New Year, New Beginnings: A Magical Tea and Tarot Ritual for Manifesting Your Desires

Welcome to the new year! As we bid farewell to the past and look forward to all that the future holds, it's a great time to set intentions and create positive change in our lives. One way to do this is through the power of tea and tarot. In this post, I'll be sharing a magical new year tea recipe and tarot ritual to help you let go of the past and manifest an abundant and fulfilling year ahead. Whether you're looking to attract love and abundance, or simply create a sense of peace and well-being, this tea recipe and tarot ritual can help to set the stage for a positive and transformative year. So let's get started!

What You'll Need

• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp chamomile or 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Tarot deck

What to Do

Before you begin this spell, cleanse and consecrate your space using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle and invite any spirits or deities, such as Brigid, Freyja, Aurora, or Janus, you wish to join you in your ritual. Next, awaken the dried herbs using your preferred method, such as holding them in your hand, whispering to them, or blowing your intention into them (be sure not to blow them away).

When ready, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the chamomile, sage, rose petals, and lavender to the water. Reduce the heat to low and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and add honey, stirring clockwise. As you stir, imagine the tea filling with golden light and say, "Infusion of chamomile, sage, rose, and lavender, bring peace and serenity in the new year. Remove past blockages and leave a clean slate, so I may manifest my best fate. I draw only the positive to me now, to ensure my year is bountiful and plenty."

Sit in a comfortable and peaceful place and hold the mug in your hands. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to sink into a meditative state. As you drink the tea, visualize yourself letting go of any negativity or challenges from the past year. Imagine these things dissolving and drifting away like smoke. Focus on your intentions for the new year, and visualize yourself manifesting abundance, happiness, and success.

When your visualization is complete, take a moment to focus on your intention for the new year. What do you hope to achieve or experience in the coming year? Keep this intention firmly in your mind as you shuffle your tarot deck. Ask the cards to reveal any insights or messages that will help you manifest your intention in the new year.

Choose a card (or cards, if you feel called to do so) from the deck and lay them out in front of you. Take a few minutes to meditate on the card(s) and see what message or guidance they have for you. Write down any insights or messages that you receive from the cards in your journal or Book of Shadows, so you can refer to it throughout the year as a reminder of your intention and the guidance you received from the tarot. 

When you have finished your tea and completed the tarot reading, take a moment to thank the universe and any deities/spirits you invited to your ritual for supporting you in manifesting your intention for the new year. Be sure to leave an offering in return, such as water, bread, honey, a bit of tea, or wine.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This spell begins with awakening the dried herbs. Unless you are using freshly picked leaves, you will find that the energy of dried herbs is often quiet or stagnant. By waking up the herbs, you reawaken their energy, set the intention for the spell, and call on the spirit of the plant to aid you in your magical endeavors. This is often something I forget to do, but you'll find that waking up the herbs prior to using them strengthens and empowers the spell in a way that sleeping herbs do not.

The herbs chosen for the tea blend help to create a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere and can support the intention of letting go of the past and manifesting a positive and abundant new year. Chamomile reduces anxiety and promotes calmness while also attracting love, luck, and positivity. It's also a potent hex/curse remover, making it perfect for removing any negativity from the past year. Sage is a cleansing herb, allowing you to shed the past, protect your future, and gain the mental clarity needed to manifest your desires. Rose, like chamomile, reduces anxiety and brings uplifting energy to the spell, ensuring a positive future. Finally, lavender helps purify, sharpen the mind, heighten psychic awareness, and manifest love and happiness. Lavender, in particular, helps you seek guidance from Spirit during the tarot reading that follows the tea ritual. Finally, the honey is to sweeten and bind the spell, ensuring your manifestations are positive.

I chose tarot for this ritual because it's the most commonly used form of divination among modern witches. Of course, you don't have to use tarot. You can also use runes, meditation, hedge riding, automatic writing, or even a spirit board to seek guidance. These are all methods of corresponding with spirit and are all valid. Pick what works best for you.

Finally, this spell is best performed on New Year's Day/New Year's Eve or the first full moon of the year. New Year's Day and Eve are associated with new beginnings, while the full moon is associated with manifestations. However, this spell can be performed whenever you feel the need to "start over," especially if you have gone through significant life changes, such as a marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, the loss of a family member or friend, changed jobs, or moved into a new home.

