Category: Witchcraft

Herbal Smoking Blends for Spirit Work

1/14/2022

I’ve never been one to drink or smoke weed. However, I have been smoking herbs for years. While herbs can produce a hallucinogenic or sedative effect, they are not as strong as other drugs. That makes them ideal for a lot of people who don’t want to feel high but want some assistance in magic.

Herbal smoking blends can aid magic in many different ways. They can enhance psychic vision, induce trance states, promote sleep, and relax the body. Herbs are also cheaper and more accessible than other smoking ingredients.

In this post, I’ll talk about some magical smoking herbs and how you can use them for spirit work. I will not mention weed, tobacco, or other drugs because I don’t have experience with them. I’ll dive into correspondences first; then, I’ll discuss blends and uses for anyone who wants to try herbal smoking.

Chamomile: Chamomile frequently appears in tea recipes to improve sleep and dream work. In smoking blend, it also enhances prophetic dreams and divination. Smoke it to induce vision and bring about clarity during times of spiritual confusion.

Many like chamomile in smoking blends because it is gentle and has a nice flavor. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the Sun God Ra, but others associate it with the Moon for its dream enhancement.

Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot is a common base for herbal blends because of its neutral flavor and relaxation effect. In magic, people burn it to induce visions. This not only helps divination, but also wealth and business spells where you can use some prophecy.

Coltsfoot is also a love charm and works in Venus magic.

Damiana: Although damiana is a well-known aphrodisiac in its native country of Mexico, it also aids spirit work. When burned, damiana sharpens one’s psychic vision. Any kind of spirit work that includes visions–such as psychic dreams, scrying, and astral travel–can benefit from damiana. So can any magic associated with Venus.

Damiana works as a base for smoking blends. It is also a mild hallucinogen. However, hallucinations tend to occur around 200 mg, so you’d have to smoke A LOT for these health consequences.

CAUTIONS: Can affect blood sugar levels.

Lavender: Lavender is a well-known magic ingredient that promotes sleep, calm, and love. In smoking blends, it relaxes the body. Since lavender is associated with the element of air, its smoke can also help people see ghosts and other spirits.

Lavender is also used in glamors. Smoking it can make you appear more attractive and help you feel joyous. Many love adding lavender to smoking blends simply for its smell and flavor. It is governed by Mercury and assists with purification and protection rituals.

Lemongrass: You might have heard that lemongrass tea can progress psychic powers; smoking it can do the same. Since this plant is ruled by Mercury, it improves psychic skills from divination to glamors.

Lemongrass has a slight lemon smell that makes it relaxing, and it can even help people sleep. I often include this herb in blends for flavor.

Marigold: Marigold, also called calendula, was well-known in ancient rituals. It appears in Dia de Los Muertos, on the altars of Hindu deities, and in Aztec and Mayan ceremonies. In smoking, it has a sweet citrusy flavor that relaxes the body.

In magic, it promotes spirit sight and visions. It is known to produce clearer and less frightening visions. Smoke it prior to trance work and scrying. Like rosemary, marigold is a fire herb associated with the Sun.

Mugwort: Mugwort has many uses for a spirit worker; magicians drink it as a tea before divination and wash divination tools with it. When smoked, mugwort can aid psychic workings, induce lucid dreaming, and help hedgecrossing. As a hallucinogen, it has a long history in spirit work and is associated with the Moon.

Mugwort can give you the “burning” feel in your throat. To prevent this, dampen it a bit before smoking.

CAUTIONS: Can cause nausea and is toxic in excessive doses. Do not use if you are allergic to daisies.

Mullein: Mullein is a mild sedative that many people smoke to relax their lungs. Magic-wise,its smoke is said to summon the dead; the Romans used them to make torches during funeral processions. Because it has the nickname “graveyard dust,” many people falsely claim that it is a substitute for graveyard dirt. (To be clear: it is not.)

Mullein is often hung, carried, or put in pillows to dispel evil spirits. In smoking, it calms and centers the spirit, which can help you with astral work, prophetic dreams, and divination. Practitioners debate over which planet rules it; Agrippa said it was Mercury, but Culpeper claimed it was Saturn.

Because mullein has little effect when smoked and a gentle smell, many use it as a base. It works well with any herb on this list and has few side effects.

Passionflower: Passionflower has a fantastic flavor and sedative effect. Unlike similar herbs, it can produce a “high” in large enough amounts.

Magically, passionflower aids sleep and brings peace. Many place it around the home to relieve troubles, and you might feel calmer after smoking it. Ruled by Venus and water, passionflower is a great addition to almost any smoking blend.

Rose: Although many label rose as “the love herb,” it has many other magical properties. Its soothing scent can relax people and relieve headaches. In teas and smoking blends, rose induces prophetic dreams.

Rose can be smoked before bed or before a ritual that requires a calm head and concentration. It’s a water herb associated with Venus.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a common incense in magic. Many burn it prior to magic to purify the area, but it can also boost divination. If you want an answer to a question, burn rosemary and inhale the smoke. The herb will grant you psychic clarity. The ancient Greeks associated rosemary with memory and would toss sprigs into graves. Using it in spells might improve your memory.

Rosemary is often paired with juniper for a purification incense, but I don’t recommend smoking juniper. The berries are incredibly oily and produce a lot of smoke! However, you can combine rosemary with other cleansing herbs prior to rituals. It’s a fire herb governed by the Sun.

Spearmint: The scent of spearmint increases psychic powers and intuition. It is a popular smoking herb for its flavor and ability to relax the lungs.

Spearmint can pair with any spirit work blend, but it also supports meditation, healing spells, and love spells (hence its association with Venus and water). If peppermint is too strong for you, try this.

Wormwood: The smell of wormwood is said to increase psychic powers. Many budding magicians carry or wear it for this purpose. Burning it attracts spirits, including the dead. The ancient Egyptians created inks with wormwood and wrote to the deity Bes as a form of divination.

Wormwood also has a protective element, especially when combined with mugwort. It is ruled by Mars.

CAUTIONS: While wormwood is not hallucinogen, it can be toxic in large amounts.

Three Herbal Smoking Blends

Anyone with the proper knowledge of herbs can create a smoking blend. But I have a few personal recipes to get you started.

I divided these blends into “parts” instead of grams and teaspoons because I don’t know how you smoke herbs. You can adjust the measurements to your smoking device.

Hedgecrossing Blend: two parts damiana, two parts mugwort, one part lemongrass. This blend sharpens your spirit vision and prepares you for trance work.
Spirit Vision Blend: three parts coltsfoot, two parts spearmint, one part rosemary, one part wormwood. This blend can help you see and sense spirits.
Prophetic Dreams Blend: two parts chamomile, two parts lavender, one part marigold, one part roses. This blend is designed to relax the body and increase the likelihood of getting spiritual dreams.

Advice for Creating Herbal Smoking Blends

If you want to create your own blend, here are some tips.

When is it unsafe to smoke herbs? In general, people who are pregnant or on medication for mental illnesses should be careful while smoking herbs. Some herbs also conflict with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. I included some cautions above, but ALWAYS research the herbs BEFORE SMOKING THEM! When in doubt, consult a medical professional.
Which herbs do I use? I recommend testing each herb in a small amount by itself before creating blends. That way, you’ll know how you react to each herb. Everybody’s different. For example, some people find passionflower to be mellow, while others feel a bit too sedated after smoking it.
How do I know that an herb is safe to smoke? In general, herbs that you can drink as a tea are also safe to smoke. However, many come with risks that I mentioned above. Also, the dosage matters. NEVER SMOKE AN HERB WITHOUT PROPERLY RESEARCHING IT FIRST.
How many herbs should I include? Smoking blends vary–some people include only two herbs, while others provide five or six. It depends on your experience and smoking method. My crystal pipe is pretty small, so I can’t include too many herbs in my blend; they won’t fit! I recommend starting with two to three herbs and gradually including more.
How do I smoke the herbs? Again, this is all personal preference. Some people toss herbs onto a charcoal bloke, similar to incense. Others make herbal cigarettes, and others use pipes. Before you drop a bunch of money on a pipe, test out some cheaper methods and see what works for you.
How can I safely smoke herbs? Make sure your room has proper ventilation; open the window, turn on a fan, or keep the door open. Keep a bowl of water nearby in case the fire grows too large. If you don’t know how you’ll react to the herbs, make sure there’s someone you trust in the house with you.

