Beginners Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

What Do the Houses Mean In Astrology? Learning the Astrology Basics

kitty fields — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:57:07 +0000

In my last astrology installment, we covered what each of the planets represent in astrology. Now we seek to give context to the planets by discussing what each of the houses represent. Though each planet represents different aspects of the human character, the houses represent the human experience. The astrology houses are like the major arcana of the tarot with each representing a strength or struggle in life. This depends upon the planet(s) that are affecting or residing in each one. Now, let’s answer the question, what do the houses mean in astrology? What Each House Represents in Astrology House 1: THE HOUSE OF SELF This is the house of the self and is where our rising sign is located in western astrology. Traditionally ruled by the sign Aries and the planet Mars, this house is our perceived identity of self. This includes our sense of self-awareness and self-image, our relationship and literal physical body, and our appearance. This house also shows how we appear superficially to others upon first impression. This is why the rising sign is tremendously important to a natal chart. House 2: THE HOUSE OF VALUE This is the house of values and resources. It’s traditionally ruled by the sign Taurus and the planet Venus. It showcases our relationship with material goods, money, and even our personal values. ‘Personal values’ means what do YOU value? You’d be surprised how many people would name everything but themselves. That’s why this is also the house that plays a huge part in your sense of self-worth in addition to your relationship with materialism. Wealth, poverty, and finances are also within the house of value. And, depending on what planets or transits affect this house, could mean the difference between affluence and poverty. House 3: THE HOUSE OF COMMUNICATION This is the house of communication and intellect. It’s traditionally ruled by the sign Gemini and the planet Mercury. This house includes all forms of communication including both written and spoken. Intellect, knowledge, detail and thought all reside in house three. Lesser recognized qualities of this house represent an individual’s immediate environment, siblings, early learning, and short distance travel. Look to this house for your communication style, how you relate with your siblings, and how your analytical mind works. House 4: THE HOUSE OF ROOTS House four is the house of roots and related emotions. Traditionally ruled by the sign Cancer and the Moon, this house can show your current and past home life. It gives insight into what your relationship with your parents was/is like as well as the type of foundation you come from and have built as an adult. Look to this house to see how stable your home environment was as a child, wounds around parental relationships, and whether your current foundation is solid. This house not only shows the roots you come from but the family you’re building. This is also where the I.C. resides which is the counterbalance to the M.C. and guides us as to how we can connect to our soul self. House 5: THE HOUSE OF BLOOMING This is the house of joy and creativity. Traditionally ruled by the sign Leo and the Sun, this house highlights what brings joy to your life whether at birth or in the moment. Children, dating and romance, hobbies and sports are all featured in this house. These are the things that make us shine, bloom, and sing with bliss. Look to this house if you’re curious about your potential to bear children as it is also the house of fertility and procreation though you will need to know the sign of the house in your natal chart and any planets which live there. House 6: THE HOUSE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS This is the house of health, wellness, and exercise. Traditionally ruled by the sign Virgo and the planet Mercury (though Ceres in modern astrology), this house emphasises nutrition, workouts, and living as naturally as possible. Daily living routines, being of service to others, our response to crises, and the legacy we are striving to leave behind are also contained within house six. Look to this house to gain insight on incorporating healthy habits for day-to-day living as well as how you might use your talents to help others. House 7: THE HOUSE OF PARTNERSHIP This is the house of all important relationships. Traditionally ruled by the sign Libra and the planet Venus, this house is where you can find intimate partners, friends, and enemies. Commitment and contracts also live in this house which is why it also denotes marriage, divorce, and business partners. The Descendant, a counterbalance to the Ascendant, finds its home in house seven. This point shows what we repress, deny, and push away from ourselves. Look to this house as a guide for recognising the shadow self and fostering intimate relationships. House 8: THE HOUSE OF TRANSFORMATION This is the house of transformation and change. Traditionally ruled by the sign Scorpio and the planet Mars (Pluto in modern astrology), this house is known for it’s ability to aid in transcendence through the process of death and rebirth. I like to think of this house as the junk drawer of the zodiac wheel. It contains all manner of intense topics like occultism, mysticism, magick, death, sex, intuition, and loss. Although it seems like a jumble, they are all experiences which can transform an individual so much so that they can change the course of their life – for better or worse. House 9: THE HOUSE OF EXPLORATION This is the house of exploration and expansion. Traditionally ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the planet Jupiter, this house governs the evolution of the self, philosophy, culture, and foreign travel. Any type of journey which leads to a greater understanding rest in this house. Planets and astrological signs in this house influences hopes, dreams, aspirations, and inspirations an individual may acquire can also lead to greater meaning of life. Look to this house for […]

The post What Do the Houses Mean In Astrology? Learning the Astrology Basics appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Celtic Witchcraft: 9 Ways to Add Celtic Traditions to Your Magical Practice

