#spirited journey

[a-path-by-the-moon]

[mellowdracwitch]

Recommended tips for research as a beginner witch/practioner:

Research as a beginner can at times feel stressful if you don't know credibilties or anything about the craft really. So, I'm going to share some tips I use in my practice and would recommend when researching witchcraft.

Research what interests you. If research begins to feel like a task instead of genuine interest or fun, there will be problems down the line with researching thoroughly. That isn't to say don't research things that bore you, it means that you should take what resonates with you and from there you can begin to build the framework for your personal craft.

Does the source align with your moral standing and personal beliefs? If the answer is no, time to find a new source. For example, if a source is fully against any harm towards another person and tries to push that narrative on the reader/viewer (or vice versa) and it's not something you personally align with, find another source. The most important example of this is many authors are bigots, terfs or cultural appropriaters. Remember to research the author and their practice before trusting what they have to say.

What may work for some people will not work for you. Do not feel inclined to do everything a certain way as said by a certain practioner. The point of witchcraft is to develop your own habits and outlooks. Crystals and astrology may work best for someone, but you may have an inclination towards herbs and palmistry for example. You do not need to practice every form of witchcraft out there. So circling back to the first point, pay mind to what sparks joy and what aligns with your abilities.

Take everything with a grain of salt. Learn to question what you learn. As witchcraft and spirituality have been practiced in many cultures for many years, things have evolved and been taken from one context to the next. Research various practices and rituals as well as the authors and cultures who promoted said practices

Use multiple sources. Blindly believing one post can be harmful, especially when concerning topics that can be a manner of physical safety (fire hazards, dressing candles, consumption and burning of herbs) or spiritual safety (spirit work, baneful work, trickster spirits). The more research the better, as it solidifies understanding too.

Do not rely solely on social media, but use it as a crutch to what you already know. Many content creators care more about views or aesthetics than educating. But many creators also DO care about what they're putting out there and have genuinely good tips and tricks for various practices. Just be wary.

Don't worry about aesthetics or perfection when you're just learning. Don't let pinterest photos of altars downplay your own craft and beauty. Right now, you're learning new topics and there's plenty of time later to find pretty altar tools or to neatly scribe in a leather journal. Don't let it distract you from research, and ultimately, the goal is to grow.

Have fun with it! There are so many research topics, and it can be as expansive or specific as you make it. Remember this isn't supposed to be stressful, it's supposed to be rewarding.

(Please add your own tips too if you'd like!)

[astrocafecoffee]

Your manifestation is coming! 💗

✨I don't know why I feel so called to writing this, but " whoever is reading this, if you are manifesting anything, trust that it's unfolding. Have faith, don't give up...love and peace." ✨

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 167

Honestly, Danny is having such a good time right now. He gets to travel with Ellie, explore space, just have fun. Plus his secondary protector-instincts are having soothed despite him not technically doing any hero-ing anymore. Really his sister had the right idea when she decided she wanted to become a doctor, this is honestly a blast.

And if someone does end up passing away, well, Ellie is always happy to help soothe their spirit and guide them to the Realms where they can reach their respective afterlife. Or become a ghost. 

They are completely oblivious to the fact that there are now legends and entire temples dedicated to them now. Apparently accidental ascension is in fact a thing, as Dan later laughs at them about. 

[crybabyboyscout]

Beside me, my beautiful sleeping cat child and a glass (a mug) of Taylor Port 🪴🍷

[hermajestyimher]

One of the sneaky ways people with secret animosity towards you try to sabotage you is by influencing you to make detrimental choices.

Hateful monitoring spirits recognize your value. They know they can’t tear you down through direct attacks, so they pretend to be in your corner, hyping you up while encouraging you to make decisions that will ultimately harm you.

If you're trying to lose weight, they might try to get you to break your diet or skip the gym because “you deserve it” or “your body already looks great as it is.” If they see you’re close to getting a promotion, they may try to convince you that your career path is toxic and you’re better off quitting. If you want to change your lifestyle and stop being hedonistic, they will try to make you feel like you only live once and shouldn’t “restrict” yourself from having fun.

These people know exactly what they are doing. They are envious of you and terrified of your potential. They sometimes understand what you are capable of more than you do. A real friend is someone who holds you accountable and has your best interests at heart. A hater is an enabler who will steer you towards a path of self-destruction. Don’t mistake smiles for genuine support and love.

[weird0nerdo]

Let's sit down before we take off.

[dadodo]

costumes for various villainesses, demonesses and other supernatural creatures in Journey to the West (1986)

costume design by Wang Yunqi

[natalchartnurtures]

PAC: Mitski, what about me is eternal like the.. moon?

