#witches amulet

[musubiki]

recently thinking of changing the aesthetic of madam springs

[for-the-folk]

So, You Wanna Know About?: The Evil Eye

The concept of the “evil eye” exists in virtually every culture worldwide, as do amulets such as the nazar and hamsa. It's a fundamental part of most folk groups' magic and culture, which is why we use it as a symbol for our server. But what do we know about this concept and the symbols and practices surrounding it? Let’s take a second and explore.

What Exactly Is The Evil Eye?

In simplest terms, the evil eye is “a curse transmitted through a malicious glare, usually one inspired by envy.” [1] It's believed that this glare can cause misfortune, illness, injury, death, and general misery. [3] Pregnant women, infants, young children, and animals are thought to be especially susceptible. [4]

The Evil Eye’s First Appearance

Historians are unsure of the exact date the evil eye and amulets used to ward them off were invented, however, we can find examples going as far back as ancient Mesopotamia. Texts have been found in Ugarit (located in modern-day Syria) attesting to the concept until roughly 1180 BC. [2]  According to Dr Nese Yildiran, “The earliest version of eye amulets goes back to 3,300 BC … The amulets had been excavated in Tell Brak, one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia – modern-day Syria. They were in the form of some abstract alabaster idols made with incised eyes.” [1]

The Evil Eye Travels

Various things across history such as trade, travel, colonization, and immigration have caused the evil eye to travel the world. It spread through the SWANA region at first, but soon traveled to all continents worldwide: “[The evil eye has] occurred in ancient Greece and Rome, in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions ... [and in] Indigenous, peasant, and other folk societies.” [4] Historians have found it difficult to trace exact lines of transmission of the idea, but it notably seemed to spread rapidly among the common folk or working class. [5] It wasn't long before its presence became known across all continents, though it has always varied across time and space. For example “In Roman times, not only were individuals considered to possess the power of the evil eye but whole tribes…were believed to be transmitters of the evil eye.” [6] This is very different from how the evil eye exists in the current regions of the previous Roman Empire, as these tribes no longer exist.

It Came With The Amulets!

One of the earliest amulets associated with the evil eye is the nazar. Its name comes from the Arabic “‏��َظَر‎” (naðˤar) meaning “sight,” with many other languages adopting this term or creating their own. [7] The blue eye-shaped bead most commonly associated with this particular amulet is “made of a mixture of molten glass, iron, copper, water, and salt, ingredients that are thought to shield people from evil.” [8] Its blue color may be because “blue eyes are relatively rare [in the SWANA region], so the ancients believed that people with light eyes, particularly blue eyes, could curse you with just one look. This belief is so ancient, even the Assyrians had turquoise and blue-eye amulets.” [9] A similar amulet adopted from the nazar is the hamsa, similarly originating in the SWANA region. [10] The two have become perhaps the most widespread and well-known amulets, though they are certainly not the only ones.

Evil Eye Across Cultures & Religions

NOTE: this is not an exhaustive list, but a jumping off point. 

Judaism: The evil eye can be found across various Jewish literature, from the Tanakh to the Talmud, and even books like Pikeri Avot. [11] It’s known best as the “ayin hara” which is Hebrew for the evil eye, though it may have different names across diaspora (for example, in Jewish-Spanish languages like Ladino it might be known as “Mal de Ojo”) [12] There are various customs to protect one from the evil eye across the Jewish diaspora, such as neckbands worn by boys for their brit milah, in the regions of Alsace, Southern Germany, and Switzerland just to name one. [13] One of our Jewish server members, Yosef, says “I'm Jewish and have been all my life ... my family is eastern European and we have gone to orthodox shul and (no) evil eye and other related symbols are prevalent in my family's practice along with the practice of my synagogues ... as such I constantly carry around the symbol”

Islam: The evil eye as a concept in Islam, known as the “al-ʽayn” is common. It's believed to destroy one's good fortune or cause illness. [14] Various phrases including “Mashallah” (God has willed it) are used to ward off the evil eye – “The imperativeness of warding this all too evident evil eye off is common among local communities. Not only did the absence of a “mashallah” tempt fate but it is also believed certain individuals have the power to conjure up the dark forces of the evil eye.” [15]

Italy: The evil eye in Italian is known as the “mal’occhio.” [16] In some regions, the cornicello ("little horn") is an amulet used to ward off the evil eye. It comes from Naples and it’s usually made of red coral and pepper shaped. [17] According to Antonio Pagliarulo, “some families, depending on the region of Italy from which they come, will pin the amulet to a baby's clothing either immediately before or immediately after his or her baptism.” [18]

Ireland: In Ireland, the evil eye is known as “Droch-shúil.” [19] There are a few various Irish folktales about the presence of the evil eye that warn of its dangers. One example is the tale of King Balor. The tale goes that “Balor was a king of the Formorians, the ancient inhabitants of Ireland (before the coming of the Tuatha Dé Danann). He is often described as a giant with a huge eye in the middle of his forehead. This eye brought death and destruction [onto] anyone he cast his gaze upon. He had gained this power from peering into a cauldron that contained a powerful spell that was being created by some druids. The vapors from the cauldron got into his eye when he looked inside which gave him the power of his deathly gaze. The most memorable instance of Balor using his eye is the story of his death at the battle of Maigh Tuireadh. In this famous battle between the Formorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann, Balor fell in battle at the hands of his own grandson, the pan-Celtic god Lugh, when he thrust his spear (or sling depending on the telling) through the eye of the giant. His eye was blown out the back of his head, turning his deadly gaze on his own men, destroying the forces of the Formorians. A piece of Dindseanchas (meaning lore of places) tells us that the place where his head fell and burned a hole in the ground, later filled with water and became known as “Lough na Suil” or “The Lake of the Eye”. Interestingly, this lake disappears every few years when it drains into a sinkhole. Local mythology says that this happens to ensure that the atrocities of the battle may never be forgotten.”  [20]

