Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started Practicing

How to Commune with Spirits While in a Graveyard

Post originates from my website. Headstone is from Julian Pioneer Cemetery.

In the death work community, most people emphasize gathering graveyard dirt and bones. Yes, these tools are significant: they connect us with the deceased when we’re outside of a cemetery. But in my practice, I rarely collect graveyard dirt when I visit the dead’s resting place. Instead, I practice other forms of devotion, spirit communication, and magic.

I don’t recommend packing up grave dirt during your first trip to the cemetery for a couple of reasons:

you don’t know the cemetery yet;

you need to be absolutely sure that you want to work with a certain spirit, because once you collect the dirt, you’re responsible for dealing with that spirit afterward.

I’ve received a lot of questions about how to contact the dead in a cemetery without using a divination vessel. Like any method of spirit work, this connection with the deceased develops through practice. The best way that I can answer this question is to respond with what I, personally, do in graveyards. Every death witch practices differently. Hence, this post is just here to give you ideas about how to advance your death witchcraft.

When I enter a new cemetery, here’s what I’ll do.

I explore. I can already hear the chorus of “duh” echoing from across the computer screen, but allow to explain what I’m looking for. Most cemeteries have sections that may or may not be clearly labeled. Older headstones tend to huddle together; babies and young children often get buried in one area. Depending on your path, you may want to focus on one specific section.

I am silent. I listen. If you’re familiar with energy work, this is the time where you want to focus on your own energy and senses. Sometimes, a particular soul or plot will jump out at you, or even call you towards it. To catch these signals, you must concentrate. This is not the time to chat or take pictures (although I understand how tempting picture-taking is).

I may meditate within the cemetery. If you have a hard time connecting to the graveyard’s energy, you’ll want to practice a meditation technique. I usually do this under a tree, because these spirits understand their graveyard well, and may inform me on where to go. In my experience, the best technique is to enter a meditative state, and connect your energy to the earth. Once you have a feel for the earth, sense the wind. Both elements are strongly tied to ghosts and will link you to the graveyard.

I donate offerings and tidy the area. Because we can’t take every grave’s dirt home, we need to communicate with the dead in other ways. This is a great way to communication with the deceased. For offerings, I usually give coins, small candles, and herbs. But you can also offer flowers and stones as well. Personally, I like granting offerings to effaced or destroyed grave sites: the Forgotten Dead. I also throw away trash and brush off dusty or mud-covered headstones (WITHOUT moving any offerings already present). The deceased usually appreciate the sacrifice and inform me about their lives.

I may sit with one grave for a long time. Once you explore the cemetery exhaustively, you’ll likely locate a grave or two that peaks your interest. I usually remain by these graves for the bulk of my cemetery time–listening, cleaning, gifting, honoring.

Even if I don’t bring home graveyard dirt, I may perform magic for the spirit once I get home. Depending on my interaction, I may give the spirit further offerings, or perform more magic to help the soul heal or move on. Later on, I’ll return the cemetery to confirm whether my spell worked.

While we’re talking about cemetery trips, here are some etiquette/safety tips to keep in mind:

DO NOT sit on top of headstones. It’s rude and unsafe.

If you see a fallen headstone, DO NOT try to upright it yourself. These stones are incredibly heavy and require several people to repair. Instead, contact the cemetery’s staff members.

DO NOT throw away offerings that are already on graves, including dead flowers. Leave that to the cemetery caretakers. However, you may upright a flower pot if it has fallen over.

If a staff member asks you to move or leave, do as they say.

DO NOT burn candles or incense inside the cemetery. It may start a fire.

DO NOT interrupt other peoples’ mourning time.

I hope this post inspires you to view cemetery visits as more than a way to gather tools. These visits allow us to communicate with the dead, advance our abilities, and build a reliable reputation with the spirits. I wish you best of luck in your path.

Tasseomancy

For more go and check my Instagram.

What is tasseomancy?

Also known as tasseography or tassology, it’s an intuitive divination technique of reading tea leaves or coffee grounds. Images changes when viewed differently so depends on reader’s perceptions. Good tool to access subconscious.

