Magical Properties of Hag Stones

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How to Cleanse, Charge, and Raise Energy Prior to Spellcasting

While it’s perfectly acceptable to cast a quick spell in the moment, most of your spells will likely be well planned and thought out to ensure their effectiveness and success. For these types of spells, there is groundwork that must be done before the actual spell work takes place. This groundwork includes cleansing, charging, and raising energy. 

Cleansing

Cleansing is the act of removing something unwanted from a person, place, or thing. While most people think of cleansing as removing dirt and debris, in witchcraft cleansing refers to the removal of unwanted energies, or spiritual debris if you will, that could interfere with the energy of your spell. Energy is constantly being transferred throughout a system, meaning that when you walk into a room that space now contains some of your energy. When you leave that room, the energy will linger behind, often settling in a place of least resistance. But it’s not just you that has imparted energy on the space; the space has also left some energy with you. Have you ever walked into a room that was completely chaotic? Loud noises, cluttered, disorganized, and otherwise complete chaos. When you left that space, how did you feel? How long did the feeling last? You probably felt frazzles, frustrated, easily distracted, and maybe even anxious for several minutes to several hours later. Energy transfers easily and can impact our lives in great ways. The same is true of the people, place, and objects involved in your spellwork. They all carry their own energies, some of which were imparted on them by other things, and these energies will in turn be added to your spell should you not remove them. The last thing you want to do is add chaotic energy to a job or love spell. This is why cleansing is so important. 

Before engaging in spellwork it is important to remove the unwanted energies from yourself and anyone else involved in the spell, the space, and the objects you are using. This can be done using a variety of methods including smoke, water, sound, breath, and salt cleansing. Most witches go with smoke cleansing because it’s quick and easy and can be used to cleanse everything. Simply waft the smoke over your body and around the room, and pass any magical objects through the smoke to cleanse them as well. If you decide to use water, I suggest showering or bathing to cleanse yourself and using salted water to sprinkle around the room and on the objects you are using. For sound, I recommend using a bell or even clapping, but any musical instrument or singing will suffice. Ring the bell or clap all around your body, space, and objects to remove the unwanted energies. Breath, which is my favorite method for cleansing objects, requires you to blow the unwanted energy away. This is difficult to do on yourself and in a large space, so I don’t suggest using breath to cleanse these. However, it’s perfect for objects and can be used to not only cleanse the objects but also charge them as well, a process I will discuss later in this article.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to keep your intention firmly in your mind, that you are removing all unwanted energies. You may even wish to state this out loud as you cleanse. Does every single item need to be cleansed? No. Use your intuition to guide you. As a general rule, I don’t cleanse living material or material that belonged to a living thing unless something feels off. These items contain spirits that are important to aiding in spellwork and should not be removed.

Charging

When you cleanse an object, you often remove all of the energies present, even the good ones. This is why I don’t cleanse plant material and other living or previous living things. I want their energy to remain intact. However, the removed energies can and should be replaced with new energies that align with your intent. This is called charging, programming, enchanting, or empowering. During this process, the object’s removed energy is replaced with the energy of your intention and ‘charged’ with a specific purpose. However, plant material and other living or previously living things can also be charged. An object does not have to be cleansed in order for this process to work. 

There are several ways to charge an object including sunlight, moonlight, crystals, warming, breath, or visualization. Apart from using my breath my other favorite method of charging involves holding the object in both hands until it’s warm while thinking or saying my intent. I find both methods work incredibly well. However, other methods are just as effective. Other times I may use sunlight or moonlight to charge an object, especially crystals, with the energies of these celestial bodies. Keep in mind that direct sunlight is damaging and should be used sparingly. Crystals tend to retain their unique energies, even after cleansing, and thus can be used to charge other objects, even other crystals. This is usually why people suggest storing crystals separately from each other. Simply touch the object to the crystal for a length of time. If you are charging water, use only water-safe crystals or place the crystal in a container near the water.

Raising Energy

Once you, your workspace, and tools are cleansed and charged, it’s time to start raising energy for the spell. Many witches incorporate this step directly into the spell itself, slowly building up energy as they work until it’s finally released. However, you may find that you prefer to go into the spell with the energy already raised. I often raise energy beforehand, unless performing an elaborate ritual, because it helps me get into a magical mindset, shifting away from the mundane to focus on my intention.

