Tools 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 cover photo here 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 […]

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Witches Bells: Their History, Lore and How to Use Them

kitty fields — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:35:00 +0000

Want more cowbell? Not me. I want more witches bells! These pretty little decorations are much more than simple décor for a witch’s home. They are powerful protective wards. In this article, we define witches bells, discover their centuries-old origins, PLUS learn how to use them in your home to ward off negative energy and spirits. What Are Witches Bells? Put simply, witches bells are a handheld-size set of magical bells hung from a doorknob or a nail in their home. Witches mostly use these bells to ward off negativity in a home, but they are also pretty to look at and listen to! This magical ringing device has ages-old origins, and I can’t help but notice the correlation to the modern doorbell and musical instruments. Where did these jingly little charms come from? And why do witches use them today? Witches Bells Origins: Church Bells, Cow bells, and More Bells have been used for centuries for spiritual and mundane reasons. First, let’s look at the physical aspects of the bell and its uses through time. Bells are typically made of metal and consist of a hollowed out vessel with a dangling piece inside called a clapper or uvula. The clapper hits the walls inside and produces a ringing sound upon movement. The word bell literally translates to mean “to roar” or “to make a loud noise” (think bellow). The first bell was invented in the 3rd millennium BC in Neolithic China, as archaeological evidence suggests (Wikipedia). By Medieval Times, bells were a prominent tool used by churches, farms, and business owners. According to Judika Iles in the Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, “bells derive from ancient sacred images of human genitalia. The bell’s body represents the vulva, while the clapper represents the penis. Sometimes the bell’s body represents the womb while the clapper represents a child within.” Bell Uses Over the Centuries So why did our ancestors use bells? Bells were a means of sounding an alarm, so to speak, to gain attention to a situation. For example, soldiers at city gates might ring a large bell to let everyone know there were invaders on the horizon. Farmers hung bells from the necks of their cattle and dogs to alert them to their animals’ whereabouts. Attaching a bell to the door of a business allows its owner to know someone has entered the shop. And what about churches? Churches have used large bells for centuries to announce the commencement of service OR in celebration of special holy-days like Christmas, Easter, etc. They have also been used as musical instruments over the centuries. Iron and Loud Sounds After 1000 AD, people made bells from iron. And, according to European lore, iron scares off or, at the very least, agitates faeries. So much so that folks kept iron horseshoes above the doorway to ward off the fae and evil spirits and employed iron bells as protection in various ways. In addition, church bells scared off trickster spirits. And traditionally loud sounds, like those from bells or chimes, scare off ghosts and demonic entities. Is it the iron the bells are traditionally made of that has a cleansing, protective effect OR is it the purifying sound waves sent through the air that wards off the evil? Truly, I believe it is both of these things. How to Make Witch’s Bells (Or Where to Purchase Them) Truly you can make your own witch’s bells using any items you’d like. But here’s a few necessary items you’ll need: A metal ring, cord, string, rope (something to be the base or hold the bells together) Bells (small to medium sized bells are best. Find these at your craft store or in the craft section of department stores) Charms (other items you’d like to add to your witch bells to make them more powerful. Including beads, feathers, pendants, crystals, runes, etc.) How to put your bells together and add MAGICK: Gather your supplies. Set the mood to make magick. I like to turn on music, light a few candles and incense, etc. Cleanse your supplies by whatever method you prefer. Begin stringing and tying your bells on your ring or rope. As you go along, charge your bells with energy by chanting, singing, praying, dancing, etc. Use your favorite way to raise energy during this step. I prefer praying over my bells and invoking my gods and ancestors’ energy. Add your charms and other items to your witch bells. Thank the present energies (your ancestors/gods spirits, the energy in your supplies, etc.) Hang the finished enchanted product on your front door or other door. OR you can hang your bells anywhere you feel drawn to. Listen, we can’t all be artistic and crafty. So if you don’t want to make your own set of witches bells, you can always have Melissa with Stamp It Out Loud make them for you. And I couldn’t be happier! I use them as a magical “lock” or warding device on my witchy cabinet. The mirrors act as portals and so I needed some kind of ward to keep spirits at bay. Mel’s bells have been powerful and protective for this need. And I couldn’t have added the special touch that she did. How to Use Witches Bells (Many Different Ways) Bells in general have magical properties of protection, purification, joy, alarm and celebration. Use your set of bells in whatever way resonates with you; however, there are a few ways I recommend trying. Keep in mind, you can use your set of witch’s bells for any ritual that requires a bell in general. Ring your witch’s bells to announce the start of a ritual or spell working; bells are also used to invoke CERTAIN deities (do your research beforehand) Hang them from your front door to announce visitors AND to ward off negative energy Hang them from your witch’s cabinet or altar to ward off low level spirits that may try to feed on the energy there AND to warn you if […]

