#my tools: herbal astrology oracle

[khajiit-reads]

hi khajiit! this is devildevotee.

baffy, he/him, the question you asked me is actually something i want to know too! in that i want to know "what is my next step?" and "what am i not seeing?" (if you don't want to/can't do two questions atm, feel free to choose between them).

for context, as you know i've been doing a lot of researching and resource gathering for the sake of knowledge. i've also been trying to get my environment to a workable state as my depression let things get dusty, messy, all that kinda stuff. i've also been trying to be balancing working hard and resting. i wanted to know if your deck or guides had an opinion for when all that is over, what is the next best thing for me to do? just generally.

additionally, i've been learning a lot of lessons from both my guides and the material i've been researching that have been giving me a lot of positive change in my mentality, but i want to know if there is anything i have failed to register that would also bring about positive change (i hope that makes sense). basically for the second question, i want to know if something has flown over my head that i should be implementing in my life.

thank you so much for offering readings! sorry this is so long haha.

Long asks my beloved. [ shoving all this context into my mouth ] /positive. Well met, internet traveler!

The spirit guide here to help is Minamitsu Murasa, from Touhou Project. She is the captain of the Palanquin Ship, and before that was a vengeful spirit who drowned ships out of essentially boredom, before being saved by Byakuren Hijiri.

The decks used are Citadel Oracle by Fez Inkwright (Dragoste, they/he/xe) as a significator - so not important to the reading itself - Seed and Sickle Oracle by Fez Inkwright (Dragoslav, he) with the Dusk guidebook, and Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales and Joséphine Klerks (Bonamie, she/qe).

Let's first tackle the first half of your question: What is your next step?

Pimpernel speaks about a crossroads, where no matter what the road you take, it's the right one. Ayahuasca speaks of divine message and guidance.

I think, ultimately, that means that, really, as long as you're earnest and listening to your spirit guides and all that... bit hard to fuck up!

We can also take what the rest of the meanings of Ayahuasca, which talks about rebirth, mastery, revelation, and more. Focus now on your growth and just changing into something new for growth and progress.

Your path has no wrong roads before you, and what you need to work on can be as simple as listening earnestly and moving forward. It can also note that no matter what you do, you got this in spades! No wrong answers this time.

And then: What are you not seeing?

Poppy speaks of grief, often unseen grief. Reversed Rue speaks of anger, self-criticism, and judgement.

Okay... hard question to ask: How are you feeling? You being kind to yourself? Are there emotions you're neglecting as you move forward with studying and researching? How does what you're learning make you feel, as well?

As the answer, I'd say it's that you're not recognizing your own depression very well. Perhaps you're being too hard on yourself and not focusing on self-compassion enough. You mention trying to balance working hard and resting, so I think this is a resounding "Rest more.", even if you're resting a lot already, and a "Ask yourself why you're depressed.", even if the answer is just "I just am".

Focus more on taking care of yourself during this time, and perhaps in moving forward as well. The right roads are ones lined with compassion and kindness.

Hard times can affect us and the steps we take. Make sure you heal fully before you make any major changes.

Thank you so much for your patience with me performing this reading.

Reviews are helpful, but optional. You can send them in replies, my ask box, or reblogging this post. Feel free to reblog this post with your thoughts in general, or without a review! You can also reblog my guidelines post if you like. If you feel particularly satisfied with my work, you may leave a tip in my Ko-fi.

Please do not reblog this post if you are not the querent. If you want something to reblog, please reblog my guidelines post. If there’s something within the post you want, you may ask, and depending on the request, I might fulfill it! Thank you!

I hope you, and all readers, have a wonderful day!

[khajiit-reads]

OH, if we're doing as many as we want, I'll put the rest under the read more.

⛤ Tarot of the Divine | Yoshi Yoshitani (better picture honestly. so reposting it)

⛤ Under the Oak Tarot | Ofride & StregaDelleMele

⛤ Gold Foil Tarot | unknown, it's a mass produced deck... foolish mistakes as my first bought deck (this is the one that beats people up lovingly so she gets a favorite slot because it's so iconic)

⛤ Crystal Ball Pocket Oracle | Athene Noctua

⛤ Citadel Oracle | Fez Inkwright

⛤ Seed & Sickle Oracle | Fez Inkwright (again)

⛤ StarDragons Oracle | Paolo Barbieri

⛤ Herbal Astrology Oracle | Adriana Ayales

⛤ Enchanted Blossoms Oracle | Carla Morrow

⛤ Touhou Poker Deck | the folks who made the game Mystia's Izakaya (home box is separate so not shown)

Thank you for the opportunity to show off my lovelies! Have a great day! I was originally gonna pop this in another post hence why some are links

witchblr!!!!

let's start a thread to show off our favorite tarot decks.

oracle and lenormand decks are welcome too!

i'll start - the antique anatomy tarot hands down best deck ever and i am proud to own the original edition.

[wholesomesmith]

Magic broken down:

Back before modern science, it and magic were the same thing; an incantation/blessing held as much water as making salt of tartar (K2CO2).

Remember, too, not literacy wasn't as high in Europe as it was in other places, so the act of just writing showed you knew stuff many didn't.

Also, geometry (simply a way to measure things using shapes and the relationships they can make [e.g. two circles; one inside and on outside an equilateral triangle have a ration of 1:2, 1/2, or .5]) was thought to show the secrets of the universe. Stone masons in Europe used geometry as a measurement tool, which was a large component for this train of thought. The topic of geometry is for a different post

Also, spells can be anything from charms, hexes/curses/jinxes, enchantments, or blessings.

Divination: the past, present, and future are already written somewhere, depending on the topic in question; be it in the stars (astrology), the hand of the person (palmistry), the dregs in a teacup, the endtrails of an animal, a casting of chicken bones or ruinstone, or the reading of playing cards (tarot); cold reading (a psychology trick of reading people), trances (commonly used by oracles), and dream reading are all valid methods

I'm not covering witch doctors, voodoo, and other categories because this is already going to be long enough.

Oracle: someone who goes into a trance via gases, psychedelics (fumes or consuming), etc, to predict the future.

An enchanter/enchantress: Those that mainly do enchantments

Witch: herbal based studies. They're basically the doctor of the group. It's not limited to just women.

The stereotypical witch in the woods is a result of the person rejecting the city and living in isolation and rejecting the beauty standards of that day so they focus more on their studies.

Their studies were kept in a book called a Grimoir/ book of shadows.

Wizard: Academic. You're more likely to find these people pouring over a library of books with multiple charts out, dividers in one hand, and a quill in the other

These people (mostly men, but women can be wizards) study just about everything with magic: astronomy/astrology, alchemy/chemistry, or geometry itself

Warlock: someone who devoted their life to a being far more powerful than man (eldrich beings or the like), letting the being grant them magic.

This is not a cleric.

Sorcerer: naturally gifted with magic.

Cleric: the priest. Devoting their life to a deity, which grants them forms magic.

Yashwa of Nazareth (Jesus Christ) was a cleric by this definition.

Druid: a nature cleric mixed with a witch. Their spirits are of nature, and they speak to Mother Earth.

Don't confuse these with shamen, which are druids mixed with oracles

Paladin: the priest with a sword.

These are my current findings.

[devout-khajiit]

*breaks into your inbox, makes soup on your toaster, and leaves a list of questions before disappearing into the night*

Out of your spirit guides from different pop culture sources or real-world pantheons, who works best with others from different "pantheons"? Do some regularly team up?

Do you find yourself buying multiple decks with the same overall "theme" (such as plants, animals, space, et cetera)?

And now it's your time to make a list of as many of your favorite decks and the reasons they're your favorites as you want. I gave you my exhausted list, I expect ranting and essays! (If you're up to it, of course.)

~Jasper

Yay more questions!!! Thank you for the opportunity Jasper! (Also, my poor toaster... my inbox will recover.)

Out of your spirit guides from different pop culture sources or real-world pantheons, who works best with others from different "pantheons"? Do some regularly team up?

Oh gosh... I'd say Lucifer. Lucifer is very results oriented, so They don't care about working with others they barely know for a shared end goal. My other guides know that if they need someone to just back them up or provide some extra firepower, to ask Lucifer, who will then ask me, and if I give the okay, Lucifer just goes "Alrighty. Time to go do The Thing." and then They do the thing.

I'd say the Princes team up the most though, because they're used to conniving with each other and being like "Hehe, I want You to help Me with My evil plot!" and said evil plot is just giving me an extra spark of joy in my life. (I love my guides so much my good dude /nongendered)

Do you find yourself buying multiple decks with the same overall "theme" (such as plants, animals, space, et cetera)?

Back when I asked for my first Christmas batch of nothing but decks, back in 2023, I asked for a good few nature related decks and came out with Magickal Botanical by Maxine Miller & Christopher Penczak, Mushroom Spirit by Nicola McIntosh, Urban Crow by MJ Culliane, and Herbal Astrology by Adriana Ayalyes & Joséphine Klerks.

Even then, nature decks come to me the most, and we can add on Enchanted Blossoms by Carla Lee Morrow (part dragon, part flower deck), Green Witch by Cheralyn Darcy, Seed & Sickle by Fez Inkwright, and Wild Mystic Oracle by Anastasia Catris (who actually came before those Christmas 2023 ones as my first bought oracle). We can maybe count Oracle of Pluto by Aubrey Houdeshell and Rose Ides, but that's actually a deck that uses hand shadow puppets to represent all the animal archetypes.

I also have a penchant for space decks, specifically Herbal Astrology, StarDragons by Paolo Barbieri, and Starcodes Astro by Heather Roan Robbins & Lucas Lua Souza.

So... yes. Yes I do.

And now it's your time to make a list of as many of your favorite decks and the reasons they're your favorites as you want. I gave you my exhausted list, I expect ranting and essays! (If you're up to it, of course.)

