tools Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

What Is A Hag Stone? Lore, Magick & Where to Find Hag Stones

kitty fields — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 18:13:50 +0000

Hag stones, also called holey stones, are curious little charms found in Celtic lore that in modern times are gaining popularity in the magical community. You might have heard them called holey stones, Odin stones, or even fairy stones. But they are all technically the same thing. In this article, we answer the question, what is a hag stone? We dive into their lore and magick, plus where to find these magical little objects. What is a Hag Stone? Origins and Lore Is it a stone that’s come from a hag? No, not necessarily. Though hags like me do enjoy having these stones around. To the point – they are rocks or even pieces of hardened coral that have a hole straight through them. Here’s the key to knowing if you have a hag stone or not – hold the hole up to your eye and see through it. If you can’t see straight through to the other side, it’s not a hag stone. Hag stones are made by natural wear and tear from the elements: water, wind, and erosion over time. They’re steeped in folklore worldwide and have many names. You might have heard them also called holey stones, faerie stones, witch stones, or Odin’s stones. Depending on the region, you’ll hear hag stones called different things because of the various legends attached to them. Some sources also claim they’re the same thing as adder stones or serpent eggs, but there’s no concrete evidence to connect the adder’s stone of ancient myth to the hag stone. Why They’re Also Called Odin’s Stones Why are they called Odin’s stones? In an ancient poem, Odin has a dwarf drill a hole through a magical auger stone. The dwarf is reluctant but finishes the work. Odin shifts into a snake and enters the stone, only to shift into a young man on the other side. You see, the stone gave Odin the ability to move between worlds and shapeshift with ease. Odin’s stone helped him steal the mead of poetry. Hag stones are considered good luck. They’re amulets worn to ward off illness, evil spirits, and negative energy in general. But they’re also known to bring prosperity and health. Place them around the home, on your altar, or wear one to harness its full protective powers. Legend has it Druids once wore these stones around their neck as a sort of badge of honor or status. The Cailleach and Hagstones I recently began working with the goddess Cailleach from Scottish-Irish folklore and history. She’s an ever-present, ancient deity that is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Celtiberians (Celts from the area that’s modern day Spain and Portugal). She may predate the Celts, even. This crone goddess was also a giantess, who carried stones in her apron which fell out and crashed into the British Isles and Ireland. Thereby shaping the land. I believe the hagstone is firstly related to her for this reason. But also because she is considered a divine “hag”, a divine ancestor and one of the fairy people. Where to Find Hag Stones Hag stones can be purchased online or in metaphysical shops. They can also be given to you. HOWEVER, the best way to find a hag stone is to be gifted one by nature herself. Truthfully, I searched for these magical charms for YEARS. Every time I went to the beach or to the creek, I looked. But I never found one. Until one day my daughter pulled three of them up from the ocean bed at the beach. It’s always when you least expect it, and when the otherworld feels you’re ready for the magick. It’s easier to find them at the ocean beach after a storm OR after a round of dredging where the sandy ocean bottom has been stirred up. (You might even find a prehistoric shark’s tooth) Don’t just comb the shoreline where you can see, get into the water knee deep and grab handfuls of sand. See if this methods turns up a holey stone. It was effective for my daughter! I’ve heard people say it’s not a true hag stone if you find it at the beach. These folks are misinformed. A hag stone can be found at ANY kind of beach including the shoreline at the ocean, river, creek, lake, etc. If you find a stone with a hole straight through it near a body of water or on a shoreline, it’s an authentic hag stone and it was meant for you! How to Use Them in Your Magick So you’ve found a hag stone or three or four. What do you do with them now? The options are endless. Truly. However you feel drawn to use them is how you should use them. But here are a few ways in which I use hag stones in my magickal practice. For Protection First, as a form of protection. Which aligns with old British lore. By hanging a hag stone on a red string and hanging it by your front door, you ward off evil in many forms. Hanging a hag stone with any cord, thread or string is protective in general and may align with the concept of the union between male and female (string enters hole). Some see the stone as a symbol of the goddess’ womb, and therefore carrying her protective, nurturing essence. Placing a box of holed stones beneath your front porch guards the household as well. According to author Gemma Gary in her book Silent As the Trees, one particular hagstone artifact is housed in the Scarborough Museums Trust’s Collection in England. This stone is “threaded onto knotted twine, and is labelled a ‘marestane’. It was prepared and sold by an Exmouth wise woman in 1910 to be hung on a bedstead to ward off nightmares.” In addition, the reason they are called hag stones is for this same reason – to prevent a hag from sitting on your chest at night (the […]

