Here is a spread that I personally use when communicating with angels or sometimes Deities. For those who do spirit work or have guardians or guides of some kind, I’m sure this spread will also be useful to you.
1. Who is it? This one is simple enough, who is the angel or guide that you are communicating with? This card could represent a trait of them or characteristic, good or bad.
2. Why are they communicating with you? This is why this specific angel has come to you. What about you called to them? Do they have a connection or bond with you? Is it for a specific problem or is it more of a business sort of situation? Use this card to also help interpret the rest of the cards you receive, it may change the tone and voice of things.
3. What message or purpose do they have? What specifically do they have to tell you? Do they bring a warning? Or good news?
4. How is their message important to you specifically? Pretty straight forward I would think. Is it something that is currently affecting your life? Or is it something that could affect your future or your decisions?
5. How to take action? How can you take action with this message? Is it something you need to change? Is it something you need to stop? Is it something you need to do? Or should you just continue on doing what you already are doing?
6. Advice? Does this angel or guardian have any words of wisdom for you, specific to the message or perhaps not?
7. What they see or want for you? What outcome from their message and advice do they wish for you to get? What will their message lead to? The outcome of things.
This post is straight from my tumblr blog themanicnami which some of you may know of. This is still my things and information, but you are all open to use this spread!
Living on the coast or near the ocean is not an option for many people. Whether it be budgetary reasons, minors living with family, spoonie witches who need to live with caregivers, or being stuck in a landlocked state or country. Though because you have distance between you and the ocean, doesn’t mean you cannot connect to it still. Though your craft will likely not be as powerful at times as one who is practicing straight on the beach, never think that you cannot use the energies of the great oceans in your craft just because you are stuck somewhere else. With this masterpost I hope to help my fellow landlocked witches know how to connect and use sea magick.
Stop the Gatekeeping
First I would like to address a problem I have seen several times in this community (especially here on witchblr) about sea witchcraft. I have seen far too many people telling others they cannot use anything ocean related in their craft unless they are near or on the beach, and that if you wish to practice sea magick you “should just move to the coast”. This is an issue I already brought up in my little intro: for many that is just not possible.
Firstly, in several places living even near the coast costs extreme amounts of money, much more than certain people can afford. Secondly, it may not be medically feasible. If the spoonie witch’s caregivers or care circle cannot move or if moving is something that could upset their illness further, they should certainly not move just to please you “real sea witches”. Some countries are also simply landlocked, they’d have to move completely out of their homeland to reach the coast and for some that is not even an option. So before you go onto this post saying it is inaccurate because sea witches only live by the sea, please do not and think for a moment that not everyone has the same circumstances as you. We all have different lives, needs and situations going on and not everyone can live the same way. Let others practice their craft in a way that suits them.
Getting Started/Creating your Space
As in my previous Stuck In the City post, we are going to start with a space or altar set up that will allow you to help feel connected to the ocean. Depending on the space you have available there can be some fun ways for you to connect to it. First find a corner or a table or even a spare part of a room that you can use for your set up, the more room the better in my personal opinion but I understand that space can be very limited.
Clean and cleanse the space you wish to use, make sure this is done well enough for the space to be comfortable to work in. Next it is time to create space for yourself, create an area that you can either sit or even lay down in, whatever you find to be the most comfortable when meditating or rejuvenating yourself after a long day.
Once it has been clean and cleared find a nice flat space and surface to place your altar, preferable somewhere that is fire safe in case of wanting to use incense or candles. I usually in cases of meditation or long term practice try to make it somewhere comfortable with furniture or an area where I can sit or even recline during my practice. I personally enjoy some extra pillows or cushions in the corner though this is entirely up to you.
Some things to consider adding to your ocean altar: beach sand, shells of any kind (clam, oyster, cone, crushed, broken etc), crab shells, dried sand dollars, dried starfish, driftwood, ocean stones/pebbles, shell dust, sea glass, sea salt, dried kelp (powder), ropes, buckets/cups/bowls/containers, fish bones, fish oil, bottles, shark teeth, cork and sea water.
