This is a really great question that I think merits a longer and more in depth answer, so I’m working on that but I wanted to leave you with something in the meantime.
Having worked a lot in both academic and corporate environments I’ve adopted the so-called “SMART” goals system and that’s the framework I used when I first started doing magic. S = specific, M = measurable, A = attainable, R = relevant, T = timely. I’ll go more into detail on each of these in the in-depth post I’m working up, but those should be your general guidelines for a spell.
There are a few ways you could go with this, but my go-to when I’m trying a new method of casting is a money spell. It’s specific, measurable, attainable (as long as you’re not asking for a million dollars or something… I usually avoid a specific amount), relevant (as in, the spell is meant to bring you money).
Timely is where most people get stuck. What is an appropriate amount of time to wait for results? Should you wait a day, a month, a year? If the spell allows for it, I include a set time frame of one week within the spell. Two works works too, but that would be the maximum limit I recommend. You don’t want to be waiting around for one month every time you do a spell hoping it works. One week is usually ample time for things to manifest, and it allows you to try something new the following week if it doesn’t work.
As you would with a scientific experiment, do only one test at a time. If you do a ritual spell, then a spell jar, then hearth magic, you won’t have any way of knowing which one worked if something does manifest.
The other great thing about money spells is they’re not subjective. It’s really hard to remain objective sometimes, especially when you’re a new witch. Sometimes we want things to work so bad that we just kind of… tell ourselves they did, even though that’s not necessarily the case. With a money spell there’s no question as to whether or not it worked, you either have money you didn’t have before or you don’t. End of.
Ways to provide protection from spiritual and physical beings:
Make a witches bottle: They provide you with protection against curses, hexes, and spells sent your way as well as to protect your property and possessions.
Salt circle: A salt circle provides the person inside with protection from negative entities and demons. Line your window sills and door way entrances with salt to create an impenetrable barrier.
Iron: Repels evil.Three iron nails driven into a doorway or window sill will block negativity from entering your home. Note: Iron repels Fae!
Plants: Some plants have protective properties.
Ask your deity for protection
Mint leaves in your shoes protects you from curses
Put pepper in protection sachets to protect against magickal attacks.
Burn bay leaves to reverse curses
Scrawl your home and clothes with protective sigils
Quartz Crystals: Provides protection.
Visualization
Paint your front porch blue to ward off ghosts:They fear water so this may confuse them.
Hang an upside down horse shoe above your door: to ward off evil spirits.
Hang wind chimes around your home: To scare off bad spirits
Nazar or evil eye: Protects your home from bad luck.
Rowan: Two branches from rowan trees bound together with red thread in the shape of a cross. It provides protection when hung above doorways, according to celtic traditions.
Arrowheads: Placed above your door will help keep burglars and unwanted guests out.
Cinnamon Sticks: Tied over the door will protect your home.
Rosemary wreath: A wreath of rosemary bound with green thread can provide your home with protection. Add other plants that correspond with protection as well.
Ivy: Grown up your house provides protection,
Mistletoe: Hung in the house protects it from thunder and lightning.
Acorn: According to Norse mythology, placing an acorn on the window sill protects the home from being struck by lightning.
Pine branch: Where it for protection.
Create your own protection amulet
Place mirrors around your home to deflect the evil eye
When it comes to the Craft and its community, many witchlings (beginner witches) ask for more advanced witches to hand over spells left and right without question. Now, this may be done with good intentions. Many witchlings do not know how to acquire spells, as many of them are kept secret.
This is done for a reason. Many witches, including myself, believe that spells and rituals are strongest when created themselves. I am going to be the kind High Priestess and instead of giving you a fish, and you feeding you for a day. I am going to teach you to fish, and feed you for a lifetime. In other words, I am going to teach you how to make your very own spells and rituals!
Keep in mind to write this all down before casting your spell and performing your ritual in your Book of Shadows, or in an old notebook (whatever you have).
1. Ask yourself these questions
What is the purpose of this spell? – You need to ask yourself what you are wanting to achieve by performing this spell. Is it for love, fertility, finances, health, or beauty? Think about what you want your spell to do and write it down. A single sentence will do.
2. Timing
Make sure the timing is right! Sometimes a spell is better cast during the full moon, new moon, or even the waning or waxing moon! Sometimes it may be best to do it on a certain Sabbat or season. Some witches go so in-depth that they track the planetary locations and time of day and week to perform their spells.
3. Choosing your tools
With many types of spells come many types of tools. You will need all the tools for a basic altar before getting tools specific for your spell.
First, you will need to think of a specific crystal/stone that will suit the purposes of the ritual.
Next, you will need to think of a type of herb or incense (or both) that will work with your ritual.
