A Complete Guide to Othala, the Heritage Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by exploring Othala (OH-tha-lah), the Heritage rune from the third ætt. Othala (ᛟ) is associated with inheritance, ancestry, legacy, and tradition, which I felt was perfect to explore as we approach Vetrnætr/Winter Nights, since ancestor veneration plays a large part in this blót. Being part of the third ætt makes it part of Tyr's ætt, which focuses on cosmic order, justice, human responsibility, and spiritual mastery. Furthermore, Othala is the last rune, representing the culmination of the entire runic cycle, a "coming home," if you will.

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Othala's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Othala's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Othala (ᛟ) is the last rune of the third ætt, making it the final rune in the Elder Futhark, as seen on the Kylver Runestone. This placement is significant, as Othala marks the end of the runic cycle. Its placement represents the culmination of the entire runic cycle or life's journey, which began as active wealth in the first ætt. This wealth transforms into familial legacy that lasts across generations while embodying the responsibility of the living to honor past generations, preserve family values, and continue the family line. Furthermore, its placement represents a return home, integrating all of human experience into a spiritual and physical foundation that lasts generations.

Kylver Stone rune-row c. 400

Othala, unlike other runes of the Elder Futhark, is only found in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem. This is because it vanished from Scandinavia during the transition to the Younger Futhark around the 8th century, when the number of runes was reduced from 24 to 16. Its phonetic sound of o was merged with that of u, becoming Uruz (ᚢ). The Anglo-Saxons, however, expanded their runic system, thus preserving Othala in the process. Both the Norwegian and Icelandic Rune Poems were written after the adoption of the Younger Futhark, resulting in Othala's absence from both poems.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Eþel byþ oferleof æghwylcum men,              An estate is very dear to every man,

gif he mot ðær rihtes and gerysena on         if he can enjoy there in his house

brucan on bolde bleadum oftast                  whatever is right and proper in constant prosperity

From the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, we see that Othala is called "Eþel," meaning estate, thus highlighting the importance of land and home in Anglo-Saxon and Nordic culture. Ancestral property was deeply cherished, representing security, familial roots, and physical belonging. Unlike Fehu, which represents movable wealth such as cattle or coins, Othala represents fixed wealth tied to ancestry. However, there are conditions set on the "estate." The poem makes it clear that the estate is only precious if a person can live there lawfully, properly, and honorably, making it clear that prosperity is tied deeply to social harmony and living within the moral bounds of the community.

From this poem, as well as other cultural markers which will be discussed in Othala's Cultural Significance, we can conclude Othala is associated with property, familiar wealth, ancestral ties, family, unity, and heritage.

Othala's Cultural Significance

Like all runes, Othala was part of the runic alphabet used for written communication. Even though Othala was dropped in the Younger Futhark, it is still heavily featured on objects, way stones, and surviving organic documents. It is featured on some of the earliest known runic inscriptions, including the Hole Runestone and Vimose planer, dating back to between 50 BCE and 400 CE. However, its most famous uses are those where historians and archeologists believe Othala marked objects as personal property or hereditary treasure. Such objects include the Ring of Pietroassa and the Thorsberg chape.

Illustration of the Thorsberg chape (c. 210-260 CE)

Othala is derived from several languages, including the Proto-Germanic ōþala or ōþila meaning "patrimony" or "inherited possession." This is similar to the Old Norse óðal, also meaning "ancestral property," "patrimony," or "inheritance." The Old Norse óðal is a reference to the Scandinavian laws of inheritance which established land rights for families who had owned or inhabited a parcel of land for several generations. These laws prevented the land from being sold to others outside the family and even protected daughters against men from outside the immediate family. As such, women were able to own property, livestock, and wealth in their own names, even keeping their own doweries. However, these inheritance rights shifted with the rise of Christianity, although some of these laws continue to exist today, including Norway's Odelsrett. Furthermore, if the land was sold or left to someone outside the immediate family, the living family members had the right to buy back the land. These laws and cultural practices underscore just how important family, kinship, and inheritance were, making Othala an important rune, despite its loss over time.

Section of Beowulf in the Nowell Codex (late 10th-early 11th century)

While Othala "fell out of fashion" in Nordic countries, it remained in use in Anglo-Saxon countries well into the 17th century. True to its meaning, Othala was featured in texts such as Beowulf, Waldere, and the Old English translation of Orosius' Historiae adversus paganos, where it was used as shorthand for ancestral property. Later, Othala was used by JRR Tolkein in The Hobbit and later in The Lord of the Rings, as runes were used as the base for dwarvish Cirth.

Winged Othala

Unfortunately, Othala is yet another rune that was adopted by the German Nazis, where it was modified with serifs (feet/wings) and assigned to the SS Race and Settlement Main Office as a symbol of racial purity. The winged Othala is still used today by white nationalist groups and is commonly featured on flags, banners, and logos or in tattoos. As a reminder, Othala itself is not a hate symbol, but you should be aware of its use as such so you can make informed decisions regarding displaying the rune.

Othala's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: home, family, inheritance, ancestry, belonging, sacred ground, security, stability, comfort, foundation, shared values, family tradition, commitment, culture
• Reversed Meaning: family burden, generational trauma, prejudice, disconnection, insecure family, conflict at home, disorder, instability, distress
• Letter: O
• Element: Earth
• Zodiac: Gemini
• Planet: Moon
• Animal: stork, whale, hound, bee, salmon
• Colors: brown, gold, yellow, blood red
• Deities: Heimdall, Odin, Thor
• Plants: hawthorn, elm, gorse, chamomile, sorrel, houseleek, snowdrop
• Crystals: amethyst, ruby, amber, petrified wood
  
  

How to Work with the Othala Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Othala in your workings?

