Instructions For A Walk In The Woods

Familiars VS Magickal Pets

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This article was written by "Dead" on the Pagans And Witches Amino. I have permission repost this. Link is at the bottom.

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What is a "Familiar"

First thing I will say, that many might not like: Familiars in folklore are spirit beings. Not just any spirits, but ones that a witch has made a pact with for various other tasks usually in exchange for offerings, lending of power, a foothold to the physical world, and sometimes protection as well.

They were also in folklore inherited from other witches, given/assigned to a witch by a more powerful spirit being (most often Fae Royalty, Divine Beings including God, or the 'Devil'), or show up on their own offering assistance in times of need. However, they still perform the tasks and expect reciprocity.

Familiars can and do in folklore, leave. They are not permanently bound to the witch and so will leave if their the relationship is no longer beneficial. A witch could also have more than one Familiar in their lifetime or at a time.

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Embodiment

Familiars did not always look like animals, they also could be plants or humanoid. Some are said to be capable of shapeshifting or possessing living creatures with the help of their witch. Interestingly, in my research, I found more accounts of humanoid Familiars that could shapeshift or had some beastial traits (they also ranged in size) in early folklore than I did actual animal Familiars.

Also, in the literature, I encountered they were about 8/10 times referred to as ‘Familiar spirits’ instead of just Familiar. They are also often described as imps, fairies, or demons. However, they seem to be closer or more often related to Fae lore. * Which when you take away the Celtic cultural context from the classification of ‘Fae’ it is basically distinction-less meaning any liminal being not human or divine. *

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History

“In the early 1970s, Jeffrey Russell noted that 'The small demons that became the witches' familiars of the later Middle Ages were originally dwarves, trolls, fairies, elves, kobolds, or the fertility spirits called Green men, any of whom could be either frightening or funny' and Keith Thomas claimed that the cunning man's fairy helper belongs 'to the same genre as the witch's familiar or the conjurer's demons?'

In 1971 Keith Thomas lamented that the English animal familiar was 'largely unaccounted for'.Despite such references to formality and fear, a large number of relationships between magical practitioner and familiar spirit were informal and intimate” (Wilby).

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Common tasks they performed?

Tasks included but were not limited to spying, shapeshifting, attacking or protecting others, give knowledge, warn and aid in times of danger, help a witch develop abilities, and travel between worlds.

What did they get in return?

The most common offerings mentioned in folklore was blood, energy, and a stable foothold in our realm. However, modernly people offer what one would standardly offer a spirit. Things like milk, honey, incense, food items, and items work just fine.

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What is a "Magickal Pet"?

A Magickal Pet is a physical animal that lives with a witch, that said witch uses for magickal purposes, involves in ritual work, and/or feels spiritually connected to.

This connection really isn't uncommon in pet owners in general and you could involve any animal in magick, so what really makes a Magickal Pet? Well, it is the belief that the pet is interested in the witches craft. Most modern witches cite things like seeming interest in their altar or actions during ritual work, as well as divination forms like interrupting tarot sessions.

Getting A Magickal Pet

You can get a Magickal Pets the same way you get any pet. You don’t need to have these animals from a young age to have a deep connection with them.

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JUST A NOTE ON CONSENT

There is a bit of an ethical dilemma when it comes to using your pets in your craft. This is that using your pets energy, fur, etc. and involving them in rituals can open them up to the same dangers you face during all spell work.

This like overextending their energy, spell blow-back, and connecting them to the work can and do occur. There isn’t really a way that they can expressly consent so if you are going to involve them then PLEASE ward your fur, scale, or feather babies.

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Calling a Familiar Ritual

Step 1: Introspection & Planning

This is when you ask yourself why you want a Familiar? Are you ready for one? What kind of Familiar do you think you can handle? As well as think up what your basic terms and negotiate terms are. This introspection period is often paired with meditation.

Plan your ritual. Time, place, tools, etc.? Take into account the weather of the day and be sure not to trespass. Maybe you want to make new portable wards or make/acquire a vessel, anchor, or conduit for the spirit (some spirits refuse to be bound to them and they are not mandatory).

Step 2: Wards, Circles, & Area Setup

Ward yourself and, if you use them, cast your circle. I recommend warding both your self and the space. Here is a pretty good wiki if anyone needs ideas or is confused: Wards

Step 3: Offerings

Lay out your offerings. Offerings can include food items, incense, burning herbs, etc. But if you are going to be doing this outside then I recommend non-toxic and biodegradable materials. Milk and honey are always an easy and safe bet.