Third, you will need a candle (or a few) for the ritual. If you did not know, different color candles have different meanings. For example, red means lust, anger, and passion; blue means sadness, compassion, and emotion. You can carve a Sygil in the candle as well for added effect.
4. Open the Circle
If you do not know what a circle is, it is a magical barrier cast by you that protects you from any harmful, negative, or annoying energies that could ‘mess up’ your ritual.
Not all witches do this, but it might be wise to do so. This is especially crucial if you are a beginner, or if you are performing a very serious ritual.
To open the circle:
You can have salt, crushed eggshells, or simply a string or pillows to mark the edges of the circle.
Use a compass to see where each direction is. Mark each direction with a label if you have a hard time remembering which direction is which.
Have everything you need in your circle before casting it.
Go to your altar and invite the Elements and (if you are pagan) the God and Goddess. You can word this however you like.
Cast the circle by using your wand or finger and ‘trace’ the edges of the circle. Always go clockwise. Go around three times while announcing the circle being cast three times (you can use any wording).
5. Perform the Esabbat and Sabbat
If it is a new, or full moon, you might want to perform an Esabbat before starting to cast your spell. If it is during a Sabbat, perform the Sabbat ritual too. I mention this because most witches take advantage of casting certain spells during these magical times to amplify their magic.
6. Perform the ritual
Start the ritual by stating the purpose of the ritual. What is this ritual even for? Announce this to the Universe so it can hear. It can be as long or as short as you want.
Next, light the incense/herb. State something like you are ready to pass your intentions into the universe through this herb/insentience and its properties.
Third, light the candle. State something like you are sending your intentions to the universe through this light and its color/elemental correspondences.
Lastly, meditate with the stone. Imagine the spell working and see yourself and others benefiting from the effects of this spell.
7. Cakes and ale (only if you are Pagan)
Have food with you (does not have to be cakes and ale) to eat. Leave a portion for the God and Goddess. Recite a prayer about how thankful you are for the Gods and the Elements. Leave a bit afterwards for an offering to the Gods.
Have a feast, listen to music, watch videos, and relax for a bit.
8. Close the Circle
This is pretty much the reverse of opening the circle:
Go to your altar and say goodbye to the Elements and (if you are pagan) the God and Goddess. You can word this however you like.
Cast the circle by using your wand or finger and ‘trace’ the edges of the circle. Always go counter-clockwise. Go around three times while announcing the circle being dismissed three times (you can use any wording).
Sweep up the salt or eggshells (if you put any down) counter-clockwise.
Clean up.
If you would like to learn more through my teachings, I run a blog that has structured lessons being made every week.
Blossoms come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to lavender; flavor is similar to the leaves, but milder. Magick Meanings – helps steady the mind, brings happiness, love, peace, and money and protects against insanity.
Can be steeped in wine, candy, or use as cake decoration. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the bitter white base of the flower. Magick Meanings – joy, devotion, love, fascination
Tangy, slightly bitter, ranging in colors from red, white, yellow and orange. They should be blanched first and then scatter the petals on a salad. The leaves can also be used to flavor vinegar. Always remove the bitter flower base and use petals only. Young leaves and stems of the Crown Daisy, also known as Chop Suey Greens or Shingiku in Japan, are widely used in oriental stir-fries and as salad seasoning. Magick Meanings – wealth, optimism, cheerfulness, abundance
Sweet, anise-like, licorice. White and red clover blossoms were used in folk medicine against gout, rheumatism, and leucorrhea. It was also believed that the texture of fingernails and toenails would improve after drinking clover blossom tea. Native Americans used whole clover plants in salads, and made a white clover leaf tea for coughs and colds. Avoid bitter flowers that are turning brown, and choose those with the brightest color, which are tastiest. Magick Meanings – fame, wealth, faithful lover, health, Raw flower heads can be difficult to digest.
Flowers are sweetest when picked young. They have a sweet, honey-like flavor. Mature flowers are bitter. Dandelion buds are tastier than the flowers: best to pick these when they are very close to the ground, tightly bunched in the center, and about the size of a small gumball. Good raw or steamed. Also made into wine. Young leaves taste good steamed, or tossed in salads. Magick Meanings – increase psychic ability, calling spirits.
Slightly sweet with a mild vegetable flavor, like sweet lettuce or melon. Their flavor is a combination of asparagus and zucchini. Some people think that different colored blossoms have different flavors. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the bitter white base of the flower. Magick Meanings – forgetting worries, chastity, faith, wisdom, Holy Trinity, chivalry, royalty, fertility NOTE: Many Lilies contain alkaloids and are NOT edible. Day Lilies may act as a diuretic or laxative; eat in moderation.
