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20 Tips to being a Safe Witch

Altar Safety

When burning anything always keep a glass of water near you, unless you are working with burning oils, then keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda on hand.

When working with essential oils(EO), do not burn them they are highly flammable 

Never leave anything burning unattended, be it a burn bowl, candle, incense. DON’T LEAVE IT!

Please remove anything flammable such as paper or string from the candle, it will ignite and you will be alarmed.

Make sure that what you’re burning your candle in is fire safe, metal and cast iron are good bets. Do NOT burn in a glass, if you have to put it out and dump water on it, it will explode. 

Make sure you tie back loose hair and don’t have any floppy sleeves or necklaces to get in the way. 

When putting out a candle it is best to use a candle snuffer and do not use water. 

Don’t burn kitchen sage, it gives off a toxic smoke. Not something you wanna inhale.

Essential Oil Safety

Please, please dilute them properly. I have a chemical burn scar I can never get rid of due to undiluted cinnamon bark oil. The proper dilution is one drop per teaspoon.

Never ingest EO, there are some that are now generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but the quality of EO are not regulated. Who knows what a bad quality EO could do to your internal organs, not something I wanna test.

Essential Oils are photosensitive, meaning they deteriorate in light store them in a dark area to prevent them from spoiling.

DO NOT put them near on your skin and get in the sun or a tanning bed, especially citrus oils, they will blister.

Water will not dilute essential oils, only other oils(canola, olive, sweet almond, olive will all dilute). If you want to use them in a bath it is one drop per a teaspoon of oil.

Please seek medical attention if anything seems off after using EO, they seem harmless but can be very dangerous

Pets can be very sensitive to essential oils(particularly cats) and it is almost impossible to cover all my bases here. The sources provided below have some great resources.

Always go by the scientific name, German and Roman chamomile are very different products.

Kitchen Magic Safety

Wear shoes if you’re doing anything, I nearly lost a toe the other day cause I dropped a knife. I got lucky I was wearing boots. 

Wear correct clothing, and tie back hair. No matter if you have a gas, electric or induction stove, I’ve caught a lab coat sleeve on fire thanks to a torch while making a creme brulee. 

Use your knives correctly, learn about the pinch grip and use the correct knife for the job. Using a paring knife for chopping potatoes is asking for trouble. There are tons of videos online, I like the ones from Alton Brown and Jamie Oliver.

As a side note use sharp knives, a blunt knife will do more damage than a sharp one.

Don’t leave knives in the sink, someone could begin to wash dishes and cut themselves. 

Watch the steam. Steam can give a worse burn than dry heat, open pot lids away from you and don’t stick your face and phalanges in steam. 

Don’t leave food products unattended. 

Use your damn pot holders, they protect you and your counters. 

Store raw meat on the lowest shelves, and never store cooked meat on the same shelf

Wash your hands before, wash your hands after handling raw meats, wash your hands after. 

Don’t leave food that is meant to be cold or hot out for more than 2 hours, this is to decrease foodborne illness. 

When using the store turn handles in, to keep yourself from bumping them off the stove. 

Cook meats to proper temps(there is a chart in the sources)

If you are using herbs be sure to use kitchen grade herbs, those that are not kitchen grade are not held up to the same purity standards and could have more pesticide residue.

Herbal Safety

Please be aware a lot of herbs can work against prescription medications, or should only be taken in very specific doses( St. John’s Wort I’m looking at you.) Check in with your doctor or a licensed herbalist or naturopath before ingesting herbs.

Crystal Safety

Identify your crystals, some are water solvent some are not and it matters

Some that aren’t safe in water include malachite and selenite. They have copper and if aren’t sealed they can become toxic. There is no way to know for sure if it was sealed or not keep -ite crystals dry as a good rule of thumb. 

Some crystals fade in sunlight like rose quartz, amethyst and citrine, in order to prevent fading try cleansing them with sound, flower petals, moonlight and energy.