Raising energy is the act of pulling energy from outside yourself to you to fuel your spell. Ultimately this acts as the power source for the spell, sending it on its way to manifest. Failure to raise enough energy is one of the leading causes of spell failure and can leave you feeling fatigued, moody, and extremely hungry because all the energy used came directly from you. This act is often done inside of a magical circle, if you cast them, to contain the energy, while other witches prefer to use their bodies as the container. I am one such witch.

Energy can be raised in a variety of ways and the method you use depends on what you feel comfortable with as well as the intention of the spell. For example, I tend to chant when casting spells for money and work while I may sing or play music when casting spells to banish depression and anxiety. So how can you raise energy?

The first way I mentioned is through chanting. Aum, pronounced ohm’ is the most commonly used chant, but others can include words or phrases of your own design. Often chanting is accompanied by breathwork, which, combined not only raise energy but also results in a shift in consciousness. Other methods include drumming, rattling, or clapping. Start out slowly, playing faster and faster as the energy builds. You may notice your body also moves with the music and you may be slightly out of breath when done. You can also listen to music, especially upbeat, fast tempo music to raise energy. I find this is best accompanied with dancing, especially erratic, free form dancing. For some spells, intercourse or masturbation may be the best way to raise energy. This is especially true for love spells. Ultimately, the goal is to feel revved up, so how ever you reach that state is entirely up to you.

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Once these steps are complete, you are ready to begin casting your spell. Direct the energy you have raised into the spell’s intention, finishing the spell by releasing the energy into the universe. I find that I do this intuitively and you will likely find yourself doing the same. However, if you are struggling, try using a wand, athame, or another magical tool to help guide the energy out of you. In the next post, I’ll cover what to do post spell work to help you come back down and accurately track your spells. Until then, I encourage you to practice cleansing, charging, and raising energy without necessarily casting a spell. Try a variety of methods over the next couple of weeks and keep detailed notes on which methods resonate or work best for you. When practicing energy raising, release that energy back into the Earth. If you decide to hold on to it for a long period of time, you'll notice you are spacy, hyper, jittery, forgetful, moody, and easily distracted. 

Interest in the rest of the series? 

Spellcrafting Series

What Is A Spell?

Ethics in Spellcrafting: To Curse or Not to Curse

Types of Spells

Basics of Spellcrafting

Correspondences, Substitutions, and How to Write Your Own

Perfect Spell Timing

Spell Wording: Be Clear, Be Heard

Cleansing, Charging, and Raising Energy Prior to Spellcasting

Grounding and Centering After Spell Work

Breaking Your Own Spells

What to do with Spell Remains

Recording Your Spells

Intuitive Spellcasting

Casting Spells from the Otherworld

Troubleshooting Your Spells: Why They Didn't Work

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

What is Magic?

What is Hermeticism?

Primal Language

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

The Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft

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New Year New Moon Banishing Bath Tea

Ok, so it isn't technically the New Moon, but the wordplay was fun anyway. Today is the first Dark Moon of 2022, the time when the Moon is no longer visible in the sky. While some witches believe no magic should be performed during this time, I strongly disagree. The Dark Moon is deeply associated with banishment, cleansing, and protection, as well as baneful magics such as cursing and binding. This makes it a perfect time to remove unwanted energies, bind negativity, and let go of the past in order to have a fresh start. While most witches were talking about performing banishing rituals on December 31st, I usually wait until the first Dark Moon closest to the upcoming year to fully shed the past year as the magical correspondences are greater during this time. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a bath tea. The following recipe is made using commonly found items in your pantry to ensure you can do this last-minute tonight if you so desire.

What You'll Need

• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary or 2 tbsp dried
• 2 cinnamon sticks or 2 tbsp ground
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup Epsom salt or sea salt
• Obsidian, black tourmaline, or smoky quartz (optional)
• White towel (optional)
  
  

What to Do

Combine rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and 2 orange slices with 3 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a bowl. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly before straining. Meanwhile, run a hot bath. Combine salt, tea mixture, and remaining orange slices and stir counterclockwise.

As you stir counterclockwise and say, "Through my will and through my might, I banishing all negativity from my sight. With salted water, I shall be free. Past be gone, let me be. I release all burdens from my life. And ask for a future without strife. A new me I shall become. So I will it, so shall  my spell be done." 

If using a crystal, charge it with your intention, asking it to help banish negativity and the previous year.