Wish to break this spell? If for some reason you no longer wish to manifest your original goal, there are a couple of ways you can break this spell. You could take a cleansing bath/shower, do a chord-cutting ritual, or write a new spell where you state that you no longer wish to manifest your original desire. In either case, be sure to thank the Universe, your deities, or spiritual guides for helping you to begin with, and let them know their services are no longer required on this matter.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

I hope that everyone has a magical, fulfilling 2023. According to numerology, 2023 is associated with the number 7, which is the number of magic, spiritual knowledge, manifestation, and luck. The past couple of years have been rough, but great change is coming our way. Why not make the most of it?

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Book Review: Talking to Spirits by Sterling Moon

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As a hedge witch, part of my practice includes communicating with spirits, especially those found within the Otherworld. When I was presented with the opportunity to review Talking to Spirits: A Modern Medium's Practical Advice for Spirit Communication by Sterling Moon I knew I had to take it. Talking to Spirits is a step-by-step introductory guide to communicating with spirits using various methods. The tone is conversational and includes many personal stories from Moon's 10+ years of experience, making the text easy to read and relatable.

The book begins with a brief introduction to mediumship and how to keep a detailed journal of your experiences, ethics, and essential ideology. There are numerous journal prompts throughout the book to guide you in your practice. If utilized to their fullest, these questions can help guide you on your journey and enhance your knowledge and understanding of spirit communication. I'm not one to go through with journal prompts while reading a book for review, but I can tell you, this is certainly a book I will come back to in the future.

The following three chapters discuss different types of spirits, both positive and negative, including ancestors, shadow people, deities, and elementals. The first of these spirit types chapters discusses spirits of the dead, including your ancestors. Moon recognizes that not all of us know or have a connection with our ancestors, and reminds the reader that even if you don't know them, they know you. Most of us have never met our great-grandparents, and if we did, we have no working memory of them, let alone anyone past them in our family tree. If you are adopted or estranged from your family, this can make it even more difficult but know that while you may not know them personally, they are there to help support and guide you in this life. Understanding that you can still work with your ancestors, even if you don't know them, is important, whether you are wishing to communicate with them or ask for their assistance in your spiritual practice. Moon also offers suggestions on working with problematic ancestors, suggesting that all souls have "homework" when they pass on to reach their highest self. What needs to be mentioned, however, is that you still don't have to work with them. The entire book is extremely inclusive and mindful of different situations, so I was taken aback that Moon didn't take a firm stance on encouraging the reader to do what's best for their well-being. There are ancestors I absolutely will not work with. They are not welcome in my home or life, no matter how much "homework" they have done in the afterlife. I cannot trust them to respect me and my boundaries, so I don't invite them in. You don't have to either. With this in mind, however, Moon does offer a number of grounding meditations and practices to use before and after approaching difficult subjects to ensure you are safe, mentally and physically, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While these are meant to be used during your mediumship practice, they can be used to support you in any difficult life situation.

Following her discussion of ancestors, is a chapter on deities. Moon makes it understood that cultural appropriation of deities has no place in mediumship and that ignoring the cultural significance of deities associated with the Otherworld, death, and spirit communication is narrowminded and disrespectful. Does that mean you can't work with deities outside your culture? Not necessarily. When in doubt, learn from those within the culture, especially storytellers, be respectful, and never insist that a deity (or spirit for that matter) works with you. Sometimes we do everything right and a spirit still doesn't wish to work with us. That's okay. There are plenty of other options out there for you.

The last few chapters cover step-by-step how to contact spirits safely and effectively, how to troubleshoot common issues, decern whether or not a spirit is being truthful, how to rid yourself of unwanted spirits, and red flags to look out for in the professional community. Moon even provides options for solo, group, and virtual sessions, which is great for those with anxiety, mobility concerns, or who simply can't travel the distance to meet in person. Moon also explains that while she has given her readers as much knowledge as she can, you can't learn everything from a book. Mediumship and spirit communication requires constant practice and troubleshooting, and even then that doesn't make you an expert. She suggests that if you ever reach a point where you need assistance, not to hesitate. Seek professional guidance and assistance when needed. There is no shame in asking for help, and I couldn't agree with Moon more. Spirit communication is tricky, and even those of us who have been doing it for years need help sometimes. These chapters also include a complete list of tools, both traditional and modern, that can be used to communicate with spirits. There is some slight hinting that using a spirit, talking, or Ouiji board is "bad" which was disappointing, and the warning she places on spirit boards should also be included on pendulums, tarot cards, scrying mirrors, and any other form of divination because they too open the door for communication.

