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thevirginwitch · 6 hours

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Many books of the Bible that didn't make it to the official canon(s) and other incredibly important pieces of scripture and literature are only known today because they were preserved in the Ge'ez script in Ethiopia. It is very likely that there are lots of other texts dating to the earliest days of Christianity that are still to be "found", only because there aren't enough international scholars who know the Ge'ez script or work in Ethiopia. There are many, but not as much as it deserves. (Important note is that Ge'ez is both a liturgical language, like Latin, and also is a script, much like Latin or Chinese characters, used by many Ethiopian languages, but others can be written and indeed are written in Ge'ez script, this is why it has preserved such a range of literature)

Ge'ez looks like this:

ሀሎ! ይህ በአማርኛ ቋንቋ እና በግእዝ ፊደል የተጻፈ ነው! ለእርስዎ እና ለቤተሰብዎ በረከቶች!

There was briefly a very bad taste meme calling it a "demon language", with people even copypasting random religious literature in Ge'ez thus making it seem more "sinister". I won't comment on how ignorant and offensive that is.

Ge'ez is an important script and language, much like Greek or Latin, because of its connection to major religions like Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Ethiopia is a wonderful country with a deep, rich history, and is an example of how Africa has always been part of world history. But like all languages, it's also a cultural heritage on its own, worth cherising, preserving, and learning about, regardless of its importance to the rest of the world. Instead of being ignorant for a racist joke, we could always take our time and learn and appreciate such things.

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thevirginwitch · 6 hours

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The Golden Dawn,

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a mystical and esoteric movement known as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn emerged, casting a spell of intrigue on those seeking spiritual enlightenment. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of the Golden Dawn, exploring its origins, teachings, and enduring impact on the realms of occultism and Western esoteric traditions.

Origins and Founders:

Founded in 1888, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was the brainchild of three prominent figures in the occult revival – William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and Dr. William Robert Woodman. Drawing inspiration from various esoteric traditions, the Golden Dawn aimed to provide a structured and systematic approach to spiritual development.

Teachings and Practices:

Central to the Golden Dawn's teachings was the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, self-discovery, and the understanding of the mystical aspects of the universe. The order synthesized elements from diverse sources, including Kabbalah, Tarot, astrology, alchemy, and ceremonial magic. Members underwent a series of initiations, progressing through different grades, each revealing deeper layers of esoteric wisdom.

Symbolism and Rituals:

Symbolism played a crucial role in Golden Dawn rituals, with intricate ceremonies designed to invoke spiritual forces and facilitate inner transformation. The use of magical tools, sacred geometry, and correspondences enriched the rituals, creating a unique blend of mysticism and ceremonial magic.

Influence on Occultism:

The Golden Dawn became a catalyst for the spread of occult knowledge, influencing subsequent esoteric and mystical movements. Notable figures such as Aleister Crowley, W.B. Yeats, and Arthur Edward Waite were associated with the Golden Dawn, contributing to its mystique and shaping the landscape of Western occultism.

Internal Strife and Dissolution:

Despite its initial success, internal strife and disagreements among its members led to the eventual dissolution of the Golden Dawn in the early 20th century. Various offshoots and derivative orders emerged, each carrying forward aspects of the original teachings.

The Golden Dawn's legacy endures in contemporary occult practices and esoteric circles. Its influence can be traced in the foundations of modern Western ceremonial magic, tarot divination, and the revival of interest in ancient mysticism.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn remains a captivating chapter in the history of esotericism, blending mysticism, symbolism, and ceremonial magic. Its impact on the spiritual landscape transcends its temporal existence, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving tapestry of Western occult traditions. As seekers continue to explore the hidden realms of knowledge, the Golden Dawn stands as a beacon, inviting those drawn to the mysteries of the arcane.

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thevirginwitch · 7 hours

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WELCOME TO TAROT

WHERE DID THE TAROT CARDS COME FROM?

No one is quite sure when and where the Tarot Cards originated but it is safe to say that they have been around for centuries. The Chinese were using a form of Oracle Card for a long time before Tarot was ever heard of. The actual Tarot as we know it today dates back to fourteenth-century Italy. A wealthy aristocrat commissioned a hand painted deck as a present for his daughter on the occasion of her marriage. Little did he know what he had started. Yet, even though this man was responsible for launching the form of Tarot we are now familiar with, the story begins many thousands of years beforehand. Long before reading the cards became trendy, symbols for divination have been used for thousands of years. The alphabet originated from these symbols and each had a particular meaning. The Rune Stones for example date back much further than the Tarot.

Keep reading

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Storm Catching - Cyclone Stopper

Since there is a category 5 cyclone currently hitting where I live, I thought I should use a storm binding spell.

This is one of the more common ways to catch a storm; by binding it in string/rope. The string was soaked in rain from the cyclone and then tightly braided to bind the storm within the knots. I also used a crow feather within the binding rope.

The rain is now not as severe as it was before and the wind is minimal. This way the cyclone can be released from it’s binding at a more opportune time by undoing the braid/knots.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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As a fantasy author, I attended a writers conference a couple years back. When I was talking to a dinner table of fantasy writers, we all discovered we shared a unique ability—we could automatically lucid dream without ever being taught beforehand about our worlds. We were quite shocked to figure out that we all could explore our worlds in our dreams, and it was a common experience!