Techniques

There are different ways to interpret which area of the cup corresponds with what. There are also special cups for divination with symbols painted on its inner surface. Check diagrams: 1. Rim to bottom layout where rim area is for present, sides for near future and bottom for far future. 2. 12 month layout where you divide cup into 12 areas, from left to right each is a further future. 3. Past/future layout where left side represents past and the right side future. 4. Importance layout - rim: most important; sides: relevant; close to bottom: rival, bottom: unlucky, right from handle: lucky. Those are not all possibilities!

Reading

Get mentally prepared. Meditate, focus on the preparation of the tea and the reading. Find calm place to perform.

You’ll need a cup with a light surface, loose tea or coffee ground, stove, kettle/pot and water. Place 1 teaspoon of tea leaves in a cup, bring water to a boil and pour over your tea. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir and let to settle. If you’re using coffee grounds first heat them in a pot, pour into your cup and let to settle.

Focus on your question while enjoying the drink. Leave a small sip of drink in the bottom of cup. Swirl the leaves three times and turn the cup upside down on the saucer to drain the liquid. Turn the cup back and examine. What do you see?

beginner witch etiquette guide

- 💫🕊🌿

with the rise of chatter about whatever the hell is going on over there on tik-tok, i figured it might help to throw together an etiquette list for baby witches who may be struggling to navigate through deities/energies/spirits/etc

[ spirit work ]

- ouija boards are only dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing! and they’re very dangerous if you don’t. these can safely be used for divination after you’ve properly cleansed your space and board & warded yourself up good; and just source a good board. make sure you say goodbye, cleanse and banish when you’re done, be respectful, don’t press their boundaries. i mean really spirit work is so tricky just you really need to do your own research here i could just keep going on and on. there’s so much that goes into spirit work so please read up plenty on it before trying to talk to anything in any way. really really heavily recommend picking up a mentor here before getting into spirit work.

- graveyard visits. honestly as a baby witch i used to walk along the paths in graveyards and leave trinkets and little flowers for headstones that felt particularly ‘heavy’ to me, i don’t know why after a while that started not to sit right with me but.. if anyone has input on that comment below. anyway, don’t step over graves, always be respectful, don’t be loud and don’t f*ck in here, don’t get drunk and litter your f*cking cigarette butts or whatever, this is a resting place. i’m personally a magnet for spirits and have a tendency to take things home with me so i always cleanse after a visit, i strongly advise the same! when collecting graveyard dirt always always always ALWAYS stay away from the actual. grave. sites. let me say this one more time. do not. ever take dirt from above someone’s resting place. under any circumstances. not even for a hex/curse. this isn’t something to debate, it’s disrespectful, it’s distasteful, and it’s gonna bite you in the ass. take from the sides areas or just wherever there isn’t a grave right there. still ask permission, and always give thanks & leave something behind. remember to still be mindful of c*ps, please don’t get arrested or worse for your craft.

[ fae ]

- to touch on.. hexing.. the fae. i don’t. i don’t really know what to say here. if you hex the fae you’re going to d*e or literally be cursed the rest of your life i mean you’re just asking to be screwed over in the most dangerous and ruthless way possible i don’t understand the purpose i don’t understand the motivation or mindset behind this but please for the love of everything do not? do not f*cking do this. don’t hex the fae, don’t cross the fae, don’t neglect the fae if you choose to work with them, it’s not hard to understand a basic level of respect and give/take to be able to create a safe and enjoyable relationship with the fae. ofc there’s plenty of other research to be had before working with fae but, anyways

- commanding fae? again, these beautiful beings are so.. so much stronger than us? they’re not of this realm, you trying to ‘command’ fae will get you into deep sh*t and again just don’t be a j*ckass why do i even have to make this post right now. they’re not your pets or playthings to toss and boss around, wtf? there’s no ‘leashing’ fae and while i’m here; you can’t f*ck fae either??? i’ve seen two posts saying tik-tok witches claim to, and no. you cannot. no.

