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samwisethewitch · 1 year

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Herbalism in Times of Turmoil

I've recently returned to my roots (pun intended) in folk herbalism to supplement the work I'm doing with my therapist. It wasn't an intentional thing -- in our current round of EMDR, we've uncovered some deeply buried trauma, and bringing that trauma to the surface has shaken the foundations of how I see myself and the world around me. I feel very raw and vulnerable. I feel disoriented and fragile.

I find myself drawn to plant medicine as I navigate this trauma with the help of my therapist. I think a part of me longs for the sympathetic magic of plants -- by taking them into my body, maybe I, too, can become firmly rooted, supported by the earth and nourished by the sun. Maybe I can relearn the magics of stillness and connection. Maybe I can reintegrate into the earth's cycles of death and rebirth.

Some of the plants I'm partnering with in this work are old friends. Others are new allies, recommended by professional herbalists for the type of trauma I'm processing. All of them are supportive in different ways, and all of them have important lessons.

Obviously, I am working with herbs as a compliment to the work I'm doing with a professional mental health counselor, not as a replacement for medical/psychological care. I recommend you do the same, especially if dealing with complex trauma. Even if money is tight, you may be able to get free or low-cost counseling through local social services, nonprofits, university hospitals, etc.

How I Work with Herbs

As an animist, I see working with herbs both as physical medicine and as a working relationship with the spirit of the plant. I don't like to say that I "use" herbs, because that implies that they are just tools. When I say I "work with" an herb, what I mean is that I am partnering with that plant as a living, thinking being that has kindly chosen to support my healing process. I try to honor that relationship in every part of my herbalist craft.

One way I do this is by verbally thanking the plants that I consume as medicine. If I'm drinking a cup of linden tea, I'll say something like, "Thank you, linden, for aiding in my healing today."

I try to use herbal preparations that allow for a sensory experience to help me connect with the plant spirit(s). I don't like taking capsules full of powdered herbs, because that doesn't allow me to see, touch, smell, or taste the plant. I like teas because they allow for a much more intimate connection with the plant's spirit, and I use tinctures when I feel like I need more concentrated medicinal compounds.

I'm a witch who loves plants, but when I'm working with herbs internally, I do not choose them based on their magical or spiritual correspondences. When choosing herbs, I look for quality scientific studies that prove their medicinal benefits, but honestly a lot of plant medicine hasn't been sufficiently studied yet. Because of this, I also look at the way plants are viewed in traditional healing modalities like Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.

While I don't pick them based on their magical properties, I do think studying how these plants are used in magical practices can add an extra layer to my work with them. This helps me to have a more nuanced, deep, and complex relationship with the plant's spirit.

And of course, I always research contraindications and drug interactions before using an herb. For example, I don't recommend Saint John's Wort to anyone taking any kind of pharmaceutical medication because it really messes with the way your body processes your meds. It's also important to research how herbs might interact with other herbs and supplements you're already taking -- that's also a type of drug interaction!

I also try to remember that when we're moving through grief or processing trauma, this changes the way herbs (and drugs, for that matter) affect our bodies. I highly recommend the book The Trauma-Informed Herbalist by Elizabeth Guthrie to learn more about this.

My Herbal Allies

These are the herbs I'm taking focusing my practice on right now:

Ashwagandha and Tulsi are two plant friends that I love pairing together. They're both adaptogens, meaning they can help manage the body's stress response, and come to Western herbalism by way of Ayurveda. I've been working with both of these plants for years, and although they do have different uses, I think they work really well together.

Ashwagandha is really helpful as a pick-me-up for the endocrine system (the system that produces hormones) and nervous system. I find that it has a very grounding effect and is especially helpful for when I feel overwhelmed or burned out. It's a great ally for building resilience when you feel like there's just way too much going on and have no idea how you're going to handle it all. It has a very bitter taste, so I usually add it to coffee or another very bitter beverage.

Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is a lot more gentle and laid-back than ashwagandha, at least in my experience. It's one of my go-to herbs when I need emotional support. According to herbalists Katja Swift and Ryn Midura, "Tulsi has traditionally been the herb of choice for 'stuck emotions,' whether that's depression or PTSD or just a case of the grumpies." It has a delicious taste somewhere between basil and mint, and I love preparing it as a hot tea. This is one of my favorite herbs right now.

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means it rejuvenates the body and can promote long life. It is also a Bhalya, meaning it promotes strength, and a Vajikara, which means it promotes healthy sexuality. Tulsi is one of the most valued herbs in Ayurveda and is even called the most sacred plant on earth in the Vedic Puranas. It increases sattva (light, clarity), uplifts the spirit, promotes joy and harmony, and increases prana (vital energy; similar to the concept of chi in China). They're sometimes used together because they're believed to support each other and enhance each other's effects.

I add ashwagandha and tulsi tinctures to my morning coffee and to other hot beverages throughout the day. I also really like tulsi as a tea, and tulsi tea is one of my go-to tools for replenishing my energy after a long day of tarot readings. That being said, I'm considering changing the way I consume these herbs to be more in line with traditional Ayurvedic practices, but I need to do more research first.

Cannabis is, honestly, one of my personal miracle workers, which is a little bit ironic because I also think it's waaaaay overhyped in the wellness industry right now. Cannabis is not a cure-all, and it is not recommended for everyone. There are several different types of cannabis, and each type has its own medicinal uses. For example, the cannabis I use in my personal practice is hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis with little to no THC, meaning it does not produce a high. Marijuana, the type of cannabis with THC, is powerful medicine for some people, but because of how my body and brain work, I personally don't use it. While marijuana use may be illegal depending on where you live, hemp is legal in most places.

I started working with cannabis several years ago to help manage anxiety and insomnia, but nowadays I mostly work with it to help with inflammation and chronic pain.

I find that my body really holds on to trauma in the form of tension, inflammation, and chronic pain. When my trauma response is triggered, I usually feel it as tension or pain, especially in my hips, pelvis, and lower back. I find cannabis really helpful for that stored trauma. It doesn't make the pain go away, but it helps me feel into it and navigate through it. I also find cannabis is really good at relaxing my body and helping me let go of that stored up trauma, almost like unclenching a fist.

Cannabis was historically used throughout the ancient world for divination and religious ritual. It's associated with connection to the spirit world, and may have been used in magical practices like the Norse practice of seidr. Scott Cunningham says hemp is associated with love spells and with Midsummer.