I recently had a conversation with another pagan writer on this topic who brought up the ability to lucid dream, and how it felt like we could explore our worlds in our dreams as if they are worlds we didn't necessarily create, but instead stepped into. I've felt like this for awhile—the world I write about almost inherently exists in me, a place that I can visit in my head, with characters I seemingly know immediately compared to some that I create.

Almost like this world is a different realm I visit in my head and existed far before my imagination—I haven't come to a conclusion about this experience yet, so just curious to see what others have to say about it!

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Herbs & Correspondences A-F

This is going to be a looonnnnnggg post, I have gotten all the herbs I can find/remember the correspondences of herbs in alphabetical order, so I might actually break it down into sections and link them on each post at the top.

Acorn - Good luck, personal power, protection and wisdom. Dried acorns are a natural amulet for youthfulness. Associated with Litha. Element water.

Agrimony - Shielding and hex-breaking, aids sleep, brings luck towards you and is powerful in spell reversal. Element Air.

Alder - Helps you to face up to things you are avoiding, divination, teaching especially anything arty and weather magic. Element Fire.

Alfalfa - Money, prosperity and a happy home, also anti-hunger. Generosity and luck. Element Earth.

Allspice - Draws money and business success. Aids compassion, luck and healing. Element Fire.

Angelica - Also called Archangel. It is a very powerful protection herb, healing, creates harmony and courage and helps in exorcisms. Aids vision. Element Air.

Apple - Garden magic, love, healing and wisdom, also vanity, marriage and beauty. Associated Mabon & Samhain. Element water.

Ash - Spells relating to the sea, protection, and luck. Make your Yule log from ash and burn to bring prosperity. Yggdrasil was an Ash tree. Element water.

Basil - Also called witch's herb. Use in spells for Love, exorcism, wealth, sympathy, and protection. Associated with Imbolc. Aids astral projection. Element Fire.

Bay Leaf - Protection, success, purification, strength, wisdom and healing, also increases psychic powers. Element Fire.

Beech - Happiness, inspiration and divination. Represents the Green Man. Element Air.

Belladonna - Also Called: Deadly Nightshade. Toxic. Use for forgetting past loves. Protection, beauty and original flying ointments. Adds energy to rituals. Element Water.

Benzoin - Purification, prosperity, and helps to soothe tension by dispelling anger and lessening irritability, de stressing, helps depression, concentration and astral projection. Element Air.

Bergamot - Money, prosperity and sleep. Protects from both evil and illness. Good luck and wealth. Increases magical power. Element Fire.

Birch - Protection, exorcism and purification. Dispels lightning, infertility, and the evil eye. Associated with Yule. Element Water.

Black Pepper - Banishing negativity, exorcism, and offers protection and help with inner strength. Element Fire

Blackthorn - Exorcisms, warding off negative spirits and general protection. Associated with Samhain. Element Earth.

Bladderwrack - Protection, sea and wind spells, attracts money, psychic powers, and customers to your business. Element Water.

Blessed Thistle - or Holy Thistle. Purification, protection against negativity and evil, hex breaking and aids vitality. Carry on you for strength and protection. Element Earth.

Blueberry - Protection of children, keeps evil out, and strengthens the aura. Associated with the Great Spirit. Element Water.

Borage Flower - Self Courage, peace, calm, self-love and strength. Element Air.

Burdock - Also called Beggar’s buttons. Used for cleansing magic and warding off negativity. Protection, healing and persistence spells. Element Water.

Calendula - Also called Marigold. It attracts success and justice in legal matters. Increases psychic/spiritual powers and aid prophetic dreams. Dispels negativity. Element Fire.

Cardamom - Lust, love, and fidelity. Sweetens the personality Use in handfasting's. Element Water.

Carnation - Protection, strength, healing, enhancing magical powers, and achieving balance. Element Fire.

Catnip - Also called Nepeta. Use when working with animals. Draws love, luck and happiness, also used in beauty magic. Associated with Bast. Element Water.

Cedarwood - Luck, strength and power. It helps increase money and protection. Also healing. Associated with Mabon. Element Earth.

Cedar Berries - Also Called: Juniper Berries. Protective, cleansing and repels negativity very well. Used in healing rites. Element Fire.

Celandine - Cures depression, treats piles, improves circulation. Brings about Joy and happiness. Solar Magic. Element Fire.

Chamomile - Love, sleep, protection and purification, also reduce stress. Use for meditation work and to attract money. Solar Magic. Element Water.

Chervil - Helps healing, flatulence and superstition. It is considered the herb for bringing in new life. Element Water.

Chickweed - Also called Witches Grass. Use in moon spells. Also good for animal magic, relationships, love and fertility. Element Water.

Chili - Fidelity, love and passion. Also hex breaking. Element Fire.

Cinnamon - Also called Sweet Wood. Use for Solar magic. Meditation and astral projection. Increases spirituality, success, healing, protection, power, luck, strength, and prosperity. Element Fire.

