nettleswiccanbookshelf

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Goodnight sweet Alice. There is a hole in my soul that I fear will never fill in. I’m sorry you had to go that way, and I hope you know you’re always going to be my sweet, sweet beauty. I just don’t know how much more I can take. I hope you know that I love you as much now as I always will.

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I'm a beginning witch. Like very beginning, and I was wondering if you have any book recommendations for beginners? I'm interested in European wiccan witchcraft and paganism.

The very first book I bought when I began to start practicing The Craft was “Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook” (though off the top of my head, I don’t remember what year). It appears as no more than a desktop calendar or a datebook that you might carry with you to keep track of appointments and such. It wasn’t until I really sat down with it on a daily basis and realized how much valuable information is contained in this book. To this date, I have never thrown one away and now have a collection of nearly 20.

Much of the information can be geared towards a beginner, or someone who has been practicing for a long time and is looking for new ideas. It gives information on how to celebrate or even decorate for a Sabbat.

It also gives endless valuable information regarding moon phases, eclipses, full moons, retrogrades...something for everyone whether they are new to the craft, or have been practicing for many years.

So, I would say to get a good start and a basic look at The Craft, this would be a perfect first purchase.

The other thing I recommend is anything and everything written by Scott Cunningham. I have many of his books but these are a few of my favorites:

Lastly, I would say, a lot of the books you buy or the information you seek depends on how you plan to practice. If you are planning on crystal magic being a large part of your craft (as I do), you should familiarize yourself with an author(s) that are well known for their knowledge regarding crystals.

As far as crystals, stones, and minerals go, Judy Hall and Simon and Sue Lilly are some of my favorites. They seem knowledgeable and are constantly publishing new information.

I hope this helps you to get started (without overwhelming you). Lastly, I always try to keep this in mind when looking for a new information source. If you buy a book or are referred to an author by someone, be conscious of what you are reading. I’ve had people recommend different authors to me and once I got into their theories and practices, if it didn’t feel right for me and what I believed, I either donated it or sold it at the second hand bookstore. If something doesn’t sit well with you, or wouldn’t fit your beliefs and practices, then don’t use that author or guide as a reference for practicing your craft. Do only what feels right to you and for you. Practice only what you are comfortable with.

The very first thing I was taught when I decided on Wicca as my path was “The Rule Of Three.” Simply put, anything and everything you put out into the universe (or toward an individual- which is something I NEVER do), whether positive or negative, will come back to you and yours three times as powerful. So, bottom line is, be very careful with what you do, because it will come back to you- three times as strong. That, to me, has always been the most valuable information I’ve ever been given and I never forget it.

Thank you so much for sending your question. I hope I didn’t throw too much at you at once. And please, always feel free to contact me again to look for information, clarification, or ask other questions. I’m always very happy to help.

Goo luck to you and let me know if I can help any further.

-Nettle.

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Not really an ask just wanted to thank you for the information you post about crystals. It has been invaluable to me for my BoS crystal section.

Thank you so much; that’s very kind of you. I honestly haven’t worked on the blog for a very long time due to my health issues, but I’m hopeful that I can  get things up and running again. Let me know if you ever have any questions or want information on a certain stone or crystal. I would be more than happy to look into it for you.

Again, thanks for the kind words. Though I have no idea how long your message was sent- that’s one thing I really don’t care for about Tumblr, there are no dates to let you know when something was posted. It really has been a long time, but I’m ready to try and get back to it.

Thank you again for your kind words,

-Nettle.

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It has occurred to me that with the nature of this blog, and because many of us have to live in the broom closet, if you send a question and need it answered privately, let me know so I don’t post it when it should be answered privately. Thanks, -Nettle.

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Hi! I was traveling the other day and I wore a piece of Tigereye for protection. However, it seemed like everything went wrong; driving to the airport, we ran into two powerful storms, our plane was delayed an hour, our take off was really scary; so I'm wondering what went wrong. Was it working, and I was avoiding worse events? Or did I accidentally negatively charge it somehow? I usually where amethyst or rose quartz (as I'm pledged to mostly goddesses of love/ sex) and feel very comfortable.

