apothecary-dreams

[apothecary-dreams]

Written In the Stars Tarot Spread

Option 1: Love 1 - 2: You and your crush / significant other 3 - 4: What you need to know 5, 7: Things to look forward to 6, 8: Things to look out for

Option 2: Making a decision  1, 3: Choice 1 2, 4: Choice 2 5: Pro of Choice 1 6: Con of Choice 1 7: Pro of Choice 2 8: Con of Choice 2 Add more pro/con cards as necessary 

Option 3: Short Term Future Reading 1 - 4: Overall tone of short term future 5 - 8: Timeline of events

Option 4: General Reading 1 - 4: General situation 5, 7: Pros / high points 6, 8: Cons / low points

[apothecary-dreams]

Interviewing My New Deck

I recently picked up The Hermetic Tarot and today I felt like I was in the space to interview it after spending some time with it and cleansing it, etc.  Oh boy. This deck has personality.  Who are you? First, the intro card pops out as I’d forgotten to remove it before shuffling, the one that says “The Hermetic Tarot” so I can tell it has a sense of humor. Next, we get King of Pentacles. This deck is successful, confident, and practical.  What’s your specialty? What do you like to discuss? King of Wands.  This deck likes to talk about self-improvement, becoming more powerful, taking steps and winning. This makes sense, if this is the deck’s general personality, it would want to encourage me have similar outlooks.  What would prevent us from getting along? Reverse Queen of Cups.  Not listening to my own wants and needs, not paying attention to my inner self and intuition. This also makes sense in the context of the other cards, this deck seems to be about self-empowerment so far.  How do you like to be cared for? Knight of Cups. To feel welcomed and comfortable, recognized and at home.  How often do you like to talk? King of Cups. This a question I asked because my previous deck was very hard to get in the right mood to talk, I felt. It went back and forth a lot. To me, this card symbolizes diplomacy and compassion as well as intuition so I think this deck is fine with communicating regularly.  What will you teach me? Reverse Ten of Swords.  I thought this one was a very interesting card. In some decks, it can mean running from your problems but also that pain and sadness is coming to an end. In the context of the Hermetic Tarot, according to the booklet it came with, it means beneficial things and improvement. This fits with my life and the overall theme of this reading so far. How will you help my Great Work? Chariot. Chariot is one of my birth cards - Tower being the other. If you boil it down further with my birth date and numerology, the Chariot would come out on top if we were looking at just one single birth card. I found this to be very profound. This deck will help me power forward, drive down the correct paths, and help me be triumphant in succeeding in my Great Work - what that is, I don’t know yet, but I’ve been focused on making plans to find out.  Here’s where it starts getting even more interesting. What do you think you’ll like about me? The Devil. This one was really strange to me, but then I did some research as what it may mean of the context of this deck and it started coming together. I interpret this as my ability to embrace darker things, my own passions, innate want for exploration, and my expression. I think the deck sees this potential in me, to be more expressive, passionate, and embracing of magick. Not necessarily black magick of course, but this deck gives me a very ceremonial vibe, not the type of deck I’d necessarily go to ask “is she still my friend? am I going to have a good day at work?”. This deck wants to assist me in furthering my Ceremonial magick. Ultimately, I feel good about this interpretation. I was worried at first and asked for clarification “Five of Swords” which of course made me more curious, but then I realized it was telling me to calm down and not come to conclusions as I had done. I did some more draws with this question and ultimately the answer interprets out to: Be mature in communicating with this deck and it will be very helpful and a very valuable resource - got it.  What do you think you won’t like about me? The Hanged Man. I have a lack of independence, I don’t always do my own will, I let life pass me by and I feel/act helpless and also, sometimes, don’t take responsibility for things that are my own fault. This is all true with me, sometimes. Do you think we’ll work together well? Reverse Knight of Wands.  Don’t be impulsive (and jump to conclusions, as this deck had warned during The Devil part) and we will have a fun relationship built on learning and storing/using energy. We will work well together if I take my time with this deck. Listen to it, meditate, schedule time to look at the cards, research, and relax and enjoy - no major pressure, this deck is here to help,, I don’t have to be perfect with it. Sounds good! How do we work together well? Nine of Swords. This was really odd - I believe it means if I let this deck help me move on from fear, negativity, and past experiences, things will work out. This could make sense, because with my last deck, I often felt nervous and conflicted when I used it. I feel more comfortable with this deck already. In the context of the reading, I can see this pairing well with the R Knight of Wands interpretation so it makes sense. This deck has a whole lotta personality. I can tell it’s very intelligent - I asked my husband what he thought of so many court cards and he stated his guess would mean that the deck is very sentient (as court cards usually represent people). I am so excited to work with this deck, y’all. I’m blown away.

[apothecary-dreams]

Past Life Tarot Spread

Just in case you have a few hours free, here's a spread that will take all of them up. Have fun with your afternoon.

