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How to practice as a witch in the broom closet

Some people cannot practice witchcraft out in the open or leave belongings around their room unfortunately. Therefore, it’s best to hide your practice to avoid being caught. These are some tips and tricks you can use:

-You can use LED candles instead of normal candles for spellwork or spiritual work in general. Candles are just there for illumination, it’s your intention that really matters.

-You can make a pocket altar in altoid tins. For example, you can include a candle, match, petition paper etc.

-Substitute fancy daggers for normal kitchen knives, best if handle is made of wood.

-Opt for e-books rather than paper books. I love this as I can annotate my books in any way I want to, highlight pages, bookmark pages and even undo any annotations in notability. If you have witchcraft books however, pop them in between normal books to hide them.

-When working with spirits, you can set up temporary one day altars.

-You can use playing cards and a pendant attached to a necklace chain for divination.

-Learn the herbs around you, in your house and ones that you can easily access. Study their properties and use them in your workings.

These are just some tips you can use to keep your practice hidden. I’m sure many others have more tips and tricks!

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Lamb's Ear - Stachys Byzantina

Basic Plant Facts and Care:

AKA: Wooly betony, woundwort, wooly woundwort, betony, or lamb’s tongue

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family) Native to: Middle East, Armenia, Iran and Turkey Sun needs: Sun-loving! Full sun to part shade Water needs: One good watering per week, drought tolerant. Overwatering very bad! Soil needs: Well-draining, evenly moist to dry soil. Slightly acidic (6.0–6.5 pH) Feeding needs: Doesn't need feeding Seeds & Growth: Barely cover seeds. Best way to grow is by dividing (they naturally propogate on their own). Spreads by underground shoots. Common issues: Overwatering or high humidity can cause fungal diseases Flowers: Blooms in spring, some varieties rarely bloom. Flowers are small, pink or purple, and grow on stalks. Edibility: Edible and can be used in teas, tinctures and infusions. Young, fresh leaves are best for eating. Mild taste others describe as "fruity" or like apples. (I've nibbled on a leaf but idk about the taste. May try in a salad eventually). Warnings: Possible interactions with blood pressure medications

Medicinal Uses: Infusions of dried leaves are good for colds, fevers, diarrhea, sore mouth, gum and throat infections, and asthma. Crush and wrap over bee or wasp stings  or insect bites to reduce pain and swelling.  Historically used for dressing wounds, particularly on the battlefield - absorbs blood and helps it to clot quickly and the antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties are bonuses so this makes the leaves a great alternative to store-bought bandages. Not just bandages but the leaves can also be used as toilet paper, female hygiene products, and makeup removal swabs! Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antispasmodic, hypotensive, stomachic, analgesic and anti-bacterial properties

Now for the Magick!

Element: Water

Planetary: ☾ Moon, ♀ Venus

Energy: Receptive

Vibe(UPG): Gentle and nurturing but also hardy

-Protection, repel nightmares, healing, purification, negating hostile influences

-Dried and crumbled lamb’s ears sprinkled around the perimeter of your home forms a protective barrier that no negativity or evil can pass.

-Once dried you can hang it over your door ways to help prevent negative energies from coming into your home.

-Use it in a charm bag and carry it around to help strengthen protection spells.

-Use it as a component for any healing spell work.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 10

(hair braiding)

i saw this in a tik tok once, i don't remember who it was from unfortunately. she braided a tiny piece of her hair with every full moon and said an affirmation with every strand she braided. she left the braid in for the entire moon cycle.

personally, i don't like how this braid feels after a few days. if you are someone with hair that is long enough to braid, you could do this for however long you like outside of the moon cycle as well of course.

hair has a lot of meaning and importance to many cultures — so i think being mindful about your hair and putting intentions and love into them, is definitely a beautiful thing. remember to be respectful to other beliefs and to avoid cultural appropriation, always.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 9

(kitchen magick)

if you love cooking or making your own meals, you can add certain herbs or ingredients to your dishes. i personally don't practice kitchen magick so make sure to do your research and please note that not everything is safe to eat / drink.

i have also heard of people making magick meals for loved ones to for example wish them love or luck in their life, i think this is such a wholesome thing. make sure to never put anything in a dish that they don't know of, be mindful of allergies and be safe.

i personally urge you to not use this magick on anyone who hasn't given you permission to influence their freedom of choice. do as you wish, but always be safe and don't do harm to others.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 8

(moisturizer / sunscreen)

this is something i find really fun to do personally. if you're someone who uses moisturizer in the morning or evening, you can draw a pentagram / sigil / any symbol you like, on your face as you rub it in.

you rub it away afterwards, so no one can see — but it's something you know and could maybe offer you some comfort during the day. you can also do this with sunscreen to feel more connected to the sun, do make sure to still use enough to avoid a sunburn.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 7

