the-weaving-cryptid

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Interesting 👀

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Pick a Link, Get a Side Quest.

I've recently developed some motivation to do pick a card readings and thought this one was a cute idea. Hopefully y'all will get some positivity from this reading.

From left to right, we have three photos to choose from. All are of Link from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Once you've chosen your group, continue reading under the cut.

Group One

Your Cards: Eight of Cups + Decision

Your Side Quest: Choose to let go of something so that you can have peace again.

This is the group that is going through it right now. I need y'all be to be kinder to yourselves, group one. Y'all deserve better.

Those of y'all who chose the first photo have a decision to make. There is a source of toxicity in your life, and I think most of y'all are aware of where it's coming from. You're being called to cut ties with whatever is the source of that toxicity. You'll feel better for it in the long run.

Group Two

Your Cards: The Moon + Patience

Your Side Quest: Take time off for some self-care and relaxation.

I'm gonna need those of y'all who chose group two to stop and take a breath. Some of y'all have been hustling as of late, and the consequences are going to catch up if you don't give yourself a break.

Most of y'all that chose group two have a specific goal in mind and have been working hard to reach it. It's okay. Y'all will achieve your goals, but you need to allow yourself time to relax. You won't be able to enjoy the rewards of your hard work if you're exhausted.

Group Three

Your Cards: Queen of Wands + Awareness

Your Side Quest: Acknowledge your strengths and achievements. Celebrate them.

The queen of wands is the embodiment of confidence and capability. You should be more proud of yourself, group three. Choose to celebrate your achievements, even the small ones.

This group has likely been feeling insecure due to a setback. I'm here to remind y'all that this happens sometimes, and it is okay. One obstacle doesn't need to destroy your path to achieving your goals. Pull yourself together and push forward, group three. You've got this.

Decks Used: Oak, Ash & Thorn Tarot + Thistledown Oracle

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Dirts & Dusts

Dirt and dusts are some of the easiest tools you can acquire for your workings. Here's a list of dirts and dusts that are common in southern folk practices.

If you intend to make your own powders, please wear a mask and proper eye protection. You don't want this stuff in your lungs and eyes.

Consider your local and federal laws before attempting to acquire dirt from private property.

Graveyard Dirt

Gathered from a specific grave or a corner of a graveyard, this dirt is typically gathered for two things: to work with the grave's spirit or to buy the dirt from the spirit for magic purposes.

Graveyard dirt is one of the most versatile tools you can have. You can use it for spirit work, protection, cursing, finances, love... Pretty much anything you can think of. Always offer something of equal value before taking it. You don't want an angry spirit following you.

Churchyard Dirt

Churchyard dirt is gathered from the yard of a church. This is best done on a Sunday since that is considered the "holy day" in Christian terms. Some old folk remedies call for churchyard dirt to ease some ailments such as colds or toothaches. For magic, churchyard dirt is best used for healing and protection purposes.

Bank Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a bank, the purpose of bank dirt it pretty self-explanatory. Bank dirt has been used to increase luck regarding finances and gambling. Common methods include sprinkling the dirt in your shoes or adding them to a sachet.

Police Station Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a police station, this dirt is also self-explanatory. You can use this keep the law away or to help bring the law down on a person.

Courthouse Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a courthouse, this dirt is typically used for the purpose for gaining a positive outcome from a court case.

Railroad Dirt

This dirt is gathered from a railroad, but if you want it to work it has to be a railroad that is still active. That being said, railroad dirt is best used for workings related to having people come or go, and to make charms for safe travels.

Crossroad Dirt

The crossroads are known to be a place of immense power. It's why so many workings call for visiting them. Crossroad dirt can be used for increasing luck, acquiring something you want, or removing an obstacle. Always pay the crossroads three of the most shiny dimes you can find before taking its dirt.

Home Dirt

This dirt can be gathered from within your own property or another person's property. Home dirt is used more as a taglock. You could use it to lay down protection for the home, or you could use it for more malicious workings.

