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Happy Pride Month~!

We love and support you.

If you cannot celebrate this month out of your safety, know  we cheer for you! we celebrate loudly for you. And you’ll always have a place within our family.  From all us Queer Witches here to you!   Blessed Be and Happy Casting.

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Sorry for the radio Silence

Life has stolen all of us at this time! but we’ll be back to this soon.  Love you all! 

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getting started in witchcraft

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Respect All Witches

By: Amber, Milo, Vin, Naomi

The topic of respect can be a little hard, no one here wants to be a parent wagging their finger at you saying to respect others. But within the witch community we have so many multifaceted parts, and sometimes people step on each other toes. Ignoring just plane drama  and not actual harmful things that need to change. Respecting one another is very key and sometimes a bit hard. So today as a non denominational coven we wanted to talk about how we work to respect one another while pulling our craft together.

“ A differentiating opinion, is not an attack on your own opinion” - Amber Graves

“ If a part of someone else’s craft makes you uncomfortable, doesn’t mean it has to be apart of your craft” - Vincent Smiley

“ Don’t be scared to ask questions and learn, it’s essential for your craft to grow with you” - Naomi McDougal “Your religion and Your Craft are not mutually exclusive  “ - Milo Whittle

With in our coven one of the top things is communication But we are close friends we can talk these things out to a peaceful resolution. Now on the internet that isn’t always easy or even manageable. And let’s be honest sometimes it’s pretty non existent. Sometimes all you can do is try and communicate with others, and accept when it wont work. It’s disheartening and hard but within these deep discussions you have to take your own health and Mental health into consideration.

On the other hand sometimes you need to stop and take into consideration that when you allow your opinions to interfere with others beliefs that you might be policing them. With our wide spread community beliefs can differ greatly. This also brings up that you don’t want to exclude new and younger witches who might not know as much, or just starting to learn. On this flip side newer witches need to respect more experience witches and know maybe not everyone is up to teaching.

With all of this, there's just so much that we need to cover and almost everything has more than one side that can be argued. As a community we need to work a bit on how we handle these interactions with people, but also not allowing those who are truly harmful to affect us as much as we can. On our last note, and we have this here not to take away from it’s importance but to highlight it. Cultural Appropriation. As a community we have a pretty prevalent problem with cultural appropriation. For those who might not know this is defined as

“[...] The adoption or use of the elements of one culture by members of another culture” [...] elements are copied from a minority culture by members of a dominant culture, and these elements are used outside of their original cultural context—sometimes even against the expressly stated wishes of representatives of the originating culture” (Quoted from Wiki on Cultural Appropriation).

Now to be blunt, our coven is all white, and from North America and up here the bastardization of the First Nations Cultures is very prevalent and heavy. This is a hard topic, millions of people have been harmed from this topic, and we want to take a step to talk about this. To break it down so hopefully we can come together and be better from the out come. We are not saying we know and understand everything, we are also not experts on this topic. In fact every member of our coven has been apart of cultural appropriation one way or the other. All we can do is learn and move forward with a certain amount of kindness and understanding for the people around us.

Admitting that you are wrong. Or have harmed someone is hard. We get defensive, and want to lash out. But everyone is wrong every now and again and it is alright to be wrong. It’s how you handle your “wrongess” that can often define how things are going to change. Please do your research, don’t just take every person’s or blog at face value. Dig! And Learn your craft can only become better the more you discover.

Now for everyone out there. Blessed Be and Happy Casting.

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Witchcraft In the New Age: Bath and Emoji Spells

By Vincent Smiley (Grimoiretic)

A lot of the time, when people think of spells and witchcraft, they imagine elaborate processes, chanting, precise measurements and the like; but it doesn't have to be like that. Witchcraft is what you make of it, and here are two of my preference spells; Bath and Emoji spells.

One of my favourite type of spells, though not new, are bath spells. I personally love the cleansing feeling of being submerged in water, it de-stresses and feels like its washing away problems. Something that I also discovered recently was adding spell components to the water to charge or enhance bathtime.