I had so much fun doing this

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pile 1:

'Cause my love is mine, all mine I love mine, mine, mine Nothing in the world belongs to me But my love is mine, all mine, all mine

I'm sitting right in front of your cards in utter awe. I got goosebumps when I laid eyes on your cards, pile 1. Let me begin by saying this: you've seen some DARK and truly terrible times, haven't ya? Even as I say this, it feels like an understatement. There have been times when you were stripped down to bare bones, and you had to "grow back the rest of you." I apologize for the gruesome metaphor (but hey, I'm just the messenger; this ain't really coming from me :p). Maybe you've had to encounter times when you felt painfully lonely, stuck in your head and in your general life too, like your spirit was beaten down. Or maybe it felt as if the universe snatched away something you thought was incredibly precious? But I hear that it wasn't what you thought it was; that's why it had to go. You probably didn't see it that way at all, and THAT'S ALRIGHT because we don't have Spirit's perspective, now do we? I see that you really struggled to put yourself together after that somewhat 'impossible-seeming' loss. It seemed like it came outta left field.

BUT GUESS THE FUCK WHAT. You, my friend, took this PAIN and these fucked up times and turned it into a damn palace of gold. You read that right. What's eternal about you? Your alchemy. Your fire. Your willpower. Your ability to take life by the balls. Your refusal to let it beat you to dust. Your refusal to be small. Literal goosebumps, you feeling it yet? It's your connection to God/Source/Universe. Your faith. Your mastery of your mind, babe. Yeah. You've somehow mastered your mind in this process of putting yourself back together. Acknowledge that ish! 'Cause you really did do that.

Nothing can ever get you to stop dreaming, and much less trying to stop you from achieving them, love. You're a powerhouse of energy, and God bless anybody who ever underestimates that (you included side-eyeing you right now). Not you getting low key called out, haha.

Don't get me wrong, though; being a powerhouse of energy doesn't necessarily mean being in everybody's face trying to assert your dominance, y'know? It can look like silent crying in the middle of the night and waking up the next day determined to overcome the thing that made you cry the day before.

Your light is what's eternal about you. It never goes off. Like ever. Your dedication to learning and growing through whatever, and I mean WHATEVER, life throws your way is what will never die, sweetie. It's like a part of your essence at this point. I hope you're proud of that and know that it's what will bring you to your success in life, whatever that looks like for each one of you beautiful ass people reading this :)

Haha, that's so cute; I just heard Spirit go "you're going places, sweetheart" ><

And with that, let's end your FABULOUS, goosebumps-inducing (btw, I don't say that about just ANYTHING), and awe-inspiring reading here.

Thank you, pile 1, for sharing your energy with me today. I love you guys so, so much and… not gonna lie, I'm low key honored to have been in your presence today. Haha, see ya!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pile 2:

My baby, here on earth Showed me what my heart was worth So, when it comes to be my turn Could you shine it down here for her?

My god, why is there so much happening as I tap into your energy, pile 2? And I mean it in a nice way, though. I heard T Swift's song "The Last Great American Dynasty" as I was shuffling for you, and I heard Spirit go, "she's sweet and salty," lol. We'll see how all that plays into the reading eventually.

The first thing I noticed was your incredible balance within your mind and heart. It's shocking. Maybe you've been working on getting these aspects of yours to agree with one another and balance each other out, or it's simply your personality, but… pile 2, this beautiful mind-heart balance is what's eternal about you, love. Your peace. Your calm. The childlike innocence of your heart blending seamlessly with your mind's unending curiosity for life. Your emotional intelligence. The way you flow… like water, I heard. Wow! I find that so amazing, ugh, like can we be friends, pile 2? T-T, 'cause I definitely need some of that in my life right now, not gonna lie, haha.

There's that AND then there's a whole other dimension to you where you give 'life of the party' vibes as well. OH, so maybe that's why I heard Spirit say "sweet and salty," like two very different things but produce a wonderful taste together. Complex. Addicting. You make people want to come back for more, pile 2. Mmmmmm! Love that!

You have this laid-back vibe to you as well that a lot of people in your life appreciate. I see that your ability to lighten anybody's day is what's eternal about you awwww. I heard "she's the sunshine of my life." UGH, this is too wholesome for my heart; please save me. You seem to really perk up people's day/week or just life in general. You give, like, Saggi vibes, bro. It doesn't matter if you have that in your chart, but it's just your soul. The eternal aspect of you feels bright, expansive, loving, and so vibrant in energy, my god. You've also got strong feminine energy too… you must be really good at attracting 'cause you're strong in your feminine energy AND you're chill and detached from it at the same time. Effortless manifester, master manifester are some words that come to mind as I describe this.

