Wyld Magik

Wildcrafting is the term for harvesting plants from the wild. This can mean hiking through the woods or mountains, or gathering “weeds” from your garden (or with permission, your neighbor’s!)

This past fall at the Southeast Wise Women’s Herbal Conference, I took a class called the Art of Wildcrafting with Jessica Godino - lovely lady.

First she talked us through her reasons for wildcrafting:

Eating wild things awakens the wildness in you, and can be the touchstone for getting to know them.

Unlike their cultivated counterparts, wild foods are what your body has actually been expecting since birth - we’re not meant to eat this processed, hybridized stuff - on a cellular level, us and wild plants just “fit.”

It helps you develop a personal relationship with the plant as it was meant to be, as Nature planned it. 

Then she launched into basic guidelines for ethical and safe wildcrafting, which I’ll put up in the next post. 

She told us about the transformative experience of going out in the back yard and digging up her first dandelion to make dinner from, and how that realization that weeds are edible, and can be medicine, completely changed her. There were a lot of women nodding, so apparently this is pretty common. Until the last week or so, I kind of laughed this one off. Then I went out in the backyard and dug up some dandelions for my first batch of dandelion tincture (I’m working from The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook by James Green - excellent book) and finally started to understand what she’s talking about. I dug up a plain old dandelion, washed it, chopped it, and realized that I have the beginnings of a medicine that I could give to my friend to take for his gallstones. He has no health insurance, so this is an easy, inexpensive option that came straight from the bounty of nature.

She also talked us through the basics of when to harvest different parts of a plant for medicine, basically by identifying when the life-force is strongest in the desired part of the plant.

Leaves should be gathered right before the plant blossoms, as close as you can to flowering.

Since you want the inner bark, if bark is what you’re after, twigs in spring when the sap is really flowing are perfect.

Flowers should be gathered at their peak, just before the insects come, when they have the most to give. This is often the peak of summer or spring.

Nuts, berries, and fruits should obviously just be gathered when they’re there and ripe.

{Forest Nymph} by {Saver-Ag}

{Mythical Creatures- Nymphs}

It uses the “Witchcraft” and “Wicca” fuckin interchangeably 

It suggests you’re one dreadlock and eagle feather away from being your very own, white Shaman

It claims “Voodoo” is a super fun, spooky thing that everyone should join in on

Smudging is cool, also, has anyone seen my works cited? Oh that’s right, I didn’t make one.

If you curse, you are mustache twirling devil and the 3 fold law is gonna send your ass to witch hell 

All witches, Wiccan or not should abide by the rede or burn the hell up in the aforementioned fictional witch hell

Ignorantly throws around the word “Chakras” like fuckin mardi gras beads 

You even see the word gypsy once

Spices things up with some sacred, closed and wildly un researched Native American Spiritualism

Miscellaneous new age white person spiritualism

And here’s some Ohms.  ૐ ૐ ૐ 

I’m not sure what what they but have some more Ohms ૐ ૐ ૐ ૐ ૐ 

* call my buy-a-spell number for the latest spell custom tailored to you.

* send me your wishes so that I can send you your personalized tarot reading

* this is the ONLY way to do a spell

* don’t forget to let me do your tarot even though I know absolutely nothing about you except you sent me a message on tumblr

I love when the witchy people of tumblr share their knowledge by creating incredibly useful masterposts of information. I made this “masterpost of masterposts” to act as a running directory of such resources. If you see any errors (such as credit or misinformation) please contact me and I will make any necessary changes.

Witchcraft 101 / Paganism 101 / Basics

The PunkGreenWitch’s Beginner Witchcraft masterpost

Windvexer’s Baby Witch masterpost

Windvexer’s Making Friends With Magic masterpost

Mysticism-n-magic’s witchy links masterpost

Thiscrookedcrown’s resources masterpost

Thepaganstudygroup’s author masterpost

Snwitch’s pagan 101 masterpost

Snwitch’s becoming a witch masterpost

Witchtip’s beginner witchcraft resources masterpost

Magicusersresource’s path directory masterpost

Witchbxbe’s witchy masterpost (a mix of useful posts)

Types of Witchcraft

Rainydaywitchcraft’s Types of Witches masterpost

Popculturewitch’s pop culture witchcraft masterpost

Miss mango’s secular witchcraft masterpost

Holidays / Rituals

Geekinglikeaboss’ blessed Yule masterpost

Naturalmagics’ Samhein General Guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Yule general guide

Natural-magic’s Imbolc general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Ostara general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Beltane general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Litha general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Lamas general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Mabon general guide masterpost