VIV Sassmaster, WHC Blog Manager, WHC Moderator @thestudiouswitch

Sources

http://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/

http://www.pixiespocket.com/2016/03/lets-talk-about-candle-safety.html

https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.20

https://www.thespruce.com/dangers-of-essential-oils-555089

http://www.thelavendercat.com/images/PDF-TheLavenderCat_temp_use.pdf

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/do-essential-oils-pose-a-risk-to-pets

http://www.usingeossafely.com/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-with-dogs/

https://www.thespruce.com/top-kitchen-safety-tips-481834

http://www.dummies.com/food-drink/cooking/kitchen-safety/basic-rules-of-kitchen-safety/

https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/mintemp.html

http://www.amfed.org/editor/BEAC/Articles/2011/AdultArticlesAdv/16.Minerals%20Safe%20to%20Handle-Some%20Require%20Caution.doc

http://arccitius.tumblr.com/post/149575827181/crystal-safety

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Some little useful tips and tidbits.

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♡Sea Glass in Magick ♡

While I had gone to the beach with my best friend, a fellow witch who actually introduced me to the craft, I was looking along the sand to see if I discovered any items I could use for future spells. This is how I stumbled upon my first piece of sea glass and felt drawn to bring it home. However, I had never seen magick been done with sea glass and was unsure of how I could use it. So after some research, I discovered some uses for it. 

The Elements

When you think about it, sea glass embodies many of the elements. Not only is glass forged by earth and fire, but sea glass is also then worn down by the powerful waves of the sea which can be further worn down depending if the water is salt water. Sea glass can be a good addition to the collection of an elemental witch, or simply to be used in a spell which requires the elements. 

Energy

Sea glass holds the strong energy of the ocean within it, being rounded by the waves and experiencing the ocean’s power allows it to be an object of power. With this being noted, sea glass can be considered to be an object worth being used in enchantments and other spells. It is charged with the power of the ocean after all. If you feel that it has lost its charge, bring it back to the ocean to give it back that strong charge it once had. 

Please be careful when recharging sea glass in the ocean though, for it can be easily lost if carelessly dealt with. A good idea would be to collect some of the ocean water in a jar and keep it at home to be able to put your sea glass within this jar whenever it needs charging. 

Greek God/Goddesses

Amphitrite: Sea goddess and consort of Poseidon; Queen of the sea

Cymopoleia: A daughter of Poseidon and goddess of giant storm waves

Galene: Goddess of calm seas

Poseidon: Olympian god of the sea, king of the sea gods. 

Sea glass can be associated with other sea deities of different pantheons as well. 

Scrying

Many use sea glass for scrying whether it be looking into the glass itself. Sea glass is associated with the element of water allows for it to be good for intuition and psychic ventures.

Runes

Sea glass is good to be used for a rune set, you can use a sharpie, paint, etc. to mark the runes on them. These runes would be especially good for a sea witch or an elemental witch due to sea glass being associated with the elements of water, earth, and fire. 

♡

#sea witchcraft #sea witch #sea glass #elements

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Witchy Tip!

Do you not have access to herbs for your spells or rituals?

Purchase tea blends from your store! These work just as well as the regular herbs for spells. It can even help hide that you’re a practicing witch if you’re in the broom closet.

Varieties can include chamomile, lavender, peppermint, lemon & so many more! Just carefully cut the bag open and use the contents in your spell or ritual!

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Just a reminder: Heathenry does have a term for smoke-cleansing. Recaning. To recan. (Or reocan, in Old West Saxon.) This is cleansing via smoke, whether through incense or a bundle of herbs put together for a particular type of cleansing. Juniper and mugwort are both favorites for this. In case you’re wondering how to pronounce it, it sounds like reekening. The word “reeks” is actually derived from it, signifying a potent smell. For Old Norse fans, this seems to be related to the work reykr. In case you were wondering, Reykjavik in Iceland translates to “Smoky Bay”.

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ifunny.co

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Tips for baby witches, lazy witches, tired witches, or any witch really:

Enchant your morning cup of tea/coffee

Match the colours of your makeup to your intentions for the day

Visualise the water washing away all the negativity when you shower

Enchant your nail polish (bonus: match the colour to the intention, black for protection, red for love, green for prosperity, etc)

Say your affirmations (for clear skin, fading scars, reducing dullness, etc) when doing your skincare

Charge your perfume with the energy you wish to attract

When tying your shoes, visualise them symbolically protecting you from tripping and “falling” into places and situations that disturb your peace

Use music to your advantage, listen to songs that match your intentions, or alternatively, use music as a tool for divination

Some witches veil to keep their energy from draining and to protect them from others’ emotions, but a beanie works too

If you wear glasses, use them as a tool so that they help you “see clearly”

