mywitchlingjourney

[mywitchlingjourney]

I'm Amal, 33 years old. My husband Eyad is 39, and we have seven children: Hala (15), Nour (13), Abdelrahman (11), Mohammed (9), Omar (6), Ahmed (4), and baby Hoor, just 7 months old.

In the blink of an eye, we awoke to a devastating barrage of bombs. The war had begun, and soon tanks surrounded us as the northern Gaza Strip was declared off-limits. We fled immediately from the north, leaving behind my husband who had to stay with his elderly father who cannot walk. The presence of checkpoints and the prohibition of vehicles forced my husband to remain in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the north of Gaza.

My four-year-old son, Ahmed, suffers from diabetes. It is a constant struggle to find insulin injections and test strips. Weeks go by without being able to check his sugar levels, leaving me in fear of whether his levels are too high or too low.

Ahmed's condition break my heart

My children are the love of my life

I fled on foot, just ten days after giving birth. I carried my ten-day-old baby and my other young children, alone, fighting for their safety. A few days later, the northern Gaza Strip was completely isolated, leaving my husband trapped.

I cannot bear the panic attacks that Hoor suffers from the constant bombing

It was incredibly difficult to care for my children without my husband, moving from one place to another. I finally sought refuge in a shelter school in Deir Al-Balah.

My children have been deprived of their father, who used to provide all their needs. Their schooling has been halted, and their mental health is in ruins due to the war. My baby girl cannot get proper nutrition and is unable to sleep due to the constant sounds of bombs.

We share our room at school with 40 people, lacking water and sanitary supplies

My husband remains in the north, experiencing severe famine. Periodically, I manage to contact him, learning that he is still alive, but his situation is dire.

We want to escape Gaza and survive this tragic war, to build a decent life for my family, providing the basics of life: food, medical care, and a safe home.

Your donations can make a world of difference for us. Every dollar can help us escape this nightmare and start anew. Your generosity can reunite our family, provide essential medical care for Ahmed, and ensure my children grow up in a peaceful environment.

Your kindness and support mean everything to us. May God bless you for your compassion.

Greetings & Gratitude🙏

Amal

[mywitchlingjourney]

devoting things to Dionysus is devoting your tiredness and low mental health but also that blissful thoughtless ecstasy devoting things to Dionysus is acting and performing a dramatized role for a deeper meaning most people are yet to uncover devoting things to Dionysus is respecting the old and the young, the traitors and the victims devoting things to Dionysus is knowing chaos had to come from order which was broken and beaten devoting things to Dionysus is knowing all good things take time to grow like fermented wine devoting things to Dionysus is knowing at times you need to start all over and rebirth devoting things to Dionysus is knowing just like the saying "its not about the destination but the journey" could be applied to travel but also life

[mywitchlingjourney]

MABON

DATE: September 20th-23rd

ZODIAC: Libra and Scorpio 

SYMBOLS: cornucopia, equilateral cross, autumn foliage, pine cones, acorns, vineyards, gourds, and pumpkins.

INCENSE AND OILS: frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, patchouli, sandalwood, nutmeg, clove, orange, pine, ginger, juniper, and benzoin.

SPELLWORK: gratitude, cleansing, letting go, protection, wisdom, prosperity, self confidence, balance, and creativity.

ANIMALS: owls, wolves, squirrels, deer, crows, ravens, foxes, bats, hawks, black birds, and eagles.

COLOURS: orange, purple, yellow, red, brown, gold, and maroon.

FOOD: apples, grapes, pumpkins, squash, corn, grains, nuts, potatoes, cranberries, pears, beets, wine, and cider.

DEITIES: Demeter, Persephone, Ceres, Freyja, Pomona, Green Man, Loki, Modron, Freyr, Osiris, The Morrigan, and Dionysus.

HERBS AND FLOWERS: marigolds, sunflowers, rosemary, sage, thyme, chrysanthemum, goldenrod, mugwort, aster, hops, and ivy.

CRYSTALS AND STONES: citrine, amber, labradorite, smoky quartz, peridot, carnelian, garnet, sodalite, and moonstone.

[mywitchlingjourney]

This popped into my head the other day.

