#WitchyBlogging

[purechaoswitch]

Digital Community: A Case Study in Enchantment – The World of Tumblr

Welcome, wanderers of the mystical web. As you step into the crimson glow of this space, I—the Pure Chaos Witch—invite you to unravel the threads of an enchanting digital realm: Tumblr.

Tumblr is a unique platform, like a cauldron filled with creativity, individuality, and community. It is considered a place where creators and dreamers come together to share their work, spark ideas, and form unbreakable bonds that go beyond the ordinary.

After centuries of living and a lifetime of mastering chaos magic, I have gathered some valuable insights about the world and the community on Tumblr, which I have summarized in this post. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your spellbook and start taking notes, people ~~

The Veil of Anonymity: Pros and Cons

Anonymity on Tumblr serves as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows users to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, fostering honest feedback and reducing social pressure on various topics. This veil can be empowering, enabling individuals to share their deepest thoughts and creations without revealing their true identities (Metraux, 2022).

However, this cloak of invisibility can also be misused and enable harmful behaviors. The option to send anonymous messages, for instance, has sometimes been abused, leading to instances of cyberbullying, trolling and spreading misinformation (Omernick and Sood, 2013). Moreover, artists may find their work stolen or republished without due credit, as anonymity can obscure the trail back to the original creator.

Casting the Circle: The Power of Digital Communities

A digital community is not unlike a coven - a sacred space where like-minded individuals gather, united by shared purpose and passion. The magic of Tumblr lies in how it brings together diverse voices into one single vibrant and creative community. From fan art to political discussions, it offers a safe space for us to create our own personal havens within the vast expanse of the internet (McCracken, 2017).

But the real question is: What makes Tumblr so distinct from other platforms? It must be the ethos of co-creation. Unlike traditional social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, Tumblr encourages reblogging, remixing, and reimagining content - an infinite loop of shared spells that amplify their power (Katrin Tiidenberg, Natalie Ann Hendry and Abidin, 2021).

The Evolution of Tumblr: A Brief Chronicle

Since its launch in 2007, Tumblr has evolved significantly. It began as a platform for microblogging and sharing multimedia, fostering a distinctive culture centered on creativity and fandoms. Over the years, features like reblogging and tagging were introduced, making it easier for users to engage and explore content. A major turning point in its evolution came with the rise of fandom culture, where Tumblr became the go-to hub for fan communities to thrive, collaborate, and share their passions.

(e.g., Supernatural, Sherlock, or Harry Potter fanbases).

However, policy changes, such as the 2018 ban on adult content, led to shifts in user dynamics and community structures (Sybert, 2021). Despite these changes, Tumblr continues to be a vibrant tapestry of diverse communities, adapting and evolving with the digital tides.

The Scarlet Insight: Lessons in Empowerment

As a witch, I see Tumblr as a grimoire - each post a spell and each tag a rune. The platform thrives on the interplay of voices, where one person’s musings become the spark for another’s inspiration. Here, collaboration becomes empowerment, and anonymity offers great safety to express the unspoken (Nixon and Düsterhöft, 2018).

In this sacred digital space, the balance between individual expression and communal engagement fosters a unique kind of energy - a reminder that in unity, there is strength.

#BlackLivesMatter campaign or LGBTQ+ representation.

And, here are some notes and tips for our brilliant Tumblr creators (only if you are ready to start practicing magic on this platform *wink):

Tags: Think of tags as sigils. They guide others to your posts and make your content discoverable. You shall use them wisely.

Visuals: A picture paints a thousand spells. Accompany your words with captivating images or gifs to evoke a mood :)

Community: Engage, reblog, and interact as much as you can!!! The more you weave into the tapestry, the brighter your thread will shine.

As we walk hand in hand on this treacherous road, let us remember the core of Tumblr’s enchantment: the celebration of diversity, creativity, and unbridled passion. This is a space where magic thrives, and each of us is a sorcerer of our own making.

Until next time, or next week, my fellow mystics.

Your beloved chaos witch.

References

Katrin Tiidenberg, Natalie Ann Hendry and Abidin, C. (2021). Tumblr. Cambridge Medford, Ma Polity.

McCracken, A. (2017). Tumblr Youth Subcultures and Media Engagement. Cinema Journal, [online] 57(1), pp.151–161. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/44867867.

Metraux, J. (2022). How Tumblr Helps Youth Continue to Be Seen and Heard - JSTOR Daily. [online] JSTOR Daily. Available at: https://daily.jstor.org/how-tumblr-helps-youth-continue-to-be-seen-and-heard/?utm_source=chatgpt.com [Accessed 20 Jan. 2025].

Nixon, P.G. and DüsterhöftI.K. (2018). Sex in the Digital Age. London ; New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Omernick, E. and Sood, S.O. (2013). The Impact of Anonymity in Online Communities. 2013 International Conference on Social Computing. doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/socialcom.2013.80.

