Many folks know that Judaism is a closed practice, but don't always know how to spot appropriation. Here is a list of Jewish entities that aren't shared with Christianity, meaning they are closed to non-Jews.* This list isn't fully-comprehensive, but I've marked some of the more popular ones. (For Jewitches, this could also be treated as a list for Jewish spirit workers who want to reclaim some of these entities as part of our own path!)
*Note: Some of these entities ARE shared with Islam (another initiatory tradition,) so they would still be open for our Muslim friends to work with but still restricted to the general public. Those entities are marked with an asterisk*.
Erelim
Hashmallim
Ishim/Eshim*
Lailah
Metatron*
Se'irim
Agrat bat Mahlat
Alukah
Lilith
Mazzikin
Naamah
Samael
Tanin'iver
Broxa
Chalkydri
Dybbuks
Estries
Golems
Re'em (Unicorns are okay, just don't call them Re'em!)
Ziz
"Never fear chaos because out of chaos something is always born. Instead of worrying about a chaotic situation, I await the birth. When your mind becomes chaoticâor when my mind isâit is because it is impossible to see the whole".
Carl Payne Tobey in The Astrology of Inner Space
Historically Sacred Items/Offerings to each of the Ouranic Theoi! I made this for my Hellenic polytheism group on discord, so I thought Iâd share this information with all of you as well.
All information has been taken from theoi.com as well as various historical books on the gods, and I have decided to make this powerpoint so that other people donât have to sift through all the pdfs and books themselves.
Make sure to click each image to get a fullview! ÎÏ ÏαÏÎčÏÏÏ!
1. Book Of Shadows- A witchâs book of spells, rituals, personal feelings, etc. It is a general book for any metaphysical or religious information that you wish to put into it, among other things.
2.Bestiary- A sometimes hand-written encyclopedia or manual of mythological and magical creatures and beings, used for reference when you want to work with a non-human energy, or for general research.Â
3.Grimoire- Usually filled with tables and charts, lists relating to astrological, numerical, and color correspondences; properties of crystals, herbs, trees, etc. Contains moon phase meanings and medicinal properties of plants- This one has an old-timey textbook feel to it, usually.
4.Book Of Mirrors- a special journal, where you âreflectâ on things going on in your day to day life, providing deep insights which are invaluable when youâre doing work regarding personal growth. Very helpful with developing personal spiritual philosophies.
5.Book Of Moons- A book entirely relating to the moon and itâs cycles, names of the moons of each month, their attributes and energies, dates of lunar eclipses as well as full moon dates of upcoming moons. Filled with vast knowledge of lunar attributes and special dates of red moons, blue moons, etc.
6.Dream Journal- Here you record the dreams you have in as much detail as you can remember, and some people draw images from their dream adventures in this book as well, since dreams use the language of symbolism and imagery. You interpret the meanings of your dreams in here too, if you wish. Dreams can help us get a glimpse into our subconscious and the more dreams you write the easier it becomes for you to remember them.
7. Book of Visions- A vision book is used with the law of attraction, it is a âvision boardâ in book form. Put different images of things you want in life, be they experiences, physical items, money, health, etc, in the pages of the book. Open the book up to pictures of what you want to visualize having. Think of this as an on-the-go vision board, except with much more space as there are so many pages!
8.Book Of Positive Aspects- At the top of each page you write the name of a topic that you are unhappy with, like âthe workplaceâ  for example. Below the topic title you begin listing all the positive aspects of the subject, and by the end of your list your emotions will be in a much better place regarding the topic. You can do a list a day or many in one sitting, it is a valuable tool for cultivating positive energy or for switching viewpoints on things that normally would upset you.
9.Gratitude Journal- A book where you write about EVERYTHING you are thankful and appreciative for in your life right now. You feel overwhelmed with love and positivity when writing in this book, which aids you in raising your vibration and frequency.
10. Book Of Intuitions- a psychic journal, itâs a book where all divination and psychic exercises are recorded, ranging from full tarot spreads, to tea leaf readings, even psychic impressions you pick up off people. Itâs handy for tracking progress as well as for record keeping.
