#cleansing magic

[harvestmoss]

Beginner Witch Tips

Where does one even start? Well, there's hundreds of lovely people both on Tumblr and other blog spaces, as well as wonderful beginner books and online resources out there that love to help. This is just one of many other witches takes on what a beginner witch may want to start researching and do, and some extra bits.

Before Magic:

What is magic to you? - You can't start performing magic until you learn how magic functions in your eyes. How do you make sure a spell will work? What is energy in magic? It may be a lot to ask, but it's something to keep in mind as you research other topics that might help uncover this question more, or vice versa, it can help you understand other topics.

Meditation is not *just* sitting and doing nothing - In my path I beat myself up so hard for not being able to sit down with my legs crossed and hands on my knees, sitting perfectly still, and just empty my thoughts for 10 boring long minutes. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of calm and clarity. Which means that if you can make your mind more clear and calm by sewing, listening to music, doing exercise, chant, etc. Learn what sort of meditation works best for you. I meditate outside by looking down at the ground to find amulets, or swimming, and inside it's when I draw or focus on a task.

Correspondence list - Find out what correspondences (example) basil has, but also, why does it have that? And maybe, it doesn't have those correspondences to you at all! This counts for colours, crystals and other things too.

Closed practices - It's good to know which sorts of practices are closed, semi closed, and open. As well as what practices Wicca preach and so on, it's a way to recognize what perspective your sources are writing from.

Pregnant or medicated people, please be careful - This may seem strange, but before just casting a spell or using herbs, please be mindful of what it contains as some herbs can have negative effects on pregnant people or your medication you're taking. This counts for poisonous herbs as well, know what to avoid or be careful with.

Do your own research - I can spew a lot of things to you, but I can only do it from my perspective. Learn from more than just one place. From both in real life and online.

Time For Magic

Cleansing magic - Figure out how to cleanse a space for magic use, you don't want energies mixing in with your spells. As an example, I can't cook in a kitchen that's filled with dishes and dirty counters. The same goes for spells, I can't perform spells until energies are clear and gone.

Protection magic - Every witch says this. But yes. Protection magic is useful even if you have no enemies. Once you have gotten rid of unwanted energies, it's time to make sure they won't come back in and make sure to up keep your protection regularly.

Warding and banishing magic - Listen, you can clean as much as you want, but you simply won't get rid of mold unless you use bleach. You simply can't get rid of annoying spirits unless you have a good banishing and warding spells you can rely on. Especially if you plan on summoning spirits whenever it's the elements or some high level demon later down your path. You must have a banishing spell in case things go wrong.

Charging and binding magic - Your magic will prove more powerful if you learn how to charge your energy and tools and also binding them to certain powerful uses. You may find a stick and use it as a wand, but it'll be more powerful if you spend the time to charge it, learn about it, and only use it for specific rituals.

Bonus Tips:

Stop researching about different types of witches - Maybe this is a hot take or not. Besides knowing what a pagan and wiccan is and closed practices, there's no need to write about what a sea witch, a hearth witch, a death witch, a divination witch, etc is! When I first started out, I got so stressed out because once I got done writing and research about 10 different witches, another 400 would show up, I gave up about it and used my focus and energy on other more crucial things than "a sea witch is someone who works with the ocean and..." *snores* we know, it's in the name. Besides, you shouldn't focus on labels so early on in your practice.

Amulets are not just shiny jewellery - Movies love to predict amulets and talismans as these hereditary important gemstone necklaces. But honestly, you can make an amulet out of anything. Snail houses, rocks, seashells, bags of herbs, nails, sea glass, horseshoe, or actually your every day jewellery like your wedding ring, earrings, and favourite bracelet.

Self-care witchcraft is not that fantastic - Maybe it's just me but the last thing I wanna do in a "self-care" ritual is clean up all the herb baths and find herbs and grind my own tea. True self-care witchcraft is taking care of your doctors appointment and enchanting them with luck and good news. Or Finally getting around to cleaning the oven (the hearth) so that your home is healthy once again.

