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A Ward against Hubris

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City Magic: Painted Rock Wards

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We’ve all seen those pretty painted rocks over on Pinterest, right? These bad boys? Or perhaps you’ve even seen them around your neighborhood/public parks.

Traditionally, these are meant to be painted (sometimes with words of encouragement) and left in public spaces for people to take home, as an act of kindness. Some others paint them for their garden, either to deter pests with vibrant colors, or they’re used to label whatever’s in their garden.

Now, if you live in a big city, you probably have felt a disconnect from your craft or your practice. It’s difficult to connect with a nature-oriented spirituality, such as witchcraft, when you live in a concrete jungle! But there are many, many ways to feel connected to your craft, even if you don’t live in the middle of the woods or have a lot of nature around you. One of these ways is to connect with your neighborhood.

Your neighborhood has mass significance to your life, whether you realize it or not: this is where you live, where you work, where you breathe, where you practice your craft – you must make yourself known, and make the neighborhood known to yourself as well. One of the best ways to do this is to take walks!

Whenever you’re ready, take a walk through your neighborhood and bring a map, notebook, and a pen. As you walk, observe the behaviors of the residents around you. Do they seem to be struggling with anything? What kind of people are they like? Write these characteristics down. If you notice any parts of your neighborhood that evoke any specific emotions (such as unease, happiness, peace, or anxiety), mark them on your map. You might also notice some “problem areas” – perhaps some patches of the road or sidewalk are horribly paved and need to be repaired, or there’s a lot of loud dogs constantly barking at the end of your block. Mark these areas on your map as well, and report back to your home when you are ready.

Picking Your Purpose

Now that we’ve identified a few “problems” and made observations within your neighborhood, we can decide what we want to do. Do you want to protect against thieves? Ward against illness for one of your elderly neighbors? This is the time to select the primary purpose for your ward.

Picking The Area

Take the map that you marked up during your walk. Connect any common points you see (for example, connect up the "peaceful" areas you marked on your map, or connect any points that have a common theme). What kind of shape does it have? Does it remind you of any popular symbols? Can you use the general shape of the area to generate a sigil or symbol that represents the area? What area(s) would most benefit from your rock wards?

Here is an example of how I created a sigil from a fictional city map I found! Obviously, play around with this idea until it makes sense to you. You can connect up different routes, or perhaps create a border around the areas that feel safest to you.

Now is the time you also want to pick where you want to place your wards - you can use your neighborhood sigil to influence where you place them, or, place them based on intuition or based on need. For example, placing a rock ward at the end of the noisiest block, or in the middle of the block that has the most number of children in the area.

Creating and Using Your Sigils/Symbols

Now, you want to develop symbols or sigils for your purpose. You can use any method you’d like! You may wish to incorporate your neighborhood sigil into each one you create, but ultimately the design is up to you. This is also the point where you would “charge” your sigil, with whatever method you see fit - as long as the design, intention, and charging method makes sense to you, that’s all that matters!

Painting Your Rocks

Finally, onto the fun part!

Now, you could simply paint your sigils on your rock and call it a day. Or, you could paint your sigil, and layer a more “mundane” piece of artwork on top of the sigil, leaving the sigil hidden underneath. This technique works best if the “mundane” artwork connects with the ward’s purpose in some way (for example, if your ward is for protection against nosy neighbors, you could paint eyes; or if your ward is for health, you could paint green colors, or even a red cross). I definitely recommend this “layering” method of painting your rocks so no one in your neighborhood ends up reporting any “suspicious looking rocks” with “satanic symbols” on them to your local Facebook groups!

Materials

acrylic paint

rocks

paint brushes

toothpicks (optional)

paint markers

outdoor/water-proof sealant such as Mod Podge: Outdoor

Instructions

Lay out your rocks and other materials

Seal your rocks with a coat or two of your sealant before you begin painting. This is an important step, since rocks are porous and will suck up any paint you try to apply!

Paint your rocks to your heart's content! If you are layering paint on your rocks, please make sure each layer is dry before painting the next.

Once your rocks are completely dry, seal them up with your outdoor/water-proof sealant so they don't get damaged in the elements.

Lastly, take another trip through your neighborhood to place your rocks. Converse with the neighbors if you feel inclined, and make double-sure of the locations you chose for your wards. I recommend taking regular walks throughout your neighborhood to check on these wards, and make sure they’re doing their job. You may wish to refresh the wards with a new coat of paint, or replace them with something new if the situations within the neighborhood change.

Ultimately, magic is what you make it, especially when you live in a big city. Warding your neighborhood and showing care for the people that live there is one of the many ways you can connect to your neighborhood on a deeper level and feel more connected to your practice locally.

Recommended further reading: Urban Magick by Diana Rajchel

Lowering Wards: Steps for new and established spells

"Lowering" a ward means to temporarily pause some or all of its protective effects, usually to make way for other magical actions or divination; "lowering the draw-bridge." Here, a ward is any protective spell.

Although these steps will work for just about any spell. An alternate title for this post is, basic spell administration: managing your spells after they've been cast.

The whole caboodle is deceptively easy. No need to over think it.

Lowering any wards, even for spells not established with convenient lowering in mind

SELECT WHICH EFFECTS SHOULD BE PAUSED. Hypothetically, a ward with multiple effects can have some effects paused, while others are ongoing (*this is highly variable and really depends on how the spell was built).

But technically, if you have a ward that's A) no magic can come into my house, and B) no energies of ill-will can come into my house, you may be able to allow magic to come into your house while a friend sends a positive spell your way, while still filtering out ill-will.

In my experience, protection loopholes are a bit of a beast, and if your magic starts behaving weirdly, or won't work, or friends can't magic on you like they can for others, check out to see if you've sealed yourself in a labyrinth of protective measures.

Sometimes you'll want to pause all effects - that's fine too. Just have in mind what you want to have happen.

IMO, an excellent way to deal with this step is to just state what it is you want the ward to allow for.

"Let this Discord friend do a reading for me."

"Make way for this spirit to leave the house."

Etc.

TAKE ANY BASIC STEP TO MANAGE YOUR MAGIC.

Enter, or at least brush up against, magical mindspace.

Find the spell - this is easier if its attached to a physical object, which just means finding the object.

