#grimoire challenge 2019

[2024-grimoire-challenge]

January Week 2

Keep in mind, this challenge is going to more or less piggy back off of my 2019 challenge and go deeper into the subjects presented there, with some alterations and additions of course.

Some grimoires focus on one entire topic for a whole page. Say, an entire page dedicated to a single herb. Some dedicate it to a broader topic and fill in the page with info pertaining to the topic. Say, protection magic and everything that, in that witch's practice, has to do with protection magic.

And you know what? Both are fine. It is a matter of how you want your grimoire to look, work and feel, for you and your practice. So as the challenge goes on and my prompts say "make a page" that doesn't necessarily mean a whole new page just for that topic. It could mean to fill in more of a page you've already started. It is your grimoire. Make it your way.

Monday - Magic

Journal/ Research/ Introspection (New Page) - What is magic? How does it work? Historically, theologically, spiritually, so on and so forth. What is magic and how does one utilize it? What methodology do you perscribe to? Where does magic come from? How do you sense it? Can you sense it? Look deep, not surface level. Look into the hows and the whys. Make a page dedicated to this information, so that you can refer back to it if need be in the future.

Practical (New Page) - Let's perform a protection spell on our book, on our supplies and on our work space. You can find a spell online in a book or make one up yourself to use! Any of these options is fine. I recommend utilizing your lab notebook for this task. Write out the spell, all of its aspects, steps, ingredients, tools and so on. Record the information in your lab notebook, that way you can change and rework the spell as need be in the future. Plus, this will allow you to create a page specifically for this spell!

Tuesday - Witch

Journal/ Research - This is a personal subject for all of us, though the community has a large sway in our opinions on this. Ask five witches what a witch is, and you'll get five different answers. But we're not worried about four of those answers right now. We're worried about one. Our own. What is a witch? What makes one a witch? What does a witch do and not do? Define all of this for yourself, answer those questions.

Divination - Lets perform a divination for ourselves. What does the year ahead hold? No matter what method you use, tarot, runes, etc, perform a small divination for yourself or even for someone else, looking at the year ahead of us.

Wednesday - Personal Practice

Research/ Introspection/ Journal -Again, we're going to do a deep look into ourselves and our beliefs for this prompt. How do you perceive the world? Life, death? The energies in the world around you? How do you connect to and experience these things? What are the elements of life and the world?

Study (New Page) - Pick one of those herbs from the list we made and look into its properties. Where does it come from> How does it grow? Historically, what were its uses? Practical and mundane uses and properties, what are they? Is it used medicinally or are there culinary uses? What are the myths, legends and stories about the herb? Now, once you've looked into all of that, how does that information play into its magical uses and properties? All of this is about they WHY behind the info we find in generalized searches.

Thursday - Personal Information

Journal/ Introspection - Why are you a witch? What drew you to this path and walk of life? What are the aspects fo your practice? Is it the elements? Deities? Other powers? Flesh out your beliefs.

Astrology - Not every witch holds stock in astrology, so if you don't you don't have to add this bit to the challenge. But if you're interested, look up your natal chart. There are plenty of free websites to do so, and it is always interesting to find out. If you feel so inclined, add a page to your Grimoire about your natal chart, as the info can be helpful in later introspection and journaling.

Study (New Page) - Pick a gem from that list and look up its properties. Where does it come from? How is it formed? What are its chemical properties? What are its mundane and practical uses? What are the myths and legends, stories surrounding it? What has it been used for historically? How does all of that information play into its magical properties and uses? Make a page specifically dedicated to that gem!

Friday - Making it yours

Journal/ Introspection - How is your practice your practice? What do YOU bring to your witchcraft? What traditions and beliefs from outside your practice have influenced bits and pieces of your practice? As much as we hate to admit it, syncretism is a thing.

(Side note- if you’re not into crystals and herbs, feel free to replace those study days with whatever subject you feel like! No matter what it is, as long as it’s something going in your grimoire. Some examples would be tarot spreads, runes, languages, a specific “type” of magic!)

I know this is going to be a big project and if it would help everyone, creatively, I'll be more than happy to share a video showing some of my grimoire page design process.