Use things you have in your area - Learn what's around you in your city, not just stores but what can you get from parks, lakes, forests, and beaches near you? When do the herbs in your area bloom? When can you harvest acorns? Can you get flowers from the park or do you have to source them somewhere else in your area? Are you able to grow your own stuff in on your balcony or kitchen? And also, be mindful, always leave some left so it can come back next year.

[ghasel]

homemade spells: cleanser spray to refresh the energy

[image description: two small bottles of the cleanser spray, without their lid because my dumbass forgot one ingredient and had to re-heat everything to add it, so now it needs to cool down]

ingredients:

pink moon water (or another type of moonwater/simple water; i picked pink moon because there's a blooming energy to it)

black salt (i made it with fire incense ashes, so it's both protection and a pinch of energy; ofc standard salt works perfectly too!)

rosemary, for purification

lemon balm, for happiness and healing

thyme, to overcome the past negative energies

ginger, for energy

honey, for sweetness, productive energy and as my signature

use:

spray it around your home/room instead of (or added to) burning an incense to cleanse. I made this spray for both protection and purification and to give a bit of an energy boost!

(personally, i spray cleanse every week!)

If you want a spell jar or spray mix tailored for you, I now offer this service!!! (I don't have a link yet, sorry, but feel free and very welcome to dm me for more info!)

[tenofmuses]

Sometimes the “cleansing” you require isn’t what we typically view as magic, and can be quite mundane:

Open your windows to air out your room/house if the energy or air inside is feeling stagnant.

Wash your surfaces with thieves vinegar or your favourite cleaner. Get rid of that dust.

Clean up clutter and mess. Put away that laundry you did last week. Tidy your altar and clean your magical items. Change your sheets. Have a bath.

To some, this may not seem like cleansing magic, but to me it very much is. The relief I feel when I clean my room as my depression starts to lift, for example, is palpable. Cleansing your home and yourself, keeping your space tidy, etc., it all helps! And like all things, you can imbue many of these tasks with magic, if you would like, though it isn’t necessary. Do what feels right for you.

[breelandwalker]

Hi Bree! Do you know any quick banishing I could do together with a smoke cleansing ?

I was planning on putting some wards in the house at the weekend and thought it could be a good idea to do some banishing after cleansing today. Because what if there is something here and I dont know!

Sure thing! The best quick-and-dirty banishing you can do is claiming your space while you're walking around your home with whatever cleansing or protective implement you plan to use. A simple recitation or held thought of, "This is my space and it is safe and calm and free from trouble / disruption / misfortunate / sickness / etc." will do the trick.

Banishing and cleansing are closely related when it comes to living spaces, so chances are good that you've already cleared out anything unwanted or disruptive with your cleansing efforts. Refreshing your wards and household protections will solidify this and help keep anything that's been cast out from drifting back in.

(Plus, you'd be amazed what a difference a little tidying and airing-out will do after a long period of stagnant dry winter air!)

[raining-tulips]

magic checklist for tomorrow:

✦ cleanse new apartment ✦ cleanse myself (smoke, then bath) ✦ protect, protect, protect ✦money / luck spell

✦ and if i'm feeling up for it, journaling mid-year reflections

[annoyingnightlightbug]

Have you cleansed your home yet? Have you cleansed yourself (I desperately need to do an egg cleansed and just haven't had the energy)?

There's a lot happening in the world. Don't forget to scrub and shake and smoke that negative sludge clinging to you off (literal and metaphorical).

Also, don't forget to fight for the people of Palestine. It is our duty. In whatever way we are able. 🍉🇵🇸✨️

I do not post here often. At all. And this isn't entirely on theme. But there's the door 🚪 if you don't like it. Don't let it hit you on the way out (it is hexed).

Light a candle for the lost children. Light the darkness till they get home (their respective gods arms) if you're able. I've dedicated every last piece of advantage chocolate to them. Because it's what I have. And otherwise I likely wouldn't have eaten it.

So, at least once a day. Stop. Think of them. If you cannot do anything else. Just don't forget them.

