by the pricking of our thumb

“Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”

I be the witch of the wood.

“I invite positive energies and love into my life and relationships.”

But

Why do yall continue to post/reblog aesthetic picturesof/and or buy and share books that are openly transphobic with transphobic authors and have been called out as openly transphobic multiple times by multiple people in the community??

I wanna add a note though that sometimes it’s hard to avoid this altogether with Africana traditions because truthfully, we’ve got a lot of transphobia, homophobia, and other LGBT issues in black communities around the world. 

So when it comes to the Africana traditions I practice, I can’t always avoid authors or sources that may have contributed to these problems, but I sure as hell talk about being non-binary and speak up on these issues when I can. Esp with regards to gender and cissexism in Ifá, hoodoo, and other traditions coming from my own perspective and experiences as a non-cis person.

Added: I should probably clarify. In Western, European-derived traditions (including mainstream, popular types of witchcraft) there are TONS of trans-inclusive, LGBT+ inclusive, non-cissexist, non-transphobic posts and materials. There’s no excuse for not drawing on that huge wealth of sources and reblogging material because there’s so much of it!

In regards to this shady lil post, I was originally referring to the New Age/Westerny side of Witchblr because this is the side of witchblr I ALWAYS see making multiple posts after posts in regards to TERFs and their ideology. Like every other day is there a post about witches of all genders being valid and transphobia being unwelcome to the community. And I’m not saying that other practitioners/the other parts of witchblr aren’t vocal about it. Because they are. But the New Age/Western part of the community is the ones I’m always seeing making soap box posts about inclusivity when it comes to gender and TERFS being evil blah blah yet be mad hypocritical about it

Bc this is also the side of witchblr I am ALWAYS seeing posting and recommending newbies to buy books that have been called out as openly transphobic before. This post was brought on bc even today did I see someone reblog on my dash another aesthetic post of that Witch book by Lisa Lister and her nasty self again. And it’s always different people in the community who I see share it. I’ve seen people recommend newbies buy the book, I’ve seen people post and share aesthetic pictures with the book as the main focus, I’ve seen people openly talk about how they found the book awesome and informative yet also say that the book isn’t inclusive but they like it anyway. Like…what? The author openly says in the book that she excludes trans people, you see this, but stick your fingers in your ears and proceed to say its quality anyway? Bc fuck trans ppl apparently?? Someone (i can’t find the post) even made a review about the book and it didn’t have nearly as many notes as the many aesthetic images/recommendation posts that include the book go around have.

What kind of hypocrisy is that? How can the community make constant posts about TERFS being unwelcome and transphobia being unwelcomed but books that other users have called out as transphobic still make it around the community? LIKE HOW??

How can one say “trans witches are valid and TERFS are bad” but then proceed to recommend and post about a book that literally in the first few pages talks about how the book is for “pussy power” and directly says trans ppl are unwelcome?

I’m not going to tag where I got the images from/who’s posts these are bc I don’t want to stir some shit up and have ppl start attacking the OPs but this is the sort of shit I’m talking about. There are more posts out there but a bitch lazy lol. These were all taken from multiple really popular bloggers in the community. I just wanted to show/prove with evidence what I’m talking about in regards to my experience on tumblr.

I love witchblr but it can be annoying and hypocritical as well. Like you can’t pick and chose when you want to be mad about something and when something is okay.

You can’t claim to care about ur trans witchy siblings and then proceed to push a shitty book like that. That’s fake and gross and does nothing for our trans witches. Don’t just be against something bc everyone else is doing it and it’s cool, actually do something about it when you see it. Don’t say that you care about your local trans witches and then…..do dat.

Like maybe I’m talking out of my ass bc im very much a cisgendered femme girl so what do I know about transphobia but like…come on now. Hopefully I’m not overstepping boundaries and speaking for/over trans people but I can’t help but think it’s hypocritical bullshit and that its not okay at all.