1. Use Othala in spells or rituals focused on home protection, ancestral connection, heritage, and cultivating a sense of belonging.
2. Meditate on Othala to explore your roots, reflect on the traditions you have inherited, and consider which values you wish to carry forward into the future. This is also a great rune to meditate on when wishing to connect with your ancestors during spirit work.
3. Draw Othala in anointing oil on your door or windows, or incorporate it into other household blessings to encourage stability, nurture a sense of sanctuary, and honor the relationships and memories that make a place feel like home.
4. Draw Othala on a piece of paper and place it on your altar alongside a meaningful family heirloom, photograph, or personal keepsake to honor your connection to the past.
5. Include Othala in rituals focused on breaking inherited patterns, examining family dynamics, and releasing beliefs or behaviors that no longer align with your values.
6. Carry Othala as a reminder of your personal roots, cultural identity, and the importance of creating a sense of belonging that honors both your heritage and your individual path.
7. Work with Othala in prosperity and stewardship rituals focused on managing resources responsibly, preserving what matters, and creating a meaningful legacy for future generations.
8. Place Othala on your altar, particularly those centered on the home, ancestors, and preparation for winter, such as a contemporary Vetrnætr observance.
9. Journal with Othala to explore what home means to you, what you have inherited beyond material possessions, which traditions deserve to continue, and what kind of legacy you hope to leave behind.

Othala's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Othala appears in a rune spread? Othala holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Othala when it's next to or near other runes:

• Near Algiz suggests protecting the home, preserving meaningful traditions, or establishing healthy boundaries around family, heritage, and personal identity.
• Next to Fehu suggests inherited wealth, family resources, or the responsibility of preserving and building upon what has been passed down.
• Paired with Jera points to the fruits of long-term effort, generational cycles, or the ways that what we cultivate today becomes an inheritance for those who follow.
• In proximity to Hagalaz indicates disruption to the familiar, changes in family or household circumstances, or the dismantling of inherited structures that no longer serve you.
• Combined with Berkano points to family growth, nurturing one's roots, the continuation of traditions, or creating a sense of home where new life and possibilities can flourish.
• Near Isa indicates a need to pause and reflect on inherited patterns, family traditions, or beliefs that may be holding you in place.

Othala's Relationships with Other Runes

When found in a runic spread, Othala usually interacts with other runes through themes of heritage, belonging, inheritance, and ancestral ties. Unlike other runes that emphasize personal growth or material gain, Othala emphasizes family and community, highlighting the influence that one's roots have on the life one is building.

When found alongside runes associated with abundance and prosperity, such as Fehu or Jera, Othala can point to generational wealth or the fruits of long-term labor. It can also point to non-material gains, such as inherited knowledge, traditions, and values. Near runes like Gebo or Raidho, on the other hand, Othala emphasizes shared responsibility, a sense of belonging, and what it means to be a villager.

While Othala is itself a positive rune, it can signal familial strife when found among less favorable runes such as Isa or Hagalaz. It may also point to the burdens of inheritance or family traditions that are perpetuating harmful patterns or trauma. Paired with runes associated with protection or boundaries, such as Algiz or Thurisaz, Othala may raise questions about safeguarding one's home and heritage while remaining mindful of the difference between healthy boundaries and exclusion. These combinations can encourage us to consider how we honor our roots without allowing the past to dictate our future.

No matter where Othala shows up, it always points toward family, heritage, and community. Remember that belonging is not simply a matter of where we come from or who we are related to. It also extends to the family we build ourselves. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, meaning the family we choose, the bonds we forge ourselves, are stronger than ones we may have been born into. Othala does not just mean blood family, making it a rune accessible to everyone.

***

With Vetrnætr/Winter Nights quickly approaching, Othala is the perfect rune to work with this season. It is the symbol of our ancestral roots, the ties of kinship that lead to our creation. While generational wealth is on the decline, the values and traditions we inherit are not. It is important that we evaluate these family values and traditions, removing any that prompt hate or harm and replacing them with ones that are more inclusive and meaningful. Remember, family is what you make it, so if Othala means your found family rather than your blood relatives, that is valid too. May your ancestors guide you on your path and protect you along your journey.

Until next time,

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Magical Properties of Peacock Ore

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Book Review: The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic by Loren Morris

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.

I am so thankful for the rise in 'niche' witchcraft books. Early in my blogging and witchcraft "career," almost every book being published was a beginner book with the same rehashed information. Such books are certainly still being published, and even the more advanced books contain beginner information, but they are on the decline. The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic: The Art of Braiding & Knotting Spell Cords by Loren Morris is the next great addition to a growing number of advanced or niche topic occult books.

In this rather short but very comprehensive guide, Morris offers everything you need to know about crafting and using spell cords in your own practice. The first half of the book focuses on the magical properties of items commonly used in spell cords, as well as using runes, magical alphabets, and sigils. While these chapters are relatively short, they are packed with vital information. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on runes, bindrunes, and galdr. Runes need to be activated in order for them to work, and the best way is through galdr, or chanting/singing/speaking over the runes. Generally, this is done by saying the rune name over and over and drawing out the sound, but they can also be activated with written chants or free-form chanting/singing. For other included materials, Morris offers meditations, pathwalking rituals, and chants to activate the item or sigil, leaving no stone untouched.

Furthermore, the sections on bindrunes and sigils include picture examples in different shades of grey so readers can see how they were constructed using the different pieces. This is particularly helpful for those who struggle to deconstruct sigils and bindrunes, making this guide more inclusive than others.