While in magical mindspace and interacting with the reality that your spell exists, do any of the following:

Just tell it what you'd like it to temporarily do

Put a black cloth over the spell vessel with intent that it be paused

Hide it away in a drawer, or turn it so that it's "facing" a corner

Draw some sort of stopping symbol on top of it (pentagram or an X work well)

Put the ward close to an energy battery and have it take a break and go out for lunch

Any action that, for you, makes sense to represent a "pause, time-out" instruction

WHEN READY, PUT THE WARD BACK UP. Take away the black cloth, put the ward back in its proper position, "wipe away" the blocking symbol. Especially communicate through magical speech, thought, writing, signing, etc., that the ward is to resume its normal mode of behavior.

For those curious about sorcerous theory, reading on a ward before and after you raise and lower it can offer helpful feedback

Of course, that stuff might not work well, so making a ward with an eye for pausing it is a good idea

Spellcrafting can get complex and there could be any number of reasons why a ward created to be a permanent wall doesn't have convenient, easily-workable drawbridges.

Building a ward with drawbridges is easy. First, decide how you want the drawbridge to work.

You can design a ward where one effect ("no ill-energy") is always active, while another is meant to be raised and lowered ("no outside magic.")

You can design a ward with a skeleton key, where all of the doorways are unlocked at once

You can design wards in such a way that outsiders may be able to obtain the key and unlock them (like, a passcode and energy signature you share with others), or you can design them in such a way that only you can unlock them (like, requiring you yourself to draw a symbol over them in the physical realm)

Etc.

One example of an unlocking action is tapping on the spell vessel three times and saying, "stand down until sunset* so [specific thing the ward is blocking] can occur."

*For the forgetful, giving the spell a timeframe is useful.

When casting the spell, whenever the time feels right, go into a portion where you 'teach' the spell how to listen for your instructions to lower defenses, and how it should operate when this occurs. ("Never stay unlocked beyond the next twilight; the guards named No Bane are eternal, but the guards named No Spying sometimes lie down to rest.")

You can always go back and "open up" old spells to modify loopholes and improve unlocking mechanisms

My paradigm allows for certain things:

Most spells are not so much mindless machines but rather are more like garden plots, or animals. They may be bad at performing a certain thing the first time you ask them to, but over multiple lessons, even a very stubborn spell might learn a new trick.

Therefore, it can take time to teach a spell how to do something new that it wasn't designed to do.

Learning can be improved by holding a formal class. This is the equivalent of taking the spell back into spellcasting space and partially re-casting new magic on top of the old base.

The gist of re-forging an old spell is to carefully outline what you want to change, remove, and add. Using your preferred spellcasting or ritual format, connect with the spell and provide new parameters.

I find this process to be different than casting an entirely new spell, so I think it's normal if it all seems a bit different.

Provide the spell with more energy, tie off the ritual as normal, and deploy the spell immediately or give it a little time to firm up, as you prefer.

My favourite magical protection methods

draw protection symbols on the soles of your shoes to protect you wherever you go

throw a pinch of salt and rosemary over your shoulder to get rid of stagnant energy or any negativity that is thrown your way

keep a jar of salt and protective herbs on your altar to protect and cleanse your space

if you include animal spirits / remains in your craft: ribs are great for protective wards because their function in the animal is to protect vital organs

make protection sprays or oils that you can quickly anoint yourself with throughout the day (if you want to be more subtle about this you can put them in empty perfume / cologne bottles)

hang up bundles of dried protective herbs over your doors, mirrors, bed and altar

Warding your eyes

This post is for my folks who currently use glasses, contacts, or other visual aid's!

What is Warding with your eyes?

This is a concept similar to taking on a witches name, however it has to do with your visual aids! They say that eye's are the windows to the soul, but what about people or entities or energies that are looking to disrupt our peace? Well this is a great ward to follow as a personal ward

I recently had this revelation when my glasses shattered in the sea after I slipped under the riptide and as I was grabbing my glasses under the water, a shell came and smashed them (I am ok, I am trained to handle that and am a strong swimmer). I ended up going to one of those minute labs to get new frames and lenses, but I realized something.

If eyes are a part of you that exposes a lot about your being, whether you believe in iridology, window theory, etc then why wouldn't you ward a possible weakness? Witches names are a name a witch takes on to act like a deflector, if someone hexes them using the wrong name then it doesn't touch down, so the idea of this spell is If someone attempts to harm you spiritually, you are now wearing 'different eye's' and can reflect the spell. All it takes is a bit of enchantment. We will be banking on the fact that glasses somewhat obstruct the eye (when you look at someone's eyes through glasses they can appear different, bigger, or smaller) but you can see them clearly.

The Spell

This spell is best done on a new moon, high tide, or on a Wednesday! all of these have correspondences of protection, deflection, etc. ingredients: - Glasses/eye aid - Cleaning solution - Cleaning cloth (If being done with contacts or other eye aids, adapt this to be the aids, whatever you use to clean them with, and IF NEEDED a drying apparatus) The Steps: 1. Set up your space how you choose to do so, set your aid down in front of you. Meditate over or reflect on what the glasses mean to you 2. Envision or create a chant that reflects the eye-dea (haha) of people/spirits/energies with bad intentions not being able to effect you, because they cant see the right person to harm because of the visual aid 3. Take your finger and stamp a sigil of warding either on the lens, contact case, or safe spot on the aid 4. Clean it off to 'rub it into' the device 5. Finish the spell how you choose to finish, and transition out of the ritual space I hope you all enjoyed! More content coming soon!

Tip Jar

Keep My Name Out Of Your Fucking Mouth ~ Binding curse

Howdy y'all! I was dealing with some bullshit that I would rather not deal with but a las, here I am. Anyways, did a little thing and thought I'd share for anyone who has to work with absolute vain, dumb pieces of shit like me. Please excuse how cringe the writing is, I really let my 13 year old emo me run wild with this but it felt fantastic to cast. As always, when cursing and hexing please make sure you stay safe. Ground yourself before hand, cleanse yourself after, don't damage yourself just to get one over on someone else. Happy casting.

Ingredients:

your rage

a black candle(ideally taper but a tealight or whatever will do just fine)

twine(so they feel like they're suffocating)

a sharp utensil or needle to carve said candle

Steps:

Carve the target's name into the black taper candle with the needle . Put a circle around their name and a giant X over the circle. This is to symbolize a bound mouth.