My favorite way to work with cannabis is with a cannibidiol (CBD) isolates. Since I live in a place where THC is illegal and have some health conditions that don't play well with THC, I like CBD isolates because I'm able to make sure I'm getting a THC-free product. I add CBD to my coffee along with tulsi and ashwagandha, and I feel like it helps me process the caffeine better. I also notice rapid relief for joint and nerve pain, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts after drinking this brew.

Meadowsweet is a new plant friend for me. I actually first came across meadowsweet when I was researching handfasting herbs -- it's a traditional inclusion in British handfasting and wedding ceremonies, and was historically used as a "strewing herb," which means it was sprinkled on the ground. It's also a traditional flavor in mead, and in fact the name "meadowsweet" comes from its traditional use in mead-making. (I actually have a batch of meadowsweet mead fermenting right now!)

In herbalism, meadowsweet is prized because it contains salicylates, which can be used to make salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. This makes it great for pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. It's also great for your digestive system, which makes it a powerful ally if, like me, you suffer from the dreaded "anxiety tummy."

Meadowsweet is a very summer-y plant for me, and its energy reminds me of summer sunshine. It's a plant that reminds me to find joy in the little things in life, and has a very hopeful vibe. This is a plant I associate with both Midsummer and Lughnasa. It's a great friend for when you just need a little sweetness in your life.

On a more physical level, I combine meadowsweet with cannabis, ashwagandha, and tulsi to manage chronic pain rooted in trauma. And, of course, for keeping the anxiety tummy at bay.

In European magic traditions, meadowsweet is associated with love, peace, and joy. Interestingly, Scott Cunningham also talks about the use of meadowsweet for protection from thieves.

I add meadowsweet tincture to my morning coffee along with ashwagandha, tulsi, and CBD. I also really enjoy it as a hot tea, and I think the flavor blends really well with tulsi.

Linden is another new friend for me, but I am obsessed. I don't think I've ever worked with an herb that feels this gentle, supportive, and nourishing to the soul. Katja Swift and Ryn Midura of the Holistic Herbalism Podcast call linden "a hug in a mug," and I think that's a perfect description of how it feels.

In Western herbalism, linden is most often used for heart conditions and to restore the cardiovascular system. However, it also works as a nervine, which means it has a calming effect on the nervous system. It can provide gentle relief for anxiety, tension, and even everyday stress. In Herbal Medicine for Beginners, Swift and Midura even recommend linden to "mitigate the side effects of drying, stimulating medications like Adderall and Ritalin." It is also recommended for nerve pain and damaged nerves.

Linden is wonderful medicine for the heart, both the physical heart and the emotional heart. I really do feel an improvement in my mood when I work with linden. It's soothing and uplifting at the same time.

Magically, linden is strongly associated with protection. It's also associated with love, good luck, and preventing insomnia. Scott Cunningham mentions carrying linden to prevent intoxication.

My favorite way to work with linden is by drinking it as a tea. It tastes similar to chamomile, but a little less fruity. I drink several cups throughout the day, especially when I feel like I need to unwind or calm down.

Rose is one of my favorite flowers. Maybe that makes me basic, but I really do love this plant. The scent of rose has been one of my favorite scents since I was very small -- I remember going to Catholic mass with my mom and praying with my own rose-scented rosary!

We usually think of rose as a decorative flower or an ingredient in perfume, but it also has culinary and medicinal uses. It's used topically to treat skin issues by promoting the growth of new skin cells and to treat rashes and eczema. It can also help soothe gut problems. Rose is also relaxing and anti-inflammatory.

In magic rose is associated with love and romance (duh), divination, healing, fast luck, protection, and connection to the divine. Cunningham recommends it for calming "personal stress and household upheavals" and says the flowers attract fairies. This might be because I was raised Catholic, but rose feels like a very sacred plant to me. In Catholicism it's associated with the Virgin Mary and with some other saints like St. Therese of Lisieux, but I personally use rose more in ancestor work (especially when working with queer ancestors) and for attracting friendly spirits in general.

Right now, my favorite way to work with rose is in aromatherapy. The smell of fresh roses is so uplifting, and it makes me feel like I'm surrounded by gentle, loving protection. I'm sure there are probably health benefits to working with the pure essential oil, but real rose essential oil is VERY expensive, so I use a mild rose-scented perfume instead. (I'm very sensitive to scents and often get headaches from artificial fragrances, but right now I'm wearing Pacifica Beauty's Persian Rose perfume and I haven't had any issues with it.)

Sources:

Herbal Medicine for Beginners by Katja Swift and Ryn Midura

Queering Herbalism, 3rd edition, compiled by Toi of the Herbal Freedom School

The Trauma-Informed Herbalist by Elizabeth Guthrie

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

All episodes from the first season of The Trauma Informed Herbalist podcast, but especially the two-part series, "How Trauma Changes Us"

"Herbs for Psychological First Aid" from The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"Herbs & the Holidays: Emotional Support" from The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"Working With Herbs For Chronic Pain" from the Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"The Centuries-Old Secrets of Gender-Affirming Herbalism" by Leah Kirts

"How To Incorporate Hemp In Your Materia Medica" by Heather Saba

"Cannabis: Potent and Versatile Medicine" by Sue Sierralupe & Candace Hunter

"An Ayurvedic perspective on Marijuana" by Shilpika Devaiah

"Who shouldn't use medicinal cannabis?" by Corinne Hodgson

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vanilla-cigarillos · 1 year

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Granny Magic: An Appalachian Backbone

What is Granny Magic?

In its most simple forms, granny magic refers to a form of traditional (European) witchcraft, herbalism, and folk healing/medicine mixed together into one singular practice. Grandmothers have been the healing backbone of the Appalachians for the past 400 years, primarily with their extensive knowledge of nature but also with their own perceived magical abilities.

A History

When the Scotch-Irish fled to the Appalachian Mountains, their practices and traditions slowly became mixed with that of the Cherokee people who originally lived in the area. From this influence came the expansive knowledge of native plants and how to use them medicinally, as well as folklore and knowledge passed down orally through generations. “Grannies” became a term known for the women, both young and old, who took on the responsibility of holding this knowledge as storytellers and healers of their communities.

As the United States progressed medically, many Appalachian communities remained removed from technical advancements due to both geographical and financial barriers. Those living deep within the mountains themselves were often unreachable by the rest of the world, and throughout the Appalachian area many were simply too poor to afford this new medical care. Grannies were cemented in place as valued members of the community in medical aid. They were able to heal babies suffering from colic by breathing into their mouths, warts were removed by their hands. Many of these women didn’t consider themselves witches or folk healers, they simply saw themselves as community servants carrying out a job that had to be done.