The flowers have a mildly bitter taste and are most commonly used for their looks than their flavor. The petals are used as a garnish and in salads. Magick Meanings – innocence, purity, beauty, simplicity, loyalty, love
Blooms have a slightly acidic flavor. Explosive colors and graceful shape make it ideal as garnish. The berries are also edible. Magick Meanings – love
Cranberry-like flavor with citrus overtones. Use slightly acidic petals sparingly in salads or as garnish. The flower can be dried to make an exotic tea. Magick Meanings – delicate, beauty
Blooms accentuate sweet and savory dishes with a sweet mingling of floral, fresh pine and rosemary with citrus notes. How to use: Its flavor complements a variety of foods – from fish, poultry and most fruits and vegetables to sauces, marinades and dressings along with beverages, baked goods and desserts. Strip the flowers from the stalk before using. Magick Meanings – sharpen the mind, purifcation, encouraging, strengthen pure love, encourage fertility.
The flavor of lilacs varies from plant to plant. Very fragramt, slightly bitter. Has a distinct lemony taste with floral, pungent overtones. Great in salads and crystallized with egg whites and sugar. Magick Meanings – pride, youth, innocence, beauty
Flavors range from spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery. Petals add a yellow tint to soups, spreads, and scrambled eggs. Magick Meanings – passion, creativity NOTE: Only the petals are edible.
Pansies have a slightly sweet green or grassy flavor. If you eat only the petals, the flavor is extremely mild, but if you eat the whole flower, there is a winter, green overtone. Use them as garnishes, in fruit salads, green salad, desserts or in soups. Magick Meanings – merriment, thoughtfulness
In China the fallen petals are parboiled and sweetened as a tea-time delicacy. Peony water was used for drinking in the middle ages. Add peony petals to your summer salad or try floating in punches and lemonades. Magick Meanings – happy marriage, compassion, bashfulness
Also know as Cowslip. This flower is colorful with a sweet, but bland taste. Add to salads, pickle the flower buds, cook as a vegetable, or ferment into a wine. Magick Meanings – health, beauty
Also known as Wild Carrot and Bishop’s Lace. It is the original carrot, from which modern cultivars were developed, and it is edible with a light carrot flavor. The flowers are small and white, and bloom in a lacy, flat-topped cluster. Magick Meanings – dainty, luck, purity NOTE: The problem is, it is closely related to, and looks almost exactly like another wild plant, Wild or Poison Hemlock, which often grows profusely in similar habitats, and is said to be the most poisonous plant native to the United States. The best way to differentiate between the two plants is to remember that Queen Anne’s Lace has a hairy stem, while the stems of Wild Hemlock are smooth and hairless and hollow with purple spots.
Flavors depend on type, color, and soil conditions. Flavor reminiscent of strawberries and green apples. Sweet, with subtle undertones ranging from fruit to mint to spice. All roses are edible, with the flavor being more pronounced in the darker varieties. Freeze them in ice cubes and float them in punches also. Petals used in syrups, jellies, perfumed butters and sweet spreads. Magick Meanings – love, remembrance, beauty NOTE: Be sure to remove the bitter white portion of the petals. Rose Petal JamRose Petal Drop SconesRose Petal Tea
Delicate garden variety can be bland to bitter. Flavors depend on type, color, and soil conditions. Magick Meanings – graciousness, strength Probably not the best flower to eat.
The flower is best eaten in the bud stage when it tastes similar to artichokes. Once the flower opens, the petals may be used like chrysanthemums, the flavor is distinctly bittersweet. The unopened flower buds can also be steamed like artichokes. Magick Meanings – adoration, haughtiness
Flavor varies from tulip to tulip, but generally the petals taste like sweet lettuce, fresh baby peas, or a cucumber-like texture and flavor. Magick Meanings – fame, perfect love NOTE: Some people have had strong allergic reactions to them. If touching them causes a rash, numbness etc. Don’t eat them! Don’t eat the bulbs ever. If you have any doubts, don’t eat the flower.
Sweet, perfumed flavor. I like to eat the tender leaves and flowers in salads. I also use the flowers to beautifully embellish desserts and iced drinks. Freeze them in punches to delight children and adults alike. Heart-shaped leaves are edible, and tasty when cooked like spinach. Magick Meanings – faithfulness, happiness, love, virtue, modesty, loving, watchfulness
This is an AMAZING resource, thank you so much for putting it together!!!
Also note that while a plant/herb might be considered edible, it can still react with medications and other plants/herbs.
I was doing some research into the origins of the current usage of -hearted terminology (this post here will help you out if you’re interested as well!). And during my diggings I was surprised to find the first “official” definition of the term given by the person who more or less coined it.
_____ therian: One who identifies as other, more than, or not fully human, instead choosing to identify themselves AS part or fully animal, whether mentally or in soul. May experience past lives or phantom limbs, or certain animalistic behaviors and urges.
