Magical Properties of Opal

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Banishing the Unwanted: A Ritual to Banish Entities from Another Realm

A reader recently left the following comment on one of my previous posts, Elemental Magic: Earth Spells and Rituals:

"Can you do more earth spells? Like banishing someone from another realm spell? Or just connecting to mother gaia and her energies rituals."

Of course, I can do that, and I decided to start with the first suggestion, banishing someone from another realm. As a hedge witch, it's not uncommon to encounter spirits, beings, and energies in the Otherworld, and while I do my best to protect myself and prevent anything from coming back with me, it sometimes still happens. If something does happen to come back with you, or you notice something otherworldly has attached itself to you through other means, this ritual will help you banish it.

This ritual is for the stubborn entity, the one you have already asked to leave, and isn't responding to other simpler methods of banishment, such as verbally requesting it to go, banging pots and pans, or the burning of banishing herbs.

What You'll Need

• Salt
• Black or dark green candle
• Light or match
• Black tourmaline
• Bowl of soil or access to earth 
• Dried rosemary, rue, or black cohosh root
• Charcoal disc
• A written name/sigil/object representing the entity/energy 
• A small shovel or spoon
• Bell or chime
• Offering to Mother Gaia, such as honey, wine, or quartz

What to Do

This spell is best performed during the waning moon.

Begin by grounding, centering, and cleansing your space and materials using your preferred methods. Next, draw a circle of salt around your ritual space and place the bowl of soil in front of you and the candle behind it.

Light the candle (and charcoal) and while holding the black tourmaline in your left hand, invoke Mother Gaia by saying, "Mother Gaia, ancient one, ground of being, giver of life; I call upon your strength and stone to cast out what is not my own." Visualize roots reaching deep into you from the black tourmaline and into the ground below you, drawing up Mother Gaia's strength. Feel her strength and perseverance fill you, starting at your feet and gradually spreading throughout the rest of your body.

When you feel filled with Gaia's energy, place your dried herbs on the charcoal disc. While still holding the black tourmaline in your left hand, pick up the written name/sigil/object representing the entity/energy with your right hand and say:

"By Gaia’s roots and ancient stone,

I cast thee out, now me leave alone.

Between this world and that, you fade,

Bound by Earth, the pact is made.

No path remains, no gate shall stand,

I send you back by Gaia’s hand,
To the lands beyond, the hidden realm.

From rock to root, your thread unwinds,

By sacred soil, all fate unbinds.”

Bury the written name/sigil/object representing the entity/energy into the soil and place the black tourmaline on top of it while you visualize the entity or energy being forced back into the Otherworld, the door slamming shut behind them. Sprinkle some salt over the burial and black tourmaline and waft the smoke from your herbs around you, your space, and the burial. While you do so, chant the following:

"Sealed by stone and guarded by soil, 

May no return disturb or spoil. 

With Earth’s embrace, I am now unchained.

Be gone, be gone, and not remain.”

Close the ritual by ringing the bell or chime, snuffing out the candle, and thanking Mother Gaia by saying something like, "Mother of Earth, your work is done. I thank you for your assistance today. I walk in light, the battle is won. So it is, so it shall be." Offer Mother Gaia your offering by placing it outside in her soil.

Leave the burial undisturbed for an entire moon cycle before burying the spell remains away from your home or tossing them down a river.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Remember, visualization is not necessarily seeing an object in your mind, but instead an incorporation of all senses to bring about the object or intention. When visualizing, it's more about creating those feelings than necessarily seeing the object or outcome in our mind.
• This ritual can be performed outside if the entity seems to be attached to you and not your space. There is no need to dig up the spell remains if performed outside. If you decide to perform this ritual outside, bury the spell remains in your backyard or away from your property.
• Do not leave a lit candle or charcoal disc unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you cannot light candles, a black painted electrical tea light will work just as well.
• If you do not have access to loose herbs, use a banishment incense as a replacement.
• If you cannot burn loose herbs or incense, soak the loose herbs in warm water and sprinkle the water around your space, over yourself, and the burial instead.
• If using rue, handle with care. Rue sap is phototoxic, which makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It can result in mild redness, itching, severe burns, and blistering. Dried rue generally doesn't contain any sap, so the risk of phytophotodermatitis is very low.
• Black cohosh and rue are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep pets out of the room while burning or working with these herbs. After the smoke has cleared, the area is safe for them to return to.
  
  

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 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 and foremost, this spell is best performed during the waning moon, which is strongly associated with banishment. Since we are trying to banish forces or entities, the waning moon is the best time to do this. In times of dire need, you can ignore the moon phase altogether and work the magic you need to.

