🧿 Cleansing + Recharging Your Protections And Wards 🧿

✨🌹 rose syrup 🌹 ✨

Ingredients: •  ¾ cup/180ml of culinary grade dried rose petals (or fresh pesticide free petals) •  1 cup/250ml of unrefined granulated/castor sugar (or sugar of choice) •  1 cup/250ml of filtered water Method: Put all ingredients in a stove top pot and simmer on medium low heat for 30 minutes or longer, until rose petals lose colour and the sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and let sit on stove for 45 minutes to an hour steeping, you can add more rose petals if you want even more flavour. After steeping strain the liquid twice through a mesh strainer and store in an airtight container/glass. Refrigeration is recommended for guaranteed freshness.

Types of Herbal Remedies

I’ve compiled a list of types of herbal remedies, with brief instructions on how to make them. Choose your herbs carefully, as some are poisonous, some will interfere with health problems and medications, and some can cause allergic reactions.

If you are concerned about any health issue you have, or worried about herbs reacting with your medications, go talk to your doctor. This post is not intended as medical advice.

Compress

This is usually cloth that has been soaked in a herbal infusion so that it can be applied topically. Useful for skin issues, muscle pain, joint pain, and general aches.

You can make one by soaking cotton wool in a warm infusion of your choice, wrapping the balls in a piece of clean cloth, and applying to the affected area. Once the cloth cools down you can soak it again in the warm tea and reapply.

Infusion

This is basically the herbalist term for tea. The herbs are usually dried and ground before being steeped in very hot water and then strained out. If you use a bag then you can skip the straining.

Tincture

This is similar to an infusion but much stronger, and with alcohol instead of water, which helps to preserve it.

Put your herbs in a jar. Cover them with alcohol (most people I know use vodka). Put the lid on the jar and shake it daily for a month or so, then strain the herbs out. I tend to keep mine in the little dropper bottles, as you normally don’t need to take much at once.

Decoction

I like to think of these as a stronger infusion. You need four times as much boiling water as dried herb, and you want to simmer the mixture for about half an hour before straining.

Syrup

These are herbs mixed with a sugary substance, which makes them easier to consume and helps to preserve them a little. They’re a good way to get your herbs in if you have a sore throat, as they are often quite soothing.

You’ll need a couple ounces of fresh herb per pint of water. Put them on the stove and heat until about half of the water has evaporated. Then you need to add about five tablespoons of sugar/honey/maple syrup per pint of water you used originally (so if you put two pints in the pan, you need ten tablespoons). Keep stirring for about twenty minutes, then take it off the heat and bottle it up. You need to keep syrups in the fridge, preferably in a dark coloured jar or bottle.

Balm

Essential oils and beeswax, basically. Add about twenty drops of essential oil to a cup of melted beeswax, stick it in a jar, let it cool, and there you go! You can mix in juiced herbs if you like, but that’s optional.

Salve

A salve is basically essential oils mixed with beeswax, oils and herbs. I have seen them made with coconut oil, though if you live in a warmer environment then coconut oil won’t work for you as it melts. You need about fifty/fifty dried herbs and beeswax (if you live somewhere warm) or use a mixture of beeswax and an oil like olive or safflower if you live somewhere colder, just so it’s soft enough to use. Use about twenty drops of oil per cup of beeswax. You’ll need to melt the wax in a double boiler, and let the herbs infuse in the molten wax for about half an hour. Then you add your essential oils, and pour the molten salve into the containers and let it cool.

Ointment

This is basically a liquid balm or salve. Follow the methods above, but use oil instead of beeswax.

Bath

When taking a herbal bath, you are basically making a giant cup of tea! Fill an organza bag with your chosen herbs, and put it in the bath while you run the water, then remove it before you get in. You can reuse the bag of herbs, but they lose potency with each use, so I try to avoid doing this.

Poultice

This is a paste of herbs and sometimes other things that is applied to the skin. Used for infections, splinters, burns, boils etc. They’re pretty simple to make, you just mix some dried herbs with a tiny bit of boiling water to form a paste, put it on the area, and use a piece of cloth or gauze to keep it there. If you want to use fresh herbs you just mash them up.

Creating and Enchanting Wards

I wrote a post all about secret witches and how they could potentially form wards from everyday objects, and/or keep them under wraps. This post is for those that don’t have to hide anything, and also for those of you who just want to know how to enchant a ward. There are many ways to do so, I have only mentioned a few. Happy warding!

