To the stars who listen

Tasseomancy or Tasseography is the practice and process of using tea leaves or coffee grounds to forecast, understand, or improve upcoming or current events. This can be used for planning ahead, or for personal growth, healing and development. One nearly finished a loose herbal concoction, and then flips the remaining biological powders onto a small plate. They then scry based off of the shapes or symbols the leaves lie in. Below are aspects to consider whilst using this method of divination.

Interpretations:

Symbolism:

There are numerous factors to consider from a representation approach. Which is why most use a plate and cup inscribed with key symbols with their corresponding location. That aside, animals, numerology, symbols, or signs also are important to be considered by the placement of the herbal remains as well.

Directions:

Most practitioners divide their cup into segments of based off of the directions, zodiac signs, planetary symbols, and elemental aspects. Hence, the beautiful aesthetic from the almanac or legend of a Tasseography tea-set. Considering that each direction has its own element and meaning in countless cultures across the world, there is many ways to interpret this from the Feng Shui Bagua, the Pentagram, or Earth Medicine almanacs.

First Glance:

The first thing you notice or recognize as a symbol is something that is important to consider, although should not be your only takeaway. Intuition at its finest will help provide clarity because your first sight is just as important as your analyzed inquiry. Once both are considered and potentially seen as a synchronization, you will have your takeaway.

Horizontal:

Considering this element is massively important because it is the method or process of seeing one’s entire life in a past, present, and future manner. This can be an essential aspect for those who are trying for introspection, emotional healing, or personal growth. The left is past influences, the middle is current events, and the right is upcoming occasions.

Symbolism:

Animals:

Bird:

Fortune, positivity, wealth, travel, freedom,and a likely exploration.

Butterfly:

Transformation, accomplishment, and pleasure.

Dragon:

Massive and sudden shifts or changes lie ahead of you.

Eagle:

Attainment, admiration, nobility, favour, and reserves.

Elephant:

Immense prosperity, wellbeing, and luck are ahead.

Owl:

Deceit, deception, loss, probable illness, or deprivation.

Pig:

Faithful love and romance, but jealous or lying friends.    

Rat:

Defeats or failures from adversaries, possibly in a job sense.

Worms:

Deceit, treachery, dishonesty, and deception, defeat, or loss.

Nature:

Clouds:

If clear, trails and troubles are to come. If surrounded by dots, monetary success is coming.

Clover:

Upcoming luck. The higher up its located, the sooner it will come.

Mountain:

Forthcoming impediments, obstacles, and challenges.

Mushroom:

Rebirth, shifting, transformation, everlasting growth.

Trees:

Prosperity, direction, growth, happiness, and luck.

Planets:

The Moon:

Introspection, receptivity, compassion, and affluence.

Mars:

Movement, action, progress, vigor, and lustful love.

The Sun:

Stamina, energy, vitality, triumph, and opportunities.

Venus:

Romance, femininity, compassion, and love.

Shapes:

Anchor:

Stability, Stagnancy, permanence, and immobility.

Angel:

Fortune, positivity, and potential true romance.

Apple:

Health, longevity, academic or professional success.

Aries:

Strength, intensity, lust, and scorching emotion.

Axe:

Challenges overcome, victory and triumph.

Boat:

Reunification, fellowship, familiarity, and support.

Bowl:

Containment, summer, light, and Litha.

Bridge:

A wonderful voyage to embark on lies ahead of you.

Candle:

Enlightenment, guidance, illumination, and warmth.

Car:

Impending prosperity, fortune, and achievements.

Chain:

Accountability, a sequence of occasions, and stagnancy.

Circle:

Future prosperity, wealth, presents, or material gain.

Clouds:

If clear, trails and troubles are to come. If surrounded by dots, monetary success is coming.

Clover:

Upcoming luck. The higher up its located, the sooner it will come.

Compass:

Guidance, direction, backing, assistance, and support.

Crescent:

Introspection, receptivity, compassion, and affluence.

Cross:

Delayed developments, troubles ahead, or possible loss.

Crown:

Triumph, magnificence, incentives or gifts, and admiration.

Cup:

Achievement, celebration, emotional healing, and purification.

Dagger:

Love, encouragement, assistance, and support from allies.

