#wicca tips

Hello lovely,

Thanks for asking!

Generally, to set up a nice functional altar you can follow these guidelines:

use a compass to check where all the cardinal points are located inside the room you are choosing for your altar

for the altar, pick a cardinal point that harmonizes with your dominating elements and preferences (your zodiac sign, your needs, your craft, feng shui, whatever), a comfy surface and a rather quiet spot

clean the surface and anything next to it

get a small or medium sized cloth/foulard to use as a sacred tablecloth (monochromatic is better than prints, embroidery and decorations, but most importantly use natural fibers and a color that matches your mood/style)

choose 5 objects, stones, plants or charms to evoke each element

place these objects representing Earth, Air, Fire, and Water and Spirit on the corresponding cardinal points around the corners of your sacred tablecloth - leave enough space in the center to put your grimoire, draw cards or for a little cauldron [e.g. incense or a feather for air, plants or stones for earth, an abalone shell, ice cubes or a goblet for water, wooden matches or ashes or a small candle for fire, a symbolic image or a carved ancient utensil for spirit]

light up 2 candles, a big one (plain white or black for protection) and another one in a color, size and scent that you like, depending on the nature of your ritual that specific day

facing North, place the biggest crystal, salt chunk or gemstone that you possess (for protection)

invest in a little bell or a rattle to make some noise before you start your practice and when you finish (again, for protection), so on the altar you should keep it to the left if you are left-handed or to the right if you are right-handed

lastly, place all the little things that you will need during the ritual in the central part of the tablecloth that you basically left empty [e.g. a wand, palo santo for smudging, runes, stones, your grimoire, books, knife, decks of cards, scrying bowls, herbs, lucky charms etc.]

I’m sharing one of my most essential brews, because I have only just considered that is may be a great starting potion for baby witches. In my very humble opinion, of course. I shared it with a baby witch a few days ago and realized more people could use this one, because it’s simple, the ingredients are easy to come across, and it’s good for when you’re only just learning to ground yourself, as well as for more experiences witches (I brew this potion still)

Remember: Grounding requires both relaxation AND determination - which is why citrics can nourish your energy enough to accomplish focus and strength.

Ingredients:

orange slices or juice (energy, strength)

lemon slices or juice (cleansing, awareness)

chamomile in any form (peace, relaxation)

mint (psychic sensitivity, clears mind, focus, cleansing)

cardamom (relaxation, clears the mind)

dandelion (psychic abilities)

clove (clears the mind, grounding, protection)

chestnut (grounding, intuition, focusing energy)

If you cannot find clove in any form, make sure you do have chestnut, and vice versa. These are the two main ingredients for grounding work.

Instructions:

Brew chamomile tea, stirring clockwise.

Infuse with orange and lemon for a few minutes. If working with slices, remove them after a while so that they don’t bitter the potion nor take over the whole brew.

Add mint, cardamom and dandelion - slowly, and focusing on the purpose of each ingredient for this potion as you stir clockwise.

Add clove and chestnut last, manifesting your intent as best as you can. Say to yourself as you stir: this brew will ground me. It will give me peace and focus and strength.

Drink it in a quiet environment, sitting on the floor and focusing on the grounding your potion is providing. Breathe calmly, concentrating on your every breath.

Tips from me on how to incorporate the elements into your everyday routine for the busy witch!

So, I’m just starting out in the craft, and I’m at the point where I need a little guidance. I don’t know if there’s an order in which you’re supposed to do things or if it varies from person to person. For instance, am I supposed to do shadow work first or should I hit the books first? When do I start working on my book of shadows? What do I even put in my book of shadows (besides spells and rituals)? I feel like I have a thousand questions and no one to ask😩