Next, salt was used to draw a circle around your ritual space and tools. Salt is naturally cleansing, purifying, and protective. In the mundane world, salt is used to preserve food as it is antimicrobial in nature. For this reason, it's also believed to protect and ward against unwanted spirits, entities, and energies. After cleansing and consecrating your space, the salt ring helps keep the positive in and the negative out of your sacred space, as well as aids in banishing the entity later in the spell when it is sprinkled over your burial.

The color black, black tourmaline, rosemary, rue, and black cohosh, like salt, are also associated with banishment, protection, and purification and are used for such purposes in this ritual. Black tourmaline is also naturally grounding, helping to connect you to Mother Gaia and the Earth, as well as helping to bind and banish the unwanted entity. By placing the black tourmaline on top of the burial, you are shutting the door and locking the entity away in the earth. Prior to this, the black tourmaline was held in the left hand, the hand of receiving, as we are attempting to connect with and receive the energy of Mother Gaia to banish the unwanted entity.

Gaia is an earth goddess, characterised by fertility, new life, creativity, receptivity, and grounding. However, because of her association with earth and, therefore, soil, caves, and other dark places, she is an excellent goddess to call upon when banishing entities, particularly those from the Otherworld. While Gaia is often seen as a nurturing mother figure, she is also portrayed as a force of destruction and chaos, capable of unleashing natural disasters and inciting conflict when she feels wronged or when balance needs to be restored. According to mythology, Gaia helped Cronus overthrow, castrate, and imprison her husband, Uranus. Later, she joins Zeus to overthrow Cronus and the Titans. She even sends her son Typhon to attack the Olympians and instigates the battle between the Olympian gods and the Giants. Needless to say, she is a force to be reckoned with, and if you feel wronged by the entity you are banishing, Gaia will surely take your side and aid in their removal.

After connecting with the Earth and Gaia, an item associated with the entity is used to connect your ritual intentions to the entity you are banishing, tying the two together. Naming what we want to banish is extremely powerful, as names hold power. Knowing one's name is thought to give one power over the other, so if you know the entity's name, use it. This object or name is held in your right hand, which is your giving hand. In this case, you are trying to "give" banishment, using the energy you received from Gaia.

This item is buried, covered in black tourmaline, and salt to banish and send it back to the Otherworld, using the earth as a portal and the black tourmaline and salt as the door and lock. Once covered, the entity cannot return, and its energy is absorbed into the earth. This ritual is closed out by using the banishing herbal smoke to remove any residual energies from you and your workspace, and sealed with the ringing of a bell. Bell ringing helps remove energy and helps symbolizes the close of this ritual.

Finally, an offering is given to Gaia to say thanks, and the spell remains are allowed to sit for a full moon cycle to ensure the door remains closed. The spell remains can then be buried away from your home (to keep the entity away), in your backyard (for banishment), or thrown into a river (to cleanse and purify).

Want to break this spell? Invite the spirit, energy, or entity back, but I can't guarantee it'll be happy after you banished it. 

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

***

To my anonymous commenter, I hope this ritual helps address a potential issue you may have and that it brings you closer to Gaia in the process. For everyone else, keep this ritual on hand just in case something follows you home you weren't expecting!

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Magical Properties of Mangano Calcite

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Wall of Justice Spell to Block ICE or Other Unjust Forces

Watching things unfold the way they have since January 21st in the United States has been both disheartening yet confirming. I had been telling people for months prior to the election what to expect with a second term, and the number of people insisting it wouldn't be this bad was alarming. It is exactly as bad as we said it would be, and every day I feel like we are flooded with more bad news. The ICE raids, in particular, have hit me the hardest as I watch my students hide in their homes, terrified to go to work, pick up groceries, or play outside. I am talking about children being terrified to even exist in brown skin. As a result, I decided to design a spell to help protect my students and their families, along with some practice mundane actions as well. No spell will completely keep you safe, but when paired with common sense and activism, it creates a potent combination. Know Your Rights has an amazing guide for If You Encounter ICE, as does Immigrant Legal Resource Center and ACLU Texas, that perfectly pairs with this spell. I also highly recommend downloading ICEBlock to your phone.

What You'll Need

• Brick or stone
  
• Black paint pen (or water-resistant permanent marker)
• Dish of water (large enough to hold brick or stone)

What to Do

This spell is best performed during the waning or full moon.

Begin by grounding, centering, and cleansing your space and materials using your preferred methods. On one side of the brick or stone, write words representing ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block, such as "ICE," "oppression," “hate,” or “fear”. On the opposite side of the brick or stone, draw an Algiz (ᛉ) rune.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Place the stone or brick in the dish of water and chant, “This wall stands strong, blocking hate, rejecting fear. ICE shall not enter here. So I will it, so shall it be.” Hold your hands over the brick or stone as you visualize this brick or stone as part of a greater wall that blocks oppressive energies from entering your community or space. Feel your energy and visualization entering the brick or stone, empowering it with your intention. Continue chanting and visualizing until your intuition tells you the brick or stone is charged.