Images of the ocean, the sea, islands and beaches are also other wonderful things to have posted or framed about your altar to help make it feel like you are on the beach. If possible to do having a large container of sand to run your hands through or even rest your feet in for grounding purposes can be very helpful to have tucked away nearby. For candles on your altar try to stick to blue, white, sea foam, teal, green and beige colored candles to help associate it directly with the sea. If you have ocean scented candles or wax melts those are perfect to have here as well.
Some candle, incense and oil scents to consider if you wish to have something scented on the altar that are often related to the sea (other than the obvious Ocean Mist/Spray scents) would be: coconut, tropical fruit/citrus, seagrass, lime (coconut lime together works well), sandalwood, any ‘fresh air’ scents tend to relate well, ‘sex on the beach’, rain/storm scents, tropical scents, sea salt, sea salt reed, cedarwood, rosemary and some say lavender they like to add to certain scent combinations.
Crystals are always good options to add to any altar and can be affordable depending on their size and cut. Some crystals to consider to add to your ocean altar would be: ocean jasper, aquamarine, chrysocolla, amazonite, pearl, mother of pearl, blue lace agate, moonstone, sapphire, coral and opalite. Though any blue, white and teal/green crystal can also be used to associate with the sea and dyed or crackle quartz can be used to substitute stones as well.
Herbs that are associated with the sea and water would be: coconuts (and coconut oil), seaweed, kelp, seagrass, lotus, grapes, lettuce (and other watery greens), cucumber, chamomile, orange, willow, melons, watercress, lemon, lime, jasmine, lotus, pansy and skullcap. All water related plants can intern be used to associate with the ocean.
Grounding and Meditation (Brief)
Ocean grounding and meditation is very similar to that of standard practice. Though to make it more connected to the ocean there are a few things you can do. One tip for meditating and feeling close and connected to the ocean is to use that previously suggested tub of sand to either stand in or rest your hand/feet into. Close your eyes and feel the sand on your skin, ground your energy into that, have it flow into the sand and back to you. Image you are on the beach with your feet buried into the sand. Light some incense or candles before you begin to help get that oceany smell. If you have a computer or phone available you can play calming ocean sounds or the sounds of waves. Envision yourself there on the beach or out at sea to help connect to the sea’s energy. Any crystals or shells or other things available to you can help you connect to its energy.
Portable Ocean Altar
So like I covered in my previous installment of this series, portable altars a fantastic optionsf or witches on the go or for witches who practice their craft in secrecy. To recap quickly, portable altars are used by many witches who are on the go or just keep their craft secret. They are very easy to make and can be very convenient for when you need to cast a spell away from home.
First you will need a small container to carry your supplies in. Some witches prefer pocket sized things like small boxes that jewelry may come in, altoid tins or other small containers, other witches prefer journal sized ones inside boxes, plastic containers or tins. It really depends on what you will need and what you will personally be carrying it in. Whatever you choose to carry it in make sure its durable enough not to be crushed inside a purse or bag so that whatever is inside of it does not get damaged or ruined. Preferably make sure there is a way to close the container or tin you are using tightly, if needed tie it shut using ribbon or yarn to help prevent it from popping open inside your bags.
Now, it’s time to fill it with the items you need to make it an altar in the first place! Depending on the size of your altar it will change what can fit into it, so feel free to play tetris a bit with what you are fitting into it. You want things to be a bit snug to prevent them bumping around and breaking but you don’t want it so tight that you can’t get anything out.
Common suggestions to add to your travel altar: tealights, birthday candles, travel matches or lighter, crystal shards, chips or small crystals; beads, small containers or packs of salt and herbs, tea bags, small sachets and bags (for portable spells on the go!), small animal figurines, small shells or shell shards, small containers of sand, sea salt, images of the ocean, blue or black pens/ink/pencils and sea glass.
For larger portable altars consider also adding: scissors, baggies, travel books on different subjects (such as shells, the ocean, ocean animals, herbs, witchcraft, etc), journal or notebook, sketchbooks, pens and other writing tools, portable bottles, crystals and portable wands.
