Simple Magick: 30 Low Energy Magickal Activities

Small, simple low-energy magickal activities are important to my practice. They join the dots between bigger celebrations, rituals and work. 

They’re perfect for when you are feeling unwell, low on time or energy, or disconnected from your Craft. They’re perfect for the winter when we only feel like hibernating!

Sometimes we need to rely upon low-energy activities to see us through a period of spiritual drought; until we can step things up a gear or commit to our Craft more fully.

Gratitude, mindfulness and seeing the magick and the joy in everything, are also helpful tools in any practice.

Burn incense intentionally ~ watch the smoke carry your ideas and intentions

Light a candle ~ concentrate on a thought, intention or affirmation

Read a witchy book

Write witchy poetry
Draw some witchy sketches 

Read up on a festival/sabbat if you’re not able to celebrate/observe it

Make magickal plans 

Journal 

Listen to some witchy/pagan/inspiring music 

Create some incense 

Update your Grimoire 

Clean your altar

Watch a witchy film or documentary

Write a letter to a witchy friend 

Discuss the nearest sabbat/festival/season

Bake something seasonal

Meditate 

Design spellwork for later 

Go for a small walk and observe what nature is doing 

Create a sigil

Reflect on the nearest sabbat/festival/moon phase and the last turn of the Wheel

Create a seasonal simmer pot using appropriate herbs and ingredients 

Make a hot drink and stir appropriately to banish or attract

Daydream out the window 

Do some cloud watching ~ look for messages 

Draw sigils/symbols/runes on plates before plating food

Do some witchy art/crafts 

Go outside ~ even if briefly ~ to look at the Moon 

Do some simple divination ~ eg. Tarot reading or scrying

Take a witchy bath ~ let the things you no longer need drain down the plughole

The list is endless, and I imagine many of us will do most of these. What would you add to this list?

Zodiac dish, sun spoon and moon phase candle all by @goddessprovisions

NEXT - Simple Magick: Offerings - What Are They? 
NEXT - Moon Magick: New Moon Baths 

Simple Magick: Disposing Spell Remains

One of the questions I am asked the most is how to dispose of spell remains and spent offerings. My advice for this one is don’t overthink it!

If your remains are entirely natural, for example ashes and/or herbs then it is perfectly ok to dispose of them outside or in the ground. Likewise, compostable materials can go in a compost bin. All plastics and unnatural materials should be disposed of in the rubbish/trash.

A lot of people say that it’s ok to bury wax in the ground and that’s where it should go in relation to having a successful spell, but personally I don’t feel ok with this.

Glass jars and vessels can simply be emptied, washed and cleansed ready to use again.

Consideration should also be given to the spell and what you are trying to achieve, which can be factored into your spell planning. For example I disposed of some spell remains at an old prison (now a business park) which was symbolic to what I was trying to achieve.

I think the only rule of thumb is to consider the effect on the Earth.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Spirits of The Home
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Spell Process
NEXT - Spell: Cloutie Spell For Justice
NEXT - Ritual: Ostara Spring Ritual 

Simple Magick: Repeating Spell Work

I have been taking magick classes with Crow (@marget.inglis_witchcraft) and while we were revisiting binding and cord cutting, an interesting discussion came up.

Sometimes, people or situations that have had great power over you will return to you after taking magickal steps to stop them.

People won’t necessarily (consciously) know that you have taken measures to stop their harmful behaviour and/or distance yourself from them, but they may be drawn to you again.

People who thrive off the energy of others, their shitty behaviour, or what they are getting from a particular situation may notice that something is gone, something has changed. Consequently, they may clamber to get it back.

Let’s set the scene. After much deliberation to take action, you spend hours planning a deeply layered spell. You choose the right time and moment, make your preparations, and invest a great deal of energy into performing your magickal working, knowing that you have done everything you should. All seems to be well, the spell seems to have worked - and then this person pops up again, sometimes behaving worse than they did before.

This does not mean your magick has been useless - sometimes it’s quite the opposite! It can mean you have done a really good job, good enough for the person in question to notice that something is different.

What is the magickal answer?