Clover, Red - Also called Trefoil. used in any spells relating to marriage, love, lust and fidelity. Success is linked to money. Element Air.

Clove - Use to protect, banish negative forces, and divination. It also helps with any teeth spells. Aids money and draws love. Element Fire.

Coltsfoot - Aids wealth. Works with peace, tranquility, prosperity, and love. Associated with Brighid. Element Water.

Comfrey - Also called Slippery Root. Supports magic healing and safe travel. Use for money, endurance and stability spells. Element Water.

Coriander - Love, lust and health. Used as an aphrodisiac and to heal migraines. Brings peace & protection to the home. Element Fire.

Cornflower - Used primarily as an Ink for your Book of Shadows. It is the patron herb of herbalists. Use in rituals to give honor to the mother of all nature, also connected to Rainbow and Crystal children. Element Earth.

Cumin - Fidelity, protection, and exorcism. Also used in love spells and food which can also promote fidelity. Element Earth

Cypress - Associated with death and mourning; stimulates healing and helps overcome the pain of loss. Other properties include self-esteem, protection, love and banishing nightmares. Element Earth.

Damiana - Lust, sex magic and attracting love. It is thought to be an aphrodisiac. Use for astral projection and spirit quests. Element Fire.

Dandelion Leaf - Used to summon spirits, make wishes on, healing, purification and defeating negativity. Element Air.

Dandelion Root - Magical uses include divination, wishes and calling spirits. It also enhances dreams and works well in astral projection. Element Air.

Dock Root- (Yellow). Used to release baggage no longer needed. Also, fertility, healing and money magic. Clears blockages and cuts bindings. Solar Magic. Element Air.

Echinacea - Adds a boost to clairvoyant and psychic abilities. Adds powerful strength to spells used in money drawing magic, fertility and abundance and provides the user with protective power. Element Earth.

Elder Tree - Sleep, releasing enchantments, protection against negativity, banishing.

Elderflower & Berry - Peace, protection, and healing, plus aids in exorcisms. Element Water.

Elm - Energizes the mind and balances the heart. Aids love spells and offer protection from lightning. Element Water.

Evening Primrose - Ideal for moon magic. Also use in love charms and to attract fae. Element Water.

Eyebright - Increases mental power, psychic ability and inner vision. Element Air.

Fennel Seed - Helps with meditation. Healing, purifying and protection. Also linked with new motherhood and offers inner strength. Element Air.

Feverfew - Aids poor health. Protection against accidents when travelling and protection when working with spirit. Carry on you for inner strength. Element Water.

Flax Seed - Also called Linseed. Used for money spells and healing rituals. It helps with beautiful spells and offers protection. Element Fire.

Fleawort - Healing, Cleansing, strength and power. The Goddess' herbs. Element Earth.

Frankincense Resin - Use in solar magic. Associated with Beltane, Lammas, and Yule. Use in rituals and magic associated with self-control, spirituality and protection. Also regulates emotions and helps depression. Element Earth

Fumitory - Associated with the underworld and used at Samhain. Linked to spells for monetary gain, consecration and protection. Element Earth.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Harmony at Home Blend

I've been away for a bit, taking care of some mental health things, but I'm back with another herbal blend for anyone who may want to bring some good energy to their home. Without further ado...

Ingredients and intention

Alfalfa (prosperity and cleansing)

Lavender (calm)

Rose petals (love)

Hyssop (cleansing and purification)

Lemon balm (tranquility and harmony)

Juniper berries (good luck and protection)

I haven't quite decided how I'm going to use this, but there are a few possibilities. Most likely, I will use them as an infusion to make a floor wash. Other options are grinding them to make either a floor sweep or a powdered incense.

Any ritual and spellcraft used with this is entirely up to you! I always like to focus on my intent when preparing the blends, and since this will be used with domestic magic, I like saying a little prayer to Hestia and leaving her an offering. Feel free to be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like if you choose to incorporate this blend into your practice.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Herb Correspondences - M-R

Mandrake - Spell strengthener. Use for protection, happiness and wealth. It aids money multiplying. Element Earth.

Marigold - See Calendula.

Marjoram - Use for cleansing, purification, and dispelling negativity. Also aids grief and sadness. Element Air.

Marshmallow Flower - Cleansing, protection, love, sex and fertility. Used in handfasting's. Elements Water.

Marshmallow Root - Protection and psychic powers. Use in tea to aid sore throats. Handfasting herbs and cleansing. Element Water.

Meadowsweet - Used to increase the chances of getting a job. Helps peace, love and happiness. Aids divination. Element Air.

Mint - Promotes energy, communication and vitality, protection and draws custom. Element Air.

Mistletoe - Also called Witches Broom. Used for fertility, creativity, and protection from negative spells & magic. Hang at handfasting to kiss beneath and promote peace. Element Air.

Mountain Ash Berry - Also called Rowan Berry. Strong fairy and Goddess connections. Aids protection and meditation help to clear the mind. Element Fire.

Motherwort - Mother’s Herb. Love and fertility. Grounding helps against bad luck. Protection and good fortune. Element Fire.

Mug wort - Use for strength, protection and healing. Mug wort amplifies magic. Aids astral projection, and psychic power. Element Earth.

