Witchcraft Exercises

Beginner Witchcraft - UPDATE

A common post request.

How to begin:

Begin by reading everything you possibly can about witchcraft, plants, other religions, etc.

Take notes on everything you can.

Be creative and use your imagination, look for symbols in your day-to-day lives.  

Re-read your notes and important information,

Do your research.

Make sure you research all paths and philosophies.

Start a consistent meditation and visualization regime.

Find a path you love.

Learn about yourself and your path and beliefs.

Work with your energy and practice harnessing it.

Start practicing your spells after enough research.

Write your own spells and start a grimoire.

Continue reading and learning.                                                                                                                                                                                      

Topics to research:    

Herbalism

Different witchcraft paths

Witchcraft history and its origins.

Different deities in different cultures

Folklore, superstitions,  and wives tales

Mythology from different cultures

The elements Air, Earth, Water, Fire

Basic tools and supplies for the craft

Sabbats and esabats

Witchcraft misconceptions

Nature cycles and lunar phases

Divination

Alchemy

Chakras

Auras

Working with spirits and angels

Tarot

Crystals

Runes                                                                                                       Magickal theory

Spells

Curses - the dangers and how to cast them properly

Sigils

Familiars

Incense

Ways to stay safe when practising

Types of Witches

Cheap witchcraft supplies

Dangers of witchcraft

Solitary v.s Coven witchcraft

Ritual structure

How to set up an altar

Study Nature

Negative energy and how to rid of it.

Candle magick

Astrology

Psychic Practises

Faeries

Protection against harm

Things to practice:

Grounding and centering

Meditation

Casting and closing a circle

Raising, releasing, and visualizing energy.

Record any magick practices, visions, or dreams you receive.   

Spend as much time as possible in nature.        

Listen and observe.               

Practice invoking Gods, Goddesses, and elements.  

Cleansing

Charging

Warding

Keep your grimoire up-to-date

Find a mentor - Someone to help you find your path

Practise staying concentrated

Intent

Remember:

All paths are good paths, do not insult anyone’s path.

You do not need any fancy equipment to practise

You don’t need to practise everyday

Follow your path don’t  let others tell you what to do or force their beliefs on you.

Believe in yourself!

Take care of yourself

Be respectful of others paths and beliefs

Never stop learning

Ask questions

Make lots of friends in the community

Stay safe

Make sure you do not steal from closed religions!

Have fun!

May the moon light your path!

==Moonlight Academy==

MOON PHASES

NEW MOON : Setting intentions, taking actions, moving forward, focusing in the increase, starting new ventures, exploring opportunities

WAXING CRESCENT : Redefining goals and taking first actions, consistency, gaining momentum, determination, pushing forward

FIRST QUARTER : Finding the balance between the new goals and habits, expansion, being practical, concentration on goals

WAXING GIBBOUS : Cultivating actions toward goals, improving and readjusting, intensive growth, pushing boundaries

FULL MOON : The energy of completion, gratefulness, cleansing, charging, appreciating progress, psychic work, letting go

WANING GIBBOUS : Giving thanks, decluttering, eliminating negative habits, slowing down, reevaluing goals

LAST QUARTER : Letting go, practicing forgiveness, finding time to relax, cord-cutting, get rid of unhealthy habits and addictions

WANING CRESCENT : Making room for new, rest and surrender, energizing by doing things we love, discharging the health issues

The new Portland Button Works site is up! I now have a dedicated "Witch Shop" for all the witchcraft related books, zines, pinback buttons, tarot decks, and room for more things. I plan on adding seeds from my garden and witchy hand mirrors and large magnets soon.

Check out the new PBW Witch Shop!

---

Black Created Tarot Decks Masterpost

Dust II Onyx Tarot - Courtney Alexander

Afro Goddess Tarot & Oracle - Andrea Furtick

Afro Tarot & Oracle - Jessi Jumanji

Adinkra Ancestral Guidance cards - Simone Bresi-Ando

Akamara Tarot & Okana Oracle - Lolu

Melanade Stand Tarot - Fontaine Felisha Foxworth

The Black Gold Lenormand - Tea

Melanated Classic Tarot - Oubria Tronshaw & Julia Goolsby

If you know any deck that should be on this list, please let me know! I want to make sure that any black created decks are spotlighted!

