hazyaquarius

[hazyaquarius]

You know, I thought Ylfa was tragic and sad like all the Neverafter characters are in their own way, but I think I'm wrong.

Hear me out.

Ylfa's story diverges from the canon of Little Red Riding Hood when the Woodsman doesn't come by. But he doesn't just not come by that day, he doesn't come by for weeks. Unheard of. He visits all the time, brings wood and forage for the Grandmother, she'd freeze to death at night if he doesn't come by, it's part of his job or just a dude being kind to an elderly woman, enjoying the sweets or soup she makes him as thanks. But he doesn't come by. For weeks he doesn't stop by. And we don't know why, maybe he was hurt or sick, but we know he wasn't dead because the Second Story Ylfa goes and kills the woodsman. Can't kill what's dead. So he's alive, presumably doing fine and healthy, but he doesn't come by. The one person in the story that's supposed to protect Little Red and presumably the village people from wolves just doesn't do that. The one Ylfa is told will always protect her if she finds trouble doesn't protect her.

She waits for weeks for a man that never comes. A hero that won't save her because he's too busy doing something else. And while she waits, the Wolf waits with her. He doesn't chastise her, doesn't provoke and antagonize her, doesn't jeer or make fun of her for waiting for someone he knows isn't coming. He kindly waits in silence, watching over her in that tiny cottage. He's honest when she asks what happened to her grandmother, tells her gently but firmly it was the old womans time to die, but not Ylfas. Death looks this little girl in the face and gently tells her it's not her time to die, even as she yells at him that the woodsmand will come and cut him open, he's gentle and kind with her. When she demands he kills her already, since no one is going to save her from him, he refuses. Death refuses to take Ylfa, even as she waits for it, even as she demands it take her, Death will not do it. What's more, he tells her how to save herself, offers her his own strength, provides a way for her to be her own hero in this story. Hunger and despair eventually drives her to obey, and later she is horrified of what she's done.

Ylfa then runs home, sobbing, terrified, crying out for her mother, her siblings, her grandmother, anyone at all to help her. She's drenched in Wolfs blood, body trying to transform against her will. And what does she find at her home when she gets there? Besides a rightfully terrified mother and siblings hiding in the dark home? Because we know, in the story, that the wolf can take someones shape and trick people into coming close so he can eat them too, of course they'd be afraid of Ylfa, their presumably dead Little Red Riding Hood, showing up drenched in blood begging to come inside and dragging jagged claws along the windows and door. How are they to know it's really her? No one ever survives the Wolf. No one. Let alone one sweet little girl or her elderly grandmother. So what does her terrified family do? they try to kill the Wolf.

What's worse than all that? What's worse than them being understandably afraid of the Wolf at their door? The fact that they didn't have a funeral for their beloved Little Red. That they didn't acknowledge her death at all. They removed her place from the table, didn't make her a place of rest, didn't go looking for her or her grandmother. Little Red didn't come home, they assumed she died and they moved on immediately.

Something terrible and traumatic happened to Ylfa, something that effected her for the rest of her life, something that completely altered her. She searched for someone to save her, but no one would. She reached out for help and understanding from her family that supposedly loved her and they forgot her, attacked her, ran away from her in fear and disgust. Something changed Ylfa forever, and everyone she ever loved left her behind for it. Everyone, except Death. Death which did this to her, which whispered her name, gently caressed her soul, and refused to claim her. Death that told her she would be all the stronger for it, that being monstrous isn't evil or bad. That she can use his gifts, his curse, to defy him, fight him, maybe even stop him.

"I'm the Big Bad Wolf," Death says calmly, his hot breath warming her as he speaks.

"I'm Big and Bad now too, though," Ylfa whispers back, lips still trembling and face damp with tears.

"Then you just may be able to stop me, Ylfa," Death smiles, eyes crinkling at the edges "I encourage you to try."