The second half of The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic is a guide to crafting your own cords. This "section" begins with a guide to constructing a cord, from picking out the correct materials, braiding, knotting, and tying in different items. This guide includes multiple pictures to help readers truly understand what Morris is talking about, which I appreciated. I am a very visual learner.

From there, Morris offers 12 different cord directions and rituals ranging from love and money to binding and blessing. There are even cords dedicated to Odin (my favorite for sure!) and Morrigan, which can be very easily adapted to whatever deities or spirits you work with. Each cord gets its own chapter with a guide very similar to my own spells and rituals. Morris not only walks readers through what to do, but she also explains why each step is taken and even where to source materials! There isn't a single detail left out. While each spell/ritual results in a cord, the setup for each is entirely different, so it doesn't feel repetitive reading through each chapter simultaneously.

I wish more witchcraft books were written like The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic. I know it takes time and effort, more ink and pages, and therefore more money to give readers a truly deep understanding of spellcraft, but it is so worth it. Readers, new and old alike, need to have an understanding of not only what is happening, but also why it's done this way. Understanding the why helps readers learn how to write their own spells and rituals. To me, providing a spell with no context is handing someone a fish, while teaching them why the steps were taken is teaching them how to fish. Both are valid, but one ensures the person can survive without you.

On a completely unrelated note, Morris mentions hedge riding and using feathers to aid in spirit flight. This immediately made me fall in love with The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic, because it isn't often that hedge witches and hedge riding are mentioned. It got some wheels turning in my head about a potential spell cord for spirit flight. I have never made a spell cord, and I am a little excited to give it a go!

My only small complaint was Morris offering Amazon as a source for Feng Shui coins. Seems very counterintuitive to me. I understand Amazon may be the best option for some people, but if you can purchase elsewhere, I encourage you to do so. I feel like a hypocrite saying this as I use Amazon affiliate links on my blog, including this post, but I do believe that if you can use a different option, you certainly should.

I highly recommend The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic: The Art of Braiding & Knotting Spell Cords by Loren Morris if you are interested in adding cord magic to your own practice or are looking for something new and refreshing. You won't be disappointed!

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

When Autumn Leaves Fall: A Seasonal Ritual for Release

The last two years of my life have been marked by significant loss. In December of 2024, I mentioned losing someone deeply important to me, and this past March I lost someone else. I have been cagey about who has passed because an ex was using my blog and its posts as a way to try to stay in my life, and I didn't want him to be able to use any information against me. Thankfully, I believe he has finally moved on with his life, and therefore I feel comfortable opening up about what I have experienced.

On the night of December 15th, 2024, my father suffered a major cardiac event. Almost 48 hours later, we made the incredibly difficult decision to take him off life support, and he passed less than a minute later on December 17th. I never thought I would be saying goodbye to my hero at just 36 years old, especially considering my grandparents all lived well into their 80s and his mother is still alive. I thought I had at least 20 years left. My family is marked by long, generally healthy lives, so my father suffering a heart attack was completely out of left field and left everyone in the family reeling. My father is and was my hero; he was always my biggest supporter and an honest, hardworking man who loved my mother and his children endlessly.

This past March, my beloved cat Oscar unexpectedly suffered a medical event (one the vets still cannot explain), and he passed in my arms. I felt like my father had died all over again. When I went through a nasty divorce in 2017, my dad took me that same weekend my ex-husband walked out on me to get a cat so I "wouldn't be alone." That cat was Oscar, who was one of the sweetest, most beloved cat I have ever owned. His sudden passing rocked my family just as deeply as the loss of my father, and left my friends and the vet staff heartbroken as well.

Navigating this sense of extreme loss has not been easy, even with performing my Ritual to Release Grief a year and a half ago (which worked wonders until Oscar passed). There are a lot of days I sit in my car after work and just cry because I know that when I walk into my house, Oscar will not be there to greet me at the stairs. When something goes wrong, like the hot water heater unexpectedly breaking in May, I cannot call my dad to help me fix the issue. With as much spirit work as I do, you think I would be able to handle this grief with grace, but I have completely blocked out all but a few spirits for almost two years. I no longer dream like I used to; spirits no longer show up at my door; even my guides have remained mostly quiet, giving me the space I requested.

Recently, everything came to a head when I ended up in Urgent Care, followed by the Emergency Room, with my blood pressure through the roof and an anxiety attack that is still plaguing me as I write this post over a week later. I realized it is time to release this grief, anxiety, and negative thought patterns I have been carrying around with me. To release these emotions is not to love my dad or Oscar any less, nor is it an admission that my anxiety is unfounded. Suffering as I have is doing no one any good, and it won't bring either of them back nor change the outcome of certain events.

This ritual is about letting go, which is perfect for this season when the trees shed their leaves and rest until spring. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to do the same? While you may not have any grief to let go of, there is certainly something you can release. I have written this ritual to be open-ended enough to apply to any situation you find yourself in and encourage you to modify as needed. Use it to release bad habits, old relationships, or anything else that no longer serves you. Heck, combine it with cleaning out your clothes closet, which I am also doing in conjunction with this ritual, to make room for new beginnings. This is an opportunity to enter into winter free from what no longer serves us so we may rest and rejuvenate before being reborn in the spring.

What You'll Need

• Fallen leaf or piece of paper for each item you are releasing
• Writing utensil
• Obsidian, rose quartz, and aquamarine
• Optional: Black, white, or blue candle; match/lighter, journal

What to Do

This ritual is best performed during the waning or dark moon. Begin by cleansing and consecrating your space and objects using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle, call quarters, and invite any deities, spirits, or ancestors you want to witness or assist in your ritual.

