Blog Archives

65 Prompts for Pagan Prayer Journaling

9/25/2021

I used to write in my Pagan journal every day. But since I have started working on my Etsy full time, I dropped the habit. I want to introduce prayer journaling into my new schedule, so I decided to write down several prompts in case I run out of ideas.

These prompts are not specific to any one deity or religion. I hope they inspire you to connect with your Gods.

For those who need advice on Pagan prayer, here is the blog post for you: If You're Struggling with Pagan Prayer, Read This.

What Is Pagan Prayer Journaling?

Pagan prayer journaling is any kind of writing or drawing that relates to your Pagan practice. You can write down notes while studying your deities, or you can thank the Gods for anything. You can even draw or write a letter to your deity.

Your Pagan prayer journal has no guidelines. You don’t have to make it look Pinterest-worthy unless you want to. You don’t even have to write in it; you can draw instead! This is why I love Pagan journals. They encourage people to expand their daily practice, but do not pressure them to write about something they don’t like.

If you want to start a Pagan journal, all you need is a journal. The type and design are entirely up to you. Read the prompts below and try one or two each day. Keep track of which prompts you enjoy or dislike. Over time, you will develop a daily habit that will keep you connected to your faith. If you need more information on creating and maintaining a daily practice, read this blog post: How to Practice Magic or Paganism Every Day Specifically.

Daily Check-Ins:

These are journaling practices that you can do on any given day, or daily if you choose.

Write down five things you’re grateful for, and thank the Gods for them.
Meditate for two, five, or ten minutes. Write about it afterward.
If you remember last night’s dream, record it and what you think it might mean.
Tell the Gods about your goals for the day.
Read one chapter of a book each morning and write notes.
Record the weather. How does it make you feel? Would you thank your deities for the weather or season?
Cleanse with smoke or crystals and then write down how you feel afterward.
Perform divination--draw a tarot card, pull a rune, or scy for a bit. What was your question? What was your answer?
Talk to the Gods about what is bothering you.
Find an inspirational quote. What do you like/not like about it? How does it relate to your practice?
Choose one symbol, crystal, herb, or divination tool. Research its correspondences and note how you can use it in your practice.
Contact a spirit you’re familiar with. What method did you use? Divination, meditation, or something else? How did it go?

For a Pantheon/Religion:

These prompts can help you learn about a religion/pantheon or explore your own beliefs.

Are there any major holidays coming up? If so, how can you prepare for them?
Study how the ancients practiced this religion, and take notes. What can you include in your practice? What will you exclude?
Look up the tenets of your religion, if applicable. Do you agree or disagree with these rules? How can you include them in your practice?
Give an offering to the Gods, such as a candle, incense, coffee/tea, or even water. How do you feel afterward? Is any particular deity grabbing your attention?
Talk about your favorite or least favorite myths from this religion.
Jot down a general prayer for all the deities, such as “Gods, I thank You all for ___.”
If you are interested in any other pantheon, study it and take notes.
Research a deity in your pantheon Whom you don’t know as well. What did you learn about Them?
How do you feel about this religion’s view of the afterlife?
Does your religion have a holiday calendar? If so, write about it.
Are there any local legends or folklore where you live? Study and write about them.
Why did you choose this religion or pantheon?
If you are eclectic or still choosing a Pagan religion, write down what you are looking for in a belief system.
Write down anything you love about your religion/pantheon.
Record your worship goals. In the next month, season, or year, look back at your list. What have you accomplished?
Are you thankful to this religion for any positives in your life? If so, write those down.

For One Specific Deity:

Whether you are studying a deity, hoping to work with one, or enhancing your daily practice, these prompts can help you. For those working with minor deities, go here: How to Worship Lesser-Known (Minor) Deities.

Give one offering to your deity and sit with Them for a bit. How was that experience?
Meditate with your deity. How did it go?
Look up your deity’s symbols and write about them.
Research how the ancients worshipped your deity. What can you incorporate into your faith?
Research how modern worshippers work with your deity (check blogs and social media). Have you found any new ideas or perspectives?
Describe your relationship with your deity. Does it feel like a friendship, parental love, or something more?
Tell your deity about your goals for the day.
Tell your deity what you like about Them and/or why you chose Them.
What are your favorite myths associated with this deity? Why?
What do you think are your deity’s favorite offerings?
Have you experienced any signs that you believe came from a deity? If so, ask Them about it.
Ask your deity if They have any messages for you, and then perform divination. What was your answer?
Tell your deity about any thoughts or feelings you want to share.
Look up your deity’s epithets or titles. Which ones do you like? What do you think they mean?
Google some prayers for your deities, whether they be Orphic hymns or ones written by modern worshippers. Do you like these prayers? What about the prayer stuck out to you?
If it has been a long time since you’ve spoken to a deity, write down how that makes you feel. Do you feel you need to apologize? Are you nervous? Guilty? Telling your deity about these feelings can clear the air and improve your relationship.
Do you associate any song with your deity? If so, why?

