Witchy Wonder

While we may not all be able to go for a woodsy hike to connect with our local land spirits and find wild herbs, there is always some sort of ecosystem around us. Making that connection and identifying useful plants can be done just about anywhere.

First, identify your region and find a field guide to the local flora. You’ll want something small enough to carry that has color photographs and detailed descriptions. Peterson’s Field Guides makes very good ones for the U.S. Publishers and availability will vary according to location.

Next, take a stroll! Visit your local community park or green space, or just check out the roadside weeds growing nearest your home. There’s always something. If you don’t feel comfortable lingering in one place long enough to analyze the plants on-site, take some pictures on your phone. That way, you can identify and read about them later.

Take notes about the plants you find. What are their magical uses? Is there any folklore connected to them? Were they ever used in medicine? Where where they growing? What sort of feeling did the plant give you (if any)? How do they fit into the local biome? Is it a native species, an introduced one, or an invasive one?

If you happen to find something that might be useful in your craft, you can go back and collect a small sample, provided the plant is not endangered or likely to harm you and is growing in a public space. (State and national parks do not count as public spaces. They’re great for pictures and study, but please refrain from collecting plants there.) When in doubt, leave it be.

I wouldn’t advise using roadside plants for anything you plan to ingest, but they’re still great for spells, offerings, and the burning bowl. A good rinse-and-hang-dry is highly recommended to make sure your specimens are as clean as they can be.

Make sure you label your specimen bundles and any jars you use for storage to make later identification easier. You can press leaves and flowers and tape them into your witchbook, or include illustrations or photos with your notes.

All of this will help you learn about and connect with the land around you, even if you live in an urban or highly developed area. The energy is always around us. We just might need to be still a while and look a little harder to find it.

For more ideas and step-by-step instructions, check out this post - Wild Weed Harvests.

Happy Witching! 🌿

ADDENDUM:

There are also plant identification apps like PlantNet, Plantifier, LeafSnap, iNaturalist, and SmartPlant that you can install on your phone.

If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop.

This is a spell I did for a friend who may have some empathic tendencies and who sometimes feel overwhelmed by what other people around him are feeling.  It can also be used for other situations when you just want a barrier between you and other people, or if you’ve ever wished you could just retreat into a shell like a Mollusc.

What You Need:

A Shell (any kind will do but one with with a natural hole in it will be best if you want to string it on anything)

Saltwater

Freshwater

Bay Leaves

Yarrow

Nettle

Rosemary

Optional:

String or thread to hang the shell on

Any herbs/stones/whatever you view as protective. 

Steps:

Come up with a protective sigil or symbol.  You may already have one, feel free to use that.  

Boil the freshwater (it can come from the tap, that’s totally fine)

Place all of your herbs in a bowl or mug, pour the boiling water over it and let steep.  Just like tea!

While that steeps, dip a finger, paintbrush, pencil, pen, whatever into the saltwater and trace your sigil onto the shell.

Let the shell dry, and then rinse in the herb infused water.  For added strength let is soak for a little while.

For more added strength re-draw the symbol in pen/sharpie so that it will be visible.

All of my spoonie, disabled, chronically ill, mentally ill, accessible and low-energy witch posts!

These are meant to supplement medication, medical care, and professional treatment. You do not have my permission to use these as a sole alternative for those methods. Please be responsible with your health.

”What’s a Spoonie Witch?”

Spoon theory

~Updated October, 2024~

Click the original post to check for updates!

Bedridden witch:

Bedridden witch - Original edition

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

Bedridden witch - Winter edition

Bedridden witch - Ocean edition

Bedridden witch - Love edition

Bedridden witch - Weather edition

Bedridden witch - Garden edition

Bedridden witch - Bath edition

Bedridden witch - Wheel of the Year edition

Bedridden witch - Discreet edition

Bedridden witch - The setup

Bedridden witch - Space edition

Bedridden witch - Seasons edition

Bedridden witch - Solar and Lunar edition

Bedridden witch series (all linked in separate post)

Tips and tricks:

Witchcraft in the Hospital

Witchcraft & Meds

Tips for taking meds

Low energy devotional tip

Bath magic made easy

Witchy things for spoonie students

Cleansing (via your phone)

Charging crystals: My version [X] Simple version [X]

For when you can’t sleep

My daily routine

A tip for using salves

Chronic migraine relief

Brainfog lifting

Limited hand mobility + witchcraft

Witchcraft + Aphantasia

Nonverbal witchcraft

Witchcraft for the Chronically Fatigued

Low energy cleaning + cleansing

POTS magic masterpost

Other:

Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Mentally ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Spoonie sigils: (Pain and Symptoms) / (Energy/Motivation and Mental Illness) / (Healing and Misc.)