LET'S GO!

For me, I'm going in Alphabetical Order and in their sorted chunks of what kind of tool they are (tarot versus other standard versus oracle).

TAROT DECKS

Tarot of the Divine | Agapius & they/fae - I have the same gripe you do about the Rainbow Crow, but this deck is so integral to my faith and practice that I have such a soft spot for them.

Under the Oak Tarot | Oscar & they/xe - The art on this deck is just so stunning, but this may partially be "new deck jitters" talking. This deck is slowly instating themself into my faith and practice, and doing so quite well.

OTHER STANDARD DECKS

Hanafuda | Eiyuu & he/they - Part of my soft spot for this deck comes from having to build the meanings myself. He ended up being a deck of support, comfort, and encouragement, something I needed then and need now.

Poker Cards | Ludivine & they/he - This deck was, technically, the first one to end up in my hands, but they weren't used for readings for years. They're a gift from my dad, and this was his deck when he was in the Marines (I'm not pro-war or pro-military, by the way, that bares saying because this is Tumblr), so Ludivine has one hell of a personality and is very very wise comparatively to other decks because of their age.

ORACLE DECKS

Between the Worlds | Campbell & they - I just adore the concept of bones and curios being the basis for the cards in this deck. If you're into that sorta thing, I really suggest this deck. Could also be "new deck jitters" here too.

Citadel | Dragoste & they/he/xe - Dragoste is used heavily in my practice as significator, so Dragoste has wiggled their way into a favorite slot. It helps that I'm also majorly into fantasy and their archetypes and stuff like that lol.

Crystal Ball | Lazuli & ae - Lazuli is used nearly daily and as a very core part of my practice. It'd be rude to NOT include aem in my list here.

Enchanted Blossoms | Caoimhe & xhe - I adore adore adore the concept of this deck, of dragons with butterfly wings, and this deck serves and works as an encouragement and healing deck, which I am a proper SUCKER for. I love good healing decks!!! I love decks that can be used in healing!!!

Oracle of Pluto | Senka & she/he - This is another good healing deck, and the concept of shadow puppets for the card images (albeit drawn) is really cool. I just hate the fucking box for this thing, it's so... unwieldy. And not size, it's like. Things are tucked in sideways? And it's a really tight fit.

Prism | Iris & they/xhe - Color magic deck color magic deck! I wanted a deck about colors since I got into decks, and then I found this deck just existing out there! And now they're mine!

any Seasons of the Witch | various names - I adore this series. I will have them all one day. I celebrate the Wheel outside of a Wiccan context, because I like having any excuse to celebrate that I can scrounge up. They're a core part of my usual pulls.

Seed & Sickle | Dragoslav & he - I just love nature decks and I love decks centered on healing and recovery! Seed & Sickle is both! Good shit!

StarDragons | Pamphilos & they/ke - This was my first dragon deck, so Pamp holds a special place in my heart as I grow my collection. Pamp is also blunt and honest which I appreciate.

Touhou Poker Cards | Tomomi & they/xe - I've already kinda told you the story here but for all reading this, I got this deck purely because it was like a dream come true that it existed in the first place. Mystia's Izakaya team had a special pre-order for the Nintendo Switch Release and not only was my favorite Touhou fangame getting a Switch release, but ALSO I'd get a TOUHOU DECK OUT OF IT????? HELL FUCKING YEAH!!!!!!!!! So yeah Tomomi lives in my head rent free I love Touhou Project and I love Tomomi

Voice of the Souls | Amable & they/xhe - This is a very interesting deck, in that the guidebook is worthless and you're meant to read entirely intuitively lol. The guidebook wasn't meant to be worthless, but you are meant to read intuitively. It's like... a spirit communication deck, even if that spirit is your own spirit.

Witching Hour | Samir & xe - This deck is related to the SOTW series as it's by one of the creators, and man... does this deck fucking SERVE. Whenever I need to be told about my spiritual path, I go to Samir, and Samir bonks me, lovingly, about it.

RUNES

Witch Runes | Adeodatus & they - So this rune set is partially a passion project for me, because the original set is 13... but my set is now at 201. I keep adding more runes and more meanings, and things are great. It's a very happy project.

OTHER TOOLS

DND dice | Amnon & they/he - I just love the versatility of reading DND dice, because you can really make up a bunch of ways and do a lot of mixing and matching. It's really fun.

Charm Set | Astrophel & they/fae - I don't get enough chances to use Astro, but I love my charm set and the "build your own" aspect of the whole thing. I usually don't do handfuls tossed, but maybe I should? I currently just pick out one by one. I need a drawstring bag for my charms because that'd make it easier to throw handfuls, as of current I have them in a box.

[thexbox]

Not deleting blog just app

On the reasoning

Reclaiming my time and attention

Not trying to control other people

Still believe this format is needed

Lots of lessons in these pages

We are all over the map in terms of where the collective is on their personal spiritual journey

For many, it begins here

Once you get a taste for it, there is so much to learn, and if ur anything like me, u will have it on an IV drip

Too much of a good thing is too real

I'm like that sim that did the million hours working on one specific skill bar to complete mastery

Which is dope af

But it means I should stop "practicing" it because we already learned everything we can. now it's time to go use that skill in the wild and see what other shit we can disturb

Just because it's time for me to depart and focus my attention elsewhere doesn't mean others should too if thats not what they want

Right here might be exactly what the newly awakening lil bbGz are living and breaking for to placate their famished spiritual curiosity, start building up a foundation of knowledge and ideas, and like a "spiritual toolkit" in a sense

By that I mean ~ methods or practices used to connect with the divine, tools like tarot, oracle cards, this format (algorithmic oracle mosaic? tbd) meditation, energy work, color therapy, astrology, myth and legend, nature and plants, herbalism, numerology, celestial cycles... and on and on

There are infinite ways it just comes down to what works for you and that comes with practice

It's like learning a new language

The language of intuition ~ being open and aware and creating a container to receive divine channeling using intention

Consciously reflecting and choosing to take steps down a path that feels in alignment with your unique frequency

Starting to quiet the external noise so you can begin to pick up the signal and hear what that sounds like for you

To hear your soul's voice clearly for the first time

It's a beautiful magical process and amazing things are in store ✨️

Peep my old highlight reels in insta

Honestly it's crazy cause it never gets old to me

There is truly endless wonder to discover

Is it everything we dreamed?

[tarotifficlady]

Basic Five Card 10 minute reading $12

Advanced 10 Card 20 minute reading $20

Basic One Card Pull Five Minute Reading $4

Advanced Three Card Pull 15 minutes $10

Oracle Card Decks 1-20 10 minutes $18

Oracle Card Decks 21-50 15 minutes $25

Annual Forecast 12 Card 30 minute reading $55

Astrological Chart Evaluation Annual $75 (includes pdf report)

Initial Conference 15 minutes $25

Monthly Advanced Readings $22

Monthly Basic Readings $13

One Question Yes/No $2

Three Questions Yes/No $5

Ancestor Guided Readings $29

Generational Curses/Demonic Possessions $50+

Incantations

Spells and Rituals

Self Step by Step Guided starts at $25 basic up to $500 advanced

Spells and Rituals and Incantation by Me $99 basic up to $1,000

For Environmental Blessings and Cleansing $75

For Conception Determination, Gender Reveal, Soulmate Revelation, and Curse Reversals $49

For Generational Curse Removal, Spiritual Awakening, Monastery Success, Career Development, Educational Advancement, Spiritual Guides, Past Life Regression, and more advanced spells, starting at $99 up to $999.

All self realized incantations are given step by step instructions and guidelines that will include the proper herbal preparations, amulets, and tools necessary to complete your specifications as well as the proper way to finalize and dispose of anything you need to.

If you aren't interested in self realized incantations or feel your going to require advance level skills and experience, I will perform a variety of spells at reasonable rates, with my energy and schedule open only to a select few every monthly cycle.

I require you meet with me for an initial consultation to insure our mutual needs are net, and I will provide the options to you at that point.

My success rate and testimonials are available to anyone who asks, and I will post these on occasion for you to see my abilities and skills plus experience are the best indicators for moving forward.

I have rarely solicited as I build my community on reputation and referrals.

To book a consultation foe spellwork and/or to gain access to the Circle of Trust members only community, or for upcoming classes and retreats, simply send me a private message!

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, you can send a message with Subscribe in the Subject. Our daily journal newsletter and our weekly guided meditation newsletter are for members only, and cannot be received unless you're part of our exclusive community!

To access a complimentary free month at our Initiation Level, send a message with FreeMonthAccess in Subject line!

[diana-thyme]

The Ultimate Grimoire Guide

So! I have been seeing a ton of grimoire ideas and thought I’d stuff them all together. A lot of ideas are from @manifestationsofasort, @banebite, and @pigeonflavouredcake. Check them out! They have a ton of cool stuff there.

What Do I Use For My Grimoire?

You can use anything for a grimoire! For a physical one, journals, binders, and notebooks are good. For digital ones, Notion, Tumblr, Docs, and even just your file folder are great.

Introduction

A Book Blessing

Table of Contents

About Me

Your Current Path

Your Personal Beliefs

Your Spiritual Journey

Superstitions

Past lives

Favorite Herbs/Crystals/Animals/Etc.

Natal Chart

Craft Name

How You Entered The Craft

Astrology Signs

Birthday Correspondences (birth tarot card, birth stone, etc.)

Goals

Safety

Fire Safety

What Not to Burn

Toxic Plants & Oils (to humans, plants, animals)

Crystals That Shouldn’t Be Put… (in sun, in water, etc.)

Things That Shouldn’t Be In Nature (glass, salt, etc.)

