The Way Ivan Aivazovsky Looks At The Sea…i Think…i Think That’s What Love Looks Like.

Found on Instagram: @ thewitchescircleamino

Cuban Painted Snails (Polymita Picta)

“Their colours come from their diet, lichen and mosses rich in minerals that give the shells these stunning colours. They differ according to the particular mix of plants that each snail has been eating.” - David Attenborough

Attenborough‘s Life In Colour

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]

Ultimate Protection Magic Masterpost, Part 2

PROTECTION FOR OTHERS

Family/Loved Ones Protection Jar

Quick Protection Spell

Full Moon Protection Spell

“I Send You Safety” Spell

Knitting Spell (For Protection)

Ayano’s Theory of Happiness Spell

Ritual To Protect Loved Ones

“This Person Is Under My Protection” Sigil

“This Person Is Safe & Happy” Sigil

“My Significant Other Is Happy & Safe From Harm” Sigil

“My Child Is Safe From All Harm” Sigil

PROTECTION FOR PETS

Pet Protection Spell Jar

Pet Protection Spell Bottle

Pet Protection Spell

Pet Protection Spell

Protective Chant For Dogs

Protective Chant For Cats

Cat Protection Bag

Cat Blessing/Protection Spell

Animal Blessing Spells

Animal Protection Spell

Animal Candle Protection Spell

“Watch Over Me” Pet Protection Guardian

“Always Come Back To Me” Spell

“My Dogs Will Be Safe and Happy” Sigil

Pet Protection Powder

MISCELLANEOUS PROTECTION SPELLS

Protection Against Nightmares

Protection During Sleep

Nightmare Warding Stuffed Animal Spell

Ghost Nebula Protection In Sleep Spell

Protection While Travelling

Jar Spell for Safe Travels

Protection For Travellers Spell

Roadtrip Protection Charm

Empath/Emotional Protection

Calcified Heart Spell

Empath Protection Jar

Other

New Job Protection Pouch

Corvid Safety Spell

Emoji Spell for Protection Against Extreme Weather

Cleansing & Protection from Mind-Altering Spells

POWDERS, SALTS, OILS & WATERS

Dragon’s Bite Powder

Sweeping Powder for Protection & Energy

Dark As Night Protection Powder

Anti-Curse Powder

Archer’s Protection Powder

Protection Powder Recipes

Fire Salts

Black Salt

Empath Protection Oil

Demonwitch’s Hellcat Oil

Flying Devil Oil

Moon-Infused Protection Water

Storm Witch’s Ward Water

War Water

INFORMATION

Circles, Shields & Wards

Casting a Circle for Beginners

Methods of Casting Circles

Personal Shielding

Basic Protection

Keeping Yourself Protected

The Basics of Wards & Warding

A Crash Course In Warding

Top Ward Mistakes I

Top Ward Mistakes II

Threshold Magic 101

Charms

Charms, Amulets & Talismans

The Rowan Cross

Grass Charm

Hag Stones

Moon Snails

Protection Wreaths

Protection Chimes

Elemental Protection Charms

Folklore Charms for Home Protection

Tech Magic

Turning Your Wifi Into Wards

How to Anti-Taglock Pictures of Yourself

Simple Email Protection Spell

Technomagic Ward

Cyber/Tech Protection Ideas

Servitors

A Basic Guide to Servitors

An Introduction to Servitors

How to Create a Protective Servitor

Meditations

Spell and Meditation for Calming, Serenity and Peace Within Self

“Warrior of Light” Guided Meditation (YouTube)

Correspondences

Protection Correspondences

Protection Correspondences

Quick Protection Magic Reference Guide

[part 1]

5 things you SHOULD do on Friday 13th

We've taken a look at the history and it's actually the perfect day for a few behaviours

Whether or not you believe in the superstition of Friday 13th, it's still a date that can send a shiver through your plans thanks to the attention and hype the ancient 'unlucky' date has built-up over the years.

