Things You Can Do On The First Of The Month - Along With Or Instead Of Blowing Cinnamon Through Your

All About: House Spirits

Well, it's about time I brought them up once again, in their own post. This guide may be on the lengthy side, but it's here to explain what they are and how to begin working with them.

What the hell is a house spirit?

House spirits come from all different cultures and folklore. Known as, you guessed it, guardians of the home. They protect the house itself, the land around it (they get along with the land spirit(s) most of the time), and they also protect the family if treated right. A home certainly doesn't feel like one without these presiding spirits helping. In fact it gives the home a life of it's own.

What do they look like? Are there types?

Across many cultures, there are these spirits and the folklore varies for each. In my tribe, we consider them to usually be little dwarves or goblins that must be appeased, otherwise they will cause bad luck or even resort to curses. Regular offerings are required. Then there are the land spirits, which is a whole other topic. If given regular offerings and respect, we believe that they will not only generate good luck and events for us, but protect us and help with our daily lives. For the witches of the tribe, they will often assist in rituals and spells. That all being said, this has carried over into my personal beliefs. Many cultures describe house spirits assisting with the same things and if they are displeased, bad occurrences following. As far as looks go, it depends on the folklore surrounding your area and your cultural background(s). You may believe in one or two types or an entire spectrum of house spirits from the realm of the fair folk. You could have one house spirit or twelve. It's entirely up to your home. In some cultures, there are door spirits (yes, that guard the doors) and ones that work in the kitchen, among others for different functions of the home.

Okay so, I live in an apartment building. Can I still work with them?

Yes. When I used to live in apartments, I found it was an either/or situation regarding how many were there. Some buildings have only a few that roam around, sometimes only one that protects the entire building, or there may be multiple hanging out in one apartment. Most complexes have multiple however. And then for the lucky buildings that have one for each apartment...those are nice. I've included a short offering ritual at the end of this post, which you can use to ask questions about whatever you wish to know, including how many there are in the building.

What kind of offerings do they like?

Milk, honey, bread, and herbs are a safe bet. They especially like bread baked by you, as they see it as a labor of love and that your energy is in there. Taking time to tend to the garden and taking care of your property & home in general are things they like to see. Don't leave the house a huge mess, as many prefer a tidy atmosphere. Not an offering per say, but important to mention nonetheless.

What should I put on their altar?

I keep my altar for them in the kitchen, as it is in a place that is undisturbed and can't be torn up by my land shark (aka, my dog). I also feel that most of the house spirits I have worked with in my life enjoy hanging out in this area of the home. They seem to like assisting in kitchen magic and cooking in general and the warmth of the stove. You may also want to include a small area near the front door if you believe that there are separate spirits for there. I'd recommend a shelf, as it won't take up as much space in the entryway.

Okay, back on track. Plants (if the space gets enough light), a cauldron, candles, offering bowls, a chalice, glass, or mug of some sort. A special spoon to stir the drinks or potions with. Decorative pieces from nature. Things you craft by hand.

How can I begin working with them?

Anytime, in reality. However, you do have to develop an actual relationship with them. This can take time and the more you speak to them, give offerings, and invite them in as you cook or clean, the more they will be willing to help with your spellwork, wards, and healing. Try the introduction ritual I've included. See what happens. Document it. Try again another time the following week. And just...keep going. Make sure that they know you haven't forgotten about them by leaving a small nightly glass of milk out before you head to bed. It doesn't have to be filled to the rim (hey, cost of living is ridiculous right now). It can be a splash with a squirt of honey added. Or a sprinkle of herbs on their bowl. Or maybe a small helping of what you whipped up for dinner. Point is to show them that you acknowledge and respect their presence. That will be the biggest component. Do the ritual once a week until you start seeing signs of contact. Once you do, make your own ritual with them. Incorporate them into your daily life. Ask them to help with blessing your cooking. Ask them to make sure your wards are in tact. Ask the door spirit to purify the energy of anyone that walks in & make bad people resist coming by. Start seeing if they'd like to sit in on a ritual, if you feel comfortable with that idea. Ask for a blessing when you clean the house & to assist you in removing all the bad energy.

Brief introductory ritual

To introduce yourself to your house spirits, I recommend sitting in your kitchen. If you consider your hearth to be the living room, you can choose to do it there. Make sure to bring offerings with that you feel will be applicable. Freshly baked bread (from your own hands) and some milk with honey stirred in would make a wonderful first treat. I usually introduce myself in a new home by bringing these treats to the location of choice, and start by speaking my intention aloud which goes something like:

"Spirits of the home,

Guardians and Protectors of this dwelling,

Please come sit with me and enjoy these offerings.

I wish to have a working relationship where we can honor, respect, and help each other."

