thewhimsicalwitch

[thewhimsicalwitch]

using athames // ritual daggers

the athame (typically pronounced ah-tha-mey) is a blade used for ritual purposes both in traditional witchcraft and in neopagan practices like wicca. it is considered one of the four elemental tools in modern occultism, along with the wand, pentacle, and chalice. a typical athame is a small double-edged blade with a black handle (which sometimes features symbolic carvings).

purposes of the athame

contrary to naive assumptions, athames are not traditionally used for sacrifice or blood magick. they are used to direct energy during rituals, to represent the element of fire (though other practices associate it with air), for banishment rituals, and rituals involving fertility when accompanied with the chalice.

some practitioners strongly believe that the athame is not meant for any kind of physical cutting, while others will use its blade to cut plants, fabric, cord, and other things pertinent to a spell or ritual. keep in mind that the athame absorbs and channels the energy of what it interacts with, so avoid letting others use your athame and be mindful of what items you cut with it, if at all.

consecrating and blessing a new athame before use

when you get a new athame, it’s important to cleanse it and properly declare it your own. gather two candles, one white and one black. 

⤏ pass the athame’s blade over the white candleflame, which cleanses it of its previously held energies and purifies its intentions. 

⤏ pass the blade over the black candleflame, to endow it with protective properties.

⤏ finally, stick the blade into rich soil, to bless it with earth magick. wash the blade off with water, and it is ready to use.

ways to incorporate the athame into your craft

⤏ cast a circle by outlining it with the blade, channeling protective energy

⤏ cut open and re-close circles you’ve already cast by slicing and redrawing

⤏ use the blade to cut and harvest herbs for spellwork or kitchen witchcraft

⤏ carve sigils and other symbols into candles for candle magick

⤏ use the blade in banishing rituals to cut negative energy away

⤏ use in place of a wand during house exorcisms/protection spells

⤏ use in place of a wand during rituals involving fire

a few easy rituals you can perform with just an athame

love ritual: hold the athame in your dominant hand and visualize the kind of relationship you want to have, or your ideal partner. trace a large heart in the air in front of you with the athame and walk through the energy-heart.

protection ritual: hold the athame in your dominant hand and say “may your blade protect me from harm and ill will.” hover the blade over your body, starting at the head and moving down to your feet.

banishing ritual: hold the athame in your dominant hand and reflect on what you want to banish, whether it be a person, bad habit, spirit, negative energy, or otherwise. say with confidence “i banish you and cast you away” and extend your arm quickly, sweeping the blade away from you and pointing it outward. do this three times, or until you feel satisfied.

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Wood Correspondences

Apple: Belongs to Aphrodite, Venus, Freya, Ishtar, Cerridwen, and the element of Water; used for love, passion, fertility, foundation, and inspiration.

Ash: Corresponds to the gods Neptune, Odin, and Mercury and the elements of Air and Water; aids in mental clarity. Advanced Magic, Broom Making, Fairies, Justice, Protection, Wand Making.

Aspen: Ancestry and Heritage, Cleansing and Healing, Family and Community, Mitigation of Heat

Baobab: Ancient Awareness, Divine Communication and Blessings, Generosity, Grounding and Earth Wisdom, Knowledge, Natural Abundance, Spiritual Power, Sustenance, Transitioning to and from the Spirit World, Travel

Beech: New Beginnings, Knowledge, Insight. Healing Our Deepest Wounds, Sensitivity

Birch: Associated with the mysteries of the Goddess; the elements of Earth, Air, and Water; is used in making parchment; contributes to health, healing, and general magick.

Cedar: Prosperity, Grounding, Protection, Wealth. Breaking Spells, Clarity and Focus, Sacred Space, Strengthening the Energy Field, Wisdom.

Cypress: Clarity, Emotional Healing, Longevity, Writing and Speaking

Elder: Blessing, Cursing, Healing, Protection. People used to believe since it would bring a death in the family it was unlucky to bring any portion of an elder tree into the house. It actually has a feminine soul. It is magickal, healing and fragrant. If planting an elder tree likes to be protected and hidden. Blessings, Fairy Communication, Feminine Power, Graceful Shifts and Transitions, Healing, Intuition, Magic, Music, Protection

Elm: Stability, Protection. The Divine Feminine, Healing Depression, Nymphs, Transitions

Fir: Clairvoyance, Wisdom, Longevity. Abundance, Rebirth and Regeneration, Shadow Work

Hawthorn: Belongs to Mars, Thor, Blodeuwedd, and Hera; the elements of Fire and Earth; allows access to the underworld; is protective, cleansing, and helps to manifest desire. Embracing What Is, Fairy Communication, Heart Healing, Protection from Vampires, Weddings, Wishes

Hazel: Equates with Mercury, Hermes, Woden, and Thor; the elements of Air and Water; is associated with dowsing, divination, finding hidden things, and developing wisdom. Communication, Immortality, Dowsing, Magic, Wisdom. Charm and Attractiveness, Finding Water, Intuition

Hemlock: Cleansing, Fire Magic, Secrets and Mysteries, Shadow Work

Hickory: Childbirth Support, Land Nourishment, Protection from Legal Difficulties, Transitions

Holly: Tree-symbol of immortality, vitality and the life force. It is thought to be a lucky tree to grow in the garden because it wards off negative energies. The shiny green leaves represent the vitality of life even in the coldest of times.

Juniper: Tree-considered a tree and unlucky to cut a juniper tree down. The tree has an abundance of healing properties. Infusions can be made to treat arthritis, kidney and liver problems, dropsy and help the elderly. Blood Sugar and Appetite Regulation, Healing, Survival, Terraforming

Maple: Corresponds to Jupiter; the element of Air; promotes love, longevity, and material success. Appreciation of Beauty, Directing Energy, Fun, Harmonious Sweetness, Positivity

 Mesquite: Creativity, Healing

Mulberry: Comfort amid Challenges, Cosmic Oneness, Wholeness and Healing

Oak: Associated with Zeus, Thor, Juno, Diana, Rhea, Demeter, Dagda, Bridget; the elements of Fire and Earth, and sometimes Water; permits entrance into the mysteries, is a keeper of knowledge, and promotes courage, spiritual strength, and protection. Divination, Healing, Manifestation, Prosperity, Strength, Victory

 Palm: Cleansing, Transforming, Transitions, Divine Masculine, Fertility, Nourishment, Peace, Relaxation, Victory

Pine: Aligns with Mars, Freya, Osiris, Cybele; the element of Fire; helps with birth, purification, insight, and divination.

Pinyon: Communing with Spirit, The Divine Masculine

Poplar: Vision, Peace. Activation, Expansion, Portals, Prayer

Rowan: Strength, Knowledge, Divination, Healing. Divination, Hearth Goddess Energy, Love Goddess Energy, Protection, Travel

Spruce: Ancient Wisdom, Goddess Energy, Healing, Protection, Purification, Spiritual Refreshment 

Willow: Healing, Emotional Support, Adaptability, Endurance. Divine Masculine Support, Death, Directing Energy, Ghosts, Lunar Alignment, Pain Relief, Personal 

Yew: Death, Psychic Abilities Death, Rebirth, Eternity, Hallowed Ground, Longevity, Shamanic Visions

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Doing Your Own Research

Or, more appropriately titled: Doing Your Own Research, Without Just Looking Up Someone Else’s Correspondence Lists. Because while those lists are very handy to get started or have a shorthand reference, it gives us memorization, stopping just short of real understanding. What’s more, most correspondence lists won’t have your local (overlooked) plant life, or whatever niche plant, rock, animal you need. Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty and figure it out from scratch.

Anyway so here’s some stuff you can do to aid in that.

 The Science Look into what it physically is. What family does it belong to? If that weird plant growing in your backyard is closely related to say, basil, it will likely have similar properties. Was that crystal formed under heat and pressure, or is it a sedimentary rock? What does this animal do? How does it live and survive? A lot of correspondences come from this level, and it’s the easiest level to research. Physical traits and fun science facts are all welcome here and fair game to use in magic. The Folklore Okay, so we know what the Thing is made of, but let’s look into its relationship with humans. There’s nothing demanding that roses be the Official Love Flower, but rather it’s a collective cultural thing. That has worked itself into magic as well. Are there any stories involving your object of choice? Local superstitions? Home remedies? What does this item get used for in wider culture? For some things, there may not be much here. But for those that do have lore, it’s a valuable resource. The Vibes The actual, spiritual sensations you get from holding or touching the Thing. (This is going to apply more to rocks and plants… please don’t go out and touch wild animals.) This will give you some better understanding beyond just what it does, but how it does it. Does the energy seem aggressive? Is it fast or slow moving? Does it give you the impression of being related to a certain element? Which brings us into the next…

The Voice If you communicate with stuff or spirits at all, this is for you. Just ask the Thing for yourself! “Hello. I am ____. Tell me, what sort of things would you be able to help me with?” Prepare an interview, maybe. This will likely be more specific than “love” or “cleansing,” because they’re giving you a pitch and will know themselves very well. It may be “I help someone realize romantic feelings they already have but don’t know about,” or “I help other cleansing items so that cleansed spaces stay cleaner for longer, but I don’t work by myself.” If you get an answer, record it!

