And we'll leave the world the way dreamers do

This zine is a practical guide to self-teaching herbalism freely and for free. Download from itch.io or email [email protected] to request a hardcopy.

A while ago I started using a new technique for making some of my sigils. After streamlining the process, I’ve decided to share it with all of you! So, without further ado:

Step One:

Like many other sigil creation methods, the first step is to create a statement of intent. With leaf sigils this can be as simple or as complex as you would like. I usually write out a short sentence in the present tense that states what I want from the sigil.

Optional: If you have a long sentence, or you just want to get rid of a few letters, I would suggest crossing out repeated letters and/or vowels. This is a method used quite often in sigils. It will make the next few steps much easier.

Step Two: 

Draw a stem for your leaf. This is going to be what you organise everything around. It can be straight, curve, short, long, etc. I usually draw a slightly curving line that is similar to most leaf stems.

Step Three:

Arrange the letters from your statement in step one around the stem. The letters should be touching each other and/or the stem of your leaf. I usually do my best to make both sides of the line mirror each other, but its up to you how you place the letters.

Step Four:

Draw a new stem that looks like the last one. Now try to draw an outline around the stem that follows the outside edges of your letters from the previous step. This might be a bit difficult.

You will probably go through several drafts before you find the one that works best. Try to keep your leaf wide enough that it looks like a leaf you might see on a tree. It’s ok to simplify the edges, what is important is that this leaf represents your original statement.

Hello my little sprigs! I just made a short “masterpost” of water types. I know there are a lot of these floating around, but I had to do this because I remember things better when I write them down tbh so why shouldn´t I post it.This is out of my grimoire, I added some personal references.

waters you have to “make”: moon water ritual cleansing, spell work, dream work, astral travel - but moon water can be used for almost everything

sun water ritual cleansing, self esteem, social anxiety, truth and the revealing of lies, enlightment

shadow water strengthening of lies, hiding ones location, tarnishing relationships

gutter water curses.

waters you can gather: sea/ocean water healing, psychich work, the ability to adapt changes, manifestation of goals, strenght, glamours

river water changes, moving forward, warding, releasing emotions and feelings

lake water (inner) peace, relaxation, reflection of thoughts and/or emotions

rain water light rain: (gentle) energy, protection, growth, finding truth heavy rain: energy, destruction, curses as well as cleansing

storm water force, motivation, relaxation, spells regarding anger and releasing (unwanted) feelings

swamp water banishing and binding, cursing, protection (to attract negativity and redirecting it from you)

waterfall water power, energy, success, moving forward, bravery

ice water transformation, balance, creativity

snow water purity, resolutions, balance

dew fertility, love, glamours, growth

fog creativity, hiding truth, protection (via hiding your location), curses

A few things before we get into this! Not all of these magical waters are meant to be consumed. Any waters you plan to ingest should be made with bottled water for safest results. Any herbs used should also be researched. Always always always be aware of what you’re putting into your body! Also this is for reference so it is very shorthanded with the recipes. You should have no problem finding more detailed versions online or in a book. Be sure to label your waters as specifically as possible. Date made/collected, herbs used, safe for consumption, etc should all be included. Lastly, any waters can have appropriate food coloring and/or glitter added to them as well.

Natural, to collect:

1. Rain - renewal, cleansing, adds extra potency to spells, peace, relaxation

2. Storm - strength, confidence, motivation, force, protection, cursing

3. Snow - purification, transformation, ending for a new beginning

4. Swamp - binding, cursing, banishing, warding

5. Sea - purification, protection, psychic abilities, healing, cursing

6. Lake - knowledge, memories, reflection, emotions

7. Pond - binding, restricting

8. River - moving on/forward, change, cycles

9. Dew - beauty, youth, fertility, love

Simple, charged waters:

1. Sun - purification, positivity, energy, solar magic Bask in the sun from sunrise to sunset

2. Moon - purification, balance, lunar magic, adds extra potency to spells Bask in the moonlight overnight

3. Rainbow - positivity, luck, hope, unity, money Use a mirror or another reflective object to make a ‘rainbow’ and leave water there for at least one hour

4. Shadow - strengthens secrets, hides truth, deception Bask in an area that receives no light whatsoever for a day

Advanced, to make:

1. War - banishing, cursing      - put nails and some spanish moss into a glass jar with one cup of water and let it sit for several weeks.      - once the moss decays and the color turns dark and murky, it’s ready      - meant to be thrown at the feet or on the doorstep of recipient      - can also be used as a protective barrier around the house

