trying on a metaphor

blake kathryn
DEAR READER
Three Goblin Art

if i look back, i am lost

@theartofmadeline
todays bird
noise dept.
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PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH

#extradirty

shark vs the universe
d e v o n

Janaina Medeiros
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
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almost home
Xuebing Du
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@thatbackwoodswitch

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Herb Correspondences - S-Z
Sage - Used for self-purification and cleansing. Helps grief and loss. Healing and protection also increase wisdom. Element Air.
Sandalwood - Burn during protection, healing, and exorcism spells. Aids luck and success, meditation and divination. Raises a high spiritual vibration. Element Water.
Skullcap - Aids in love, fidelity and peace. Increases harmony. Element Water.
Sea Salt - Use to cleanse crystals and tools. For purification, grounding and protection. Supports ritual work. Absorbs negativity and banishes evil. Element Earth & Water.
Sheep's Purse - Prosperity, protection and healing. Element Earth.
Sheep Sorrel - Carry to protect against heart disease. Cleansing and increases luck. Use in faery magic. Element Earth.
St. John's Wort - Worn to prevent colds & fevers. Induces prophetic and romantic dreams. Protects against hexes and black witchcraft. Increases happiness. Use in Solar Magic. Element Fire.
Star Anise - Consecration, purification, and happiness. Use for curse breaking or increasing luck. Burn to increase psychic awareness. Element Fire.
Strawberry Leaf - Attracts success, good fortune, and favorable circumstances. Increases love and aids pregnancy. Element Water.
Sunflower - Energy, protection, and power. Aids wisdom and brings about wishes. Use in fertility magic. Element Fire.
Sweet Cicely - Use during rituals for the dead or dying. It helps with divination and the contact of the spirit. It is sacred to the Goddess’ of death. Element Earth.
Sweetwood - See Cinnamon.
Tansy - See Agrimony.
Tarragon - Increases self-confidence. Use in Dragon magic. Aids healing after abusive situations. Element Fire.
Tea Leaves - Use for courage or strength. In tea for increasing lust. Burn leaves to ensure future riches. Element Air.
Thistle - See Blessed Thistle.
Thyme - Attracts loyalty, affection, and love. Increases good luck and psychic power. Drink tea to aid sleep. Element Air.
Valerian - Also called Graveyard dust. Aids sleep is calming and is a sedative. Quietens emotions. Supports protection and love. Element Water.
Vervain - Strengthen other herbs. Helps, peace, love and happiness. Burn the leaves to attract wealth and keep your youth. Increases chastity also. Element Water.
Verbena - Psychic protection, peace and purification. Healing and helps depression. Increases beauty and love. Mind opening and clearing. Ideal use for exams. Element Earth.
Violet - See Heart’s Ease.
White Willow Bark - Use in lunar magic. Reduces negativity and removes evil forces and hexes. Used for healing spells. Element Water.
Willow - Used for lunar magic, drawing or strengthening love, healing, and overcoming sadness. Element Water.
Witches Grass - Happiness, lust, love, and exorcism. Reverses hexes. Element Earth.
Wood Betony - Use for purification, protection, and the expulsion of evil spirits and nightmares. Draws love in your direction. Element Fire.
Woodruff - Victory, protection, and money. Element Air.
Wormwood - Used to remove anger, stop war, inhibit violent acts, and for protection. Use in clairvoyance, to summon spirits, or to enhance divinatory abilities. Element Earth.
Yarrow - Healing, calming and increases love. Used in handfasting & weddings. Increases psychic power and divination. Gives courage when needed. Element Air.
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
✨🍂🎃october won't be a shit storm🎃🍂✨
like to charge, reblog to cast
Roughskin - A Protective Glamour Spell
“Before I consent to your wish, I shall require three things - a dress as golden as the sun, another as silvery as the moon, and a third as glittering as the stars; and besides this, I shall require a mantle made of a thousand skins of rough fur sewn together, and every animal in the kingdom must give a piece of his skin toward it.”