Did I Miss Anything?

Is there anything else people should know about herbal smoking blends? Do you have a favorite ingredient that I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

Is Meditation Necessary in Witchcraft?

12/17/2021

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Meditation: It’s one of the oldest debates in the metaphysical community. Even when I was practicing magic in my hometown–where you only shared your Craft with the five other people who practiced–people argued over whether meditation is necessary. Hell, even chat rooms on Usenet blew up over the meditation debate.

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Proponents argue that meditation has upgraded their Craft or that they cannot imagine magic without it. Opposers claim that meditation doesn’t work for them, and they practice fine without it.

Both sides make valid points. For beginners, this debate is especially confusing, so they often ask content creators for their opinions. I’ve received dozens of messages asking about meditation.

Here’s what I think:

People Are Hyper-Focusing on One Specific Practice Instead of Observing the Bigger Picture.

What do I mean by that?

Meditation is one example of the broader magical practice that I will call trance work. Trance work is intentionally entering a trance to calm the mind and emotions.

Meditation is one method of trance work, and it does not work for everyone. To put this into perspective, imagine if someone argued that every magician must use tarot cards. In doing so, this hypothetical person is ignoring all other methods of divination: scrying, runes, pendulums, osteomancy, etc.

As a community, we would benefit more from discussing trance work instead of arguing about meditation specifically.

What’s the Point of Trance Work?

Trance work intentionally dulls the mind. Emotions will relax and stabilize; intrusive thoughts will occur less frequently. While in a trance, the magician is more susceptible to receiving messages from spirits and deities. Trances are especially important in spirit work. Witches use trances to communicate with spirits, receive visions, and hedgecross (travel to another spiritual domain).

If you’re familiar with psychology, this might remind you of mindfulness. I would say that mindfulness is the halfway point of trance work. Mindfulness practices (including meditation) assuage the body to calm a person’s emotions. Trance work doesn’t just calm people down–it also slows your thoughts.

To be clear, you can still think during a trance. And this state is temporary. But if you’ve ever performed magic and wondered, “Is that my thought, or a message from something?” then you might benefit from trance work.

Magicians use a trance to prevent themselves from interrupting their own experiences. It decelerates anxious thoughts and doubts and allows them to just experience the moment. After the spell/divination/hedgecrossing finishes, they can interpret what happens.

What Methods Can You Use Besides Meditation?

If meditation doesn’t work for you, you’re not alone. Magicians have been practicing other methods of trance work for centuries.

In many historical records–from ancient Greek writings to ceremonial grimoires of the Middle Ages–writers mention the use of hallucinogens. Practitioners would often burn certain plants and experience visions. DO NOT copy these grimoires without proper research. Some of the plants are poisonous, and I do not recommend substances like datura.

That being said, there are some mild hallucinogens and herbs that can contribute to a trance state. And smoke was not the only method. Let’s explore a few others:

Music. Music noticeably impacts our emotions; it can excite us, anger us, or relax us. Certain music can assuage your emotions and mind. I often listen to music along with meditation; you can find plenty of free meditation music on YouTube.
Chants. A chant is a rhythmic phrase that you repeat over and over. Those who have used a Catholic rosary know what I’m talking about. While a chant can be a prayer, it doesn’t have to be. It can be an affirmation, quote, or song lyrics, as long as it is rhythmic and appropriate for the situation.
- A lot of Pagan and witchy music includes chants (i.e. repeatable lyrics) for the purpose of rituals.
Dance. The stereotype of naked women dancing around a bonfire has some historical precedence. Dancing can give you a break from your thoughts, especially in a group. For rituals, most people perform repetitive dance moves that do not require too much energy.
Breathing Exercises. Have you ever noticed that your breath hastens when you’re nervous or stressed? This is because breath impacts the mind and vice-versa. Specific breathing exercises can prepare you for a spell. I will provide two examples.
- Slow Breath - This method slows down your breathing to relax your body and mind. Breathe in and count to a certain number; when you breathe out, increase that number by 1. For example, you can breathe in for 4 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds. By focusing on your breath, your heart rate will slow and anxious thoughts should calm down.
- Fire Breath - Unlike Slow Breath, Fire Breath speeds up your breathing. This method can make people dizzy or lightheaded, so proceed with caution. Breathe rapidly for a few seconds, and then take one deep, long inhale and exhale. I usually make noise during this. Repeat until entering a trance state.

Incense. Witches don’t just light incense because it smells good. The incense serves a magical purpose (such as spiritual protection) and mesmerizes us with its smoke.
Ritual Baths. Many writers recommend ritual baths for cleansing, but it can also mentally prepare you for a large ritual or spell. It will relax and refresh you. Many witches make and sell bath bombs, salts, and herb mixtures for these baths.

Be VERY careful with essential oils; I’ve heard horror stories of people feeling delusional from soaking in wormwood oil or something similar. Always do your research beforehand.

Magical Teas. People have created magical tea recipes for divination, meditation, spirit work, inducing visions, and more. These teas usually contain relaxing herbs that open your psychic senses, such as lavender, mugwort, and yarrow. Here's a full list of tea correspondences.
Herbal Smoking Blends. I will cover this topic in a later post, but for now, know that magical smoking blends don’t necessarily involve weed or tobacco. Generally speaking, herbs that you can drink as a tea can also be smoked. But some might harm people who are pregnant, nursing, or have allergies. ALWAYS RESEARCH BEFORE PRACTICING.

Returning from a Trance

As long as you’re not using hard drugs, everyone’s trance goes away eventually. But it might take a little bit. Personally, I have found that deep trances for hedgecrossing take longer to end, and I might spend a while “coming back to the room.”

If you want to speed up this process, use a grounding technique. Any method of grounding will work, but here are some ideas.

Focus on a textured object such as a crystal, plush doll, or fidget toy.
Play upbeat music.
Have a snack or drink.
Describe objects in the room, either out loud or in your head. For example, you might think, “There’s a shelf right there. Those are my books. Those are my essential oils,” etc.
Perform a “body scan.” Focus on the feeling of the top of your head, and migrate down to your toes.
Give yourself time. You don’t have to feel 100% grounded right away. Returning from a trance is like waking up from a deep sleep; you won’t feel awake right away, but you’ll get there.

What Did I Miss?

What do you think about meditation in magic? Is it necessary? Are there other methods of trance work that I forgot about? Please let me know in the comments below!

Tips for Working with Moon Phases If You’re Not into Astrology

10/17/2021

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I’ve never been keen on astrology. I never knew what a moon sign was before people started asking me about mine on tumblr. Ironically, my Catholic parents are more into it than I am and they often send me horoscopes.

Even so, I incorporate the moon phases into my practice. New moons and full moons are common spell days for me. Even if people don’t practice magic, many like to do something to honor these days, such as taking a bath during the full moon.

When I journal about the moon phases, I often run into blogs that go incredibly in-depth into astrology. Not just what sign we’re in, but where Pluto is, and how close Saturn has come, and which constellation is influencing the season. There is nothing wrong with this practice; plenty of magicians adore complex astrology. It’s just not my cup of tea.

So this post is for people who are not super interested in astrology. You can use the moon phases to your advantage without memorizing the correspondences of each planet. Even if you only work with full moons once in a while, you might benefit from these tips. And since the October full moon lands on the 20th, this is the perfect time to start planning.

What Do People Do during Each Moon Phase?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s discuss what each moon phase means. To be clear, the moon isn’t physically changing; its position to the sun changes, which is what makes it look different from Earth. Most of astrology is based on how planets and natural satellites appear to us. For example, retrogrades occur when a planet appears to move backwards, due to an illusion.

The moon is associated with the subconscious and magic almost universally across folklore. It illuminates aspects of ourselves that we might not otherwise pay attention to. Like the tide, energies ebb and wane with the moon, which is why many people cast spells during certain phases.

I have a moon phase mini-zine with bullet point correspondences for each phase. But here is a more in-depth version of that.

DISCLAIMER: Since this is directed toward people who are not super into astrology, I will not be going into crescent, quarter, and gibbous phases. I don’t personally follow those, and they can get a little too complicated for some people. However, I will discuss waxing and waning phases.