Witchcraft is a practice or a skill. It is not, in and of itself, a religion. It is not a faith (although some people may practice witchcraft in a religious sense). Anyone, of any religion, can be a witch. A witch does not have to be a Wiccan or even a Pagan. Though many Wiccans and Pagans are part of the witchcraft community, there are also many Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, and more.
A personâs personal craft is any collection of practices that they utilize to change their fate, see the future, get revenge, speak to the dead, heal the sick, and/or any number of other things that can be done through witchcraft. Witchcraft can (but doesnât necessarily need to) include divination, herbalism/wortcunning, blessing, banishing, kitchen witchery, spirit work, cursing, gardening, spell work, ritual, worship, astral travel, trance, and much more.
*****
How Do You Become a Witch?
There is only one way to become a witch. Luckily, itâs very simple.
Step One: Take an interest in witchcraft.
Step Two: Start practicing witchcraft.
Step Three: Call yourself a witch.
Please Note: Steps two and three are interchangeable.
The great thing about witchcraft is that there are no rules. There is no big, white-robed Council to tell you what you can and cannot do. There are no punishments (beyond the legal consequences of outrageous things like human sacrifice; which is obviously not a good idea). Since witchcraft is not a religion there are no religious codes to tell you right from wrong. You donât have to work with gods (though, you can if you want to).
Witchcraft is a practice. Therefore, the only laws and codes you have to abide by are the laws set down by your government, your individual religion (if any), and your personal code of ethics and morals.
Lots of things bring people to witchcraft. Sometimes itâs a book, a movie, or a television show. Sometimes itâs a childhood dream that they decide to go after. Sometimes itâs music. Sometimes itâs family members or a friend. I, myself, was introduced to witchcraft by my family. My grandparents on my motherâs side of the family (and some of their children) practiced witchcraft. My father, who had been a friend of the family since grade school, was also introduced to the occult through my grandparents.
In the witchcraft community, I have encountered people who were drawn to witchcraft through popular movies and books. Iâve met people who came to witchcraft because they dated a witch. Iâve even come into contact with a few people who accidentally discovered witchcraft while doing research for their own fiction novels.
In the end, it doesnât matter how or when you started practicing witchcraft. What matters is that you did.
A Note About Communities
During your journey through the wonderful world of witchcraft, you will probably stumble into a community (if you havenât already). Communities can be a great way to meet other people of a similar mindset, give and receive support, and bounce ideas around to help your craft keep moving and growing. And there are lots of ways to find community. There are websites specific to witchcraft and the communities that embrace it. There are corners of large blog sites where witches have made their online homes. There are forums, online groups, in-person groups, and countless other ways to meet other witches who may be experienced practitioners or just starting out. If youâre feeling a little insecure, a little uncertain, or a little alone, a peek into a witch-filled community is a good way to connect and perk upâbut be careful.
With the sweet comes the sour. While witchcraft communities may be full of wonderful, experienced witches who can help and support you in your path, you may also happen upon the occasional Big Bad Wolf. Every community has its predators, and witchcraft communities are certainly no exception to that rule. Iâve been a member of witchy communities (both in person and online) for almost as long as Iâve been practicing; and Iâve come into contact with more predators and prey than anyone would ever imagine were lurking in the aisles between the spellbooks and Tarot cards. The types of predatory behavior can range from moderately manipulative to sexually sinister; so always be aware of the possible dangers involved in putting yourself out there.
How to Stay Safe In a Community
If youâre new to witchcraft or new to the idea of the community, Iâm sure youâre feeling a little nervous nowâbut I donât want you to feel that way! In fact, I wanted to put this note early in this post so that you, the reader, would be armed from day one with the some common sense ways to stay safe in a community setting. Here are just a few starting points:
Be skeptical. Skepticism is healthy in a setting that is based on the extraordinary. You donât have to believe everything a person tells you. Thereâs nothing wrong with double-checking or doing your own research if you feel that something is just not right.