[miraclecomplex]

[the-lunar-vixen]

Totally agree! I always think of cleaning as part of my witchcraft! I often sage my apartment afterward too ❤️

one of the best minimalistic witchy things you can do is clean your house.

seriously. light a candle and go to town. in the process of cleaning, you’re also metaphysically cleansing your space which opens doors to renew wards and put up additional barriers if necessary.

you’ll feel much better afterwards, and remember to take breaks if you need to.

[amethyst-pendulum]

[stonesense]

the mortalitasi may be the funniest mages in thedas because as far as i can tell their entire strategy is just to do blood magic with so much confidence nobody questions it

[bunny-claws]

cleansing & charging items ✨️

many of the methods used to cleanse items can also be used to charge them depending on your intentions.

cleansing & charging ideas:

visualization - imagine a ball of energy forming around the item to either cleanse it or give it power (the color of the ball could correspond to your intent, i.e. white or blue for cleansing, red for power, etc.)

earth - bury the object in soil or sand - a potted plant will also work

water - submerge the item in running water 

salt water - anoint or submerge the item in a salt water solution 

gem water - anoint or submerge the item in a corresponding crystal elixir 

herbal & floral water - anoint or submerge the item in a solution of corresponding herbs or flowers 

sea salt - sprinkle sea salt over/around the item or submerge it in a container of sea salt 

essential & infused oils - anoint item with corresponding oil 

smoke - pass the item through incense smoke 

fire - pass the item through an open flame or burn it (you could see the act of burning as either cleansing or charging)

storms -leave item outside during a thunderstorm; anoint with storm water

wind -leave item outside when it’s windy; make use of windchimes

crystals/crystal grid - surround the item with crystals of corresponding intent (can be arranged in a pattern to form a crystal grid and enhance energy)

dried/fresh herbs & flowers - sprinkle mixture over/around item or submerge the item in a mixture of herbs and/or flower petals 

sound - use a bell, whistle, or something similar to clear the space and associated items of negativity

sigils - craft and use sigils that correspond with your intent (you can set the item on top of the sigil, draw the sigil on the item, etc.) 

moonlight & starlight - leave item in the path of these natural lights, either outside or in a windowsill overnight 

sunlight - leave item in the path of sunlight for a few hours during the day (before sunset, of course), either outside or in a windowsill 

divination - pair the item with a rune or tarot/oracle card that matches your intent in a small container 

incantations - create an incantation that states your intent and speak it aloud while holding the item

physical energy - engage in physical activity of some sort (exercise, dancing, etc.) and direct that energy into the item

actual cleaning - physically and literally clean any items with an appropriate solution (soap, alcohol, etc.); the energy put into cleaning can also be used to charge the item

caution: some items, especially crystals, are not suitable for exposure to sunlight, water, or salt. 

© 2025 bunny-claws

[lunar-witchin]

crystal magic basics 💎

a quick guide for using and caring for your crystal

— cleanse l it's important to cleanse your crystal of negative or stale energies before and after you carry it for an extended period of time or use it in your practice.

methods of crystal cleansing

— water cleansing | mix sea salt and clear water from a natural source — such as spring water or rain water. submerge your crystals and let them sit overnight. (don't use this method with crystals that are water soluble)

— smoke cleansing I pass your crystal through incense or herb smoke of your choice

— fire cleansing | quickly pass your crystal through the flame of a lit candle or match (safely and carefully! not all crystals are safe to pass through fire, so please do your research)

— salt cleansing | cover your crystals completely in sea salt and allow them to sit overnight before uncovering them

— earth cleansing | like salt cleansing, bury your crystals in dirt or soil and allow them to sit overnight before uncovering them

— sound cleansing | use bells, song bowls, a tuning fork, any musical instrument, or even just play music or ambient sounds in close proximity to your crystal

— program I after cleansing, you can program your crystal with your desired intention so long as it aligns with the properties of the crystal itself

methods of crystal programming

— visualize | hold your crystal in the hand that feels most comfortable, and imagine a soft light filling your crystal while you focus on your intention. rest when you feel you've activated the crystal

— communicate | while holding your crystal, have a conversation with it. this can be out loud or in your head. be sure to make your intentions clear and show gratitude when you feel your crystal has been activated