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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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Spell Candles: How to Craft Magickal Candles on a Budget

kitty fields — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 18:59:08 +0000

Lots of people tell me they’d love to make their own candles but don’t know where to start or don’t have the money to buy supplies. I’ve been crafting magickal candles for over a decade and, for me, it’s become a form of art, meditation, spell craft and science all rolled into one. Crafting magickal candles can be complex but it doesn’t have to be if you just want to keep it simple and on a budget. Here are my best tips for crafting your own simple, low-cost magickal candles. Spell Candle Crafting Tools You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to become sufficient in making your own spell candles. To melt wax, you can use an old or inexpensive crock pot. Over the years I’ve found the Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steamer to be my favorite tool for melting wax. I own several and they are only around $25-$30. However, any crock pot will work. If you don’t have a crock pot, you can also use a double boiler or use a pot and a heat safe bowl to create one. It works just the same, but it may take longer to fully melt the wax. I use a lot of regular kitchen utensils that I already have on hand when I craft my spell candles. You can even reuse your kitchen items in the kitchen after thoroughly cleaning them from your candle crafting. All you’ll need to do is place them in the oven to ensure all the wax has melted and then give them a good washing. Below I’ve written a list of items and what I use them for in candle making. ladle – to scoop melted wax into my pouring pot (i.e., glass measuring cup) candy thermometer – to check the temperature of the wax as it melts glass measuring cup – use as a pouring pot plastic shot glasses – to make essential oil blends wooden skewers – to stir ingredients together in the pouring pot and to hold the wick in place butcher paper – to cover my crafting space – better known as my kitchen counter baking tray lined with aluminum foil – to use in the oven for heating glass candle containers, keeping melted wax melted, and to clean my tools oven mitts – to keep you from serious burns (in candle crafting you will get minor burns consistently…or maybe that’s just me?) paper towels – you will need to invest in paper towels for cleaning up wax. I’ve tried using other materials and there just isn’t anything as good as paper towels that I have found so far. Spell Candle Crafting Molds and Containers For paraffin pillar candles, you can upcycle plastic bottles, milk containers, egg cartons, and even toilet paper and paper towel rolls to create molds for your candles. There are literally hundreds of things you can use for a mold. All you need is a little creativity and heat resistance. Toilet Paper & Paper Towel Rolls Toilet paper and trimmed down paper towel rolls work really well for taller, ritual style pillars. Just hot glue the paper tube to a thick piece of cardboard on the bottom and on the outside (if you don’t do the outside, it may leak from the bottom). Once you have it adhered to the cardboard, it’s now ready for use! Make sure your wax is melted but that you let it cool for at least 15 minutes prior to pouring into the tube as it also helps prevent leakage. Let the candle cure for 24 hours before peeling away the cardboard tube. Note that if you use a paper mold, your candle will have a frosted look. Another awesome idea for molds is to find silicone baking molds to use for smaller or shaped candles. You can find these any place that sells kitchen ware or you may have some already. And Once these candles cure, all you have to do is pop them out of the silicone. It’s that easy! Recycling Containers for Container Spell Candles If you’re looking to make container spell candles, it’s no harder than looking around your house. Reuse old glass candle holders, tins, jars, cans, etc. The only thing to be aware of is the heat resistance of the container. I haven’t used a glass container yet that hasn’t held up to the heat of the wax but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. No one wants an exploding glass liquid candle. I do not recommend using plastic unless it’s extremely thick. Wax for Spell Candles You can buy all kinds of wax from paraffin to soy to blends and beyond. However, you can also recycle wax from old candles to create a new spell candle. Save your pillar candle remnants until you have enough to melt together to create a candle. The same goes for left over container wax. This is easy to reuse because you can heat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit/95 degrees Celsius and place your containers on a baking sheet lined with foil until the wax melts. Once it’s melted you can either pour the containers into one another or pour the wax into your wax melter to blend together. You can also melt birthday candles and crayons together to create new candles. If the wax is white, you can add color to it if you like. If you have multicolored wax, you can be creative and layer it or swirl it all together. One word of advice: melt like waxes together so that you have a consistent pouring temperature. Wick for Spell Candles This is probably the one thing I will say that you have to buy. Making your own wicking is just too finicky when trying to get the right wax and wick combination. Here is a link to a great wick selection guide. And here is the big secret to making spell candles – size does matter. The size and type of wick is […]