Germany: In German, the evil eye is known as the “Bölser Blick”, something that is cured by a variety of methods such as red string, prayer, salt, iron, and incense. [21]

Poland: In Poland the evil eye is called "złe oko" or "złe spojrzenie." [23] In some regions, they use amulets known as "czarownica" which are charms often made from herbs, metals, or stones, or specific gestures believed to ward off the evil eye. In many Polish homes, you might find them hanging on the walls. A ‘czarownica’ might also be a necklace with a pendant crafted from amber, which is believed to ward off negative energy. [22] There are also folk tales about the evil eye, such as “an archaic Polish folk tale that tells of a man whose gaze was such a potent carrier of the curse that he resorted to cutting out his own eyes rather than continuing to spread misfortune to his loved ones” [1]

Russia: In Russian the evil eye is called "дурной глаз" or just "сглаз." [23] Some Russians ward off the evil eye by bathing in running water, which carries the negativity away. Fire is also used, with young people jumping over a campfire to remove bad energy. Carrying salt or pinning the fabric of your clothing are also other simple ways to ward off the evil eye. [24]

Mexico: In Mexican culture, the evil eye (el ojo) is thought to be especially prevalent during November around the time of Dia de los Muertos, with children being particularly susceptible. There are various ways a child may get the evil eye such as from a stare of a drunk or angry person, or a person who is "caloroso," or overheated from working out in a hot environment such as under the sun or cooking over a hot stove. [25] Some may use an ojo de venado, or “eye of the deer” as a protective charm, which is only effective if “worn as an amulet around the neck at all times.” [26] As a quote from one of our staff members, Ezekiel: “I was raised in a very Hispanic area so we all wore evil eye bracelets most of the time woven from the flea market… In Mexico or some parts of Latin America, it is called El mal de ojo and it is believed that different colored evil eyes do different things.”

Rroma: The concept of the evil eye also exists amongst the Rromani people. For Rroma in Slovakia, the belief in jakhendar is prevalent, often being diagnosed and cured with jagalo paňi, or ‘coal water’ [27] Rroma in places like Brno are also thought to be particularly susceptible to the evil eye, leading to communities to find members to help protect themselves. According to scholar Eva Figurová, “This role, instead, is appointed to the village shepherd, blacksmith, or other person perceived by the community as gifted with the ability to heal, cure, and ward off the effects of negative forces, whether intentionally or not. Nowadays, among the Roma in Brno, the chanting of the zoči is a common ritual that does not require the presence of a specialist.” [28]

India: In many parts of India, people use a nazar battu to ward off the evil eye, or the buri nazar. [29] Other methods of warding off the evil eye include hanging a drishti bommai [30], mothers spitting on their children [31], or marking them with a black mark on the cheek. [32]

Ethiopia: In Ethiopian culture, the evil eye is known as the "buda." [33] It is thought to be wielded by certain people (i.e. metalworkers) and warded off by amulets created by a debtera, or unordained priest. [34]

Conclusion

This blog post only begins to touch the surface when it comes to the evil eye. The history across time and space is so expensive one can truly dedicate their entire lives to studying and still not know everything there is to know. We sincerely hope that we have provided some perspective and gave some jumping off points for further exploration.

Sources & Further Reading:

Hargitai, Quinn (2018). “The strange power of the ‘evil eye’”. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180216-the-strange-power-of-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024. 

Pardee, Dennis (2002). "VIII. INCANTATIONS: RS 22.225: The Attack of the Evil Eye and a Counterattack". Writings from the Ancient World: Ritual and Cult at Ugarit (vol. 10). Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature. pp. 161–166. 

Ross, C (2010). "Hypothesis:The Electrophysiological Basis of the Evil Eye Belief". Anthropology of Consciousness. 21: 47–57. 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "evil eye". Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/evil-eye. Accessed 3 November 2024.

Gershman, Boris (2014). The Economic Origins of the Evil Eye Belief. American University (Washington, D.C.). Online resource. https://doi.org/10.57912/23845272.v1

Elworthy, Frederick Thomas (1895). The Evil Eye: An Account of this Ancient and Widespread Superstition. J. Murray.

WICC Authors, (2023). Nazar (amulet). https://wicc2023.org/nazar-amulet/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Williams, Victoria (2016). Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerlan, p.344.

Lynn, Heather (2019). Evil Archaeology, p.167

Bernasek, Lisa. (2008) “Artistry of the Everyday: Beauty and Craftsmanship in Berber Art” Volume 2 of Peabody Museum collections. Harvard University Press. pg 12. ISBN 978-0-87365-405-0

Ulmer, Rivka (1994). KTAV Publishing House, Inc. (ed.). The evil eye in the Bible and in rabbinic literature. KTAV Publishing House. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-88125-463-1.

Jewitches Blog. “The Evil Eye.” Jewitches, 18 Apr. 2023, jewitches.com/blogs/blog/the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Birth Culture. Jewish Testimonies from Rural Switzerland and Environs (in German and English). Basel: Naomi Lubrich. 2022. pp. 35–37. 

