Miscellaneous Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Black Obsidian Metaphysical Properties, Spiritual and Daily Uses

kitty fields — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:46:38 +0000

Whether you’ve worn or held black obsidian, you’ll understand its power. While black tourmaline and onyx are also black stones, there’s something specifically unique to black obsidian that draws magical folks in. It’s been used for centuries by various cultures for various magical and medicinal purposes. The photo below is of a beach in Iceland with sand that’s made of black obsidian. How majestic. Let’s explore black obsidian metaphysical properties AND learn how to use this divine stone in our spiritual practices and daily lives. First, What is Black Obsidian? To put it simply, black obsidian is volcanic glass – it’s formed from felsic lava and is riddled with elements like sodium, oxygen, potassium and more. Mexico is one of the biggest producers of black obsidian, but it’s also found worldwide in volcanic regions like Argentina, Iceland, New Zealand, Peru and even in the United States. The best way to describe black obsidian is it looks like beautiful, shiny black glass. However, that doesn’t mean that all obsidian is pure black in color. Some other obsidian colors include snowflake (black with white spots), dark brown, gray, and with iridescent tints. Because its made from lava, it is hard and brittle which means it chips easily. It has a long history of use in many ancient cultures… Weaponry, Tools and Reflections Black obsidian has been used for hundreds of thousands of years. We have archaeological evidence of its use dating back to 700,000 BC. That’s a long freaking time ago. Apparently our prehistoric ancestors figured out we could fracture obsidian and form it into tools and even into weapons like blades and arrowheads. This practice has continued into modern times, at least with decorative objects. The Aztecs and Mayans were particularly fond of obsidian and carved it into ritual pieces, decorations, and mirrors. Rumor has it the Aztecs used obsidian mirrors in malefic magic, and still others peered into its inky black depths to divine the future. Black Obsidian Metaphysical Properties In our opinion and experience, this stone is one of the most magical on the planet. The ancients knew it. And once you work closely with it, you’ll know it. Just as obsidian is used reflectively in the physical, it’s also used reflectively in the spiritual. Here’s black obsidian’s metaphysical properties: Helps expose and heal past life trauma Protection from evil spirits and illness Wards off negative energy of all kinds Shields against toxic relationships and situations Blocks psychic attack, sleep paralysis, and night terrors Brings clarity of mind and memory Stops greed and abuse of power in authoritative office and positions Divination with a black obsidian mirror, crystal ball or formed piece Grounds negative energy Calls back the soul in shamanic journeys Aids in deep shadow work Helps in healing generational curses and ancestral cycles Great to have in the office – helps analyze business decisions and promotes self confidence Promotes spontaneity and shakes up stagnance Brings strength and courage Removes spiritual and emotional blockages Promotes compassion Calming in stressful situations Removes blockages in the root chakra Remember too that black obsidian’s color is magical in and of itself. So obsidian that’s black in color takes on all of the magical attributes of that color including: Mysteries of the Universe Wisdom Wards negativity Absorbs negativity Protection from evil spirits and illness Shadow work Binding, banishing and reversals Quietness/silence Solitude Mourning Life/death/rebirth cycle Black Obsidian’s Medicinal Properties Because black obsidian shines a light on nearly all situations, it can also be used to shine a light onto complex medical cases. It provides insight to the cause of disease – physical and mental. It’s been used by healers for thousands of years and has the following medicinal properties: Promotes good circulation Detoxification In warming the extremities Relieves arthritis and joint pain Relieves menstrual and digestive cramps Beneficial for an enlarged prostate Apache tear: aids in absorption of Vitamins C and D Removes blockages of all kinds, particularly in the lower half of the body Please note – black obsidian is not a medicine and should not be taken internally. When we talk about crystals having medicinal properties, these properties are accessed with specific healing techniques. With healings performed by experienced, trained crystal and energy healers like Reiki masters, crystal healers, Chinese doctors, energy workers, etc. However, if you want to wear or hold black obsidian with the intention to aid in healing your body, go for it! DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICEThe information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. How to Use Black Obsidian in Your Spiritual Practice How you choose to use black obsidian is up to you. Everyone’s spiritual practice will be different from the next person’s because we are all individuals. The great thing about this stone is it has a plethora of spiritual, metaphysical and medicinal qualities to harness. And there’s truly no limit as to how you can use black obsidian. My favorite way to use this stone is simply holding it when I need to feel grounded, ward negative energy, or prevent nightmares. Here’s a few more ideas: Black mirror scrying OR scrying with a large tumbled piece or crystal ball Enchant jewelry and use as an amulet or talisman Add to spell jars and witch bottles Add to spell bags Place around the tub during ritual baths Encircle your candles in candle rituals and spells Hold or wear during meditations Hold, wear, or place on the body during chakra alignments Use along with Reiki in healing […]

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Game of Thrones: The Witchcraft Elements in Season 1

kitty fields — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 21:01:32 +0000