1: Birth

2: Parents

3: Life

4: Childhood

5: Passion

6: Friends

7: Responsibility

8: Partner

9: Work

10: Success

11: Shortcoming/Failure

12: Death

13: Children

14: Legacy

15: What I Brought To This Life

[apothecary-dreams]

Catnip uses

*What Is It

Catnip ( Nepeta cataria )

*What Does It Do

Reduces stress, promotes relaxation, aids mood; aids sleep, helpful against insomnia. May also repel insects, and attract cats.

*How Do You Use It

Leaves may be dried and used to make tea, or used in making ointments or tinctures. May also be dried and used as incense.

*Where Can You Find It

Grows wild in many parts of the world. Dried herb and seeds may be found at pet stores. You can also plant it like mint.

*Magical uses:

Magical attributes: Protection, Passion

Uses: Add to love sachets and charms to attract a lover in the more physical aspect.

[apothecary-dreams]

To be a Local Witch

Throughout history and our legends, Witches and Wizards were the crazy men and women that lived on the outskirts of the village. Their craft was wild and strange to those that lived in the village, but, nonetheless, people would seek after their wisdom of the land, the plants, the local spirits, and for wisdom or guidance in their path. These men and women, often bachelors, would know the ins and outs of the region and often went walking alone. 

Today, our villages are less rustic and more like local towns, and suburbs. But one can still be a Local Witch, and develop special connections with the land you call home. 

Become a Local Witch: 

Learn Local Lore Folktales, legends, and even tall tales develop the culture of a town or area. Learn these. Retell them over summer campfires, and over drinks with friends. People will start to LOVE your stories. 

Start Frequenting locally owned shops and stores Develop connections and relationships with the owners and those that work there every day. Learn their names, and introduce yourself after visiting more often. Supporting locally owned shops helps small business owners and provides nourishment to your community. This is putting down roots, and develops your connection with the people that shape your town.

Find a Local Bookstore This is an extension of 1 and 2. Locally owned bookstores always have a Local Writers, Local Plants, and Local History sections. Ask inside where these sections are, and start devouring these books. Not only will you be supporting a local shop, but you have a direct source of helpful information. Oftentimes, employees and owners also know a lot of Lore. Talk to them about what you’re interested in learning. They probably have some hidden gems of information. 

Learn about your Indigenous Plants Start researching and learning about the flora that grows locally, learn their lore, their uses, and magical or folklore associations. If Natives from your area used these plants, find out how. Learn where these plants grow and research local foraging. If you’ve never foraged, see if you can find a local group that can serve as helpful guides to stay safe. Never ingest anything unless you are SURE. 

Start a local Plant Grimoire Keep dried presses of flowers and plants in it, draw and diagram to help you remember what they look like. 

Learn about the indigenous animals Research their folklore and mythology. Start finding out what they eat, and what their habitats are. (Safely) Do your part to help foster their growth and health. This could be making insect houses to help local endangered pollinators, or leaving out special birdseed for endangered bird species in the area. (Safely) Start interacting with the non-aggressive species and leave them treats. This is great for birds, deer, rabbits, moles, chipmunks, hedgehogs, etc 

Join local Conservation Projects  Getting directly involved in wildlife conservation strengthens our spiritual and natural ties to the land we call our home. Taking personal responsibility and interest in it’s stewardship is honoring the spirits of the land, and the Gods. 

Use Google Maps while exploring parks, or protected open spaces to drop pins and places where you find animal habitats or useful plants for foraging. 

That’s all for now. More will come later I’m sure. Now go be the best local Witch or Druid you can be! 

[apothecary-dreams]

Quick—Easy—Morning Cleanse!

Hey guys! I have here a simple cleansing drinkable potion for all types of mornings. If you don’t have a lot of time this is a good away to quickly start the day right. I do this probably at least four times a week and it really makes the difference.

ingredients

water (hot or cold)

lemon

mint

raspberries (or any fruit…could be a veg too)

directions

Put the water in a glass and throw those bad boys in!

Have it sit for a few minutes and while it’s sitting you can do the chant.

“Mother Nature take me from the depths,

connect me with your vines and restore my body.”

Chant this about three times and visualize a green light swimming around the water, through the ingredients, and while you drink imagine it goes into you. It flows through your veins, into your heart, and slowly spreads until you’re covered in this green light. Then imagine it slowly flowing out of you, taking all the negative energy and pollution with it.

Enjoy!!

p.s. I write all my spells so pls dont repost! Love y’all!  