Mullein - Represents the crossroads. Offers protection from nightmares & hexing. It attracts love and keeps evil energies and spirits at bay. Element Fire.

Mustard Seed - Courage, faith, and endurance. It is a good luck amulet. Aids mental power and offers protection. Element Fire.

Myrrh - Spiritual, meditation, and healing. Supports youthfulness and protection. Luck and peace. Element Earth.

Nasturtium - Banishing and releasing fear. It helps create your own reality. Aids creativity and independence. Element Air.

Nettle - Uses include dispelling darkness & fear, and curse breaking. Healing and protection and increase lust in partners. Renewal. Element Fire.

Nutmeg - Magical uses include attracting money/prosperity, and luck. Use for fortune telling and when you need favorable decisions to be made. Element Fire.

Oak - Connected to Litha and the most sacred of all trees. Oak supports success, good luck and healing. Stability and potency and attract money. Element Water.

Orange Peel & Flower- Attracts abundance, luck. Love and happiness strengthen divination. Element Fire.

Oregano - Aids astral projection, health, and vitality. Increase joy and justice and protect against evil. Use at Handfasting's. Element Air.

Parsley - Use this herb to help with contacting the dead. Increases strength, vitality and passion. It is uplifting and helps spiritual growth. Element Air.

Passionflower - Attracts friendship and passion. Calming, peace and instills passion into stale relationships. Good for house blessings too. Element Water.

Patchouli - Used in spells for connecting with spirits. Money attracts increases fertility and lust. Calming and peaceful. Element Earth.

Pennyroyal - Use for peace, harmony and tranquility. Carry to avoid seasickness or for physical strength & endurance. Element Earth.

Peppermint - Use for headaches and other forms of healing. Increases sleep and love. Use for increasing psychic power and divination. Element Air.

Pilewort - See Celandine.

Pine/Needles - Prosperity and success. Protection, purification and divination. Throw it in the fire to dispel negativity. Use in house and business blessings. Element Fire.

Plantain - Increases fertility and libido. Healing, protective and offers strength. Use to have power over supernatural events. Element Earth.

Poppy Seeds - Pleasure, love and luck. Aids sleep and insomnia. Use in astral projection and flying magic. Increases fertility and happiness. Element Water.

Pumpkin Seed - Use in lunar magic to honor the moon. Also healing and increases divination. Element Fire.

Raspberry Leaf - Used for healing, protection, love. Raspberry leaf not to be eaten by pregnant women until due date, as it induces labor. Helps to reduce the pain involved in childbirth. Supports sleep, dreams and love. Element Water.

Red Clover - Aids success, love and money. Increases fidelity. Use in exorcism. Element Air.

Rose - Use for divination, increased psychic power, love, lust and healing. It helps strengthen close friendships. Place it around sprains and bruises to help them heal faster. Element Water.

Rose Hips - Used in healing spells or to bring good luck and invoking good spirits. Aids stronger love. Element Water.

Rosemary - Use in healing poppets and love/lust spells. Improves memory. Increases sleep, mental power and protection. Burn to help purification and remove negativity. Associated with faery magic. Element Fire.

Rowan - See Mountain Ash.

Rue - Use in healing, health and love. Also, protection against the evil eye. Increases mental power and clarity of the mind. Used in exorcism. Element Fire.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Herbs & Correspondences G-L

Galangal Root - Also called Lo John the Conqueror or Lo John. Carry into legal proceedings to help win. Money, gambling and hex breaking. Also aids luck and psychic development. Element Fire.

Garlic - Magical uses include speed, health and endurance, also protection, exorcism and purification. Use also to promote your inner strength. Element Fire.

Gentian - Increases spell power. Good luck and works well in love & romance spells. Element Fire.

Ginger - Increases magic power. Success, love, money and power. Element Fire.

Ginseng - Promotes love, beauty, healing and lust. Element Fire.

Hawthorn Wood- Associated with Beltane. Magical uses include chastity, fertility, fairy magic, fishing magic, and rebirth. Success in career, work, and employment. Use it to work with the fae. Used in weddings and handfasting's to increase fertility. Element Water. Hawthorne Berries aid chastity. Hope, protection and happiness. Element Fire.

Hearts Ease - Also called Violet. It helps to mend a broken heart. Aids rebirth, peace, wishes and luck. Calms the nerves and promotes peace and tranquility. Element Water.

Hemlock - Use to paralyze a situation and a funeral herb. Highly Toxic. Element Water.

Henbane - Dried leaves are used in the consecration of ceremonial vessels. Used in love sachets and charms to gain the love of the person desired. Highly Toxic. Element Water.

Hibiscus - Attracting love and lust. Use in divination. Associated with lunar magic. Element Water.

High John - (The Conqueror) An "all purpose" herb. Use it for strength, confidence, conquering any situation. Good luck, prosperity and protection. Element Fire.

Holly Hock - Protecting, all Fairy magic, abundance, personal growth and aids passing. Related to Lammas. Element Earth.

Horehound - Protective against evil doings. Helps with mental clarity during ritual; stimulates creativity/inspiration; balances personal energies and healing. Element Earth.