2. Indigo - protection, purification, empower charms      - mix one cup of water with 1 mexican anil ball

3. Infusions - usually used with fragile herbal matter      - pour 2 cups of boiling water over 3 whole flowers      - cover and leave until it cools completely      - strain into a glass container with a non-metallic lid      - store in a cool, dark place

4. Decoctions - usually used with dense herbal matter      - simmer herbal matter with 8 oz water      - do this until matter becomes limp & pale      - strain, store in a cool, dark place 

5. Inks      - light a candle and hold the back or bowl of a metal spoon ABOVE the flame until it is covered with a black soot      - scrape off the black soot into a small bowl. *warning: this can be extremely tedious and time consuming      - add hot distilled water, one drop at a time, to dissolve the soot      - slowly add powdered gum arabic until desired consistency is achieved      - you can also try beet, grape or any other dark colored juice      - invisible ink is something you can try as well

6. Flower Essences Honestly, I’ve seen a few different ways to make these floating around online. I do not have enough experience with these to claim which is the ‘right’ way to do it, but, I do suggest you research it to see if it is something you’d be interested in making and utilizing in your craft. Especially if you have your own garden or greenhouse. It involves cutting fresh flowers and putting them in the sun with absolutely no shadows passing through it. I believe the process is similar to a gem essence. These are meant to be consumed, so please do your own research before attempting.

7. Gem Essences/Elixers      - place a cleansed, non-toxic crystal or gem into a clear glass bowl or bottle with water      - leave in sun or moonlight 6-12 hours      - remove crystal and add 2/3 preservative (this is the mother essence)      - add 7 drops of the mother essence to a small glass dropper      - top off with 1/3 preservative and 2/3 water (this is for use)

There are plenty other forms of magical waters and this list is by no means complete. Again, a simple search can find you more detailed versions or variations on these recipes. But I believe these are the most valuable to any witch who likes to use water in their craft.

Finally, all my powder recipes in one place! Go nuts, witchlings.

All-Purpose Cursing Powder

Banishing Powder

Clean House Powder

“Eye of Sauron” Revelation Powder

Heal Thy Heart Powder

Hexbreaker Powder

Jackpot Powder

Lucky Day Powder

“Outta My Way” Powder

Peacekeeper Powder

Persuasion Powder

STFU Powder

Traveler’s Luck Powder

Truthfinder Powder

For those of you who may not be able to find herbs locally, here are some online suppliers who consistently have affordable and high-quality products.

Ruth Roy’s Wellcat Herbs - A highly reputable seller with quality herbs, teas, incense, and botanicals. Also runs a booth every year at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. (*HIGHLY RECOMMEND*)

Starwest Botanicals - Bulk herbs, spices, oils, and teas. Good amount of organic and Fair Trade products, as well as supplies for holistic medicine and tea-making.

Mountain Rose Herbs - Bulk herbs, spices, and sundries. Also carries organic products and essential oils, and has link to schools that offer courses in herbalism and herbology.

The Magickal Cat - Online shop with just about everything you could want for your craft, from herbs to books to cauldrons, and everything in between. Reliable shipping and excellent customer service.

Bulk Apothecary - Bulk herbs, spices, and oils, in addition to materials for the home production of soap, candles, wine, and beer.

These salts are super easy to make and are good for any sun magic, an offering to solar deities, solar bath salts, cleansing, energy, positivity, healing, creativity, protection, and more 🌞

What you need-

🔆A mortar and pestle

🌼Sea salt

🍊Dried orange peel (and/or orange essential oil)

🌻Chamomile, marigold, sunflower, or any yellow petaled flower (dried)

🌾A dash of cinnamon powder

Instructions:

🔆Gather your ingredients

🔆Combine them one by one in a mortar and pestle until the salt changes color (yellow or orange) or until its powderized

🔆Let it charge in the sunlight (sunrise-sunset) with your favorite sun crystal

Astrology is a form of divination which you might already know. However there is another form of divination using both astrology and dice. You will need a total of three 12 sided dice. Now I know not everyone can afford to buy them so you can us DnD dice if you have some. Below I have corresponds and meaning.

To use this method is rather simple ask the question and throw the dice. Use the symbols to answer them with the meanings below.

To use DnD Dice make. sure you have three 12 side dice of preferably 3 different colors. Using DnD dice we have numbers instead of astrology and planetary symbols which is fine. Give each dice a roll say your colors are Clear, Red, and Blue. Clear will be the house, Red the Planets and Blue astrology.