Remove the brick or stone from the water and place Algiz rune up in one of the following locations based on your intention:

• Your or a friend's entryway (door or window)
• On your altar
• In a community space such as a public park, garden, community center, or other public space, specifically near a fence or wall, if you can
• In a wall or fence you or the community is building
• around a map of your city or town (as suggested by a commenter below)

Do not bury the brick or stone, as it needs to be recharged monthly by the waning or full moon, after major events such as protests, incidents of hate or political unrest, or emotionally intense events, or as needed.

To recharge, pour fresh water over the brick and say, "Fresh water renews this wall's strength; no hate shall pass. ICE remains blocked from this space. This wall holds justice."

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Remember, visualization is not necessarily seeing an object in your mind, but instead an incorporation of all senses to bring about the object or intention. When visualizing, it's more about creating those feelings than necessarily seeing the object or outcome in our mind.
• If placing in a public or semi-public space, try to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Do not do anything illegal in the process of placing this brick or stone.
• This spell is great to do in groups, whether with your coven or as part of a community event. Each member makes their own brick or stone, which can then be used to erect a wall to protect a designated area. Combining all of your energy and intention strengthens the spell. This is especially useful in protecting a specific family or community member.
• To customize this spell, you can add herbs such as St. John's Wort, rue, angelica, rosemary, or mugwort.
• For additional protective strength, drip protective oils such as hyssop or dragon's blood.
• Instead of plain water, consider adding Florida water for additional protection.
• This spell alone will NOT keep you or others completely safe. It must be combined with mundane actions to work, so don't make this brick or stone and think you are suddenly invisible and can do whatever you want. That isn't how magic works, no matter how much we may want it to.
  
  

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 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). 

*Not pictures from my actual spell

First and foremost, this spell is best performed during the waning moon, which is strongly associated with banishment. Since we are trying to repel these forces or entities, the waning moon is the best time to do this. However, this spell can also be performed during the full moon or even the waxing moon. The full and waxing moons are both associated with strength and amplification and can therefore strengthen the wall you are building. In times of dire need, you can ignore the moon phase altogether and work the magic you need to.

Bricks and stones were the most commonly used materials to build walls and fences, and in many places they still are. The brick or stone symbolizes strength, foundation, and permanence, the same elements you want in a wall, fence, or fortress that resists oppressive ideologies and institutions, such as ICE and white supremacy.

Writing the oppressive force or agency onto the brick or stone in black not only externalizes the issue and gives you power over it, but also helps banish or block them, as the color black is associated with banishment and protection. The Algiz (ᛉ) rune is a symbol of protection, especially against outside forces. By writing words associated with ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block on one side, and the protection rune on the other, you effectively block the force from coming any further. This is further strengthened by placing the words associated with what you are blocking face down, placing them away from you, and making yourself hidden from them.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Water is associated with purification, fluidity, and protection. By placing a brick or stone in the water, you energetically contain the harmful forces named and purify your life of them. The brick or stone can remain in the water for further protection or be placed somewhere it can serve as a direct protector.

Finally, the chant and visualization charge and empower the spell and connect it to a larger wall of collective resistance. Fighting against oppression and breaking down oppressive forces requires communal efforts, and linking your strength with that of others greatly reinforces the wall of protection around our most vulnerable. Even if others are not making bricks or stones like you, I know others are praying, raising energy, lighting candles, protesting, calling their representatives, writing new bills, representing immigrants in court, and taking other social justice actions. All of these examples raise energy that blankets our communities, and your brick is just another addition to the growing wall.

Want to break this spell? Simply remove the stone or brick from its location and scratch through both the words and rune while saying, "I release the energy contained within." You can also leave the spell to wane naturally over time. Without upkeep, the spell will naturally degrade and fade into nothingness. 

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

***

Things are tough right now. It's important that we continue to remain hopeful and joyful, as both are revolutionary acts. Look out for each other. Get involved when you can. Don't be afraid to use your magic to fight oppression. After all, that is what witches have always done, and I am proud to be a witch. Stay safe out there, my friends.

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Magical Properties of Prehnite

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3 Tea Rituals for Peace, Tranquility, and Relaxation

Between grieving, state-mandated testing, my wedding on the horizon, and the constant droning of more bad news trickling down the pipeline, I have been stressed, and that's putting it lightly. I know I am not alone in this boat, and one of the best ways I relieve stress is through purposeful rituals, especially those that involve tea! There is nothing quite like a warm, steaming mug to help me recenter and let go of the tension of the day.

In today's post, I share three such recipes and their rituals to help bring peace, tranquility, stress relief, and grounding to your life. As with everything, feel free to modify these recipes and rituals to suit your needs. I have offered some Warnings, Modifications, and Alternatives where possible. This should not be expensive or difficult, as that just adds more stress. Modify, modify, modify, and make these rituals your own so you can build a sustainable practice.