kitty fields — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:42:12 +0000

A stone circle shrouded in mist. The sound of a flute in the distance is carried on the wind. Your heart is at peace here. You are home. Does this sound like a vision or dream you’ve had time and time again? Are you a witch interested in learning the old ways of our Celtic ancestors? First, know this. You don’t have to be initiated into a certain tradition or religion to practice Celtic witchcraft (unless you feel drawn to). You can make your own path. As a solitary witch, and one who considers herself a Celtic pagan of 20+ years, here’s 9 ways to add Celtic witchcraft to your personal practice. First, What is Celtic Witchcraft? There are many definitions of Celtic Witchcraft. Some people will say you must be born in a Celtic land in order to practice Celtic paganism or witchcraft. Everyone can have their opinions, and my opinion is this – if you have ancestors from Celtic lands, YOU are Celtic. Even if you have no roots in the Celtic world, and you feel drawn to it inexplicably, go for it! It’s likely you lived a past life in the Celtic time and lands and that’s why it resonates. That being said, approach EVERY tradition and ancient way of life with respect. Don’t cherry pick just because it’s fun. Spend the time and effort immersing yourself in that path and respect the core energies and spirits. SO! A definition – Celtic Witchcraft is weaving pagan customs and traditions from Celtic people into one’s magickal and spiritual practice. There are SO many ways to dive deep into the world of Celtic Witchcraft. And it would truly take a lifetime to explore ALL of those ways. But here’s a few I’ve found helpful in my practice: 9 Ways to Practice Celtic Witchcraft 1. Study Celtic Witchcraft My first and biggest recommendation is to immerse yourself in Celtic magick through research and study. Don’t limit yourself to reading books with titles like “Celtic Magick” or “Celtic Wicca”, but instead read everything you can get your hands on. Including sources on Celtic mythology, folklore and fairy tales, history, geography, anthropology and witch trial documentation. A few of my favorite books on Celtic myth and lore include WB Yeats’ “Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry” and John Matthews’ “Tales of the Celtic Otherworld”. 2. Connect with Celtic Gods and Goddesses Connect with the Celtic gods and goddesses by invoking their presence in your life and practice. Build small altars for your deities and provide regular offerings. Seek to meet them in meditation and dreams. Ask them to send you signs and teach you lessons. Further, invoke their aid in your physical and magical endeavors. They will lend their energy to your spells and magical workings of all kinds. Plus, working with deity is a fulfilling experience overall! Be aware – in my experience, the Celtic gods are a bit more elusive than some of the other pantheons. I believe this is due to their elemental nature. But once you have a relationship with them, it’s totally worth the “chase”! Here’s a few Celtic gods and goddesses to research and potentially work with: Brigid, The Morrigan, Queen Medb, Rhiannon, Lugh, Cernunnos, Cliodhna and the Green Man. 3. Approach the Faeries and Elementals with Respect Elementals, namely the “good folk” or faeries, are a huge part of Celtic myth and traditions dating back thousands of years. By making magick with the faeries, you’re engaging in an ancient sacred act of the Celtic people. Be warned – faery magick isn’t to be taken lightly. Faeries are NOT all pretty, little pixies with glitter trailing behind them. And even pixies have a mischievous side! Approach them with a reverence and caution. Then build a connection and slowly learn how to weave their magick into your own. Listen to our podcast on Celtic Witchcraft to learn more: 4. Weave Celtic traditions into your own Through your studies, you’ll learn of many old customs and traditions of the Celtic people that have been passed down through the years. Be creative and think of ways to weave these old practices and beliefs into your Celtic witchcraft practice. For instance, trees were an integral part of the Druids’ belief system. Learn how to use tree bark, seeds, pods, and blooms in your spells (as just one example). Hang a horseshoe upside down over your front door to ward off malevolent spirits. This is an old folk tradition in Ireland and other Celtic lands. 5. Cook Traditional Celtic Meals This is a fun way to practice Celtic witchcraft, particularly if you enjoy working magick in the kitchen. Study the different traditional Celtic meals and learn how to make them yourself. A few to try include colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon and Irish soda bread. In addition, the Irish people love their beer, wine and mead. You could take up a hobby of brewing your own beer or mead and dedicate it to your Celtic god/goddess OR brew it with intention and turn it into a spell. 6. Celebrate the Celtic Witchcraft Festivals Many modern witches follow the Wheel of the Year, which includes a few of the traditional Celtic holy days. Celebrate the Celtic festivals this year and add your own spin on them. For Imbolc, honor the goddess Brigid and cast spells with fire. Fire is a sacred element to Brigid and her sacred fires were lit on this day dating back centuries to ancient times. On Beltane, have a bonfire and make love (this is a traditional fertility festival). The other Celtic sabbats include Lughnasadh and Samhain. 7. Embrace Land, Sea and Sky Modern witchcraft focuses on the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. But if you’d like to mix things up and add a Celtic flavor to the basis of your natural magick, embrace the concept of three: Land, Sea and Sky. These were the three most important aspects of the divine to […]

The post Celtic Witchcraft: 9 Ways to Add Celtic Traditions to Your Magical Practice appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

What Do the Planets Mean in Astrology Today

kitty fields — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:22:48 +0000

It’s time to learn Astrology with Allorah. In this helpful article, she begins to break down the basics for us. I don’t know about you, but astrology seems a bit shrouded in mystery. It always has. If you’ve ever wondered what do the planets mean in astrology, our resident blogger Allorah educates us on the basics here. Learning the Astrology Basics Instead of hiding the elephant in the room, we’re parading it out front: astrology, and the thought of learning astrology, can be, and usually is, overwhelming. For most people that I speak to there is a resounding theme to their astro anxiety, they are intimidated by astrology’s plethora of moving parts. There are modes and elements, planets and aspects, aspect patterns and axis points and the list goes on. Overwhelmed just reading that list? You’re not alone. Over the years I have found the easiest way to learn astrology is to break it into bite sized pieces which can then be built upon. This is how I teach my students. We will approach one aspect of astrology at a time. Every astrologer will approach and teach astrology slightly different. There is no right or wrong place to start with astrology in my opinion. However, there are places to start that just make more sense. You won’t really be able to understand aspects if you don’t understand what each planet represents in astrology. You must understand the planetary bodies making the aspect or else it will just be words. It would be like putting the cart before the horse or the putting the broom before the witch. So, what do the planets mean in astrology? This is where we will start on our Otherworldly Oracle astrology journey. Below is a rundown of what each planet represents in your natal chart as well as in transit. What Each Planet Means in Astrology Sun: Ahhh the Sun! The sun isn’t technically a planet (it’s a star) but it’s important to know what the sun represents for astrology. The sun shines over the Earth every day and gives us warmth and light. Without the sun no plants would grow and everything on our planet would die. The sun gives us life. In astrological terms, the sun is a masculine fire planet and represents our ego, identity, core personality, the conscious self, vitality, stamina, will and life force, and our enthusiasm for life. Moon: We have to include the moon when answering what do the planets mean in astrology because it’s considered a planet in the astrological realm. She is the lady of the night. When there is a full moon first responders know to anticipate a busy night. The moon also rules the movement of the tides. Being that humans are over 70% water, it would make sense that we are also affected by the moon – its phases, position, and astrological encounters with other planetary bodies. The moon is a feminine water planet that represents and symbolically controls our emotional/internal self, our unconscious mind, past lives and soul memory, moods, our heart, our mother and our perception of what kind of mother she is or was, the hidden, our perception of our childhood. Mercury: Everyone is familiar with this gender-neutral air planet for the havoc it can wreak twice each year when it becomes retrograde. Unfortunately, mercury is one of the most underrated planets in astrology because, when embraced, has so many great qualities whether in retrograde or in forward motion (plus I’m biased because my sun sign is ruled by Mercury). It also can give us great insight into aspects of ourselves that we may not think to look at but are massively important such as how we communicate and how we learn. Mercury represents our communication style and skill, intellect, how we process information, our ability to employ reason, logic, and analysis, how we think and learn, all modes of transportation, and research. After all, the Roman God Mercury was most well known as the messenger. Venus: Sharing a name with the Roman Goddess of love, this feminine earth planet shares multiple correspondences with her as well. Venus can give us great insight into our relationship style whether it’s friends or partners. It is the planet of romance, love, and attraction. It also is responsible for our sense of aesthetic and what we believe beauty, luxury, and pleasure to mean for us as individuals. Venus, and where it falls in your natal chart, can also dictate what you find to be artistic and kind of art you like believe it or not. Mars: When most people hear the word Mars, they automatically think of either this masculine fiery planet or the Roman God of war. Neither are wrong. Like the God of War, mars represents what kind of warrior and enemy we can become when challenged. It is the planet of impulsivity and fast action. Primal instinct and unbridled passion. It shows us how to be brave and when to be aggressive instead of passive. Mars gives us the drive to go after what we want, fearlessly. Jupiter: Jupiter is the Roman equivalent of Zeus among the Gods. However, in astrology, Jupiter is most well known for its ability to bring luck. But why does Jupiter represent luck? Well, in the Roman mythos, Jupiter was born and raised in secret on the island of Crete by his mother Ops. It was luck that allowed him to live as his father, Saturn, ate all his other children in fear that one day one of them would overthrow him – which is exactly what Jupiter did. This masculine fire planet brings expansion wherever it goes. It is the harbinger of growth, success, and abundance. Most of all we look to Jupiter when we need to discover where and when to be optimistic. Saturn: This is another planet that, unless you’ve learned how to embrace its gifts, is a less-than-welcome sight. Most people in the metaphysical world have likely heard of Saturn […]