[apothecary-dreams]

Ultimate Protection Magic Masterpost; Part 1

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Jar Spells & Pouches

“Bubbly Friend” Protection and Cleansing Jar Spell

“Tough As A Nail” Protection Spell

“Portable Barricade” Spell Jar

“Protect My Ass” Spell Jar

“Stay The F*ck Away From Me” Protection Jar

Jar Spell for Protection

Witchywoman’s Protection Jar

Shiroinightmare’s Protection Bottle

Gender/Sexuality Protection Jar Spell

Sea Witch’s Protection Bottle

Stormy Protection Spell Jar

Elemental Protection Jar Spell

Dragon Protection Jar

Protection Jar Against Bindings & Hexes

Basic Warding Jar

Making A Witch Bottle (Charm)

Witches Bottle for Protection

Potent Protective Witch Bottle

Blood Magic Protection Jar

Mini Protection Vial

Ares Protection Pouch

‘Sweet Tooth’ Spell Sachet

Protection Pouches

Protection Pouch

Protection Sachet

Protection Sachet for School

Amulets

Simple Protection Amulet

“Untouchable” Charm Ward

Subtle Protection Amulet

Coral Protection Amulet

Sunglasses Enchantment

Ways to Make Amulets

Simple Protection Necklace

Strength & Safety Amulet

Protection Vial Necklace

Wonder Woman’s Bracelets

Sword & Shield Graveyard/Spirit Jewelry

Nasty Witches’ Brew Protective Jewelry

Bath/Shower Magic

“Armour of Love” Protection Bath

Powerful Cleansing Bath

Simple Purification and Protection Scrub

“Master Protector” Body Scrub

Gossip-Stopping Scrub

Shower Disks for Protection

Pine Protection Balm

Kitchen Witchcraft

Purification and Protection Soup

Fondant Potatoes for Protection & Prosperity

Self Love & Protection Recipe Spell

Abundant Apple Pie Cookies

Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread

Potions

Cleanse & Protect Spray Potion

Rose Shield Potion

Protection Potion

Pisces Protection Potion

Return To Sender Vigor Potion

Bucking Bronco Vigor Potion

Charge Vigor Potion

Spells

Bravery/Protection Spell

Aroma Veil Spell

Protection Spell for Queer Folks

Spell For Protection While Coming Out As Trans

‘Hiding Secrets’ Spell

Stronger Than You Spell

Protection Against Bullies

“Belittlement Barrier” Spell

Expecto Patronum

Substitute Spell

Curse Decoy

LoZ Magic Armour Protection Spell

Riddikulus Charm

Snowdrop Protection Spell

Method for Protection Against Undesired Spirits or People

Evergoing Spell

Rose Quartz Shielding Spell

Protection Candle Spell

Protection Chant

Night Protection Spell

Night Protection Spell #2

Protection Against Curses, Hexes & Bad Energies

Maka’s Black Blood Dress

Mars Celestial Fire Surround

Plutonic Protection Spell

‘Dark Dome Close’ Sailor Pluto Spell

Moon Tiara Magic

Jupiter Thunder Crash

Mind Blast Spell

Metal Claws Spell

Expelliarmus

“Back To You, B*tch” Protection Spell

‘Return To Sender’ Spell

‘Backfire’ Curse Repelling Enchantment

Engraved Hourglass Nebula Curse Return Spell

‘Trainer Chose Squirtle’ Spell

Black Salt Spell for Protection & Absorbing Negativity

Protection Spell Against Negative People & Psychic Vampires

Wards/Rituals

‘Don’t Go In The Dog Park’ Ward

Nail Polish Ritual

PC Magic Warding Ritual

Positive Energy/Banishment of Evil Incense Ritual

‘Fire Rose’ Healing & Protection Ritual

Protection Ritual for the Downtrodden

Sigils

I Am Shielded From Acts of Violence

I Am Protected From Unwanted Spiritual & Physical Entities Who Would Do Me Harm

Protection From Evil Spirits

I Am Safe

I Am Safe At Work

I Am Aware of My Surroundings & Protected

I Am Protected From All Negativity

I’m Protected From Negative Vibes

No Negative Energy Can Affect Me

I Repel Ignorance and Negativity

Protection From Bad Intentions

Protection From Unwanted Eyes

I Am Safe From Fascists

I Am Safe From Transphobia

Those Who Would Harm Me Suffer Their Own Ill Intentions Turned Back On Themselves

I Am One With The Forest

Earth Protection

Protection + Happiness

Ace/Aro Protection Sigil

Protection Sigil/Charm

No Evil Can Touch Me

Sigil for Protection Against All Forms of Magickal Attack

Sigil to Protect One Against All Forms of Possession

Sigil of Protection

Protection

Protection

HOME PROTECTION

Spell Jars

Simple Home Protection Jar Spell

“I Don’t Know Sh*t My Dudes” Protection Jar

My Home Is Protected Spell Jar

House Protection Jar

Home Protection Spell Bottle

Peace & Protection Bottle

Peace & Protection Spell Jar

Home Purification/Protection Spell Jar

Sleeping Beauty House Protection Jar Spell

Mama Cat’s Evil Eye Protection Jar

Sprays & Washes

House-Warding Spray

All-Purpose Cleansing Spray

Protective House Wash

Protective Floor Wash

Rituals

Protecting Yourself And Your Home (Basic Ward Ritual)