Sea Witch Crafts, Spells and More
Sea Witch Bath
A bath for a sea witch to help them connect with the ocean, recharge, and meditate to their heart’s content.
Blue and white candles (optional- ocean scented ones)
Steps:
Light your candles before filling the tub. Once you start filling the tub add your coconut oil, coconut water, sea salt and kelp powder. With your spoon stir clockwise to help mix in the powder, which can take a bit. The water should turn a faint green tint (the more kelp you add the greener it gets but also the stronger the smell gets). Line your tub’s edge with your sea glass, sea shells, and gemstones. Be sure not to let the gemstones fall in the water, especially if they are ones that can’t get wet. Get into your tub and enjoy.
Note: Kelp powder smells very strongly of kelp, it is a scent I personally like but a lot of people don’t. Air out your bathroom a bit after the bath to disperse the smell. Also if you do not wish to smell like kelp yourself, rinse off after your bath quickly.
Sea Witch Bath Mix (faster and storable mixture compared to Sea Witch Bath)
A simple bath mix to add to baths for a quick relaxing and cleansing experience.
You will need:
1 cup Sea Salt (or epsom salt mix)
1 tsp of Kelp Powder
1 full spoonful of Coconut Oil (melted and mixed in)
4 drops of diluted Sandalwood Oil for scent
Steps:
Simply add to your bath whenever you wish to have a nice relaxing bath. You may adjust mixture to your desire though be careful when using essential oils. For more sensitive or dry skin you can replace all of sea salt with epsom salt with kelp scent/ocean scent instead to prevent more damage to it.
Simple Shell Candles and Candle Holders
Shell candles are super easy and fun to make! Simply all you need is some candle wax, wax dye (if you wish to have it colored), a wick which you will be cutting to size and a candle preferably a clam or oyster shell. For added spell usage you can add sigils inside of the shell using a marker and activate it each time you burn your candle. Carefully place your wick into the candle and add your melted wax. Let it harden and trim candlewick as needed.
For candle holders make sure you have a sturdy shell, if possibly glue or stick it to a wooden chip or other sort of ‘stand’ to prevent it from tipping. Add your candle into the older and add a bit of melted wax if you can to the bottom to help hold it in place from tipping out of the shell (especially if it is a tower candle).
A Witch’s Portable Ocean Jar Spell
A spell jar to hold the energies and essence of the ocean for use when one is away from the ocean. Good for charging, meditation, sea grounding, spell strengthening, and general ocean witchcraft.
You Will Need:
A Jar with a tight sealing lid or cork (preferably one that won’t rust)
Beach Sand
Sea Salt
Sea Water (or stormwater if you can’t get sea water, tap works if really needed)
Dried Kelp or Kelp Powder (small amount)
Sea Shells or crushed shells of choice
Driftwood (small)
Sea glass
Twine or Rope or Blue Ribbon
Steps:
Make sure your jar is cleansed and yourself before beginning spell. Have all items prepped and your area cleansed and prepared as you see fit. In your jar add the sand covering the bottom. On top of the sand add your shells, driftwood, and sea glass.In a separate bowl or cup add your water and in it mix in your kelp and your salt, stirring clockwise focusing on the smell it emits (which will be salty and kelpy like the sea) and how the waves and currents of the ocean churn and move. If you desired you may play sounds of waves on a device to add to the visualization. As you stir focus on this visualization and putting those images into the water as you stir it.Once thoroughly mixed pour it carefully into your jar, visualizing how the waves rush onto the beach during high-tide, covering the sand and shells on it.
“Water of salt and brine, upon the sand and bits of shell, the ocean I capture into this jar, so I may draw from its energy like a well.” While saying this focus on your intent to capture the energy of the ocean and have it with you when you need it, and keep visualizing the ocean and beach.
Once you have all of your water in the jar seal it tight with the cork or lid.Take your rope/twine/ribbon and tie it around the jar just below the lip of the jar. “I seal the power of the sea inside, I capture the beach at high-tide.” Keep refrigerated to prevent from getting gross though contents may have to be regularly replaced (excluding the shells and glass that should be reusable).