The post What Do the Planets Mean in Astrology Today appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

How to Use Oracle Cards: The 411 on Reading Oracle for Beginners

kitty fields — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:59:00 +0000

I remember the first time I opened my first deck of oracle cards. I remember being flooded with excitement but also feeling rather confused. The artwork stood out to me – it was Brian Froud’s Faery Oracle – the cards were graced by the presence of beautiful wood nymphs, gnarly gnomes, and creepy goblins. I thought, “they’re beautiful…and I know I’m supposed to read them…but how?” Sure, most oracle decks come with a handy dandy little guidebook. But half of our questions aren’t answered in those pages. Now that I’ve been reading oracle for the past 12 years, I figured I could write an article and teach others how to use oracle cards. From start to finish! First, What Are Oracle Cards Exactly? Oracle cards are not Tarot Cards. They are two different forms of cartomancy, yet they are similar in many ways. To define oracle cards: these are printed decks of cards illustrated with beautiful imagery that evokes the reader’s imagination and intuition. As well as the reader’s understanding of symbols. Consult your oracle cards for messages from the Universe, the gods, spirits, or your higher self. Oracle cards differ from Tarot in that the imagery varies widely. I mean, the symbols and themes of Oracle can literally be anything the artist and writer feel drawn to create. With Tarot, the cards follow a pre-defined system, i.e. the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, in which there are typically a major and minor arcana (suits). For our intents and purposes, we aren’t learning Tarot, we’re learning how to use oracle cards. So that’s all I’m going to say about Tarot (so as not to confuse you!) There are no specific suits or “arcana” in oracle. Step 1: Cleanse Your Oracle Cards (And Why It’s Important) Whether you bought your deck from a local shop or online, your cards need to be cleansed and charged. Cleansing removes any energetic funk clinging to the cards from manufacturing or sitting on store shelves. Keep in mind, after every use (particularly if you’re reading cards for other people), cleanse your deck again. Ways to Cleanse Your Deck: Smoke-cleansing: light an incense stick, cone, or herb bundle. Then hold each card over the smoke to spiritually remove any unwanted funky energy. The first time you do this, cleanse each card individually. In the future, spread the cards out and fan the smoke over them. Bury them: wrap them in cloth or put them in a bag and bury them in a bowl of salt. Alternatively, bury the cards in the earth (make sure it’s not going to rain!) OR in a potted plant. Sound-cleansing: use drumming, flutes, or Tibetan singing bowls to cleanse your oracle deck Step 2: Charge Your Oracle Cards Charging your oracle cards fills them with positive spiritual energy so they function best. This is the spiritual equivalent to plugging your phone into a charger. Re-charge your cards once a month if you’re using moonlight or another technique (besides crystal-charging, as this method is constant. See more below). Here’s a few ways to charge your oracle cards: Sleep with the cards under your pillow: your charging the cards with your own personal vibrations PLUS connecting with the deck all-in-one step By moonlight: set the cards in a windowsill or outside in direct full moonlight to charge by the moon’s rays With a crystal or stone: by laying a crystal or stone on top of your cards and storing them in a special box or bag, the crystal’s energy will consistently charge them. A few examples of crystals that I use: clear quartz, amethyst, lapis lazuli and selenite (extra tip: selenite is self-cleansing AND cleanses other items in its vicinity – double purpose!) Step 3: Connect With Your Oracle Deck If you’ve slept with your oracle cards under your pillow, this is a great way to develop that psychic connection. In addition, interview your oracle cards to get to know their energy better. There’s different ways of doing this, but essentially you’ll ask the cards different questions and pull one card per question for an answer: What is your purpose? What is your personality? How will you help me grow spiritually? What kind of an oracle deck are you? Etc. Step 4: How to Read the Oracle Cards for Yourself Now it’s time to learn how to read the oracle cards for yourself. The easiest method: ask an open-ended question, shuffle and draw ONE card. Take note of the FIRST thought or sensation that pops into your mind. Write it down. Then notice all of the elements of this card: the colors, theme, characters (if any), numbers, and messages written on the card. Is anything standing out to you? Sit with the card for a little while and meditate on its meaning. I also recommend keeping the card somewhere you can see it throughout the day. As for the guidebook, only reference it when you need extra clarification on a card. Shuffling & Spreads: Beginners want to know the best way to shuffle an oracle deck. There is no “best way”. The best way is YOUR way. Whether you riffle shuffle or go hand-over-hand is completely up to you! As for Oracle card spreads, after you get used to reading one card try cutting the deck into 3 piles and reading a 3 card spread. This spread represents things like past, present, future or the problem, factors impacting the problem and the resolution. After you get used to the three-card spread, try your hand at traditional spreads like the Celtic cross. There are literally hundreds of card spreads on Pinterest to experiment with! The “Fanning” Method of Reading Oracle Cards The Fanning method is when you take the deck and fan it out across the table. Then close your eyes and hold your dominant hand out over the deck. Slowly “scan” the deck by waving your hand over the cards until you feel a tingling, pulling, or some other sensation in your hand. Then place […]