[…] In the night, when every one slept, she rose and took from her jewel-case a gold ring, a gold spinning-wheel, and a golden hook. The three dresses of the sun, moon, and stars she folded in so small a parcel that they were placed in a walnut shell; then she put on the fur mantle, stained her face and hands black with walnut-juice, and committing herself to the care of Heaven, she left her home.
- The Princess in Disguise
—–
Intent: To protect and disguise oneself from those who mean to harm you.
Materials:
Empty walnut shell, in halves
A piece of your own hair or a nail clipping
Small patchwork cloth bag
Glue & rubber band
Herbs: Dogbane, Hyssop, Basil, Heather, Juniper Berries, Poppy Seeds
Ideal Timing: Full Moon, for protection, but can be performed anytime.
Obtain an empty walnut shell. You can use the shells off of the whole bagged walnuts that most grocery stores carry in the produce section. Try to crack the walnut so that the shell comes away in two halves. This makes reassembling it for the charm much easier.
Mix the following herbs together in small pinches:
Dogbane - for disguise
Hyssop - for warding off harm
Basil - for general protection
Heather Blossom - for warding off assault
Juniper Berries - for secret-keeping
Poppy Seeds - for invisibility
Carefully stuff the herb mixture into the two empty halves of the walnut. Use little dots of glue to help the herbs stay in place. At the very last, add a strand of your hair or a nail clipping. Line the edges of the shell with glue and carefully fit them back together. Wrap them with the rubber band to keep everything in place until the glue dries.
Once the charm is dry, place it in a patchwork cloth bag. You can purchase one or make it yourself. It only has to be large enough to hold the walnut.
Hold the bag between your palms and say:
I garb myself in many skins To keep harm out and safety in I place the truth within this shell Now guard my life and guard it well
You can either carry the bag with you whenever you feel you need protection, or you can hide the bag in a wooden box if one is available.
- From The Sisters Grimmoire: Spells and Charms for Your Happily Ever After, © 2017 Bree NicGarran
Want more fairy tale spells? Check out the masterpost here and visit my shop for spell kits, books, magical powders, and more!
(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my monthly show Hex Positive on your favorite podcast app, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)
This is Money Snake. She only appears every 312 years.
If you reblog her picture within the next twenty-five seconds you will have good luck and fortune for the rest of your life.
I reblogged her late last year and my 2024 has been very satisfying work-wise and (secure enough to not stress out) money-wise so far. Money Snake is wise and good.

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Actor Jonathan Joss was just murdered for being gay and married to a trans man. On the first day of pride 2025. He was best known for playing John Redcorn on King of the Hill.
I had no idea he was gay but he was married to a man named Tristan Kern de Gonzales (on valentines day 2025!)
They lived in San Antonio Texas where his family is from and he grew up. He was 59.
In Janurary 2025 his home was burned down which made news. It killed some of his beloved dogs. He didnt elaborate beyond he believed it was arson (gofundme is still up and i suggest donating to help his funeral costs and his husband
We are raising funds to support Jonathan Joss, the beloved voice… Logan Kostroun needs your support for Help ‘King of the Hill’ Actor Jonath
Update: de Gonzales says hes fine he just wants justice but i still think its nice)
Now we know he and his husband had been threatened by several neighbors for being queer. They told pigs, pigs being pigs did nothing before or after it happened.
Yesterday Joss and his husband went to check their mailbox wherein they found one of their dogs skulls (statement from his husband
)
As they weeped and mourned in shock, a neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, came out and aimed at de Gonzales…but Joss jumped in front of the bullet and was instantly killed.
Ceja, homophobia murdering coward, tried to take off but de Gonzales had called pigs who vaguely tried to do something. He was arrested and his bail set for $200k. Or as my sister said who the fuck sets bail for a murderer?
San Antonio.
De Gonzales is clearly mourning, posting pics on Hoss’ fb page. This one really struck me
This is why we need pride people, and not rainbow capitalism. Please donate to the gofundme and let san antonio cops knows what you think. De Gonzales said multiple neighbors had threatened them…id like to see those people investigated for arson.
Go into pride with rage and knowing. Have joy, kiss puppies, dont bow to homophobes. And maybe enjoy a little king of the hill.
UPDATE
Jonathan Joss’ husband Tristan kern de Gonzales identifies as trans on his facebook page.