If using a candle, light the candle and sit comfortably. Take a deep breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4, then breathe out slowly for 4 seconds. As you repeat this breathing exercise 3 to 5 times, visualize yourself connecting with the earth below you and your energies concentrating in your center. 

When you are sufficiently relaxed, grounded, and centered, begin reflecting upon the changing seasons, how the leaves have begun to change color and fall, the nights are growing longer, and the days are getting cooler. Think about the signs of decay you see occurring around you, especially if you are using leaves for this ritual. Reflect on the leaves' changing role in the ecosystem, how they began as a place of photosynthesis and food production for the tree and ended as nourishment for the soil and a wintering location for insects and their offspring. Relate the tree's life cycle to your own life. Just as the tree sheds its leaves for winter, what must you let go of so you may bloom in the spring? If needed, journal as you reflect to help you get everything out. Below are some potential journal prompts to guide you in your reflection:

• What am I holding onto because I fear what might happen without it?
• What is the difference between something ending and something failing?
• What have I outgrown, and what support do I need as I change?
• Where am I being asked to release something that I am not actually ready to release?
• What can I return to the earth?

Once you have a good idea of what you wish to release or let go of, pick 1-3 expectations, habits, behaviors, or emotions to focus on. Be sure to choose something specific you can realistically release or change, and don't try to force yourself to let go of grief or necessary needs. You also don't want to pick too many things and overwhelm yourself, so try your best not to exceed 3 things.

Write each of the things you are letting go of on the leaves or pieces of paper. Stack the leaves or paper and place the obsidian on top. Hold your hand over top and say, "I cut the cord between me and [name of what you are releasing]." Next, place the aquamarine on the stack. Hold your hand over top and say, "I am calm and fearless during this transition. I know how to move forward in strength." Finally, place the rose quartz on the stack, hold your hand over it, and say, "I love the person I was, the person I am, and the person I am becoming." 

With all three crystals on the stack and your hands still hovering, visualize yourself letting go of everything you have written down. Feel fear, apprehension, and insecurities leave with each exhale, and love replace them with each inhale. Visualize your future free from what no longer serves you.

When ready, remove the crystals from the stack of leaves/paper and release them in one of the following ways:

• burn it
• rip it up and bury it at a crossroads
• toss into a running river or stream

No matter what method you choose, as you let go of each leaf/paper, say, "What has changed, I allow myself to acknowledge. What I can release, I release with care. What I must continue to carry, I will carry with support."

Be sure to snuff out the candle at the end of the ritual.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• Obsidian can be replaced with black tourmaline or onyx; rose quartz can be replaced with rhodonite; aquamarine can be replaced with black or blue kyanite, amazonite, or moss agate.
• If you cannot dispose of the spell remains per one of the suggested methods, throwing the leaves/paper in the trash after ripping them up will also work. Be sure to remove the trash promptly from your home.
• When visualizing, remember you do not need to see a physical image in your head. You can focus on the physical feeling of your goal, such as a warmth in your chest, a lightness in your body, or strength in your legs.
• Additionally, the leaves you collect can come from a tree that corresponds with death, rebirth, and cycles, such as hawthorn, weeping willow, or silver birch.
  
  

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual or recipe) is 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 it helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that 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).

First, this spell is best performed during the waning or dark moon, which is associated with release, cord cutting, breaking habits, banishment, and shadow work, which are the main focus of this spell.

Next, box breathing was used to help you ground and center, while placing you firmly in the moment to engage in reflection and release. Centering helps to pull your energy into yourself, allowing you to release portions of it when needed, which occurs later in the ritual with the burning, ripping, or tossing of your written intentions. This is coupled with an optional journaling exercise to also help focus your intention. Self-reflection is imperative to ensuring you are releasing what you should be, instead of something you need or require.

A black, white, or blue candle could be used in this ritual to enhance your spell work. Black is associated with banishing bad habits, cutting ties, clearing heavy emotions, and ending cycles/break patterns. White, on the other hand, is associated with purification, clearing spaces, and resetting your energy after release. Blue is associated with emotional healing, forgiveness, and peace/calm, allowing you to move forward after a difficult transition. If you decide/decided to use a candle during this ritual, try to align it as best you can with what you are releasing. Personally, I used a blue candle because what I chose to release were emotions that were no longer serving me, and blue is the color of emotion.

Your intentions were written on a leaf or piece of paper to declare your intention with the Universe and yourself. A leaf or piece of paper was chosen because they are biodegradable. As they decay or burn, the thing you are releasing will decay or burn with it. Fallen autumn leaves are also associated with release, death, and the end of a cycle, assisting you in breaking a cycle or pattern in your own life. These intentions are finally released at the end of the ritual using burning, ripping and burying, or throwing into a river.

Fire is associated with transformation and cleansing. By burning what you wish to release, you are purifying residual energy and dissolving negative attachments. Burning is commonly used in banishing work because of this. 

Ripping, like burning, is also used to release residual energy and cut the cord, so to speak. This is followed by burying at a crossroads so the intention can decay and the transition or release will occur more slowly. Abrupt transitions, like burning, can sometimes be startling if you are not quite ready to release everything. Sometimes people report feeling pain, discomfort, or even an emptiness if they release too much too quickly. A slow decay can prevent this. A crossroads is chosen because it is a liminal space, one associated with transitions and release.