New Moon

The new moon occurs when the moon looks black or invisible. Many consider this to be the start of the moon phase.

Because of this, new moons are associated with beginnings. If you want to change an aspect of your life, such as wake up earlier or eat healthier, the new moon might be a great time to start.

Magic-wise, new moons will amplify any spell that puts projects in motion. Money and job spells fit well here. So do rituals that will enhance your psychic abilities. For spirit workers, this is the ideal time for banishings and divination.

If you have a long-term spell that you cast over time--for example, one where you have to light a candle every day for a week--perform it on the new moon. It will grow in power with the moon phases.

Remember what I said about the moon and our subconscious? Despite having little light, the new moon illuminates the “darker” aspects of our subconscious, such as emotions and biases that we otherwise do not face. You might want to practice shadow work or journal.

Waxing Moon

The waxing moon looks like the moon is “growing.” It develops from a new moon into a full moon. When the moon looks like a crescent, it’s called waxing crescent; when it passes the halfway point, it’s waxing gibbous.

The waxing moon expands whatever you started during the new moon. During this stage, many people work on self-improvement, whether that be a work project or a personal goal or passion.

If you casted a long-term spell on the new moon, it will usually finish during the waxing or full moon. Otherwise, money and attraction spells will gain power here.

For spirit workers, you might want to practice your psychic abilities during this period.

August new moon notes in my prayer journal.

Full Moon

The full moon is famous for helping any spell. Why? Because the moon is at full power, which means that many other energies get amplified. Spirits become more active during this period, and your intuition might sharpen.

Full moons are perfect for single-night spells. You can do anything from protection to love spells to cleansing. Personally, I tend to get a lot of success in spirit work and divination during a full moon.

Another aspect of the full moon that many people forget about is self-care. Because the moon is sending you power, this is the perfect time to recharge. Bath and shower spells are especially popular during full moons, or you can relax with an old-fashioned Netflix binge.

Waning Moon

If the waxing moon is “growing,” then the waning moon is “shrinking.’ The moon’s power is ebbing during a waning moon, especially the last quarter moon (when it’s half full).

This is the time to cool down from all the magic you might have done during the new and full moons. Waning moons usually occur at the end of the moon, when many students and employees feel exhausted.

I view the waning moon as a spiritual cleaning time. Cleansing, meditating, and other stress-lowering practices can recharge you. Work on removing anything that isn’t helping you, whether it’s an emotion, a habit, or even clutter around your home.

If you have long-term spells that are still going during this period, bring them to a close before the new moon.

Tips to Make the Moon Phases Simpler

This might seem like a lot of information because it is. But I have some tips to make the moon phases feel a lot less overwhelming.

Plan what to do beforehand. For the new and full moons, try to research them beforehand. I usually write about them in my prayer journal a few days before. This time, I started a week before to provide an example for this blog post.

Use this as a brainstorming period. What kind of spells work best during this period? Do you want to cast a spell here, or would you rather practice self-care or do something simpler like make moon water?

Remember that you have wiggle room. Because moon phases change slowly, the full and new moons continue for two to three days. If you forgot about the full moon until the last minute (we’ve all been there), relax--you have time.

Don’t feel pressured to perform rituals at night. Many people cast their spells at night when they can see the moon phase. While this does feel magical, you do not have to practice at 10 p.m. The moon will still be full even if you cast a spell during the day. Personally, I tend to practice magic in the mornings because I’m not a night person.

Look up the full moon’s name. Every month, the full moon has a different name and meaning. Most have multiple names. This October, the upcoming full moon on October 20th is called the Hunter’s Moon, Blue Moon, Dying Grass Moon, and Sanguine Moon.

All of these names came from somewhere. If you understand the meaning behind the name, then you’ll get a better idea of what to do on the day.

If you want to, look up the current astrological season. The current astrological season (for example, we’re in Libra right now) can supply some information about the full moon. You do not have to be an astrology expert to gain information from what is currently happening in the stars.

Are there any retrogrades going on? Any planets you like to focus on? If you want to dive a bit deeper, do so. Everyone approaches astrology differently.

You do not need to work during every moon phase. Did you miss this month’s new moon? Don’t worry about it. You are not a failure if you miss a moon phase or choose not to practice magic on these days. Everyone needs a break, and sometimes life gets in the way.

My notes for the 2021 October full moon.

In Summary

Although moon phases play a significant role in peoples’ crafts, they are not a requirement. You do not need to follow the moon phases to practice magic. You also do not need to be an astrology expert.

Everyone’s craft is different. If you’re not interested in casting a spell during the day of Mars in the hour of Saturn, don’t. Your spiritual practice should be fun and rewarding. Work to make it that way!

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Why "Types of Witches" List Are Always Incomplete

10/3/2021

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“Types of Witchcraft” lists are one of the most popular witchy articles online. I can see why; many magicians who are just starting out want to learn what to study. Many more benefit from having some type of label.

My issue with these lists is not that they exist--it’s that they are always incomplete. In this post, I’ll explain the most popular controversies with these lists, and how new practitioners can approach them.

Incomplete? How?

How many types of witches are there? I scrolled through dozens of Pinterest and Instagram posts on this topic, and most only include between 5 and 10 types. Here are the most common types listed:

My zine Death Witchcraft: Volume 1. Death witchcraft is not mentioned on most witchcraft type lists.

Kitchen witch
Green witch
Hereditary witch
Sea witch
Cosmic witch
Divination witch
Hedge witch
Traditional witch
Crystal witch
Wiccan witch
Eclectic witch

This might seem like a long list, but read between the lines. Why is sea witch mentioned but fire and other elements are not? Why is spirit work not mentioned? Hedge magic and divination are methods of spirit work, but spirit work overall seems to have been ignored.

There are also a lot of vague terms on these lists that I don’t understand. Hereditary witch makes sense I guess, but it does not clarify what they practice. It only says that they were taught by a family member, so it’s strange that that is on most lists. I’ve also seen vapid terms like “basic witch” (what does that even mean?)

The most comprehensive list I’ve found is this one on tumblr, which includes 99 types of witchcraft. And I’m sure that some magicians still didn’t find their practice on the list.

So why are these lists so popular, and how did so many types of witchcraft come to be? That’s what I want to explore in this blog post.

The Origin of Witchcraft “Types”

It’s difficult to tell when these “types of witchcraft” lists started popping up, but it likely came after the term rose in popularity. After the release of Gerald Gardner’s Witchcraft Today (1954), the term “witchcraft” was often conflated with Wicca. This is despite his original coven, the New Forest Coven, claiming that they had nothing to do with Gardner’s version of witchcraft.

Later, these two words split and began to mean different things. Witchcraft became a secular (albeit still spiritual) practice that many people in Europe and America used to describe any type of magic. This is not true, by the way; magical practices like alchemy, chaos magic, and Hoodoo are not witchcraft. My own magic teacher absolutely refused to call herself a witch!

Despite this, practitioners wanted a way to distinguish their crafts from one another. The earliest form of this I could find is the division between white and black witchcraft/magic. Although these terms have been thrown around for centuries, they skyrocketed in popularity during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Witchcraft authors pushed the term “white witch” to prove that they weren’t evil.

Many people in the community, including myself, do not like these terms because of the obvious racial implications and inherent “we’re better than other practitioners” mentality. So we got more specific. Kitchen and green witchcraft quickly became mainstream. These focused on herbs and plants and had a lot of historical backing due to folk magic and ancient herbal medicine.

With the rise of the internet, people have had an easier time coining terms for their crafts. If they didn’t find a label they liked, they made one themselves. Urban witchcraft, tech witchcraft, pop culture witchcraft, and so on. Personally, I didn’t find the phrase death witchcraft until 2015, and few people were using it.

Controversies with Witchcraft Types

As you might imagine, not everyone in the occult community likes these terms. Specifically, most people in traditional and ceremonial magic communities will not use these labels. Many have brought up valid arguments against these terms that I want to discuss.

Their main argument is that people don’t need a label to practice magic. More accurately, opposers say that new practitioners waste too much time looking for a label when they could just start studying.

This I agree with. Nobody needs a label to practice magic, and newbies should not feel pressured to pick a witchcraft type just to start. However, many people benefit from a label. We want to clarify what we focus on in our craft, and plenty of people feel proud of their witchcraft type.

