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[patermike]

I was wondering about your thoughts on familiars? 🐍🦍🐆🐺🦉🐈🦚🦔🐇😁

*Cracks knuckles…prepares for the shit storm* brace yourselves…loooong fucking post.

95% of people I’ve seen talk about familiars, post pictures of their familiars and talk about how their *insert animal companion* helps them with their spell work…aren’t familiars. They are animal companions, aka pets. They also insist that because they are a witch with and animal who sits on their tarot cards, that it’s automatically a familiar.

Familiars can come in different forms (not talking about cat vs dog vs snake) but it must be reminded that familiar is shortened of “spirit familiar”. It’s not that pets can’t be familiars, it’s that the people who talk about their pets as familiars take inspiration from pop culture of what a familiar is. It’s not just an animal that follows the witch around. A familiar actively assists with the witch’s work. 

Familiars that come in the shape of animals have been around for ages, and across cultures, but the things that ties them together is they appear of their own volition or in specific ways. They aren’t purchased from a pet store, they aren’t adopted from the shelter…is it possible? Sure I guess? Pet stores weren’t really around when most of the accounts of familiar came from. Oof. I need to organize my thoughts a bit.

Familiars Spirits are traditionally intangible/supernatural entities that may or may not choose to appear in physical form whether animal, entity’s “True Form”, or even under disguise, whether as something else or even as another person. Spirit familiars may also inhabit inanimate objects such as statues, spirit vessels (fetiche) such as roots, clay or earthen figures, empty boxes etc.

Familiars as Gifts

In some accounts, a familiar is given to a witch or cunning folk by another person. 

In these cases it’s usually given by a teacher or mentor, or a family member to assist the practitioner in their path. Traditionally it’s someone with a hand in the recipients magical practice.

The spirit passed down may be the witch (or cunningfolk, but for the remainder of this post, I will refer to them interchangeably) indefinitely. The implication there is that the familiar not only is connected to the witch, but to their specific practice and thus can be viewed as a guardian of the path with the assumption that eventually, the witch will pass the familiar onto the next generation.

It may also be a personal familiar that is passed down. Personal as in this is the first time the familiar is passed on, and could become the type mentioned above (guardian style of either the path or family line) or it may be a temporary contract. The familiar may be with the witch to protect it, and assist in place of the original practitioner and may leave/disappear/die when they are able to conjure their own and enter into a pact with a new familiar (or create a pact with the old familiar).

In the case of being passed on, the relationship between witch and familiar, in lieu of a teacher, may impart certain secrets of the path. IT may also not even give the option to continue the relationship if the previous witch only extended the contract to get the new practitioner to a certain point or through hardship. 

It should also be pointed out that specifically in european traditions and some north american lore, that the spirit familiar is given to the witch or magical practitioner by yet another spirit or entity who is more powerful. This could be a spirit mentor, Faery, or as a pact with “The Man in Black” Ol Scratch, or some iteration that has been interpreted as the devil or satan. In these cases, it is both a symbol of the relationship, a representative of the pact, a gift, and a tool.

 Familiars as Animals

As mentioned and popularized both in folklore and in pop culture, familiar spirits may appear in the form of animals.

In the overly popular example of the Salem Witch trials, we see through trial records the purported importance of a “Witch’s Mark”. The mark is some bodily anomaly that supposedly was where the witch could suckle their familiar. It could be a mole, a birthmark, skintag, and was instrumental in the conviction of the accused.

Certain animals are more likely to be the form of a familiar, and that also depends on the geography of the witch as well as the culture. Example, in the US, black cats are inherently associated with witches, but in Scottland, Britain and other countries, you’re may be more likely to find a connection through hares, toads, and ravens more commonly than the black cat.

One reason that they appear as more common animals is to maintain the secrecy that envelopes the witch.

In pop culture, it’s always obvious when a familiar is a familiar because the animal is represented in stark contrast between the other animals. You will notice if a black crow flies to the same person’s house day in and day out when there are no other crows around. You would also notice if you were in the dessert, and a toad is always standing guard outside a home. The animal forms match the surroundings so it would be conceivable for the witch to deny the familiar as what it is “I found this toad in the scullery, it’s so pesky living near that damnable pond. Please wait a moment while I put this outside.”

There is also a connection and interpretation of familiars as being body doubles, or as having room for 2 spirits. Many stories about the folkloric witch hold that the animal appears throughout the town, or visits neighbors etc and is in fact the witch. Some versions hold that the familiar takes the form of the specific animal because that’s the form the witch can assume (conversely, the familiar teaches the witch to transform into a copy of it). This again maintains the witch’s anonymity because if you see the same animal around for a long time, it’s less likely to raise suspicion. It has also been alluded to that the witch enters the body of the familiar or projects their conscious into the familiar to see what need be seen and do what need be done remotely.

Animal familiar spirits in other accounts assume that shape to better serve the witch whether as lookout, intelligence gatherer or collector of needed ingredients.

Familiars also can assume the shape of multiple animals at once, but usually will be the same one, and smaller such as a cloud of flies, grouping of spiders, several small frogs, and even flocks of birds such as starlings, magpies and sparrows. Again, this depends on both the area and the witch.

Familiar Pets

This is one exception that can easily fall into the category of mundane pets and animals being considered familiars (Please note I said this is the easy exception. There may be others, but those are individual cases.)

Some animals are kept as divinatory familiars. This falls under the branch of Zoomancy - divination done through interpretation of movements actions and reaction of animals.

Ailuromancy, coming from the greek ailouros meaning “cat” is divination through…cats. How this is done varies depending on the culture and time, but it’s done by interpreting the movements, and actions of cats. Noticing how cats jump, where they land, what they do with their tales, whiskers, how they curl up, wash their faces, intonations of their meows. 