Spoonie sigils: previous version

Small devotional acts (for the Greek + Roman pantheon)

Some gentle reminders [X] [X]

How I recovered from depression influenced by chronic illness

Dealing with the emotions that come with a diagnosis and some advice I wish I’d gotten

Low energy plants

Magic to replenish energy

Periods suck. Witchcraft helps.

Sick witchery

New in the Spiral House at Portland Button Works shop November 2025!

The Owl's Eye: Historical Charms and Spells by Corinne Boyer

Tarot for Sceptics: Practical Divination for Psychic Results by Ari Freeman

The Triumph of the Moon: A Scholarly History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton

New Moon Magic: 13 Ant-Capitalist Tools for Resistance & Re-enchantment by Risa Dickens & Amy Torok

Missing Witches: Recovering True Histories of Feminist Magic by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok

Rough Music: Folk Customs, Transgression, and Alternative Britain by Liz Williams

An Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft: Finding Freedom Through Magic by Moth Matthey

Earth Witch: Finding Magic in the Land by Britton Boyd

Missing Witches Oracle Deck by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok

Gothic Garden Adult Coloring Book

The Modern Goth Tarot

Weird Walk #8

2026 Slingshot Organizer- Pocket Size, Pocket Spiral, Large Spiral

SASS Witchcraft Zine- Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4

Biatryce.storenvy.com

Intuitive tarot and oracle card readings since 2014

Currently, readings are sent as a nice PDF or Word document. Having your reading handwritten and mailed to you is also an option for an additional $5 USD.

Budget friendly spreads, like the Give a Dog a Bone to answer any question starting at $4 USD and Signalment to report on your current energy starting at $5 USD, help you align yourself with your goals.

Love readings, like The Heartworm for $10 USD, Mate for Life for $20 USD, and Heart Murmurs for $30 USD, can help you see where you might need some changes in your love life and can illuminate people in your life that you need to spread more love to.

If you're interested in seeing what the current moon cycle has in store for you in terms of the energy flowing around you, you'll want to take a look at the Rabbit in the Moon spread for $15 USD.

Curious about money and/or your career, the energy you have to work with, with advice on how to align yourself with money/career goals? Check out the Worker Bee spread for $30 USD.

Looking for something uplifting? Look up the Mama Bear spread, which highlights your strengths and the way in which you protect your loved ones, for $10 USD. Or try The Person My Pet Thinks I Am, which focuses on the things inside you that others admire and look up to and how to best utilize those special traits, also for $10 USD. There's also the Lucky Rabbit's Foot spread, which hones in on your luck energy, how it manifests in your life, bad luck and what to avoid, as well as giving you an idea of what you can consider a good luck charm, for $15 USD.

More interested in self-help that doesn't sugar coat things? The Neuter takes a look at your current energy and advises what you need to reexamine and get rid of, for $10 USD. Or maybe The Cone of Shame is needed to help you break away from a cycle that's keeping you from healing, for $12 USD.

Maybe you're feeling a bit indecisive or just want some advice? Then your Guide Animal is here to help, which reads what animal energy surrounds you and what advice that animal has to give, starting at $5 USD.

Other specialty readings include: The Rainbow Bridge, which looks at who is watching over you from the other side and what advice they have to give, for $30 USD. Who Who Were You, which takes a look at a past life you experienced, starting at $15 USD. And Animals of the Zodiac, which is a personalized, but basic, birth chart interpretation, for $10 USD.

Please see my FAQ for more information, including what decks I currently own and legal disclaimers.

Reviews can be found here.

"It was very interesting seeing that the Zebra card popped up and how she picked up on the fact that I was 'stuck.’ The advice from the other two cards was spot on as well. This also shows how good she is intuitively, because I provided no insight and no questions in regards to anything. Biatryce is a very skilled reader, and I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for some intuitive insight”

"I really connected with both of my readings, and am feeling a sense of peace and more understanding. It truly is the greatest gift you can give me and it is immensely appreciated!!"