The post How to Use Oracle Cards: The 411 on Reading Oracle for Beginners appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Am I A Witch? 35+ Signs You’re a Witch In Your Heart & Soul

kitty fields — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 22:46:36 +0000

Maybe you’re here because you’re wondering “am I a witch?” If these thoughts are going through your head, there’s a good chance you are already one. The first step is to proclaim it. But keep this in mind – being a witch is a lifelong journey of learning and self-growth. It’s not a quick fix to life’s problems. It’s not easy and it IS work. But if you’re a witch, you’re a witch. And the work involved in learning witchcraft will be fun and fulfilling. Without further adieu, here’s our 35 signs you’re a witch! “Am I A Witch?” 35+ Signs You’re a Witch If you’re truly a witch at heart and in your soul, you’ll most likely tick off more than one of these signs. More than likely, you’ll tick off nearly every one of them! But never fear. Even if you feel these signs you’re a witch don’t fit you, witchcraft can still be learned. It just takes dedication. Refer to the links at the end of this article for steps to start learning the craft. 1. Feel Most Comfortable Outside Almost every witch will tell you they feel an undeniable urge to be in nature. They feel most comfortable when they’re outside. Whether at the beach, in a forest, or in their own garden, witches are drawn to nature like nature is drawn to them. Maybe as a child, your favorite place was the woods. Or a hidden creek. Maybe the local cemetery with its old, twisted trees and quiet breeze drew you to be outside. This is probably the strongest sign you’re a witch. 2. Animals Are Drawn To You Speaking of nature, are you a natural animal person? Do dogs and cats and other domestic pets seem to love you more than others? Maybe you’ve even felt you could communicate with animals or feel their pain. This is another BIG sign you’re a witch. In years past, I’ve even had the ability to telepathically “call” wild animals to me. I would think, “I really want to see a moose when I go to Colorado”. And then BOOM, the first day I step foot in Colorado, I see a moose. The same thing happened when I wanted to see a snowy fox. Perhaps it even seems you have an affinity for sick or injured animals. Do animals seem to come to you for help? 3. People Are Drawn To You On another end of the spectrum, if you’re wondering “am I a witch?” ask yourself instead “are people drawn to me?” Do you have random strangers tell you their personal problems? Are lost children wont to come to you for help in finding their parents? It’s typical that a witch attracts people who need healing and need help in other ways. Why? Because witches feel deeply for those in need. We feel a deep compassion and that compassion radiates vibes to others. Sometimes we might even be like a flame to moths…attracting toxic people with whom we must eventually cut the cords. 4. You’re Attracted to the Paranormal Another big sign of being a witch is being drawn to the paranormal. This means you had or have a desire to learn about or experience ghosts, aliens, cryptids, demons, and other paranormal beings. Maybe as a child you found ghost stories thrilling. Maybe as an adult you’re part of a paranormal investigations team or are addicted to the ghost hunter shows on TV. Witches are drawn to the paranormal because we have a foot in this world and a foot in the spirit world. So, naturally, we want to learn more and know more about spirits of all kinds. 5. You’re Attracted to the Occult The “occult” means things that are hidden. Topics that are out of the realm of society’s “norms”. As a child or teenager, you might have tried out the Ouija board. Maybe now you want to learn how to read tarot cards or how to heal with crystals. You attend psychic fairs and find yourself enthusiastic about the occult in general. If this is you, you might be a witch. 6. A BIG Sign You’re a Witch: Supernatural Experiences Adding onto a witch’s interest in the paranormal, a witch also typically has at least a dozen supernatural experiences in his or her life. These experiences begin as a child and continue into adulthood, especially if the witch believes and is connected to the spirit realm. Supernatural experiences are anything from seeing or hearing ghosts to “time travel” (losing hours of time with no explanation), seeing auras around people or things, encounters with extraterrestrials, and being visited by the deceased or angels. 7. Witches Are Dreamers Most witches I’ve known are avid dreamers. Either they have vivid dreams dating back to their childhood or they are lucid dreamers. This means you are conscious in some of your dreams. Often witches are natural lucid dreamers and sometimes even astral projectors. If you’ve had lots of flying dreams since childhood OR if you “dreamwalk” into other peoples’ dreams, this is one of the signs you’re a witch. 8. You’re an Oddball You didn’t “fit in” in school. You were the oddball or even an outcast. Maybe you were bullied for being weird. You’re probably still weird. Don’t fight it! This is another big sign you’re a witch. Witches have long been the quirky “odd” people in the crowd. They don’t care to fit in, though. Witches care more about learning, experiencing, healing and growing than they do about fitting into society’s “norms”. So embrace your weirdness! 9. You Question Everything People that are followers, that go along with what society tells them, aren’t typically witches. I’ve found that the wisest people on this planet are questioners. They question everything. Since the time I was a child, I was always asking “why”? Why did God make mosquitos? Why did God make the Devil if he is all powerful and all knowing? I often got in trouble for […]