Three Elements Home Blessing & Protection Ritual

‘Protect My Space’ Pouch & Ritual

Wards

Quick Protection Ward

Prickly Protection Ward

Protective Storm Ward

Patronus Ward

“Let Only Good Energy In” Horseshoe Ward

Moonbeam Ward

“The Hedgehog” Green Witch Ward

Pumpkin Wards

Complex Bramble Ward

Weaving Protection Wards (ADVANCED)

Spells

Simple Protection Spell

Simple Herbal Protection Spell

Simple Hearth & Home Protection Spell

Home & Body Protection Spell

Clearing Negative Energy from a Room

Home Protection Steam Spell

My Home Is Protected Spell

“Protect My Home” Spell

Home Protection Spell

Home Protection Charm

House Protection Spell

Spell to Protect Your House

House Protection Charm

Threshold Protection Spell

Protego Totalum (Harry Potter Spell)

Four Shells Protection Spell

Pine Cone Prosperity & Protection Spell

“Little Lurkers” Home Protection Spell

Home Protection Spells

A Series of Protection Spells

Strong Home Protection Spell

Home Protection Tip

Home Protection Tip

Sigils

My Home is Protected

My Home Is Protected

This Home Is Protected

Sigil for Protecting One’s Home

Protect This Home

My Home Is A Safe and Healthy Environment

The House I Come Back To Is Safe For Me

Only Positive Energies May Enter My Space

Negative Forces Do Not Enter Here

GRIMOIRE PROTECTION

Spells

Simple Protection Jar For Your Grimoire

Grimoire Protection Spell

Hidden Object Charm

The Serpent’s Lock/Serpent’s Key

Sigils

Protection From Prying Eyes

All Prying Eyes Are Diverted; This Grimoire Is Cloaked In Invisibility

This Item Will Not Be Found

I’m Safe. This Object Is Safe.

The Book in Which This Sigil Is Written Cannot Be Lost or Stolen

This Grimoire Is Protected

This Grimoire Is Protected

My Grimoire Is Protected

Grimoire Is Protected From Those With Ill Intent

This Book of Shadows Is Protected

This Book Is Protected

[part 2]

[apothecary-dreams]

Aphrodite Powder

Aphrodite powder aka love powder! this can be used to attract all kinds of love into your life(mostly romantic, platonic and self) or used as an offering to a love based deity. this powder can and will not be able to use to force someone to love you.

anyway, heres what you need; something to grind your ingredients together, dried rose petals, pink powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, gold and silver glitter(optional but pretty), rose/strawberry incense or any love corresponding incense, dried aloe vera stalk or leaf, rose quartz(optional), selenite(optional), labarodite(optional), a seashell(optional but recommended) and jade(optional)

first, mix your powders together first then add the rose petals+aloe vera stalk

second, youll need to crush your incense into the mix. be careful, youre hands will smell after this.

place your newly made powder in a jar or whatever you want and surround it with your crystals and seashell. if you chose not to use crystals, simply place your container in the moonlight to charge it. or do both idk mix it up.

after all that, youre done! boom! powder! yay! use it however you want idc

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE THIS ON YOUR FACE PLEASE, IT REALLY MAKES YOUR EYES ITCHY AND COULD DAMAGE YOUR SKIN OR SOMETHING!!!!

if you have any questions or if this did not work for you or if you just wanna know the correspondents to the ingredients, just dm me!

[apothecary-dreams]

How I Bond And Connect With My Tarot Decks

Connecting and bonding with a Tarot deck or oracle deck is such a fun and rewarding practice for me. There is something so special about sharing time and energy with a tool like Tarot and imbuing it with parts of yourself. While I do understand that not everyone bonds with their decks or finds the need to,  throughout my Tarot journey I have come across decks that I instantly connected to and some that I needed to spend some time bonding with first. It is my greatest hope that some of my practices within this post can aid or inspire you to try something new with your own Tarot deck.

Timeline

While I do believe that bonding with a deck can be a lifelong process, whenever I set the intention to connect with a new Tarot deck, I like to give myself a small timeline of how long I want to initially spend bonding. Sometimes this can take anywhere from a few days to upwards of a month. Though the bonding doesn’t stop after the initial exercises, I usually give myself some time specifically devoted to connecting with that deck. There isn’t really a right or wrong way to go about this.

Wake It Up

I love to shuffle my decks. Whenever I am connecting with a deck, that I want to use or get to know better I do a technique I call waking it up. I shuffle, focusing on the tactile experience of the card stock in my hands. I shuffle and cut the deck creating a flow of energy as the deck passes its way through my hands.