Downwards Arrow:

Mistaken direction, unpleasant choices, no.

Gun:

Discord, tension, slander, defamation, and disharmony.

Hammer:

The journey and trials you have faced have been overcome.

Hat:

Accomplishment, success, and achievement in general.

Heart:

Affection, romance, love, passion, and companionship.

Horizontal Arrow:

Smooth advancement, solidity, and stability.

Horseshoe:

Fortune, luck, prosperity, and protection.

Hourglass:

Imminent danger, hazard, threat, or upcoming obstacle.

House:

Stability, victory in profession or corporate choice.

Knots:

Apprehensions, concerns, tension, worry, and pressure.

Ladder:

Advancement, improvement, development, and progress.

Lines:

Positive journey, movement, rebirth, and shifting.

Pear:

Social status, wealth, prosperity, and admiration.

Peace Sign:

Harmony, synchronization, teamwork, and unity.

Squares:

Stability, relaxation, luxury, tranquility, and serenity.

Stars:

Success, fortune, strength, energy, and imaginative creation.

Triangles:

Unexpected prosperity, victory or luck lie ahead.

Wheels:

Transformation, Progress, positive advancement, and change. Symbols:

Ring:

Harmony, love, partnership, alliance, and marriage.

Scissors:

Arguments, disputes, separations, or possibility of ailment.

Spiral:

Livelihood, bliss, innovation, creativity, solutions.

Umbrella:

Struggles, aggravations, provocations, and endurance.

Upwards Arrow:

[Book Review] Planetology by Annie Botticelli

Slated for release on December 8th, 2020, Annie Botticelli’s new book, Planetology features a cornucopia of celestial magic. The focus is planetary, as the title hints, and specific to the inner planets.

Planetary magic is a perennial interest of mine. Most astrologers agree that the Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars occupy a central place in our charts. We refer to them as the “personal planets” for that reason.

I would argue their energies are more readily available to us magically than those of the outer (often called “generational”) planets. For the beginner, Planetology and its focus on the inner planets provides a solid springboard for celestial magic.

Planetology emphasizes techniques for manifestation. Now, this is an oft-used buzzword in some circles, but here, the author seems to really understand the concept.

It’s not a matter of just “attracting” by thinking “positively;” she acknowledges that what might be positive in one situation might be negative in another. A planet like Mars can help us magically just as readily as the Moon, albeit in different ways.

Planetology includes a section on each planet, while discussing its strengths in terms of magic. Rather than focus on simply “bring good things,” she discusses the particularities, offering the reader a wide array of techniques for invoking specific celestial energies.

The book focuses mostly on practicalities and manages to avoid too many theoretical details, while directing readers to other relevant sources that provide this. Some will criticize this decision on the part of the author, but I fully understand it.

Astrology, to me, is one of the few occult arts best approached with practical generalities followed by zooming in deeper. This book will ground the reader in the basics of the personal (inner) planets, and provides the tools for further study.

The author’s descriptions of concepts like chart progression and material correspondences work well without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary detail.

I would’ve liked a larger explanation of the author’s own astrological philosophy, though. It quickly became apparent that she favors the causative view with regards to the planets rather than interpreting them as omens. Both perspectives interest me, and I would have loved to read more about this approach.

The book contains an entire chapter on planetary-inspired Emotional Freedom Technique (aka “tapping”) routines. I know little about EFT, so I cannot speak much about it. The book explained it well, but it’s still an unfamiliar technique for me.

It seemed odd to include in an astrology book, but she did provide necessary background information. I’m left with the sense that, while unfamiliar to a lot of us, “tapping” might well be useful to investigate.

Overall, I give this book four out of five stars. Portions of the book flow awkwardly, and seem a bit disjointed. My copy was an ARC, and this might read differently in the final version.

Regardless, the positive aspects outweigh any awkwardness. I will be happy to recommend it to witches just beginning to learn celestial magic, and who’ve an interest in the planets.

🌙 19th November 2021

We are entering into another Eclipse Season with a Lunar Eclipse in Taurus. The main download I have received for the collective is to balance the spiritual and material sides of yourselves.