The post Am I A Witch? 35+ Signs You’re a Witch In Your Heart & Soul appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Elementals: What Is An Elemental? And the Guardians of the Watchtowers

kitty fields — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:27:11 +0000

Before modern witchcraft, Wicca and ceremonial magic sort of ruled the occult community. And casting a circle before ritual and invoking the elementals was a popular practice among practitioners. But what is an elemental? And are the elementals the same as the guardians of the watchtowers? First, What is an Elemental? First we answer the question, what is an elemental? You’ve heard of the four elements, right? Earth, air, fire and water are the four core elements according to Western magical tradition. An elemental is the spirit of an element. Just as humans have bodies AND a soul, so do elementals. The element itself (air, for example) is the physical manifestation of the elemental, while the sylph is the spirit of air. As above, so below. There are four elementals to correspond with the four elements: Gnomes are earth elementals, Undines are water elementals, Sylphs are air elementals and Salamanders are fire elementals. Where Did the Belief in Elementals Originate? The first wink of elemental belief originates in the Medieval Ages with alchemy. Paracelsus being one of the first alchemists to study and use the four main elements in his practice. If you ask a Wiccan today, you’ll hear it’s a Wiccan belief but truly we see elementals being invoked in nineteenth century ceremonial magick. Namely the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This was a Masonic-inspired secret society, if you will, of occultists who studied and practiced high magick, metaphysics, and the paranormal. The Golden Dawn’s belief in elementals trickled down to more modern religions like Wicca and Aleister Crowley’s Thelema. Yet the belief everything in nature has consciousness and the belief in fairies predates occult societies such as these by thousands of years. Who Are the Guardians of the Watchtowers? Before we go any further, let’s define what the watchtowers are and how the elements and elementals may be connected. In ceremonial magick, practitioners cast a circle for protection and energy, and call on the “corners” or the four cardinal directions along with their respective elements. Typically, it goes like this: East = air, South = fire, West = water and North = earth. The corners or four cardinal directions are also known as the Watchtowers. (I literally envision a tower at each of the four directions when I call the corners.) If you’ve ever watched the 90s movie The Craft, you might remember when the girls cast a circle and call the corners. “Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, Powers of Air and Invention, Hear Us!” Were they calling the elementals in or are the guardians of the watchtowers something completely different? My research suggests that depending on the tradition and even the individual, the Guardians of the Watchtowers can be one of many things. They could be the elementals, “kingdoms of elementals”, the basic four elements, OR in some cases, archangels. Here we focus specifically on the Elementals as Guardians of the Watchtowers. Gnomes: Earth Elemental Guardians of the Watchtower of the North Gnomes are the spirits of the earth element, also called earth elementals. They are guardians of the North and of the earth. The word Gnome comes from the Greek gnoma meaning knowledge. The King of the gnome kingdom, named Ghob, is sometimes invoked as a Guardian of the Watchtower of the North. Separate from being a Wiccan or ceremonial elemental, gnome folklore is found in many countries. These small faery beings live deep in ancient forests within intricate root systems. They are guardians of the ancient forests and all wildlife there. Gnomes are believed to bless one’s garden and home, hence why we have gnome lawn ornaments in modern times. Gnome elementals appear as small, wizened men and women with green and blue outfits and red caps. The men have beards. They are sometimes capricious and always protective of their natural homes. In the Order of the Golden Dawn, gnomes were considered “essential spiritual beings” invoked to praise God in a ritual called Benedicite Omnia Opera. Sylphs: Air Elementals, Guardians of the Watchtower of the East Sylphs are the spirits of the air element, also called air elementals. The word sylph derives from the Greek silphe meaning butterfly. Sylphs are guardians of the East and of Air. The King of the Air kingdom’s name is Paralda and is invoked as a Guardian of the Watchtower of the East. Sylphs aren’t as steeped in folklore as gnomes, yet their presence is existential. I’ve known multiple practitioners who, after calling the corners and releasing them, have seen sylphs stick around. They seem to have a playful nature, more so than the other elementals. Sylphs appear as “tiny, winged creatures” who look “vaguely human”, according to Edain McCoy. Yet modern eyewitness accounts describe them as speedy, white wisps of air. Salamanders: Fire Elementals, Guardians of the Watchtower of the South Salamanders are the spirits of the fire element, also known as Fire Elementals. They are the guardians of the South and Fire. The word salamander‘s origin isn’t quite as clear but could relate to salambe which means fireplace. Salamanders originate in the Middle East, in the dry, hot desert where the fire element is ubiquitous. They’re also said to originate in China. The King of Salamanders’ name is Djinn, which links him to the Middle Eastern belief in the Djinn spirits or Djinni (where we get the Jeannie in the lamp concept). While these beings share a name with the salamander animal, they aren’t quite the same. But, in the same flame, the salamander elemental sometimes resembles a lizard. When seen, salamanders dance, slither, and flit from flame to flame in the fire. If you’ve taken a picture of a bonfire or candle flame and noticed faces or small, darting dragons, you’ve seen the salamander elementals. Undines: Water Elementals, Guardians of the Watchtower of the West Undines are the spirits of the water element, also called Water Elementals. They guard the West and Water. The word undine comes from the word unda […]

The post Elementals: What Is An Elemental? And the Guardians of the Watchtowers appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Magical Topics to Study by Type: Hedge, Green, Kitchen, Etc.