Evil Eye - Oxford Islamic Studies Online.” Archive.org, 2018, web.archive.org/web/20180825110529/www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e597. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mashallah: What It Means, When to Say It and Why You Should.” The National, 22 May 2013, www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/mashallah-what-it-means-when-to-say-it-and-why-you-should-1.264001. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mal’occhio | a brief understanding (and offering).” Radici Siciliane, 17 Nov. 2020, www.radicisiciliane.com/blog/malocchio-a-brief-understanding-and-offering. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Melissi, Paolo. The Cornicello: A Traditional Lucky Charm from Naples. 18 June 2021, italian-traditions.com/cornicello-traditional-lucky-charm-from-naples/.  Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Pagliarulo, Antonio. The Evil Eye. Red Wheel/Weiser, 2023. ISBN 978-1-63341-294-1

“Irish Superstitions: The Evil Eye, Fairy Forts, and Lucky Charms.” IrishHistory.com, 14 May 2023, www.irishhistory.com/myths-legends/folk-tales-superstitions/irish-superstitions-the-evil-eye-fairy-forts-and-lucky-charms/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” Ireland’s Folklore and Traditions, 12 July 2017, irishfolklore.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/the-evil-eye/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Katharina, Anneke. “Boser Blick: Evil Eye in German Folk Magic.” Instagram.com, 2024, www.instagram.com/p/CrO8IIeLMgu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&img_index=1. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Tobey, Julie. “The Meaning of the Evil Eye in Polish Culture.” Polish Culture NYC -, 7 June 2024, www.polishculture-nyc.org/the-meaning-of-the-evil-eye-in-polish-culture/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Haroush, Alissa. “42 Names for the Evil Eye and Where Did the Evil Eye Amulet Originate.” Alef Bet by Paula, Mar. 2021, www.alefbet.com/blogs/blog/42-names-for-the-evil-eye-and-where-did-the-evil-eye-amulet-originate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Sorokina, Anna. “How Russians Protect Themselves from Evil Spirits.” Russia Beyond, 3 Nov. 2024, www.rbth.com/lifestyle/331213-protect-from-evil-russia. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Mexico, Na’atik. “El Mal de Ojo, the Evil Eye.” Na’atik Language & Culture Institute, 26 May 2023, naatikmexico.org/blog/el-mal-de-ojo-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 1965, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1965/10/the-evil-eye/659833/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Hajská, Markéta. “The evil eye – Jakhendar” Factsheets on Romani Culture. https://rm.coe.int/factsheets-on-romani-culture-2-3-the-evil-eye-jakhendar/1680aac373 

FIGUROVÁ, Eva. Contemporary signs of magic in the everyday life of Roma minority in the selected areas of Brno, focusing on magical acts like “pokerování” and evil eye. In Individual and Society [Človek a spoločnosť], 2022, Vol. 25, Iss. 3. https://doi.org/10.31577/cas.2022.03.609 

Stanley A. Wolpert, Encyclopedia of India, Volume 1, Charles Scribner & Sons, 2005, ISBN 9780684313498

Kannan, Shalini. “Surprises and Superstitions in Rural Tamil Nadu.” Milaap.org, Milaap, 15 Apr. 2016, milaap.org/stories/surprises-and-superstitions-in-rural-tamil-nadu. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

John Abbott, Indian ritual and belief: the keys of power, Usha, 1984

George Vensus A. (2008). Paths to The Divine: Ancient and Indian (Volume 12 of Indian philosophical studies). Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, USA. ISBN 1565182480. pp. 399.

Turner, John W. "Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity: Faith and practices". A Country Study: Ethiopia Archived 2012-09-10 at the Wayback Machine. Thomas P. Ofcansky and LaVerle Berry, eds. Washington: Library of Congress Federal Research Division, 1991.

Finneran, Niall. "Ethiopian Evil Eye Belief and the Magical Symbolism of Iron Working. Archived 2012-07-12 at the Wayback Machine" Folklore, Vol. 114, 2003.

[rabbitpaws]

Harvest Moon Green Tassel Gold Celestial Talisman Earrings ✨️

Featuring large brass moon face stars that dangle green suede tassels from u-shaped connectors. Frosted glass crescent moons are suspended in the center of each earring. The hooks are gold plated

They hang 3.5 inches

Made with nickel free materials

Buy them here

[vonehrenfest]

Together Forever

So it turns out that Danny is functionally immortal, his living and ghostly forms stabilizing each other every time he transforms. What this means for his human body is that he keeps reverting back to the age of his death- if he wants to grow up, to grow old, he will have to give up the other half of himself.

Danny could also stay a ghost instead, but it doesn’t feel right. It would be too much somehow in a way he can’t explain. (To be a ghost is to be tethered to your pain. He doesn’t notice it while he’s dead but the relief is real each time he comes back to life.)

Tucker reincarnates, like he has been for the past millennia. Each time he forgets his friends, and each time he’ll look into an ancient mirror and slowly start to remember.

It’s not just Tucker who comes back. His parents also return, again and again to each other. They never remember but it’s comforting nonetheless. On his third life after being Tucker Foley, it occurs to him that they might be soulmates; his continued existence not an unnatural blackmailing of the universe (like magic so often is) but just… skitching a ride.

Sam lives. She’s idealistic, a fighter, and ambitious. She dabbles in the dark arts just enough to help further her bright-eyed goals. Then, for a while she disappears. When her friends finally find her again, she has demons- both literal and metaphorical. She stops dabbling, and lets herself age. (She won’t stop fighting though, she never will.)

Sam dies. Danny protects her soul, and Tucker helps preserve her heart and mind. Her ghost is a fearsome and terrible thing, nearly a goddess in her own right. Death frees her from her living burdens, and for the first time in centuries she feels as light as she was in her youth.

Dani and Vlad are similar to Danny, but they are not perfect. They have to eat.