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How to Activate Moldavite PLUS 7 Uses for Healing and Magick

kitty fields — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:14:10 +0000

For awhile there, everyone was all about that moldavite life. And, being that I’m not a big crystal pusher, I was sort of remiss to buy this popular stone. But I kept hearing the word over and over and, eventually, I caved and bought a piece of it. Raw authentic moldavite. I’ve been working with its energies for a few months now. And so I figured I’d share how to use moldavite and also how to activate moldavite. What is Moldavite? Put simply, moldavite is a crystal believed to have healing and magickal properties. What makes this stone so special? Moldavite comes from a place in the earth that was touched by a fallen meteor millions of years ago. So, the belief is that these stones absorbed the energy from an ancient piece of outer space. This mysterious stone is forest green to nearly black in color. And it is part of the tektite family of rock. It’s high-vibrational and emits intense energy frequencies. When I unwrapped my piece of moldavite from its package, I immediately felt a strong, pulsating vibration radiating from it and into the palm of my hand. Honestly, I’ve never felt such a strong energy from any stone (and I’ve owned quite a few in my lifetime). I wasn’t expecting that! How to Find Authentic Moldavite With the current new age trend, spiritual folks have flocked to the world of healing crystals. And moldavite is no exception. In fact, moldavite has seen a huge boom in sales in the past few years. Unfortunately, with any material item in demand, you’ll have people trying to falsify the product to make a few extra bucks. So, yes, it is possible to buy fake moldavite on the market. Here’s a few ways to tell if it’s authentic moldavite: Authentic moldavite is typically sold from the Czech Republic It has bubbles and inclusions in it (it won’t be perfectly smooth in shape and texture) The fake moldavite will look wet or shiny (authentic pieces have variations in texture and color) Moldavite isn’t cheap. If you spend your money on a piece of this amazing stone, do your research first. Choose a trusted seller with good reviews. When I purchased mine, I found a seller on Etsy who had lots of positive reviews. In addition, I made sure it was coming from the Czech Republic and that the photos showed pieces that looked real, according to the specs above. When I received it in the mail, I opened it and knew immediately that it was real. I could feel the stone pulsating and tingling! This is a powerful stone, my friends. How to Activate Moldavite When you hear “how to activate moldavite”, it almost sounds like we’re working on a top secret space mission, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it kind of is! But instead of thinking too scientifically, let’s think spiritually. What does it mean to “activate” a crystal or any spiritual tool, for that matter? It means to charge it with spiritual energy or awaken it’s own energy. There are different ways to activate moldavite, and depending on your preferences, you may like one way over another. I recommend experimenting with different charging rituals and see what works best for you. Ways to Activate Your Moldavite First, cleanse your piece of moldavite using smoke or by burying it in earth. If you don’t know how to cleanse, click here to learn more. Cleansing is important because crystals have a tendency to absorb energies from their environment. Both bad and good. Next, choose a charging ritual to imbue your moldavite with positive energy and awaken it’s own powerful vibrations: How to activate moldavite by moonlight: set your moldavite outside or in a windowsill where the moonlight will touch it. This is most effective on a full moon. Leave the moldavite out over night, then remove in the morning. How to activate moldavite with your own energy: hold your moldavite between your hands and close your eyes. Feel it’s vibrations. Feel it radiating universal divine energy, flowing into one palm. Then climbing your arm, traveling through your heart and down your opposite arm. Then flowing back into itself. You can also use earth energy to charge your moldavite by burying it in soil for 3 days. Charging your moldavite with water is also a possibility. This stone isn’t water soluble Meditating with your moldavite held to your heart chakra is another way to activate its divine energy How to Use Moldavite: 7 Ways for Healing and Magick Despite moldavite’s mixed reviews, my feeling is – if you like it, you can use it in your magick. Experiment with different ways to use moldavite. Here are 7 ways you can use moldavite for healing and magick: 1. Starseed Origins and Awakenings There was a rumour going around that in order to feel moldavite’s energy or activate its energy, you must be of starseed origin. Honestly, I know I’ve had starseed incarnations but I don’t consider myself a full-fledged starseed. And as soon as I opened my moldavite, it was like lightning in my hand. Energizing and exciting me! Here’s my thoughts on it – you don’t have to be a starseed to connect with moldavite. You DO have to be receptive to working with its unique vibrations. HOWEVER, if you feel you have starseed origins, moldavite may help you awaken to those dimensions. 2. Moldavite Helps You Connect to the Universe Because moldavite was “touched” by a meteor millions of years ago, it’s likely it carries the energy of outer space. Which means that moldavite will help foster a connection to the universe. Use it in meditation and Reiki sessions to call on your spirit guides, particularly if you have otherworldly star beings, ascended masters or angels as guides. I don’t recommend sleeping with it, though others have tried it and connected to their guides in dream time. 3. Warding negative energy After you’ve activated your moldavite, it has SO many uses. […]