The Eight Sabbats and The Wheel of the Year: My Digital Grimoire Series

*these are my notes, please do not repost as your own!*

🥀💖 Erica's Love Oil 💖🥀

this love oil is perfect for love workings, offerings to love deities, or if you're into it...sex magick.

**disclaimer** this is a completely self-researched and self-tested herbal oil. please, do your research, do a test patch on your own skin, and talk with a doctor or medical professional if you are concerned in any way. Not intended for ingestion or internal use. Legally, I cannot be held liable for anything that happens while using this oil. Do not repost text or photos without credit or permission.

I am known to have sensitive skin. DM for sources - there's a lot I don't want to link them all.

This oil was very much made as a desire for a lovely smelling, aphrodisiac oil to be used in love workings and sex magic and possibly, if I could research something well enough...used carefully during intimate times.

If that's not something you're into, then don't use it for those purposes. Since, I've used it to anointing love candles, and honestly for aromatherapy, and for general self-care - mundane or magickal.

🥀💖 Ingredients 💖🥀

Grapeseed oil - carrier oil to dilute ingredients. Known to be safe around the genitals, high in vitamin E, comedogenic rating of 1, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, treats acne and makes skin softer. Ruled by the moon, water - deals with fertility, money, money, romantic love, passion, prosperity

Goldenrod - mine was foraged around my home this pre-autumnal season Supports kidney and urinary health and has been used to treat UTI's. Supports proper blood flow - helping promote intimacy's and supporting the libido. Said to be particularly powerful for men *cough* called golden rod for a reason *cough* Ruled by Venus and air - releases emotional blocks (helping further promote intimacy), divination, love, prosperity, "sealing the deal" in love workings

Hibiscus - I used a tea packet Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Exfoliating, hence, not for everyday use. Has been tested to fight infections including UTI's, can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and one study saw it increase sexual activity in male rats. Fights aging, evens tone, hydrates and moisturizes skin, speeds up wound healing. Ruled by Venus, water, and associated with Aphrodite - passion, love, lust, freedom, prophetic and lucid dreams, beauty, courage watch for side effects such as headache, stomach issues, nausea, as it can lower blood sugar when taken internally. Not what this oil is for, but still something to watch for.

🥀💖 Method 💖🥀

Make sure herbs are dry before using in oil - you don't want your oil to go rancid. Add herbs and oil to container of choice, make sure its air tight. Let steep for as long as you'd like, but the longer, the better. You can strain the herbs if you'd like, but I like the way they look.

Charge however you'd like. Meditate on purpose during creation and after.

please, please, please - DO A PATCH TEST! what works for my skin may not work for yours. I did a couple - one on my inner arm, and one on my inner thigh.

🥀💖 Notes 💖🥀

Tbh, I used Teva's Hibiscus tea blend because I was impatient and didn't want to wait to buy hibiscus. I double checked all ingredients to make sure they were skin safe - all were - with the note that cinnamon and citric acid can be an irritant when used in high concentration or everyday use.

I did a patch test on my skin, as well as only made a small batch at first. I have had no issues with burning, bumps, or other irritation.

It is of course recommended to uh, not do that, in future batches.

The ascendant in Saturn persona chart 🪁🪁🪁

Alright guys!! get ready to pull out your Saturn persona chart for this post.

In simple terms Saturn persona chart reflects the traits that become more pronounced as we age particularly during our Saturn return around ages (27-30) and again at (57-60) , highlighting the qualities we work hardest to develop and the challenges we strive to overcome and what we put more effort in than others.

Now in particular, the ascendant in Saturn persona chart indicates our approach to difficulties, themes that come slowly but surely to, and what features will be more prominent during your Saturn return and advanced ages.

In short, reading the note 👇for your ascendant in Saturn persona chart will do more justice ⚖️.

ARIES ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

This ascendant explains that during your Saturn return and advanced ages you tend to be very active and direct in your dealings. Your personality evolves into something more sharper and bolder during those ages. Even as you grow older, you are full of life and vitality, always engaging in physical activities. You prefer to deal with a matter in a direct manner than to avoid it. This placement also implies the need for independence and self reliance as you grow older. Aries traits become more pronounced during saturn returns

For you, age is just a number.