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Kitchen Witch Tools: 15 Essentials for the Pro Kitchen Magician

kitty fields — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 20:31:40 +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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Magical Metals: Magic Properties & Uses for Gold, Silver, Copper & More!

kitty fields — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 22:38:17 +0000

We read all about the magic of crystals and gemstones, but we don’t often recognize the power of magical metals. When’s the last time you thought, “I’m going to wear this silver band to increase my psychic abilities?” In this article, we take a look at the power in magical metals, provide you with the magical properties of the most common metals, and give you ideas of how to do magic with metals. First, Why Are Metals Magical? In Western magical traditions, metal is not recognized in the forefront of natural elements. In Eastern traditions, metal is actually one of five elements: earth, air, fire, water and metal. It represents strength, wisdom, experience, righteousness and justice. In Chinese beliefs, metal represents crystals, stones AND metals. It’s linked to the Yin, Divine Feminine, and is dry and contracting. But at a basic magical level, metal is powerful because it is forged in the earth along with the other elements. Metal is the basis of alchemy. Magical Properties of Metals: Gold, Silver, Copper and Iron Here we take a look at the magical properties of the most common metals found in our homes, wardrobes, technology and jewelry boxes. Gold’s Magical Properties Gold has been one of the most coveted types of metals for hundreds of years. Ever heard of the California gold rush? How about pirates pillaging for gold? But what makes gold so magical? Gold is linked to the Sun, wealth and vitality. The chemical symbol is Au. Gold has been used by humans, particularly by the wealthy, to make jewelry, coins, artwork, furniture and more. In modern times, we wear gold via necklaces, rings, earrings, etc. Silver’s Magical Properties Silver is linked to the Moon, the Goddess, and water. Silver’s magical properties include increasing psychic abilities, intuition, love, protection and fertility. Copper’s Magical Properties Copper is used in electric and wiring because of its conducting abilities. In the same way we use it for technology, we can also use it in our magic to move/conduct energy. Copper’s magical properties include love and healing. Iron’s Magical Properties Iron has been part of many households since ancient times. It’s also a part of much folklore and legends, particularly to do with fairies. Iron wards off evil, witches, and fairies from the home. Iron’s magical properties include war, strength, smithing, confidence, honor and ferocity. The smith was once considered the master of fire, he worked closely with iron on a daily basis, and people considered the smith something kin to a shaman or magician. Some traditions say iron is the “blood” of the earth and is sacred. 5 Ways to Use Magical Metals in Your Craft 1. Wear Metal The easiest way to incorporate magical metals into your craft is to wear them! You probably already wear a watch made of silver, a gold necklace, or silver rings. By simply acknowledging the magical energy of these metals, you are empowering yourself and the metal to manifest your will. When you want to draw love into your life, wear copper or silver. When you want more financial security, gold! 2. Silver Plates and Vessels I was given a couple silver plates and bowls by my great grandmother. Then I tucked them away in a cabinet for years, until I realized…I could use them in my magic! Charge water under the moonlight and in a silver bowl or vessel to really capture the essence of the moon. Silver is linked to the moon, after all. Or charge potions in a silver cup before drinking to increase psychic intuition and protection! 3. Cook with Magical Metal Pans I don’t know about you but my favorite pan is my cast-iron skillet. It’s versatile, heavy and makes the most amazing eggs, bacon, fish, and much more. By cooking your food in iron skillets, you ground extra energy and increase vitality. By cooking with copper pans, you infuse your food with love and healing vibes. 4. Ward with Iron If you have a problem with items going missing or nature spirits wreaking havoc in your home, hang an iron horseshoe above your doorways. The iron wards off evil and mischievous spirits of all kinds! Just by having iron in the home, you are adding a layer of protection. 5. Make Jewelry or Art Many witches and magicians enjoy using their hands to make things to please the gods or for spellwork. They enjoy crafting amulets and talismans out of various magical metals. You can try to make copper-wire jewelry, sculptures with wire, OR if you’re brave and strong enough…get into smithing with iron!