kitty fields — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:25:53 +0000

Recently, in our FaceBook group, we’ve been discussing the concept of diving deeper into our studies and practice. Many of us get stuck scratching the surface and are left wondering what to do next. Here we provide you with topics to research and/or things to try categorized by the type of witchcraft you’re interested in. By expanding your magical horizons, you can really dive deep into your practice and expand your wisdom and skills. And remember – you don’t have to stick to just one category! Magical Topics to Research and Practices to Try For the Hedge Witch: A hedge witch is much more than just a witch who tends a garden hedge. He or she is much more than a witch who works with herbs and home remedies. The hedge witch is a symbolic hedge rider, meaning he or she crosses the “hedge” between this world and the spirit world. The practice of hedge witchery is very shamanic in nature, as you will soon find out. Are herbs used in the hedge witch’s practice? Yes! But the hedge witch’s main focus is on lifting the veil between humans and spirits – being able to cross into the realm of the dead and the gods and come back again. If you’d like to deepen your understanding of hedge witchery and expand your knowledge bank, research and practice some of these topics: astral projection lucid dreaming dream interpretation shapeshifting lycanthropy flying ointments magical herbalism seidr how to make dream pillows and spell bags meditation trance work poisons (herbs) gardening foraging weather magick: storms, snow, rain, etc. fairies bird augury animal signs and omens elemental magic land spirits – genius loci familiars wild foraging for herbs, tools, etc. how to make your own drum or rattle music in trance work Tarot and oracle card reading Kitchen Witch Magical Topics to Study and Practice: A kitchen witch, also called a cottage or hearth witch, is someone who makes magic in the kitchen and in the home using food and everyday items as magical tools. The kitchen witch is able to center his or her energy through the making of magical meals and creating sacred space at home. If you’d like to go beyond the “basics” of making a meal and dive deep into kitchen witchery, here are some topics for you to research and practice: magical properties of food magical properties of herbs kitchen tools in magical use breadmaking cheese making how to make black salt and its magical uses making wines, meads, ales / brewing your ancestors’ foods (ancient to modern) local produce and farms (your local resources) local honey and honey magic growing your own food / gardening aphrodisiacs making your own witchy soaps and natural beauty products making herbal concoctions / teas / oils medicinal and magical herbalism baking/desserts: magical cookie cutters, rolling pins, sigils in pies etc. using a cauldron or dutch oven pasta making coffee magic grilling / smoking food canning and preserving kitchen altars kitchen and hearth gods how to make witchy cocktails hearth spirits types of salt household spirits: lares, brownies, etc. kitchen witch dolls and poppets history of foods how to read Tarot with playing cards foods for the gods and goddesses how to use food to heal new (or old) cookbooks cultural foods from all over the world foraging for wild edibles making a kitchen grimoire seasonal foods and traditional holiday dishes antique kitchen tools and how to use them in your magick magical sewing: altar cloths, tarot deck bags, kitchen towels, etc. Sea Witch Magical Study Topics: A sea witch, also called a water or ocean witch, is someone who makes magic by the seashore and uses the powers of the ocean to fuel their witchcraft. The sea witch is able to center his or her energy by the ocean, as well as use the ocean’s powers to heal, protect, cleanse, draw abundance, and more. If you’d like to dive into sea witchery, study and practice some of the topics below: local bodies of water magical properties of seashells, coral, driftwood, etc. sea familiars knot magic to raise sea storms how the moon effects the tides how to use seabird feathers in magick sea glass magical uses and properties Sharks teeth magick plants and trees that grow on the shoreline – their magical properties and uses (palms, sea oats, etc.) magical properties of various types of water: ocean, stream, pond, puddle, fog, lake, rain, snow, mud, etc. ocean gods and goddesses nymphs, mermen, selkies, mermaids and water spirits water element basics why the earth needs our oceans ritual cleansing with baths, swimming, etc. magical properties and uses for seaweed sea altars and tools how dolphins and whales communicate how to use crab-shells in magick sand magical properties and uses your local sea wildlife intuition, dreams, etc. – water magical associations seafood and its magical properties: fish, clams, crabs, lobster, scallops, shark, oysters, etc. types of sea salt and magical uses sea myths: mythical creatures, creation myths, hauntings, etc. haunted ships pirates (especially pirate witches!) Vikings and ancient seafaring peoples Green Witch Magical Study Topics: A green witch is someone who works with the elements, the local land spirits, and all things green. The green witch is able to harness the energy of the natural sources around him or her by developing a close connection with local plants, trees, and wildlife as well as with the earth itself. Consider studying and practicing any or all of the following magical topics: herb gardening earth element basics local plants and trees – identify and define properties and uses land spirits – genus loci local forests and nature preserves forest gods and goddesses house plant magick growing your own mushrooms fairies crystal magic the green man forest-dwelling people landscape magical associations: rivers, mountains, caves, forests, meadows, etc. magical herbalism medicinal herbalism trees’ properties and uses magical teas miniature terrariums fairy gardens: how to build them flowers and how to use in your practice mushrooms: types and magical uses building outside altars making your […]

The post Magical Topics to Study by Type: Hedge, Green, Kitchen, Etc. appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Charging Crystals and Moon Water: Your Most FAQ Answered!

kitty fields — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:07:51 +0000

Each time the Full Moon appears, you’ll also see people talking about charging crystals and making moon water. And while these recipes and processes seem simple, sometimes there’s other factors that make them seem complex! Here we answer all of YOUR frequently asked questions and explain how to effectively charge your crystals, make moon water, and make sun water. Charging Crystals FAQ First, let’s answer what it means to charge crystals. I see a lot of folks confusing cleansing with charging. Cleansing your crystals before use means to energetically remove/strip bad energy from the crystal. Charging crystals means to infuse or “fill up” your crystals with energy. Similar to charging a phone! If you want to learn how to cleanse your crystals click here. 1. What are some ways of charging crystals? I always recommend using the sun or moon to charge your crystals with energy. Depending on the kind of energy you want, that is. For example, charging a piece of citrine with sunlight is most effective if you’re using the citrine for energy yourself (don’t leave it out too long or it can fade, see below for more info). Charging amethyst crystals with moon energy makes sense because amethyst is an intuitive, dream-working stone in alignment with the moon’s vibrations. 2. How long should I leave my crystals to charge in the moon or sun? Charging crystals under the moon means you can leave them out as long as you’d like, as long as the sun doesn’t hit them in the morning. I typically leave my crystals out overnight, as it’s easiest, and then when I wake up I bring them in. But if you only have 3 hours to leave the crystals out, that’s fine too! If you’re charging crystals by sunlight, the same rule applies. HOWEVER…this brings me to my next question and answer… 3. Can the sun damage my charging crystals? Do your research before setting your stones and crystals to charge in the sunlight. Some crystals will fade in sunlight including topaz, sapphire, turquoise, and even quartz crystals like citrine. WAIT…didn’t I say to charge citrine in the sunlight? Yes, I did. But there’s a caveat – don’t leave it out so long in direct sunlight that it fades! The point here is this – do your due research, folks! 4. How often should I charge my crystals? That depends on how often you use your crystals. If you use a crystal daily, consider re-charging it once a month on the Full Moon, etc. If you only use that crystal once every few months, re-charge it once every few months. Truly there’s no right or wrong answer here – it’s up to you how often you want to charge your stones! See the next question and answer about re-using crystals. 5. Can I re-use a crystal after it’s been used in a spell? Again, this is truly up to you, but I believe you can re-use crystals after using them in spell work. But for me, it depends on the type of spell done AND if the spell has completely manifested or not. For example, if I use a piece of bloodstone in a healing spell to extract a blood disease/illness, I would choose NOT to re-use that stone. However, if I used a piece of rose quartz in my room to elevate the love vibes – YES I will re-use that crystal! I simply cleanse it then re-charge it. 6. Does the moon or sun cleanse my crystals in addition to charging them? This is something I’ve mentioned before, but a lot of folks think the sun or moon cleanses AND charges at the same time. While you can make up your own mind about this, I have always used one of the 4 elements to cleanse my crystals and then subsequently used the sun or moonlight to charge them. Look at it this way – when you plug your phone in to the charger…does the charger clean your phone too? No. Cleanse then charge. 7. Do my crystals have to be hit by direct moonlight? What if it’s a cloudy night and the moon barely peaks out from the cloud cover? Does this mean my crystals won’t be charged? In my experience, my crystals are still charged by the moon’s light even on cloudy nights. Just because you can’t see the moon through the clouds doesn’t mean the energy isn’t there. However, if you have a clear night with the full moon’s light directly on your crystals, you may get a more powerful charge. Charging Moon Water: FAQ Moon charged water has become a popular spell ingredient in modern witchcraft. That’s because it’s easy to make and powerful! Here’s your frequently asked questions about charging moon water: 1. How do I charge moon water? Making moon water is pretty simple: fill a vessel with water and set it outside to soak up the moonlight. The water source, vessel, and where you put it is up to you. But to give you a further understanding, read through the following FAQ on charging moon water. Or click here to read a full article on how to make moon water. 2. What kind of jar or bowl can I use? While it’s perfectly acceptable to use whatever you have on hand, I’ve found it best to use a glass or silver vessel. Silver is traditional because silver is the metal of the moon. However, most people don’t have a silver bowl or bottle around, SO glass is also great! If all you have is a plastic bottle, that works too. I think most people recommend not to use plastic because it’s bad for the environment and it’s not as natural as glass. Try it out and see! 3. How long do I leave the moon water out to charge? I typically leave my moon water out to charge overnight then remove it in the morning before the sunlight has touched it. But if you only […]