[ taglocks ]

- burning taglocks, and burning your own.. taglocks. so, understand that burning a photo/chunk of hair/whatever of someone’s is a big deal, it’s serious juice so really make sure you know what you’re up to and that this person deserves what’s coming to them. that being said it’s also the perfect explanation why you should absolutely never ever burn your own f*cking taglocks. i think i saw that this was recommended for dysphoria and growth spells or something? whatever, it doesn’t matter just please don’t burn your own taglocks. it’s only outcome will be destruction and chaos.

- know that what i’m about to say absolutely doesn’t apply if you’re hexing/cursing an abuser or something along these lines; always get consent before collecting and using a taglock for the subject at hand, nothing really more to add here just don’t cast non-consent love spells for example or whatever else you’re using the taglock for, let them know what’s up and make sure they’re cool with it.

[ deities ]

- deities can call upon you and show interest in working with you- absolutely! what they will absolutely never do is scoop you up and force you into offerings and devotion. they don’t choose you and suddenly you have to do “x, y, x” and certainly if these instructions are coming to you “through another witch”. they’re scamming you, or it’s a demon. get out.

- you don’t have to do an offering every single day to work with deities, communicate well however you can, leave what you can when you can and just do your best, they see your intentions and as long as youre not greedy, hold your own, and you’re respectful, you’ll have a great relationship with really any deities youre working with :) closed practice deities are ofc off limits so please make sure you’re researching well before trying to delve into something that isn’t yours to reach out to!

-

i’m sure there’s so much more to say but this is just off the top of my head here, please stay safe witches, always do research on new areas of your craft!

Add Some Oomph to Your Spells with Magical Timing

Like herbs, oils, and crystals, you don’t need to work with magical timing for your spell to be successful. You can cast a spell at any time, no matter your intention, and get your desired results. However, working with the energy of the sun, moon, and days of the week can add an extra power boost to your magic.

Think of it this way: certain energies are dominant at certain times. Those energies are easier to connect with because they are closer at hand, so to speak, so you can bring them into your life and your spells more easily and in a more powerful way. That doesn’t mean you can’t call on other energies during these times — it just means that you may not connect to them quite so easily.

If you choose to work with magical timing in your spells, there are several yearly, monthly, weekly, and even daily cycles you can align your spells with.

The Cycle of the Sun: Solstices and Equinoxes

These are the turning points that mark the solar year, and are associated with the relationships between day and night, light and dark, summer and winter. Each solstice or equinox marks the end of one season and the beginning for the next. Because they are so rare and so potent, these days are a great time for your “big picture” spells or for spells that need a big power boost.

Winter Solstice. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and falls between December 20 and December 23, depending on the year. In some pagan traditions the winter solstice, or Yule, marks the beginning of the new year — you may choose to set intentions for the coming year on this solstice. After the winter solstice, the nights start getting shorter and the days start getting longer — so spells related to healing and bringing things into the light are especially effective at this time of year. The winter solstice marks the end of the “dark half” of the year and beginning of the “light half” of the year; at this point, our focus turns from inward reflection to outward manifestation. You may choose to think of the time between the winter solstice and spring equinox as a “planning phase,” where you examine yourself and your desires, decide what you want to work on in the next year, and make plans for manifesting what you want.

Spring Equinox. An equinox occurs when the day and the night are exactly the same length, representing a perfect balance between light and dark. The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring and occurs between March 19 and March 22. The Christian holiday of Easter and the pagan holiday of Ostara are both related to the energy of this equinox. At this time of year, the natural world is coming back to life as winter begins to fade. Plants are beginning to grow, and baby animals are being born. This is a powerful time of year for fertility magic and any magic related to new beginnings. You may choose to think of the time between the spring equinox and the summer solstice as a “planting phase,” where you “plant the seed” of the things you want to manifest and begin doing the work to make it happen.

Summer Solstice. This solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. It occurs between June 19 and June 23. As I am writing this post, we are coming up on the summer solstice (June 20, 2020). Life, fertility, and growth are at their peak during this time of year, which makes this solstice a perfect time for big manifestation spells. At the same time, this marks the end of the “light half” and beginning of the “dark half” of the year, so after the summer solstice our energy shifts from outward manifestation to inward contemplation. You may choose to think of the time between the summer solstice and fall equinox as the “harvest phase,” where you reap the results of your hard work and manifest your desires in the physical world.