Sea Spell for Astral Travel
A sea spell for any sea witches who wish to astral travel, especially if it is to the ocean. Good for witches who are stuck inland.
Light Blue Tealights
White Tealights
Sand (protection, the sea)
Sea Salt (protection, the sea)
Abalone Shell(s) (Meditation, energy, protection)
Scallop Shell(s) preferably white (travel, protection)
Glass bowl
(Optional) Sounds of the beach or sea
Steps:
If you are using sounds of the beach then play it softly in the background as you perform the spell. Light your candles and encircle them about your bowl or near it, depending on what your space allows. In your bowl place your sand then sprinkle salt over it. “My feet in the sand, the salt in the air.” Place in your shells as you see fit, into the bowl atop the sand and salt. “Seashells about me, I’m without a care.” Sit near the bowl and get yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the beach, feel the energies of the ocean you have brought into your space. “So now I travel, across the sea, to the places I desire to be.’
Voice Theft Curse (Sea Curse Inspired by the Little Mermaid)
A curse to stop someone who has been spewing hateful speech and words and return that negativity they put out back into their life.
You Will Need:
Sea Shell (preferably a clam shell)
Paper
Black Marker or Pen
Black Candles
Taglock (if you can manage)
Pencil
Sea Water (sea salt in water will suffice if needed)
Steps:
On your small slip of paper write down your target’s name in pencil. With your black marker write in large letters covering the name “SHUT UP!” Crumple up the paper between your fingers, rolling it and squashing it. Put all of your frustration and anger into this action. Place the crumpled piece of paper into your seashell. To release more negativity and return it to the target spit onto the shell and paper. If you have a taglock place it in the shell as well. Place your candle on top of the seashell and light it, let it burn down and cover the shell and paper in wax. Once it is sufficiently covered take your sea water and pour it over the over the candle drenching it and the shell. Take the shell and bury it in the ground or into a planter. If you cannot do this then store it somewhere dark. Cleanse your space and yourself afterwards and rest.
(disclaimer: these are all known water and sea related deities that I could find. I did not list any that I knew for a fact were closed cultures or religions, though some may still be seen or considered closed culture. Keep this in mind when viewing this list.)
Aztec:
Chalchiuhtilcue – Goddess of water, lakes, rivers, seas, streams, horizontal waters, storms and baptism
Huixtocihuatl – Goddess of Salt
Opochtli – God of Fishing
Celtic:
Lir – God of the sea
Llyr – God of the sea
Manannan mac Lir – God/King of the sea
Nodens – God of healing, the sea, hunting and dogs
Chinese:
Mazu – Goddess of the sea
Ao Kuang – Dragon King of the Eastern Sea
Ao Qin – Dragon King of the Southern Sea
Ao Run – Dragon King of the Western Sea
Ao Shun – Dragon King of the Northern Sea
Egyptian:
Nu – Personification of primordial waters
Tefnut – Goddess of all waters and moisture
Finnish:
Ahti – God of the depths and fish
Iku-Turso – Malevolent God and sea monster
Vedenemo – Goddess of Water
Vellamo – Wife of Ahti, Goddess of the seas, lakes and storms
Greek:
Aegaeon – God of violent sea storms
Akheilos – Shark-shaped sea spirit
Amphitrite – Sea Goddess and consort of Poseidon
Anapos – Water God of Sicily
Brizo – Goddess of Sailors
Carcinus – Monstrous crab, later made into the constellation Cancer by Hera
Ceto – Goddess of dangers of the ocean and sea monsters
Charybdis – Sea monster and spirit of whirlpools and the tide
Cymopoleia – Goddess of giant storm waves and daughter of Poseidon
Delphin – Leader of dolphins, later turned into the constellation Delphinus by Poseidon
Doris – Goddess of the sea’s bounty
Eidothea – Prophetic sea nymph and daughter of Proteus
Electra – an Oceanid, consort Thaumas
Eurybia – Goddess of the mastery of the sea
Galene – Goddess of calm seas
Glaucus – a god of fishermen and the sea
Graeae – Spirits of the sea who appear as seafoam
Ladon – 100 headed sea serpent who guarded the western reaches of the sea
Nerities – consort of Aphrodite
Oceanus – Titan God of Earth’s fresh-water (and some argue the seas as well)
Pan – Patron God of fishing
Palaemon – Sea God who aided distressed sailors and ships
Phorcys – God of the dangers of the deep
Poseidon – God and King of the Oceans, rivers, seas, storms, floods, droughts, earthquakes and horses.