Death wanted Ylfa to live. When everyone was fine with her dying, or preferred she be dead to what she became, Death wished for her to live. When even Ylfa has wanted to die or stay dead, Death lead her home to life, comforted her, encouraged her, forgave her for wanting to die before her time. Death was so kind and gentle with this sweet little girl, so honest in his answers, so soothing to her grief. He empathized with her confusion and pain, told her it was normal to feel the way she does, not just for the loss of her grandmother, or the abandonment of her family, but for what she's become. Because Ylfa is grieving herself as well. What she had been, what she could have grown up to be had the Wolf not come. Ylfa mourns for herself as much as she mourns her Grandmother.

He promised to take her one day, but only when it was her time, not a second before or after. In that way, she would never die alone, because Death would be there with her. The Wolf would always be with her now, forever and always. He would never find her monstrous or evil, he would never run from her in fear, never curl a lip at her in disgust. And Death, too, would never be alone as a result. Some of him is always with Ylfa, in some way.

I think some of us need this specific kind of comfort. Some of us need Death to look us in the face and say "No, not yet little one, try again, you can do it... Here, let me help you."

Some of us need someone, even Death, too look at how monstrous we've become because of what's happened to us, or how we were made, and be kind, and gentle, and meet us with such patient love as to refuse to let us go, even when we want to let go, even when everyone else has.

Ylfa met Death, and he wanted her to live. Death was dying, and Ylfa saved him.

Death met Death, and together they decided to Live.

[hazyaquarius]

Happy Passover to my Jewish followers.

Happy Easter to my Christian followers. 

A lovely Laylat al-Bara’at to any of my Muslim followers who celebrate it. 

To any followers of any faith or no faith at all, I hope something brings you peace and makes you smile today and tomorrow. 

[hazyaquarius]

[hazyaquarius]

My mask has the biggest beak. And it's filled with the finest spices and aromatics. Juniper, mint, rose petals, cloves, laudanum, you name it and I have it. My overcoat is perfectly waxed to keep the plague flesh off of me. My cane is the perfect length to examine patients. My medical encyclopedias are among the largest and most difficult to read. I've trained bloodletting in Naples and I have witnessed an exorcism in Rome. Anyway, you have demons in your blood.

This is by far the most sensual ask I’ve ever received

[hazyaquarius]

of course im familiar with the seven deadly sins!! the munchies, super pissed ,  naps, thinking yr hot shit, thinking your friend is hot shit and being mad about it, capitalism, and big sexy

[hazyaquarius]

Witchy Playlist Masterpost 🎶

hey, sweet ones! this was suggested to me awhile back, and i thought i would get around to finally creating this post. :-) here are some themed “witchy” mixes i’ve made on spotify over the past year. i will add to it over time once i make more playlists! i didn’t think they’d explode like they have, and for that i am so grateful for and cheery about. spreading magic through music is very important to me, and i hope these mixes will provide you with calm and serenity! 💕✨ ~ L-PF

Songs for Air Witches

Songs for Earth Witches

Songs for Fire Witches

Songs for Moon Witches

Songs for Water Witches

Autumn Witch Songs

Spring Witch Mix

Witchy Beltane Songs

[hazyaquarius]

BEKKATHYST SPRING 2019 GIVEAWAY

~This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Tumblr.~

Please read thoroughly before entering!

Hello lovely Tumblr folk! It’s that time again- I have a giveaway for you all. As current followers know, we are opening up a physical shop in addition to having our online shop! This giveaway is to thank you all so much for supporting us and helping us get this far! We definitely need all the help and support we can get right now, so hopefully this attracts some new customers as well 💞💞💞

All these items came from our shop.

What you get:

$50 credit that can be applied to anything in our shop. 

A carved triple moon wooden box

A (treated) titanium aura amethyst cluster

Two rainbow fluorite points

A mini selenite tower

A mini selenite sphere

Three little AAA quality amethyst clusters from Uruguay

An amethyst scepter crystal from Brazil

A fossilized agatized coral cabochon

Two rose quartz palm stones

Two clear quartz palm stones

A pile of rough amethyst chunks

A pile of rough quartz crystals

A rainbow fluorite slab

A high quality amethyst heart from Brazil

A high quality “super seven” included amethyst heart

A blue crazy lace agate sphere

A crazyyyy extra quality rainbow obsidian heart!

This has a retail value of $368 in addition to the $50 shop credit!