Put your moisturiser on in the shape of a sigil before massaging it in

Child’s pose is always there for you, use it when you need it (alleviates stress and anxiety, helps clear the mind, releases tension in the back, helps to steady breathing, is overall great for grounding, etc)

Visualise the A+ (on your report card/on the paper after it’s been graded/etc) right before beginning to solve your test/exam, it also helps if you can draw a sigil somewhere on the paper, or trace it on the paper with your finger

When shaving, visualise any energy buildup being shaved off as well

If you play the guitar, draw a sigil on your plectrum/pick for an added boost (this works with other instruments too)

Do not litter out of respect for nature and its spirits

Feel free to add more things onto the list

When you’re just starting out, or even when you’re just too drained to practice your craft like you used to, it can feel like there isn’t enough magic in your life. This is your daily reminder that a lot of the time, the only difference between routine and magick is intent.

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Tips for baby witches, lazy witches, tired witches, or any witch really:

Enchant your morning cup of tea/coffee

Match the colours of your makeup to your intentions for the day

Visualise the water washing away all the negativity when you shower

Enchant your nail polish (bonus: match the colour to the intention, black for protection, red for love, green for prosperity, etc)

Say your affirmations (for clear skin, fading scars, reducing dullness, etc) when doing your skincare

Charge your perfume with the energy you wish to attract

When tying your shoes, visualise them symbolically protecting you from tripping and “falling” into places and situations that disturb your peace

Use music to your advantage, listen to songs that match your intentions, or alternatively, use music as a tool for divination

Some witches veil to keep their energy from draining and to protect them from others’ emotions, but a beanie works too

If you wear glasses, use them as a tool so that they help you “see clearly”

Put your moisturiser on in the shape of a sigil before massaging it in

Child’s pose is always there for you, use it when you need it (alleviates stress and anxiety, helps clear the mind, releases tension in the back, helps to steady breathing, is overall great for grounding, etc)

Visualise the A+ (on your report card/on the paper after it’s been graded/etc) right before beginning to solve your test/exam, it also helps if you can draw a sigil somewhere on the paper, or trace it on the paper with your finger

When shaving, visualise any energy buildup being shaved off as well

If you play the guitar, draw a sigil on your plectrum/pick for an added boost (this works with other instruments too)

Do not litter out of respect for nature and its spirits

Feel free to add more things onto the list

When you’re just starting out, or even when you’re just too drained to practice your craft like you used to, it can feel like there isn’t enough magic in your life. This is your daily reminder that a lot of the time, the only difference between routine and magick is intent.

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I feel like a lot of us could benefit from these crystals and their energies, especially right now!🖤

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🍂❄️Reminder: It’s that time of year!❄️🍂

Don’t forget that the earth is presenting us with a lot of ingredients for spellwork. Collecting things that fall off trees because of the changing seasons is extremely important and just fun.

Some things to remember.

Wear proper protection when harvesting. (gloves are your friend)

Bring sustainable containers.

Don’t forget offerings. - Fruit & Veggie peels work great. Also old tea leaves.

Don’t rip things off. Since there’s so much already on the ground, it can be considered rude to take what’s not offered.

Knowing how to harvest is an important skill when working with witchcraft. If you’re a baby witch or just don’t have as much knowledge regarding harvesting. Make sure you do your research before diving in.

Happy hunting!

- Kenzie

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Cinnamon in Spells

Cinnamon is often called for in spell work, but there are many different types of cinnamon. Listed in this source:

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or sometimes Cinnamomum verum): also referred to as “True Cinnamon”. This cinnamon is the preferred variety in Europe and Mexico. It is milder than Cassia, but has a more subtle and complex flavor. The dried, unripe berries of this plant are sold as “Cassia buds”. [These resemble cloves].

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia): also known as “Chinese Cinnamon”. This is what is sold as Cinnamon in the United States (the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 permits spice traders to label cassia as cinnamon). Cassia was often referred to as “Canelle” in medieval English and French cookbooks.

Indonesian Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii): also known as “Korintje Cinnamon”. This cinnamon is not quite as strong as Cassia.

