thepurplestwitch

[thepurplestwitch]

hi, celtic pagan here. are nordic runes closed for norse paganism? or are the symbols themselves universal? ive been considering using them but since i dont work with those deities it seems odd, so i wanted to check in and make sure i wasnt being disrespectful :)

You can use them but don't be surprised if the Norse gods start hanging around and making interested noises.

[thepurplestwitch]

You Don’t Have To Believe in Everything Magic.

In fact, you probably shouldn’t.

When most of us enter the craft, we step into a new world where suddenly so much we thought was impossible is now alive and at our fingertips. We have to keep our ingrained skepticism at bay and reshape what we believe, and for a while we resign ourselves to just believing in everything.

I think that’s a dangerous place to stay in, though. It’s a mindset that stops us from really believing firmly in anything because we opt instead for the easier “I guess so.” It provides no structure for defending what we believe in. It leaves room for wishful thinking to be accepted as fact without analysis. It also leaves the door wide open for extremism and toxic misinformation to just be accepted without question. (Example, the love-and-light woman who inspired me to write this believed that other people’s “bad vibes” were directly and very literally carcinogenic. She also couldn’t seem to register why actual cancer survivors and their loved ones were so upset with her.)

There are people who push themselves past their limits because someone told them they could easily do the impossible if they just tried a little harder. “Magic spells” that encourage repeated self-harm for the promise of physical wings. People that abandon accessible medical care for alternative methods they learned online, while the illness worsens. Self-delusion is still absolutely possible, even if the line has moved.  Finding that line is important.  

It actually strengthens your craft to have firm boundaries on what you believe. That doesn’t give you the right to harass someone over harmless things (because everyone agreeing isn’t the goal) but having beliefs with a foundation is important. It requires you to understand what you believe and why you believe it, what you do and don’t accept, where your values lie, you get the idea. As you gain more experience and information, those boundaries can move and adjust. Maybe X doesn’t work after all, or you didn’t give Y the chance it deserved. And if you can back up why you think that, all of the power to you. 

[thepurplestwitch]

Friendly reminder to all and sundry, since I know it's going to come up in relation to Samhain -

The fact that a person was accused of and/or executed for witchcraft DOES NOT mean they were actually a witch.

Neither does it mean that they were part of some secret pagan witch-cult.

Even if popular folklore paints them as such.

Even if they have been regularly portrayed in literature, art, music, movies, or television or as a witch or a sorcerer or what have you.

Margaret Murray's theories have been debunked and disproved for years, so maybe don't lean into sources that repeat her misinformation.

Friendly reminder also that the vast majority of the victims of witch panics are the poor, the disabled, the mentally infirm, the disenfranchised, and the socially, politically, or religiously othered.

By all means, let's remember these people and learn about history. Let's just keep things in perspective.

[thepurplestwitch]

"This crystal is good for such-and-such organ!" oh yeah name 3 of that organ's functions

[thepurplestwitch]

Bones can you tell me what this is there’s a man in my dms and when I asked him what this was he said he just liked the symbols

That's the helm of awe and some futhark runes. They look like they spell something but I can't quite make it out.

[thepurplestwitch]

[thepurplestwitch]

opinion on people that say their isn't any scientific basis to tarot cards and psychics and such?

They're correct. We are doing magic here, not science.

Do remember, that just because something has no scientific basis doesn't mean it isn't interesting, valuable, or fun.

[thepurplestwitch]

"do what thou wilt is the whole of the law" means "you don't need a priest to define your relationship to divinity" not "you can say slurs and get indignant when people get mad at you"

[thepurplestwitch]

It's all fun and games until you get the tower three days in a row as your daily card dhksfh

Universe winding up to throw a fastball of shit luck directly at your head

[thepurplestwitch]

I think the fast paced society we live in currently has brainwashed me into thinking i can upgrade myself and my life just as fast as when i restart my computer or phone. I have forgotten the natural cycles of life… how the moon takes her time to be full or how the crops take their time to grow their fruits. 

