whichkittywitch

[whichkittywitch]

Okay so neurodivergant witches I have a question, how do you tackle things like inertia, thought paralysis, overwhelm etc. when it comes to witchcraft?

[whichkittywitch]

That Guy at the Capitol Siege

Please excuse me for borrowing Lea Svendsen’s title. This is a very interesting read about the guy in the horned helmet. Please look at this article. SPOILER: His headdress is a Lakota Sioux war bonnet. Not cool.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/afoxamongravens/2021/01/a-heathens-reaction-to-that-guy-at-the-capitol-siege/

[whichkittywitch]

Blog menu additions

Hi! I hope everyone is having a nice holiday.

Just wanted to let you know that I have two new menu options (which you can see if you’re in browser mode but alas not in mobile mode):

Podcasts

Reddit Resources

I’d be happy to add any subreddits necessary (there are no links because tumblr was wonky last night) and any podcasts that are somewhat on the secular side of things. Thanks!

[whichkittywitch]

Storybook Christmas Tarot

So I got this really cute holiday tarot from Mindful Eye Tarot (by Stephanie Keene and Sarah Keene). I’d give you a link, but I think it must have sold out (I got it from Etsy). Anyways, it’s a really really cute deck. Cookies are pentacles, candy canes are wands, icicles are swords, and mugs are cups. So cute!

[whichkittywitch]

A really eclectic mix here (Part 2)

I forgot to include this video in my previous post (still mourning the loss of my little puppy girl). Anyways, it’s a great video from Sedna Woo, who has a YouTube channel about secular witchcraft. I’ve seen people posting on Reddit about having ADHD and practicing witchcraft, and she addresses that very topic right here (with a secular viewpoint). I really enjoyed the video, and if you have ADHD (or other neurodivergent condition), I highly recommend watching it.

[whichkittywitch]

A really eclectic mix here

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. (Roger Caras)

I’m sorry I haven’t been posting normally. I put my beloved dog to sleep last week. She was 16 years old.

I’m still processing her death. I’m having her cremated. I did find a Wiccan pet ritual that I may do this week (before I get her ashes back), or I may wait. I’ve been really tired. But once I’ve done it, I’ll report back on what I did exactly.

Podcasts

So I found a really cool podcast on herbs. It is hosted by Lavender Moon and is called Herbal Witchery. Episodes are generally about a half hour or so. She also hosts another podcast called Tea & Tarot which I haven’t listened to yet.

Also Bree NicGarran’s recent Hex Positive episode on secular celebrations was really enlightening.

And that’s about it for today! 

[whichkittywitch]

The story of my ADHD.

King of Wands and Six of Wands

Something noisy and exciting just went by, but you were so focused on what you were doing that you missed it.

[whichkittywitch]

How to Cleanse Your Home Without Smoke

(Photo credit:  Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels.)

Hi there! I mentioned that I would be posting about smokeless options because my cat has asthma and can't handle cleansing by smoke (or smelly candles or incense). First I will briefly go through some of the options, and then I will cite the sources I used to create this post so you can explore them for yourself!

Cleansing Options

1. Sound

While cats can be sensitive to sound, it is one of the options available to us.

Sounds you can make yourself:

Sing a song you like.

Hum.

Sounds using instruments:

Ring a bell (or bells).

Use a drum.

Use a rattle.

Use a singing bowl.

Use wind chimes.

Sounds using your phone:

You can stream music (such as singing bowls, Celtic flutes, nature sounds, drumming, and so on) from your phone to cleanse your home.

2. Water

You can use your own water to cleanse your home. If you want to, you can leave your water out in the sunlight or moonlight before you use it. You can put the water in a spray bottle or flick it with your fingers.

You can also add a small amount of salt to the water as well as herbs (if you think it won't bother your animals).

3. Flame / White Light

Using a scentless candle, light it and walk around your area just as you would with a smoke cleanse. (Source: Jennifer Jorgenson; Otherworldly Oracle.)

4. Floral Cleansing Bowl

Using fresh or dried herbs or flowers (such lavender, thyme, rosemary, salt, chrysanthemums, and whatever aligns with your intention): mix in a bowl and stir in some hot water. Walk around your area as you would if you were smoke cleansing. (Sources: Good Witch Kitchen; Patricia Telesco.)

5. Crystals

You can also use crystals, but I am not going into that here because I am not an expert. There is already a lot of information about using crystals to clean or protect your home. (The Sage Goddess article below discusses crystal clearing grids.)

6. Cleaning

A good old-fashioned cleaning will also work, especially if you can do it before using one of the methods above.

Sources Used

Heather Askinosie, "A Spiritual Cleansing Meditation with Flowers + Crystals to Get In Sync with Spring," energymuse, April 10, 2018. 

Melissa Hill, "Eight Methods of Purification That Aren’t Burning Sage," DandelionLady / Patheos, January 8, 2019. (This website requires ads to be shown.)

Jennifer Jorgenson, "5 Alternatives to Using Sage and Smoke to Cleanse and Purify," Exemplore, June 30, 2020. 

Kristen, "Cleansing Without Sage," Good Witch Kitchen, December 20, 2019. 