Experiment Use the Thing! If you have a general idea of what it does, throw it into the mix for your next relevant spell and see how it changes the result. You can read a lot about something, but the research doesn’t stop when you start using it! As you discover things through repeated use, make note of that as well!

Happy researching!

[thewhimsicalwitch]

🌙 New Moon 🌙 🍃This is a time to cleanse out old energy and rid yourself and space of negative energy. 🌀As the beginning of a new cycle approaches it’s time to reflect on where we’ve been putting our energy, has it been constructive? Am I making progress towards my goals? 🔮Once we have reflected, we can set new intentions and begin new manifestations towards goals we’ve set. This is also a great time to set new goals for our own personal development and seek out divine support! Blessed Be🤍 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMPsUfVFFtZ/?igshid=1qdq8w73q35ja

[thewhimsicalwitch]

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🌸Self Love Spell Bottle🌸

[thewhimsicalwitch]

December🪵🕯🎄

photo credit: Sea Gypsy (Pinterest)

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Localizing Your Practice

So much witchcraft emphasizes how important it is to honor and work with the Earth, but then teaches us spells with ingredients we basically have to import using locations we don’t have access to. It’s rare to find an existing grimoire or guide book that actually works with where we live. We can still use them, but it doesn’t enhance our connection to our local land, which to many can feel important. Here are some tips for localizing your practice and working with the land you actually live on.

See what nature exists around you. Explore your own backyard with a critical eye. What plants can you actually go and pick yourself? What are those plants associated with? Do you have access to a creek or river? What does your local land actually have on it? If magic correspondences for your local plants haven’t been written about, you may have to do your own research. Example: I grow several plants on my back porch which I can potentially use for magic.There are magnolia trees and rhodedendrons on the grounds of my apartment complex. My parent’s neighbors have chickens in the backyard, so I have access to some feathers when they shed. 

Check out local folklore, legends, etc. This is one of my favorite parts, but can also be the hardest. What are the stories of your area, both on a local and cultural scale. Example: A West Virginian may incorporate legends of the Mothman. Everyone says that one building on my old college campus is haunted (and they’re right.) People talk about that liminal-space feeling when you drive down that one road at night.

Find the magic spots. Sometimes the urban legends will tip you off to these (usually in a bad way) but other times you can find them on your own. A place where the energy is just right for some reason. A place you can go to be closer to nature, or a place you could host a ritual if needed. Sometimes it’s just a place where you can feel your mind open a little bit. Example: The shady corner of a public park. The tunnel downtown. That weirdly-perfect circle of trees in the woods behind Wal-Mart.

Meet your land wights. Spirits of the local land. This could be the fair folk, but also house spirits, the spirits of the trees near you, the nature spirits of wherever you are. They’re there. Be good to them and they’ll be good to you! Note: Some spirits and wights will not be interested in working with you, and that’s okay. I generally think it’s good to at least leave a polite offering to just be on general decent terms even if you never work with them more directly beyond that. 

Check in with your Seasons. Harvest holidays generally don’t have actual lifestyle importance to most people reading this. The seasonal shifts other people write about may be from a very different climate than yours! Figure out a calendar that works for you. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but something that ties you to the seasons as you actually experience them. I also love working in any fun annual festivals nearby, if any.

[thewhimsicalwitch]

How to Cast Spells That Work

In her book Wicca for Beginners Thea Sabin says, “When you do a spell, you are telling the universe that you intend to bring about a certain change and you are putting the energy in motion to achieve that end.”

A spell is sort of an energetic shove to get things moving in the way you want them to, and we do this by creating a ritual to build and then release the energy to get things going.

Most spells are based on a principle called imitative magic.

In his book Backwoods Shamanism, Ray Hess says, “Imitative magic means that making a symbolic gesture, when combined with intent and will… can affect the intended change on a grander scale.” [Note: I don’t actually recommend this book, but I like Hess’s definition of imitative magic.]

So, for example, you may have heard of a “cord cutting” ritual, where you symbolically cut your spiritual ties to a person you no longer want to have a relationship with. You’re symbolically creating a separation between yourself and that person, which creates physical separation in real life.

There are four basic components to any spell: your will, your intention, focused energy, and a ritual action. Some magical traditions add extra steps, like casting a circle, but from what I’ve read and been taught, these four basic components are constant no matter which tradition you’re following.

Let’s start with the most important bit: your will. Your will isn’t just what you want: it’s the desire and drive that is in alignment with your highest good. But in this case we’re also talking about will in the sense of willpower — Basically, your will is your personal spiritual authority and the source of your magical power.

Any spell that is not in alignment with your will won’t work. This is why it’s important to be clear about what you want and why you want it before you attempt a spell.

There’s also an element of belief here. Because magic only works when your spells are in alignment with your will, if you don’t believe your spell can work, it won’t. This is because you, yourself are blocking it from working.

The second important component of a  spell is your intention. When you do a spell, it’s important to clearly state what you want to happen. Some traditions will write the intention down on a piece of paper, which is called a petition. Other traditions will use a spoken statement of intention in the form of an incantation. Some witches use both.

You need to be clear about your intention before you begin your spell. Magic will always follow the path of least resistance, so it’s important to be specific. However, I find that magic works better when your intention leaves a little bit of wiggle room. It’s about finding that happy medium.

You also want to keep your petitions and incantations simple. If it’s more than a couple of sentences, you probably need to trim it down a little.

The next important part of a spell is focused energy. Magic is a way of directing energy, and this means that your own energy needs to be focused for it to work.

Don’t get too stressed out about focus. Your spell isn’t going to fail if your mind wanders for a few seconds. But you should set aside some time where you’ll be able to fully dedicate yourself to your spell. Try to find a private place where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and try to avoid distractions. You might find that playing meditation music or burning incense helps you focus.

While you cast your spell, keep focusing on what it is you want to manifest. Again, don’t overthink this and don’t worry if your thoughts wander a little, but try to stay in the moment. Repeating your incantation can help with maintaining focus.

The last important part of a spell is your ritual action. This just means doing a specific set of things, in a specific order, with a specific intent behind them. If we go back to our definition of imitative magic, your ritual actions are symbolic of the change you want to manifest.

Your ritual actions do not have to be complex. A very common ritual for spells is anointing and lighting a candle. Making a charm or poppet is also popular. But any action can be a magical ritual if it is done with intent and focus, in alignment with your will. Making a cup of tea or coffee can be a ritual. Running a bath can be a ritual. Cooking food can be a ritual. The only limit is your imagination.

These four things are literally all you need to cast a spell. A spell doesn’t have to be complicated or include a bunch of crystals and herbs to work. You can do an effective spell with nothing but your own mind and body.

[thewhimsicalwitch]

lil tarot tip 🔮

contrary to most beliefs, you can pull for yes or no questions! here’s a short cheat sheet for when you have a question on whether you should do something ✨

wands

yes, but you’ll have to work for it!

cups

yes, it’ll come to you naturally!

pentacles

this one means it will come with a price...

swords

absolutely not!

major arcana

“good luck” and be careful

side note

get the details on your answer! pull more cards to see where you could go wrong or how you can improve the situation :) follow your intuition! remember, not everything is set in stone ✨

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Things to Research Before Working with the Fae

Research is the most important thing to do before heading into Faery work and witchcraft. You want to have a lot of in depth and versatile knowledge covering many areas of the topic so you’ll be able to understand and interact with the Fair Folk! If you don’t want to work with the Fair Folk you can use this list to help yourself understand them and take the proper measure if you ever stumble upon them. I know the list could go on forever but I’m compiling the topics I find build a good foundation of understanding. I have compiled this list to give those interested guidance and a push in the right direction, it is best you do your own research before asking other’s personal knowledge and opinions!!

The Basics

Terminology ( Fae, faery, fairy, changeling, seelie, unseelie, sidhe, etc)

The Origins of the Fae (Tuatha de Dannan, Aos Sí, Tylwyth Teg)

Faeries in Different Cultures: Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Gaulish, French), Norse, Influences from Greek and Roman culture.

Folklore & Myths!! ex. Oisin and Tír na nÓg , Fenian Cycle, Arthurian Legend. 