Your divinity is what's eternal about you. Your 'witchy vibes.' Your embodiment of your highest truth. Your commitment to maintaining this divine connection in your day-to-day. Bro, what's eternal about you is that you can turn any old mundane task/thing into something fun and magical and full of meaning and symbolism. You live life deep, and even though there aren't a whole lotta people who can join you there, you wouldn't have it any other way. It's your raw authenticity, babe. Circling back to "The Last Great American Dynasty" song, maybe you're like Rebekah that T Swift sings about, "the most shameless woman this town has ever seen." People tend to call raw, authentic women shameless, but you couldn't care less. You will forever do what you like 'cause you're a free-spirited divine mystic in the body of a teeny lil human. Love it.

That's all I have for you, pile 2. Thank you for spending time with me! I love you so much <3

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pile 3:

Moon, tell me if I could Send up my heart to you? So, when I die, which I must do Could it shine down here with you?

Ah, my divine activators. What's eternal about you? Your intensity. BS detection might as well be your middle name. Sherlock Holmes who? 'Cause you're the new detective in town, baby, sniffing out illusions, falsities, fake people, LIES, victim mentality. None of that runs free with you around, I'll tell you that. It's your capacity to hold divine truth, lovingly, which is INCREDIBLY hard, btw. You can't stand half-assed people and people who seem to not have their "heads screwed on straight." Lmao, what kinda people are you surrounded by, pile 3? Ooh, I heard that you're divinely planted where you are so you can activate a lot of people into awakening to their true selves, but it looks like nobody wants to actually awaken. Lmao.

-Side note: My heart goes out to you if you've been surrounded by really difficult and chaotic energies that bring you down a lot. That SUCKS so hard, bro. Been there myself too lately, and it's not a fun merry-go-round to co-exist with. Just keep being your amazing cool-ass self, ok? Things will work out eventually. You already intuitively feel that things will get better, so trust that feeling!-

If I could describe your energy, I would use the Phoenix rising from the ashes symbolism to do so. Ohhhhh, as I told you that, I saw a vision of T Swift's music video of "Look What You Made Me Do," where she comes out of the grave and sings, "Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time." I'm a fan, pile 3. Omg. That's some badass ballsy energy, and I'm so here for it right now. You're the epitome of what psychological death and rebirth looks like. You're the textbook definition. And THAT'S what's eternal about you. No matter where you are or what you end up doing in life, you'll always be able to "rise up from the dead" and do it iconically too. Haha, I literally heard that. Lmao. This ability of yours is an extension of the greater aspect of you - your higher self. Whoa… I just heard you've had this ability for lifetimes and you will take it strongly with you to the next ones as well. Powerful. It's etched in your soul, pile 3. You know what you want and how to get it, even if not immediately; you always do eventually. It's the security you possess within yourself that's eternal, love. Nothing can really shake you at this point. Lmao. You've got a strong-ass foundation.

-Side note: I'm really seeing a healed and fully realized root chakra for you. If you haven't gotten there yet, you're well on your way! Good job! Root chakra work is the most brutal, btw, so… you really have my respect. Haha, moving on-

You have warrior energy present quietly in your personality as well. You give spiritual warrior vibes. You don't prefer to live in it 24/7; it's simply something you tap into when a situation calls for it. Otherwise, I see you being quite heart-centered, full of love, looking at the world with rose-colored glasses. Your inner child is what's eternal about you. Your divine sensitivity and your capacity to hold your emotions without judgment and live big from a place of heart. You embody the energy of water in my eyes, tbh. Life-giving but also destructive if need be, and there's absolutely nothing weak about water. Phew. You are eternal as the oceans are.