Which explains the ramp up of hate and why the murderer shot at de Gonzales (Joss pushed him out of the way). So this is also a transphobia related murder
For being NATIVE and gay, and married to a trans man.
It is extremely important not to leave out that he was an openly gay NATIVE man. Native LGBTQ+ people, and frankly even cis het Natives face very high rates of violence.
If you're gonna tag his death with homophobia and transphobia, you need to be talking about the racialized aspect of this hate crime as well.
"Hey im trans" - I still love you.
"I'm coming out gay but my parents are homophobic :[" - I still love you.
"I'm a therian" - I still love you.
"I'm a furry!!" - I still love you.
"I have BPD" - I still love you.
"I have autism or ADHD" - I still love you.
"I struggle with SH/ED" - I still love you.
"I have a disability" - I still love you.
"I'm [any skin color]" - I still love you.
reblog if you're gay, not gay, slightly gay, or if you just want to launch donald trump into a dying star
Magical Oil Recipes - Protection and Warding Edition
For anyone looking to brew up some magical protections or enhance their current warding measures, here are some recipes I’ve created that you might find useful.
To prepare them, blend the ingredients in such proportions as feels correct for your purposes (or as supplies allow). Use dried material except where indicated. Place a few spoonfuls in a mason jar with a screwtop lid and fill the jar with a bland oil of your choice. (Vegetable oil of the sort you would buy for cooking works fine.) Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine, then leave the jar in a dark dry place for 2-4 weeks to steep.
Once steeped, prepare a clean storage bottle (also with a secure lid) and label with the type of oil and the bottling date. Strain the oil through paper towels or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, then bottle immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat for up to one year. Use for spellwork as you see fit.
(Please note that NONE of these potions are meant to be taken internally by any means. Observe all proper safety measures related to glass, fire, and potentially harmful plants as necessary during preparation.)
*- Ingredient is potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested. **- Ingredient should not be used or handled if you are pregnant or nursing.
All-Purpose Blessing Oil For blessing, purification, and consecration.
Lavender
Sweet Basil
Bay Leaf
Patchouli Note: Use Olive Oil for the base.
All-Purpose Hexbreaking Oil For general negation of baneful spells cast by oneself or others.
Agrimony**
Cinquefoil
Fennel
Vervain
Solomon's Seal Root in master bottle
And Stay Out Ward Refresher Oil For strengthening household protections between castings.
Sarsaparilla
Oakmoss
Horehound
Sweet Basil
Banned From The Premises Banishing Oil For anointing doorways and banishing unwanted persons.
Oregano
Rosemary
Lemon Peel
Thyme
Blue Moon Curse Reversal Oil For turning and countering baneful magic.
Angelica Root
Lemon Verbena
Motherwort**
Elderberries*
Change the Locks Protection Oil For protection of the home from banished persons.
Cumin
Oregano
Rosemary
Thistle
Cradlekeeper Child Protection Oil For protection of infants and young children.
Daisies (any color)
Flax Seeds
Caraway Seeds
Lamb's Ear Leaf Note: Use to anoint the lintel of the door to the child's room.
No Soliciting Front Door Oil To keep unwanted visitors away from your home.
Ivy Leaves
Sweet Basil
Blueberry Leaf
Juniper Berries Note: Apply to your front door or threshold.
Safe Space Protection Oil To help one find sanctuary when it is most needed.
Blackberry Leaf (or Tea)
Allspice Berries
Fennel Tops
Clover Leaves and Blossoms
The Shielding Light Protection Oil For passive protective magics.
Caraway Seeds
Eucalyptus Leaf**
Lavender
Vervain Note: Passive protection magic functions as a shield, rebuffing or neutralizing harm. It is good for long-term spells that don't require much energy or maintenance.
The Shining Dark Protection Oil For active protective magics.
Coconut Husk
Thistle Leaf
Witch Hazel**
Angelica Root Note: Active protection magic functions as a sword, strongly deflecting or fending off harm. This is best for short-term or immediate-use spells that are not meant to last, but must kick in very strongly and very quickly. Excellent for emergency personal protections.