“Our people don’t always call this magic... and they don’t always call it witchcraft. It’s just what you do. If you grow up in the South, it is everywhere. But people don’t always name it, not even among themselves.”

- Sara Amis

Grannies were also able to avoid the vicious persecution of those traditionally seen as wicked witches through their location and their faith. Many of the early settlers in the United States were heavily influenced by the Cherokee and outlooks of animism, altering their perspectives of herbal work by women in the community.

“Most of the people [in Appalachia] who do this are Christian...But their approach to Christianity is very animist. To them, spirit is very present in the world - it’s present in the rock, so they go and pray to the rock, or they pray at the rock if someone is sick.

- Sara Amis

Is Granny Magic A Closed Practice?

As someone taught in the ways of Appalachian Granny magic, yes. This practice is typically only taught to one woman in the family at a time, and its teachings are very secretive and protected. Appalachian mountain communities that have been left behind by modern times are particularly protective of their secrets, and Grannies are seen as key members of the community that cannot be put at risk. They never ask money for their services, as they only want to help the community in any way they can. As such, the community in turn protects them.

#witch #witchy #wicca #appalachia #appalachian mountains #green witch #granny magic

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lunardana · 2 years

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What are your methods of working with plant spirits? Love your blog!💚🌱

Hi friend!

Thank you so much, it means a lot! 💜

As an animist I believe that every rock or plant has a spirit that animates it (or at least some energy) and that whenever we use herbs, the magical property comes from the plant spirit itself.

That being said, whenever I charge my herbs I request the help of the plant spirit by calling them by their name (“Fair Nobilis…” “Dear Mandragora…” etc)

When we think of familiars we probably think of a cat spirit or some kind of animal. Plant allies make great familiars if approached appropriately. Mandrake for instance is known for aiding witches throughout history. Given the fact that Mandrake doesn’t grow just about anywhere and it’s pretty hard to find, I use glyphs and a physical representation of the plant to connect with it. I use the glyphs from the book “The Poison Path Herbal” written by Coby Michael

Plant spirits have different personalities and some of them are more keen to help than others. Usually aromatic plants are friendlier but that’s UPG

Meditation is a great way to tap into the energy of botanicals and it’s usually a very grounding experience

Usually if I’m intuitively drawn to a certain plant I’d try my best to grow it myself. I’ve recently purchased some datura seeds and I’m waiting for them to germinate lol wish me luck. This, I believe helps strengthen the connection. 🍀

#witchcraft #hedge witch #paganism #plants and herbs #animism

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brightgnosis · 8 months

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"All X Must Y" Is (almost always) Bullshit

I was told just last year by an Herbal School teacher with SWANA Jewish Ancestry that (essentially) "in order to be Jewish and properly connect with my Jewish ancestry, then I had to be an Animist because true ancestral Judaism was Animist" ... But while Judaism does have a stunning ecological theology that I absolutely love and am leaning into (as a Non-Animist)? Judaism actively rejects all notions that there is one correct way to be Jewish and instead actively encourages different viewpoints and expressions.

Anyone who tells you that you have to be X in order to be Y- where X is unrelated to the actual function of Y, especially when Y actively rejects the notion that it functions in any singular way ... Ultimately is lying to you and has an agenda. And that agenda is, unfortunately, frequently one of non-positive control.

This is not to say that traditions do not have the right to selective self definition; that they do not get to set any kind of boundaries for what they are and are not, and how you must function in order to fall beneath their umbrella, however. Nor is it to say that these boundaries are not perfectly reasonable when they are applied.

An example of positive self-definition and boundaries is, for instance, Traditional Wiccans requiring Initiation and a foundation of specific ritual Praxis shared across Covens even if theology and other features may differ across the same groups.

But it is to say that if someone is telling you that you need to have X trait, participate in Y type of practice, or hold theology 2 in order to be something? It should be suspect to scrutiny in regards to how these things actually intersect with the practice they are claiming they're a supposed "requirement" of. And their agenda for putting these requirements in place should be questioned.

Saying someone "needs to be Animist to be Pagan" (or even Jewish, as in my earlier experience) or that "All Green Witches have a set of Ecological Moral Imperatives" (a la Arin Murphey-Hiscock's nonsense), that "All Pagans practice Ancestor Veneration", etc, are all examples of what I'm properly talking about, here.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things individually, none of these are functionally true across the board (though if they are personally true for you specifically, then kudos to you!). Stating them as imperative requirements to be a specific thing, therefore, all potentially point to a non-positive agenda of some kind and should be scrutinized and questioned as a result- and the people who claim them as such "requirements" should ultimately be suspect until such scrutinization proves otherwise.

This is an opinion piece founded in research and 20+ years of experience. If you found this helpful or interesting, please consider Tipping or Leaving a Ko-Fi; even $1 helps

This account is run by a Dual Faith «(Converting) Masorti Jew + Traditional NeoWiccan» & «Ancestral Folk Magic Practitioner» with 20+ years of experience as a practicing Pagan and Witch. If that bothers you, don't interact.

#Original Content #Original Witchy Content #2023 #Wicca #NeoWicca #Paganism #Eclectic NeoPaganism #Witchcraft #Witchblr #Wiccablr #Paganblr #Religion and Magic #Oklahoma

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x-starlight-mystic-x · 2 years

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Types Of Witches

Alexandrian Witch - A witch who practices the magic founded by Alex and Maxine Sanders in the 1960s with a focus on ritual and ceremonial magic.

Angel Witch - A witch who works with angels rather than or in addition to traditional deities.

Animist Witch - A witch who believes there is life in all things and sees no distinction between human, plant, animal, or material objects. The animist witch sees the Universe as a living entity and all are connected by it.

Art Witch - A witch who uses art as the medium of their magic.

Augury Witch - A witch who divines omens, signs, and symbols.

Axis Mundi Witch - A witch who studies the core idea that there is a central pillar that joins Earth to Heaven.

British Traditional Witch - A witch who focuses on the superstitions and spells that originated in the British Isles.

Celtic Witch - A witch who focuses on Celtic and Welsh deities, mythology, rituals, and earth magic.

Ceremonial Witch - A witch who practices high magick (ceremonial) such as Hermetic, Thelemic, and Enochian with a rigid and step-by-step method.

Chaos Witch - A witch who has a contemporary practice that incorporates many types of magic and is guided intuitively rather than with strict steps as seen in high magick.

Chthonioi Witch - A witch who practices a variation of the Alexandrian tradition which also includes Greek gods and goddesses.