Vlad’s death was gradual. There is no single moment his biology returns to when he transforms, so he ages. He sustains his living body with his ghostly form, so like Spectra and Desiree he learns to draw energy from human emotions.

Dani was born half-dead. The condition Vlad discovered in himself as he begun to live longer and longer than any human has natural access to, she had from the very beginning. Dani doesn’t bother with vampirism though. She’s a Frankenstein and she’s ok with it; she gets her ecto-vitamins in the form an injection by Danny.

One day Dani will find out why she wanders, and why she traces the same paths over and over again. (Sam will tell her about ley lines, liminal spaces, and tears in the veil between worlds.) She’ll find places and events where the air itself sustains and strengthens her. Sun on a flower.

[harvestmoss]

🌿Spellwork: Herb Amulets

Herb amulets are one of the easiest spellworks a witch can make. A herb amulet can be about anything and be filled with any herb of your choosing.

Note that the more an amulet is specific, the stronger it is. Think of it like multitasking and focused task. you may be great at keeping track of seven things, but when you only focus on one thing you exceptionally well. (ever tried doing school work while watching a TV show? Haha!)

Basically, herbs have corresponding meanings. Choose your herbs, as many or little as possible.

Put herbs into a morter and crush them till the aroma is released.

Place your crushed herbs onto a cloth (colour of your choosing).

Gather the cloth up and tie it together, you may use knot magic here.

Hang where you please or wear it.

Here's mine (and my mother's) and what I intend for it to do (and what she intends hers to do.

Mine is in the red cloth: I intend for it to give me good travels in my car as I wanted to hang it up in my car, as well as making sure that no matter where i go, i have a bit of a good breath with me.

Cinnamon: Adventure in life and travels.

Clovers: Gives dignity, avoids bullying.

Anise: Gives protection on travels.

Cardamom: Gives good breath and kisses.

My mother's in the blue cloth: She doesn't delve into witchcraft like I do, but she wanted to make an all around good feeling herb amulet for me.

Lavender: Kindness and love.

Cinnamon: Adventure in life and travels.

Coriander: Makes you rich.

Common Sage: Cleanses the room and brings good spirits.

Roses: Gives you kisses, hugs, and love.

Cardamom: Gives good breath and kisses.

Calendula: Sunshine and happiness.

Have fun!

[chamberofthespirit]

Amulets of Early Christianity ~

Firstly, what are amulets?

"Amulets are objects imbued with magical properties that protect against bad luck, illness and evil. Amulets are universal and are answers to age-old needs: to be healthy; to be virile and fertile; to be powerful and successful; to have good fortune." -Occult World

Back in ancient Rome, at the beginning of Christianity, early Christians resorted to the traditional practice of using amulets to protect themselves from harm and to bring blessings. Christian preachers insisted on their fellow Christians to make the sign of the cross or use holy water or holy oil from a priest or monk as a replacement for amulets, but the use of amulets still continued to be practiced by the early Christians.

Amulets composed of animal and vegetable matter have perished throughout the centuries but amulets made in the forms of figurines, carved stones, papyrus texts, parchment, potsherds, wood, and metal have survived. Written amulets give an insight on how Christian prayers and worship effected how these amulets were made, including a collide of Paganism and Christianity in certain texts. Some amulets contained short spells with artwork of Christian symbols. This is one example of a merge between Paganism and Christianity within the writing of an amulet, “I bind you, Artemisian scorpion, 315 times. Protect this house with its inhabitants from every evil, from all bewitchment, […] from the sting of scorpion and snake.” The spell then follows with, “Give protection, O Lord, son of David according to the flesh, born of the Holy Virgin Mary, O holy, highest God, of the Holy Spirit. Glory to you, O heavenly King. Amen.”

Some amulets contained Christianity mixed with a Greco-Egyptian chant. Other amulets had chants that were dedicated to calling out for the assistance of a saint or biblical figure, a common saying in these chants were “now, now, now, quickly, quickly, quickly”. These amulets also relied on the use of words snd works from the bible, rather than using such things from non-Christian amulets.

Many amulets consist of bible passages or passages from liturgical services. Psalm 91 was popular among amulets, even with Jewish amulets. The Lord's prayer was also popular. Occasionally, amulets spoke of the correspondence between Jesus and King Agbar of Edessa, for healing and protection due to this being in Jesus's promise. Some amulets seem to have the intention of being used in rituals to exorcise evil spirits with the use of the creed.

When looking at the amulets, they show the different skills of their creators. Some amulets seem to have been written by a high skilled scribe while others seem to have been written by people who could barely write. Most amulets were found in common places, documents, letters, and personal copies of books. Some words were written as they would have been pronounced, instead of in proper Greek. This shows how some amulets were probably written by memory for chants and devotional texts.

Here are some examples of amulets

Source: Archeological Views: Christian Amulets-A Bit of Old, a Bit of New

[becoming-persephone]

An ocean lives within its aqua hues. As you wear it, you feel the ebb and flow of its energy. Peaceful, it lulls me into watery daydream. Like the sea, it provides clarity, a space to sit and breathe. You watch the waves within its crystallized temple, finding answers in the blue depths. Aquamarine works with the throat chakra, providing fluid expression. The throat is where the truth flourishes. a sacred space of earth roots and cosmic wonder, our voice the passage between worlds.

AQUAMARINE: "Stone of the Sea,” It connects to the depths of the ocean, allowing you to reflect and find peace with your emotions. A magical stone that allows you to communicate with water spirits. Aquamarine strengthens communication with nature spirits, deepens intuition, and provides ocean energy.

Item: Large 55mm aquamarine cabochon framed in blackened sterling silver. Comes with an oxidized sterling silver 18” chain.