Sybert, J. (2021). The Demise of #NSFW: Contested Platform Governance and Tumblr’s 2018 Adult Content Ban. New Media & Society, p.146144482199671. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444821996715.

[saoirsegraves]

New Witchy Blog Post!

New blog post! "The Old Woman's Hornpipe" … a chatty ramble about creative process, music, and the witchcraft of aging.

[matthughesart]

Celebrate this Mourning Moon with the Kickstarter limited edition of the LUNA TAROT

There are still copies available of our LUNA Tarot Limited Kickstarter edition (only 1500 printed). Follow the link in our bio to get your copy before the holiday craziness starts!

This edition contains 4 different cards, silver holographic foil card faces and edging, a unique box design, and a signed card autographed by the artist Matt Hughes. Orders are shipped within 48 hours.

[radiant-avad]

don’t even try to tell me otherwise, i know for a fucking fact that if lambert had a youtube channel it would be dedicated entirely to fuck-stupid eating competitions.

please imagine me lovingly blending lambert’s face in using my laptop’s touchscreen at 6am, squinting blearily

[magickpumpkin]

Late night Magick

[radiant-avad]

@reddeadcoquette

This is just 😍😍😍

[lladymoon]

Back when i couldnt get rubbing alcohol to clean my bong 😅 this toke sucked but my makeup looks amazing so🤷🏼‍♀️

[loustellaperry]

quote from Toast by Loustella Perry

Believe in magic, okay. Just trust that your magic will work, your intentions are strong, & that your life long purpose will come thru. On some of my hardest days, magic always comes thru for me. Magic allows me to set my future self up for success, & express unending passion for the things I love. I’m not kidding... I’m saying, scream about the things you love & put it into the universe & believe as much as you can. Magic is everywhere & is always listening. 🤍

[witchybbygrl]

Been finding so much purpose and peace through witchcraft lately.

[justawitchyweirdblog]

The Witches Runes

History

The Witches Runes are far from ancient or extraordinary. Many common forms of runes, such as the Elder Futhark, were from ancient civilizations and were used as part of the written language of the day.

The Witches Runes have no clear origin, however they certainly are a modern creation catering to the modern witch or Diviner.

While this set comes in 13, there are other sets known to contain 8 or 10. Some say there are 13 to represent the number of moons in a year.

[radiant-avad]

fucking smooth moves over here

[smileydork]

Pick a card love reading

Curious as to what is coming next in love for you? Check out this singles only reading! Pick the pile that calls out most to you. 

Pile one is on the left, pile two is the middle pile, and pile three is on the right.

PILE 1

You may be in a position in which you’ve been single for a long time and really want a relationship. But trying to control matters and force love to come into your life is not working nor will it work in the future. The biggest thing happening in the future for your love life is learning to be patient and let life provide you with opportunities when it comes to love. You will find peace. It also looks as if you don’t currently know your future lover. 

PILE 2

You may have clicked on this reading hoping that someone you have in mind will be your next lover. The cards indicate that you either have not yet met your future partner or that it may be someone you haven’t yet considered. It’s important to keep an open mind and remain positive. The universe will give you everything you desire when the time is right. I see a very beautiful, lasting connection in the cards for you. This may be someone you start a family with and settle down with. Believe it is coming.

PILE 3

This spread indicates that an ex or past person of interest is very much part of your future. This may be someone you were very much in love with or thought was your soulmate, but it just didn’t work out. The cards want you to know that they’ll be back. Their part in your life isn’t over yet. You may be facing some anxiety and doubt regarding the person and situation, but source wants you to have faith that they’ll come back and it’ll happen exactly how it’s meant to. The cards advise that you ask for a sign from your angels, deities, or even the universe if you’re having doubt. You will get your answer. 

[matthughesart]

LUNA TAROT DECK - Kickstarter launches Feb 23rd

A revised edition of the Ethereal Visions Tarot deck with 10 new cards, more diversity, richer colors,, and special Silver Foil.

[radiant-avad]

take a classic and turn that bad boy right on its head

[magickpumpkin]

A little video of the new moon Magick I did Saturday night 🌑✨

I host group rituals every new and full moon btw 🥰

[myeclecticwitchylife]

*Witchy Opportunity Alert*

Hello my fellow witches! :) 

I’m curating a list of witchy advice targeting towards baby witches on my blog, MyWitchyLife.com. 

If selected, you will be able to promote...

*Your witchy business (services, physical products, digital products)

*Your witchy blog

*Your witchy social media handles

*So on (as long as it is spiritual and/or witchcraft related)

Simply email me with everything listed below:

-Your name (or pen name)

-Any links you want to include

-One-three pieces of advice you would give to a witchcraft beginner

-Anything else you want to add (who you are, maybe why you want to do this, etc) As long as you keep it brief :)

A selected few may also get interviews as well.

Simply email me at: Admin@MyWitchyLife.com.