Elemental Magic: Earth Spells and Rituals

Wow, what a year 2020 has been thus far. In the first half of the year, we really needed Water to help us heal. We still do as there is much work left to be done this year, but we also need the grounding and centering energy of Earth to help us deal with our anxieties and stresses so we can keep the healing movement going as well as help us understand what is truly important. Next, we will use Fire to continue burning away the old, leaving fertile soil in its wake. I've gotten a little behind on my posts and wanted to already be on Fire, but such is life. Either way, its obvious my intuition knew what elements we would need most at what time of year. Water to heal (COVID-19, anxiety, etc), Earth to ground (recentering ourselves to recognize what is really important), Fire to ignite (fighting injustice), and Air to communicate (voting, letter writing, etc). I did not match them with their traditionally corresponding seasons, and I realize now more than ever there was a reason not to. You see, not everything in life fits into neat correspondences and while we traditionally work with Earth in the winter months, it isn't what we needed this year. We needed in the late spring and early summer. We must recognize that traditions are meant to be broken so that we may work with what we need, instead of what we are told. Your practice is just as unique as you are; take what you need and leave the rest behind.

In this post, I cover a number of spells that include the Earth element. In light of recent events, more specifically the resurgence of massive BLM protests, riots, and a cry for change and the end of police brutality, I decided it was important for me to include spells to help us navigate this revolution. Some of the spells will help you with your mental health, while others are for protection, resistance, and stability. Our current battle may seem like we are trying to move mountains, but even the mountain is weathered away by the slow, steady force of Water and Air. 

If my mention of this turns you off and you decide not to continue to follow my blog, so be it. I am not here to pussyfoot around issues near and dear to my heart, and I most certainly will always use my platform to speak up for marginalized voices. And so it is.

Earthing is the process of physically connecting with the Earth through touch. This is different from grounding in that grounding establishes a spiritual connection while bringing your energies in tune with the Earth, while earthing establishes a physical connection that results in a mental and physiological response. Both the Journal of Inflammation Research and Proceedings fo the National Academy of Sciences have found that physical contact with the Earth, think skin to Earth contact, has profound effects on our health and happiness, including calming the part of your brain that is responsible for depression and anxiety. As such, it reduces stress hormones, decreases blood pressure, relieves tension, and decreases your heart rate likely because the Earth is pulsing with energy. This ritual is simple and a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety, especially during trying times. It's also a great way to connect with the Earth in your area. Don't be surprised if a local spirit wishes to connect with you.

What You'll Need

• An outdoor spot where you will not be disturbed
  
  

What to Do

Begin by traveling to a local forest, park, beach, or just going out into your own yard. If you have nowhere private to go, a dish of soil will also work. Remove your shoes and walk barefoot or touch the soil with your hands, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. When it feels right, stop, close your eyes, and feel your connection to the Earth. Feel your heartbeat slowing down, the stress melting away into the Earth. Imagine the worry, fear, doubt, hatred, anger, depression, and all other emotions flowing out through your feet deep into the Earth. Allow Her to take away the pain, replacing it instead with healing energy, peace, and calm.

Spend at least 15 minutes, if not an hour, connecting physically with the Earth. Lay down if you want, continue walking, or sit in silence. If you wish, ask the Earth if you may bring back gifts with you and should you feel She replies with the affirmative, gather leaves, stones, and other natural objects to bring home with you. Be sure to thank the Earth for the gifts you have received. Place these items on your altar and use them to help you connect with the Earth when stress, doubt, and fear come creeping back in.

This ritual is performed on a regular schedule. Use it to check in with yourself on a weekly or monthly basis or use it as a quick way to dispel fear before a protest!

Amulets are generally worn for protection and take on many forms. Whether you decide to use a crystal, pentacle, or some other object, make sure it can be easily worn on your person or carried with you. Amulets can also be kept in your pocket away from prying hands so it can't be used to subdue you. This protection amulet utilizes the Earth element to protect you from harm, negativity, and stress.