Revisit your spell-work. Do it again. Repeat the process as before. You may have to repeat your magickal working several times.

That’s not to say that this is always the case. In many instances your magickal working will be successful first time around, it depends on the situation and how much the other person (and perhaps yourself!) are invested in the situation. 

NEXT - Simple Magick: How To Utilise A Special Connection With The Land
NEXT - Simple Magick: 12 Tips For New Witches
NEXT - Spell: Personal Spell For A Difficult Situation

Simple Magick: Candle Replacements

Many people are not able to use candles in magick. They might be in rented, elderly or student accommodation; or there may be a health reason as to why using candles is not suitable. Candles don’t need to be used at all in magick, but when you DO want to use them - and can’t - what are the alternatives?

COLOURED ROCKS 

In terms of decorating your altar, coloured rocks can be used in place of candles. You can state aloud your intention to use them as a replacement during spells and rituals as part of the ritual itself. They can be used to represent the Goddess and God; they can be painted with colours, flames, or other designs that appeal to you - there are so many possibilities! Pebbles are perfect for mini-altar sets.

CRYSTALS

In the same way that you can use coloured rocks, crystals can be used in place of candles, too. Choose crystals that have associations connected to light, solar energy, or fire.

ELECTRIC TEA LIGHTS AND CANDLES

These are the obvious choice. You may be able to wrap them in washi tape if there is a particular colour that you need, however it is possible to use a white candle (most electric or LED candles seem to be white) in place of any colour.

CANDLE BURNING APP

This is not something I’ve personally tried, but apparently there is a candle burning app where you can view footage of a candle burning. The idea is you use the energy that is produced by the device and mentally push it out into the universe using your magickal will at the appropriate time.

FLYING WISH PAPER

Available outside the U.K. (and does involve a little bit of fire) Flying Wish Paper is a great substitute for candle magick. You write your intention on the paper, roll it up into a tube, and light it. It floats up into the air, and extinguishes after a few seconds. Whilst not marketed specifically as a witchcraft item, I think these are a great idea.

Have you tried any of these suggestions? Are you restricted when it comes to burning incense and candles? Do you have any ideas?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Magickal Practice
NEXT - Simple Magick: Birthday Rituals
NEXT - Review: The Book of Candle Magic by Madame Pamita
NEXT - Simple Magick: Kitchen Candle Magick
NEXT - Witchy Quotes: Rae Beth - Hedgewitch

Recipe: Stinging Nettle Crisps

Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are one of the UK’s most abundant wild foods, and they grow absolutely everywhere, making them an easy forage. They’re extremely nutritious, they contain lots of Vitamin C, and they’re one of the richest sources of iron you can find in a plant or vegetable. They’re ten percent protein, which ~ apart from hemp ~ is more than any other vegetable.

Today I made some Stinging Nettle Crisps, the perfect accompaniment to a lunchtime sandwich, or a bowl of Nettle Soup.

Ingredients:
Stinging Nettles
Oil
Seasoning

Method: 

Using gloves and scissors snip the nettle leaves directly into a bowl or a carrier bag. We’re not washing these nettles, so they need to be clean and free from bird poo, bugs, dog excrement and other nasties. Pick from the top of large bushes and away from popular dog-walking routes.

Remove the leaves from any stalks. Arrange them on a baking sheet. Remember that the leaves still sting at this stage, so be careful!

Spritz lightly with oil, or use a pastry brush to apply a small layer of oil to the leaves. Sprinkle over salt, pepper and chilli flakes (optional). You could probably get really inventive at this stage!

Place in the middle of the oven and cook at about 130c until they go crisp. You may want to turn them over during cooking.

Nettles are extremely delicious and there are lots of crisp recipes online, with various ingredients added, such as tahini, paprika or nutritional yeast. 

NEXT - Recipe: Faery Berry Jam
NEXT - Honouring Nature: Winter Foraging
NEXT - Review: A Spell In The Wild - A Year (& Six Centuries) of Magic By Alice Tarbuck

Tarot Method: Chase The Ace

I’m sharing a Tarot method called ‘Chase the Ace’. You can use this with any of the four Tarot suits to represent something in your life. This method of divination shows you where blockages or issues lie, and to how to move forwards.