[mywitchlingjourney]

✨ Creating Your Grimoire ✨

In the realm of witchcraft and the arcane arts, a grimoire is a sacred vessel—a repository for your magical knowledge, spells, and experiences. To create your very own grimoire is to embark on a magical journey, a testament to your personal growth and a reflection of your unique spiritual path. With each page, you breathe life into a magical world that is uniquely yours. 🌙📜🔮

So, let us delve into the mystic arts and learn how to craft your very own grimoire, a treasured companion on your magical journey:

✨ 1. Choose Your Tools: Begin by selecting a journal or a notebook that resonates with you. It could be leather-bound, handcrafted, or a simple, beautifully designed book. Let your intuition guide you.

✨ 2. Dedicate Your Grimoire: Before you start filling its pages, dedicate your grimoire to your magical practice. Create a ceremony or ritual that signifies its importance in your spiritual journey.

✨ 3. Organize Your Content: Decide on the sections or categories for your grimoire. Common sections include spells, herbs, crystals, divination, moon phases, and personal reflections. Organizing your content will make it easier to reference.

✨ 4. Decorate with Intention: Use art, symbols, and colors that hold significance in your practice. Incorporate symbols, runes, and illustrations that resonate with your magical path. Each stroke of your pen can carry intention.

✨ 5. Record Your Spells and Rituals: Document your spells and rituals with care. Include ingredients, steps, and the outcomes. Personalize them to make them your own and infuse them with your energy.

✨ 6. Herbal and Crystal Wisdom: Devote sections to the properties and uses of herbs and crystals. Describe their magical associations and how to work with them in your spells and rituals.

✨ 7. Lunar and Planetary Magic: Dedicate pages to the phases of the moon and the influence of planetary energies. Include your observations and experiences with these celestial guides.

✨ 8. Divination and Tarot: Share your insights about divination methods like tarot, runes, or scrying. Document your readings and interpretations.

✨ 9. Dream and Meditation Journal: Dedicate a portion to dream and meditation experiences. Record your visions, insights, and messages received during your spiritual journeys.

✨ 10. Personal Reflections: Your grimoire is not just a book of facts but a record of your spiritual evolution. Write about your experiences, your magical progress, and how your practice has shaped you.

✨ 11. Protection and Secrecy: Consider creating a page or section dedicated to protective spells or enchantments to safeguard the contents of your grimoire.

✨ 12. Regularly Update: Your grimoire is a living, evolving document. As you learn, grow, and experience, continue to add to its pages and update your knowledge.

🌟🔮🌟

As you craft your grimoire, remember that it is a reflection of your unique connection to the magical world. With each entry, you breathe life into your practice, making it a powerful, personalized tool for your mystical journey. May your grimoire be a testament to your magical evolution, a record of your discoveries, and a key to the secrets of the universe.

📜🔮✨ Blessed be, as you embark on this enchanting journey of grimoire creation. 📜🔮✨

[mywitchlingjourney]

✨ Subtle Deity Worship Master List ✨

Greek Deities:

Subtle Aphrodite Worship

Subtle Ares Worship

Subtle Apollo Worship

Subtle Artemis Worship

Subtle Athena Worship

Subtle Dionysus Worship

Subtle Eros Worship

Subtle Hephaestus Worship

Subtle Hermes Worship

Subtle Demeter Worship

Subtle Hera Worship

Subtle Zeus Worship

Subtle Circe Worship

Subtle Hestia Worship

Subtle Helios Worship

Subtle Persephone Worship

Subtle Poseidon Worship

Subtle Hekate Worship

Subtle Hygeia Worship

Subtle Nemesis Worship

Subtle Psyche Worship

Subtle Asklepios Worship

Subtle Haides Worship

Subtle Harpocrates Worship

Subtle Erebos Worship

Subtle Medea Worship

Subtle Tyche Worship

Subtle Lethe Worship

Subtle Selene Worship

Subtle Eris Worship

Subtle Themis Worship

Subtle Talos Worship

Subtle Thanatos Worship

Subtle Nyx Worship

Subtle Pan Worship

Subtle Hypnos Worship

Subtle Charybdis Worship

Subtle Hyacinthus Worship

Norse Deities:

Subtle Sigyn Worship

Subtle Loki Worship

Subtle Baldr Worship

Subtle Freyr Worship

Subtle Odin Worship

Subtle Freyja Worship

Subtle Thorr Worship

Subtle Tyr Worship

Subtle Jormungandr Worship

Subtle Hel Worship

Subtle Sleipnir Worship

Subtle Idunna Worship - created by @soil-and-stanzas :)

Subtle Fenrir Worship

-

This list will be updated as I make more posts! I may have to make extra posts due to the fact that you can only have 100 links per post.