Wrap the candle with twine, visualizing the person being bound and silenced. Please practice fire safety. DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED. Keep in a safe dish or simply opt out of the twine if you know you don't want to sit there the whole time.

Light the black taper and say the incantation below. Let the candle burn down completely or fully past the engraving, focusing on your intent throughout the process.

Dispose of any left over remnants in a way that suits you. Throw it in the trash, a curse box, your jobs dumpster, just be eco-friendly please.

Incantation:

"May your lies and slander turn to dust,

In your mouth, words of me shall rust.

When you speak, the twine constrains,

Your words of me, bound in chains.

Feel the pressure, feel the strain,

Each attempt will be in vain.

By this candle, black as pitch,

Your mouth shall twitch, your tongue shall stitch.

Silence now, hold your breath,

Speak of me and feel my wrath.

This spell I weave, this curse I cast,

Keep my name out of your fucking mouth,

And let this silence last."

Lazy "Wards"

So today, I was lying in my bed, and I was thinking about how I desperately did not want to refresh my wards. I was feeling tired, burned out, frustrated, and just generally awful. I knew I needed to refresh them, but I also knew that it was going to take so much effort that I didn't have. Thus began the thought:

Is there an easier way to ward my space?

Turns out there is! Now, I know wards are normally random things you put in your room and re-do every once in a while, but ✨️these ones are fun and cool✨️. I compiled a list of the five easy wards I do for when I'm feeling absolutely AWFUL. Here they are!

Morning and Night Playlists

Make two playlists— one that you'll listen to as soon as you wake up, and one that you'll listen to right before you sleep. They don't have to have any specific genre; just do what you feel like you need during those times. Maybe even create a playlist cover photo if you're feeling inspired!

Turn your fan on

I am dead serious with this one, folks. It could technically be considered cleaning, but FUCK IT. Open your window and/or your door and turn on a fan. Let that air flush OUT the energy from inside and pull IN the good shit from outside. I would probably do this like once a week. Have fun with it! Maybe even play those playlists and have a whole dance party!

Stuffed Animal of the Month

That's right. You heard me. Choose a stuffed animal that will protect your space for a month. Next month, choose a different one. Repeat that for, like, forever or whatever. The important thing is that you choose a stuffed animal, you tell them "Hey, I need you to guard my shit," and you give them LOOOOTS of cuddles in return. I love this one a little too much.

Tape a picture of a sigil on your door

This one's for the people who are able to be out as a witch. If you can't do a sigil, even putting a picture of an animal or object is good enough! Just tape it to your door, either facing you or the outside, and let it do its thing.

Incense and screaming

This is more of a cleansing method than a ward. DO IT. Open your window and/or your door again, light that shit up, and scream out all the energy that you've been building up. Tell it to get-the-fuck-out or you'll roundhouse its ass. But also find the good shit and ask it to join you!

I hope yall like this post. I really liked making it!! These methods are probably not all new, and I'm most definitely not the one who invented them, but STILL. I like them and I hope you do too!

Pumpkin Doughnuts with Maple Bourbon Glaze

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.

“Witchcraft comes so naturally; it is in the way I feel the sun on my skin and the grass under my feet, the way the stars look and how the wind whispers to me.”

— b.f.

How to Read Playing Cards: ♢ Diamonds ♢

Diamonds are the suit of finances, material value, success, rewards and growth. This suit generally talks about wealth, property and work. The following are my interpretations of the individual cards.

♢ Ace ♢

Ace of diamonds is typically a card of opportunity. When upright, ace of diamonds speaks of proposals and messages. These can be anything from marriage proposals, business proposals or anything that would be considered good news. A lucky card, unless the surrounding cards refute this.

When reversed, ace of diamonds represents secrets and sometimes bad luck. Whether these secrets are ones that should be kept secret or not depends on the surrounding cards.

♢ Two ♢

I like to associate two of diamonds with four leaf clovers and coins. When upright, two of diamonds speaks of increased luck, finances and stability. If it is regarding partnerships of any kind, this card assures that it will be a good one. When this card is in the spread it shows hope for the future.

When reversed, two of diamonds warns of gossip; people running their mouths when they shouldn't. Sharing sworn secrets, badmouthing and things of the like. Kings, queens and jacks shown in the reading can tell you who is gossiping.

♢ Three ♢

This is generally a messenger card, depending on the reading. When upright, three of diamonds can indicate good fortune, but also warns not to throw your money away. Three of diamonds also alerts you about a person who wants to hear from you or speak to you. Kings, queens and jacks shown in the reading can tell you who this is.

When reversed, this card warns of confusion and conflict. It can also warn you of upcoming legal issues that you need to be prepared for. The surrounding cards can give you more insight.

♢ Four ♢

"Get to work" sums up this card pretty well. When upright, four of diamonds speaks of a need to be responsible and work towards something. Lace up your boots and start moving. This card can also indicate a pleasant crowd or meeting, depending on the surrounding cards.

When reversed, four of diamonds speaks of laziness and lack of confidence. Depending on the reading it also warns of an individual being a follower rather than a leader.

♢ Five ♢

This is a multifaced card and it's meaning can change drastically depending on the surrounding cards. When upright, five of diamonds can speak of good luck and pleasant surprises. This card commonly comes out in love readings, indicating good luck in new relationships or marriage. It can also come out to indicate an influx of wealth. On the other hand, the surrounding cards can suggest a more negative reason to gain such things.

When reversed, five of diamonds speaks of a breakdown or involuntary changes. It often represents breakups, separations and canceling deals. Be prepared for some drama.

♢ Six ♢

This is an excellent card to get in a reading about finances. When upright, six of diamonds speaks of increases in wealth and fortune. How this influx of wealth comes depends on the surrounding cards.

When reversed, six of diamonds speaks of roadblocks and obstacles. It is often a warning to turn back while you still can; you can avoid what lies ahead if you make smart decisions.

♢ Seven ♢

When this card shows in a reading, it is a warning. When upright, seven of diamonds warns to keep a close eye on your bank account and your investments. If this card shows in a reading regarding other people, it can warn you that somebody has lied to you or stole something.