Look back to late May and early June, when we were in the first eclipse season of the year. What was stirred up in your life? You might finally find closure in that area now. Or perhaps new changes will emerge.

The Full Moon is going to be aspected by Jupiter, Mercury and Pluto. With all these planets working together, there is an amazing opportunity to bring your desires into life, if you do it right.

Some of us may feel feel a new sense of ambition and alignment but there's also a strong possibility of becoming overly emotional and sensitive.

Working with eclipse energy can be quite challenging and you should be extra careful with your intentions, as it may backfire on you. Be careful what you wish for!

🌙 What to focus on:

Looking back at the last eclipses this May/June and tying the loose ends

Calling back your energy

Tuning into your spirituality

Getting your finances and material possessions under control

Finding a balance between the spiritual and material

🌙 Watch out for:

Being overconfident and too domineering

Extreme emotional reactions

Blind faith

Reckless manifestations and spells

Mermaid AU | Hermione was born in Tom Riddle’s era, and was one year ahead of him in Hogwarts. 

people don’t just deserve clothes, they deserve nice clothes that are well made and fit their personal style

Do I have a reason to make this post? No, not really. But I thought I should spoil my followers — y’all are the reason I create these posts, and I hit 1,100 followers! I’m shocked, thank you so much!! Therefore I shall spoil y’all, as you deserve. I love you funky bois so let’s go!!

Now I know this is gonna make me sound old as shit but I gotta say it:

When I was started learning about witchcraft around 15 years ago, all 'witchcraft' books were wiccan books and they were all fucking awful. You might find 3 books in the back corner of a bookstore and they were all misinformation and blatant lies about history. You might also find a couple books about tarot, dream interpretation, healing crystals and natural remedies but that was IT. To find out any real information you had to do extensive research in historical and anthropological texts and academic journals.

So while there are thousands of 'witchcraft' books available nowadays (I saw 6 sitting on the same shelf as popular self-help books in KMART today)... they're all watered down and 'socially acceptable' spells for love, money and self acceptance....

Dont get me wrong, I'm thrilled that I dont have to hide my practice as much as I had to years ago but... a lot of the witches I meet now are swimming in the shallow part of the pool while thinking they're delving in the deep seas. This lack of understanding isn't their fault though, just as it wasn't mine when all I had was books that only shared personal gnosis and misinformation.

The problem with flooding the market with shallow 'witchcraft' books, is that these books don't really help new witches and they don't help experienced practitioners either. For newbies these books can touch on some of the basics while simultaneously giving the reader the impression that this book will tell them EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO KNOW. The majority of these books also don't help experienced practitioners because they either share a rehash of 'common knowledge' or they make witchcraft out to be this fluffy-bunny, white-washed, appropriating crap.

The majority of my practice is built around history books, recorded folklore, academic journals and anthropological texts. My general rule of thumb is, if the author cannot bother to include a workes cited, end notes or any sort of referencing system to say where information originated from then it should all be considered personal gnosis. Which isn't wrong - it's a bit like reading a diary; it's a great primary source into the thoughts and perspective of the author but it can include misinformation and bias that they believe as fact.

Now, historical sources also can't be treated as gospel and have to be taken with a heavy pinch of salt because of academia's racist interpretations of history for the last hundred years. Another thing to consider is that the majority of people in academia who write papers and publish this information about historical witchcraft... don't practice witchcraft themselves so the lense through which they understand the material is skewed and can lead to misunderstandings.

So as I said at the start, no one book will give you a complete picture of witchcraft. Some will give context and primary sources. Some will give snippets of historical practice which can be misinterpreted due to either preconceived notions about what witchcraft 'should' be or personal biases of the author.

We are all human. We are all inherently opinionated and biased. This cannot be helped. That's why its important to read a wide variety of texts critically and then test out what you learned in practice. It is only through this gruelling back-and-forth process of in-depth research and personal practice can you grow in your practice.

people say “do research” but like, it’s not research if you’re just reading every witch book in the Barnes and Noble with no ability to tell when the author is talking out their ass or not. it’s important to be able to evaluate your sources and you can only do that if you have perspective from other disciplines, and it’s especially important with witchy stuff to stay grounded in reality.