Evening Exhale: A Tea Ritual for Letting Go of the Day

Creating routines and rituals around bedtime can help put you into a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are a whole host of herbs that can be used to induce relaxation and promote sleep, but I have found none as great as chamomile and valerian root. Both are naturally relaxing, helping to lower blood pressure, remove tension, and quiet the mind. Valerian root contains compounds that may interact with the brain's GABA signaling pathway, the neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system, by stimulating the production of GABA and blocking the enzyme that breaks it down. Valerian root may also interact with serotonin and adenosine receptors, the hormones responsible for regulating mood and sleep and making you feel tired, thus leading to a more restful sleep overall. This tea is paired with a quick candle ritual and breathing exercise that will help you feel relaxed and ready for bed in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 part chamomile
  
• 1 part valerian root
• Candle
• Match/lighter

Instructions:

1. Light the candle and dim the lights.
2. As your tea steeps, stir it counter-clockwise and say, "The day is done. I release all burdens so I may rest in peace."
3. Sip the tea slowly, feeling its warmth travel through you, your muscles relaxing and the tension leaving your body. Visualize your stress and the burdens of the day leaving you with each exhale.
4. When finished, go promptly to bed.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• A "sleepy time" blend is easily substituted in this recipe, or you can find chamomile and valerian root are easily found in grocery stores as tea if you do not have loose herbs already on hand.
• Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Chamomile can be replaced with lemon balm.
• You can include breathing exercises in this ritual to further relax you.
• If you cannot use fire, a tea light works just as well.
  
  

Heart of the Forest: A Tea Ritual for Grounding & Tranquility

Nature is one of a witch's greatest teachers. Not only does she teach us to let go and that change is inevitable, she also teaches us the value of slowing down, of pausing. The Earth itself is also a great grounding force, allowing us to connect with it and let go of all that ails us. This grounding ritual is paired with a nettle and green tea, which produces a beautiful green hue to go along with the green that is our Earth. Green tea, while slightly caffeinated, helps relieve stress primarily due to the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine helps to reduce stress-related hormones and neuron excitement in the brain, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. Stinging nettles help lower your blood pressure and reduce general inflammation. Because stinging nettle is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, it helps the body cope with stress and return to a balanced state long-term. Combined, they bring tranquility to the mind and body.

Ingredients:

• 1 part green tea
• 1/2 part stinging nettle

Instructions:

1. Go outside with your steaming mug of tea and firmly plant both feet on the ground, or sit comfortably. 
2. Holding your steeping mug in your hand, gently press it to your chest, feeling your heart beat and the gentle warmth of your tea spread across your chest.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale through your nose for four seconds. This is known as box breathing, which has been found to increase your awareness and reduce stress.
4. As you continue box breathing, feel the stress leave your face, then your jaw, then your shoulders, slowly releasing the tension as you move down your body. Push that stress out through your feet (or other low-touching point) and into the Earth.
5. Visualize roots sprouting from your body and connecting you with the Earth. Feel the Earth's energy enter your body, evening your heartbeat, and uplifting your mood, and say, "Like the trees, I am steady. Like the earth, I am rooted."
6. Sip your tea, drinking in this awareness. Between sips, gaze at something green, soaking in the grounding tranquility of nature.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• 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.
• Green tea contains about 30mg of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you can remove it completely. White tea contains slightly less caffeine and can be used as a replacement.
• Those with chronic anxiety may experience increased anxiety with caffeine use.
• If you cannot perform this ritual outside, working near a window will work just as well, or you can use a grounding crystal such as hematite, black tourmaline, obsidian, shungite, or smoky quartz.
• Herbal alternatives include pine needles, peppermint, or lemon balm.

Release and Receive: A Tea Ritual for Rest and Renewal

This quick tea ritual combines the renewing properties of rooibos tea, the self-love properties of roses, and the calming properties of oatstraw to produce a potent mixture that removes blockages and leaves you open to renewal. This tea is paired with a fire ritual in which you write down what is weighing you down and burn it to release it. Fire is a great way to get rid of blockages and burdens, but if you cannot use fire, there are some alternative suggestions in the Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives section.

Ingredients:

• 1 part rooibos tea
• 1/2 part rose petals
• 1/2 part oatstraw
• Candle
• Lighter/match
• Paper
• Writing utensil
• Fire-safe dish

Instructions:

1. While your tea is brewing, light the candle. On the piece of paper, write down one or more things you are ready to release or let go of.
2. Fold the paper in half away from you and place it under your mug.
3. Stir your tea counterclockwise while saying, "I release what weighs me down. I make space for rest and ease."
4. As you begin sipping your tea, imagine the weight being released from your body as your muscles relax. Visualize yourself lighter and open to receiving peace.
5. When you are finished, burn the paper in a fire-safe dish.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Be mindful when working with fire. He is sometimes fickle and can easily get away from you if you aren't paying attention. Use a fire-safe dish and always have water, a fire extinguisher, or sand nearby in case of emergency.
• If you cannot use fire, you can drown your burdens in water and flush them down the toilet.
• Herbal alternatives include lavender, chamomile, or passionflower.