Rules:

You must be 16 or older. (If under 18 you MUST have parent’s permission)

You don’t have to live in the US to join!

Shipping is entirely free, I will cover it. But if you live outside the US and for whatever reasons your country wants to charge you import tax, you are responsible for it. If it gets sent back to me, you will need to pay shipping to have it sent again.

You must be following me, so you can get updates if anything about the giveaway changes.

Please check out our shop!

DO NOT tag this post as giveaway. That will risk the notes getting messed up, and this will be ruined for everyone.

Reblog this post to enter. Likes count, too. No giveaway or spam blogs. If you reblog on a side blog, let me know in the tags what the name of your blog is that you’re following me with.

Please don’t spam people with reblogs- limit 2 reblogs per blog per day.  

At the end, each entry will be assigned a number and the winner will be chosen by a random number generator.

The giveaway ends Saturday, April 20th at 6 pm Pacific time.

The winner will be messaged and must respond with their full name and address within 24 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

Please respect me and my rules, and have fun!

[hazyaquarius]

Divination Drinks: Teas to Aid in Divining

Divination in all of its forms (tarot reading, tasseomancy; palmistry; pendulums, etc,.), can be quite exhausting and require large amounts of energy. These teas and tea blends will aid you in divining by enhancing your psychic power, and/or boosting your energy.

Tea Blends:

Psychic Tea (Scott Cunningham)

3 parts Rose Petals

1 part Cinnamon

2 parts Yarrow

Brew the tea, strain it and drink a cup before performing any form of divination as this tea enhances psychic awareness.

Tea for Divination (Moura)

1 tbsp China black tea

2 tbsp Lemon Balm

1 tbsp Rose Hips

1 tbsp Mugwort*

Brew the tea, strain it and drink either before divination or sip during/throughout.

Teas:

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine is said to induce prophetic dreams, which can aid in the growth of psychic power and psychic awareness making this tea a good choice of drink to be had before divining. 

Drink 1 cup of this naturally sweet and fragrant tea before sleeping the night before you wish to divine.

Vanilla Tea

You can brew your own or buy ready-made Vanilla tea/tea bags. Vanilla enhances psychic ability and allows the benefits of this enhancement to be better felt and absorbed. 

Drink Vanilla tea before and during any divination work to open yourself up and be more receptive.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea heightens your psychic sensitivity, as well as working to clear the mind and sharpen focus. It can also be used to cleanse the mind and body of any negative energies beforehand.

This tea should be consumed before any psychic or divination based activities. 

Some Other Things to Consider:

Some herbal tea blends may not be to your taste but this can be remedied by adding honey to taste. 

Other herbs, such as Cinnamon, are used to add oomph to magick and can be added to tea blends and teas to do just that. If you don’t want to add pre-ground and grainy Cinnamon to your drinks, you can use a Cinnamon stick to stir instead. This will add the oomph you’re after without altering the taste too much.

If you want to make your brew even more potent, stir clockwise. This adds positive energy to your tea.

[* = This herb is harmful to pregnant or nursing women!]

[hazyaquarius]

ESPECIALLY local botany and folklore!

One thing that took me longer than it should have to understand was that the books you build your path on dont have to be solely from the occult section. Read history books. Read mythology books. Mycology. Mental health. Local botany. There are a lot of things that apply and are extensively written on – just not in occult books. Too often occult books just give a brief overview of these subjects, and you’re lucky if they include references.

[hazyaquarius]

Bookshelf

^ John Rylands Library, Manchester ^

Someone on another platform asked me what was on my spiritual bookshelf, so I’ve listed them here. Note that I don’t agree 100% with everything that’s in these - nevertheless I think they’re important and/or useful in some way. You should always make up your own mind about anything you read, kidlings.

‘Natural Magic’ - Doreen Valiente

‘Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe’ - H.R. Ellis Davidson

‘Herbs & Things: A Compendium of Practical and Exotic Herb Lore’ - Jeanne Rose

‘Herbal Simples Approved For Modern Uses of Cure’ - William Thomas Fernie

‘The History of the Devil: The Horned God of the West’ - R. Lowe Thompson

‘The Book of English Magic’ - Philip Carr-Gomm & Richard Heygate

‘The Religion of the Ancient Celts’ - J. A. MacCulloch

‘Defences Against The Witches’ Craft’ - John Canard

‘English Fairy Tales’ - Joseph Jacobs

‘Hoofprints in the Wildwood - A Devotional for the Horned Lord’ - Richard Derks et. al.