Thank you all

Good luck and happy crafting witches!

-Mod Hazel

[2021grimoirechallenge]

January 2021 month theme

Roots and Reflections

The foundations on which the craft is built is folk lore and you.

For week 1 2020

Look in to the folklore of your local area write a passage on how this information changes your view on your local land spirits if applicable.

IF NOT What does this tell you about your local culture.

Friday mini prompt 1

What are the roots of your craft?

[ovaettrgrimoire]

Divination Activity: Divination’s been temporarily switched to Friday this week. Do two or three different readings using runes. If you feel like experimenting with different ways to cast, do so now. If you like your prefered method, do that. How do the runes change their meanings when combined with other runes in a reading? What patterns can you pick out?

1st Reading: The Norns style. 

this style one simply draws runes after shaking their bag or box (mines a small treasure chest painted appropriately) one at a time and in that order is The Past of Urdh’s, the Present of Verdhandi’s, and the Future of Skuld’s. My reading 8/10/19 Sat. -  Past: Elhaz / Algiz

A heavily protective rune, this one seems to show growth to me in alignment with its tree glyphic self. This rune i’ve also routinely used in my past quite literally as a protection rune from bad people in my life that are no longer here. This rune is also of the world tree itself in many interpretations as well as a general connector unit to all things higher powers and magical. Its what makes the mundane magical. Its like a satellite to things up there and around us. Kind of like the satellite dishes of plants in their leaves how they twist and turn towards the sun. In my past I was also growing like this. Present: Laguz

This rune is associated more with water than earth and associated with the need to ‘go with the flow’ when it shows up in readings for your current state in order to tap into your own powers more. As it’s in my present day I feel inclined to believe thats what the push is towards for certain picking through my notes that stood out the most. Though other than a literal sense it also links to the esoteric world and the unconscious parts of ourselves and the world. It’s also the living energy that is the undercurrent of everything on earth. Maybe thats something i need to tap into, that undercurrent, and chill out some and not rush so much. 

Future: Ansuz

My future leans into the rune of Ansuz and its a more air associated rune. Its associated with the breath of life and creation. That could mean in many places, it would be appropriate for my self to associate that with the ability to draw and create characters that can come to life. It also is associated with stability and order, both things i have coveted for long amounts of time. Maybe if I go with the flow more I can tap into my powers more in order to reach said stability and order in the realm of breathing life into things, characters, projects, etc. One can hope at least. and try at best.  -----------

2nd Reading: Casting to the Ground Style

In this style you simply cast all 24 and take all upright ones into account for your inquiry and reading. I had no inquiry so i simply let them talk to me in general. in no particular order; - Peorð ᛈ  A rune associated with the letter ‘p’ and there isnt much more info on it out there, other than its associations with pear trees. Maybe growth and stability is associated with it cuz of the tree associations? This one is hard to read. I realized my runes are in the anglo-saxon version of runes which have some lesser known ones like  ᛈ .  - Ingwaz  ᛝ  the peace and togetherness rune. It’s a rune about wholeness. 

-  Mannaz  ᛗ  the rune symbolizing ‘man’ in a literal sense, but also making it known one can reach their fullest potential. It also means to remind us that we have shared experiences as humans. This rune’s power can also be invoked to get the upperhand in disputes or arguments apparently according to my research? So I might have to employ this rune sometime when say, I want to win a pitch for a project and reach its full potential. - Sowulo  ᛋ  The Sun rune and one of enlightenment and seeing things clearly as if in daylight. It also reminds us theres light to be found in dark times and to never give up.

- Algiz/ Elhaz  ᛉ The growth rune and one of Yggdrasil the tree of life. Its also about strength for protection and defensive abilities.  It’s used in a lot of protection spells so it might be advising to protect the self while growing continually. - Uruz  ᚢ the “Oo” character and associations with the ox. It says in my notes that its a rune of power but now a power we can control nor own. In castings it might mean personal success is near. It has healing properties in talismens too.  - Raido  ᚱ the rune of journies and blessed ones at that usually. This rune helps one focus their energy to obtain a goal but its about being in the right place at the right time too, not just a wish.