Autumn Equinox. This is the other time of year when the day and night are perfectly balanced. The autumn equinox occurs between September 19 and September 23 and marks the beginning of autumn. This is traditionally the time of year when crops are harvested, and many pagan groups celebrate harvest festivals around this time. Nature is beginning to die or go into hibernation in preparation for the coming winter. This is an especially powerful time of year for shadow work or for magic related to endings and transitions. You may choose to think of the time between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice as the “reflection phase,” when you retreat from the outside world to rest, focus on yourself, and do your inner work and self-healing.

Important Note: This post lists dates for the solstices and equinoxes in the Northern hemisphere. In the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. If you live in the Southern hemisphere, you would observe the winter solstice in June, the spring equinox in September, the summer solstice in December, and the fall equinox in March.

The Cycle of the Moon: Lunar Phases

If you don’t have time to wait for the appropriate solstice or equinox, you can still connect with the cosmos in your magic. One of the biggest pros of the lunar cycle is that it happens roughly every month — so you never have to wait very long for the next full moon. The moon is also associated with magic and spirituality in several traditions, which makes it an especially powerful astral ally for witches.

New Moon. The new moon is when the moon is completely invisible in the night sky, and is the phase opposite the full moon. The new moon is a powerful time for shadow work (because it deals with things that are hidden) and for magic related to new beginnings.

Waxing Moon. The moon is waxing when it appears to be growing in the night sky; this is the phase between the new moon and full moon. This is a powerful time for any magic that deals with drawing something in, building something up, or strengthening something that already exists.

Full Moon. Many witches believe that the full moon is the most powerful time of month for any kind of magic. This is a good time to cast any spell that needs a serious power boost. The full moon is also an especially powerful time to release what no longer serves you or to work healing magic.

Waning Moon. The moon is waning when it appears to be shrinking in the night sky; this is the phase between the full moon and new moon. This is a powerful time for any magic that deals with sending something away, banishing negative energy, or bringing something to an end.

Dark Moon. The dark moon is the three day period immediately before the new moon. In some traditions, it is believed to be bad luck to cast spells during the dark moon. Other traditions hold that the dark moon is the best point in the lunar cycle for destructive magic, such as curses and hexes. Many modern witches don’t recognize the dark moon as a separate moon phase at all. I personally like to use the dark moon as a time for self reflection, and may focus on shadow work during this time.

Magical Correspondences for the Days of the Week

The days of the week also have their own unique magical energies, and each day is linked to a certain planet and to certain deities.

Sunday. Sunday is, of course, connected to the Sun and solar deities. Sunday is the best day of the week for any manifestation magic that needs an extra boost. Its energy is also associated with healing, personal growth, power, and success.

Monday. Monday is associated with the Moon and lunar deities. Monday is a quiet, introspective day, and can feel very ethereal. It’s the best day for magic related to intuition, nurturing, and shadow work.

Tuesday. Tuesday is associated with Mars and with gods and goddesses of war and action. (It is named for the Norse/Germanic god Tyr/Tiw.) Tuesday is a very “active” day, and is good for magic related to action, activism, victory, or finding courage.

Wednesday. Wednesday is associated with Mercury and with gods and goddesses of wisdom, learning, and communication. (It is named for the Norse/Germanic god Odin/Wodan.) Wednesday is all about mental activity. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to thought, travel, communication (written, spoken, or digital), and learning/study.

Thursday. Thursday is associated with Jupiter and with gods and goddesses of prosperity, wealth, and protection. (It is named after the Norse/Germanic god Thor.) Thursday, like Jupiter in astrology, is all about outward expansion. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to career, prosperity, and wealth.

Friday. Friday is associated with Venus and with gods and goddesses of love, fertility, and sensuality. (It is named after the Norse goddess Freyja, or perhaps the goddess Frigg.) The energy of Friday is fun, lighthearted, and sexy. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to love, beauty, and sex/sexuality.

