queercultleader
garbage heap
ugly goblin boy, poet, shower singer, cat dad, tea drinker, pen snob, broke ass witch, and lover of thrift shops.
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I made this tarot cheat sheet after being inspired on tiktok <3 I hope this can help anyone who needs it!
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Help Support Apache!
Not something I normally do, but I wanted to shout someone out. I was on Etsy searching for a snake shed to use for spell and ritual purposes. I found a seller and checked their profile - then read that all their profits goes to help their fourteen year old dog named Apache that has health issues currently and is on their path to recovery.
They sell a few different items: snake sheds perfect for crafts or witchy purposes, snake shed pendants for some lovely and unique jewelry, plant cuttings, sun catchers, and items for pet memorials or remembrances.
I made a little purchase, but I really wanted to spread the word so maybe they can get more money for Apache who I’m sure is a really good boy.
Here is a direct link to their etsy shop where you can find more information and view what items they’re selling. Let’s team up and support this small business.
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Magical Uses for Cemetery Water and Snow
Connecting to the Dead with Cemetery Water
The first use for cemetery water is to connect with the dead. Because this water is infused with death energy, its function is similar to graveyard dirt.
Put cemetery water into death witch or necromancy-related spells. I used some in my spirit work oil and necromancy ink. You can also add it to salves and oils (not on the body). Dipping a candle in it (not the wick!) and letting it dry might enhance a candle spell. Add a tiny bit to dampen your herbal smoking blend should you want to go hedgecrossing or divine.
To simplify, view cemetery water as a spirit work booster. Anything you add it to should help you connect with the dead.
Another use for cemetery water is lecanomancy, otherwise known as water scrying. Since ancient Rome, necromancers have peered into water to receive messages from the dead.
To practice water scrying, grab a clear bowl (glass is ideal) and pour cemetery water into it. Make sure that the bowl is not too dark; you want to see the water. Light a candle and keep it nearby to illuminate the space. Some people put a bit of olive oil into the water, but that is not necessary. Breathe evenly, clear your mind, and peer into the water. See what the dead wish to show you.
Protection with Cemetery Water
Another potential use for cemetery water is protection. Depending on the folklore, even imitating water can protect you from spirits.
Rub cemetery water onto your windows and doors to ward your home. While leaving a cemetery, toss some water behind you so that spirits don’t follow you home. Painting certain objects in the color of water might dissuade spirits from touching them. Include it in washes to cleanse your divination tools.
To read more folklore about ghosts and water, read the full blog post.
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A Protection and Shielding Masterpost
I have a feeling I’ve done one of these before… But there has been a request for a new compilation of spells to keep one safe from harm. And since God knows that no matter how hard I tag it, my stuff is never really organized… Have a new list.
A Decoy for Protection Purposes [thegodthief]
A Dream is a Wish over the Rainbow Protection Bottle [stormsorceress]
A Series of Protection Spells [cunningcelt]
A Spell for Animal Protection [wandering-alice]
A Technomagic Ward [ritual-and-chaos]
Anti-Intruder Charm [original post removed]
A Spell for Protection Against Unwanted Attention [devoteeofpoppies]
Bear Your Fangs Protection Spell [inkstormcandlespit]
Black Salt - Spell for Protection and Absorbing Negative Energy [sacred-chaotic-geometry]
Blood Magic—Protection Jar [pomegranateandivy]
Blood Ward [mothensidhe]
Briar Rose Protection Spell [christowitch]
Candle Spell: To Protect Your Home [gardenofthequeen]
Cascarilla Powder [belladonnaswitchblog]
Charm for Safe Travel [witchcraftings]
Charm of the Beast [natural-magics]
Complex Bramble Protection Spell [thelivingwiccan]
Cross Protection [windvexer]
Dark as Night Protection Powder [honeycoyote]
“Do Not Want” Online Protection Spell [original post removed]
Doors & Locks Protection Ritual [original post removed]
Dragon’s Blood Public Peace Protection Spell [witchcraftings]
Easy Protection Charm [original post removed]
“Evil Eye” Protection Jar [catthekitchenwitch]
Fire Sigil [windvexer]
Fishcraft: Protecting Your Space [saltwater-phoenix]
Flying Devil Oil [windvexer]
Folk Charms for House and Apartment Protection [original post removed]
Gringotts Anti-Theft Spell Jar [rain-airfox]
Harry Potter Inspired Spell: Protego Totalum [snwitch]
Herbal Protection Bath [thewoodlinds]
Home Guardian [shipping-the-gods]
Home Protection - Delineate Your Boundaries [windvexer]
Home Protection Spell [fuckyeahpaganism]