— familiarize | carry your crystal with you for a few days or weeks while you focus on your intent. eventually the crystal will activate by picking up your intentions

— charge | lastly, after you've programmed your intent into the crystal, choose a suitable method of charging it with energy

methods of crystal charging

— sunlight | put your crystals outside or on your windowsill in sunlight for the day. (this may cause color fading in certain crystals)

— moonlight | put your crystals outside or on your windowsill overnight in moonlight (pretty much exactly like sunlight but without the possibility of crystal color fading)

— your energy I hold your crystal in your hand and focus your energy into it, allowing it to charge

when you’re finished using your crystals, be sure to store them in a cleansed, sacred, and safe space.

and that’s it! you now have access to magic rocks. enjoy!

[astra-ravana]

During A Lunar Eclipse

The total lunar eclipse on the night of March 13-14, 2025, will be visible across the Midwest. During totality (1:26 AM - 2:31 AM), the Moon will take on a reddish hue due to Earth's atmosphere filtering sunlight.

Lunar eclipses are powerful celestial events that carry deep spiritual and magickal significance. They represent a time of transformation, endings, revelations, and deep shadow work. This guide explores the mystical potential of lunar eclipse magick, including its meanings, best practices, spells, and rituals.

Understanding the Magick of a Lunar Eclipse

Astrological and Energetic Influence

• A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow over the Moon. This symbolizes the veiling of emotions (the Moon) by external forces (the Earth) and the light of consciousness (the Sun).

• Eclipses are seen as moments of fate, bringing hidden truths to the surface.

• They mark a time of release, transformation, and karmic cycles closing.

• The astrological sign in which the eclipse occurs influences the type of energy being released.

Why is Lunar Eclipse Magick Different?

• Unlike regular full moons, lunar eclipses are highly unstable energetically, making them unsuitable for typical full moon rituals (such as manifestation and charging tools).

• Instead, they are ideal for banishing, shadow work, endings, spiritual transformation, and ancestral work.

• Eclipses accelerate spiritual evolution, so spells and intentions cast during this time may have rapid and intense results.

Preparing for Lunar Eclipse Magick

Set Your Intentions Wisely

Since the energies of a lunar eclipse can be unpredictable, take time to reflect on what you truly need to release or transform. Ask yourself:

• What patterns or emotional wounds am I ready to face?

• What cycles in my life are ending?

• What do I need to purge to make space for new growth?

Create a Sacred Space

• Cleanse your space with smoke (sage, palo santo, mugwort) or sound (bells, singing bowls).

• Dim the lights or use candles to reflect the shadowy energy of the eclipse.

• Set up an altar with items related to the Moon (silver objects, lunar crystals like moonstone and selenite, bowls of water).

• If working with deities, ancestors, or spirits, invite them with offerings (wine, honey, incense, or symbolic items).

Ground and Protect Yourself

• Meditate for a few minutes to center yourself.

• Visualize a protective shield of light surrounding you.

• Carry or place grounding crystals like black tourmaline, obsidian, or hematite nearby.

Lunar Eclipse Rituals and Spells

Shadow Work Ritual (Best for Inner Healing & Self-Discovery)

Needed:

• A journal or piece of paper

• A black candle

• A mirror

Instructions:

Light the black candle and sit in front of the mirror. Gaze into your own eyes, asking: What truths do I need to face? What parts of myself have I been avoiding? Write down the thoughts and emotions that arise. After journaling, say,

"Under the shadowed Moon, I embrace my hidden self. May I heal, grow, and transform."

Blow out the candle, thanking the eclipse energy for its lessons.

Banishing and Cord-Cutting Spell (Best for Letting Go & Breaking Attachments)

Needed:

• A piece of paper

• A black string or cord

• A candle (black or white)

• A bowl of saltwater

Instructions:

Write down what you want to release (a habit, fear, toxic relationship). Tie the black string around the paper, symbolizing your attachment. Light the candle and say,

"By the power of this eclipse, I release what no longer serves me. The past is gone, the future is mine."

Cut the string with scissors or burn the paper, then drop it into the bowl of saltwater. Dispose of the remnants outside to finalize the release.