Hello. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Without knowing more of the story, were you perhaps apprehensive to go on the trip (or travel) to begin with? if so, there’s a chance that your nervous energy was absorbed by the stone before you left.

I’m assuming you know how to clear your crystals (while there are many different ways, any of them will do as long as you are secure in it). Take myself for example. The standard/most popular method is to use Sage smoke. Sage is too strong for me. I use Nag Champa incense for smoke clearing. I Also don’t stick to specific time spans. Some references state that they be put in salt or held over smoke for a certain amount of time. If I choose Sea Salt (which are not good for all stones as some can become eroded by the salt), I put them in until I “feel” that they are clear. Putting them in the light of the full moon is also good. Again, I’m sure you know all of this; I’m just adding my two cents.

As far as your particular experience, be sure to clear the stone thoroughly before using it again (and before or after using it for any specific reason). If you feel like it’s necessary, use smoke, salt, and the light of the full moon before you carry the stone again. Keep an eye on that particular stone (not all Tiger’s Eye, but that particular piece of it). If you carry it again and feel slight unease or even small events happen that you think are negative, that particular piece of Tiger’s Eye may not be a positive piece for you. Even if you’ve had it for a long time and it has always done right by you. It may have polarized or simply “burned out” for you.

I’ve had it happen with pieces I’ve loved. I had a ring made entirely out of amethyst. Wore it everyday and life was great. Out of nowhere I began to experience seemingly little things-then it began to worsen. During a really awful day the ring actually fell off my finger (which always held it snugly), shattered, and things returned to normal.

Try a new piece of Tiger’s Eye (clean and cleared). Keep it with you in a comfortable, safe environment at first- carry it while at home. Maybe only in your room; around your altar or other places you practice your craft. Someplace your safest, most positive energy is picked up. When you are secure with it being positively charged, try to take it out in the world with you. See how it behaves in normal day-to-day situations.

As far as the stone you feel may have caused the traveling issues, there is no need to get rid of it unless you feel that it continues to be a problem. Try all of the above practices with it as well and see what happens.

I hope this doesn’t come across as a bunch of mindless rambling, but in my experience, this is would be my solution.

If you need clarification on anything or have other questions, please let me know. Thanks for taking the time to send your question; now that I’m back in the swing of things, I’m hoping to be able to help people as I was doing before.

-Nettle

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A question on books has come my way...

This is the first book I ever bought but it was way back in...well, if I tell you that, I’ll give up my age (just kidding). Llewellyn Publishing will likely become a large part of your book collection because they put out so many different books that are published yearly and are specific to each year.

Granted, the book above is a “datebook”, but there is a lot of information in these books. You get moon cycles, Sabbat dates, Daily Magical Influences, Eclipses, full moons, planetary retrogrades, not to mention many articles and recipes that will help someone get a beginner’s look at the lifestyle and help them decide if they are on the right track.

Again, more Llewellyn books that have a lot of information specific to that year. If you are looking to practice Earth/Natural/Green Magick, take a look at these.

(Above): Scott Cunningham can do no wrong in my eyes. The first book above was the second book I bought when I began practicing. Priceless and perfect for someone just getting started and deciding (for now) to practice or learn alone. The title of the second one says it all. And the third I put in because to me, when you are practicing Wicca (but especially Earth Magick, much of your practice could revolve around plants, herbs, crystals, stones...elements and gifts from Mother Earth to honor Mother Earth and help Mother Earth heal.

(Above): Again, when practicing Earth Magick/Wicca, crystals are a must (at least for me). They are a large part of my practice and as far as I’m concerned, Judy Hall is the expert on this subject. That’s why I posted these 3 books.

(Above): Two more basic books about Natural/Green practice. I liked them and they answered a lot of questions for me. I’m not sure of the reputation of the authors (the only reason I say this is because certain authors have gotten a very bad reputation once it was discovered that the were more or less just “playing dress-up” to collect money) and while both of these books helped me, they are the only books I own from either author.