For example, use the Ace of Pentacles to represent money matters, in particular cash flow. The card below the Ace is what is stopping the cash flowing in, and the card above the Ace is how to get it moving again.

You could use the Ace of Swords to represent what is causing conflict in life. The card below the Ace is what’s causing the issue, the card above the Ace is how to move forwards.

Here are the four Tarot suits and some ideas of what they could represent:

SWORDS - action, movement, mental matters, spiritual matters, communication, issues, conflict, clarity, struggle.

PENTACLES - money matters, the material or external world, career or work concerns, health, physical matters, manifestation, proof, prosperity.

WANDS - ideas, growth, ambition, expansion, passion.

CUPS - emotions, family matters, creativity, love, connections, intuition, healing, desires, experience, Spirit.

You could go a step further and use each suit as a Season; using the card below the Ace to represent things to watch out for, and the card above the Ace as positive things that will happen within that period. 

NEXT - Tarot Method: Wren's Year Ahead Spread
NEXT - Review: Moonology Diary (2021) by Yasmin Boland
NEXT - Simple Magick: Casting A Circle

Simple Magick: How To Use a Crystal Ball

A modern crystal ball is known as an orbuculum, and is made from glass or crystal. Early crystal gazers - or specularii - used a polished sphere of beryl, well known varieties including Emerald and Aquamarine.

Crystal gazing was commonly practised by the people of Yucatan, the Persians, the Egyptians, the Chinese, and the Incas, to name but a few.

The mythical Merlin supposedly carried a beryl sphere to provide King Arthur with readings whenever he needed them.

Crystal gazing, crystal seeing, crystallism, crystallomancy, gastromancy, and spheromancy are all terms to describe the method of ‘seeing’ by gazing at a crystal, which is a form of Scrying.

How To Use a Crystal Ball:

Place about 10 inches away. A dimly lit, candle lit room works well.

Before attempting to scry, take some time to centre yourself and to connect in with the task ahead. You can ask for protection from your ancestors or spirit guides. Now is also a good time to set the intention that you will only be shown the truth by the ball.

When you feel ready, gaze into the ball. You can touch it as you fix your gaze; whatever works or “feels” best to you.

Make sure to record what you experienced. This could be pictures or images seen in the ball, or it could be mental visions, thoughts and feelings.

Do you have a crystal ball? Are you good at it? I have to admit to being totally rubbish! What is your preferred method of scrying (or other form of divination)?

NEXT - Simple Magick: 25 Ideas For Creating a Forest Altar
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Crystal Balls
NEXT - Rose Quartz Magick: 8 Ways To Use The Stone of Unconditional Love 

Simple Magick: 11 Tips for Beginner Witches

My tips for a new witch would be:

Follow your intuition.

Remember that your path is your own. No matter how learned or experienced someone might be they can’t possibly know what’s best for you.

Read everything and anything you can get your hands on. Second hand bookshops are your friend! 

Take notes. Keep a Grimoire and/or Book of Shadows.

Remember there is no right or wrong way.

Be patient and persevere.

Know that you won’t have all the answers straight a away; the joy is discovering them.

Do the practical work - the only way to truly learn.

Follow the subjects that interest you; your path will unfold.

Know that you don’t have to know everything from the top of your head, you may be like me and have memory/cognition issues and that’s ok - this is what a Grimoire/Book of Shadows is for!

Be humble.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Commitment To Learning 

Simple Magick: Commitment to Learning

One of the things I love most about Witchcraft is that it’s a path of personal development and self-discovery, and within that is a commitment to learning.

And it IS a commitment. I have been treading this path for 26 years and I am still learning new things every day. Which is an absolute joy. Some days I feel confident in what I do, other days I feel wary of posting because I’ll have a confidence attack, and feel that there are bigger and better voices equipped to discuss whatever topic it is I’m broaching, but I remind myself this is MY journey.

To those that are new to the craft and feel overwhelmed, you have been given a gift.