"You captured my relationship perfectly! It was so spot on I was a little shocked!"

"I’ve seen the reading & wow it really blows my mind! The card is beautiful, & you just blend so well with it! So many intuitive insights that’s just right for my situation. I love how you can get many from a card & you added your own analysis so it has a really understandable flow."

"Thank you Bia. Thank you ever so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much of a blessing your guidance has been to us this past year."

"The first reading in particular was actually scarily accurate."

"AGH THE READING WAS SO ACCURATE I LOVED IT"

🔮Free Readings🔮

Currently closed

✨Reading Swap✨

Visit The Shop

The year is starting to wind down, the weather is changing, and whether you’re pulling out your winter socks for chilly nights or readying your wellies for the rainy season, November is a great time to get cozy! Personally, I never feel more cozy than when my magical protections are freshly cast and I’m safe at home, curled up with a good book. So this month, the shop will be featuring items to help you enjoy the vibes of a nice snug home and a witchy read! Stock your library with one of my books (or save your pennies with the discount Book Bundle) or reinforce your wards with a charm or a moon jar.

Make sure you check out my Patreon later this month for the Monthly Merch Poll, to help pick one of the new items coming to the shop in December! This month’s item won by a LANDSLIDE and I’m working on the first batch of them as we speak for the upcoming November release. (If you’re not a subscriber yet, make sure you sign up to help pick next month’s merch drop!)

Use code SWEATERWEATHER for 20% off new and featured items all month long! 

Don’t forget to check out the Upcoming Events page for my full schedule of local markets and workshops. Tune in to Hex Positive on your favorite listening app and check out the Redbubble shop for fabulous podcast merch.

Stay Safe and Happy Witching! 🧶

Upcoming Events:

The Witches Table Discussion Group: Williamsburg Chapter CANCELLED until further notice due to venue closure

Frau Wachholder Stolen Property Recovery Spell

Frau Wachholder, Guardian Spirit of the Juniper, is a German tree spirit. Request her assistance for the for the return of stolen property.

Write a petition or compose one in your mind.

Gently bend a lower branch of a juniper tree or bush toward Earth and secure it there with a stone. Do not break or injure the tree. (Bring lots of water as a libation and peace-offering just in case you do.)

If you have a written request for Frau Wachholder, slip it under the stone.

Demand that the thief hear your call and return your property.

Allegedly the thief and/or the property will be brought to you via Frau Wachholder's interventions. When this is done, remove the stone and release the branch. Offer libations and a gift. Vowing to plant more junipers is effective.

(p. 996, The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, Judika Illes) -------

Now of course, I had to look it up who the hell Frau Wachholder was and the origin. Seems to be a fairy tale specifically, a spirit in the fairy tale.

And potentially this charm of bending juniper branches might come from the Long Lost Friend

Now I currently do not own this book as it is annoying to get to be honest, I have had the opportunity once to buy it and the person selling it irritated me so much that I just straight up left it at the table. So that's my experience with this particular book to be honest. So I can neither say heads or tails if it's true that it exists in this book.

That being said, it is not uncommon for the 5000 spells to have spells from other books in it's pages.

Like other spells, we are doing something "harmful" for the promise of release and relief and a gift to a spirit or a deity that we are invoking to get them to settle the issues that we are having. It's essentially an important part of the whole way spirits get things done is that you make it a little annoying for them so that you can have the thing that's annoying you stop.

What is interesting is this is a type of folk magic that is also pop culture magic. I see a lot of references on google that this is coming out of a particular story or a fairy tale which this spirit is actively worked with to get back property which is stolen, which I align with whenever I look at any pop culture spell.

Yes that's right, if it doesn't align with the media it's basing it stuff off of - I genuinely don't like the spell. I want to see the actual parallels between the media and the spell. There's a lot of interesting stuff that can happen between how media says magic works and how a spell caster makes spells.

I also like the idea that the reforestation of juniper trees are a summary of other folks who have basically said damn, give me back my shit. And gotten their shit back and made a payment this way.

Now we can all think about how to use a juniper in other spellwork and other ways, but I like the fact that this one specifically works with the spirit of the Juniper tree directly. I have worked a lot with trees and directly interacted with them as a spirit entity themselves. So I like this because it's very similar (though normally I'm not basically putting the tree in an uncomfortable ... okay like there was that one time but I asked) to how I work with trees on some level.