Are you House Stark? House Lannister? Or are you a child of the Mother of Dragons? Game of Thrones is a popular HBO fantasy series taking TV viewers by storm since its first season in March 2012. And, not surprisingly, it’s a favorite among magical folks. Have you ever noticed the witchcraft, shamanic and magical elements in Game of Thrones? If not, let us take you on a magical ride beside sorcerers, witches, spirits, dragons and more over the Known World from Winterfell Castle to the Dothraki Sea! SPOILERS AHEAD! We examine season 1 first in this EXCLUSIVE Otherworldly Oracle Series. Game of Thrones: Witches and Witchcraft With fantasy movies and series, some of the most intriguing and powerful antagonists turn out to be witches. This is an archetype as old as time and just as complex. Witches can be good, bad, or somewhere in between. They can be helpers or foes. But one thing is for sure – they make the story that much more entertaining. Season 1 Game of Thrones: Daenerys Calls On a Witch In the first season, by episode 9, we don’t encounter a powerful witch, but a witch nevertheless. Her name is Mirri Maz Duur and it’s none other than Daenerys Targaryen who calls upon her services in a desperate attempt to save her fading husband – the once-powerful Khal Drogo. The witch tells Daenyrys she must make a blood sacrifice to save Khal Drogo; a horse is sacrificed, but it’s not enough, and poor Daenerys ends up losing her unborn child in exchange for Khal’s life. You can guess what happens to the “vile witch” following this unraveling…burnt on the pyre. Bran: Dreams of the Raven They say all shamans go through a great tragedy as their initiation into the other world. In the first few episodes of Game of Thrones Season 1, Bran is pushed from a tower window and loses complete function in his legs – an event that mimics a shamanic initiation. Throughout the season, Bran has surreal dreams of a three-eyed raven. Could this raven be his familiar? Spirit guide? An old god of some kind? Daenerys: Phoenix & Mother of Dragons Daenerys has gone through plenty in Season 1 of Game of Thrones. She’s married off to a man she doesn’t know, abused by her brother, loses her husband and her unborn child. Her power as Queen of the Dothraki is also threatened, until…the dragon eggs gifted to her begin to crack open. She goes from lonely and mournful to the Mother of Dragons and leader of the Dothraki army. She is literally re-born from the fire, like the Phoenix. Jon Snow and the White Walkers It’s interesting to note the creator of Game of Thrones, author George RR Martin, chooses two elements as the main theme: Fire and Ice. At the North Wall, Jon Snow of House Stark swears an oath to protect the Wall. But when he tries to leave to attend to his family and fallen father, he’s confronted with the fact there is a bigger enemy at hand – the mythical White Walkers. White Walkers are essentially undead beings from over the wall, from the great north and represent part of the Ice element in the series’ main theme. The House Magical Sigils: Direwolves, Lions, and More in the Game of Thrones Another magical element and based in old pagan lore is the concept of “sigils” for each of the 9 Houses in Game of Thrones. What is called a “sigil” in Game of Thrones would be called a Coat of Arms or Totem throughout history. However, the word sigil is also a magical term and means symbol of magical power. The magical sigils for each house are as follows: House Stark: Direwolf Lannister: Lion Targaryen: Three-headed Dragon Arryn: White Falcon Greyjoy: Kraken (Great Squid) Martell: Sun Tyrell: Golden Rose Baratheon: Stag Tully: Silver Trout An Otherworldly Oracle Exclusive Series We first planned to present the magical and witchcraft elements in GOT in one article, but quickly realized how dynamic these elements are and decided to create an entire series out of it. Over the next few months, stay tuned for an edition dedicated to the witches, sorcerers, spirits, undead beings, dragons, spells and more for ALL EIGHT SEASONS of Game of Thrones. Be prepared…Winter is Coming.

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Hoodoo Jar Spells: The Black Jar for Cleansing, Banishing & More

kitty fields — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:59:38 +0000

In this special post, resident monthly blogger Allorah Rayne shares with readers one of the most powerful and versatile Hoodoo jar spells: the black jar. The Black Jar Two basic kinds of workings which exist in every system of magick include those for cleansing and those for protection. In fact, it’s usually two of the first kinds of magick new practitioners learn and with good reason – physical and energetic safety first! The Black Jar is rooted in Hoodoo practice but is an amalgamation from various sources and acts both as cleansing and protection. The purpose of Hoodoo is to give power to the powerless. The Black Jar is useful in reclaiming personal power in situations where it is unjustly taken. Its Magical Uses The Black Jar is a versatile Hoodoo jar spell and is great to have around the house. Its uses include: cleansing of a person or a space, aiding in the easement of physical, mental, and emotional ailments, absorbing negative energy, blocking jinxes, hexes, and curses, clearing past life contracts, and banishing entities. This working is not my creation but was something I learned at a workshop in 2017. So…. how do you perform a Black Jar working? INGREDIENTS: 1 Empty Jar w/ Lid Sized According to Your Need (big problems = big jars) Water (tap water is fine) Ammonium Hydroxide (household ammonia) 1-2 Activated Charcoal (capsules) 1-2 Plain Round Magnet (any size that will fit in your jar) One Silver Dime A White Spell Candle or Tealight Petition Paper 1 Pen 1 Non-Permanent Marker (optional) INSTRUCTIONS: To preform this Hoodoo jar spell, the first step is to begin with a clear mind and an even temperament. Write a petition specifying what you want the black jar to do. If you want to make it more personal, feel free to write your name, symbol of power, sigil or applicable psalm on the jar. I recommend if you do this you make the markings with a non-permanent marker. Fill the jar three-quarters of the way full with water. Fill the rest of the jar with ammonium hydroxide. Place the magnet in the jar. If you have a large jar, depending on the size of your magnets, you may want to use two. Place the silver dime in the jar. Empty activated charcoal capsule into the jar. Use two capsules if your jar is oversized. Place the lid on the jar and gently rock the jar to mix well. Infusing Your Intention and Storage Put the jar in the space in which you want to keep it. Some practitioners keep black jars around the perimeter of their home in the corners of the house as a protective or cleansing maintenance magick. Once you have it in a set space, place your petition under the jar. Place your hands on the jar and send what is on the petition into the jar with a focused intention. Once you feel you have the intention in the jar, place your white candle on the jar’s lid and light it. This activates the jar. You should feel the jar start to work instantly. Meditate on the flame and infuse your intention into the working. Once the candle is finished burning, leave the jar where it is. You will notice that over time the jar begins to turn clear from grey/black. When the activated charcoal either sinks to the bottom or floats to the top, the jar is finished. Thank the spirits for aiding in your working and then pour the contents outside. If you wish you can choose to dispose of the contents at the crossroads. Sanitize the jar for reuse or dispose of the jar any way you wish. The Black Jar is a Hoodoo jar spell that can work for anything from calming a bully at the office to clearing unwanted spirits from your home to just providing a negative energy filter in the home. Because of the ingredients involved, please keep the black jar in a safe place where it cannot be knocked over by loved ones and/or pets. What I really love about this working is that you can immediately feel it begin to work as soon as you light the activation candle. Read Allorah’s Tarot for Beginners Here. Meet Allorah Rayne Allorah Rayne is a practitioner of amnestic and wayfaring witchcraft and has been part of the online spiritual community since 2012. Her introduction to tarot was the age of nine and she pursued more intensive learning at fifteen. Allorah is the founder of The Wayfaring Witch © where she offers soul origin profiles, tarot and oracle card readings, digital downloads, workshops, and mentorships in the ways of the witch. She is also the co-founder of The Otherworldly Oracle Official Podcast, Spread This, Witches! and Witches in the Woods. You can contact Allorah at the following social media sites Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, on The Wayfaring Witch © website via live chat, or by e-mail at allorahrayne@gmail.com