***

Self-care is an act of self-love and is the first step in mutual aid. We cannot take care of others before we have filled our own cup. Take the time you need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in these unprecedented times (yeah, I want to live in "precedented" times too...I am so exhausted.). You are worth the time it takes, and you are not lazy for resting. Don't let capitalism fool you.

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Magical Properties of Howlite

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Njord’s Blessing Spell for Financial Stability

As financial insecurity continues to rise, more and more of us have to penny pinch, uncertain what the future may hold. While things are okay for us now, I know that could suddenly change, especially in light of DOGE, the attempted dismantling of the Department of Education, and the removal of DEI initiatives that allow women like myself to work.

To better ensure financial stability in my home, I am combining magic with practical solutions. This spell calls upon Njord, the Norse god of wealth, prosperity, and the sea, for financial stability and long-term abundance. This spell aligns with Njord’s generous and stabilizing energy, ensuring that prosperity flows into your life like the steady tide. Combined with practical solutions such as turning off unused streaming services, couponing, budgeting, and picking up extra hours at work, I hope we can weather the storm that is quickly approaching us.

What You'll Need

• Blue candle
• Toothpick or other carving utensil
• Bowl of saltwater
• Piece of paper
• Writing utensil
• Coin
• Offering of choice (see details in my guide)

What to Do

This spell is best performed starting on a Thursday or during the New Moon. 

Before beginning this spell, cleanse and consecrate your space and items using your preferred method, followed by your preferred method of grounding and centering. When ready, place the bowl of saltwater in the center of your altar or workspace with the coin beside it and the blue candle behind. Using the toothpick or other carving tool, carve a bind rune composed of Fehu (ᚠ) for wealth and Othala (ᛟ) for household stability, as shown below:

Light the blue candle and stare into the flame, focusing on its warmth and steady glow while you visualize financial stability and prosperity flowing into your life. Hold your intention firmly in your mind, visualizing it blessing all parts of your life. Once you can hold your intention firmly in your mind, call upon Njord by saying, "Njord, Lord of wealth and sea, Steady the tides and favor me. Let my home be safe and sound, With stable wealth that shall abound." 

Sit for a few moments, continuing your visualization of steady finances, an abundant household, and Njord’s calm, protective presence. When ready, write your intention on the piece of paper and fold it three times toward you. Place it under the bowl.

Next, place the coin in the water and say, "As the tides flow in and out, May wealth remain without a doubt. My home is blessed and stable. As I will it, so it shall be."

Allow the candle to burn as you thank Njord for his assistance and leave your offering. Extinguish the candle and leave the candle and bowl on your altar for 8 days, replenishing your offerings each day. 

On the 8th day, relight the candle, and resummon Njord by repeating the previous invocation: "Njord, Lord of wealth and sea, Steady the tides and favor me. Let my home be safe and sound, With stable wealth that shall abound." Remove the folded paper from under the bowl and set it on fire while saying, "As the tides flow in and out, May wealth remain without a doubt. My home is blessed and stable. As I will it, so it shall be."

Carry the coin in your wallet or coin purse as a talisman to attract wealth, and bury the ashes and other spell remains near your front door. Be sure to keep your talisman until its magic wears off. Spending the coin can result in your riches quickly fleeing you, leaving you worse off than before you performed the spell.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• When carving anything, always carve away from yourself to avoid injury.
• Do not leave candles burning unattended or near children and pets.
• Remember visualization not necessarily seeing an object in your mind, but instead an incorporation of all senses to bring about the object or intention. When visualizing, it's more about creating those feelings than necessarily seeing the object or outcome in our mind.
• If you can use seawater you have collected, I would encourage you to do so. Seawater is more connected to Njord than saltwater, but saltwater will work in a pinch, especially if made using water from a local source.
• Other candle color options include green or gold for wealth, abundance, and money, white for neutrality, or brown for stability.
• Offerings for Njord include seafood, bread, chocolate coins, dark beer or mead, seashells, or driftwood.
  
  

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 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 spell is best performed at one of two times: Thursday or the New Moon. Thursday is associated with abundance, luck, and wealth due to its connection with Thor, Jupiter, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi, who are all deities associated with the aforementioned correspondences. The New Moon, however, is associated with new beginnings, and using the Waxing Moon that follows is associated with fruition and growth. It is not necessary to perform this spell at any particular time, but using magical timings can greatly improve your chances of success.