All bath spells use all natural components that are safe for you to use in the tub- and in fact they can be taken right from the pages of your Grimoire; salts, flower petals, lemon peel, or honey and even your favourite stones, things that are good for your body and self! Take caution however, to not add components that might be harsh on your body or on non disposable components . For example, when adding stones to your bath you have to be extremely careful not to add anything that might be toxic- such as malachite, aquamarine, garnet or moonstone- all of which contain poisonous elements in them that are water reactive; or anything that might be damages by water such as calcite, turquoise, or halite- which will dissolve or fade when put in water.

Bath spells can be prepared beforehand in a satchel to be emptied   or submerged on bath time, or even given as a gift (I recently received a bath spell from Milo and Amber and it was a fantastic gift!) or they can be prepared in the bath as you need for whatever ails you that day. When I prepare my bath spells I like to stir my bath counter clockwise and think about my worries before adding ingredients to the bath (my personal favourite is lemon peel, moon charged pink salt, charcoal, rose quartz and sometimes for that extra comfort I float a candle) the ritual in itself is both relaxing and fulfilling, and an excellent way to unwind after a day.

In this age of technology we live in, it can be hard to be a witch on the go and it feels like there's not a lot of time for spells while you're at work or school, sure you can carry a travel altar to perform minor little spells while you're out or carry some stones in your pockets for that extra witchy feel, but there's another way for you to be able to charge and cast spells for people that only requires your computer or phone and your intent. The Emoji Spell.

Emoji spells are a type of spell that I've recently fallen in love with. They're quick, easy and cute and as someone with low spoons I find that they are not stressful and are fun to send to the rest of my coven when I'm at work or busy and they need a pick me up or if I just want to send them a bit of love!

One of the best part of emoji spells is they are completely customizable for anything, from sickness to hoping you have enough change to buy ramen. Personally I feel like emoji spells are excellent since it's so so easy to charge them with your intent, with however you want that person to feel, and even if it feels silly or small that's okay! What matters most is your intent. It's so important to have genuine feeling in your spells even if they're technology based (especially for a techno witch!).

There has been a lot of negativity floating around about emoji spells, but with any type of 'new' witchcraft it's bound to happen- don't let it get you down! It's so important for you to feel comfortable and confident in your craft, and remember that you r craft if for you to decide what feels good for you. No one can police how you are a witch, or how you decide to do spells.

Blessed be and happy casting!

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Tarot Tuesday

 When Tarot Attacks: Wrong Decks and Harmful Intention

 By Vincent    

 When I first dipped my toes in to the world of witchcraft, I started out small- with my first tarot deck- I mean, why not? You see them everywhere; in bookstores,in curio shops, in cartoons, it's viewed as a staple in a witch's arsenal- so why not start there? Just grab whatever one looks the nicest, or costs the least and go from there How much damage could some cards do anyways?

        It turns out, that without taking time and picking a deck that feels right to you- things can go wrong.

The deck I picked, was the Universal Waite, standard, simple, I loved it because it was pocket sized, I slept with it under my pillow and charged it with sweet dreams and soft words; we 'bonded' in a way. My readings were stellar, and kind which I adored. I did them for friends, family, and neighbors alike- so word spread fast about my love for the craft.

One Christmas, I was gifted a beautiful looking deck from my Nana. She didn't really approve of what I did but she wanted to give me something I would care for- I opened up a Love Tarot deck. It looked so beautiful- the suits were birds, shells, stones and flowers; super cute, and yet I felt like something was off. Holding it felt different from the Waite I was used to, it felt wrong.

I took it home, I tried using the same technique of placing it under my pillow, in moonlight, in sunlight, talking as I drew- yet every draw felt off. Nothing was as kind as the Waite, cards would scatter from my hands when I tried to shuffle them, when I slept I felt nothing but ill, anxiety dreams, nightmares.