Creating Your Ward

Now, in terms of creating a ward, there are two main options: intangible, and tangible. You can make them a combo of the two as well (ex: a tripwire made of energy connected to a tangible mirror that will lead the intruder straight into the mirror, thus being reflected). Whatever you choose, there are a few steps you can follow if you want to. These are my suggestions:

Decide what it will do. Is it going to keep away spirits? Only certain ones? Curses sent by others? Negative energy? Spells cast on you without consent (though not necessarily considered a curse? You can choose all of the above, a few, or just one. The more things you have one ward do, the less energy it can put into each individual task (in my experience). Write down your intent for this ward, and work it out until you are happy with it. On that note, I recommend working on one ward at a time if you fear being distracted and confused, but if you find it is difficult to do so, use it to your advantage: string them together as if they are part of a circuit. It may help you connect each one to each other, thus ensuring no conflicting energies.

Design the ward. Will it be a ball of energy? How about a basket? A box of mirrors? Pick something that resonates with you and makes you feel protected. Personally, I would probably choose a labyrinth style ward if I wanted a new one, which may confuse and diffuse an energy before it reaches me or another ward. I would fill it with things that might slow it down, such as nightmare-based energy, or illusions. Keep in mind the physical properties of an item if you want it to be tangible; what makes this a good option for a ward? Ex: a dog’s tag may be great, not only for protecting them, but also for acting as a constant ward within whichever room they travel to.

Enchant the ward, and put it in its designated place. I will explain a few different processes that one may use to enchant a ward in the next section of this post. However, placement is important and I do want to discuss that. I find that placing things throughout the home instead of in just one area is more affective. In this way, there aren’t as many neglected barriers, and it is easier to switch them out in a staggered period of time and location. Place a few in each main part of your home to prevent any barrages in one spot. Another thing I feel I should mention is that windows, doorways, and even faucets/outlets can be methods of entry for spirits. I rarely have any problem with the latter, but it has come up once, maybe twice. Place your wards according to what you think is best for your home.

Enchanting Your Ward

Everyone seems to do this a bit differently, so take my methods with a grain of salt. Keep in mind that I honestly will not share all of my methods, simply because it’s safer that way. The best protection from other witches, in my opinion, is not giving them a key to your energetic home.

Method One: Self-Charging

Cleanse the ward beforehand.

Gather your ward, and whatever else you use for a basic ritual. If you do any circle casting with salt, or prefer to use a wand while enchanting​ things, grab those, too.

Situate yourself with the ward, holding it in some way. Place your hands/wand/etc. over it, or just focus your energy onto fueling this ward without moving.

Think of the intent of this ward. If you are making an intangible ward, figure out exactly what you want it to look like from the planning steps in the last section. Visualize it working in action, deflecting and repelling any unwanted forces that may be around you. Strengthen it each second with your energy, growing more and more. I tend to like swirling my hands around the object to build the energy and draw in any of it that may be escaping.

Visualize the energy bonding to the ward, and the intent being instilled into its very core. Connect this ward to another energy source that will fuel its intent when you stop doing so. The Earth, the sky, energetic leylines, and even the moon or sun are good options, ad they all let off immense amounts of energy.

Place the ward in its proper location.

Method Two: Crystal and/or Herb Charging (or anything else you feel will charge it with the right intent)

Cleanse and charge the crystals beforehand. Do the same with the ward.

Gather your ward, crystals, herbs, or whatever it is you are charging the ward with. If you find yourself easily drained, I recommend adding three candles to this ritual to aid in the energy you may be using

Place the objects you will charge your ward with in some sort of circle, line, or pyramid. If it is a circle, place your ward in the center. If it is a line, have one end pointing at you, and the other pointing at the ward. Similarly, if it is a pyramid, have the large portion facing you, and the point facing the ward. If you are also using the candles I suggested, place those between you and the crystals/herbs/etc. Light them and wait for one minute or so until the energy from the flame begins to seep into the air around you.

Push the energy of the objects into ward by expending a little of your own. In short bursts, like a pulse of electricity, shoot out energy from your being. Try to have as neutral as possible, or have some warding properties instilled in it. If you are using the candles, try to take in that energy to use as often ad you need to.

Wait one minute after you feel the ward has been charged, and then put it in its place.

Charge as often as you feel the need, which, for me, would be about once every 1 ½ weeks.

Method Three: Chant Charging

Cleanse your ward beforehand.

All you need for this method is the chants you wish to use (verbally or otherwise) and your ward. I find tangible wards to be the best option, otherwise, I have noticed my ward dissipates quickly.

Chant over the ward using my chant listed below, or your own personal one. Depending on the ward, you may want to switch it up or change the wording.

This is the method I have tried that needs the most upkeep and charging, so it’s great for temporary issues such as passing storms.

This ward will protect all who I welcome within this home.

With these words, I form a shell,

An opaque, strong dome.

Let nothing in I do not permit,

And let no one learn my ways.