TAURUS ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

This ascendant explains that you find comfort and stability during your Saturn return and advanced ages. Your whole persona becomes remarkably refined in the beautiful ways of taurus. As you age, your finances become more steady and gaining weight easily is certain. This ascendant implies the need for financial stability as you advance in age. Beauty and financial capacity is more pronounced during saturn returns.

GEMINI ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART: This placement explains that during your Saturn return and advanced ages, you find yourself undertaking frequent trips, being more intellectually inclined, focusing on research and knowledge. Information and communication is highlighted during these ages. If you have siblings, your relationship with them might also be highlighted.

The word for you is that "you might age but your mind does not".

CANCER ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

This placement explains that during your Saturn return and advanced ages, you find yourself being more concerned about your family life, parents and relatives. Your personality evolves into something more emotionally inclined and family oriented. You become more reserved and sensitive to your surroundings. During these ages, you pay extra attention to your house/home and family. This placement implies the need for emotional intelligence and lasting family bonds as you advance in age. Your body might age but your heart does not.

LEO ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

This placement explains that you find yourself more creative and childlike during your Saturn return and advanced ages. These ages will never be boring for you. Your kids will a topic of interest during these ages. You find yourself more lucky at later ages and even more open to dating and fun activities. Doing stuff that just makes you happy. It's possible to also attract fame and spotlight too, being a piece of attraction wherever you go. You might particularly need to pay more attention to your children as you advance in age.

VIRGO ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

During your Saturn return and advanced ages you become more of a routine person, being more careful health-wise and adopting orderliness in your everyday life. It's very likely that proper dieting becomes a part of you and keeping fit too. This placement might also be an indication that even at advanced ages, you don't like to be idle so you still work. With harsh aspects it could mean that you frequently fall ill 🤒 at saturn returns or advanced ages.

LIBRA ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

During the ages of your Saturn return and even in advanced ages, you find yourself having a number of acquaintances and relationships. For you, loneliness is not a word. Your personality evolves into something with charm and attractiveness, drawing in people who see it. At these ages, your attention is likely to shift from yourself to others (may include spouse), maybe you become more interested in love or interested in mingling with other people.

SCORPIO ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART Tension and secrecy is a present factor during your Saturn returns and advanced ages. You're likely to be involved with belongings and valuables of others,it could be their secrets, it could be their valuables. You might inherit something from someone or reap where you did not sow. Anything involving another party is highlighted with this placement such as a joint account or even s3x.

SAGITTARIUS ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

The desire for knowledge and enlightenment gradually becomes a part of your life during your Saturn return and advanced ages.

Going on trips to foreign lands, interested in culture and beliefs, engaging in adventurous activities, being more religious or spiritual, taking classes and attending lectures is also part of the bargain with this placement.

This placement implies that you need to strengthen your beliefs and be optimistic even as you age.

CAPRICORN ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

This placement explains that during your Saturn return and advanced years, you'll find yourself in a place of responsibility and authority too. This might also be indicating fame or popularity at older ages. Your reputation and public image is also highlighted too. As you age, responsibilities become a usual part of your life.

AQUARIUS ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

Friendship bonds, cyber activities, technology, innovative ideas and network take center role during your Saturn return and advanced years.

You're likely to become more interested and involved in social media activities, spending a lot of time with friends, believing or joining a radical group fostering unique ideas 💡.

PISCES ASC IN SATURN PERSONA CHART:

During your saturn returns and advanced years, there's a hint of isolation and introspection. It's more certain that as you age, you become more quieter, reserved and sensitive to the energies around you. There's a chance you begin to focus more on spirituality and enlightenment. You prefer to keep to yourself and your favourite companions are your dreams and thoughts.

You easily space out in conversations as is the normal tradition of pisces 😂

28 Days of Devotional Journaling

This is a simple journaling challenge/exercise that I’ve put together that helps to explore and connect with chosen deity. The rules are simple: Choose a deity to work with, then for the next 28 days, complete one prompt per day. It’s that simple!

1. List all the various names of your deity, in your language and in the original language.

2. Write an epithet for your deity and write why you think it is befitting of them.

3. What is your favorite myth involving your chosen deity? Are there any retellings or interpretations that you prefer to the original?