Celtic Gods, Goddesses & Heroes- strong influences and connections to the Fae

Types of Faeries (study diverse types from pixies,brownies, pooka to Kelpies, Bwbach and Red caps) *Make sure you can at least answer who, what and where about them.

The Otherworlds (Tir na Nog, Caer Arianrhod, Annwn, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, etc.)

Faery Landmarks (fairy tree, fairy ring, fairy hill)

Signs of the Fae

Sacred Trees and Plants (Hawthorn) 

Protection!! very important

*Bonus if you learn Celtic Culture

Getting into Working with Them

Connecting to Nature and the Land

How to Banish Faeries & Protect yourself, house, family, etc.

Faery Behaviour and Proper Etiquette

Proper Offerings, How to give an Offering

Animals associated with the Fair Folk and Why? (raven, deer, etc)

Faery Festivals and Holidays (Samhain, Midsummer, Beltane)

Why certain things offend them- iron, saying “thank you”,etc.

The Courts (Seelie, Unseelie, trooping fairies, solitary)

Setting up a Faery Altar

How to work with them in Rituals 

Faery Flowers, herbs and crystals

A proper and personal way to communicate with them!!this means developing psychic ability, tarot, meditation, signs, etc.

Hagstones, heptagram/faery star

Some Good Books :) 

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries, by W. Y. Evans Wentz  

Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes 

Enchantment of the Faerie Realm by Ted Andrews 

Faery Craft by Morgan Daimler 

Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes by Phillip Freeman

**if you have more topics, books or anything else feel free to add some!

[thewhimsicalwitch]

how to deal with a witchy burnout

most of us have been there. we lose our touch with the craft and don’t feel like doing much. we feel too tired and exhausted to put effort in it and sometimes we feels like there’s no point.

here are some tips on how to get out of this sticky situation! 🌙

drink tea ✨

yes, you heard me! drinking teas with specific herbs (like chamomile for sleep, lavender for anxiety, etc.) will help you get in tune with herbal magick. you can also stir your tea clockwise to bring forward something (like good energy or calmness) or add a sigil on the bottom with some honey (doesn’t have to be perfect). 🍵✨🌸

nature walk ✨

get in tune with those energies outside! i always find a walk on the grass helps pick up my mood (especially barefoot!!). envision the energies from the earth flowing into your body 🌱🌎🍃

witchy movie ✨

sometimes, we just need a little inspo to bring us back to our craft. watching witchy movies can bring back that spark into us! some great movies i recommend are:

the craft

hocus pocus

the love witch

practical magic

charmed (a show)

carrie

the vampire diaries (a show)

tarot ✨

start off with one card if more than that feels like it would tire you. it’s ok! you can do one in the morning by asking a simple question like “what should i focus on today?” 🔮✨💜

food ✨

incorporate some magick into the food you eat! this isn’t hard at all, especially since we all eat food everyday. simply add an intent to an herb or spice and then add it into your food. for example, add cinnamon onto your oatmeal, with your intent being that you will have abundance 🥐🍦🍩

songs ✨

songs are great to get you back into magick! listen to pagan music, celtic songs, or just look up “witchcraft songs,” “wiccan songs,” or “pagan songs” on spotify🌛🤍🌜

gratitude ✨

this one’s real simple! when you wake up, thank the universe that you got to live to see another day. you can even journal it. breathe in the air and think of how grateful you are that you’re able to do that. soak in the sun’s rays and feel the heat. 🌞🌼💛

final words...

it’s ok to take breaks! nothing wrong with that. it’s human. appreciate yourself as a person. remember, you are magickal and divine no matter how many burnouts you have. burnouts happen to nearly everyone and it’s completely normal! 🍄🐥🌈

sendin good vibez 💜

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Building a Magical Home

One of my favorite quotes about the magic of homemaking comes from Cory Hutcheson, host of the New World Witchery podcast. He says, “Home is a transformational act. It is the thing you do to turn a space into a space… that is full of ritual and significance and meaning. So there is sort of this ongoing relationship you have with the space that makes it a home.”

The act of creating a home, of making a space your own, is inherently magical. But if you want to make your space feel a little more witchy, here are some ideas to get you started.

Charms and Talismans

Making your own magical objects can be a powerful way to bring magic into your space. The best thing about making your own charms is that you can make them look however you want, so it’s easy to disguise them as ordinary household objects. You can make a charm for any intention by combining objects based on their magical correspondences.

I’ve talked about protective charms in previous posts, so I’m not gonna spend a lot of time on it here. The simplest protective charm is keeping a large piece of iron under your bed to keep away nightmares, evil spirits, and negative energy. You could also make your own protection charm, like a witch bottle.

You can create a “happy home” charm to bring peace, harmony, and happiness into your home. This charm could include herbs like basil, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and/or bay leaves, as well as other items that you associate with peace and good fortune, like lucky coins, crystals, or black cat fur. Write your desires for a harmonious and happy home on a piece of paper, fold it up, and add it to the charm. You could store these items in a green bag, bury them in your backyard (in this case, make sure you’re only using biodegradable plant matter — leave out the coins and crystals), or place it inside a household object like a lamp or an end table.

If you suffer from insomnia or other sleep issues, try making a dream charm to help you sleep well and have sweet dreams. To make a simple dream charm, fill a blue or purple bag with lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and any other objects that you associate with peace, restfulness, and sleep. If you want to have lucid dreams or receive psychic messages in your dreams, include a bit of mugwort. Place the charm in your pillow or under your mattress. (I personally swear by this one, as it’s helped a lot with my insomnia.)

Charms are great for homemaking magic because you’re actually creating a magical object, which can then become a permanent fixture of the space.

Magical Decor

You can use magical items to decorate your home to bring certain qualities into that space.

Hanging or displaying a broom is said to bring good fortune, protection from evil, and good hospitality. Cauldrons are used to represent the Goddess, rebirth, and raw potential. Horseshoes hung above door frames bring safety and luck to all who cross under them, and keep unwanted guests away. If you can get them legally and ethically, animal bones, teeth, claws, and feathers can represent the spirit and energy of that animal. You can also put up images of spiritual and occult symbols — I have an image of the Sun tarot card hanging in my bedroom to promote positivity and growth.

If you need to be a little more subtle with your witchy decorations, working with the magic of color is a great way to do that. Gathering a lot of items of a single color in one room changes the energy of that room. Here’s a quick guide to give you some ideas:

Yellow is associated with divination, mental clarity, the element of air, success, communication, and inspiration.

Purple is associated with divine power, spiritual awareness, mystery, astral travel, magic, and authority.

Blue is associated with healing, psychic abilities, the element of water, peace, truth, and patience.

Red is associated with protection, the fire element, sex, power, vitality, and love.

Orange is associated with ambition, creativity, breaking through blockages, and career success.

Pink is associated with romantic love, friendship, self love, compassion, and emotional well-being.

Green is associated with nature, herbalism, the earth element, money, wealth, prosperity, and luck.

Brown is associated with grounding, animal magic, stability, and balance.

White is associated with purification, cleansing, the full moon, new beginnings, healing, and spiritual growth.

Black is associated with protection, truth, outer space, banishing, and transition.

Decorating your home with colors that are meaningful to you can create a powerful magical space. You may also have your own color associations (for example, yellow is a very “happy” color for me), so feel free to incorporate those into your decor as well!

Growing Magical Houseplants

Most witches feel a very deep connection to nature and draw power from the natural world, but we can’t all live in a cottage in the heart of the forest. Even if you live in a tiny apartment in the city, you can still bring nature into your space by keeping houseplants. Many popular houseplants have magical uses, and many popular magic herbs can be grown inside. Here are a few to get you started.

Aloe. This is one of my favorite plants. Aloe brings luck and protection, especially protection on an energetic/spiritual level. I like to keep aloe in my bedroom to protect me while I sleep, as well as to bring luck and inspiration while I’m working at my desk.

Basil. Basil is very popular in money spells, and will attract prosperity and luck to your home. However, it also has protective properties — both spiritual protection and protection from bugs, since basil is a natural insect repellent! Basil can also be used in love spells, and is just generally a good plant to have around for good vibes.

African Violet. This flowering plant attracts positive spiritual energy into your space. It has associations with the moon and the water element, and is very good for promoting spirituality and psychic power.

Rosemary. Rosemary is one of those herbs that every witch should have on hand. It’s so darn versatile, it can be used as a substitute for virtually any other herb, and can be used for almost any intention. Some of the most common magical associations for rosemary include: cleansing, purification, protection, healing, mental activity, and enhancing memory. According to author Deborah J. Martin, there’s an old English saying that, “Where rosemary grows, the woman rules the house.” Like basil, rosemary is a natural insect repellent.

