Simple Magick: Magickal Attitudes & Personal Protection

Personal Protection is the prompt for the first week of the Protection & Defence Month over at @witch.with.me

We could discuss the many protective elements of witchcraft; such as crystals, spells, charms and candle colours, but I thought I would talk about something much more mundane, which I believe has a magickal power all of its own: attitude.

I believe that keeping your “vibe high” is a great protective shield against the negativity of others. Whilst it won’t protect you entirely from those who are truly intent on doing harm, I do believe it creates a useful and powerful buffer.

What do I mean by keeping your “vibe high” exactly?

For me this encompasses a lot of things. I believe in enjoying life, and being the best person you can be. I believe in accepting and loving yourself, warts and all, and trying to do better when you can. 

I believe in being grateful, humble and cheerful, and acting with honesty and integrity. I believe in being kind to others, and in championing others, especially those with shared passions and interests ~ there is room for everyone!

I believe in being careful with words ~ it’s called “spelling” for a reason! ~ and standing by promises. I don’t believe in spreading malicious gossip, and I believe in being prepared to say sorry if feelings have been hurt. I believe it’s ok to have boundaries, and it’s ok to distance yourself from people if necessary, and to say “no”.

When you know yourself, others come to know you. When you are comfortable in your own skin, and commit to a life of respect and joy, other people’s negativity is diminished, and simply unable to enter your soul, or that of others. When you are happy and build others up, they are happy too!

What you put out into the world comes back to you, and, if it is good, what you put out into the world protects you.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Pendulum
NEXT - Sacred Symbols: Elhaz of The Elder Futhark
NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Black, Pink & White Salt in Witchcraft 

Chamomile Magick: 9 Protective Correspondences

Chamomile is a fascinating little plant and it has been used for a multitude of ailments by many cultures for centuries. Used in the mummification process, its use has been documented as far back as the ancient Egyptians.

There's Roman chamomile as well as German chamomile. They're from two different plant families, but are used in the same manner, and their essential oils are popular in aromatherapy. Roman chamomile essential oil is often used for sleep issues, for stress, and to calm and soothe the nerves.

Chamomile is masculine in its energy, and is associated with the Sun, and Sun-related gods such as Helios, Apollo and Ra.

Magickal Correspondences for Chamomile: 

Purification

Protection 

Banishing 

Meditation 

Money magick 

Warding off negative energies 

Warding against psychic attack 

Spells relating to sleep 

In incense blends for relaxation

Scott Cunningham says:

"Chamomile is used to attract money and a hand wash of the infusion is sometimes used by gamblers to ensure winnings. It is used in sleep and meditation incenses, and the infusion is also added to the bath to attract love."

How do you use chamomile? What magickal correspondences do you attribute to it?

These little pouches are available in my Witch Starter Kits and Herb Kits, perfect for topping up existing supplies and for new witches at the start of their journey. 

NEXT - Plant Allies: Elderflower
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Bittersweet
NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Lughnasadh

Fabulous Folklore: The Magickal Hydrangea

One of the things I love most about spring is that some hydrangeas start to flower, and they will continue to do so right through to the autumn. Ruled by the Moon and Neptune for the whole plant, and Jupiter for the root, the feminine hydrangea ~ or hortensia ~  has many magickal uses.

Hydrangea has great hex-breaking properties. It can strewn around the home, used in spells, carried, and burned. Use it for redirecting curses and psychic attacks, and for protecting against them.

Hydrangea can also be used for spells related to understanding, shielding, devotion, friendship, boundary setting, and as a devotional offering to gods and goddesses. Plant it either side of your front door to help maintain boundaries in your home and life. It is associated with Water, so it can help with matters related to psychic awareness and intuition.

Hydrangeas are one of my favourites, they remind me of the beautiful garden we had at the house we grew up in.

Do you use hydrangea in your practice? Do you grow them?

NEXT - Hydrangea Magick: Correspondences

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Spring Blossom

Fabulous Folklore: Door Knockers

This fabulous door knocker is found on the door of The Covenstead Witchcraft B&B in Glastonbury, where we stayed last September. Isn’t he delightful?