Potion Safety

How to Incorporate Blood in Spells

Smoke Safety

Wound Care

Biohazards

Core Concepts

Intention & How It Works

Directing Energy

Protection

Banishing

Cleansing

Binding

Charging

Shielding

Grounding

Centering

Visualization

Consecration/Blessing

Warding

Enchanting

Manifestation

Meditation

What Makes A Spell Work

Basic Spell Structure

What Not To Do In Spells

Disposing Spell Ingredients

Revitalizing Long Term Spells

How To Cast Spells

What To Put In Spells

Spell Mediums (jars, spoken, candle, sigils)

Spell Timing

Potion Bases

Differentiating Between Magick and Mundane

Common Terms

Common Symbols

Intuition

Elements

Basic Alchemy and Symbols

Ways To Break Spells

Laws and Philosophies

Correspondences

Herbs & Spices

Crystals & Rocks

Colors

Liquids & Drinks

Metals

Numbers

Tarot Cards

Elements

Trees & Woods

Flowers

Days

Months

Seasons

Moon Phases

Zodiacs

Planets

Incense

Teas

Essential Oils

Directions

Animals

Symbology

Bone Correspondences

Different Types of Water

Common Plants

Entities

Deities You Worship

Pantheons

Pantheons & Deities Closed to You

Common Offerings

Epithets

Mythos

Family

Worship vs Work

Prayers & Prayer Template

Altars

Deity Comms

Devotional Acts

Angels

Demons

Ancestors

Spirit Guides

Fae

Familiars

House, Animal, Plant, Etc. Spirits

Folklore Entities

Spirit Etiquette

Graveyard Etiquette

Boundaries

Communication Guide & Etiquette

Spirit Work Safety Guide

How Entities Appear To You

Circle Casting

Common Offerings

Altars

Servitors

Mythological Creatures (dragons, gorgons, etc.)

Utility Pages

Gazing Pages

Sigil Charging Station

Altar Pages

Intent Pages

Getaway Pages

Vision Boards

Dream Pages

Binding Page

Pendulum Board

Crystal Grid

Throwing Bones Page

Divination Pages

Mirror Gazing Page

Invocation Pages

Affirmation/Manifestation Pages

Spirit Board Page

Other Practices

Practices That Are Closed to You (Voodoo, Hoodoo, Santeria, Brujeria, Shamanism, Native Practices)

Wicca and Wiccan Paths

Satanism, Both Theistic and Non-Theistic

Deity Work

Religious Paths (Hellenism, Christianity, Kemeticism, etc.)

Animism

Types of Magic/Spells

Pop Culture Paganism/Magic

Tech Magic

Chaos Magic

Green Magic

Lunar Magic

Solar Magic

Sea Magic

Kitchen Magic

Ceremonial Magic

Hedge Magic

Death Magic

Gray Magic

Eclectic Magic

Elemental Magic

Fae Magic

Spirit Magic

Candle Magic

Crystal Magic

Herbalism

Glamours

Hexes

Jinxes

Curses

Weather Magic

Astral Magic

Shadow Work

Energy Work

Sigils

Art Magic

Knot Magic

Music Magic

Blood Magic

Bath Magic

Affirmations

Divination

Tarot Cards

Oracle Cards

Playing Cards

Card Spreads

Pendulum

Numerology

Scrying

Palmistry

Tasseography

Runes

Shufflemancy

Dice

Bibliomancy

Carromancy

Pyromancy

Psychic Abilities

Astrology

Auras

Lenormand

Sacred Geometry

Angel Numbers

Ornithomancy

Aeromancy

Aleuromancy

Axinomancy

Belomancy

Hydromancy

Lecanomancy

Necromancy

Oneiromancy

Onomancy

Oomancy

Phyllomancy

Psephomancy

Rhabdomancy

Xylomancy

Tools

Crystal grid

Candle grid

Charms

Talismans

Amulets

Taglocks

Wand

Broom

Athame

Boline

Cingulum

Stang

Bells

Drums

Staffs

Chalices

Cauldrons

Witches Ladder

Poppets

Holidays

Yule

Imbolc

Ostara

Beltane

Litha

Lammas

Mabon

Samhain

Esbats

Deity Specific Holidays

Religious Holidays (Christmas, Easter, Dionysia, etc.)

Celestial Events

Altars

Basics of Altars

Travel Altars

Deity Altars

Spirit Altars

Familiar Altars

Ancestor Altars

Self Altars

Working Altars

Self-Care

Burnout Prevention

Aromatherapy

Stress Management

Coping Mechanisms

Theories & History

Witchcraft history

Paganism

New Age Spirituality

Cultural Appropriation

Thelema

Conspiracy Theories

Cults

Satanic Panic

KJV

Witches in History

Cats in History

Transphobia in Witchcraft Circles

Queerness in Witchcraft Circles

Other

Recipes

How to Get Herbs

Foraging

Drying Herbs and Flowers

Chakras

Reiki

Witches Alphabet

Runic Alphabet

Guide to Gardening

Your Witch Tips

Resources

Other Tips

List of Spells

Cryptids and Their Lore

What is a Liminal Space?

[huntingorbits]

☆ A Curious Catalogue ☆

Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet.

This blog welcomes all LGBTQ+ members, races, cultures, spiritual paths, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent individuals. DNI if you're a TERF, SWERF, or Pedo/MAP.

I welcome those who seek to learn and improve their knowledge regarding any of the above topics in addition to those below, and highly encourage questions and civil discussions. If I don't know something, we'll find out together.

I will not accept hateful or abusive behavior of any kind, including gatekeeping, proselytizing, and cultural appropriation.

This post documents the study and resources of my journey into the occult, witchcraft, chaos, and so much more. This catalogue will be updated regularly as I gather more information on each subject and resource. I'll include links to anything and everything as I go, including my own posts and tags, and cite sources where I can.

Common Tags:

#ArchersArchive

#ArcherSpeaks

#ArcherAnswers

#Research Tips

Who Is Archer Sims?

I chose this name for myself rather specifically, as it reminds me of my goals regarding my research and practices. I'm a bigender witch living in Midwest America (ope) with a background in anthropology and some educational exposure to non-Christian religious studies.

Meet the Witch.

Here's My Story if you want to learn more about what specifically brought me here.

The Archive:

My Library

Currently Reading + Queue

Works I've Read

Other Sources

Recurring Festivals in America

BIPOC Metaphysical Shops & Support

My Tarot & Oracle Collection

Research Topics

Classic Occultism

History & Types of Witchcraft

History & Types of Paganism

Covens Past & Present

Famous Practitioners

Witches of Color

History of Queer Practitioners

Cultural Studies

Open & Closed Practices

Pantheons Around the World

Myths, Legends, & Lore

Chaos Magic

Word & Art Magics

History & Types of Divination

Shadow Work & Psychology

Astronomy & Astrology

Botany & Herbalism

Geology, Crystals, & Ethical Harvesting

Environmentalism & Conservation

A Grimoire of Sorts

Magickal Tools

Sabbats, Esbats, & Other Sacred Events

Common Magickal Correspondences

Spellwork, Sigils, & Ritualcraft

Wordwork

Divination & Scrying

Do you have resources or recommendations? Visit my Ask Box and shoot your shot! I'm open to learning about pretty much everything. Does something seem wrong? Politely let me know, and I'll look into it some more.

~Archer

[itsthewickedwitchofthewest]

✨Starseed Witchcraft: 9 Cosmic Magick Practices for Starseed Witches✨

So you’re a starseed and a witch? Ah, so there’s more of us out there! But sometimes it seems witchcraft and “starseed” lightwork and healing don’t blend. Or at least there’s not a lot of information how to practice and acknowledge both aspects of ourselves. SO in this article, we provide our Starseed family who also identify as the Wise Ones or Witches how to mix starseed and witchcraft practices together fluidly.

First, What is a Starseed Witch?

A starseed witch is an individual who considers themselves a starseed AND a witch. So we’ll have to define both to explain. A starseed is an individual whose soul has incarnated on other planets, in other solar systems or other dimensions who is now living a human existence on Earth. A witch is an individual who practices the old ways and perpetuates an ancient wisdom in modern times through herbalism, divination, a deep connection with Mother Nature, intuition and much more. To put it simply witch = wise one. Furthermore, when a starseed soul is also called to practice witchcraft, they are a starseed witch. See? Not too confusing, I hope!

Ways to Practice Starseed Witchcraft

What if you want to incorporate more of your past interstellar incarnations into your current witchcraft practice? Can this be done? OF COURSE. They are infinitely tied together, after all. As above, so below. Generally speaking, you’ll take your cosmic interests and weave them into your witchcraft practice. There’s so many ways to do this but we will cover 7 here.

1. Ancient Cosmic Studies

The first way to practice starseed witchcraft is to STUDY UP on ancient civilizations and their beliefs about the stars and other planets. For example, look up the ancient Egyptians beliefs about Orion, how the pyramids align with it, etc. The Pleiades: research the ancient Norse peoples’ beliefs about stars. Read about the Dogon tribe’s knowledge of Sirius. If any of this information resonates deeply, you may tap into which star system from which you originate.

2. Astrology

Astrology is easy to incorporate into your witchcraft practice and links you directly to your starseed origins too! If you don’t know yet, look up your sun, moon and rising signs. Get your birth chart analyzed. Follow the major astrological events and how they affect the earth. Practice magic on big astrological events such as on eclipses, meteor showers, solar flares, etc. Any practice linking your witchcraft and the stars is integral to starseed witchcraft!

3. Decorate With the Stars

Add cosmic decorations to your sacred space and altar. Altar cloths with stars and galaxies, candle holders with moons and stars, and artwork depicting cosmic goddesses, etc. are a perfect way to incorporate your starseed origins into your spiritual practice by changing the ambiance. WEAR stars, moons, and suns on your clothing and jewelry to match your human exterior with your cosmic interior!