Proteus – Shape-shifting Sea God and herder of Poseidon’s seals
Psamathe – Goddess of Sand Beaches
Scylla – A Nereid turned into a great sea monster
The Sirens – In lore, they were 3 Nymphs who led sailors to their deaths on an island
The Telchines – Sea Spirits native to the island of Rhodes; the gods killed them due to their use of magic (in some lore it is dark/evil magic)
Thalassa – Primordial Goddess of the sea
Thaumas – God of the wonders of the sea and father of Harpies and of Iris the Rainbow Goddess
Thetis – Leader of the Nereids, responsible for all sea life spawning and procreation, mother of Achilles
Triteia – Daughter of Triton and the companion of Ares
Triton – The fish-tailed Son of Poseidon
Tritones – fish-tailed spirits loyal to Poseidon and his domain
Hawaiian:
Tangaroa (Kanaloa) – God of the ocean and magics, takes the form a cephalopod
Kamohoalii – Shark God
Namaka – Sea Goddess
Ukupanipo – Shark God who controls the amount of fish close to fishermen for their catches
Hindu:
Ap -Group of Water Goddesses
Danu – Goddess of primordial waters
Makara – Mystical creature of the waters
Samundra – Goddess of Seas
Varuna – God of water and the celestial ocean
Incan:
Pariacaca – God of water and rainstorms
Indonesian:
Nyi Roro Kidul – Goddess of the South Javanese Sea
Inuit:
Aipaloovik – Evil Sea God associated with death and destruction
Alignak – Lunar Deity and God of weather, water, tides, eclipses and earthquakes
Arnapkupfaaluk – Fearsome Sea Goddess
Idliragijenget – God of the Ocean
Nootaikok – God who presided over icebergs and glaciers
Sedna – Goddess of the Sea
Japanese:
Ebisu – God of fortunes and fishery often related to seal life such as whales and whale sharks
Hanzaki Daimyojin – Gigantic Japanese Salamander and “Master of the Water”
Omononushi-no-Kami – Serpentine Deity of waters
Ohoyamatsumi – God of mountains, seas and water
Ryujin – Japanese Dragon and Deity of the sea
Shinto – God of water
Sumiyoshi Sanjin – God of the ocean and sailing
Watatsumi – Dragon King and Ocean God
Yamata no Orochi – Serpentine Monster but also regarded as an incarnation of violent waters or rivers
Korean:
Imoogi – Giant Snakes from Korean folklore which later became dragons
King Munmu – a king who wished to become a dragon to protect Korea from the East Sea
Dragon King – Undersea Deity believed to determine the fortunes of fishermen and sailors
Lithuanian:
Atrimpas – God of the sea and water
Bangputys – God of the sea and of storms
Gardaitis – Spirit of ships and sailors
Jurate – Goddess of the sea
Laume – Goddess of wild spaces including open waters
Neringa – Goddess of seacoasts
Lusitanian:
Duberdicus – God of rivers and the sea
Norse/Germanic:
Aegir – Personification of the sea
9 Daughters of Aegir – personifications of the characteristics of waves
Ran – Sea Goddess of death who collects the drowned
Njord – God f the sea, specifically seafaring
Nehalennia – Goddess of the North Sea
Nix – Water Spirits who can take human forms
Persian:
Anahita – Deity of “The Waters” and associated with fertility, healing and wisdom
Haurvatat – associated with water, prosperity and health
Phillipine:
Amanikable – Ill-tempered sea God
Haik – Sea God
Amansinaya – Goddess of Fishermen
Sirena – Mermaid
Siyokoy – Merman
Magwayen – Goddess of the sea and death
Lidagat – 2nd sea Goddess and daughter of Magwayen
Roman:
Neptune – God and King of the sea
Salacia – Wife of Neptune and Queen of the sea
Volturnus – God of the waters
Slavic:
Czar Morskoy – God of the sea
Chernava – mermaid and daughter of Czar
Mokosh – Goddess of Waters and Moisture
Rusalki – Female Spirits/Nymphs/Mermaids who live in water ways and sometimes the sea or shipping routes
Veles – God of earth, waters and the underworld
Viz-Anya – Mother of Water/Water Mother
Viz-Leany – Water Maiden
Vu-Ava – Water Woman
Vut-Kura – Water Grandmother