[thepurplestwitch]

Secular Celebrations - Lughnasadh

From Midsummer, we move to Lughnasadh in early August. Also called Lammas, this is the first of the three harvest holidays. Much of what you’ll see associated with this holiday involves bread, bread, and for a change of pace, more bread and also corn. But there are also associations with field games, music, crafts, artistry, games of skill, self-expression, wishmaking, and the first fruits of the harvest. It’s another holiday for picnics and bonfires, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your festivities.

It’s probably easiest to talk about the food first, since that’s a big part of this holiday. Lots of witches bake bread of some sort for Lughnasadh, in observance of the grain harvest. This would be a great time to put that sourdough starter to use, if you made one. But don’t limit yourself to bread alone! Late summer fruits and vegetables are also coming into season and that gives you plenty of options for kitchen witchery. Check your local farmer’s market or produce stand for what’s available, or see what’s in season for your area, since this will vary from region to region.

You can make jams and preserves, try your hand at winemaking or brewing beer, make a vegetarian or fruit-based dish, or cook over an open fire, if you have the option. You should be able to harvest things from your garden as well, since it will be producing by this time, and this is another great holiday for visiting pick-your-own berry patches and orchards. If you can, share what you harvest or make with friends and neighbors. This is a time to remember your circle and your community as well. None of us stand alone, and we are stronger when we stand together and nurture those bonds.

Make decorations with wheat stalks and corn husks, and thank the fields and the sun for their bounty. Just like on Midsummer, you can hang ribbons and paper wishes from trees and shrubs if you like. I’m also partial to (very carefully) gathering brambles, rose thorns, and holly hedge cuttings for use later in the year around Lughnasadh. It’s a tricky, prickly business, but they come in very handy when you’re preparing magical protections for the home.

If you can have a small bonfire or have the opportunity to light up a cauldron or a burning bowl, you can throw incense or paper wishes into the fire. If you like, you can also throw paper packets containing your regrets into the fire, symbolically ridding them from your life and freeing you to move forward.

If the weather allows, have a field day! Play games, have a cookout or a barbecue, play music, and enjoy yourself. Celebrate the abundance that the first harvest brings into your life and all the hard work you’ve done so far in the year. Provided that your circle can gather, maybe have an informal tournament with games of skill and chance. For those of you who just went, “-gasp- Trivia contest!” you’re right on the mark. That carnival atmosphere comes into play again for Lughnasadh, so have a little fun with your near and dear.

Handicrafts and the arts are also celebrated at Lughnasadh. It’s a good time to start that new project you’ve been meaning to do, or to try your hand at a new skill.

This is also a time to begin reaping what you’ve sown and to examine your own progress since the beginning of the growing season. Meditate on how your personal projects are going. What progress have you made toward your goals? What have you learned so far this year? What promises have you kept, which ones could use more dedication, and which ones fell by the wayside?

How have your actions, for good or for ill, affected the direction of your path? What have you sown that is now coming to fruition? What is still budding? What has yet to manifest? What might require more of your attention?

Meditate also on self-expression. How well do you communicate with others? What would you like to improve? Are there boundaries that you need to clarify or reinforce? How much are you allowed or able to be your truest self? What do you long to be able to do or say or express differently?

Keep in mind that progress, education, and recovery do not happen in straight lines or have constant upward trajectories. Be patient with yourself. You may not be exactly where you thought you’d be, but you’re still further along than you were. Even a single step forward counts, and it’s okay to stop and rest if you need to.

- Hex Positive, Ep. 11 - Secular Celebrations (Full Episode available on your favorite podcatcher)

[thepurplestwitch]

Hey! You!

When was the last time you cleansed your home?

When was the last time you checked your wards?

When was the last time you made sure your space was clear of bad energy, bad spirits, and other nasty things?

When was the last time you did that saltwater-incense-bell ringing thing you do?

When was the last time you did a banishing ritual?

If you feel your space is funky, here’s your reminder. Here’s your great cosmic sign. Fix that shit.

