#herbal tarot

[ardra-astrology]

[incenseonthetourbus]

While shuffling the tarot cards I meditated on Venus and Cancer. I was surprised when the first two cards I pulled were exactly two that were in my last reading I did on the Summer Solstice. Venus is retrograding and going back to re-visit this new energy that got sparked on the Solstice. On this re-visit we will now find that spark has grown into a very well established fire. Passion. A forward fire-y Ambition meets retrograding Venus. An old flame re-kindled? A Passion being Re-considered?

Regardless, this return to the house of Cancer isn’t an easy one though because it requires Venus to go back over the Cancer/Leo Gandanta knot which predicts a possible bumpy ride for the summer astrological forecast in regards to love & money. So hold onto your heart & wallet and spend cautiously until you can be a confident spender. Which won’t happen until Venus starts to go forward again.

IV The Emperor - 🔥 Aries, Mars, Energy & Strength. A masculine figure who goes out to conquer and acquire what he wants.

Atractylodes Macrocephala - Bai Zhu in Herbal Chinese Medicine -

( (macro = big , cephal = head) 😂 Is Herbalist Tierra making a joke about our emperor ? ) Moves Qi

[untethereddreams]

Desperately need enrichment and really don't want to finish tarot card research because adhd so might throw myself into translating some stuff for the retelling project (where I translate and retell stories from chinese history and legend/myth/cultural milieu) instead since each piece is technically a different project. Still recovering from not being able to sleep or eat for a week tho so we'll see how it goes

[high-priestess-house]

𝖀𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌 & 𝖀𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑 𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖕𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖘

Witchcraft magical correspondences refer to the associations made between various objects, substances, times, and events with specific magical effects or purposes. These correspondences have deep historical roots and derive from a blend of multiple sources, including ancient alchemy, early science, cultural symbolism, religious beliefs, and intentionality.

Ancient Alchemy

Alchemy, the precursor to modern chemistry, played a significant role in shaping magical correspondences. Alchemists sought to understand the mysteries of matter and the transformation of substances, often imbuing their experiments with spiritual and mystical significance. For example, the seven classical planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) were associated with specific metals (gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, and lead, respectively). These associations were believed to reflect the planets’ influences on earthly matters and human affairs. Alchemical texts also explored the relationships between colors, elements, and spiritual principles, influencing the development of magical correspondences in witchcraft.

Ancient alchemy holds a significant place in the history of science, philosophy, and mystical traditions, influencing various fields and practices, including witchcraft. The importance of ancient alchemy can be understood through its contributions to the development of modern science, its philosophical and spiritual dimensions, and its enduring influence on magical and esoteric traditions.

The Great Work (Magnum Opus): Central to alchemy is the concept of the Great Work, which symbolizes the alchemist’s quest for spiritual and material transformation. This process involves the purification and perfection of substances, often mirroring the alchemist’s inner spiritual journey toward enlightenment and self-realization.

Symbolism and Allegory: Alchemical texts are rich in symbolism and allegory, using metaphors to convey complex philosophical and spiritual concepts. Symbols such as the philosopher’s stone, the ouroboros (a serpent eating its own tail), and the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) encapsulate profound ideas about the nature of reality, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Hermetic Tradition: Alchemy is closely associated with Hermeticism, a philosophical and spiritual tradition based on the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. Hermetic principles, such as “As above, so below” and the unity of opposites, permeate alchemical thought and emphasize the correspondence between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual).

Magical Correspondences: Alchemical principles and symbols have been integrated into various magical and esoteric traditions. The associations between planets, metals, and elements in alchemy have become foundational correspondences in many forms of magic and witchcraft.

Transmutation and Transformation: The alchemical goal of transmutation, particularly the transformation of base metals into gold, has a symbolic counterpart in magical practices. This idea of transformation is applied to personal growth, healing, and the manifestation of desires through magical means.

Ritual and Practice: Alchemical rituals, with their focus on purification, transformation, and the attainment of higher states of being, have influenced the structure and content of magical rituals. The use of specific substances, tools, and processes in alchemy has parallels in magical workings, emphasizing the transformation of both the practitioner and the environment.