I learned, don't use a deck that you feel that you don't bond with. The bond between you ad your deck is the most important thing for an accurate reading, for that good feeling you get when you shuffle or draw, the most important component to getting an accurate reading for yourself OR others- which can put a damper on your feelings about the craft when your accurate fortellings suddenly turn grim or wild. You don't need to feel bound to a deck that makes you uneasy, don't let it control you.

The best thing you can do in this case, is shake it out. Shake out your feelings and negativity towards the deck and how it made you feel. I took the Love Tarot, I charged it again with simple quartz and well wishes to get rid of any negative energy may have put in to it, and I gave it as a well intentioned gift to another coven member, who I felt with all my heart would be able to bond with it, and hopefully she has.

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Magic Monday

Crystal Edition  By Brittany McDougal  Important note: this is by no means medical advice, if you have health concerns please contact your family doctor.Carnelian (kɑːˈniːliən) Key Notes

★ Clarifies perception ★ Energizing  ★ Creativity  ★ Courage ★ Calms Anger 

Carnelian is a wonderful and warm stone. Spoken about the most is it’s aid in stimulating creativity, restoring vitality, and motivation But this stone is so much more, like many it is rather multifaceted so don’t let it’s often simple coloration fool you. It gives courage, promoted positive life choices, and dispels apathy. It is great for insecure people to keep close and find their strength within.

On the other side it is an excellent stone for overcoming abuse, if you happen upon a Pink Carnelian this helps restore love and trust after abuse or manipulation. It calms anger, and boosts a sense of humor.

Witchy Tips

★ Carnelian can cleanse other stones. Lay them together, charge under moon light. Or rest together in a tied bag on your altar or near you as you sleep. ★ Have Carnelian near you during divination, or hexes it’s wonderful for protecting you from negativity, and emotional negativity specifically.   ★ Pull Carnelian out for Samhain ★ This stone is colored by Iron Oxide, Pull it out to help boost iron in spells. ★ Don’t put Carnelian in the sun for long periods of time, it will bleach out and lose color.  ★ It also has a high solubility like many Quartz. Water Elixirs and Water cleansing should be done with great caution or in a way that doesn’t allow the water to touch the stone.  - Personally I don’t like putting my stones in water, even without a high solubility, water can damage stones over long periods of time. but this is opinion, do as you see fit for your stones-

Personally Carnelian is my favorite stone, this is a wonderful stone to start your collection with. Great for new witches as well. But remember not everyone experiences stones the same way. You may find some do not even react or help you, while others are screaming for your attention.

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Witches, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS LIST!!

As witches, we have plants everywhere… dried herbs, or growing houseplants.  As children of nature we adore plants and house plants. However, be especially careful what you’re exposing your beloved familiar to.  Housecats do not have the same instincts as feral cats on what plants to stay away from.  

Most cats just LOVE plants - they’ll dig in them, tip them over, go potty in them, and often times, eat them or use the leaves to clean their teeth.  MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT HAVING ACCESS TO TOXIC PLANTS.  

Keeping Pets Safe:

1)  Put those plants up high (really high…)

2) Spray them down with sour tasting vinegar or insecticidal soup that is safe for animals

3) Put pinecones in the pot. Pets hate pointy things 4)  Don’t buy them.  If you are not sure you can keep your pet away from toxic plants, just don’t buy them.  There are PLENTY of plants/herbs we can have and use instead. 5) Keep the plants outside (if you have an indoor cat) or put the plants in a room that remains off limits to Kitty.

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We are still new!

But if anyone has any questions! Are asks are open! 

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⊳Calling A Familiar Spell⊲

    Familiars are one of the witches greatest companions. If youre knowledgeable about familiars you might want one yourself. There comes the problem of finding one. Sometimes you may already have a pet or spirit in mind, but others you may be totally lost. I do not recommend under any circumstance buying a pet just for the sake of them being your familiar. You cannot tell at first glance whether you two will be a good pair and its not fair to the animal if you end up giving it away because it isn’t able to be your familiar. The best option is for you to do some magic so you and a potential familiar can meet and bond.