Home Protection Spell [to-the-earth-we-must-return]
Home Protection Spell [witchcraftings]
Home Protection Talisman [tea-and-witchcraft]
House Guardian [anon-barefoot]
Keep Out Prying Eyes Room Protection Pouch [honeycoyote]
Magically Protecting Your Home - Cairn Method [windvexer]
Make a Protection Charm Bag [christowitch]
Making a Witch Bottle (Protection Charm) [witchsoul]
“Master Protector” Body Scrub [oldmotherredcap]
Mirror Protection Spell [booksandtails]
Moon-Infused Protection Water [seashellies]
PC Magic Warding Spell [bloodstone–circle]
Peacock Key Ward [lavenderwrath]
Pet Protection Powder [breelandwalker]
Personal Protection Powder/Potion [pagan-witchs-reference-guide]
Pet Protection Spell [brujitamae]
Phlegethon Water [pomegranateandivy]
Potent Protective Witch Bottle [original post removed]
Protection Against Unwanted Attention [original post removed]
Protection Amulet [cladinscarlet]
Protection Amulet [thebluechicory]
Protection Amulet (for a Loved One) [thejellyfishwitch]
Protection and Healing from Abuse [vayas-witchcraft-and-spiritual]
Protection Bottle [thebluechicory]
Protection Bottle Charm [liberumbrarum]
Protection Bottle Spell [whitewit-ch]
Protection Charm [diviningdusk]
Protection Charm [natural-magics]
Protection for Artwork and Photography, Witchcraft Style [crystalizedforest]
Protection From Storm [breelandwalker]
Protection Methods [stormsorceress]
Protection Powder Recipes [fuckyeahpaganism]
Protection Sachet [natural-magics]
Protection Satchel to Ward Off Ex-Lovers [feather-set]
Protection Spell [appleglimmer-during-moonlight]
Protection Spell [royalautumnfrost]
Protection Spell for the Heart [natural-magics]
Protection Spell “My Blood is Armour” [wild-ruin]
Protection Vial Necklace [winter-elf-witch]
Protection Witches’ Ladder [shalottlives]
Protective Charm [spellbookofwitches]
Protective Stones Spell [writtensecretsonparchment]
Protective Talisman [windvexer]
Quick & Dirty Protection Powder [graycloakgrimoires]
Quick Protection Spell [moonstonebeginning]
Retreat Into Your Shell Shielding Spell [stagkingswife]
Rice for Protection [thegreenkitchenwitch]
Roadtrip Protection Charm [reverience]
Rosemary Protection Oil [windvexer]
Roughskin - A Protective Glamour Spell [breelandwalker]
Runic Shielding & Cleansing [original post removed]
Sachet for School [magick-mels]
-Screw You Anon- Spell [original post removed]
Simple Protection Jar for your Book of Shadows, Spell Book or Diary [wiccan-asshole]
Simple Protection/Prosperity Bottle [poor-storm-witch]
Simple Protection Spell With a Strong Kick [adviceforwitches]
Simple Protection Water [lesbowitch]
Simple Protective Cleansing Bath [honeycoyote]
Shielding Masterpost [windvexer]
Sleeping Beauty House Protection [rain-airfox]
“Someone’s In My House” Banishing Spell [the-green-hand]
Spectral Clone [calina-miron-yevdokiya-kirill]
Spell Bundle: Protection [seraphickalmagick]
Spell to Give Some Protection to a Loved One [brujitamae]
Stitch Protection [windvexer]
Strong Protection Spell: For Your Home [adviceforwitches]
Styx Water [pomegranateandivy]
The Portable Barricade [magicourf]
Threshold Protection Spell [thepathofthewise]
Thu’um Magix: Become Ethereal [thecoffeecoyote]
Tiny Bottle of Warding (Against Intrusive Thoughts & Feelings) [spidersmagicaletc]
Tough as a Nail, Sharp as a Thorn Protection Spell [atheist-witch]
Travel Pouch/Charm [funnylittlewitchgirl]
Travel Protection Bottle Charm [breelandwalker]
Travel Protection Satchel [feather-set]
Tumblr Account Protection Spell [snwitch]
Wall of Fire Property & House Protection Spell [breelandwalker]
“Watch Over Me” Pet Protection Guardian [oldmotherredcap]
“We’re Going To Have A Party, And You’re Not Invited” Spell [original post removed]
Winter Protection Spell [original post removed]
Witch Bottle [windvexer]
Witch-Bottle to Protect From Negative Energies [thorandaine]
Witch Jar Alternative [fumbletongue]
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get the fuck away from me spell
this is a basic and powerful banishment spell to keep a toxic, malicious person from influencing you, affecting your world, and attempting to hurt you. best done during a waning moon. you will need:
> black pepper (banishment, protection from evil)
> cloves (banishing hostile and negative forces)
> vinegar (banishing, binding, and averting evil)
> black and white candle
> paper and pen with black ink
> a jar with a lid
1. as you light your candles, recognize that the flame creates an aura of fire, will and strength. the black candle burns and summons protection from evil; the white candle burns and brings you cleansing and purifying. meditate on the flames and allow their warm auras to surround you.
2. write the person’s full name (if it’s known) on a small piece of paper. hold the paper in your hands and let yourself feel angry, hurt, sad, or whatever this person makes you feel. charge the paper with the pain this person has caused you, until you feel done. then, take your pen and scribble out the person’s name until it’s completely blacked out and opaque.