When reversed, seven of diamonds indicates a less severe loss of finances and that the individual needs to clean themselves up before it gets worse. It can also indicate that truths will be revealed; lies can't be kept hidden forever.

♢ Eight ♢

Similar to the six of diamonds, eight of diamonds speaks of increased wealth. When upright, eight of diamonds speaks of unexpected gains in finances or material items. Treasure, so to speak. It is common for this card to show for inheritance and heirlooms.

When reversed, eight of diamonds can mean one of two things: loss in wealth, or sharing secrets. You're either in to lose a little bit of money, or somebody that was confided in is spilling secrets.

♢ Nine ♢

This card has a few possibilities, but they all generally mean expenses. When upright, nine of diamonds warns that money will have to be put towards something of necessity. Repairs, replacements, bills... Things like that. If the reading is specifically about spirits, it represents a haint, demon, negative entity or whatever you'd call it. It isn't benevolent.

When reversed, nine of diamonds indicates disappointment and stress. The individual needs to rest before they become burnt out or cause harm to themselves. Exhaustion is dangerous.

♢ Ten ♢

This may be one of the best cards to pull regarding the future or any goals the individual may have. When upright, ten of diamonds represents overall success and achievements in the long-run. Even if the current situation seems negative, things will turn out to be better later.

When reversed, ten of diamonds indicates a lost dream or goal. Something won't be achieved by the looks of it. This card can also be shown to represent compensation for something lost.

The jacks, queens and kings represent people in my interpretations. These cards in the diamonds suit tend to be individuals with lighter features: their natural hair color, eyes, skin and/or style may present lighter. This will likely not apply to every person being represented by these cards, so consider the following interpretations as well.

♢ Jack ♢

The jack of diamonds is somebody who is physically very attractive. They are determined to get what they want and have the capabilities to do it. Very ambitious individuals. They tend to have high standards and are difficult to please.

♢ Queen ♢

The queen of diamonds is a feminine-presenting individual who is practical, resourceful and persistent. They make good managers and are typically they type to maintain a schedule, but they are also nitpicky and tend to gossip. Sometimes this card shows for a mother/parent who is overall good at being a parent, but tends to be a little smothering.

♢ King ♢

The king of diamonds is a masculine-presenting individual who may have dedicated their life to work more than anything. They tend to be business-oriented and are often the head of the family, or at least the most respected. This person expects to be treated with a level of respect. They are also prone to having a bit of a temper when they feel wronged or disrespected. Be careful with how you speak to this one.

Transition

2020 was the awakening of a new side of me.

 2021 was me shoving down all individuality, shrinking for the comfort of others and then fleeing and beginning my recovery journey.

 2022 I spent almost entirely alone. I gained new boundaries, I began allowing my true self to shine through and got new friends as a result. I learned So Much about the galaxy within this vessel, I was hard on myself and patient.

My suspicion is that 2022 was the year of seeing the first budding plants after I’ve laid the seeds down. 2023 is going to be the full harvest, the abundance that baffles in its enormity. And I’m ready. I’ll never be ready and I’ll never be as ready as I am.

i hope you are being compassionate with yourself today. you are your oldest childhood friend

Constantly repeating to myself “you are not broken you are young and learning how to live” during everything I do everywhere I go all the time

I’m not a classicist, but I suspect one of the reasons so many of the Greek gods are portrayed so unflatteringly was less because they were seen as villains than because they represented their domains.  Of course Zeus sometimes misuses his power, that’s what a king does.  Of course Artemis’s wrath is wild and painful, that’s what nature can be.  Of course Hades snatched away a young girl from her mother’s arms, that’s what death does.  This is one of the reasons callout posts for some gods comparing them negatively to ‘nicer’ gods are kind of missing the point.

I see you unfollowing. Good. Don’t fucking stop. This blog is pro choice, pro gay, pro black, pro trans, pro sex work, pro go fuck yourself

Astrology of March and April

I see a lot of stuff online saying the current energy and tension is as a result of Mercury in Pisces (trop), or the fact that Jupiter must be uncomfortable in Pisces (trop) etc.

From a Vedic perspective there is a stellium in Capricorn right now (Venus & Mars in Shravana and Saturn in Dhanista). Saturn and Mars are ENEMIES. While Venus doesn’t consider Saturn or Mars enemies this current configuration is not comforting for Venus. Venus likes diplomacy and would prefer to peacefully talk about matters before waging war.

Right now Mars is travelling to meet Saturn very close to its exact exaltation point in Dhanista, the end of March and early April is when the conjunction will be very tight and this can cause a lot of turbulence. Right now Mars and Venus both being in Shravana is one of the main reasons why people are slow to react and take action regarding many critical matters, Shravana is not a fast paced nakshatra. This lunar mansion is about taking things slow, listening before speaking, contemplating deeply before acting etc. However when both Venus and Mars leave Shravana (March 26th onwards) those things can really start moving quickly. Tip for anyone that finds themselves in a difficult situation towards the end of the month: Either you step you up and take responsibility regarding important issues if not be willing to let it go for good.

Venus leaves Capricorn to move into Aquarius at the beginning of April (1st of April) which could mean Saturn and Mars will really battle it out (because Venus won’t be there to mediate between the two). I predict this entire week is going to very INTENSE FOR EVERYONE.

Around 8th of April Mars will finally leave Capricorn which will break the planetary war with Saturn. Soon after, around the 12th of April Rahu will enter Aries ruled by Mars- the relationship between Mars and Rahu is complicated. They are not fully comfortable with each other.

Rahu’s current position in Taurus is actually considered his exaltation, this move to Aries is going to be very radical for the world. This truly represents a brand new cycle - some of it good and some of it bad. Personally I feel this is going to mark the end of the covid chapter that we have long been facing - it nots going to be a primary concern anymore.

Hopefully Jupiter’s transit to Pisces (around 14-15th April) will bring some much needed healing, wisdom and guidance to us all🤞🏽!

𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓

. . . 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 !

hey love, today we are talking about self concept and its various connections to manifesting! I hope this post will bring across how essential the meaning of your concept of self is. ♡

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𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓?

your self concept describes the way you perceive yourself and the world you live in. it’s the assemblage of all beliefs you have regarding yourself (outer appearance, your personality, your social life, and so on) and your environment (the people, their outer appearance, their personality, etc.). it’s essential when it comes to manifestations of any kind as they determine your manifestation process, how, when and if you will receive your desire. all in all, your self concept answers the question about who you are.