Otherworldly Oracle, "How to Cleanse Your Space without Sage Smoke: 5 Alternatives,"  May 5, 2019. 

Sage Goddess, "Step Outside the Bundle – Smokeless Energetic Clearing Options," October 11, 2017.

Patricia Telesco, "Anti-Magic Herbs, Flowers and Plants for Protection," Wise Witches & Witchcraft, no date. 

Obligatory cat photo!

[whichkittywitch]

This is very important! My cat has asthma, so I will be posting some suggestions for non-smoky, non-smelly cleansing methods at some point.

I dont know who to ask and the internet is not giving me much but, is incense dangerous to animals? I really like burning incense for spells, cleansing and generally bringing a nice smell to my house, but i also want to get pet rats and i dont know how those two will work together. Is there anything i can substitute for incense in spells etc or what should i do in general?

WITCH SAFETY 101: HERBS / ESSENTIAL OILS / INCENSE AND PETS

Hi! It is ok to burn incense with pets as long as they are in a separate room away from the smoke. Cats are risky because they don’t have the enzyme we have to break down essential oil particles but things like lavender are safer. Since rats are usually in cages most of the time, as long as you keep them in the cage in a separate room, and after, let the room air out through the windows for an hour... It should be safe.

Incense is safe as long as you keep it in a different room than your animals because certain animals can be more sensitive than others. 

Rats have a very sensitive sense of smell that even little things can disrupt their respiratory system. So make sure you don't burn it for too long and be very careful about what you burn. And to make sure you burn it far away from the rat.

It is your choice if you want to eliminate all risks or limit them. I have 2 cats, and as long as I have followed these safety precautions (5 years), they have never gotten sick or lethargic. 

I’ve actually seen some fear-mongering posts that say if you burn anything in the house it will automatically kill your animals. While this is good information to keep people from posing a risk to their pets, if you take proper precautions, it should be ok if your animal does not suffer from (Breathing problems, bad liver, or a heart condition. When in reality, if your pet is suffering from essential oil/incense poisoning, it will not kill them in a single day, but poses a risk if you ignore the symptoms. You will see the symptoms as follows:

Dizziness (You can tell by your animal's eyes rolling back and forth)

Vomiting

Shaking and tremoring

excessive drooling

diarrhea

Collapse or seizures

Lethargy, depression, or dullness

If you see any of these symptoms, contact a vet immediately.

Safety precautions:

- Keep your pets away from smoke/diffuser and in a different room

- Make sure to clean the area if something spilled

- Keep what you're burning high up

- Work in a highly ventilated area

- Keep it away from fabrics and carpets.

Remember that these incense/herbs/oils are toxic to rats:

- Peppermint + Eucalyptus (Will kill them instantly don’t do it)

- Jasmine

- Lavender 

- Black pepper

- Rosemary

- Oregano

- Sage 

Part 2: If all else fails

Take a pot of water, boil some vanilla extract, orange peel, and star anise, and it will make your house smell wonderful. You can substitute incense for beeswax candles anointed with special oils and herbs that are nontoxic to rats!

Medical Sources:

Cats:

https://emergencyvetsusa.com/scents-that-are-bad-for-cats-dogs

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning-in-cats

https://www.today.com/pets/essential-oils-danger-cats-warning-signs-look-t121300

Dogs:

https://emergencyvetsusa.com/scents-that-are-bad-for-cats-dogs

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-dogs/

https://coralvilleanimalhospital.com/news/essential-oil-diffusers-and-your-pet

Rats:

https://animalknowhow.com/what-essential-oils-are-safe-for-rats/

https://luciesapothecary.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-pet-safety/

http://pghspayvac.com/essential-oils-toxic-for-cats-dogs-rabbits-birds

Reptiles:

https://eluxemagazine.com/culture/articles/which-essential-oils-can-hurt-your-pets/

https://www.animalaromatherapy.com/educate-empower/safety/fish-reptiles/

Birds:

https://www.thesprucepets.com/are-essential-oils-safe-for-birds-4587493

https://eluxemagazine.com/culture/articles/which-essential-oils-can-hurt-your-pets/

https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-around-birds

https://callmeoil.com/essential-oils-that-are-safe-for-birds/

I hope this helps!

[whichkittywitch]

Looking for more people to follow! Reblog if you post:

Spells/rituals

Witchy content

Cottagecore content

Recipes

Animals

Astotrology

Gardening content

Witchy/cottagecore/fairycore/goblincore content

Will be following everyone! 🌙💞🔮🌸🪱🐁

[whichkittywitch]

The story of my life....

Four of Swords and Wheel of Fortune

You don’t feel like you’re doing much lately, but stuff keeps on happening anyway.

[whichkittywitch]

Review of The Book of Spells

Review of Jamie Della, The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft (New York: Ten Speed Press, 2019). This is an updated version of the author's book The Teen Spell Book (2001).

Disclaimer: I have recently begun studying witchcraft (within the past several years), so I am not an expert! This is just an observation of some things I noticed with this book within the context of secular witchcraft.