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Grimoire & Book of Shadows: A Beginner’s Guide On How to Start One

kitty fields — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:48:28 +0000

Every witch and magician loves a dusty tome filled with magic. If you’re brand new to witchcraft and magic, it’s time to start your own grimoire or Book of Shadows. But how? And what should be included? Here we provide the beginner with grimoire and Book of Shadows basics and teach you how to start your own grimoire! First, What is a Grimoire? What is a Book of Shadows? Technically speaking, a grimoire and a Book of Shadows are two different things. Yet in modern times, people tend to use these words interchangeably. The difference between the two comes down to a few things: A grimoire is an older term used to define a book of spells, invocations, etc. as opposed to the Book of Shadows which is a term popularized by the Wiccan movement in the twentieth century. Some people say a grimoire is the term non-Wiccans should use and reserve Book of Shadows for Wiccans. Grimoires, to some folks, are books of spells and rituals written in ancient or cryptic alphabets to keep magic a secret. While the Book of Shadows may be protected by magic symbols but isn’t necessarily written in ancient alphabet code. To put it simply, it’s up to you if you want to use the term grimoire or Book of Shadows to define your spellbook! For me, I use grimoire, but I don’t just include spells in my grimoire. I record my dreams, spiritual and emotional experiences, recipes, study notes and much more! The Do’s and Dont’s of Grimoire-Keeping You might be wondering, do I have to record everything in an ancient cryptic alphabet? The answer is NO. Of course not! Unless you feel particularly drawn to do so. For me? I don’t have that kind of time, nor do I have anything I need to hide from others at this point. But if you have someone who tends to snoop in your belongings or someone who wouldn’t approve of your craft, you can absolutely use old alphabets or symbols to record in your grimoire. So what are the do’s and don’t’s of grimoire-keeping? DO write down everything you find of value, DON’T limit yourself. That’s it! What Kind of Journal Should I Use? Though there are dozens of pretty, leather grimoires online to purchase, if you can’t afford fifty+ dollars for a grimoire, don’t spend it! A plain composition book or spiral notebook works just as well as a fancy leather one. And if you choose a notebook or composition book, simple post-it tabs help to organize and section off your grimoire. Unfortunately, in the large leather grimoire I own, I can’t add tabs because of the closure. If I add tabs, they’ll be smashed and the grimoire itself won’t close. So, that said, pretty doesn’t = functional! Diaries, journals, and even recipe books function well as grimoires too. Binders with loose-leaf paper and sheet protectors are great for organizational purposes. Subjects for Your Grimoire or Book of Shadows Truly any subject matter you want to add to your grimoire is perfectly fine. It’s up to you what to include. A few magical subjects I’ve added to mine include: Altar and tools: how to set up an altar, tools you like to include, seasonal changes and how to charge/bless altars, etc. Amulets and Talismans: charms and how to enchant or charge an amulet and talisman Ancestor Work: info on your ancestors, recent and ancient, DNA test results, ancestral rituals, healing, etc. Astrology: great to have in your grimoire including your sun, rising, ascending signs and a copy of your birth natal chart Cleansing Rituals: smudging, sprays, ritual baths, sound, etc. Color magic: each color’s magical properties Crystals and their magical and medicinal properties Days of the week: magic according to the days of the week Divination: different forms including runes, tarot cards, oracle, scrying sessions, nature signs and omens, throwing ‘dem bones, and palmistry (the sky’s the limit!) Dreams: a record of my dreams plus dream interpretations and symbols Elements: the basics on the four elements, their properties, elemental magic, how the elements affect our daily lives, one page for each of the 4 elements Experiences: include your spiritual experiences, thoughts, emotions Familiars: animal guides, household spirits, magical allies, etc. Garden: how I set up my magical garden, what to grow, timing of plantings/harvesting Goddesses Healing: rituals, Reiki, meditations, chakra alignment, healing candle spells, etc. Herbs: each herb gets its own page with magical correspondences, any culinary or topical purposes, mundane use, medicinal etc. History: the history of witchcraft, Witch Trials, shamanism, multicultural magical traditions, ancient paganism, folklore, etc. Home and Hearth: magical recipes, anecdotes, charms for protection, cleansing and protection rituals, magical cleaning routines, kitchen utensils that serve as magical tools, tea spells, etc. Love Rituals: any herbs, charms, rituals, spells, affirmations to attract love or self-love, sex magic Lost Civilizations: info on Avalon, Atlantis, Lemuria Moon Magic: lunar phases and their magical properties, lunar goddesses, moon rituals, drawing down the moon, how to make moon water, charging things in the moonlight Protection: laying wards, sealing one’s house, travel protection charms, shielding rituals, banishing, binding, reversals, etc. Sacred places: portals, ley lines, YOUR power places (places in nature you felt most connected and magical) Symbols: helpful if you draw or print out different sacred and magical symbols to include in your grimoire How to Cleanse and Charge Your Grimoire So you have a notebook and some ideas of what to write in your grimoire, but how do you dedicate it solely to your spiritual use? Cleansing and charging your grimoire is a good idea, similar to how you cleanse and charge your altar and tools. My favorite way to cleanse a grimoire is with smoke. Run the grimoire over and through the smoke front and back, visualizing negative energy leaving the pages. Envision a “clean slate” to dedicate to your magical studies. Then, hold it in your hands and to your heart and say, “I bless this book in the name of […]