    Now, onto the spell, but before you do this make sure you genuinely want a familiar and think they would be a big part of your craft. Here is what you’ll need;

◆ A jar(or container of some sort) ◆ A piece of paper and something to write with ◆ A tag lock from you(a piece of hair, a nail clipping, spit, etc) ◆ Dandelion fluff or bay leaf ◆Rosebud(if you don’t have this, you can substitute it with pink sea salt or rose petals) ◆Basil ◆Catnip or cinnamon

    First take your paper and writing utensil. Write down the ideal traits of your familiar(you can add a sigil on it if you’d like). Now fold it up however you want and put it to the side, you’ll come back to it later.     Next take your jar and put in half your ingredients, then add your tag lock. Now you can add the other half of the ingredients.     Now you can put your paper in the jar. After that, screw on the lid and place you hands on the sides. Envision you and your future familiar working together and being friends, put all your intent and hope into the jar. Now shake it up, letting the energy buzz around in the jar. Stop when it feels right. Leave it somewhere you go often(like beside your bed or next to your altar). Whenever you feel super witchy and passionate about getting a familiar you can shake it again. Now a familiar will find you, or you will find them. Good luck!

- Mod Faye

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Crystal Bonding spell to protect and connect you and your familiar. 

This is a spell to connect two crystals, specifically Black Tourmaline. Black Tourmaline crystal is a powerful stone for protection against negative energy of all kinds, as well as being a strong spiritual grounding stone. The intent of this spell is to “link” the two stones so both wearers will be protected and also able to connect with one another energetically. Great for Familiars (familiar spirits (sometimes referred to simply as “familiars”) are believed to be supernatural entities that would assist witches in their practice of magic.) This can also be used with friends!

What you’ll need:

-2 Black Tourmaline neckless pendents

-Black Bag

-Full Moon

-The Wunjo (w) and Ehwaz (e)  runes.

On the night of a full moon, gather up these items and cast your circle. Once you’ve cast your circle take your two tourmaline pendents and hold them in your hand. With your mind focused on your intent, say the runes “Wunjo, Ehwaz”. ( Wunjo means harmony, well-being, fellowship, strengthens bonds, links of all things. Ehwaz means harmonious, the combination of two sympathetic forces or entities workings harmoniously towards a goal, astral travel.) Place your pendents into the black bag, then add your two runes. (if you don’t own runes, you may simply draw both on a paper) Leave out to charge in the light of the full moon. In the morning take your bag and say, “so may it be”. The two crystals are now linked. Not only will the Black Tourmaline protect the wearers, but connect and link you to your Familiar. If your Familiar is lost, or you need to call them home, you only need but summon them with your mind. This will also help aid you in your magical workings and make your spells stronger. 

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Familiar Binding Spell 🐾

A spell meant to strengthen the bond between a person and their familiar. 

Items required:

Safely harvested fur, whiskers, or toenail clippings from your familiar 

Your own hair or fingernail clippings

A crystal (or crystal chips) of your choice - personally, I would use Snowflake Obsidian because it reminds me of the markings on my bunny

Dried basil

Sea salt

A tiny jar or vial 

Brown thread or string 

Add the taglocks for yourself and your familiar to the jar - if you can manage to actually tie the two together with string beforehand then that’s another viable option 

Next, add the crystal you chose and a pinch of basil (love and protection) and sea salt (charging) as you focus on your intent 

Seal the jar, wrap the brown string/thread around the neck of the jar, and tie it off

Can be worn, carried on your person, or displayed somewhere you can always see it

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Witch Tip

For all of us with feline familiars, add a bundle of feathers to the end of your broom or wand. Multitask by charging your tool and entertaining your furry friend at the same time! They may be powerful spirits, but they’re still cats.

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So you want to find your significator

Alternately titled: Why am I doing this at 5 in the morning?????