(talking to nature)

this is a little less subtle but you can talk to plants or nature, but plenty people talk to animals in their day to day life. if you feel more comfortable you can do it in your head as well.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 6

(jewelry and crystals)

you could wear crystal necklaces, or jewelry with images of the moon, the sun or stars... anything that is spiritual to you. i personally wear a mood ring, crystal necklaces / earrings, star / moon piercings...

if jewelry isn't your thing you could put small charms, crystals or stones in your pockets or your bag. when i do this i usually put them in a small jewelry bag as to make sure they're safe between my other belongings.

many people where crystal and bead necklaces these days, i'm sure most people around you will simply assume it's for mere aesthetics — if subtlety is a concern for you.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 5

(washing hands)

personally, i find the feeling of water on my hands very relaxing. this can be a good time to do some breathwork and bring my attention back to myself. to practice mindfulness for a brief moment to make sure i'm still present going about my day.

or maybe this time spend washing hands, is an opportunity to think about water deities if you work with any. check in with yourself and your practice with them if you wish to do so.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 4

(shoe / foot tracking)

Shoe and foot tracking magic is a type of folk magic that is very simple to perform. This is a great one for those who are just starting out and are new to the practice!

      •Are you in school and have a test coming up?

      •Are you on the lookout for a new job?

        ~You can place a bay leaf in your shoe for extra luck and support as you’re walking through life!

     •Are you dealing with a bully or someone who is overbearing for you?

       ~You can write their name and place it in your shoe to get a foot on them and claim your space.

*typically you may place the item in the dominant foot’s shoe. To emphasize a message you may place it in both.

Always be mindful of where you step:

Our feet are almost always on the ground so it wouldn’t be too surprising for someone “unfriendly” to throw their bad intentions toward us through the ground.

Ex: Stepping in sulfuric powders

If you think you may have stepped in something yucky with the bad energy, give yourself a good foot soak with epsom salts, herbs, and oil. Clean that gunk off! Rinse off the bottom of those shoes as well!

Honorable mentions:

          •Rue- a great herb for spiritual protection. Though if you are pregnant/are planning to in the very near future, do NOT use rue.

          • Oregano- used to attract positive energy and attain clarity

         • Mercury dime- you can find anklets with mercury dimes from sellers online! When this comes in contact with sulfur, it turns black- a fast sign that you may have stepped in something.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 3

(closing jewelry)

this is a small ritual at the end of the day / when taking off your jewelry. i saw this in a tiktok months ago where someone said to close the clasps of your necklaces to keep your energy in them.

i think this is a small wholesome thing you can do, i feel like this is a nice way to end my day. it feels a lot more intentional than having an unclasped necklace on your nightstand.

i mostly do this for jewelry i feel emotionally connected to, like my crystal necklaces or the bracelet my partner brought for me in italy that i wear everyday.

of course some jewelry is annoying to close or open depending on the design, so please do this in whatever way is comfortable for you. this shouldn't feel like another chore at the end of your day.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 2

(tea stirring)

something i have been doing is tapping on my teacup in angel numbers, for example tapping five times, short break and repeating until it represents 555.

another version is swirling the teabag around / stirring with a spoon and thinking about affirmations or manifestations to infuse them in your tea. i've done this by swirling the number of times according to an angel number, thinking about one affirmation each turn, and doing this three times in total.

to others around you this will look normal if you go about it casually, it will just look like you're daydreaming and mindlessly swirling your tea around.

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lowkey, everyday paganism Day 1

{pentagrams}

 A very quick and easy thing you can do is to draw a pentagram in the roof of your mouth with your tongue.

this is something that's invisible to those around you, in case you practice in secret or are in an environment like work or school where you just prefer to be lowkey about your beliefs.

· ⛥⛥⛥ ·

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Salt of the World

Salt is a classic representation of Earth. In rituals, it is often associated with protection or cleansing.

House witches sprinkle salt in doorways or the corner of rooms to protect your home.

Use salt water to purify crystals, wash your floors or in a spray bottle to cleanse your space.

Table Salt:

One of the most common types of salt, this is what you’ll typically find inside a salt shaker. Table salt is generally mined from underground deposits, dissolved in water, and purified to remove any trace minerals before being re-hydrated to form the final product. This process creates an even, fine-grained texture and clean, consistent taste.

**Ionized salt vs non-ionized - Iodized salt is simply table salt that’s been treated with sodium iodide. It was developed in the 1920s to prevent iodine deficiency, a condition that can cause thyroid issues. Some chefs do note a slight chemical aftertaste from the added iodine.

Kosher Salt:

A great alternative to traditional table salt, kosher salt offers a flakier, coarser texture and clean, bright flavor. This additive-free salt variety gets its name because it’s used during the process of koshering meat. Because of its larger grains, kosher salt takes slightly longer to dissolve than table salt, which means that it offers enhanced texture when used to season meats and vegetables.