3. fold the paper up as many times as you can, and throw it in the jar. sprinkle the pepper and cloves over the paper, then fill the jar with vinegar. this mixture banishes their evil from you and drowns out their will and power to harm you. close the jar tightly. if you wish, use some black wax from your candle to drip onto the lid and seal the jar shut.
4. place your banishment jar in a dark, hidden place, like the bottom drawer of a dresser or the corner of a closet. keep it forever, or until you feel its purpose is fulfilled.
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Return To Sender Spell
I’ve been writing a lot of incantations lately and this is my take on a return to sender spell with maybe some spice. Hey, they struck first. This is pretty straight forward and all you’ll need is:
an envelope
paper and pen/pencil
sea salt or beach sand
spider web or knotted string
bone dust or a small bone
a tear (optional)
poppy seed (optional)
note: If you feel uncomfortable with using spider web or bones, leave them out. You could also replace either item with something that looks like a bone— maybe sculpt something! Spider web represents something hard to get out of— tie and make a mess of some string instead. I made some choices such as dying my paper and envelope with coffee. Coffee is known to speed up a spell so this is simply to send this letter quickly. Poppy seed can be used to confuse or dominate people. I mix it with sea salt to represent something eating away at their protection and causing strife. You can see the contrast of black and white. I used a wax seal to close the letter and tied twine around the letter itself.
You’ll be making a petition paper of sorts! Write on your paper your target’s name and date of birth. Feel free to add a photo of them or whatever you do have. This person should be someone who genuinely caused you pain or tried to; you’re sending whatever negative energy back to them with tax.
The incantation is pretty literal so after you write your letter you’ll simply add it to your envelope and start reading the below lines. On the first stanza third line, “take no salt” add either your sea salt or beach sand. On stanza two when you say, “left a trail” this would be the time you sprinkle poppy seed.
On stanza three line one, you’d add your spider web or knotted string. When you say, “bone dry” you’ll add your bone dust. On the final line, if you can muster a tear, you’d tap the tear on the envelope’s seal and rub it in with your thumb. You want them under your thumb now. Seal the letter and you’re done.
When you think the lesson is learned, take the letter out of the envelope and either keep it or dispose of it. I suggest burning it.
”Out of balance and out of hand
Twisting daggers in my back
Seal the wound and take no salt
Let my blood have a cost
It left a trail so the path is paved
Let them wish for better days
I have that map so they’ll be lost
The tides have turned and they are caught
Resting in their own little web
Quickly made their own bed
Leave them high and bone dry
Feeling low with damp eyes”
#witchcraft#witches#witch#witchblr#witches of tumblr#magic#spellwork#spells#spellbook#book of shadows#easy spells#cheap witch#cheap witchcraft#cheap spells#return to sender#hex#baneful magic#appalachian-witch#aidan's spells
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how to: automatic writing
(note: this is how I personally practice automatic writing. my practices are always evolving and there are always alternative methods and differing beliefs surrounding this practice that work better for others!)
1. build a space and sense of comfort where you will not be interrupted. we want to have a space where you can take a deep breath an let go.
2. cleanse before you start. you can do some kind of full-out ritual OR just do something to make you feel good! shower, tidy up your room, some light energy work.
3. use a full piece of paper or large notebook. something you feel free getting messy in.
4. choose a trick to signal to your brain that you are not doing your normal, every day journaling. either close your eyes, use your non-dominant hand, or look away. we want to disengage the part of your brain that has been writing for years.
5. take a deep breath and begin. start moving your pen before you have anything conscious to write. let your pen just move across the page, even if it’s just moving in loops. do your best to not look.
6. although you can write down some questions you have before you start, remember you can ask questions as you’re writing too! you can speak your questions out loud, write them down on the page, or signal mentally. you are a part of this process. it’s not like you’re possessed during this process. you’re simply setting up conditions to thin the veil between you and spirit.
7. when you feel like things are coming to an end, wrap up with a grounding practice. eat something, drink something, stretch, check in with a friend!
8. the next day I usually sit down and go through what has been written down and do my best to translate it!
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Daily reminder that:
Witchcraft and the metaphysical cannot cure mental illness, physical illness, or disorders.
Mental health symptoms are not signs your "third eye" is opening.
Spreading misinformation about what the metaphysical can do actively hurts people.
You have to believe scientists. That's not up for debate.
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today is indigenous people's day!
this is a very important day to me so i thought i would share some good charities and links to help educate and support native peoples. <3 <3 please consider looking into these and sharing!
legacy of hope: a charity and organization to help with the continuing effects of the horrors of the residential school system
a list of places to buy from native artists
a canadian charity dedicated to helping indigenous families
suicide prevention resources: indigenous communities face higher rates of suicide, especially in teens, so this is extremely important.
the NLG supports a lot of important efforts as well as defending indigenous water protectors! here's another foundation for water protectors.
and here's two more organizations that mainly aim to help indigenous youth: indspire and true north aid
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Hi! Could you give tips on creating a decoy (for protection purposes)?