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Graveyard Dirt, Crossroads & Church Dirt (Or How to Use Soil In Spells)

kitty fields — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:59:51 +0000

Everything in nature has magickal properties. And when I say everything, I’m even talking about dirt. Dirt and soil have been used across cultures in folk magick for centuries including Hoodoo, Norse, Celtic, and in Indigenous nations around the globe. So, what’s so special about dirt? And why all the buzz over graveyard dirt and the like? Magical History and Basic Properties of Dirt For one thing, dirt is part of the Earth element. It can and has been used in spells and rituals to physically represent Earth, fertility and prosperity. Secondly, if you’ve ever made a mud pie, dirt mixed with water can make a clay-like substance in many instances. Peoples used this knowledge to create body adornment paint in various shades from brown to white to red ochre. In fact, red ochre is the oldest form of face and body paint known to exist. Now that we have a little background on the use of dirt among varying cultures, let’s dive into sympathetic magickal use. Any time you use an ingredient that symbolizes your intention and is used to represent that intention, it’s known as sympathetic magick. So, how do we use dirt to represent our intentions in our spellwork? It’s actually a really easy answer: you collect dirt from a symbolic location that aligns with your intentions and the type of working you are trying to manifest. Here are some examples of different types of dirt, where they can be found, and uses. Remember, this is just a starting point. If you think of symbolism not listed here and would like to use it in that way, by all means GO FOR IT! Graveyard Dirt Graveyard dirt can be used to hex or curse, speak with the dead, or aid in a variety of spells. The reason for this is because, traditionally, you would seek out the grave of a person who could help you manifest. Confused? Ok, it goes like this. Let’s say you are doing a prosperity spell. Who do you think is a person that could help with that intention? I say try the grave of a banker or a wealthy aristocrat. Be careful about your selection and always do your research. If it’s a benefic spell, avoid the graves of people who suffered extreme trauma or those who may be unwell. And you can search unwell spirits here on Otherworldly Oracle if you’re not sure how to discern them. By the same token, if you want to work malefic magick, the grave of a person who suffered the same fate you’re wanting to induce is recommended. Due to modern laws regarding cemeteries and graveyards, you must have a purpose for digging dirt on someone’s grave. The most common-sense approach is to take flowers with you to offer to the deceased. You need to leave an offering anyway. And this gives you a perfectly normal reason to be digging on a grave. Your Front and Back Yard Dirt from your own front yard is an excellent addition to any spells that involve the protection, peace, and/or safe return of the family and/or property. Adding dirt from your property is an excellent addition to herbal warding mixes as well sprinkling it in the shoes of family and friends to ensure they return safely. Collecting and using dirt from the four corners of your property is extra powerful. Church Dirt Church dirt can be used for cleansing, purification, healing, protection, mending relationships and even in matters of justice. Enemy’s House Dirt Dirt collected from an enemy’s house is potent in hex and curse work. The reason to collect the dirt would be to have a physical item from your enemy in order to target the spell at them. However, because it’s the dirt of the property, it will target all who live in the dwelling unless you specify otherwise. Use with caution! Courthouse Dirt Courthouse dirt is great for legal, justice, and truth matters. Police Station Dirt Police station dirt is great for protection, law keep away, and justice spells. Jail Dirt Jail dirt is great for law keep away and protection spells. One common use is to sprinkle it along the baseboards of the home to invoke energetic bars of steel to protect the home’s occupants. Hospital Dirt This dirt can be gathered from the hospital or any other healing facility. As you probably have guessed, hospital dirt is excellent to use in healing works. CAUTION: If you are using it to physically heal someone, be sure they are also seeking professional medical help. Healing is a sticky business because if someone is severely ill, the best way to heal them may be in death. This dirt is similar to graveyard dirt in ways as it can also be used for malefic reasons. Bank Dirt This dirt can be used for prosperity, abundance, money, and employment spells. Since banks are where the majority of the world keeps their money, its dirt can symbolize the obtaining and collection of money and wealth. Crossroads Dirt Crossroads’ dirt is a great addition to road opening spells. It is also especially useful in underworld journey work as it connects you to the gate keeper at the crossroads which you must pass through to descend into the underworld. Your Place of Employment Tired of getting passed over for that promotion? Need a raise? Dirt from your place of employment can massively add to workings of this nature. It’s also useful to hex that co-worker or boss who just won’t give you a break. Railroad Dirt Trains have been used for centuries to bring cargo in and take cargo away. Adding railroad dirt to your spell can aid in drawing it to you or pushing it from you. This isn’t a complete list of dirt that can be used in spell by any means. That’s because if you can think of a place that has dirt, it likely has […]