So I really like that we have a petition, I like that we're directly interacting with the tree (and that we have a back up plan in case we piss the tree off by breaking it or hurting it), and then we return once our items have been returned to give back to the tree who helped us get the things we wanted.

It's all very much a thing that I enjoy.

Biatryce.storenvy.com

Intuitive tarot and oracle card readings since 2014

Currently, readings are sent as a nice PDF or Word document. Having your reading handwritten and mailed to you is also an option for an additional $5 USD.

Budget friendly spreads, like the Give a Dog a Bone to answer any question starting at $4 USD and Signalment to report on your current energy starting at $5 USD, help you align yourself with your goals.

Love readings, like The Heartworm for $10 USD, Mate for Life for $20 USD, and Heart Murmurs for $30 USD, can help you see where you might need some changes in your love life and can illuminate people in your life that you need to spread more love to.

If you're interested in seeing what the current moon cycle has in store for you in terms of the energy flowing around you, you'll want to take a look at the Rabbit in the Moon spread for $15 USD.

Curious about money and/or your career, the energy you have to work with, with advice on how to align yourself with money/career goals? Check out the Worker Bee spread for $30 USD.

Looking for something uplifting? Look up the Mama Bear spread, which highlights your strengths and the way in which you protect your loved ones, for $10 USD. Or try The Person My Pet Thinks I Am, which focuses on the things inside you that others admire and look up to and how to best utilize those special traits, also for $10 USD. There's also the Lucky Rabbit's Foot spread, which hones in on your luck energy, how it manifests in your life, bad luck and what to avoid, as well as giving you an idea of what you can consider a good luck charm, for $15 USD.

More interested in self-help that doesn't sugar coat things? The Neuter takes a look at your current energy and advises what you need to reexamine and get rid of, for $10 USD. Or maybe The Cone of Shame is needed to help you break away from a cycle that's keeping you from healing, for $12 USD.

Maybe you're feeling a bit indecisive or just want some advice? Then your Guide Animal is here to help, which reads what animal energy surrounds you and what advice that animal has to give, starting at $5 USD.

Other specialty readings include: The Rainbow Bridge, which looks at who is watching over you from the other side and what advice they have to give, for $30 USD. Who Who Were You, which takes a look at a past life you experienced, starting at $15 USD. And Animals of the Zodiac, which is a personalized, but basic, birth chart interpretation, for $10 USD.

Please see my FAQ for more information, including what decks I currently own and legal disclaimers.

Reviews can be found here.

"It was very interesting seeing that the Zebra card popped up and how she picked up on the fact that I was 'stuck.’ The advice from the other two cards was spot on as well. This also shows how good she is intuitively, because I provided no insight and no questions in regards to anything. Biatryce is a very skilled reader, and I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for some intuitive insight”

"I really connected with both of my readings, and am feeling a sense of peace and more understanding. It truly is the greatest gift you can give me and it is immensely appreciated!!"

"You captured my relationship perfectly! It was so spot on I was a little shocked!"

"I’ve seen the reading & wow it really blows my mind! The card is beautiful, & you just blend so well with it! So many intuitive insights that’s just right for my situation. I love how you can get many from a card & you added your own analysis so it has a really understandable flow."

"Thank you Bia. Thank you ever so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much of a blessing your guidance has been to us this past year."

"The first reading in particular was actually scarily accurate."

"AGH THE READING WAS SO ACCURATE I LOVED IT"

🔮Free Readings🔮

Currently closed

✨Reading Swap✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eARC copy through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher, Del Rey, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own. Thank you!

If you grew up reading about a certain scarred boy wizard, like I did, and are looking for something to scratch that itch as an adult without the bigot baggage, then this is the book for you!

A magical boarding school full of hidden passages and rooms? Check!

A gifted/special orphan against some powerful evil forces? Check!

While she fights to stay alive at school and solve the mysteries surrounding her family? Check!

A nice, balanced blend of world building, magic, action, and romance? Check!

Overall, I loved it and had a hard time putting the book down, especially for the last quarter. The way it ended has me wishing book 2 was out already. I don't know how I'm going to wait!