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𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆﹕

I have a question for you. have you ever taken a look at the terminology in manifesting? terms like …

⤷ everyone is YOU pushed out

⤷ your 3D is a reflection of YOU

⤷ YOU are the operant power

⤷ YOUR assumptions create

all of these terms imply that creation, that life begins with (or within) you. you are the cause of everything and your outer world displays the effects.

❝ as within, so without. ❞

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𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓?

a good self concept implies …

… thinking of yourself as the most perfect version of yourself

… not letting others define you/ not depending on others/ not having your self worth based on other people

… being aware of your abilities and talents/ not doubting them

… loving/liking/respecting/admiring/appreciating your self unconditionally at all times

… being content/satisfied with who you are in this moment

… believing in yourself/ never settling for less/ never taking "no" as an answer/ not giving up

… prioritizing yourself and putting yourself on the pedestal

… taking care of yourself/ being lenient with yourself/ caring for your mental well being

… not letting circumstances distract you

… not being afraid/scared of difficult situations

… not caring about logic and time and persisting in your new assumptions regardless

… committing to the new story and stop retelling the old story/ knowing you are no victim of your reality

… knowing you can manifest everything/ knowing you are limitless

… knowing your desire is yours and creation is finished/ stopping to wait for your desires

… knowing it is your reality/ you are the only operant power

… knowing that no desire is too big/impossible to manifest

… being at peace with yourself and everybody/everything else

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𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓?

a bad self concept implies …

… caring about what others have to tell you and believing negative perceptions people have of you/ being influenced by others

… doubting yourself/ not fully believing you can do it/ not trusting yourself

… being guided by the negative events in the 3D and accepting them/ being okay with not being okay

… being afraid to want the best for yourself/ feeling as if you don’t deserve your desires/ resisting your desires/ blocking yourself from receiving great things

… feeling bad whenever you think positively about yourself

… always being sorry/ struggling with self love

… not taking proper care of yourself and always putting yourself second disregarding your needs

… thinking manifesting is hard

… craving your desire/ waiting for it/ thinking it hasn’t been realized/ judging its existence by the evidence of your senses/ looking for validation and proof in the 3D

… always thinking you aren’t manifesting the right way/ causing blockages

… not feeling as the owner of your desire/ feeling separated from your desire/ trying to manifest/ not being able to persist and stop retelling the old story

… feeling needy/unhappy about your current state

… feeling pressured because of your own expectations of yourself/ comparing yourself to others/ feeling jealous/ victimizing yourself

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𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓﹕

after you have worked on your self concept, you will …

… instantly manifest

… manifest your desires effortlessly/easily

… never doubt your abilities ever again

… never be influenced by unwanted things in the 3d

… be able to live in the end, claim your desire and not retell the old story, think from the end and not of it, live in the state of your wish fulfilled

… have no doubts / limiting beliefs / fear of failure / worries about time/logic/3d

… know everything will work out in your favor

… live in your imagination comfortably, not be bothered of physical events

… experience little to no circumstances

… know everybody‘s you pushed out/ not blame others for their behavior

… have more/absolute control over your reality and other people

… not be emotionally attached to your 3D and have an easier time understanding that the 3D isn’t fixed

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𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓﹕

you know that every concept in manifesting depends on your set of beliefs. what you choose to accept, becomes reality. you and you only create your entire world with your concept of self. once you have changed the way you view yourself and make yourself worthy of manifesting whatever you want, you will not only embody your desired self with the best self concept but also be a master manifester.

therefore, you need to step into your power and name yourself as your highest ideal. become that person of your dreams, embody them, act like them, talk like them, be them as if you just decided to finally let go of your old self and portray the best version of yourself possible! don’t be afraid to do so. no physical effort is needed. it only requires a change from within, your mindset.

in order to change the way you view yourself, you need to become familiar with the words that describe your desired version of you. you stop addressing your desired self that way because from now on, you are your desired self. all the nice and kind affirmations apply to you now!

you can work on your self concept step by step by affirming. once you internalize your affirmations, they will become present at all times. at some point, you won’t need to repeat them consciously because your subconscious mind will. what you can do as well is commanding your subconscious mind. tell your subconscious what you want and it‘ll give it to you! additionally, you can visualize yourself. yes, visualize yourself as the most powerful being with the greatest amount of love for themselves, and more! you can try other methods as well that will help you become used to having a perfect self concept. however, every method boils down to deciding and knowing that you have it. technically, you can skip the methods and just accept that you have a perfect self concept. it’s as easy as that!

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𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄﹕

I would recommend you to affirm when you feel drowsy; before going to bed and after you wake up. affirming in the state akin to sleep is very beneficial! you can also affirm throughout the day. whenever your self concept comes up in your mind, state that it’s already perfect! the same goes for every method you choose to practice.

𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 !! don’t force yourself to affirm. do it whenever you feel like it. the world isn’t gonna end if you skip it. also, don’t affirm robotically. it shouldn’t be a chore. you are stating a fact, not a wish! remember, repetition creates persistence.

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𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒﹕

・❥ I am the only operant power in my reality

・❥ I have the most perfect self concept

・❥ I am the creator / god

・❥ manifesting is easy and effortless

・❥ I am a master manifester

・❥ I love myself

・❥ everything always works out in my favor

・❥ I never chase, I attract

・❥ I get everything I desire instantly

・❥ creation is finished

・❥ everything I want, wants me more

・❥ my desires are already mine

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𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓﹕

begin with self.┊you are already that which you want to be, and your refusal to believe this is the only reason you do not see it.┊everything depends upon our attitude towards ourselves. that which we will not affirm as true of ourselves cannot develop in our life.┊the world is a mirror, forever reflecting what you are doing, within yourself.┊nothing comes from without. all things come from within.┊believe that you are what you want to be.┊health, wealth, beauty, and genius are not created; they are only manifested by the arrangement of your mind-that is, by your concept of yourself, and your concept of yourself is all that you accept and consent to as true.┊stop trying to change the world since it is only the mirror. man’s attempt to change the world by force is as fruitless as breaking a mirror in the hope of changing his face. leave the mirror and change your face. leave the world alone and change your conceptions of yourself.┊to reach a higher level of being, you must assume a higher concept of yourself.┊nothing is impossible to you.┊simply dare to assume you are what you want to be and you will compel everyone to play their part.┊there is nothing god cannot do!┊you can only be to others what you are first to yourself.┊change your conception of yourself and you will automatically change the world in which you live. do not try to change people; they are only messengers telling you who you are. revalue yourself and they will confirm the change.┊your opinion of yourself is your most important viewpoint. you are infinitely greater than you think you are.