Lavender. Lavender brings peace, love, and gentleness, which makes it a perfect addition to any home. It can be used in spells for cleansing and purification, enhancing psychic abilities, and stress relief. Lavender is also a powerful addition to love spells. Keeping lavender in the bedroom can aid in restful sleep, while lavender in the kitchen will bring harmony to the home.

Sage. Sage is the most talked about cleansing herb, and with good reason. Unfortunately, a lot of the sage bundles you can buy at metaphysical stores are made with white sage (Salvia apiana), which is sacred to Native American peoples and is endangered due to overharvesting. Instead of buying those, why not grow your own garden sage (Salvia officinalis), which has a lot of the same magical properties? Growing sage in your home will purify the space and protect those who live there. Sage also has an association with wisdom and mental prowess.

Hoya. Hoya is a common houseplant that you’ve probably seen even if you don’t know it by name. It has a distinctive appearance with waxy, dark green leaves and clusters of white, star-shaped flowers. Hoya aligns and balances the energy centers within your body, as well as in the surrounding space. It’s associated both with grounding and with spiritual openness, so it can be great for balancing the two.

Peppermint. Peppermint has a variety of magical uses, but my favorite way to use it is for gently opening up blockages and getting things moving. It’s great for cleansing, but is more gentle than rosemary or sage. Place it in any room where you tend to do a lot of healing work, or where you could use some peace and love. Peppermint is also used in dream magic, so growing it in the bedroom may bring on vivid or lucid dreams.

Orchid. Orchids are used in magic for love and lust. Historically, orchid has been used in folk medicine to promote male virility and “Jezebel root,” used in American folk magic to attract wealthy male lovers, is a type of orchid root. If you live with a significant other, try growing an orchid in the bedroom to promote passion in your sex life. Otherwise, grow orchids in your home to promote love or to attract romance.

Catnip. If you have cats, they’ll love this one. Catnip is actually a type of mint, and has strong lunar associations. It’s said to make one more charming and attractive, and is especially useful for attracting women. At the same time, catnip promotes courage and fierceness. It is also, of course, associated with cats and feline deities, so this is definitely a plant you’ll want to keep around if the cat is one of your animal guides.

If you have a yard space that you can turn into an outdoor garden, your magical plant options are limited only by your local ecosystem. Some outdoor plants that have magical uses include roses, sunflowers, rue, lemon balm, and strawberries.

Creating an Altar

Altars are focal points of magical and spiritual energy. Many people, both witches and non-witches, find that having a designated space for their spiritual practice creates a deeper sense of sacredness and purpose.

An altar can serve lots of different purposes. Many witches use their altar as a magical work space to prepare spells, meditate, and do divination. You may choose to dedicate your altar to a deity, your ancestors, or some other spirit(s) you work with. You can also build altars for specific intentions, such as a money altar or a love altar — performing rituals at this altar everyday is a powerful method for manifestation. You altar may be some or all of these things, or it may just be a place to sit and connect with the spiritual.

You can set up an altar on any flat surface, like a shelf or table, or inside a container like a jewelry box. Your setup can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. An altar can be huge and complex, with statues and candles and flowers, or it can be as simple as a tealight and an incense burner. It’s all about what appeals to you.

Resources:

New World Witchery pocast, “Episode 143 — The Magical Home”

Southern Cunning: Folkloric Witchcraft in the American South by Aaron Oberon

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

“Candle colors and their meanings” by Michelle Gruben on the Grove and Grotto blog

Green Witchcraft by Paige Vanderbeck

A Green Witch’s Cupboard by Deborah J. Martin

“The Magic of Orchids in Wiccan Love Spells & Rituals” on the Art of the Root blog

[thewhimsicalwitch]

How I write spells/rituals

I absolutely adore writing spells and rituals even if I don’t use them, so I thought it would be a good first post on this blog since I mostly intend to share spells I’ve written. It’s a fun way to be creative and I feel spells work so much better and more frequently when you write them yourself. It’s also really easy!

I start off in my “scratch” book of shadows, I don’t care if it’s messy or confusing I just use it to figure things out and work it out in my head, then I move it to my “pretty” book of shadows. Both are just binders, one is just nearer than the other lol.

I first figure out the main goal of the spell or ritual, I’ll use an example of getting a job. I’ll go through some books or online and look at herbs, colors and other things associated with employment, success, money and prosperity.

I write down all of the things Id assume I’d need for the spell, and then usually make a sigil with the intention relevant to the spell. Then I start writing plain directions for how I feel it should go. Typically the flow goes

1-light the candle/Incense

2-do something with the herbs while speaking aloud the specific property I’m using it for

3- do something with the sigil while speaking the intention aloud

4- saying the fancy spell words

As far as the “fancy spell words” go, I personally go back and forth between making them rhyme and not, I haven’t figured out if one works better for me or not but it’s all up to you and the amount of pomp and circumstance that you want, I like a lot of it :). Also a reminder to never say “I want” or “I wish” because it indicates the lacking. You are making affirmative statements “I will find a good paying job” will help you find a good paying job, whereas “I want to find a good paying job” could probably just lead you to desire it more instead of aligning things to get you that job.

A final note; this is just how I do it, not how you need to, there are tons of ways to go about spells and rituals and I find this works for me. And also you need to have real world follow through, 99%of the time spells won’t throw things in your lap, it just pushes the universe a little bit, so if your trying to get a good paying job, make sure your applying for them!

🥔

[thewhimsicalwitch]

November 2020 happenings! ✨

November starts out with some tension coming from harsh aspects to Mercury. But we do have 3 planets going direct this month. Forward progression is a real thing the 2nd half of the month. Which we have struggled with all year. We are also getting close to a eclipse which will bring crossroads and larger moments.

November 3rd: Mercury goes direct-communications and thoughts start to iron out and have better and clearer connection. Mercury’s square to Saturn will make things take longer to iron out though.

November 10th: Mercury moves into Scorpio-Communication and thoughts become focused with going deep, what’s under the surface.

November 12th: Jupiter conjunct Pluto-abundance and power combine where the influence can be very strong.

November 13th: Mars goes direct!!!! This is wonderful. Our life force returns to the external. Boost of energy. Time to start moving forward. All systems go.

November 15th: New Moon in Scorpio-a very positive new moon! Great time to set new notions related to your psychological worth.

November 21st: Venus moves into Scorpio-how we show love becomes about deeper intimate connections, mystery, intensity.

November 21st: Sun moves into Sagittarius- Overall conscious theme becomes tinged with adventure, wisdom, philosophical persuits.

November 28th: Neptune goes direct-spiritual matters come to the surface.

November 30th: Full Moon in Gemini-lunar eclipse, major turning points relating to how you perceive information and what is deemed true or honest. Balancing wisdom and information. How to communicate your truth.

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Citrine 🌞

Citrine, a bright yellow, honey-toned variety of quartz, carries the power of the sun and is associated with The Sun tarot card.

Infuses your spirit with positive energy.

Promotes good fortune and success, and fosters self esteem and confidence.

Boosts motivation.

Balances chakras and works well with other crystals.

Enhances concentration and focus.

Sometimes called “The Merchant Stone” because of its associations with wealth and abundance, it’s a great stone to have to manifest desires if you’re involved in new business ventures or entrepreneurship.

Often used in rituals when moving to a new home. Trying to sell your home? Try burying a piece of citrine in the garden or elsewhere on the property to help speed up the sale.

Helps dispel anger and ends feuds.

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Magickal Correspondences and Various Associated Ingredients

People seemed to like my last masterpost. This is a list of standardised correspondences for wide variety of different herbs, spices, flowers, perfumes, ingredients, plants, etc. I am generating these programmatically by cross-referencing various sources. I’m building a large database of things and information about those things. If any information seems inaccurate, let me know - there’s a chance that my program did a weird thing with how it matches words. 