Fleur de Sel:

Fleur de sel is a French phrase meaning “flower of salt.” It’s used to describe a uniquely delicate salt variety from the coast of Brittany, where the crystals are hand-harvested from the surface of saltwater ponds. This production method means that fleur de sel is lower in sodium and higher in mineral content than most salts, so it offers a lightly briny flavor.

Epsom Salts:

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

::Rock Salts::

Sea salt:

Sea salt is made by evaporating seawater to produce large, irregular crystals or flakes that can come in a variety of colors. Because it’s less processed than table salt, sea salt offers a more complex mineral flavor profile, which is strongly influenced by its geographic origin. Highly versatile in the kitchen, sea salt can range in texture from fine flakes to coarse crystals, and in flavor from briny to lightly sweet.

Himalayan Salt:

It’s easy to spot Himalayan salt; this variety is noteworthy for its striking, salmon-pink hue. Recognized as the world’s purest salt, Himalayan salt is mined high in the mountains of Pakistan. Rich in minerals, it offers a complex flavor and large, hard grains (put the crystals in a grinder for best results in the kitchen). Because it’s dried at high temperatures, Himalayan salt is exceptionally strong and stable; it can be carved into boards, bowls and other cookware.

Hawaiian Salt:

Another region known for its colorful salt is Hawaii, which produces a red sea salt known as alaea salt. Alaea salt is made by combining Hawaiian sea salt with red volcanic clay. Popular in Hawaiian cooking, this salt is relatively low in sodium and derives a mild flavor from the mineral-rich clay. Thanks to its eye-catching color, it makes an exceptional finishing salt. It’s also one of the key ingredients in my Slow Cooker Kalua Pork.

::DIY Ritual Salts::

White Salt: Any household salt +

Eggs shells (cascarilla powder)

Jasmine flowers

White rice

Red Salt: Himalayan or Hawaiian salt + dried flowers or peppers picked to suit your intention

Rose

Hibiscus

Pink Peppercorns

Cayenne

Chipotle

Adobo

Black Salt: Salt of your choice +

Ash

Peppercorns

Chasteberry

Purple Salt: Salt of your choice + dried flowers based on your intention

Lavender

Violets

Echinacea

Iris

Green Salt: Household salt of your choice + any assortment of dried herbs or plants based on your intention, such as:

Rosemary

Basil

Sage

Thyme

Oregano

Parsley

Pine

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Selene

Selene is a Greek goddess of the moon, Selene is a winged, silvery woman who presides over night skies, sailing along in her chariot pulled by shining, winged white horses, cows or bulls (whose horns represent the crescent moon). Sometimes she sits astride a bull, horse or mule.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

In contemporary Witchcraft, Selene is one aspect of the Triple Goddess, along with Diana (Artemis) and Hecate. Selene’s role in Greek mythology is minor. She is the daughter of Theia and Hyperion. In some myths she is the daughter of Theia and Helios, the sun god, and is the sister of Phoebus Apollo, who succeeded Helios as the sun deity. Other names for Selene are Phoebe and mene, the latter of which refers to her changing shape during the course of the lunar month.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The Greeks worshiped Selene at new and full moons, believing her to influence the fecundity of all life forms on earth. During the Hellenistic era, Selene (the moon) was the destination of the souls of the dead. The most significant myth of Selene is that of her fascination with her lover, Endymion, a magnificent youth who is a king, hunter or shepherd.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

In the version recorded by Theocritus, a 3rd-century poet, Endymion falls asleep on mount Latmus and is observed by Selene, who falls in love with his beauty. She comes down from the sky and kisses him, bewitching him into immortal, deathless sleep so that she can visit him night after night into eternity. In other versions, Endymion wakes and is equally enchanted with Selene.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

He begs Zeus to grant him immortality so that he can continue to love Selene, and Zeus does so on the condition that Endymion remain asleep forever. As an aspect of the Triple Goddess, Selene presides over the full moon, a seven-day period that lasts from three days before fullness to three days after, when certain kinds of Magic are at their greatest strength. It is Selene’s aspect that is invoked in the Drawling Down the moon ritual. Witches sometimes call upon her in magic related to finding solutions to problems.

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Just hit 200 followers!!

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Herbalism 101: Lavender

Fun Fact: Lavender is a part of the mint family; making it a natural insect repellent.

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an excellent way to add a mid-summer pop of color to your garden or patio. Planting is somewhere where you can enjoy its beautiful scent. English lavender is more tolerant of colder temperatures common in the Marquette area than French lavender, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens and perennial borders. This is a member of the mint family features aromatic leaves and flowers that are popular for cooking purposes, medicinal use, and home projects.