Alectromancy is the process of using hens and or roosters for divination. Sometimes its observing their movements naturally, other times it’s done by placing the chicken in a circle with different symbols and placing feed on all the symbols, interpreting the actions and choices of the chicken as the answer to the question.

Arachnomancy is the process of divining knowledge past present and future through spiders. It’s been done in multiple cultures from the Inca who kept spiders to answer questions by placing them in bowls and reading how they moved the leaves around. In China, women would collect spiders at fortuitous times in incense boxes and determine events based on if they made webs or didn’t over night. In other cultures, the keeping of spiders was done to read their webs and habits. In other parts of the world, different type of leaves, or cards were moved by kept spiders to interpret omens and fortune.

The reason that these are considered familiars is because they are used directly in the witch’s work. They are kept and fed and cared for, but they have a separate purpose from just existing, and that is as a tool.

I have nothing against pets, I’ve got three myself. I love them, I care for them, they comfort me when I am sick, or tired, or stressed, but they are mundane animals. They were adopted, they were raised, and they do dog things. I joke when I refer to my black dog Arlo as a familiar because he brings me avocados. I don’t use avocados that often in my craft and there’s a tree in my backyard so it’s nothing spiritually enriching, just adorable.

Is it possible that your pet is a familiar? Yes. But most likely it’s just a treasured animal, and familiar in this definition: One who is often seen, and well known; synonym: Companion. Alt.: in close friendship; intimate. Synonyms: Casual, friendly, comfortable, informal.

The term “familiar”, the noun in regards to witches is a different definition: a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person.

There is precedent to referring to pets as familiars when it comes to having animals that are integral to your craft.

While it may not do anything inherently magical, if used for magic then it is sometimes referred to as a familiar.

Using an animal/pet for a working can also be referred to as using a familiar. Some people use their pets as a conduit or even as a spell holder to deliver the spell to someone else.

Paul Huson refers to these types of animals/familiars/magistelli as a power object

Yes, I mean you can put a hex on someone through your dog. Yes I also mean you can deliver a hex to someone by them petting your dog. or a blessing…that too

Additional note…If you’ve pissed off another witch and go to their home ask if they’ve read my blog before petting their dog. They may be using it to hex you…or bless you.

What does this mean?

If your pet doesn’t attend and serve you in your magical workings, or used in your magical workings on purpose it’s not a traditional witch’s spirit familiar.

If your pet gives you attention and happiness it is familiar to you.

A witch doesn’t need to have a familiar to be a witch. Yes, the 1648 law in Massachusetts defined a witch as one who “hath or consulteth with a familiar spirit.” But even that denotation of what makes a witch was repealed in 1682, ten years before the Salem witch trials. Even the puritans recognized that not all witches have familiars, and sometimes an animal is just an animal.

Familiar Spirits additionally

Some familiar spirits may appear and be subservient or loyal immediately. No pact or contract needs to be done, it’s more just…there.

Familiar spirits may be other spirits who enter into a pact with the witch. Either appearing spontaneously, or through a summons and communication.

This pact may be for a week, a month, several years, or a lifetime…even longer (see above, Familiars as gifts).

Familiars may not always be present. Some may have a resting place the witch must go to, some reside in a different realm, plane, dimension or whatever and need to be called forth to do work. Some may be around the witch at all times, but there is still the function of the familiar.

Familiars do what witches cannot. If that’s going out, gathering items, retrieving lost things, there is an air of purpose that familiars fulfill in assisting the witch in a real way.

This real way is often either physical or spiritual, and with the exception of popculture, most times it is not in an emotional sense like pets fulfill.

Familiars are spirits, and their forms may change, but they are spirits none the less. 

Plant familiars are a thing. Most famous is the Alraune/Alrune/Alruna made from a mandrake. Other plant familiars are grouped under the title of Magistellius Flora.

Magistelli is one title for familiars, and some historians denote that the term “familiar” was passed on from the church to further pass judgement on witches for becoming familiar with the devil (through demonic servants).

As mentioned previously, spirit familiars may inhabit objects and go forth from there. The physical tether is usually cared for and attended to by the witch.

Even though the vessel isn’t living, it is fed and tended to usually as part of the pact made with the spirit.

Familiars in Pop Culture That are More Accurate than Others…

The VVitch (Movie)- the hare that appear numerous times throughout the film is a familiar. It’s not made clear if it is there as a watcher for the witch either holding the witch’s conscious, or as the witch herself. Another possibility is that the hare is a harbinger, delivering an enchantment on behalf of the witch to go unnoticed (The musket backfiring while the hare is watching). Another iteration or possibility is that the familiar is taking on the stance of protector or guard. When deep in the woods the hare is seen, and as the location of where the witch(es) live in the woods, it could be implied that it stands guard to repel interlopers, or notify the witch(es) of the presence of the puritans. The hare also, while not as widely associated with witches in the United States currently, must be recognized as still being very intensely connected to witches during the time period. The puritans immigrated to the colonies from England, and it can be inferred that the witch(es) who are at work in the woods also came from England or another European country.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (TV) - Sabrina actively seeks a familiar and goes into the woods asking for a (hob)goblin to attend her as a partner. Though it’s also acknowledged that familiars can be subservient and chosen that way. Numerous times, the cat (Salem) acts as a protector for Sabrina. As mentioned above, familiars are sometimes called forth to guide and protect witches through trying times, or to be near the witch to assist with workings when other witches cannot. You also see the spirit form of the goblin before it chooses what shape to inhabit. It’s usual for the true nature of the familiar to only be visible by the witch it has a contract with, but accounts (and experience) of others being able to see flits of the spirit if not discernable details is exhibited by Salem only showing his true form to Sabrina when they enter into the pact.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (TV) - Being a prime example of the British and Scottish interpretations of Spirit familiars being Fae, Faery, or the Good Neighbors, the story line includes a Faery referred to as “The Gentleman” (Further example of the relationship between fae and witches relating to the importance of names) who wishes to be the assistant, teacher, mentor of Mr. Norrell. A “common” occurence in scottish witch lore is that either the faery that the witch/cunning folk learns from in some cases is a familiar, but in other accounts bestows a familiar (lesser faery, animal spirit etc) unto the practitioner. This also is a fair representation both of the care needed when working with the fae, but also with working with spirits in general as they have autonomy, and a familiar gained through a pact, needs to be respected.