Correllian Witch - A witch that practices a type of Wicca founded in the late 20th century by Caroline High Correll. She descended from a line of Cherokee Didanvwisgi who intermarried with Scottish Traditional Witches, and Correllian witchcraft was further influenced by Aradian Witchcraft and the Spiritualist Church.

Cosmic Witch - A witch who focuses on astrology and the placement of planets, stars, and moons when practicing their craft.

Crystal Witch - A witch who focuses heavily on crystals in their magic.

Dianic Witch - Branching from Wicca, Dianic Witches focus on female deities. Dianic Witchcraft is named after the Roman goddess Diana, ruler of hunting, nature, and the Moon.

Eclectic Witch - A witch that incorporates many different traditions into their craft; slightly similar to the chaos witch, but they may follow strict guidelines if desired.

Egyptian Witch - A witch who follows a path similar to Wicca, but with a focus on the Egyptian deities.

Elemental Witch - A witch who works with the five esoteric elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.

Faery Witch - A witch who works with the Fae rooted in Irish and Scottish culture.

Folk Witch - "Cunning Folk" ; hereditary witches who follow a path similar to British witchcraft and used their magic and skills for practical purposes which were passed down through generations; *not common*

Gardnerian Witch - A witch who practiced a secret, formal, and highly structured version of Wicca based on the works of Gerald Gardner, who is credited for the modern witchcraft movement.

Green Witch - A witch that uses gardening and herbalism in most of their craft and often focuses on healing work and earth magic.

Hearth Witch - A witch who focuses on magick in the home.

Hedge Witch - A solitary witch that holds both kitchen and green witch attributes, such as making healing potions and brews in the kitchen; think of the old women in the woods archetype.

Hellenic Witch - A pagan witch who worships the ancient Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Hereditary Witch - Unique to each family, a hereditary witch learns from their ancestral line.

Kitchen Witch - A witch who focuses on magick at home, especially the kitchen.

Left-handed Witch - A witch who often breaks taboos.

Luciferian Witch - A witch who believes Lucifer as the "bringer of light" and reveres the angel for enlightenment, independence, questioning authority, and progressive ideals.

Lunar Witch - A witch that heavily uses the cycles of the moon to do nearly all her magical work.

Music Witch - A witch who uses music as the medium of her magic.

Neo-Pagan Witch - An umbrella term for witches who practice newer forms of the craft such as Wicca, Gardernianism, and all new earth-based customs.

Norse Witch - A witch who centres their craft around Norse tradition of ancient sorcery and deities such as Odin and Freya.

Right-handed Witch - A witch that practices magic that is guided by social norms.

Satanic Witch - A witch that lives by the seven Satanic tenets and is strongly against the constructs of a dictatorial society; has nothing to do with worshiping the Christian's idea of Lucifer. Devil-worshiping does exist elsewhere under the broad realm of witchcraft, neither is exclusive to one another.

Scandinavian Witch - A witch who practices and studies Danish Folklore and some Norse traditions.

Sea Witch - A witch who practices water-based magic and usually lives in a coastal area. A water witch works with lakes, rivers, streams, and is not confound to the ocean.

Secular Witch - A witch who practices magick without worshiping any deities, or their deities and witchcraft are kept separate.

Shamanic Witch - A witch who uses an altered state of consciousness to deliver their magic.

Sigil Witch - Also known as Word Witch, these practitioners use sigils and words weaved into their magic

Solitary Witch - A witch who practices alone rather than in a coven.

Tech Witch - A witch who does most of her work digitally or with some form of technology; this will become more prevalent over time in modern witchcraft.

Thelema Witch - A witch who uses the occult philosophy founded by Aleister Crowley, which centers around ceremonial magic and Egyptian rituals.

Traditional Witch - A witch who has a base in the history of witchcraft and the Old Craft that came before Wicca .

Wiccan Witch - A witch who practices the modern pagan religion of Wicca introduced by Gerald Gardner.

Found information on : https://www.letterstolilith.com/blog/the-different-types-of-witches

#me #mine #my research #types of witches

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friend-crow · 2 years

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I have a relatively reasonable thing to ask, but I am afraid it touches on controversial elements in places.

I am very much a plant person. A lot of my magic happens that way. In my garden, in private, quiet enjoyment of living things growing.

I know about some herbs that can be used for tea (if it is on the shelf at Safeway, I can be generally sure it is safe for human consumption if I can get it and grow it fresh i.e. chamomile and lavender) and I have a variety of things that I grow and use just for that.

If I wish to improve my acumen with both magical and culinary/botanical uses of plants, how would you suggest I proceed? My Mom used to keep a copy of "The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" on the shelf in my house, and I have flipped through a copy recently and sort of put it in the "sus" pile.

I have 4 different field guides, including Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, which has very good photos and occasionally mentions when/if a plant was used by native peoples if that is known, and in roughly what capacity (generally medicinal).

I know enough about plants to know that phytochemical concentrations vary widely even within species, and that without great care and experienced tutors, trying to use plants medicinally is Quite Dangerous. The danger Triples if you add mushrooms into the equation.

Do you think I should just Leave off the idea of getting better at herbal magic and learning herbal medicine? Is it just toeing controversial lines that are not worth it anymore? Read any good books lately??

Hello hello! Thank for you stopping by, and my apologies for the long time spent in rumination on this. Plants are a passion of mine, but I am far from an expert, and as you clearly know they can be very powerful, and even fatal, so.... obligatory disclaimer because I know you're not the only audience for this post.

I'm not sure there's much I can tell you that you don't already know, but perhaps I can supply a different angle on your existing knowledge, or else point you at some folks who are more knowledgeable than I am.

I think that local field guides and/or foraging books are a great place to start. I have Pacific Northwest Foraging by Douglas Deur, which has been useful in learning about edible native plants -- there were many moments of "oh yeah, that's everywhere and easy to ID" while reading it. Several of the "weeds" growing in my garden already are edible, so that's a good place to start regarding culinary uses.

I also have one on herbalism (The Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell -- I honestly don't know how this one ranks compared to other options), which goes over types of herbal remedies and techniques for preparing them, as well as many medicinal plants, though to be honest I plays it pretty safe when it comes to herbal medicine.

Plants like mullein and broadleaf plantain are, to my knowledge, pretty safe (assuming you don't have an allergy to them) and versatile, plus they grow as weeds in the PNW, which makes them easy to forage. They both have internal and topical uses, which means you can get familiar with various preparations with either one of these plants, which I think is a lot of fun.

@wildjuniperjones is an actual herbalist who might be able to give you better suggestions for books and/or ways to safely get into plant medicine than I can. I also get the sense that @elminx might have some insight into this area, or at least works with plants a lot and might have some useful input regarding the larger conversation.