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Old School American Witchcraft & Folk Magic: Initiation, Curses & Spells

kitty fields — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:23:39 +0000

When Europeans began migrating to the North America, they discovered it was a much different place than they were expecting. Threats lay around every turn, including their very real fear of witches and devils. In this article, we examine Old School American Witchcraft. Initiations, curses, spells and the Devil were very real to the American settlers. The Settlers Come to America Thousands of miles of wilderness laid before the European settlers in the New World. Complete with creatures they’d never seen, as well as indigenous people both helpful or deadly. Although many from England were Puritans, there were those who believed strongly in the spiritual world. Moreover, some had their own folk magic traditions. Just as God was real to these people, so was the Devil and witches. When the immigrants spread through the New World, some went West and settled in the Appalachian Mountains. Some in the Ozarks, the Rockies and everywhere in between. The mountains were mysterious, and many believed witches were waiting around every corner to destroy them. From these times, we get a glimpse of old school American witchcraft. Old School American Witchcraft: Folk Magic in the Mountains To protect from evil, the settlers had their own forms of magic. Whether you were a suspected witch or layperson, folk magic was an ever-present part of mountain life. These oral traditions began in at least the sixteen hundreds, documented by folklorists as early as the eighteen hundreds. We share some of the most interesting witch tales and magical practices with you here. Initiation: How a Witch Became a Witch in Old School American Witchcraft These days self-acclaimd witches mostly initiate themselves via sources online or through Wicca 101 books. Some just say they’re witches without any knowledge of an initiation process or understanding the history. In the early days, a witch’s initiation was a terrifying and intense experience, at least according to folklore. Tales of initiation may have been fabricated and told by families afraid of witches and not necessarily by witches themselves. The Toad Bone Rite: An Old School American Witchcraft Tradition One way to become a witch, according to Appalachian folklore, was to boil the meat off a cat or toad, then wear the bone as a charm. Of course there was more to the process – the hopeful witch had to know the right incantation too. From England comes a similar story. A hopeful witch was to find a large toad, pin it to an ant-hill. Then the ants stripped the toad of its meat and left its bones. Following, the initiate took the toad’s bone as a talisman. Then threw the rest into moving water while saying an incantation aloud for the Devil. Witch Initiation: Taught, Inherited, and Souls Sold Old mountain folk claimed to become a witch, the person should be taught by another witch of the opposite sex. Witches typically only passed down their knowledge and powers to another family member. It was natural for the seventh son of a seventh son to become a witch, as he is born with supernatural powers. Other witches would have to give their soul to the Devil, and allow another wicked soul to take presence in their body. Then they were given the witch’s powers. Swearing Allegiance Nearly every tale of a witch’s initiation in the U.S. stated witches had to renounce the Lord and swear allegiance to the Devil. He or she would put one hand on top of the head and the other hand on the bottom of the foot and say something like “I give all between my two hands to the Devil. I’ll do anything he asks of me.” Others claimed new witches had to say the Lord’s Prayer backwards while standing on a cliff for so many mornings (nine and thirteen seemed to be popular numbers for these initiation rituals). Then the Devil would appear and bite his or her shoulder. This was to draw blood to seal the contract. Silver Bullets and Tombstones In the Ozarks, some said you could fire a silver bullet at the moon whilst saying an obscene incantation to become a witch. Others say it has to be passed down in a family, or between two intimate partners. It can lie dormant in a family for centuries, but then when a family member speaks a certain charm it will reactivate. A witch is initiated by going to a cemetery at midnight, removing her clothing and hanging it on a criminal’s tombstone, announcing her withdrawal from the Church and then pledging herself fully to the work of the Devil. Appalachian and Ozark Curses Witches did the Devil’s bidding, in the eyes of the settlers, so they had to be prepared for whatever curse a witch threw at them. Knowledge was power, even then, so they would pass down stories of witch’s curses to their young. Here are some of their stories. Witch’s Curse: The Witch’s Ball or Bullet One witch’s curse was the witch ball. These were also called witches’ bullets, because they were thrown or shot at the victim. There were different ways to make a witch ball or bullet, involving herbs and grisly items like the fat of a baby or bat’s blood, and always included DNA of the victim. This could be the person’s hair, nail clippings, piece of clothing, urine, teeth, blood, etc. The witch ball was made in the presence of the Devil and with the Devil’s help, according to Appalachian folklore, and created on Friday the thirteenth. Once the witch ball hit the victim, the curse would begin to manifest. Typically this was thought to make the person ill or die. Cursed Cows Other curses known to the mountain folk included the bewitching of livestock and tools. Milking cows were valuable to early American settlers. Early Americans needed milking cows to produce milk and so they could make butter. The milk and butter was also used as a trading item in exchange for other goods. When a milking cow […]