Clear Lands on 7. Go down to the meanings below. What is 7? 7 is the 7th house.

Blue Lands on 3. What is three? 3 is mercury.

Red Lands on 4. What is 4? 4 is Cancer.

Now use the meanings below to answer the question.

The planetary die represents the situation at hand.

1. The Sun: The ego, your most basic self, consciousness, vitality, stamina, and creation.

2. The Moon: Emotions, instincts. habits, moods, and the unconscious.

3. Mercury: The mind, communication, intelligence, reason, and language.

4. Venus: Love, attraction, relationships, art, beauty, and harmony.

5. Mars: Aggression, sex, action, desire, courage, passion, and competition.

6. Jupiter: Growth, hope, expansion, luck, abundance, optimism, and understanding.

7. Saturn: Discipline, responsibility, ambition, obligation, law, and structure.

8. Uranus: Inspiration, change, eccentricity, chaos, rebellion, and reformation.

9. Neptune: Mysticism, dreams, intuition, psychic abilities, imagination, and delusions.

10. Pluto: Transformation, power, death, rebirth, and evolution.

11. The North Node of the Moon: Lessons that must be learned, fear of the unknown, fate, and the path forward.

12. The South Node of the Moon: The past, karmic baggage, and the path you have followed until now.

The zodiac sign die represents how the situation feels or the emotions involved with the situation.

1. Aries: Impulsivity, competition, letting go, intense reactions and situations.

2. Taurus: Sensitivity, hurt feelings, emotional responses, holding grudges.

3. Gemini: Duality, mischievousness, emotions over rationality, cleverness, curiosity.

4. Cancer: Deep emotions, lost friendships, loyalty, nurturing.

5. Leo: Confidence, stamina, leadership, pride, being the center of attention.

6. Virgo: Rationality, solitude, pickiness, overly critical, striving for more than you can handle.

7. Libra: Balance, harmony, or the need to find harmony in a situation that is out of control.

8. Scorpio: Transformation, truth, honesty, hidden emotions, a need for power.

9. Sagittarius: Adventure, seeking truth, positivity, optimism, a need for relaxation.

10. Capricorn: Controlling, possessiveness, business matters, barriers between people.

11. Aquarius: Anxiety, unpredictable future, a need for communication, introspection.

12. Pisces: Compassion, escapism, innocence, a person in your life may be acting dishonestly.

The house die represents what part of your life is being affected. 

1: Your personal life, how you look, and new beginnings. It also tells you to look out for accidents.

2: Look at your finances. There may be lost or stolen objects. Your finances will change, but this could be good or bad. Poverty or wealth, business transactions, and new material desires.

3: Siblings or people tied to you by blood and location. Short journeys, small vacations, and travel. School, especially early education for children. You may be expecting emails, letters, or advice, but watch out for gossip and rumors.

4: Parents or people that act as parental figures. Domestic issues are at the heart of your question. There may be new land, real estate, or inheritances on the horizon. Endings of any situation.

5: Fertility, women, children, pregnancy, and fun. Creativity, water, rain, teaching, gambling, hobbies, and romance.

6: Health, hygiene, daily routines, injuries, pets, and employees.

7: Close personal partnerships, like in relationships and business. Divorce, lawsuits, new contracts, rivalries, thieves, astrologists, or an unidentified person that could become a new partnership.

8: Death and, because of that, transformations. Could mean literal death, or even birth. The occult, taxes, debts, mortgages and loans, legacies, inheritances, investigations, suffering, dangers, and corporate money.

9: Journeys and long distance travel. It also represents religion, philosophy, education, lawyers, dreams, divination, wisdom, the arts, media, and publishing.

10: Career, success,fortune. It is also concerned with the environment and weather, as well as reputations and glory.

11: Good fortune comes with this house. It signals friends, those who may help you, protection, riches, gifts, joy, renewed hope, praise, and group activities.

Here's a fun project to enchant your jewelry and put an art witch spin to it!

Supplies:

Paper to cut out (old bags, construction paper, wrapping paper, ect) you want these to be a bit stiff so layer.

Art supplies (watercolor, pencils, paint pens, spray paint ect)

Decorations ( I used some free print outs from molly roberts magic that I painted and some free vintage print out, and print outs I bought on Etsy. Use whatever you have!)

Scissors

Bad b!tch energy to put into your spell

Steps:

First I cut out six circles to double layer. Use color coorespondences, or how the colors make you feel!