Apparently door knockers are found in England more than any other place. The door knocker at Durham Cathedral, dating from the 11th century, is very special. As far back as 740, the Bishop of Lindisfarne offered sanctuary to any criminal who could reach the White Church (later Durham Cathedral) and strike the knocker.

Heavy door knockers have been a way for people to announce their presence from around the 16th century, but they have also had another use; they are seen as guardians to the home. The lion’s head design has been very popular, it is a symbol of Great Britain, and it symbolises strength, pride, nobility, valour and protection. It is also said that lions are a symbol of the Sun. Lion’s head knockers were popular in America until Eagles overtook them.

Gargoyles and other scary faces have also been used, such as the one shown, to scare away those who would bring trouble to a door. Palm-shaped knockers are also popular, it is thought that they originate from the Hand of Fatima, a palm-shaped amulet used to protected the bearer from the evil eye.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Knockers of Cornwall

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Lincoln Imp

Simple Magick: Protecting the Integrity of Your Spells on Social Media

The best thing about Instagram is the opportunity to learn, share, educate and inspire. The subject of photographing spells and whether it is a good idea or not often comes up in discussion. After all, two key elements of magick are mystery, and letting the energy that has been psychically raised go; off into the universe to do its thing.

A key element of Instagram is sharing pictures. So how do we get around this?

There are lots of ideas you can use if you really want to share that spell you just did:

Take photos ahead of time, before the spell has been done 

Take a photo of a mock up spell 

Share photos long after the spell has been carried out and the aim achieved 

Omit items from the picture

Omit spell information from the post

Use a completely unrelated spell picture. Some might deem this inauthentic, but your magick is your own to protect in whichever way you see fit.

Another common subject of discussion is altars. Seen by many as a private place where one communes privately with their gods and ancestors, how does one share, inspire and educate about magick without crossing a magickal line?

A good idea is to have a separate altar just for Instagram.

It is personal choice whether someone shares their spells or altars, and if someone has specifically stated that they’ve left out some information on a post on purpose, it’s polite not to ask.

I’m the personal choice camp.

What do you think? How do you feel about Social Media and privacy in relation to magickal practice? Is having an Instagram altar a good idea, or a step too far? Have you any ideas on how to maintain privacy whilst sharing? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Childlike Mindset During Spell Casting
NEXT - Building Community: Some Thoughts on Social Media

Sacred Symbols: The Witch’s Foot

The Witch’s Foot is composed of three lines of equal length; one that runs straight down, and two intersecting at an angle to create a snowflake-type shape.

Its composition is such that you can break it down into several parts, depending on how you look at it. There is one central point; and three long lines, or six short lines radiating from the centre.

The pattern of the world is realised in this device. The power that flows from above, the power that flows from below, and the power that flows from the four cardinal directions, with the witch being the point in the centre.

The central line, the spine, represents the balance between light and shadow, silence and expression, inner and outer influences. The power from above and the power from below, which brings me on to the saying “As above, so below”, the idea that whatever happens in the astral plane is reflected on the Earth, and vice versa. That whatever happens in the microcosm, the world of the individual, affects the macrocosm, and vice versa. The balance in all this is the centre point, where the witch stands, and to keep this line straight and strong to support the other two lines, the witch must accept herself, shadows and all, to find balance.

The diagonal lines represent the four cardinal directions. They represent our emotions and intellect, our experiences and wisdom. I also relate these lines to the Four Planes of Existence, and to the tenet “To know, to will, to dare, to be silent”, the conscious and unconscious mind, and the World of Matter and the World of Spirit.

The witch is where all these lines meet. The witch is where these worlds intersect.

The Witch’s Foot is used in a myriad of ways, and is a powerful device for invoking the presence of Spirit. It is also used for meditation and for Riding the Hedge.