Vietnamese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureirii): Of the different kinds of cinnamon, this is the strongest. So which should you use? Does it matter? The main differentiation that occurs is typically between cassia and cinnamon. In the United States, these are sold interchangeably. Most cinnamon in supermarkets is the cassia variety, which are the harder, less papery, cinnamon sticks.   If you are following medieval spell books, these may be referred to separately as canelle and cynamome (from same source as above): In the glossary of the translation of The Viandier of Taillevent: canelle, cannelle: common cinnamon from cassia bark or buds pouldre de canelle: a finer cinnamon, also called cynamome fleur de canelle: (ground) cassia bark or buds cynamome: a fine type of cinnamon from cinnamon bark (cf. the Tractatus (II, §11), which distinguishes between cynamomum and canellam: “Ad homines simplices et mediocres sufficiat … canella”) From this there is the implication that canelle was Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) and cynamome was Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Another interesting appearance of cinnamon/cassia is in some ancient recipes for kyphi, “a compound incense that was used in ancient Egypt for religious and medical purposes.”  The recipe for kyphi given by Galen, from De Antidotes, II: Damocrates mentions a kyphi of which he is the author and he carefully describes its composition in these terms. “The kyphi is neither a mixture nor a simple body; no soil produces it, no plant lets it drain after incision. The Egyptians, who are preparing it as I will say, burn it in front of some of their deities. They take very fleshy raisins, then strip them of their skin and seeds. They measure 24 drachmas; same weight of burnt turpentine resin; myrrh 12 drachmas, cinnamon 4, schœnus 12; saffron, 1 drachma; bdellium, 3 drachmas; aspalathe, 2 seedlings, spikenard 3, good cassia 3; pure cyperus, 3 drachmas; as many large and fatty juniper berries, 9 drachmas of aromatic calamus, honey in sufficient quantity, wine in low dose. They throw the bdellium, wine, and myrrh into a mortar, and grind them until they have reached the consistency of fluid honey. Then they add the honey, with which they have previously pounded the raisins. Finally, they mix all the other substances after having crushed them and divide the mass into small round pastilles, of which they incense the gods. This is how Rufus, an excellent man and skilful practitioner, teaches us that we prepare kyphi. A few, when they do not have cinnamon at their disposal, use cardamom seeds instead and treat them the same. Kyphi is given to drink, in a dose of one drachma, to those who suffer from the liver, lungs, or other internal systems. This recipe distinguishes between cassia and cinnamon, and mentions that cardamom can be used as a substitute for cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), but would not necessarily use cinnamon and cassia as substitutes for each other.  Ultimately these spices are very similar and have many similar properties. If you wish to use them in combination. Cardamom may also be substituted for ceylon cinnamon if you are only able to obtain cassia. 

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Mentally ill witchcraft: For your symptoms

It’s really common to find witchy mental illness/health related content that is catered towards specific illnesses (usually anxiety and depression). This is more catered to specific symptoms.

Witchcraft is to be used as a supplement to proper medical care, medication and therapy - not as a sole alternative!

Anger:

Amethyst anger release spell

Easy anger release spell

A quick way to cool anger

Anger dispersion magic tea

Anger reducing bath

Bath spell to release anger

“I channel my anger in a healthy, safe and productive manner” sigil

“My anger is under control” sigil

This masterpost

Anxiety:

Anti-anxiety shower spell

Soothing bath spell

Rainy day anxiety spell

I will be okay spell

Anti-anxiety spell jar

Anti-anxiety spell charm

Anti-anxiety tea

Brain Fog + Memory:

ADHD concentration spell bottle

Brainfog lifting

“Brainfog begone” sigil

Rosemary memory spell

Finding things/ memory spell

Memory and concentration spell

Memory and awareness spell bottle 

Depression:

Post depressive episode bath spell

“Last hope” spell for depression

Anti-depression tea

Gems for depression

Dissociation: 

Spell for dissociation 

Witch’s dissociation bracelet 

“I am protected from dissociating” sigil

“No dissociation” sigil

“I am grounded and in control of my emotions + reactions” sigil

Flashbacks/trauma

Spell to release emotional blockage

Piece by piece trauma healing spell

Healing from childhood trauma spell bottle

Spell bottle for reassurance 

“My trauma does not hold me back” sigil

Insomnia + nightmares:

Restful sleep and sweet dreams sachet

Sleep crystal spell

Stuffed animal sleep spell

Sleepy witch tip

Nightmare repellent

Nightmare prevention - crystals and herbs

Dream witch nightmare tips

Intrusive thoughts:

Spell to help against intrusive thoughts preventing sleep

OCD assistance bath

Spell to banish intrusive thoughts

Spell to control intrusive thoughts

Banish intrusive thoughts incantation

Intrusive thought banishing spell

“I am in control of my OCD” sigil 

Panic attacks:

Panic attack relief pouch

Anti-panic attack spell earrings

Rose quartz calming spell

“Ease my panic attacks” sigil

“I have less panic attacks” sigil

Paranoia:

Crystals for paranoia

“My paranoia does not control me” sigil

“I don’t let paranoid thoughts overcome me” sigil

“My paranoia does not affect me” sigil

Picking (hair, skin, etc.):

Ease skin picking spell

“I resist the urge to pick my skin” sigil

“I keep from picking” sigil

“My trichotillomania is under control” sigil

“I don’t pull out my hair or eyelashes” sigil

“I am in control and resist the desire to pick my hair” sigil

Mood Swings/Emotional Balance: 

Crystals for BPD

“I regulate my emotions well”

“I am happy and do not have mood swings” sigil

If anyone has content on a category I wasn’t able to include, or for a category that is lacking, feel free to send it my way and I’ll get a part two started for this post! Click [here] for the chronically ill symptoms masterpost. 

Links updated May of 2020. Please inform me of broken links via askbox!

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Have you ever had times where you doubted witchcraft? Do you have advise for those who worry it’s not real? Or who want to interact with spirits but is afraid it’s not real or they’re just “crazy”?

We are only human. It is thus only natural that self doubt creeps in from time to time. But belief has little to no place in witchcraft, as in magic. You either produce results or you don’t, you either perform miracles or you don’t. Think of it as a practice in between science and art - a craft, with its own laws, difficulties, and rewards. Treat it, as a beginner, like an experiment, and allow yourself time to grow, improve, and fail. As for your concern of being “crazy”, I’m afraid that yes indeed magic and witchcraft will mess with your mental health and potentially damage it - “dead, mad, or a poet”, as they say. A witch likely is all these things at once. You must be prepared to abandon a part of your general standards of what normality looks like. 

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Add a bit of magick into the mundane

I am a disabled witch; I have a few chronic illnesses and disabilities, I find practising magick difficult at times because I rarely have the energy to large rituals or spellwork. I find myself more drawn into the kitchen where I can add magick into everything I do. Here are some ways I add magick into my everyday life:

stir your intentions into your drinks/cooking, clockwise attracts, anticlockwise banishes. 

listen to music which you feel a strong connection to in regards to your magick. music has been a part of magick forever, it’s so intrinsically linked to emotions and power. It’s used in every religion I know of, be that hymns, chanting, calls to prayer or prayer itself. Make (or find) a playlist that you can listen to while doing things like chores or getting dressed that empower you, comfort you or just makes you feel extra witchy.

multitask! when I shower or bathe I find I feel much better after when I try incorporate magick into it, as the water runs over you visualise it cleansing your body and spirit. In the bath add things to it you wish to soak up, use the time of day too, I normally do my more relaxing baths in the evenings for example. 

Talk to and care for plants, it does take much time or energy to water some houseplants but its so rewarding

Take your time, don’t worry about missing a certain date etc, if you celebrate a few days early or late it makes little difference. If you don’t have the energy to plan/cook a big feast, order your favourite take out, or ask a friend/family member to cook. I like cooking a couple days in advance if I can, things can always be frozen or kept in the fridge.  

Please add your tips, I’d love to hear what other people do

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Also I have no idea if I ever exited the “learning stage” or whatever that implies, I don’t think the person meant anything by it. I’m just saying. Of being a witch.

I definitely exited the pre “well let me fuck around and find out” stage of spell experimentation onto to jump IMMEDIATELY, HEAD FIRST INTO, “ACTUALLY I’M REALLY GONNA FUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT- and then think about what I found out about it - DEEPLY.”

So there’s that.

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Easy Spell Jars for Beginner Witches

Money Spell Jar

Cinnamon

Patchouli

Bay leaves

Chamomile

Protection Spell Jar

Lavender

Rosemary

Frankincense

Black salt

Love Spell Jar

Rose petals

Pink salt

Honey

Mandrake

Creativity Spell Jar

Grass

Gold flakes

Cinnamon

Lavender

Balance and Harmony Spell Jar

Mugwort

Pink salt

Lemongrass

Myrrh