Harry Potter (Movie And Book Series) - While there are plenty of animals, fantastic beasts and witches throughout the story lines, there are only 2 (kinda 3) animals that fulfill the traditional sense of the word “Familiar”. Mrs. Norris the cat and Argus Filch have a relationship that is a parody of who people would assume is a witch (the irony being that he has no magical powers, but lives among those who do). A curmudgeonly man with a bad attitude, snarl and distaste for interacting with the general populous and a craving for torturing children with a cat (reads like a stereotypical witch). Mrs. Norris is described as having an uncanny ability to find rule breakers and an unexplainable connection to her owner. Being able to notify him when there’s rukebreaking afoot with a yowl and also being able to recognize and see through enchantments (Harry’s cloak). Nagini also fits the bill as being an animal with whom only the witch/wizard can communicate who also is able to act independently of them. Also being sent out both as scout, guard and having a connection the owner can use to see through their eyes/inhabit (Voldemort in Nagini/ the department of mysteries. Also the shapeshifting into Bathilda Bagshot and notifying her owner of Harry’s prescience.) **BEFORE YALL TRY AND GO OFF. I realize that as of the newest film, nagini can’t be considered a familiar as she’s a cursed witch blah blah blah. Before it came out, the books representation of Nagini is textbook Familiar.** Speaking of Fantastic Beasts, the Matagat are described as familiar spirits and it’s a little nod to folklore. They appear for like 3 minutes.

Bell, Book, and Candle (movie)- this film is full of tropes. It lays on some pretty thick liberties loosely based on lore surrounding traditional witches mixing it with fairy tale lore about them, namely witches being unable to love etc. But, the cat familiar Pyewacket is an accurate representation of how a familiar can act and be used. Touching on the subject of working magic through the familiar who is more cat with magic, than imp/goblin/demon/fairy/brownie in animal form, the main character uses Pyewacket as both a conduit for her spells as well as sending it forth for her bidding. It also represents the familiars ability to have autonomy and choose whether or not to listen if the pact is broken (this is shown by Pyewacket’s rejection to the main character after she rejects her powers).

Salem(TV) - Another example of familiars, with the additional Witch’s Mark lore incorporated.

Pan’s Labyrinth (Movie) - The mandrake is a textbook magistellus flora root familiar alrune piece of delicious representation.

There are others too but this post is long enough.

So….there are some of my thoughts. Also keep in mind that this is focusing on familiars in North America and European lore. There’s additional context to be had and differences when including South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. Also keep in mind, this is my view and opinions, if you call your parakeet a familiar, I don’t really care. That’s your choice and your practice and as the world adjusts so do practices, but as a traditional witch and folkloric witch myself……I could go on and on and had to stop myself from talking about Greek Genius spirits, Animism, accounts and trial records of witches and familiars, the Allegory of the Cave and more.

TLDR: Familiars are real, I work with them and they are not my pet dogs. If the only reason you call a pet a familiar is because it’s in the room while you light incense and you’re a witch…it’s probably not a traditional familiar. You can call it that sure, but it’s a different definition than is widely accepted and assumed when you say Witch’s familiar. If you do include your pet for workings then that falls in line with some of the iterations of the classical familiar.

🦇Cheers, Barberwitch

[patermike]

Sigil Basics… again!

So I left a lot of information out of my last post and I wanted to do an update that may be more helpful!

***Remember***

Everything can be changed or altered based on your personal needs or preferences! The things I used were a basic guide that gives only one example! Your sigil is yours and you can arrange it anyway you want!

Make a Chart

Begin by making a chart similar to this one above. You can arrange the letters in any way and even take away numbers if wanted or needed.

Get a Phrase

The phrase I am using is

“I am safe and protected”

Your phrase can be as long or short as you like. Just know that if you are following this method and have a long phrase then you will have a more complex sigil and a short phrase you will just have a simple sigil.

Take Out the Vowels

This is another one of those REALLY optional steps. If you take out the vowels then you have a less complicated sigil and if not then it’s just a little more complex. I do this because it makes things not as busy in the sigil itself.

Using the same example from before we are then left with…

“M sf nd prtctd”

Take Out Repeating Letters

This is another one of those optional steps, but again it just cuts down on the business or complexity of your sigil.

The phrase we’ve been using would then become…

“msfndprtc”

Numbering Your Letters

So here you’re just going to match up the letters to the number they are assigned to in that chart we made earlier.

In our example…

416547923

Numbering Your Circle

Now you’re going to make a circle with numbers in it. The number order does not matter. You can do this in any order that you like. This is the one we are going to be using for our example.

Drawing Your Sigil

After you have all your information you get to draw out your sigil! Now this is where everything comes together.