Holidays:

These are prompts for holidays such as Sabbats, harvest festivals, and even national/Christian holidays.

What is the meaning of this holiday?
Are there any symbols associated with this holiday? For example, if you’re writing about Christmas, you might say “Christmas tree, ornaments, Yule log,” etc. List associations if applicable.
Are any specific deities associated with this holiday? If so, how?
How did the ancients celebrate this holiday?
How do modern practitioners celebrate this holiday?
Do you have any plans for this holiday? If you celebrated already, how did it go?
What prayers would you give to your deity/deities on this day?
What foods are used to celebrate this holiday?
What are you grateful for on this day?
What are you hoping to do or achieve on this day?
If you are planning for a specific holiday, brainstorm ideas of what you can do.
Do you want to decorate your altar for the holiday? If so, brainstorm some ideas of what you can do. Check this post for inspiration: How to Create a Pinterest-Worthy and Functional Altar.
Write down your ideal schedule for the day. See how many of these things you can accomplish. Instead of focusing on what you can’t/didn’t do, focus on what you achieved.

Moon Phases and Astrology:

If astrology contributes to your practice, check out these prompts.

What is the current moon phase? What does this phase mean?
What is the current astrological season?
Are there any planets in retrograde? If so, how is this making you feel?
Read your daily horoscope. What do you think about it?
Brainstorm ideas for what you can do during this moon phase or a future one.
If you work with any specific deities during these days, pray to Them. Tell Them what you are excited or apprehensive about.
How do you feel during this astrological season? Are your feelings different than usual?

Tell Me about Your Journaling Experience!

Do you use a Pagan prayer journal? What do you write about? Do you have any other ideas for journal prompts? Let me know in the comments below!

1 Comment

Three Protection Spells to Keep Evil Away from the Home

9/10/2021

0 Comments

Since autumn is rapidly approaching, I am refreshing my home protection spells. I do this every year before Samhain, when I perform my most elaborate spirit work.

Protection spells, also called wards, are essential for any magic path, but especially spirit work. Have you ever heard about ouija board sessions gone wrong? Or poltergeist hauntings? Or a long streak of bad luck? Wards prevent those from happening.

If your wards are strong, you won’t have to worry about spirits following you home from a graveyard or hexes reaching your family.

Here are three protection spells that have aided me in the past. As with my post Three Death Witchcraft Spells to Heal the Deceased, I will list the ingredient correspondences at the end of the article. I recommend reading that list; spells always have more power if you understand the purpose of the ingredients.

Note: These are NOT banishing spells. They are not appropriate for someone who is currently being haunted. Wards are specifically performed to prevent attacks, not end them.

Candle Protection Spell

Candle spells are the most common form of wards I see. I believe that candle magic is popular because it is so accessible. Similarly, I have developed one that involves equally accessible ingredients: cooking herbs.

You will need:

A black or white candle (I chose black)
A protection oil. I used one from the Earthbound Craftworks. If you do not own a protection oil blend, use frankincense oil.
Dill (dried)
Oregano (dried)
Parsley (dried)

Mix equal parts of dried dill, oregano, and parsley. If they are not already in small pieces, use a mortar and pestle to grind them.

Anoint your candle with the protection oil. Lay the dried herbs out on a paper towel, and roll the candle over them while it is still wet with the oil. The oil will stick the herbs to the candle.

Light the candle, and burn it until you can do it no longer. I created my other two protection spells while the candle was burning.

NOTE: Keep a close eye on the flame. As with any herb-covered candle, the fire could spread to the dried herbs and quickly burn out of control. Keep a glass of water nearby.

Protection Oil for Windows and Doors

When I was first learning witchcraft, my magic teacher showed me how she rubbed oils on her window and door frames. This is not a new concept; many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians through the Middle Ages, rubbed oils on doors and windows.

More commonly, people would hang, plant, or scatter herbs near their doors for protection. Oil blends are easier because they are subtle and can work in any home, including college dorms and apartments.