A Year and a Day UPDATED - 206 prompts - A Quest to discover my individual Witchcraft

*UPDATED - original post was 196 prompts

After a lifetime of subtle magic and a year of failing to step into my power, I wrote this personalized curriculum to learn my own individual Witchcraft over 366 days. There are 206 points on the list. Some will take a bit of time and work. Others require more simple answers.

I used the words "personalized" and "individual" for a reason. Witchcraft is very personal. We are all individuals and nothing we do looks exactly the same. Some of the points may not suit you. Adjust or omit them.

I will be kicking this off with a devotional river bath on June 1st.

Follow me on Instagram if you'd to tag along. Inspired by https://sammmango.tumblr.com/post/175974393404/a-whopping-list-of-grimoire-prompts-and-ideas

Cleansing Commencement Ritual

1. List everything you’re grateful for. Be very specific – from the people you love to the water you drink

2. Write down what you want to change about your life. What is holding you back?

3. List everything you need to release, unlearn, and cleanse

4. Write affirmations to support your unlearning and growth with everyday

5. Take a cleansing shower or bath. Use whatever candles, herbs, crystals, etc. you feel like.

Wheel of the Year

6. Create your own calendar/”wheel” as you go

a. Keep a running list of signs you notice of the changing seasons

7. Research each of the Sabbats and decide how they work into your craft.

a. Summer Solstice/Litha – June 20

b. Lammas/Lughnasadh – August 1

c. Fall Equinox/Mabon – September 22

d. Samhain/Halloween – October 31

e. Yule/Winter Solstice – December 21

f. Imbolc/Candlemas – February 2

g. Spring Equinox/Ostara – March 20

h. May Day/Beltane – May 1

8. How do you wish to celebrate the popular holidays or combine them with related Sabbats? Valentine’s Day? Easter and Ostara? Yule and Christmas?

Witchcraft 101

9. Definitions – Determine what these terms mean to you by researching various descriptions

a. Grounding

b. Centering

c. Cleansing

d. Charging

e. Blessing

f. Charming

g. Enchanting

h. Warding

i. Binding

j. Banishing

k. Consecrating

10. How do you ground and center?

11. How do you cast a circle? Do you bother?

12. What are the corners? How do you call them?

13. How do you set up an altar? Do you bother?

14. Research various workings and their origins;

a. Candle magic

b. Knot/braid magic

c. Sigils

d. Self protection

e. Home protection

f. Egg workings

g. Foot track work

h. Hair/Tag-lock magic

i. Money magic

i. Money bowl/plate

ii. Money candle

iii. Money dust

iv. Lode stone money spell

v. Look up 5 good money spells that you would use

j. Sex magic

k. True jar spells

Correspondences

15. Directions

16. (5) Elements

17. 7 Days of the week

18. Colours

Astrology

19. Read your own birth chart in depth while working through this section

20. Triplicities – Elements in Astrology

21. Quadruplicities – Cardinal/Mutable/Fixed

22. The 12 zodiac signs

23. The 12 houses

24. Aspects

25. Rising sign

26. Sun sign

27. Moon sign

28. Mercury

29. Venus

30. Mars

31. Saturn

32. Jupiter

33. Uranus

34. Neptune

35. Pluto

Lunar Magic

36. Moon Phases

a. Correspondences

b. Add to your calendar/”wheel”

37. New Moon rituals

38. Full moon rituals

Divination

39. Read cards every day

40. Pull a tarot card for each week. Read it for yourself. Research traditional meanings and symbolism as well.

41. Draw some tarot spreads to refer to.

42. Write a list of other divining methods that you’re interested in

43. Make runes or charms…a bone set?

Crystals

44. How do crystals work?

45. How do you cleanse crystals?

46. How do you charge crystals?

47. How do you program crystals?

a. Create a charm to carry with you as reminder and amplifier of your magic

48. What are the uses of crystal grids? Look up some examples for more ideas.

49. How can you use crystals?

a. Physically

b. Metaphysically

c. Around the home

50. Write an information page for every crystal you have. (See Crystal List)

Green Witchery

51. Research all the herbs you are growing;

a. Basil

b. Calendula

c. Chives

d. Catnip

e. Chamomile

f. Dill

g. Lavender

h. Lemon Balm

i. Oregano

j. Peppermint

k. Rosemary

l. Sage

m. Thyme

52. Identify and research 15 plants or trees in your yard. How can you use these in your craft?

53. Identify and research 15 wild plants or trees in nature. How can you use these in your craft?

54. How can you garden by the moon?

55. Note any foraging times on the calendar/”wheel”

Potions

56. Research the essential oils you have on hand

a. Bergamot

b. Cedarwood

c. Cinnamon leaf

d. Chamomile

e. Eucalyptus

f. Frankincense

g. Geranium

h. Lavender

i. Lemon

j. Lemongrass

k. Lime

l. Peppermint

m. Rose

n. Rosemary

o. Tea tree

57. Make body butter

58. Make “Personal Growth” scalp and nail massage oil

59. Make face/gua sha oil

60. Make toothpaste

61. Make toner with oil (like micellar water)

62. Make ‘Thieves’ body spray

63. Create your own signature scent in a body spray

64. Learn to make herbal infusions

65. Learn to make infused oils

66. Learn to make herbal decoctions

67. Learn to make tinctures

68. Learn to make mouthwashes

Spirit Work

69. List the Spirits you can think to work with

a. Ancestors

i. Do you have an item that belonged to them?

b. Flora, Fauna & the Land

c. Planets

i. Where are they in your chart?