Vietnamese:
Ca Ong – King of the Sea and Patron of fishermen
Other:
Aquarius – The water bearer constellation that depicts a river or a young man pouring water from a goblet or vase, often related to air energies or water energies closely related to springs, rivers and the ocean
Cancer (constellation) – constellation depicting a large crab often related to the ocean and water energies
Capricorn – An Entity from Greek mythology said to be a finned goat living out in the sea who in some lore suckled infant Zeus while in other lore is another form of the God Pan, often is closely related to fish, the ocean, to land/earth energies and fishing. Also can be related to the constellation of the same name.
Davy Jones – Seen as Death and the “devil” of the sea, sometimes associated as a grim reaper like being
Draco – A constellation that depicts a dragon or large sea serpent. Depending on the lore it is sometimes related to islands, the sea or other waterways. Sometimes it is depicted as a woman with hundred of serpentine heads.
Kraken – Mythological creature of the sea depicted as a great squid or octopus, some worshipping it as a lesser deity of the deeps of the ocean
Mother Nature – often represents all of nature the ocean and sea life included
The Moon – The moon’s gravitational pull controls the tides of Earth’s sea and due to this many worship it in relation to the ocean, tides, waves and water.
Neptune – Planet closely related to the sea and its energies, is named after the Roman God of the Sea Neptune.
The Ocean/Spirit of the Ocean – Some see and worship the ocean as a deity of its own with its own lifeforce and will
Pisces – The fish constellation, often related to the water, the sea and sea life
It can be difficult to do witchcraft and connect to nature when stuck in a supremely urban area such as a downtown of a major city where even parks are hard to come by and collecting items there could be considered vandalism. This masterpost is to help all of you stuck witches who wish to be Forest Witches, connect with the forest or use forest related magic despite your urban setting.
**(If you like what I do and enjoy my posts feel free to support me or tip me at my Ko-Fi page or IM me for direct paypal information. Every dollar is helpful!~)**
Making Your Own Sanctuary
Let’s start with the simple beginnings of turning your home a bit more foresty so you can have your own sanctuary of nature in your home. Whether this be an altar, a corner of a room or even a full room is up to you and the amount of space you have to work with. In my post here I will be referring to setting up a space that would be considered big enough to sit in for meditation and spells and altar space, if you have more room than that feel free to definitely expand it!
It can be difficult to do witchcraft and connect to nature when stuck in a supremely urban area such as a downtown of a major city where even parks are hard to come by and collecting items there could be considered vandalism. This masterpost is to help all of you stuck witches who wish to be Forest Witches, connect with the forest or use forest related magic despite your urban setting.
**(If you like what I do and enjoy my posts feel free to support me or tip me at my Ko-Fi page or IM me for direct paypal information. Every dollar is helpful!~)**
Making Your Own Sanctuary
Let’s start with the simple beginnings of turning your home a bit more foresty so you can have your own sanctuary of nature in your home. Whether this be an altar, a corner of a room or even a full room is up to you and the amount of space you have to work with. In my post here I will be referring to setting up a space that would be considered big enough to sit in for meditation and spells and altar space, if you have more room than that feel free to definitely expand it!