The other argument is one I’m less keen on. Many claim that witchcraft types “put people in a box.” In other words, if someone pursues sea witchcraft, then they will automatically miss out on other types of magic (like spirit work, divination, etc.) in the process.

This argument makes sense on paper, but not in practice. In my 13 years of practicing, I have never met anyone who clings to one type of magic. Studying magic automatically leads you to different fields. Green witches often end up researching animism and spirit work. Cosmic witches frequently encounter alchemy, which also relies heavily on planetary associations. Crystal magic has deep roots in divination, which guides crystal witches to spirit or deity work.

When I meet someone who says that they’re a water witch, I assume that water magic is their main focus. I do not assume that they only work with water and also, fuck candles.

That said, I believe peoples’ main concern is for beginners. Many worry that beginners will feel limited or pressured to research only one type of witchcraft. This is what I want to address next.

So What Is the Solution?

I’ve addressed several controversies surrounding “types of witchcraft” articles in this post. After reading through various articles and social media posts on the topic, I’m going to sum up what I believe witches should keep in mind.

Do magicians need to be a “type of witch?”

No.

That said, if they want a label to describe their craft, they can use one. You can even use multiple. I’ve met people who practice multiple types.

Are these terms inherently negative?

No. But people can approach these terms in a self-sabotaging way, specifically by limiting their Craft through labels.

How should new practitioners approach these terms?

View them as options. Read them as inspiration. Remember that you do not have to be a “type” of witch. In fact, you don’t have to be a witch at all.

If you want to practice magic, write down a list of topics you want to explore. Are you interested in spirit work? Ancestors? Which element fascinates you the most? Have you always been fascinated in herbal remedies, crystals, or tarot? Do you want to research magic associated with your culture or heritage?

The more you research, the more you’ll learn what you enjoy. After a while, you can take on a label if you want to.

In Summary

“Types of witches” lists never include all witchcraft types; there are too many.
These terms were invented to illustrate what peoples’ magical focus is and to describe their Craft.
Some people do not like these new terms. They argue that the terms place an overemphasis on labels and put magicians in a box.
Nobody needs to claim a witchcraft type. However, these terms can inspire and help some people.
New magicians should focus on subjects that they enjoy instead of labels. They can always claim a label later.

What do you think about witchcraft type lists? Do you like or dislike these terms? Let me know in the comments below!

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Three Protection Spells to Keep Evil Away from the Home

9/10/2021

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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!

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Scrying: How to Perceive Visions in Crystals, Water, and More

8/14/2021

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In late July, I was scrying with my obsidian mirror. I usually suck at scrying; I used to practice for months and rarely discern anything of value. But this time, I had visions.

I saw the side profile of a woman with a Victoria-era updo. I knew that she was a deceased soul reaching out, so I asked where her grave was. She showed me the silhouette of a gravestone with a curved, crescent moon top. Tall trees were in the background.

Since I had just moved to a new state, I had no idea where this grave was. I looked up some cemeteries on Google maps, and I spotted a forested cemetery with a review that said it was “supposed to be haunted.” That seemed like a solid choice.

When I drove to the cemetery, I couldn’t see it from the road. It was concealed by an abandoned chapel; I would not have noticed it had I not researched the cemetery. Shaded by trees, covered in moss, the cemetery was palpable. It was the first time I felt spooked by a graveyard.

Then, I found it. The gravestone belonged to Sarah Odell, and the cemetery was called Odell. This was her cemetery; she wanted me to know where it was.

Scrying can have some fantastic results. There are many methods of scrying and a vast array of visions to experience, which I am going to cover here.

What Is Scrying?

Scrying, sometimes called “seeing,” is a form of divination in which someone peers into a vessel and interprets visions that they see. Scrying does not require one to be a medium or clairvoyant. Like other magical practices, it simply requires the right method.

Although scrying is often associated with future predictions, it can reveal many other things. Insights into yourself, messages from spirits or deities, and sights into other realms are all on the table.

There are many ways to scry. Here, I’ll list a few of the most popular methods.

Obsidian mirror

Water scrying with cemetery water

Types of Scrying:

Mirrors, or “catoptromancy.” As the name suggests, magicians use mirrors to scry. Some people prefer black mirrors (which you can make yourself with some spray paint). Others consecrate a regular mirror and use that.
Crystals, or “crystallomancy.” This method of scrying requires crystals, not rocks. Some are mirrors, like the highly-desirable obsidian mirror. Others are crystal balls. I should note that these crystals do not have to be reflective; for instance, the Mayans would use jade balls near their gravesites.
Water, or “hydromancy.” This is scrying into water, usually water that is in a bowl. This method was common in necromancy, especially in ancient Rome. Sometimes, the water was taken from a special place, such as a spring or cemetery. Some diviners added oils (like olive oil) to the water, but many left it as is. I recommend using a clear or light-colored bowl so that you can see the water more clearly.
Fire, or “pyromancy.” By peering into a candle flame, fireplace, or bonfire, you might see shapes and visions. Pyromancy involves several aspects that other forms of scrying don’t, including the shadows, smoke, and ash.
Seer stones, or “lithomancy.” In this method, the magician peers into stones from a river, well, forest, or other natural locations. Many people dampen the stones first, and place them in a bowl or container and look at the reflections of the stones.

Preparation: The Most Important Step

I know people usually skip over the “prepare” step (and I do too), but if you do not take time to do this, scrying will not go well.

Scrying doesn’t happen every time someone looks into a vessel. If that were true, everyone would have visions whenever they roasted marshmallows. The power does not lie in the vessel; it is in the magician and how they prime themselves.

Most people scry in a self-induced trance state. Author and blogger Katrina Rasbold phrased it as, “Make your mind as blank as possible.” Scrying works best when the mind is not plagued by impatience, anxiety, or expectations.

I like to smoke an herbal blend before scrying (my favorite is mugwort, damiana, and lemongrass). But you don’t have to use hallucinogens. Meditation clears the mind and can enhance spirit work. Others use music, chants, prayers, visualizations, yoga, and even dance.

You might need to experiment with a few of these methods to learn what works best. If you also practice spirit work, the preparation is similar, in my experience.

Tips for Successful Scrying

Scrying sounds simple: You just stare into a vessel and let visions come to you. But if you’ve ever tried it, you know that it’s not so easy. The mind can get distracted by the reflection, impatiences, or doubting whether your visions are real.

The best scrying advice I ever received was from the old tumblr user ofwoodandbones (oh how I miss them). To paraphrase: “You are not looking at the vessel; you are trying to look through it.” The reflections, lights, and shadows are just the surface. Your visions lie beyond it.

Here are some tips for scrying that I’ve gathered over years of experience:

Do not try too hard to focus. Have you ever relaxed your vision while reading so that the words blurred together? Do that. Scrying requires some loss of control. You aren’t searching for the visions but allowing them to come to you.
If you are peering into a reflective surface, like water or a mirror, dim the lights. Candlelight should suffice. You will get less distracted by reflections in the dark.
If you get distracted by your own movement, re-angle your vessel. I sometimes move my obsidian mirror so that the reflection only shows the ceiling.
Do not judge your visions. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the question, “Was that something spiritual, or just a shadow?” Leave your questions at the door. Let the visions come and go, and write them down afterward. Then, you can decide which visions matter.
Ask for help if needed. I often meditate with the bones of my spirit guides before scrying. Spirits and deities can aid practitioners in divination.
If you feel frustrated or restless, scry in spurts. Set a timer for a few minutes. Scry, and when the timer goes off, write down what happened and take a break. Then try again.
Practice makes perfect. Every form of divination requires practice, and I scried for years before receiving the visions I mentioned above. If something doesn’t work, change it up, or ask another practitioner for advice. Be patient; you’ll get there.

What Will You See?

As with every form of divination, you should not expect to see something while scrying. Your visions could be anything from spirits reaching out to future predictions to answers for your questions.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn describes three levels of scrying, and I believe that these spell out what kind of information you might receive.

The first is “Scrying with the Spirit Vision.” These visions explain something about your inner self. For example, it might be a symbol of a situation you’re struggling with or a message that a deity has for you.

The second is “Traveling in the Spirit Vision.” During this stage, scrying transports you to a different area, whether physical or spiritual. You might see the dead in the afterlife, or you could see a nearby location that you must visit.