[thepurplestwitch]

Witchcraft for the Chronically Fatigued

Fatigue looks at things such as tiredness, drowsiness, exhaustion, weakness, lethargy and memory issues and says “I can do all that and more!”. It leaves you feeling utterly trapped in your own body; unable to move, or even think at times. It fluctuates, but is always looming. 

While this post is open for all, it is written for those who truly relate to this all-consuming feeling (due to ME/CFS, other chronic illnesses, mental illness, or undiagnosed causes). Not all of these may work for you, but hopefully they inspire something that will. For general low energy witchcraft, check out my Bedridden Witch Series!

As always: witchcraft is to be used in addition to proper medical care, treatment and medication; not as a sole alternative.

To draw energy:

If you cannot produce your own, magically created will be just fine!

Crystals. 

I tend to use clear quartz for an energy boost, but trust your intuition; if something calls to you, it’s for a reason. 

Keep it near your bedside table, under your pillow, hold it in your hand or place it on your body where you feel the fatigue most strongly centered. 

When on the go, carry it in your pocket or wear as jewelry. If it is larger, carry in a bag and hold it when you need it. 

Charge using a charging board or the elements. 

Crystals for fatigue

Waters.

Physically touching water brings me energy. I keep jars of snow, rain, storm, river, stream (etc, etc.) water and will dip my fingers in it and mark that parts of my body where the fatigue feels strongest. Be aware of pollutants and do not ingest!

The same method can be done with tap water (or water charged under the sun or moon)

Drink sun water or sun tea (start with drinking safe water and let it absorb the energies of the sun).

Some people find moon water to be energizing (same process as above, just with the moon). 

See also: Bedridden witch: Bath edition.

Other elements.

Note what is energizing to you and what is draining to you. Consider: the sun, moon (and it’s phases), weather (rain, overcast, snow, storm, wind), cold vs. hot, the earth, fire, air, etc.

Once you find which elements are energizing to you, find ways to incorporate them into your life. Examples: jars of different waters or soils, rocks collected from places, candles, and more.

I usually draw energy up from the earth by placing my palms flat towards the earth by the sides of my body. So if I was lying down, my arms would be at my sides with my palms facing down.

Expose yourself or protect yourself. I’ll use my personal experiences as an example here… Rain often energizes me. When it rains, I’ll open my windows, and if I’m able I’ll step outside or collect some water. On the flipside, full moons often drain me. I’ll close my windows and curtains, hang an extra blanket over my bedroom window, use water to paint protective sigils on the window and increase my wards.

See also: Bedridden witch: Elements edition and Bedridden witch: Weather edition

To manage symptoms:

Brain fog:

Brainfog lifting

“Brainfog begone” sigil

Fatigue: 

Spoonie spell for energy

Energy gain spell

Energy boost spell

Energy bath

Fatigue recovery spell jar

Headaches (and migraines):

Headache healing

To banish a headache

Anti-migraine spell

Anti-migraine spell bottle

Migraine relief bath

Joint pain:

Arthritis pain relief oil

Joint pain spell

Healing spell for joints

Memory:

Memory masterpost

Memory and concentration spell

Mental reboost tea spell

Muscle pain:

Muscle pain sachet

Warming salve for sore muscles

Crystals for muscle pain (external site)

For more categories of symptoms please see my posts for symptoms relating to chronic illness and mental illness!

Practicing the craft with energy limitations:

Tips and tricks:

I highly recommend preparing things when your energy allows, so it’s always ready to go when you need it (and isn’t dependent on current energy levels). 

Cleansing: Let other things do your work for you. Open your windows/get fresh air, steam or smoke, sound, etc. Bedridden energy cleansing.

Divination: Use apps when physical movement is hard. One card spreads, shorten your pendulum so you don’t need to lift your arm, divine using the elements, etc. Bedridden divination.

Spells: Make your own spell kits. Spell jars and sachets are also an excellent way to already have the spell prepared, set it up so you can simply shake it to re/activate the spell.