Horsetail - Use for strength and resolve. Protection, cleansing and clearing unwanted emotions. Element Earth.

Hyssop - Used for purification. Banishing, protection and healing. Element Fire.

Irish Moss - Used for luck. Ideal for gamblers! Attracts money and customers for self-employed. Offers protection. Element Water

Ivy - Protection, healing and fertility. Use for love and hang at handfasting's. Element Fire.

Jasmine - The herb of attraction. Helps prophetic dreaming, money and love. Element Water.

Juniper - See Cedar berries.

Lady's Mantle - Aphrodisiac and transmutation. Use in love spells and those of fertility. Increases magic power in spells and connects with fairy lore. Element Water.

Laurel- See Bay leaf.

Lavender - Magical uses include healing, sleep and peace. It also promotes chastity and love. Increases longevity of life, tranquility and happiness. Element Air.

Lemon Balm - Also called Melissa. Love, success and healing. Aids psychic/spiritual development. Supports mental health disorders and compassion. Element Water.

Lemon Grass - Psychic cleansing and opening. Use in lust potions and when using Dragon Magic. Element Air.

Licorice Root - Love, lust, and fidelity. Also attracts passion. Element Water.

Lilac - Wisdom, memory, good luck and spiritual aid. Element Water.

Linden Flower - Wisdom, justice, love and protection. Element Air.

Lime Tree Leaf - Healing, calm and love. Aids strength and tranquility. Element Air.

Little John - See Galangal root.

Lungwort - Use in air magic or as an offering to the Gods of air. Offers safe travel when flying. Element Air.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Herb Correspondences - S-Z

Sage - Used for self-purification and cleansing. Helps grief and loss. Healing and protection also increase wisdom. Element Air.

Sandalwood - Burn during protection, healing, and exorcism spells. Aids luck and success, meditation and divination. Raises a high spiritual vibration. Element Water.

Skullcap - Aids in love, fidelity and peace. Increases harmony. Element Water.

Sea Salt - Use to cleanse crystals and tools. For purification, grounding and protection. Supports ritual work. Absorbs negativity and banishes evil. Element Earth & Water.

Sheep's Purse - Prosperity, protection and healing. Element Earth.

Sheep Sorrel - Carry to protect against heart disease. Cleansing and increases luck. Use in faery magic. Element Earth.

St. John's Wort - Worn to prevent colds & fevers. Induces prophetic and romantic dreams. Protects against hexes and black witchcraft. Increases happiness. Use in Solar Magic. Element Fire.

Star Anise - Consecration, purification, and happiness. Use for curse breaking or increasing luck. Burn to increase psychic awareness. Element Fire.

Strawberry Leaf - Attracts success, good fortune, and favorable circumstances. Increases love and aids pregnancy. Element Water.

Sunflower - Energy, protection, and power. Aids wisdom and brings about wishes. Use in fertility magic. Element Fire.

Sweet Cicely - Use during rituals for the dead or dying. It helps with divination and the contact of the spirit. It is sacred to the Goddess’ of death. Element Earth.

Sweetwood - See Cinnamon.

Tansy - See Agrimony.

Tarragon - Increases self-confidence. Use in Dragon magic. Aids healing after abusive situations. Element Fire.

Tea Leaves - Use for courage or strength. In tea for increasing lust. Burn leaves to ensure future riches. Element Air.

Thistle - See Blessed Thistle.

Thyme - Attracts loyalty, affection, and love. Increases good luck and psychic power. Drink tea to aid sleep. Element Air.

Valerian - Also called Graveyard dust. Aids sleep is calming and is a sedative. Quietens emotions. Supports protection and love. Element Water.

Vervain - Strengthen other herbs. Helps, peace, love and happiness. Burn the leaves to attract wealth and keep your youth. Increases chastity also. Element Water.

Verbena - Psychic protection, peace and purification. Healing and helps depression. Increases beauty and love. Mind opening and clearing. Ideal use for exams. Element Earth.

Violet - See Heart’s Ease.

White Willow Bark - Use in lunar magic. Reduces negativity and removes evil forces and hexes. Used for healing spells. Element Water.

Willow - Used for lunar magic, drawing or strengthening love, healing, and overcoming sadness. Element Water.

Witches Grass - Happiness, lust, love, and exorcism. Reverses hexes. Element Earth.

Wood Betony - Use for purification, protection, and the expulsion of evil spirits and nightmares. Draws love in your direction. Element Fire.

Woodruff - Victory, protection, and money. Element Air.

Wormwood - Used to remove anger, stop war, inhibit violent acts, and for protection. Use in clairvoyance, to summon spirits, or to enhance divinatory abilities. Element Earth.

Yarrow - Healing, calming and increases love. Used in handfasting & weddings. Increases psychic power and divination. Gives courage when needed. Element Air.

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thevirginwitch · 2 days

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Your daily quest is loading

. .. …

did you know? today is the full moon!

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thevirginwitch · 3 days

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Your daily quest is loading

. .. …

did you know? today is the full moon!

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thevirginwitch · 3 days

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Graveyard Etiquette🪦

Before you go protect yourself you don't want a spirit attached to you.