You’ll need:

Rose geranium oil (use plain geranium if you can’t find rose geranium)
Lavender oil
Frankincense oil
A glass, airtight container for the oils

Clean and consecrate your container. I used a vintage perfume container that I found at a thrift store. You can cleanse the vial through many methods, from crystal charging to moon water. Personally, I consecrated it with myrrh incense.

Combine the oils with two parts rose geranium, one part lavender, and one part frankincense. For example, if you use two drops of rose geranium oil, pour one drop of lavender and frankincense oils. I did ten drops of rose geranium and five drops of the other two.

Leave it on your altar overnight to charge. I placed mine on a wooden Goddess symbol. If you perform this spell during a full moon, you may charge it with the moonlight. Do NOT charge it in sunlight; the light will degrade the oils.

The next morning, take your oil vial outside with a cotton ball. Place the oil on a cotton ball and rub it along your door and window frames. If you live on the second floor or above, you may do this inside.

Try to rub the oil on all four corners, if possible. You do not have to cover entire doors in oil. A little bit goes a long way.

Refresh this spell every six months.

Graveyard Dirt Protection Powder

Graveyard dirt has many magical properties, which you can learn more about in the post Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt. One of its properties is protection, especially when it’s from the grave of a loved one (such as Goofer Dust in Hoodoo).

Use some from a reliable spirit whom you’ve worked with before, such as an ancestor. Think of it this way: which spirit do you want guarding your home?

This is a warding powder made with graveyard dirt.

You’ll need:

Graveyard dirt
Juniper berries or ground juniper
Black salt
Patchouli oil

Ask the spirit’s permission to use their dirt in a protection powder. When you have permission, combine the dirt with black salt (not cooking black salt--witches’ black salt. Learn more in the next section).

Add juniper berries and grind in a mortar and pestle. Pour two to three drops of patchouli essential oil, and mix. Keep this powder in an airtight glass container.

Scatter the powder around your home, especially the front and back doors. If you live above-ground, spread the powder along window sills and balconies.

Why I Chose These Ingredients

Candle - Both black and white candles are used in protection spells. Black candles can also aid with banishing and absorbing negativity, and white candles promote purity, serenity, and calling on spirit guides.
Black Salt - Black salt is a mixture of table salt with an ingredient that turns it black, such as charcoal or ash. While all salt is relevant for protection spells, black salt is specifically designed to ward off evil spirits.
Dill - Dill comes from the Norse word dilla, meaning “soothe.” In the Middle Ages, people planted dill to protect them from witchcraft. You can also carry it in a sachet for protection. When hung over a door, dill prevents people who are ill-disposed or jealous from entering.
Frankincense - In both Christian and Jewish traditions, frankincense is burned for consecration. It also releases purifying vibrations that drive away evil and negativity. In Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense is used to boost other magical herbs in a ritual.
Geranium, Rose - Geraniums of all types are used in protection spells, as they tend to ward off predators like snakes. I have personally had a lot of success with rose geranium. In folklore, people would rub rose geranium on doors, doorknobs, or windows for protection. You can also place it in a protection sachet.
Graveyard Dirt - This is dirt from a cemetery or grave. Learn more about its associations in this post: Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt.
Juniper - Juniper, both the berries and leaves, was a popular protective herb in Europe during the Renaissance and Middle Ages. It was hung above doors and carried to prevent theft and burned during exorcisms. A sprig of juniper was believed to guard against illness and malicious ghosts.
Lavender - Lavender is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and early Christians would make crosses from lavender to ward off evil. Because of its ability to repel pests, lavender is used in protection satchels and to dispel the evil eye.
Oregano - If oregano grows near a home, it is said to protect that house from evil. Oregano is also great in death work. The ancient Greeks believed that if oregano grew on a grave, the deceased was happy in the afterlife.
Parsley - The Romans wore parsley during weddings to ward off evil spirits. They also tucked the herb into their togas for protection. In ancient Greece, victors of funeral games were crowned with parsley to honor the deceased. They believed that the herb grew from the blood of Archemorus, whose name meant “forerunner of death.” You can also use parsley in purification baths and in spells to prevent misfortune.
Patchouli - Patchouli’s smell links it with the rich earth, and it is often used as a substitute for graveyard dust. You can find it in many money and prosperity spells, too.

For More Protection, Check out These Posts

Which protection spells have you done in the past? How often do you need to refresh them? Have any not worked? Let me know in the comments below!