The third is “Rising in the Planes.” This is an insight into your spiritual process. Scrying might reveal symbols, spirits, deities, or actions that you should look into to excel in your Craft.

That said, no book or organization can interpret your visions for you. Only you can discern what your divination means and how you can use it.

In Summary

Scrying requires a “clear mind” and plenty of mental and spiritual preparation. Instead of focusing on the reflection, practitioners must relax their eyes and allow visions to come to them. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Have you ever scried before? Has any method worked or not worked for you? Let me know in the comments below.

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Making Magical Inks

4/11/2021

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In the Middle Ages, many grimoires and religious texts were written by monks. Their apprentices would make the inks, and it was a tedious process. Magicians have been creating inks for centuries.

I’ve always been interested in making my own inks, whether it be for my Book of Shadows or protection symbols or prayers. Recently, I finally tried making my own inks, with varying results. I made two: one for spirit work and another for necromancy.

This post is less instructional and more about my own journey. My recipe is not perfect, but it worked well enough in the end. If you are interested in making magical inks, read on.

My Universal Ink Recipe

When I researched ink recipes online, I found a variety of different recipes with different ingredients and methods. But after trying a few and tinkering with them, I came up with this:

Boil one cup of water.
Add two cups of fruits, herbs, or other ingredients for color.
Lower it to a simmer, and leave for around 30 minutes.
Strain out the solids.
Stir in four teaspoons of gum arabic.
When it cools, pour it into your desired container.
Add one to two drops of thyme or spearmint essential oil to preserve it.

Before you start, here are some other tools that you’ll need:

A disposable pot. Inks might stain your pots, and some of the ingredients I use are not edible. To prevent cross-contamination, I recommend buying a disposable pot. I got mine for $6 at Daiso, but you can also get one at a dollar store or thrift shop.
A strainer, preferably one you don’t use as often.
A glass or steel bowl to strain the ink into.
Spoons to stir in the gum arabic.
Containers to hold the ink. I recommend glass containers with a sealable lid. Do not use corks; these are too breathable and can dry out the liquid. I bought my ink wells at an antique market, but they did not come with lids, so I used silicone beer stoppers.
A funnel. This will help you pour the ink into the container.

What Is Gum Arabic, and Do I Need It?

Gum arabic, which is made from the sap of acacia trees, is a natural thickener. People use it to make glue, watercolor paints, and incense.

Some online ink recipes do not include gum arabic, but I personally recommend it. If you do not thicken your ink, it will look more like watercolor: light, translucent, washy. That said, the amount of gum arabic you need depends on how you’re using your ink

I made my inks for dip pens. These are pens that I dip into ink and draw with. Because of this, I needed thicker ink, hence the four teaspoons of gum arabic. If you are making ink for fountain pens, you should use less gum arabic, around ½ to one teaspoon. Use too much, and your pen could clog.

Also--If you can find liquid gum arabic, get it! I bought it powdered, and it’s hard to stir in. The powder immediately starts thickening the second it touches liquid, and it takes a while to dissolve it. I have not tried the resin, but I imagine that it is not much easier.

It took a few tries for me to find a suitable gum arabic ratio for my ink. The same might happen for you. If you find a different recipe, let me know in the comments below!

Which Ingredients Color the Ink?

Finding the right ingredients to color your ink could be a challenge. As a general rule, if a food, flower, herb, or liquid stains your fingers when you pick it up, it’s good for ink. Here are some examples that I did not include in the recipes below:

Turmeric (orange)
Berries (red, black, purple, or blue)
Tea bags (brown)
Red onion skins (purple/red)
Avocado pits (brown/black)
Black walnut shells (black)
Marigold (yellow/orange)
Ash from paper or wood (black)

If you steep a certain herb or flower, and it creates a specific color, it will also work for ink. Examples include chamomile, peonies, hibiscus, rose, lavender, lily of the valley, and daffodils.

But what about magical associations? After all, the entire point of making magical inks is to make them magical. Here is how I made my own ink recipes:

Determine your color and ink.
Write down a list of ingredients that will create that color.
Research the magical associations of these ingredients.
Choose the ingredients that will manifest your intent and create the color.

If you cannot decide which color to choose, check out this post about color magic and correspondence lists.

If you want your ink to have more magic, consider adding incense, graveyard dirt, moon water, tea bags, or herbs. I’ll provide some examples of how I made my own magical inks below.

Red Ink for Spirit Work

My first ink was designed to enhance spirit work. I want to use it to draw protection symbols and summoning circles, and I made it red.

First, I wrote down a list of ingredients that could make ink red: raspberries, turmeric, marigolds, red onion skins, and rooibos tea were some contenders. In the end, I settled on these ingredients:

Beets. These are often used as substitutes for blood and in banishing spells.
Red roses. I often offer roses to spirits to calm them.
Dragon’s blood. This is a common ingredient in magical inks. Dragon’s blood incense is often burnt for both protection and spirit communication. I used the incense.

Specifically, I added one cup of chopped beets, two tablespoons of dried rose petals, and two cones of dragon’s blood incense.

To say that this mixture smelled weird while simmering was an understatement. But it made a deep, purplish red color close to blood, which is what I wanted. After following the recipe I detailed above, here is how it turned out.

It is a light, purplish red color. I have to shake it before using, similar to other inks. If you want to make it more red, perhaps you can add more rose petals than I did.

Black Ink for Necromancy

My next ink was black, and I wanted to gear it toward death witchcraft, specifically. I’m going to use it for necromancy symbols, decorating bones, and writing prayers to my ancestors.

Although there are many ingredients that can create black ink, I settled on charcoal. It is essentially ash and appears dark enough (or so I thought).

After examining many different ingredients, I came up with this list:

Charcoal blocks. Historically, many magicians used charcoal to write in grimoires. It was viewed as a “cure all” against diseases, psychic attacks, and protection.
Myrrh. Called the “oil of holy ointments” in the Bible, this incense became common in necromancy spells. It is often burned to purify magic tools and attract spirits.
Graveyard dirt. I wrote about its uses here. I used graveyard dirt from my grandfather’s grave, which is sometimes called “ancestor powder.”
Coffee. Coffee is a spell booster that adds more power to the ink. If my charcoal ended up not working, the coffee would provide some color.
Cemetery water (optional).

As soon as the charcoal blocks hit the water, they disintegrated. Charcoal does not dissolve, but it does “melt” into the water. I only had myrrh incense sticks, so I scraped off the incense into the water. I added two tablespoons of coffee and a tiny bit of graveyard dirt.

The mixture smelled like myrrh, moreso than coffee. To remove most of the charcoal powder, I had to strain the ink a few times. The coffee seemed to dissolve right into the water.

Unfortunately, this ink turned out more brown than black. If I were to do this again, I would use more charcoal. I only used two blocks for this recipe, so in the future, I’ll use four or five. Like the previous ink, I also need to shake it before using.

Would You Create Magical Ink?

What do you think about these magical ink recipes? Do you want to make your own, and if so, for what purpose? Do you have a better recipe than me? This was my first time making inks, and I have a long way to go. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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Budget Witchcraft: 34 Magic Supplies You Can Buy at Thrift Stores

3/27/2021

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On the 2021 spring equinox, my husband and I were standing in line (six feet apart from everyone) in the Long Beach Sun. We were behind two friends with very distinct laughs, across the street from a university’s florist department, and next to an ice cream seller in a tux ringing a bell. Eventually, we got into the Long Beach Antique Market.

This market had around 500 sellers of thrift items and antiques. With $200 in $20s, I was specifically looking for altar and witchcraft items. And I was not let down. I got everything from dried plants to altar decor to animal bones.

Many people ask me about witchcraft on a budget. If you’re reading this, then you probably know how expensive some magic tools and metaphysical shops are. But everyone can practice magic with little to no money. To prove it, I’ve made a list of witchcraft and Pagan supplies that you can buy at thrift shops, antique stores, and flea markets.

These items are divided into four categories: spell ingredients, witchcraft tools, altar items, and storage. You’ll find some crossover; for instance, the vials that I mention in Storage are also decorating my altar. At the end, I’ll show you how much you can decorate an altar with thrifted supplies.

Spell Ingredients

These are items that you can potentially use in spells.