Keep in mind, while I have at least 50 books in my collection, I have read many of them cover to cover, but it’s also fine to use them as reference. Several of them I bought while looking for specific information. I go to the bookstore, sit in the section and see which books might have the info I’m looking for, check the index and leaf through it. If it looks good and I get a good “vibe” (for lack of another word) from it, it joins my collection.

Again, these are only suggestions. Consider them and then look the books over for yourself- if you're lucky enough to live some place that either has a specialized shop or a bookstore that is open-minded enough to carry them.

I’m very happy you contacted me and I hope this helps at least a little.

And always remember, I’m here for you and any questions you might have. If I don’t know the answer, I go to my books. If I can’t find it there, I will find something, someone, or someplace that will help.

Have a great day and know that I mean what I say. Any question is worth seeking an answer for and I would be more than happy to help. That way, if it’s something I don’t know and I find it, we’ve both learned something, right? You could end up teaching me something, as well.

Good Luck,

-Nettle.

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A few more advanced spells regarding fidelity.

Chili Pepper Spell

While you partner is sleeping, pass 2 red chili peppers over them, never actually touching them to the person, as if you were vacuuming their aura. Concentrate on you partner's rambling nature being drawn into the peppers, his inclination to wander terminated and his passion for you filling the void left by the disappearing desires.

When you're finished, lay one pepper against the other to form a cross. Safety pin them together and when you have chance, hide them under your partner's side of the mattress.

Fidelity Candle

Powder caraway seeds, cumin, and licorice root and add to grapeseed oil. Carve a figure candle to represent your partner; dress with this oil and burn.

Hair Spell (Commanding/Compelling)

Obtain a lock of your lover's hair. Sprinkle it with Command & Compel Oil. Place it in a small piece of white linen, wrapping it toward you, knotting it securely shut with blue, red, or gold silk thread.

Carry this in your pocket or a charm bag.

Hair Spell (Perfume)

Obtain two strands of your lover's hair and tie them together with two strands of your own. Place these hairs inside a bottle of your favorite fragrance together with an Adam & Eve Root. Every morning, ideally before he or she awakens, place a drop of this fragrance under each of your arms.

Lodestone Fidelity Spell

Place two matched Lodestones and some of the botanical skullcap into a satchel. Be sure to add a lot of the botanical or several extra layers of fabric as Lodestones are hard and you want this spell to remain a secret.

Sew the satchel into your partner's pillow.

So, there are a few more for the more practiced Witch. The Chili Pepper spell and the two hair spells seem like they would be especially powerful to me. Good luck and let me know if you ever need anything else.

-Nettle.

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Do you know any spells to make a lover, love only you, or be faithful?

Sorry for the slow reply, but my life has been hectic as of late.I have a few “fidelity spells”. I would be careful with these though. I myself would never employ magic like this. To me, your are interfering with another person’s free will for your own gain, and that, to me, goes against the rule of three. Think about it before you jump into something like this with haste.

Bed Of Magnolia Spell

Magnolia trees represent happy matrimony. You can line your mattress with magnolia leaves, or slip a magnolia blossom under your partner’s pillow while they sleep at night.

Be True Charm Bag

The three “C’s” of fidelity are Caraway, Coriander, and Cumin. Place the seeds of these three in a red charm bag. Add pine needles and an unadorned gold ring (gold band). Ideally this should be sewn into your partner’s clothing, but it could just as easily be placed under the mattress on their side of the bed.

Elderberry Fidelity Spell

Carrying elderberries allegedly guards against the temptation of adultery. Place some elderberries and twigs from the plant in two conjure bags. Carry one yourself and either give the other to your partner, or slip it into their pocket as you deem appropriate.

Locket Spell

There is a reason that the word “locket” is a homophone for “lock it”. Wear your partner’s picture, along with a lock of their hair, chained in a locket around your neck to encourage faithfulness.