The post Charging Crystals and Moon Water: Your Most FAQ Answered! appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Color Magic: Properties and Uses of 10 Basic Colors

kitty fields — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:02:22 +0000

Colors are one of the simplest and most powerful forms of magic. Each color fuels and is representative of a magical outcome or intention. Learn the 10 basic color magic properties and how to weave them into your magical practice and daily life. Plus view our helpful color guide to crystals and herbs. Color Magic Basics Not only is color effective in magic, it permeates daily life. Certain colors lift our mood, help us relax, energize us. Other colors fuel our fire or can even create a negative effect. For example, if you’re feeling depressed, being in a room of blue or gray walls won’t help lift your mood. You need an uplifting color like yellow or orange. If you’re feeling anxious, avoid the color red. And so on. But, as we typically find in magic, it’s not just the color it’s how YOU use it. Here we provide the basic color magic properties, and you can use them as stated. But keep in mind, color magic is also an individual practice. While I might use red for protection, you might find white is best. If I use purple for healing, you might prefer blue. And so on. 10 Colors and Their Magical Properties 1. Black Black is a color that polarizes people from different cultures. Some cultures associate black with death and mourning (think what we wear to funerals in America), while still others associate black with evil and the darkness. Yet those who practice magic know the real power of black. It is mystery and wisdom in one. Black reflects negativity and prompts us to go deeper. 2. White White is another polarizing color. In America, we see white as a symbol of purity which is why most brides wear white to their wedding. Yet in other Eastern cultures, white is associated with death. For example, in Vietnam white is worn to funerals not weddings. How you use white in your practice is up to you! The color white’s magic properties are: purity, protection, connecting with the divine, Healing, and enlightenment. 3. Brown Brown might not be everyone’s favorite color but it is as powerful as the rest. It is a color of Mother Earth. It represents the soil we walk on and where things grow. Use brown in your magic when working with the element earth. Brown is also useful for: animal magic, grounding, environmentalism, and Earth protection. 4. Blue Nearly everyone in my house loves the color blue. It’s a fan favorite, but why? Blue is the color of the sky, flowers, fruits, and of the water. This color’s magic properties are: healing, peace and harmony, communication (verbal, nonverbal and written), and truth. It’s linked to the throat chakra, which also links it to one’s ears and listening. 5. Purple Purple is the color of modern metaphysics. You might have noticed metaphysical stores using purple in their logo, decor, etc. This isn’t a coincidence – purple is the color of magic. Purple also represents royalty, intuition, and psychic abilities *all the clairs: clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairsalience, clairaudience and clairgustance*. I see it as an extravagant color and therefore think of all things rich, powerful and elegant when I use purple in my magic. 6. Pink When I was young, I hated the color pink. Now that I’m an adult, it’s one of my favorite colors for one particular reason – it represents femininity. As a young person I avoided being in tune with my feminine self – including self-love, sexual empowerment and honoring my emotions. But pink represents more than just this. It also represents friendship, soft, romantic love, and empathy. It’s linked to female sexuality because of the color of female genitalia. 7. Red Red invokes strong emotional reactions from nearly everyone on the planet. It’s another polarizing color. It’s an energizing color, igniting one’s passions. OR in a state of anxiety or anger, it might push those emotions out of control. Use red wisely and how you prefer. Red’s magical properties include: Active protection, passion, anger, Blood, ancestor work, love, lust, and motivation. 8. Orange Orange is a magical color linked to the sacral chakra and therefore a powerful color for creativity of all kinds. I don’t use orange a lot, but when I do…it gets the job done. It helps with energy and vitality. It’s also useful to boost your inspiration and drive for long term projects and new opportunities. Orange color magic properties also include attraction, vitality, fertility and adaptability. 9. Yellow Yellow is a bright color that is linked to the Sun and also our solar plexus. It brings energy, confidence and self esteem. Yellow color magic properties are: wisdom, intellect, imagination, inspiration, confidence, self esteem, immortality, growth, joy and career success. It can be helpful when breaking through old negative thought patterns of oneself. 10. Green What witch or pagan doesn’t love the color green? It’s the color of the earth: plants, trees, herbs, etc. It’s also the color of the heart chakra (that’s right, the heart chakra is green not red). Therefore green magic properties include: unconditional love, Mother Earth, abundance, growth, resurrection, youth, good luck, health, connection to fae and the old gods, and balance. How to Cast SIMPLE Color Magic There are so many ways to use color in your magical practice. Let’s talk about the fact that color is in literally everything we do. It’s all around us. It’s a part of us. So what not think about the colors you use in your spells and rituals? Here’s some ways to incorporate color magic into your practice: Wear certain colors to match your intentions for that day (red for drive, green for money, yellow for growth, white for spirituality, etc.) Match your candle colors to your spell or ritual intentions Decorate your altar in the colors of the season, sabbat, or to honor your gods’ and ancestors’ favorite colors Paint the rooms of your house to match whatever mood you’d like to set (red in the kitchen […]

The post Color Magic: Properties and Uses of 10 Basic Colors appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.

