. A heart chakra stone, Jade brings harmony to the mind and emotions, which have the tendency to quickly go from serious to happy-go-lucky.

Taurus – Pyrite brings abundance and prosperity, which complements the practical side of the Taurus sign. They are also ambitious and sensual, which makes the Carnelian an excellent stone for its confidence-boosting properties. A stone of personal power, Peridot helps Taurus go after their heart’s desire.

Gemstones are also associated with chakras, which are specific energy centers in the body. There are seven chakras and each one is linked with certain emotions, which is why crystals are effective in clearing and activating these energetic pathways.

Crown Chakra – Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra is where enlightenment and transcendence occurs. For those crowning, life-affirming moments, purple stones like Amethyst are excellent spiritual companions. Also supportive of the crown chakra are white stones such as Selenite and Clear Quartz.

Third Eye – Situated in the center of the eyebrows, the third eye is associated with intuition and the wisdom of the higher self. Indigo colored gemstones like Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, and Fluorite help to reawaken creative inspiration by opening the door of inner wisdom.

Throat Chakra – The energy center of the throat supports clear and effective communication, which makes it a popular stone for using in necklaces. When blue stones like Lapis Lazuli and Aquamarine touch the skin, it helps to balance the throat chakra by enhancing self-expression, the language of the soul. Other stones like Angelite, Sodalite, and Blue Apatite are also associated with the throat chakra, giving you the support and energy you need to speak the truth with loving communication.

Heart Chakra – When this energy center is activated and cleansed, the energetic body will begin to radiate love of all kinds. This positive, light-filled energy will attract positive influences into your life and strengthen the relationships you already have. For heart chakra healing, inspire feelings of love and compassion with Rose Quartz, Aventurine, and Rhodonite.

Solar Plexus Chakra –Yellow gemstones are excellent for balancing the solar plexus chakra thanks to bright and cheerful colors that encourage optimism and motivation. Be focused and confident because with Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Rutilated Quartz, and Pyrite by your side, you can be successful at whatever you set out to do.

Sacral Chakra – An unbalanced sacral chakra can make you feel depressed or lethargic. Alternatively, if this energy center is overactive, you could be overemotional. Bring it all into balance with Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, and Sunstone, the gemstones of inspiration, excitement, and motivation.

Root Chakra – Always feel grounded and anchored to the earth with root chakra stones like Red Garnet, Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Black Onyx, and Hematite. Wear it on the skin as jewelry or keep it throughout home and you’ll begin to notice a renewed sense of confidence.

Crystals are used in magical and spiritual work in a variety of ways. They may be used in the creation of ritual tools, such as using a crystal point as the end of a wand or bejeweling the handle of an athame. Following, you’ll find a few of the different ways you can utilize crystals in your magical work to amplify your intentions, as well as for healing work! Before trying these, there are a few things to consider.

Preparing for Crystal Magic

After you have cleaned, cleared and charged your crystals for use in magical work, you can begin your magical endeavors. Remember, charging is best done right after clearing and this process is best done as close to the actual spellwork as possible. However, there are many many of these methods that take several hours so be sure to plan ahead of time. Most of what you’ll learn will involve an additional charging for the specific purpose of the work, although you may be able to double up and streamline this step if you’ve just cleared the crystal before using it in your spellwork.

It’s always important to remember to believe in and respect the effects of magic. If you are in a state of doubt about the effectiveness of a particular spell, you are almost certainly weakening if not obliterating, the potential power of the work being done. If you are unclear about your purpose when performing the work, you may get unexpected and inconvenient results. 

Remember the Rede? With harm to none and for the good of all. 

Being very specific of your intention in this way ensures the best possible results. This saying means no negative effects will befall anyone inadvertently as a result of the Universe realigning reality to meet your request, while ensuring that what you’re asking for is also truly in your best interest, as well as the best interests of anyone else who may be involved.

I do not advise using any spellwork to cause harm to others or manipulate them. The three-fold law of Witchcraft states that any work you do will come back to you three times over, so make sure your intentions are positive and for the highest good!  Of course, if you do not take the three-fold law into consideration, then do what ye will!

Be sure to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually for your spell, or any magic in general. Spells worked in a hurry without sufficient time to get in the right frame of mind are unlikely to be successful. Take time beforehand to clear your mind by meditating, taking a hot bath, doing some yoga or doing whatever you prefer to focus your intentions.