Saturday. Saturday is associated with Saturn and with time and wisdom. (The day and the planet are both named after the Roman god Saturn.) Saturday is practical and wise, but it does have a little bit of a dark side. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to banishing and protection.

Magical Times of Day

Okay, so you’d like to start working with magical timing, but what about emergency magic and last-minute spells? What if you don’t have time to wait for the next full moon, or even the next Sunday? You can still align your spell with magical timing! There are several moments of power each day, and each has its own magical associations.

Sunrise. Sunrise is, of course, the birth of the new day. This makes it the perfect time for spells related to new beginnings or expanded possibilities.

Noon. This is the peak or high point of the day. This is a powerful time for healing magic.

Sunset. Sunset is the end of the day, and forms a gateway between light and dark. This is a great time for spells related to accepting endings, releasing that which does not serve, and moving on from the past.

Midnight. If noon is the peak of the day, then midnight is the peak of the night. Midnight has a very ethereal, transformational energy. Like with the full moon, some witches believe that any spell will be more powerful if cast at midnight. This is a powerful time for both banishing and attraction magic.

Resources:

You Are Magical by Tess Whitehurst

Green Witchcraft by Paige Vanderbeck

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin [specifically the chapter on the sabbats]

Qabalah Made Easy by David Wells [Note: Qabalah is based on an appropriation of Jewish mysticism, and I am NOT endorsing its practice. However, much of the magical timing associations used in modern witchcraft is shared with Qabalah and other forms of ceremonial magic, which is why it’s referenced here.]

We love you fish!!! I’m from Australia and I love waking up to scroll through beautiful postitive things you post it always starts my day with happiness!!!!💖💖

I've never really talked about this, but I have been dealing with a lot of really mean comments and stuff, and the thing is I've dealt with these sort of comments for my entire time on the internet, and I've just dealt with them quietly. I have really thick skin so stuff doesn't really affect me all that much, I learned in school to just ignore bullying to make it go away but I'm tired of doing that. I shouldn't have to hide these negative feelings, I'm just a teen trying to have fun and be happy online as a fish. I don't have the best advice or anything, but anyone else out there who's dealing with bullying, it's okay to feel sad because of it. Don't take anything they say to heart, but repressing how you feel like what I have been doing is not good, it's better to speak out. I'm very sleepy so I'm going to go to bed now I'm sorry if this has bad grammar

Could you do a post on little bag (pouches? idk) spells or ideas!

Hey Anon! I'm glad you asked for this! Feel free to add or take away whatever materials you want! And how much or how little is up to you!

Sweet Dreams Sleeping Pouch

Lavender - Happy Dreams and Protection

Rose quartz - Sweet Dreams

Star anise - Protection against nightmares and ensure a good nights sleep

Moonstone - Ease stress and anxiety

Bay leaves - Prophetic Dreams

Good Fortune Prosperity Pouch

Cinnamon Stick - Success, Money, Protection

Dried Orange Peel - Joy, Health, Purification

Cloves - Attraction, Comfort, Mental Abilities

Bay Leaves - Endurance, Wisdom, Strength

Aura of Love Pouch

Dried Rose Petals - Self-love, Attracts Love

Lavender - Tranquillity, Love, Happiness

Jasmine - Love, Attraction

Rose Quartz - Harmony, Unconditional Love

Lift My Spirits Pouch

Rosemary - Creativity

Nutmeg - Confidence

Spearmint - Mental Clarity

Axe Anxiety Pouch

Peppermint - Calming, Strength, Healing

Lavender - Relaxing, Protection

Rose Quartz - Self-love, Emotional Harmony

I hope this helps! Thanks for the ask! Later loves!

50 Tips for Tarot Novices and Masters Alike!

Always make sure your deck is shuffled and cleansed.

There is no one way to shuffle, find what works for you.

Cards that fall out when you’re shuffling may hold extra important meaning.

Learning from books is good, but use your own intuition as well. 

Thank your deck after a reading.

Be sure to charge your cards and be nice to them.

Using a cheat sheet or a book is not a bad thing.

Biddytarot is great for learning basic card meanings.