Bring coins as offerings to the gatekeepers.

Bring with you offering for the spirits (food, water, flowers ect...) and leave it by a tree or away from the headstones for the spirits.

Make sure you don't step on anyone and apologiz if you do by accident.

Clean up neglected tombstones.

Ask before you take dirt. Use your intuition or divination to get a response.

Don’t take anything that is left for the dead.

Don't leave trash behind and if you find trash clean it.

Leave the way you came.

tip jar

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thevirginwitch · 3 days

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Circle Round: raising children in Goddess traditions, by Starhawk, Diane Baker, Anne Hill

If you are curious, no, I haven't read the other, more famous Starhawk book yet. It's on my shelf. I am putting it off because the library is yelling at me to give this one back much more urgently 😅

I have read many "how to witchcraft" books, and a few "how to witchcraft (with kids)!" books as well, but this book is a gentle, loving book on how to raise your children in magically rich household, the reading experience made even richer by having multiple contributors to provide crafts, songs, rituals, and grounding for a world that isn't exactly built around Neopagan sensibilities. There are several stances the book takes right off the bat, all which I was very grateful to see:

1) Do not force your kid into anything. Force is counter productive to your endgoal: having a happy, loved family where children feel comfortable with your craft and their place in it. If you would like your child to be interested in participating, leave them as many invites and openings as there are rituals taking place, or encourage them to make something that will be part of the ritual at another point. You can do this without trying to strongarm them into it.

Yes. Absolutely. This is a great point to make up front. Especially when children can be embarrassed that their parents believe in magic, or are part of a coven that partakes in rituals. 2) Cultural appropriation is not tolerated. However. If you only expose your children to European stories, mythologies, and traditions, they are only going to see the world through a lens of eurocentrism. Diversity in materials is the key to a well-rounded view— in life, in magic, everywhere.

When I got to this part of the book, I about stood up in my chair at work. Yes. We can appreciate, value, and learn from multiple cultures by engaging with them respectfully. It is important to be exposed to as much as possible in life, lest we become too used to only one perspective. I use the same philosophies towards diversity and global representation as I work to stock the kids' section at our library.

I loved that the book had songs (and sheet music!) in it; I loved how the book was only as feminine as you would like to engage with, even as it centers in a Goddess tradition; I loved the crafts, the recipes, and the realistic day-to-day tips, all aimed at a level where younger children could engage with the material without missing out; I loved how the collaborators rounded each other out as they went, so there was hardly a section that felt too heavy with one person and ignored the others, and everyone contributed something different to the book.

As a kids librarian, reading this book smacked me in the face with the realization that kid rituals are largely just Goddess-themed storytime sessions. If you're a children's educator in any capacity at all, ever, and the chance to read this book comes up, take it, if only for the weird feelings blending your day job with theology! 🤣

If you're very sensitive to something that "feels Wiccan", well, this does smack of it, but if your actual problem is with cultural appropriation, misogyny/misandry, transphobia, or homophobia, I am happy to say that, on my first reading, none of the issues people tend to cite as their problem with Wicca made an overt appearance. That being said, I was reading this book at a desk with many distractions.

I liked this book, I appreciate this book in its role and its content, and now that it's returned to the library, I'll likely try to purchase myself a copy.

Blessings!

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thevirginwitch · 4 days

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April Week 4 - More Star Stuff

There's so much going on in space. And we've really only scratched the surface. So let's dig deeper into the cosmic witchy woo. Here's a few topics for this week!

Monday

New Page/ Research - Moon Phases - You can make one page for each phase, or one page to encompass them all. Do the moon phases influence your craft? Do they influence you? What do they represent to you, in your craft? What do they represent in others' crafts? What energies do the different phases control, or influence or change? Why are the phases called what they are? Historically, what have the moon phases represented? How can you connect to the moon in all of its phases? Find out as much as you can!

New Page/ Research - Herbal research - pick another herb from your list and research everything about it! Mundane, medicinal, culinary and magical uses and associations!

Tuesday

New Page/ Research -Solar Flares - What are solar flares, scientifically speaking? What do they effect? What magical energies and associations do they have? How do they or can they influence your magical practice?

New Page/ Research - Gemstone research - Pick another gemstone! Research all about it! If not a gemstone, then a tarot card, or rune, or other type of magic!

Wednesday

New Page/ Research - Auroras - What are auroras? How do they form? Why and where do they form? What circumstances cause them? How can they and do they influence your practice? What associations and myths/ legends are there surrounding them?

Practical - Moon Meditation - Take a little time to think about the moon in its current phase. What do you feel? What do you think? What does it mean to you? How do you connect to it? Sit beneath it and look at it, study it. Then journal about it!

Thursday

Catch up Day - Take time today to catch up on the many many heavy prompts we've had this month! There's so much info on the topic of cosmic/ space witchcraft and the way all these planets and things influence and effect our crafts.

Friday

New Page/ Research - This is an independant research. Think about all the prompts we've had for all the celestial bodies/ events/ objects and so on. Are there any you know of that we haven't been prompted to research? If so, look it up using the same lens we have for all the others. What is it physically? How does it form? What does it represent? Are there any magical associations? Any myths, legends or stories about it?