Witchcraft Symbols: 12 Symbols Including the Triquetra, Runes, and More

kitty fields — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 13:43:36 +0000

Symbols hold power. They hold magic. And they are versatile. Some are ancient, some mysterious, but all are sacred to the witch. Here are our top 10 witchcraft symbols including Elder futhark runes, modern Wiccan symbols, and ancient symbols and how to use them in your practice. 12 POWERFUL Witchcraft Symbols What witchcraft symbol(s) you choose is up to you. What symbol calls to you? Makes you feel protected, loved, powerful? Sometimes we have a past life connection with a symbol, and sometimes the symbol represents an energy we need in our lives. 1. Triple Moon Witchcraft Symbol The Triple Moon is a popular modern witchcraft symbol, also known as the Goddess symbol. It essentially depicts the three major moon phases which corresponds to the concept of the Triple Goddess of Wicca: maiden, mother and crone. But whether you are Wiccan or not, this symbol holds feminine power and increases intuition, psychic abilities and aids our magic (pictured at the beginning). 2. The Triquetra The Triquetra is a Celtic symbol with three loops knotted together. Trefoil knot is another name. The ancient Celts used used knots as symbols to show the connection between human, nature, and the universe. Between life, death and rebirth. The Triquetra is a popular witchcraft symbol for those who walk a Celtic path and represents the power of land, sea and sky. It is protective and some use it as a symbol of the goddess. 3. Triskele The Triskele is an ancient Celtic symbol used in modern witchcraft and neo-paganism. It is a triple spiral symbol found on Neolithic and Iron Age tombs and artifacts in Ireland and elsewhere throughout Europe. The ancient people of Europe favored the number three, and so the triskele is another illustration of this. The Triskele as a witchcraft symbol represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth. It represents movement, action, and completion. It is protective, acts as a guide to the otherworlds, and brings great power. 4. Eye of Horus The Eye of Horus is a symbol used by modern witches who feel a connection to Ancient Egypt. This symbol is also called Wadjet. It represents the watchful eye of the gods and was used in ancient Egypt for protection, healing, and renewal. It wards off the evil eye and protects the wearer from negative energy and bad luck. 5. Cimaruta The cimaruta is an old school Italian folk charm used to ward off the evil eye. It is a favorite witchcraft symbol in stregheria and protects its wearer from dark magic. Hang it above a baby’s bed for protection from evil. The charm is a combination of symbols attached to a sprig of rue. The primary symbols are the key, serpent and moon. Wear this witchcraft symbol if you are of Italian descent or need strong protection against dark witches. 6. Algiz: Protective Rune Witchcraft Symbol Algiz (pictured) is one of the Elder futhark runes, an ancient Germanic alphabet system also used for divination purposes. This symbol represents the elk and the English letter Z. Modern witches often use Algiz as a protective symbol, as the elk was a powerful creature. It also represents life and death. 7. Lilith Witchcraft Symbols The ancient deity Lilith has had a bad rap for many years. Fortunately, modern witches are re-claiming Lilith as a goddess, elevating her from demonic status. For witches who work with Lilith, her symbol becomes a potent charm: a waxing moon sits atop an inverted cross. In addition to Lilith’s symbol, there’s also an ancient Lilith sigil. It connects the witch to Lilith, invoking her fierce protection and empowerment. 8. Helm of Awe The Helm of Awe or the Helm of Terror is a magical stave of Icelandic origin. The Poetic Edda mentions the Helm of Awe as a protective amulet and when used as such strikes fear into the enemy’s heart. The symbol itself looks like a wheel of eight trident arms. It just looks bad ass. This witchcraft symbol is great when you need a victory or for fierce protection from enemies. 9. Pentacle The Pentacle is a modern Wiccan symbol popular among witches. It’s an encircled five pointed star. It’s a pentagram when there’s no circle. The pentacle represents all five elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. Wiccans wear and use the pentacle as a protective amulet and to show their devotion. 10. Tree of Life The Tree of Life also called the World Tree is a popular witchcraft symbol for many reasons. Nearly every ancient culture believed in a Tree of Life or World Tree concept: the roots stretched into the world of the dead, the trunk is the land of the living, and the branches reach into the gods’ realm. Yggdrasil is the World Tree in Norse mythology. It is shamanic in nature. 11. Ankh Witches favor the ankh symbol from Ancient Egypt. One of the oldest recorded symbols, the ankh means everlasting life. It’s called the Key of Life and is often depicted in the hands of a deity or pharaoh on temple and tomb walls. Interestingly, when used as a heiroglyphic, the ankh represented three sounds (there’s that number 3 again!) The ankh is protective and connects us to all of our past and future lives. 12. Fairy Star as a Witchcraft Symbol The Fairy Star, also called the Elven Star, is a 7 pointed star and a witchcraft symbol. It has many meanings. Depending on the tradition and individual, the seven points could mean entrances to the faery-land, seven rays of self-manifestation, or the elements as follows: sun, forest, sea, magic, moon, wind and spirit. You’ll see it in Celtic, Thelemic, Wiccan, and Kabbalist Judaism. Heptagram and Septagram are other names for it.(Photo to the left: creator unknown.) Ways to Use Witchcraft Symbols These powerful witchcraft symbols can be used in so many ways in your practice, including: Worn as charms on jewelry: amulets to ward off evil or as talismans to draw magic to yourself Tattooed on […]

The post Witchcraft Symbols: 12 Symbols Including the Triquetra, Runes, and More appeared first on Otherworldly Oracle.