As for magical uses, there are a few different approaches here (and these are just what come to mind for me -- this is in no way comprehensive, I'm sure), the first two of which don't require you to ingest anything at all. Bear in mind that I personally am coming to this from an animist perspective -- much of the magic I do is based on a spirit model, which is great for working with plants, but also might not be your jam.

Some approaches that immediately spring to mind (and all of these things overlap according to my framework, but I list them separately as that might not be the case for you):

-plants as spirit allies -plants as correspondences -achieving altered states using plants

as spirit allies

You already enjoy spending time with plants. I can't recall if you're interested in spirit work as well, but this can be a rewarding avenue, and a way to have a magical and/or spiritual relationship with some of the plants that at least I personally would not be comfortable fucking around with medicinally.

Personally I find plant spirits to be less communicative than, for instance, my ancestral spirits. I've been able to chat with some via divination, but it hasn't been as easy to tease out what they're trying to tell me. Basically plants are not like us, but they have spirits, and you can still form a bond with them by spending time together, observing them, talking to and caring for them. Spirit flight may also be a viable way for you to "meet them halfway" as it were, if you're into that. Over time you may feel comfortable calling on them for assistance in your magical workings.

@windvexer and @stagkingswife are both more experienced spirit workers than I am, and might have useful insight in this area.

correspondences

Personally I'm not into taking those pretty unsourced infographic lists of correspondences at face value -- I like knowing the history and reasoning behind them (because there usually is a reason). However, the more you learn about the medicinal uses of plants, the more you can glean about related magical uses.

A lot of correspondences are also based on folklore. Perhaps you have ties to a culture with plant folklore that you can research.

Coming back to the animist/spirit work angle, as you get to know plants as individuals and understand their spiritual nature, you may be able to recognize additional correspondences. There's nothing wrong with UPG as long as you recognize it for what it is, and you're not presenting it to others as something else.

Personally I don't really consider plant correspondences as ingredients in a recipe so much as friends with relevant skills I can ask for help (kind of like tagging other bloggers to help with an ask when I'm in over my head *cough*).

Putting the part I'm gonna get yelled at for under a cut 🥺

altered states

I'm probably gonna get some flack for this, but once again I encourage anybody reading this to do a ton of research before ingesting anything. This isn't just a disclaimer to cover my ass, it's important. Do the research. Know what you're getting into. Keep in mind any health conditions (mental or otherwise) which might make the use of these substances dangerous to you.

There are many psychoactive plants that I would personally not fuck with in terms of internal (or topical, for that matter) usage. I just don't have the knowledge, and as you say, dosage can be very difficult or impossible to gauge. Some of these substances can do you real harm, and it's not worth the risk to me.

With that said, altered states are a part of much of my magical work, though most often I do not use substances to achieve these states. Some believe that it is counterproductive to do so. Personally I don't feel that way, but it is different, and when it comes to chemically altered states it's important to note that you can't just turn it off -- you have to wait for it to run its course. This can mean sitting with intense discomfort, fear, paranoia, trauma, etc. for hours, and not everybody is prepared to do this.

Cannabis is an easy one to start with (and legal in many states at this point). Personally I prefer strains with low or no THC, but different people react to it differently, and where it makes me sleepy and/or anxious, other people find it eases their anxiety.

Mushrooms (usually cubensis or cyanescens, at least around these parts) are where you're more likely to hear of people having spiritual and/or healing experiences. Personally I had some bad trips when I was much younger, and will likely never do more than microdose at this point. They've been decriminalized where I am, for the record. I'm.... I'm not telling people to break laws, just explaining things that exist 👀

Returning again to spirit work, and this is where I think you would probably get the most enjoyment from this section, if you are interested in experimenting with mushrooms (I mean for all I know you already have and this is kid stuff to you, but whatever): I have known several people who have taken great satisfaction in growing their own mushrooms. I haven't done it myself, though I might try at some point. Obviously research on growing, dosage, etc. would be required.

Also weed. You can obviously grow your own weed, often legally.

I suspect that the combination of A. growing the plant/mushrooms and knowing them personally/as allies B. achieving an altered state using the plants you've cared for and bonded with and C. using the resulting altered state to do magic would be particularly potent.

Flashback to freshman year of college when I took mushrooms with a friend and spent all night theorizing about how "maybe when we get high on plants the plants get to experience consciousness through us, man"... Yeah, that's a bit embarrassing.

Obviously this section is not going to be for everyone, and that is perfectly valid. It is by no means a requirement -- just a possibility.

#ask #promiseiwillwrite #please don't yell at me for posting this

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psychopomp-recital · 1 year

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I figured I should probably write a little get to know me shouldn’t I? 😂 Forgive me most of my tumblr experience is the 2010’s Voltron fandom lmao

❗️I mostly use mobile! So I’m sorry for weird formatting! ❗️

I am an Omnist/Animist, initiated Death Worker & North American folk practitioner. I’ve been on this specific path for nearly a decade now but I have been somewhat “magical” my entire life, my family just doesn’t call it that. (Example being taught tarot at 10, and folk healing at 13)

Most of my experience lies in…

• Southern USA Folk Magic

• Spirit Guidance

• Grave Care

• Death Magic

• Ancestor Veneration

• Baneful Protection

• Music Magic

• Storm Magic

• Polytheism (mostly Irish)

• Divination

• Herbalism

• Fire & Water Magic (+ Sea Magic)

• Hearth Practice

• Irish-American Folk Magic

But this list isn’t everything I’ve ever done, just what I have the most experience with!

I encourage questions about my practice and I am always, always, always attempting to learn more!! So please interact with me I am happy to talk!!

A little about me personally!

Picrew - lizzylovesdoodles

This is a safe space for everyone!

I’m Queer. I’m also Dyslexic and have ARFID & ADHD. Don’t be an asshole please!