Simply clear out some space, make some room so you can comfortably practice without risk of knocking anything over or causing safety issues for yourself (such as when candles are burning). Now in this space it’s time to decorate it and set it up to feel like a nice little cut of forest placed in the comfort of your home.
Things to consider adding to your space: branches and leaves, acorns, pinecones, walnuts (in the shell), tablecloths/altar cloths with forest, leaf or tree prints on them, photos and art of the forest, antlers, deer/elk skulls/teeth, fur (legally obtained), feathers (legally obtained), and the colors brown, green and brown. Potted plants and moss are other wonderful ideas to keep in this space especially plants native to your state, if you are unable to keep large plants try some local herbs or moss.
If plants are still not an option for you to grow due to either just not having the skill for it or the time or just not being a good location for them for lack of sunlight or tight space, crystals and stones are always options as well. Any crystals or stones associated with earth are wonderful to use as well or ones that are either green or brown or a combination of the two. Some suggestions of crystals to keep in mind would be: Moss Agate, Green Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Emerald, Jet, Jasper, Peridot, Quartz, Petrified Wood, Botswana Agate, Dendritic Agate and Malachite are all wonderful stones to keep on an altar dedicated to nature and the earth.
Modernize your space a bit too if you wish, get some nice sounds of birds playing over some speakers or from your phone, set up some posters and images of nature and wildlife and add anything else that makes you think of the trees you love. It doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that it’s something that you find connects with your craft.
Grounding and Meditation
It is difficult to ground yourself with the forest when you are miles away from one, but it can be done inside your little forest corner/space. Cleanse yourself and your space as you see fit, light any candles or incense if you desire (make sure its not close to any cloth, paper or plants) and make it comfortable for you. Sit or lay down depending on what is best for you and your health needs, in a position that you prefer, remember this is no wrong way to set up for meditation. If you have a device near you play some sounds of wind, birds and ruffling of leaves to help you feel like you are in the forest. In each hand hold either some crystals associated to the forest or earth, some wood/sticks, a wand, rocks gathered from a forest or park or anything else that will help you feel connected to nature. Close your eyes and begin focusing the energy of your chest and stomach to spread through your body and connect yourself to the ground like roots. Imagine these roots being like that of a tree connecting you to it in the heart of a vast forest. Don’t forget to take deep breaths through your nose and release them out your mouth. Meditate as long as needed until you feel a deep connection and ready to do your craft.
Portable Forest Altars
For when you are on the go or traveling but need a bit of the forest in your pocket or bag, you can make yourself a portable forest altar. Portable altars are used by many witches who are on the go or just keep their craft secret. They are very easy to make and can be very convenient for when you need to cast a spell away from home.
First you will need a small container to carry your supplies in. Some witches prefer pocket sized things like small boxes that jewelry may come in, altoid tins or other small containers, other witches prefer journal sized ones inside boxes, plastic containers or tins. It really depends on what you will need and what you will personally be carrying it in. Whatever you choose to carry it in make sure its durable enough not to be crushed inside a purse or bag so that whatever is inside of it does not get damaged or ruined. Preferably make sure there is a way to close the container or tin you are using tightly, if needed tie it shut using ribbon or yarn to help prevent it from popping open inside your bags.
Now it’s time for the fun part of making your travel altar, selecting the items to go into it! Now depending on the size of your altar it will change what can fit into it, so feel free to play tetris a bit with what you are fitting into it. You want things to be a bit snug to prevent them bumping around and breaking but you don’t want it so tight that you can’t get anything out.
Some common things and suggestions to put into your travel altar: birthday candles, tealight(s), travel matches or lighter, crystal shards or small crystals, beads, packets of salt, packets of black pepper, dried herbs in small containers/bags, dried flowers, pine cones, acorns, leaves, branches/sticks, bark chips, tea, small sachets for on the go spells, images of animals or plants, feathers, small stones/rocks, runes and sigils written onto bark or paper, seeds and small figurines of animals or creatures.