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Button, Scissor & Needle Magic: Old School Ways of Bringing Change

kitty fields — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 23:41:46 +0000

No need to spend hundreds on magical tools and ingredients. And why? Because you already have everything you could ever need in your house! In this article, we teach you how to do button magic, needle spells and how to use scissors in your magic. These are mostly old American folk magic customs with some modern adaptations. And if you love to sew, you’ll most definitely enjoy our suggestions. Button Magic Who knew buttons are magical little tools? Our ancestors did, of course! Did your grandmother or aunt keep a tin or container of random buttoms? Mine did and gifted to me. At the time, I wondered why a tin of buttons was so important. Now I know. If you were blessed with a tin of buttons from your family, keep it and make use of it! Button Magical Properties Why are buttons magical? Think of their physical function – they keep clothing and linens closed….therefore protecting what is underneath from weather, illness, dirt, etc. So automatically, with buttons think protection and comfort. Also, buttons are tools that sit on a threshold. YES. The threshold between us and the outside world! So they are also useful in spirit work. 1. A Button Magic Charm Necklace Back in the day our ancestors collected and saved buttons. If you have a collection of buttons, you can make a magical button necklace. Or what was once called a wishing necklace. For each button you string onto the necklace, pray over it your intention. Different colors for different intentions, etc. Make it fun and be creative! 2. Button Magic With Bags and Bottles Buttons are great to add to shaker jars. When you shake the jar, they make awesome sounds! For me, part of the allure of a shaker jar is not only the prayer while shaking, but the sensory stimulation. The sounds release energy along with your prayers. Also, buttons can be added to spell bottles and bags. Again, choose colors and styles matching your intentions. Think of the button’s job in the spell as “buttoning” up the situation. 3. Button Superstitions Gifting buttons to newlyweds, or anyone for that matter, brought luck to the receiver. But buttons weren’t always lucky to our ancestors. Back in the day, if you came across a black button in your path, NEVER pick it up! It was supposedly a sign of bad luck or a curse. I don’t think most of us come across buttons in our paths but if I do, I’ll be sure to leave it where it lies. Needle and Pin: Magical Uses & Properties If you enjoy sewing, you’ll be happy to know needles and pins also have magical uses. First, their magical properties. Needles and pins are small phallic objects. So they can be used in fertility magic! Pins and needles also have an ouch factor to them; therefore, they can be used in protection and baneful magic. And to “penetrate” or “stick a pin” in a situation. Here’s a few ways to use those sticky little things: 1. Needles and Magical Sewing A far obvious way to use needles in your magic is to enchant them and use them to patch up holes in clothing, create poppets, tarot bags, herbal pillows and more! They also work cohesively with button magic. Simply cleanse them and charge them in the moonlight. Be sure to only use them for your magical sewing purposes, though. Use separate needles for mundane tasks. 2. Pins in Candle Magic Ever hear of carving your intentions into a candle then burning it? Needles and pins can be cleansed and used to carve symbols, letters, numbers, shapes, etc. into the candle’s wax. In some traditions, pins are stuck directly into the candle for various baneful purposes. BUT they can also be used if you’re burning a large candle in a period of multiple days. Section off the candle and put pins into each section to determine where you’ll stop the candle spell each time you burn it, until it’s all the way burned. Scissors: Magical Properties and SIMPLE Folk Rituals Using scissors is another old school form of sympathetic magic similar to needle and button magic. Sympathetic magic is basically when you use like to attract like. So we use scissors to “cut” through situations and sever ties that bind. Here’s a few examples of folk scissor magic: 1. Labor Pains and Scissors In the U.S. Deep South, scissors are used in folk magic and medicine. Granny midwives in Florida placed scissors under a laboring mother’s bed to “cut the pains”. If you’re in pain (any kind) and laid up in bed, you can do the same! 2. Scissor Magic and Cord Cutting Ever hard of cord cutting rituals? Cord cutting is a meditation / visualization where one tunes into their aura and locates emotional and mental “cords” or ties to other individuals. These cords can hinder one’s growth and even cause emotional blockages and illness. Using scissors to visualize cutting your cords is helpful, but obviously be careful and keep your eyes open while doing so! 3. Scissors in Practical Magic In addition to using scissors in sympathetic magic, they obviously have a practical use as well. Cleanse and charge a separate pair of scissors to use in harvesting herbs from your garden. Use enchanted scissors with magical sewing of poppets, spell bags, cloaks, tarot bags, and more. If you need to cut petition paper, string, and many other spell items, scissors can be used in place of a traditional athame or boline. Make Button Magic, Needle and Scissor Magic Your Own Remember, your magic is unique to you and your practice. Use your creativity, your heart, and your passion to use scissors, needles, and buttons how you deem fit. Try different ways to use these household tools in your magical practice. More Hearth Magick: Honey Magic: Ancient Medicine, Magic and How to Make a Honey Jar Witch’s Broom: History, Magical Uses and Besom DIY Kitchen Witchcraft: How […]