[mywitchlingjourney]

Ways To Use Each Element In Spells

Fire:

Candles

Burning Herbs

Using Ashes

Bonfires to Raise Energy

Burning Petitions

Melting Things

Water:

Water Bowl Spells

Enchanting Water

Using Spiritual Waters + Colognes

Sprays

Soaking Items

River Magic

Air:

Verbal Spells

Blowing Air / Smoke

Incense

Bells

Sound Bowls

Wind Cleansing

Storm magic

Earth:

Salt Bowls

Burring Items

Plants + Herbs

Crystals

Dirt Spell Jars

Making Terrariums

Plant Wards

[mywitchlingjourney]

Ostara Altar Ideas & Correspondences

Ostara, also known as the Vernal Equinox, marks the balance between light and dark, symbolizing renewal, fertility, and the awakening of the Earth from its winter slumber.

Ostara Correspondences

Symbols: Eggs, rabbits, spring flowers, seeds, and chicks.

Colors: Pastel shades such as green, yellow, pink, and light blue.

Crystals: Aquamarine, rose quartz, moonstone, and clear quartz.

Plants: Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and other early spring ephemerals.

Herbs: Jasmine, honeysuckle, and vervain.

Foods: Fresh fruits, leafy greens, eggs, honey, and sprouts.

Altar Decorations

Spring Flowers: Adorn your altar with fresh flowers like daffodils, tulips, or cherry blossoms to symbolize the awakening of nature.

Eggs: Decorate eggs with natural dyes or paint them with symbols of fertility and growth. Arrange them in a nest or basket on your altar.

Rabbits and Chicks: Incorporate small figurines or images of rabbits and chicks to represent the fertility of the season.

Symbols of Balance: Place representations of balance, such as scales or yin-yang symbols, to honor the equilibrium of light and dark during the equinox.

Spring Incense: Burn incense blends featuring floral scents like jasmine or lavender to evoke the essence of spring.

Altar Cloth: Use a pastel-colored cloth as the base for your altar to reflect the hues of the season.

Candles: Light candles in colors associated with Ostara, such as yellow or light green, to welcome the return of the sun.

Seeds and Soil: Display small pots of soil or bowls of seeds to symbolize the potential for growth and new beginnings.

Divination Tools: Incorporate divination tools like tarot cards or runes to seek guidance and insight for the season of growth ahead.

Offerings: Leave offerings of fresh fruits, flowers, honey, or bread as a gesture of gratitude to the Earth for its abundance.

As you prepare your altar for Ostara, infuse it with your intentions for renewal, growth, and the blossoming of new opportunities. May you find warmth in the returning sun. <3

[mywitchlingjourney]

Go hiking. Fake your death. Become one with the forest. Elevate to forest god. The simple things.

[mywitchlingjourney]

I used to think that being a witch was making it an every day thing, with intense memorization and studying all at once... It isn't like that though, witch craft in it's core is about intention and magic and simply seeing the world around you can be just as good as going out of the way to spend money.

[mywitchlingjourney]

Cozy Witchcraft: Spells + Witch Tips For Your Bed

Spray your bed with a spellcrafted sleep spray, chamomile spray or lavender spray.

Enchant your blankets

Place sleep wards nearby for protective your during sleep

Keep charm bags near by for restful sleep

Wash your bedding with Florida Water

Put holly under your bed for vivid dreams

Place howlite on your nightstand for deep sleep

[mywitchlingjourney]

To those of you who worship obscure divinities: there are no rule that bind you except your own. Go worship that obscure deity. Go invent that festival from scratch. Go make that offering even if it’s unusual. Go write that prayer even if you’re the only one who gets it. Go play around with your freedom as a practitioner and explore! Even in a spiritual context, creativity is a gift.