Aid: Ash, Basil, Benzoin, Birch, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cumin, Cypress, Damiana, Dill, Garlic, Heliotrope, Hyssop, Lilac, Marjoram, Nettle, Rosemary, Spikenard, Thistle, Milk Thistle, Valerian, Violet, Althea Root, Celery Seed, Clover, Red, Cloves, Deer’s Tongue, Gravel Root, Pepper, Black, Red Clover, Sheep Sorrel, Witches Burr, Yarrow Flower

Air: Aspen, Bistort, Brazil Nut, Columbine, Coriander, Dandelion, Hawthorn, Henna, Moonwort, Quassia, Wormwood, Date, Lotus Root, Lungwort, Magnolia Bark, Wood Betony

Anti-depression: Benzoin, Celandine, Lavender, Vervain, Bee Pollen, Burnet, Kola Nut, Witches Grass, Ylang Ylang

Anti-nightmares: Aloe, Ash, Cascara Sagrada, Cinquefoil, Hyacinth, Mullein, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Vervain, Violet, Brimstone, Coffee, Wood Betony

Anti-snake: Alkanet, Centaury, Clover, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Periwinkle, Plantain, Milk Thistle, Cedar Berries, Shave Grass

Anti-stress: Benzoin, Chamomile, Columbine, Meadowsweet, Passion Flower, Scullcap, Wine, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bayberry, Gravel Root

Anti-theft: Aspen, Comfrey, Cumin, Juniper, Larch, Caraway, Cedar Berries

Astrology: Damiana, Mugwort, Absinthe, Kava Kava

Atonement: Barberry

Attraction: Allspice, Almond, Aloe, Angelica, Apple, Apricot, Basil, Benzoin, Bistort, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Catnip, Cedar, Chamomile, Chickweed, Clover, Columbine, Cotton, Cowslip, Damiana, Dill, Elecampane, Gardenia, Henbane, Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Licorice, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Mullein, Myrtle, Oak, Olive, Orange, Parsley, Passion Flower, Peony, Periwinkle, Pineapple, Sassafras, Thyme, Wheat, Yerba Mate, Yerba Santa, Brandy, Beer, Lemon Balm, Nutmeg, Adam And Eve Root, Agar Agar, Althea Root, Ambergris, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bee Pollen, Bergamot, Blue Violet, Buckeye, Cloves, Deer’s Tongue, Devil’s Bone Root, Devil’s Shoestring, Evening Primrose, Frangipani, Honey, Job’s Tears, Lobelia, Morning Glory, Musk, Orange Bergamot, Orange Blossoms, Orris Root Powder, Safflower, Sweet Bugle, Tonka Bean, Tuberose, Vertivert, Yellow Dock, Ylang Ylang

Babies: Daisy, Elecampane, Iris, Violet, False Unicorn Root

Banishment: Cactus, Elecampane, Mullein, Onion, Thyme, Tobacco, St. John’s Wort, Asofoetida, Betel Nut, Cloves, Dragon’s Blood, Morning Glory, Pepper, Black, Sea Salt, Wood Betony, Yarrow Flower

Beauty: Allspice, Almond, Aloe, Angelica, Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Basil, Benzoin, Bistort, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Catnip, Cedar, Chamomile, Chickweed, Clover, Columbine, Cotton, Cowslip, Damiana, Dill, Elecampane, Gardenia, Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Licorice, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Mullein, Myrtle, Oak, Olive, Orange, Parsley, Passion Flower, Peony, Periwinkle, Pineapple, Sassafras, Thyme, Wheat, Yerba Mate, Yerba Santa, Lychee, Prune, Brandy, Lemon Balm, Nutmeg, Adam And Eve Root, Agar Agar, Althea Root, Ambergris, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bee Pollen, Bergamot, Blue Violet, Buckeye, Cloves, Deer’s Tongue, Devil’s Bone Root, Devil’s Shoestring, Evening Primrose, Frangipani, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Honey, Job’s Tears, Lobelia, Magnolia Flowers, Maidenhair Fern, Morning Glory, Orange Bergamot, Orange Blossoms, Orris Root Powder, Safflower, Sweet Bugle, Tonka Bean, Tuberose, Vertivert, Yellow Dock, Ylang Ylang

Binding: Hydrangea, Gin, Crowfoot, Morning Glory, Solomon’s Seal Root, Vinegar

Blessings: Apple, Cinquefoil, Cowslip, Daisy, Dill, Elder, Elecampane, Figwort, Horehound, Iris, Myrrh, Pine, Plantain, Walnut, Wine, St. John’s Wort, Agar Agar, Bay Laurel, Black Walnut, Blessed Thistle, Clover, Red, Job’s Tears, Lungwort, Orange Peel, Red Clover, White Willow Bark

Business: Basil, Benzoin, Cinquefoil, Cowslip, Elder, Figwort, Irish Moss, Mint, Mistletoe, Olive, Pennyroyal, Peony, Pine, Plantain, Sarsaparilla, Willow, Grapes, Mango, Patchouli, Bay Laurel, Citronella, Dragon’s Blood, Goldenseal, Orange Peel, Tonka Bean, Vertivert, Yellow Dock

Calming: Cedar, Lime, Passion Flower, Valerian, Althea Root, Blue Violet, Kola Nut, Lily Of The Valley, Magnolia Flowers, Tuberose, Ylang Ylang

Chastity: Fleabane, Hawthorn, Lavender, Pineapple, Witch Hazel

Clarity: Fern, Horehound, Amber, Citronella, Cloves

Cleansing: Burdock, Camphor, Fern, Hyssop, Lovage, Mesquite, Mugwort, Pine, Thyme, Vervain, Yucca, Cranberry, Elderberry, Citronella, Frankincense Resin, Lemon Grass, Sea Salt, Solomon’s Seal Root

Comfort: Bluebell, Gardenia, Nettle, Pennyroyal, Calendula Flowers, Cloves, Pikaki

Commitment: Elder, Scullcap, Crowfoot

Communication: Club Moss, Foxglove, Mint, Mulberry, Elderberry, Orris Root Cut

Concentration: Benzoin, Bistort, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Cowslip, Fern, Mace, Sandalwood, Wheat, Celery Seed, Job’s Tears

Confidence: Celandine, Cinquefoil, Dogwood, Honeysuckle, Tobacco, Ginger, High John, Motherwort, Neroli, Yarrow Flower

Consecration: Acacia, Arabic Gum, Cedar, Clover, Cyclamen, Fumitory, Henbane, Hyssop, Iris, Myrrh, Scullcap, Ginger, Burnet, Caraway, Clover, Red, Earth Smoke, Frankincense Resin, Gorse, Gum Arabic, Sea Salt, Tarragon, Witches Grass, Wood Aloe

Control: Rye, Saffron, Barberry, Devil’s Shoestring, Frankincense Resin, Iron Weed

Courage: Borage, Columbine, Eyebright, Iris, Ivy, Mullein, Raspberry, Thyme, Vervain, Grapes, Vodka, St. John’s Wort, Adam And Eve Root, Black Cohosh, Blue Violet, Citronella, Musk, Neroli, Pepper, Black, Poke Root, Tea Leaves, Tonka Bean, Yarrow Flower

Creativity: Angelica, Carnation, Citron, Horehound, Mistletoe, Vervain, Violet, Grapes, Citronella, Ginkgo Biloba

Death: Bluebell, Cypress, Elder, Willow, Alder, Black Cohosh

Desire: Henbane, Yerba Santa, Beer, Evening Primrose, Musk

Determination: Allspice

Dispelling: Agrimony, Benzoin, Elecampane, Fern, Marjoram, Nettle, Spanish Moss, Coffee, Devil’s Claw, Witches Grass

Divination: Beech, Bistort, Camphor, Cherry, Cinquefoil, Corn, Cypress, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Mugwort, Mulberry, Pansy, Rose, Rowan, Walnut, Willow, Wormwood, Grapes, Lychee, Alder, St. John’s Wort, Adder’s Tongue, Black Walnut, Broom Tops, Butchers Broom, Butterbur, Cherry Bark, Chervil, Dandelion Root, Flax Seed, Frankincense Resin, Goldenrod, Orange Peel, Palm, Yarrow Flower

Divinity: Beech, Bistort, Camphor, Cherry, Cinquefoil, Corn, Cypress, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Mugwort, Mulberry, Pansy, Rose, Rowan, Walnut, Willow, Wormwood, Grapes, Lychee, Alder, St. John’s Wort, Adder’s Tongue, Black Walnut, Broom Tops, Butchers Broom, Butterbur, Cherry Bark, Chervil, Dandelion Root, Flax Seed, Frankincense Resin, Goldenrod, Orange Peel, Palm, Yarrow Flower

Dreams: Agrimony, Anise, Buchu, Cinquefoil, Elder, Heliotrope, Hibiscus, Holly, Hops, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Marigold, Marjoram, Mimosa, Mugwort, Mullein, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Vervain, Violet, Passion Fruit, St. John’s Wort, Adder’s Tongue, Ambergris, Balsam Fir, Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf, Calendula Flowers, Caraway, Dandelion Root, Goosegrass, Wood Betony

Drive: Bistort, Buckthorn, Cumin, Nettle, Black Cohosh, Cloves, Dragon’s Blood, Solomon’s Seal Root

Earth: Yucca

Emotions: Agrimony, Sage, Valerian, Elderberry, Passion Fruit, Calamint, Neroli, Orange Blossoms, Pink Rose Buds, Tuberose, Wood Betony