Slide into the bath and soak for at least 30 minutes, feeling the warmth of the water wash away the preview year, leaving you refreshed and renewed. When finished, drain the bath and rinse off with clean, warm water. Air dry or lightly pat yourself dry with a white towel. Finish the ritual with some light food and a cool glass of water to ground and rehydrate your body.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, 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 Spellcraft Series). 

For this spell/ritual, the spell is performed during the Dark Moon, which is the perfect time for banishing rituals. This ritual can also be performed during the Waning Moon, which is also associated with banishment.

Rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves are all associated with banishment, cleansing, purification, and protection and therefore help to remove all unwanted energies from the past year while simultaneously protecting you, leaving you with a clean slate for the future. Cinnamon is also associated with success, money, and luck, thus replacing the removed energies with more positive ones. Bay, like cinnamon, is also associated with success but is also associated with healing, allowing you to heal from the traumas of the past year, which have likely been great. Orange, however, is uplifting and is associated with happiness, courage, and success. In this ritual, orange ensures that all the energies you banish are replaced with positive ones.

Finally, the salt in this spell is for purification and protection. Salt is a known deterrent of negativity and is even strong enough to deter wanted spirits. Not only does it remove spiritual impurities, but also bodily ones as well, helping the body naturally detox. As mentioned above, you will want to drink a glass of water after this ritual to rehydrate as salt is naturally dehydrating, especially when coupled with a hot bath.

If you chose to use a crystal in this spell, obsidian, black tourmaline, and smoky quartz are all associated with banishment and grounding. They help remove the negativity from you, either storing it within them or helping transfer it safely into the Universe or Earth. 

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell to be undone. If you really wish for the negative energies to come back, invite them back.

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

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I like to combine this type of ritual with a few other magical steps to make it really effective. First, I make sure I clean and cleanse my home. My Deep Cleaning House Ritual is a really good one to use this time of year. I follow up the cleaning with a bath and often light a black candle for further banishment. Etch what you wish to banish on the candle, such as 2021, anoint it with oil, and roll in some slightly ground rosemary. Follow up the entire ritual with replacing the wards and protections around your home and do a tarot or rune reading for the year to come.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2022. I know things are not looking that bright at the moment, but we will get through this. You are strong and capable of so much greatness. 

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Book Review: The Witches' Sabbath, An Exploration of History, Folklore & Modern Practice by Kelden

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

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday. I apologize for taking such a long hiatus, but I promise it was for a good reason. I have been working on a rather large project, the fruits of which everyone should see next summer. I am super excited and know you all are going to love it! With the bulk of the project complete, I have time again to attend to my blog. Despite not having time to write, I have had moments here in there when I have been able to read so today I come with a book review.

The Witches' Sabbath: An Exploration of History, Folklore & Modern Practice by Kelden is hands down one of the best witchcraft books I have ever read. It seamlessly combines folklore with modern witchcraft, offering historical and practical advice for modern-day traditional hedgewitches regarding the Witches' Sabbath. The first three chapters focus heavily upon folklore and history, with tons of in-text citations to back everything up. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I love nothing more than a well-researched and well-cited witchcraft book. I was not disappointed with Kelden's work, and applaud him for taking the time to do so.

Chapter four focuses on hedge riding, the practice of spirit flight. Kelden very briefly covers the history of hedge riding and includes exercises to help you traverse the axis mundi or world tree. I love that he offered multiple perspectives from multiple cultures on what the axis mundi 'looks' like so that readers can find a system that they relate to and works well for them. For me, this has always been the Yggdrasil, the world tree from Norse mythology, for a variety of reasons. However, I never thought to use the Greek mythology of Olympus and the Underworld in such a way, but it makes total sense. Knowing that there are many witches out there that work with Greek deities, this would make a great axis mundi. Kelden also includes recipes for flying ointment, tincture, and tea, which I can't wait to try myself. I am always looking for new ways to reach an altered state of consciousness prior to hedge riding and look forward to using his suggestions.

The book continues by diving into how modern witches influenced the development and understanding of the Witches' Sabbath, describing how it came to be a part of traditional witchcraft, Wicca, and other forms of witchcraft. I always find this information fascinating as there is so much drama that surrounds it. It's always mostly old white men arguing over the validity of their lived experiences as if we witches don't experience things differently. Anyone who has traveled to the Otherworld will tell you it changed from person to person. The experiences I have there are not invalid because another witch did not experience the same thing. I love the Kelden touches on this as well, explaining that we each experience the Sabbath in our own way. Furthermore, he is sure to explain that while much of the witch trial testimony was given under duress and torture, the fact still remains that people worlds and centuries apart gave similar testimony. I think a lot of people overlook this when they are quick to dismiss the claims of supposed witches from the witch trials. True, they were probably not witches, but they were provided valuable insight into the folk beliefs of the time, beliefs that run through multiple cultures, suggesting they are part of ancestral memory.