4. Show off your favorite picture, drawing or moodboard that represents perfectly how you view your deity.

5. List any keywords and symbols that are associated with your deity. How do you feel about these words and symbols?

6. Build an altar, no matter how big or small, to your deity. If you are unable to do this, write or draw what you would have on that altar in your journal.

7. Make a list of Hymns or prayers, traditional or original, that you prefer.

8. In any form you choose, list any messages that you have received from them.

9. What are your deity’s correspondences? 

10. What was considered sacred to your deity?

11. What are the worship days/holidays/popular celebrations associated with your deity?

12. Make a list of offering ideas

13. Write a playlist dedicated to your deity.

14. What locations or places are sacred to your deity?

15. Make a list of quotes that you associate with your deity.

16. What signs do you associate with them? How do you know when they communicate with you?

17. What are some activities, charities or other causes that you can do in their name to honor them?

18. Make a list of drinks and foods that your deity likes. Write down your favorite “modern” recipes.

19. Using the Five Senses, how would you describe your deity?

20. Write a ritual dedicated to them. This can be ceremonial or a routine.

21. What are some of the lessons that you are taught by the stories told about your deity?

22. Are there any media representations of your deity? What is your favorite?

23. What are some popular “modern” ways to honor your deity?

24. Write about their realm of influence. What all does your deity rule over?

25. What are some modern issues that would concern your deity?

26. Are there any other deities that your deity is often associated/confused with?

27. Who are the relatives of your deity? What is there most significant relationships?

28. What are your own personal practices to honor your deity?

Books and Resources (Paganism, Witchcraft and More)

This list has been updated over the years and will continued to be updated over time. If you re-post this elsewhere, kindly credit me because it’s taken a long time to compile what I feel are useful resources on the following topics. The very basics are covered in my FAQ.

Last updated: 6/20/2015

Paganism:

A Pagan Primer — For Those New to Paganism

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Pagan Spirituality: A Guide to Personal Transformation by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

Connecting to the Power of Nature by Joe H. Slate

Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom from the Elders (a collection of articles, essays and general commentary from various pagan authors)

ChristoPaganism: An Inclusive Path by River Higginbotham and Joyce Higginbotham

Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson

Wicca:

Wicca for the Rest of Us

Wicca Resources

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner 

The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (most recent edition only, old editions have inaccurate info that has since been updated)

Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle by Deborah Lipp

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Scott Cunningham) – note that this book is somewhat outdated, due to it being written in the 1980s.

Witchcraft (non-Wiccan):

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes

Crone’s Book of Charms & Spells by Valerie Worth

Witchcraft: a History by P.G. Maxwell-Stuart

Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery by Kris Bradley

Candle Magic for Beginners by Richard Webster

Master Book of Candle Burning by Henry Gamache

A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk by Peter Paddon

Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary and Jane Cox

Non-Wiccan Witchcraft Reading List

Witch of Forest Grove: Sarah Anne Lawless

Welcome to Witchcraft - A Post for Beginners

The Salem Witch Hunt: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture) by Richard Godbeer

Witchcraft by Type:

Hedge Witchery Resources

Traditional Witchcraft Resources

Historical Witchcraft Books

Sea Witchcraft Resources / Sea Witchcraft Tag

Cottage Witchcraft Resources

Kitchen and Green Witchcraft Resources

Green Witchcraft: Walking the Green Path

Kitchen in the Cottage

Urban Witchcraft Resources

College Witchcraft/Tips

Chaos Magic:

What is Chaos Magic?

Resources for Sigil Magic and Crafting

World Mythology:

www.sacred-texts.com (free archive of online books about religion, mythology, folklore, and the esoteric)

Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies by Alice Mills

Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology: Heroes, Heroines, Gods, and Goddesses from Around the World by Philip Wilkinson

The Oxford Companion to World Mythology by David Leeming

World Mythology: The Illustrated Guide by Roy Willis

Hellenic Polytheism and Greek Mythology:

www.hellenion.org

www.theoi.com

neokoroi.org

baringtheaegis.blogspot.com

Hellenic Recon Beginner’s Guide

Reconstruction of Hellenic Polytheistic Practices

Hellenic Calendar

An Outline for a Presentation on Hellenismos

Hellenic Resources by Bayoread

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 1 by Elaphos

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 2 by Elaphos

Orphic Incenses

Hellenic Terminology

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monst​ers by Donna Jo Napoli