Purchase From My Shop: HERE

[fluentmoviequoter]

The Color of Us

Witchy Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Fic-tober Masterlist

Heart Set on Amulets Universe Masterlist

Summary: You tell Dalton you can see auras and he asks what color his is, leading to a confession about what he feels.

Warnings: fluff, confession, kissing, I think that's it. 0.9k+ words.

A/N: I Googled aura color meanings and every link had different meanings, so I just picked a random one. Also, sorry this is shorter than the other ones, but the next two Witchy Wednesdays are going to be longer! I hope you enjoy! :)

The first time you saw someone’s aura, you didn’t know what was happening. With the different colors and unique blending, a witch’s first experience can be overwhelming. Luckily, you found a good mentor quickly and learned how to block out auras… most of the time.

Like all natural talents or gifts, witch abilities have their own minds and come out on their own time. Some days, it seems like all you can see are auras. When that happens, you do your best to ignore them and respect the privacy of the people around you. Being shy, you already know how to navigate with your eyes on your shoes.

Today is one of those days where auras seem brighter than the sun. You catch a glimpse of a freshman’s green and blue swirl, fear of the future, and insecurity from the shades, and know you need to pick cute shoes since you’ll be staring at them all day.

When you return to your apartment after class, curious about what your professor is so angry about, you collapse on your couch and stare at the ceiling. Avoiding looking at people is more work than it seems to be. Someone knocks, and you look toward the door, hoping they leave.

“I’m not going away,” Dalton singsongs from the other side. “Let me in?”

You grumble as you walk to the door, eyes on the floor as you pull the door open.

“Are you okay?” Dalton asks immediately, raising his hand to your shoulder.

“I- I’m a witch,” you say quietly.

“I already knew that.”

“Right. But I can see auras and they’re really vivid today.”

“And it’s making you sick? Or something else?” Dalton asks gently, closing the door as he steps inside with you.

“No, nothing like that. It just feels like I’m violating people’s privacy, I guess. I don’t like knowing what emotions people are feeling.”

Dalton rubs his hand up and down your arm and shoulder, dropping his bag. He walks around the corner and talks to you from the hallway.

“Is this better?”

You laugh and look up as you say, “Kind of. But now I miss your pretty face.”

“You know I don’t care if you look, right? I would tell you what I’m feeling, so it’s not any different.”

You bite your bottom lip and think for a moment. “Okay. Only if you’re sure.”

Dalton walks around the corner, smiling brightly. He affirms, “I’m absolutely, positively sure.” He looks at you before gesturing toward the couch. When you’re both seated, your thigh against his, he asks,

“What does it look like?”

“It’s pretty,” you answer quietly. “It’s dark blue with little streaks of green.”

“Which means?”

“That blue is power and insight. The green is…” you hesitate, and Dalton lays his hand on your knee. “It’s fear of the future.”

“That sounds about right,” Dalton says with a nod. “Anything else?”

“Pink. Who do you love?” You don’t think before you speak and slap your hand over your mouth when you hear the question.

“Pink is love? How much pink is there?”

“A bit,” you answer as he pulls your hand away. “It’s surrounding everything else.”

Dalton uses your hand to pull you even closer, tugging your legs over his.

“You,” he whispers. “The pink is for you.”

You go silent, looking between his eyes and his hand on your leg.

“Am I dreaming?”

“You look awake to me,” Dalton answers, laughing. “I mean, you look beautiful, but awake.”

You duck your head to hide your smile, missing the sudden burst of pink and yellow you create in Dalton’s aura.

“Tell me what the other colors mean?” Dalton asks, drawing your attention back to him.

“Well, it depends on the shades, but the basics are red is energy, fire, passion, and anger; orange is creative, active, and positivity – you have an orange undertone, your creativity isn’t dependent on anything, it’s who you are. Yellow is sunny, charismatic, kindness; blue is either insecurity or power depending on the shade; pink is loving, caring; indigo is empathetic and sensitive; white is pure; black is tired, low; brown is greed; gray is holding onto something; and a rainbow is a combination of everything,” you explain, stopping after each color to examine the changes in Dalton’s.

“Interesting. And the shades tell you where on the spectrum or how intense?”

“Yeah. The ratios help determine intensity, too.”

“Can you see your own?”

“Not usually. Sometimes if I’m really emotional I can see the outer colors, but no.”

“Well, then let me enlighten you,” Dalton says, using his hand to raise your chin. “Yours is blue, obviously, because you’re powerful, white because you’re oh so pure.” You laugh before Dalton turns serious.

“And I’m pretty sure I see some green and pink in there. And if I had to guess, they’re for the same reason; like mine.”

“They are,” you admit quietly. “About you.”

“Do you think we could make both of them completely pink?” Dalton asks, raising his other hand to your face.

You furrow your brows and shake your head. “No, that’s not possible-“

Dalton cuts you off with a kiss, pressing his lips to yours. You don’t hesitate to reciprocate, grabbing his shirt and pulling yourself further into his lap. While you’re not paying much attention, you see large streaks of pink in your peripheral vision, smiling into the kiss.

Pulling back, you say, “Mine’s certainly pink now.”

“Is mine?”

“Mostly.”

“What else?”

“I charge for aura readings,” you tease, kissing his nose.

“Whatever you’re charging, it’s not enough.”

“Oh, you’re in a lifelong contract now.”

Dalton pulls you into another kiss, confident that his aura will never communicate what he truly feels for you and curious about how he can tell you.

[coven-of-genesis]

Magickal tools

Charms, amulets, and talismans are objects that are believed to possess magical or mystical properties and are often used for protection or to bring good luck.