Natural-magic’s Samhain general guide masterpost

Correspondences

Moonalmonds candle color and meaning masterpost

Thewitchesjournal herb masterpost

Witchtip’s stones and crystals masterpost

Thecatandthewitch’s magical correspondences of food masterpost

Satinsouled’s incenses by use (correspondences) masterpost

Artsy-witch’s magical waters masterpost

Tarigrove’s correspondences for luck spells masterpost

sirel-vemiel’s essential oil magickal correspondences masterpost

Spells / Charms / Crafting

Atypical pagan spell’s masterpost

Witchtip’s herbal amulet masterpost

Witchtip’s budget witchcraft supplies masterpost

Foresthoney’s magic knot masterpost

Magicusersresource’s prosperity & money spells masterpost

Recreationalwitchcraft’s bath magic, where to begin masterpost

Kitchen/Hearth Witchery

spell-of-the-month’s herbs and spices associated with money magic masterpost

Moonstonebeginning’s domestic witch tips, charms, and omens masterpost

foresthoney’s herbal remedy stress masterpost

herbalriots herbs for your medicine cabinet masterpost

Idontusemycauldren’s magical herbal teas masterpost

Protection

Windvexer’s shielding masterpost

Thesigilwitch’s protection and shielding masterpost

Energy work / Elemental work

Snwitch’s energy work masterpost

Windvexer’s shielding masterpost 

Divination / Scrying / Communication 

Arcanemysterie’s tarot masterpost

Theouijagirl’s Ouija FAQ masterpost

the-daily-diviner’s diviation masterpost

Satinsouled’s divination symbols masterpost

Sigils

Thesigilwitch’s FAQ masterpost (includes a lot of resource links)

Thesigilworkshop’s list of (sigil) resources masterpost

carpeumbra’s sigil masterpost (lots of gifs!)

Deities / Mythology / Fae 

Vilarp’s mythology and deity resources masterpost

Gardenofthequeen’s resource list of all things faerie masterpost

Naturalmagic’s deities masterpost (a running list)

Astrology / Space witchery 

Astrologymarina’s Astrology blogpost masterpost

Pastelastrology’s astrology blogs masterpost

secretsofthezodiac’s astrology masterpost

astrocelestial’s planets in astrology and what they represent masterpost

Reading lists / authors / books

Wiccanwolfe’s Witch / Pagan free ebook and pdf masterpost

natural-magic’s books and resources masterpost

Misc

Duskenpath’s poison research masterpost

Duskenpath’s otherkin masterpost

Asksecularwitch’s paradigm masterpost

Unmaskingthedivine’s shadow work masterpost 

Stsathyre’s pagan posts of 2015 masterpost (a mix of pagan related posts)

Recreationalwitchcraft’s limited witchcraft masterpost

Hereditarywitch’s magic for anxiety/depression masterpost

rainydaywitchcraft’s sea witch’s guide to seashells masterpost

**Disclaimer: this is a collection of links that I thought would be helpful. I did not create any of the above content within the links. If you are confused or have concerns about any of the material please contact the original creator.

Long before fancy new-age tools became readily available through specialty shops, our magic-using ancestors turned to nature for their power objects. Natural objects are imbued with spiritual energies that we can harness for our own use in spells and charms. Seashells in particular have a long history of magical uses, as they were associated with the powers of various sea gods and goddesses of different cultures. Properties

Being born of the ocean, shells are strongly associated with the element of water. They are also associated with the moon, which drives ocean tides. Both the element of water and the moon have strong feminine energies that are receptive in nature, so shells are primarily used in magic to draw things you desire into your life.

Preparation

Shells taken from the ocean need little ritual preparation for magical uses; however, if your shells were bought from a store or have been stashed in a box for a while, they may benefit from cleansing and recharging. To do this, place your shells in a bowl of water mixed with sea salt. Set them aside to soak for a day or overnight. Recharge them by setting the bowl in the sun or under the light of the full moon for several hours.

Love

One of the main symbols for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is the seashell. Invoke the power of Aphrodite for love spells using shells by wearing seashell jewelry or hair ornaments to attract a mate. Use a hinged seashell with the two parts still attached as a powerful love talisman to keep two lovers together. Write the initials of the lovers on the inside of the shell, one on each side, then seal it shut with glue.

Prosperity

Many cultures used shells as a form of currency. Cowrie shells were used in Africa and North America, and Native Americans used wampum—beads made from clam shells—as money. Because of this, shells are suitable for money spells. Fill a small green or gold pouch with seashells, a silver coin and mint, which is a money-drawing herb. Hang the bag where you do business, and rub it when you desire prosperity. Place a small seashell in your wallet or purse to continually keep money coming to it.

Protection

Protection is a shell’s primary purpose in nature, as it is made to keep small, defenseless sea creatures safe from harm. Because of this, shells have strong protective energies. Many cultures in coastal areas use shells in folk magic to protect the home by placing strings of shells over windows and doors. Necklaces of strung shells can be worn by children to keep them close to home and safe from harm. Placing a small, round shell on the collars of your pets will keep them safe should they wander from home.