Rule 0: Your decoy will be destroyed. If not by taking strikes meant for you, then by you when its time to move on. It is imperative that what you use for/on your decoy is environmentally safe and is disposed of in a way that does not poison the land and waters around it. So if you must use plastics, don’t bury them! Recycle them preferably, proper landfill trash if nothing else. (Or try not to use plastics unless necessary.) Consider how to incorporate the disposal methods into the working.
In all these suggestions, the actual working steps involved is left up to the reader to work out. One size does not fit all. Customize to your satisfaction.
What is your decoy? Stone? Paper craft? An unglazed clay jar? A glazed ceramic jar? Or even a glass jar? All these items are going to be disposed of in different ways, so keep that in mind as you start making the thing smell more you than you.
Speaking of smell, then a very light perfuming, or a smidge of your favorite antiperspirant/deodorant, or a drop of scented soap/gel can be used to make the decoy more you than you. You don’t have to complete douse the thing, just let it share your scent.
Do you smoke? Blow smoke over the decoy. Do you tend to get ashes on yourself? Rub a bit onto the decoy. Do you smell like cinnamon and nutmeg because of your job? Yup. Add that too. Whatever you smell like, give the decoy the same scent. If your decoy can withstand it, rub some body odor on it. (But, be safe. It doesn’t belong there, there, or over there unless it was made for such purposes. Don’t risk an infection trying to set this up.)
Use makeup? Draw on the decoy. Use runes, sigils, and/or personal markings? Get to it. Avoid the use of paints, or large quantities of ink if possible. Especially if you are going to dispose of the decoy by burial or waterway.
Carry the decoy (or the objects you’re placing in jars) for a few days so it can pick up various “energetic” associations connected with you. Why the quote marks? Because what one person would call energetic, another would call astral, and another would call soul-contamination, and I can’t keep up with all these new fangled terms so I’m just going to throw one out there and keep going.
Give it a good rub every now and then. Make some gesture and/or statement that reinforces that the decoy is associated with you. But don’t think of it as a pet (rock). This sucker is going to take an arrow to the knee for you. No emotional attachments!
I’d give it about three days of steady dunking in your personal aura before I would consider it ready for deployment. Where you place your decoy is dependent on what you’re trying to avoid, and why. If it’s decent looking enough, you can have it out in plain sight. Which makes it easy to check for signs of strikes, or if it is time to dispose of it.
If you are worried about something coming through the mirror, place the decoy in front of it. Doorway? Knick-knack table next to it. Property boundary? Marked stones can be buried there. Still don’t trust that spirit board and/or tarot deck despite all that has been reblogged about the topic of mass-produced cardboard? Plop that decoy right on top of it.
How many decoys to use, and where to place them in relation to you is something that you will have to answer for yourself. A good way to figure it out is to pretend you have an evil twin from another dimension that wants to replace you. How would they attack you. There are your decoy points.
Check your decoy often. If it is showing signs of degrading, breaking, discoloration, unusual odors, or movements that can not be accounted for, then it’s time to let it go.
Break the connection between the decoy and you before disposing, if desired. Rock? Douse it with water. Paper? Burn it or soak it in water. Glass jar or glazed ceramic jar? Fill it with water. (If already filled with liquid, pour out that liquid in a safe and responsible manner, then fill the jar again.) Unglazed clay or other porous container? Dunk it in a bucket of water.
(I’m quite fond of clean water as a cleansing and neutralizing tool, if you haven’t noticed. If your worldview varies, use what is appropriate for you. Just don’t burn down the garage, okay. Be safe.)
If you are reusing the jars, give them a good scrub out with salt and/or water. Rocks can be buried, or thrown in waterways if they won’t bring any problems to the receiving waterway. Paper can be recycled, or thrown away responsibly. But don’t contaminate watersheds with diluted paints, or use liquids that will harm the wildlife when they come to investigate it. Be responsible.
Emergency decoys: Spit on it.
Let’s say you walked into the wrong neighborhood, and the local spirits are not too happy about it. They’re on your ass and won’t let you leave without a fight. You’re trying to get away, but the damn darts keep coming.
Pick up a handful of pebbles or small rocks and spit on them. Throw them in various directions behind and to the side of your direction of travel. Then cover your head and depart with quickness.
This has been my emergency “why can’t Stealth be real” procedure and so far it’s worked for me. As long as the spit on the rocks are wet and undiluted, the decoy is effective. Once the spit dries out, I’m now the brightest blip on the radar again.
In other words, this does not work in the desert nor in pouring rain. I also have found this out the hard way.
Blood? No. I want to strongly advise to never use blood for a decoy, but I can not back up that advice with anything other than personal observations and an acknowledgement that it really comes down to how the working person views blood in the first place. But personally, I would never use blood for a decoy unless I was 1,850% sure that I would have complete control over that decoy at all times and that I would be the one to destroy it. And by destroy, I mean pulverize/burn that shit to nothing.
If you have read this far, keep in mind that this is all based on personal experiences and “Oh Shit!” circumstances. I am not a teacher. Not an expert. Have read no books on the subject that I would consider better than what I have found on the Internet. I can not tailor a specialized plan for you, because I do not know you, your circumstances, or what you are trying to dodge. It would take much more than a few asks/responses to sort that out.