Overall, I highly recommend Talking to Spirits to those interested in learning more about communicating with spirits and mediumship. This book is an excellent introduction to the topic for an experienced witch (there is some assumption that you have a basic knowledge and understanding of witchcraft). Talking to Spirits: A Modern Medium's Practical Advice for Spirit Communication by Sterling Moon will be available on February 8, 2023. You can preorder your copy now wherever books are sold.

 

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Willow

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Divination, Fertility, Fidelity, Grief, Healing, Love, Lunar Magic, Protection, Psychic Abilities, Rebirth
Magical Uses and History: There are over 400 species of willow trees around the world, which has resulted in a unique and varied history. Among the druids and Celtics where it was associated with fertility, rebirth, death, and strength. One of the most well-known Celtic myths involving the willow is the story of the Celtic moon goddess, Arianrhod. According to the myth, Arianrhod was the daughter of the god Beli and the sister of the god Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Arianrhod was a powerful and revered goddess, known for her beauty and her ability to shape-shift into various forms. One day, Arianrhod was approached by a mortal man named Gwydion, who asked her to bear him a child. Arianrhod refused, stating that she had taken a vow of chastity. However, Gwydion persisted and eventually convinced Arianrhod to change her mind. Arianrhod agreed to bear Gwydion's child, but only on the condition that Gwydion never speak the child's name. Gwydion agreed, and Arianrhod gave birth to a son, who was named Lleu Llaw Gyffes. However, Arianrhod became enraged when she discovered that Gwydion had tricked her into bearing a child, and she cursed the baby with a series of terrible fates. First, she cursed him to never have a human form, saying that he would always remain a creature of the air. Next, she cursed him to never have a weapon to defend himself, saying that he would always be defenseless. Gwydion was devastated by Arianrhod's curses, and he vowed to do everything in his power to break them. He searched far and wide for a way to break the curses, and eventually, he found a solution in the form of a willow tree. Gwydion knew that the willow was a tree associated with rebirth and renewal, and he believed that it had the power to break Arianrhod's curses. He took a branch from the willow and fashioned it into a spear, which he gave to Lleu Llaw Gyffes as a weapon. With the help of the willow spear, Lleu Llaw Gyffes was able to defeat his enemies and prove himself as a brave and powerful warrior. The willow tree became a symbol of his strength and victory, and it was revered as a powerful force of magic and transformation. As such, willow can be used to strengthen spells and ensure victory, especially those related to fertility and rebirth.

The willow is also often associated with water which is likely due to the fact that willow trees are often found growing near bodies of water. In fact, its Latin name Salix is derived from sal meaning “nearby” and lis meaning “water.” In Fung-Shui, willow branches are sometimes used to locate water underground, much like dowsing rods. Due to its association with water, the willow is regarded as a tree of healing, fertility, and life, so much so that it's said that the willow tree that stands in the city of Cheon-an grew from a walking stick made of willow that was stuck into the ground. This leads to the willow being associated with death and rebirth as its ability to regenerate and grow new branches is seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life. As such, willow can be used in spells for rebirth and renewal. Furthermore, willow branches were traditionally hung over doorways or windows to protect against disease, illness, and negative energy, an association that likely arrived not only from its association with water but also its medicinal uses, specifically in treating pain.

Its connection to water and healing also lends to the willow’s association with the Moon. The willow is seen as a lunar plant, with its branches and leaves containing the energy of the Moon. This association is often linked to the willow's ability to bend and sway in the wind, which is thought to represent the fluid and ever-changing nature of the Moon's phases. As such, it can be used in lunar spells and rituals to represent balance, femininity, peace, and change. Willow’s connection to the Moon also associates it with divination and psychic abilities. Willow branches, leaves, and bark can be used in divination rituals to connect you with the Otherworld, and the leaves are sometimes used in spells designed to promote clairvoyance and psychic awareness.

The willow is also often associated with love and relationships. In many cultures, the willow is believed to have the ability to attract love and promote fidelity in relationships. Willow can be used in love spells and rituals or carried as a talisman to attract love and bring good fortune in matters of the heart.