Someone recommended this book on Reddit's SASS (Skeptic, Agnostic, Atheist, and generally Science-Seeking) Witches forum, but I wish the recommendation had come with a warning label.

It's a good beginner's book if you take it with a grain of salt. However, there are several things within (or not within) this book that bothered me.

The first section discusses the path (traditions, sabbats, and deities).

The author: "It is a personal choice whether you identify as a Witch or a Wiccan. . . . Both paths follow and celebrate the rhythm of nature and abide by the Wiccan Rede . . . and the Threefold Law."

Me: Actually, no. Both paths do not necessarily follow that rede and/or law. Wiccans do, but not necessarily witches. Nowadays this attitude is called gatekeeping. It is up to the witch to decided what they will follow. As a (somewhat) Christian witch, I tend to follow the rede/law, but that's just me.

The author gives a brief history of the different forms of Wicca and witchcraft and follows with a chapter on deities, including listing various deities according to the sabbats. Again, I was a little disappointed; the author gives a very brief description of the deities but does encourage the reader to do their own research. For example, Bast's association does not list "protector" (I happen to be familiar with Bast). I suppose one would find that out in further study.

The next section is on the Craft. Della discusses tools, chakras, animal totems, runes, tarot, herbs, crystals, the moon, astrological signs, colors, days of the week, and the four directions. The material is useful but brief. Under tarot, she lists The Fool as 22; while acceptable, this book was published by a U.S. publisher and should have used the more popular U.S. system where The Fool is 0. The herbs are listed by their correspondence; however, there is one herb missing under "protection," and that herb is rosemary (Cunningham's 1985 Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs lists "protection" as the first power of rosemary).

Finally, the author covers Spells. Again, the author reminds the reader of the Threefold Law (again, not all witches practice this!). She goes through elaborate steps on casting a circle, and this seems very Wiccan to me (she prefaces this with “you may choose a different way to set your circle. . . .).

The spells themselves (for example, instill self-reliance, accept your body) are very empowering for women. I'm sure they could be adapted to each witch's taste.

I would like to recap that the author was young when she originally wrote this, and witchcraft (and tarot) wasn't as popular as it is today.

Overall I would say that this is a useful book as long as the reader continues their research on witchcraft (the author seems to have a more Wiccan approach to the craft). I would be hesitant to recommend it as a witch's first book (especially for a secular witch), simply because a witch should have an open mind toward all witch practices so that they can practice as they see fit.

[whichkittywitch]

Create a post-election safety plan for the upcoming 2020 Presidental Election.

Slides Created and Arranged By: @clevergirlcraftings on Instagram

[whichkittywitch]

Please vote! It is so important for your voice to be heard!

It’s Not Too Late to Make 2020 Count

The 2020 U.S. election is right around the corner. Tuesday, November 3, is the last day to cast your ballot. We’re almost at the end of this seemingly endless election cycle–but don’t break out the bath bombs yet. There’s still work to do, like making sure you cast a vote that counts. Here’s some info that’ll help you do just that:

Who should you vote for? Well, that’s up to you. We’re not here to tell you how to live your life, just to make living it a little easier. Find out here where the presidential candidates stand on key issues like climate change, healthcare, and racial justice. Sure, the presidency gets the top billing, but those smaller, local elections affect you as well. Use this state-specific ballot guide to help you fill out your entire ballot. 

It’s not too late to vote early. In some states, the early voting period ends Saturday, October 31, aka Halloween. Like this election cycle wasn’t scary enough. Learn more about your state’s early voting deadlines here. If you still haven’t registered to vote, @whenweallvote makes it easy to explore all of your state’s voter registration deadlines in one place. Find your polling place ahead of time. Waiting until Election Day to look up your polling station is like waiting until the day of the show to buy tickets to a MCR reunion tour. It’s not a good idea. 

If you voted by mail, your job isn’t over. To confirm your absentee ballot has been accepted by your state’s board of elections, use @resistbot for status updates. No, that’s not a text from your crush: it’s Resistbot! Unless Resistbot is your crush…in which case, maybe you should just check the status of your ballot online.

There’s something in the air

If you consider yourself anywhere from barely to extremely online, you’ve been bombarded with misinformation—and you might not even know it. At Tumblr, you control the conversation. As a result, we need you to help us shut down the spread of misinformation. 

With one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history only days away, we’re asking all users to be watchful of what you see and read online. Use our Election Integrity Guidelines to help you identify and avoid sharing potentially harmful information. To combat misinformation within the Tumblr community, we’re also asking users to read more about media literacy and report misinformation or abuse of any kind right here. 

Good luck out there, Tumblr. Don’t forget to #Make2020Count.

[whichkittywitch]

Red Robin (yum!)

Since it’s almost winter, I’m going to mention something to do with spring! So I was listening to Hex Positive (podcast, episode 10) today and the hostess (Bree NicGarran) was talking about celebrating the day you see your first robin. She seemed surprised that her cohost also celebrated it, but I’ve been doing this for years. I never really thought about it as a celebration--just the first day I saw a robin! It would be nice to come up with a ritual for it, though. I’m always thrilled to see signs of spring.

(Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@kris_ricepees)