Throwing or releasing into a river, while also associated with letting go and banishment, is also associated with emotional healing. This is ideal for letting go of emotions such as grief and anxiety. It is faster than burying but slower than burning. Running water helps wash away the negative emotions, leaving you feeling soothed and renewed.

Finally, obsidian, aquamarine, and rose quartz were used to strengthen your intention and support you moving forward. Black obsidian encourages deep shadow work and helps cut emotional cords to the past; aquamarine relieves fears and smooths the transition into a new chapter; and rose quartz promotes self-love and self-forgiveness.

Want to break this spell? To reverse this ritual, perform a reclaiming ritual that draws the energy back to you. Light a white, light pink, or green candle. Visualize your intention and chant, "What I released, I now welcome back. I open my heart and mind to reconnect with [name of what you released]. The cord is mended, and I choose to hold on once more." Follow this ritual up with an offering and a heavy meal to ground you in the present.

Remember to record this ritual in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

Taking care of yourself is important, especially as we move into the holiday season. I know this can be a tough time for many people, and while we traditionally associate this time of year with abundance and prosperity, it is also a time of release. The earth's great exhale before rest. Whatever you choose to release, I hope that you move forward feeling lighter and more grounded, ready to take on the coming changes. 

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

I Am Tired of This Shit: A Rant

Dear Reader,

I need to rant, and it's my blog, so I can do whatever I want. 

I am so fucking tired of everything. 

I am tired of the US government. I am tired of old people who are actively dying in front of our eyes, refusing to step aside and let the next generation lead. I am tired of how long it is taking all of them to die, which I know is a terrible thing to say, but that is the only way they are ever going to relinquish control.

I am tired of how fucking hot it still is in October and how scientists in the 60s and 70s warned us about climate change and the previous generations did nothing. They ignored the problem in favor of profits and comfort, and now those of us who will be around in 30+ years are left to deal with the consequences.

I am tired of having to work and be a cog in the machine of capitalism. I am tired of the rising prices, the corporate greed, the wars for resources, and the arguments about whether or not people have the right to clean drinking water and nutritious food. I am tired of every single fucking thing being a godsdamned advertisement. The inundation is overwhelming! I am tired of the constant recalls. Soap isn't even safe anymore!

I am tired of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. 

I am tired of book bans. 

I am tired of ICE and police brutality.

I am tired of the literacy crisis and bean soup theory. 

I am tired of being a villager with no village.

And I am tired of AI and AI slop, which is actually what prompted me to even begin this rant in the first place.

I have been writing this blog since 2014, and since ChatGPT and other AI programs have taken off, I have found it harder and harder to compete as a creator. I used to love surfing Pinterest, seeing what other bloggers were doing, hoping to find new and interesting perspectives and ideas, but now it is all the same rehashed AI nonsense. The articles are AI-generated, the pictures are AI-generated, and half the comments are fucking bots in an infinite cycle. Dead internet theory, anyone? I can't even fucking trust Canva images anymore because they started allowing AI in without labeling it!

The craziest part of all this? Those witchcraft blogs are raking in clicks, views, and engagement, while I am over here looking at my numbers, wondering what the fuck I am doing wrong. And it isn't just new blogs that popped up recently either. Blogs I have been reading for years...who I trusted have turned to AI for everything. It's infuriating!!!

I know deep down it shouldn't bother me as much as it does, and yet here we are. 

I did not start writing to become rich and famous. I started Flying the Hedge to fill an informational void and to act as a creative outlet. It's just so disheartening when I am putting in hours upon hours of research, writing, editing, photographing, and designing while others are slapping everything into AI and doing better than I am...

I am so committed to doing everything myself that there are recipes I have written that have never made it on the blog because I couldn't figure out how to take good enough photographs of the food or drinks. This is especially true for my more recent blogging endeavor, Plots & Potions. I just haven't the knack for food photography and I may never, so alas they will remain in my drafts. I am unwilling to compromise our planet, our future, and my integrity for AI-generated images and text, even if it means more views, more clicks, more comments.

To add to all this, I cannot wrap my head around how people who claim to be witches, pagans, Wiccans, and other earth-centered spiritualists can willingly use generative AI. The planet is crying out in agony; you are stabbing Her in the back while telling Her you love Her! How can you not see that? How can you not hear Her death wails?!

ARRRHHHH!!!!

I.

am.

so.

tired.

But I am going to keep moving forward. I am going to keep being politically active. I am going to keep advocating for a better future for us and our children. I am going to keep creating real art. I am going to keep posting and sharing my thoughts. I am going to keep advertisements down on my blog, even when Google keeps trying to push more and more ads. I am going to keep everything free and accessible. I am going to keep believing that things can get better...that things will change.

One day we will look back on this time in history and be thankful we kept moving forward. I am going to keep holding this small dream I have alive, because fascism wins when hope dies.