As always, we begin with cleansing and consecrating, which is always good practice as it brings neutral ingredients into your spells and rituals. A bind rune composed of Fehu (ᚠ) for wealth and Othala (ᛟ) for household stability was carved into the blue candle to unite the two together, aiding in your intention to bring financial stability to your home. A blue candle was used to connect with Njord, symbolizing the sea, his wisdom, and his ability to bring wealth as well as to carry our messages to him. Burning of candles is traditionally done to connect to the Otherworld and send messages from us to the gods, ancestors, and other beings. 

This candle was placed in front of a bowl of saltwater, again representing Njord and his domain, as well as the cleansing energy of the sea, which removes obstacles and blockages that may be preventing financial stability. The bowl, candle, and bind rune together act as sympathetic magic, like attracting like, and thus, bringing your intentions to light and helping you call upon Njord for aid.

Njord is the Nordic god of the sea and wealth. The Nordic people have always heavily relied on the sea for food, as the growing season is short in high northern latitudes. As a result, the ocean was associated with plenty, abundance, and wealth, making Njord the god of such things as well. Invoking him to aid in a spell designed to attract wealth and abundance to you during difficult times is only natural, as he is the one who can provide it, although this spell can be easily modified to call upon any deity for assistance.

These intentions, which were visualized before calling on Njord, were written on a piece of paper and folded toward you three times to help manifest your intention. By folding toward you, you are letting the Universe know you want to bring your intention into your life. The number 3 is associated with harmony, balance, and stability, thus reinforcing your intention. The paper was placed under the bowl after placing a coin in the water, which represents wealth and money, which are required for financial stability. 

These items were left for 8 days to "marinate" or build power and strength. The number 8 is associated with wealth and abundance, which was followed daily with an offering to Njord as thanks for helping ensure the success of your spell. After 8 days, the paper was burned to release our intention and allow it to blossom.

The majority of the spell remains were buried near your front door to draw something to you, particularly prosperity, abundance, and success. The coin, however, was charged over the course of the 8 days, making it a powerful talisman that can be carried to ensure continued financial luck and stability.

Want to break this spell? I am not sure why you would want to break this spell, but if you are no longer interested in maintaining financial stability, spend the coin you empowered. You'll see your wealth and money quickly leave you. However, this spell naturally wanes over time, without the sudden loss of wealth, so I suggest giving it time instead of spending the coin. After the spell has worn off, perform it again to recharge the coin, or not.

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

***

I know we are far better off than most and, as such, have continued to tithe and assist our local food banks to engage in community care. If you are struggling, use the community resources available to you. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life free of struggle. I wish each and every one of you the best and will continue to support community care and aid wherever possible. I truly believe we can outlast this together.

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Healing After a Loss: A Ritual to Release Grief

Losing someone you love is never easy. In fact, it's been so challenging lately that I have found myself taking a step back from many of the things that previously brought me joy because they remind me too much of the person I lost or feel incredibly unimportant or unappealing now. It's not fair they were taken from me so soon, and I am struggling to figure out this new normal in which they no longer exist.

I've heard a litany of well-intentioned comforts from friends and family, but they don't fix the emptiness I feel inside. Lately, I've been feeling that mind-numbing emptiness with books, devouring fantasy novels at a breakneck speed, at least for me. It's been a long time since I've felt such a deep desire to escape reality.

Grief doesn't follow any rules or patterns. We each approach it differently and in our own time; its uniqueness makes it difficult to soothe and even harder to predict. This is not my first rodeo with grief, but it's certainly the most gut-wrenching grief I have ever felt. The thing is, grief isn't about the person you lost; it's about you. It feels selfish to say that out loud, but they are gone and I am still here trying to process all of this. Taking care of myself is not selfish. Trying to move on from this loss is not selfish and does not mean I don't love or care for the person I lost, despite what that nasty inner voice has been saying lately.

And so I come today to share a ritual I am using to overcome this grief. This is not a spell to forget, but instead one to heal.

What You'll Need

• Paper
• Writing utensil
• Bowl
• Glass of water
• Black or white candle
• Flower of choice (gardenia, rose, lavender, or your loved one's favorite flower)
• Sodalite, amethyst, or green aventurine

What to Do

Before beginning this spell, cleanse and consecrate your space and items using your preferred method. Remember to wake up your crystal and flower using your preferred method (mine is by blowing on them). When ready, take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then exhale through your mouth for four seconds. As you box breathe, visualize your energies concentrating in the center of your body. Repeat until you feel relaxed and centered.

Now that you are relaxed and centered, begin writing or drawing anything that comes to mind about the person you lost, how you are feeling, or what you want to say to them. What is your best memory of them? How did you meet? What words did you leave unsaid? None of what you write has to make sense; just let it all out. End your writing with how you feel about losing them. Let all those emotions out onto the page, even if that means you lose the words to write and just cry and scream instead. Let your tears stain the paper; let your spittle splash the words you've written. All those emotions may be best conveyed without the use of words. Allow the paper to collect it all.