[mywitchlingjourney]

One thing I've been working on is doing things I loved to do as a kid. And the thing I absolutely loved most as a kid was reading.

I've not been an avid reader in the last years, I've been reading 1 maybe 2 books a year because I just couldn't be bothered to make time for it or put energy into it. However, lately I've been getting back into it as an offer to Athena and to heal my inner child.

I mostly read YA novels as that is where my interest mostly lies. And I've learned that it's okay not to be reading only books that are deemed 'worthy' asif YA books are not worthy. I read what I want to read, and they don't have to be super informative books, just fun is enough.

What has helped me getting out of my reading slump has been keeping a reading journal! And to keep on motivating myself I started a bookstagram. If you want to follow me, its 'BookshelfSanctuary'. Just be mindful, its not an aesthetically pleasing account, its just books I'm currently reading featuring some cameos of my cat 🥰

https://instagram.com/bookshelfsanctuary?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

[mywitchlingjourney]

Crystal Shops & Occult Stores🌙

Why go to Crystal Shops or Occult Stores?

Crystal shops and occult store often sell more than just crystals. Many times we can find artisan candles, amulets, books and other tools which can be beneficial in our practice. Many people go to crystal shops to seek guidance from professionals since many shops may employ tarot readers or reiki experts who provide those services. Often times, the people who visit these types of stores are going there to find a solution to a problem so not only do shop owners sell their products but they also provide guidance and support to their customers.

Crystal shops are a convenient place to find all sorts of goods which may be expensive or difficult to find reliably online.

How to Know What's Worth Buying (Crystal Edition):

When buying crystals, it's super easily to see the big, beautiful crystal points and immediately drop $50-60 to get one. As much as I know it's hard (trust me), doing that won't actually benefit your practice. Although having a huge crystal collection is super aesthetic and crystal can be beneficial tools in your practice, they mostly just take up space. So don't feel bad if you can't afford to fund a crystal shop addiction, it's more embarrassing to admit that I probably keep most crystal shops in my area in business single handedly.

If you see a super beautiful crystal but find that it's super expensive and you're on the fence about purchasing, I recommend this. Find the same type of crystal in a small size for cheaper (most shops have super small tumble of all their crystals for a few bucks per stone. Carrying that crystal around with you for at least a week and if you vibe with the crystal/notice a significant positive difference then I would go back and purchase the expensive crystal. Most of the time, expensive crystals will sit on the shelves for a long time because they are so pricey but if you're really worried about it, talk to the shop owner and ask them to put it aside for you. They may only be able to put it aside for a day or two but you never know.

In spell, having small pieces are often more helpful because they can easily fit into spell jar or sachets so don't discount the cheaper pieces.

Do's & Don't of Witchy Shopping:

Do

Visit multiple shops in your area- if you are able to, try finding more than one shop to go to. Prices (for crystals especially) vary between shops. I know one shop that sells crystal for nearly $10 cheaper than the one that is more locally to me but their candles are almost double the price.

Look online- for anything other than crystals, it is good to do a quick search online. Sometimes we can find the same items for much cheaper. Shops can sometimes increase the prices of the items they sell in order to turn a profit (which is just a part of business!) but that isn't always beneficial to a customer's wallet.

Ask questions- if a shop is reliable, they will be willing and even excited to talk about their products and where they are sourcing their items. If you're worried about a crystal being fake or about the quality of the items you're buying then a shop owner should be able to help. If they get mad, get out of there!

Don't

Feel pressured to buy- if you are spending your hard earned money then you should feel confident in the purchase you are making. If a seller tells you things like "oh these go really quick" or "you should grab that before they're all gone" as a way to pressure you into making a purchase then they likely on commission and will benefit from your purchase.

Buy things that are culturally appropriative- many of these shops sell things like palo santo or white sage and both of these plants are a part of closed practices. Please don't purchase these items!

Buy jewellery- this is not a hard rule, it's actually more of a personal preference. I will support small businesses who sell wire wrapped crystals but for the most part, simple wire wrapped necklaces are pretty easy to make. Unless I'm paying for the artistry (ie. a complex design or a specific style) then I will just purchase a small tumble of the crystal I want and wrap it myself.