NEXT - Sacred Symbols: The Pentagram
NEXT - Word Magick: As Above So Below
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Witch's Familiar 

Simple Magick: Using Eggshells

Crushed eggshells are known by some as Cascarilla. Eggshells have been used in magickal practice for hundreds of years to cleanse negative energy and bring positive occurrences. The eggshells are dried and ground into a powder and are not to be confused with the plant Croton eluteria, which is also known as cascarilla, and is a plant native to the Caribbean.

Eggshells can help block non-corporeal entities from a psychical space - benign or malevolent - so you might want to think carefully about their use, but you can use them to put a ring of peace and protection around your sacred space or home. They can be mixed with herbs to create magickal powders for specific intentions and goals, and they’re often used in spells related to setting boundaries.

Use eggshells with other ingredients (eg. Holy Water) for cleansing; use in a protection bath, or as a floor wash. Some witches use powdered eggshells to wash their hands, rub in their hair, or to mark ritual symbols on their bodies or animals for protection.

Cascarilla is simple to make. Boil the eggshells for ten minutes to protect yourself against Salmonella. Leave them in a bowl or on a piece of kitchen towel on a warm windowsill to dry. When they are completely dry, crush them with a pestle and mortar.

I grind my eggshells down further as part of my spellwork. In the meantime, these have been bottled and consecrated.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 11 Tips For Beginner Witches 

Simple Magick: Meet the Ancestors

I met my husband seven years ago today. As we head into the darker months I felt compelled to reach out to my ancestors:

Dorothy Kate

Beatrice Winifred

Ethel May

Clarence Alfred

Derek Lyle

Kenneth Stanley

I asked for their love, support, and guidance, and to watch over and protect the union that is my marriage. You can see my hand-fasting cords in front of the picture of my maternal grandparents.

They feel very close to me right now. My thoughts this evening have strayed from them, to the fact that even though I have a wonderful family I always felt like the odd one out. It reminded me of a beautiful passage about ancestors by Bert Hellinger:

“The So-called ‘Black Sheep’ of the family are, in fact, seekers of liberation roads for the family tree. Those members of the tree who do not adapt to the rules or traditions of the family system, those who were constantly seeking to revolutionize beliefs, going in contrast to roads marked by family traditions, those criticized, tried and even rejected, those, by General, they are called to release the tree of repetitive stories that frustrate entire generations.

The ‘Black Sheep’, those who do not adapt, those who scream rebel, repair, detoxify and create a new and blooming branch… countless unfulfilled desires, unfulfilled dreams, frustrated talents of our ancestors manifest themselves in their rebellion looking to take place .

The family tree, by inertia, will want to continue to maintain the castrating and toxic course of its trunk, which makes its task difficult and conflicting… that no one makes you doubt, take care of your ‘rarity’ as the most precious flower of Your Tree.

You are the dream of all your ancestors”

Our ancestors are close, the veil is thinning. Rejoice.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 9 Pink Correspondences For Relationship Magick
NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor

Spell: Protective Evening Beauty Ritual

The other day someone asked me if I have a witchy beauty regime or ritual, and I do, so I thought I’d share.

Each night I cleanse my face with these crocheted face pads. They were made for me by a friend and they’re brilliant because you just throw them in the washing machine; they’re so much better for the environment than cotton pads.

When I get up to my room I sit on the edge of my bed and brush my hair with this beautiful comb my husband gave me. This is quite a feat in the winter because with thick stone walls and no heating it’s very cold. But as I am combing I visualise any negativities from the day being removed, any negative thoughts or energies being sent from others being removed, and I keep going until I am happy.

Once I am done I apply R&B Hair Moisturiser by Lush, which I visualise as a protective barrier (I have enchanted it), which smells amazing! I am now ready to get into bed, snuggle up with my husband, and dream sweet dreams.

Do you have a daily or nightly ritual? 

NEXT - Spell: Protective Bell Spell
NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Black, Pink & White Salt in Witchcraft
NEXT - Sacred Symbols: Elhaz of the Elder Futhark

Fabulous Folklore: Salt

“Salt! Salt! I put thee into the fire, and may the person who has bewitched me neither eat, drink, nor sleep, until the spell has been broken”.