Once all of your thoughts and emotions are out and your grief is plainly displayed upon the page, light your candle. Roll the paper up, and seal it with a bit of wax. Hold the rolled paper close to your heart and whisper a prayer of your choice. It could be a prayer your loved one was known to use or you can just speak whatever comes to your mind. Say what you need to out loud before placing the rolled paper into the bowl.

Next, hold the crystal you have chosen in your right hand until it is warmed. Visualize the crystal bringing you comfort, support, and peace. Place next to the paper in the bowl. Pour the water over the top of the paper and crystal. Place the flower on top of the water where it can float. Spend a few moments holding the bowl in your hand, cradling your grief, and honoring your loved one who has passed.

When you feel ready, begin box breathing again by inhaling through your nose for four seconds, holding for four seconds, and exhaling through your mouth for four seconds. Repeat until you feel recentered, balanced, and calm, using the flame of the candle to guide you if you wish.

Finally, place the still-burning candle and bowl in a sacred place or on your ancestral altar until the candle burns out. Do not leave the candle unattended. You can dispose of your spell remains in several different ways. You can pour the water in your garden, somewhere your loved one liked to visit, or in a moving body of water. The paper can be buried near your front door, at a crossroads, or even at their burial plot or dried and burned and the ashes scattered in the wind.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• 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 live near a body of moving water, such as a river or stream, use it instead of a bowl and glass of water, being mindful that anything left behind is easily biodegradable and eco-friendly. If it is warm enough and safe to do so, you can even bathe in the river to wash away and heal the grief you are feeling. It's too cold here right now, but I used a river and bathed my hands in it.
• Do not leave candles unattended or near children and pets.
• Other useful healing crystals include black tourmaline, moonstone, rose quartz, howlite, kunzite, and Angelite. You can also use your loved one's favorite crystal or stone.
• Other candle color options include blue for healing and communication, red for love and passion, pink for love, friendship, and peace, or yellow for remembrance and joy. You could also use a candle your loved one gifted you or one in their favorite color to strengthen the connection.
  
  

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 helps guide you in writing 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 a cleansing. and centering through a technique called box breathing. It's always good practice to bring neutral ingredients into your spells. As for centering, grief has a nasty habit of dispersing our emotions and scattering our emotions, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. This practice draws that energy back to you and relaxes you in preparation for the difficult work ahead.

By writing, even if incoherently, you draw those thoughts and emotions to the surface and splatter them across the page, giving them a tangible link in the physical world upon which the rest of the spell can act. The process of writing out your grief also provides an opportunity to "get it out" or release it from you, transferring all of it to the paper, which represents you in the spell.

The candle, whether white or black, represents your loved one. Candles have been used for centuries to send prayers, messages, and spells to Spirit, otherwise acting as a link between realms. The flame also represents the light that person brought to your life and the love you still have for them. Furthermore, black and white candles are both associated with healing and grief. Black is commonly used during mourning to represent the absence or loss of the person, Death, the Underworld, banishment, protection, grounding, or as a symbol of respect for the deceased. White, on the other hand, represents healing, rebirth, new beginnings, hope, and peace. Which even color you choose, however, is valid for this spell, so trust your gut. The wax from the candle represents your loved one and by sealing the paper with wax, you connect yourself with the person you have lost.

Next, the crystals chosen for this spell are all associated with healing grief and loss and bringing peace to those left behind. It is added to the bowl with the rolled paper to bring comfort and healing to both you and your loved one. This is further supported by the use of water, which is also associated with healing. By pouring it over top of the paper, you are washing away and easing the pain and suffering you are feeling, clearing your thoughts, and letting the grief go.

The flower (all of which are associated with healing, peace, tranquility, and love) is placed on top of the water to pull peace, harmony, and love to the surface so that you may fully heal from your loss. I chose a gardenia flower (which also grows in my yard) for this spell as it was one of my loved one's favorite flowers and is deeply associated with loss and grief. Gardenia is a commonly sent sympathy flower as its flowery scent helps to soothe emotions, heal broken hearts, and calm disquieted minds. It's known for bringing peace and harmony to even the worst situations, so what better flower to use in a grief ritual?

Finally, the spell remains were disposed of in such a way as to keep your loved one close, but to let some of that grief go. Pouring the water out symbolizes release, especially if poured into a moving body of water, while burying the remains allows for healing. Burning is also associated with healing and releasing that grief while sending your love to Spirit. Again, let your intuition guide you when it comes to disposal, but always make sure you are being respectful of the Earth.

Want to break this spell? Unfortunately, this isn't one you can break, but it also isn't permanent. Grief has this ability to sneak back in when we least expect it so keep an eye out for it.