_____-hearted: One who identifies as fully human, but who identifies strongly WITH a particular animal, similar to a totem. May experience phantom limbs or certain animal behaviors, but does it as a way to become closer to an animal to whom they feel connected.
(I linked to the post up there, however you have to be logged into the forum in order to view it)
I found this really interesting because it’s a piece of otherhearted history I’ve literally never seen mentioned anywhere. Also interesting (to me at least) is the fact that the “as vs. with” distinction has been around since the start. It’s pretty amazing how far the term has spread from it’s origin point and how the understanding of what “-hearted” means has changed with time.
Most people aren’t aware of the terms origin and that it came from The Daemon Forum in the late 90s.
The therian community did have a term that meant similar (”animal person”), but nothing much ever grew from that term perhaps because it was so easily mistaken as not having a significance.
🔹 Chamomile (helps combat insomnia, a common symptom of depression) 🔹 Green (contains an amino acid known as theanine which is known to fight depression) 🔹 St John’s Wort (contains compounds known as hypericin and hyperforin, which may affect activity of the brain’s serotonin system) 🔹 Lemon Balm (works as a mild sedative and can ease anxiety and depression) 🔹 Ginger Root (helps to increase important neurotransmitters than can regulate your mood) 🔹 Lavender (research shows that lavender can help combat depression, and has been said to rival antidepressants) 🔹 Peppermint (the menthol in peppermint leaves helps calm mood and aides sleep)
💎
CRYSTALS
💎
🔹 Smoky Quartz (helps elevate moods, overcome negative emotions, and relieves depression) 🔹 Rose Quartz (is a known healer and can help replace negative feelings with love and compassion) 🔹 Amethyst (combats stress and releases a relaxed energy) 🔹 Citrine (emits a sunny, optimistic energy which can aide in combating depression and anxiety) 🔹 Angel Aura Quartz (is known to help with mental illness, and it’s energy can help process emotional disturbances, grief, or trauma)
🕯️
INCENSE
🕯️
🔹 Lavender (reduces stress physically and mentally, and promotes deep sleep) 🔹 Jasmine (helps with alertness, evokes an uplifting energy, and is believed to ease symptoms of depression) 🔹 Ylang Ylang (has a calming affect that elevates mood and is known to help with physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and depression) 🔹 Lemongrass (promotes emotional balance, and uplifts emotional weight) 🔹 Sandalwood (encourages calmness, serenity, and feelings of well being)
🔹 Spend time in the sun, and in nature. Even if you only go and sit in your backyard, it will help, and make you feel a bit better 🔹 Drink water! LOTS OF WATER! Want an extra boost? Make a bunch of sun water and drink it on exceptionally low days to help with your energy and mood levels. 🔹 Ground yourself every night before bed to rid yourself of negative energies 🔹 Turn your sadness into creativity! Work on pages of your grimoire or book of shadows. Do some witchy DIY’s! Set up a new altar! Make some sigils! Being productive and creative are so helpful when you’re feeling melancholic. 🔹 Have some spoonie witch tips for low energy days! 🔹 Garden. Spending time in nature and creating something within the earth is not only rewarding, but gardening is actually a de-stressing activity and can soothe your mood. PLUS think of all the herbs you could grow to help with your craft! 🔹 Talk to someone. Other witches. Friends. A professional. A hotline. Anyone who is willing to listen. Put that energy out there and it will make a world of difference, I promise. 🔹 Let yourself have at least ONE self-care day a week. It doesn’t matter what it entails, as long as you’re taking that time for YOURSELF, magickal or not.
finally showering after way too many days of not showering, feeling cleansed and free, like you could just float away
floating in a pool, not touching anything but the water so it feels like youre floating in nothingness
wearing gold jewelry and makeup, wearing crystals
finding glitter randomly on your body, even if you havent been around glitter
feeling when someone you love is close to you, even if youre not touching you can feel the warmth of the person
having cryptic dreams about nothing specific, but you know it means something
looking up at the sky at night and feeling the raw energy of the universe
doodling while spacing out, letting your invisible self guide your hand
listening to music that you love with headphones or earbuds on, feeling like the music is taking you away to another time, another place, another universe maybe?
feeling gentle, and calm, but at the same time powerful and important, a tightness in your chest, telling you that you’re very much alive
Black Salt is used for cursing, protection, banishing, cleansing, breaking spells or hexes, and repelling negative energy. Black salt is made by combining either activated charcoal or ashes from burned herbs or incense with sea salt.
Using activated charcoal will actually make your salt a dark black color, whereas using ashes will turn it into a lighter grey color.
Depending on what you plan to use black salt for, you can add different types of ash or other ingredients that correspond with your intent.
Ashes from various herbs and incenses for black salt:
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