Story Writing

Being someone who appreciates the art of the written word,  I enjoy drafting and writing short stories for either the deck itself or the cards within the deck. This helps me connect creatively with the cards and gives me my own personal back story for each of the cards in my deck.

Naming

I like naming my decks. I think it is a fun way to honor the deck’s unique personality and character while distinguishing it from other decks in my collection. I have two of the same Tarot decks with two contrasting energies. One’s named Jacob and the other is Miley. Miley is a feisty deck and tells it like it is while Jacob always has such a calm tone about him.

Check Up

There are times when I can sense that a deck is ‘off’, tired or just heavy with external energies. I sometimes like to take the time to shuffle the deck and ask how it is feeling. This simple connection helps me assess how to move forward with the deck.

Musical Playlists

I am a huge fan of creating musical playlists for my decks or individual cards within a deck. It helps me musically connect to the cards and has helped me add a new layer to my readings.  

Music Analysis

I like to use my Tarot cards to decipher deeper or hidden meanings within the music that I am listening to or the music that I am personally writing. This also helps me associate specific card sets with specific chords, melodies or even a chorus from a song.

Cheat Sheets

One of my favorite bloggers and friends @nicstoirm creates cheat sheets for each of their decks and I think it is such an ingenious way to bond and connect with the cards. I have since adapted their methods in my own practice and found great success!

Mood Boards

I am a very visual person. I like to create mood boards with royalty free stock photography for Tarot decks or specific cards to get a better understanding of the aesthetics and symbolism that I associate with each.

Secret Power Word

Whenever I have a new deck, I like to give it its own special power word or phrase. This helps to create a special link between me and the deck. If the deck is ever lost or stolen,  I can render the deck free of any and all previous energies or attempt to locate it energetically with another deck.

Deck Mods

I’m a huge fan of Tarot deck modification. While I have only edged a few decks and trimmed one, the bond I created, sitting with each card as I modified it to my own needs is something I wouldn’t ever trade for the world. It is such a personal process but I love it. I am also a fan of doodling and writing on my cards, especially ones that have chopped borders. :)

Card Of The Day And Night

One of the first bonding techniques I ever learned was to pull a card for myself every day. I like to pull a card in the morning to set my intentions for the day and one card at night to read about my day retrospectively.

Photography

If you have been on my blog for any length of time you know that I love photographing my cards. It helps me analyze the cards from a photographers lens while giving me the chance to showcase the different moods in what I am trying to share with the cards within a stylized setup.

Poetry and Prose Writing

I love writing poetry and prose pieces with my cards. There is something so visceral about relaying my words with the messages and images of the cards in a creative way. It is my most “at home” and most used bonding technique.

Perfumery Blends

I am a huge fan of creating custom incense and oil blends for each of my decks. Delving deep into the feeling and the essence of the deck and creating a scent for it, is such a magical process that I thoroughly enjoy.

Deck Interviews

I don’t usually do deck interview spreads to bond with a new deck.  I do them after I have been using a Tarot deck for a while and have grown accustomed to the deck and how it likes to work with me. I found that trying to do an interview spread that could either positively or negatively set the tone for my relationship and usage with the deck was counterintuitive to how I work as a reader and not something I was interested in. I prefer for the deck and I to warm up to each other beforehand.  I now do deck interviews after I have interacted with the deck and want to check up on how our bonding is going.

Letter Writing

I love letter writing. I like to write letters to my decks and discuss how much they mean to me, how I have grown as a reader and person from its use and where I see our deck relationship going. It is a very beautiful process.

Sigil Creation

Each of my decks has its own custom sigil that I mark on the deck in a hidden area. This helps to fuse my energy to the deck and keep it protected from any wayward energies.

Spread Creation

I like to create custom spreads based on the deck itself. For example, I have a Bright And Airy spread for my Vivid Journey Tarot because it is such a high-intensity deck for me. Creating a spread that is deck specific is a really cool way to tap into the deck’s strength when performing a reading.

Give Your Deck A Home

I love deck bags and boxes. I think they are such cool ways to show your style as a reader and also keep your deck in something really pretty. If you create your own deck bags, I think this would be an awesome way to bond with your deck. Whenever I get a new deck, I like to shop around for the perfect vessel to put it in. I am always excited when I find the perfect match.

Imprinting And Marking

I like to energetically connect and mark my decks as I use them. To me, this creates a connection to my energy and a hub of power I can tap into when I am doing readings. Marking my decks also protects my deck from anyone else trying to use my deck without my permission or trying to tap into my energies without my permission.

Singing And Talking

I love to sing to my decks. I am known to put some Beyonce on full volume and just have a music session with my cards. On days when I am feeling chatty, I like to have conversations with my cards and have the deck respond to me with the symbols in the cards.

Keyword Associations

Creating your own keywords and associations to your cards is such a vital part of Tarot learning but is also a great way of bonding with your decks. Whenever I create my own word associations for each of the cards in my deck, I give myself permission to read how I want to read, without apology.