I usually spend about ten-twenty minutes meditating after this is spoken aloud. Sometimes you will feel a strong presence. This is the time I take to set up my kitchen altar as well. If there is a place that I am able to create a mini-altar by the front door, I do so there for the door spirits. The land spirits get their own little thing out in the backyard. I've found in the many places I've lived, they almost always work together and some house spirits spend quite some time out there too!

From here on out, you'll develop your relationship with regular offerings and take it from there!

Tips for Witchcraft in the Dorm

If you're in a situation where you have a roommate that may not be open to your craft, you're in the broom closet and being in college makes it even harder to practice, you're starting your witch journey while in college, you couldn't take a full sized altar to school, or you're like me and attend a private Christian college (ugh) that makes you feel the need to be discreet, this post is for you!

If you have an altar: Find a way to downsize your altar. For some this isn't a huge thing, but I'm the kind of gal that liked to go all out with my space. The best way to do it is to find a box or container that can be moved easily and has all your essentials, and only take what can fit. If you can't fit certain tools, it's best to find substitutions. A small bowl that can hold water will work just as well as a crystal ball. Putting herbs in bags will allow more room than jars.

Alternative to candle magic: I know the urge to put tape over that fire alarm is real but I'm unfortunately a goody two shoes. Luckily wax burners exist and you can get all the fun of candle magic minus the flame. I like to draw sigils into my wax before melting it for spellwork; and you can get all sorts of different colored wax. If you need unscented wax, you can buy white wax and dye it.

Some discreet types of magic to look into:

Tea. Tea. Tea. I cannot stress how useful tea magic is. There's loads of information about it right here on Tumblr! Most dorms allow ectric teapots and tea is easy to store.

Knot magic. Here's a great post about it. Absolutely any kind of spell can be done with a knot and it's super easy to implement into everyday activities.

Moon magic. Guys, the moon is awesome. Work with it. Moon water is a great manifestation tool and corresponding anything with the moon phases is an instant boost. It's also free and super easy.

Sigils. Really fun to learn and really easy to draw in a couple journals, on a foggy window, in your tea as you stir it, or on your skin. I recommend Pinterest if you're trying to find tutorials.

Runes. I like to cast physical runes but there's lots of ways to use these in everyday magic. Each symbol has their own meaning and there's an abundance of information on them. Similar to sigils, I like to draw them on things.

Extra tips:

Learn the correspondences for each day of the week. Doing little things for each day will keep you connected to your craft as you get through college.

Anything can be a chalice. Cleanse that cup and you're good to go.

Astrology is your friend.

I'm here for you. College is hard. Dorming can be a pain too.

I hope this helps someone. Reblog if you can. Love you all!

Bedridden witch: Divination edition

Ideas for practicing divination while bedridden: Varying in energy + mobility required - please don’t push yourself, hopefully there’s options for everyone! Quick note: I’ve only included forms of divination I personally do.

Tarot:

Sleep with the deck under your pillow.

Do a two-card (or more!) spread - you don’t have to lay it out if you can’t sit up, you can hold them in your hand or place on your lap.

Pick one card that represents what you want from the next day and slip it under your pillow or mattress for the night.

Play around with a tarot app (I like the products from Labyrinthos but there’s loads out there.)

Memorize the meanings of the cards.

Make or buy a mini deck for easier use.

Do the easy “find this card and whatever is above or below it =X” spreads.

Scrying:

Use a black mirror or picture frame with black cloth/paper behind it.

Get a mini scrying bowl and fill with water, cradle it in your hands.

Pendulum:

Wear it around your neck.

Shorten the string so you don’t have to sit up.

Prop your hand on a pillow if you need the strength/steadiness.

Use off of the side of your bed if it’s too long (this can be a bit awkward)

Keep it under your pillow.

Use a mini pendulum or a necklace as a pendulum.

Make a simple board or don’t use one at all, just condition your pendulum with basic movements.

*You CAN use a pendulum even with shaky hands, it just takes a bit of bonding and conditioning.*

Tasseomancy:

Get a mug with two handles.

Keep in a sealable container until you’re ready.

Put a towel over yourself in case you spill.

Use a Tupperware container. No shame.

Other ideas + Posts

Automatic writing

Oneiromancy - Interpretation of dreams in order to predict future.

Stitchomancy - Get a book. Ask question, then open book to random page and read what pops out to you.

This awesome post

Note: I didn’t include runes because I don’t use them! I’d love to see an addition with runes.

Bedridden witch: Nature edition

Bedridden witch: Worship edition

“I am finding the new start that I need”

Digital version of [this sigil].