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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 […]

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Kitchen Witch Tools: 15 Essentials for the Pro Kitchen Magician

kitty fields — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 16:31:40 +0000

What would life be like without the scent of homemade bread floating out of the kitchen? Without that familiar clink and clank of pots and pans as mom prepares Sunday dinner? The legit kitchen witch needs the right tools, ingredients, AND magick. Here’s my 15 essential kitchen witch tools for modern times AND ways to use them magically. First, Must Every Kitchen Witch Have These Exact Tools? When I first started cooking, I had a limited supply of tools and ingredients. But I didn’t let that stop me. So don’t let it stop you! If you don’t have the money to afford all of the kitchen witch tools listed here, don’t fret. One day you will, so in the meantime, choose more affordable substitions for your tools and ingredients. And the most important thing? Put YOUR energy and intention into each meal, herbal tea, and brew you make. Then it will all turn out fabulous. Our 15 Favorite Kitchen Witch Tools and How to Use Them Keep in mind, it’s taken me fifteen years of cooking and kitchen witchery to acquire all of the tools below. Each year, ask your significant other or family member to purchase one of these for you as a gift. Find some of these items at second hand shops or on sale online. Take your time. The right kitchen witch tools will come to you. 1. Dutch Oven: An ESSENTIAL Kitchen Witch Tool My absolute favorite kitchen witch tool is my dutch oven. In fact, I have two but shhh don’t tell anyone. The one I use in my kitchen the most is a Le Creuset and is fire engine red. Every time I use it, it just feels like a witchy experience. I have another dutch oven (cast iron from Target – thirty bucks!), I call it my cauldron, and I use it outside over an open fire. What can you do with a dutch oven as a kitchen witch? SOOOO much! My kitchen dutch oven is used to make magical stews, soups, roasts, homemade bread, mulled wine and ciders. My outside dutch oven (cauldron) I use to bubble unguents and herbal concoctions over an open fire. I also use it to burn loose incense on charcoals and to burn petition papers. 2. Instant Pot For the kitchen witch on the go, the Instant Pot is a modern dream. Yes, it’s similar to your classic dutch oven or cauldron, but it’s kicked up a few notches! The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, similar to what the pros use, that cooks your food at lightning speeds. It cooks rice in five minutes. Whole pot roasts that would usually take 8 hours in a slow cooker take 1-2 hours in my instant pot! I’ve also made baked potatoes, tamales, soups, stews, macaroni and more. If you love to make magick in the kitchen but don’t have a ton of time, the instant pot is your best friend. 3. Tea Kettle Whether it’s electric or on the stove, a tea kettle is a necessary tool for the kitchen witch. One of my favorite forms of magick is crafting, brewing and drinking tea. The tea kettle is very old and most assuredly has been used by kitchen witches for ages. I prefer a kettle on the stove and one that whistles is even better! Draw a symbol in the air over your kettle to quicken the boiling process. Buy one on Amazon, at a second hand shop, or wherever is affordable. 4. Tea Infuser Continuing with our tea talk, if you make your own herbal tea blends, you’ll need a good tea infuser. There are tea balls (cheap) as well as cup infusers that act as a way to infuse your hot water with the herbs of your choice. This prevents the tea leaves from being in your cup. However, if you like having the leaves in your cup to “read” when you’re done drinking, more power to you! You can purchase these online almost anywhere. And don’t forget: you can drink tea for magical intentions PLUS craft teas as offerings to your ancestors or gods. In addition, using tea as an herbal mist is effective as a cleansing method for one’s space. 5. Spoons and Spatulas Everyone needs an assortment of utensils including large spoons, spatulas, tongs, ladles, etc. The kitchen witch doesn’t need a wand, he or she uses their magically charged spoons! Purchase special kitchen witch spoons here at spiritnest.com. I like the spoons with witchy symbols and moons. It adds an extra magical touch to every meal you make! But if all you have is a plain wooden spoon, a hand-me-down spatula, and utensils, this is ALL you need! 6. Chef’s Knife Yes, a block of knives is a boon in any kitchen witch’s space. HOWEVER, throw out that block because you only truly need one knife in your life. The chef’s knife. My husband gave it to me as a gift last Yule and let me tell you. I haven’t had to use another knife since. Slice through potatoes, meat, and all manner of herbs like butter. While I use my chef’s knife, I imagine it’s an alchemical tool that aids in turning ingredients into magical meals with just my intention. I don’t recommend using a chef’s knife for things outside of cooking, though. It’s too sharp and they’re typically too expensive to use for anything except food. Use your old (dull) kitchen knives for carving candles, cutting twine, etc. 7. Cookbooks and Herbal Guides Where would I be without my favorite cookbooks and herbal guides? In cold depths of Niflheim, I tell you. I have an entire shelf with cookbooks of all kinds: antique cookbooks gifted to me by ancestors and modern cookbooks for easy meals and multi-cultural dishes. My favorite cookbooks include: The Art of French Cooking by Julie Child, Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat, Celtic Folklore Cooking by Joanne Asala, The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook (don’t laugh, […]