Gosh that's another big load of prompts! But we've made it! There's one more week of prompts in this month and it'll be another loaded week, so rest up, and prepare!

Good Luck and Happy Casting Witches!

-Mod Hazel

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thevirginwitch · 4 days

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Consumerism & Witchcraft

Written by Marimo (he/they)🌿

I’ve seen a turn for the better in some witchy spaces regarding consumerism in the past few years, but overall it still tends to be an issue for us as a community. I’ve decided to try and breakdown the pitfalls I’ve noticed in my own journey, in the hopes that it will inspire and assist others. I’ve also provided alternatives and ideas on how to make small changes in our practice to help us better protect the Earth, stick it to the failing system and still acquire our bits and bobs we love so dearly.

As always, I am no authority on any subject nor am I perfect—but we’re all learning as we go, so let’s dive right in 🌿

A Preface

There are some things that should be made entirely clear before we begin:

You are not a bad person for wanting an aesthetic

You are not a bad person for unknowingly falling into pitfalls. Only if you continue to purposefully do so after knowing better

You are not a bad person for consuming content/objects or for not always making the most sustainable decisions. At the end of the day, we can only control our small part of environmental impact, while the rest is left up to the major corporations that make more pollution than any of us ever will

You are only human. Show yourself some grace and understanding that the internet so lacks.

My Experience in Consumerist Hell

I have fallen victim many times to consumerism in witchcraft. Starting my journey at the ripe age of about ten years old and heavily in the broom closet, I was quickly drawn in by the shiny rocks, the brand new candles and scents, the promise of new tarot decks and pendulums and other fancy, shiny new equipment. I was consuming an online aesthetic along with my ideals, and it distracted me from starting my journey by learning well.

I began to spend my birthday and holiday money on the aesthetic of things. While, granted, I still did buy a few literary resources now and again from my local secondhand bookstore—I was stubbornly ignoring the sage advice to learn and understand first before diving in headfirst.

I purchased statues, crystals, too many tarot decks to use. I purchased osteomancy bones I later returned to the earth, for I had not done enough research to know that that animal was mine to practice with. I had a tankard full of incense sticks, and even a growing pile of books that would not be read. While I liked to consider myself crafty with my homemade Maypole and various hand-bound Grimoires, something was becoming apparent: this was all a distraction.

The aesthetic I was partaking in was providing me with a false sense of progress and practicality.

When I’d go to do a tarot reading, I’d become far too overwhelmed with choosing a deck to read in the first place. When making an offering to a deity, I’d feel pressured to also bolster the altars of all the other deities I’d set up, and with my wide pool, the connections felt muddy. Often times I’d be off-put on a project or spell because I knew I needed to film it and it needed to look nice.

In the long term, I don’t have many of these items today. I’ve sold and donated a vast breadth of them. Feeling overwhelmed costed me a few years retreat from my craft to recuperate. However, what has stuck with me is the knowledge I picked up along the way.

So, What’s the Issue? TL;DR

I’ve noticed a few issues here in making these mistakes myself.

Consumerism absolutely distracts you from learning and your craft

Overconsumption leads to environmental damage. If everyone hoarded supplies, there would not be enough to go around. And with what gets thrown away every year…it paints an ugly wound on the Earth

We damage our learning abilities by not allowing ourselves to be anything less than perfect

The need for aesthetic creates barriers to entry within the community and creates a divide of haves and have-nots

You won’t be able to truly follow your individual path if you are only consuming and not creating for yourself

Consumerist culture promotes appropriation. Metaphysical stores carry items from closed practices (such as white sage and palo santo, or coyote bones) because someone is buying them. Don’t be that person, and find alternatives relating to your own culture instead

Consumerism can influence your spiritual decisions based upon monetary inclinations (where some may sacrifice a quality ingredient over a higher quantity of a lower quality ingredient)

So, what can we do?

Firstly, I want to clarify that I am not against collecting, nor am I against maximalism or the beautiful visual aesthetic we carry as a community.

I am an artist a very visual person and understand the longing for a beautiful home and workspace. However, this aesthetic shouldn’t come at the cost of irresponsibly harming the Earth or another community.

Thus, I’ve compiled a list of small things that I will be incorporating into my practice to make it more mindful and sustainable. I hope that you’ll join me in a few of them.

Minimize Supplies. While I used to have a huge selection of stationary for my Grimoire, I now limit myself to a simple pencil and watercolor set if I’m feeling artistic. This helps me actually use my Grimoire for study, rather than to keep perfect. It’s also friendlier on my wallet!

Thrift Supplies. There are plenty of perfectly good items that get donated daily. You can get high-quality candles and holders, old crystal bowls for altar offerings, spare crafting supplies, fabric for alter cloths and even clothing if you so wish—all for a fraction of the cost new and while saving the planet just a little bit more. Hell, you can sometimes even find good silver!

Share Supplies with your Community. You can create a sort of barter system with other witches in your area. Perhaps you create a sigil for them, and they provide you with a candle spell. Play to your strengths and grow together!