The Sorcerer's Tower Protection Oil To protect your witchy supplies and workspace from interlopers.
Juniper Sprigs or Berries
Blueberry Leaf
Thistle
Astragalus Root Note: Works best alongside mundane secrecy and privacy measures. To avoid damage, anoint containers, furniture, and doors rather than items. Do not use directly on books as it may damage delicate paper or covers. Use with caution on unfinished wood.
Thorn in the Door Warding Oil To discourage unfriendly witches from entering your home.
Rosemary
Bay Leaf
Sage (any color)
Solomon's Seal Root
Rose Stem (with thorns) in master bottle
Walking Ward Protection Oil For personal warding spells of all kinds.
Sweet Basil
Witch Hazel**
Fennel Sprigs Note: This works for both active and passive protection magics and may be used in conjunction other protective oils.
Wanderlust Traveling Oil For all-purpose protection and luck while traveling.
Feverfew
Cinquefoil
Witch Hazel**
Spearmint
Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:
Penn Herb Company
Starwest Botanicals
Bulk Apothecary
Mountain Rose Herbs
Specialty Bottle
Photo Credit - Shaiith
All recipes are © 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book if you would like more recipes.
If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my podcast Hex Positive, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop.
“Don’t Work with Death!”
“Don’t work with death, because then you invite it into your house.”
Death is already in my house. Death is everywhere. Death is what decays the plant matter that feeds my garden. Death is what feeds the herbs I use in my spells, for each grows from what died before it.
Death is what feeds my family - death of plants, the death of animals. I would not disrespect the spirits of that which feeds us by ignoring their sacrifice.
Death is the veil between my ancestors and myself, keeping them at rest and then acting as the gate for them to step into their next life.
When I do hospice work and sit with someone who is accepting their approaching death, I don’t tell them death is something to fear or avoid. I tell them death is the friend that walked beside them, every step of their life, maintaining the balance of the world, and waiting for them with open arms, to escort them to rebirth.
“Don’t work with death!”
I would not ignore life’s partner, not for arrogance or fear or ignorance. When I go to my own, I want to greet death with respect, acceptance, and gratitude.

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Witchcraft Exercises
Just a quick compilation of the posts I've made about exercises to help improve your craft. These can be used as journaling prompts, inspiration for activities, or as methods for pulling yourself out of a slump and recharging your witchy inspiration.
Witchcraft Exercise - Quantifying Your Craft
Witchcraft Exercise - Dig Through The Ditches
Witchcraft Exercise - The Book of Lessons
Witchcraft Exercise - Home Brews
Witchcraft Exercise - Witchy Inspo Journal
Witchcraft Exercise - Spring Cleaning
Witchcraft Exercise - Creating Correspondences
Witchcraft Exercise - Creating Your Own Runes
Witchcraft Exercise - Shakespearean Witchcraft
Witchcraft Exercise - Music To Witch By
Related Prompt - Music to Witch By
Witchcraft Exercise - Annual Review
Most of these are also available in the May 2021 bonus episode of Hex Positive (check your favorite podcatcher).
Happy Witching!
(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my monthly show Hex Positive on your favorite podcast app, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)
This is your friendly reminder that herbs aren't inherently safe.
Natural doesn't mean Safe.
Lightning is natural. Opium, therefore heroin and opiate drugs are derived from poppies. Cinnamon oil will burn your skin. Lilies are toxic to cats and will cause organ failure. Activated charcoal will neutralize your prescription medications and literally anything else in your system. St. John's Wort will destroy your serotonin production and mess with your happiness threshold if it DOESNT KILL YOU FIRST.
So anyway.
Do some damn good research every time you go to eat, breathe, bring around your pets, bathe in, or smoke something. Be safe please.