I pre decorated one side of the papers with water colors.

Design your sigil or pick you intention statement. If you are a closeted witch you can put it on the back is one price and glue them together so they are hidden.

Glue your two sides together and decorate! Mine have decorations on the front and sigils and intention on the back.

Now use however you choose!

I'll be charging my jewelry on the coasters under the full moon. You can use the art and sigil magic to charge your jewelry anytimy you need that intention

Mine will then be tucked into my grimoir until I need them

-The Types of Theoi (Chthonic, Ouranic, ect.)

- The Greek Creation Myth

- Basic Ritual

- Basic Offerings

- Devotional Acts

- Khernips and Miasma

- Basics of How the Ancient Greeks Practiced

- Basics of Ancient Greek Culture/History

- The Hellenic Calendar

- The Basics of the Theoi you want to focus your worship on

- Modern Worship (reconstructionism vs revivalism, upg-spg-vpg, ect.)

- HOW TO USE SKEPTICISM/HOW TO AVOID PSEUDOSCIENCE

- Basic Philosophy (if you so choose, but its important to know why you believe something)

The Types of Theoi (Chthonic, Ouranic, ect.

Because there were some ritual differences between the two.

The Greek Creation Myth

This is important general context. However, be aware there are more than one cosmology, so don’t get caught up in believing one is truth over the others. This is good to learn that different versions of myth co-exist even when they seem to contradict eachother

Basic Ritual (adding prayer to it)

Ties in with #1 and this should be your priority. Ritual and prayer are both one of the main communication methods you have with a deity. 

Here’s a simplified formula to start with: Hymn/Deity name + offering + prayer

Basic Offerings

Also ties in with #1 and #3. This should also be a priority since offerings are part of ritual. Learn the difference between a libation (liquid), food offerings, votive offerings etc. 

Devotional Acts

This doesn’t need to be high in your priority list. Devotional acts = dedicating an activity to a god. This is very handy if you can’t worship openly. 

Khernips and Miasma (aka ritual cleanliness)

Ritual cleanliness and what it means in the greek context. The term miasma is misleading but is so widely used that yeah, you can search that and still find information. Basically, you want to learn this because it is a preliminary step to ritual. As a rule of thumb, at the very least wash your hands before ritual/prayer.  

Basics of How the Ancient Greeks Practiced

You want to learn this because it helps realize the ancient practiced in very diverse ways depending on location and era. There was never a single right way to do things, and there still isn’t. Rather, there were many different right ways.

Basics of Ancient Greek Culture/History

Because context is good to know. Also, Greece still exists, you will gain much from exploring modern Greek culture as well. 

The Hellenic Calendar(s)

Again, a good way to realize there wasn’t a single right way. Many calendars co-existed depending on the location. Now, the one you probably saw the most is the Athenian one, which is great to learn if you want structure in your worship, and also helps seeing what kind of logic is behind the festivals. 

The Basics of the Theoi you want to focus your worship on

This is obvious but also: it builds connection with the deity you want to focus on.

Modern Worship (reconstructionism vs revivalism, upg-spg-vpg, ect.)

This will help you navigate online hellenic circles without being too confused. 

HOW TO USE SKEPTICISM/HOW TO AVOID PSEUDOSCIENCE

Generally, learning critical thinking will help you not fall into the claws of wannabe cult leaders. Ask for sources, check who the authors of the books you use are. 

Basic Philosophy (if you so choose, but its important to know why you believe something)

I love making small altars to take with me, I have quite a few, but lately I've been feeling the itch to make a new one. @breelandwalker posted an article that really jumpstarted the creative process again. So I present to you: the travel altar challenge! I broke up the steps to creating a pocket altar into 19 weeks (or days if you have the spoons) and I'm planning on making a new travel/pocket altar for myself.

Will you join me in the challenge?