4. Meditation and Astral Projection

I’ve found meditation to be helpful when discovering your starseed origins. It’s also helpful for witches to learn how to visualize and to open your third eye. Try chakra balancing meditations, third eye opening meditations, and there are even guided starseed meditations for free on YouTube. In addition, astral projection is a method of leaving your body to explore other worlds and realms. Want to visit the planet you first incarnated on? Astral projection can take you there and anywhere in the universe.

5. Crystals

The earth is an ancient living being and her history has been written in stone. Many starseed witches have a deep love of and connection to crystals. This is because crystals carry ancient earth memories and healing energetic vibrations. Recommended crystals for starseed witches include: Lemurian seed crystals, lapis lazuli, quartz, and turquoise. Learn how to meditate with crystals to tap into their ancient secrets AND how to align your chakras.

6. Find Your Starseed Origins

If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to search for your starseed origin planet. Your soul incarnated for the first time somewhere in the Universe…but where? Are you an Orion starseed? Pleiadian? Andromedan? Or do you come from somewhere closer to home like Venus or Mars? There’s SO much to explore when it comes to the types of starseeds, and chances are you may have incarnated in more than one star system. Explore the types of starseeds, their traits, and see if any of these resonate with you. Once you figure out your origins, you can dive into further research and integrate your origins with your witchcraft practice. You’ll also learn what your mission is here on earth WHICH IS CRUCIAL!

7. Divination

As witches, we use different types of divination to communicate with our higher selves, gods and goddesses, ancestors, and angels. But what about using divination to communicate with otherworldly beings? Using a specific deck of cards, runes, or ancient symbols to open a channel of communication with other star-beings will enhance your growth as a starseed witch and connect you to the realms outside of our own here on earth. Always be sure to cleanse your tools and space before and after contact. Pray for protection from your guides before and after. This ensures protection from malevolent entities in the universe (unfortunately they exist!) I recommend THE STARSEED Oracle deck.

8. Man’s Origins & Lost Civilizations

When I awakened as a starseed in 2012, one of the first questions that I asked was about man’s origins. I found myself nodding my head to the ideas of evolution and the big bang, but what about all the parts in between with man’s evolution that we know nearly nothing about? Want to learn about man’s true origins? Start reading and digging and asking questions. This research may take you to lost civilizations and ancient cultures…both of which you can incorporate into your witchcraft practice. How does this relate to starseeds, you might be thinking. Trust me, it does

9. Reiki and The Violet Flame

If you have the money, get Reiki attuned. Starseed witches can benefit from Reiki for a number of reasons: a. it helps open your chakras, b. it clears negative residues and attachments from your aura, c. it opens you up spiritually to other dimensions and your guides. If anything, learn about the violet flame and how to use it. All is energy and starseed witches know how to harness and use energy to benefit the universe.

10. Look Up!

Take the time to get to know the heavens above. Go outside and look at the stars and the moon. Can you identify any of the stars? Do you see any planets? What phase is the moon in? Do you see any constellations? To further enhance your experience, use a telescope AND download a star-viewing app like Skyview. These apps will show you all of the constellations in the sky right from your phone and help you identify them easily.

[khajiit-reads]

Hi Khajiit! I'm Guinefort (he/him), and if possible, I'd like to ask for a Beltane Maypole Strings reading.

Since last November/December, I've got a lot going on regarding my spiritual practice/paradigm(s). Some Beings decided to stay, go away, or come back after years, and my personal cultus is changing and morphing into something new, but while it may sound cool and very dynamic, I'm feeling stagnant. I tried (and am trying) my best to understand what to do, but I feel there are some things that I can't get because I'm stuck in my own brain, and maybe I need an external pov.

May I have a general reading to see if there's something I can do about it? Thank you in advance!

Well met, internet traveler!

Each deck will be tackled as I get there to reduce the post being too terribly long and chaotic.

SOTW BELTANE (Tavish, he/they) -- Wildcat

To paraphrase the book, "Wildcat appears to alert you to something that isn't as it seems". You're missing something, there's something going on behind the scenes that you're not seeing very clearly. Like you're seeing it fuzzy, like the view for the nearsighted without glasses.

Spend some time analyzing things deeper than you have now, perhaps turning to personal divination to figure out what's really going on.

HERBAL ASTROLOGY (Bonamie, she/qe) -- Reversed Dandelion

Dandelion is the "wounded healer", the wounded inner child, and represents trauma, rejected instincts, and being inactive. This card is pretty much always a call to heal these things.

Do you find yourself constantly trying to pour from an empty cup? Are you inactive in caring for yourself, instead always providing for others? It's time to mend these behaviors and fix them.

PRISM (Iris, they/xhe) -- Creativity

Time to be creative! Face the old things in new ways, instead of trying to just rely on how you did things in the past. Shake things up, try new things. Be free!

ORACLE OF PLUTO (Senka, she/he) -- Devil

Ah, Devil. The outright meanings of this card is addiction, abuse, aggression, and control. As for the advice?

Let go of some of your need for control. Let things be. After you've verified things are as they are meant to be, and that things are honest and true, just... go with the flow, y'know? Trust in who you trust, and let things change. Holding onto control of the situation will make it all the harder for you to stop feeling stagnant.

SEED AND SICKLE (Dragoslav, he) -- (Dawn) Birch

This card speaks of relying on other people to help with new beginnings. Ask other people what they do with their practice, observe others, or just plainly ask those around you what they think of what's happening and what all is going on.

BOTANICAL INSPIRATIONS (Adonis, he/she/they) -- Sweet Pea

Enjoy the little things, and the big things too. Where does it feel good? Pursue that. Stagnant feelings often come because we do not welcome enough joy, and we're just living life on an autopilot. Actively seek out positive things, and pursue them seriously.

TREE KEEPERS (Aesc, they/xe) -- Keeper of Ease

And at the same time? Have peace. Know that things will be okay. If your belief system is that everything happens that is meant to, find peace within that as well. Know that the bad leads into good eventually, in time.

MAGICKAL BOTANICAL (Bellamy, they/she/he) -- Upright Henbane

Another card asking you to view things from a new perspective than you were before. There's not much to add to this one, but try and see things from new eyes.

ENCHANTED BLOSSOMS (Caoimhe, xhe) -- Beauty

See beauty in the changes. See beauty in how things are progressing and mutating. Things are beautiful, after all, and by viewing them from a new lens, you may find there's less stagnation.

WILD MYSTIC (Chrysanthemum, they/xy) -- Upright Elephant

Hold onto your memories of the past and know that they will guide you. Yes, you feel stuck in your own head, but it's important to know that your head is you, y'know? Like. you live there.

As well, is there anything you've done in the past that you really enjoyed, but had to let go of for one reason or another? Maybe it's time to return to that.

URBAN CROW (Hartwin, they) -- Routine

Unlike the cards name implies, I'm getting more the vibe of "break up your routine". Where you normally do x, then y, then z... maybe do y, z, x? Or add b into the mix, allow things to be mixed up in the mixing bowl of life.

EARTH & BONE (Gwydion, he/they) -- Wayfarer

Another card that says to seek truth, as well as saying to provide guidance to yourself from within and contemplate. I think you've contemplated enough, so instead focus on seeking truth in your situation.

MUSHROOM SPIRIT (Amara, it/xe) -- Shiitake

Nourish yourself! What makes you happy? What brings you peace? Pursue those things. Nourish yourself with everything you have and everything you need.

GREEN WITCH (Chocolate, she/they) -- Geranium

This card is more of a... general one? It is a good time to heal. It's a great time to heal, even. This change will be healing to you, and you should pursue this change, even if you need to do some further analyzing.

HANAFUDA (Eiyuu, he/they) -- August, First Mountain

This card speaks of unexpected things and chaos. I think this goes back into the very first card, about how you're not seeing things the way you're needing to.

UNDER THE OAK (Oscar, they/xe) -- Reversed XVI the Tower

This card is the change card, but in its reversed position, it speaks of fear of change, resisting it, etc. Are you actually accepting the change as it comes? Or are you finding yourself hoping and wishing for the way things used to be?

Overall, this came out more general advice-y than anything else. I hope that is okay. As well, some things are directly contradictory (try new things versus relying on older things that made you happy), but I think things like that are mended by using discernment where you need to do which one.

Thank you so much for your patience with me performing this reading.

Reviews are helpful, but optional. You can send them in replies, my ask box, or reblogging this post. Feel free to reblog this post with your thoughts in general, or without a review! You can also reblog my guidelines post if you like. If you feel particularly satisfied with my work, you may leave a tip in my Ko-fi.

Please do not reblog this post if you are not the querent. If you want something to reblog, please reblog my guidelines post. If there’s something within the post you want, you may ask, and depending on the request, I might fulfill it! Thank you!

I hope you, and all readers, have a wonderful day!

[tipsycad147]

Baba Yaga

(pronounced: bah-bye'yegg-ah)

Created by Arteal

© All original material in this site is under copyright protection and is the intellectual property of the author. © 1995 Kate Nordstrom

Baba Yaga Wild Woman I walk in the forest and speak intimately with the animals I dance barefoot in the rain without any clothes I travel on pathways that I make myself and in ways that suit me my instincts are alive and razor sharp my intuition and sense of smell are keen I freely express my vitality my sheer exuberant joyfulness to please myself because it is natural it is what needs to be I am the wild joyous life force Come and meet me

By Amy Sophia Marashinsky

Bone Mother

Originally she was Baba from Eastern Europe. Autumn was her season for she lived in the last sheaf of corn. The woman who consumed it would become pregnant within a year. Baba became the fearsome Baba Yaga of Russia. She lived deep within a birch forest. Her house was surrounded by a fence of bones with human skulls atop it and a lock that was a mouth full of sharp teeth. Her house turned on chick legs. Baba Yaga became the evil witch that ate children and scared men to their deaths. It was written her mouth stretched from Earth to the gates of Hell. She flew through the air with a mortar and pestle sweeping the trail with a broom.

http://www.babayaga.com/babayaga.htm

Bone Mother Originally she was Baba from Eastern Europe. Autumn was her season for she lived in the last sheaf of corn. The woman who consumed it would become pregnant within a year. Baba became the fearsome Baba Yaga of Russia. She lived deep within a birch forest. Her house was surrounded by a fence of bones with human skulls atop it and a lock that was a mouth full of sharp teeth. Her house turned on chick legs. Baba Yaga became the evil witch that ate children and scared men to their deaths. It was written her mouth stretched from Earth to the gates of Hell. She flew through the air with a mortar and pestle sweeping the trail with a broom.