So, I’ve noticed a lot of newbie tarot readers don’t know what a significator is. Long, winding definitions short, it’s a tarot card that signifies something. It could be you, it could be an event, anything significant. It’s usually a Court or Major Arcana card, but not always. There’s no set rule on how to choose a significator for yourself, but here’s several ways you can discover it:

A card that just won’t stop popping up in readings, even for other people. It may not even seem to fit in their reading! If this is the case, check the card’s meaning–be it your own interpretation or the original RW (Rider-Waite) meaning. See if you connect with it–with a Major Arcana, it would be a meaning that has something to do with you in that point in time (The Hermit for someone on a soul vacation; Justice for someone who has to act as a mediator to find a balance between people etc). If it’s a Court card, check that meaning too (The Queen of Cups for someone loving, nurturing, and empathetic, with a strong love for the creative arts; very relaxed and go-with-the-flow). It could also be a regular old Ace through Ten, in which case check to see if that card holds any significance in your life at the moment.

Meditate on the deck for a while and shuffle it for a time, wondering about what your significator might be and focusing on the various cards. Take a deep breath and trust your intuition when you feel it’s right to stop shuffling. When you do, draw 3-5 cards but don’t use a spread. Instead, lay them out and start to puzzle them out, how they interconnect, what your deck is trying to tell you about your significator. Sometimes it’ll be in the drawn cards themselves, others you have to think about how they connect as a whole to form the meaning of your significator card. 

And finally, trust your intuition. It’s not exactly necessary to have a significator card, and often people change and so do their significators. It’s a constantly evolving card, just as your experiences shape you. If you just got your deck in the mail yesterday, focus on getting to know your deck more rather than going into specifics. You’ll often find the answer will be apparent to you in time :)

If you have any questions or need advice when it comes to tarot, send me an ask and I will help you in any way I can! :) Good luck and happy shuffling!

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Today on Witchy Wednesday! We talk about Covens! Come check it out-Link 

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Covens

By Amber Dawn

When you hear the word “coven”, you might first think of a darkly lit scene with three old crones hovering over a massive bubbling cauldron as a full moon rests overhead. While this is a great aesthetic, that’s not always how it is.

A coven is defined as “a group or gathering of witches who meet regularly”. On a surface level, yes, that’s an accurate definition but it’s missing the depth of what a coven is. A coven is a connected group of witches dedicated to, in varying degrees, each other and to the goals of the group. It consists of set members and may bring in new members, either formally initiated or not. This is in contrast to a circle whose members can come and go with no ties to one another.

Covens come together during the Sabbats and full moon Esbats for rituals or casually strengthening ties. For rituals or casting spells, the whole coven can meet up to strengthen the intent being put into the spell or ritual. It’s easier to pull up energy when there’s more people to provide it. Being in a coven also means you have access to the experiences and wisdom of other witches. Did your latest spell not work as you planned? Talk to the other witches in the coven and get their input, maybe one of them has had a similar experience. They’re a source of support and knowledge to rely on.

That being said, if you want to join a coven, choose carefully. If you find a coven you want to join and who is willing to accept you, get to know them before starting any initiation. Talk to the members one on one. Ask questions, get involved. Make sure your goals and morals align with theirs. It might be awkward if you join a coven that does blood sacrifice when you faint at the sight of blood. Joining a coven is a commitment, make sure you’re ready for it.

But is a coven necessary to practice witchcraft? Of course not. Solitary witchcraft is just as fulfilling and magical as witchcraft done in a group. If you’re an introverted witch, that’s okay. Don’t feel pressured into joining a coven because of peer pressure or preconceived notions about witchcraft. We live in the wonderful era of the internet. Information about spells and the craft can be found with a simple Google search. You might not get the personal touch, but the info is still there.

If you’re interested in joining a coven but not ready for the commitment, perhaps look into local circles first. Get a feeling for magic done in a group! It can be exciting and add a whole new level to your craft.