The gift is the joy of learning. The gift is something that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. The gift is something that has endless topics to delve into and discover. The gift is finding out the answers, and about yourself, as you travel along. The gift is attaining experience that you can truly claim as your own. The gift is Witchcraft.

Things to remember on your Witchcraft journey:

Don’t rush, you’ll get to where you want to be in the end. You won’t have a lot of the answers at the beginning, but you will find them as you go along.

Don’t compare; comparison is the thief of all joy.

Connect with others in real life. There are plenty of moots and groups that meet up, you can find them through organisations like the Pagan Federation.

Be committed. It’s the only way.

Don’t be afraid to mistakes. It’s the only way to learn, so dive right in.

Take a break if you’re getting tired or bored.

Ask for help. People won’t mind if you have tried looking for the answer first.

Be prepared that your witchcraft journey will be different to others.

Enjoy the journey. It’s a long one. Thank goodness.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 8 Tips For Honing Your Intuition

Simple Magick: 8 Tips for Honing your Intuition

My intuition never lets me down, and has kept me safe over the years. I believe that we all have intuition. Here are my tips for honing it.

Be Open

The first step to honing your intuition is making the intention that you are going to use it.

Pay Attention

Once you are open to the idea of listening to your intuition, it’s time to pay attention to it. Listen to your body, and notice any “strange” feelings that you experience with people or situations. Intuition is like muscle; the more you pay attention to it, the stronger and more toned it becomes.

Be Aware

I watch the world around me, and I often notice patterns in people’s behaviour. I pay attention to my environment. This is all information for the brain, and I believe that subconsciously we often picking up on tiny clues as a result of these observations. Pay attention to your world, it makes all the difference.

Do your Shadow Work

By accepting and loving ourselves we are able to use our energy and minds for other tasks, and consequently we are much more susceptible to receiving higher messages.

Take up Divination 

Learn a divination method, such as tarot. It helps trigger the intuitive part of your brain. When you are using divination listen to the thoughts and feelings coming into your head. Are any of them urgent in nature? What does it feel like if you ignore them? What does it feel like if you pay attention?

Connect with your Higher Self via Meditation 

Meditation is a great tool for tapping in to your inner voice, it calms the brain, allowing it to function better.

Pay Attention to your Dreams

They give us clues on how we are thinking and feeling, and sometimes they carry messages and warnings. Pay attention to them.

Don’t Stress

I liken good intuition to being in a “flow state”. Don’t stress or try to force it, that will only hinder the process. 

NEXT - Simple Magick: Genius Loci 

Simple Magick: 12 Tips For New Witches

Further to my post a couple of days ago about finding the right path or tradition, I share my advice for those who are new to witchcraft.

Advice for New Witches: 

Follow your heart and intuition. Remember this is YOUR path you are exploring and creating.

Read, study, research, experiment, explore. Then do it all over again. And again. And again.

Remember to engage in practical work, experimentation, and exploration.

Keep notes.

Don’t be rigid. It’s ok to explore interests that don’t fall within any tradition you follow, or feel drawn to.

Don’t be rigid. Study other paths and traditions, changing tradition if necessary. You will find your way.

Don’t allow anyone to gate-keep your path. Remember that no-one else - no matter how experienced or knowledgeable they might be - can possibly know what’s best for you.

Have a good attitude.

Get out in nature, often.

Accept that learning takes time.

Understand that the learning never stops.

Be dedicated.

What do you think? Have I missed anything? What’s your advice for new witches?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Finding Your Witchcraft Path 

Tarot Method: Storing Tarot Decks in Drawstring Bags

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Though Craft Week at @witch.with.me is coming to a close, I wanted to share these bags I made for my Tarot cards.

A lot of Tarot decks come in really big boxes and I was running out of space. Now my cards take up less space and they’re portable - they’re handbag ready.

I’ve tried many crafts over the years and they all have one thing in common: their therapeutic effect. I love the meditative process of crafting.

NEXT - Tarot Books: Sunday Witchstack
NEXT - Simple Magick: Offerings - What Are They? 
NEXT - Simple Magick: Disposing Spell Remains