But let us look closer. She is not only the Goddess of the underworld, but also the guardian of the fountain of the waters of life. Baba Yaga not only is the Goddess of death, but also the Goddess of life. At dawn, a white horseman leaves her residence. When noon arrives, a red horseman leaves her residence. And finally, at dusk, a black horseman leaves her residence only to have the cycle begin again at dawn. The signs of the triple Goddess remain. If you were to ask Baba Yaga she would tell you these were not men, but amazons that rode the horses. Baba Yaga's lineage is not known. When asked how she feels about being made into an evil hag, the grandmother of the devil, a demonic witch, Baba Yaga explains at least she was kept alive so when someone wished to seek her out she could be found. Baba Yaga believes this image keeps many of the unwanted away. Even writers who spoke of her evil side also would speak of her giving side. She does not associate with men at all and believes they distorted her image out of fear. Baba Yaga is a woman's Goddess and associates herself not only with the Crone, but also with the Amazon. She is considered a wise old woman, even by those who fear her.

Witch

Correspondences:

By Hrana Janto

http://www.hranajanto.com/goddessgallery/

Astrological Sign: Scorpio

Colorus: White, red, and black

Gemstones: Garnet, bloodstone, tourmaline, smoky quartz

Goddesses: Hecate, Hel, Kali

Goddess Aspect: Crone

Festival Date: January 20

Herbs/Flowers: patchouli, sandalwood, geranium

Moon Phase: Waning/Dark

Other Names: Baba, Boba, Baba Den, Jezi Baba

Sacred Animals: snake, cat

Season: Autumn

Symbols: mortar and pestle, broom

Tree: birch

Spells

Baba Yaga is a Crone Goddess so it is best to invoke her for banishing rituals. It is easy to include her in your spells and rituals. Place a mortar and pestle on your altar to represent her. Burn white, red, and black candles if you do not own a mortar and pestle or just for some extra Baba Yaga power. Baba Yaga recognises that it is difficult to banish unwanted traits/behaviours and suggests spinning in a circle with your arms out until you are dizzy before any banishing spell. If you are unable to physically spin then spin in a meditation. As you spin, name the traits you wish to let go of. This exercise will help minimise the defences we use to hold onto negative behaviour. But remember if you can not do this safely in your physical space, then do it in a meditation.

She is also a wonderful Goddess to use during empowerment spells. During the full moon wear her colours and chant this affirmation, "I am a witch. I have the power to change the things I do not like in my life. I find out what I want and need and I give it to myself. I no longer hide my beliefs and talents to protect others. I speak up. I enjoy every witch way I am." (1) Feel free to change it to suit your purposes.

Meditation

The purpose is to meet Baba Yaga so you my get to know the true Goddess. This meditation is best done during the dark moon. It is a solitary mediation best done alone. Cast a circle if you like or just get comfortable in you favourite meditation position. Make sure the room is dark and you will not be disturbed. Now let us begin.You have entered a thick forest, but some how you know your way. You reach an opening in the trees. There before you is the home of the Goddess Baba Yaga. The fence is made of bones topped with human skulls. The house dances on chicken legs. It is a fearsome sight, yet you know there is nothing to fear. You reach the gate and ring the bell for her. In a harsh voice she asks what you want. With a pure heart you tell her why you wished to meet her. She flies out of her house in her mortar to greet you. How are you feeling? What are your impressions? Baba Yaga approaches and asks you to come with her for a ride. Do you hesitate? Go with her. Fly through the air in the mortar with Baba Yaga. Take note to where she takes you and what she tells you. Enjoy the feeling of flying! Baba Yaga will know when it is time to come back. When you return to her home, thank her and give her a gift. Does she give you a gift? If so, what is it? You know your way back through the woods. Now you know the way and can visit Baba Yaga when needed.

http://www.sacredsource.com

Healer

When I rode with Baba Yaga in her mortar the first time she ground me up into little pieces with her pestle. She then sprinkled the waters of life on me and I was back to myself. I felt refreshed, as if the unneeded traits were ground away. Baba Yaga came to me as a healer. She taught me all healers must be intimately familiar with the cycles of life and death. She remains guardian of both the underworld and the fountain of the waters of life. She rides in a mortar with a pestle, this is a tool of an herbal healer. Her colours are white for purity and red for life force, not just black for endings. To any healer, I highly recommend becoming intimately acquainted with a Death Crone.

http://www.lunaea.com/goddess/power/babayaga.html

References

1.Blair, Nancy Goddesses for Every Season. Element Books, Rockport, 1995.

2.Conway, D. J. Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Myth and Reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, 1999.

3.Conway, D. J. Moon Magick: Myth & Magic, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, 2000.

4.Monaghan, Patricia. The New Book of Goddesses & Heroines. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, 2000.

5.Marashinsky, Amy Sophia. Illustrated by Hrana Janto. The Goddess Oracle: A Way to Wholeness Through the Goddess and Ritual. Harper Collins, UK, 1997.

6.Telesco, Patricia. 365 Goddess: A Daily Guide to the Magic and Inspiration of the Goddess. HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.

Link no longer active

http://www.lunaea.com/goddess/power/babayaga.html

http://www.lunaea.com/goddess/power/babayaga.html

10.(link no longer active)

11.(link no longer active )

Thank you Baba Yaga for making yourself known in my life!

http://www.orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/babayaga/BabaYaga.html

[spiritionary]

Divination Deck Spirit Experiences

The mods of Spiritionary as well as others we’ve spoken to have noticed spirits in many of our divination decks whether tarot or oracle. Each seems to be unique and in many cases completely sentient, and it not only varies from type of deck but deck to deck as well, each specific deck having its own spirit. It’s quite common for cartomancers (diviners who use card decks) to describe their deck’s personalities. Even doing an “interview spread” to communicate with a tarot or oracle deck itself is a standard practice for a lot of diviners when they get a new divination deck. 

Yet despite how normal it is in the world of divination to speak of deck interviews and personalities, divination is usually considered a totally separate and distinct practice from spirit work. So acknowledging that most or perhaps even all divination decks have their own spirits has important implications for the potential overlap between spirit work and cartomancy divination (if not other forms of divination as well). At the very least, divination can always be used as a tool for communicating with spirits and the relationship between cartomancy and spirit work is very strong in that sense!

Here we’ve gathered some personal stories from 14 diviners about individual tarot and oracle deck experiences collected by Mods Wind and Fire...

Idris’ Shadowscapes Tarot Deck

"My Shadowscapes Tarot deck is very sassy but not it a bad way. She tells it like it is and makes you face hard truths. With me she is always particularly harsh and throws out lots of major arcana. With others she isn't too bad, but she still is blunt in her messages. She cuts to the chase." - Idris, @crystalwitch-in-the-tardis

Periwinkle’s Hawaiian Mana Card Oracle Deck

"I have a Hawaiian Mana Card Oracle deck and every time I use it, it feels as if I'm consulting a wise grandmother ancestor figure because she's very perceptive to everything (especially BS), and will give it to you straight, but with the utmost love and respect. She only wants the best for the readee, so any hard-to-swallow words are immediately followed by words of compassion and love for your true, vulnerable self." - Periwinkle, @destinylightreadings

Siris’ Chrysalis Tarot and House of Night Oracle Deck

"I have two decks I mainly use: Chrysalis Tarot and House of Night Oracle. The Chrysalis Tarot is very happy self-help yet doesn’t exactly explore the downsides. It’s more good advice and what you can do to address a problem so very practical. Comes off like a school guidance counselor. House of Night has more a motherly tone. Where it looks out for you yet win tough love. Likes to tell you the good and bad of a problem and give their opinion of how to proceed yet it’s ultimately up to you." - Siris, @path-of-stars

Subterranean Roses’ Steampunk Tarot Deck

"My steampunk tarot appears as a young woman in steampunk garb. She's actually fairly nice, like a supportive friend who sometimes is blunt because you need to hear it but not really in a sassy way. I'm pretty sure the spirit looks like one of the characters on the cards, but I haven't figured out which." - @subterraneanroses

Kuro’s Tarot Deck

“Mine can be sarcastic, and is usually pretty straight forward. I do have to store it with a little salt, because I have had problems with it being possessed in the past.” - Kuro, @ladykuro

Lala’s Oracle Deck

“My oracle deck. I love it to pieces. I didn't pick out my self but I did buy it. It is very good telling when to stop shuffling. Like it would be very hard to shuffle if  I need to stop. It is very guiding and accurate. It tells advice in a practical and loving way. I didn't pick it. Someone else did. But it has this very distinct smell that no matters what doesn't go away. I am big on smells. It just feels like home. And comfortable. And just everything I need.” - Lala, @ursalala 

Titan’s Tarot Deck

“My deck is pretty call out and harsh, but always has this little gentle, motherly tone. Like "Face your problems and get your life together omg but it'll be okay bb." It's stern but kind. I also conceptualize my deck as female.” - Titan, @a-spoonful-of-magic