Thanks for reading.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Magical and Medicinal Uses of Pistachio

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Abundance, Happiness, Healing, Love, Lust, Money, Prosperity, Wealth

Magical Uses and History: The pistachio was domesticated at least 7,000 BCE in what is now Afghanistan and Iran, and cultivation quickly expanded westward, becoming a staple crop in the region. During the Achaemenid Empire, Darius the Great was said to have stocked his royal roads with pistachios for marching troops, thus establishing it as an important food found in the imperial storehouse. They were often served during royal feasts as desserts as a sign of wealth and generosity. Around the tenth century, the Queen of Sheba declared that all pistachios were only to be enjoyed by royalty and even declared all pistachio crops belonged to her. Like most plants of this time, the pistachio traveled along the Silk Road, spreading into China and parts of Europe. Also like many plants, it traveled through conquest. In the 4th century, Alexander the Great brought the pistachio to Greece, Rome, and Egypt, where it too was highly sought after by the wealthy as a luxury item. The scarcity of the nut, its unique coloration, and delightful flavor added to its price tag, preventing most people from affording it. The pistachio continued to be a luxury nut well into the Middle Ages and still remains a more expensive nut compared to others. As such, pistachios are associated with abundance, money, prosperity, and wealth and can be added to spells, rituals, and remedies for such purposes. Add pistachio shells anointed in money-drawing oil to your purse, cash register, or small coin pouch to attract wealth, money, and business. Leave a small dish of pistachios on your altar during money workings or in your place of business to attract money and prosperity. They can also be added to spell jars or sachets for similar purposes.

The pistachio, however, was not just a status symbol. It was also tied to happiness, love, lust, and fertility. In China, the pistachio was known as "Happy Nut" due to the partially open shell resembling a smiling face. They were often given out during the Chinese New Year to ensure happiness, health, and good fortune in the coming year. Similarly, pistachios were given out during Diwali to celebrate light's triumph over darkness. In some Middle Eastern cultures, the pistachio was given to newlyweds to bless their wedding. The bride and groom would eat the nuts together, believing it would bring them a happy and harmonious marriage, and maybe even increase the chances of a successful consummation. Pistachios were believed to be an aphrodisiac and were even used to increase fertility and treat sexual dysfunction. According to some sources, they may have been used in 'love potions.' Contrary to this, the pistachio was also eaten to break love spells. Needless to say, pistachios can be used in spells, rituals, and recipes to bring happiness, love, and luck. If using in love spells, pistachios are best used in dessert recipes or drinks and served to the person you wish to attract or increase lustful feelings.

Finally, like most plants, the pistachio was revered for its health benefits. Pliny the Elder wrote that the nut could be eaten as a cure for bites and stings of serpents, while in Ancient Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome it was prized for its ability to alleviate digestive issues such as stomach aches, indigestion, and constipation. In China, it was also used to improve respiratory health, helping to reduce asthma symptoms and alleviate dry coughs. In Ancient Persian, the pistachio was regarded by physicians as a valuable remedy to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and boost vitality. Most cultures where the pistachio took root used it in medicine in some way, shape, or form, and it can still be used for such purposes today. Add pistachios to healing spells, place them in the room of a sick person to promote health, and add them to foods served to ill individuals to encourage a speedy recovery.

Pistachio can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Healing Spells

      Money Spells

      Prosperity Magic

      Love Spells

Medicinal Uses: Pistachios are naturally rich in antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, which concentrate in the retina and macula of the eye to filter harmful blue light and protect against oxidative damage. These antioxidants help slow age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation while also enhancing contrast sensitivity and vision in dim light. Pistachios also contain carotenoids and phenolic compounds that help support healthy blood sugar levels and are recommended for those experiencing high blood sugar. Furthermore, pistachios contain high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help stabilize cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure.

Preparation and Dosage: Unlike other plants I have covered, pistachios are not generally used in conventional herbal remedies such as infusions, tinctures, or salves. However, they are often blended into drinks such as lattes or golden milks, eaten raw, or cooked into foods for their unique nutrient profile. Do not consume if you are allergic to tree nuts.

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

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Book Review: Divergent Witchcraft by Jenny C. Bell

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.

I'm not going to lie, this is going to be an incredibly short review. When I was first approached about reviewing Divergent Witchcraft: An Inclusive Approach to Making Magic by Jenny C. Bell, I was very excited. A large portion of modern witches are neurodivergent or need some sort of "accommodation" during spells and rituals due to differing ablebodiness. I was hoping this was going to be the book that offered real insight and suggestions on practicing as a divergent witch, but what I got was just a new way to sell repackaged New Age healing and Wicca.

While the book is chunked nicely and occasionally offers a note here or there for neurodivergent people, there is very little actual inclusivity. In fact, there is a ton of cultural appropriation, which is wild because at one point the author calls out the appropriation of smudging. It's almost like Bell was picking and choosing what appropriation is and what isn't. It's 2026, witches. Stop appropriating!

There is a lot of New Age, the light is the best rhetoric in Divergent Witchcraft, which is also very disappointing. This is most prominent when Bell insists on not using the term Book of Shadows (which she says is the same thing as a Grimoire...ahem, no.) and instead calling it a Book of Light. This is not a new idea, but one that many "light workers" have been trying to push for some time now. I couldn't help but shake my head at the absurdity.

The one time I felt Bell did divergent witches right is her discussion of meditation and all the different ways one can meditate. This section is what I thought the book would be. Instead, I got a rehashing of New Age Wicca that, despite Bell claiming other books never cover it, has in fact been covered by just about every single book on the market ad nauseam. Is she just not reading books on witchcraft? Is she sticking to the love and light self-help books she mentions in the introduction? It certainly seems so.

Despite not enjoying Divergent Witchcraft: An Inclusive Approach to Making Magic by Jenny C. Bell one bit, and not recommending it to my readers, one good thing did come out of this. I am not dead set on creating a comprehensive resource for divergent witches with real, workable accommodations and suggestions. I already try to include modifications in my spells and rituals, but I think a true guide is in order. Please know I have added this idea to my ever-growing list of blog ideas, but I circled it and put stars around it, so that should get me to write about it sooner rather than later.

I am sorry I could not bring you a more favorable review today, but alas, they can't all be winners!