*All images are from Pinterest*

[mywitchlingjourney]

Shadow Work Prompts

With my last post being about shadow work, I thought I’d give y’all some prompts to use.

How does the feeling of envy show up in your life?

What do you need more of in your life?

What do you love most about yourself?

If you could get rid of one bad memory, what would it be and why?

In what ways are you inauthentic?

What irrational fears do you have and how do they hold you back?

Do you hold grudges against others that could be let go? What’s your motive for holding onto them?

What do you hate about others? Why? What might that say about yourself?

What do you need to stop running away from?

What do you need to let go of?

What should you attract into your life?

How do you feel about “love”?

Why do you think you don’t deserve love?

What do you minimize about yourself? What do you flaunt?

How do you deal with criticism?

How do you perceive pain?

Why haven’t you dealt with your past before?

What don’t you like about your life? Why? How can you change it?

How often do you lie to yourself and what about?

What emotion(s) do you try to avoid? Why don’t you want to feel those ways?

Write a letter to someone who hurt you and then burn it.

How does your inner child see you?

How are you deceiving yourself?

What does success mean to you? How are you standing in your own way?

What is going on in your life that you are actively ignoring?

What keeps you motivated?

What inspires you?

Who or what is making your life difficult? How can you deal with it constructively?

How have you been betrayed in your life? What did it teach you?

How has your voice been stifled in the past?

What areas of your life do you excel in?

What are the most important/integral things you have learned over the past few years?

In what ways are you too defensive? Why?

How are you pessimistic in your own life?

Why do you not trust others?

What hardships have you overcome? How has it changed you?

What are you doing to pursue your dreams?

What do you still need to forgive yourself for?

What did that relationship teach you? (you know the one… that one)

How can you maintain your individuality?

In what ways can you be more true to yourself?

In what ways are you lying to yourself? Why?

How can you lead with your heart in your life?

How have your dreams fallen short of reality?

What is your relationship with your mother like?

What is your relationship with your father like?

Write a letter to your inner child. Maybe apologize for what has happened to them and that you couldn’t protect them, tell them how far you have come and how much you have done. Say whatever comes to mind.

How have you been a martyr/victim in your own life?

I’ll keep this post updated with more prompts when I find them

[mywitchlingjourney]

Something I struggle with is finding offers for my guides and deities. I used to think these offers were supposed to be some grandiose token of appreciation but I've learned that it doesn't have to be.

My guides want what's best for me, to help me grow in specific areas. Athena is helping me stand up for myself, therefore, any boundary (especially at work) I dedicate to her. As well as the responsibilities I've recently gained at work. Circe is helping me learn that growth isn't lineair and that it's okay to allow myself to take breaks. My selfcare nights are dedicated to her, I braid my hair with oils and practice some sort of creative craft. Lately, I have started to pick up painting. I am no good at it, but that is absolutely okay. It's impossible to immediately master any craft and that is something that I have to come to terms with and this is the right step towards that.

Your offerings don't have to be grande, expensive tokens. They have to be genuine.

So here are the paintings I made, dedicated to my deities. Studio Ghibli movies have always comforted me and were therefore my inspiration. They are not perfect, but they are mine, selfmade with selflove. I am proud of that, and so are my guides.

[mywitchlingjourney]

Herbal teas for stress

Here are some herbal teas that are known for their stress-reducing properties:

Chamomile tea: Chamomile is a popular herb known for its calming effects. Drinking chamomile tea can help relax the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility.

Lavender tea: Lavender has soothing properties and a pleasant aroma. Lavender tea can help alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, and reduce stress levels.

Lemon balm tea: Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Drinking lemon balm tea can help calm the nervous system and uplift the mood.

Passionflower tea: Passionflower has long been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Drinking passionflower tea can have a calming effect and help relieve tension.

Ashwagandha tea: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes a sense of calm. Consuming ashwagandha tea can help reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.

Holy basil tea: Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a herb with adaptogenic properties. Drinking holy basil tea can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mental clarity.

Remember, while herbal teas can be beneficial for stress reduction, it's important to address the underlying causes of stress and practice healthy coping mechanisms.

If you're experiencing chronic stress or anxiety, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance and support.