Our number sequence is 416547923 so we are going to draw a line from 4 to 1 on our circle. Then drawing another line from 1 to 6. Then from 6 to 5. Then from 5 to 4. And continuing this until we have connected all the numbers together.

Finishing Touches

Now that you have your finished product you can begin to add your embellishments! You can add or take away anything that you like and make your sigil all yours!

You can add loops and swirls and anything else that you would like to the finished product!

Bonus Lessson

Charging Your Sigil

This is something that I’ll be elaborating on more in a later post that will be dedicated to this whole topic but I’m gonna share a favorite method of mine for charging up my sigils!

I prefer to do this when meditating but I have a few sigils that are all drawn out on the paper that I will be using that day or placing for the future or whatever their purpose is.

I will take the paper and hold it in my hands and focus on the intent that I wish the sigil to possess. If we were using the phrase above then we would be envisioning ourselves in a safe and protected place. We would be focusing on being safe and protected from whatever it is we need protection from.

After doing this for a bit I will know when it is ready and then I will kiss the paper and then I move along to the next one repeating the process.

That’s all I got!

There were a lot of questions out of my last post so I hope this one is a little more detailed and helps out a little more! If you still have any questions please feel free to ask me!

[patermike]

Myths, Creatures, and Folklore

Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!

General:

General Folklore

Various Folktales

Heroes

Weather Folklore

Trees in Mythology

Animals in Mythology

Birds in Mythology

Flowers in Mythology

Fruit in Mythology

Plants in Mythology

Folktales from Around the World

Africa:

Egyptian Mythology

African Mythology

More African Mythology

Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The Gods of Africa

Even More African Mythology

West African Mythology

All About African Mythology

African Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

The Americas:

Aztec Mythology

Haitian Mythology

Inca Mythology

Maya Mythology

Native American Mythology

More Inca Mythology

More Native American Mythology

South American Mythical Creatures

North American Mythical Creatures

Aztec Gods and Goddesses

Asia:

Chinese Mythology

Hindu Mythology

Japanese Mythology

Korean Mythology

More Japanese Mythology

Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures

Indian Mythical Creatures

Chinese Gods and Goddesses

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Korean Gods and Goddesses

Europe:

Basque Mythology

Celtic Mythology

Etruscan Mythology

Greek Mythology

Latvian Mythology

Norse Mythology

Roman Mythology

Arthurian Legends

Bestiary

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands

Finnish Mythology

Celtic Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

Middle East:

Islamic Mythology

Judaic Mythology

Mesopotamian Mythology

Persian Mythology

Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures

Oceania:

Aboriginal Mythology

Polynesian Mythology

More Polynesian Mythology

Mythology of the Polynesian Islands

Melanesian Mythology

Massive Polynesian Mythology Post

Maori Mythical Creatures

Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses

Hawaiian Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses

Creating a Fantasy Religion:

Creating Part 1

Creating Part 2

Creating Part 3

Creating Part 4

Fantasy Religion Design Guide

Using Religion in Fantasy

Religion in Fantasy

Creating Fantasy Worlds

Beliefs in Fantasy

Some superstitions:

Read More

[patermike]

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Check it out => HERE <=

Use the discount code: Introvert to get an additional 10% off for Christmas! 

[patermike]

Offerings for the Dead

Most people are reblogging an ask I answered long ago about offerings to give to the dead. It’s long overdue, but I’ve finally typed it up into an actual cohesive post.

~ Herbs ~ 

Lavender, for peace in passing on

Thyme, to give peace to those who have died from violence

Apple, a common Irish symbol for the dead, which I often give to my ancestors 

Pomegranates, myth of Persephone and all that

Rosemary, for remembrance

Myrrh, commonly used in necromancy, also used to give off good vibes

Chervil, often used in rituals for the dead

Mugwort, usually used to aid divination and communication with the dead. I also give it as an offering

Bay, same as mugwort (my mentality is that these herbs will help “send” the offerings to the dead)

Lemonbalm, for peace and healing

Wormwood, to strengthen the communication with the dead, as well as healing and revenge

Frankincense, a traditional herb (usually incense) to honor the dead

~ Flowers ~ 

Calendula, for blessings and eternal love

Rose petals (or the flower) for love and healing

Marigolds, perfect for ancestor worship (as well as spirit work salves and tea)

Lilies, for a sense of security and togetherness; ideal for children

Orchids, for balanced emotions and adoration; ideal for former lovers

Daisies, also ideal for former lovers and lost family members

Tulips, to spread happiness

Dandelions, ideal for connecting with certain spirits (especially when drunk as a tea)

~ Liquids ~

Water, a traditional offering for the dead, often left out for passing spirits

Wine or other alcohol

Juice, namely pomegranate or beet

Oils, such as olive oil, pomegranate oil, coconut, almond, vinegar

~ Other ~

Stones or crystals

Coins

Tobacco (I also know some people who use cigarette smoke or ashes)

Grains, traditionally brown bread

Meat

Candles, namely dark colored or earth-toned

Cleaning up graveyards, placing offerings on graves and speaking to them also makes a great offering

Song and music

Anything personal to the person you’re sending the offering to

~ What to do with the Offerings ~

Burn herbs or flowers (safely) with a written message to “send” the offering to the soul

Leave coins, flowers or herbs on the grave

Pour liquid into the earth, or leave them out in a bowl

Leave offerings out as a “standing offering” for the dead who pass through (idea from @arachnospooky)

This is SO overdue I’m so sorry but I hope it helps!! 

[patermike]

Self Care for Death Witches

Hello! I have no idea if this has been done yet, but I thought I could make a post with some ideas and see what you all think! Feel free to add on to this if you reblog or something.

