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Witch Names: How to Find YOUR Magical New Identity in the Craft

kitty fields — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 23:43:51 +0000

When many of us begin walking the path of witchcraft, we feel we must let go of our old beliefs about ourselves. We seek to embrace the path fully, which also makes us want to claim our own personal power. AND claim new witch names for ourselves. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean we are leaving our identities behind…it just means we are willing to step onto our new path with a new outlook on life. Here’s how to find magical witch names inspired by nature, deities, historical witch names, and the cosmos. First, What Does it Mean to Claim a Witch Name? It does seem a little strange to claim a new name when coming to the craft. But don’t worry! We aren’t a cult looking to erase your true identity or change anything about you that you don’t want to change. Instead, claiming a new witch name gives you a spiritual identity. It gives you a name to claim when you’re journeying to the other realms. And some traditional covens will ask you for your witch name to use while you’re engaged in ritual or celebrating sabbats and esbats. This used to be a way to hide a witch’s true identity when witches were hunted and executed in the past. What’s IN A Name? What’s in a name? Why do humans name one another at all? Names are a way to differentiate you from the next person. They give you an identity, a sense of self. Interestingly, did you know the surname (last name) wasn’t introduced until Medieval Times in order for the government/church to account for everyone’s taxes? As society progressed and as we moved out of tribal situations into villages, towns, and cities, government sought to keep track of us. Before we had names like “Robert Johnson”, we were called by first name only and possibly by what tribe or location in which we lived. For example, Bjorn Son of Bjorn of the Alemanii. On another note, names are sacred and powerful. Did you ever hear the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin? A mischievous little goblin fell to a woman’s power once she learned his true name. This is also why a lot of our ancestors named their sons and daughters with the same first names. They believed if the Devil knew their true name, he could take their souls. So they gave their sons the same first name, but used their middle names inside the family. This is why you’ll see so many Marys, Marthas, Johns, etc. all in the same family line. Then over time it just became a tradition to name each other after other family members. How to Find YOUR Witch Name Via Inspiration How long your witch name is in length is up to you. Some witches opt for two names: a first and a last. While others claim one name only. You can even have a first, middle and last name, similar to most names in the U.S. nowadays. Any combination of the categories of witch names below will work perfectly. Again, it’s what calls to you. Witch Names Inspired by Nature Witches are nature lovers. Our entire religion and way of life centers around Mother Earth: the trees, flowers, herbs, roots, rivers, gardens, deserts, creeks, animals, and insects. So why not take your witch name’s inspiration from some of your favorite features of nature? Here are some ideas: Herbs as Witch Names Herbs and witches go together like milk and cookies. If you’re a witch and you haven’t worked with herbs, don’t worry. You will. Witches were the orignal healers and knew how to use herbs to heal most ailments. They used herbs as food, medicine, and as a way to connect with the spirit world. Why not choose an herb you’re drawn to to incorporate into your witchy name? There’s some examples in the table below OR use your idea. Basil Thyme Mandrake Echinacea Monkshood Rosemary Vervain Cayenne Mugwort Burdock Chamomile Angelica Bearberry Wormwood Cocoa Lavender Agrimony Elecampane Wolfsbane Chicory Coriander Bella Donna Yarrow Henbane Verbena Damiana Calendula Calamint Laurel Hyssop Rue Lovage Nettle Mullein Nasturtium Patchouli Pennyroyal Cohosh Sage Saffron Flowers as Witchy Names If you love flowers as much as I do, you might feel inspired by your favorite flower. Flowers come in all colors, shapes and sizes and are found in nearly every eco-system worldwide. Here’s just a few enchanting flower names for witches: Rose Hydrangea Passiflora Orchid Dahlia Hibiscus Violet Gardenia Sunflower Poppy Foxglove Apple blossom Lily Lotus Peony Plumeria Daisy Moonflower Azalea Marigold Magnolia Dandelion Carnation Aster Delphinium Alyssum Linaria Lupin Jasmine Snowdrop Silene Snapdragon Sun drop Sweet pea Tiger lily Animal Names Maybe there’s an animal you’ve always been drawn to. You’ve had wolves around you your entire life…or you lived on a horse farm and always had a connection with horses. Dragonflies come and sit on you frequently. Whatever your animal spirit guide is, perhaps you take your witchy name from them and combine it with other categories. I.E. Lavender SpiderMoon, Rowan DancingHare, Ebony StagMoon, Fox BloodMoon, etc. Eagle Fox Stag Butterfly Boar Hawk Hare Owl Dolphin Badger Falcon Wolf Bear Orca Spider Raven Mare Bee Snake Bat Crow Doe Dragonfly Mustang Moth Elephant Tiger Lion Panda Ant Frog Lizard Cat Hound Black Widow Beetle Shark Monkey Sloth Giraffe Crystals and Stones for Witchy Names Maybe you love crystals and working with stones in your witchcraft practice. In that case, consider using the name of a crystal as part of your new spiritual name. Examples might be Amber CrystalFox, Rosemary Amethyst, Turquoise Moon, Bear Bloodstone, etc. Amethyst Goldstone Moldavite Selenite Sapphire Angelite Carnelian Diamond Moonstone Morganite Amazonite Serpentine Turquoise Opal Amber Citrine Bloodstone Obsidian Onyx Pearl Lapis lazuli Calcite Tourmaline Ruby Morganite Lepidolite Agate Azurite Peridot Coral Mythical Creature Names If you’re anything like me, growing up I had an obsession with mythical, otherworldly creatures. My favorites were of the fae variety. But I also love dragons, werewolves, and centaurs. If you feel […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What Do the Planets Mean in Astrology Today