OTHER BLOGS

“Main” - I don’t use it but it’s technically the base blog, so if I follow you it’s that account. - @wanderers-inn

Brigid Devotional Blog - @oh-my-little-hearth

Ariadne Devotional Blog - @red-thread-and-constellations

PERSONAL TAGS

Digital Journal Entries - #MyPsychopompJournal

Advice/Tips/Hot Takes - #PsychopompRambling

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plotjotsandespressoshots · 1 year

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🌾🔮ηεттℓε || Urtica dioica 🔮🌾 This everyday herb is my everyday reminder that every day is magical. Magic is in everything in our lives, all around us, and because of that it can not and should not be limited to the high holy days and rituals. 🌾🔮🌾🔮🌾🔮🌾🔮🌾🔮 #tarot #tarottuesday #orcaledeck #witch #witchy #journaling #tarotcards #mindfulness #wellness #mentalhealth #lifestyle #healing #healthyliving #edrecovery #selfcare #journal #healthy #positivity #witchgram #spirituality #divination #divinefeminine #creativity #art #writer #writing #Herbalism #witch #witchy #nettle #animist #spiritual (at Bucks County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkhW0lzsVFw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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elefteriamantzorou · 2 years

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Turmeric, growing wild in a jungle outside Chiang Mai! It is a must-have herb in any herbal ball. Have a look at my book on the Thai herbal packs - see it here on Amazon: bit.ly/lukprakob Turmeric has been used in Asia for centuries and is a major part of Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, and the animistic rituals of Austronesian peoples.[13][14] It was first used as a dye, and then later for its medicinal properties. The greatest diversity of Curcuma species by number alone is in India, at around 40 to 45 species. Thailand has a comparable 30 to 40 species. Other countries in tropical Asia also have numerous wild species of Curcuma. Turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not light fast, but is commonly used in Indian clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes. Photo taken by me. All rights reserved. #apothecary #chiangmai #massageschool #thaimassagetraining #herbaldispensary #thaiherb #thaimedicine #herbalcompress #thaimassage #thaiyogamassage #thaiyoga #ayurvedalifestyle #ayurvedicmedicine #massagetherapy #massagetherapylife #lukprakob #thaiherbalcompress #poultice #myherbalstudies #herbalremedies #kindleunlimited #ayurvedicherbs #ayurvedichealing #herbalmedicine #herbalball #naturaldyes #naturaldyeing #plantdyeing Text credit: Wikipedia (at Chiang Mai, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdfVJaNI-wd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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x-x-witchcore-x-x · 4 months

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Paganism vs. Wicca vs. Witchcraft: What Is the Difference?

What is Paganism?

Paganism is an umbrella term used to describe a diverse group of religious and spiritual belief systems.

These belief systems fall outside the scope of the “main” world religious such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Pagan religions tend to:

Be either polytheist (belief in multiple deities), animist (belief that all things have a spirit), or pantheist (belief that the divine is in everything)

Place a great significance on nature, though this is not true for every pagan religion.

Some pagan belief systems are reconstructed from ancient belief systems, such Hellenism, Celtic Reconstructionism, and Heathenry. Others are modern religions that incorporate elements of pre-Christian practices, such as Wicca and (modern) Druidry.

Paganism is also referred to as modern paganism, contemporary paganism, and Neo-paganism in order to separate it from historical paganism, though many practitioners simply use the term “paganism.”

The word “pagan” is derived from the Latin paganus, meaning “rustic” and later “civilian.” This term was used by Christians during the end of the Roman Empire to identify non-Christians who practiced polytheism, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and goddesses.

“Pagan” was originally used as a derogatory term in this context, implying that polytheist non-Christians were simple country folk who practiced an inferior religion. Pagans did not use this word to describe themselves or their religious practices until the modern era.

What is Wicca?

Wicca is a modern religion that falls under the umbrella term “paganism.”

Wicca was developed in England during the 1940s and 1950s and was introduced to the world by Gerald Gardner. It places a heavy emphasis on nature and the pre-Christian religious and witchcraft traditions of northern and western Europe.

It’s worth noting that Gardner and his early followers never used the term “Wicca” to describe their religion; rather they referred to it as the “witch cult” or the “old religion.” Later during the 1960s, the name of this religious movement was normalized to “Wicca.”

Wiccans primarily believe in two deities: the Goddess and the God. These divine figures are responsible for the cycles of life and death on earth, and play an important role in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year—the calendar of Sabbats (festivals/holidays) followed by Wiccans.

Rituals and deity worship often take place on the Sabbats and Esbats (celebrations held on specific moon phases), and may incorporate magical practices. Tools used in a Wiccan ritual might include a chalice, candles, a pentacle, and an athame (ceremonial blade), among others.

Today there are many branches of the Wiccan religion, each with their own core beliefs and practices.

What is Witchcraft?

Witchcraft is the practice of magic and energy manipulation.

Witchcraft is an extremely broad term that refers to a huge, diverse assortment of practices and traditions. From Africa to South America, and from Europe to Australia, and from North America to Asia, there are literally hundreds of cultures with their own histories of witchcraft.

There are also nearly limitless ways to practice witchcraft: spellcasting, herbalism, and divination (seeking knowledge through supernatural means), just to name a few.

In its simplest sense, witchcraft is any act that attempts to harness and control certain energies in order to manifest a desired result. If you are familiar with the practice of intention setting, then are you already acquainted with the basic principle of witchcraft. The difference is that many witches use tools and rituals to help “power up” their manifestation abilities.

Common types of witchcraft include green witchcraft (focused on herbalism and botany), kitchen witchcraft (focused on home routines and cooking), hedge witchcraft (focused on communicating with the spiritual plane), and traditional witchcraft (focused on historical practices and beliefs).

#me #mine #research #wicca

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bloomsong-from-a-swans-breath · 1 year

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the obligatory disclaimers

Hi yes hello! Here’s my disclaimer for stupid shit that people may do so I can just reference this post if anyone comes @ me yelling @ me. Xoxo

So! Categories in this are (so far): Herbal remedies, floriography misconceptions, deities/religion/cultural/regional differences.

Floriography misconceptions.

Okay so. This isn’t exactly that bad, considering, like, not many people are as knowledgeable on floriography as I aspire to be, but if in any case you do misconstrue a meaning and someone takes it incredibly to heart, uh… not my fault, babe. Sorry.

Or if I say a wrong meaning- Don’t take a 14 year old on the internet’s word for it! Do your research- and yes, I’m repeating that, but it’s important. Before giving An Important Thing to someone, you should be doing your research anyway.

And unless they are very unreasonable, they wouldn’t take obscure flower meanings (as flowers are usually a gift) over your word, so… I’m just covering all my bases here.

Deities, religion, cultural, regional, and magical properties.

Yeah. Hi. Okay. So, you may notice that I include zodiacs in a couple of the flowers. I do this not because it means anything to me, but because it could mean something to somebody else.

This includes magical properties as well, which may be in passing mention, or which may be a very prevalent part of the article. You may notice a couple of eclectic sources in my sources list, and yeah, that is indeed true. So…

This also applies to deities- while I am polytheist (you may notice instead of ‘God’, I say ‘Gods’), an animist, and eclectic, I will present hopefully impartial information about the perspectives of several religions and deities, because again, it might be useful to somebody.