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

***

I hope that you are all doing well during these trying times. If you should ever be faced with such unending grief, know that you are not alone. Lean into your support systems and ask for help if you need it, but don't allow the grief to overwhelm and consume you. It's okay to take care of yourself. It's not selfish or rude or disrespectful to those you have lost. They want you to carry on; to do great things with the time you have been given.

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Magical Properties of Jade

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Magical Properties of Spirit Quartz

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Magical Properties of Lepidolite

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Runic Shield Spell for Energy Protection

I don't know about you, but I am feeling very defeated, sacred, and otherwise just not great. Everything just feels...off. I know I am not alone in this feeling, but seeing and hearing from others who feel the same way as I do has been comforting but also stressful. While I do not consider myself to be an empath (in fact, I have some pretty harsh opinions about the whole idea of being an empath) I do feel a weight on my shoulders when exposed to others who are also struggling. There is a palpable thickness of emotion in the air. Because of this, I know it's the perfect time for some energy shielding and protection. I can't continue to fight the good fight if I am incapable of getting out of bed in the morning. This simple spell is designed to do just that!

What You'll Need

• Black candle
• Hematite
• Algiz (ᛉ) rune
• Match or lighter
  
  

What to Do

Before beginning this spell, it's important to cleanse yourself and the energy you hold as you don't want to lock in any of the negativity you currently hold. How you do this is entirely up to you, but I do have some suggested methods. In Witchcraft for Well-Being, I discuss Earthing as a potential method of cleansing. You could also take a bath or shower, use smoke or sound, or any other preferred method.

Once you are thoroughly cleansed and you have prepared your sacred space, Light the black candle. Hold the hematite in your hands and close your eyes. Feel it warm as you focus on your intention of shielding and protection. Visualize the hematite pulling any remaining negativity from your body. Let the tension in your neck and shoulders relax as you take a deep breath in and out. Once you are completely relaxed place the hematite in front of the black candle.

Next hold the algiz (ᛉ) rune in your hands, as you focus on your intention of forming a strong, impenetrable shield around you. Chant "algiz" (AHL-geez) over and over as you raise the stone above your head and circle it around your body completely. As you do so, visualize a shield forming deflecting negative energies away from you. Repeat this step until you can clearly see or feel the shield in your mind's eye. Visualize it contracting until it rests upon your skin like a film. 

Pass the rune through the flame three times while chanting, "Algiz protect my energy and shield me from negativity. Nothing shall disturb my peace." Allow the black candle to burn out or snuff it out if you are short on time. You can carry the rune for ongoing protection if you wish. Repeat this spell at least once a month.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• 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.
• Smoky quartz, obsidian, black tourmaline, or other black crystals can be used in place of hematite.
• If you do not have a black candle, white can be substituted. Carve the algiz (ᛉ) rune into the candle prior to use.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (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 helps guide you in writing 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 a cleansing. Because we are creating an energy shield, we don't want anything to be trapped inside the shield with us that isn't positive. Starting with a clean slate and replacing the energy with positivity ensures the shield keeps the good in and the bad out.

Next, a black candle was lit as black is associated with protection as well as removals and dispelling. The candle, along with hematite, helps pull any residual negativity from you and enhances the protection ability of the spell. Hematite, like the color black, is associated with protection and cleansing. It was warmed in your hand so it could be awoken and filled with your intention.

Finally, the algiz rune was used to help build the energy shield around you as algiz is associated with strength and protection. Like the hematite, it too was warmed in your hands prior to use to infuse it with your intention. It was passed over your body while chanting its name to call forth its power of protection, helping create the energy shield in the process and raise your own vibration. Paired with a visualization, the algiz rune helped invoke the shield you visualized. By chanting and empowering it with your intention, and passing it through the flame, you also created a small protective charm that can be carried on your person for further protection. Fire is associated with change, courage, strength, and life, as well as protection.

As with most spells, this one too shall wane with time. It should be renewed at least once a month, especially on the dark or full moon, or as needed. If you are exposed to excessive amounts of negative emotions or stressful situations, you will need to renew the shield more often. Remember to release the shield and cleanse prior to rebuilding it.

Wish to break this spell? Visualize the shield you created dissolving, shedding, or otherwise dropping off of you. This visualization can be paired with a chant such as "I release the shield for I no longer have use of it."

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

***

I know things are scary right now and that you may be feeling hopeless. We may have lost a battle, but we have not lost the war. If we are to continue to care for each other and our communities, we must learn to care for ourselves. Energy shielding is a great way to ensure we can continue fighting, even in the darkest of times. But as Harris said during her concession speech, "Only when it's dark enough can you see the stars." Resistances are built upon hope, I have hope. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Email is usually the best option as I am taking a break from social media to protect my own peace. Please do not take that to mean I have stopped doing the work. Mutual aid starts at home, and it's needed now more than ever. We will get through this.

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