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

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

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

kitty fields — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 03:46:36 +0000

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

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Charging Crystals and Moon Water: Your Most FAQ Answered!

kitty fields — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:07:51 +0000

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

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Candle Color Meanings: POTENT Properties and Uses of Colors

kitty fields — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 03:02:22 +0000

Colors are one of the simplest and most powerful forms of magic. Each color fuels and is representative of a magical outcome or intention. When we combine color magic with candle magic, we harness the ability to make real change in our environment and in our lives. Learn the candle color magic meanings and how to weave them into your practice and daily life. Plus view our helpful color guide to crystals and herbs to amplify your intentions in spells and ritual. First, Why Cast Spells With Candle Color Meanings? Not only is color effective in magic, it permeates daily life. Certain colors lift our mood, help us relax, energize us. Other colors fuel our fire or can even create a negative atmosphere. For example, if you’re feeling depressed, being in a room of muted blue or gray walls won’t help lift your mood. Instead, you may need an uplifting color like bright yellow or orange. If you’re feeling anxious, avoiding the color red might be best. And so on. But, as we typically find in magic, it’s not just the color it’s how YOU use it. If you’re a witch, you know how powerful candle spells can be. And now that you know how powerful color magic can be, why not combine the two? Matching your intention with the color of the candle is an easy way to amplify your magick and ignite your desired results. Here we provide candle color meanings for not only the basic colors but shades, as well. Plus we offer our suggestions on how to incorporate color magic into your spiritual practice and daily life. POWERFUL Candle Color Meanings, Shades and Their Magical Uses 1. Black Black is a color that polarizes people from different cultures. Some cultures associate black with death and mourning (think what we wear to funerals in America), while still others associate black with evil and the darkness. Yet those who practice magic know the real power of black. It is mystery and wisdom in one. Black reflects negativity and prompts us to go deeper. Its great for warding off illness and evil, diving deep into shadow work, and connects us to life’s mysteries. Interestingly, in some cultures, the color white is actually the color of death and mourning. 2. White White is another polarizing color. In America, we see white as a symbol of purity which is why most brides wear white to their wedding. Yet in other Eastern cultures, white is associated with death. For example, in Vietnam white is worn to funerals not weddings. How you use white in your practice is up to you! The color white’s magic properties are: purity, protection, connecting with the divine, healing, unity, balance, connection with angels and spirit guides, and enlightenment. NOTE: A white candle can be used as a substitute for ANY other color of candle needed. 3. Brown Brown might not be everyone’s favorite color but it is as powerful as the rest. It’s one of my favorites for candle magic because it is the color of Mother Earth. It represents the soil we walk on and where things grow. It symbolizes the bark and branches of the trees. Use brown in your magic when working with the earth element. Brown is also useful for spells and rituals involving: animal magic, chthonic deities, grounding and centering, primality, garden magick, tree magick, the Ogham, traveling the World Tree, the harvest, manifestation and Earth protection. 4. Blue Nearly everyone in my house loves the color blue. It’s a fan favorite, but why? Blue is the color of the sky, flowers, fruits, and of the water. This color’s magic properties are: healing, peace and harmony, communication (verbal, nonverbal and written), and truth. It’s linked to the throat chakra, which makes it powerful in speaking one’s truth. And also links it to one’s ears and listening skills. Different Shades of Blue for Candle Color Magic Neon and Dark Blues: shades of lapis blue, royal blue, sapphire blue, navy blue, etc. Blue is a color with versatility. Each shade may evoke a different emotion in the individual. Dark and bright blues have magical properties that include emotional and physical healing, water magic, communication, and astral projection. Light Blue: shades of cornflower, periwinkle, baby blue, etc. These shades of blue are used in healing magic and brings peace and tranquility in chaotic situations. Light blue known as “haint blue” has been used in the South for centuries to ward off evil spirits. Some practitioners still paint their porch roofs haint blue to keep evil out. 5. Purple Purple is the color of modern metaphysics. You might have noticed metaphysical stores using purple in their logo, decor, etc. This isn’t a coincidence – purple is the color of magic. Purple also represents royalty, intuition, beauty and psychic abilities *all the clairs: clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairsalience, clairaudience and clairgustance*. I see it as an extravagant color and therefore think of all things rich, powerful and elegant when I use purple in my candle color magic. Dark and Neon Purple shades of candles: grape, violet, royal, wine, indigo, eggplant, etc. Dark and bright purple candles represent your higher self, royalty, intuition, spiritual power, magic in general, wisdom, and dreams. Light Purple: candles in shades of lavender, lilac, orchid, heliotrope and iris. Light and pastel purple candle color meanings include spiritual healing, soothing the nerves, purification, self care and beauty. 6. Pink Candle Color Meanings + Shades of PINK When I was young, I hated the color pink. Now that I’m an adult, it’s one of my favorite colors for one particular reason – to me it represents femininity. As a young person I avoided being in tune with my feminine self – including self-love, sexual empowerment and honoring my emotions. But pink represents more than just this. It also represents friendship, soft, romantic love, and empathy. It’s linked to female sexuality because of the color of female genitalia. Neon and Dark Pink Candles: they may come in shades […]