I think it was the Caretaker of The Stars Skeleton talked about this a bit ago, but basically, meditating, spiritual stuff, all this can lead to a psychotic break even in people who aren’t predisposed to them. you need to stay connected to reality, to what is possible, if you are going to try and do these things on your own or with anybody else.

we’ve all met that weird intense and creepy pagan with rancid vibes who tries to like, touch your hands too much and make unblinking eyecontact because they are deffo trying to talk to you in your head. nobody wants to be around that person. if you wanna not become that person you gotta maintain your sense of perspective and stay grounded in reality.

the other thing you’re maintaining here is your ability to not get sucked into a cult or a folle a deux by maintaining your ability to say “that’s not real, that’s not how that works.” by having a rock-hard understanding of real physical reality, it maintains your ability to tell crazy people to fuck off.

but I’d say it also helps the efficacy of your spellcraft. don’t fuck around doing rituals on the beach with candles and junk, find out what kind of offering you can give the sea that will actually help (it’s bones and shells) and why (the sea needs it’s calcium back)

Also, you can't just leave a gem like this in the tags!

the chronicles of narnia by c.s lewis

Wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone has changed the ecosystem *significantly*.

One remarkable thing that was not predicted that demonstrates how interlinked these things are:

Wolf eat elk.

Elk eat fewer willows.

Willows become healthier.

Number of beavers increase.

Number of songbirds increase.

Overall health of streams increases.

Number of fish increases.

Water table stabilizes.

This is called a “trophic cascade” and we normally see them as bad things. But a positive trophic cascade is an amazing thing, and apparently nobody predicted this one.

What they didn’t predict was that wolf predation would keep elk on the move so they wouldn’t overgraze a specific area.

When the elk overgrazed the willows, they removed the best source of food for beavers during the winter.

RING TING TINGLING TOOOOOOOOOOOOO

COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER

FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

- Chain mail, “reblog this or..” posts etc. don’t work. They’re not real. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t forward that mail or reblog that post. 

- “If you don’t reblog this, you’re a bad person” is a lie. You’re not a bad person for not clicking a button. 

- You are allowed to unfollow blogs that post triggering contents. 

we need to change the part of the history where yt ppl are given credit for “discovering” things that were never lost and were known by the indigenous ppl in the first place 

Abundance: Arnica

Balance: Heather

Banishing negative energy: Lilac, Snapdragon

Beauty: Amaryllis, Pentas, Wolf’s Bane

Clairvoyance: Poppy, Queen Anne’s Lace

Communication: Datura (with Deities), Foxglove (with Fae), Pansy

Courage: Geranium, King Protea

Creativity: King Protea

Divination: Chicory, Damiana, Datura, Hibiscus, Pansy, Poppy, Rose

Dreams: Calendula (psychic dreams), Dandelion, Datura, Poppy

Energy: Carnation, Sunflower (sun energy)

Exorcism: Angelica, Dandelion, Datura, Henbane, Lilac

Fertility: Daffodil, Damiana, Foxglove, Geranium, Heather, Myrtile, Poppy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Sunflower

Friendship: Hydrangea, Passion Flower

Happiness: Calendula, Hyacinth, Lily of the Valley, Pansy, Scarlet Pimpernel, Sunflower, Tulip

Harmony: Gardenia, Iris, Jasmine, Lavender, Poppy, Rose, Violet

Healing: Arnica, Angelica, Calendula, Carnation, Chicory, Gardenia, Geranium, Heather, Lavender, Rose, Scarlet Pimpernel, Vervain

Hope: Daisy, Violet

Innocence: Daisy, Freesia

Invisibility: Poppy, Wolf’s Bane

Joyfulness: Birds of Paradise

Love: Buttercup, Daffodil, Daisy, Damiana, Datura, Foxglove, Gardenia, Geranium, Heather, Hibiscus, Hyachint, Iris, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Orchid, Pansy, Pentas, Poppy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Tulip, Vervain, Violet, Yarrow Flower