Avoid working spells when you are emotionally agitated, especially if you are angry or upset. This could prevent your intentions from manifesting. Take a few breaths and wait until you’ve calmed down before doing your spell work.

Being new to spellwork, you may find that any noticeable effects from magical workings are subtle at best. It takes time to learn how to truly connect with yourself as a power source and focus that energy effectively as you send it out into the Universe. Don’t be discouraged as all practitioners of magic have to spend time developing and strengthening their skills! Practice, persist and don’t be afraid to experiment with your magical workings!

Simple Charge & Carry Talismans

This may be one of the easiest and most portable ways to work crystal magic. To do this, charge a small stone with a particular intention and then keep it with you in your pocket or locket as you go about your day. The energy of the crystal itself combined with the magical energy of your intention will reinforce the manifestation of your desires. Additionally, your awareness of the charged stone on you will help remind you that the Universe is realigning itself to conform to your request! Pretty nifty, right?

This spell is really useful for work concerning emotional, psychological, and/or spiritual challenges, like boosting your courage when you are facing a difficult and intimidating task or situation. You can also charge a stone for longer termed goals, such as attracting prosperity or warding off the sources of chronic negativity. However, if you’re going to carry stones in your pockets, be sure to not carry keys or anything sharp in that same pocket as it may cause damage to your stone. Also, avoid carrying polished and raw stones together. This is just because the raw points could scratch the polished crystals.

If you are a woman, then carrying stones or crystals in your bra is not exactly a bad idea!

Additionally, avoid carrying cell phones and other wireless devices as it’s possible the emissions of these devices may interfere with the stone’s energy, no matter how minor.

1 white, black or purple candle. Check the material on candle colors for information on why!

1 or more amethyst and/or clear quartz crystal pieces. These are great for charge boosters but not necessary. You can still charge your talisman with your own energy.

1 stone to charge and carry.

Place the amethyst and quartz in front of the candle and light the wick. This is if you choose to use these crystals.

Hold your talisman stone in both hands.

Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.

Visualize yourself achieving the effect that you want the talisman to recreate later. Manifest and affirm your intentions. Using words of affirmation will help solidify the visualization, just speak or think of the intention you seek to manifest from the stone.

When you sense that the stone has been programmed with the energy you’re seeking to draw on later, place the stone near the other two crystals and leave it with the candle burning for at least an hour. 

Voila!

Stones may be dropped into a burning candle to add the energy of the stone to spell work; they may be included in herbal pouches or dream pillows, carried loose or in a small cloth bag, placed somewhere (house, car, etc), or made into jewelry to add their energy as desired. To make an elixir, soak a gem, crystal or stone in a cup of spring water and set for an hour in the life of the Full or Dark moon. Remove the stone, consecrate the water and store away from the light. Add, if desired, a drop of whiskey or brandy to hold the energies and drink by teaspoon as needed for the benefit imbued by the stone’s energy.

How to program your crystal

Although crystals are said to have innate healing properties, taking the time to set an intention for your stone can help you connect with its energy and restore your own sense of purpose.

You may feel comfortable holding the stone in your hand as you meditate, or placing it on your third eye. You can also lay back and allow the stone to rest on the corresponding chakra, or area of the body that you wish to work with.

Envision the stone’s energy merging with your own. Speak to the stone — silently or verbally — and ask for assistance in working through your current endeavor.

Thank the stone for its presence then spend a few minutes in meditation.

Crystals are naturally occurring rock formations valued for their unique shape, texture, and luminosity. From India to Scandinavia, our ancestors intuitively identified the power of crystals, observing how these magnificent minerals absorbed, reserved, and radiated energy. Ancient civilizations incorporated crystals into daily life, integrating them into rituals, medicine, and divination.

They still have a major role in muggle society: Many muggle technological products — including satellites, cell phones, televisions, watches, and computers — contain crystal components used for their abilities to convert electrical impulses or for their optic properties. They're also used in beauty products and cultural ceremonies. The diamond, for instance, has come to symbolize eternal love and it's a popular stone for engagement rings.

Crystal healing holds that the magic of crystals derives from their structural compositions: These minerals are organic conductors that vibrate at their own consistent frequencies. Under pressure, they generate energy and we can use them to identify, raise, and direct energy to a targeted source. Does this sound familiar? This is the fundamental premise of spell work. Since crystals naturally mirror our innate power, they are extremely dynamic manifestation tools. When we infuse a crystal with magical intention, we create a symbiotic bond with it. The crystal, charged with energy, can independently create transformation.