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Magical Properties of Serpentine

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

A Harvest Ritual for Mutual Aid

In my recent post, The Magic of Enough: Rethinking Abundance in the Harvest Season, I discuss rethinking what abundance means and how to integrate more community-focused actions into your practice. I mentioned toward the end a harvest ritual I originally intended to include in that post, but it didn't feel like the right time to do so. Instead, I decided to make a post entirely dedicated to the ritual so that I could give it the details it deserves.

This harvest ritual is designed to help honor the relationships that sustain you, from the farm that grew your food to the stocker that placed it on the shelf, recognize your needs, and choose an action that you can take to extend care beyond yourself and your family.

What You'll Need

• Seasonal food item, such as an apple, squash, or bread (you will be eating this item)
• Small plate or bowl
• Dark pink or green candle
• Matches/lighter
• Optional: Journal & writing utensil

What to Do

Begin by cleansing and consecrating your space and objects. If you wish, cast a circle, call quarters, and invite any deities or spirits you work with to witness your work.

Find a comfortable place to sit where you will be undisturbed as you perform this ritual. Place the food item on the plate or bowl in front of you and light the candle. Take a few slow, yet deep breaths, focusing on your intention to honor abundance and express gratitude. Continue this breathing exercise until you feel grounded in the moment.

When you are ready, look at the food in front of you. Consider the journey it has taken to reach you. Think about the soil, water, sunlight, insects, workers, and communities that have contributed to its existence. Imagine the seed being planted in nutrient-rich soil, watered and sunnied for weeks if not years. See the plant bloom and insects flock to the flowers to pollinate. The fruit or grain begins to ripen and grow, reaching maturity before being harvested by skillful hands. They are washed and sorted or dried and ground, and shipped on trucks to their destinations. Some arrive at grocery stores or farmer's markets where they are stocked and sold to you, while others are sent to bakeries to be turned into bread, which is packaged and shipped to your local grocery store. You needn't visualize every single potential connection, but you should recognize the vast web of interconnections it took to bring this nourishment to your table.

I used homemade apple chips!

Place your hands over the food item and say, "I recognize that I am sustained by more than my own efforts. I honor the land, the living world, and the human labor that make this nourishment possible. May I receive with awareness and participate with care."

If you haven't completed the journal exercise from my last post, The Magic of Enough: Rethinking Abundance in the Harvest Season, now is the time to do so. Spend a few minutes journaling on the prompts mentioned in the post or focus on the four below if you are short on time:

1. What do I need to feel nourished and supported?
2. What forms of abundance are already present in my life?
3. What needs am I currently carrying that deserve acknowledgment?
4. What resources or support might I need to seek?

If you have already journaled on the aforementioned topics, reread your responses now and consider any changes or additions you would like to make.

Now consider one action you can take in response to what you have reflected on that could support your community. If you have a need, it is highly likely others in your community are facing the same need. These needs do not need to be large or require significant time and resources. Sometimes recognizing a need is as simple as noticing there were no blogs about hedgecraft and starting one yourself. Other examples include supporting a local food access organization, cleaning up a local stream, sharing a resource (you know how to knit, why not bring some scarves to the local homeless shelter?), learning about food production, or helping care for someone in your community. I have 2 elderly neighbors. Sometimes I just pop over to talk to them for an hour because they are lonely. I get to hear interesting stories, and they get to socialize without feeling like a burden.

In the end, choose something that is realistic but sustainable for you. Commit to performing this action by writing it down and saying, "I commit to [insert action here]. May [insert spirit, deity, or Universe here] witness me. What I receive, I will not treat as separate from the world around me. Where I can, I will offer care. Where I need support, I will allow myself to receive it. May my gratitude become action. So I will it, so shall it be."

To end the ritual and symbolize your commitment, eat your chosen food item mindfully or share with someone that feels appropriate. As you eat, notice the taste and texture of the food. Close by giving thanks, leaving a bit of your food behind as an offering for the Universe, deities, or spirits who witnessed you, and extinguishing the candle.

Once you have accomplished your promise, I encourage you to perform a quick ritual to let those who bore witness know of your success. Celebrate with offerings and songs (or simple talking) about your victories. I promise you they will appreciate it!

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you cannot burn a candle, replace it with a battery-operated one, especially one that flickers. This spell also does not necessarily require a candle, so if push comes to shove, leave it out entirely.
• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• If you do not have a dark pink or green candle, a white candle can be used in its place.
  
  

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual or recipe) is 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 it helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that 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 ritual is designed to do two things: recognize the abundance in your life and determine where you can give. This is done by exploring the relationships that led to the food on your table, expressing gratitude, then making a commitment to the Universe, spirits, or deities you work with to engage in mutual aid.

To begin, a deep pink or green candle was lit. Dark pink is associated with gratitude, while green is associated with abundance and prosperity. Each of these is being recognized and celebrated in this ritual, making either color perfect for the ritual. Furthermore, lighting a candle helps connect to the divine and is seen as carrying our messages to the Universe. It also represents the life force or sun necessary to grow your food.

Next, a food item associated with the harvest, such as an apple, squash, or bread, was chosen. These are heavily associated with autumn and autumn harvests, making them perfect for use in a harvest ritual. You traced the relationships involved in bringing this food to you, which helps you recognize the connections we share while activating gratitude. This gratitude was expressed by actually connecting with the food through physical touch, chanting, journaling, and sharing of the food.

I think people forget how powerful journaling can actually be, especially if you allow for stream of consciousness. This free writing, with or without journal prompts, helps us to express and identify areas of concern so we may address them. For this very reason, I incorporated journaling into this ritual as a way to activate your inner psyche and help you identify areas of greatest need. Furthermore, it allows you to explore areas where you have enough and therefore opportunities to give. The entire purpose of this ritual is to recognize where you have enough and how you can help others who do not.