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Cascarilla Powder: Magick of Sacred White Earth, Cascarilla Uses & DIY

kitty fields — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 22:21:16 +0000

Many of us in the witchy community have heard of cascarilla powder. But do we really know what cascarilla is? It’s sacred ancient history and lore? Here we go deep into the magick of sacred white earth, plus provide cascarilla’s uses and two recipes for cascarilla eggshell powder and chalk. The History of Cascarilla Before we get into the nitty gritty of Cascarilla in magickal practice, let’s talk a little bit about the history of this wonderful cleansing, protective ingredient. What is Cascarilla? Cascarilla (Croton Eleuteria), pronounced kas ka ree ya or chash ca reela, is a shrub native to the West Indies which is a bitter and an aromatic. The name itself means ‘husk.’ The West Indies is a sub-region that includes Central America, parts of South America, the Archipelago islands, and the Caribbean islands. The bark of the plant was ground and used medicinally by the native people for fevers, diarrhea/dysentery. As an expectorant, and as a pain reliever for the debilitated or convalescing (as there is a high probability it contains narcotic properties). Cascarilla & Efun: Sacred White Earth Santeria practitioners, whose faith derives from West African traditions, began using Cascarilla bark powder to represent efun (a West African concept). Santeríans believed efun, or sacred white earth, provided protection from evil. And it was no coincidence when the bark was ground up it produced an almost-white powder. The concept of efun exists in all West African diasporic practices including Hoodoo, Vodun/Voodoo, Santeria, Candomblé, Umbanda, Palo, and others. Interestingly, efun is a Yoruba word that, when translated to English, literally means ‘chalk.’ In the tradition of Candomblé, efun is also a ritual where an initiate’s head and body are shaved and then decorated with tribal circles or dots using white chalk made from white clay, eggshells, or limestone powder. Efun is not only a word. It is a concept and a magickal practice, depending on the West African diasporic tradition. Evolution of Cascarilla in Modern Magickal Practice Over time, Santeríans’ practice evolved from using the Cascarilla bark to crushed white eggshells, particularly from a Black Hen. So why the transition? Eggshells became more readily available to practitioners. And the magickal properties of eggshells themselves further amplified the sacred powder. The eggshell provides protection to the chicken embryo and is also a powerful symbol of new life. It’s worth noting that efun exists in both plant (barks, herbs, roots) and animal formats (animal bones). Magickal Cascarilla Uses & Formats Cascarilla is used as a powder, pressed into a chalk, or mixed with water and resin to make paint for external workings. Sometimes cascarilla is ingested via tincture to cleanse and protect the practitioner from the inside out. It works magickly by providing a boundary or barrier between this world and the otherworlds. It also encompasses the cleansing powers contained in the symbolism of egg magick. This means it protects against negative entities, energies, and malevolent practitioners, while also providing cleansing properties. Cascarilla Powder Uses As a powder, sprinkle it anywhere you wish to ward off negative energy: your home, altar, bedroom, or even on your body. Cascarilla is a great ingredient to add to your warding powder recipes. It’s also effective in floor washes, to dress candles, in sacred washing soaps, and as a dust on the outside of the body. Add it to the bath to immediately clear the auric field and work to expel internal negativity. It is used to honor Obatala and is put on a practitioner’s hands before divination. Cascarilla powder’s magickal applications are virtually endless. Cascarilla Chalk Uses In chalk format, it’s used to draw sacred symbols, magickal sigils, or veve’s (sigils used in various Vodun/Voodoo practices that are believed to be living magick once they are created). Cascarilla chalk can also be used to mark boundaries for sacred space sites or decorate sacred items. When mixed with water, and oftentimes a smidge of resin, the powder then becomes paint. The paint is typically used on the body for ritual adornment. Modern Witchcraft Uses / Differences Though cascarilla is a representation of the sacred concept of efun in the West African tradition, the power of eggshell powder has become prominent among other traditions, including Wicca. However, most non-West African diasporic traditions refer to Cascarilla simply as eggshell powder. How to Make Eggshell Cascarilla Powder You Will Need: 2-3 Dozen White Eggshells Blender Mortar & Pestle How to Make It: Making cascarilla powder is simple but not exactly easy. First tip: use white eggshells! If you use brown you won’t be able to obtain that pure white powder you’re searching for. Second tip: It takes A LOT of eggshells to make any significant quantity of powder. Collect at least two to three dozen eggshells before attempting to make cascarilla powder. 1. As you’re collecting your eggshells, make sure you rinse them thoroughly and clean the inside membrane out of the eggshell. If you don’t, you’re powder will come out sticky and congealed and we don’t want that. 2. Once you’ve rinsed and taken out the membrane, set them out to dry on the counter for 24-48 hours. Once they’re thoroughly dry, keep them together in a designated container. NOTE: Some people choose to bake the shells instead of letting them dry naturally. While you can heat them on low (300F/150C) for 10-20 minutes, I find this process to be finicky and unnecessary unless you’re in a hurry to produce your powder. If you keep your stock refreshed regularly, you shouldn’t need to use an oven. 3. When you’re ready to make your batch of cascarilla, take out all your eggshells and make sure the shells are brittle. 4. Place the brittle shells in a blender. Blend on medium speed for 1 minute. Note: this process smells awful so make sure your space is well ventilated. 5. Once the shells are reduced to tiny pieces, transfer them into a mortar and pestle to reduce them further into a powdered form. NOTE: If you choose, you can […]