Ismerila’s Tarot Deck

"For some reason, my deck reacts differently for me when around other people, and I really, really believe that it's trying to help me. Like with my nana, we shared doing readings together and it really laid out what she's going through and what she needs to do to change her life for the better, and when it got to me, the cards kept saying, ''Hey. I know you feel miserable.'' And the more cards that I drew that said ''you feel down.'' the more nana was like, ''uh.... u good?'' When I'm alone it offers advice, but when I'm around my family it's like ''HEY PAY ATTENTION LOOK SHE FEELS BAD HELP HER GENIUS.'' - Ismerila, @natasatcha

Amy’s Tarot Deck

“I've had my deck for almost three years... I truly believe my deck and I have a strong connection. Actually the first time I really connected with my deck I was going through a really hard time and it's like she (for some reason my deck really feels like a female presence) laid it all out for me and that's when I really started to get close to my deck. When I'm feeling confused or just need clarity in a situation I always find reassurance and answers with her. Also, it's nice just to spend some time with my deck. I feel more protected and secure when I do this... in my opinion in feels like something has my back and will tell me what's up, even when I don't want to hear it sometimes haha" - Amy, @glass-of-her-boudoir  

Anonymous Divination Deck Owner

"My tarot decks def have "personalities" if that's what you mean one of them (Morgan-Greer) is very gentle and grandmotherly (maybe bc I received it from my grandmother and her energy rubbed off on it?), another (Aquarian) is pretty distant and abstract in its messages, and the third (Hermetic) is a bona fide troll or maybe the Hermetic deck just rubbed me the wrong way at first bc of its appropriation of Jewish symbols. (Nonetheless, it's very easy to read, esp. if you know astrology well.)"

Mod Fire’s Buddha Tarot Deck

“When I first finished printing and cutting out my deck, which has the card art from the Buddha Tarot but meanings from Buddhist sutra texts, I could feel a sort of presence within the stack of cards right away. I did a deck interview and got very clear answers about how the deck felt about me and wanted to work with me - it doesn’t care at ALL how other people think of it and will only deliver the honest truth from its point of view. I still haven’t really figured out what the spirit of my deck is, but I suspect that it’s derived in a way from the collective consciousness of all the cards within it - a sort of make-shift divinatory Buddhist messenger of wisdom drawing from all the Buddhist spirits and symbols represented by each card in the deck. I love my deck dearly, and for now, I’m so happy with it as the only one I own.” - Mod Fire

Lena’s Linestrider Tarot Deck

“I hadn't been doing much divination lately because my Linestrider deck is pretty serious and requires a lot of contemplation and reflection when I do a reading and I hadn't had an occasion when I needed that voice lately. Well today I did my Litha spread which was pretty encouraging but heavy, and then I did a deck interview spread even though I've had the deck for about three months. First of all: the "who are you/essence of the deck" card was the Queen of Pentacles. The book it came with described it as "If the Queen cards were embodied as friends that you went to for advice, the Queen of Pentacles would invite you to her beautiful plant-filled kitchen for homemade bread and soothing herbal tea." I couldn't have described the personality of this deck any better! The rest of the reading was super encouraging and reflective of the deck. I feel like we've really connected and I can read better from them now.” - Lena, @katialena

Lena’s Mini Tarot Deck

“I have this mini deck I got from Coles back in January and it's been good for learning the meanings and getting used to readings as a beginner because it was pretty straightforward. But ever since I got the Linestrider this deck (I call it my travel deck or my pocket deck) has had a bit of an attitude problem every time I tried to use it, like it was petulant and jealous. I was getting frustrated and contemplating resetting and cleansing the deck to give away since we clearly were not clicking anymore. But today I was on a tarot roll so I decided to do a simpler deck interview spread with it to kind of just "Why not?" WELL, let me tell you I was floored by the results. 

I started as a casual conversation like "listen, I'm open to this conversation, talk to me" and the cards were SO snarky! The "who are you" card was the 8 of Swords and was basically saying "I'm a stubborn, straightforward, tongue in cheek kinda guy, but reserve your ultimatums and keep an open mind even if it's not pretty.” And the rest of the cards followed that lead talking about the strength as being cutthroat honest and the limits being super carefree like "I don't give a fuck" and at the end when I asked if I would be able to use reversals with this deck (clarification card) it told me that further exploration and learning would be my strength, but also to tread with caution. I really appreciated the candor of the conversation so I shuffled the cards so they would be all mixed up and different directions and when I had them all mixed and in a pile I felt this huge surge of power unlike anything I've ever felt from the tarot before. It actually brought me to my knees and made my eyes sting. When I felt it had absorbed/passed I brought them together and they seemed to buzz with new energy and purpose. Since then I’ve kept my travel deck with me in case it calls me for a quick warning or piece of advice.” - Lena, @katialena

Lotus’ Tarot Deck

“I’ve noticed that all of my decks have very distinct personalities - and I feel like with that, a spirit that embodies this personality. The deck I most often use has a very strong,  brutally honest, alpha-male, warrior-like spirit. The deck and I work extremely well together, it delivers honest readings and never sugarcoats its answers. I get my strongest, clearest readings from it, in part due to the spirit's personality and due to our connection.” - Lotus, @lotusulfr   

Mod WInd’s Elemental Tarot Deck

“My deck, who I call N, definitely has a (what I perceive as feminine) spirit. She’s very straight with me but kind, and pleasant most of the time. I think she has a very calming presence, even when I’m not reading from her. I have another deck but N is my go to for true advice and when I need to really hear something, my trusted deck. She’s become a great friend to me even though I don’t talk to her often knowing she’s near brings me peace. She can be silly but usually is more calming and pleasant, while being straight. Like a soft light in darkness.”  -Mod Wind

—> Have questions? Send them to us at SpiritFAQ!

[turtlemoon-design-blog]

Here is an interview I did with Rossi Dennis, a spiritualist who I know of who reads taort cards and is a published writter.

I found this interview really inspiring because I had so much information to take in. Espeically about how books that come with the deck can often all be the same. Something I’m going to try and change.

Hi Jasmine,

Sure I’m happy to help. Here is my rambly reply...

When did you learn how to read tarot cards? How did you learn? (self taught, had a teacher)

My first interest in tarot was about 10 years ago but only in the past 2 years have I made an effort to study and use it. I’m still an absolute amateur learning through reading books, online research and more recently by watching YouTube videos. One of favourite beginner books is Tarot An Illustrated Guide by Jonathan Dee (which you can find pretty cheap secondhand online).

What is your favourite part about reading tarot cards, and the actual tarot cards themselves?

One of my favourite things about the tarot system is seeing the multiple functions people use it for, whether it’s as a psychological/personal development tool, a spiritual tool, or as a way to practice divination. It also makes for an effective focus tool, such as affirmations. Using a card to tap into that desired energy or archetype, for example the 10 of Cups for happiness and the Ace of Pentacles for prosperity.

As a personal development tool (sometimes called shadow work) where you can ask questions such as ‘what are my current subconscious beliefs around money’. It usually helps you to see things from a new perspective and makes you face up to a few truths.

I find it interesting to see how people relate the cards to different spiritual sciences such as astrology, herbalism, crystal healing, etc. Also the diverse range of decks tailored to different spiritual paths such as celtic druidry, native american shamanism, etc. The same applies for themed oracle decks which can be an interesting alternative way to learn about a practice instead of just reading a book.

But my favourite thing about tarot is seeing the diverse range of tarot decks being created. Which all have a basic foundation but the artist/creator puts their own spin on it. I see buying decks like buying 78 pieces of small functional art. To me tarot is a good way to mix spirituality, psychology and creative expression into my day.

My favourite cards in tarot are The Wheel of Fortune, The Moon and The 9 of Pentacles. If I don’t like how they look in a deck I won’t buy it.  

What is something you dislike about tarot cards?

My pet hate is cards with borders that are there just for the sake of having borders. I usually trim them off.  A cheap thin card stock can ruin a beautiful deck.

Also when the books that come with a deck are the same as every other little white book, the shared info is useful but I’d also like to know why the artist chose the elements that they did. Perhaps a crystal association or positive affirmation would be a nice touch also for each card as something to focus on, such as in the herbal tarot companion book. Just to set their book apart from the rest and add something different.

Is there any curtail information you’d pass onto someone who doesn’t know much or anything about tarot cards?

Don’t over think your first deck purchase, it won’t be your one and only. Tarot decks are addictive. Once you do have one, commit to it for at least a month before buying another that way you give yourself some time to learn from it.

Watch YouTube flip-through videos to choose a deck you like as sometimes images can be too violent, scary, busy or dull for beginners so by seeing a deck first can help with any anxiety or buyers remorse.

Over time you will build up a collection of decks to draw from, some will be gentle, some blunt, etc. Each brings its own energy created by the artist.

It is ultimately a personal development tool and is not evil, it is simply a form of divination no different to flipping a coin or casting rune stones.

It’s a myth that your first tarot deck must be gifted to you and that only those who come from a family line tarot readers are ‘allowed’ to read it.

The best way I found to learn was to assign a single word or key-phrase to each card instead of having to memorise complicated meanings. For example Death = Transformation, Star = Hope, Devil = Temptation. From those words you can link to others for example Temptation can mean desire, addiction, lust, distraction/procrastination etc.

Get to know the cards by playing with them daily, such as pulling a single card and writing down whatever comes to mind for the card to you personally in a tarot journal/notebook. Making up short stories for each card can help add a level of personal understanding.

A tarot journal is useful for making a note of personal card meanings, spread ideas, tarot deck wish-lists etc. I use an A5 ring binder as I can move things around if necessary.

A tip I found useful was not to reach straight for the book for an explanation to encourage your own intuition.

How do you feel about those who take advantage of tarot reading?