Animal bones. Animal bones, especially skulls, can cost dozens to hundreds of dollars. Thrift stores and flea markets sell a variety of bones for cheap. At one booth, I found jaws, horns, teeth, skulls, and more for cheap. I bought two coyote skulls for $40, which usually cost between $30 and $150 each on Etsy. Other skulls were as low as $25. At a different booth, I fought a tiny spine and herb in a jar--although the seller did not know what bone it was.
Candles. Some thrift stores provide candles alongside candle holders. You will usually see tealight and pillar candles, which often come with the holder. If you are looking for small candles in every color, though, visit a metaphysical shop.
Crystals. You might be surprised how many thrift stores and flea markets offer crystals. Most sellers offer geodes, but many also sell polished crystals, himalyan salt lamps, raw crystals, towers, and more. At the antique market, one booth provided colorful geodes for $3 each. You can even find decorative altar crystals for cheap. I bought a grape design made with amethyst for only $15, far lower than most metaphysical shops. The booth also offered grape designs in jade, rose quartz, and more (although I forgot to snap a picture).
Incense and incense holders. Many thrift stores supply vintage and modern incense holders. In my experience, most sellers only provide the holder, not the actual incense. But you can sometimes find a seller that offers stick incense or resin.
Plants, both living and dried. If you go to a flea market or antique fair, you will likely see a lot of plant booths. Plant sellers are popular there, as many people go for pots and home decor. Some sellers also specialize in dried plants, from roses to eucalyptus to baby’s breath. You can use these for altar decorations or as spell ingredients.
Shells. Seashells, seaglass, exoskeletons--all of these are sold in certain thrift shops.
Smoke cleansing bundles. Some antique sellers also offer smoke cleansing ingredients because it fits with their other products. Sweetgrass, sage, and palo santo are often sold at a discount. Unfortunately some sellers do not know where these ingredients were sourced.

Witchcraft Tools

These include divination tools, books, and other items that you might use for spells, but not in them.

Bells. Bells are common witchcraft tools. On Wiccan altars, you’ll often find a bell rung to cleanse the space. If that sounds like something you’d want to use, go thrift hunting.
Jewelry. If you like devotional jewelry, then you can find a wide variety of vintage necklaces, bracelets, and more at thrift stores and flea markets. Some sellers specilalize in jewelry.
Knives and spoons. Utensils are frequently used in witchcraft. For instance, a knife can carve symbols into candles or wood. Spoons can scoop dried herbs into containers.
Mirrors. Many magicians designate a single mirror for scrying. Thrift shops sell a variety of vintage mirrors in many sizes. If you are looking for an obsidian mirror, however, you might need to hunt elsewhere. But if you only want a black mirror, you can also paint a vintage mirror black.
Mortar and pestles. A mortar and pestle is quite expensive, but you can find wooden, stone, marble, and ceramic ones at flea markets if you get lucky. I personally recommend either marble or ceramic. If you buy a used mortar and pestle, do not grind foods that you will eat in them. You don’t know where it has been; the cracks might contain something toxic.
Pendulums. Although it’s rare, some antique sellers offer pendulums. You can also find vintage necklaces that can operate as a pendulum.
Pipes. If you like to smoke magical blends, then you can probably find a pipe at a flea market. However, you will need to clean it thoroughly before using it.
Pots and pans. If you plan to make inedible magical tools--such as ointments, candles, or inks--buy an old pot or pan at a thrift store. You won’t have to worry about cross-contamination with your regular cooking utensils. Plus, the inks and ointments might stain your pot.
Scrying bowls. Do you want to try water scrying? If so, get a cheap bowl at a thrift shop or flea market. I recommend a glass bowl that allows you to see the water more clearly.
Singing bowls. When I was at the antique fair, I saw several booths offer singing bowls. They sell for a lot less there than metaphysical shops. If you are interested, check out some local thrift stores or antique shops.
Witchcraft books. Many popular witchcraft books are from the 20th century. If you’re looking for one, check a used bookstore. I bought almost all of my Cunningham books from used bookstores. Many libraries supply witchcraft books, too.

Altar Items

Whether you are religious or not, you can put some of these items on your altar.

Altar cloths. Altar clothes don’t have to be from a metaphysical shop. Thrift shops sell a variety of tablecloths, placemats, and blankets that can function as altar cloths. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics to protect whatever your altar sits on.
Books. If you’ve read my tips for a Pinterest-worthy altar, you know that I like to elevate some objects to create different heights. Vintage books are perfect for this, and thrift shops sell them for a few bucks each.
Candle holders. I have never seen a thrift store that did not sell candle holders. If you are looking for more expensive materials, such as brass or glass, go thrifting. They are much, much cheaper than brand store holders. For $10, you can buy a variety of candle holders with different heights, designs, and colors.
Fake bones and skulls. Although I encourage the use of real animal bones, some people are not comfortable with that. If you prefer fake bones to put on your altar, then thrift stores can provide that, too.
Frames. Do you like art on your altar? On my Hades altar, I have a sator square that I drew in pen and ink. You can buy frames for devotional or magical artworks at thrift shops. You can paint wooden frames, too!
Offering bowls. Thrift stores offer a wide variety of ceramic, plastic, and glass bowls to put on your altar. I personally recommend fireproof bowls for offerings. Aim for “fine ceramics” which can withstand high temperatures.
Religious votives. Some sellers provide religious votive candles at thrift shops. If you are looking for saints or angels, though, you can also check your local grocery store.
Statues. You might be surprised how many antique sellers offer statues that you can put on your altar. I have seen Egyptian, Norse, Buddhist, and many other statues at flea markets and shops. My Greco-Roman woman statue came from the Long Beach Antique Market, although I was 10 or 11 when I bought the set of two. If you like animal and angel statues, you will find them in abundance.
Teacups and teapots. I use certain vintage teacups for offerings (they were my grandmothers’). I also have a small teapot that goes on my altar. If you’d like something similar, then you will have no trouble finding teacups and pots at antique stores.

Storage

These include jars, shelves, and other materials to store your magic supplies when not using them.

Spice containers. Although flea markets rarely offer spices, they often sell spice racks and containers that you can repurpose for dried herbs, graveyard dirt, moon water, etc.
Glass bottles. Vintage medicine and alcohol bottles are often sold in thrift stores. These stylist containers can hold liquids, herbs, or plants that you display on your altar.
Glass jars. Small jars can hold herbs, crystals, graveyard dirt, moon water, and several other tools. At a flea market, I even bought old ink containers to store magical inks. You can buy them in a variety of sizes and colors for only a buck or two.
Hanging shelves. Many people convert wall space into altar storage with shelves. Thrift shops offer unique, vintage shelves that give you that “witchy” feel. Some of the shelves have doors and drawers designed to hold spices. Use these for herbs and other spell ingredients.
Perfume bottles. If you want a liquid container that looks amazing on an altar, search for vintage perfume bottles. They come in a variety of colors and can seal liquids efficiently. The spirit oil that I detailed in a previous post is in a thrifted perfume bottle.
Storage containers. In my opinion, every magician should have a spare storage container for their supplies. Thrift shops offer crates, trunks, tins, and other storage containers for cheap. You can also buy tiny lockers or bookshelves to decorate your altar.
Vials. Vials are small containers traditionally designed to hold liquid medicines. If you use oils, moon water, or other magical liquids, look for vials. Antique glass vials sell for around $20 on Etsy, but they are far cheaper when thrifted. One seller offered vintage Egyptian vials of various colors and heights. I got mine for $15, and it contains cemetery water.

Building Altars with Thrifted Items

When I got back from the Long Beach Antique Market, I challenged myself to decorate my altars using mainly thrifted supplies. It was easier than I expected; at least 70% of each altar was bought secondhand.

If this looks like a lot of supplies, remember that I’ve been practicing for over ten years. I’ve visited a lot of antique stores and gathered supplies over time. Not all of these were from the Antique Market.

I have three altars, all on my dresser. I will name all of the items on each that were thrifted.

Altar #1: Wiccan Altar

Thrifted items: the Goddess statue, teapot, both pink bowls, amethyst grapes, opal apple, books, white vase, dried eucalyptus, air plant and its holder.

Altar #2: Death Witchcraft Altar

Thrifted items: coyote skull, glass vial (holding cemetery water), perfume bottle (holding spirit oil), pink container (holding graveyard dirt), black offering bowl.