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FREE Divination Tool Tutorial: Casting Pignuts for Members Only

kitty fields — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:37:21 +0000

I know what you’re thinking…casting nuts? Get a good chuckle out of it, then let’s learn how to use nature’s FREE tools to divine a message from the gods. This form of divination is inspired by a method in The Goodly Spellbook by Lady Passion and Diuvei. But I’ve changed a few things to make it my own. Feel free to do the same! Divination should be personal and feel natural to you and your practice. For members only. Casting Nuts in 4 Directions Divination What did shamans and witches do back in the day when Tarot cards and pendulums weren’t mass produced? They used what they had in their own garden or forest. So for this divination session, you’re going to go outside and find all of your tools there. For free. What You’ll Need: 3 wild nuts, halved (as shown) A patch of soil/dirt A stick/branch (optional) OR chalk/salt What to Do: Relax and get in an open state of mind. Draw a symbol of your choice in the soil using either a branch or alternatively you can draw a symbol on sidewalk/pavement with chalk or salt, etc. In the photo above, I chose to draw a cross to separate/point to the 4 cardinal directions (North, East, South, West). Then cast the nuts onto your symbol or grid. Depending on where the nuts fall and if they are face-up or face-down will determine your answer/message. For example, if they all fall face-up (insides up) towards the North, you might read this as you have a need to focus on prosperity, growth, and/or family matters. If they fall mostly face-up, one in the East and one in the West, you may read this as communication is needed between you and your partner soon. Look up the four cardinal directions and what they represent, if you’re unsure but here’s a quick guide: North: family, growth, money, prosperity, etc.East: communication, inspirationSouth: Passion, anger, driveWest: emotions, intuition, dreams Nuts inside up (face up): favorableNuts outside up: unfavorable/setbacks It may take some time for you to get used to this type of natural divination reading. Keep practicing and don’t overthink it! Just let it happen! You can also play around with the kind of nuts you use, and the symbols you draw. More for Members Only: Autumn Harvest Blessings Spell: Door Wash Recipe Waxing Moon: Simple Grow Your Power Ritual Fairy Knot Magic: A Witch’s Ladder to Attract the Fay

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How to Make Black Salt + What is Witches Black Salt Used For?