‘Apocalyptic Witchcraft’ - Peter Grey

‘The Red Goddess’ - Peter Grey

‘21 Ways To Read A Tarot Card’ - Mary K. Greer

Not witchy as such but interesting and useful:

‘A Sip Through Time’ - Cindy Renfrow

[hazyaquarius]

Super quick, super simple spread for daily use. Perfect for starting off the day!

1. Advice

2. Affirmation

http://selftarot.wordpress.com

[hazyaquarius]

A spell to repel unsolicited opinions

Repeat the phrase “Did I fucking ask you?” until the subject realizes that you, in fact, did not fucking ask them

[hazyaquarius]

Plant Witchcraft: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing 🌿

Easiest plants to grow in witchcraft (in order from easiest to hardest)!

Chives - can grow in limited light and space, very easily propagate (regrow)

Mint - very hardy, requires shade and some light, start from seeds

Cilantro - fast growing, can be planted indoors, does not transplant easily

Basil - can grow in small spaces, require sun, start from seeds

Parsley - easy to grow, low maintenance and limited lights, though hard to germinate

Oregano (wild marjoram) - very hardy, easy to grow in winter, requires full sun

Sage - large, hardy, start from cuttings, requires full sun

Thyme - requires full sun, hardy, easy to propagate from seeds or cuttings

Aloe Vera - easy to overwater, low maintenance, slow growing, little water, full sun

Chamomile - low maintenance, little water, full sun with some shade, easy to overwater

Dill - start as seeds, small, easy to grow indoors, hard to overwater, requires full sun

Rosemary - though very large, easy to grow indoors and easy to overwater

Bay laurel - requires well-draining soil, full sun, water often, grows large, slow growing

Lavender - hard to grow indoors, requires little water, best in dry conditions, start from seeds

Roses - requires full sun, seasonal, grows only outside, requires fertilizer, best grown from transplants

[hazyaquarius]

🔔 BELLS IN WITCHCRAFT 🔔

Bells might just be the earliest form of superstitious practise that I remember. My baba attached three sakura-patterned suzu bells on my schoolbag as a kid, purportedly for good luck and protection from evil spirits – and Japan is far from the only place to have associated bells and bellringing with mystic practise. They’ve been used worldwide to ward off evil and carry messages – and in a more metaphysical sense, sound is the movement of energy through substance. Sounds have the potential to work powerful magic.

Here are some of the ways I’ve found utilising bells to be helpful to my craft. While I’m more likely to use traditional suzu type bells, your own background, path and culture will likely have its own types of bells – and as ever, bells can be ornate antiques or they can be a bottle cap in a tin can, as long as they’re used with intent.

GETTING STARTED

🔔 As with so much of the craft, if you’re new to the witching bell, it’s a matter of exploration and experimentation. Get a “feel” for what works for you and the specific bell you’re using.

🔔 It’s good practise to ensure that the bell itself is cleansed, warded and protected – you don’t want anything nasty tapping into that power. All witching tools can do as much harm as good, intentional or accidental.

🔔 A good way to begin incorporating bells into your craft is infuse them into any typical ritual that you’re comfortable with, or even just a prayer or moment of contemplation at your altar if you have one.

🔔 Give the bell a soft ring while focusing on the energy it’ll ripple and move, try to track the movements it creates and what it touches. The tone it’s sending out.  The most primal and versatile use of the bell – and what many of the below come down to – is simply another manner of physically channelling energy, giving it shape and direction.

PROTECTION

🔔 “Passive” bells such as windchimes or small bells attached to belongings you don’t want disturbed are a starting point. They will scare off some forms of spirit all by themselves, especially if appropriately blessed, charmed or enchanted. Or cursed.

🔔 Gently tolling can draw energy into a ward or circle you are forming and enforce its protective properties, or for a simple cleanse, letting the sound travel to every corner of the area you are protecting. It’s a little more “cutting” than a smoke or incense cleansing, which I view as more “gentle” forms of cleansing. Both have their uses.