Red Clay & Red Brick Dust

Old folk remedies call for red clay to heal bug bites, rashes, and shingles. For magic purposes, red clay and red brick dust are used for pretty much the same things. They are best used for workings related to protection against witchcraft and bad luck.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

"There's an age-old superstition that a cat is conjuring up a rainstorm when it washes its face. So what did the mountaineer do? He got it to wash its face! Usually a glob of bacon grease, butter, or ice cream was smudged on a cat's nose or cheek for them to wash off. They'd get the cat to wash its face at least three times that day, and it's said rain would come three days after."

- Jake Richards, "Backwoods Witchcraft"

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Reading Playing Cards [Spades]

The spades suit is associated with matters such as conflict, inner turmoil, sickness and death.

Please keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards depending on region and culture. My interpretations are heavily influenced by Jake Richard's (author of Backwoods Witchcraft & Doctoring the Devil) interpretations, as well as southern and German folklore and superstitions.

I choose to read reversed cards for most of these because my playing card decks have imagery that help me determine if they're reversed or not. This guide may not be the best if you're using a standard issue playing card deck.

Ace of Spades

To dream of a birth is a sign of death, as is the rocking of an empty cradle. Death in this context is usually metaphorical, though in rare cases could be literal. The ace of spades is all about death: changes and endings.

Key Words

Upright: Sudden Changes, Abrupt Endings, Misfortune, Bad Luck

Reversed: Discomfort, Anxiety, Paranoia, Irrationality

Two of Spades

Broken bottles symbolize drama and aggression. The two of spades highlights an external conflict. This conflict can be either verbal or physical.

Key Words

Upright: Arguments, Fighting, Trouble, Separation

Reversed: Making Amends, Reconciliation, Finding a Middle Ground

Three of Spades

Many believe things come in threes: good and bad. You don't really get to decide when it happens, it just does. It all depends on your luck. The three of spades will let you know which threes you're currently dealing with.

Key Words

Upright: Bad Luck, Setbacks, Obstacles, Struggle

Reversed: Good Luck, Balance, Harmony, Overcoming Obstacles

Four of Spades

Acorns are used for both good luck and protection purposes. Some say that oak trees have a special connection to thunder storms, and that if you place an acorn on your windowsill it will protect your home from being stuck by lightning. The four of spades is all about protection and safety.

Key Words

Upright: Protections Compromised, Danger, Take Precautions

Reversed: Secure, Safe, Danger Avoided

Five of Spades

The five of spades is the corpse card. The past cannot be changed, what's done is done. The future is still unknown and full of potential. The five of spades can be a sign of hope that things will only get better from here, or that internal conflict will hinder you. In rare cases, this card may also warn of sickness.

Key Words

Upright: Bury the Hatchet, Release, Moving On, All Uphill From Here

Reversed: Anxiety, Sorrow, Pity, Grudges

Six of Spades

Coffins are the final resting place for many. The six of spades represents a conclusion to something. The situation might not be over quite yet, but it will be. In rare situations this card could represent a literal funeral.

Key Words

Upright: Ending, Conclusion, Separation

Reversed: The Past, Resurrection, Holding Onto Something, Spirit Communication

Seven of Spades

Blood spilled represents loss. The seven of spades represents something lost that cannot be replaced.

Key Words

Upright: Loss, Grief, Regret

Reversed: Something Stolen is Returned, Replacing Something

Eight of Spades

There are many sayings and folk tales about beds. One that I think most of us recongize is, "You've made your bed, now lie in it." The eight of spades represents the consequences of one's actions. What happens after depends on if there is a change.

Key Words

Upright: Consequences, Bad Decisions, Bad Habits

Reversed: Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Good Habits

Nine of Spades

The lily is a common funeral flower, and dreaming of white flowers represents coming illness. In some cases dreaming of white flowers may represent witchcraft is being used against you or a visit from a spirit. The nine of spades represents a haunting, literal or metaphorical.