What You'll Need

• String, yarn, cord, chain, or wire
• Smoky quartz, pentacle, or another protective object
  
  

What to Do

This spell is best done between midnight and 3am on a Full Moon or Waxing Moon, although any moon phase can technically be used. Gather your supplies and cleanse the object you are turning into an amulet. Smoky quartz is one of the best crystals to turn into an amulet because of its protective yet calming nature. The wisps of smoke protect the wearer from negativity and harm, while also bringing emotional calmness by relieving stress and anxiety. The pentacle, a symbol of Earth, is also highly protective. Consider using a silver pentacle to reflect negativity and harm away from you.

After your object is cleansed, you need to charge it with your intent. I personally like to blow my intent into an object, but any charging method is fine. While you do so say or chant the following: "I place upon this [insert object name] protective power. It is now a shield from harm and negativity. I call upon the strength of my ancestors at this witching hour, to bless this object with protective serenity. No harm may come so long as it remains. Heed my words and protect forevermore." 

Once charged, you can turn the amulet into a necklace, keychain, or just carry the object on your person. I find that having something tied to it makes it easier to hold onto and prevents it from being lost or misplaced.

Recharge your amulet periodically, usually with each monthly moon cycle, or if you have been exposed to high levels of negativity. If the crystal cracks, this is a sign that the magic is working. Simply replace the crystal with a freshly charged one. Thank the previous crystal for its protection and bury it away from your home. 

The Earth is great at removing things we wish to get rid of through earthly cleansing. As such, witches commonly bury objects to cleanse them or to remove something from their life. While the Earth brings forth life, it also helps things to decay. This spell is designed to get rid of jealousy by allowing it to "rot" in the soil.

What You'll Need

• Potato
• An object from the jealous person (yourself or someone else)
• Brown ribbon or string
• Knife
• Spade or shovel
  
  

What to Do

This spell is best performed during the Dark Moon as it is a form of banishment. Cut the potato in half and carve out a spot between the two halves to fit the item from the jealous person. It can be your own personal jealousy or that of another. If you cannot obtain a personal object, a picture of the person will also work or their full name written on a piece of paper. Place the object inside the potato and tie the two halves together with the brown ribbon or string. Bury the potato somewhere away from your house, creating a resting place where the jealousy can reside. As the potato rots, the jealousy will dissipate.

Now more than ever we have a need to keep the police away from us, or at least protect ourselves from police brutality, especially during protests. This conjure bag or sachet is specifically designed for that purpose. You can carry it on your person, hang it in your home, or place it in your vehicle. Heck, make three so you can place them everywhere. 

What You'll Need

• Sachet or bag with a drawstring
• Fennel seeds
• Sardonyx 
• Hydrangea blossoms
• Crabgrass seed heads
  
  

What to Do

Cleanse and charge the sardonyx with your intent to keep away law enforcement and protect you from police brutality. Place the sardonyx in the sachet followed by a handful of fennel, hydrangea blossoms, and crabgrass seed heads. Sardonyx is often used to obtain justice, especially against the police, while fennel sees ward off authority. Hydrangea blossoms are used for shielding and protection (a reference to their shield-like shape) and crabgrass seed heads, which look like fingers, are used to misdirect and confuse. If you are looking for an extra punch read Psalms 9, 16, and 53 over the sachet, or include them inside. 

While I recognize most of us are not Christian, nor believe in the Christian God, many magical practices include Christian saints and the bible in their magical workings. It is important we respect these traditions, specifically Vodou, Vodoun, Hoodoo, and Santeria that incorporate these elements. They are just as powerful as calling upon your personal spirits or deities.

Tea is a great way to combine the elements of Water and Earth together in harmony. The Water nourishes our soul while the Earthly herbs bring about magical focus. This particular tea is designed to increase your persuasiveness, whether you are arguing in favor of social and political justice, fighting flat earthers online, or trying to convince your Uncle that climate change is real. This herbal infusion can be drunk or used to bathe your hands and face to increase your persuasiveness. 