Alchemy in the Renaissance: During the Renaissance, alchemy experienced a revival as scholars and practitioners sought to integrate ancient wisdom with emerging scientific knowledge. Figures like Paracelsus and John Dee contributed to the development of alchemical thought, blending it with medicine, astrology, and early chemistry.

Psychological Alchemy: In the 20th century, Carl Jung, a prominent psychologist, explored alchemy as a metaphor for psychological processes. Jung’s interpretation of alchemical symbolism as representing the individuation process—the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind—brought new insights into the relevance of alchemy for personal development and psychotherapy.

Contemporary Practice: Today, alchemy continues to inspire both scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration. Modern alchemists, both literal and symbolic, seek to uncover the hidden principles of transformation in nature and the self. The enduring appeal of alchemy lies in its holistic approach, integrating material, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of existence.

Early Science and Natural Philosophy

Early scientific observations and natural philosophy also contributed to the development of magical correspondences. Ancient and medieval scholars often categorized the natural world into elements (earth, air, fire, and water) and humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), each with specific qualities and effects. These classifications were used to explain natural phenomena and human health, and they found their way into magical practices. For instance, herbs and stones were categorized based on their perceived elemental qualities, and their uses in magic were aligned with these characteristics.

Cultural Symbolism and Mythology

Cultural symbolism and mythology provided another rich source of correspondences. Different cultures imbued animals, plants, colors, and objects with symbolic meanings based on their myths, legends, and folklore. For instance, the oak tree was sacred to many ancient European cultures and associated with strength and protection, while the owl, often seen as a symbol of wisdom in Greek mythology, became associated with knowledge and divination in magical practices. These symbolic associations were passed down through generations and integrated into the magical correspondences of witchcraft.

Religious Beliefs and Practices

Religious beliefs and practices also shaped magical correspondences. Many magical traditions borrowed from the rituals and symbols of dominant religious practices in their regions. In Western Europe, for instance, Christian symbols and saints were often syncretized with older pagan deities and symbols. The use of incense, candles, and specific prayers or chants in magic often mirrors religious rituals, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and spiritual alignment in magical workings.

Intentionality and Personal Experience

The role of intention and personal experience cannot be overlooked in the development of magical correspondences. Practitioners of witchcraft often develop their own associations based on personal experiences, intuition, and the results of their magical workings. This process of individual experimentation and reflection allows for a dynamic and evolving system of correspondences that can vary between different traditions and practitioners. The intention behind the use of a correspondence is believed to be a critical factor in its effectiveness, highlighting the importance of the practitioner’s focus and purpose.

Synthesis and Evolution

Over time, these diverse influences have synthesized into the rich tapestry of magical correspondences used in witchcraft today. Texts such as the “Key of Solomon,” “The Picatrix,” and various grimoires have codified many of these correspondences, while modern practitioners continue to adapt and expand them based on contemporary understanding and practice. The integration of psychological insights, ecological awareness, and cross-cultural exchanges in the modern era further enriches the system of correspondences, making it a living and evolving aspect of witchcraft.

No single person or group decided these correspondences; rather, they evolved organically through the accumulated wisdom and practices of different cultures. Here are some key influences and sources:

Ancient Civilizations

Egyptians: Ancient Egyptian priests and magicians developed extensive knowledge of correspondences. They believed that everything in nature was interconnected and that specific plants, stones, and symbols held particular powers. Their practices were recorded in texts like the Ebers Papyrus and various temple inscriptions.

Greeks and Romans: The Greeks and Romans contributed significantly to the development of correspondences, particularly through the work of philosophers and physicians like Hippocrates, Theophrastus, and Pliny the Elder. Their writings on herbalism, astrology, and natural philosophy helped establish connections between natural elements and their supposed properties.

Celts: The Druids of the Celtic world had a deep understanding of nature and used various plants, trees, and natural phenomena in their spiritual and magical practices. Their knowledge was passed down orally and later recorded by Christian monks.

Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Medieval Herbalists and Alchemists: During the Middle Ages, herbalists and alchemists in Europe studied ancient texts and conducted their own experiments. They documented the properties of plants, minerals, and metals in texts like the “Materia Medica” and various grimoires. Alchemical traditions, which sought to transform base materials into higher forms, also contributed to the understanding of correspondences.

Astrology: Medieval and Renaissance astrologers played a significant role in establishing correspondences, particularly through the association of planets with specific days of the week, metals, and plants. The writings of figures like Ptolemy and later Renaissance magicians like Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus were influential in this regard.

Eastern Traditions

Chinese Medicine and Taoism: Traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist practices developed a system of correspondences based on the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). These elements were connected to various aspects of life, including organs, emotions, seasons, and directions. The “Huangdi Neijing,” an ancient Chinese medical text, is a key source of this knowledge.

Indian Ayurveda and Hinduism: Ayurvedic medicine and Hindu spiritual practices established correspondences between herbs, gems, times of day, and deities. Texts like the “Atharva Veda” and various Ayurvedic treatises documented these associations.

Modern Influences

Grimoires and Occult Literature: From the Renaissance onward, numerous grimoires (books of magic) compiled and expanded upon earlier correspondences. Notable examples include the “Key of Solomon,” “The Lesser Key of Solomon,” and “The Picatrix.” These texts were influential in shaping modern Western magical practices.

The Golden Dawn and Modern Witchcraft: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and similar occult organizations synthesized various magical traditions, creating detailed systems of correspondences. Influential figures like Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune contributed to this synthesis. In the mid-20th century, Gerald Gardner and others who founded modern Wicca drew upon these traditions, further popularizing and systematizing magical correspondences.

Conclusion

Magical correspondences are the result of centuries of observation, experimentation, and synthesis by various cultures and traditions. They were not decided by any single individual or group but evolved over time through the collective wisdom of countless practitioners. Today, they continue to be an essential part of many magical and spiritual practices, providing a framework for understanding and working with the interconnectedness of the natural and spiritual worlds.

[captivatingcherub]

//slow living//

[krikfuar]

Ей нравилось смотреть на бледно-розовое и золотистое утреннее небо за церковным шпилем, на полупрозрачное пламя восхода, разгорающееся над вспаханными полями, на первые лиловые спирали дыма, поднимающиеся с деревенских крыш.

[love-w1tch]

- The Love Witch (2016)

[iwitch-plus]

Need more active blogs to follow :)

Please interact if you post:

• Witchy aesthetic photos

• Witchcraft resources/tips

• Green magic/Earth related magic

• Herbalism/Botany

• Divination of any kind

• Shadow work

• Love/Glamour magic

• Aphrodite (But any Greek pantheon related stuff is welcome, too)

• Occult related aesthetic or resources

• Witchcraft history/traditional/folk

• Honestly, anything witchy!! Just needing more active blogs to follow.

Give a follow back if you like a mix of all of those things :) My blog is a little more about my personal growth/stories/spells/readings, but I’m mostly just reblogging others.

[sleepydrea]

Actual Witchy Habits I Use Daily

*will probably update at some point*

🌙 saying good morning / good night to my spirit guides

🫖 stirring intentions into my tea

🥀 choose tea with herbs that correspond to intention

🌞 starting my day with a morning meditation / yoga

🃏 pull daily tarot; either in the morning to set the tone for the day or late evening as a form of reflection

🪐 charge / cleanse my tarot deck

🔮 charge / cleanse my crystals

🧿 carry protective magical items whenever I leave my house

🍄‍🟫 wear jewelry representative of my spirit guides so as to always carry a piece of them with me

🪞write down my dreams immediately after waking up

🗝️ analyze my dreams for better understanding of myself and/or spirit guides

🪬 nightly dream protection rituals

🍂🌻🪵✨🍂🌻🪵✨🍂🌻🪵✨

[theoraclereader]