Using The Book

I love when decks come with guidebooks that were written by the artist. There is something so special when reading through the artists own interpretations and reasoning behind the symbolism found in a deck. Whenever I find interesting symbology from a guidebook, it helps me bond deeper to the meaning of the card.

Meditation

I am one of those people that enjoys meditating with my Tarot cards as a bonding exercise. There is something so rewarding about being able to step into a card, look around and interact with its energies. One of my favorite decks that I meditate with is the Mary-El Tarot. I meditated with all 78 cards and the bond that that deck and I share is remarkable.

Tarot Fashion

I like to create Tarot inspired outfits with the help of my cards. It is both fun and interesting using my deck and coming up with new outfit combinations based on the suggestions of the cards.

Date Night

I love Tarot date night. Sometimes I will go to a bar or coffee shop that I recently had permission to read at and give free readings. Other times I will invite some friends over and we gossip with the cards over some wine. Then there are those days where I am on Amazon in my bed with some ice cream and I am using my decks to help me pick out more decks. The date night ideas are endless.

Quotes And Lyrics

I love associating some of my favorite quotes or song lyrics with a card in my Tarot deck. I also like to find other cards that mirror or amplify that quotes meaning and then go through my deck and find cards that are opposite or conflict the meaning to compare and contrast ideas. I first learned about this method in high school when we would write persuasive essays and adapted it to my deck bonding repertoire.  This helps give a duality to the meanings of the quote or lyric I associated with a card and provides me with a well-rounded sense of what the card means to me.

Compare And Contrast

I like to take two or more decks and compare and contrast the different art styles and symbolism for each of the cards. It is so interesting seeing how different artists interpret the cards and what symbols each respective deck shares and where they are vastly different.

Daily Routine

I like to make it a habit to take a Tarot deck with me wherever I go. I find that when I am particularly bonding with a specific deck, having it accessible to me throughout the day helps me reach for it more and use it, furthering the bonding process.

Bullet Journals And Planners

My friend @rosaofswords has such unique and creative bullet journals that she incorporates her Tarot use and study into. Seeing how she works, helped me to adapt a daily plan to bond with my decks in an organized fashion. While I am still new to bullet journaling, I find that utilizing this method for bonding has helped me so much in keeping track of things like deck usage and cards of the day which help in my connecting to a deck process.

Practice Readings

I find it funny that when I first mentioned this technique in one of the Tarot groups I was in, I was told that using a deck right away would be counter-intuitive to bonding with it. I find the exact opposite to be true for me. By doing practice readings with a deck for myself and others, I get to know the vibe of the deck and how it responds to certain questions and its personality all throughout the process of doing readings.

Divination Challenges

I am a firm believer that Divination Challenges are invaluable resources to Tarot learners and seasoned readers alike. There is something so wonderful about coming together with a group of like-minded people and using your cards in creative ways throughout a specific period of time. This would have to be one of my top favorite ways of bonding with a Tarot deck.

Scope Of Life Experiences

Something that I am doing more frequently in my deck bonding process is relating each card in a deck to a personal meaning, philosophy or ideology I have. I have also started finding correlations between certain cards and people I know in my life. Utilizing those facets of my life helps pull in what I personally know and believe into the cards themselves.

Associated Comfort

Being someone with chronic illnesses, I like to keep comfort items at my disposal whenever I need them. One cool way that I bond with my decks is to associate a card or the whole deck’s energy with one of my comfort items.

Emojis Correspondences

I like to look at a single card or set of cards and create an emoji series that corresponds with them. It is a fun and accessible way for me to use modern technology in my deck bonding process.

Heartfelt Energy Exchange

I have Tarot decks that are more motherly and nurturing in nature and for those types of decks I usually put the deck close to my heart and feel the energy exchange between us both. It is a slow and emotional process for me but it is almost always one of the most rewarding.

Gifts And Offerings

While I don’t personally subscribe to the belief in deck spirits or card spirits, I know that some people do and that is perfectly okay.  I do however believe that each deck in my collection has its own unique energy. To bond with that energy, I provide it with a suitable offering. Sometimes the offerings are crystals, coins, jewelry, secrets, etc. When I received my Dreaming Way Tarot deck in the mail, I had also ordered a rose quartz crystal that arrived at the same time. For some reason, I knew that that deck and crystal were meant to be together. I offered the Rose Quartz crystal as an offering to my deck and keep it near it at all times.

Deck Partners

I am a huge fan of using Deck Combinations and using multiple decks within a single reading. For those who are unfamiliar, deck combinations are two or more separate decks that compliment each other well or contrast each other but work well together. I like to find deck combinations for each of my decks. As I compare the two or more decks, I begin to obtain a better grasp of the deck as a whole and the cards as standalone energies.