But should we approach it with fear, or should we use it to our advantage and make a few different decisions? Country Living took a look at the history and have come up with five detoxing and rather enjoyable things which are best done on Friday 13th.

WHY IS FRIDAY 13TH CONSIDERED UNLUCKY?

The superstition dates back to the urban legends of the 1600s and, to understand it properly, we need to look at the day Friday and the number 13 separately.

So, why Friday? Steve Roud, author of The Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland (£2.96, Amazon), explained to the BBC:

"Because Friday was the day of the crucifixion, Fridays were always regarded as a day of penance and abstinence," he says.

"This religious belief spilled over into a general dislike of starting anything - or doing anything important - on a Friday."

AND WHAT ABOUT THE NUMBER 13?

Well, back in the 1690s, an urban legend began to bubble that it was unlucky to have 13 people sat around a dinner table as this was the amount of people present at the Last Supper. It was also believed to be the number of witches needed to officially make a coven.

How did the two come together? "The Victorians who were intrigued by folklore put Friday and 13 together and created a doubly unlucky day," by the author of the Country Wisdom and Folklore Diary.

5 things we should do on Friday 13th

1. Disregard the 'unlucky' part

When legends like this circulate, it's easy to blame anything negative that happens on that day on the ideas. If your car won't start today or you put salt instead of sugar in your tea, blame coincidence.

2. Have an alcohol-free day

In the spirit of abstinence, and the fact that Christmas is soon approaching and will bring with it platefuls of indulgence, why not have a day without your favourite tipple. Instead, enjoy a soft alternative or hygge-inspired hot chocolate.

3. Write a list

We love a list - normally of the shopping to to-do variety – but, on a day when people were originally not meant to start something new, let's use this time to sit back, relax, and think about things we would like to start in the future.

Is there a hobby you've always wanted to try? A place you've always wanted to travel to? Or simply a walk you haven't trodden yet? Make a bucket list, stick it on the fridge and commit to ticking them off when you can. Just because we shouldn't do, doesn't mean we can't plan.

4. Take a moment to feel grateful

While you relax, soft drink in hand, thinking about the exciting activities you plan to do, also take a moment to appreciate what you have already done and the smile-inducing things in your life. Not having to worry about witches and penance should probably be top of the list...

5. Procrastinate

It's probably not a behaviour we are used to but, on a day when urban legend tells us not to do anything important, let's give it a go. Clean the oven tomorrow, sort out the post on Sunday and save the hoovering for the morning. Just sit, relax and be mindful.

So don't take that date to seriously...

Have a Happy Friday the 13th

By Country Living Magazine

To be a Local Witch

Throughout history and our legends, Witches and Wizards were the crazy men and women that lived on the outskirts of the village. Their craft was wild and strange to those that lived in the village, but, nonetheless, people would seek after their wisdom of the land, the plants, the local spirits, and for wisdom or guidance in their path. These men and women, often bachelors, would know the ins and outs of the region and often went walking alone. 

Today, our villages are less rustic and more like local towns, and suburbs. But one can still be a Local Witch, and develop special connections with the land you call home. 

Become a Local Witch: 

Learn Local Lore Folktales, legends, and even tall tales develop the culture of a town or area. Learn these. Retell them over summer campfires, and over drinks with friends. People will start to LOVE your stories. 

Start Frequenting locally owned shops and stores Develop connections and relationships with the owners and those that work there every day. Learn their names, and introduce yourself after visiting more often. Supporting locally owned shops helps small business owners and provides nourishment to your community. This is putting down roots, and develops your connection with the people that shape your town.

Find a Local Bookstore This is an extension of 1 and 2. Locally owned bookstores always have a Local Writers, Local Plants, and Local History sections. Ask inside where these sections are, and start devouring these books. Not only will you be supporting a local shop, but you have a direct source of helpful information. Oftentimes, employees and owners also know a lot of Lore. Talk to them about what you’re interested in learning. They probably have some hidden gems of information. 