🔔 Harder tolling is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful ways in which to enforce a banishing – however, it’s best to you know what you’re doing with the bell before you go bashing it about.

DISCERNMENT

🔔 Bells can have quite the effect on your perception and awareness. Ringing and then stopping, listening to the silence left in its wake, can bring you new perceptions or make things you’d previously missed obvious. Let it attune your mind and senses to something new, whether that’s in your thoughts or something with a little more presence. Visualise travelling with the sound, taking heed of the energies it touches and disturbs. Take note of the echoes – you’ll learn what they mean with experience.

🔔 A set of windchimes can let you know if something is passing through or if there’s some unusual energy afoot – and, yes, it may also just be letting you know that it’s a particularly breezy day, but that’s witchcraft for you.

CONJURING

🔔 This can be as simple as calling good energies to witching tools, spell jars, tarot decks, crystals, altars and shrines, your favourite teddy bar, anything at all.

🔔 With spirit work, it can truly help to magnify your “calling”. This can range from gently bringing your latest offering to the attention of your friendly neighbourhood house spirit – all the way to trying to catch the attention of something more. Be mindful, however. As I said, I consider bells pretty powerful tools and a call that’s too loud is not good spirit work practise for the spirit worker’s own sake. It can really help coax something out of hiding if you’re gentle with it, though.

COMMUNING

🔔 Some use bells to mark the beginning and end of a ritual, and I’ve read that in Wiccan practise an altar bell can be used to invoke the Goddess, although as a non-Wiccan, I’ll welcome corrections on that if I’m wrong.

🔔 In my experience, very simple forms of communication via bell work a lot better than anything too complex – “come here” and “stay away” have already been covered, and other than that they can serve as greetings or signals of a start or end of some practise or ritual, the opening or closing of a door, etc.

🔔 They can also serve as a warning or a litmus test regarding spirits, a signalling of your presence and awareness, lack of fear, or willingness to defend – but be prepared to deal with whatever responses these garner.

BINDING

🔔 Bindings are where you most often see that famous (clockwise) circular motion of the bell, embodying the meaning of the spell. This can be a simple binding to seal a spell or charm or enchantment, or a spirit-binding.

🔔 Personally, spirit-binding is something I do as little as possible simply due to my beliefs holding the autonomy of spirits in very high regard. However, sometimes situations arise that call for it, and I’m aware that not all bindings are unwilling. Far from it – and some spirits are dangerous when unbound.

🔔 As an animist (believing that all things, including inanimate objects, contain a spirit of their own), I consider gently nudging a spirit back into its physical form a sort of semi-binding, and that can be useful.

I’ll leave you all with a note that I am an urban apartment-dwelling witch through and through, so I understand that we can’t all be jangling away at all hours. I myself have a glass windchime in my front window that makes a distinct but muted sound when disturbed by passers-through, and highly recommend wooden ones also. I also only use my small and relatively quiet suzu bell for my crafting – one given to me by my baba herself.

Feel free to add any of your own findings, and happy tolling.

[hazyaquarius]

simple rose water spells 🌹

easy spells where only rose water is needed

🌹 a drop of rose water on each eyelid to enhance clarity

🌹 a touch of rose water on each cheek to appear lovely

🌹 immerse a charm in it to enchant it with positive feelings

🌹 pour some out in the dirt and step on it to break a heart

🌹 brush some over the corners of a door and knock to keep negativity away

🌹 a drop brushed over your lips to say only kind and soothing words

🌹 flick droplets over a page to divine from what words they land on

[hazyaquarius]

@its-that-witch-again has written the post I was going to write! Absolute belter.

I’d add, baby witches, that a whole plethora of spells require very little so if you don’t have/can’t get something for a spell don’t substitute endlessly: find a different spell or write one yourself using what you DO have, or CAN get. That is the history of witchcraft.

Plantary alignments and moon phases are totally free, along with writing your own poems, maybe singing, for instance. Add yourself and a little skill and that’s spellwork right there.