Look for Creative Outlets. Do you really need to go buy an altar statue that’s been mass-produced? Or can you give your deity the personal gift of a drawing, painting or even hand-modeled or hand-carved rendition? This will also deepen your connection to your craft and your magic, and make it more meaningful and stronger. If you really like something, though, go for it!

If you aren’t the artistic sort, consider supporting an artist before going to a large company. While I haven’t purchased from them myself, Blagowood on Etsy has beautiful deity statues carved from wood by their small team in Ukraine for a comparable cost to the standard mass produced metal statues. I consider this extra labor of love going into these pieces and those of similar small companies to be much better energy for my practice. I myself may put out some art prints and other handmade supplies in the future, but I will likely spread them around my community first.

Try Secondhand Books. While not available in every area and further still not as available for witchcraft and occult books, you may strike luck! Not only are secondhand books less expensive, but you’ll be supporting a local business. That’s not to say you can’t buy firsthand books, but some searching around may be beneficial to the earth and to your wallet in the long run.

Be mindful of where you source supplies and decor. If you are a fan of taxidermy decor, make sure that you source cruelty free. Bats can practically never be sourced without cruelty, so if a shop carries them, I’d be mindful of their other specimens. The same goes for if a shop decides to forgo a culture’s wishes and carry supplies sacred to them, such as white sage or dreamcatchers. Supporting folks who turn a profit off of others’ suffering is not something many would wish to include energetically in their craft.

Search the Wild for Tools. Find sticks, flowers and other plants out in the forest. Learn how to rockhound in your area for crystals. Your craft will be more powerful the more connected it is to the land you are surrounded by. Be sure to reference guides for safety and legality!

Get Creative with Purposes. If you are having difficulty finding exactly what you need by thrifting or searching, make another tool multipurpose if it would do the job good enough. Find supplies that are easy to source and work as substitutes for other ingredients (ex. Quartz as a stand in for other stones)

Spend more time Doing. Go out into the woods (safely) and advance your connection to the earth instead of worrying over the perfect item for your collection. Your craft will benefit

At the end of the day, all of this is your decision. Take what you like, and leave what you don’t. Even if we don’t agree, I thank you for your time and open mind. I will continue updating about how I incorporate these steps, and I will also hopefully post more on witchy crafting in the future.

I wish you well, and hope you’ll decide to follow along on our journey!

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thevirginwitch · 6 days

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you increasingly seem like you're trying to make a marketable brand out of our faith to sell things. stop.

Jewitches began in 2020 as a single person creating & sharing educational materials on Jewish magic, folk practices, etc. The demand & reception was overwhelming & intense. The thirst for knowledge is vast & we are just one of many wellsprings attempting to provide some relief. If you don’t align with our manner of creating content, there are others who may suit you better & we encourage you to seek them out.

We create & share resources entirely for free—always have, always will. Content put behind a paywall is entirely optional (for example, early access to blogs that will be public days later). Both our blog & podcast are fully sourced; as are our infographics. We create videos for multiple platforms, create content on multiple platforms (including, but not limited to creating imagery of Jewish ritual & practice in the modern era), consult, answer emails, direct messages, sensitivity readings, & so much more.

But it is impossible to do that without funding.

The books, papers, & academic resources we use & cite are expensive; not to mention that the time combing through them is expensive, as is the time required to actually consolidate & write about it all. And we do this without grants provided by large organizations or businesses.

Creating resources takes time & energy & both of those things come at quite a cost.

In order to be able to full realize the Jewitches dream, we created something that we always wished existed: a space where you could find things catered specifically to Jewish spirituality because it felt like such a place didn’t exist in the way we, & so many others, were seeking it. We make & sell specifically Jewish items, including but not limited to ritual kits for those wanting to connect with Jewish spirituality, Jewish digital prints, digital guides, Jewish embroidery, Jewish jewelry (made in house & created by Jewish artisans), Havdalah candles, candles with Jewish fragrances & stickers that align with Jewish & queer Joy.

The shop serves a dual purpose: we could create support the work we were already doing and we were able to create a place for our art and products to exist. In a perfect world, our shop wouldn’t have to exist: the things we create could be shared without the need for a monetary exchange. We wouldn’t need to have it to fund the work that we do. But this is the world we live in. We love the work we do but we also deserve to be paid for it.

If you’re not interested in purchasing anything from our shop; no one is forcing you to do so. But making & selling Jewish-specific items to cater to those of us who wish to see these things exist does not mean we are “making a marketable brand out of our faith”.

On the comment of making Judaism “marketable” —We have always been exceptionally & extraordinarily clear: Judaism does not proselytize. We have no interest in “marketing” Judaism to anyone.

Our work stems from our love of Judaism & the magic within it. The imagery we share on this platform is an ode to Judaism, magic, Diaspora, the many cultures that Jews exist within & the world at large. At a quick glance from February's posts, we have roughly 10 shop posts (images) versus 25 educational posts (links, graphics, but not including reblogs of other people's blogs or photos, etc).

If our page is not something that brings you peace, joy, education, & wonder, we encourage you to prioritize yourself.

If you would like to see us be able to create the educational content that you enjoy, but don’t want to see us promote the shop, feel free to donate via Kofi or BuyMeACoffee.

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