Key Words

Upright: Restlessness, Holding Onto Something, Grief

Reversed: Peace, At Ease, Rest (for both the living and the dead)

Ten of Spades

The graveyard is the ending of all things, as well as a sacred place that demands respect. The ten of spades confirms that something is over and done for, though sometimes it may represent a loss (a small one, not as big as the seven of spades).

Key Words

Upright: The Worst Is Over, Conclusion, Witchcraft At Work

Reversed: Trouble Ahead, Enemies Plotting Against You, Spirits Have Been Offended

Jack of Spades

When we describe a person as being a "snake in the grass", we are trying to say the person is deceitful and not to be trusted. This is the easiest way to describe a jack of spades character.

The jack of spades is typically a young person who has a rebellious or bad attitude. This person uses lies and manipulation to get what they want. This person may also lack respect for authority or generally perceive themselves as above most people.

Queen of Spades

The black widow is a dangerously venomous spider that partakes in cannibalism. Most know to avoid this spider, lest they get bit and end up in the ER. Think of the queen of spades as just that: an older person who is dangerous and toxic.

The queen of spades is commonly a cruel parent, a jealous partner, or a bitter widow. Their toxicity seeps into all aspects of their life. They aren't easy to get close to (not that you should want to) and struggle to keep relationships of all kinds.

King of Spades

While some cultures think of owls as symbols of intelligence and wisdom, others consider them to be harbingers of death and destruction. The king of spades could be perceived in a similar way: an older person who is smart, but ultimately criminal.

The king of spades is a person who thinks of themselves as above the law or knows how to bend the rules (and get away with it). While the jack of spades is impulsive, the king of spades is calculated. They may literally have a criminal record or should have one.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Notes on Reading Playing Cards [1]

Keep in mind that there are many ways to read playing cards but playing cards are not the equivalent to Tarot. The rules may be different depending on your family, culture, the type of playing cards, and other factors. This is entirely based on my own style of reading playing cards.

• If you want a quick yes/no reading, shuffle your deck and pull three cards. The meanings of the cards don't matter for this- the colors do. Reds are yes, blacks are no. If all three cards are the same color, it is a definite yes or no. If there are two reds and one black, it is a strong yes but there may be some small caveats. If it is two blacks and one red, it is a strong no but there may be some small truths involved.

• If the seven of hearts comes out followed by the ten of clubs reversed, it is a warning that something bad is coming, and it is coming quick. There is nothing you can do to stop it.

• Ten of spades and ten of clubs (both reversed) together means that somebody is working against you with intentions to destroy something you've worked hard for. The cards following can tell you who it is, why they're doing it and if you can prevent the damage.

• The five of clubs followed by the six of clubs is reassurance. There will be success in things that have been in the works for a long time, especially if it's related to the person's career.

• The seven of diamonds followed by the nine of diamonds (both reversed) indicates that the truth will be disappointing. The rest of the cards can further explain what the truth is.

• Six of spades followed by ace of hearts reversed can suggest a major ending leading to movement; such as moving houses, graduating university, being hired for a job and similar events.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

What's your biggest grudge/gripe in witchcraft right now?

The amount of fluff in books meant to be instructional. It's somehow just as bad as recipe blogs. I would prefer if witchcraft authors got to the point, but often, the fluff serves only to obscure the fact that the authors either don't know or don't want to tell you how things work.

Thanks for sending an ask!

~Jasper

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Need to spiritually protect your home from unwanted spirits or want to secure your good luck?

Keep a dried corn cob under your doorway to protect against disease and attract good fortune. The corn cob must stay dry lest it mold and bring misfortune.

Hang dried bundles of basil above your doors and windows to protect your home from unwanted spirits.

Hang a horseshoe upright above your front door to hold your good luck.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Okay folks let’s talk-

So so tired of Non-Americans trying to erase the identities of Americans. In particular European-Americans (Americans with European heritage).

We are still here. Our cultures are still here. It is not a monolith. You can’t ignore YOUR history by invalidating ours. Your countries played a part in the colonization process of these lands. You are not blameless.