Tobacco holds a powerful place in spiritual and magical practices, revered for its ability to connect the physical and spiritual worlds. Among Native American tribes, tobacco was sacred, used in ceremonies to communicate with ancestors, offer prayers, and bring peace, while also serving in purification rituals and as protection from negative forces. In Hoodoo, its use extends to offerings for spirits, cleansing rituals, and even spells of binding or domination. Tobacco’s grounding energy also makes it valuable for enhancing focus and psychic abilities, while its smoke is used in divination. Remarkably, tobacco has healing properties as well—it was traditionally used to soothe bee stings, with the belief that its nicotine content neutralized pain and inflammation, offering relief from the venom's effects. Both a healer and protector, tobacco’s dual nature speaks to its complex role in magic, where it can nurture or dominate depending on how it's wielded.

[whysperingwoods]

I'm in the process of reviving this 4 years dead blog, so it looks kind of empty from no recent posts. I need to update my bio and stuff but mainly I'm interested in following people who talk about witchcraft, herbalism, sustainability, and tarot!

[ardra-astrology]

[incenseonthetourbus]

The Herbal Tarot reading for the week of July 2. Vedic Astrology: Mars just getting through the gandanta knot of transist from Camcer to Leo. Exhausted from this trip but glad to have finally arrived at our new sunny location. ( I personally have been strongly feeling this knotted energy. ) We will soon feel the bon aire of this new positive energy in this new light environment. A revival is on the horizon :)

Five of Pentacles - every time I see this card I immediately think ‘ugh.’ And the very reason I decided to do a reading this evening was because I have been feeling this ‘ugh.’ Cold. Down & out. Limited. Struggle. Mugwort - powerful & potent bitter

The Sun X1X - all giving Angelica - revered tonic

Page of Swords - new young playful spirit & energy. Dill - gentle carminative - spleen qi - solar plexus

[thevirginwitch]

Notion Grimoire Template (available in dark & light mode!)

I spent the better part of a year perfecting and finalizing my own personal Notion Grimoire, and thought it would be a great resource for new & experienced witches alike!

This template is chock-full of databases and templates to put in your own information - and I have also added a few pages that are already filled out!

You can purchase this template from my Etsy in light or dark mode, and you can use the code "IGOTCHU" for 20% off!

[itzayahuatlmermaid]

May your ancestral communications be clear and healing these Dias de Los Muertos 🤍 I did some cleansing work last night using a space cleansing chime candle I make. The candle is made with beeswax, soy wax, and Sage, Patchouli, Bergamot, and Lavender essential oils. I dressed it with Lemon essential oil and the herbs I used. The intentional herbs that I chose to help cleanse and balance my space while inviting forward and honoring my ancestors include Itzayahuatl, Rosemary, Mugwort, Cinnamon, and Jasmine. I also used small chunks of pink Himalayan salt to represent the 4 directions, so my intention would flow clearly through each direction 🌊 I cleansed my spellwork plate beforehand with Agua de Florida, Copal, and Palo Santo to invite warm and loving energies. I also cleansed myself with the Copal and Palo Santo 💗

[karagrace]

Hey my witchy friends,

I’ve made a google classroom where I upload info on a large variety of witchy aspects!

CODE : xi5fxwe

So far I’ve uploaded things on tarot, moon magic, the kinds of witches, herbal magic, astrology, auras and altars.

I have more planned such as love magic, divination, runes protection magic, oracles, crystals, deities and more

Currently working on chakras.

I’m uploading regularly, (I’m taking a break between now, June 8th, and next Friday, June 16th due to exams)

I have also set up a Microsoft teams group chat for everyone to meet other witchy friends and make connections with like minded people.

Currently we have very minimal people in the classroom and hope to grow!

I know I was overwhelmed when starting out and thought this would’ve helped me when I was a novice.

I have to say, I do not know everything! A massive part of witchcraft is learning and I am currently looking to learn more everyday but I will respond to questions in my greatest ability and always back it up with research.

Have a blessed day,

- Kara