Fruit Correspondences
Apple: spirit work, offerings, love, healing, beauty, wisdom, harvest
Apricot: love, self love
Avocado: beauty, love, lust, fertility, spell work
Banana: wealth, luck, spirituality, religion, masculinity
Blueberry: protection, banishment, curses
Blackberry: protection, fertility, femininity, funerals, afterlife, moving on
Cantaloupe: spell work, protection, grounding, energy work
Cherry: lust, love, fertility
Clementine: childhood, dreams
Coconut: protection, cleansing, femininity
Cranberry: holidays, blood magic, spirit work
Date: fertility, luck, money
Dragon fruit: lust, passion, spell work
Durian: curses, cleansing, protection
Fig: happiness, divination, love
Grapefruit: cleansing
Grape: money, spell work, fertility, offerings
Guava: love, self love, lust
Honeydew: cleansing, energy, love
Jackfruit: divination, spell work, happiness
Kiwifruit: health, love, lust, happiness
Kumquat: luck, health, money
Lemon: cleansing, purification, protection, curse breaking
Lime: cleansing, protection, love
Lychee: love, self love, femininity, beauty
Mango: love, lust, fertility
Nectarine: love, self love, spell work
Orange: cleansing, protection, divination
Papaya: curse breaking, banishing, spirit work, love
Passion fruit: lust, love, passion
Peach: fertility, love, happiness, spirit work
Pear: offerings, happiness, luck, money, confidence
Persimmon: healing, love, luck, protection
Pineapple: protection, health, offerings, money, luck
Plantain: fertility, masculinity, lust, passion
Plum: love, healing, offerings
Pomegranate: offerings, blood magic, fertility, divination, spell work
Prune: cleansing, protection
Raspberry: love, dreams, health
Strawberry: love, wishes, dreams, happiness
Starfruit: lunar/solar magic, spell work, cleansing
Tangerine: solar magic, strength, energy work
Tomato: protection, cleansing, love, passion
Watermelon: healing, femininity, lust, love, spirit work, cleansing
Tip Jar
Herb's Properties
Basil: money, luck, prosperity, happiness
Bay Leaf: energy, cleansing, can be charged with almost any intention
Camomile: Caring, kindness, luck, growth, self-love growth, confidence, avoiding negativity, happiness
Cinnamon: passion, quick success, fire magick
Chia seeds: Growth, health, kindness, Property
Chilli flakes: Pride, confidence, power, strength, Passion
Cumin: Courage, bravery, protection, loyalty
Dandelion: wishes, charisma, success, good luck
Dill: sexual love, luck, protection
Eucalyptus: cleansing, healing, purifying, relaxing, comfort
Fennel: hate, anger
Flax seeds: Prosperity, growth, new beginnings
Ginger: fiery passion, success, and personal power
Jasmine: love, dreams, sensuality, luxury and kindness
Lavender: love and attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep
Nutmeg: luck, Health, Fidelity, Love, Prosperity, comfort, loyalty
Oregano: comfort, love, warmth
Paprika: Pride, confidence, power, strength
Parsley: Cleansing. purification
Peppermint: healing, purification, love and energy, cleansing, prosperity
Poppy seeds: protection, intuition, self-assurance, hexing and cursing
Rose: love, beauty, harmony, romance, attraction
Rosemary: cleansing, purification, wisdom, protection
Sesame seeds: Prosperity, growth, health, nurturing
Spearmint: love, cleansing, renewal, blessing
Sunflower seeds: happiness, growth, joy
Thyme: beauty, strength, courage
Turmeric: confidence, creativity, energy
Vanilla: love and sexuality
tip jar
Nazis will never be welcome in paganism. They have no space in our communities, we will have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to nazis. You have no right to the cultures, gods and religions you hijack to spread your disgusting ideologies. You will find no refuge or comraderie amongst pagans.
Reblog to let nazis know they’re not welcome here.

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Bedridden witch: Winter edition
For winter/ice witches! I tried to keep this fairly location neutral - so hopefully you find some helpful things even if you live someplace that doesn’t get snow/cold!
Create strands of pine cones to hang from your ceiling.
Collect a jar of snow so you can always have snow water nearby.
Drink things like seasonal tea, hot cocoa and apple cider.
Burn pine/spruce/wintery scented candles.
Get/make a small wreath and keep it indoors!
Use ice cubes to connect to the cold.
Keep clear quartz and snowflake obsidian around.
Make paper snowflakes! Or find an app/website where you can do a digital one.
Use your heat to draw sigils on frosted windows.
Put a bird feeder outside your window so you get winter visitors!