Employment: Basil, Hawthorn, Meadowsweet, Pecan, Black Haw, Devil’s Shoestring, Gravel Root, Job’s Tears, Kava Kava, Lucky Hand Root, Tonka Bean

Exorcism: Angelica, Basil, Birch, Boneset, Cumin, Garlic, Leek, Mandrake, Sandalwood, Snapdragon, Black Pepper, Saw Palmetto Berries, Solomon’s Seal Root, Witches Grass

Family: Garlic, Mullein, Oak, Olive, Pink, Mango, Beer, Hollyhock, Motherwort

Fertility: Apple, Birch, Bistort, Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Daffodil, Fenugreek, Fig, Hawthorn, Ivy, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Myrtle, Oak, Parsley, Peach, Pomegranate, Rice, Walnut, Wheat, Pink, Grapes, Patchouli, Ginkgo Biloba, Grape Seed, Hay, Olive Leaf, Prickly Ash Bark, Shave Grass, Squaw Vine, Yohimbe Bark

Fidelity: Clover, Cumin, Hydrangea, Licorice, Olive, Rye, Elderberry, Cardamom, Clover, Red, Magnolia Bark, Red Clover

Finances: Fumitory, Parsley, Clover, Red, Earth Smoke, Goldenseal, Red Clover, Tonka Bean

Fire: Mesquite, Mistletoe, St. John’s Wort, Cubeb Berries, Slippery Elm

Focus: Cowslip, Mace, Mulberry, Orchid, Amber, Palm

Fortune: Bistort, Hyacinth, Mistletoe, Parsley, Peony, Strawberry, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Bay Leaf, Bayberry, Blue Violet, Tonka Bean

Friendship: Acacia, Arabic Gum, Bluebell, Cinquefoil, Citron, Gardenia, Meadowsweet, Myrtle, Passion Flower, Rose, Date, Mandarin, Mango, Citronella, Gum Arabic, Sweet Pea

Frugality: Cherry Bark

Grief: Cypress, Hyacinth, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Witch Hazel

Happiness: Anise, Beech, Catnip, Cherry, Cyclamen, Hawthorn, Lily, Orange, Quince, Rose, Saffron, Grapes, Kiwi, Lychee, Mango, Watermelon, Sangria, Bee Pollen, Geranium, Lily Of The Valley, Neroli

Harmony: Dulse, Lavender, Meadowsweet, Scullcap, Valerian, Gravel Root, Magnolia Flowers, Narcissus, Orange Blossoms, Tea Tree, Wood Betony

Healing: African Violet, Agrimony, Allspice, Almond, Amaranth, Angelica, Aspen, Barley, Blackberry, Calamus, Carnation, Cedar, Chamomile, Chickweed, Cinnamon, Citron, Cotton, Cucumber, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Feverfew, Gardenia, Garlic, Hops, Ivy, Lavender, Mesquite, Mint, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Peppermint, Persimmon, Plantain, Potato, Rosemary, Rowan, Saffron, Sage, Sandalwood, Sassafras, Spearmint, Vervain, Willow, Yerba Santa, Passion Fruit, Lemon Balm, Adder’s Tongue, Arrow Root, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bay Leaf, Bayberry, Dandelion Leaf, Fennel Seed, Flax Seed, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Heal All, Horseshoe Chestnut, Olive Leaf, Pau D'arco, Raspberry Leaf, Rose Hips, Saw Palmetto Berries, White Willow Bark, Wood Betony, Yarrow Flower, Yellow Dock

Health: Ash, Cinquefoil, Coriander, Dogwood, Eucalyptus, Figwort, Henna, Juniper, Knotweed, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Onion, Parsley, Pimpernel, Rosemary, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Spikenard, Thistle, Thyme, Yerba Santa, Yucca, Gin, Wine, Ginger, Bergamot, Caraway, Chia, Galangal Root, Ginseng, High John, Linden Flowers, Magnolia Flowers, Sheep Sorrel

Heart: Amaranth, Daffodil, Henna, Yucca, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Copal Resin, Sheep Sorrel, Tuberose

Immortality: Coriander, Foxglove, Heather, Tansy, Yew, Chervil

Inspiration: Beech, Horehound, Lovage, Mulberry, Mead, Blue Violet, Tuberose

Intuition: Honeysuckle, Uva Ursi

Invisiblity: Amaranth, Chicory, Tansy, Cherry Bark, Devil’s Shoestring, Monkshood, Poppy Seeds, Sow Thistle

Joy: Celandine, Pecan, Grapes, Mandarin, Tangerine, Agar Agar, Calamint

Legality: Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Celandine, Lovage, Marigold, Tobacco, Mango, Calendula Flowers, Galangal Root

Lightning: Birch, Cedar, Elm, Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Vervain, St. John’s Wort, Azalea, Bay Laurel

Longevity: Maple, Peach, Sage, Tansy, Lily Of The Valley, Straw Flower

Love: Acacia, Aloe, Angelica, Apple, Apricot, Arabic Gum, Beet, Belladonna, Brazil Nut, Caper, Catnip, Chamomile, Chickweed, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Coltsfoot, Coriander, Cowslip, Cumin, Daisy, Damiana, Dill, Elder, Elecampane, Feverfew, Fig, Gardenia, Henbane, Henna, Hibiscus, Hickory, Holly, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Ivy, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Leek, Lemon, Lettuce, Licorice, Lime, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mimosa, Mullein, Myrtle, Olive, Orange, Pansy, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Peppermint, Periwinkle, Pistachio, Plum, Poppy, Quassia, Quince, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Saffron, Sarsaparilla, Scullcap, Senna, Spearmint, Spikenard, Strawberry, Valerian, Vervain, Willow, Witch Grass, Witch Hazel, Yerba Mate, Date, Pink, Mango, Passion Fruit, Brandy, Lemon Balm, Patchouli, Adam And Eve Root, Azalea, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bee Pollen, Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Blowball, Blue Cohosh, Blue Violet, Butterbur, Caraway, Cardamom, Cherry Bark, Chervil, Chili Pepper, Clover, Red, Cloves, Copal Resin, Cubeb Berries, Devil’s Bit, Evening Primrose, Frangipani, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Goosegrass, Gorse, Gravel Root, Gum Arabic, High John, Lady’s Mantle, Linden Flowers, Lobelia, Magnolia Flowers, Magnolia Bark, Maidenhair Fern, Maple Syrup, Musk, Orange Blossoms, Orange Peel, Orris Root Cut, Orris Root Powder, Peas, Pink Rose Buds, Poppy Seeds, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Sweet Bugle, Tonka Bean, Tuberose, Vanilla Bean, Vertiver, Witches Grass, Wood Betony, Yarrow Flower, Ylang Ylang

Luck: Allspice, Aloe, Ash, Bamboo, Basil, Brazil Nut, Buckthorn, Cabbage, Catnip, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clover, Corn, Cotton, Daffodil, Daisy, Dill, Heather, Holly, Hyacinth, Irish Moss, Lilac, Maple, Marigold, Mistletoe, Oak, Parsley, Peony, Persimmon, Pineapple, Potato, Quince, Rowan, Spikenard, Straw, Strawberry, Thyme, Violet, Wintergreen, Grapes, Kiwi, Watermelon, Nutmeg, Star Anise, Acorn, Bayberry, Bergamot, Black Haw, Blue Violet, Buckeye, Clover, Red, Dandelion Root, Devil’s Shoestring, Dragon’s Blood, Galangal Root, Goosegrass, Heal All, High John, Jamaican Ginger, Job’s Tears, Little John, Lo John, Lucky Hand Root, Mustard Seed, Oak Moss, Orange Peel, Poppy Seeds, Rose Hips, Shallots, Tonka Bean

Lust: Avocado, Caper, Celery, Coriander, Cyclamen, Dill, Hibiscus, Hickory, Lemon, Licorice, Mugwort, Parsley, Pear, Radish, Rosemary, Saffron, Senna, Sesame, Sugar Cane, Yerba Mate, Pink, Grapes, Passion Fruit, Bedstraw (fragrant), Blue Violet, Clover, Red, Cubeb Berries, Devil’s Bit, False Unicorn Root, Ginseng, Lemon Grass, Olive Leaf, Tea Leaves, Vanilla Bean, Witches Grass, Yohimbe Bark

Marriage: Ivy, Lily, Olive, Orange, Periwinkle, Violet, Passion Fruit, Adam And Eve Root, Crowfoot, Laurel, Lily Of The Valley, Sweet Bugle, Yarrow Flower

Meditation: Acacia, Anise, Arabic Gum, Chamomile, Damiana, Mace, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Frankincense Resin, Gotu Kola, Gum Arabic, Red Willow Bark