Finally, the willow is associated with death and the passage of the soul. In Celtic folklore, the willow was not only the tree of life but also the tree of the underworld. Its branches were said to be able to guide the souls to the next life and ease the soul’s passage from life to death. Weeping willows were often planted in or near cemeteries and used in funeral rites, thus associating them not only with death but grief and mourning as well. Its downward-hanging branches were said to be weeping and some folklore suggests that is a willow grew large enough to cast a graze-sized shadow, a family member would soon die. In England, willow wood was often used to make gallows, and therefore using willow wood to build your home or boat would bring disaster. Despite these negative associations, the willow is also believed to be a potent protector and guardian against lightning, disaster, disease, and evil spirits.

Willow can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Spells
    Spirit Communication

    Healing Spells

    Fertility Magic

    Rebirth Spells

    Dream Magic

    Divination

    Love spells

Medicinal Uses: White willow bark is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, pain, inflammation, and pain. Willow bark contains a number of compounds, including salicin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. When taken as a supplement or applied topically, willow bark can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as arthritis and acne. Furthermore, The salicin in willow bark is converted to salicylic acid in the body, which is a common pain reliever. In fact, the chemical structure of salicylic acid is similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. As a result, willow bark has been used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including headaches, back pain, and menstrual cramps. Some studies have suggested that willow bark can help kill bacteria and prevent new growth, making it an effective treatment for topical wounds and skin infections. While generally safe, willow bark can interfere with certain medications, especially blood thinners, and should not be used if you are allergic to aspirin or have hemophilia, stomach ulcers, or kidney or liver disease.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, white willow bark can be taken as an infusion or as a tincture. To make an infusion, combine 2 teaspoons of chopped willow bark with 1 cup of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes then allow the mixture to infuse for 20-30 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters per day. Externally, willow bark and leaves can be made into a poultice or salve and applied directly to minor cuts, skin infections, or acne.

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! 

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Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2022

Yuletide blessings, witches! I hope your Yule is filled with merriment and light. I started decorating for Yule much earlier this year than I ever have before, wishing to spend more time with the festive lights and decorations. In fact, I started purchasing more decorations at the beginning of October. Blasphemy as a witch, I know, but I needed it. In fact, I didn't even celebrate Samhain this year. Things just felt...off. The Yule begins on the Winter Solstice (December 212, 2022) and ends on January 1, 2021. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the final day of lasting darkness and the return of the Sun. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated by a variety of cultures for thousands of years as it marked an important transition in the Wheel of the Year. With it being the longest night, folklore sprung up around what happened in the dark, the most prominent of these European myths being the Wild Hunt. Candles were lit to drive away the darkness, keep out the demons, and encourage the Sun's return so that life would flourish once more. And in the darkness, a god was born. Depending on the tradition, this included such deities as Horus, Dionysus, Apollo, and the infamous Oak King. With these themes in mind, I created this year's Yule altar to brighten my spirits and bring prosperity and light into the new year.

1. Evergreen Tree- Nestled behind the goat skill is an evergreen tree, which is a traditional symbol of Yule. It represents everlasting life and light in the darkness. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves during the winter months, evergreen trees keep their leaves, remaining perpetually green and full of life, even during the darkest, coldest time of the year. These lovely trees were often brought into the home, whether whole or just clippings, and decorated with candles and shiny decorations to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness while shepherding in warmer weather. (Where did I get it: Michael's 2012; Cost: $5)

2. White Candles & Lights- The ward off the darkness, candles were lit to protect those within on the Winter Solstice from dangerous spirits and the Wild Hunt while simultaneously ushering in the return of the Sun. For this reason, I have placed a number of white candles, which represent the Sun, purity, and renewal, on my altar. The white votive candles also smell of vanilla, an uplifting scent to keep spirits high despite the darkness. Furthermore, the Sun is reborn on the Winter Solstice, the candles being an offering to His return. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $6, $1 each)

3. Evergreen Garland- The evergreen branches, which came from a garland I had years ago, represent the Holly King, everlasting life, and protection. Boughs of evergreen were commonly hung above doorways and placed on altars to prevent evil from entering the home, especially on the longest night of the year.  (Where did I get it: Target 2016; Cost: $5)

4. Garnet and Pyrite- Bloodstone was known as heliotrope by the Ancients which comes from the Greek helios meaning "sun" and trepein meaning "to attract." As such, bloodstone or heliotrope signifies "sun-turning" and is said to attract the rays of the Sun. Like the candles, this is a form of sympathetic magic to bring forth the rebirth of the Sun and ward off the neverending night. The pyrite, like the bloodstone, also represents the Sun, reflecting the rays of the candles out into the Universe to lend Him strength. Pyrite is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity, ensuring that we have everything we need to make it through the next couple of months until Spring. (Where did I get it: Various Subscription Boxes and Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$5)