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The Witch’s Cauldron: Origins, Magic & How to Use a Cauldron Today

kitty fields — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 23:36:50 +0000

The cauldron is one of the most well-known of the witch’s tools. And I’d say, next to the broom, it’s the witch’s favorite tool! We have proof the cauldron’s been used since ancient times and it’s still in use today. The myth of the Cauldron of Inspiration gives us insight into just how important the cauldron was in the past. Learn all about the witch’s cauldron, it’s history and mythology, magical uses over the years and how to use a cauldron in YOUR practice today. First, What is a Cauldron? A cauldron is defined as a “large metal pot with a lid and handle used to cook over an open fire.” The cauldron dates back to at least the late Bronze Age and was used for cooking and brewing purposes. The term “cauldron” is derived from old Norse and Germanic words meaning “hot place”. The term kettle is related to cauldron. (Fun fact, if your name is Corey, you are inherently linked to the cauldron since the word for cauldron in Middle-Irish is Coire). At a time when electricity didn’t exist and survival during the cold months depended on fire, the cauldron was a symbol of protection and life. The cauldron came as a welcome change to cooking after many used an earthenware pot to heat their food and brews. This was more difficult because it required dropping hot stones into the pot to cook what was inside. The cauldron came along and made cooking and brewing easier. And it came to be associated with women’s magic and eventually the witch’s magic. The Witch’s Cauldron as a Magic Symbol The cauldron symbolizes many things, namely the Divine Feminine, because it is viewed as the womb. It is related to creation, as in the womb of the earth. And therefore it’s associated with witches and goddesses. Because food and ingredients for remedies are placed inside a cauldron and then transformed, the cauldron is a symbol of transformation and alchemy. Via Cerridwen’s Cauldron of Inspiration, it’s also a symbol of divine wisdom and rebirth. The four elements are an inherent part of every cauldron: the pot and food that goes inside, water and brews made inside, the fire that heats the cauldron, and the steam and smoke that comes out. The three legs represent the Celtic sacred number three: three main lunar phases, the life/death/rebirth cycle, and the triple goddess. The Witch’s Cauldron in Ancient Mythology: Cerridwen, Dagda and Medea The cauldron has quite a few appearances in mythology. Perhaps one of the most famous of mythological cauldrons is Cerridwen’s cauldron – the Cauldron of Inspiration also called Awen (pronounced AH-OO-EN). Cerridwen is an ancient Welsh Celtic goddess of rebirth, magic, and wisdom. When she attempts to give wisdom to her son, her assistant Gwion Boch is asked to stir the cauldron. Three drops fall onto Gwion’s thumb and he licks it off. Then he becomes the otherworldly bard Taliesin. Therefore, the cauldron is a symbol of wisdom and transformation. Medea, the Dagda and Bran’s