My favorite part was the magic system. I have been a professional tarot reader for almost a decade now and having a magic system based on tarot was very intriguing to me. I loved just how much tarot is incorporated into, not just the magic, but the world building as well.

I could also tell Kova either did a lot of research on tarot meanings and symbolism or even reads the cards herself. As a reader and fan of tarot, I really appreciated that extra attention to detail.

For the romance, it's billed as an enemies to lovers trope. Too often, I feel like authors forget the enemies part of that and go straight to the lovers part. I don't feel that way and issue with Arcana Academy, though. The FMC and the MMC definitely had both delightful and frustrating tension, which I expect from enemies to lovers, throughout the entire book. You can tell that it will be an ongoing thing through the next book at least.

I do want to mention there are a couple sex scenes towards the end of the book. Nothing too racy, imo, and they can be skipped without taking away from the book for readers who may be averse.

I discovered Elise Kova a few years ago by chance when one of her Married to Magic books was on sale and I am so glad I gave her a chance! She never disappoints and Arcana Academy is no exception. I anticipate this will be one of my top reads for 2025.

Blurb from publisher:

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards—a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape—for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world—and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?

Biatryce.storenvy.com

Intuitive tarot and oracle card readings since 2014

Currently, readings are sent as a nice PDF or Word document. Having your reading handwritten and mailed to you is also an option for an additional $5 USD.

Budget friendly spreads, like the Give a Dog a Bone to answer any question starting at $4 USD and Signalment to report on your current energy starting at $5 USD, help you align yourself with your goals.

Love readings, like The Heartworm for $10 USD, Mate for Life for $20 USD, and Heart Murmurs for $30 USD, can help you see where you might need some changes in your love life and can illuminate people in your life that you need to spread more love to.

If you're interested in seeing what the current moon cycle has in store for you in terms of the energy flowing around you, you'll want to take a look at the Rabbit in the Moon spread for $15 USD.

Curious about money and/or your career, the energy you have to work with, with advice on how to align yourself with money/career goals? Check out the Worker Bee spread for $30 USD.

Looking for something uplifting? Look up the Mama Bear spread, which highlights your strengths and the way in which you protect your loved ones, for $10 USD. Or try The Person My Pet Thinks I Am, which focuses on the things inside you that others admire and look up to and how to best utilize those special traits, also for $10 USD. There's also the Lucky Rabbit's Foot spread, which hones in on your luck energy, how it manifests in your life, bad luck and what to avoid, as well as giving you an idea of what you can consider a good luck charm, for $15 USD.

More interested in self-help that doesn't sugar coat things? The Neuter takes a look at your current energy and advises what you need to reexamine and get rid of, for $10 USD. Or maybe The Cone of Shame is needed to help you break away from a cycle that's keeping you from healing, for $12 USD.

Maybe you're feeling a bit indecisive or just want some advice? Then your Guide Animal is here to help, which reads what animal energy surrounds you and what advice that animal has to give, starting at $5 USD.

Other specialty readings include: The Rainbow Bridge, which looks at who is watching over you from the other side and what advice they have to give, for $30 USD. Who Who Were You, which takes a look at a past life you experienced, starting at $15 USD. And Animals of the Zodiac, which is a personalized, but basic, birth chart interpretation, for $10 USD.

Please see my FAQ for more information, including what decks I currently own and legal disclaimers.

Reviews can be found here.

"It was very interesting seeing that the Zebra card popped up and how she picked up on the fact that I was 'stuck.’ The advice from the other two cards was spot on as well. This also shows how good she is intuitively, because I provided no insight and no questions in regards to anything. Biatryce is a very skilled reader, and I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for some intuitive insight”

"I really connected with both of my readings, and am feeling a sense of peace and more understanding. It truly is the greatest gift you can give me and it is immensely appreciated!!"

"You captured my relationship perfectly! It was so spot on I was a little shocked!"

"I’ve seen the reading & wow it really blows my mind! The card is beautiful, & you just blend so well with it! So many intuitive insights that’s just right for my situation. I love how you can get many from a card & you added your own analysis so it has a really understandable flow."

"Thank you Bia. Thank you ever so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much of a blessing your guidance has been to us this past year."

"The first reading in particular was actually scarily accurate."

"AGH THE READING WAS SO ACCURATE I LOVED IT"

🔮Free Readings🔮

Currently closed

✨Reading Swap✨