5. Jera, Sowilo, and Wunjo Runes- Each of these runes has unique symbolism that adds to the magic of the altar as a whole. Jera means "year" and represents the turning of the Wheel. It is cyclical in nature and encourages us to reflect upon what we send out into the Universe as what goes around comes around. It lets us know that despite the darkness, the light will return. Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, light, and success. It helps light the way into a bright future. Finally, Wunjo is the rune of joy and good company, a celebration of love and community. The Winter Solstice is best spent with family and friends and reminds us that joy overcomes even the darkest of times. (Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free; originally- $30 for the set)

6. Wooden Acorns- One of my favorite myths is the tale of the Oak and Holly Kings. The Holly King is at his peak during the Winter Solstice, but his power begins to weaken as the Oak King, who is reborn on the Winter Solstice, regains power. The two wooden acorns flanking each side of my altar are an ode to the Oak King. They also represent strength, new life, and rebirth, a promise of what is to come once the darkness passes. Oaks are well known for their protective nature, which is needed on the longest night of the year. The acorns not only represent the Oak King and the strength He provides, but also provide my home with protection from wayward spirits and the Wild Hunt. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

7. Goat Skull- I have to give a huge thanks to my friend, Abby, who so graciously gifted me with this lovely goat skull earlier this year. It is certainly one of the best gifts I have ever received and I was so excited to place it on my altar. Goats are associated with fertility, virility, and lust (all themes associated with Yule), as well as independence, ambition, and persistence. Even against all odds, goats will give everything they have, reminding us to persevere even in the face of darkness. Goats also represent the Horned God who is reborn on the solstice. In Sweden, large straw goats, known as Yule goats or Julbock, are built on the first day of Advent. This may be a nod to Thor, whose chariot was pulled by two goats, or possibly the remnants of an old harvest tradition. Either way, the Yule goat has become a symbol of Yule in many Scandinavian countries and is said to watch over holiday preparations and even bring gifts, much like Santa. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$16

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. For this particular altar, many of the items were gifts, thus reducing my cost significantly. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

To each and every one of you, I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice and a festive Yule. 

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Book Review: Backyard Witchcraft by Cecilia Lattari

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While Georgia doesn't get particularly cold winters, we do get a lot of rain during the winter months and rain means more time to read while snuggled up on the couch with my cats. Lately, we have gotten a lot of rain which means I have had more time than usual to read. I most recently finished Backyard Witchcraft: The Complete Guide for the Green Witch, the Kitchen Witch, and the Hedge Witch by Cecilia Lattari which is a very brief introduction to the differences between green, kitchen, and hedge witches. When I say brief, I mean it. This book is 160 pages, but many of those pages are filled with stunning illustrations by Betti Greco. Honestly, the illustrations kept me reading because while much of the information was accurate, it was either too simple or not detailed enough. Backyard Witchcraft presents itself as an introductory guide but often fails to offer enough support for new witches to be successful. Before I get into what I didn't like, however, let's talk about what I did enjoy.

Backyard Witchcraft begins by defining the differences between a green, kitchen, and hedge witch. These types of witchcraft are often confused, especially in modern literature, as many of their practices and beliefs overlap. As a hedge witch (or hedgewitch) myself, I find conflating these terms frustrating because, while similar, they are not the same. Lattari does an excellent job discussing the similarities and differences between these different types of witches, even discussing hedge riding as the defining feature of the hedge witch. I will say that the descriptions seemed somewhat fantastical and more metaphorical than actual reality. As much as I would love to live in the countryside, walking the hedgerows, that isn't possible for most people, especially if you live in the United States. Not fitting neatly into these descriptions does not make you any less a green, kitchen, or hedge witch and there is so much variety in our community that no two people are going to practice the same.

Right smack in the middle of this introduction is a note about poisonous plants. While I am all for learning about some plant folklore, its inclusion in the first chapter seemed out of place and disjointed from the rest of the book. Lattari picks up this discussion later in the book in Chapter 5, so I am unsure why an aside was made in the introduction in the first place. It frustrated me as a reader, and will likely frustrate others. The introduction to poisonous plants is very basic and if you plan on using poisonous plants in your practice, I highly encourage you to look elsewhere for reliable information. Lattari strongly advises against the use of poisonous plants, which I agree with if you are not educated on their proper use and dosage, but then offers dosage information. This contradiction left me feeling uneasy because the information given is extremely brief and not enough to protect the reader from harm.