Beware of manipulative witches. Be careful around people who will use things like alleged past lives, divination, or grand claims to get what they want from you, or to get you to stick around.
Again, watch out for mentions of fate or destiny. As nice as it is to think that everything is planned for us, there are people who will use this against you.
Always think for yourself. In communities, we tend to desire a certain level of peace and harmony. All too often, this results in the community asking the individual to change their way of thinking to a non-confrontational, passive thought pattern. While that may not sound so bad, this leads to a think called group think or hive mind. Not only does this result in a lack of individual creativity, it also opens the door for Bigger and Badder Wolves (like shared delusions and cult mind).
Donât let anyone force you into anything. It doesnât matter how much more experienced they are. Again, always think for yourself. Make your own choices. Donât let anyone pressure you into anything you donât want.Â
There are bullies, monsters, and predators in the world, but arming yourself with your individual thought and a strong resolve will help to protect you against them.Â
1st house- STOP looking for people to give a fuck. The world doesnât owe you anything. Focus on yourself only and youâll find itâs not so bad to be alone.
2nd house- STOP looking for ways to combind money. Acquire this on your own. Sometimes money isnât meant to be thrown around/away. Learn to save.
3rd house- STOP thinking you know so much about life and beliefs. Arrogance will only result in humility. Be open to new experiences.
4th house- STOP trying to impress everyone with some âimageâ of yourself. Look within to find peace. Focus on your roots and family.
5th house- STOP looking for groups and cliques for comfort. Learn to embrace your own creativity and independence. Individuality can bring a new kind of freedom.
6th house- STOP thinking you know everything about spirituality. You are not perfect. Actively work on self improvement.
7th house- STOP isolating yourself. Learn to accommodate and compromise. Itâs âweâ this time, not âIâ.
8th house- STOP hoarding money for yourself. Share with the people close to you and your relatives. Know that itâs okay to take advantage of inheritances.
9th house- STOP living just day by day. Form some values for yourself. Look into beliefs and be able to find the best ones.
10th house- STOP hanging onto the past and your roots. Embrace your adult self. Learn how to be away from your family and people that drag you down.
11th house- STOP secluding yourself and thinking the only way to do things is alone. Groups and organizations can help you. Find something that is worth fighting for together.
12th house- STOP pretending to be something youâre not to fit in. Being too focused on self improvement can create a selfish person. You are not exempt from this.
Outside:
Collect Herbs and Flowers
Make Sun Tea
Build a bonfire
Have a sunrise or sunset picnicÂ
Sunbathe
Leave out honey offerings for the Fae
Cleanse and charge your magical items under the sun
Watch the sun set on the longest day of the year
In the Home:
Let in as much sunlight as you can
Make crystal or botanical suncatchers
Burn incense of sandalwood, frankincense, rose or myrrh
Try fire divination, or scrying with the flamesÂ
Make pressed flower candles
In the Kitchen:
Make Honey Mead Bread
Eat a spread of fresh summer fruits and vegetables
Make Midsummer Mead
Brew Chamomile Tea
Bake Pumpernickel bread
Make fruit & herb infused water
In the Bath:
Soak in a golden honey bath
Scatter sunflowers through your bathwater
Bathe around fiery solar colored candles
Treat yourself to a chamomile Tea Bath
On your Altar:
Represent the sun using colors of yellow, orange or gold
Incorporate solar imagery
Decorate with green stones like jade or emerald
Try decorating with woods of oak and pine
Use golden candle holders and decorations
Incorporate dried or fresh picked herbs
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!
The Schrödingerâs Cat Tarot Spread
1. The Cat: The Situation  What is the situation? 2. The Poison: The Obstacle  What is the problem? 3. Limbo: Advice  What else do I need to know? 4. Alive: Best Outcome  What is the best outcome? 5. Dead: Worst Outcome  What is the worst outcome?
[x]
[The âSpooky Action At A Distanceâ Tarot Spread]
Venus has entered Capricorn just now (3:50AM EST)!