Take a cleansing bath. Sometimes working with death energy can take a toll on your energy levels, as well as potentially attract death into your life (especially if it is surrounding you on a daily basis). Every two weeks or so, it’s a good idea to clean up your aura and spirit using a ritual shower or bath. For a bath, toss in 1 cup of epsom salt, and ½ cup of baking soda, and then use any safe essential oils to add a little magical boost. This combination will cleanse you physically of any toxins, and also spiritually. Do not soak for longer than 20 minutes, and it is generally said that every 2 weeks is the best timeframe between this ritual. I use lavender oil and mint leaves to really clean and protect myself. Be sure to research the affects of herbs, especially in regards to your physical state and taking into account medications you consume. For a shower, let the water run over your whole body. Then, soak a loofa or hand towel in a mixture of epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils or herbs (again, do this safely). Softly scrub your body, and rinse yourself off again.

Take naps. This is a very important tip, especially for those of you who work primarily at night. Find a good time for you, and try to consistently get enough sleep. It’s important to stay well rested to keep your energy up and your physical body healthy.

Spend time doing what you love. Don’t neglect things you enjoy to focus your whole being on death witchcraft. If you like to sew, paint, write, solve equations, cook, or whatever else, make time for it. Doing something mundane is very essential to keeping you from getting burnt out on your practice.

Eat. I mean it. I find myself forgetting to eat an awful lot when I immerse myself in death witchcraft and necromancy. I don’t know if it’s just because I am super busy or because I am focusing too much on spiritual needs instead of physical ones, but it isn’t good for you. Eat at least 3 meals, and drink lots of water!

Listen to your body. If it’s telling you it’s tired, hungry, thirsty, or in pain, you shouldn’t ignore it. This is something I really need to remember. Sometimes I think practicing death witchcraft is more important than focusing on my physical needs, but it isn’t black and white like that. Both are important, and I should really realize that if I don’t take care of myself now, I won’t be able to practice later.

Relax. Take a moment and meditate, or just sit with crystals, candles, water, or whatever calms you. Recharge your batteries. This is really vital for those of you who use a lot of your own energy for spells, spirit communication, and more. I like to listen to music that makes me feel like a death witch (playlist is on its way to a blog near you).

Spend time in places you find fulfilling. I like graveyards, I like hospitals. I like places where death is prevalent because it helps me get acquainted with the thought of death. If this is you, too, then go to those places.

[patermike]

The Language of Spell Crafting

Spell creation is one of the most personal and individualized part of a magician’s craft.  Between each kind of magician, there are different methods of magic and spell-work. Then, between those kinds, there are sections and lineages who draw their inspirations from different places. Within those lineages, there are individuals who pull from their own life and sense of the world to craft their spells. There can be a lot said about a witch when looking at their spells. The different cultures, the subtle differences in elements or components, the incantation, the ritual action, etc. It’s all very telling of who they are as a practitioner. 

Solely relying on others’ spells can take away the identity of the practitioner. Don’t get me wrong; taking spells from books, blogs, websites, etc is not a bad thing. It helps a great deal, especially when you need something specific and they have it when you’re not sure how to get there. I think that’s why I get spell requests so often. I’ll tell you a secret though; not even half of those spells are in the Black Book. They were created there and then for the person who requested them.

But how? How do you connect the ends? I think it’s important that you reread that last line, but in a different light. There is no definite way of creating spells. There are common factors in spells to make them successful, but they do not limit individuality. It’s all individualized and up to the practitioner. The way they make spells, the way they cast spells, and the way they approach spells can help them understand who they are as a practitioner. So I’ll pose the question again. “How do you connect the ends?”

Factors

I mentioned before that in most spells, there are common factors. Many witches and magicians use these as guidelines for crafting spells. There are three factors that are the most often encountered in age old spells. 

1. Intention/Willpower/Want

2. Incantation (whether spoken aloud or internally)

3. Ritual action 

While the last two components may be interchanged in order, the first must be spread out through the entire operation. To cease the intent is to deprive the fire of oxygen, and thus end the spell before it starts. 

These three things are fairly self explanatory.

Before you do a spell, you have to want it. You have to want it badly enough that you’d bend the world to get it. That desire fuels your will, your intent, and seeps into the words you say and the actions you perform. When focused and harnessed, it sets your work ablaze and makes it come true. This want can also be replaced with need, which can quicken a spell faster than almost any other power. 

The spoken part of a spell is often what many people mistake for the spell itself. Incantations are only words. When power is put behind them, then they have the chance to make magic. Rhyming has been a popular method of incantation for a very long time, but incantations simply speaking the caster’s intention have been just as popular. Many people like to create their incantations before creating the rest of their spell, some after. Some also speak theirs intuitively in the midst of casting the spell. 

The ritual action is often what drags the spell into fruition. The act of ritual mimicry has been used for millennia across every culture in nearly every magical tradition as a way to create change in the world. That which is mimicked is created. Skins and pelts are worn for shapeshifting, stabbing and smashing have been used for curses, wrapping and tying have been used for binding, etc. The ritual action mimics what the creator wishes to bring into the world. For the practitioner, their ritual action should speak to whatever the goal is to them symbolically. 