In the 19th Century it was believed that the power of a witch could be destroyed by sprinkling salt into the fire nine mornings in succession. Quite how you protected yourself for the first eight days I do not know!

There are many superstitions surrounding salt. For example chucking it over your left shoulder, should you spill any, to avert bad luck.

You can create Black Witches Salt by combining sea salt, charcoal, incense ash and black pepper. Some witches use salt to represent the element of earth as it is a mineral, and some use it to represent water as it has come from the sea. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Crystal Balls 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Horseshoe Magick

Simple Magick: Using Snow in Magick

I love the strange light quality when it snows, and the eerie silence. I love venturing outside and seeing the magical transformation,but being forced inside is also a blessing. The peace sharpens my focus, and this is the perfect time for spellwork and meditation.

You can incorporate snow into your spellwork in place of water; light fluffy snow can be used in a ritual for peace and tranquility, and imagine what you can do with full moon charged snowflakes!

Make snowmen into large poppets, form bad habits into snowballs, launching them away from you. Take a walk in the peace, and make intentions for the month ahead, visualising them being manifested as the snow melts away.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Folklore, Traditional Witchcraft & The Lincoln Imp

Simple Magick: Thorns

Thorns are protective; they are a defence against predators, and can cut, pierce and draw blood, which gives them powerful energy. Thorn magic is special because it allows for vulnerability whilst establishing a protective boundary. For example, they are useful to those who wish to be available and vulnerable in love again after heartache.

Thorns can be useful in spellworkings to protect, heal, and hex; placing a thorn in a tincture can increase its strength and potency. Long thorns (eg Blackthorn) can be used in place of pins in poppets, which can also be used for healing, love and friendship.

Use thorns with ink to write magical text, carry as a charm, or use to pierce negative ‘bubbles’. There are many plants that possess strong thorn energy: Hawthorn, Rose, Bramble, Blackthorn and Gooseberry to name but a few. 

NEXT - Simple Magick: 11 Ways To Cleanse A Space 

Simple Magick: 11 Ways to Cleanse a Space

Later I shall be cleansing my home with this huge smoke cleansing stick. It was gifted to me by my dear friend (@cate.loves on Instagram) - thank you, Cate!

Cleansing your home and magical space, is really important. There are many ways in which you can do this, and many are simple and inexpensive.

Cleansing a Space

Smoke Cleansing:
Clean yourself, a living space, magical area, or object. The leaves will release a thick smoke (you may open windows!), allow it to linger over the person or thing you are cleansing.

Singing Bowl:
A slightly more expensive way to cleanse, but once you have made the initial purchase there is no further cost. A very powerful and effective way.

Moon Water:
Charge up some water (adding a clear quartz) by leaving it under the light of a full moon. You can use this to spritz around your home or working space as necessary.

Garlic:
Hang in the kitchen, and (or) place cloves outside the house under windows to prevent negative energy from entering the home.

Black Salt:
Sprinkle around the space you are cleansing, leave it to sit a while so that it can absorb any negative energy, and sweep it out of your home.

Herbs:
Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cedar, Palo Santo, Rosemary and Mugwort are great herbs you can burn, and there are many mixed herb smoking bundles on the market. Loose, hand-blended incense is also an option.

Bells:
Probably my personal favourite. Ringing bells in the garden to chase away bad spirits is a favourite Samhain tradition of mine. Use a bell in any room or sacred space to clear negative energy. Ring the bell until you feel the energy change. Cleanse your bell after you have finished your work - I like to pass mine through a protective herb incense such as Dragon’s blood, allowing the smoke to cleanse the bell ready for use again.

Besom:
You don’t have to have a traditional Besom, a ‘broom’ (long-handled brush) will do fine. Sweep the house from back to front, to remove stagnant or negative energy. You can add extra power to this by visualising the negative energy being swept up as you work, and then thrown away with the debris and dust.

Flowers:
These keep the peace in the house. Display fresh flowers prominently in the most used room.