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Mythical Spirit Guides: Mermaids, Fairies, Dragons and Unicorns

kitty fields — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 16:09:37 +0000

A spirit guide is a creature that comes to give you a message or lesson and may leave after. Sometimes a spirit guide from the pages of a book pops up: we call these mythical spirit guides. Some include: unicorns, fairies, mermaids, dragons, phoenixes, griffins, etc. Read on to learn more about these special guides and what they mean. Fairy Spirit Guide To have a fairy spirit guide sounds like a ridiculous idea. Our ancestors from Europe would disagree if we traveled back in time a few hundred years. Folks in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Germany, Scandinavia, and elsewhere believed in what we now call “fairies”. The fairy faith was one that spanned countries and centuries and was once no laughing matter. So yes, you can have a fairy spirit guide. Wise women and men from the past believed fairies helped with medicine and magic. Witches were accused of fraternizing with elves and fairies and some even confessed to having fairy familiars. The Nature of Fairy Spirit Guides If you have a fairy that has come into your life and wants to help you in some way, let it. Use your instincts. If you feel the fairy’s intentions are bad, you don’t have to work with it. If the fairy is your spirit guide, it will bring wisdom and healing. Maybe you’ve had a fascination with fairies for years. Maybe a fairy has come to you in your dream to tell you how to heal yourself, this is your fairy guide (some might call a fairy godmother). Fairy Guides teach lessons: caring for the earth, keeping the old ways alive, caring for animals, healing, reckless abandon, skill in music or art, protecting the sacred. You are someone who exudes magic on a daily basis, that is why this mythical spirit guide chose you. Unicorn Spirit Guide The unicorn has been in legends for thousands of years and is even mentioned in the Bible! When the pilgrims first sailed for the New World, they were terrified and thrilled by tales of great beasts – one of which was the unicorn. Unicorns are magical horses with one horn in the middle of their forehead. Can you have a unicorn spirit guide? The unicorn chooses its human allies carefully. It is a finicky, majestic creature with an affinity for magical people. The unicorn is a manifestation of pure light – rainbow and white light – from the Universe. It will help you realign with your spiritual, divine purpose and higher self. They remind us to remember how to play and be light-hearted. When you have a unicorn as your guide, your crown chakra is open and balanced. You are able to receive messages from the Universe easily. Mermaid Spirit Guide The mermaid is another mythical spirit guide as old as time that still fascinates us today. There are tales of mermaids being spotted by sailors all over the world. Some mermaids are dangerous and cause seastorms, resulting in ship wrecks. In the past, when men drowned the mermaids were blamed for their deaths. However, there are also benevolent mermaids who save sailors from drowning. There are various names for mermaids including: mermaids, merfolk, finfolk, undines, sirens, etc. Mermaid Symbolism & Spirit Guide The mermaid or merman spirit guide represent the bridge between humans and water. Some say mermaids are spiritual beings, similar to fairies, while others believe mermaids were once real, physical creatures. Either way, you probably won’t see a mermaid in real life, but they will come to you in dreams and visions. This mythical spirit guide is a guardian of the oceans, lakes, rivers, seas, ponds, streams, and comes to you with a message to embrace your emotional side. Merfolk also represent seduction, forbidden love, and transition. Mermaids were said in many tales to have the ability to shapeshift – to change forms from a fish-like being into a human, etc. Chosen by the Mermaids If the mermaid guide chose you, you feel connected to the water element. You may be an emotional person or may need to get in touch with your emotions. You may also be a dreamer, one who sees things in their dreams. Mermaid help you improve your intuition and “psychic” abilities, as well as teach you how to weather the storm of life and love. If mermaid is your totem, you may have once lived a life in Atlantis or Lemuria. You are blessed to have mermaid spirit guide in your life. Dragon Guardians and Allies The dragon has terrified and fascinated us since ancient times. Only the bravest warriors would go after a dragon. The people of Medieval Europe feared dragons, but the ancient Celts and the Chinese saw dragons as land and river guardians. There are tales of dragons living in mountains and guarding treasure. Dragons were once protectors of sacred sites and might have actually been the spirit of those places that took a fearsome form to scare off intruders. In China, the dragon is good fortune. The people believed the rivers were great dragons and even named them after dragons. The dragon is seen in Chinese festivals and celebrations as a sign of honor and good luck. Dragons = Transmutation If the dragon has come to you via dreams, visions, or synchronicity, get ready for a period of transmutation. The dragon takes air into its body and transmutes it into fire when exhaled, thus the dragon totem represents transmutation, alchemy, fire magic, and transformation. The dragon is associated with the element of fire, but since it can fly and also guards the earth is associated with earth and air. There are also water dragons. In conclusion, the dragon is a special spiritual being as it encompasses all four elements. Dragon Mythical Spirit Guide’s Message If the dragon spirit guide or totem has chosen you as its ally, you are blessed! Be prepared to learn how to take one thing and make it into something else…as in the ancient practice of alchemy. Moreover, […]