Components and Ingredients

I like to use cooking as a metaphor for spell-work. Why? Because everything has to be cohesive and harmonious. Otherwise, the spell will be haywire or shite.  When you create a spell, you have to take everything into account. Remember, specifics are important. I’m not just talking about incantations. I’m talking about knowing what you want, down to the nitty gritty.  Let’s say that we’re cooking up a love spell. Except, this isn’t your run of the mill love spell. Let’s say that this love spell isn’t looking to inspire lust, or at least not to a large degree, rather strong affections.  One of the first things I think of is what elements or ingredients speak to my goal, based on previously earned knowledge and old folklore. If we’re talking about gentle love, I’ve got a few go-to elements; a small amount of vanilla bean, dried apple flesh, and a pinch of coriander. These components will be bound together and put into a doll or a pouch. The name of the one who is to be charmed is whispered over it and kissed.  What do these components have in common? Sweet things. Vanilla is sweet and warm, and so are apples. They make me think of home and a warm oven, a hearth (or in this case a heart). Coriander is that touch of spice needed to move things along, but it doesn’t overpower the other two. Whispers to a lover’s ear and a soft kiss I also see as sweet things. This is a charm of romance. It’s a delicate thing, though with a simple spell.  It’s incredibly easy to upset it. Adding more things like cinnamon, clove, or allspice, though used in making sweet things and baking, could have turned that lover into a lust addled fool. Using saliva instead of a kiss could’ve also done the same.  What could’ve also harmed the spell is if wildly different ingredients are mixed together. Bleeding hearts, vanilla bean, and orris root would make for a rather unruly, or confused, spell. They are all associated heavily with love and love magic, but each constitutes different subtleties about what love is or what love means, thus each warrants a different use in a different situation. Is there a time when one of those two are married, or maybe even all three? Perhaps. This will be a very specific case, though.  The goal of the spell must be spoken in the actual components of the spell just as much as in the words and the actions. The ingredients are not to be thrown together with general (and sometimes sloppy) associations found in Barnes and Noble witch books. They are to be carefully chosen, handled, and married to produce the most fluent, successful spell. What is done with those components is just as important as the components itself.  Actions and Deeds Cursing for one person might be pricking a wax image with hot needles, but for another it might be lighting that wax image on fire and watching it burn. Different circumstances, styles, and magicians will make for different approaches. A bone that is crushed and blown on the wind will conjure spirits, but the crushing of the bone itself could also remove influence from spirits in the area. It is the intention, as well as the other factors of the spell, that will decide this.  The physical nature of spells if often written off in New Age methods and modern ways. Traditional spell-casting is tethered to some sort of action that serves as a symbol and a doorway through which the spell enters the world. Are these actions incredibly complex? Absolutely not.  Witches have been calling up winds and storms with nothing but whistling for a long time. Witches also have been reputed to cast spells simply by staring or touching things. This lore is as old as anything and exists alongside witches in many cultures.  An action, no matter how minute, is an intention put forth and succeeded. It breaks the barrier of the mental and causes something to become real. Actions are results.  As with all of the other part of a spell, this needs to be unified with everything else. Harsh, quick motions won’t do for a spell that is to inspire gentle love. It needs a soft hand. What that looks like depends on the magician. It’s important to remember that when choosing actions for spellwork they must resonate with the practitioner. A protection spell might involve waving a rod of oak over the boundaries of one’s home. It might also be slapping the stick off of the ground around the boundaries of the home. Whatever the intention and style of the practitioner will influence how a spell is cast. It tells a story about who they are, what they’ve done, where they’ve learned, and the nature of their magic. Though the differences might be slight, it shows the individuality of the practitioner.  Bonus: Sacrifices

Most modern practitioners have no idea what this word truly means, let alone how to use it in magic. The word conjures up images of animals being cut open, bloody knives, and killing. Though this is a form of sacrifice, it is not all sacrifice. Simply put, sacrifice is the giving up of something in exchange for something else. That thing you give up, though, has to be something of value to you. It’s not sacrifice unless it stings.  The use of sacrifice in spellwork causes the magic to burn hotter and brighter. It works faster and it becomes stronger. It also tends to make magic a bit more permanent.  It can look like a pin prick on the finger, but it can also be someone destroying gifts from someone to set a spell on them. It can be offerings, taken from yourself, and given to spirits or deities in exchange for favors. It can be burning a treasured photograph of a lover to make them love you back.  This aspect of spellwork has become increasingly less popular over time, with people not wanting to pay for what they ask. It is not always a necessary part of magic, but the strongest spells have some form of sacrifice behind them. As artists bleed for their passions, so must the magicians for their magic. It makes it real, especially in the practitioner’s eyes. You wouldn’t give something you cherished unless you truly believed in the goal looking to be accomplished.  Individualizing 

If there is one thing that I’ve tried to stress in spellcrafting, it’s individualization. A witch’s spells are not their own until they’ve individualized them. Just as all of witchcraft is very personal, so must the spells be. They should speak to your goal, but they should be using your voice to do it.  Read from the folklore, follow the legends, listen to past uses, but make everything your own. Maybe you’ll figure out how to apply the folklore of birch bark in a different way than most witches would. Maybe you’ll figure out how to be-spell a new working tool to do something that most witches don’t know of. Who knows?  The world is quite wide. Methods of spellcasting vary between lands. What lands do you descend from? What can they inform you of spellcasting? Can you join the knowledge of one and the other? Can you make a method that is entirely for you?  Spellcrafting is a trying thing. It is a subtle art and not an easy task to master. It’s also incredibly personal.  It’s a language with thousands of different dialects, and millions of different accents.  How will you speak it? 

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Reblog this within 30 seconds in order to receive luck in your efforts for romance, assistance in your relationships, and/or to help easy conflict in your current relationship. Likes charge.

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Do you know any of any spells/jar magick that has to do with pets? (Ex, keeping them safe, a 'return home' thing, ect) - young-magick

Quite a few actually! I’ll try to organize this the best I can. I am also going to include some information on familiars as well too, because sometimes they go hand in hand for people with familiars.