What You'll Need

• 1-2 teaspoons cinquefoil (five-finger grass)
• 1 cup hot water
• Honey (if drinking)
  
  

What to Do

Begin by boiling water and pouring it over 1-2 teaspoons of dried cinquefoil. Swirl the cup clockwise and imagine it filling with golden yellow light. Yellow is the color of communication and therefore perfect in cases where you wish to persuade someone. Breathe in the steam deeply and say "Five-Finger Grass, growing wild, help me persuade those with whom I speak. Five-Finger Grass, blooming yellow, be the guide I need and seek today and tomorrow. Five-Finger grass, standing tall, give me the confidence to speak my truth. Five-Finger Grass, relentlessly perched, bring me the strength to combat the uncouth. And so it is."

Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and add the honey if you wish to drink the tea. If not, rub the infusion on your hands so that everything you touch is favorable or on your face and neck so that your words are convincing. This infusion can be seal in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Sometimes we feel completely powerless over our situation and that things are spiraling out of control. This ritual is designed to bring you tranquility and peace and uses a common prayer along with crystals to help calm your spirit and bring you strength. 

What You'll Need

• 5 smoky quartz crystals
• Personal item or photograph
  
• Private space
  
  

What to Do

Begin by sitting quietly in your private space. This can be your altar, a place in the woods, or anywhere else you can work without being disturbed. If you like, cleanse and consecrate the area and cast a circle. While sitting quietly, close your eyes and think about what is causing you to feel powerless. Focus on specific events, actions, words, etc that have caused this unease. Think about what you can do to change the situation. Think about what is out of your control. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Allow what you cannot change to leave your body and enter into the ground.

When you have reached a state of calmness, open your eyes and place your personal item in front of you. Cleanse the smoky quartz, which is extremely grounding in nature as well as an absorber of negativity, by blowing on each crystal. This not only cleanse the crystals but also solidify its connection with you. Begin placing the 5 crystals around your personal object while chanting "Grant me the serenity to accept the thing I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." 

Spend time meditating and infusing the ritual with your energy. Allow yourself to feel your connection with the Earth and the tranquility its calming embrace brings. Leave the crystals and your personal item out as long as you can. If possible, continue to return to this place to reinforce the magical working.

Earth has the power to bring about great change and new beginnings. We see this each year with the turning of the wheel. We can harness that power to bring about change in our own lives by sowing seeds and watching them grow. As they do so, what we seek to change comes to light.

What You'll Need

• Small pot
• Soil to fill the pot
• Seeds (doesn't matter what kind)
• Water
• Paint, Sharpie, or markers to decorate the pot
  
  

What to Do

Fill the pot with soil and press the seeds you have chosen into the soil. As you do so say "I sow these seeds of change to bring about my heart's desire." If you want, include what you wish to change in your chant. Gently water the seeds and keep the soil moist until the seeds begin sprouting. 

Decorate the outside of the pot with symbols, sigils, images, and colors associated with the change you wish to bring. For example, if you wish for social justice draw scales, swords, or the runes tiwaz and hagalaz. Make the decorations personal. Infuse these images with your power and keep your intention clear as you do so.

As the seeds grow, so shall the change you desire.

***

These spells are just some of the many uses of Earth, some of which you can find elsewhere on my blog. Again, I tried to include several spells to help us navigate the current social climate, but there are several spells that can be used whenever you need them. How do you use Earth in your practice? Share your spells and ideas in the comments below!

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

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

Meet The Goddess of All Trades & How to Incorporate Magic into Business by Ashley A.

Without going off the deep end and giving you my entire life story and how all my troubles and trials led me to where I am today, I’m going to keep it short and sweet so we can get to the most interesting part - why I’m the Goddess of All Trades and how I incorporate magic into my business!
I grew up in a small, Baptist town in Alabama and so my cultural exposure was quite limited. It wasn’t until my early teens that I discovered witchcraft and became interested in learning about magic. I was an on-again, off-again witch up until my early 20s when I decided to fully embrace my witchery and further develop my spiritual practice. During this time I was also developing my professional career and had been working in customer service for quite some time, but it wasn’t until I landed a management position that I discovered my entrepreneurial roots.