I give you the power to (insert instructions)

Now I leave and trust in you and the energy I provide,

May we all be well and shaped with love, with nothing left to hide.

BLACK SALT (also known as WITCH’S SALT) is used primarily for protection, banishing, and repelling.

Those uses aren’t exclusive—it has also been known to feature in baneful magics, and can be used in uncrossing rituals.

WAYS TO UTILISE BLACK SALT

To protect your property from negative spirits, people with ill-intent, unwanted visitors, and negative energy: sprinkle black salt around the perimeter of your property.

To both banish any residual icky energy that a person may have left in your home, and prevent them from returning: sprinkle black salt on the front step and sweep it away. If you’re feeling more traditional (and brave!) you can throw black salt at the back of someone that is leaving your home also.

To prevent nightmares: use in a sachet and keep beneath your pillow.

To repel negativity, unwanted visitors, and rumours/gossip: sprinkle generously across windowsills and doorways.

To cleanse your home and keep nasties from entering: add black salt to a floor wash and go ham on your floor. Focus especially on high traffic areas.

To undo a curse, hex, or other form of malignant magic that has been cast upon you: use in an uncrossing oil or powder. Learn more about uncrossing [here].

To alleviate any negative thoughts and feelings that you are carrying: add a pinch of black salt to your bath, or to an oil with a similar purpose that you anoint yourself with.

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Today's herb of the day is Star Anise!

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Magickal uses:

Drink as an infusion with tea or burn as an incense before divination to boost psychic abilities and awareness. Place on your altar to increase the power generated from it, add to a bath with bay leaves for purification, place in a dream pillow to prevent nightmares, carry with you to bring luck in love, health and money matters. Carry in a satchet to ward off the evil eye, hang an anise seed head from your bedpost to restore lost youth, use as an offering to entice spirits to aid in magical operations and anise leaves or anise seeds used in a potpourri will protect a room from evil spirits and intentions. Good for money, luck, protection, psychic power, dream, love, purification, power and purification workings.

Other uses:

Star anise has been used in Asian and Eurasian cooking for many, many years. This age-old spice is not only known as a culinary expert, but is also famous for its medicinal properties like being used to improve heart health, steady blood sugar, ward off bacteria and fungi, aid in sleeping and help fight the flu.

In foods and beverages, star anise is considered a culinary spice; both the seed and oil are used as flavoring.

In manufacturing, the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and toothpaste, and to mask undesirable odors in drug products.

Deities:

Quan Yin

𝕞𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕.

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕪 𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜𝕖𝕕.

•ℍ𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕖•

𝕨𝕒𝕝𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕡 𝕓𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕖, 𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕙 𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘.

𝕒 𝕗𝕖𝕨 𝕣𝕠𝕒𝕕𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕕.

𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕥𝕙.

𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕥.

𝕚 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 ℍ𝕖𝕣.

Let's Talk Imbolc!: The Earth Stirs

As the first proper Sabbat of the Spring and the (ostensibly, depending on your system) first Cross-Quarter of the year, Imbolc represents the time of the Wheel when the seasons begin to turn from winter to spring, snow and ice beginning to mely, and the first vestiges of life start to pop up from beneath the blanket of winter. (Your results may vary - I live in New England where everything is still metaphorically dead as doorknobs on February 1st!).

Imbolc marks the time when winter begins to seep away, when greenery first begins to poke its head through the stillness of the Dark Half of the Year, and, of course, themes of light abide throughout.

Neatly tucked between Yule (the Winter Solstice) and Ostara (the Spring Equinox), Imbolc is the transitory celebratory day positioned exactly between these two climes. Though "Imbolc" and Sabbats are typically associated with Wiccan tradition, secular & non-Wiccan witches can observe and celebrate these days as mathemetical nature festivals marking the turning of the year.

Imbolc Dates, 2022: Sunset February 1st to February 2nd

Associated Colors (for altars and decorating, etc): White, Cream, Light Blue (Periwinkle), Green & White, Silver

Symbols: Melting snows, evergreens, lights and candles, melting ice, & white flowers

Scents: Vanilla, Benzoin

Herbs: Angelica, Myrrh, yellow, white or blue Flowers, snowdrop, rowan, the first flowers of the year; to burn: basil, bay, benzoin, celandine

Colors for Ritual Wear: White

Magic for Imbolc

As a time of renewal and rebirth, these themes are key to any spellwork or ritualcraft engaged in on Imbolc. Though many might advise you that Sabbats are really days for celebrating and not a lot of heavy-lifting spellcraft ought to be done, I tend to disagree - especially, at least, when it comes to Imbolc and Litha. Here, Imbolc is the perfect time to state new beginnings and begin any cycles of renewal or rebirth you have in mind! The pull of the natural passing of the seasons (again, adjust as applicable here) is a magnificent tide for ebbing or renewal magics.