If someone is out to get you and they have physical access to you, then these decoys are going to do jacque shitte at best, and at worst can be used against you.
Defend yourself, using whatever means are available to you. Don’t be afraid to think outside your paradigm(s).
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Your book on Witchcraft is bullshit if:
It uses the “Witchcraft” and “Wicca” fuckin interchangeably
It suggests you’re one dreadlock and eagle feather away from being your very own, white Shaman
It claims “Voodoo” is a super fun, spooky thing that everyone should join in on
Smudging is cool, also, has anyone seen my works cited? Oh that’s right, I didn’t make one.
If you curse, you are mustache twirling devil and the 3 fold law is gonna send your ass to witch hell
All witches, Wiccan or not should abide by the rede or burn the hell up in the aforementioned fictional witch hell
Ignorantly throws around the word “Chakras” like fuckin mardi gras beads
You even see the word gypsy once
Spices things up with some sacred, closed and wildly un researched Native American Spiritualism
Miscellaneous new age white person spiritualism
And here’s some Ohms. ૐ ૐ ૐ
I’m not sure what what they but have some more Ohms ૐ ૐ ૐ ૐ ૐ
Wait, white sage is endangered?
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Banishing ingredients
Magical Spells & Exercises Masterpost
Household ingredients
Salt – will especially banish any spirits of death or the dead. Combine with water to make a cleanser or scrub that will weaken a spirit’s hold in any area or over any person. Bathe with ½ cup (4oz) salt to reduce a spirit’s control over you.
Vinegar – I don’t know why spirits don’t like it, but they don’t. Vinegar (white, apple cider, etc) is a powerful cleanser. Don’t use red wine vinegar as it will stain. Half a cup of vinegar mixed with your salt water will increase its effects. Use it to cleanse yourself or an area.
Ammonia – For very serious cases, add a tablespoon of ammonia to your bathwater. Use ammonia to clean a certain area if you believe a stubborn spirit is living there. Do not mix ammonia in with vinegar or any other cleanser.
Bleach – Do not add to bathwater. Do not mix with any other cleanser, especially ammonia. Use diluted bleach to scrub down an area where a spirit seems to have especially strong control. Sprinkle salt over the area when you are done, or rinse with saltwater. It is not my job to make sure you don’t accidentally bleach portions of your walls or carpets – use common sense!
Eggs – Place them in a room where a banishing has been performed or a spirit has been sighted. The egg will naturally absorb evil energies and help return a place to normal. Discard after a week, or if the egg begins to crack or go bad.
Mothballs – For some reason, spirits really do not like mothballs. Place three in each corner of a room which requires powerful protection from spirits (appreciatively sourced from Draja Mickaharic).
Incense and steam
If you cannot burn incense, try making a very strong tea with the herbs instead. Take the steaming tea to an area and let its scent diffuse through the air. This utilizes the cleansing powers of air and water, instead of air and fire. If you make a tea, you can add a bit of salt to it and use it as a cleanser, or add the tea to a bath to cleanse yourself. Ensure your herbal tea will not stain before you apply it to absorbent surfaces!
Bay laurel – Often just called ‘bay leaves’. A very powerful purifier. Burn as incense, or do as I do and just light the leaves on fire and wave them about like a madwoman.
Mullein – I find this in the ‘ethnic’ portion of my grocery store. It is said that where mullein is, no evil can live. It is good to combine with other herbs to increase their effects.
Rosemary – The scent of rosemary is very pleasing to spirits, but it is also very protective. Try burning this after you have performed your banishing in order to return things to normal.
Cinnamon – Another good strong protector. A cinnamon tea smells lovely and will work to push spirits out and away from its presence. Combine with cloves for an extra kick.
Cloves – Imagine cloves to be little soldiers working for you. As you burn them, their spirits are released and they become powerful warriors who will fight spirits on your command. ‘Feed’ the cloves incense to make them even stronger. Cloves are a good banisher and purifier.
Basil – Try combining with rosemary for a powerful exorcism incense. Basil is just a good all-around herb, and works excellently to exorcise evil spirits. Just as with mullein, 'where basil is, no evil can live.’
Mint – A nice, very strong mint tea with salt added, and used as a scrub, will clean negative vibrations off of anything
Garlic – Unsurprisingly, garlic is a wonderfully protective plant (not just against vampires). Take a bath with some peeled garlic – even better, burn the garlic skins to ensure you always have some money! Roast some garlic and onions on the stove to make your house smell wonderful and chase away unwanted spirits.
Stones and other objects
Any stone which is naturally black, such as onyx, jet, and black tourmaline is said to be protective against spirits. Stones with a high iron content, such as hematite, are also very protective – especially against fey and the dead, or spirits of death. Purify these stones regularly and carry them with you for protection against spirits.
They can also be used to create 'walls’ around a place. Put a stone in each corner of a room, and carry and incense or steaming tea to each corner. Imagine a powerful wall is created between the stones which purifies everything within, and blocks anything else from coming in.
Using thread, make an X shaped charm with two nails. Use this as a protective amulet. Cleanse and charge it with any of the above herbs.