*Sigil requests are currently closed!*

Mini insence holder for the broke witch:

Take a used tealight candle and fill it with salt, sprinkle in some herbs for intent if you are puting on an altar or using in a spell. You cant use a whole stick, but you can break off the end and save the rest for later. Perfect for altars and almost no cost )○(

“My mind is clear” sigil for @forever-angsty

Sigil requests are currently closed

-Mod Pyre

Incense correspondences

🕯Allspice - Money, fortune, luck, prosperity

🕯Aloe - Higher vibrations, prosperity, strength, love

🕯Amber - Bliss, healing, comfort, love

🕯Anise - Balance, meditation

🕯Basil - Protection, luck, focus, faithfulness, money, love divination, courage

🕯Bay - Mental powers, prophetic dreams

🕯Bergamont - Wealth, happiness, focus, protection, courage, balance, motivation

🕯Cardomom - Focus, courage, motivation, clarity

🕯Cedar - Purification, love, healing, psychic powers, nightmares

🕯Chamomile - Protection, calm, peace, sleep

🕯Cinnamon - Protection, wealth, success, prosperity, psychic powers

🕯Clove - Cleansing, purification, wealth, stopping gossip, healing, success, divination, protection

🕯Copal - Purification, happiness, love, protection

🕯Citrus - Brightness, courage, confidence, luck, accomplishing goals

🕯Dragons Blood - Cleansing, energy, courage, purification, love, strengthening magical powers

🕯Eucalyptus - Cleansing, protection, purification, healing

🕯Frankincense - Cleansing, astral travel, courage, purification, consecration, protection, meditation, luck

🕯Gardenia - Love, relationships, healing, peace

🕯Ginger - Money, love, power

🕯Heather - Calling and conjuring

🕯Honeysuckle - Wealth, bliss, relationships, healing

🕯Jasmine - Prophetic dreams, love, wealth, purification, astral projection, purification 

🕯Juniper - Breaking curses and hexes, protection, psychic powers, healing, calmness

🕯Lavender - Sleep, love, cleansing, happiness, relaxation, healing

🕯Lemon - Love, healing, purification

🕯Mint - Cleansing, conjuring, money, sex, healing, protection

🕯Nutmeg - Psychic powers, meditation, prosperity

🕯Orange - Love, divination, wealth, luck

🕯Peppermint - Healing, animal magic, energy

🕯Pine - Purification, banishing, wealth, strength, grounding, cleansing, breaking hexes, healing

🕯Rose - Prophetic dreams, courage, fertility, blessings, healing, love

🕯Rosemary - Depression, purification, healing, youth, fairies, sleep

🕯Sage - Protection, purification, cleansing, wisdom, healing

🕯Sandalwood - Conjuring, spirituality, protection, healing, astral projection, wishes

🕯Sweetgrass - Conjuring, positive energy

🕯Thyme - Purification, healing, health.

🕯Vanilla - Sex, love, psychic powers

🕯Violet - Luck, love, wisdom, healing, protection

🕯Wormwood - Psychic powers

🕯Ylang-ylang - Hapiness, love, harmony

The Root Of Success - Spell Jar

This is a nifty little spell jar designed to bring money and success to you. You can use it to get a raise at work, maybe land a client or even getting more sales through your shops. 

Ingredients 

 ▪️Sassafras Root Bark - for positive results and to bring money 

▪️Dandelions leaf - for manifesting wishes and requests, acts as a catalyst 

▪️Comfrey root - for bringing in money 

▪️Green salt 

▪️Lodestone and magnetic sand (I used untumbled Lodestone with the sand still attached) and some extra to sprinkle 

▪️Green candle 

▪️Sealable bottle or jar 

Method 

▪️ Add a layer of salt to the bottom 

▪️ Drop the Lodestone in the centre and sprinkle the remaining magnetic sand around to create a layer 

▪️ Add the comfrey root as one layer, the sassafras root bark as one layer and the dandelion leaf as the final layer and put the lid on the bottle or jar 

▪️ Lighting the candle and using the wax, drip it over the lid and focus on your request. 

For me, I concentrated on the amount I wanted, exactly how I was going to receive it and when I wanted it by and kept repeating it as I sealed the jar. 

▪️ Make sure the jar is well sealed 

▪️ Keep the jar where you can see it (maybe where you get ready for work or your workshop) and when you do, think about your intent.

A tiny anti-depression spell bottle from this post!

A little anti-depression spell jar I made the other day 💕

I used:

- Roses for self-love

- Lavender for healing

- Clear quartz for balancing emotions and purifying the aura and soul

- Citrine for increasing self-esteem and focus

- Himalayan pink salt for personal empowerment, healing emotional wounds, and dissolving self-doubt

- Spearmint for transformation

- Thyme for driving away negativity

- Lemon verbena for self-improvement

Keep it somewhere with lots of light like a windowsill or porch ☀

🌹 IG: femkitti 🌹