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American Folk Magic: 6 Types from New Orleans to the Ozarks

kitty fields — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:37:04 +0000

American folk magic comes in all shapes and sizes and is found in every region of the U.S. From the Ozark Mountains to the Appalachians, from New York to New Orleans, American Folk Magic is woven into our unique American culture. A melting pot of superstitions, energy, and spiritual will…as our ancestors moved to the United States, their various folk magic practices intertwined and sometimes mixed with the Native American peoples’ practices. Learn about the main types of American Folk Magic like Granny magic, hoodoo, Ozark magic, and pow-wow magic. Appalachian Granny Magic Until recent years, this form of American Folk Magic didn’t have a name…it just was. Today we call it Appalachian Granny Magic because: A. it came from the Appalachian Mountain Region and B. it was well known that old housewives (grannies) practiced these beliefs and traditions. Granny Magic is said to be a mixture of Irish, Scottish, and Native practices, but that would exclude the other cultures who have lived in the Appalachians for centuries. Like the rich traditions of the German and English immigrants, and let’s not forget that African Americans have also dwelt in the Appalachian region since the 18th century. Italian and Welsh immigrants were also flourished in the Appalachian region, prior to the Great Depression. To put it simply, Appalachian Granny Magic is a HUGE blend of superstitions and magical practices passed down for generations. Salt, Horseshoes, and Chores Appalachian granny magic involved everyday household items and chores. And were not elaborate rituals but practical routines. For example, a horseshoe was hung over the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. This practice most likely comes from the Irish immigrants, as they believed iron warded off witches and fairies. Another way to keep spirits at bay was to sprinkle salt over the hearth fire or wear a rabbit’s foot. To this day, some people still carry a rabbit’s foot on a keychain for good luck. Healing with Granny Magic Healing was a big practice in Appalachian Granny Magic. The Appalachian families were not rich folk, so licensed doctors were uncommon. The next best thing was to consult the local “granny” or midwife for a healing remedy. Herbs from the garden, alcohol, and other household items were used in granny magic, including: to cure a headache, place a bit of salt on your head to numb a baby’s mouth during teething rub the gumline with whiskey/rum sassafras root tea was brewed to cure scurvy (this is believed to have come from the Natives’ healing traditions) shrub yellowroot was an herb used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments put a knife under a pregnant woman’s bed to “cut the pain” of childbirth many “old wives tales” originate in Appalachian granny magic The Appalachian grannies and midwives were held in high regard by the local folks. These women (and sometimes men) didn’t just provide herbal remedies, they were called on to be guides to people in transitional times. They helped birth babies and comforted those who were at the end of life. Hoodoo: American Folk Magic in the Deep South The most well-known American folk magic originated with the African slaves and is called Hoodoo. There are other names for it such as root-work and conjure. Hoodoo is a magical practice that stemmed from a mixture of African and Native American traditions; however, it’s NOT the same thing as Voodoo. Voodoo is a religion, not a magical practice. The American folk magic practice of Hoodoo has its roots in the Deep South of the U.S. – from Louisiana to Alabama, from Mississippi to Georgia. Herbs, Roots & Powders Hoodoo magical items include: herbs, roots, stones, powders, coins, animal curios, and household items. The “mojo bag” is originally a hoodoo practice of adding contents to a bag for a purpose. Then the practitioner “feeds” the spirits in the bag with oils, liquor, herbs, etc. to increase the power of the spell. Hoodoo was used by African slaves and others in the Deep South for survival: to gain power over a bad situation. “Hot foot powder” was sprinkled in an enemy’s shoes to send them away for good. Dusting powdered-brick over thresholds protected the home from negative spirits/people. And sometimes “war water” was used to send an enemy away indefinitely. These powders and waters were made of a solvent and infused with roots, herbs, powders, etc. This practice has survived and is still used by people today, all over the world. Ozark Folk Magic One of the richest and most fascinating of the American Folk Magic traditions is Ozark Folk Magic. This is a tradition of folk magic from the Ozarks, which covers a large amount of land from Missouri to northern Arkansas. The Ozark people come from some of the same line of ancestors as the Appalachian people. They are of Scottish, Irish, Native American, and German descent. So we could assume that Ozark Folk Magic is very similar to Appalachian Granny Magic. We could assume…but we would only be partially correct. Luck, Eggs & Booger Dogs Most of Ozark Folk Magic would seem like silly superstition to outsiders, but if you were to be born and raised in the Ozarks you’d realize how deep these beliefs are rooted in the culture. Ozark Folk Magic shares similarities with Appalachian Granny Magic but they are by no means the same. Similarities include using everyday household items in magical practice, as well as similar superstitions. Some Bits of Ozark Folk Magic: If salt spills on the table, a quarrel among family members would happen before the day was through If you drop your comb, step on it as it could mean bad luck Don’t pick up a black button if you find it in your path, it means someone is trying to curse you Women in the Ozarks read lines and patterns in egg shells to tell the future Be careful going out at night you don’t run into a shapeshifter witch called the “booger dog” Draw […]

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Witches Familiars: What is a Familiar Spirit? From Past to Present