I’ve been a witch for quite some time, but never really knew where I came from or why. Any time I would bring up my unique-ness to my mother or anyone in my family for that matter, they would simply brush it off and tell me it was all in my head. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start from the beginning.

My mother was able to tell the hour of when I was conceived and what’s more is, while she had to have fertility treatments to get pregnant with my siblings, she did not need any for me. I was the ‘Oh shit’ baby that she didn’t know she wanted. I was also a twin in the womb but ended up absorbing said twin. The world just wasn’t ready for two of me! While in the womb, I was having seizures. This was a time when the doctors didn’t really think that it was possible, I guess, because when they monitored my health, it didn’t occur to them that I was having seizures. Not only that, but the day I was born, I was having a seizure. I had grand mal (other people may say grandma seizures) up until I was 18 months old. The doctors at that time told my mother I would not live past the age of 15. 

I was told at one time that I was special. I know, hehe, funny shit. But this came from my God-fearing, Southern Baptist grandmother that received a dream from the Christian God. This dream came to her prior to my parents or her knowing what I was, my gender that is. She sat down and told my mom that I would be a special little girl. I mean, I guess you could say I’m a bit special since I usually talk nonsense. I’m teasing, I can be pretty articulate when I want to, especially during debates to shut my opponent up. I very much like to debate!

While growing up, I found that I had an affinity for animals. I was able to connect with adults more than other children, but as I got older this sort of flipped. I found that I could absorb and mitigate other people’s emotions, thus making me an empath. I had a habit of ‘fixing’ people. It came naturally to me. Because of this, I had a lot of people come and go out of my life while leaving me feeling abandoned and rejected. Of course, over time I was able to come to terms with this as I found that, I wasn’t being abandoned. I felt the need to fix people and when I did, then they would go about their life and I would wait for the next person to come along. There are a few people that really stuck around for a long, long time. But that’s a different story. 

I also found I had the gift of gab. I could connect to music on a spiritual level. I felt the music rather than just heard it. I also found that nature was home. Anywhere in nature. As long as I could touch a tree, or pick up a rock or stone, I felt comfort in that. I found that early on I could get lost in books and really feel the characters’ emotions. I was thirteen when my mom gave me a very important book that I carried around with me for years: The dictionary. I read that sucker front to back several times, just so I could better understand words. Words are poetry, quite literally. 

When I was around fourteen, I started to experience things that I couldn’t quite explain. Things like knowing something without having any knowledge of it. I tell my son all the time that I know all, hear all and see all. I’m the reverse monkey. I would later find out that I’m claircognizant. I’ll explain that later. When I approached my mom about it, she would humor me at the time, but I ended up telling my sister and later found out that my sister wanted to have me institutionalized due to my beliefs of knowing when things would happen, or feeling them happen before they actually do. Having the knowledge of not going down a road because something bad is going to happen, and then finding out that there was an accident on that same road later - I can see how she would want me institutionalized. At least they didn’t burn me at the stake. RIP Salem Witches.

My... abilities, or knack for the lack of a better word, grew. I felt disconnected from my family. I felt like I didn’t belong. I did not have the same personality as them, I didn’t understand their thought process. My brain was far more progressive than theirs for some reason, and I couldn’t figure out why. 

I stopped looking. 

At from the ages of twenty-three to twenty-six, I just stopped. My world was falling apart around me because I found out that the relationship I had with my mother was more harmful than I realized. Or knew. It took other family pointing it out to me. It broke my heart. I finally realized that my mother was abusive and controlling, manipulative and toxic. It took me a long time to come to terms with that. And I’m still working on it. Having this negative energy around me had suppressed what I thought to be abilities. It didn’t dawn on me that I was psychic, or a medium, or that I was empathic or even had a knack for divination. I just thought that I had a cool thing I could do. At eighteen, I received my first Tarot deck and from that point, I would consult them periodically, but it wasn’t until I was out of the house that I really focused on improving my divination. 

I was never wrong, either. 

Then I moved away. It opened so many doors! I now have an apothecary, an altar set up to work with the deities of my choice! (more on that later.) And what’s more, I am free to feel the way I want. 

You would not believe how long it took for me to figure this one out. For the longest time, I thought that this was one and the same, but that is not the case! When I figured out what the difference was, I was able to determine just where I stood with this question. And here’s my journey.