Luck: Carnation, Chicory, Daffodil, Dandalion, Honeysuckle, Poppy, Violet

Lust: Damiana, Heather, Hibiscus, Queen Anne’s Lace

Marriage: Buttercup, Yarrow Flower

Money: Bergamot, Chamomile, Honeysuckle

Passion: Chamomile, Passion Flower, Rose

Patience: Aster

Peace: Gardenia, Iris, Lavender, Passion Flower, Poppy, Violet

Pleasure: Sweet Pea

Prosperity: Jasmine, Poppy

Protection:  Angelica, Arnica, Carnation, Datura, Dogwood, Foxglove, Geranium, Heather, Holly, Hyacinth, Lilac, Lily, Marigold, Rose, Scarlet Pimpernel, Snapdragon, Tulip, Vervain, Violet, Wolf’s Bane

Psychic Ability: Arnica, Calendula, Damiana, Orchid, Rose, Moonflower

Purification: Chicory, Dandelion, Lavender

Relaxation: Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Poppy, Vervain

Removal of Curses/Breaking Hexes: Chicory, Datura, Hydrangea, Lily

Second sight: Henbane, Queen Anne’s Lace, Scarlet Pimpernel

Sensuality: Heather

Sexuality: Damiana, Foxglove

Sleep: Chamomile, Elderflower, Linden, Poppy, Violet

Spirit: Arnica (keeps unwanted spirits at bay), Bergamot (lifts spirit), Dandelion (summoning spirits), Heather (conjuring spirits), Honeysuckle

Spirituality: Jasmine, Queen Anne’s Lace, Rose

Strength: Carnation, Chicory

Success: Bergamot, Chicory, Sunflower

Tranquility: Lavender, Poppy, Rose, Violet

Transformation: Datura, King Protea, Moonflower, Scarlet Pimpernel

Vision: Angelica, Damiana, Datura

Vitality: Carnation

Wealth: Elderflower, Honeysuckle, Jasmine

Wisdom: Henbane

🌈Flower Colours and Magical Correspondences🌈

BLACK AND DARK BURGUNDY: The Crone,  banishing, breaking hexes, and removing negativity

BLUE: Element of water,  healing, sleep, and peace

BROWN AND  BEIGE:  Home,  stability,  and pets

GREEN: The God, element of earth,   faeries, healing, money, luck and fertility

PINK:  Friendship, children, affection and love

PURPLE: Power, psychic abilities and passion

RED: The Mother, element of fire, lust, love, sex, healing and protection

WHITE: The Maiden,  all  purpose, purification, protection,  and moon magick

YELLOW: Element of air, wisdom, mental powers,and divination 

ORANGE: Energy, vitality, and success

🌻🍂Flowers of the Month🍃❄️

January: carnation (bestows energy, healing), snowdrop (symbolizes new beginnings)

February: violet (love, protection), primrose (protection, love)

March: daffodil (fertility, love)

April: sweet pea (friendship, strength), daisy (love), lily (keeps negative influences away  [White: symbol for the archangel Gabriel])

May: lily of the valley (perks you up, lifts your spirits [all part of the flower are mildly toxic, should not be ingested]), hawthorn (fertility, happiness, good luck in fishing)

June: rose (love), honeysuckle (prosperity)

July: larkspur (health, protection), water lily (healing, emotions, psychic powers [use it in water spells, rituals])

August: gladiola (ending relationships, ending situations,), poppy (luck, prosperity)

September: morning glory (can be used in binding spells, peace, happiness), aster (can be used in love spells)

October: calendula (strength, healing, justice)

November: chrysanthemum (protection, protects you from negativity)

December: holly (protection, male plant), ivy (fidelity, love, female plant)

🔱Goddesses and Associated Plants🔱

APHRODITE: Violet, Morning glory, Rose, Linden, Heather, Queen Anne’s Lace, Daisy and all true blue flowers      

APOLLO: Arnica, Henbane

ARADIA: Rue, Vervain, Verbena

ARIANRHOD: Linden

ARTEMIS: Artemesia, Daisy, Damiana    

ASTRAEA: Aster, Michaelmas daisy

BAST: Catnip

BIL: Henbane

BRIGHID OR BRIDE: Dandelion,  Crocus, Helebores          

CERNUNNOS: Chamomile

CERRIDWEN: Vervain/verbena

CHRONOS: Henbane

CYBELE: Chrysanthemum

DEMETER OR CERES: Red Poppy

DIANA: Rue, Henbane, Rose

DRYADS: Daisy

FAE: Daisy

FREYA:  Maidenhair fern, Daisy, Rose, Primrose and Arnica

GANESHA: Damiana

HADES: Datura

HATHOR: Rose

HECATE: Cyclamen, Lavender, Willow, Hensbane, Datura, Wolf’s Bane and Monkshood (aconite)