Candles:
Carry a white candle from room to room. In each room make your intention to cleanse the room. Allow it to burn right down.

Clapping:
Stand in the middle of the room facing the window (if there is one). Pull your arms back and pull the negative energy in towards (and into!) your clap. Visualise any straggly bits of negative energy exiting through the window (I like to open it for this process). Repeat until the energy is clear, and shut the window if you have opened it.

Obviously you can use as many of these techniques as you wish. Some techniques may feel more appropriate to certain spaces (or cleansing jobs) than others. You will know when your space has been cleared; you will be able to feel it - the room may feel lighter, brighter, or just ‘right’ in comparison to before.

What is your favourite method of cleansing? How many on this list have you tried?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Cosmic Ordering & The Law of Attraction 

Spell: Protective Bell Spell

Consecrate your bell(s) by passing through the smoke of incense. Use Dragon’s Blood, Cinnamon, or some other protective herb.

Charge the bell by holding it in your hands. Speak to the bell, telling it of your goal.

Put the bell in the corner of the room to be protected. You may wish to do this spell before doing other spells - using the bell to protect you in your spell-working room.

The bell will ring to warn you when danger appears. If you have more than one bell in the room, you will be aware of what direction the danger is coming from.

If the bell rings be sure to cleanse it and recharge it.

Repeat the ritual after emergencies, and as maintenance, whenever you feel the bell needs a recharge.

Do you use bells in your magical practice? If so, how?

NEXT - Spell: A Loving Bell Spell by Scott Cunningham
NEXT - Personal Magick: Home
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Tulip Piskies 

Simple Magick: Make a Protective Rowan Necklace

About ten days ago I spoke a little about Rowan, and how it has long been praised in folklore for its magical properties. The Rowan’s wood and berries are used in a lot of folk-magic, and a necklace from the berries is said to protect the wearer from harm. The red berries counter any magic aimed at the wearer, and protect the wearer from bad spirits when carrying out Shamanic-type work. Rowan is also said to help the wearer focus when working with energies from magic realms. A Rowan necklace or garland will last for many years when stored in a dry place.

“Rowan twigs and strings of red,

Deflect all gossip, harm and dread”

1. Gather your berries. September is ideal, however I was late and gathered mine in the first week of October.

2. Measure and cut a piece of red cord. This is the traditional colour for making Rowan charms, and of course the vibrant colour adds to the energy of your protective magic.

3. Thread the Rowan berries on to the thread using a large darning needle. It is customary to place a knot between each berry, however I didn’t bother with the knots, and added a small wooden bead instead.

4. When you are finished hang your necklace or garland somewhere warm and dry. An airing cupboard or greenhouse works well. The berries will shrivel and darken as they dry out.

My necklace has had about ten days to dry out; as you can see it’s wrinkly and getting darker - quite a contrast to when I first made it.

Scroll down to my earlier post if you’d like to see the necklace in its beginning stage, and learn more about Rowan. 

NEXT - Simple Magick: 30 Low Energy Magickal Correspondences 

Rowan Magick: The Witch's Tree

The Rowan has long been praised in folklore for its magical properties. A necklace from the berries is said to protect the wearer from harm. Whilst it’s often referred to as a Mountain Ash it’s not actually an Ash at all, and is a member of the Rose family instead.

Typically, September is the month to gather and use Rowan berries ~ I know, I know, I’m a tad late this year ~ and consequently my berries are a bit fat!

The Rowan’s wood and berries are used in a lot of folk-magic, and this beautiful tree is believed to have come from the Faerie realm.
Its berries are used for wine and potions to increase second sight, for healing, and for staying strong whilst fasting. The blossom end of the berry has a natural pentagram, adding to its protective properties.

Today I made a Protective Rowanberry Necklace, choosing to thread some brown wooden beads in between each berry to make it my own.
You can also make protective charms from Rowan twigs and red thread to hang in your car, office or over the doors in your house.

“Rowan twigs and strings of red,
Deflect all gossip, harm and dread”