Step 4: Incantation

Call to potential spirits. You can use the one below or make your own.

”Spirits of the forest, I pronounce my intentions to thee.

Come forth and seek me, and equal we will be.

Not master and servant, but familiar to familiar, to share our knowledge, our spirit, and our traits.”

Step 5: Meditation/Trance

Meditate and wait for a spirit to answer your call. This may take a bit and they may not show until you enter the astral plane, are sleeping, or at all. Just like in the show, spirits might not come to you right away and that's okay. However, if they don't come within about 3 days then you might want to try again.

Step 6: Negotiation

If/When a spirit shows you then negotiate your terms. Tell them what you want and expect of a Familiar and allow them to say their terms. Get a feel of the spirit and judge whether they are the right choice. Be flexible, but also know the terms you will not move on. Many spirits will take a mile when you give them an inch.

YOU CAN SAY NO AND VICE VERSA

The first spirit might not be your best choice and that’s okay, be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. For example, if you are a witchling or new to spirit work then you should probably respectfully decline powerful spirits like Aos si or mid-level demons (I don’t know how to express that better, sorry demonologists and workers).

Be realistic about what you can handle and try to avoid power/experience imbalances. * I personally have turned away spirits that I felt I was not ready for and there is no shame in it. * Don’t become disrespectful if a spirit decides to say no. They are sentient and often sapient beings that have the right to refuse.

Step 7: Vessel/Anchor/Conduit

Part of your negotiation may have included a vessel or anchor for them (you may make one and they refuse) and this would be the time for you to bind them to it.

Conduits are physical objects used to channel a spirit beings energy and a spirit may prefer that over an anchor/vessel. For example Sigils, the spirit might give you -or you can ask for- a sigil to represent them in ritual and for easy communication. Possibly bring a notebook and pen, just in case.

Step 8: Closing & Cleansing

End your communication with the spirit, close your circle (if you use them), and cleanse yourself to avoid having parasitic or negative spirits attach to you. Gather your stuff as needed.

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Conclusion

Many modern witches equate these two things but unfortunately, a Magickal Pet simply isn’t capable of many of the things a Familiar is. They can’t consent and they rely on you for spiritual and magickal protection.

If it wasn’t for the tasks and capabilities then I would be completely fine with people applying the label to their pets. I have no problem with people involving pets in their craft and I think it is great that so many people feel so connected to their pets as it tells me they are well loved, and that’s always great to see.

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Article Source : http://aminoapps.com/p/t2dah6

Image Source : https://pin.it/7kp+qqR]

🧚🌧️Rain Fairies🌧️🧚

🌧️ Szepasszony is a beautiful Hungarian fairy, clad in a white rob, with long golden hair. She dances in rainstorms and showers of hail; she casts a spell through rainwater, dripping from the caves to make a puddle on the ground- she then has power over anyone who steps into this puddle, Szepasszony is seductive, and not always benevolent.

🌧️ She is a powerful sprite, who delights in the energies of storms. However, each rainstorm brings a host of elemental sprites in the air within and surrounding the storm. It is a shame to shrink from contact with the rain, for raindrops can awaken your spirit and refresh your soul.

🌧️ Rainbows are much associated with fairies. It is at the end of the rainbow that the Leprechaun most often hides his pot of gold. The rainbow is a bridge to the Otherworld, from where the rain fairies come. The Norse people call the rainbow Bifrost, and said that it was a route to Asgard, the home of the gods.

🌧️  Rain not only makes the plants grow, but also brings more subtle blessings. Welcome the rain fairies, and let them wash clean your life.

🌧️🧚 SPELL TO ATTRACT A WIND SPRITE 🌧️🧚

Method: You will need windchimes and some ribbon. Windchimes of bamboo will invite a gentle, thoughtful sprite who will encourage reflection. Crystal chimes will attract a highly evolved sprite to help you achieve greater detachment. Metal chimes will attract a creative sprite who can help you achieve change.

Choose a breezy day and hang your windchimes securely in an open window. Close your eyes and visualize the gifts you want from your sprite.

Lean out the window slightly so the breeze blows on your face and say: “Wind sprite flying light and high, I call to you, draw nigh, draw nigh. My chimes a home for you shall be ever welcome,ever free”.

Listen for a special tinkle from your windchimes to tell you your sprite has arrived. Welcome this being by tying the ribbon to the upper string of the chimes, being very careful not to restrict their swaying and tinkling. Thank your sprite for being present. Whenever you feel in need of gifts from the wind sprites, stir your chimes and let a fresh breeze blow into your heart and mind.