Altar #3: Hades Altar

Thrifted Items: mythology book, glass jar with bone, black frame, coyote skull, green glass bottles, dried plants, amber medicine bottle.

Did I Miss Anything?

Do you go thrift shopping for magic supplies? What have you bought? Did I miss any items? Let me know in the comments below!

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Real-Life Locations That Connect to the Underworld

3/6/2021

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Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city that now lies in ruins in Turkey, holds a mysterious religious site. The ancient Romans called it Pluto’s Gate, and later medieval scholars named it “the Gateway to Hell.” Both names, of course, represented the Lord of the Dead, Pluto.

Pluto's Gate - Anette/Pinterest

Pluto’s Gate was a cave that led deep underground, surrounded by bubbling hot springs. Priests would lead animals into the cave as offerings. Onlookers heard the animals panic before a loud thud, and the priest would drag out a dead cow, goat, or lamb. Birds that landed on the cave would eventually suffocate and die. Only priests could enter, and when they did, they experienced visions of the Underworld and the dead.

It’s no wonder why people assumed that this cave led to the Underworld. But in 2013, Italian archaeologists found another explanation. The nearby hot springs emitted toxic gases, specifically CO₂, which made up 91% of the air in the cave. This much CO₂ is deadly and causes vivid hallucinations.

Although Pluto’s Gate has a scientific explanation, it still portrays a universal trope in folklore: real-life locations that lead to the land of the dead. Some cultures call this the Otherworld, Heaven, Hell, or afterlife; I’m going to use the term “Underworld” for simplicity.

There are many other locations that are said to connect to the Underworld, where witches and magicians can more easily speak to the dead. I am going to cover many of these locations here, and how you can use them.

Crossroads

Crossroads in Venice, Italy - Yakir/Pixabay

Crossroads are commonly known as a “thin place” where ghosts, faeries, witches, the Devil, and other spirits appear. You can find stories of the crossroads in Denmark, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, Brazil, and the Kingdom of Kongo. In spirit work, crossroads are so prevalent that the ancient Greeks dedicated a Goddess to them--Hecate.

Some rituals require people to visit the crossroads at certain times, such as at night or on All Hallow’s Eve. Whenever the magician arrived, they usually performed divination. Crossroads were said to connect people to ghosts and tell magicians when people will die.

According to Welsh folklore, if you stand in a crossroads and listen to the wind in the trees, you will hear the names of people who will die. People in the Scottish Highlands would sit on a three-legged stool and wait for ghosts to whisper these names into their ears. In Denmark, practitioners made a triangle with their horse cart and called a ghost by name. They could then ask the ghost three questions.

Because of its associations with the afterlife, crossroads often appeared in funeral processions. In Finland and Wales, the deceased was carried across crossroads during the funeral to protect it against witchcraft and prevent the spirit from haunting the living.

Nowadays, many people visit crossroads to practice spirit work, especially in traditional witchcraft and Hoodoo. Many leave offerings for spirits at crossroads, while others go there to practice divination. Some say that you can dispose of spell ingredients at crossroads, while others go there to perform certain spells, such as hedgecrossing and traveling to the Underworld.

Cemeteries and Graveyards

We all knew that cemeteries and graveyards would be on the list, but I have to mention them. Many, many cultures speak of ghosts that walk around in cemeteries. In ancient cemeteries, everything from the iron gates to the type of trees planted were meant to prevent the dead from haunting the living (see: Trees in Cemeteries).

In traditional necromancy, otherwise known as reanimation necromancy, practitioners aimed to put a person’s soul back into their body. According to authors such as Ebenezer Sibly, necromancers needed a fresh body to do this, usually no older than three days. The necromancers would approach the corpse at sunset, midnight, or on a full moon. They would cast a circle, light (usually poisonous) incense, and perform rituals to reanimate the body and speak to it.

Most people do not practice this anymore because (1) digging into a grave is illegal, (2) entering cemeteries at night is usually illegal, and (3) it’s just flat-out disrespectful to the deceased.

Instead of performing necromancy at cemeteries, modern-day practitioners go there to collect graveyard dirt, speak with local spirits, clean graves, and give offerings. I’ve covered these topics already in these posts: Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt and How to Commune with Spirits While in a Graveyard.

My photo of a cemetery in Ramona, CA.

Caves

Light pours into a cave - Ivana Cajina/Unsplash

As you could probably tell by the Pluto’s Gate story, caves are often linked to the Underworld. After all, many of the ancients believed that the Underworld was literally right under their feet. Necropoles, graves, and burial sites were all underground--as are caves.

Stories of caves leading to the afterlife date back to ancient Babylon. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh entered a cave on Mount Mashu to cross the Sea of Death and enter Paradise. Across the world, the Mayans performed religious rituals in caves along the Yucatan Peninsula, believing that they connected to the Underworld. When a person was born, they emerged from the Underworld; when they died, they returned to it.

One thing to note is that, in most cultures, caves are perceived as dangerous, not just physically but spiritually. People who entered the Underworld were unlikely to return. In Ireland, caves were not only houses for ghosts, but for fae. The ancients warned children not to go near caves, or else they could get kidnapped by the fae. In England, people carved “anti-witch” marks into caves to prevent witchcraft, many of which still exist today. Because these spiritual sites were so risky, the only people who inhabited them were shamans, priests, or oracles.

Although records upon records of folklore associate caves with the Underworld, modern practitioners do not use caves as much. Certain caves see practitioners arrive for a ritual, but other than that, not many people use caves for magic.

Bridges

In many cultures, bridges symbolize the transition between life and death. On some Scandinavian gravestones, you might see inscriptions of bridges, implying that the soul crossed one to reach the afterlife. It is no wonder, then, that real-life bridges are viewed as hot spots of spirit activity.

A bridge in Shatin Park, Hong Kong - Wai Siew/Unsplash

In Germany, Russia, France, Italy, and many other countries, bridges are viewed as a “thin place” that ghosts frequent. Most often, the bridges that attracted practitioners were called Devil’s Bridges. These stone arch bridges had an unusual shape, and the ancients claimed that the Devil himself built it.

Some believed that witches and other magical practitioners would cross bridges during the Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt was a procession of spirits from ghosts to fae that occurred many times throughout the year, usually around Yule. Because bridges are seen as routes to the Otherworld, many people use them for hedgecrossing or astral projection.

Rivers

River in Aosta, Italy - Mario Álvarez/Unsplash

If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, then you know about the river Styx carrying souls into the Underworld. But the Greeks were not the only culture who associated rivers with the afterlife. In Japanese Buddhism, souls have to cross the Sanzu River to reach the afterlife. The ancient Egyptian Underworld, Duat, included rivers similar to real-life Egypt. In some traditions, Mesopotamian Underworld, Kur, also had a river.

Now, rivers leading to the Underworld (like Styx) and rivers in the Underworld (like the other four rivers in Hades) are two very different things. Nonetheless, a lot of people associate rivers with the realm of the dead. Many who have hedgecrossed to the afterlife describe rivers, and I knew one death witch who used her bath to travel to the afterlife.

Unlike other locations on this list, Underworld rivers were not usually equated with real-life locations, like the Nile. They were deemed to be entirely different rivers, possibly similar or identical to the physical world, but in another realm.

That has not stopped people from experiencing hauntings around rivers, especially in the U.S., where many rivers were sites of Civil War battles. You might have some luck connecting to ghosts by rivers; at the very least, you will meet local land spirits there.

Rainbows

In many cultures, rainbows connect the living to the dead. From Germany to Hawai’i to Australia, many cultures viewed rainbows as a way to connect humans to spirits and Gods.

In terms of deceased souls, folklore from Austria and Germany said that children’s souls ascended to Heaven through the rainbow. Unborn children also reached the afterlife through a rainbow serpent, according to Australian Aboriginal mythology.

Nowadays, the rainbow holds many other meanings, from gay rights to miracles to God’s promise after the flood. Some practitioners perform certain religious and spiritual rituals during rainbows, or use the symbol of the rainbow in their work. Others gather rainwater when a rainbow appears, believing that deceased loved ones send them a rainbow to let them know that they’re okay.

A rainbow touches a meadow - Pexels/Pixabay

Other Notable Locations

While I was researching, I came across some other locations that are associated with ghosts, mainly through urban legends. There is not enough information for these to have a full section, but I want to include them because they’re interesting.