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings:

Charms: A charm is an object that is believed to have magical power to protect the wearer from harm or to bring good luck. Charms are often worn as jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet, and may be made from a variety of materials, including metal, stone, or wood. Examples of charms include a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, or a rabbit's foot.

Amulets: An amulet is also an object that is believed to have magical power, but it is typically worn or carried for the purpose of protecting the wearer from evil or harm. Amulets are often made from materials that are believed to have protective properties, such as certain stones, metals, or herbs. Examples of amulets include a crystal pendant, a piece of amber, or a protective talisman.

Talismans: A talisman is an object that is believed to have magical power to bring good fortune or to achieve a specific goal. Talismans are often created for a specific purpose, such as attracting love, wealth, or success. They may be made from a variety of materials, such as precious stones, herbs, or metals, and may be worn or carried as a reminder of the desired outcome. Examples of talismans include a lucky coin, a mojo bag, or a sigil.

In summary, while charms, amulets, and talismans are all believed to have mystical properties, they have different purposes and uses. Charms are worn for good luck, amulets for protection, and talismans for achieving specific goals or desires.

[orion-sage]

Protect Yourself from the Evil Eye: Unveiling the Mysteries

The "Evil Eye," or "Malocchio", is more than just a superstition; it's a belief that envious glares can bring about misfortune. The power of this gaze lies in the eyes of those who cast it upon you. Let's delve into the effects and defenses against this age-old belief.

-The Impact of the Evil Eye: Envious glances can take a toll on both your energy and physical health. You might experience problems like insomnia, disrupted chakra energy, stomach and digestive issues, or even persistent headaches. The effects can be subtle but profound, influencing your overall well-being.

-DIY Protection from the Evil Eye: Defending yourself against the malocchio doesn't require elaborate rituals. Simple remedies can work wonders. Consider wearing jewelry or accessories that divert attention away from your eyes, making it harder for the envious energy to reach you. It's like creating a shield that wards off negative vibes.

-Recognizing the Evil Eye's Presence: Sometimes, it's challenging to tell if you're under the influence of the Evil Eye. Watch out for rapid mood swings, unexplained fatigue, or recurring insomnia. These signs might indicate the malevolent gaze of another. It's essential to recognize these symptoms to take action promptly.

-Seeking Expert Advice: The Evil Eye, especially when directed by individuals with strong energy, can genuinely hinder your quality of life. To determine if you're affected, consider getting an "energy check" from an experienced healer. Their insights can provide you with clarity and help you regain balance.

Remember, the power of the Evil Eye lies in the belief, and while skepticism may offer some protection, it's always best to consult with experts for a more in-depth understanding. Protect your energy and embrace a happier, healthier life.

Do you think you might have an evil eye on you? Contact me directly in chat or request a FREE CONSULTATION.

[asphodel-flowers]

I like big books and I cannot lie 🎶

some books I gave recently grabbed from the library.

I liked and wanna buy Do I Have To Wear Black? Lots of good info in there on funerary customs. I wasn't sure I was gonna like it because of the Wicca mentions at first but I was actually pleasantly surprised as I got into it. I sort of blew through it tbh because I'm not super interested in like the Kemetic or Wiccan customs, just the Norse/ heathen and Hellenic, but the very general parts at the beginning were really informative. Mortellus is a mortician and 100% definitely knows what in the heck they're talking about.

I skimmed through the Thrifty Witch book and Tarot Interactions before bringing them back because those I just need to have/ buy. I need to buy those. Thrifty Witch would definitely be more useful to me as a resource than something to read if that makes sense.

and similarly with Tarot Interactions, that is an absolutely fantastic excellent book from what I read of it, and I definitely absolutely need to have that as a resource. I also feel like that's something I wanna take my time with, not rush.

Werewolf Magick was meh. I soared through it. I was rolling my eyes at far too much of it to take any of it seriously, and by the time I got to what I was interested in/ what might have helped, couldn't understand it because of all the weird lingo/ jargon that he'd set up at the beginning. Admittedly that's my own fault obviously for trying to skip to the end, but the first part just made me cringe too much. There's too much mixing of different practices in a way that imo honors none of them, and then mixing it with crap like Wicca to boot. I just... no, I'm good, no thank you. I had gotten it out of curiosity, expecting it to not be much and... yeah, it was what I expected.

Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, & Hoodoo has been fantastic so far and I have got to finish it. I started it and got distracted and it went back on the shelf and I've gotta get back into it. It starts with Annie Christmas who is none of the things mentioned on the cover, lol, but I love the way it talks about our local myths and legends. Absolutely A+ 100% yes.

Weave the Liminal is... surprisingly better than I expected so far? I'm not quite sure what to make of it. We'll see as we go.

I've had the ones in that first three pictures checked out for a while and I really need to get to them. I was hoping the Shamanism Bible would give me some words to look up, a good place to start research into that but it feels like too much of a chore. The charm bag and ancestor books I just keep forgetting I have, and I expected the New Orleans one to be a quick read but again keep forgetting it's there.

Did I grab too many books? Yes, every damn time. I have maxed out how many I can borrow from the library. Oooops. xD

I absolutely had to grab The Holy Wild Grimoire though when I saw it on the shelf because that has been on my wishlist for a while and I love checking out books before buying them. I feel much better about purchasing when I already know I like them.