I think it’s really important that we talk about a very pertinent and relevant topic:

How to spot fake crystals!

“Fake” in reference to crystals can mean many different things depending on who you ask, but we’ll cover all of them. Dyed stones, heat treated, glass, man made, mislabeled/marketed, etc.

As the crystal community grows, so do the counterfeit dealers! One of the fakes I see most often are the small little bullet shaped points made into pendants, with very over exaggerated color and patterns, that are being sold at extremely low prices and readily available at places like Walmart, Five Below, and Amazon. These are either made from resin/plastic or dyed glass, and possess absolutely no metaphysical properties or vibrational energy.

Another way to spot a fake is if the price is just too good to be true. While I am able to offer stones (IG @petriquartz) at a lower price than most retail metaphysical stores, it’s usually just because those places are OVER charging for their product. While you don’t want to overpay, you also don’t want to underpay, as that is an indication that the stone you are purchasing is not genuine.

If a stone is one with a natural pattern, we want to be sure that the pattern is not completely uniform or symmetrical. A patterned stone that is often faked, as it is on the rarer and pricier side, is malachite. A good way to tell if your malachite is genuine is to see if the stripes on your stone are dark green or black. Black stripes that are very uniform are a tell-tale sign that what you have is a fake.

Now what about heat treated stones??? The vast majority of the time, heat treated amethyst is marketed and sold as citrine. While this isn’t really false, it is a little deceptive. Amethyst and citrine are both varieties of quartz. The only difference is the oxidized state of the iron impurities within the mineral. Naturally occurring citrine is quite rare, which is the result of natural heat and pressure applied to amethyst over a very long period of time. We are able to simulate that effect by heat treating pieces of amethyst in order to speed up the process.

Finally, let’s talk about man made stones. Some of the most popular man made crystals include opalite, goldstone, and blue sandstone. Some people debate whether or not these man made stones still possess any sort of metaphysical properties while not coming directly from the earth. Whether you use them in your own practice or just have them as display pieces in your house is totally up to you! Do what feels right, and if you feel called to them, there is nothing wrong with using them!

I hope that this can offer some insight to anyone just getting starting, or some guidance for anyone looking to purchase crystals! For genuine, ethically sourced stones, be sure to check out Petriquartz on all platforms. The majority of my sales are done via my Facebook group, where I offer exclusive prices for members, as well as frequently host giveaways and live sales once a week or more! Click the links below to join us!!!

linktr.ee/petriquartz

ancient greek word of the day: κακοθερής (kakotherēs), unfitted to endure summer heat

🌙Magick vs. Magic🌙

And why witches spell it ‘magick’ Or don’t. 

The word was created by the controversial occultist Alister Crowley (1875-1947) who founded the religion Thelema which later became known as Wicca.  

One reason he added a ‘k’ was to separate between entertainment magic and witchcraft magick. 

Many thing the distinction isn’t necessary but there are other reasons Crowley did this. 

Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema meant that he also used the word magick to describe any act that brings someone closer to what he called their ‘True Will’; their purpose in life.

Will is different than want

I can make a post about Crowley and True Will in the future

EDIT: I have made a post about True Will, just click the link.

In 1886 (about 11 years from 1875) Crowley’s father, a devout Christian and preacher, passed. Crowley, a formerly devoted follower of Christianity out of respect for his father, began to turn his back on the Christian religion, pointing out irregularities in the Bible. His mother, also a Christian, because of this called him “The Beast.”

When Crowley created the word ‘magick’ he lengthened a five letter word to six letters, the number six being sacred in many beliefs. Interestingly, according to Genesis, God created man on the 6th day. In the Bible, Revelation 13:18, God assigned the number 666 to man and to the Beast.

Revelation 13:18

“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” 

The letter K is also the 11th number of the alphabet. This number has huge significance to Crowley and he often wrote about its importance: “Firstly”, 11 is the number of Magick in itself” along with his well-known phrase “Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law” which has eleven words and eleven syllables.

Some people refrain from using ‘magick’ due to Crowleys reputation and the several stories surrounding his life, others use ‘magik’ or ‘majick’ or variations of said word. But there is no right or wrong here and you can use ‘magick’ or not, it’s all up to the witch at hand. I just use it to differentiate magick and magic.