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d’Aulaire

Old Stones, New Temples by Drew Campbell

Greek Mythology and Prehistory by W. Harris

The Gods of Reason by Timothy Jay Alexander

A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos by Timothy Jay Alexander

Hellenismos Today by Timothy Jay Alexander

The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton

Did the Greeks Believe in Their Myths? by Paul Veyne

Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Sarah Kate Istra Winter

Homer’s Iliad, The Odyssey and Homeric Hymns

The Homeric Hymns (PDF) and The Orphic Hymns (PDF)

Homer’s Odyssey (PDF)

Homer’s Iliad (Theoi.com)

Hesiod: Works and Days (PDF version here)

The Theogony of Hesiod (PDF version here)

Magic in Ancient Greece:

Magic in the Ancient Greek World by Derek Collins

Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Daniel Ogden

Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Georg Luck

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PDF)

Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion

Greek Folk Religion by Martin P Nilsson 

Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World by John G. Gager

Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf

Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman World by Matthew W. Dickie

Roman Polytheism:

Click Here for Books and Resources

Kemeticism and Ancient Egyptian Mythology:

www.egyptianmyths.net

Kemeticism by The Twisted Rope

The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by Richard H. Wilkinson

Symbol & Magic in Egyptian Art by Richard H. Wilkinson

Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt by Geraldine Pinch

Celtic Recon and Myth:

Celtic Folklore on Sacred Texts

The Celtic Recon FAQ

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (Sacred Texts)

What is Celtic? 101

Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael

The Celts: A Very Short Introduction by Barry Cunliffe

The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales by Patrick Form

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda Green

Gods and Heroes of the Celts by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt

The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles by Ronald Hutton

Early Irish Myths and Sagas by Jeffrey Gantz

Druidry/Druidism:

druidry.org

druidnetwork.org

Druidry - A Mega List of Resources

Non-Wiccan Witches: Modern Druidry

Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions (Sacred Texts)

Asatru, Heathenism and Norse Mythology:

www.thetroth.org

grumpylokeanelder.tumblr.com

“Alright, I’m interested in this Norse stuff. Where do I even start?”

The Eddas: The Keys to the Msteries of the North by James Allen Chisholm

The Poetic Edda (PDF)

The Prose Edda (PDF)

Exploring the Northern Tradition by Galina Krasskova

Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow

Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek

Teutonic Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

The Nature of Asatru: An Overview of the Ideals and Philosophy of the Indigenous Religion of Northern Europe by Mark Puryear

Crystals and Stones:

The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Crystal Healing by Judy Hall

Rocks & Minerals by Chris Pellant  (identification handbook)

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work by Hibiscus Moon

The Book of Crystal Spells by Ember Grant

Herbal (Magical, Medicinal):

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Compendium of Herbal Magic by Paul Beyerl  

The Green Mantle: An Investigation Into Our Lost Knowledge of Plants by Michael Jordan

The Book of Magical Herbs: Herbal History, Mystery, & Folklore by Margaret Picton

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (good for quick reference, but not in depth information)

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham 

A List of Threatened Magical Herbs

Resources to Start Learning Local Plants

Notes: please take care before using herbs for medicinal and/or supplemental purposes. Many herbs are toxic (some authors fail to mention this!) and/or have harmful side-effects. Always do research and consult a professional before use. 

Fae and Faerie Faith:

My Masterlist of Fae Resources

Fairy Faith 101

Working with Faery (Info and Resources)

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans

Runes:

Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson

Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson

The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Runes by Nigel Pennick

Authors to avoid (due to misinformation, historical inaccuracies, poor research, potentially harmful advice, and/or failure to cite sources):

Silver Ravenwolf (here’s why)

DJ Conway

Edain McCoy

Ann Moura 

Ralph Blum (runes)

approach Llewellyn-published books with caution — there are some great ones, but many aren’t well researched and may contain misinformation.

if all else fails, Google the author and ask around to see what people have to say about them - many bad authors have entire pages or discussions dedicated on why to avoid them!

always fact check information (especially if it involves ingesting anything or putting anything on the skin — just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it isn’t harmful/toxic)

How do I know what to believe? Critical Thinking and Pagan Books