I checked out the book online to verify what you were saying about transphobia in the first few pages and noticed “Chapter 3: My Story - [G-SLUR], Sara La Kali and the Re-initiation.” Then I read the “About This Book” and found this…

“I thought… I’ll piss off Pagans for not being inclusive of all the possible paths. I’ll piss off men for not addressing them as witches. I’ll piss off the transgender community for not addressing them either. Yet this is the work I do. I do women’s work, and I’m definitely not going to apologize for that. That thought? That need to apologize? That’s the very reason why I HAVE to write this book. What I share is NOT intended to exclude others. But trying to be all-inclusive would totally miss the point.”

“I’ve studied not just the practices of my own [G-SLUR] tradition, but witchcraft in all its forms for over 10 years now, including… - The Stregheria of Italy - the roots and bones of Hoodoo - Shamankas - Mayan medicine women - Gardenerian and Alexandrian traditions of Wicca” [x]

In case yall didn’t know, Lisa Lister isn’t just someone who is incredibly transphobic and believes that witches can only be women. She frequently drops the g-slur in her book. She also appropriates hoodoo, indigenous shamanism, and Mayan cultural practices.

1. The relationship should be natural, easy and uncomplicated: The truth is that all relationships take time, effort, commitment and energy. You need to make time for each other, to do fun things together, to work on communication, and to learn to negotiate and compromise.

2. The relationship should be conflict free: Because we are each individual and unique we all disagree with others at times, so conflict is natural, and not to be feared. In fact, conflict can force us to confront our differences, and to grow as individuals, and as couples too.

3. Soul mates are romantic: Real life is not the movies, and love can be expressed in countless different ways, and still be genuine. Look out for all the signs that show your partner cares, and don’t be disappointed if they’re not “the stereotype”. Don’t force them to be something that is maybe nor their style.

4. You should always see things the same way and have the same opinions, outlooks and beliefs: You both have different backgrounds and have individual brains so you’re going to sometimes differ in the way you look at life. That needn’t be a problem – you don’t want to be clones.

You’re so sweet! I’m really glad you appreciate them 💕

Aries rising / Aries ascendant

This is a very direct, quick to anger person. You might catch this person doing the most cursing at drivers on the way to work in rush hour traffic. Then once they arrive is cool as a fan and friendly with their coworkers.  Remember, Aries ascendants have Libra on their descendant. Their Venus rules their house of  interpersonal relationships. A Libra individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

The passion of this rising sign may throw folks off if their Sun sign and features reflect a Taurus, or Libra who have a softer, less intense, more amiable appearance and features.

Taurus rising / Taurus ascendant

This is a very calm and easy going rising sign. These people don’t come off as very intense or aggressive. They appear to have a slow boiling huffing and puffing anger, like a bull,  from a distance. Their descendant is Scorpio so, this easy going nature really has an intensity and passion when dealing with loved ones. A Scorpio individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

A square jaw and wide grin with shiny white teeth could mislead folks if this person is a double Leo or double Sagittarius for example. They don’t know that this tamed bull is really a wild animal behind the veneer.

Gemini rising / Gemini ascendant

This is one inquisitive rising sign. This is the person who while riding the bus or the subway is talking to the person sitting or standing next to them making small talk. They want to understand other people to build their own  understanding of themselves. Sagittarius is on their descendant, their relationships may appear to be odd to friends. Dating someone who appears to not be compatible. A Sagittarius individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

This can be a confusing ascendant for someone who is a double Pisces for instance. These mental exercises of human interaction can be exhausting and cause them to retreat into isolation. People who knew them as this chatterbox person has to learn to accept who this person is.

Cancer rising / Cancer ascendant

This is a cagey rising sign. Water signs are known as “mute” signs. This  rising sign might go about its business without saying a single word. But if you look at their expressive eyes you will be able to read into what they’re thinking. Capricorn on their descendant shows an interest in older partners, partners who are established. A Capricorn individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

This person may be the quietest and then loudest person you’ll ever know if they have masculine signs as their Sun and/or moon and they know you well.

Leo rising / Leo ascendant

This rising sign wants to be seen and heard. They want you to know how they’re doing even if you don’t really want to know and tell them that. Their confidence and ego is worn on their sleeve. With Aquarius on their descendant they are actually very concerned with making and maintaining friendships. An Aquarius individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

Once you get to know them, that confident nature might prove to be a show if their Sun and/or Moon are feminine signs.