Use sigils that connect you to snow.
Get empty glass ornaments and fill them with herbs/pine needles/things that remind you of winter and hang them around.
Wear shimmery blue or white nail polish.
Check out the winter decor section of thrift stores when you make it out of bed! (Or have someone send you pictures).
Check out seasonal themed/winter aesthetic blogs.
White fairy lights!
Keep your curtains open during a full moon.
Wind chimes remind me of everything. Including! Winter.
Get some cute little snow globes.
Decorate with winter colors! White, blue, silver, grey, dark green, etc.
Use essential oils like mint and cinnamon.
Listen to music that reminds you of winter/snow falling. Try instrumentals.
Open the window for a minute to feel the cold air (do this early in the morning if you live somewhere warm).
This cute idea for moon charged ice cubes.
Watch gifs/videos of snow, ice forming, fire crackling, etc.
Connect with any deities that are associated with winter. (I connect with Artemis because she is part of the pantheon that I worship)
Watch shows/movies that remind you of the wintertime from when you were a kid.
Keep a bonsai tree/jade plant. Something that naturally keeps it’s leaves even in winter.
Other bedridden witch posts:
Bedridden witch - Nature edition
Bedridden witch - Worship edition
Bedridden witch - Divination edition
Bedridden witch - Stale energy edition
Bedridden witch - Elements edition
Bedridden witch - Pastel edition
Bedridden witch - Kitchen edition
All other posts linked here
DEMETER
WHO IS SHE?
Demeter is the powerful Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and harvest. She is known for nurturing and promoting the growth of crops and the natural fertility of the Earth. She is often depicted holding a sheaf of wheat or a torch and is associated with the changing of the seasons. Demeter's daughter, Persephone, was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, which led Demeter to search for her daughter and eventually brought about the cycle of the seasons.
BASIC INFO:
Appearance: Demeter is often depicted as a beautiful and compassionate goddess, with long, flowing hair, and a serene and nurturing expression. She is sometimes shown wearing a long robe or dress adorned with symbols of agriculture, such as fruits, grains, and vines. She is also often represented with a wreath of flowers in her hair or a crown of golden grain or leaves around her head. In some depictions, she is shown riding a chariot pulled by horses, symbolizing her power and majesty.
Personality: she is known for being a nurturing and compassionate goddess, particularly towards her devotees. She is often depicted as a loving and caring mother figure who guides and supports her followers. Demeter is known for her strong connection to the Earth and the natural world, and her devotees often view her as a source of fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Demeter is also known for her strength and resilience, and is often associated with the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
Symbols: wheat, torches, chalice or cup, throne, and cornucopia
Goddess of: agriculture, harvest, fertility, and motherhood
Culture: Greek
Plants and trees: olive trees, barley, mint, poppy, corn, grape vine, sunflower, cypress, sheaves of wheat, foxglove, daisy, columbine, ash and oak trees, acorns, flax, and pomegranate
Crystals: alamosite, chrysanthemum stone, alabandite, wairakite, clinoptilolite, almandine spinel, chloromelanite, amorite, wavellite, cat’s eye, emerald, amber, pearl, star sapphire, almandine garnet, rhodolite, axinite, conichalcite, fuchsite, and citrine
Animals: snake, pig, gecko, turtle dove, crane, screech owl, and grasshopper
Incense: orange blossom, myrrh, olibanum, civet, patchouli, violet, cloves, and cinnamon
Practices: pregnancy rituals, harvest rituals, fertility magick, marriage and relationship rituals, plant and earth magick, transformation, renewal, and healing
Colours: gold, green, dark brown, navy blue, and pink
Number: 4
Zodiac: Virgo
Tarot: The High Priestess and The World
Planet: Mercury and Earth
Days: Wednesday, Chloia, Thesmophoria, and Eleusinian Mysteries
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Siblings: Hestia, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus
Partner: Zeus, Poseidon, Iasion, Karmanor, and Mecon
Children: Persephone, Despoina, Eubuleus, Arion (horse), Plutus, Philomelus, Iacchus, The Acheron, and Hecate (Orphic)
MISC:
Grains and agriculture: Demeter is associated with grains and agriculture because she is the goddess of the harvest and fertility. In ancient Greece, she was venerated as the goddess who brought about the bounty of the harvest and ensured that the crops grew and provided sustenance for the people. She was also associated with the cycle of the seasons and the changing of the growing seasons, ensuring that the fields remained fertile and plentiful. Demeter was often depicted holding a sheaf of wheat or a torch, representing her role in the cultivation and care of the grain crops.