70. How can one connect with the spirit of a/an;

a. Ancestor

b. Plant or tree

c. Natural body of water

d. Fairies

e. Planet

71. What type of offerings would you provide different spirits?

a. Ancestors

b. Plants or trees

c. A natural body of water

d. Fairies

e. A planet

72. Take what you’ve learned above and try connecting with spirits;

a. An Ancestor

b. A plant or tree

c. A natural body of water

d. Fairies

e. A Planet

Shadow work

73. Look at your chart;

a. Moon, house

b. 12th house, ruler

c. Saturn

d. Chiron

e. Hard aspects

74. Research Jungian Archetypes and determine which ones fit you.

a. What are your shadows? How can you work on them?

75. Research Myers-Briggs personality types and determine which one fits you.

Personal Maintenance & Glamour

76. Hydrate – your body, brain, Earth and the Moon are mainly water

77. Eat of the Earth

78. Create a soothing bedtime ritual

79. Create a morning ritual that you look forward to

a. ‘Bubble up’ ideas

b. Make a list of Affirmations

c. Gratitude candles

d. Print a checklist

80. Exercise – hike, bike, lift

a. Make a list of your favourite dog walking spots

b. Make a list of your favourite hiking spots

c. Make a list of your favourite biking spots

81. Meditate daily – even if it’s just a few minutes

82. List best hair care practices

83. List best skin care practices

CULMINATING PROJECTS

84. Make a detailed Calendar or “Wheel” with your individualized plans for the next year. (June 1, 2022-June 1, 2023)

85. Write your Grimoire – Create a tidy book of the information that you will use in your craft.

a. Your personalized Holiday/Sabbat celebrations, dates, symbols, etc

b. The basics that make up the foundation of your craft

c. The various workings you do/intend to use

d. Spells

e. Correspondences

f. The tools of your craft

g. Your completed birth chart interpretation

h. Moon Rituals

i. Personal Tarot card meanings, spreads

j. A guide to your Runes, Bones, or whatever divination set you may have made or acquired (#39)

k. Crystal practices, information pages

l. Plant information

m. Essential Oil information

n. Recipes

o. Spirit information, communication records

p. Shadow work and a plan to work on your shadows

q. Your ideal day

r. Your ideal week

Masterpost for dummies - which I am

Homemade posts:

Witchy iced tea recipe

Protection oil for broke ass baby witch

Chocolate and jam cookies

Mushroom risotto

Chicken nuggies

Uncles’ vodka, or post celebration recycling

Egg spell for curses and blessings

Yule spelljar

Comfort-with-my-sexuality spelljar

Water unsafe crystals

Sun-hating crystals

Teeth correpondence

Sources about blood magic

About singing glasses

The f**k you said about science????

Prayer to Dionysus

Hymn to Dionysus

Hymn to Dionysus 2

Creative writing for Dionysus

Poem to The Wild ones

Love poem for My Muses

Deities poem

Love poem to storms

Poem for the hurt

Twenty flowers in my bag

Sample of myself purring for anxiety-dealing reasons

Tips:

Basics-of-how-to-witch-without-dying-101

Crash course on warding

Energy works and basic shielding

Home witchcraft

New dorm Witchcraft

College witchery

How to research efficiently

Non verbal witchcraft

Tips for growing herbs

Caring for your cauldron

Travel altars and tips

Grimoire ideas

Folklore lists

Paganism isn’t an umbrella term

Witchcraft in Hellenismos

Methods of spell work

Components of a spell

Attracting money

Crystal color tip

Writing tips

Herbs you can find at the grocery store

Heard about moon wter? here’s some tips

Safety tips

Safety rules for self-preserved witch

City witch tips

Hearth witch protection tips

Rune-reading made easy

A list of underrated divination methods

Water scrying

How to clean bones - a guide

About blood magic

Hey don’t join a cult - red flags

On the Law of Attraction

Soulmates and twin-flames: why bad ?

The dangerous ascension energy shift stuff and why it’s cringe

“Where the hell does that occult branch come from?”

Inspiring correspondences:

Making your own correspondence

Witch runes

Water

Witchy water

Alcohol

Salt

Funny ring correpondence

Bells in Witchcraft

The clairs and what the hell they are

Stitches correspondance (bro that’s genius)

Long-asf-crystal-list

Crystals for protection

Various crystals and their uses

What causes damage to crystals

Natural items

About Honey

Herbal remedies

Mushrooms!!!

Herbs and essential oils

Incense and oils

Poisonous plants chart

Hex/curse/jinx plants

Plants of the dead

Herbs for the dead

Trees

Tree symbolism

Wood for wand

Metal correpondence

Long-asf-color-association

Simpler color 1

Simpler color 2

Simpler color 3

Cat color

Astrology

Elder futhatrk runes correspondence

Elder futhark page masterpost

Extensive rune post I found

A guide to Greek Alphabet runes

Bree’s simple runes 

Body parts - proceed with caution

Bones correspondence

Deities and Entities:

Deities moodboard

Scents for the Gods - Hellenismos

Why you must NOT swear an oaths to a deity if you’re still calling yourself a baby

How to make offerings - an illustrated guide

Offerings: the Why and How

Why reciprocity matters in relationships with the invisible

Why food offerings are important

Offerings to Dionysus

Prayer do Dionysus

Prayer to Dionysus Androgynos and Lysios

Offerings to Artemis

Offerings to Hades

Offerings to Hermes

Hellenic Cheat Sheet: Hermes

Everything you need to know about Lilith

Psa on working with the fair folk

How to sense the invisible - an experience explanantion

Things that aren’t true about spirit work

Ghost hunting

Psa on spirit work 

Random questions about spirit work

Spirit work masterpost

Things to ask spirits about

Spirit banishment

Rituals:

Yule practices

Yule practices 2

Libations

Effects of libations in the garden

Greco-roman protection

How to spiritually protect yourself

A witch’s self care tips

Shrines and their uses

Wheel of the year for bedridden witches

Witchcraft for the new year

PSA about the wheel of the Year

Recipes:

Rose oil

Simple oil recipes

How to make herbal rememdies

Solar Juice

Spooky season recipes masterpost

Pomegranate skull pastry recipe

Herbal hair rinse 

Energy-cleansing bath scrub

Bug bite salve 

How to make herbal remedies

Witchy cleaner for a fresh house

Yule tea

Drink magic masterpost

Yuletide simmer pot

Blood ink

Dove blood ink

Fake and edible blood

Spellcandles making

Banishing water

Bitch be gone powder

Spells:

Yule solar energy

Comfortable in my skin Sigil

Fire summoning

Storm summoning 1

Storm summoning 2

Whistling up a wind

Kiss-that-bitch-goodbye banishing spell

Begone-bullshitter spell

No-one-deserves-you spell

Get-the-fuck-away-from-me spell 

Realize-the hurt-you-did spell

Letting go - banishing spell

You have no power over me spell

The seven stings hex

My-pain-to-yours curse

List of curses

Blood magic 101

Gender magic!!!