I worked in management for the next 5 years and dug deep into what it really meant to run a business. I learned the importance of time management, organization, marketing, and so much more in that short 5 year stint in the corporate world. To make matters even better, I was actually really good at what I did. Increasing revenue was always one of my top priorities and I had the ability to brainstorm different ways to make it happen.

In 2018, after working in a very toxic work environment, I took matters into my own hands and ventured into the entrepreneurial world. I knew that what I had been doing for big, corporate businesses I could be doing on a much more personal level with small businesses, and even better I didn’t have to do it behind a desk. I could do it anywhere! And so I began to reach out and connect with people in various industries, offering virtual management services such as social media management, making website updates, managing newsletters, Pinterest management, pretty much anything that could be done on a computer with internet access. To my amazement, I was able to replace my monthly income within 2 months of being self-employed. Not only was I successful, but I also absolutely LOVED what I was doing.

About 6 months into my venture I finally reached a point where I felt extremely comfortable connecting with just about any business in any industry. There was one industry, however, that I had left untouched. The spiritual industry. It was probably the biggest “Duh!” moment of my professional life. Here I was with the ability to work with literally anyone and I had not even thought of working with someone with a spiritually centered brand. And so I decided to shift my services into the witchy and metaphysical industries.

It has now been over 2 years since I made the decision to branch out on my own. I now work solely with witches, energy healers, metaphysical shop owners, my kind of people! Once I made the shift things began to flow naturally. Seeking clients within the spiritual and witchy community allowed me to connect a little deeper with the people I was choosing to connect with. I no longer aimlessly shoot for random companies to email. I instead was able to tap into my intuition and find ‘my people’. That’s not to say that I’ve worked with every single person I’ve reached out to, nor has every partnership lasted. In fact, I’ve had some brutal fallouts with past clients to the point that I questioned the Universe why it placed them in my path in the first place! But for the most part, I have had an amazing time and have connected with some remarkable people.

Ok, finally! On to the good bits. How exactly do I incorporate magic into my business? I mean aside from working with magical people that is. Well, for starters I love using tarot as a way to connect deeper with my intuition to get guidance for creative projects. A lot of times clients will come to me to brainstorm ideas for things like new product launches or blog post topics. I never hesitate to whip out my tarot deck and draw a card or two for a little divine inspiration on how to move forward with the ideas. It has been so resourceful and helps me make more aligned decisions for individual clients.

Another way I incorporate magic into my business is through the use of crystals. How cliche, right? Nothing can quite pull me out of a creative block like Carnelian though! I turn to crystals all the time to help keep my vibrations up so that I can deliver prime results to my clients. All I do is pick from my collection and keep it near me as I’m working throughout the day. Sometimes I’ll even design a crystal grid on my laptop and let it sit overnight to enchant my laptop with uplifting vibrations too!

The last magical business act that I’ll share with you today is manifestation magic. I especially like to use this sort of magic with my Pinterest management services. When I sit down to start planning, strategizing, and creating I will hold a mini-ritual packed with some serious manifestation energy. I’ll set the intention to match my clients’ needs whether it be the need to reach a larger audience, sell a program, or to just simply make a statement. I’ll then use that energy and place it into the work I do so that the entire project is engulfed with magic that attracts success.

Working within this industry has truly been an honorable experience. Not only am I working with people who value me and my time, but they are also teaching so much about various paths and practices. It has helped me discover more parts about myself that I didn’t know existed, both magically and professionally. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones to reach fulfillment, that is the number one thing my entire experience has taught me.

 
 Ashley is an eclectic kitchen witch who has been practicing witchcraft
 for over 10 years. She enjoys her days in sunny Florida tending to her
 ever-growing herb and veggie garden. She has been virtually assisting
 fellow witches, energy healers, lightworkers, and metaphysical shop
 owners since 2018 and recently co-launched an online witchy shop -
 Solstice Sisters - where she offers kitchen magic tips and crafts magical
 wares.

Elemental Magic: Tools of Earth

In today's post, I will discuss some of the many tools associated with Earth and how you can use them in your practice. Many of these tools were hinted at or discussed when I introduced you to some of the folklore surrounding Earth. However, this post is more of a correspondences type list that you can use to quickly plan spells. For your pleasure, I have also included a free 5-page printable for your Grimoire or Book of Shadows. Enjoy!