Cauldrons Another cauldron in mythology is one used by the Greek goddess-priestess Medea. Medea is a priestess of the goddess Hecate who seeks to destroy the King Pelias with the use of her magic cauldron. In addition, the Dagda of the Irish Celtic pantheon, is said to have a cauldron that never runs out of food, heals all who need healing, and grants everlasting life. Bran’s cauldron is said to bring dead warriors back to life. Except, when they return from the cauldron of rebirth, they are unable to speak. Author John Matthews theorizes this is because they aren’t to speak of the Great Mysteries of the Otherworld, they are only to be experienced. There are many myths featuring the witch’s cauldron. King Arthur and the Holy Grail The older versions of the King Arthur legend talks about a Cauldron of Inspiration and Rebirth. This sought-after magical cauldron came to be the “Holy Grail” in later versions. The cup and the cauldron both represent the feminine principle – the womb of creation. And therefore also represent fertility and sexual union when a phallic symbol like a knife is inserted into it. The same goes with a chalice or cup and a knife in Wiccan ritual. The Cauldron Carriers and Rosicrucians According to Linda Raedisch in Night of the Witches, the Frankish tribes called men who carried cauldrons for witches a special term – chervoburgium. Sadly, this wasn’t a compliment…it was meant as an insult. And yet, we know other men of magical traditions enjoyed using and kept the cauldron sacred. The Rosicrucians, for example, said “We claim the cauldron of the witches as, in the original, the vase or urn of the fiery transmigration, in which all things of the world change.” ~ Hargrave Jennings Ancient Cauldrons FOUND Perhaps the most famous of all ancient cauldrons found is the Gundestrup Cauldron. A silver vessel, circa 200 BC, was discovered in Himmerland, Denmark near Gundestrup. The significance of this cauldron is it’s imagery: a combination of Thracian and Gaulish symbols including elephants, dolphins, bulls, dogs, boars and male and female figures. More famously, the horned Celtic god “Cernunnos” is thought to be a cross-legged figure on one of the cauldron’s panels. The intricate metallurgy suggests the cauldron’s use as a spiritual tool. The Lisdrumturk Cauldron and Leicestershire Cauldrons Other ancient cauldrons discovered in recent years include the bronze Lisdrumturk Cauldron. The Lisdrumturk Cauldron was made in the late Bronze age and found in a peat bog in County Monaghan, Ireland. Moreover, eleven iron cauldrons were found at a site in Leicestershire, England from the Iron Age. These cauldrons weren’t as intricately designed as the Gundestrup Cauldron and therefore were for mundane use. Where to Find YOUR Witch’s Cauldron of Inspiration and Magic In modern times, most people don’t use the traditional witch’s cauldron to cook their food over a fire. If you have a nice firepit or fireplace and want to try cooking with a cauldron, go for […]

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Incense Magic: Our Guide for Beginners with Magic Properties and Uses

