Lunar Witch

So a lot of us are out of the broom closet so to speak, but many of have to be careful of being public because of the views of the communities we live in. What I propose is a symbol we can put on flyers or in shop windows that means “You’re safe here.”

I don’t believe that a pentagram would work because it’s got so much stigma attached and it’s really easily identifiable. Ideally, we can find something that is not tradition specific. I don’t know. I just want us to be able to put feelers out into the community without painting a target on ourselves for intolerant jerk faces, and I want witchlings that are seeking guidance to be able to do so in a safe environment. I mean, how badass would it be to find a little symbol of solidarity in your favorite coffee shop or bookstore??

This is a post about my personal recognition and use of the “darker” elements. These elements are based around the four basic elements, only with more aggressive and destructive qualities. 

⛤ Rot, the Darker Aspect of Earth ⛤

Earth energy is normally associated with life, fertility and growth. More often than not, we focus on the growth aspect. Spring is normally what we think of with Earth energy; the growing of flower, the blooming of trees, the Earth waking up from her long winter slumber.

The Darker aspect of the Earth is Rot, or Decay or Fermentation. This is a vital cycle in the Earth’s life and is usually observed in Autumn when the trees shed their leaves and we can smell the wet, decaying smell of them. However, Rot is more. Without the act of rotting, nothing new can grow in the dead thing’s place. When trees fall and rot, when an animal dies and the flies swarm, this is the power of Rot. It is not pretty, and it is not a beautiful thing. It is a necessary thing. 

Associations: The stench of rotting flesh (animal or plant), mold, flies and maggots, blood and bloating.

⛤ Tempest, the Darker Aspect of Air ⛤

Air energy is usually associated with intellectual thinking, creativity, wit and freedom. Air is seen as wild and untamable, constantly flowing and moving in a never ending dance. Air is light and fresh and uplifting.

The Darker aspect is the Tempest, the Gale, the Typhoon. This is the true meaning of untamable. Air becomes wind, filled with a violent strength, able to heave earth and fall trees. The unseen force becomes a physical power, a destructive force of nature. There is no safety or freedom in the Tempest. She is a brutal, terrifying force that can bring the world to it’s knees if she is wrathful enough.

Associations: The sharp sting of rain that only a windstorm can bring, the howl of the wind, the alarming creaking you hear as houses and trees strain to stay upright under the assault.

⛤ Lava, the Darker Aspect of Fire ⛤

Fire energy is usually seen as the “dark” element. Fire itself is already destructive. It burns and destroys, leaving only ash. However, Fire can also offer light and heat and warmth. Fire can be a soothing element as well as a dangerous one.

The Darker aspect of this is Lava or Magma. This is Fire in all it’s destructive power. There is no simple warmth from Lava. To come even close to it would mean to melt your skin. It is the deepest, most hidden part of our world, it’s core. The Earth herself cannot withstand the heat. Rock and stone melt into a thick, semi-liquid.

Associations: Searing, blistering, the earth itself bursting into flame, rock melting and sluggishly moving like water bringing with it all the destruction of fire.

⛤ Abyss, the Darker Aspect of Water ⛤

Water energy is seen as constantly flowing, adaptable. It rules the emotional realms and is associated with intuition and all manner of psychic abilities. Water is a necessary force, it makes up most of our bodies and we need it to survive. It serves a variety of different purposes in our lives.

The Darker aspect of Water is Abyss. Deep down in our oceans, there comes a point where the light is not strong enough to penetrate the water. In this, we find the Abyss energy. Here the water is dark and cold, with no light. It is a realm of the unknown. There are creatures in these dark waters, some very terrifying, but with no light, you cannot see them. The most terrifying creature could be an arms length away and you would know no different. This is the closest to death we can come while still living.

Association: The unknown, the loss of the senses, embracing the fear, cold silence, the cold embrace of death.