Finally, Kelden makes the book accessible and inclusive. He promotes using local witchcraft and designing a practice that works for your situation. This is most easily seen in his discussion of the compass round, where he suggests using magical correspondences for the cardinal directions according to where you live. I have written about this before, and love that Kelden addresses this as well.

I honestly have nothing negative to say about this book other than I wish it was longer. I wish that he had taken it a couple steps further and included some personal stories in the book. Other than that, this is a book that is sure to delight any witch that is interested in the Witches' Sabbath, hedge riding, traditional witchcraft, or folklore. There are some great beginner tips here, I believe this book is better suited for more experienced witches who are looking to take their craft to the next level. The Witches' Sabbath: An Exploration of History, Folklore & Modern Practice by Kelden is available for pre-order now and will be released January 8th, 2022. 

Until next time!

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2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches

I still can't believe the holiday season is upon us. The last 2 years have felt like the longest and shortest 2 years of my life. However, I am pumped for the holiday season, twinkle lights, hot cocoa, warm blankets, and frosty weather. I really hope Georgia gets some snow this year, but it's unlikely due to La Nina...Woooo. But I digress!

This year's Holiday Gift Guide for Witches is here with 10 affordable items that are sure to impress the witch in your life. Each item in this list was handpicked by me. Most of these items I own or I am a supporter of the company creating these items. I prefer handmade small businesses over large corporations, but you will find a couple of Amazon items on this list because nothing can beat their two-day shipping. If you are running out of gift ideas or don't even know where to start when it comes to the witch in your life, this list is for you. Heck, this list is even for you witches that aren't sure what you want!

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.

1. 2022 Wicca Book of Spells Witches' Planner

The Wicca Book of Spells Witches' Planner is back! I had the pleasure to write several of the articles featured in this witches' 2022 planner along with some other amazing witches from the community. This planner features witchy informational articles, correspondences, spells, and rituals that correspond with the yearly calendar. A growing trend in witchcraft is practicing daily witchcraft, and a planner is a great way to help a witch do that. This comes in both hard copy and paperback depending on how sturdy you want your planner, but, unfortunately, the planner is only available for the Northern Hemisphere. Pick this planner up on Amazon for just $8!

2. Incense from Sea Witch Botanicals

Wow! So I am not super into incense. They tend to smell like burnt chemicals and leave me wondering why I wasted precious money purchasing them. Sea Witch Bontanical's incense line is completely different. All of their incense are made with plant-based, natural ingredients with no synthetic fragrances and they hold that fragrance while being burned. I recently ordered their holiday Krampus incense and Hermitage incense and could smell them through the box when they arrived. Just having them out is enough to permeate your entire living space with their delightful aroma. On top of this, all of their packaging is plastic-free and biodegradable, the company diverts 90% of their facility waste away from landfills through composting and recycling, uses 100% green energy to fuel production, sourced from fair-trade businesses, and donates at least 1% of revenue to environmental charities. They are speaking my language! While more expensive than conventional incense at $10-$15 a package, these babies are well worth the purchase and will leave the witch in your life delighted.

Photograph by Sea Witch Botanicals

3. The Relative Tarot by Carrie Paris

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a new series of tarot decks from Weiser Books and The Relative Tarot by Carrie Paris was by far my favorite deck. In fact, it is probably my favorite deck of all time apart from a collectible Pride and Prejudice deck I purchased a couple of years ago just to look at. This deck is perfect for all sorts of divination, especially ancestor work, and the beautiful images, sturdy card stock, and inclusivity of the deck will dazzle the witch in your life. You can read my full review of the deck and see more of the lovely imagery here. This deck is slightly pricy at $35, but worth the cost! 

4. Round Elder Futhark Runes from Blagowood

Early this year I won an Instagram giveaway from Wiccan Tips and Blagowood and took home a beautiful set of round Elder Futhark runes. The runes are made from oak wood and hand-carved and sealed with respect to Nordic traditions. They are perfectly smooth, fit well in the hand, and are light enough to carry with you during travel. Don't get me wrong, I love the runes I created using rocks from the Great Lakes, but there is something incredibly magical about these oak runes as well. I can feel the connection to the Earth and they read beautifully as a result. These runes come from the Ukraine and can take up to 6 weeks to arrive so I suggest you order now! You can pick up these runes for between $24 and $30 depending on the sales running. 