This ritual ends with the eating of the food item, which helps you internalize the gratitude you have expressed. Part of it was also given as an offering to the Universe, deities, and spirits that bore witness to your promise. It is not incredibly important that you uphold this promise, as it has been sealed with an offering. 

Want to break this spell? I recognize that in the heat of a ritual, we may make promises we ultimately cannot keep. If you find that to be the case, instead of breaking your promise, modify it. This can be done by repeating parts of this ritual or by creating a new version in which you let those that bore witness know you have bitten off more than you can chew. Be sure to seal the promise with another offering.

Remember to record this spell in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

The food we eat, the homes we inhabit, and the communities we rely upon are all shaped by relationships that extend beyond ourselves. Some are visible while others are easy to overlook. By looking at these relationships, we can reveal the inequalities and harms embedded in the systems we depend on. A single ritual cannot resolve the structural inequalities that shape access to food, land, and resources. It can, however, help us reflect on the choices we make and the ways we participate in our communities.

As witches, we can celebrate the abundance of the harvest while also questioning the conditions that determine who has access to it. And then we can do something about it. I feel like a broken record, but witchcraft has always been about fighting against oppressive systems. We are stronger together, and while your actions may seem small and insignificant, I can promise you they are not. The kindness and hope you send out into the Universe always grow, and while you may not see the fruits of your labor right now, the ripple you have sent out is still there, growing into a tidal wave. It just takes time.

May your autumn be filled with enough.

Further Reading:

The Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft

Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual

Gratitude Rune Spread Ritual

The Magic of Enough: Rethinking Abundance in the Harvest Season

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Book Review: Queer Saints by Antonio Pagliarulo

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.

I believe readers of Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles, and Modern Intercession by Antonio Pagliarulo are going to fall into one of two camps: you are either going to love this book or absolutely hate it. For witches, this book may be polarizing due to its use of Christian saints. I know many modern witchcraft practitioners are adamantly opposed to all things Christian, while forgetting that many magical practices around the world are deeply rooted in it. Practitioners of brujeria, vodou, and conjure do not consider their work witchcraft, and to call them a witch is to potentially endanger their lives. These are Christians, working within the confines of the Christian religion.

Despite not using Christian aspects in my own practice, I do see the value of saint work. It does work, after all. However, Christianity is deeply rooted in misogyny and homophobia, making it difficult to navigate for members of the queer community. Pagliarulo seeks to rectify this by rethinking sainthood and expanding the saints beyond their current confines to include the venerable dead. Pagliarulo argues that canonization by the Church should not prevent practitioners from developing their own working list of saints.

I resonated with Pagliarulo's approach, as much of our modern reconstructions of witchcraft and pagan practices require some guesswork, modifications, and updating. The inclusion of queer saints is a much-needed update for modern times, especially as a form of resistance against an authoritarian government seeking to erase Black and queer history. Pagliarulo includes research, personal experience, and interviews with experts and laymen alike to construct his argument for the use of new queer saints, as well as for the queer-interpretation of existing saints such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, and Saint Sebastian. Much of the book includes different new and old saints one can work with, whether they be queer themselves or queer allies.

The modern list of queer saints is quite beautiful to behold. While these saints have not been officially canonized by the Church, they are incredibly important figures from queer history. Each entry includes their history, what they are patron of, their feast day (usually the day of their death), corresponding tarot, and sacred offerings, allowing for flawless integration of these new saints into your existing practice. New saints occasionally include a petition, candle spell, or sacred sachet you can use to work with the saint, which is a wonderful inclusion. He even uses the correct honorific based on the person's faith and culture, which is just...fabulous.

Even if you are not interested in working with saints in your own practice, Pagliarulo offers an amazing glimpse into queer history. Many of the figures I knew, such as Alan Turing, David Bowie, Scott Cunningham, and Harvey Milk. Others I was less familiar with, such as Josephine Baker and Simeon Solomon. I was trying my best to hold it together as I read through all the amazing people who paved the way for us, but I lost it when I made it to Keith Haring. Growing up, my mother talked extensively about the AIDs crisis and the impact that it had on the world. She was very close to a gay couple down the street, and when I was born, one of them refused to hold me because he was "sick" and didn't want to pass it on to me. He had AIDs and would later die from the disease, never having held me. It devastated my mother. As an artist, she knew many people in the community who would eventually contract and succumb to AIDS. While my mother did not know Keith Haring personally, he was one of her favorite artists. She has always taught his work, having her students create their own artwork inspired by his style, saying it is the least she can do for a man who had such a profound impact on her life. So thank you, Pagliarulo, for including him.

Apart from discussing the new and old saints, Pagliarulo also breaks down spells versus prayers and the different types of saint magic he practices: petition papers, candle spells, and sacred sachets. These are the same types of spells given for certain saints at the end of the book. He also talks rather extensively about reciprocity, which I absolutely loved. This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately in my own practice (hence it showing up recently in blog posts), and I was thrilled to see another author do the same. Apart from sacred offerings, Pagliarulo also offers a list of potential pilgrimage sites where you can also honor the saints, which is, again, just a great list of queer historical sites.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles, and Modern Intercession by Antonio Pagliarulo and highly recommend it to anyone interested in saint work or even just interested in queer history. My only complaint was chapter 3, which felt completely out of place. It could have been deleted, and the book would still make sense and be workable. But other than that, excellent book!

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.