Ahhh, pile 3, that was sooo much fun! Thanks for stopping by, and I love you soooo much!

~~~~~~~~~~~

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

Beauties in 1986 chinese drama Journey to the West西游记

yutujing玉兔精 jade rabbit spirit

zhizhujing蜘蛛精 spider spirit

chang'e嫦娥 moon goddess

jin bi bai mao shu jing金鼻白毛鼠精 Golden nosed white haired mouse spirit

nv er guo guo wang女儿国国王 The Queen of Women's Kingdom 

[a-path-by-the-moon]

[histhoughtslately]

Sometimes a person needs no words; just a hug.

That action in itself can go a very long way.

[a-single-white-crow]

When I was young I knew the trees had souls, each plant felt different, and every animal held a lesson to teach.

When did I forget this? How did I grow up and lose touch with this understanding?

Now I'm back, relearning the lessons I was already taught when I was young.

[mothersgaia]

[crybabyboyscout]

✨☆彡Pharaoh☆彡✨

[hermajestyimher]

Let's Discuss: Monitoring Spirits

Have you ever noticed each time you open your mouth prematurely to someone, that somehow things end up falling apart? Or how certain people seem oddly interested in what is happening in your life but are never willing to share nearly as much information about themselves as they request from you? Behind the smiles and seemingly happy faces of many people lies a sinister agenda: the desire to keep tabs on those they envy or perceive as threats. These individuals often gather information about your life, not out of genuine interest, but to find ways to create stumbling blocks in your path. Whether consciously or subconsciously, they seek to undermine your progress and sow seeds of doubt and confusion.

The Deceptive Facade

These monitoring spirits often disguise themselves as friends or acquaintances who appear supportive. They pretend to be friendly and interested in your well-being, but sooner or later, their true colors begin to show. You might notice their persistent questioning about your plans and aspirations, seemingly innocuous at first. However, you may also start noticing a pattern: each time you share your goals with them, things don’t seem to go as planned. Their presence might be followed by stagnation or unexpected setbacks in your life.

Look closely, and you'll see behind their fake friendly faces that their stares often reek of resentment and hidden animosity. They might offer insincere compliments or feign interest in your achievements, but their underlying motives are anything but supportive. Recognizing these subtle signs can be difficult, especially when you want to believe the best in people. However, discernment is your greatest tool in uncovering these hidden agendas.

The Power of Discernment

When you develop discernment, you gain the ability to uncover the lies and manipulations of these monitoring spirits before they can cause significant harm. Discernment allows you to see through the facade, distinguishing genuine allies from those who merely pretend to be in your corner. It empowers you to trust your instincts and make informed decisions about whom to confide in and rely upon.

Be cautious of those who pretend to be on your side but whose actions, when put to the test, reveal a disinterest in genuinely supporting you. Real friends and allies are those who celebrate your successes and are there to uplift you during challenges. They don’t use your vulnerabilities against you or harbor secret resentment.

Monitoring Spirits in Your Circle

Monitoring spirits can exist within your circle of friends, family, or even romantic relationships. Sometimes, the person you least expect is secretly hoping for your downfall. They may exhibit behavior that seems supportive on the surface but subtly undermines your confidence and progress. They might ask intrusive questions about your life, probing for weaknesses or areas they can exploit.

In romantic relationships, these spirits may appear as partners who seem loving and attentive but harbor jealousy towards your achievements. They might downplay your successes, subtly discouraging you from pursuing your goals under the guise of concern or practicality. Recognizing these signs is crucial to protecting your energy and maintaining control over your life’s narrative.

Protecting Yourself from Monitoring Spirits

To safeguard yourself from these negative influences, adopt a mindset of caution and self-preservation. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Keep Your Plans Private: Resist the urge to share every detail of your life with everyone. The less information these spirits have, the less ammunition they possess to use against you. Keep your goals and aspirations close to your heart, sharing them only with those who have proven themselves trustworthy and supportive.

Trust Actions Over Words: Pay close attention to the actions of those around you rather than their words. People with genuine intentions will show their support through consistent actions, not empty promises. Observe how they react during your successes and challenges—do they celebrate with you or seem indifferent?

Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek out friendships and relationships with those who have demonstrated loyalty and integrity over time. A strong support network will provide encouragement and guidance, helping you navigate life's ups and downs.

Develop Emotional Intelligence: Enhance your ability to read people and situations accurately. Emotional intelligence allows you to understand the motives and intentions behind others’ actions. It helps you respond appropriately and protect yourself from potential harm.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with those who exhibit monitoring spirit tendencies. Distance yourself from individuals who consistently undermine or question your decisions. Protecting your emotional well-being requires prioritizing your own peace of mind.

Practice Mindfulness and Intuition: Regularly engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, prayer, or journaling, to strengthen your intuition. When you’re in tune with your inner self, you’re better equipped to recognize when something feels off or when someone’s intentions aren’t genuine.

Ultimately, safeguarding yourself against monitoring spirits is about cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness and trusting your instincts. If you are a Christian it also involves having a deep connection to God so he can allow you to see past the physical and into the spiritual. By being mindful of who you allow into your inner circle and remaining vigilant against those who wish you harm, you can protect your journey toward success and happiness.