HEL: Chrysanthemum

HERA:   Iris, Willow

HESTIA: Passion Flower

HOLDA: Rose in full bloom

HYPNOS: Passion Flower

IRIS: Iris, Rose

ISIS: Rose, Heather and purple  Iris

JUNO: Iris

JUPITER: Carnation

KALO: Hibiscus

LADY OF GUADALUPE:  Red and pink roses, Poinsettias

LILITH:  Lily; Deep-Red, Thorny, Garden-Style Roses

LUNA: Queen Anne’s Lace

MAE LABRAID: Heather

MAIA: Scarlet Pimpernel

MARS: Daffodil

MEDEA: Lavender

MERCURY: Chamomile

MINERVA: Thistle, Olive, and Mulberries              

NATURAJA: Datura

NECHTAN: Heather

NEPHTHYS: Lily

OESTRE: Daisy

OSHUN: Chamomile, Yarrow Flower

PERSEPHONE:   Parsley, Pomegranate, Henbane

RA: Arnica, Chamomile

SATURN: Datura, Lavender

SELENE: Rose, Bluebell, Nicotiana, Queen Anne’s Lace   and all white and night-blooming flowers

SHANGO: Hibiscus

SHAVA: Linden

SHIVA: Datura

ST. ANNE: Chamomile

VENUS: Violet, Morning glory,  Rose, Hibiscus, Queen Anne’s Lace, Heather and all true blue flowers    

YEMAYA: Passion Flower, Yarrow Flower

ZEUS: Damiana

Source: Garden Witchery - Magic from the ground up by Ellen Dugan 

The Fool: Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, free spirit. Reverse: Naivety, foolishness, risk-taking

The Magician: Power, skill, concentration, action, resourcefulness. Reverse: Manipulation, poor planning, latent talents.

The High Priestess: Intuition, higher powers, mystery, subconscious mind. Reverse: Hidden agendas, listen to inner voice.

The Empress: fertility, femininity, beauty, nature, abundance. Reverse: Creative block, dependence.

The Emperor: Authority, father-figure, structure, foundation. Reverse: Domination, excessive control, rigidity, inflexibility.

The Hierophant: Religion, group identification, conformity, tradition, beliefs. Reverse: Restriction, something to shake up routine.

The Lovers: Love, union, relationships, aligned values, choices. Reverse: Disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values.

The Chariot: Control, willpower, victory, assertion, determination. Reverse: Lack of control and direction, aggression.

Strength: Strength, courage, patience, control, compassion. Reverse: Weakness, Self-doubt, lack of self-discipline.

The Hermit: Soul-searching, introspection, alone, inner guidance. Reverse: Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal.

The Wheel of Fortune: Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point. Reverse: Bad luck, negative external forces, out of control.

Justice: Justice, fairness, truth, cause and effect. Reverse: Unfairness, dishonesty, unaccountability.

The Hanged Man: Restriction, letting go, sacrifice. Reverse: Martyr, indecision, delay.

Death: Endings, beginnings, change, transformation, transition. Reverse: Resistance to change, inability to progress.

Temperance: Balance, moderation, patience, purpose, meaning. Reverse: Imbalance, excess, short term vision.

The Devil: Addiction, sexuality, materialism. Reverse: Detachment, breaking free, reclaimed power.

The Tower: Disaster, upheaval, sudden (brutal) change, revelation. Reverse: Avoidance of disaster, fear of change.

The Star: Hope, spirituality, renewal, inspiration, serenity. Reverse: Lack of faith, despair, discouragement. 

The Moon: Illusion, vision, dreaming, fear, anxiety, insecurity, subconsciousness. Reverse: Release of fear, unhappiness, confusion.

The Sun: Fun, warmth, success, positivity, vitality. Reverse: Temporary depression, lack of success.

Judgement: Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution. Reverse: Self doubt, self blindness.