kitty fields — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:52:25 +0000

Have you heard the term witch’s familiar? Here we take a journey to the past to define the origins of the familiar spirit PLUS learn of the common ones like wolves, cats, and hares. You might find your definition is far from the original meaning. What is a Familiar Spirit? Modern witches refer to their household pets as their “familiars”, but the concept of a familiar originally meant something different. So, what is a familiar spirit if not a witch’s magical pet? A familiar spirit, according to historical Witch Trial documents, refers to a spirit that aided the witch in her magical workings. The documents say the devil gave familiars to witches. In exchange, the witch made a pact with the familiar. The pact would define what the witch would do for the familiar spirit in exchange for the familiar spirit’s help. These familiar spirits could take nearly any form they’d like including different animals and human likenesses. The Witch’s Hare Possibly one of the lesser known of the familiars is the hare. A hare is a large type of rabbit prominent in Europe and parts of North America. There are numerous stories that tell of women shapeshifting into hares to steal things from their neighbors. Or to escape from danger. A Pendle Witch’s familiar named Tibb frequently appeared in hare form. No doubt hares are linked to witchcraft because of their sanctity to ancient goddesses (Eostre, Artemis, Hecate, and Holda, to name a few). When the Church sought to convert pagans, they had to make the old beliefs look evil – hence turning sacred animals into “witches familiars” a.k.a. evil spirits. The Witch’s Black Cat The black cat is the most well-known of the witch’s familiars. Ancient people worshiped cats and modern people love them. The ancient Egyptians domesticated the cat, linked to the goddess Bast. And therefore held in high regard. Over the centuries, archaeologists have discovered thousands of mummified cats in Egypt. In old Norse culture, two large cats guarded the goddess Freya. In the confession of Elizabeth Demdike in the Pendle Witch Trials, she confessed her familiar’s name was Tibb. Tibb was a familiar spirit who took the form of many animals, and in one part of her confession, Tibb appeared to her as a black cat. Witches and Dogs In many old tales and myths, hounds guard the gates to the afterlife. Think hellhounds and Cerberus, the Greek Hound of Hades. In Ireland and England, ghostly black dogs roam ley lines and haunt cemeteries. Alizon Device of the Pendle Witch Trials confessed to having a familiar who took the form of a black hound who lamed a man after she requested it of him. In 1645, Helen Clark claimed to have met the devil who had taken the form of a black dog. Hounds of the Gods Hounds protect multiple deities, including Hecate the goddess of witches. Some gods appear as dogs—the egyptian gods Anubis and Wepwawet, for example, and Xolotl the Aztec god of death. The legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, suckled at a she-wolf’s breasts as babies. Two large hounds flank the Celtic Germanic goddess Nehalennia at the altar. Dogs have long been tied to the crossroads between life and death, as are witches. Listen to our podcast on Familiar Spirits here: The Wolf In addition to the likely suspects, there were other animals that were witches familiars during the Dark Ages. Wolves and witches appear in European tales and Witch Trials together. In Switzerland and Estonia, witches were accused of shapeshifting into wolves. A man named Hans stood trial in Livonia, after being accused of black magic and lycanthropy. He confessed that a “man in black” had given him a wolf hide and the ability to shapeshift. The Gods and Guardians In addition to lycanthropy, witches rode giant wolves in Swiss Witch Trials. And/or were guarded by these great beasts. Wolves are sacred to the gods Odin, Apollo, Artemis, Leto, Mars, The Morrigan, Skadi and Lycaon. The Witch’s Butterfly It’s no wonder witches love butterflies so much! We have a long history with these beautiful, winged creatures. In the Middle Ages, people believed butterflies stole milk and butter. That’s how they got their name. Witches also stole milk and butter. So the butterfly became a familiar. Following this belief, it was also thought witches’ souls took flight in the form of a butterfly. Learn more about butterflies and witches here. Other Familiars Any type of weird or unlikely creature was accused of being a familiar. Some of the lesser known include frogs, foxes, goats, toads, lizards, blackbirds, weasels, snakes, and flies. A witch’s familiar was not always in the form of an animal…the familiar spirit also frequently took the form of a human being. Witches’ Familiars OR Magical Pets? There are modern pagans who believe in animal spirits as guides and guardians. There are those who call themselves modern witches who have “familiars”, but these aren’t spirits as they were in the past. They’re cute, fluffy household pets: cats, dogs, birds, etc. Modern witches call these household pets their familiars, but they might be better suited to be called magical pets. For a modern witch to lay claim to a familiar spirit, the animal must have made a pact with the witch. The animal familiar is actually not an animal, per se, but a spirit who takes the form of an animal. Are Spirit Guides the Same Thing? Familiars are different from animal spirit guides, though they are all thrown into the same proverbial pot. Totem animals are an animal that guards a specific tribe, family, or lineage and are used as a symbol to the family or tribe. Often the word “totem” is a closed-tradition term and should be used by those who are of indigenous descent. An animal spirit guide may come to you in a dream or in real life to teach you a valuable lesson. The familiar will stay with the witch for a certain time […]

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Are You Born a Witch Or Do You Become a Witch?