[thesorceresstemple]

[lunasapphire]

✨Charms✨

Protection amulet, protection chant, protection charm and a good luck and movement charm

[mamamoon92]

🖤✨

[harvestmoss]

🌿 Cleansing (Milo's Ultimate Guide)

Cleansing is the most important spellwork and ritual a witch should know. We may take showers and vacuum our houses, but we’re missing the spiritually cleansing part of ourselves, objects, and spaces. Spiritual cleansing is the practice of removing unwanted energies or spirits from our space, it may also help with “restarting” objects and to remove stale energies. Knowingly or unknowingly, these unwanted energies can obstruct and weaken your physic work, and lessens your chances of success. Typically before doing any spells, one should cleanse using a method they see fit.

If a room doesn’t feel right all of a sudden, an animal refuses to go into a space, the air feels oppressive and off, areas that are frequently the scenes of violence, a cleansing is needed. When receiving new tools for your craft, one should cleanse them from the past. If your body is icky or your charging is not powerful, a cleansing of yourself is needed. Here are some different ways to cleanse. Things I've found in other books, done myself, mixed with other spellworks, and more. Picked straight from my grimoire! Chapters:

Cleansing with Water.

Cleansing with Smoke.

Cleansing with Fire.

Cleansing with Sound.

Cleansing with your Broomstick.

Cleansing with Dirt, Herbs, Spit, and More.

Closing Notes.

Cleansing with Water

Spray the following waters on any objects, yourself, space, etc to cleanse them. Some of these waters can be added to baths, spray bottles, bowls and be used for regular cleaning too, these waters have been "modified" to enhance cleansing. While the most basic cleansing water is Salt Water, in which you mix water and salt together to gain cleansing waters. These waters may have more enhanced effects. For example, Florida Water empowers any formulae to which it is added.

Holy water

Florida water

Indigo water

Marie Laveau water

Notre Dame water

Pollution water

Rose of Jericho water

Tar water

War water

Make an infusion by pouring boiling water over black snakeroot/black cohosh, sprinkle it with rosemary wand to erase evil spirits.

You can throw evil spirits, bad vibrations and used amulets into the water. Go to a stream with running water and throw the object against the current. Then throw water three times after it. Clean your hands and face in water afterwards.

If you want to clean bowls, jars, pots and pans that you may have caught annoying spirits with or they feel stale and negative, then clean the jar by pulling it against the current three times so that it is flooded with water. Clean your hands and face afterwards. Feel free to mumble cleansing spells or prayers in between.

If you want to clean or renew the energy in amulets, jewellery and the like, you can tie the object to a tree and let it float in the running water for a few hours. It is best on a day when the sun's light plays in the spring's abundance. You can also place the object in a glass bowl. Sprinkle marjoram around it. Pour spring water over and let it soak in a beautiful spot in the sun from sunrise to sunset.

Spring water or water from a running stream is filled in clear bowls, pans, or jars and rests in the sun for a few hours. Take them inside and let them trap negative vibrations, spirits and air overnight. The water can be scented with herbs or oils as desired. The next day, the water is poured into running water (depends on how you scented the water). Holy Water can be used if spring water is not available at the time.

Make a strong infusion with angelica, strain out the herbs, and add the infusion together with white vinegar to a bucket of wash water to cleanse the floors and surfaces of a house. Boiling water to burn the evil spirits that’s in your floor boards.

In a big bot or iron cauldron, simmer rue, stinging nettle, and vervain. When the mixture is steaming, plunge or douse your knives, athames, and swords with the water.

Good to note that different types of water exist in nature such as, snow, rain, storm, spring water, water fall, etc. These waters also can have different effects for your cleansing.

Submerge your body in the ocean or a lake, feel how the natural water washes away the unwanted energies out of you, how your body gets recharged from the natural world. Alternatively, taking a bath or a shower to quite literally clean and bath yourself is also a valid spiritual cleansing method.

Cleansing with Smoke

The smell of incense smoke harmonizes soul and mind, the scent is the soul of the flower and brings memories of the sun, the moon, deep nights and forests into the room you’re cleansing. Scents gives birth to imagination and inspiration. The scent fills the room with ethereal beauty. Scents can also calm down anxiety and anxious thoughts. And smelling certain scents can have effects on your body. Mugwort, for example, is often used for sleeping as well as lavender, and smelling these flowers and herbs induces sleep.

Use dry herbs. Herbs and roots with an aromatic scent should be dominant in a scented incense. Green herbs without a strong scent smell like hay when burned. Herbal mixture can be tied up in strings or set on fire, you can hold it in your hand or place it in an ashtray. You can also throw it on a fire or lit charcoal.

Sage*, mugwort, rosemary, juniper, and frankincense are great for purifying. Bundle it together or burn incense sticks separately. Other combinations:

3 parts frankincense, 2 parts benzoin, 1 part myrrh.

Mix 2 parts St. John's wort, 1 part camphor, 1 part juniper and ½ part sage*. 

1 part juniper, 1 part sage*, ½ part elderberry og ½ part tansy.

Calendula, lavender, rose, orange peels, woodruff, pine needles, a bit of clover, cinnamon, and coriander.

Camphor, cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood.

Benzoin, dragon’s blood, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, sea salt.

Cinnamon, clovers, coriander seeds.

Dragon’s blood powder and frankincense.

Mastic resin tears or powder, myrtle leaves and berries, rose petals.

(* I think I should note that I use common garden sage that I grow myself, and not white sage.)

Instead of herb bundles, you can also make incense sticks yourself. To make your own incense sticks, you’ll need: Dry wood or charcoal, aroma of your choice, resin or SAP, thin wooden sticks.

Use a mortar and pestle to make dry wood or coal into powder. Here you can add plants or spices.

Once in powder form, set some of the powder to the side for later, as for the rest, add your essential oils to your mix. Depending on how many sticks you’re making and the amount of powder you have. You can mx this in a bigger pan.