kitty fields — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:50:43 +0000

Salt is the most magical ingredient you have in your kitchen. Hands down. Sea salt, kosher salt, black lava salt, red salt and Himalayan pink salt are all great for protection and purification and so much more. But have you heard of witches black salt? Here we teach you how to make black salt on your own and its many magical uses. Plus how to preserve it and the difference between our recipe and the edible kinds. What is Witches Black Salt? Witches black salt is a mixture of regular salt and one of two things: ashes or cast iron scrapings. This is not to be confused with exotic Indian black salt. There are different ways to make this powerful mixture, and many ways to use it. First, let’s learn how to make it. How to Make Black Salt: Easy Witch’s Recipe Here’s what you’ll need: Sea salt (one half cup) (note: you can use any type of coarse salt you prefer) Ashes (1/4 cup): collected from your firepit, fireplace, OR smudging remnants OR cast iron scrapings (1/4 cup): from your cauldron or cast iron skillet (the second option if you don’t want to use ashes) Black pepper (1 tsp): OPTIONAL Black powdered food dye OPTIONAL: some witches like to amplify the color of the salt and add powdered black food dye. I prefer to keep mine as natural as possible, so I typically leave this out. My mixture is already lack without it. BUT it’s up to you! How to make it: Put all ingredients into your mortar. Mix and grind your salt and ash or scrapings together in a clockwise fashion, while visualizing your intentions. Chanting, singing, and praying over it also works wonders. You may need to add more ash or scrapings, depending on how black you want your salt to look. Bottle it, label it and use it at will. Watch Our Tutorial Here: What is Witches Black Salt Used For? First, because the salt is black, color becomes a part of the magic. The color black represents mystery, but in witchcraft is used for banishing, binding, protection, and warding. Black also represents the occult and ancient mysteries in witchcraft. If you added black pepper to your witches black salt mix, this amplifies the black color magic within. Notice a pattern with the ingredients below? To answer the question, what is witches black salt used for? Put simply: purification, protection, and warding. Among many other things. Each Ingredient’s Magical Properties After you’ve learned how to make black salt, it’s time to make magic. Let’s look at each ingredient and define its magical properties. All of which have either purifying or protective qualities: Sea salt: used by witches for years to purify, protect, and ward off negative energy and spirits. Made by the sea and therefore carries the power of the sea Kosher salt: alternative to sea salt; this salt’s been blessed by a Rabbi which adds to its protective power Table Salt: you can absolutely use table salt if you have no other salt form. It still carries magick within it Ashes: if you use the leftover ash from your smudging rituals, this ash contains the purifying power of whatever herb it came from (sage, rosemary, lavender are some examples). Ashes are also used in healing rituals – when a forest burns to the ground, the ashes heal the earth and encourage new growth. Cast Iron Scrapings: iron is a traditional tool for protection. Fairies are warded off by iron, as are evil spirits. It’s a strong, grounding metal, and therefore adds these properties to the witches black salt. Black Pepper: black pepper is similar to salt in its properties. It’s purifying and protective. When added to the recipe, it amplifies the vibes. Ways to Use Black Salt in Your Magic You know how we love to use salt for nearly every magical reason under the sun? Witches black salt isn’t much different! But remember – you can’t eat this kind of black salt!!! There are SO many uses for this powerful mixture. Here are just a few: Spread over your thresholds and windowsills to protect the home from negative energy and dark magic Encircle a candle to contain the energy within OR to amplify your intentions: best for banishings, bindings, reversals Add to banishing, binding, and warding spell bottles, bags, jars, and sachets Draw a circle around you on the ground/floor during ritual for protection Keep bowls of it around the home to ward off negativity and spirits Use as a floor sweep (sprinkle all over the floor then sweep/vacuum it up) to remove stubborn negative energy or spirits Offer to Underworld deities or dark goddesses including Hecate, Hades, Hel, Kali, Loki and more Offer to fire elementals and ancestors A great ingredient for any Dark Moon ritual Add to the bag in which you keep your reversal mirrors or black mirrors for scrying If you use Himalayan pink in your recipe, add to love and self-love spells A True Story About the Magick of Black Salt The first time I ever used this recipe in my magick, I added it to a candle spell for protection. A loved one of mine was experiencing problems at work with a person unnecessarily harassing her. She dreaded going to work, and eventually asked me to help protect her from this bully. I carved protective symbols into a red candle, then rolled the candle in oil and protective herbs. I put my petition under the candle and encircled it with my black salt. Within a week, the bully didn’t just stop harassing my loved one, she left the job altogether! This stuff is powerful. Can You Eat It? Folks, there is a type of salt that is edible but it’s NOT this one! There’s ashes in this recipe…you wouldn’t eat the ashes out of an ashtray or from the bottom of your fireplace or firepit, would you? So DON’T use this in your meals or foods of any […]

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Tarot Reading With Playing Cards: History and How-To With Examples

kitty fields — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 18:18:41 +0000