Mazes have appeared in both Egyptian and Celtic mythology as being part of the afterlife. The idea is that ghosts cannot navigate mazes, so it keeps them inside the Underworld.
Wells are often sites of hauntings. They connect the top of the earth to the deep underground, which many interpret as leading to the Underworld.
Certain roads, highways, and tunnels are seen as ghost hot spots, largely due to traffic accidents there. Tales of ghost hitchhikers are common in these areas.
Fields--most ancient Underworlds are described as large fields, including reeds, grass, lakes, and so on. Many people see this while hedgecrossing.

Conclusion

Many ancient civilizations perceived real-life locations as connecting to the Underworld, including caves, rivers, rainbows, and bridges. These places were known as a “thin place” where people can more easily sense ghosts.

Modern practitioners can use this to their advantage by performing divination there, giving offerings to local spirits, or gathering tools from there such as graveyard dirt.

Is there any location that you associate with the dead? Or do you go somewhere to practice your Craft? Let me know in the comments below!

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Demon or Deity? How to Confirm That You’re Talking To a God or Goddess

2/24/2021

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In the early 5th century, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote a theological essay against Paganism called On the Divination of Demons. In it, he proposed the argument that all Pagan Gods are actually demons in disguise.

If you have not heard of St. Augustine, you should know that he kickstarted many arguments for Christianity. He was born 40 years after Rome officially became Christian, although most of the Empire was still Pagan at this time. Augustine’s mother was Christian and his father was Pagan, so he understood both sides. He wrote many philosophical arguments for Christianity, his largest being The City of God.

In On the Divination of Demons, Augustine fought back against the assertion that a Pagan Oracle predicted the invasion of Serapis's temple. He argued that Gods did not speak to this Oracle; demons did.

[3.7] The demons have also gained, through the long span through which their life is extended, a far greater experience of events than humans can attain, since their lives are brief. Through these capacities, which the nature of an aerial body is allotted, the demons not only predict many things to come, but also do many wonders. Since men cannot say and do these things, some judge them worthy of their service and the bestowal of divine honors, especially under the impulsion of the vice of curiosity, on account of their love of false felicity and of earthly, temporal excellence.

As a side note, Augustine also argued that future predictions were not impressive because circus performers also do things that he couldn’t understand.

[4.8] How many marvelous things have funambulists and the other theatrical specialists done? How many marvelous things have artisans and especially contrivers made? Are they really then better than men who are good and endowed with holy piety?

I’m not trying to undermine St. Augustine’s intelligence, but I laughed so hard when I read that he compared acrobatics to accurately foreseeing an invasion.

Regardless, the idea that Pagan deities are actually demonic pervades through Christian literature. We see it in sermons, theology, Dante’s Inferno and Milton’s Paradise Lost. It is no wonder, then, that many people fear that messages from Pagan deities are actually demonic in origin.

Can Spirits Impersonate Deities?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is it depends on your method, experience level, and knowledge of the situation.

If you do not know how to fact-check the messages you are receiving, you are prone to deceit. If you are not used to the deity’s signs or how They speak, you are prone to deceit. And if you do not know which red flags to look out for, you are prone to deceit.

I find that people most often encounter this with divination. Divination is one of the best ways to contact a spirit or deity, and it is easy to fact-check by asking the same questions over and over. But if you do not know how to do that, then a spirit can easily take over your pendulum/cards/whatever divination tool.

That said, not all shocking or disturbing messages stem from malicious spirits. Sometimes, people just misinterpret signs. If a practitioner is stressed, anxious, angry, etc., they can mistake these strong emotions for intuition or divine signals. I’ve seen it happen even in practitioners with 10+ years of experience.

People often ask me if they need protection spells to contact a deity. No, you do not. I always recommend spiritual protection for people who are interested in magic, because it is better to be safe than sorry. But you don’t need a spell to know who you’re talking to; you just need to know the signs.

Red Flags to Watch For

While you are trying to communicate with a deity, watch out for these red flags. Regular readers might recognize some of these from my malicious spirits post. That is not a coincidence.

The tone of the message drastically changes. This is by far the biggest and most common red flag that you are not speaking to a deity. Let’s say, for example, that you recently received a sign from the Goddess Ceridwen that She wants to work with you. The next week, you receive another divination message that She does not like you. Deities do not choose people willy-nilly, and They rarely change their mind without good reason. If this happens, double-check your divination.
Someone interpreted the message for you. Deities do not need to go through others to speak to you. Even if you cannot hear Them directly, deities can contact you through many different ways. If someone else does a reading that sounds completely different from what a deity has told you, question it. Especially if it came without request. For instance, if someone randomly told you “I heard that Ceridwen doesn’t like you” without you asking for a reading, that would sound fishy, right? Because it is. Even if that person is a friend, they can still be wrong.
The message is overly negative or apocalyptic. I've heard an unfortunate amount of people claim that their deity said the world was gonna end, that they were going to die, etc. What are the chances that a deity, who is in constant contact with thousands of worshippers, only told that to you about the apocalypse? Giving someone a sense that they are “the chosen one” is a sign of a malicious spirit. This goes hand-in-hand with the tone change, too. Deities do not go around insulting people or telling them they’re worthless, especially if you’ve worked with that deity before.
The entity is trying to force your hand. If you’ve been in the Pagan community for a while, you’ve probably heard that you do not need to answer deities. A deity could ask you to worship Them, but you can also say no. In my thirteen years of experience, I have never heard of a deity punishing someone for not working with Them. If a message sounds like a deity is threatening you, trying to force you, etc., question it.

How to Guarantee That You’re Speaking to a Deity

Depending on your situation, you can try one or more of these techniques to fact-check the concerning message.

Ask the same question several times. When you use a divination tool, write down all answers to your questions. Wait at least a day. Then, using the same divination technique, rephrase the question and ask again. Like humans, malicious spirits usually do not remain consistent with their lies.
Is it another entity’s thought, or yours? As I mentioned before, some people mistake strong emotions for divine signs. Self-deprecation, anger, guilt, anxiety--if you think these things about yourself, it does not guarantee that a deity feels the same way. During spirit and deity work, I often ask myself, “Is this message what I anticipated would happen, or is it something never thought of?” Even our closest friends and family can surprise us with unexpected answers.
Familiarize yourself with the deity before trying a new divination method. This might not be possible for new Pagans, but in an ideal world, you should become comfortable with a deity before attempting something new. Learn how They respond to offerings, divination, prayers, written letters, devotional acts, etc. This way, you’ll be more likely to catch when something is off in the future.
Before contacting your deity, stabilize your emotional state. Even the most experienced practitioners can be tricked if they are stressed, angry, self-deprecating, anxious, or sad. It is also possible to misinterpret a deity’s sign if you feel bad. While deities can soothe turbulent emotions, make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, too.
Ask the deity for confirmation. Some people worry that asking a deity about their worries might offend Them. If you feel that a divine message has been compromised, confirm it. The deity might reassure you and, better yet, protect you from future mishaps.
Seek an outside opinion. If you are new to deity work or a certain divination method, ask someone who is more experienced in that field. You can even ask a different form of divination (such as tarot cards or runes) for answers.
Trust your gut. Although this might sound cliche, intuition matters in deity work. Did the message shock you? Scare you? Infuriate you? Does it seem too convenient? If so, ask your deity next time you pray. You may have good reason to doubt.
If you’re constantly worried, put up wards. If you suspect that a spirit is messing with your deity work, cast protection spells. It will give you peace of mind, at least.
Give deities the benefit of the doubt. Deities are here to help people. They want loyal worshippers, not enemies. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and enlighten if you let them. I have personally found that, when people think lowly of themselves, they assume that deities think the same way. They do not. Trust me.

Conclusion

Although it is possible for a spirit to pose as a deity, it is not common. If you reach out to a deity, you more likely receive a response from Them. If you want to learn how deities can contact you, check this post.

St. Augustine made an intelligent philosophical argument in On the Divination of Demons. However, I believe that he is wrong. Pagan deities are not demons in disguise, for two reasons:

This argument can easily be flipped and said about any religion.
We know when we’re talking a deity, because we have methods to fact-check!

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Can Spirits Impersonate Deities?

Red Flags to Watch For

How to Guarantee That You’re Speaking to a Deity

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