I linked below the entire post from @Therootcircle on Insta I think EVERYONE should be reading it. And read the comments too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lisa Fazio (@therootcircle)

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Not dead and the account hasn't been abandoned. Laptop died (like, dead dead. permanently) and work is reaching its peak busy season. I see y'all. Stuff is in the work.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

The word "luck" doesn't appear in the English language until the 1480s, likely borrowed from the Middle High German word "gelücke". Luck as an English word was likely brought into the language as a gambling term but has since developed into a superstitious belief and supernatural phenomenon that various cultures believe in.

What Luck Is (And Isn't)

Luck can be broken down into two things: the belief that defines the experience of improbable events by chance and an attribute of a person or object. Luck isn't something that is usually measured. It's simply good or bad, and it just is. While luck isn't usually measured, there are superstitious beliefs regarding what may attract good and bad luck. There are also various practices in folk magic that are said to protect, benefit, and ruin one's luck.

The thing about luck that makes it unpredictable is that it doesn't care how good of a person you are (or how good you think you are). Bad luck comes for everybody, whether by improbable chance or by consequence of your own actions. It doesn't judge you or anybody else. You could be one of the most generous and kind individuals out there, and bad luck would still find a way to you.

It is important to mention that there are no universal rules or "correct" beliefs regarding luck. Many cultures believe in the concept of luck but have different beliefs regarding what is lucky and unlucky. One example of this is how many Christian-influenced cultures believe that 7 is a lucky number. At the same time, some Asian cultures believe the number 7 is unlucky.

Another important point to mention is luck is not karma, so avoid treating it like karma. Karma is a doctrine from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Luck is a superstitious belief and supernatural phenomenon that many people, regardless of their religon or lack of, believe in. I won't get into the details of karma here because that would derail the entire post. Find a Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain to talk to. Research it on your own time.

The Importance of Luck in Folk Belief

You have to consider how the times were prior to today's conveniences; those conveniences being the internet, cell phones, fast transportation, and many other technologies. For many rural communities, the nearest doctor could easily be a day-long trip or longer away on horseback. If one person had an infected wound or got sick, it could mean death. If the man of the house lost his job, it could mean the entire family starves. If the family didn't starve, the bank may take the house due to them failing to pay their taxes or failing to pay off their loans.

The smallest mistake could come with a heavy price back then. Due to this, people sought to preserve their good luck however they could. As long as their luck was good, they could at least get by.

While we have many conveniences in today's age (I'll admit, conveniences that are often privileges), you still never really know when things are going to go sour. There are still many rural communities and low-income communities where people are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Many of these people have vehicles that are hanging on by a thread because they can't afford anything too new. Many can't afford health insurance or an emergency hospital bill. I could list a number of things, but you get my point. For many people, despite today's conveniences, life is still full of struggle for many. This goes back to what I said earlier- many people still believe that as long as they can keep their luck good, they can at least get by.

Common Superstitions

I will give the disclaimer now: I'm speaking from the perspective of a person raised in the deep south and currently living in rural appalachia. Some of these are superstitions I grew up with, and some are ones I learned as I grew older. You may be from a place where the beliefs are the opposite of what I have listed here. That's okay. Sometimes, things are different based on location and culture. Take that into account as you read from here.

• Hang horseshoes above the front door facing upwards to keep the good luck from running out.

• Sprinkle cornmeal at the bottom of your savings jar to keep your coins and cash off the hard bottom, that way you'll be kept off hard times.

• If you find a penny facing heads-up, put it in your right shoe for good luck.

• Never burn pine, cedar, dogwood, or sassafras inside. It brings bad luck. (Also, pine will spit like none other so just don't burn it inside so you won't burn your house down.)

• Always exit a building the same way you entered, otherwise you will attract bad luck.

• When you move into a new house, leave your old broom behind. Otherwise you will bring all the negativity from the old house with you.