Homoeopathic remedies!

I hear you, I hear you. Cygnus! Homeopath isn’t useful! They’re just plants!

Yeah, that’s true, but also, guess what your meds are made out of?

Herbs. Valerian is literally just the herb compressed into a pill. Chamomile tea- herb. Tea tree oil- disinfectant. Sugar- energizer. Catnip- cats. Chamomile- holds azulene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

So… it’s actually more intertwined than you’d think at surface level. Now, I’m not saying ‘hey, ignore everything any doctor tells you and use these plants only’, because that’s a) stupid and b) there’s a reason that ‘or as your doctor prescribes’ is on medication boxes.

But I am saying that these things have chemicals and properties. Don’t rely on them, but they’re pretty cool and they do work, even if it’s a psychosomatic reaction. This also applies to essential oils.

And if something feels wrong, do your research. Don’t take my word for it. Mkay?

TLDR; do your research, guys.

This entire series is half because I’m just kinda lazy, and I wanna challenge myself to do daily stuff (executive dysfunction, I’m lookin’ at you). Do your research.

Fact check me. Do not take a 14 year old’s word as your primary source!! If there is something you are any bit dubious of, do your own research and evaluation. Use your discernment and common sense, I know you’ve got it.

I’ll try to update my sources page whenever, so you’ve got bases for my stuff, but in the end, I will not be held accountable if you did not do your own research and end up poisoning yourself. Okay? Okay. Cool.

#resources

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cygnusdoesthings · 1 year

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the obligatory disclaimers

Hi yes hello! Here’s my disclaimer for stupid shit that people may do so I can just reference this post if anyone comes @ me yelling @ me. Xoxo

So! Categories in this are (so far): Herbal remedies, floriography misconceptions, deities/religion/cultural/regional differences.

Floriography misconceptions.

And unless they are very unreasonable, they wouldn’t take obscure flower meanings (as flowers are usually a gift) over your word, so… I’m just covering all my bases here.

Deities, religion, cultural, regional, and magical properties.

Yeah. Hi. Okay. So, you may notice that I include zodiacs in a couple of the flowers. I do this not because it means anything to me, but because it could mean something to somebody else.

Homoeopathic remedies!

I hear you, I hear you. Cygnus! Homeopath isn’t useful! They’re just plants!

Yeah, that’s true, but also, guess what your meds are made out of?

And if something feels wrong, do your research. Don’t take my word for it. Mkay?

TLDR; do your research, guys.

This entire series is half because I’m just kinda lazy, and I wanna challenge myself to do daily stuff (executive dysfunction, I’m lookin’ at you). Do your research.

#cyg's flower series #floriography #resources

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midgaarb · 5 years

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• The precious time of Rebirth • .⁣ .⁣ I been undergoing some deep internal transitions this Spring, rebuilding and rebirthing major parts of my identity. Dismantling and releasing old beliefs and in many ways it’s like relearning how to walk. While this new me is brewing inside, I am comforted and inspired to continue this journey when I am reminded that nature is experiencing major internal shifts as well. The trees are all dotted with bright green as the spruce, pine and fir push out their new tips, acting as precious reminders of the necessary sacrifice and also the celebration that encompasses this time of great shifting. (The tips are also very yummy and medicinal) 😉 .⁣ .⁣ Nature is subconsciously inspiring, teaching and reminding us of the necessity of rebuilding, releasing and renewing. Reflecting into the mirror imagine of ourselves - by holding this precious new life in our hands - You will be surprised at what arises within when you take this time to honor and connect. .⁣ .⁣ This is why we are naturally inspired to experience our most intense shifts and changes while the seasons are in their time of transition. Within the cycle, Autumn and Spring are the natural seasons of rebirth and release. As Winter and Summer (still call for changes) but has more of a sense of rest and rejuvenation. The more I tune my vibration to the rhythm of nature within their cycles, the more I feel fulfilled in my own growth and journey. I find myself flowing, appreciating and opening with so much more ease, security, stability and confidence. . . #midgaarb #oldgods #animist #cyclicalliving #earthing #herbalism #spruce #conifer #douglasfir #cyclicalnature #wildwoman #wisewoman #paganism #forestspirit #plantwisdom #heathen #vikings #tarot #runes #magic #witchesofinstagram #shamanism #seidr #sprucetips #witchcraft #norsemythology #forestwitch #moontattoo #celestialtattoo #herbalmedicine (at Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByF9Q3OHLPO/?igshid=1xwngpedhhmov

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quintessentialarts · 5 years

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Chamomile in Fine Silver with a unique chunky citrine~ This is another piece where I've been meaning to do a favorite herb, and had an awesome request to get me on track ;) Thank you so much Katja @commonwealthherbs 💚💚💚

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windvexer · 2 years

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Ok, so you want to practice every day?

You know what, valid. So do I. I'm going to make this as short as I can because we have a lot to get through.

You don't have to practice every day to be a "good," valid, powerful, or whatever-you-want witch.

Generic "ground and center every morning, then enchant your tea" practice routines aren't going to be helpful for 90% of us out here. (yes, I wrote similar in the past!)

"Practice" does not equal repeating exercises and casting spells.

When witches say "in my practice," IMO they are using this word interchangeably with "in my path," or "when I actively engage in my path."

Eschew the idea that your "daily practice" is supposed to be a workout routine that is training you for something better.

Embrace the idea that we're actually talking about "practicing daily," aka "engaging with my path on a daily basis." You aren't training for the next thing - you're at the thing already :)

Your daily practice needs to start with what you want out of your faith and practice.

Not everyone wants to be an energy worker.

Not everyone wants to venerate nature.

Not everyone wants to be a spirit-worker.

Not everyone wants to learn herbalism or kitchen witchery

Brainstorm your idealized path. I mean envision yourself in the cutest little cottagecore village, living your total fantasy witch life. What are you doing?

Do you want to...

Be a diviner?

Learn sorcery?

Be a licensed herbalist?

Talk to spirits and make friends with the forest and the flowers?

Help and heal the villagers?

Be a spiritual warrior who battles with evil spirits and aberrations?

Be a world-walker, who goes to unseen realms?

Learn to slip into new skins?

(The list goes on)

Also ask yourself what you don't want. Gods freak you out? Ok, don't interact with them. You want to do pure energy work with very little ritual ingredients? Beautiful. Stand your ground, flip off people who tell you "but witches worship pagan gods and burn candles to their familiars 🥺"

Find ways to start including what is the most important to you in your daily life.