Learn about your Indigenous Plants Start researching and learning about the flora that grows locally, learn their lore, their uses, and magical or folklore associations. If Natives from your area used these plants, find out how. Learn where these plants grow and research local foraging. If you’ve never foraged, see if you can find a local group that can serve as helpful guides to stay safe. Never ingest anything unless you are SURE. 

Start a local Plant Grimoire Keep dried presses of flowers and plants in it, draw and diagram to help you remember what they look like. 

Learn about the indigenous animals Research their folklore and mythology. Start finding out what they eat, and what their habitats are. (Safely) Do your part to help foster their growth and health. This could be making insect houses to help local endangered pollinators, or leaving out special birdseed for endangered bird species in the area. (Safely) Start interacting with the non-aggressive species and leave them treats. This is great for birds, deer, rabbits, moles, chipmunks, hedgehogs, etc 

Join local Conservation Projects  Getting directly involved in wildlife conservation strengthens our spiritual and natural ties to the land we call our home. Taking personal responsibility and interest in it’s stewardship is honoring the spirits of the land, and the Gods. 

Use Google Maps while exploring parks, or protected open spaces to drop pins and places where you find animal habitats or useful plants for foraging. 

That’s all for now. More will come later I’m sure. Now go be the best local Witch or Druid you can be! 

Rating Sabrina on its Witchy Accuracy

Recently I’ve been binging the new season of Sabrina on Netflix and I definitely have some things I want to share.  I thought it would be fun to analyze this show a bit and look at the way they choose to portray certain historical elements of Witchcraft and Paganism. Firstly, obviously this show is not trying to be historically accurate and that’s totally fine. I actually really love how campy and ridiculous this series is.  And of course if they tried to accurately portray modern witchcraft the show wouldn’t be nearly as exciting.  Though, I do find it fun that they did bring in some historical elements of witchcraft and that’s what we’re going to go over today. SATANIC WITCHES?

The first interesting thing about this series is that the witches in the show are Satanic Witches. This is quite a bit different from other tv shows that are inspired by lighter forms of witchcraft, like Charmed for example. I think the way that they chose to portray Satanic witches and their worship of the dark lord is a super fun part of the show as it shows a type of witchcraft that you usually don’t see in pop culture. So, did Satanic Witches who worship Lucifer actually exist in history?  Today there are a small handful of people claiming to be Satanic Witches, though historically we don’t have much evidence for this kind of witchcraft. This might be surprising as the most commonly known historic events featuring witchcraft are probably the witch trails in Europe and America where people were killed for supposedly worshiping the devil.  In reality, the vast majority of the people killed were not witches and definitely not satanic witches.  Most of the people who admitted to worshiping the devil were only saying so because they were being tortured at the time.The witch trials as a whole was mostly an excuse for the church to kill off a bunch of protestants, any “undesirables” in society, and anyone who might be still holding on to Pagan traditions. Now, that doesn’t mean witches didn’t exist in the past, they definitely did but hardly any of them would have been practicing Satanic Witchcraft. So while this aspect of Sabrina is super fun, it’s not really based much in history. THE CUNNING One of the characters in the show has something called The Cunning. In the show this means that she is a seer and can gain information psychically that others cannot.  Historically there are many accounts of women who are considered seers or able to see the future.  The most famous historical seer is probably the Oracle of Delphi, but each culture has their own version of this practice. But why in the show did they use the term, The Cunning? I find this interesting as it connects with a group of historical magical practitioners called The Cunning Folk.   While the Cunning Women and Men would not have called themselves witches, they were practicing a form of witchcraft. This magical tradition started in the Medieval period and was mostly focused in Britain.  Many of our surviving historical spells and witchcraft traditions come from these people called the Cunning Folk. They used spells, charms, and talismans for a variety of services for their community such as protection, locating missing people and property, helping to heal others, and telling the future. In the most recent season Roz speaks with her deceased grandmother who tells her that her family could not call themselves witches because they were good Christians.  This is interesting because similarly the Cunning Folk considered themselves to be Christians and they even often used bible verses in their spells and charms.  I’m not sure if the producers knew this about the Cunning Folk when creating this show but I think this detail is kind of interesting. The Green Man & The Wicker Man In Season 3 of Sabrina, they come across a group of Pagans trying to resurrect the Green Man.  Historically, the Green Man is a fascinating and mysterious Pagan deity. He is primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, represented in the cycle of growth each spring.  In Sabrina they try to resurrect the Green Man by creating a giant humanoid effigy, more commonly known as the wicker man.  Then they try to sacrifice a virgin, in this case Harvey, by putting him inside of the wicker man. The Green Man and the Wickerman are not really related historically though we do have some accounts of a wickerman being created. One of the most popular accounts of pagan human sacrifice comes from Julius Caesar during his conquest of Gaul where he reports to have seen the burning alive of victims in a large wooden effigy. Though considering the Celts were his enemy at the time it is possible he exaggerated some details.  So, while it’s likely that some human sacrifice occurred among the Pagan Celts and Anglo-Saxons we don’t really know too many details and it’s likely that the violence was probably a bit exaggerated. As a side note, the whole representation of Pagans in Sabrina was definitely a bit ridiculous. And I find it weird that shortly after the Pagans are defeated, the Satanic Witches stop worshipping the dark lord and start worshiping the Greek Goddess, Hecate.  So even though the Pagans were their enemies in the 3rd season, in the 4th season they kind of become pagans themselves. FINAL THOUGHTS In general, I think this show is super fun and even though they’re not aiming for historical accuracy, I do like how they at least tried to incorporate different aspects of witchcraft & paganism in the show.  So, in general I would give this show a 2/10 on historical accuracy.  Though if I were to rate the show as a whole, I’d probably give it a 7/10 because it’s super fun and enjoyable to watch.