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Introduction To Tarot

By Nai McDougal

The introduction to Tarot is a really daunting task, It is full of veteran Witches, History, different ways of doing it, different customs when handling decks, and it can all be very overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you break in? Am I doing this right?. Well I don’t know. But I wanted to share my experiences with starting with my very first Tarot deck! To hopefully give some a foot in the door

To start I will share a little about myself, and my deck. I’m a mostly secular crystal witch. The only forms of divination or spirit work I have ever gotten myself into happened through my stones. Those I am confident with. But when a very dear friend of mine said he had a Tarot deck for me, I was nervous. In my life is was pretty much my husbands domain and  I was okay with that, too many bad experience with strong reactions in my past left me weary over bonding with any deck. Then I was given this sweetheart. I could feel right away that the deck was as twisted as I was about the whole ordeal.My Deck is the True Love Tarot Deck by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. While I’m not a fan of the book they added the meanings to the cards ring very soundly with me.

Please note, If you don’t believe Decks have their own personalities or souls as I do. That is just fine. You don’t have to, To work with Tarot. So now, I hope these help

✪ How to Pick a Deck?

Often times veterans will tell you not to pick your own deck, but to let it pick you. Sometimes this works out, other times it’s does not. So please do not be discouraged. Buying a deck that calls or appeals to you is just as valid. My husband often has me look up decks I think he’d enjoy by thinking about what he likes. My intent and emotions have often helped in finding him very sweet and strongly bonded deck. Have a close friend help, or simply find one that you like the art of. That fits your witchy ascetic. Your intent and emotions about the deck is what is important about picking one. ✪ How to Bond with the Deck?

So you’ve got your deck? Or maybe it’s on it’s way to you and you want to make sure you feel as connected with it as you can. Often times thumbing through it is enough to bond. Other times other things are needed. Sleep with your Deck as close to you as you can. Under your pillow is often safe when in a tied bag. Though over on a bedside table, or even in a dresser is just fine. More so if you have some curious animals who like climbing all over everything as you sleep. The closer the better, but make sure your deck isn’t likely to get damaged. An alternative, is to leave the Deck on your altar or in a very special place to you. If you have a fave spot in the house, or a safe space these also work.

Charging in Moon Light. Carrying it with you. Some even say to simply use it, Pull a card every day. Offer readings to friends. Sometimes all a Deck wants to do is answer, Or maybe something else wants to answer through it. Do what you feel it right to make you feel connected to your deck.

✪ Should I cleanse my Deck?

This is 100% up to you. And your beliefs as a Witch or User of Tarot. Some people say you should cleanse the cards between every use. ( thumbing through with your intent. Or Incense Smoke cleaning are two common kinds) Other people say you should never cleanse your deck as those emotions and experiences shape now correct and helpful your deck is. Both are correct. It is what you feel is best for you and your deck.

✪ How do I know what the cards mean?

Often times your decks come with books! These are a great place to start. Don’t feel ashamed or down if you have to pull out your book while doing a reading. This is even more important if you don’t have a deck that follows the Major arcana classic imagery or a Minor arcana that doesn’t follow the classic suits. If yours didn’t come with a book. Try seeing if someone has it online for download or if the company has made extra copies available. If your cards are a bit more on the classic side there are lots of online resources that you can search. The other side of this question is, You will know in time. As you learn your deck and the meanings you will be able to interpret them better.

✪ What card Pulls and Spreads should I start with?

I always recommend starting with a 1 card pull and a 3 card spread.

1 card Is an in general answer. Could be to your life, mood, or a question.

3 card spread One next to the other, laid out in a straight line. This is a simple but easy reading to start with. Not too much information but enough to be clear.  In the three card spread you can have someone ask a generic question, Or simple have a reading for their day.

│Card 1         │Card 2   │Card 3   │ │Mind            │Body      │Spirit      │  │Past             │Present  │Future   │    │Background │Problem │Advice   │

The “table” above shows different ways you can interpret a three card spread. Mind, Body and Spirit. Past, Present, And Future. Along with Background Problem and Advice.  Give these a shot, and you can always google longer spreads if you feel ready. The Celtic Cross spread is a pretty universal spread. With lots of cards and advice.

I think this covers a lot of the basic information for now. Please come back next Tuesday for more Tarot inspired information. And as always, I am not saying these are the only ways, or most correct ways to handle a deck and your beliefs. This is just what I had found and worked for me. So please go out and research and find more information