Polyamorous Love-strengthening pells

Spelljars:

Simple spelljar ingredients

Yule spelljar ingredients

Yule spelljar

Yule spelljar 2

Money spelljar

I shouldnt be awake but I have to be spelljar

Prosperity spelljar

Protection spelljar 1

Protection spelljar 2

Your-hatred-is-your-own curse jar

Books:

Witchy books list

Why Silver Rravenwolf’s books can get f***ed

Al Khazneh, Petra, Jordan

If you are panicking because you think you’ve missed Imbolc, it’s ok. While the 1st of February is the traditional date, the astrological date is always when the sun reaches 15° in the sign of Aquarius. This year, the astrological date is the 4th of February. So take a breath, and do what you can when you can. You haven’t missed anything.

Edited to add:

The other major Sabbats fall astrologically as such:

Beltane: Sun at 15° Taurus

Lughnasadh: Sun at 15° Leo

Samhain: Sun at 15° Scorpio

The minor Sabbats fall astrologically as such:

Winter Solstice: Sun at 0° Capricorn

Spring Equinox: Sun at 0° Aries

Summer Solstice: Sun at 0° Cancer

Autumn Equinox: Sun at 0° Libra

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 | ]

Imbolc Spread

Here is a simple four card spread that you can do to welcome the changing of seasons!

Imbolc marks the halfway point between winter and summer, and is the perfect time to prepare for the coming spring. Read more about Imbolc here.

Past: What can you learn from the past season? Winter can be rough for some people, maybe you were put through the wringer this past season too. What is something you can glean from this experience so that you can learn from this?

Present: What energy do you need to bring into this next season? It’s important to learn from the past and plan for the future, but make sure you are able to stay present and grounded even as the weather is bleak. So, what energy should you bring with you into this changing of seasons that can help you to learn, prepare, and pursue what you need to?

Prepare: Anything you would need to prepare for this coming season? This is the time of the year that farmers and gardeners start to prep their lands and plant their seeds for the spring; what is something you can prepare for that you will need to grow or nurture in the springtime?

Pursue: What is something you need to pursue during this time? This could be a goal that you set earlier this year but you have yet to follow through on, is this something you could be pursuing now, during this halfway between winter and spring?

I haven't done this exact spread yet, I plan to do it the day of Imbolc. I'll share my experience with it if I feel like it's ok to share :)

Let me know if you try out this spread, I would love to know how you feel about it!!!

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✨🌱IMBOLC🌱✨

✨🌱BREAKDOWN🌱✨

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Hey there! I wanted to share a friendly breakdown of Imbolc and how to celebrate as it’s coming up soon! I would like to say that this is simply ONE of many holidays celebrated by witches around this time of year, many will be celebrating under different names or associated festivals!

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OTHER NAMES

&

FESTIVALS

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Imbolc

Imbolg

Oimealg

The Feast of St. Brigid

Brigid’s Day

Bride’s Feast

Ground Hog Day

Imbolgc Brigantia

Imbolic

Disting

Lubercus

Candlemas

Candlelaria

the Snowdrop Festival

The Festival of Lights

the Feast of the Virgin

February Eve

WHEN IS IT?

is typically held on February 1st through until sundown of February 2nd

WHAT DOES IT

SYMBOLIZE?

symbolizes the half way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

WHAT IS IT?

is a Celtic/Gaelic holiday

is another Celtic fire festival

hearth fires are often re-lit, especially using the Yule greenery, as keeping this too long invites the fae folk to stay in the house beyond their welcome.

WHO TO HONOUR

Imbolc celebrations took place in honour of the goddess Brigid! This goddess was considered one of the most powerful Celtic gods.

ABOUT BRIGID

REPRESENTS:

spring

fertility

fire

creativity

poetry

healing

crafting

and so much more!

She is the daughter of Dagda, one of the oldest Celtic gods In some representations.

Brigid in some stories has two sisters both also named Brigid, it’s thought among many that this is meant to represent the goddess in different forms or points in life (personally I love this aspect of them because not many gods actually do age thought the stories and legends. They’re are a few others but I just think it’s cool little thing to note)

it was often found that Brigid’s crosses were made from wheat stalks at this time of year and exchanged and hung in the home to protect from fire damage.

While many people still honour Brigid today, if working with dietys isn’t your thing, many more modern celebrations can include the following:

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SOME FUN WAYS

TO CELEBRATE

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having a fire this could be as nice as having a bonfire or as simple as leaving a tea light in a bowl outside for them!

for Brigid, you could write intentions on paper and throw them into the fire,

a simple meditation with a candle would be amazing for this day!

You could even make making Brigid a crosses out of pipe cleaners or paper if you have little ones you want to include in the festivities.

Maybe burn some candles in the imbolc colours which are white,pink,red, yellow, green, brown.

if you wanted to indulge in some classic imbolc type food typically it would be dairy products, spicy food or lamb! And Something that would’ve been stored over the winter, smoked meats, dried fruit and nuts!

Often times Candles are placed in windows to welcome the spring and spring cleaning and household purification rituals are common.

this is really just a quick breakdown of this witchy holiday and a few suggestions! Your celebration doesn’t have to be grand or spectacular either I’ve had imbolc where all I’ve done was change the altar cloth to a flowered one! I’ve also had imbolc a filled with ritual and magic! It’s all up to you how to celebrate the day, it’s about welcoming in the spring energy! Releasing that which serves you no more! Even spring cleaning can be associated with imbolc!

If you’d like to check out more imbolc correspondences you can do so by clicking HERE

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns! Merry meet - B

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AI Generated Images (2021)

Here is a little graphic I did to get people in the mood for Imbolc!