It might be helpful to make a list of the 1-3 things you really want to focus on right now. If it helps, choose a time frame of weeks to try out these practices and see if you like them.

But before you get too far into that:

[Picture ID: A tweet from @rmccarthyjames which reads, "all of my plans for the future involve me waking up tomorrow with a sudden sense of discipline and adherence to routine that i have never displayed even once in my life"]

This, right here, is what we want to avoid.

Please, for the love of God, do not sit down and say, "okay, I'm going to wake up 30 minutes early and do a 15 minute meditation each morning, then 5-10 minutes of energy exercises. Then, I'm going to ground and center (energy work goals). Then during breakfast I'll enchant my food and read about herbalism while I eat (kitchen witch goals). Then, in the evening ---"

I can pretty much guarantee you that almost any activity you have access to right now will be actively draining.

Magical techniques, exercises, and spellwork take energy - just like working out at the gym.

You can work out at the gym and feel energized for the next couple of hours, but then become fatigued in the evening/next day.

You can work out at the gym every day for 5 days, but then suddenly you feel too weak or sore to even get out of bed the next day.

Meditation, grounding, and centering can restore metaphysical energy to your body, and increase your access to it. But it's like eating a protein bar after a workout - you still have to rest and recover.

So if you've tried to stick to "do X, Y, Z" activities every day and failed, ask yourself if you were actually engaging in a strenuous magical workout routine that wore you into the ground.

Instead of choosing "X activity for Y minutes at Z time every day, consider this:

One of the most available ways you can engage in your path is by dwelling within your magical and spiritual worldviews.

Are you an animist? Look for a plant. Think about how it's got a soul. You just engaged with your path :)

Are you interested in energy work? Look for a conversation between two people. Consider the energy flow between them. You just engaged with your path :)

Are you into Traditional Witchcraft? Watch a TV show. Ask yourself how you'd solve a problem on the screen (not necessarily using magic to solve it, just in general). Then, ask yourself how your hag, fetch-beast, or familiar (hypothetical or otherwise) would solve it. You just engaged with your path :)

Are you into religious magic? Look around you. Feel the vibes, feel your feelings, feel your mood. What would your god(s) have to say about it? You just engaged with your path :)

Do you play a lot of video games? Overlay your beliefs onto the game and use events, interactions, and developments as an opportunity to consider your own beliefs (or, with Minecraft, build your own astral temples).

The more you dwell within your magical and spiritual worldviews, the more you "phase in" to the reality that you're a witch and magic is within you and around you.

Over time, constantly engaging with your path in these small ways - through choosing to see the world through the lens of your practice - makes choosing and employing "techniques," exercises, and spells soooo much more relevant and practical.

With that tangent is out of the way, practical tips for how to interact with your path on a daily basis:

Avoid "daily" activities with a high barrier to entry. If you make all these rules and regulations for your own practice, like you have to make a journal entry for every spell and magical activity, and it has to include the moon phase and planetary hour, you're going to be engaging probably a lot less than you think you will.

Choose activities which directly help and support your day to day life.

Tough work environment? Try picking up energy shielding or amulet-making.

Art commissions down? Try learning prosperity or money magic.

Feeling confused or directionless? Experiment with forms of divination.

Lonely? Learn to talk to spirits.

You do not need to create barriers to these things. You DO NOT need to meditate, ground, or center before you make an energy shield. You can just make one right now, actually.

You don't need to learn protection and warding before you practice talking to the nature spirits around you, or bringing protective presences into your sphere.

You don't need to copy down a two-page spell and then write grimoire entries for each correspondence before you can do effective spells and charms.

One of the easiest ways to perform casual, daily magic is to extend regular daily actions into the spirit world.

(For me, the "spirit world" is where all magic happens. Maybe you might call it the etheric, or the energy-double of the world).

Shower to clean yourself - just expend energy to extend the cleaning to your spiritual bodies.

Eat food to gain energy - just expend energy to also feed your spiritual bodies.

Exhale to send old breath away - and at the same time, send away an unwanted thought, energy, or presence.

("Expend energy" can be done in many ways; most often we say "visualization" but you can also dedicate your power to the task through words of intent ["I apply my power to nourish myself thrice over"], mindfulness [staying present in the moment and maintaining focus on your spiritual goal], physical gestures [stirring food clockwise with the knowledge that you are stirring power into it], etc.)

So you've found some free time. What do you want to do with it?

Maybe you started energy shielding earlier this week, and now you're feeling worn out and just want to take a day off.

Hot take: "Hey, I'm too tired to do this magical thing, I'm going to choose something else instead" is engaging with your path :) You didn't forget or ignore your path. You checked in with your magical self, took stock of the situation, and choose the activity of rest.

Be flexible!

I personally say, give all techniques and methods a chance. I myself am not a person where I start out good at things. I'm one of the people where I start out bad at things and get a little better each time I practice.

But if a technique is not vibing with you, or if new concerns arise in your life, there's no need to dedicate yourself to doing something you don't like and don't need for the sake of reaching an arbitrary goal of completion.

Remember, it's not a daily workout until you're good enough to improve your life.

It's improving your life, right now, and each time you do it you get a lil better at it :)

Your path is not subject to object impermanence*.

(*The following is primarily poetic; take it or leave it as you please)

You are what you are and wherever you stand, there your path is around you. To try and curse your path into a quasi-existence where it only appears when you're making energy balls is a terrible fate for a path to be bound to.

It's your friend. It wants to be with you. It doesn't want to be told it's invisible and un-present unless you're staring it in the eye.

A great deal of my early path was taking huge breaks from magical practice - I mean, for months and months at a time. It's called the Crooked Path, not the Straightforward Linear Path Where Expected Things Occur.

Sure, if you're done with witchcraft for a while (or forever), set it aside. Tell your path it's done, closed down, and you'll be back when you're back.

But while you're in, you're walking it. Is your path one where you accidentally forget witchcraft exists and take breaks for months at a time without meaning to? So that's your path. It matches you step for step, no matter where you go.

It doesn't go hungry - you eat and you sleep, and it eats and rests with you. It doesn't feel rejected - it's right there with you. When you touch the doorknob, your path reaches through and holds your hand. When you write a school exam, it traces the pencil lead from the other side. It doesn't matter if you know it or see it - it's there, patient and waiting, watching you with love. All you need to do is fail to believe that your path is gone when you stop paying attention to it.

#witchblr #witchcraft #just starting #daily practice #witchcraft 101 #grimoire #book of shadows #spellbook #theory

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