So, theses are just a few of the simpler spells that I have for fidelity. As I said, use caution and consideration before employing this kind of magic. I have other more advanced spells, but I have no idea how practiced you are at The Craft, so I kept it simple. If you want more complex spells, let me know.

-Nettle.

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Untitled on We Heart It.

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The Awakening

- By: Darby Lahger (Old Hag)

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Help!Oh God I hear it scratching my door, my spirit protectoris out and even my familiars are scared.I’m the most powerful witch I know andI’m terrified, please send me protection spells!Pease help me!Please!I can feel it! It’s so evil! It wants me

While I am currently in bed with a migraine, it seems to me that you need some help, so I’m going to post a few very simple spells and other things you can do to ward of evil.

Hemlock carried in a red charm bag protects from evil, but be careful it is poisonous.

Suspend Holed Stone on red cords and hang in the windows to ward off evil.

Sew Horehound into a white satchel and wear or carry it to protect from evil.

Grate or grind Horseradish root and sprinkle over thresholds, corners, and other places in the home that seem vulnerable.

Purple Irises (flower) potently repel evil. Gather them and hang them over doorways and thresholds.

Hang Juniper berries over doors and windows to guard against malevolent magic.

Pierce Juniper berries, string them red cord, and wear them like a necklace (under clothing if you are uncomfortable with them showing) to ward off hexes.

Grow living Marjoram in every room of your home to provide magical and spiritual safety.

Gather St. John’s Wort and hang the branches on the walls or upper corners of rooms to serve as “malevolent magic detectors”. Should harm cross the threshold, the blossoms will drop.

Bury Yellow Mustard Seed under your doorstep or threshold area to prevent the entry of negative spiritual entities.

Entwine Mugwort and St. John’s Wort and place within a red bag. Hang over every door and window for powerful, magical spiritual protection.

Wear a whole, uncut Devil’s Shoestring around your neck (or carry it with you) to protect against poison.

"P" stands for "Protection": certain plants can help ward off evil. Peach and Plum Trees plants outside the home can help. Place Pine Trees (small ones even work) in every room in the house. Decorate with protection amulets. Peonies tied with red cord or string and hung over doorways protect from evil. Parsley on your plate protects from evil gaining entry into your body; Parsley carried or worn on your body protect from evil.

Sapphire serves as protective talisman against violence. Carry or wear one on your body.

Evil entities are reputedly unable to stay in a room with this famous magic Sator Square:

S A T O R

A R E P O

T E N E T

O P E R A

R O T A S

Write this square on parchment with Dragon’s Blood Ink or on red paper with gold ink, and post prominently as needed.

These are just a few basic spells and charms that you can use to protect yourself. If you want something more in depth, I would need to more about your situation. For example, there are specialized spells to ward off hexes or spells  cast on you by others. If the evil is something you’ve conjured or brought on yourself, that’s a completely different matter. If you want to let me know more, maybe I can help further. And if you prefer to talk privately, just let me know.

Good luck.

-Nettle.

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Robert Jahns aka Nois7 - If we both look at the moon at the same time, we can both be in the same place for a little while

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Mimicry by waryofwolves

Their tumblr/website

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This is amazing! And from one of my...ahem, favorite movies, too. Yes, it's a guilty pleasure; cut me some slack, okay? Do you know how many movies about Witches I can actually sit through without getting angry or nauseous. Sometimes the funny ones are better than the ones that try to be "real".

Hocus Pocus. / Costumes: Castle Corsetry / Models: Birds of Play as Winifred and Sarah Sanderson, Chrissy Lynn as Mary Sanderson & Strange Like That Cosplay as Billy Butcherson / Photographer: Joits Photography 

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Reblogged from my personal.

-Nettle.

Alice. #blackcat #blackcats #cats #cat #catsofinstagram

[nettleswiccanbookshelf]

Reblogged from my personal.

-Nettle.

Ripley again. My #familiar is always at my side. #blackcats #blackcat #cat #cats #catsofinstagram