Holey stones (stones with a natural hole in them) are said to be wonderful for protection. Carry one with you, or hang it in an area where energies need to be purified.
Other links:
Cross Protection
Protective Talisman
Stitch Protection
Return to Sender
Witch Bottle
Fire Sigil
Flying Devil Oil
War Water
Rosemary Protection Oil
Magically Protecting Your Home - Carin Method
Shielding Masterpost
Sea Salt Purification Jar
Self-Cleansing Through Ritual Bathing
How to energetically cleanse an item
How to spiritually cleanse yourself
Simple Shower Pick-Me-Up
Anti-Anxiety Amulet
Get the fuck out!
By Light of a Candle
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Appalachian Folk Magic
Witches of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee
This is the first part of a series of post that I’m working on. These post are meant to highlight certain practices and traditions of southern folk magic, and help other practitioners with simular heritage find ways to connecting with their own southern magical heritage.
I have decided to start in Kentucky because this is where I consider the south to begin. I’m also more familiar with some of the folklore and superstitious beliefs of Kentucky because it’s where a lot of my ancestors and heritage come from.
Most of my family originates from the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. In recent generations my family has moved slightly more westward, but I make sure that I visit my grand-parents, a couple of my cousins who practice, and other family that lives there as often as I can to keep my self brushed up on my ancestral heritage.
Geography of the Appalachia
The Appalachians is the mountain range that runs across the Eastern United States. The chain starts the bottom part of New York, and stretches all the way to the northern parts of Georgia and South Carolina
Cultural history of the Appalachian and roots of “Granny Magic”
The term granny magic has only been used here in the last few decades to describe the collection of traditions from Appalachian. mountains and it’s surrounding areas. Due to the rural population and isolation of most of the mountain communities, most of what we know of this regions folk magic has been passed down through the generations by oral tradition.
There is very little written record of the early practice of folk magic in this region; However we do know that this particular area of the Appalachia (Eastern Tennessee and the tip of Kentucky) was mostly settled by Scots-Irish settlers in the early to mid 1700s. Most of the immigrants came to the new world to escape the effects of the protestant reformation rageing through Europe.
When they arrived they were not welcomed by the predominately English colonists, and where forced move inland to settle the Appalachian mountains. The Tsalagi (known today as the Cherokee), Along with other small Native tribes that had already been forced Westward, where the original inhibitors of the Kentucky/Tennessee area of the mountains before the arrival of the settlers
The settlers brought with them their spiritual beliefs and practices from the old world. Even though most of their original gealic beliefs had been been wiped out from the conversion of isles to Christianity, many of the older apsects of their faith still survived through common household practice mundane magic, and superstition.
When the old world traditions of magic met the shaman/spiritual practices of the Cherokee and other Native tribes, the beginings of what we know today as Granny Magic took root.
The Term Granny Magic
Like I was saying in the intro, the term Granny magic is a rather new term to describe the collection of folk traditions of Appalachia. However, most of the actual practice has been lost over multiple generations.
The folk practice of Appalachia was unique to each community and mainly family based. One generation would pick up from the previous one, as most craft was never taught, it was only observed and told through story, song, or nursery ryhmes.
The early people of the Appalachian mountains where very self sufficient.
Being isolated from the rest of the continental U.S., made the settlers bond with the land and the spirits of the earth. One’s life and death depended on the land around them and how well it was cared for and harvested. In most communities even to this day the old people will sit and talk about stories of “the old town witch”, who more often the not- was a midwife who might have been gifted at making potions, or divining the source of water for the community she served. Even as their neighbors to the east were tense on the subject of witches, in the mountains it was just part of the way of life.
Calling all witches of Appalachia
The magic of our ancestors is being washed away. The songs and stories of our grannies have been lost because we haven’t stopped to hear them. Modern witches of Appalachia have mostly adopted the new aged practices of modern witchcraft (except for what one might have picked out from his of her own granny)
In essence we are losing the foundations of our magical heritage, and as lovers of knowledge and the old ways we owe it to our selves to keep these traditions alive for the next generation of Appalachian witches. Because as we are remembering the little knick knack magic of our grannies, one day we with be the granny witches to our grand children.
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🌿 Appalachian Funeral Customs and Kentucky Funeral Cake 🌿
“During the time [mourning] rituals were taking place, the neighbor women would be preparing food to be brought to the home of the deceased. This practice is still done today in many Appalachian communities. The food was to help feed the family and all of the visitors that would be in the home during the period of mourning. The term “comfort food” may have roots in this custom as the foods were to help comfort the family.”
- Mystical Mountains (Haley & Jackson)
I have always found funeral customs intriguing. It’s interesting to see how major cultures and and countercultures approach the aspect of death, mourning, preparation, burial, and belief (religious or spiritual). How we respond to death often says a lot about the cultures we are a part of. Is it a celebration of life? A mourning period? A process of spiritual transition? A taboo subject not to be mentioned? One thing that is always sure: death often arrives swiftly and unexpectedly–sometimes just to brush elbows with us, sometimes to embrace a loved one, and other times to whisk our own selves away.