Torches: in ancient Greek culture, torches were used to symbolize purification and ritual offerings. Demeter, as the goddess of agriculture and harvest, was often depicted holding a torch as a symbol of her power to nurture and support the growth of crops. The use of torches in her imagery also reflected her connection with the sun and the natural rhythms of the seasons, which she was believed to control. In addition, torches were also associated with rituals of illumination and protection, further emphasizing Demeter's role as a protective and nurturing deity.
The Underworld: her connection to the Underworld is closely tied to her daughter, Persephone. In the Greek myth, Hades, the god of the Underworld, abducted Persephone and took her down to the Underworld to be his wife and queen. Demeter, heartbroken by her daughter's abduction, searched for her and refused to bring about the renewal of the seasons on Earth until Persephone was returned to her. In some versions of the myth, Demeter ultimately reached a compromise with Hades, allowing Persephone to spend part of the year with her mother on Earth and part of the year with her husband in the Underworld.
Grape vine: Demeter is associated with grape vines and the harvest of grapes because they are a symbol of fertility and abundance. In ancient Greece, the cultivation of grapes and wine-making were a significant part of the agricultural process, and Demeter was revered as a goddess of the harvest and the fertility of the land. The grapevine was also seen as a symbol of transformation, as the grapes undergo a process of fermentation to become wine, symbolizing the transformative power of nature and the cycle of life and death. As the goddess of the harvest and seasonality, Demeter was closely associated with the growth and cultivation of grape vines.
Turtle dove: she is associated with the turtle dove due to its close connection with fertility and motherhood. In ancient Greece, the turtle dove was seen as a symbol of fertility and a harbinger of spring, as it would return to its nesting grounds during the warmer months, when the vegetation grew and the weather became more conducive to planting and growth. This symbolized the power of Demeter to bring about the fertility of the land and the regrowth of the natural world during the spring and summer months. Additionally, the turtle dove was also seen as a symbol of peace and purity, which were important values in ancient Greek culture.
Motherhood: the association of Demeter with motherhood and fertility stems from her role as the goddess of agriculture and the harvest. As the goddess responsible for the abundance and growth of the land, Demeter was believed to possess the powers of fertility and nourishment. Her ability to ensure a bountiful harvest and the growth of the plants and crops was seen as a symbol of her nurturing and caring nature, similar to a mother caring for her children. This connection to motherhood and fertility is also reflected in her role as the mother of Persephone, the daughter that she searches for and protects.
FACTS ABOUT DEMETER:
The Romans associated Demeter with Ceres.
Demeter was often depicted traveling in a golden chariot drawn by horses or dragons.
When approached with genuine respect and an understanding of her nature, Demeter is incredibly generous. In rituals and spells, invoking Demeter for her blessings in growth, nurturing, and sustenance typically yields positive and enriching results.
The Greeks celebrated Demeter with many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, usually in the fall around harvest time.
Demeter was also a chthonic deity, meaning she had connections to the Underworld.
She has the ability to transform things into plants, and the ability to manipulate plants, and the Earth and Weather Manipulation; the power to control the weather in a wide range of distances. She can create or summon clear sky, rain, hail, snow, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. It can be offensively, or can be a cycle of life for everyday human beings given that she once covered the earth in ice and snow.
Demeter was swallowed upon her birth, like all her siblings, and was saved by the craftiness of her mother Rhea and her brother Zeus.
HOW TO INVOKE DEMETER:
To invoke Demeter, you can begin by finding a quiet and peaceful space where you can focus your attention on connecting with her. Light a white or green candle to represent the purifying and fertile energy of the Earth. You can also use herbs or flowers associated with Demeter, such as wheat, barley, or white lilies, to create an altar or sacred space. Sit and centre yourself. Take slow and deep breaths, and when you feel ready, call upon Demeter to join you in the space. You can use her name, "Demeter," or ask for her guidance and support.