Memory: Cinquefoil, Eyebright, Lilac, Orchid, Periwinkle, Rosemary, Bergamot, Caraway

Mental powers: Clover, Cypress, Dill, Horehound, Hyacinth, Periwinkle, Sage, Elderberry, Lemon Balm, Caraway, Citronella, Cloves, Coffee, Geranium, Grape, Kava Kava, Lily Of The Valley, Narcissus, Orange Peel, Tuberose, Vanilla Bean

Money: Acacia, Allspice, Almond, Arabic Gum, Basil, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Cabbage, Calamus, Cascara Sagrada, Cedar, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Comfrey, Dill, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Honeysuckle, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Juniper, Maple, Marjoram, Mint, Mistletoe, Myrtle, Olive, Periwinkle, Pineapple, Potato, Rice, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Thyme, Vervain, Wheat, Woodruff, Grapes, Rum, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Bayberry, Bergamot, Blue Cohosh, Buckeye, Cat’s Claw, Clover, Red, Flax Seed, Galangal Root, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Grape, Gum Arabic, High John, Hollyhock, Horseshoe Chestnut, Jezebel Root, Job’s Tears, Maple Syrup, Oak Moss, Oatstraw, Orange Bergamot, Orange Peel, Red Clover, Squill Root, Vertivert, Yellow Dock

Openness: Frangipani, Orange Blossoms

Overcoming: Almond, Benzoin, Cypress, Sassafras, Willow, Bee Pollen, Coffee, High John, Magnolia Flowers, Neroli, Vertivert, Wisteria, Witches Grass, Yarrow Flower

Passion: Cinnamon, Passion Flower, Sarsaparilla, Sesame, Witch Hazel, Grapes, Caraway, Savoury, Saw Palmetto Berries, Tarragon, Vanilla Bean

Peace: Aloe, Coltsfoot, Coriander, Dulse, Gardenia, Heather, Hyacinth, Lavender, Myrrh, Myrtle, Olive, Passion Flower, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Plum, Rose, Scullcap, Tobacco, Vervain, Violet, Cilantro, Coffee, Lily Of The Valley, Magnolia Flowers, Narcissus, Olive Leaf, Orange Blossoms, Tuberose, Ylang Ylang

Persuasion: Camphor, Honeysuckle, Plumeria, Citronella, Orris Root Cut, Ylang Ylang

Potency: Banana, Celery, Cyclamen, Juniper, Myrrh, Black Cohosh, Cherry Bark, Dragon’s Blood, Ginseng, Gravel Root, Kava Kava, Olive Leaf, Palm, Yohimbe Bark

Power: Angelica, Bistort, Bladderwrack, Borage, Buchu, Carnation, Cedar, Celery, Centaury, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Club Moss, Ebony, Echinacea, Elecampane, Fern, Garlic, Gentian, Honeysuckle, Mugwort, Myrrh, Orchid, Periwinkle, Rowan, Sunflower, Yerba Santa, Ginger, Star Anise, Acorn, Althea Root, Arnica Flowers, Asofoetida, Barberry, Bay Leaf, Bergamot, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Brimstone, Butchers Broom, Calendula Flowers, Caraway, Celery Seed, Deer’s Tongue, Dragon’s Blood, Flax Seed, Frankincense Resin, Goldenseal, Grape, Lady’s Mantle, Lily Of The Valley, Marshmallow Root, Sulfur Powder, Uva Ursi, Witches Burr

Prophecies: Buchu, Heliotrope, Jasmine, Marigold, Mimosa, Mugwort, Peppermint, Violet, St. John’s Wort, Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf

Prosperity: Alfalfa, Alkanet, Almond, Ash, Banana, Basil, Benzoin, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Coltsfoot, Heliotrope, Juniper, Lily, Mandrake, Mint, Parsley, Passion Flower, Peony, Pine, Poppy, Sassafras, Vervain, Grapes, Ginger, Nutmeg, Bergamot, Citronella, High John, Oatstraw, Orange Blossoms, Pikaki, Squill Root, Sweet Bugle, Tonka Bean, Vertivert, Wisteria, Wood Aloe

Protection: African Violet, Alfalfa, Aloe, Alyssum, Amaranth, Angelica, Anise, Ash, Aspen, Bamboo, Barley, Basil, Belladonna, Birch, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Bloodroot, Buckwheat, Burdock, Cactus, Calamus, Carob, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Cedar, Celandine, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Club Moss, Coconut, Comfrey, Coriander, Cotton, Cumin, Cyclamen, Cypress, Daisy, Dill, Dogwood, Ebony, Elder, Elm, Eucalyptus, Fern, Figwort, Fleabane, Gardenia, Garlic, Hawthorn, Heather, Heliotrope, Henna, Hickory, Holly, Hyssop, Irish Moss, Ivy, Juniper, Larkspur, Lavender, Leek, Lettuce, Lime, Lotus, Mandrake, Marigold, Marjoram, Mint, Mistletoe, Mulberry, Onion, Parsley, Peony, Periwinkle, Plantain, Quince, Rhubarb, Rice, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Sunflower, Thistle, Valerian, Venus Flytrap, Vervain, Violet, Willow, Witch Hazel, Woodruff, Wormwood, Yerba Santa, Yew, Yucca, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Mandarin, Mango, Absinthe, Alder, Ginger, Nutmeg, St. John’s Wort, Aconite, Acorn, Ague, Althea Root, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf, Beeswax, Bergamot, Bilberry Bark, Black Cohosh, Black Pepper, Blessed Thistle, Blue Violet, Broom Tops, Buckeye, Burnet, Butchers Broom, Calendula Flowers, Caraway, Cloves, Cramp Bark, Dandelion Root, Devil’s Bit, False Unicorn Root, Fennel Seed, Flax Seed, Frankincense Resin, Galangal Root, Geranium, Ginseng, Gorse, High John, Kava Kava, Lady Slipper, Laurel, Linden Flowers, Lucky Hand Root, Marshmallow Root, Monkshood, Oak Moss, Olive Leaf, Orris Root Cut, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto Berries, Sea Salt, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm, Solomon’s Seal Root, Squaw Vine, Straw Flower, Tonka Bean, True Unicorn Root, Wood Betony

Psychic powers: Acacia, Anise, Arabic Gum, Bistort, Bladderwrack, Borage, Buchu, Camphor, Celery, Cinnamon, Citron, Cornflower, Damiana, Eyebright, Honeysuckle, Lotus, Lovage, Myrrh, Rowan, Saffron, Yerba Santa, Date, Elderberry, Grapes, Lemon Balm, Star Anise, Althea Root, Amber, Ambergris, Arnica Flowers, Bay Leaf, Butchers Broom, Calendula Flowers, Celery Seed, Deer’s Tongue, Galangal Root, Gum Arabic, Marshmallow Root, Tuberose, Uva Ursi, Wisteria, Yarrow Flower

Purification: Angelica, Anise, Benzoin, Birch, Bloodroot, Camphor, Cedar, Club Moss, Coconut, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Fern, Fumitory, Garlic, Hyssop, Iris, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Marjoram, Mesquite, Mimosa, Oak, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Snapdragon, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain, Wintergreen, Yucca, Grapefruit, Bay Leaf, Blue Cohosh, Cayenne, Cloves, Copal Resin, Dandelion Leaf, Dragon’s Blood, Earth Smoke, Fennel Seed, Frankincense Resin, Sea Salt, White Sage, Wood Betony

Rain: Coriander, Cotton, Dill, Heather, Henbane, Pansy, Rose, Mustard Seed

Relationships: Chickweed, Citron, Comfrey, Cyclamen, Eucalyptus, Hawthorn, Marigold, Pansy, Rose, Turnip, Valerian, Yerba Mate, Honeydew Melon, Gorse, Pink Rose Buds, Raspberry Leaf, Salt Petre, Wood Betony, Yarrow Flower

Riches: Buckwheat, Cloves, Tea Leaves

Romance: Cinquefoil, Coriander, Cowslip, Cyclamen, Cranberry, St. John’s Wort, Bay Laurel, Gorse, Orris Root Cut, Orris Root Powder, Tuberose

Sacredness: Oak, Valerian, Willow, Crowfoot, Solomon’s Seal Root

Safety: Ash, Comfrey, Irish Moss, Lucky Hand Root, Sanicle

Sex: Apple, Avocado, Damiana, Endive, Hyacinth, Lemon Verbena, Lettuce, Mullein, Parsley, Passion Flower, Periwinkle, Persimmon, Yerba Mate, Pink, Kiwi, Passion Fruit, Ginger, Cloves, Cubeb Berries, Devil’s Shoestring, Fennel Seed, Galangal Root, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Musk, Orris Root Powder, Parsnip, Safflower, Salt Petre, Savoury, Sugar, Watercress, Ylang Ylang