• Carrying a rabbit's foot attracts good luck.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

"Most people treat ancestor work like it's a trade, a transaction: they help us, we give offerings, and that's that. Lord, if that ain't further from the truth. In this work you will meet ancestors who weren't very good in life, who bring to light the sins of your blood, and you will be faced with the task of healing these generational wounds."

- Jake Richards, "Backwoods Witchcraft"

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Fraiskette - Folk Magic

Let’s talk more Folk Magic: the Fraiskette

Look at this gorgeous BEAST of a fraiskette she’s so beautiful…..

What is a fraiskette?

Fraiskette are necklaces strewn with amulets and protective charms given to pregnant women and newborn children to ensure a healthy childbirth and early life.

They originate from Germany (specifically Bavaria)

What makes a Fraiskette?

Most fraiskette are made of a red string or red ribbon base

They include various organic charms like teeth, claws, horns, antlers, beaks and even dried animal feet

They also have mineral/rock charms. The one above features jasper, agate and a malachite heart, as well as Donar Stones and fossilized coral and snail shells.

Finally, the include sentimental and religious amulets. The largest pictured above is a Breverl, but also keys, arrows, vials of Walpurgis-oil, small bells and brass depictions of the Mother Mary.

How were they used?

Each of the charms on the fraiskette corresponded to some medicinal or spiritual use.

The eagle talons we’re used to imbue courage to the user

The wolf and deer teeth were used to assist in teething

The Martin feet were used against rheumatism and cramps

The moles feet were used against seizures as well as cramps

The horse hair was used to aid in seizures

Snails shells for protection

The inorganic materials like red stones (amber, jasper, agate) were used specifically against menstrual cramps

Coral was used against blood disease (and is pretty significant as a protection charm in Dutch Magic)

Malachite was used as a stone against rashes and cravings

The fossilized shells are for protection of the bones

The Donar stones are for protection from lightning strikes and seizures

These Necklaces would be put on the Bedpost or worn to Ward away Various Illnesses.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

"Old Time Burials" [1]

The following transcripts are from the second Foxfire book from the chapter "Old Time Burials." Trigger warnings for death, funerals and dead bodies.

While reading the following transcripts, please keep in mind that Appalachia has a unique dialect. Many of the words and phrases shown may be foreign to you. They are not misspellings; they are a reflection of Appalachia's dialect.

All transcripts are indented. Any quotes of peoples direct words are bold and italic. My own commentary will be normal text.

I'm making a particular note of the following transcript, because it reflects how society has lost its sense of community and empathy. Even if you choose not to read the rest of the transcripts below the cut, I encourage you to read the following.

While working on this chapter, we learned to value the qualities of unselfishness and concern that people had for others in the time of death and to appreciate the unlimited time they gave of themselves. Showing their genuine sympathy, respect, and love for the family of the deceased, people traveled great distances in wagons and on horseback to attend wakes, help dig and fill the grave, make the coffin, wash and dress the body, and to help the family in any possible way. And they did it, usually, free of charge. As Margaret Norton said, "Th'family didn't have t'pay nothin'. They dug th'grave free of charge. Men went in together and dug th'grave. And you made th'burying clothes, and you made th'box t'be buried in, and there wadn't no payin' goin' on. Th'preacher never charged for a funeral- for preachin' the funeral. They'll charge for funerals now, preachers will. They're not supposed to. See, most preachers is paid by salary, and that's one of his jobs. He ain't supposed t'charge y'. But many of'em'll take anything."

As soon as a person died, a number of things were traditionally done almost simultaneously: a bell was tolled announcing the death; a neighbor was contracted to produce a casket (unless it had been made in advance under the supervision of the person who had died); relatives who lived away from the community were notified as quickly as possible- sometimes by means of a letter edged with a black border; and the body was washed and laid out in preparation for the wake that would take place that night in the home of the deceased. The "settin' up" was held in the home since, as Maude Shope said, "They didn't have no funeral homes t'take'em to, y'know. If one was t'die here last night, we laid'im out. What neighbors was already here 'cause somebody'uz sick would strip th'bed off and put'im on a plain plank till y'got yer casket." Most of our contacts told us the number of times the bell tolled depended on the age of the person who had died. Ethel Corn, for example, said, "Quick as the news went that they was dead, why somebody would go ring th'bells. And then they'd toll th'bells for however many years old they were. You could count th'bells a'tollin' and you'd know just exact how old that person was."