Ancestral Connection & Divination (Best for Seeking Guidance & Wisdom)

Needed:

• A photo or object of an ancestor/spirit guide

• A candle (blue or white)

• Tarot or oracle cards

• Mugwort or rosemary incense

Instructions:

Light the candle and incense, inviting your ancestors to join. Meditate, focusing on their presence, and ask for guidance. Shuffle and draw tarot/oracle cards with the question: 'What message do my ancestors have for me?' Record any insights, dreams, or emotions that come through. Thank your ancestors, leaving an offering if desired.

Moon Water for Releasing (Best for Cleansing & Emotional Healing)

Unlike regular full moon water, eclipse-charged water is best used for cleansing rather than charging magical tools.

Instructions:

Place a bowl or jar of water outside during the lunar eclipse. Whisper into the water,

"Absorb the power of transformation, cleanse all that is old."

Use this water later for ritual baths, washing hands after shadow work, or sprinkling around your space for energetic cleansing.

What NOT to Do During a Lunar Eclipse

• Avoid manifestation or charging crystals. The chaotic energy can create unintended effects.

• Do not perform love spells or attraction rituals. Eclipse energy is about endings, not beginnings.

• Refrain from making drastic life decisions. Emotions run high, and things might appear differently after the eclipse.

• Don’t ignore your emotions. If deep feelings arise, acknowledge and process them rather than suppressing them.

Post-Eclipse Integration & Grounding

After the eclipse, you may feel drained or overwhelmed. Here’s how to rebalance:

• Take a Ritual Bath: Use Epsom salts, lavender, or rosemary to cleanse residual energies.

• Journal Your Experience: Write down any emotions, visions, or messages you received.

• Eat Grounding Foods: Root vegetables, herbal teas, and nuts help stabilize your energy.

• Spend Time in Nature: Walking barefoot on grass or meditating outside aids in grounding.

• Rest and Reflect: Eclipse energy lingers for a few days, so give yourself time to process.

Lunar eclipses are portals of deep transformation, offering opportunities for profound inner work. By approaching them with respect, intention, and awareness, you can harness their power for spiritual evolution, healing, and release.

[tenofmuses]

One of my favourite parts of delving into folk magic in my practice has been the various realizations of things my family does that seemed mundane but are, in fact, quite magical.

The best example of this that I can think of is the simmer pot. Aka: when you have a bunch of citrus scraps to use up, so you put them in a pot with water and herbs and simmer them on low heat and it makes your house smell fucking delicious.

Growing up, simmer pots were something my mum just kind of did, and so she taught me how to do them too. She learned it from her mum, who probably learned it from hers, and so on. And with each subsequent generation in my family, there seems to have been a dilution of the magical meaning behind the action. To my Grammie, simmer pots are a way to cleanse the air in your home, to “freshen things up”; to my mum, they’re a way to use up scraps and make your house smell nice.

It’s interesting to me that what is clearly a cleansing spell would never be labeled as such by my family. Even if it serves the exact same purpose as one. It’s just something you do.

And that’s one of the most interesting parts of folk magic, to me. People who aren’t practitioners rarely view what they’re doing as folk magic, because it’s just something they’ve always done. That makes these practices all the more rich, since they’re usually so embedded in people’s lives, and have important cosmological reasons for existing, even when they seem mundane. But at the same time, this makes folk magic really hard to research, because most of the time people don’t even consider these sorts of things as magical.

[breelandwalker]

Hey Bree! Quick question for you: in one of your podcast episodes, you mention a little cleaning rhyme that starts with “out, out dirt and dust” and my garbage adhd brain can neither remember the rest nor which episode it’s from. Help?

Never fear! My penchant for archiving will help!

The cleaning rhyme is from Hex Positive, Ep. 037 - Cleaning, Cleansing, and Magical Germophobia (August 2023). It's a little something I occasionally mutter while using general household cleaning as a vehicle for cleansing magic, and it runs thus:

Out out, dirt and dust Out out, mold and must Gone you be at count of three And take my ills away with thee

Have fun!

[alittleperiwinkle]

Do you remember your first spell!?