Sources: 

https://www.worldofmagick.com/post/magic-or-magick

https://www.learnreligions.com/magic-and-magick-95856 

meet the angy frog aka black rain frog☔🐸🖤

🌛𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝑰 𝒅𝒐, 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚: 𝑨 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅.🌜

Before she was born, I created a special altar box that consisted of her scan pictures, hand written notes on everything I wished for her ie: to always know she was loved, to be confident and kind etc, crystals to strengthen our bond, mementos from me and my partner etc etc

I also created a protection spell bottle for her and 3 hours later we were rushed into hospital because of a really traumatic labour emergency and she was born safely, exactly 8 hours after creating the protection jar.

I charge her bottles around my crystals after they've been sterilised, I have a very large piece of rose quartz that I visualise infusing her bottles with extra love.

I smoke cleansed her room thoroughly before I gave birth, to ensure her room didn't have any left over negative energy from the people who used it before her.

I trace 'sleep safe and sound' sigils on her face as she drifts to sleep.

I use a baby safe lavender scented pillow spray that has also been charged with rose quartz in her crib to protect her and ensure she has peaceful dreams.

We use lavender, vegan and cruelty free baby body wash and shampoo to promote good sleep.

I stir her porridge clockwise every morning to attract good luck and happiness.

I am in the process of transferring over some of my grimoire and book of shadows pages into a beautiful grimoire to hand down to her when she is older and if she follows my path.

I am creating new traditions and routines for each Sabbat and Esbat that she can join in with me when she is a little bit older.

I will be creating a blessing for her bedroom to banish negativity and bad dreams.

I provide her with plenty of healthy baby foods for lunch with different herbs and ingredients that correspond with the intent of the day. Of course I stir anticlockwise to banish negativity and bad moods if she's particularly grumpy or fussy, and then clockwise to promote happiness and a positive mood for the rest of the day.

I recycle all her baby food jars and use them to store herbs, potions and spells. (It's a very good budget friendly alternative to pricey glass bottles that are often far too small for my personal liking.)

And of course, I gave her a Witchy name that truly suits her beauty.

Of course I will incorporate so much more into her daily life as she gets older as my partner is super supportive despite not practising my beliefs, but these are what I can do now at least.

Thank you for reading. 🌛🌝🌜

basic ass witch tips 🔮

on some kind of medication, including but not limited to hormonal birth control, heart medication, and anti-depressants? you better double check with your doctor or pharmacist before you drink that new tea you just bought.

always, always, always tell your doctor or check with your pharmacist before trying any kind of herbal supplement, whether it’s something you made yourself or something you bought at the store.

have sensitive skin? dilute your essential oils before putting them anywhere near your skin or in your bathtub.

have a diagnosed medical condition? talk. to. your. doctor. before ingesting anything or putting anything on your body that you aren’t familiar with.

don’t. drink. essential. oils. essential oils are not consumable!!!!!

don’t put citrus oil on your skin and then go out into the sun unless you want a badass chemical burn.

don’t put any kind of damn essential oil on your skin without diluting it with a carrier oil. almond oil? olive oil? coconut oil? i don’t care. dilute your essential oils. 

don’t put essential oils on your animals, diluted or not, point blank. 

oh, and don’t put fucking crystals in their water bowls to “cleanse their chakras” or whatever the fuck. 

speaking? of crystals? don’t put crystals in your bodily orifices. don’t put crystals in your own damn water. just don’t. 

thinking about burning some kind of random herb in your house? you better make sure it’s not gonna release noxious fumes and murder your family. 

speaking of random herbs - got the urge to forage for some herbs out in the wild? wear. fucking. gloves.

don’t burn incense or herbs around your pets. they have tiny, fragile respiratory systems and are super sensitive to that kinda shit. 

gotta burn a candle down completely for a spell? you better not leave that shit unattended unless you want a house fire. 

always. practice. fire. safety. that means, don’t go burning shit outside during a burn ban. 

gods help me - if you wanna harvest your own blood via finger stick, stay away from dirty safety pins and needles and invest in some lancets. 

drinking dirty water from outside can literally give you worms. boil your damn water. 

oh yeah. moon water. everyone loves to make moon water. you know what happens when you leave a jar of water at room temperature? it stagnates and grows bacteria. refrigerate that shit. 

fresh herbs or other things of that nature left at room temperature can also grow super harmful bacteria, for example, raw garlic submerged in oil at room temperature is a breeding ground for botulism and mold. 

edited on october 27, 2018

Super new moon in 3 days!

Farewell online privacy