- Thurisaz  ᚦ the “thorn” but this also is the word for the Giants. ‘thurs’ is at least. It represents the ability to  resist unwanted conflicts in a passive manner. Its a rune that is about protection too of things that otherwise would be a surprise by way of hints. It can be used as a defensive rune against adversaries.  For now i just wanted to get those down and I might make a new post later introspecting the reading more in a paragraph. 

[princessbewitchin]

April week 3 of the Grimoire Challenge 2019

I don't do a lot with elements anymore but I thought I'd share with you my trip to Castell Henllys, a replica fort built on the site one was excavated.

The first image is a bench with the word "GWRANDEWCH" on it, meaning listen. Sit hear and get in touch with the element of air.

Next is the adobe buildings. Get really connected to the earth. You're surrounded by it in these dark dwellings, get your bare feet on that mud floor.

Check out that big hay dude. He's ready to be burned at Beltane, the festival of fire. Dance, you're surrounded by darkness and flame and heat and people.

Here, sit by the river. Stick your toes in the cold water and let it rush over and around you. Listen to that sound. It's so constant and turbulent at the same time.

[tea-rabbits]

@2019grimoirecchallenge​

[spiritualjournalingprompts]

Shadow Work Prompt:

When we journal we […] get things out of our heads and hearts […]. What kinds of things do you want to get out of your head and heart right now?

[thepatchworkcrow]

My Method for Grounding & Centering

Jumping back into the @2019grimoirecchallenge posts! This in answer to both Monday AND Tuesday’s prompt since I usually ground AND center my energy before and after ritual. This particular exercise isn’t particularly new: I think it’s been posted pretty much everywhere as like “The Tree Meditation” or “The World Tree Visualization” and such, but here goes my version of it!

First, you’re going to want to sit, or stand in a comfortable position. I typically plant my feet shoulder-width apart, and if I can help it, like to stand barefoot on the floor or grass.

The first step will be the grounding part of the exercise. How I usually do this, is I start first by relaxing myself by focusing on my breathing. 

Once I’ve gotten in that headspace, I will visualize all the stress, anxiety, and generally disruptive energy flowing down through my body to my feet and down into the ground. Literally, sending that energy into the ground to be neutralized and released.

Next, while I’m still sort of focused on my feet and the earth beneath them, I’ll visualize that my feet have grown roots that push through the soil. I’ll then focus on pulling cool, calming, steadying energy up from the earth, just like a plant would draw up water or nutrients from the soil. I imagine this energy filling me, and making me feel steady, strong, and secure.

Next, I’ll bring my arms up to stretch over my head, and I’ll visualize them growing up further and further into leafy branches.

Like I visualized drawing in energy from the earth, I also visualize drawing in energy from the sun/moon/sky. First through the leaves, then down my branch-like arms and all through out my being. This energy is light, inspiration, clarity, purpose...

Where the two energies meet in the center of my being I focus a moment to allow them to merge and find balance. I feel myself sustained by both the earth below and the warm light of the sun above. I am calm, and focused, and inspired to begin work on my ritual.

I then take a deep breath, visualizing myself returning from tree back into my human shape, and open my eyes to continue my work.

I do this before ritual to put myself into the proper mindset to do the work before me. It helps to release the energy of my day to day that can be disruptive to my intentions.

I also do this after ritual, so that I can release the residual energy raised during the ritual, and re-center myself before returning to the more mundane parts of my life.

[mary-mythos]

Inktober day 1 Personal prompt: Altar Official prompt: Cauldron I was gonna draw my own altar, but it’s kinda boring, so have my OC Vyk’s instead! Coloring page available on Gumroad

[imagine-lilareads]

SORCERY OF THORNS SPOILERS!!

"When terrible things have happened to you, sometimes the promise of something good can be just as frightening"

[losgunna]

It's only SIX MONTHS LATE (teacher life & mom life keeps me super busy) but here's my page for the 3rd week of January for the #2019grimoirechallenge.