I was born and raised in a Southern Baptist community. Church every Sunday, Wednesday and sometimes Thursdays. Went to every church event that was held, Sunday school was a must. After church, we would all pile in to my grandmother’s (Nanny Jane) house and have lunch. This was all well and good! I have no complaints about this by any means. 

At thirteen, I came back from a trip down to Panama Beach, Florida for an event called Super Wow. A huge Christian event that was so life changing and fun! When we came back from Super Wow, I made the decision to be baptized at my home church, without fully knowing what it meant. For those of you who do not know what baptism means, it’s the Christian rite of passage by way of immersing yourself into water to wash away your sins and be reborn into His light. Now, to me, this is all well and good! All religions have their own initiates or rites. I just didn’t understand what it meant at the time. So needless to say, I was not ready.

Nothing came of it, though. It wasn’t until I was 21 when I started feeling and hearing things. Not hearing things, but... Hearing things. This is probably the most notable year for me, as a lot of things happened. I lived in an apartment with my family in Toccoa and because I was into the whole divination is cool phase, I wanted to try automatic writing. Those of you who know divination and understand the doors you can open with it, will probably be shaking your head at this time. I know. I was stupid. For those of you who aren’t familiar with automatic writing, it acts as a doorway to communicate with spirits. Much like a spirit board, it could be dangerous and you must treat all forms of divination with respect. Be smart, educate yourself first!

After trying automatic writing without any success, I just put my pencil and paper aside and forgot about it. Huge mistake. I started experiencing things like doors opening, closing, shirts being tugged on, loud banging noises, mood changes, suppression, oppression, things like that. It was hell. But this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had experiences with spirits. I’ve seen them my whole life, but for it to manifest like this? Completely new to me.

Without getting into too much detail, I told my mom about what I was going through and what I had done. I told her I was so angry, I could hurt them (her and the boys). She told me to go punch a tree. Things escalated quickly at that point and I stopped sleeping. I went without sleep for days in a row. I finally sat down and told mom I couldn’t do this anymore. She told me to take my bible and sleep with it under my pillow. So I did.

It was the first time that I had slept in a long, long time. And nothing bothered me. It was at this point that I started opening myself up to listen to what was being said to me. If you’ve seen Supernatural, the term Angel Radio is very real. 

I knew when my Nanny Jane was going to die. I knew the day before that it would be soon. I had documented the date of her death, to the T. Now that’s freaky.

But it continued. We moved out of that apartment and things got better, for the most part. We moved in with Nanny Jane and I helped take care of her. It was that Christmas that I was gifted 2 tarot decks. And I’ve had them ever since. I loved them. I consulted the cards to tell me when I should expect my grandmother to leave the earth. This helped open my mind and heart to communicating with Spirit. 

After my grandmother passed away, I was asked to read and speak for her, as well as be a pall-bearer. Something I took to heart. When it was time to speak at her funeral, I decided to wear heels that day. Stupid, again. I walked up to the steps and paused. I remember thinking to myself... “don’t fall. Don’t fall. Don’t fall. Please don’t let me fall.” I then heard the voice, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” I was able to climb the steps to get to the podium so I could speak. 

It took me a few seconds while I studied the paper in front of me that had all of what I wanted to say. If you’ve ever heard the term ‘shaking so hard, your knees are knocking,” well my knees were knocking. Badly. I prayed so hard that I would be strong enough to stand. That when I opened my mouth to speak, my words would ring out strong and true, without wavering. “Speak child,” was my answer.

When I spoke, I did not stutter. I did not waver. My voice did not crack and I did not cry. 

I’ve had several instances after this that was proof enough to me that Jesus, and God, were real. That I was being heard, I just had to listen for a response.

Now, you’re probably asking yourself - She’s talking religious shit, how the hell can she be a witch? Well I’ll tell you.

My faith in Jesus has stuck with me throughout the years and part of me is still a Christian. He’s never done me wrong and therefore, I am loyal to him. But my views and beliefs did not fit in the Christianity world. At 22, I was introduced to paganism and that’s when it started to really make sense. My abilities to sense things, my affinity for divination tools, strong intuition.. All of these began to really unlock and blossom for me. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea to give up my deity. But He did allow me to practice my craft and paganism while working with him. 

Then I moved to Utah. I found that I was really able to accept what the Universe has to offer. I started coming into my own. I now visit my metaphysical shop every week or every other week, as often as I can. I now have quite a few herbs in my budding apothecary. What’s more is I’m exploring ancestry and past lives.

Needless to say, am I spiritual or religious?