General

Crystals for Animals

Recommended Reading: Animal Communication, Healing & Guidance

Tarot Readings for Pets and Familiars

The Domestic Garden Witch: Making Pets Happy

Witchy Things to do with Your Pet

Blessings

Bless a Pet

Cat Blessing

Cat Blessing

Pet Blessing

Finding/Locating a Lost Pet

Crossroads Lost Animal Spell 

Lost Pet Spell

Spell to Find a Lost Pet

Spell to Find a Lost Pet/To Find a Missing Cat Spell [2 Different Spells]

There Is No Place Like Home: Return Home Protection Spell

To Call a Lost Pet

To Call a Straying Pet

Health

***If your pet is sick, it is important to take your pet to the vet for proper care. Just like with humans, spells and witchcraft is NOT an alternative to proper vet/medical treatment if your pet needs it. Be responsible.***

Healing Crystals and Stones for Pets

Healthy Pet Spell

Pet Healing and Wellness Spell

Pet Health and Protection Spell Bottle

To Heal a Pet

Protection

Animal Candle Protection Spell

Animal Candle Protection Spell

Animal Protection Spell

Animal Protection Spell

Animal Protection Spells

Blessing a Cat - A Protection Spell for a Cat

Cat Protection Bag

Pet Protection Powder

Pet Protection Spell

Pet Protection Spell

Pet Protection Spell Bottle

Protective Chant for Cats

Protective Chant for Dogs

“Watch Over Me” Pet Protection Guardian

Release, Death & Remembrance

Animal Release Spell

Kept in my Heart: A Spell to Honor the Dead

Pet Farewell Ritual

Pet Funerary Spell

Pet Loss Ritual

Pet Release Ritual & Jar Spell

Prayers for a Deceased Pet Cat

Prayers for a Deceased Pet Dog

Prayers for a Dying Pet

Other

A Spell to Find a Furry (or Finned or Feathered or Scaled) Friend

Communicate with Your Pet Spell

Feed The Birds Spell

Here, Kitty Kitty: A Few Of Your Favorite Things

Make Animals Less Afraid of Your Presence

Spells Involving Cats

Twitterpated

Familiars: General Info

Brief History of Witch’s Familiars

How To Create a Familiar (Thoughtform)

Tips About Familiars

The Familiar Spirit: Companion to Witches [External Link]

When You’re Away From Your Familiar

Additional: My familiar tag, with a bunch of asks & ask responses about familiars.

Familiars: Spells

A Potion to Commune with an Animal Familiar

Calling a Familiar Spell

Finding a Familiar

Simple Ritual of Familiar

Spell to Ask for a Familiar

Spell To Bring You a Cat Familiar

To Call a Familiar

Other Masterposts

Resources for Familiars and Animal Partners

Spells and Sigils for Animals, Pets, and Familiars

Last Updated: July 26th, 2017

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Celtic Deities: The Dagda (Dagdha)

​The Dagda, the High King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is often likened to the Germanic God, Odin. Why? Because He is known also as Eochu or Eochaid Ollathair, which translate to “horseman, great father” or “all-father”. 

The Dagda is shown to be a father-figure, chieftain and a druid, and he is oft associated with masculinity, fertility, agriculture, wisdom and magick. He is depicted as a very large man who dons a hooded cloak and carries with him a club named, “Lorg Mór” that is imbued with magick. “Lorg Mór” can kill instantly with one end, and give life to the dead with the other. The Dagda also carries a cauldron known as the “coire ansic” that is never empty and a powerful magick harp known as “uaithne” that has the ability to control the emotions of man, and change the seasons.

Abode: Bru na Bóinne

Weapon: Lorg Mór (club)

Other Items: Uaithne (the harp) and coire ansic (cauldron)

Battles Fought: Cath Maige Tuired

Consort(s): Ethniu, The Morrígan, Boann

Parents: Elatha and Danu

Children: Óengus, Bodb Derg, Cermait, Midir, Brigid

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Bay leaves are chewed to produce prophetic visions and are highly psychic, but what can they do medicinally? Find out more here! 🍃

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Rothirsch - red deer - Cervus elaphus by Olaf Kerber

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Birds in Magic

Okay Y’all, this took forever, so I hope you like it. If you have anything to add, please do! I left a lot of stuff out, just because I couldn’t find it. *NOTE* these correspondences are tailored to my personal beliefs  

**WARNING**  Please be careful when working with feathers you find yourself, don’t mess with dead birds, and know that on some places, it is illegal to collect feathers you find yourself.   

PEACOCK

Peacocks were thought to be very unlucky, because they resemble an  eye. The eye shape in the Feather represented the evil eye which people were  afraid of. Today the beauty and natural strength of the peacocks are again  recognized. The feathers are specially valued for their multicolored eyes.

CROW

The Crow is one of the animals humans have always been afraid of. A  crow at the window is said to represent the soul of a dead person. Crow  feathers are used for mourning and letting go of unwanted feelings or  situations.

ROBIN

Robins bring the omen of new things coming into one’s life. The  feathers can also be used to induce fertility. Robins laying eggs early in  spring represent abundances in the coming year.

SWAN

The pure white feathers of swans are used to purify and cleanse by  attracting new energy. They represent beauty, grace and goodness. Black swan  feathers can be used to purify of unwanted energy.

NIGHTINGALE

This bird´s feathers are good communication feathers. They help to  tap into the deeper consciousness and can teach sacred wisdom.