Lavender is prized as a culinary ingredient. Lemon and lavender make a great combination for baking cookies, cakes, and other delicacies. Lavender can also be used to infuse simple syrups for cocktails or lemonades.

Lavender’s lovely scent is known to reduce anxiety and calm the mind. The calming fragrance of a lavender plant is thought to provide relief from stress, depression, and migraines. It is also considered anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties.

Lavender attracts beneficial pollinators to its flowers. Adding lavender to your garden will attract butterflies, bees, and other helpful insects.

Lavender plants are deer resistant. Making them a welcome addition for many homeowners looking for plants they don’t have to share with the local wildlife.

Lavender from your garden can be dried and used to create items such as homemade lavender soap, bath salts, potpourri, sachets, and cleaning products.

Lavender does well in most climates. The plant is drought resistant and will form a large swath of flowering plants. The blue flowers are not only beautiful but smell fabulous. You can harvest the blooms through the summer and prune the plant back in the fall.

-flower works blog

Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family that’s easily identified by its sweet floral scent. It’s believed to be native to the Mediterranean, The Middle East, and India, with a history dating as far back as 2,500 years.

 According to everyday health blog, Possible health benefits of Lavender include:

May help improve sleep.

Can help treat skein blemishes.

May offer a natural remedy for pain.

Reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Could relieve asthma symptoms.

Help combat fungus growth.

Potentially promotes hair growth.

Helps relieve stress.

Lavender hasn’t been approved by the FDA, so it’s important to be aware of potential health risks or side effects of using this herb.

📷© Pinterest

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Herbalism 101: Mullein Leaf

Fun fact: Mullein is a member of the Snap Dragon Family.

The Mullein plant has been around for years and has more than 200 species. The most popular type is common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus.) the leaves harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either dried or fresh.

Mullein flowers and leaves were used on animals and people for a variety of issues:

Cough

Congestion

Bronchitis

Asthma

Constipation

Pain

Inflammation

Migraine

Sleep

Gout

By the late 1800s, mullein became a popular treatment for people with tuberculosis in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that many of the benefits of mullein are based on anecdotal experiences. More human clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of this herb. -Healthline

Mullein leaf is sold in various forms:

Tea

Extract

Oil

Powder

Capsule

Elixir

Some can be made into creams.

Some herbalists recommend mullein for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, but there is not enough scientific evidence of its effectiveness. -Healthline

Dioscorides, a Greek physician pharmacologist and botanist, practicing in the 1st century in Rome, who authored the herbal De Materia Medica, was one of the first to recommend mulleins use in lung conditions around 2,000 years ago. It was used as a hair wash in ancient Roman times; the leaf ash to darken hair, and the yellow flowers for lightening it. The leaves were dried, rolled and used as wicks for candles and the entire dried flowering stalks were dipped in tallow and used for torches, hence the names 'candlewick plant' or 'torches'. According to Maida Silverman in her book A City Herbal, " The great respect and love formerly accorded to mullein can be inferred from the number and variety of the folk names for it." -Mountain Rose herbs.

Mullein leaf, flower, and root, with its litany of folk uses ranging from 'nature's toilet paper' to an effective apotropaic (fancy word meaning that which wards off evil spirits), have been used extensively in folk medicine. Its magical qualities were numerous, going beyond simply warding off evil but also was thought to instill courage and health, provide protection, and to attract love. In fact, it was believed that wearing mullein would ensure fertility and keep potentially dangerous animals at bay while trekking along in the wilderness. Further, allegedly a practice for men in the Ozark mountains to attract love consisted of simply pointing the mullein's flowering stalk towards the direction of his love's house and seeing if the stalk went upright again indicating her reciprocated love. Mullein, like so many herbs of European origin, was introduced by the colonists and then incorporated into the Native American healing tradition. The root was made into a necklace for teething infants by the Abnaki tribe, the Cherokee applied the leaves as a poultice for cuts and swollen glands, and other tribes rubbed the leaves on the body during ritual sweat bathes. Additionally, the flowers were used internally as teas and topically as poultices. The Navajos smoked mullein, referring to it as "big tobacco" and the Amish were known to partake as well. Presently, mullein can be found at health food stores often prepared as soothing leaf tea or an ear oil made of the infused flowers. -mountainroseherbs

According to King's American dispensatory (a book first published in 1854 that covers the uses of herbs used in American medical practice), "upon the upper portion of the respiratory tract its influence is pronounced." Mullein was prescribed by Eclectic Physicians (a branch of American medicine popular in the 1800-early 1900's which made use of botanical remedies) who considered it to be an effective demulcent and diuretic, and a mild nervine "favoring sleep." -Mountain Rose herbs.

DISCLAIMER: Precautions Small hairs on mullein leaf may cause mechanical irritation in the mouth and throat if not filtered out of extracts prior to consumption. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.