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Spell Timing: Times of the Day to Cast and Manifest

kitty fields — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 15:20:23 +0000

Being drawn to the moon is a good thing, but it doesn’t help to have to wait for the moon phase to change if you need to cast and manifest today. Correspond your magick to the days of the week OR learn how to use the times of the day. Here we teach you spell timing for the sunrise, noon hour, sunset, midnight and witching hour to perform rituals and cast spells. Spell Timing: POWERFUL Sunrise Magick If you’re an early riser, getting up for sunrise won’t be difficult. But if you’re not an early riser, you might have to change your routine to cast some powerful magick with the sun’s waking hour. How does the sunrise fuel our intentions? “It’s always darkest before the dawn”, according to Florence Welch. So if you need to start something new and have the sun shine its light on a dark or confusing matter, this is potent sunrise magick. Sunrise magical intentions include: new opportunities, new love, peace, healing, new friendship, career change or promotions, financial relief, and spiritual enlightenment. Amplifying Noon Spells and Rituals I’ve always look at the noon hour as splitting the day in half. Noon and midnight are liminal hours (in-between hours). Noon hour magick is about balance but it can also be used to amplify any magical intention, particularly when drawing things to you like love, success, money, etc. Begin any intentional drawing spell before noon and end it at the noon hour. Any intentions to get rid of something or banish something start at the noon hour and end after (i.e. banishing bad habits, toxic relationships, etc.) The noon magical hour brings balance to any situation and amplifies any intention. Sunset Spell Timing for Saying Goodbye Any chapter of your life you’re ready to release can be done so at sunset. When the sun sets on the day, it will also set on your old way of life, old relationship, old job, etc. If you need to bury a spell or its remnants, its wise to bury it in the west, where the sun will set on it daily. Sunset magick is all about saying goodbye and banishing things from your life. It can bring peace and healing, as well as protection from enemies and intrusion. Sunset magical intentions include: banishing, binding, healing, protection, peace, rest and more. The Midnight Hour for Spell Timing The midnight hour has long been associated with the paranormal and witchcraft. Midnight is the start of a new twenty-four hour day AND it seems to be the time when the spirit world begins to stir. The energy changes when midnight rolls around. Similar to starting intention-positive spells before noon and ending at noon, you can do the same with midnight spells. And conversely, to banish or get rid of something start at midnight and finish after. When the hour hand of the clock is moving up towards 12, we grow intentions. When they’re moving down towards 6, we cast releasing intentions. The Witching Hour: Folklore and Divination Have you ever had a string of nights where you woke up at 3 AM every night? There’s something powerful about the hour between 3 and 4 in the morning. For centuries this hour’s been known as the Witching Hour. It’s also called the Devil’s Hour and the Un-holy Hour according to old folklore. The most paranormal activity, including spirits, ghouls, vampires, and witches sabbaths, were once said to happen between three and four AM. There are many theories why this hour is so formidable, needless to say, if you are awake during the Witching Hour, cast a circle (or create sacred space) and throw some tarot cards or runes down and see what happens! The veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is truly at its thinnest. And Yet Another Way to Do Things… If none of these times work for you, there’s yet another way to cast your magick – numerology. Each number, therefore time of day, has its own sacred meaning. Research what each number means and coordinate your magical intentions with the number/hour of the day appropriate. And again, if this doesn’t work for you, maybe you have certain times of the day that are sacred to you. Use those, too! More Spell Timing: Magical Timing: Days of the Week New Moon Magick Waxing Moon Magick Sabbats: The Wheel of the Year