kitty fields — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:17:51 +0000

When we come to the old path we are typically greeted with recommendations to burn incense. Burn it during ritual. Burn it as offerings. Just burn it! But why are we burning incense? And how exactly is incense so magical that so many recommend it? In the Ultimate Guide to Incense for Beginners, we provide the basic magic properties of incense, discuss incense’s ancient origins, the types of incense, and how to use incense in your spiritual practice. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. What is Incense? In the simplest terms, incense is a resin, root, or herb that’s burned for the scent and/or for spiritual purposes. Incense is one of the oldest forms of magic and was used by ancient people all over the world. It comes in different forms and is made of various types of plants, trees, and resins. Incense knows no religious or cultural boundaries making it one thing nearly all of us have in common spiritually! The Ancient Magical Origins of Incense Many ancient cultures used incense in their rituals and as offerings to their gods. Incense is even mentioned in the Bible in the story of Jesus’ birth. The Three Magi (wisemen) bear gifts for Jesus of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense and myrrh are both types of incense that were once expensive and sacred. Moreover, the ancient Egyptians held incense in the highest esteem. Their three favorites were Egyptian kyphi, frankincense and myrrh. Not only did the Egyptians burn incense, the ancient tribes of Britain did also. Archaeologists discovered ancient incense “cups” at a dig site on Salisbury Plain near Stonehenge. Different Incense Magic Forms: Stick, Cone and Loose Leaf When most people think of incense, they think of stick incense. Another popular form is the cone incense which is resins and herbs formed into a cone shape and burned on a fire-proof dish. And yet another is loose leaf herb or resins burned on charcoal disks. The charcoal disks are placed in a fireproof bowl filled with sand and the herb or resin is placed on top of the hot charcoal disk. Then it’s allowed to smolder or burn. This kind of incense produces a larger amount of smoke than cone or stick. Popular Incense Magic Properties When I was first learning about incense, I would have died for a list of basic incense magic properties. It seemed no one could just supply a simple list! So here you go: Cinnamon: love, protection, prosperity, money, amplifies any ritual or spell Coconut: love and chastity (polarity), protection, fertility Dragon’s Blood: protection, amplifies effects of rituals and divination Evergreen: forest and fae magic, offering to the green man, abundance, money, winter solstice Frankincense: prosperity, growth, confidence, as offering to gods Jasmine: love, peace, increase intuition, burn during divination, moon magic, offering to moon goddesses Lavender: soothing, calming vibes, beauty, love, purification, relieve anxiety, sleep, dream magic Myrrh: ancient Egyptian magic, offering to gods Nag Champa: amplifies ritual and great for meditation Patchouli: lust, passion, romance Rose: love, self love, protection, healing, purification, connection to maternal ancestors Sage: cleansing and purification, protection Sandalwood: pleasing to the spirits, consecration, healing, sacred to Hinduism Strawberry: offering to the goddess, romance and passion, love, connect/open root and sacral chakras Vampire’s Blood: amplifies any ritual, quiet strength, passion, lust, love, lunar magic, “seeing in the dark” How to Use Incense Magic in Your Practice Now let’s learn how to use incense in our magical practice. There are many different uses and you’ll probably find some new ones along the way. One particular use for incense is to “set the mood” for a ritual, spell, gathering or before divination. Doreen Valiente says incense has a “potent effect on the human mind.” And that it speaks to the “deeper levels below the threshold of consciousness” (Valiente, pg. 232). Sometimes we burn it because it smells good and that’s great too! I’ve never walked into a home or business that was burning incense and didn’t enjoy the aroma. In addition to setting the magical mood, incense is burned to purify a space, as an offering to the gods and spirits, to take our prayers up to the heavens, and to amplify intentions for a ritual or spell. I don’t think I’ve ever done a powerful ritual that didn’t include burning a dragon’s blood incense stick! Somehow it always puts me into that otherworldly state of being where magic flows freely. What You’ll Need and How to Burn Loose Leaf Incense on Charcoal If you’re burning stick incense, you just need a stick incense holder/burner. Always do incense magic in a safe place away from anything that could catch fire if too close. If you’re burning cone incense, you need a cone incense burner or fireproof dish or censor. Loose leaf incense or resins on charcoal require a few more supplies: charcoal disks, the incense itself, a fireproof bowl filled partly with sand, and a pair of metal tongs. Hold the charcoal disk with the tongs when you light it so you don’t burn yourself! Then place the disk in the fireproof bowl and sprinkle the incense on top of the charcoal disk. The Best Kind of Incense What are the best kinds of incense for you? If you don’t have allergies or asthma, I say try all three: stick, cone and loose leaf. Experiment with different scents too. My favorite for ritual is dragon’s blood, but the aroma is strong so I don’t burn it on a daily basis. A lot of people like the vampire’s blood incense, but I honestly have an aversion to it! Regular stick incenses burned in my house are lavender, sandalwood and nag champa. Be aware loose leaf on charcoal disks produces a lot of smoke and sets off fire alarms! I typically use the charcoal […]

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