kitty fields — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:17:53 +0000

A controversial subject among modern witches is whether witches are born or made. Are we born with natural magical abilities? Does it run in our blood? Were we witches in past lives? Or is being a witch something we learn and practice and eventually become? OR is it all of these? Are We Born Witches? There are two sides to the argument of whether one is born or made a witch. The first argument is witches are born witches. It is a part of one’s very being – physically, mentally, and spiritually. If asked when one “became” a witch, many modern day witches will respond with “sometime as a child or as a teen, I can’t quite remember”. This is because they’ve always been a witch. Even as children, these modern witches say they felt “magical” and “witchy” without having a label for it. Signs of Born Witches For instance, as children, witches have a strong connection with nature: they climb trees, build forts, play in creeks and hide in the woods. Witch children help their grandmothers in the garden. They grow their own plants and have an affinity for animals. They’re drawn to life in many forms and act differently than the other children. As children, witches have intense spiritual experiences and dreams. Their dreams often include flying or leaving their bodies. They’re visited by ghosts, fairies, and other spirits. They may see and hear things others don’t. They may also have memories of past lives. Why Witches Are Born and Not Made Witches have lived past lives as witches and the memory of such is carried with their souls through each incarnation. Witches also carry the DNA memory of other witches in their ancestry and therefore, again, are born into their “knowing”. If witches are born and not made, this means not everyone can truly be a witch. This statement angers many and they will argue that anyone can be a witch. In my opinion, if everyone was a witch…it wouldn’t make witchcraft as special. But many believe that it is a learned craft, which leads us to our next section… Or Do We Become Witches? The other argument is that witches are made. They become witches at some point in their lives. Some say they are “called” to the craft. They may stumble upon it accidentally or someone may introduce witchcraft to them. Maybe they find a book in a thrift store or see something online about crystals or herb magick. Witches are made by first being called to the path of a witch then learning how to be a witch. Some say this is the way of it. Which means that anyone and everyone can become a witch. How Witches Become Witches Whether the person learns through a mentor or through books, witches are made. The label “witch” is earned. Witches seek wisdom of the earth, the elements, the otherworldly, the ancestors and more. Some say in order to be a witch, the person has to dedicate a year and a day to the study of the basics and then be officially initiated into the craft by someone else who is a high priest/priestess of a coven. Others disagree with this and say that this is a religious rite only adherent to Wicca (a form of religious witchcraft developed by a man named Gerald Gardner in the 1940s). Still others agree becoming a witch is a process undertaken by the individual via personal experiences. An Earned Title One can’t simply call themselves a “witch” just because they feel like it. It is not a label one can just claim without proving they deserve the label. It’s like calling oneself a carpenter but not knowing how to build a house. It’s a skill practiced on a daily basis and must be learned first. There are those who call themselves witches for a month or two then quickly back out of it. Witches are made by their own individual drive and dedication to the craft, not by simply labeling themselves witches. True witches seek wisdom and are always learning. It is not just a practice or a religion. As my friend Fox says, witchcraft is a discipline and a way of life. Or Are Witches Born AND Made? Maybe like me, you can’t make up your mind whether witches are born or made. Maybe you believe it’s a combination. All people are born with intuition. We are born with the ability to see magic in nature. Unfortunately, we lose this over time. Society teaches us “psychics” are crazy or liars, and that using our imaginations is for children. They say what we can see is what’s really there…nothing else. Religion taught us these things are “evil”. Witches are those who remember and harness those abilities they had as children. When we are “called” to the craft, we realize deep inside we were always witches. But now is the time to take up the path, to study, and retain the ancient wisdom. A witch never stops learning and never stops practicing. A witch may be born but is also made. More Magical Info for Beginners: First Steps to Becoming a Witch: Advice for Beginners A Day in the Life of a Witch 13 BEST Hobbies for Witches 10 Magick Tools and Supplies You Can Make Instead of Buy

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Soul Mate Dreams: Can You Dream of Someone You Never Met?

kitty fields — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 11:14:07 +0000

We wonder if there’s that perfect someone out there for us. Is there such thing as a soul mate? When our souls were created they were created in pairs and groups. One of the other souls in your soul group could be your soul mate. Between lives, we often choose to reincarnate with the same souls each lifetime, so meeting your soul mate in this life would be highly likely in that case, wouldn’t it? In this article we’ll explore the possibility of soul mate dreams and answer the question “can you dream of someone you never met”? Are Soul Mate Dreams Real? Dreams can take us to far-off places. Surreal places where reality is blurred and things aren’t what they seem. We are taken to places we’ve been before. Sometimes our dreams seem like future memories – experiences in our dreams sometimes become reality. Are dreams just psychological pictures brushed off as “all in a person’s head”? Or are they something more? It’s Up To You to Decide To answer whether soul mate dreams are real or not, the individual must evaluate his or her beliefs and experiences. For me, I’ve had dreams that have come true on one level or another, so I know that my dreams are real to some degree. I also believe that our dreams can be distant past-life memories and even memories from other realms of existence. And if you pay attention to your dreams, you’ll realize how your dreams reflect the events in your life past, present, and future. Sometimes dreams are prophetic in which you may meet someone on the dream plane that you’ll eventually meet in real life. Record Your Dreams A tip on how to use your dreams to read the future is to start recording your dreams every morning. At first you might not remember your dreams, but as soon as you wake up write down any thoughts or feelings you had that night. You’ll begin to see patterns in your dreams and waking life. Pay particular attention to the people in your dreams: did you dream of someone you never met before meeting them? When we dream of people we’ve never met and there’s a STRONG feeling of love, are we having soul mate dreams before meeting our soul mates? Deja Vu: Can You Dream of Someone You Never Met? When we dream we always have other people there with us. Sometimes their faces are blurred or they seem familiar but we can’t place them. Sometimes they’re obviously people we know in real life – a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, etc. Often it’s just a familiar presence, without a face or body. So how do we know these vague dream-people are people we’ve yet to meet and not just a figment of our imaginations? How to Tell You’re Having Soul Mate Dreams Write down any conversations with this dream-person, how they make you feel. It’s possible this vague person in your dream is one of your soul mates’ astral doubles (dream-selves) searching for you. Our astral doubles go ahead of us to meet people and prepare a way for the future. Next, take note of how frequently this person shows up in your dreams. These soul mate dreams may be premonitions of meeting your soul mate. OR your soul mate is literally walking into your dreams or you into theirs. When you meet your soul mate in waking life, you’ll know him/her immediately. There will be a strong feeling of deja vu. That urge inside is your soul confirming what it already knows. It’s likely one of you will even say, “I feel like we’ve met before”. Or “I feel like I know you from somewhere”. Soul Mate Dreams After Loss Maybe you lost one of your soul mates. Maybe the two of you couldn’t remedy your differences and your romantic relationship had to end. Or perhaps, sadly, your soul mate passed away and is now in the spirit realm. I believe wholeheartedly that you can still dream of your soul mate after they are no longer physically present, whether by distance or dimension. If you’ve gone through a breakup, and you’re still seeing your soul mate in your dreams, it might be he or she is dream walking into yours. You might still have an energetic cord connecting the two of you. And, truthfully, if you belong to the same soul group, you’ll end up seeing each other again in another life or in the afterlife. If you’re dreaming of a soul mate who has died, they are on the other side telling you they are okay. Or perhaps they’re even comforting and protecting you. If this is the case, there will be other signs. Here’s a list of signs your deceased loved one is trying to contact you from the other side. Is It Your Soul Mate or Spirit Guide? Everyone has a spirit guide that helps them through life. They show up in your dreams to give you messages of encouragement or to teach lessons. Or to comfort us. The spirit guide you had as a child will be the one you have the rest of your life. If the same person is always in your dreams, but you can’t place them, it’s also possible it’s your spirit guide and not your soul mate. Then how do you know when you’re having soul mate dreams versus spirit guide dreams? Ask your spirit guide to reveal him/herself in your dreams. Ask him/her if they are your soul mate, too, or just your spirit guide. They will confirm through dreams or by sending signs in waking life (through nature signs, random conversations, TV Shows, songs, etc.) Don’t worry. Your soul mate (probably multiple soul mates) will come. More on Soul Mates: Twin Flames Vs. Soul Mates 444 Angel Number Meaning in Love and Twin Flames The Truth About Soul Groups, Soul Mates and Twin Flames