The thing that stands out the most to me here is the fact that small communities made somebody's death a community-wide event. Showing up to the funeral was just the bare minimum. People made it a point to help the sick during their final days, as well as the family of the sick. Even after death the family's neighbors would contribute to make the wake and burial process easier.

This expression of sympathy and compassion is a rare experience these days. People will show up for funerals, offer the family of the deceased food as a sign of compassion and things like that. Nobody goes to such great lengths, as it has been recorded in this book, to help a friend or neighbor these days. Even in the largest of families, it is almost always left to a small few to sort out the funeral arrangements.

Even pastors, the people who are supposed to be the most compassionate and generous towards their communities, will demand payment or a donation to their church to perform any services for a funeral these days.

It's honestly disgusting to think about how many people profit so much off the dead and their grieving families. The viewing, burial, service fees, transport, casket, embalming and other aspects of a funeral can cost thousands of dollars. Putting the dead to rest shouldn't cost people so much money- especially when families are grieving.

By the time the casket was delivered at the home of the deceased, many of the neighbors in the community would have gathered around those who were mourning. "They'd go spend th'night, y'know," said Mrs. Tom McDowell. "They'd go set up of a night and sing, and people'd come in. And when they died, somebody'd go and toll th'bell at th'church. And that let th'community know. If we'uz workin' in th'fields and somebody died, we quit and we went. Tom's grandmother had a big old sheep horn. And when she died, they got up and blowed that horn. Now we heard that all around. They blew th'horn that noon, and th'horses heard it, they all come in. People didn't work no more till she was buried." "The neighbors usually did everything," said Mrs. E. H. Brown. "Usually they'd be someone go spend the night with them the first night. They thought they'd be lonesome or something." The night following the death, it was customary to have a wake, or a "settin'up with th'dead." In fact, this is often still done today. When we asked Fidel Crisp why, he remarked, "Show your respect to th'dead man is all I know. It's th'respect they have for you after you die. And they set up with'im on that account. But now y'die, they don't give a damn whether you live or walk."

The part about spending the night with the dead is intriguing. To many southern and Appalachian folk, it's believed that the dead need time to process their own death and pass on. "They thought they'd be lonesome or something" implies that the dead are still present shortly after their death occurs, and they want comfort. Spending time with the deceased after death wasn't just about comfort, but also respect.

Digging and filling in the grave was a sacred act that was often reserved for friends and neighbors who were close to the family. Ada Kelly verified this by saying, "Friends dug the grave and filled it up afterwards. And some do here now. They used t'be a bunch a'men had tools, shovels, and ever'thing that they needed t'dig graves. And some one person usually had charge of those tools. Different ones in th'community would dig th'grave. It was always very sacred. It'uz just a custom." Florence Brooks added, "They'd just carry th'casket up t'th'cemetery, and they'd have th'grave already dug. All th'neighbors helped dig it. They'uz a lot a'difference back then. Seemed like people had better feelin's for other people than they do now. Now they don't care if y'set up by yourself all night or not."

This is what I have been talking about this entire time: respect and compassion. Throughout these parts of the chapter it is constantly reiterated that all of these customs have meaning. It was a standard to give beloved members of the community a good send-off.

When reading this chapter I felt a sense of melancholy. It's amazing to see how much people cared about their neighbors way before profiting of the deceased was normalized, but it's a sad reality knowing that people just don't care like they used to.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Runa | 24 | she/her | bi 🩷💜🩵

I'm a folk practitioner living in appalachia and (trying) to reconnect to my ancestors cultures.

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