HAWK

The feathers of hawks not only hold the active energy of those artful  hunters, but can also be used to identify diseases at skilled hands. Finding  a hawk may mean you need to protect yourself from bad energy

EAGLE

Eagles are thought to be great energy bringers and remind us of the  basic sacredness of all birds. They represent peace and happiness and there  feathers can also drive away harmful energy.

OWL

The owl has always been associated with death, sorcery and the dark  side of life. However they are also associated with knowledge and power. Baby  owls represent curiosity while Adults carry an air of Cunning. Owl feathers  may help bring advancement at any task, or help to clearly find a goal or  objective  

MALE CHICKEN

Cocks were believed to represent light and goodness. There feathers  can also be used as part of weather spells to raise rain and storms.

DOVE

Often, The feathers are used to help bring love, peace and Joy. These  birds are also an omen for a long (or prosperous) life

BLUE JAY

Blue Jays are valued as bringer of light and joy and are said to have  the ability to brighten up even the darkest places. Seeing one while pregnant  means you will have an intelligent child.

COW BIRD

Someone in your life is not good for you. It’s time to seriously  re-evaluate your relationship with this person. Use these fathers in curses  and Hexes- especially those to end relationships.

WOODPECKER

Carrying these feathers will help something you’ve been working hard  for in your life to pay off. If you feel like you aren’t getting somewhere,  seeing a woodpecker means it’s probably time to use another method to achieve  your goals.

SWALLOW

The Feathers of Swallows may be used to help attract luck in some  magic, Likewise, seeing a swallow may mean that it is time to reach out for  help

MOCKINGBIRD

Feathers are used for defensive and protection magic. Seeing one can  mean that it is time to act aggressively in a situation, and seeing one while  pregnant is a sign of a strong-willed child.  

CARDINAL

The Cardinal’s feathers can be used to encourage Courage and good fortune,  but seeing one can often mean that you’re flamboyance or outrageous means of  doing things will get you into trouble. Seeing one while pregnant will mean a  beautiful child.

HUMMING BIRD

These birds represent Faithfulness, but also some over-activity.

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Night Routine for a Busy Witch

Since a lot of people seemed to enjoy my Morning Routine for a Busy Witch, I’ve decided to write out my nighttime routine. Again, this post is only for ideas, and there’s no need to do this every night.

Tea is my absolute go-to for nighttime calm. 

Herbal teas that don’t have caffeine, but can still calm you, include: chamomile, lavender, rose, valerian (do not take while already on a sedative), lemon balm, spearmint, sage, licorice root, rooibos, and blackberry leaves. 

A lot of these herbs, such as chamomile, will also help you digest if you drink the tea after dinner.

Green teas do have a bit of caffeine, but can be very calming. I’ll often drink sencha at night.

Light a scented candle. Any floral scent, like the ones listed above, will help you relax before bed.

Baths and showers will not only relax your muscles, but also calm your mind. I personally refuse to bed with wet hair, so I usually take a bath with some scented candles lit and low light.

This has been said a million times before, but baths and showers make great cleansing rituals. Imagine scrubbing off your biggest worries and watching them swirl down the drain along with the soap bubbles.

When you rub on lotion, draw some sigils or runes on your skin before rubbing them in.

If you have a cleansing spray or air freshener, now is the time to use it. What better way to end the day than cleansing your house and having the air feel fresh?

If possible, go outside and sit with the moon for five minutes. I don’t know what it is about moonlight–it just heals the mind.

I struggle to do this myself, but in the best case scenario, it’d be great to wash your dishes before going to bed. It is so nice to wake up to a clean kitchen. Picking up clothes off the floor and throwing them into a hamper also greatly improves your morning. When your space is less cluttered, your mind is less cluttered.

Give a tiny offering before going to bed. It can be something you can leave overnight, such as water, salt, or herbs. It’s low-effort, spiritually attuning, and helps you feel satisfied with your day before bed. 

I don’t personally do this, but I know a lot of people will meditate or stretch before bed. I find that grounding exercises also relax me before bed.

This is a personal routine of mine: I use a lavender salve I made and rub it on the bottom of my feet before bed. The lavender helps calm the body, and according to reflexology, your feet are connected to the rest of your body. Not to mention your feet get sore after a long day! Rubbing the salve on your feet will help you sleep. 

You can do the same thing with lotion, preferably lavender scented.

I used to rub on hand cream before bed, and that helped me relax as well.

You can give your face a steam bath by boiling some water and adding a drop of essential oil into it, then bathing yourself in the steam. I’m wary of adding essential oil to my cooking pot because not all of them are edible, so I usually transfer the boiling water to another bowl and then add the essential oil. Still works like a charm.

When you get in bed, read something. Even like two minutes of reading will help calm you and (hopefully) make you drowsy. Unless you’re SUPER into the book. Then don’t read at night. Read something boring, like your homework.

Placing one of these crystals under your pillow may help you sleep: amethyst, labradorite, jade, black tourmaline, clear or rose quartz, selenite, or hematite.

Some people will place bags of pine, thyme, lavender, eucalyptus, or other calming herbs beneath their pillow. If you do this, be extra careful with how you bag them! My cousin ended up getting pine needles all over her bed because they weren’t secure. Use a ziploc bag or envelope to contain the herbs.

Man, could you imagine me doing all of this every night? No way! But these are fun things to consider when you want to clear your mind before bed. Happy witching! ✩°｡⋆⸜(ू｡•ω•｡)

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Hell Arken

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Lunar Phase One Word Cheat Sheet 🌙

New Moon - renew, cleanse

Waxing Moon - attract, gain

Full Moon - manifest, enlighten

Waning Moon - banish, negate

Dark Moon - reflect, destroy

Blue Moon - wish, dream, achieve

Black Moon - power, energy

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