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Moth Symbolism, Folklore & The Moth Spirit Guide

kitty fields — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 12:47:51 +0000

Maybe you’ve seen moths around a lot lately and you’re wondering what the meaning is. In this article, we’ll cover black moth symbolism, the white moth meaning, brown moth in the house, and general moth folklore. We’ll also go into detail about having a moth spirit guide. Moths: Feared and Beautiful The moth is both admired and feared. The moth is viewed as the uglier, hairier cousin of the butterfly, but the moth bears unique qualities the butterfly doesn’t. The most majestic moths are hummingbird moths. These moths are large and flap their wings so fast, they are confused with hummingbirds! They have long tongues that suck nectar out of flowers and they hover just like hummingbirds. One of the hummingbird moths is called the Sphinx moth and is found in the United States, but originally comes from Africa. Although I’ve found no African mythology concerning the sphinx moth, I wonder of its ties to Egypt. Native American Moth Lore & Death Symbolism To certain Native American tribes, moths were sacred and powerful creatures and there is even talk of moth cocoons being used as rattles in tribes in California. Others view the moth as a symbol of death or a messenger from the dead. We see this in the symbolism of the deaths-head hawk moth (which is also another type of hummingbird moth). This skull-bearing moth was featured in the horror movie Silence of the Lambs. White Moth Meaning The white moth meaning isn’t as some might expect. In old Appalachian folklore, the appearance of white moths meant the ancestors were present – bringing protection and love. Similar to finding a white feather. This white moth meaning is in direct opposition to the old moth superstition that they cause death and destruction. Perhaps the color of the moth holds significant meaning depending on the person and culture. Which leads us to black moth symbolism. Black Moth Symbolism Black moth symbolism is vast and complicated, depending on the region and culture. In Mexico, the black moth known as the “Black Witch” is a harbinger of death and strikes fear in those who see it. But does all black moth symbolism mean death is imminent? The color black is regarded as “evil” to some, yet to others black is a magical color, one that is all the colors combined. So the black moth symbolism might represent death to some people, yet might mean mystery and spirituality to others. If you have a black moth spirit guide, be prepared for initiation into the magical arts. Brown Moth in the House Meaning The brown moth in the house meaning is something people often search for. Why is this? Logically, it’s because there are SO many kinds of brown moths that like to get into the house. But spiritually? The brown moth in the house meaning is much deeper. Brown moths, depending on the kind, will invade your pantry or closet – symbolically this means to CLEAN out your closet (i.e. let negative relationships go, cleanse yourself of bad habits, etc.) The brown moth in the house meaning also tells us to watch who we’re letting in – be more cautious of the people you trust. If you find brown moths in your home, it’s time to declutter, clean and cleanse (and potentially look for a food source they might be feeding on and breeding in). More Moth Color Symbolic Meanings: Green moth meaning: if you see a green moth, these are usually the large luna moths as pictured below. Green luna moths connect us to moon deities and the fay (fairies). If it’s not a luna moth, it’s a sphinx moth which connects us to guides and past lives in ancient Egypt Pink and yellow moth meaning: a pink and yellow moth is a rosy maple moth and its symbolism includes joy and self love even in the darkest moments of life Red moths meaning: the color red itself symbolizes anger, passion, intensity, lust, motivation, and protection. If you’ve seen a red moth, it may be a warning of something to come Orange moth symbolism: orange moths bring a time of creativity and inspiration, as well as energy. The Moth Spirit Guide The moth has appeared to you and has a message for you. It may even have a lesson to teach you. But with the moth’s muddled mythology, how do we decipher what the moth spirit guide wants to teach us? Moths represent three main concepts: mystery, darkness/light, and transformation. It is possible the moth spirit guide is trying to teach you the mysteries of the occult – the sacred mysteries of your ancestors. If one particular moth is coming to you recurrently, research what kind of moth it is and its folklore. You’ll find an answer in your research. If not, acknowledge the moth spirit guide’s presence and focus on it until the message is loud and clear. Moth Symbolism: Light/Dark and Transformation Are you hiding something from someone? Are you hiding in the dark? The moth spirit guide is here to bring it into the light. The moth will draw it into the light, just as they’re drawn to the light. Some of the mysteries in your life are about to be revealed. Let the moth be your guide out of the darkness and into the light. Moth Metamorphosis Just as butterflies go through intense metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult, so too do moths. The moth spirit guide is here to help guide you through times of transformation from a young person (in either spirit or mind) into a full-grown adult, able to spread your wings and take to the sky. Maybe you’re embarking on a new career path or a new family path. Maybe it’s time to outgrow your old self to make way for the new. Let the moth spirit guide wrap you in its loving cocoon and show you the way to rebirth. Whatever the moth spirit guide teaches, it’s always a valuable lesson. The moth spirit […]

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