Warding: Create physical ties for your wards that aren’t reliant on consistent upkeep (as a failsafe), and reinforce your other ward layers when you have the energy. I create far more layers than I need so when I am unable to reinforce them, they still protect me. 

Worship: Compile prayers and devotions somewhere you can easily find and read them, have a wall altar for easy maintenance, keep offerings simple (a glass of water, for example). Bedridden worship.

Many more tips and tricks in these posts:

Bedridden witch series (masterpost of all my current bedridden witch posts, including some that weren’t linked here!)

Limited hand mobility + witchcraft (divination, spells, working with flames, recording information and more)

Nonverbal witchcraft

You may also like:

Magic to replenish energy

Spoonie witch masterpost

Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Mentally ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

Witchcraft & Meds

Low energy cleaning + cleansing

Sigils: (pain + symptoms) (mental illness + energy) (healing + misc.) 

Drink magic masterpost

Rejuvenating witchcraft

Do none of these posts fit your needs? Let me know, I’m always looking for more ways to make witchcraft accessible!

**Do not repost or share on other platforms - reblogging is okay!**

Last updated May of 2020. Please check for updates and inform me of broken links via askbox!

[thepurplestwitch]

Look at what I saw on Twitter!!!

[thepurplestwitch]

instead of wheel of the year im using wheel of witchblr discourse that makes the rounds every few months to tell time and figure out when to plant and harvest my crops.

my new sabbat list includes:

someone doesnt understand the 3fold law is only a wiccan thing and starts curse-shaming non-wiccans for cursing

the “blessed be” debacle happens again, creepy invasiveness be damned

people conflating wicca with witchcraft / gatekeeping other people’s crafts

cultural appropriation in droves so we have to bring out the afterschool special ^tm posts (special addition, appropriating person says “i was that race, but like,,in a past life”)

someone wants to shame people who like aesthetics, calls them “fluffy bunnies”

TEH BURNING TYMES WERE REAL AYE TELL YEA AND I SAW GOODY PROCTOR WITH TEH DEVIL

“witchcraft is only for cis womyn uwu✿ ” bullshit, sometimes even brought back by terfs that dont even practice witchcraft ??¿?

someone has a problem with other people using emoji spells, despite no one forcing this rando to use emoji spells. 

“love spells are basically rape” discourse happens about the same as a blue moon

this shit happens like clockwork man im telling ya

[thepurplestwitch]

some autobiography titles from my life as a gaelic polytheist

Irish Spelling Was Invented To Fuck With The English And Of This I Am Sure

I Am Not Wiccan

That’s Not How You Spell Cu Chulainn

That’s Not How You Pronounce Samhain

That’s Not How You Pluralize Bean Sidhe

You Are Banned From Using The Phrase “Triple Goddess” For A Year And A Day

It Is 50 Degrees Fahrenheit; What Do You Mean “First Day Of Summer”

Still Not Wiccan

Can You Cite Your Source On That Please

Devotional Playlists Everywhere

Cattle Raids Are Fun For The Whole Family

WELCOME TO MY HOME WOULD YOU LIKE A SNACK

Pretending To Like Oatcakes

Surprise Bitch It’s The Fair Folk

Please Stop Citing The Wiccan Rede To Me As Fact

I Pray To An Obscure Goddess; You Probably Haven’t Heard Of Her

You Can Marry The Same Gender Or Have An Abortion Or Forget All The Holidays But Gods Help You If You Steal A Really Cool Cow

If You Keep Saying Religion When You Mean Conservative Christianity I Will FLING Myself Into The SUN

One Of My Gods Did A Prank War On A Whole Country And That Is The Best Thing

Waving A Glass Of Honeyed Milk At The Western Sky And Drunkenly Shouting “I LOVE YOU MAN"

Form A Fiann To Fight White Supremacists In Ten Easy Steps

[thepurplestwitch]

This is why I’m solitary and do my own thing.

I have no patience for the bonkers stuff that goes on in witchy communities.