Unfortunaelty I think there are shady people in any area of faith/spirituality, always have been, probably always will be. I can imagine it would be easy to be taken advantage of by a tarot reader who has purely financial motives. I suppose the same could be said for horoscope/astrology hotlines.

I think open market places like Etsy are a good place to find readers as it gives the reader a worldwide reach and the reviews can help customers discern the genuine tarot readers from the inauthentic ones.

If you were to design a deck for yourself what would be important to include? (design, image, colour, feel, information, etc?)

Lately I’ve been drawn to the more simple decks with watercolour finishes like the Linestrider and the Marshmallow Tarot. So I think my deck would follow a watercolour aesthetic. I have a few decks on order so I’m currently on a deck buying diet so I’m resisting buying them.  I think this deck is going to be very popular - traditional Rider Waite Smith imagery with Unicorns, in watercolours and no borders Crystal Unicorn Tarot

If my deck featured people I would want a more diverse range of races, genders and body types, etc. I think this is the reason a lot of decks use mystical creatures or animals in place of people to avoid this issue for example in The Wild Unknown, The Anima Mundi and in the Animal Totem tarot. The Spirit Within Tarot actually uses silhouettes to make the deck more inclusive.

Matte finish on a card stock of at least 300gsm as shiny gloss can be a distracting and can look cheap in my opinion. I’d also be tempted to make my deck smaller than most decks as I think there is a growing trend for smaller decks such as the Marshmallow tarot. Or at least make a smaller version available in addition to the standard size.

Some resources you might find useful

Youtube

Ethony - reader, teacher and deck creator

Two Spirit - a tarot enthusiast

Darkstar Tarot - lots of simple flip-throughs

Kelly Ann Maddox - tarot reader

LittleRedTarot - An online shop/blog which stocks indie decks

I hope that helps and good luck with your project,

Rossi

[khajiit-reads]

hi i’m really interested in the The Beltane Maypole Strings. can i have a reading on that please? thank you very much

Well met, internet traveler!

I'll list each deck as I get to them!

SOTW BELTANE (Tavish, he/they) -- Self Worship

Alrighty, so. Self-Worship is pretty self-explanatory, it's the card of revering oneself and abiding by oneself. You deserve good, kind things, and you should grace yourself with them during this time. Beltane is spring, and spring is life, spring is peace and prosperity.

HERBAL ASTROLOGY (Bonamie, she/qe) -- Reversed Cat's Claw

This card speaks of wounding, loneliness, shame, regret, rejection... Have these things been a part of your life lately? Have you found that you're hurting more often? The card above implies that it's time to begin healing from these things and begin moving forward.

PRISM (Iris, they/xhe) -- Fear

Fear is also a self-explanatory card. It depicts a dark doorway, though this deck isn't a very big on the art one... But what is beyond that dark doorway? Should it truly be feared, or is it just another room?

ORACLE OF PLUTO (Senka, she/he) -- Snake

This card is about a spiritual awakening, a healing. Something new may be coming to you religiously and spiritually as of late, that will pave the way for a new lesson to be learned that brings about healing and perhaps prosperity.

SEED AND SICKLE (Dragoslav, he) -- (Dawn) Lily of the Valley

Take advantage of the opportunities before you. Do not let them pass you by. They're available to you for a reason, and you should take advantage of them. Your reservations may exist to protect you, but they needn't control you.

BOTANICAL INSPIRATIONS (Adonis, he/she/they) -- Amaryllis

* Seeing this beautiful flower fills you with determination... [ cough cough ] Sorry.

This card is the determination card as well as the creative achievement card. It's time to put some focus into a creative endeavor and focus on it hard. Don't give up on it. We're all creative creatures, and being creative is in our lifeblood. So lean into it, let it happen, let it occur.

TREE KEEPERS (Aesc, they/xe) -- Keeper of Wonder

Have you lost sight of that which is wondrous and beautiful lately? Well, now it's time to return to it. The world is so much better than it seems. With everything the way it is, it makes sense to be dreary... but if you engage with your local life, it may prove to be so much kinder and wondrous than you think.

MAGICKAL BOTANICAL (Bellamy, they/she/he) -- Upright Yew

This card is a call to become one with the universe, essentially. To listen to ancestors, the Earth, ones soul. They each have answers upon us to deliver, that may bring peace.

ENCHANTED BLOSSOMS (Caoimhe, xhe) -- Grace

This card asks one to be graceful. To see the world as a beautiful thing and to move through it beautifully. This isn't talking about a physical appearance beautiful, but rather acting beautifully. Be kind to another, be kind to yourself.

WILD MYSTIC (Chrysanthemum, they/xy) -- Upright Frog

Frog is the healing card. The message is quite simple when upright, to begin healing and to permit healing. It's time to take some steps to actually let yourself heal, instead of waiting for time to just heal the wounds all on its own.

URBAN CROW (Hartwin, they) -- Grief

[ sigh ] What a sad card. This card points out where you've been sad and defeated as of late. Give yourself some grace. Tend to these hurt feelings, and let yourself heal in them.

EARTH & BONE (Gwydion, he/they) -- Visionary

You are worth it. You are capable of it. You will be okay. Pull your head up, and pursue the passions that make you you.

MUSHROOM SPIRIT (Amara, it/xe) -- Common Puffball

It's time to let go of that which ails you. Not everything is meant to stay in your life forever, so it's time to let go. Know what doesn't serve you and release your grip.

GREEN WITCH (Chocolate, she/they) -- Watermelon

Fertility isn't always about the "get pregnant, give birth" kind. It's sometimes the fertility of tending to a relationship, the fertility of growing plants, the fertility of life as it provides for us. So spend some time providing for the Earth around you and tend to your relationships.

HANAFUDA (Eiyuu, he/they) -- August, Second Mountain

This card speaks of carefulness and subtle elegance. Don't rush into anything now. It's time to wait and be patient. Don't make any decisions rashly.

UNDER THE OAK (Oscar, they/xe) -- Upright V of Pentacles

This is the financial struggles card... it may be pointing at a difficulty either existing now or that will exist soon. It also is a general adversity card, which a lot of this reading seems to be pointing at healing from something that has wounded you...

IN GENERAL . . .

Not much to add, this is very much a "each card has its own piece to say" kind of reading. But it's definitely pointing at a lot of need for healing, reconnecting, but also letting go of that which hurts you.

Thank you so much for your patience with me performing this reading.

Reviews are helpful, but optional. You can send them in replies, my ask box, or reblogging this post. Feel free to reblog this post with your thoughts in general, or without a review! You can also reblog my guidelines post if you like. If you feel particularly satisfied with my work, you may leave a tip in my Ko-fi.

Please do not reblog this post if you are not the querent. If you want something to reblog, please reblog my guidelines post. If there’s something within the post you want, you may ask, and depending on the request, I might fulfill it! Thank you!

I hope you, and all readers, have a wonderful day!

[khajiit-reads]

I'm up for doing some free readings tonight and into the week! With some Options available to you, should you want them! You may request multiple over the course of the week!

As always, read my rules and everything.

You can of course take the usual. Send a question, maybe pick a deck or tool (optional, if you don't say one I pick!), get an answer.

However, for the upcoming week (until April 7th, unless I decide to extend it) I'm also offering the following: (Note: Some of these do in fact break my 5 cards for free rule! They're free for now though! Because I say so and it's my blog.) (Also note: Some of these are always offered for free, so check here for that.)

DND Dice: See here for more information on the options... or just ask for one and I'll pick one at literal random.

Astrology Dice: A general reading using astrology dice.

10-charm Charm Reading: (Technically 14 thanks to the significator charms, but...) A general reading, again.

5 Card G-Witch: A general reading, no real questions are asked. However, I do need to know whether you want the masculine significator or feminine significator. There's no neutral significator, sadly [ weeps in nonbinary ]

Encouragement Salad: A method where I use all of my encouragement decks (Enchanted Blossoms, Botanical Inspirations, You Are Amazing! affirmations deck, Creative Consciousness Healing, and my hanafuda deck, one card each) to provide either general encouragement or encouragement on a specific issue you state in your ask.

Half-Finished SOTW + Friend: I don't own every Seasons of the Witch deck, but this is a prototype of a future reading that would use all of them + Witching Hour Oracle! This reading is intended to provide guidance for your spiritual journey and what you should take as a next step. You may ask a question, but it may not get answered.

Pokemon Team: A reading where I pick one of my Pokemon decks and pull a "team" of six cards to receive a general reading.

Yu-Gi-Oh Battle: A reading where I pick a Yu-Gi-Oh deck, and pull six cards (six to be equal with the Pokemon team) to receive a general reading.

When should...: A simple divination of when something should happen by. I have a deck, Time Will Tell, that will be used for this. (Please... they deserve love...) As with all my divination, I provide a disclaimer of I don't believe in hardcoded fate.

And finally, The Beltane Maypole Strings: One card from 16 decks, all themed appropriately to Beltane, by being a nature themed deck! This is also a general reading. THIS IS A LIMITED SLOT OPTION. I'm not dooming myself to 50 of these by not making it a limited slot option. The full list of decks is SOTW: Beltane, Under the Oak Tarot, Hanafuda cards, Botanical Inspirations Oracle, Tree Keepers Oracle, Prism Oracle, Oracle of Pluto, Earth and Bone Oracle, Seed and Sickle Oracle, Magickal Botanical Oracle, Enchanted Blossoms Oracle, Mushroom Spirit Oracle, Herbal Astrology Oracle, Green Witch Oracle (the one by Cheralyn Darcey), Wild Mystic Oracle, and Urban Crow Oracle. SLOTS TAKEN: 2/15 (remember to check the parent post by going directly to the post to see if this updates because reblogs don't update!)

Paid readings are still temporarily closed as I update my shop. Thank you all for your patience.