Keep reading
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Holler Magic/Faith Healing Stories from Fellow Appalachians, Pt. 2: Tryin’, Buyin’, Sneakin’ and Buryin’ Warts
Link to part 1: Holler Magic/Faith Healing Stories from Fellow Appalachians, Pt. 1: Scourifyin’, Stoppin’ a Bleed, Talkin’ the Fire Out, & Curing Thrash
One of the most fascinating things I discovered asking fellow Appalachians about folk remedies and magic was the sheer variety of cures for warts! Some are plumb magic-y.
Tryin’ or Buyin’ Warts (and some ways to sneak and pass them on to someone else!)
1. “I had warts all over my hands when I was a kid and my grandma had an old lady come and cut a potato and rub it on my hands. She took it out and buried it and told me when I forgot about them they would go away. Sure enough, I got busy and forgot about them and they were gone!”
2. “Take a chicken gizzard, cut it up and put it on the warts. In a few days, they’ll be gone.”
3. “I had warts really bad on my hand and my aunt did this thing where she would rub each one of her fingers on them and say a prayer to herself while doing it, and in about two weeks I was clear. Once you tell the prayer she used it won’t work anymore.”
4. “Hide a penny and when you’ve forgotten about it the wart will go away.”
5. “I had an old lady that rented a little house from us when I was about 6. I had a bunch of little warts on the top of my hand. She touched each one with the head of a straight pin, said some words, and the warts were gone the next morning! True!”
6. “When I was a young girl of 16 I went to live with my dad. We were hanging out in the yard one day and talking about the small wart on my hand that I acquired years earlier. My dad told me to give him my bandanna which was on my head, found a stick and rubbed over my wart. He then had me wrap it in the bandanna and bury it in the yard. I swear on everything I hold dear that the next morning the wart was gone. My dad was gifted with second sight.”
7. “Steal a warsh cloth from someone you know and rub it all over it, really worry about it and then you go to an intersection that you will not be traveling near in the future and toss it out. Forget about it and it will be gone. Seen it work many times!”
8. “To get rid of warts, cut the fingernails of a person with warts, bury them under an oak tree and the warts will go away.”
9. “Some people can buy your warts. You hand them a penny and tell them you buy their wart. It’s a penny a wart.”
10. “My great grandma treated warts. Cut a potato in half, bury one half under the light of a full moon and put the other half on the wart and wrap it. After a few days it should dry up. My great-grandma was well known for this.”
11. “My brother had warts on his hand, and an old farmer rubbed a half dollar on the warts, muttered something and in just a few days the warts were gone.”
12. “Rub the wart with a bean leaf and bury it. When the leaf rots the wart falls off.”
13. “I had warts on my leg, I was told to break a straw off a broom by an old man. He said, ‘Do you believe that the warts will go away?’ ‘Yes,’ I said, then he had me close my eyes I don’t know what he said but they went away in a couple weeks.”
14. “Put a penny over a door jam and leave it to remove warts.”
15. “My mom used to say, ‘Take a used dishrag and rub it on your wart and then bury it under the eave of the corner of your house and it will go away.’”
16. “To remove a wart go out under a full moon, dig a hole, take a fistful of dirt and rub it on the wart, turn against the earth 3 times and go to bed.”
17. “My father removed warts off us by lighting a match, blowing it out and giving it to us to bury it and when the match rotted away the wart would be gone. Worked every time.”
18. “I remember my grandad telling me how to get rid of warts. He said to take a rusty nail and cover it in bacon grease and rub it on the wart, then bury the nail and tell no one where it was buried.”
19. “My great-grandma would take away warts with 7 green leaves from 7 different kinds of trees. She’d rub them on the warts and buried them where no one would step on them. It worked for me and not my daughter. My grandma whispered something to me and it worked on me, so I think it was my faith that made it work.”
20. “When I was little, I had warts show up and my granny said to get a stranger to count them and give you a penny for every wart and take them and hide them away and don’t look for them, and the warts will go away and the pennies, too.”
21. “I had a wart on my finger when I was a child. My great aunt, who lived next door, took a very sharp knife and cut a cross into it then wrapped it in a wet cloth. I was told to keep the cloth on it for several hours and not look at it. When she took the cloth off, it was completely gone, like it was never there!”
22. “To get rid of warts, take a dirty rock, a different rock for each wart, and rub it on the wart and throw it where you will never see it again. This cured the 5 warts on my hand.”
23. “Papaw would tell people that had a wart on them to take a tobacco sack ( a little bag with a drawstring) and get a few pebbles. Rub the pebbles on the wart, put them back in the sack and drop it in the road. If a person come along and picked up the sack and looked in, the warts would leave you and grow on the person who picked up the sack.”
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Types of American Folk Magic
Appalachian “Granny Magic”
Summary: A mix of Scotch-Irish and Native American practices from the Appalachian Mountain Region (Much of Pennsylvania down through parts of Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, The Carolinas, Tennessee, and Alabama).