Don’t have a set of tarot cards? No problem! I’ll bet you have a deck of playing cards. And guess what? You can read playing cards just as well as tarot. In fact, playing cards have been used by fortune tellers and conjurors for centuries. This is a great form of divination for those who want to keep their practices secret or discreet, as well. Learn how to do a tarot reading with playing cards here. The Magical History of Tarot Reading with Playing Cards Tarot cards and playing cards today are considered two different things. But the origins of both are basically one-in-the-same. History dates the origin of playing cards to the late fourteenth century in Italy. These playing cards, called Triumph and Trump cards, were used as a simple parlor game and were a game for the wealthy. Nobility commissioned artists to paint elaborate playing card decks for them. One example, still in existence today, is the Visconti-Sforza deck. The Italian Triumph Cards Some sources claim these Italian playing cards initially consisted of just the four suits (in Tarot called the Minor Arcana): swords, staves, coins and cups. And later, artists expanded on the deck by adding cards like The Emperor, The Hanged Man, The Tower, etc. These Triumph cards would come to be called Tarrochi (in French – Tarot). By the eighteenth century they were being widely “read” as a form of divination or fortune telling throughout Europe including in Germany and France. Another Theory: Tarot’s Far East and Middle Eastern Origins However, in PRS Foli’s book Fortune Telling by Cards, written in 1915, he claims the Major Arcana of the Tarot was in existence long before the four suits were added. And that the Tarot or triumph cards weren’t the first cards to be used for divination purposes. That “in past ages many eastern peoples, notably those of India, China, and Chaldea, possessed cards which differed materially both in use and design from those known in the West at a later date. It is impossible to trace these prehistoric beginnings of card-lore” (Foli, pg. 16). He goes on to say these mystical cards made their way into Europe via the Arabs, Moors and Romany people. And may have also originated in ancient Egypt with the Book of Thoth. The Romani Gypsies and Playing Cards Although reading playing cards as tarot was a common practice in Italy and France, the Romani gypsies are often credited with the practice. This may be because the Romany people are believed to have come from India, making their way through Egypt, and then into Europe in antiquity. They brought their fortune telling customs with them, possibly picking up new methods along the way including cartomancy. It’s interesting to note, the Romani fortune tellers reserved their abilities for people outside of their own culture. Did they originally use cards from India or adapt the practice after traveling through Egypt and Europe? Tarot Reading with Playing Cards: How-To We’ve covered the mysterious origins of Tarot and cartomancy, now let’s dive into tarot reading with playing cards. At first glance, a pack of playing cards looks rather different than a deck of Tarot cards. But look closer – they have much of the same symbolism. The four suits of playing cards are equivalent to the four suits of the Tarot minor arcana. There are 52 cards in a regular playing deck and 13 cards in each suit. There are no cards in a regular playing deck to correspond to the tarot Major Arcana, which is the biggest difference between the two. The Four Suits = The Minor Arcana (+Their Meanings) Hearts = Cups. Main symbolism: love, friendship, marriage, matters of the heart, emotion, intuition, family (water element and feminine). Also relates to the season Spring. Spades = Swords. Main symbolism: matters of the mind, intellect, power, action, change, courage, conflict, communication (air element and masculine). Season Winter. Clubs = Wands/Staves. Main symbolism: spiritual matters, core consciousness, personal values and goals, beliefs, passions, energy, enthusiasm, sexuality (fire element and masculine). Season is Summer. Diamonds = Coins/Pentacles. Main symbolism: finances, prosperity, inheritance, career success, creativity, livelihood (earth element and feminine). Season is Fall. Kings, Queens, Jacks and The Joker Within each suit of playing cards are the court cards: King, Queen, and Jack. Each of these court cards correspond to the King, Queen and Page in the tarot minor arcana. The King generally represents an older adult male, wise and strong. The Queen represents an older adult female, mother or matriarch. And the Jack (Page) represents a younger male or female, who is in the process of learning and growing. Easy enough, right? But what about the Joker? The Joker is the only card in the deck that corresponds to one of the tarot Major Arcana cards – The Fool. You can remove this card, or keep it in – the choice is yours. When the Joker pops up in a reading, it symbolizes chance, the start to a new journey, an inexperienced but curious youth, and beginner’s luck. Just as The Fool in the Tarot. The Numbered Cards: Ace – Ten Symbolism & Numerology Tarot reading with playing cards takes a deep look at the numbers and their symbolism (i.e. numerology). First, it’s interesting to note, there are 52 cards in a deck (minus the Joker) which corresponds to the 52 weeks in a year. Then there are 13 cards in each suit, which corresponds to 13 lunar cycles in a year. Coincidence? I don’t think so. But if you gain a basic understanding of the meaning of each number, you can build onto your reading skills from there applying the colors, suits, etc. to the numbers and court cards. Ace – Ten Card Symbolism (A Quick Breakdown): Ace: individual, new journey, start of something new Two: union, balance, polarity, partnership Three: creativity, rebirth cycle, team Four: organization, practicality, foundation Five: freedom, change, conflict Six: harmony, communication, compassion Seven: wisdom, reflection, spirituality Eight: action, authority, […]

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