Other topics or purposes suitable for Imbolc include: Health, omen observation, animal kinship, safety, improving finances, awakening, light, fertility (not just literal - gardening or creative endeavors could fall under here), initiations and self-dedications, turning focus inward, centering power, and attending to the self.

Foods of Imbolc

As a big advocate for lavish feasts on Wheel days, Imbolc is a prime time for preparing seasonally appropriate food! Dishes or courses may include:

Dairy, milk, cheeses, creams and sour cream, peppers, onions shallots, garlic, leeks, chives, olives, raisins, breads, creamy soups, white wine, soy milk, cornbread cake, rowanberry wine, lamb, fondues, creamed spinach

Customs of Imbolc

Observing Imbolc Sabbat rituals (as appropriate to your traditions)

Wearing a crown of lights, or carrying candles/tapers, during invocations & rituals.

Renewing vows of magic, initiation, and dedication to the Craft, one's coven, etc.

Burning of the Yule Greens (for some)

Leaving buttered bread for the Fae who travel with the Lady of the Greenwood on Imbolc Eve (I personally Do Not Eff With the Fae but - for those who do!)

Place three ears of corn over the doorway for/to represent The Triple Goddess and leave til Ostara (for the Wiccans/Those Who Eff With the Triple Goddess in the room)

Cleanse your magic working area with rosemary or vervain

Walk in the snow (as applicable)

Light a candle in every room of the house, or all the lights, even just for a few moments, after sunset on Imbolc.

Take a bath of renewal

Meditate or inquire of your deities - there is a tradition amongst those who call upon a Goddess in the Wiccan fashion to inquire of them, then recieve their answer overnight on Imbolc during which no word must be uttered, which I admit is incredibly appealing (as someone who loves, loves, loves ritual!)

Imbolc is a wonderful time for peacefully looking inward and starting anew - I hope you find what you're looking for, and have a wonderful and lovely cross-quarter day! (Remember: If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, flip the Wheel - February 1st/2nd would be Lammas for you!)

Sources for this post include: Ann Moura, Deborah Blake, Scott Cunningham, Patricia Telesco, Titania Hardie, Ellen Dugan

[Part of the Let's Talk... Sabbat Series: Lammas | Litha | ]

Shielding Technique

Hi guys! I’m posting this because I feel that there are people who could benefit from this. While there are good techniques out there, I wanted to post my own. I also want to mention - experiment, try others’ methods, try new things - no one person is the same, and everyone works differently.

A few things about the technique:

-You can add more layers than the ones that I’ve included; these are just some that cover the basics that you should have.

-For each additional layer, don’t forget to connect them to your energy battery. Accordingly, the more layers you have, the more energy is going to be required to power them.

When making your own layers, make sure to do the following:

-State what you are shielding yourself from

-Visualize the shield being formed around you (in this version it is a bubble, but it can look different)

-Visualize the shield working - i.e. shielding yourself from whatever it is you are protecting yourself from

The last point is really important. It is necessary to program the shield to function properly, as well as showing it how to defend.

-For example, there is a difference between a shield reflecting energies away, and just straight up absorbing them. But if you don’t visualize your shield working, it won’t do either of those things.

Basic Shielding Technique

Step 1: Stretch and meditate.

Step 2: Find somewhere comfortable to sit, and sit up straight.

Step 3: Visualize yourself in your minds’ eye, looking at yourself from the front, as if you are watching yourself from the third person.

Step 4: Imagine that you are surrounded by energy, of all colors and types, at your disposal.

Step 5: Say in your mind, I am protected from negativity. As you say this, visualize a bubble of energy form around you. Visualize some negative words bumping off the outside of it, like running into a wall.

Step 6: Say in your mind, I am protected from negative, and toxic energies. As you say this, visualize another bubble of energy forming outside of the first. Visualize some negative energy coming towards you but ricocheting away.

Step 7: Say in your mind, I am protected from malicious entities and energies. As you say this, visualize another bubble forming around you. Visualize some being with malicious intent coming towards you, but then being completely blocked by the shield you’ve created.

Step 8: Visualize a small battery that is linked to these two layers by an energetic cord.

Step 9: Visualize a cord extending from you and connecting to this battery. Visualize sending energy into it, until it is full. Imagine the energetic cord disconnecting from the battery and returning back to you.

Step 10: Imagine “flipping the switch” on the battery. When you do, visualize these bubble layers “turning on,” and visualize it blocking some more negativity/energy for added measure.

Step 11: Repeat steps 8-10 daily, or as needed.

Step 12: End your session.

That’s it for now. I hope that this works for you guys!

Blessings!

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“all you want is honey, well honey I’ve tried you just want more.”