Add some water to get the appropriate consistency, your mixture must be moldable.

Take your wooden sticks and a piece of your mixture and roll it onto the stick till it’s covered, leave a piece of blank wood at the bottom so you can hold the stick.

Sprinkle the incense stick with the powder you saved earlier.

Let the incense sticks dry in a cool dark place for about a week.

Cleansing with Fire

Fire is purifying and protective, but watch out, fire is such a strong cleansing method, it could burn your house down to a crisp and cleanse it that way, haha. Carry a candle light through the room. Go left three times through your spaces with your candle light, while calling the power of light and the sun's rays to warm and light your home.

Outdoors, you can light up your entire plot with torches. Sing and pray as you walk with your light in the dark. To cleanse with fire outside is done after sunset.

Create a blessing oil composed of frankincense and benzoin to a blend of olive and jojoba oils. Use either the essential oils or ground resin. Dress white and blue candles with the oil and burn to cleanse the atmosphere.

At witches' circles, parties, Litha, and bonfires, you can throw used amulets and things you want rid of into the fire. It will burn up and release you from the binding.

You can cleanse amulets, gifts, objects, clothes, etc. by spreading them in the sun and letting it shine through them. Turn them once in a while and take them in before the dusk falls. The objects can also hang in a window where the sun's rays fall. If a vigorous cleansing is required, this is repeated three days in a row.

Use mugwort and weave a wreath while tying everything you want to rid yourself of in the mugwort wreath. Burn the wreath in the fire and then jump over the fire**. Fill the space you want to cleanse, with the freedom you have been given.

(** Depending on how big your fire is, what you're wearing and your jumping abilities and comfortability to jumping over fire, proceed with caution.)

Cleansing with Sound

Ghosts are typically harmless and won’t do anything, so just leave them be. However, if you have a particularly annoying ghost, take your broom and sweep it out from each corner while yelling, yapping, and scolding.

Tuning a singing bowl as you meditate will cleanse a space and yourself. Generally, music and song will do the same. Fill a room up with noise and song and you’ll cleanse the space right out. Keeping the doors and windows open is best.

Hanging bells by the front door will keep spirits and unwanted energies out every time you open the door.

Hanging wind chimes around your property protects your space and scares unwanted spirits away.

Cleansing with your Broomstick

Broomsticks are not only meant for flying, but also cleaning, they are literally sweeping the dirt away. But broomsticks are excellent spiritual cleansers. Some spells call for ritual brooms that get used once, then destroyed. Other spells call for a regular broom to be used for spellwork.

Get a large bucket of spring water or use other cleansing water and let your broomstick rest in the water for a few hours. Then splash the water over the room you want to clean. Preferably during the emission of loud noises that cause unwanted spirits to flee.

Use the broom to sweep the dust from West to East. Collect the dust and burn it, toshing the ashes outdoors, you can complete the ritual by mopping the floors.

This includes a single use, ritual, broom that will get disassembled. Use any of the following botanicals: rosemary, hyssop, fennel, cedar, sage*, and vervain. Arrange the botanicals onto the bottom of a branch of birch (or any branch can be used), visualizing, charging and knotting. Sprinkle with cleansing water then sweep the area that needs cleansing. When done, disassemble the broom outside, away from the cleansed area. Bury the components in the ground or toss them into running water, flowing away from you.

Cleansing with Dirt, Herbs, Spit, and more

Soil covers everything. You can bury amulets, letters and anything else you want to rid yourself of in the ground. Go to a peaceful place, bury the object and feel the earth release you from it. Cover the ground with stones, moss, grass or branches so that the spot is invisible.

You can also cleanse with herbs by having them in the house. Rose geraniums and woodland wreaths will renew the air and their mild scents will chase away evil spirits.

Place a clove of garlic on each window. If the energies, ghosts, or spirits are particularly annoying, place a whole garlic. The garlic will stay there overnight, or more. If you feel the need is there, take the garlic the next day and burn them outside.

If you find a coin, stone or amulet, spit on both sides of it before using it. It cleanses the amulet and removes any bound energies.

If you have an amulet or object that you want purified or charged with your energy, hold it between your thumb and ring finger. Now sneeze over the object, turn it over and sneeze again. Now your energy is charged into the object.

You can also cleanse a space, person, or object with crystals. Clear quartz or selenite is a good option for cleansing.

Hang garlic, silver crosses, and/or rosary over the door frame to keep ghosts and unwanted energies out.

Keep a dish of salt and place your amulets and jewellry on it overnight to cleanse them, the salt will absorb the stale or unwanted energies. Toss the salt out in the trash when you’re done.

Cleans by literally cleaning your tools, sometimes they just need a bit of soap and visualization with it. While you’re at it, give them a good rub with your hands, you can cleanse through touch.

Since evil spirits and demons cannot cross salt, it is the best available protection. Sprinkle salt around your home or create a circle. If the evil spirit or demon is particularly annoying, use black salt for extra potency. 

Cleanse by intimidating your object, stare at it intensely and visualize your stare scaring the stale energies or unwanted energies out of the object.

Open your windows and let the fresh air cleanse your space.

Closing Notes

Thank you so much for reading this extremely long post, I hope you got some inspirations on how to cleanse your space! It should be noted, these are different ways I cleanse, but there are so many more ways to cleanse than what I have written here!

Also, hopefully, There won't be any spelling errors, if there is, please forgive me, especially for grammatical errors as English is not my native language.

Blessed day!! :D

(Image credit: Me! I drew this :) )

[court-wizard-lizard]

Im beset by spirits and cursed items that’s why I’m just soooooo sleeepy