Virgo rising / Virgo ascendant

This is the person who tries to do everything, it may look like they are frantically moving around in a rush doing 10 things at once. Fidgeting with their phone, their coffee, their cigarette. They see everything wrong with the way the diner they grab breakfast from was remodeled. Virgo rising has Pisces on the descendant, so their really is a sympathetic side they have for loved ones. A Pisces individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

If you can make it past the barrage of questions , critiques and occasional meltdowns , and become a friend or more they may be very calm and easy going.

Libra rising / Libra ascendant

Libra risings will have a smile  for everyone they come across moving to and from. This person is amiable and knows their manners and how to make others feel comfortable. They’re skilled at mirroring others so that even if you don’t really know them, it seems like you do. They’re actually pretty demanding in relationships with Aries on their descendant. An Aries individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

Their smile and soft features may be misleading if you find out they have more passionate, emotional signs like Scorpio or Cancer as luminaries.

Scorpio rising / Scorpio ascendant

This rising sign, like Cancer is quiet when facing unknown people. Scorpio’s defensive wall is very thick and everyone who isn’t in their sphere of trust will get a poker face. Their serious face that scrutinizes and observes is good at keeping people they don’t want to know, away. They have Taurus on the descendant so once you know them they are actually open and generous. A Taurus individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility .

This ascendant can really be confusing if you find out they are the most open and talkative person when their luminaries are in masculine signs.

Sagittarius rising / Sagittarius ascendant

Sagittarius risings are enthusiastic and expressive. These people will talk with their hands and like to laugh a lot when their guard is up. Hyperbole is a part of their personality, telling a grandiose story to the person they’re sitting next to on the bus. In relationships, with Gemini on their descendant they actually do have an attention to detail in their relationships. A Gemini individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

This expressive presentation might be very different from the more intimate version of them. With luminaries in earth signs you might find that they are actually very balanced and sober in their dealings.

Capricorn rising / Capricorn ascendant

About business. Even if you’re not in business, people see your straight face and calm demeanor and think you might be. You always appear to be headed somewhere purposefully. Capricorns have Cancer on their descendant and actually love their homes and spending time there with their loved one. A Cancer individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

The serious and rigid appearance melts away when they know you especially if they have lighthearted Sagittarius or Gemini planets as luminaries.

Aquarius rising / Aquarius ascendant

Aquarius rising looks at everyone and treats everyone as equals, and impersonally. Even still there is a lighthearted and friendly demeanor about them. Just don’t disagree with an opinion of theirs. They actually do love the attention from a significant other in a relationship having Leo on their descendant. A Leo individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

The lighthearted presentation might make way for a much more emotional personal life if they have water signs as luminaries.

Pisces rising / Pisces ascendant

This dreamy eyed and sensitive appearing person is rather quiet, drawing both sympathetic people but also predatory individuals. When Pisces risings move about they carry with them an aura of spirituality. They can convince people of many of things with an appealing emotional approach.  They are actually more critical and detail oriented than they appear in their relationships with Virgo on the descendant. A Virgo individual may help balance you in relationships very well provided chart and personality compatibility.

Aries- very passionate but can be selfish and only wanting their own needs satisfied.

Taurus- ride or dieeee but only as long as you fit into their “goal” in life

Gemini- Always ready for fun but needs excitement to stay interested in partner

Cancer- Really devoted but can hold on to dead relationships.

Leo- Big romantic but tends to only think to do what THEY want in a relationship and not what their partner wants.

Virgo- Thoughtful and hard working but can keep their needs to themselves and blame partner for not reading their mind.

Libra- Accommodating but sometimes doesn’t let partner put in effort in fear that he/she won’t.

Scorpio- Intense and attractive but wants all of their partner up front with no exceptions.

Sagittarius- Always ready to learn from their partner but can be extremely hard to pin down.

Capricorn- Does not mind taking the lead in love but can have a tendency to need to control EVERYTHING.

Aquarius- Interesting and unique but can lack warmth and passion.

♥ Venus in Aries

People with Aries venus are daring, spontaneous and direct lovers. They have a self centred approach, which can be charming to all the right people. Aries have a childlike innocence and impatience to them. They are turned off by any dishonesty, beating around the bush or anything too ‘mature’. Leaders in love.