I love how doing these pages really helps me slow down and think and question and research and examine why I do what I do. This challenge is helping me embrace and grow more intimate with my spiritual practices, so thank you @2019grimoirecchallenge for making such thoughtful prompts and encouraging such a supportive community.

P.S. If anyone ever wants to ask questions about my grimoire, my practice, or me, my inbox is always open. ☺️ You can also check out my non-witchy blog @sheisquiteacommonfairy - asks are open there too!

[2024-grimoire-challenge]

Hello hello!

As I’m working on the grimoire prompts over this weekend I’ve decided that this challenge is going to be an extension and expansion of my previous challenge from 2019.

@2019grimoirecchallenge for those interested in that years prompts.

What I’ll be working toward with this years challenge is to take those prompts and push deeper into them. Deeper into our personal practices and into the why’s and how’s rather than just the surface level witchcraft most common on this site.

There will still be plenty of fun prompts. But this challenge will be more thought provoking and introspective.

I can’t wait till it officially begins on January first and am so excited to be running it again!

M.G.

Mod Hazel

[crystaldruid]

Today’s grimoire pages, inspired by witchblr!

[ovaettrgrimoire]

Spell Activity: Write a spell that utilizes the Law of Attraction (with regards to sympathetic magic).

Self-Esteem Poppet

Pick some fabric of any pattern that symbolizes you and yourself and cut out two sides to make a humanoid poppet doll. Pick a thread colour that symbolizes yourself too. Add a small crystal inside that corresponds with your heart and true self. It can be any stone or just a clear quartz charged with your energy. Stuff the doll enough in the base so that the heart can sit near where the actual heart will lie within. You’ll be holding this poppet to charge it in your palm so the heart should sit properly. Get some herbs to fill the poppet with that correspond with your astrology stuff. For me I have a Leo Sun which Leo is also ruled by the Sun so I choose:

 5 Sunflower seeds imbued with thoughts of my dreams on each of them. 5 things i wish to be, plants i wish to grow in my life internally. 

 Rosemary, for protection and mental inspiration

 Cinnamon, for firing up my inner fighting spirit and keep the self afloat.

 Lock of my own hair into the doll to further tie it to myself.

Once you’ve sewn together the basic shape, add buttons for eyes that you resonate with too.These eyes will be the ones that not just correspond with you but also with your dreams

Optional; Add any other details you want whether it be a clothing item shred, hair (Real hair should be inserted into the doll itself, im talking about aesthetic hair made from fabric here.), or an accessory symbol attached to the poppet to really drive home that its you. 

Take this poppet and first hug it and promise it you will never give up on it. Pin a message on paper into the back of it to remind yourself of this vow. Respect and honour the self, always.  Next write a rhyme or just a little verse that goes toward the poppet. Mine is: “Everything you do is full of light, You’re not a failure you’ll be alright. Even though you may tumble down Please know you don’t have to frown. Take the day with laughter in hand, Always try again and again.” Then thing thoughts of yourself as who you would be if you were at a good position with your self-esteem and confidence.  Hold the heart within of the poppet while manifesting this vision. Then sleep with this under your pillow and go to sleep thinking about your dreams nightly to charge it.  Keep it by the mirror everyday and in the morning hold it gripped the same way by the heart and say encouraging things to yourself mentally or out loud. Can keep in pocket if you’d like for confidence. 

[extramidwestwitch]

Today's grimoire progress! Having my layout and my rough draft to work from makes me so happy and productive. This is gonna be a book I can reference soon! ♡

[tea-rabbits]

@2019grimoirecchallenge

Another piece from last week’s prompts

[ques-book]

#2019grimoirechallenge April wk 1

Happy Sunday! I’m sorry I missed last week but I wasn’t in a great place. It was the 5th anniversary of my mom’s passing and it just brings up a bunch of weird feelings. Couple that with the end of semester stress. Yeah, I’m a mess right now lol. Hopefully the upcoming @2019grimoirecchallenge weeks for this week and next will be just as good as this week, nice and simple.

This week focused on the elements so I wrote them up in my grimoire!

God my writing is bad. Anyway, until next week lovelies!