Particular shells also have their own individual meanings:

The Aries Witch ♈ Incense

Incense is used in Witchcraft not only to stimulate your senses, but to symbolise the element Air. You can grind and make your own incense by taking one teaspoon each of three different dried plant herbs, one teaspoon of resin and one of wood or a woody substance, all relating to your magickal intent, grind them together then add a specific amount of oil drops depending on the use.

Incense is also a must-have for consecrtaing your magickal tools! this is most easily done by passing your tool through the smoke with focusing your intent on the item and speaking an incantation. 

Just like candles, crystals and colors, incense have their own symbolic uses as well. The right use of energy for the right purpose is one of the things any magikal practioner has to be aware of

ACACIA: Burned with sandlewood to stimulate the psychic powers.

AFRICAN VIOLET: Burned for protection and to promote spirituality within the home.

ALLSPICE: Burned to attract both good luck and money.

ALOES: Burned to attract good fortune, love, spiritual vibrations, and strength.

ALTHEA: Burned for protection and to stimulate the psychic powers.

AMBER: Burned for love, comfort, happiness and healing

AMBERGRIS: Burn for dreams and aphrodisiac

ANGELICA: Burn for protection, harmony, integration, insight and understanding, stability and meditation

ANISE SEEDS: Burned as a meditation and emotional balance incense.

BASIL: Burned to exorcise and protect against evil entities such as demons and unfriendly ghosts, and to attract fidelity, love, good luck, sympathy, and wealth. This is also an excellent incense to use when performing love divinations.  Also burn for concentration, assertiveness, decisiveness, trust, integrity, enthusiasm, mental clarity, cheerfulness, confidence and courage

BAY: Burned to facilitate the psychic powers, and to induce prophectic dream-visions.

BAYBERRY: Burned mainly to attract money and also burned for protection, happiness and control

BENZOIN: Burned for purification, astral projection, clears negative energy, emotional balance, eases sadness, depression, weariness, grief, anger, anxiety and to attract prosperity.

BERGAMOT: Burn for money, prosperity, uplifting of spirits, joy, protection, concentration, alertness, confidence, balance, strength, courage, motivation and assertiveness

BISTORT: Burned often with frankincense as a powerful incense to aid divination.

BRACKEN: Burned in outdoor fires to magickally produce rain.

CARDAMOM: Burn for mental clarity, concentration, confidence, courage, enthusiasm and motivation

CARNATION: Burn for protection, strength, healing, love and lust

CEDAR: Burned for purification, to stimulate or strengthen the psychic powers, attract love, prevent nightmares, and heal various ailments, including head colds.

CEDARWOOD: Burn for healing, purification, protection, money, balance, grounding, clarity, insight and wisdom

CHAMOMILE: Burn for harmony, peace, calm, spiritual and inner peace

CINNAMON: Burned for protection and to attract money, wealth, prosperity, business success, stimulate or strengthen the psychic powers, and aid in healing.  Also burned for stimulation, strength and lust

CITRON: Burned in rituals to aid healing and also to strengthen the psychic powers.

CITRONELLA: Burn for cleansing, warding off, healing and exorcism

CLOVE: Burned to dispel negativity, purify sacred and magickal spaces, attract money, and stop or prevent the spread of gossip. Also burn for pain relief, intellectual stimulation, business success, wealth, prosperity, divination, exorcism, protection, eases fears, improves memory and focus

COCONUT: Burned for protection.

COPAL: Burned for purification, uplifting spirits, protection, exorcism, spirituality and to attract love.

CYPRESS: Burn for strength, comfort, healing, eases anxiety, stress, self-assurance, confidence, physical vitality, willpower and concentration

DAMIANA: Burned to facilitate psychic visions.

DITTANY OF CRETE: Burned to conjure spirits and to aid in divination, astral projection, especially when mixed with equal parts of benzoin, sandelwood, and vanilla.

DRAGONS BLOOD: Burned to dispel negativity, exorcise evil supernatural entities, courage, purification, attract love, and restore male potency. Many Witches also burn dragon’s blood for protection when spell casting and invoking. When added to other incenses, dragon’s blood makes their magickal powers all the stronger.

ELECAMPANE: Burned to strengthen the clairvoyant powers and scrying abilities-divination by gazing.

EUCALYPTUS: Burn for healing, purification and protection

FERN: Burned in outdoor fires to magickally produce rain. Also used to exorcise evil supernatural entities.

FRANKINCENSE: Burned to dispel negativity, spirituality, purify magickal spaces, consecration, protect against evil, exorcism, aid meditation, astral strength, induce psychic visions, courage, protection, attract good luck, and honor Pagan deities.