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Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone for Modern Practitioners

kitty fields — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 15:17:09 +0000

Maybe you’ve seen or read about the Triple Goddess: the Maiden, Mother and Crone divinity. This is an ancient concept from many different cultures but was made popular by the modern Wicca movement. But how do we understand and apply the Triple Goddess archetype to our modern witchcraft practices? Whether you’re Wiccan or not, the Maiden, Mother and Crone are a part of everyone. Read more. Who is the Triple Goddess? The Triple Goddess is the Divine Feminine in trinity form. The Maiden is the goddess in her childhood through late teen years. The Mother is the goddess who has bore and given birth to children. And the Crone is the goddess in her later years, following the “change” when she no longer can bear children. At least, this is the Triple Goddess concept in its most basic essence. But the symbolism goes beyond face value. The amazing part of the Triple Goddess belief/concept is that it applies to everyone’s life phases: young, middle age, and older years. And not just age, but also experiences. Naivete to maturity. The apprentice to the sage. Triple Goddesses Across Cultures The Triple Goddess archetype is one that reaches far back into ancient times and stretches across cultures. Although, you’ll notice, these Triple Goddesses don’t necessarily embody the Triple Goddess Maiden, Mother, Crone archetype as is popular in modern times. But they embody specific qualities or domains important to their respective cultures. For example, Brigid is an ancient Celtic Triple Goddess but is not depicted as Maiden/Mother/Crone. But rather, each of her three forms rules over one of the following: smithing, poetry and healing. Another example of a Triple Goddess is Hecate, the ancient Greek goddess of the crossroads. And yet another is The Morrigan. The Maiden: Symbolism and Deities The Maiden is the young girl, before child-bearing years, usually depicted as a teen. However, technically the Maiden is also a girl in her infant and childhood, as well as adolescence. The Maiden aspect of the Goddess corresponds to the Waxing Moon phase. She is our youth, our new beginnings, our birth, when we begin walking our path in the craft. She is Spring, when the earth has just awakened from a long slumber. As far as young girl deities that may be considered “Maiden”, here are a few: Persephone, Eostre, and Artemis. Sometimes the term maiden goddess is applied to any goddess who doesn’t marry and/or have children. Mother Goddess: Symbolism and Deities The Mother Goddess archetype is the Divine Feminine full with child, perhaps with other children surrounding her. She is the earth, full with bounty and ready to be harvested. The Mother Goddess is the fruition of YOUR magic, ideas, healing, opportunities, family life, etc. The Mother is Summer and the Full Moon. She’s not just the physical aspect of a mother, but the emotional and spiritual too. For instance, perhaps you could never have children, but you are a caretaker or adopted children. You are STILL a mother and an embodiment of the Divine Feminine. Mother goddesses include: Gaia, Demeter, Dea Matres, Isis, Mary, and more. Crone Goddess: Symbolism and Deities The Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess archetype physically represents a woman in the later years of life, after the “change” that menopause brings. However, her symbolism reaches beyond that. The Crone is also wisdom and experience manifested from a full life. She is the time when we’ve reaped our rewards and are living peacefully and quietly with our memories. The Crone is the season of Winter and corresponds to the Waning Moon. A few crone goddesses include: the Cailleach, Banshee, Baba Yaga, and Spider Grandmother. How Do We Apply the Triple Goddess to Modern Life? As a witchcraft or pagan practitioner, you may choose to honor the Triple Goddess as your matron deity by placing her on your altar, invoking her in ritual, etc. OR you may choose to honor the aspects of the Triple Goddess within yourself and your own life phases. Only you can determine whether you are living the Maiden, Mother or Crone goddess era of your life and what that means to you. Suffice to say, we all have a little of every aspect within us. Even men! And as they say, “Dance like the Maiden, Love like the Mother, Think like the Crone.” More Goddesses: Jezebel: Ancient Hebrew Pagan Priestess and Queen Bastet: Ancient Egyptian Cat Goddess Celtic Goddess of War: The Morrison

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