🌙 banishing negativity spell 🌙

⭐️banishing spell :

* a bowl

* paper

* a lighter

* an incent

* a black marker

* sage ( for cleansing )

⭐️Procedures :

* gather all materials

* Draw out sigils for cleansing and banishing

* light incent to set the mood and to open your mind

* place the sigils and sage into bowl

* write out what you want to banish with black marker on a piece of paper, then place into bowl.

* use the lighter and light it all on fire, then allow the papers and sage to burn.

* close your eyes and pour your negativity into the fire.

* once the mix has burned completely, use the ashes to draw a cleansing sigil on your skin.

* take a shower and wash the sigil to activate it.

This is my first ever spell so please, if you have any feedback i would love to hear it!

I am NOT a Perfect Witch

I’ve seen a few asks/comments running around about how the witches of Tumblr seem to have all their ducks in a row and do magic spells 24/7 and are generally “perfect” because of it. I can tell you this is probably not the case. At least for me its not. I am not a Perfect Witch. I don’t rigorously follow the phases of the moon, most of the time i forget anyways. I don’t do spells on a regular basis (at least not what i consider to be spells) Heck most of the time the most witchy things i do is reblog stuff to this tumblr.  So for newbie witches and hidden witches please understand: It’s completely okay to not be a “perfect” witch. Once you’ve discovered that you’re a witch you don’t have to cast spells 24/7 in order to protect your title. The Title of Witch is yours as soon as you decide you want to Claim It. No one can or should tell you how to run your path. That is something you will have to discover for yourself, and honestly that’s the best part of the journey. So you forgot a sabbat, big whoop. Sabbats come and go and i rarely do anything for them anyways (maybe halloween but thats tradition haha) Another full moon pass you by? That’s okay, some people don’t like working with the moon and that’s also okay. Try casting a spell and you don’t think it worked? Trust me i still do spells and most of the time they don’t work too. So to all the newbies and hidden witches: Do not fret. You have plenty of time to come into your path and please please please do not feel like you HAVE to be perfect in your path. I am proud to follow my path with all its bumps and turns it throws at me