Beach Sand: Use for calming or anxiety spells to gradually wash away and smooth out fear or negativity, for spells regarding change, or in magic for motivation or strength.

Biogenic Sand: Biogenic sand is comprised of exoskeletons and bone fragments of sea creatures. It can be used in magic for healing and protection.

Black Lava Salt: Black lava salt is infused with activated charcoal from lava flows in Hawaii and Cyprus. Use it to absorb and dispel negativity or in spells to banish negative emotions or physical toxins. This is a great bath ingredient should you get your hands on some.

Black Sand: Like black lava salt, black sand can be used for protection, banishing, or negativity-based spells including cursing and hexing.

Chalk: Often made of calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate, chalk is a basic necessity in many a witch's craft. It can be used to cast/draw circles, sigils, and protection symbols without harming property. You can also create binding chalk. The Traveling Witch has a great recipe.

Clay: Clay can be used in a variety of ways in witchcraft depending on the type of clay being used. Red clay and bentonite clay are great in healing and purification rituals, while other clays are great for grounding and sculpting.

Desert Sand: Use for cursing to "dry" your target of wealth, luck, or happiness or add to a resilience spell for the capability to grow through hard times or situations. Desert sand is also great for endurance and strength spells.

Epsom Salt: Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is best used in purifying baths and detoxing rituals due to its natural detoxing properties. 

Humus: Humus is a mixture of decomposing plant material that is typically found on the top of the soil. It is nutrient-dense and acts as a sponge for water. Use humus for spells needing an extra kick, for fertility rituals, for nurturing spells, or when you are looking to hold onto something. Humus is also great for grounding and for seed magic.

Loam: Loam is a type of soil that is high in nutrients and moisture. Like humus, use loam for nurturing or fertility spells or when you are looking to hold onto something. 

Mud: Mud is a combination of Water and Earth, and therefore holds magical properties from both. It can be used for grounding, burying objects, and even for cleansing.

Peat: Peat, not to be confused with peat moss, is commonly found in areas where stagnant water and wetlands obstruct the flow of oxygen, thus slowing the rate of decomposition. Its made up of partially decayed organic matter and was traditionally used as a fuel source in many countries, especially Ireland. It can be used in healing spells (as Roman soldiers used it to treat wounds), to stagnant an enemy or situation, to burn bridges and barriers, and in fertility spells.

Pink Himalayan Salt: Mined from salt rock deposits near the Himalayans, pink Himalayan salt gets its hue from the trace minerals found in the deposits. Use in spells to attract love, romance, or friendship.

River Sand: Due to its flowing nature, river sand is perfect for spells that focus on moving on physically or mentally, change, or healing. It can act as an offering to the element Water.

Sea Salt: Use for cleansing, purification, and protection spells. Sea salt can also be used to connect with the element Water, to wash away fears and inhibitions, or cyclic spells and rituals.

Silt: Silt is a favorite among farmers, especially those in the Nile River Valley where the silt gives the river banks a boost of nutrients during the yearly floods (which no longer occur naturally due to damming). Silt can be used in fertility spells, to make a situation slippery, or to add an extra push to spells needed "nutrients." It is also great for seed spells and new beginnings.

Table Salt: Table salt usually mined from a salt mine, cleaned, and mixed with anti-caking substances and iodine before being sold in stores. Like all salt, it can be used for protection, purification, and drawing/casting circles.

Volcanic Sand: Use for destructive spells or curses, in magic to reveal deeper or hidden meanings and feelings, or for banishing magic. It can act as an offering to the element Fire.

Acorns: Acorns can be worn or carried to promote youthfulness, longevity, luck, and protection. They are also commonly used in spells for wisdom and prosperity, as well as to attract faeries.

Antlers: Often used to represent the god Cernunnos, antlers can be used for protection, strength, endurance, deflecting curses, and as a symbol of hope. Antlers are also a great way to connect with spirits and aid in spirit communication as deer are believed to be able to pass between worlds with ease.