♥ Venus in Taurus

Solid, comfortable and sensual lovers, they know how to satisfy you! however, these lovers must be able to depend on you. Possessive in love, dislike change within their relationships which means they may become too comfortable and settled. However, they are constant lovers. Patience is a virtue with this sign, show them how much they’re worth to you.

♥ Venus in Gemini

witty and clever, gemini’s know exactly how to win the object of their affection. Hard to pin down, these lovers are very playful and love to tease. Geminis tend to be quite anxious for change and very intelligent with your dealings. Geminis are amazing communicators! and love the company of interesting people. Also, more than likely to ‘speak’ to more than one person at one time until they find the right person! 

♥ Venus in Cancer 

Cancers are extremely sensitive, especially in love. They offer security, love, care and comfort. As a water sign, these people are very affectionate! always paying attention to your feelings. Though, this can mean they don’t pay as much attention to your words. Moody in love, when things don’t go their way they can become pouty and give the ‘silent treatment’. They need someone just as loving and affectionate as they are, as Cancers are afraid of being hurt. When they are hurt they have a hard time forgetting. 

♥ Venus in Leo 

As proud people, Leos are very boastful in love. Leo in venus people can be quite demanding in love, they LOVE the attention. They need to feel like they are special from their partner. Always warm and generous, that is what they want. To feel special and important. Not afraid to tell you everything. Big-hearted but also, have VERY high expectations. Remember to always respect and appreciate these big-hearted lions and they will give you a lot in return! (be careful of the roar of the lion!)

♥ Venus in Virgo 

Quite reserved people, as they LOVE to observe. Dedicated, willing, virgo in venus makes a brilliant partner if you want someone who will never let you down. Someone who will always be willing to make things work. Sensitive in love, though, they also may be quite insecure. They tend to play it quite safe within relationships, because they are so reserved. They love to observe and learn all their is to know about you. They love to listen, though, they are prone to nagging and criticising! Show offs and know-it-alls dont mix well with these lovers. 

♥ Venus in Libra

Flirty, caring lovers. Libras love to make relationships work, and will do anything to maintain balance. Kind and willing, Libra in Venus can also come off as superficial. They do not like to be offended and bad manners. They want to be treated fairly in love. They love love and they love to always be with people, so this makes it easy for more, aggressive people to take advantage of them. 

♥ Venus in Scorpio 

Scorpios are a water sign, and they are EXTREMELY intense and committed! they are willing to go the extra mile for their lovers, but also want their partners to do the same for them. Possessive lovers. They are focused on you and only you, these people are extremely loyal. If you have upset them, trust me, they’ll make it known. They aren’t afraid to show you how much they really do feel for you, they like to know everything! 

♥ Venus in Sagittarius 

All about growth and adventure, sagittarians want to be able to grow with their partners. They don’t like when things become too comfortable. Commitment may be an issue with these lovers, as they can be quite flighty. Flirty, lighthearted lovers but also quite serious. They are optimistic, idealistic and hate to be stuck in ruts or a relationship that isn’t going anywhere. Freedom is key with these lovers. 

♥ Venus in Capricorn

Self-controlled, savvy, witty and goal-orientated. These lovers are very cautious in love. Quite reserved in love, but deep down these lovers are absolute sweethearts. They are a lil shy when it comes to love, but don’t want anybody else to know it. Planners, they will always plan what they are going to do. They want to find someone to share their life with, help achieve their goals with and commit to. They value long-term relationships and are true to their partner and themselves.

♥ Venus in Aquarius 

Open-minded and unique, these people are quite the lovers! They don’t follow the rules and that is what makes you appreciate them more. They make their own rules. These people do not like restrictions, they love their freedom, so make sure you don’t hinder them in any way. Intellectual and may come off detached to more emotional types, but these are unique lovers and will appreciate you!

♥ Venus in Pisces 

Incredibly soft, loving and caring.  Flirty and dreamy, these people are so charming. Playful, a little moody and different. These people are like a breath of fresh air, they are so loving and sweet. They love helping people, the amount of care these people possess is incredible.  They will always accept you for you, they will love all of you unconditionally. They may struggle with committing, so make them feel safe and they will commit.