[tipsycad147]

For the Beginner Pagan, Wiccan, & Witch: Tips & Resources to Get Started

A question that is asked often in the pagan community is, “how do I become Wiccan/Witch/Pagan?” And while there are literally hundreds of online resources and books, the beginner pagan is seemingly more confused than ever. I receive emails every day on this exact topic. So, to simplify it for you and for me, I decided to write out all of my advice in one place. Here’s where to start in Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism, including beginner witchcraft books, pagan books, Wicca resources and simple steps to get you started on your unique pagan path.

DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism.

For Beginners: Wicca, Witchcraft, & Paganism

Read & Study: Books and Online Resources

Keep a Record: A notebook or journal serves as grimoire or Book of Shadows

Get Outside

Practice: moon ritual, meditation, celebrate sabbats, divination

Altar Set Up: free & cheap ideas, tools, etc.

1. Read & Study

You might be tired of being told this, and I know it’s beaten into people’s heads when they first start out, but there’s a reason everyone gives you this advice. Wicca, witchcraft, and paganism are all separate (but sometimes combined) spiritual paths, and therefore you need to read to determine what’s what as far as the basics go. If you come to a FaceBook group or live coven and ask what’s the difference between Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism, they’ll almost always tell you that you haven’t done enough preliminary research. The information is out there. I promise. Use Google. It is your friend. The resources available to you for free are ENDLESS. When I first started, I didn’t have the internet. I had books from thrift stores. And I had my own drive and will to practice and forge my own path. The internet makes it SO easy for the beginner pagan!

Beginner Wicca Books

Scott Cunningham:  Wicca: A Guide for Solitary Practitioners, Living Wicca, Earth Magic, Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Etc.

Raymond Buckland:  Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, Practical Candleburning Rituals

Lisa Chaimberlain: Wicca for Beginners

Beginner Witchcraft Books:

Marian Green: A Witch Alone

Ann Moura:  Green Witchcraft, Grimoire for the Green Witch

Ellen Dugan:  Cottage Witchery, Garden Witchery, Natural Witchery

Christopher Penczak: The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, The Outer Temple of Witchcraft, Instant Magick, The Witch’s Shield

Edain McCoy: Sabbats, , Celtic Myth & Magick, If You Want to be a Witch

Laurie Cabot:  Power of the Witch, Celebrate the Earth, Laurie Cabot’s Book of Shadows

Judika Illes: The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, Encyclopedia of Spirits, Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages

Beginner Pagan Books:

Pagan Portals: The Awen Alone – Walking the Path of the Solitary Druid, Dancing with Nemetona, The Dagda

Joyce & River Higginbotham:  Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions

Morgain Daimler:  Irish Paganism

Trevor Greenfield:  Paganism 101

Frank MacEowen:  The Mist-Filled Path

DJ Conway:  By Oak, Ash, & Thorn

Free Pagan and Witchy Websites for Beginners

thewitchymommy.com

witchoflupinehollow.com

thetravelingwitch.com

sarahfawnempey.com/

patheos.com/library/pagan

sacred-texts.com

otherworldlyoracle.com (shameless plug)

magicalrecipesonline.com/

pinterest.com

Something you might not have thought of – there are DOZENS of FREE pagan and witchy apps for mobile phones these days. Download a free moon app that tells you the phase of the moon and what astrological sign the moon is in. There are also rune apps to help you learn the runes, tarot apps, crystal apps, etc.

Copyright: Nicole Canfield 2018

Beginner Witch, Wiccan, Pagan Topics to Study

When I say “study” in the above heading, I mean to read, write it down, and also practice what you study. The topics I typically suggest for people to study include:

moon phases and magical associations

the Wheel of the Year and sabbats

the four elements

gods and goddesses

ancestors

mythology

pagan history

crystals

herbs

These are some basic topics to learn. You will find other topics you’d like to study along the way. These just scrape the tip of a massive pagan iceberg of knowledge! Don’t just research and write these things down…get out of your comfort zone and PRACTICE them.

2. Keep a Record

In addition to reading and studying, you. Must. Keep. A. Record. This means using a cheap spiral notebook, a fancy journal, a composition book, whatever you’d like, to serve as your spiritual journal (a.k.a. grimoire or Book of Shadows). The Book of Shadows or grimoire is used to document your spiritual journey, as well as basic magical knowledge, spells, sabbats, etc. It can be as detailed and organised as you’d like. Or, if you’re like me, I literally just write things as I go along and flip back through my grimoire later. Not the most organised way, but hey, I’m a Sagittarius. Whatever works for you, do it. But WRITE it down! This way you can review your notes as well as have a chronological record of your journey.

3. Get Outside

In the majority of pagan paths, the focus is on Mother Earth. We read about nature, plan rituals to include nature, set up an altars to honour nature, its time to get outside…in nature! Get outside as much as possible – it is the core of your new path. Go for walks in the park or around the neighbourhood. Sit outside on your balcony while you drink coffee in the morning. Take a break at work and go for a walk. During your free time? Go outside. When you’re stressed out? Go outside. There’s so much to learn just from being outside and experiencing it with all of your senses. Watch for different animals and insects. Where’s the sun or moon? Do you see any special trees, plants, or flowers? Do you hear the wind blowing through the trees? Birds? What do you smell? Record any significant moments you have outside. Sometimes these moments are signs from the Universe.

The Author feeling like a dryad!

4. Practice

You’ll never gain experience with something unless you practice and actually get out there and DO IT. Right? Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft are the same way. A lot of people want to read and research and write about it, but are afraid to actually try it. Give it a try. While a new spiritual path or religion can be intimidating in the beginning, Wicca and Paganism are nothing to be afraid of. They are very active spiritual paths and you will be rewarded more if you get off the couch and practice something you’ve been studying!

Beginner Pagan & Wiccan Rituals to Try:

A simple candle spell

Make a protection spell bag

Make a magical herb-infused oil

Set up an altar to honour a new god or goddess

Divination like tarot, oracle, runes, scrying

Give offerings to your new god or goddess

Cleansing herbal bath on the New or Waning Moon

Plan and start a new tradition on the next Sabbat

Helpful Magical Tools for the Beginner Pagan

First of all, tools are there to help you direct your energy and amplify it. Some practitioners will tell you that tools have no power, that you have all the power. I’m not going to tell you that, because I am an animist and I believe herbs, crystals, animals, etc. have their own consciousness and when used in magic or ritual, their power is channelled to intensify it. That being said, you don’t have to have ANY tools at all. Your inner power and the universe is plenty! Keep in mind, most of these you can find in nature (in your backyard/forest/beach), or you can find them at the dollar or grocery store!

Candles:  votives, tapers, bell candles, tealights, etc. (white is an all-purpose colour that can be substituted for any other colour)

Chalice:  literally like a wine cup or stemmed champagne glass works great, if you don’t want to splurge on an expensive one!

Athame:  I used an old wood-handle kitchen knife for YEARS. Doesn’t need to be fancy.

Bowls and Baskets:  to hold offerings on your altar or to use when you harvest herbs and other natural items (Dollar Store and thrift stores or what you have on hand); bowls can also hold water and salt (to represent elements water and earth for Wicca)

Stones & Crystals:  lots of people love crystals and stones but you don’t need to buy all the sparklies to use them in your magick or on your altar – simply use a river stone, a piece of coral from the beach, or a rock from some place you feel drawn to!

Herbs:  grow your own easily in a sunny windowsill or in your own garden (all you need is a bag of soil and some seeds…truly) or buy from the grocery store (your kitchen spice cabinet is FULL of magical ingredients!)

Incense & Incense Burner:  find sticks or cones and burners at a local store for cheap (5 Below, Health Food Stores, etc.)

Other Natural Items (FREE):  feathers, branches, flowers, roots, seashells, pinecones, acorns, seed pods, etc.

5. Set Up Your Altar

You might be thinking, I can’t set up an altar! I don’t have the money! See the section above. Most of the items on your altar can be found in nature or purchased for cheap…or even made! You don’t need a huge table or cabinet. A shelf on your bookshelf will do. So will a part of your kitchen counter. IF you live with someone who doesn’t understand or condone your pagan path, you can always start a “portable altar”. This is an altar that is kept in a box under the bed or in the closet and can be taken out when you feel comfortable or taken to the local park with you, etc. No one will ask questions because it won’t be out for anyone to see it. AND you have the added bonus of travelling with it too (depending on the size of it).

I recommend deciding what you want your altar to do for you. Are you honouring a specific god or goddess? Your ancestors? Just the universe or mother earth? Are you forgoing the god/goddess thing altogether and just want to use it for magical endeavours? Figure out your purpose for the altar (this can always change over time, too). Then add things to it that suit your purpose. Items to represent the four elements (water, salt, stones, seashells, feathers, candles, incense, etc). Maybe a picture of the god or goddess you honour. Or a statue if you feel like splurging. Solely using it for magic or meditation? Candles, jars, bottles, mirrors, etc. can be placed on your altar. Literally WHATEVER you want to put on it, you can! No one’s telling you otherwise. That’s the great thing about Paganism.

It’s a Learning Process!

Again, this is practice, you don’t have to be perfect at any of it! You are a beginner, and even the most experienced witch or pagan still makes mistakes. We are human, after all. The point is that you acknowledge the mistake and try to learn from it so you don’t make the same mistake again. BUT even if you do, the Universe or your god or goddess will probably send some kind of sign to remind you to try harder next time! Any true witch will tell you that witchcraft and paganism are lifelong journeys that require lifelong dedication to self-education and drive. For those who have been pagans for fifty plus years, ask them and I’ll guarantee they are still learning! If you meet anyone in the pagan community who says they know it all, run away screaming. Follow your own path and take your time walking it.

https://otherworldlyoracle.com/beginner-pagan-wiccan-witch-tips-resources/