Bones: While each type of bone has a slightly different correspondence, they can be used to represent the element Earth and in spells related to death, spirits, and ancestral work. Teeth can be used in aid in communication, defense, news, or to add "bite" to a spell. Skulls are commonly used for communication, learning, thoughts, divination, spirit work, and astral travel. Vertebrae can be used for support, endurance, confidence, and strength, especially if you need help holding your head high and walking tall. Rib bones are perfect for agility and protection. 

Broom: Brooms can be used for protection, to ward off negativity, banishment, and to sweep away the "dirty" energy. If you cast a magical circle, a broom can be used to guard the entrance and exit should you need to leave for whatever reason.

Ceramics: Earthenware bowls, statues, beads, or other objects can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on their design. Use them to represent deities, to hold soil, crystals, or other representatives of Earth, or as fire-safe bowls.

Coins: Coins can be used to promote prosperity, abundance, and luck, while also acting as a grounding agent depending on the material used. Coins are great for money spells and job magic.

Disk: In tarot, Earth is often represented by coins, disks, or pentacles. Disks can be used to represent the element Earth on your altar, as plates for spell casting, to represent the cyclic nature of the season, or the Wheel of the Year.

Emerald: Often referred to as the "Stone of Truth," emerald can be used to protect the wearer or user from deception and lies. It is also useful in protecting against domestic violence, nightmares, a psychic attack. Emerald is also great for connecting with the Otherworld and contacting spirits.

Flowers: Flowers are a great way to represent the element Earth on your altar or around your home. While each flower has a different magical correspondence, they can be used in beauty magic, grounding, purification rituals, and spiritual cleansing.

Horns: Horns can be used in defensive magic, to add aggression to a spell, for endurance, perseverance, protection, cursing/hexing, or in wealth spells.

Iron: Iron is deeply associated with the Earth, as well as heavenly bodies. Iron is found in abundance across the universe, thus embodying the phrase "As Above, So Below." Iron is often used for grounding, as well as for protection, power, courage, and strength. Because of its connection with both Earth and the heavens, it can be used to travel between worlds.

Jet: Jet is commonly used for protection, especially of a home or business, or against psychic vampires. It also guards against nightmares, violence, and anxiety. Use it to bring balance to your life.

Lead: Lead is the heaviest of the base metals and blocks out both light, sound, and electricity. While often associated with Fire, lead is also deeply connected to Earth. It can be used for grounding, strength, stability, meditation, and to connect with the Otherworld. It's also perfect for breaking habits and shadow work.

Leaves: Like flowers, the types of leaves you use will have different correspondences, however, they are a great way to represent the Earth. Place them on your altar as an offering or to help you ground and center.

Moss: Moss grows rapidly and abundantly in low-light conditions and can, therefore, be used for protection, prosperity, abundance, wealth, and luck magic. It can also bring stillness or calmness to a situation.

Moss Agate: Moss agate is most commonly used in gardening magic, to promote fertility and health among your plants. However, on a personal level, it can be used to balance emotions, bring inner peace, and quiet the mind. Moss agate is a great grounding stone.

Pentacles: Pentacles are most commonly used as a form of protection, whether it be an object or living creature. They can be worn, carried, or drawn in chalk, oil, or in the air. The pentacle can also be used for banishing, summoning, cleansing, or connecting with all the elements.

River Rocks: River rocks are perfect for grounding, smoothing a situation, healing spells, or in magic relating to being steadfast yet open to change. 

Roots: Roots and root vegetables can be used in protection and grounding rituals, as well as for cleansing. They also act as a great offering to local spirits, deities, and ancestors. They can also be used for endurance, steadfastness, stability, strength, and longevity. 

Seeds: Mostly commonly used in fertility magic, seeds can also be used for spells regarding new beginnings, growth, abundance, and strength. Use it to help grow both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whisper spells and blessings over seeds and watch your magic grow with them.

And there you have it. A complete list of types of Earth as well as commonly used tools associated with Earth! Below is a free 5-page printable for your Grimoire or Book of Shadows.