Photograph by Blagowood

5. Cottage Cleansing Candle from Triple Wick Goddess

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the creator of Triple Wick Goddess and the pleasure of reviewing and giving away a set of her candles. These are some of the best spell candles on the market, I guarantee it. Jocelyn spends time researching, designing, and testing her spell candles to ensure they pack a powerful, magical punch to suit the needs of the witch. She offers a variety of spell candles and even offers custom candles specifically for your magical needs. Not into candles? Jocelyn also offers soap and bath salts with magical intentions. You can read my full interview and review here. Candles run between $34 and $55, but will last you for hours and hours of spell work. If you are looking for a spell candle, you seriously cannot go wrong with Triple Wick Goddess.

Photograph by TripleWickGoddess

6. Herb of the Month from Apothecary At Home

My favorite subscription box, Apothecary At Home, introduced a new follow-up box to their apothecary course called Herb of the Month. This box comes with a number of items, including herb samples, art prints, bingo to expand your knowledge and connection with the plant, medicinal seeds, and other wonderful goodies for you to enjoy month to month. Unlike the Apothecary At Home box, this box only includes one herb each month, most of which are lesser-known and hard to come by. This is a great way to expand your knowledge of medicinal plants and fungi while growing a magical and medicinal store. This box costs $19.99+tax and shipping a month. A single herb not your witch's style? Check out the Apothecary At Home box and enter WILLOW15 at checkout to get 15% off your first box!

7. Witches Brew Mug

Okay...this is one of my favorite mugs. My partner gave me this mug last year for Yule and I drink out of it every weekend while I sit snuggled up on the couch with my kitties reading a witchy book. Its sleek cauldron design screams witch. It fits nicely in your hands, does not get too hot, and has held up well over the last year. This mug will set you back about $15 and is sure to impress the witch in your life.

8. Seasons of a Magical Life by H. Byron Ballard

I always like to include one of my favorite witchy reads of the year on my holiday list, and Season of a Magical Life by H. Byron Ballard took the spot. Honestly, this was a hard choice because there were so many amazing books that I read this year, however, this one was the most middle ground, making it perfect for any witch in your life, no matter their personal path. Reading this book felt like coming home and is a beautiful, non-theistic approach to celebrating the changing seasons by performing meaningful, mundane, yet magical tasks around the home. You can read my full review here and pick up a copy for $18.

9. Sun and Moon Serving Spoon Dish/Candle Holder from Witchy Woman Workshop

Before putting together this list, I was surfing Etsy looking for some items I would like for Yule to pass on to my partner when I came across this beautiful serving spoon holder/candle base from Witchy Woman Workshop. I have so many serving spoon holders around my house because I am constantly drinking tea or brewing up a potion in my kitchen. This dish is handcrafted and features and moon and sun surrounded by leaves. It's also heat safe, meaning you can use it as a candle holder or to burn cone incense. However, be sure to handwash this gorgeous piece lest you lose some of the detail. Not interested in a serving spoon dish? Witchy Woman Workshop also offers a slew of other items, including handcrafted mugs, tea plates, altar tiles, jars, and bowls. Prices range between $10 and $25, a fair price for a gift made with love. 

Photograph by WitchyWomanWorkshop

10. Plague Doctor Tea Towel from Linz the Maker

The pandemic isn't over yet and this tea towel is sure to delight...at least it delighted me when I found it. Prior to the pandemic, I was fond of using the phrase "Avoid it like the plague," but if this pandemic has taught me anything, it's that we do not, in fact, avoid things like the plague. This tea towel features a plague doctor and roses with the phrase "Wash Your Hands," a gentle reminder to wash your hands often. Its made from 100% cotton and screen printed using high-quality screen print transfer that will hold up in the wash if you follow the washing instructions that is. Linz offers several other hand towel designs as well as some mirror mantra stickers to remind you that you are a badass witch. Tea towels are $18.50 and mirror mantras are $8. Both would make an excellent stocking stuffer or gift under the tree!

Photograph by LinzTheMaker

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This year's list offers a variety of items that are sure to impress even the pickiest of witches. I hope that you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and remember that this is not just a time to give to those we love, but also those in need. There are a number of amazing charities out there that could use your help. Stay safe, happy, and healthy my friends.

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