If you want a bit of reading for free I’d check out Sacred Texts. Some of it’s hard going as the language can be archaic, but knowledge is always worth it.

Your Spells Aren’t Working?

🎐 Baby Witch Tip #1 🔮

If you’re having trouble with or doubting your crafts effectiveness, there are a couple of questions you can ask yourself:

Whats my source? 📜

Well chances are if you got it off Tumblr, Pinterest, or the first page of Google…its crap. This isnt to say there aren’t exceptions but generally the mass of the online community seems to have hopped in bed with the idea that everything is arbitrary. Dont have a full moon? Do it whenever you want! Don’t have a candle? Use plastic! Don’t have moon water prepared? Just grab some Deer Park bottled water! The fact of the matter is, while witchcraft is constantly evolving and adapting there are just some things that work and some that don’t. Not everything is buzzing with magical energy and no two things have the same energy or effect. Emoji spells, jars of random things from your kitchen, and YouTube “chants to turn yourself into a werewolf” just aren’t going to cut it if you’re looking to make some serious magic. Think of it like cooking. Honey, agave, and stevia are all fine substitutes for sugar. But if you’re trying to make a rich chocolate chip cookie with dark brown sugar and you use stevia instead… You will not get the same cookie. No matter how much intention you put into it. The things you use matter. Tumblr likes to think you can just add more milk and not bake the cake and its basically the same thing as long as you put a lot of intent into it? Try serving that at a wedding.

Alternative sources include books by well known members of various witch communities (I.e. an herbalist/green witch might read Judika Illes). Thats not to say books and websites cant be trusted unless famous, but when youre a baby witch go with the most popular then work your way in as your BS radar and sense of self get stronger. But the best source will always be elders, reach out and try find pagans in your community. We’re a sneaky lot but we are out there. For eons, magick has been passed down through generations. I personally believe in the prowess of a magickal bloodline but many these days are the first of their line to pick up the craft and that’s okay. Plenty people who are born swimmers lose to people who are passionate. But what both need is guidance and training.

2. How strong is my mind? 💪

A witch is only as good as their intuition and if you’ve just googled love spells, went out and bought the pink candles, and plopped down to seduce Chad The Almighty then Im afraid that might not go well dear. While a good spell is a great help, ultimately items are simply there to aid, amplify, and channel your ability. If you are hasty or a poor listener then you wont go very far.

Meditation (of all kinds) is the best way to train your brain. If you can quiet your mind and channel your spirit then you stand a chance to make a potent spell with minimal aid. But this takes YEARS of practice. Hang in there.

3. Am I REALLY prepared? 🎓

Have you been meditating? How many books have you read? Have you been taking good care of your body? Do you have the right spell? The right enviroment? Are you taking your time? Have you taken moments to listen to the world around you and observe what the universe might be trying to tell you? Are you sure a spell is needed? Is the timing right?

If you feel like somethings just not clicking, then the answer is no- youre not prepared. Magic is intuitive and when its right its right. You’ll know.

Never. Ever. Ever. Rush into magic unprepared. If you force yourself down the throat of the universe, it will shit you out.

4. What am I contributing? 🔁

I’m not fluffy bunny. Every great teacher I’ve ever known, read, listened to, or heard of has made sure to make one thing very clear everything has a price. If you are drawing from within that means your personal energy, strength, happiness, safety, or more depending on the spell and intensity. Objects can help a lot with this, thats why spell ingredients aren’t arbitrarily thrown about and exchanged. If you work with spirits or dieties or other beings of any kind, then you must contribute back to them. Its a relationship, not a charity. If you want your house spirit to protect you, then you must get to know that house and treat it in a way that pleases it. If you want a spirit to bring you love, it might want offerings of honey or milk.

I mean, imagine this: You’re a rich bank owner and someone shows up and bangs on your door. They tell you they want you to bring them money and bring it now, here are some rocks that remind them of money, they’re holding a green candle. Would you just give it to them? Probably not. But if it was a friend, or if the person came with a gift, you might share just a little bit.

5. Does this even need magic? 🔨

You wanna drop 20lbs? Dont do a spell. You wanna find true love? Dont do a spell. You wanna make sure you dont burn your pastry? Dont do a spell.