The book then continues to discuss the tools of each witch and how to create a magical space. Honestly, the tool lists read more like fantasy or what people think a witch would use than what we actually use. The items were oddly specific, especially for a hedge witch, which left me confused. It reminded me more of the artwork I see from whimsical witches than reality. Again, this is fine, but if you are new to witchcraft, you should know that many of these tools are not, in fact, used nor required. Within this section, Lattari mentions the use of smudge sticks and encourages readers to use palo santo, both of which are closed practices. While Lattari does advise against using white sage, which is also a closed practice, she continues to use the term smudge and smudging multiple times throughout the book. Smudging is not the same as smoke cleansing and conflating the two terms is a harmful whitewashing of a beautiful indigenous ceremony. Despite these issues, Lattari offers some great spell and ritual ideas with excellent breakdowns as to why certain items are used in an organic way. This is a great way to learn the correspondences of different items used in spells and ritual work without having to memorize a bunch of correspondence lists, which I always hate. I break down information in a similar manner on my blog and it's an approach I use in my classroom as well. Lattari does, however, assume the reader has some experience with witchcraft and casting spells, as many of the spells say things like "Once you have established contact with whoever lives in your sacred space" or "find a way to inaugurate it" without offering insight, suggestions, or help as to how to accomplish these steps.

The last several chapters take a plant-centered approach to magic, discussing the different elements, gardening, and the Wheel of the Year. I am a sucker for plant folklore and enjoyed these chapters immensely, even though they were short. Lattari discusses the elements in terms of the plants associated with them, offering folklore, correspondences, medicinal uses, and even cooking recipes for each. The variety of information given encompasses all possible uses of the plants, allowing green, kitchen, and hedge witches to find something that speaks to them. There is also excellent information on connecting with plant spirits, planting by month and moon, and basics on maintaining a garden. The medicinal information is decent, but some of the uses are still being researched. I would use this information as a springboard to other, more reliable, herbal books. Be sure to cross-reference common and scientific names to prevent any confusion. Lattari calls calendula marigold on several occasions, which is a completely separate plant in most parts of the world.

The book ends with a "What type of witch are you" quiz and 10 magical stories of herbs and witches. The order of these last two chapters felt very out of place/order to me. The quiz should have been in the introduction prior to the discussion on the different witches or left out completely. The answer choices obviously leaned one way over the others, making it easy to get the witch type you wanted. It's hard to include quizzes in books and this one felt forced. The final chapter on plants, however, was interesting and a great way to finish out the book. It's obvious Lattari has done her research.

Overall, this book was just okay, which was disappointing. It would certainly make for a beautiful addition to your bookshelf as it's colorful and beautifully illustrated, but information-wise...not so much. There are much better, more informative books on the market. As another reviewer said, this book seems more like a children's book than an adult introduction to witchcraft. This is a book I would give to a young teenager over a seasoned practitioner. Backyard Witchcraft: The Complete Guide for the Green Witch, the Kitchen Witch, and the Hedge Witch by Cecilia Lattari is available now.

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Book Announcement: The Green Witch's Guide to Self-Care on Sale December 13, 2022

I’m excited to announce that my second book titled The Green Witch's Guide to Self-Care: Natural Spells, Rituals, and Remedies For Your Mind, Body, and Spirit is set to release next week on December 13, 2022! 

In this book, you will learn how to nurture your mind and body with the power of natural magic! Learn the philosophy of green magic and the essential tools you’ll need to start building your practice, explore different ways to care for yourself mentally and physically—whether it’s cleansing your space with herbs or finding strength in your community, and create your own self-care practice with 55 different spells, rituals, and remedies. Uncover the link between green witchcraft and self-care with this collection of practices and spells that can help you cure everything from a headache to a heartache.

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Magical Properties of Black Tourmaline

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Why Didn't My Spell Work and How to Fix It

We have made it to the end of the Spellcrafting series! It took me a bit of time to finish this series (2 years...I know), but hopefully, it's been helpful nonetheless. Sometimes we do everything 'right,' but the spell fails. The reason a spell fails often falls into one of two categories: internal and external. An internal cause is something we did before, during, or after the spell that resulted in it failing while an external cause is something that happens outside of our control. Internal causes can usually be avoided through good spell etiquette, while external causes will require a complete reworking of the magic to be successful. 