Appalachian magic tended to revolve around herbal healing and and superstitions, many of which are still in practice today (Horseshoes of door ways, Rabbits’ feet for good luck). Part of the culture of Appalachia tends to be a level of distrust of mainstream medicine, so many home remedies, herbal or otherwise, have been passed down generations. Some of these include rubbing whiskey on a baby’s gums when teething to sooth the pain, placing a bit of salt on your head to ease a headache, and placing a sharp knife under a bed or mattress during childbirth to cut the pain in half.
Many spells are done through song and dance done in Irish or Scottish.
Hoodoo
Summary: A historic branch of folk magic originated by African slaves in the Southern states of America. (Note, not the same a Voodoo, which is a religion). Also called “Root-work”
Hoodoo often involves the use of candles, stones, roots, herbs, and powders. Many hoodoo practices include everyday magic such as to draw money or to keep spouses and lovers loyal, or ways to keep evil energy and people away. Elaborate candles are not uncommon and often in the shapes of men, women, crosses, skulls, and genitalia.
Many consider hoodoo to be a regionally or ethnically exclusive practice to those who have ties to the Deep South and the original African American practitioners
Ozark Folk Magic
Summary: Also based around a mountain range, the Ozarks this time, and include the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. It is similar to Granny Magic in that it also includes everyday, house hold items, however the two are not the same regionally and thus have different practices.
Ozark magic it usually regionally exclusive and deeply ingrained in the communities of the area. Much of the beliefs revolve around avoiding bad luck and catastrophe. For example if you come across a black button in the street, you should never pick it up because it means someone it trying to curse you. If you drop a comb, step on it to avoid bad luck. Women should read the lines and patterns in a cracked egg shell to tell the future. Other key symbols in Ozark magic is dolls, brooms, psalms, and dowsing rods.
Poww-wow Magic, or Braucherei
Summary: This form of folk magic is preformed almost exclusively by the Pennsylvania Dutch and follows a book called the “Poww-wow”, which is a European book of magic with detailed spells, rituals, and superstitions. However, Braucherei is also deeply rooted in Christianity and mixed with the paganism from German immigrants. Practitioners are said to be able to quote Bible passages and heal people with their words.
A more popular sign of Braucherei is the use of colorful and ornate Hex Symbols used to protect homes, cattle, and loved ones. They care often painted on barns or public buildings, or crafted into home crafts such as carved furniture, knitting, or other easily carried methods of protection.
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Appalachian Witch Initiation
An excerpt taken from Hubert J. Davis’ The Silver Bullet, and Other American Witch Stories
“Liz then said, "This is whut the Devil wants the most: promise you won’t never preach no more, nor go to a ‘ligious meetin. Then effen you git to be a witch, promise to do ennything you can to keep your pappy frum preachin’ agin witches. Now, hit ain’t a goin’ to be easy, and I 'low you mought have to try more'n onct afore you git in. Whatever happens, you have to foller 'structions zactly.”
Jonas promised, “Yep, Liz. I’ll do zactly whut I’m told to do.”
So, following instructions, at midnight he sneaked into his father’s field and stole one of the black rams. He killed it and cut off its left horn, hiding the rest of the carcass in the woods.
The next day being Sunday, he got a boy to steal a silver coin out of the collection plate of his father’s church. He melted down the coin and made it into a silver bullet, which he put to soak in toad’s blood. He also went to Gladeville where he bought a pewter plate. Next, he scoured the hills until he found a spring whose stream flowed directly east.
He then waited until Friday the thirteenth and returned to the spring as the morning turned gray over the ridge. He dipped some water from the spring with his ram’s horn and poured it over the pewter plate. He did this seven times and repeated the verses Liz had taught him:
As I dip the water with a ram’s horn,
Cast me cruel with a heart of thorn,
As I now the Devil do my soul lease.
I renounce Christ as my Savior,
And promise the Devil my behavior
'Til my life on earth will cease.
May my black and evil soul be
Of Christian love and grace free
As this plate is of grease.
And effen I become an evil crone
From my outer skin to inner bone,
I’ll never given any Christian peace.
Rain and shine, for eight mornings, Jonas came to the spring and repeated this ritual. On the ninth morning, he was supposed to become a witch and he took his gun and the silver bullet with him. He shot the bullet toward the sun as it came up over the ridge. They had told him that if the sun looked as if it were dripping blood as it came up, then he would be a witch. Jonas thought it did, and started home.
He had also been told that if he had become a witch, he would find a toad waiting for him when he got home which would be his familiar spirit or “imp.” But, there was no toad near the door, look as he might. This meant he hadn’t passed, and he’d have to do this all over again the next Friday the thirteenth.
The second time, there was till no familiar waiting, either. But Jonas was stubborn, and he tried a third time before he became a conjure man. This took him two full years, but he said it was worth the time and trouble. Liz told him that it took so long because of the preachers in his family.“
Collected by James Taylor Adams, Big Laurel, Wise County, Virginia, May 17, 1939. Told to him by his grandfather, Spencer Adams. It was Spencer Adam’s son, James Taylor’s uncle, who became the witch. Spencer Adams, his father, and his grandfather were all hardshell Baptist Preachers.
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