Card Siblings

Similarly to deck partners, I like to go through my deck and find card siblings or cards that have a similar meaning, feel or symbolism within that particular deck itself. I also like to find cards that deeply contrast that meaning, feeling or symbolism because no two siblings are ever truly alike and it is those differences that causes this bonding method to be so worthwhile.

Sleep

Although sleeping with my deck has never worked for me because I move around too much in my sleep, I do however create a nighttime ritual of keeping my deck on my nightside table, on top of a clear glass with some crystals inside. This helps me to connect with my deck in the dream realm and also act as a filter of its energies.

Go To The Past

I like time travel, what can I say? I do this two ways. The first method is I take out my family photos and find cards that remind me or match to the cards meaning or energy. The second method is I research a past event and find cards that tell a story of that event.

Go To The Present

I look around my room, city, school etc and find places, events, people that remind me of tarot. I also look at the news or a current event that has recently happened that day and relay it to my Tarot cards.

Go To The Future

I go to my phone’s calendar, pick a date in the future and create a story of what might happen on said day with my Tarot cards.

Pray

I use bibliomancy with my Bible and use my tarot cards to recreate the message provided. I also use my decks to create a visual of my prayers but in Tarot card form.

Dedication

I’ve mentioned before that I utilize one of my decks to talk to God. I find that one way to bond with a deck is by dedicating it to a purpose, deity, a specific area of your life, etc. I don’t do this for all my decks but I still find this process super beneficial when I do use it.

Face Up Reveal

Whenever I bring home a new deck of cards, I like to go through the cards face up and admire the artwork of the deck. While doing this, I take note of the cards that create a stimulating reaction for me be it positively or negatively. I also like to relay each card to an emotion, scene or memory. This helps me tap into the energy that the deck gives me in its first impressions.

Smell

I know. I know. I’m a weird person that smells their cards but there is something so oddly satisfying about a new deck smell. I find that each deck has its own unique scent signature which I tap into.

Tarot Journal

I had such a big struggle starting and keeping a Tarot journal when I first started my divination journey. I never could keep up with it. I later created what I call my “catch all” Tarot journal. In it I put my favorite quotes or symbols within cards and my thoughts on specific readings. It isn’t your traditional tarot journal by any means but it works for me and that’s all that matters. You can use your journal for so many things like recording readings, writing down predictions, your deck inventory, etc.

Put It Away…For Now

I would be lying if I said that I had wonderful connections with all my Tarot decks. That isn’t the case at all. I have decks that I love but some of them do not read well for me and that is perfectly okay. You do not need to force a connection if one is not there. You also do not have to feel bad about not having a connection with a deck even if you tried bonding with it several times. Sometimes there are certain decks that we understand and can use instantly, and some that we can’t use at all. What I like to do is take some time away from that particular deck and try again. If it still doesn’t connect with me, I bring it out at a different point in the year and try again.

Post Notes: Please do not remove the captions. Title: How I Bond And Connect With My Tarot Decks Copyright: © Ivan Ambrose 2017 Disclaimer: This post is comprised of what helps me and I wanted to share it with others. As with all of my posts and content, this post in no way, shape, or form is intended to tell you how you must go about this topic. The intention of this post is to share my experiences. This isn’t the only way, the absolute right way or the way that you “should” approach this topic. I encourage you to use what you find useful and tweak or dismiss what you do not find useful. I am sure there are various other people in the world who choose to do things differently regarding this topic and that is perfectly okay. I can only speak from personal experience and what has worked for me. I encourage you to do your own research, to do what you are comfortable with and to tailor any advice provided henceforth to your specific needs and individual situation. Safe Space Tags: Long Post Navigation: Table Of Contents | FAQ | Contact

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DIY: Brews and Potions

Witches standing over an open fire while stirring up potions in a cauldron is one of the many romanticized views of witchcraft. Today, witches brew many things for love, luck, health, wealth, and etc. Potions are a widely regarded instrument for witches. Potions are simply liquid spells that can be taken internally or applied externally to the body. Teas, enchanted perfumes, tinctures, and washes are the many forms these spells can come in. Some are used for healing, others are used in ritual or magickal work. 

Kitchen Herbs and Common plants for Brews

Back in the day, homemade teas and salves were the only medicine available. Using these things today is still very popular and a holistic approach to health that treats the mind, body, and soul together. What you use does not have to be expensive, it can come from your back yard or your home. Many of what you already have you can use to make tinctures, teas, and decoctions. Also, syrups, tonics, waters, and vinegars. If you work with the herbs you have at home already on hand, you will be able to create your own remedy with a distinct local flavor. 