Before we jump into the internal and external causes of spell failure, let's discuss how to know whether or not your spell failed. Sometimes we think a spell failed, but it manifested in a way we did not expect. First, did you give enough time for the spell to manifest? Did you ask for the spell to manifest in a specific time frame? Some spells can take several weeks or even months to work depending on how much you are trying to manifest. Small amounts of money tend to manifest quickly, while a good-paying job may take a couple weeks to show up. Friendship tends to manifest quickly while meaningful romantic partnerships take much longer. Make sure you have given your spell enough time to manifest before you go around saying it failed because this can harm the spell's outcome if it's still working. Second, are you sure the spell didn't manifest in a way you didn't intend? If you were asking for love but weren't specific in the type of love, you might find yourself being showered with love by your friends and family. If you asked for money, you may have found a quarter on the ground at the grocery store. In this case, try the spell again with a more specific intention.

If you're positive you have given the spell enough time to work and it didn't manifest in an unintended way, then the spell likely failed for one of the reasons below. Let's dive into the internal and external causes of spell failure and how to fix them.

Internal Causes

Internal causes are usually the reason a spell fails. This is often due to poor planning, lack of belief, the use of wrong or conflicting spell ingredients, or even lack of effort. Spells require us to raise a considerable amount of energy without our emotions getting in the way. They also require us to put in mundane effort in order for them to manifest. Below are some of the most common internal causes of spell failure.

1. Your spell intention was too specific or too vague.

An unclear or vague intention is the number one reason a spell will fail. Your intention should be specific enough that the Universe knows what you want, but vague enough to allow the Universe to work in mysterious ways. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to ask for something specific and end with the phrase "or better." This allows you to be specific in your intention but open enough to accept what is best for you. However, your intention should be attainable. Asking to win the lottery is likely not going to work as you are asking for 'too much.' The odds are not in your favor with this one, even with consistent energy raising and work. Magic very rarely brings sudden, great change. Instead, it's more subtle, nudging you in a positive direction. To read more about setting a magical intention that will work, check out How to Set Intentions, Raise Energy, and Manifest Your Desires.

How to fix: Create a specific intention and add "or better" to the end.

2. You didn't put in any mundane effort to manifest the spell.

The second largest reason a spell will fail is a lack of mundane effort. Unfortunately, magic does not behave like it does in the movies or books where we wave a wand and our heart's desire appears. If you want a new job, you have to put in applications, go to interviews, and build your resume. If you want to find a life partner, you need to get out and meet people. By putting in the mundane effort, we continue to raise energy in support of the spell, increasing the chances it will manifest. When you do nothing, you tell the Universe you don't really want whatever you are asking for, so you're less likely to receive it.

How to fix: Meet the Universe halfway by putting in the mundane work to manifest your dreams.

3. You didn't actually want it or didn't believe the spell would work.

The energy you raise, or fail to raise, has consequences on the success of the spell. The Universe knows when you really want something and when you don't. If you don't really want whatever it is you are asking for, or don't believe the spell will work, you are projecting that energy into the spell, increasing the chances that it won't work by sending the Universe mixed messages. It's like saying yes while shaking your head no. It's best not to cast a spell at all if you have conflicting energies. 

How to fix: If you don't really want something, don't ask for it. If you have doubts, rewrite your doubts as positive mantras that can be used to fuel the energy of the spell. 

4. You didn't raise enough energy.

The energy you raise for a spell is the driving force behind it. Without energy, the spell will fizzle quickly and fail to manifest as you intended. Maybe you were tired, your heart wasn't in the work, or you had other things on your mind during the spell. Maybe you did attempt to raise energy but it wasn't enough for the spell you were casting. The amount of energy you raise should be proportionate to how much you are asking for. How do you know when you have raised enough? This is a difficult question to answer. I tend to rely on my intuition to let me know when enough energy has been raised. Sometimes you just feel it deep within you. If you are unsure in the moment, raise your energy for a little bit longer and then release it. You'd rather have more energy behind a spell than less anyway.

How to fix: Don't cast spells if you are tired, anxious, or overwhelmed. When in doubt, raise more energy than you think you need, or don't do it at all.