PRAYER FOR DEMETER:
Divine Demeter, Great Mother of the Harvest, Giver of life and the bounties of the earth, I stand before you with reverence and awe, Honouring your endless cycle of growth and rebirth.
In your sacred fields, the grains rise and bow, Under your watchful eye, all life flourishes. Oh, nurturing goddess, hear my humble vow, To cherish the earth, and its gifts to nourish.
Bless these fields, these gardens, with your touch, Let them yield their abundance in your name. May my hands be an extension of your love, Sowing seeds of hope, free from pain and blame.
As the seasons turn, from spring to winter’s chill, Guide me through the cycles of loss and gain. In the depths of sorrow, let your wisdom be my will, In joyous harvest, let your laughter reign.
Demeter, Great Mother, in your grace I seek, Strength to protect, and wisdom to feed the soul. Through each day, each night, each week, Guide me towards the ultimate, harmonious goal.
In gratitude, I offer you these humble gifts, Fruits of the earth, and labours of my hands. May they be pleasing in your celestial midst, Symbols of the bond that between us stands.
Hail Demeter, in your honour I rejoice, For the love and abundance you freely give. With this prayer, I lend my voice, In your sacred name, I choose to live.
Blessed Be, Mother Demeter.
SIGNS THAT DEMETER IS CALLING YOU:
A deep passion for agriculture, farming, or gardening.
Desire to cultivate personal growth and transformation in your life.
A sense of nurturing and caregiving towards others.
Increased dreams or visions associated with the Earth or nature.
Feelings of comfort and protection in natural environments.
A pull towards learning more about Demeter or the Greek goddesses.
Experiencing synchronicities or meaningful coincidences related to the seasons, fertility, or nature.
Having a strong desire to practice sustainable living and living in harmony with the Earth.
Feeling a deep reverence or respect for the female form and its connection to nature.
A fascination with the rhythms and cycles of the seasons.
Wanting fertility and abundance in your life.
A longing for a connection with the Earth and the land.
Desire to explore and celebrate the natural cycle of the seasons and their meaning in your life.
Sensing a presence of a motherly or nurturing energy in your life.
Feeling a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of all things in nature.
Developing a greater appreciation for the power of change and transformation.
Experiencing a sense of reverence or awe for the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
A stronger connection to the feminine energy within yourself.
OFFERINGS:
Olive oil.
Water.
Fruit.
Baked goods.
Mint ice cream.
Crystals/metals: pearls, star sapphire, cat's eye, silver, ivory, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, amber, mercury, and copper.
Honey.
Milk.
Grains.
Incense, such as orange blossom, myrrh, olibanum, civet, patchouli, violet, cloves, and cinnamon.
Bread.
Freshly harvested goods.
Goat’s cheese.
Fresh herbs.
Red wine.
Herbal tea.
Meat with bones, eaten with hands.
Three figs.
Kykeon.
Oranges.
DEVOTIONAL ACTS:
Honour her children.
Supporting your farmer’s market.
Composting.
A trip to a local park or botanical garden.
Drink green tea with honey.
Cleaning litter from nature.
Do some gardening.
Learn to take care of plants.
Spend time and take care of your pets/animals if you have any.
Go on a walk in nature.
Pick flowers.
Go foraging (safely).
Read up on your native and invasive plant species.
Learn to cook.
Read and write recipes.
Learn about ecosystems and the environment.
Donate to food banks.
Spend more time in meadows.
Make a smoothie.
Plant flowers with butterflies and bees in mind.
Drive with the windows down.
Wear loose/flowing clothes.
Attend small music performances.
Preserve food (canning, dehydrating, etc).
Wear wood jewelry.
Plant flowers with butterflies and bees in mind.
Expand (or start) your vegetable garden.
Go to an orchard.
Eat whole-grain foods.
Help the worms that get trapped on the sidewalk.
Keep dried flowers around.
Go to a farmers market.
Practice loving yourself.
Scatter wildflower seeds in places that need it.
Take a gardening class.
Burn a lantern (to guide you in whatever you need).