FUMITORY: Burned to exorcise demons, poltergeists, and evil supernatural entities.

GALANGAL: Burned to break the curses cast by sorcerers.

GARDENIA: Burn for peace, love and healing

GINGER: Burn for wealth, lust, love and magical power

GINSENG ROOT: Burned to keep wicked spirits at bay, and for protection against all forms of evil.

GOTU KOLA: Burned to aid meditation.

HEATHER: Burned to conjure beneficial spirits, and to magickally produce rain.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS: Burned to attract love, lust and also for divination.

HONEYSUCKLE: Burn to attract money, happiness, friendship and healing

HOREHOUND: Burned as an offertory incense to the ancient Egyptian god Horus.

HYACINTH: Burn for happiness and protection

JASMINE: Burned to attract love and money, and also to induce dreams of a prophectic nature, purification, wisdom and astral projection

JUNIPER: Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and also to break curses, exorcism and hexes cast by evil sorcerers. It is also burned for calming, protection and healing.

LAVENDER: Burned to induce rest and sleep, and to attract love-especially of a man. Also burned for cleansing, healing, happiness and relaxation

LEMON: Burn for healing, love and purification

LEMONGRASS: Burn for mental clarity

LILAC: Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and to attract harmony into ones life.

LOTUS: Burn to elevate mood, protection, spirituality, healing and meditation

MACE: Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers.

MASTIC: Burned to conjure beneficial spirits, stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and intensify sexual desires. The magickal powers of other incenses are greatly increased when a bit of mastic is added.

MESQUITE: The magickal powers of all healing incenses are greatly increased when mesquite is added.

MINT: Burned to increase sexual desire, exorcise evil supernatural entities, conjure beneficial spirits, and attract money. Mint incense also possesses strong healing vibrations and protective powers.

MUSK: Burn for aphrodisiac, prosperity, courage

MYRRH: Burned (often with frankincense) for purification, consecration, healing, exorcism, and banishing evil. Myrrh is also aids meditation rituals, and was commonly burned on alters in ancient Egypt as an offering to deities Isis and Ra.

NUTMEG: Burned to aid meditation, stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and to attract prosperity.

OAKMOSS: Burned for money and attraction

ORANGE: Burned for divination, love, luck and money

PATCHOULI: Burned to attract money, love, growth, mastery, sensuality and also to promote fertility.

PEPPERMINT: Burned for energy, mental stimulant, exorcism and healing

PINE: Burned for purification, and to banish negative energies, exorcise evil supernatural entities, and attract money, as well as to break hexes and return them to their senders. Also burned for grounding, strength, cleansing and healing

POPPY SEEDS: Burned to promote female fertility, and to attract love, good luck, and money.

ROSE: Burned to increase courage, induce prophetic dreams, house blessing, fertility, healing and attract love. Rose incense is used in all forms of love enchantment and possesses the strongest love vibration of any magickal incense.

ROSE GERANIUM: Burned for courage and protection

ROSEMARY: Burned to purify, aid in healing, prevent nightmares, preserve youthfulness, dispel depression, attract fairy folk, and promote restful sleep and pleasant dreams.

RUE: Burned to help restore health.

SAGE: Burned for protection against all forms of evil. It is also burned to purify sacred spaces and ritual tools. Plus it is great for promoting wisdom, clarity, attract money, and aid in the healing the body, mind, and soul.  

SAGEBRUSH: Burned to aid healing, and to banish negative energies and evil supernatural entities.

SANDALWOOD: Burned to exorcise demons and evil ghosts, conjure beneficial spirits, and promote spiritual awareness. Sandalwood incense is also used by many Witches for protection, astral projection, healing rituals and in wish-magick.

SOLOMONS SEAL: Burned mainly as an offertory incense to ancient Pagan deities.

STAR ANISE SEEDS: Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers.

STRAWBERRY: Burned to attract love and for luck.

SWEETGRASS: Burned to conjure beneficial spirits prior to spell casting.

SWEET PEA: Burned for friendship, love and courage

THYME: Burned for the purification of magickal spaces prior to rituals, to aid in healing, and to attract good health.

VANILLA: Burned to attract love, increase sexual desire, and improve the powers of the mind.

VERVAIN: Burned to exorcise evil supernatural entities.

VETIVERT: Burned to break curses, exorcism, for protection against black magick and thieves, money, peace and love.

VIOLET: Burn for wisdom, luck, love, protection and healing

WILLOW: Burned to avert evil, attract love, and promote healing. It is also used by many Witches as an offertory incense for Pagan lunar deities.

WISTERIA: Burned for protection against all forms of evil.

WORMWOOD: Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers. When mixed with sandalwood and burned at night in a cemetery, wormwood is said to be able to conjure spirits from their graves.

YARROW: Burned to arrow courage, exorcism