Instead do spells that motivate you to go to the gym or choose that healthy meal. Do spells that make you a more confident and comfortable person so that you arent so worried about meeting the one. Do spells that help you show love to your bakes so that you know just when they are ready to come out.

And most of all, mundane before magical. Plenty of people live perfectly good lives without a single chant or gemstone. Make sure you are doing what you can, and the powers that be might just take a fancy and help you out even when you dont ask for it.

If you get nothing else out of this, the main thing I encourage you to do is READ READ READ.

Happy Casting

~ That Witch

[hazyaquarius]

Teas for Witches: the Basics

I can talk about tea literally all day (and I have because I’ve worked in a spice and tea shop for years), and there is SO much to talk about with both health and magical benefits. Teas are made from tea leaves called camellia sinensis, with the exception of herbal teas/infusions. For this, I’m going to list magical and health benefits by type of tea.

Black Tea

Feminine * Earth * Winter * Strength * Stability * Death * Expelling Negativity * Alertness * Energy

Black tea is the most fermented and oxidized of all teas. Its tea leaves look shriveled and black. It combats heart ailments, digestive problems, high cholesterol, asthma, and breast/menstrual problems. Black tea also has a lot of caffeine (47 mg, still less than coffee) and too much of it can cause acidity issues in the stomach.  

Examples: English/Irish Breakfast Tea, Assam, Darjeeling, Lapsung Souchang, Ceylon, Earl Grey

**There is a subset of black tea called Pu-erh, a post-fermented black tea. Some consider this to be the “purest” of all teas and connect it to the aether, as it is rare and valuable.

Green Tea

Masculine * Fire * Summer * Passion * Healing * Conscious Mind * Sexual Health * Love * Energy * Progress * Magic

Green tea is slightly steamed but not fermented, which maintains its green color. It has many health benefits, such as detoxifying, reducing cholesterol and weight, boosting immunity and stamina, and reducing blood glucose. It has less caffeine than black, but still some. 

Examples: Jasmine, Sencha, Matcha, Gyokurocha, Genmaicha, Hojicha, Gunpowder, Dragonwell

Oolong Tea

Feminine * Water * Autumn * Reflection * Meditation * Wisdom * Serenity * Concentration * Romance * Friendship

I always describe Oolong as being between Green and Blacks, since it is half fermented. It can help manage weight and stress, balance blog sugar levels, remove free radicals, and promote healthy skin and bones. HOWEVER, too much can actually speed up bone degradation because it sweeps away excess calcium. And beware of its high caffeine content (I used to drink Raspberry Wulong to pull all-nighters).

Examples: Milk Oolong, Formosa, Wulongs

White Tea

Masculine * Air * Spring * Happiness * Wisdom * Moon * Purification * Protection * Clarity * Cleansing * Beginnings

White tea is a little harder to find. Either the tea leaves are plucked as immature leaves and steamed, or the leaves have not been processed (there seems to be little consensus across cultures). Some have a small amount of caffeine. It’s a great antibacterial and antioxidant, and it improves the heart, oral health, and skin. Drinking a couple cups works better than one, and you can reuse the tea leaves, granted that the second cup will brew longer.

Examples: White teas come in many flavors and are usually labeled as white tea. You may need to seek out a tea shop to find some.

Herbal Tea

Magical properties depend on which herbs are used

This tea seems to be the most popular for witches on tumblr, because it is composed of dry, unprocessed herbs, seeds, fruits, or roots, and has no caffeine (as long as the herb doesn’t!). There are many recipes online as herbals are easy to make. In general, herbal tea promotes calm, reduces cholesterol and risk of heart conditions, cancers, and diabetes. Due to its lack of actual tea leaves it has less antioxidants than other teas. Some don’t even call it a tea, but dub it Herbal Infusion.

Examples: Rooibos, most Chais, Ginseng, Chamomile, Peppermint, Spearmint, Hibiscus

**Yerba Mate is an herbal tea that is notorious for its high caffeine levels (you’ve probably seen the energy drink). It also zaps one’s appetite and can become addictive, so be careful around this tea!

As always, feel free to add/message me of any corrections, and I hope you find your cup of tea!