⛤ Using the Darker Elements ⛤

The Darker Elements are focused on all the destruction that is caused by the primary element. The Darker Elements are used in spells where you want to harness the brutal destructive force of the primary element.Just as with the principle of the Fire element, the destructive forces of the Darker Elements can be used for both positive and negative outcomes.

Ouija boards are one of my favorite things in this universe, and it saddens me to see them being so demonized and misunderstood, so I want to talk about that a little. I know there are tons of posts like these, butttt everyone has their own experiences, and it can never hurt to be informed.

First, some misconceptions about Ouija Boards

- If you use one, you’re inviting spirits into your house. One thing I want to get clear, is if you contact a spirit through a ouija board (in your house, of course), it is already in your house, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, spirits are literally everywhere, and Ouija boards aren’t some sort of summoning portal, the spirit is going to be there whether you contact it or not.

- Ouija boards are evil. While in some religions contacting spirits is considered an “evil” practice, that doesn’t mean the board itself is evil. Its cardboard, with words on it, it’s not like each one is made with a drop of satan’s blood. It’s basically like playing those “letter blocks” with a child, except, you know, with spirits.

- You can see spirits through the planchette glass. No. Just, no. It’s glass, it’s not some sort of crystal disk to another dimension, if a spirit wants to be seen, chances are it’s not going to wait for you to stick a plastic triangle to your eye. (I’m talking to you Ouija movie)

- You can contact demons with a spirit board. There’s a reason it’s called a spirit board, because it’s for spirits. It is in no way a “portal to hell” or anything like that, if an entity is telling you it’s a demon, it is lying, simply to mess with your mind. (Which happens often.)

- Ouija boards open portals that cannot be closed, or allow other spirits to come through. Again, there is no magic portal being opened or anything, any spirits you communicate with through a spirit board are already present.

- Having a ouija board in your house is inviting to spirits. If this were the truth, every target and walmart in sight would be haunted. It just doesn’t work that way. I cannot stress it enough, it is only cardboard.

- A spirit can “kill” you, if you use a ouija board. You are much stronger than any spirit, and they cannot hurt you. There is no need to be afraid, they can sense fear, and they “feed” off your negative energy, aka they find it entertaining.

Do’s and Don’ts!

Do:

- Treat them like you would want to be treated, don’t expect a spirit to be nice to you if you aren’t nice in return.

- Be respectful, treat them like a friend, you are the one bothering them after all.

- Say goodbye when you’re finished, don’t leave them hanging, it’s rude.

Don’t:

- Play the ouija board while intoxicated, you don’t want to end up saying something you will regret in the morning.

- Ask a spirit how it died, where it died, how old it is, or anything you could imagine being invasive, they have feelings too. - Be too serious about it, it’s a game, it’s meant to be played for fun. However, you should never treat it like a joke, or go in with “negative” intentions.

- Let someone pressure you into playing, talking to spirits is a very personal thing, it should be your decision, and it is not necessary to play with more than one person. (in most cases.) - Don’t expect a spirit to communicate with you, spirits are not obligated to talk to you.

- Burn the board after playing, it’s unnecessary. The spirit isn’t going to leave if you do that, because it was there to start with.

- Believe everything a spirit says, spirits can lie too.

- Be afraid, sometimes weird things happen when contacting spirits, things may move, or you might hear a noise or two, don’t fret, they’re only trying to scare you. Not all spirits are nice.

If you are scared and want to stop playing, simply say goodbye politely (always say goodbye, just because they’re being mean doesn’t mean you have to also,) and stop playing. Even leave the room if it makes you feel better, get some fresh air.

Let the spirit know you are not afraid, let the spirit know you are stronger than them. Eventually the spirit will leave if they don’t find you entertaining enough.

Feel free to ask any questions you want!

Helpful Tea Hint

Darkest night by shadowed moon,

Celestial Spirit hear me now:

A bright new start for me attune,

And upon earth blessings endow.

And as you grow and your light shines,

Let me sow seeds and growth be mine.

In every way, in mind and soul,

Please guide me in becoming whole.