Sleep: Anise, Catnip, Chamomile, Daisy, Heliotrope, Hops, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lavender, Lettuce, Marigold, Mimosa, Mugwort, Passion Flower, Peppermint, Scullcap, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain, Violet, Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Blue Violet, Celery Seed, Dandelion Root

Soothing: Benzoin

Spirits: Acacia, African Violet, Amaranth, Arabic Gum, Basil, Bloodroot, Boneset, Borage, Catnip, Chrysanthemum, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clover, Damiana, Dulse, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Hawthorn, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lemon, Lilac, Lotus, Lovage, Mint, Mulberry, Mullein, Plantain, Ragwort, Sage, Sweetgrass, Violet, Wormwood, Elderberry, Grapes, Lemon Balm, Mandrake , St. John’s Wort, Althea Root, Azalea, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Blessed Thistle, Butterbur, Calendula Flowers, Chervil, Cloves, Dandelion Leaf, Dandelion Root, Geranium, Gum Arabic, Linden Flowers, Marshmallow Root, Musk, Neroli, Osha Root, Pearl Moss, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Saw Palmetto Berries, Solomon’s Seal Root, Vertivert, Witches Grass, Wood Betony

Spirituality: Acacia, African Violet, Amaranth, Arabic Gum, Basil, Bloodroot, Boneset, Borage, Catnip, Chrysanthemum, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clover, Damiana, Dulse, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Hawthorn, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lemon, Lilac, Lotus, Lovage, Mint, Mulberry, Mullein, Plantain, Ragwort, Sage, Sweetgrass, Violet, Wormwood, Elderberry, Grapes, Lemon Balm, Mandrake , St. John’s Wort, Althea Root, Azalea, Balm Of Gilead Tears, Blessed Thistle, Butterbur, Calendula Flowers, Chervil, Cloves, Dandelion Leaf, Dandelion Root, Geranium, Gum Arabic, Linden Flowers, Marshmallow Root, Musk, Neroli, Osha Root, Pearl Moss, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Saw Palmetto Berries, Solomon’s Seal Root, Vertivert, Witches Grass, Wood Betony

Strength: Borage, Calamus, Camphor, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Echinacea, Gentian, Heliotrope, Irish Moss, Leek, Lime, Marjoram, Nettle, Oak, Orchid, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pine, Saffron, Spearmint, Milk Thistle, Thyme, Tobacco, Willow, Grapes, Tangerine, Vodka, Ginger, St. John’s Wort, Bay Leaf, Bee Pollen, Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Calendula Flowers, Fennel Seed, High John, Oak Moss, Oregano, Sow Thistle, Tea Leaves, Vanilla Bean, Wood Betony

Success: Aloe, Basil, Benzoin, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clover, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Pecan, Pennyroyal, Peony, Pine, Plumeria, Rowan, Strawberry, Cider, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Agar Agar, Bay Leaf, Bergamot, Clover, Red, Frankincense Resin, Goldenseal, Heal All, High John, Hollyhock, Kava Kava, Lo John, Lucky Hand Root, Motherwort, Mustard Seed, Orris Root Cut, Pikaki, Solomon’s Seal Root, Tonka Bean, Wood Aloe

Tenacity: Goosegrass

The color blue: Blueberry, Cornflower, Eucalyptus

The color green: Honeysuckle, Mint, Violet, Wintergreen, Nutmeg, Galangal Root

The color purple: Black Cohosh, Iron Weed

The color red: Angelica, Apple, Blackberry, Bloodroot, Catnip, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, Coltsfoot, Coriander, Damiana, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Henbane, Horehound, Lotus, Oak, Onion, Peony, Quince, Spearmint, Valerian, Willow, Witch Hazel, Elderberry, Gin, Vodka, Adder’s Tongue, Balsam Fir, Blowball, Crowfoot, Devil Bone Root, Epsom Salt, Flax Seed, Monkshood, Mustard Seed, Poppy Seeds, Raspberry Leaf, Solomon’s Seal Root, Tonka Bean

The color white: Bayberry, Caraway

The color yellow: Bistort, Ivy, Mustard Seed, Slippery Elm, Yarrow Flower, Yellow Dock

The moon: Aloe, Bloodroot, Cabbage, Chickweed, Lettuce, Onion, Willow, Adder’s Tongue, Watercress, White Willow Bark

The ocean: Bladderwrack, Coriander, Dulse, Garlic, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Beeswax, Blowball, Pau D'arco, Sea Salt, Sheep Sorrel, Tonka Bean

The sun: Citron, Mandarin

Tranquility: Coltsfoot, Cypress, Lime, Pennyroyal, Violet, Lily Of The Valley, Narcissus

Transmutation: Elder, Lady’s Mantle, Musk, Straw Flower

Travel: Ash, Bladderwrack, Comfrey, Damiana, Feverfew, Fig, Mugwort, Absinthe, Kava Kava, Lucky Hand Root, Lungwort, Prickly Ash Bark, Sanicle

Virility: Sarsaparilla, Fennel Seed, Yohimbe Bark

Visions: Foxglove, Violet, Kava Kava

Vitality: Mint, Parsley, Sarsaparilla, Spearmint, Tangerine, Blessed Thistle, Cherry Bark, Fennel Seed, Oregano

Water: Ash, Bladderwrack, Camphor, Garlic, Heather, Henbane, Lemon, Primrose, Saffron, Yerba Santa, Black Cohosh, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Little John, Poke Root, Sea Salt, Squaw Vine

Wealth: Basil, Bistort, Blackberry, Buckwheat, Cedar, Jasmine, Maple, Marjoram, Mint, Pomegranate, Sassafras, Vervain, Patchouli, Buckeye, Flax Seed, Oatstraw, Orange Bergamot

Wind: Bladderwrack, Bloodroot, Buchu, Buckthorn, Dulse, Plantain, Saffron, Alder, St. John’s Wort, Broom Tops, Dandelion Leaf, Fennel Seed

Wisdom: Cinquefoil, Elder, Iris, Oak, Peach, Sage, Sunflower, Milk Thistle, Elderberry, Acorn

Wishes: Bamboo, Buckthorn, Peppermint, Pomegranate, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Sunflower, Walnut, Willow, Lychee, Bat’s Head Root, Bay Leaf, Black Walnut, Blowball, Dandelion Leaf, Dandelion Root, Ginseng, Job’s Tears, Lotus Root, Tonka Bean

Wood: Cypress, Dogwood, Oak, Papaya, Peach, Rowan, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla, Red Willow Bark, Wood Betony

Youth: Anise, Cowslip, Myrtle, Oak, Vervain, Mandarin, Acorn

[thewhimsicalwitch]

Yule Resource Masterpost

A collection of categorized links for your Yule needs! What is Yule? [X] Yule is celebrated on slightly different days depending on who you ask, but the broad spectrum is: December 20th to January 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 20th (give or take a few days) in the Southern Hemisphere.

 The basics:

Yule correspondences

Celebrating Yule

Yule: A very merry sabbat

Guide to Yuletide plants + herbs

Yule - ‘tis the season

Yule practices

A Yule ritual

50 Yuleisms

Yule Crafts:

Yule potpourri recipe

Witch balls / more witch balls

A twelve-herb sachet for Yule

Mini herb wreaths

Yule log

Yule craft ideas

Pine protection balm

Dried orange slices

Yule Recipes:

Herbal shortbread

Bread dipping oil

Chocolate Yule log

Yuletide muesli

Yule tea

Yule Punch

Non-alcoholic mulled wine

Winter sabbat wine

Yule Spells:

Merry Yule spell jar / Season of peace spell jar

Holiday ornament snow spell

Yule bath spell

Blessed Yule - for a positive holiday season

Winter solstice spell

Spell for a happy family gathering

Yule energy sun spell

Winter stasis spell sachet

Holiday home blessings

Safe delivery envelope spell

Yule Tarot Spreads:

The return (2 card)

Yule spread (3 card)

Tarot spread for Yule (3 card)

Winter inspired spread (5 card)

Yule reflection + advice spread (5 card)

A Yuletime tarot spread (6 card)

Other:

Music ideas / Winter witch playlist

Altar/celebration ideas / Yule altar guide

Yule plants / Mistletoe Lore

Yule oils/incense / Yule incense

Emoji spell for luck during Yule and Solstice

Spell ideas for the holidays

Updated June, 2020. Please inform me (via askbox) of broken links!

Imbolc / Ostara / Beltane / Litha / Lammas / Mabon / Samhain / Yule / Bedridden ideas