5. You used unsuitable substitutions or conflicting ingredients.

I am a huge advocate for writing your own correspondences and making substitutions as needed, but not all substitutions are the same. While clear quartz and rosemary, the two most often cited substitutions out there, work great in most spells, they don't work in every spell. Clear quartz is particularly gifted at amplifying your magic and intention, but if you are looking to go unnoticed, clear quartz isn't the crystal for you. Rosemary, on the other hand, is associated with remembrance and therefore won't do you much good in a spell to forget. Not only could your substitutions go against your intention, but they can also work against each other. For example, mixing rue and rose quartz will often cancel each other out as their energy conflicts. One is for banishing and cursing, while the other is for drawing love and friendship. It's possible to use both in a spell, but they would have to be at separate times. I wouldn't put them both in the same spell bottle or sachet, however. To read more about writing your own correspondences and finding suitable substitutions check out How to Write Your Own Correspondences to Enhance Your Spellcrafting.

How to fix: Always double-check and cross-reference the energy and correspondences of your ingredients before using them. If they conflict with each other or your intention, rework the ingredients to better match the magic you are creating. When in doubt, less is more. If you have made this mistake, you should redo your spell.

External Causes

External causes are things that happen outside of our direct control after we have released the spell into the Universe. These causes require you to completely rework the spell with an open mind and are much harder to fix than internal issues. Oftentimes, you won't be able to pinpoint one of these reasons as the cause of your spell's failure, but they are reasons nonetheless.

1. Someone else's intention got in the way.

You aren't the only witch out there casting spells and even the intentions of non-witches can get in the way of your magic. As witches, we know that we are capable of enacting great change so its only logical that others can do the same. This can occur in a multitude of ways. 

First, another witch could also be working a spell for the same 'prize.' That other witch may be in a position to tug hard and take the win, leaving you in the dust. Second, you could be going against another person's will or intentions. This is especially true of love spells. If you are trying to get someone to love you and they feel the exact opposite, your spell isn't likely going to work the way you intend. Finally, maybe you told someone about the spell and they intentionally or unintentionally sabotage your work. If you tell someone you worked some prosperity magic, they may express jealousy over your potential success, which can disrupt your spell. 

This type of spell failure is tricky to fix as it is dependent on the feelings, thoughts, and actions of others that you may or may not be aware of. Meditate, reach out to your guides, or do some divination work to try and figure out why the spell failed. Once you have a grasp on why the spell failed, you can begin troubleshooting potential solutions.

How to fix: Try the spell again. When in doubt, keep your spells a secret until after they manifest.

2. The Universe had other plans for you/it was not meant to be.

Sometimes we do everything right, but the Universe has other plans for us. This can be difficult, especially if we really, really, really want something. You may really want a specific job. Everything about its perfect; better pay, close to home, and good benefits. You cast a perfect spell to get the job and put in all the mundane work and you are still rejected. Don't despair. There is likely a job that is a better fit for you out there. Maybe the bosses weren't great or the company is about to go under. We don't know these things, but the Universe often does. We also have to recognize that we are here to learn lessons and sometimes those lessons hurt. 

How to fix: Trust the process and be open to what the Universe has in store for you and rework the spell to be more open to what the Universe has to bring you.

***

Troubleshooting your spells as best you can is the mark of a good witch. Witchcraft, as with life, is full of lessons and growth. You are constantly learning, adjusting, and changing as time goes on. Furthermore, a spell that worked once, might not work again, so repeating the same process over and over again isn't always an option. At the end of the day, it's important to reflect upon both the successes and failures of a spell. Keep a note in your Book of Shadows or Grimoire about the outcome of the spells you cast. If they failed, be sure to include your best guess as to why so that you can learn from your mistakes. Remember, even if a spell fails, it's not the end of the world. Witchcraft requires constant work and practice to master and you don't learn anything if you never fail.

So now that we have finished the series, what are you waiting for?! Get out there and cast some spells! 

Interest in the rest of the series? 

Spellcrafting Series

What Is A Spell?

Ethics in Spellcrafting: To Curse or Not to Curse

Types of Spells

Basics of Spellcrafting

Correspondences, Substitutions, and How to Write Your Own

Perfect Spell Timing

Spell Wording: Be Clear, Be Heard

Cleansing, Charging, and Raising Energy Prior to Spellcasting

Grounding and Centering After Spell Work

Breaking Your Own Spells

What to do with Spell Remains

Recording Your Spells

Intuitive Spellcasting

Casting Spells from the Otherworld

Troubleshooting Your Spells: Why They Didn't Work

Looking for more information about writing your own spells? Check out my posts on the topic:

What is Magic?

What is Hermeticism?

Primal Language

Magic All Day Long: What Time of Day Should I Perform Magic?

The Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.