If you don’t have a tarot deck, you can use regular cards or make your own.

Tarot and Oracle are NOT the same thing.

There are a few tarot apps to help you learn (golden threat, galaxy, etc)

Watch for multiple cards from one suit.

Pay attention when a card follows you through multiple readings, it is usually trying to tell you something.

Find the card that matches with your birth-date/you feel a significant connection to. Use it in personal readings to help strengthen them.

Always be sure you’re using a deck that works for you!

Pay attention to the symbolism and art of the cards.

Interview spreads are great for getting to know a new or old deck.

Divination is not specifically witchcraft and is not always tied to it.

Don’t let anyone but you touch your cards unless doing a reading and you want them to touch them- messes with energy.

If someone besides you does touch them, make sure to cleanse.

Decks have different personalities, don’t be bummed if one doesn’t work out for you.

Be prepared for a deck to get sarcastic and give out riddles.

Keep a journal/notebook/google doc of different spreads. You can even organise them by type. 

Daily draws are great, but don’t knock yourself if you can’t do them every day.

Meditating before a reading can help gain clarity. 

An easy way to cleanse your deck is to put them all in order then shuffle them again. 

Flash cards are good to memorise meanings.

Bonding with your deck can help readings be more accurate. An easy way to do this is sleep with them under your pillow.

Cleansing/charging your deck can be as easy as leaving them in a windowsill, or as intricate as a ritual.

You can have as many or as few decks as you want. 

Making your own cards does NOT make you less of a diviner.

Readings are not set in stone, take them with a grain of salt.

Reversals are not always bad.

Upright is not always good.

The death card does not mean death. 

Keep a journal to record your readings.

Try to remember one keyword/idea for each card to help you learn.

Make sure your deck fits in your hands comfortably.

If you’re just starting out, use simpler spreads. 

Past/present/future is great for beginners.

Amethyst is a good stone to have around.

But, letting your deck choose it’s favourite crystal is also important.

Using a tarot cloth can help keep unwanted energy off of your deck, especially if divining in a public place. 

Tarot bags are easy to make, just find a drawstring bag tutorial and edit the measurements to fit your deck. 

Playing music while doing readings can help you focus. 

It’s okay to redo a reading if you don’t feel it’s right, but keep the first one in mind. 

If you practice witchcraft, you can use tarot in various spells. 

You don’t have to read reversals!

If tarot doesn’t work out for you but you still want to use divination, try other forms such as oracle, scrying, pendulums, cartomancy, and more. 

Practice!!!

Awesome info 🙌

Who else loves making spell bottles but can’t find easy items for what I want it to do?

Well y’all are in luck cause I got annoyed and so I made a list of commonly found kitchen items that have properties that are often desired for spell bottles! ~please note that other items that you may have also have these properties but I wanted to make something very generic~

Courage- Thyme

Luck- Clove, Clover, Dill, Hazel, Mint, Orange

Protection- Clove, Clover, Basil, Cinnamon, Cumin, Fennel, Garlic, Grass, Lettuce, Lime, Olive, Onion, Parsley, Pepper, Radish, Rosemary, Sage

Love- Clove, Clover, Orange, Basil, Cinnamon, Ginger, Jasmine, Lemon, Lettuce, Lime, Parsley, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Rosemary, Thyme, Vanilla

Success- Clove, Clover, Cinnamon, Ginger

Money/Riches/Wealth- Dill, Mint, Orange, Ginger, Jasmine, Oats, Onion, Pecan, Pineapple, Basil

Health- Thyme

Wishes- Hazel, Peach, Sage

Healing- Mint, Fennel, Garlic, Lime, Olive, Onion, Rosemary, Thyme

Travel- Mint

Anti-theft- Garlic

Power- Ginger

Longevity- Lemon, Peach, Sage

Friendship- Lemon

Purification- Fennel, Lemon, Parsley, Thyme

Sleep- Lettuce, Rosemary, Thyme

Fertility- Olive

Potency- Olive

Lust-  Olive, Pear, Radish, Rosemary, Vanilla

Employment- Pecan

Youth- Rosemary

Immortality- Sage

Wisdom- Sage