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

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

Book Review: A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult by DK

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 was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.

I don't know about you, but I spent a lot of my childhood flipping through DK Publishing's books, especially their encyclopedias. In fact, one of my favorite books growing up was their herbal remedies book, which I tracked down as an adult. I remember spending every single school trip to the middle school library flipping through the book. Even as a pre-teen, I was called to be a healer. Needless to say, when I saw that they were publishing a book on the history of magic, witchcraft, and the occult, I knew I needed to give the book a read, and I'm glad I did.

A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult is a short, beautifully illustrated history of magical practices around the world since the beginning of man. They cover everything in an unbiased way, completely free of judgment, which I greatly appreciated. Furthermore, this is a concise history book written by historians, not witches. In fact, the authors and consultants are all historians who have specifically studied historical occult practices, making them experts in the field. From Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, who wrote the forward, to Dr. Sophie Page who was consulted throughout the book, each person involved in the writing of A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult has extensively studied magical history from a historian's point of view. In fact, Dr. Sophie Page is well known in the history community for her extraordinary books on magic and witchcraft, particularly European medieval magic and astrology. Needless to say, this book is a refreshing historical take written by experts. I cannot say the same for history lessons in modern books on witchcraft, which are written by witches and often biased toward their personal beliefs.

Image from DK Publishing

Like all DK books, this one is beautifully illustrated, with pictures of artwork, crystals, herbs, amulets, and other magical objects from around the world. Each is captioned and explained, helping the reader decipher and interpret the meanings of what is being presented. Its an extremely easy read. Most people could probably flip through the book in a day or two, maybe even in a couple of hours if you really tried. While short, this book is an excellent introduction to magical practices around the world, both historically and in modern times. It is not, however, complete. Because of the breadth of knowledge they are discussing, most sections are very brief in their explanation. This does not, however, detract from the book. In fact, I found myself taking extensive notes on subjects I wished to learn more about. I have a list of 10-15 items I want to spend more time researching, specifically about Nordic traditions. You see, both my mother and father have Swedish and Norwegian roots, and I've felt a deep desire to trace these roots back to magical practices. This book provided me with a ton of great starting points that I am excited to pursue. If you too are wondering where your magical studies should go, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. It's a great foundation for adults and children alike to figure out which magical practices speak to them as well as a great way to learn the history of modern practices. This gives context and meaning to our work that is otherwise lacking.

Image from DK Publishing

I did have one issue with the book: the use of the word g*psy. I know this was likely unintentional and much of the world does not see this word as a slur, but I was disappointed nonetheless considering the context the word was used in. Despite this, I still absolutely loved the book, and highly recommend it to new and seasoned witches alike. You may be surprised by what you learn throughout the pages. A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult is set to be released on August 17th, 2020, but you can preorder a copy of the book now!

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

June Strawberry Moon Worksheet

The Strawberry Moon, also known as Hot Moon, Mead Moon, Honey Moon, and Rose Moon, occurs during June. The name Strawberry Moon and Rose Moon both come from the plants commonly blooming and fruiting during this time. While agricultural strawberries are finishing up here in Georgia, usually by mid-May, wild strawberries are fruiting in full force. Roses are blooming in gardens and along roadsides, peppering the landscape with reds and pinks. As the Wheel of the Year turns, the weather begins to warm and summer is right around the corner. June's Full Moon is all about maintaining and tending to what you already have. Weed your garden, focus on personal improvement, strengthen your inner resolve, and make those decisions you have been putting off. 

This month's Full Moon worksheet contains the usuals of my past Full Moon worksheets, including a to release and cleanse section, a box for your intuition, and a tarot spread. Unlike past worksheets, however, this one can be used every June, as it is based on the correspondences of the moon itself and not other astrological events. The tarot spread for this month features 7 cards to help you focus on your personal growth, from setting a solid foundation for your roots to grow to figuring out what you need to trim away so you may blossom.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY

Looking for more free worksheets? Why not get your free copy of my spell/ritual worksheet to write your best spells and rituals yet?

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