The Power Behind the Plants

It is believed that many spiritual forces animate the world; called animism. When working with a plant or crystal, or performing a spell or ritual at a specific place, witches work with the spirits behind those plants or crystals, and call upon the spirit of that location to help them in their work. There is a special partnership and alliance between the witch and spirit, manifesting in forms of animals (familiars) or in the form of other plants, crystals, and locations. Over time, working with these spirits on various projects will deepen the relationship and the witch will gain information on magical associations, properties, and lore. These things often come through dreams, inspirations, or visions. The spirit will gain energy, attention, and physical shelter as animals or plants or crystals carried as a talisman. 

Keep reading

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calling all witchblrs...

I need to follow more of you. So, please reblog/like this if you are an active witchy blog and I’ll check you out.

I’m looking to follow 200 more blogs within the next few days🔮🍒⚡️💗

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SDVA Masterpost 3.0

Updated December 4th, 2017 - SDVA  = Small Devotional Acts.

Made:

Acheron

Amphitrite

Aphrodite

Apollo

Arachne

Ares

Artemis

Asteria

Athena

Demeter

Dionysus

Eos

Eris

Gaia

Hades

Hecate

Helios

Hephaestus

Hera

Hermes

Hestia

Hygeia

Hypnos

Iris

Khione

Khronos

Kronos

Nemesis

Nike

Nyx

Pan

Persephone

Poseidon

Selene

Thanatos

Zeus

To Make:

Keep reading

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Aphrodite Masterpost!!💘 ✨

💘 ✨aphrodite / venus devotional acts

💘 ✨altars for aphrodite

💘 ✨glamour witch tips ✨💋

💘 ✨beauty altar setup (one of my favs!!)

💘 ✨casual aphrodite offerings

💘 ✨aphrodite devotional playlist

💘 ✨resources for aphrodite devotees (wonderful masterpost, follow @seafoambeauty too!)

💘 ✨devotional journal

💘 ✨ introduce yourself to aphrodite

💘 ✨aphrodisia

💘 ✨shell dishes

💘 ✨six ways to meet aphrodite

💘 ✨offering ideas for : aphrodite 

💘 ✨aphrodite altar ideas

💘 ✨aphrodite Oil

I will be updating this whenever I find anything new!

 ✨disclaimer // none of these belong to me! all credit goes to the creators! never listen to just one source, do you own research! ✨

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Casual Aphrodite Offerings

Because you don’t need a fancy altar to show your devotion to a deity.

Practicing self love

Reducing negative comments about yourself/others

Self love affirmations

An at-home spa day

A meal full of your favorite foods

Forgiving yourself

A good orgasm

Complimenting strangers

Letting your loved ones know you care

Standing up for yourself and others

Buy yourself something nice

Stick to your daily skincare routine

Wear your favorite pair of underwear

Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident

A face mask that uses honey

Not wasting water

Picking up litter/trash

Helping an animal in need

Avoiding pesticides that harm bees/other pollinators

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Just for those who don’t seem to already know: IF YOU’RE A TERF UNFOLLOW ME BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT WELCOMED HERE. IF I SEE YOU INTERACT WITH MY STUFF YOU WILL BE BLOCKED.

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Orriculum’s Spell Masterpost

updated 10/4/2017 - a masterpost of several smaller masterposts, of nearly 300 different spells organized by type / intent / occasion, plus other resources

all links under the cut because holy fuck this post is still very long

Keep reading

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Self Love masterpost for witches

❤ Bath Spells:

ROMANCE MYSELF BATH SPELL - For showing yourself love, care and romance.

SOOTHING BATH SPELL - For calming stresses and anxiety.

LOVEY DOVEY BATH - To draw romantic vibes and fall more in love with yourself.

SELF LOVE BATH - It is important to remember that you are loved.

PEACE BATH SPELL - Turn worrisome thoughts into a peaceful mind.

❤ Simple Spells: 

SELF LOVE SPELL - For realisation of worth.

SELF LOVE AND HEALING SPELL BOTTLE - Heal your heart and make more room for self love to grow.

TO LET YOURSELF LOVE AND BE LOVED - Allow love.

A SPELL TO ALLEVIATE SELF HATRED - Get rid of self-hate.

SPELL FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING AND MOVING FORWARD -  Let go of things that are keeping you fro self love and care.

❤ Banishing Negativity:

SELF LOVE / BANISH NEGATIVITY SPELL - End negative thoughts about yourself.

BANISH NEGATIVE ENERGY SPELL - Send away negativity that is interrupting your self-love.

❤ Glamour Spells:

I AM RADIANT - Boost self love and confidence.

CONFIDENCE AND BEAUTY SPELL  - Feel good about yourself!

FOUNDATION BEAUTY SPELL -  Increase self-esteem and confidence, and let your true inner beauty shine through.

CONFIDENCE MIRROR SPELL - See your beauty and worth when you look at yourself.

❤  Battles/Jars/Sachets:

SELF LOVE SACHET - Long term self love keepsake.

SELF LOVE JAR - Ritual and keepsake.

“SELF LOVE” SPELL JAR - I am lovely, I am divine, I am kind.