The list below is my basic list with some ideas added to hopefully inspire you. Feel free to leave out what doesn't work for you, add what you're missing and do things out of order if needed. Every number is a day/week, depending on if you want to go fast or slow.

pick a theme and/or purpose: This can either be for a specific power or deity, or can be for a specific kind of magic, such as sea witchery or kitchen witchery. You can also choose for a specific purpose instead, such as when you’re staying in a hotel/family home, or one that fits into your planner. Or if you want to make it more challenging, your theme can be the Starry Night by van Gogh, or an altar completely made of paper or clay.

make a list of what must be on/in an altar What are the necessities you need when practising magic? What would you like the altar to have?

choose a container Now that you have your list of necessities, you can guess a bit how big of an altar you need. You can choose a box, altoid tin, jewellery case, cosmetics case, crocheted bag, whatever you can think of.

decorate the outside if needed/wanted

decorate the inside if needed/wanted

representation of deity/spirit/animal/mythological creature/yourself a small focal icon for your altar. This can be an artwork glued into the lid or on a scrabble tile, a carved bead, a small statue made from clay, or simply a picture of yourself. Get creative!

divination method a tiny divination method that fits the altar. Think tiny tarot cards, a pendulum from a shell or ring, tiny runestones.

cleansing method this can be a herb blend that you sprinkle around, a cleansing spray, incense

offering blend either for your deities/spirits, or for the world around you as a thank you for using the space.

charging/anointing oil or water for when you need to make something you found – or yourself – more sacred or powerful

representation of the elements painted rocks or wooden disks, a feather, a leaf, a candle, and a shell, or instead of the elements something for the seasons, or the phases of the moon.

a SAFE candle holder and candle Fire safety is important, especially when you wish to use it outside or in someone else’s space.

incense something fragrant to set the tone. And again, fire safety is important!

altar cloth a thrifted scarf, a doily, a scrap of fabric, something to create a working surface with.

add a text/prayer/poem this can be on the inside of the lid, rolled up as part of the offering blend on a tiny piece of paper, or simply folded up as a reminder and to read aloud.

representations for your altar/sacred space boundaries painted stones or wooden disks, shells, specific crystals, anything to make a ring of protection for you and your work

add some beads prayer/focus beads, power jewellery, or strands of beads for charging, or perhaps a witch’s ladder.

Put it all together is there something you’re missing? Did you have everything on your list? Or are some things too big and do they need to be switched out?

Cleanse and charge your new altar!

My altar cloth! I followed @craftywitchcraft 's tutorial for this one, which is absolutely not what I had originally planned, but these ribbons fit so well, I couldn't not.

☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾

Altar cloths can be one of simplest things to make, and have one of the most dramatic effects on your space. They also make great gifts to give to witchy friends, or to bring to witchy gift exchanges!

This method is much simpler than the last one I posted, because it doesn’t include a border around the outside. It’s just one fabric on one side, and one fabric on the other!

☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾~ ☽⍟☾

I love making altar cloths. I’ve already got a Spring Persephone and Underworld Persephone altar cloths I’ve made. And my wonderful sister found me the peacock ribbon I’ve been searching for so I could finally make a Hera altar cloth.

Supplies:

Appx 232in of ribbon Scissors craft glue

Optional: wire cutters if you are using wire ribbon.

This is the self-love mirror. I won't explain every detail, but the roses and buds/stems are the same as I used in my wedding crown.

The other half I made into a black scrying mirror. The moon is made with spackle, and the circle is completed by an "unveiling" sigil.

-Create a spell jar for your intended purpose. Place the object to be enchanted in or on top of the jar once it is complete and leave it overnight to absorb the spell. This can also be done with a charm bag. (I use this quite often for jewelry.)

-Create a containment figure or crystal grid. Place the object to be enchanted in the center and use the small magical space you've made to focus your spell and direct it into the item.

-If the object has compartments (drawers, covers, etc), place a crystal or paper sigil inside that carries the desired magical intent.

-Draw a sigil on the object. It doesn't have to be visible or prominent, it just has to be there. It can be drawn with chalk, ink, paint, pencil, or just with a fingertip.

-Hold the object in your hand, if it is small enough. Make a fist and will the spell or effect into the object as you squeeze.

-Place the object on your altar or in your workspace while you work a larger ritual or spell for a desired purpose. Direct the spell into the object as you finish the casting.

- elemental charging. Take a bowl of salt, sans, or dirt (earth), a bowl of water (...water), stick of incense (air), and a candle. Sprinkle the salt over your object while focussing on the power of earth to fill your item. Repeat with a sprinkle of water, pass the object through or over the smoke, and do the same with the flame.

- elemental charging 2. A crystal for earth, a shell for water, a feather for air, and a tealight or red crystal for fire. Place each object on your item for a moment, focussing on the elemental magic empowering your item

- breath. Take a moment to really focus on your intentions/goals. Bring them to the forefront of your mind. Pick up your item and breathe the intentions out in one slow breath. Visualise how your breath, intentions and goals fill your item.