For larger travel altars also consider adding: scissors, plastic or cloth baggies, small travel books on herbs, plants and/or trees, pocket notebook/sketchbook, pencils and pens, crystals and a portable wand.
Forest Witch Crafts, Spells and More
For this section I’m going to talk about a few at home crafts and spells that you can make and cast while in an urban setting once you have set up your space and gotten down your grounding. These crafts are all beginner friendly and can be done by entry level witches once they have gotten down grounding and centering their energy.
Forest Witch’s Ladder for Protection
You will need:
Twine
Scissors
7 Oak Branches/Sticks
2 Pine Sticks
Pine Cone
White Ribbon
Something to hang it from such as a repurposed clothing hanger or hook
Cut your twine to the lengths you desire it, though making sure all three are the same lengths. At the top tight a tight knot of your choosing, I usually use a simple square knot. Leave enough extra on one side of the knot to tie it to your hanger or hook. The rest of the twine should be long enough to allow you to work. Braid it in a simple 3 way braid before tying a tight knot, placing an oak branch below the knot (the pine are for the end) and snuggly securing it with the twine wrapping it in whatever way you feel fit. Secure it again with a knot pressed tightly below the branch and continue the braid. You may space out the branches however you like, whether they are close together or far apart. While braiding and securing branches, focus on the energy that is given off by the oak branches. Once you have secured all of the oak branches you add the pine branches until all branches have been secured into the braid. Use the bottom of your twine to begin securing the pine cone in whatever process you prefer, I am simple when it comes to my witch’s ladders so I often prefer to find a good section near the top of the pine cone and wrap my twine around it and secure it with a series of simple knots. Take your white ribbon and to close and finish your spell, tie a bow around the bottom part of the braid just above your pine cone.
Find a secure place in your bedroom or in any main room you spend most of your time in and hang it either upon the wall or on a door for protection. Every full moon it is recommended to cleanse and charge your Witch’s Ladder in the full moon’s light then rehang it in its place come morning.
Forest Poppets
These little poppets are easy to make using only a few items. Using an acorn or a pinecone for the head and if desired drawing a face to it and tying it either to some cloth, paper or sticks you can create a simple little doll for magickal workings.
Use these poppets to bring positive effects into your life. Create your doll and on some part of it write your name, initials or use a taglock such as a bit of hair tied to it. Different wood types will attract different things into your life. A few examples would be:
Apple: blessing, protection, love, inspiration
Ash: creativity, inspiration, healing, moving towards a goal
Cursing using these poppets can be quite easy too. Simply select a wood type with correspondences to the opposite of what you want for that person. Such as using cherry wood to remove romance from their life instead of bringing it in. To reverse after you have made the poppet and added the persons taglock, take black thread and bind them up tightly or use tape. Then seal the poppet into a jar and fill it with nasty things like muddy water, puddle water, black pepper, rotting vegetables/plants, dirt, etc and seal it tightly. Bury it in a dark place or keep it hidden away where it is is dark such as under sinks or in closets that are rarely used. To break the curse, open the jar, remove the poppet, cut the tape/thread and then dispose of the poppet properly.
Forest Witch Bath (from my bath post)
Supplies:
Pine Needles
Pinecones
Pine essential oil (2 drops)
3 bags of green or black tea
Green sachet
Mint
Cedar Chips
Green Candles (optional- tree or plant scented ones)
Steps: Light your candles and begin filling your tub. In you sachet add 1 part cedar chips and 1 part mint. Tie it shut and add to your bath as it fills. You may then add the pine needles to float freely or you may add them in a sachet as well. Add your two drops of pine oil once the tub is half filled to ensure it is well diluted in the bath. Add your tea bags into the water, line your tub with the pinecones and get in.
Note: essential oils can be harsh on certain skins, dilute the oil with a carrier oil and test on your skin to see if it affects you. If your skin is too sensitive for pine oil omit it from the spell.
Forest Witch Teas
There are several teas made from different trees that have several health benefits and magickal properties that are wonderful for spellcasting and overall forest witchery. A few helpful examples of these teas that are easy to purchase and find are listed below.
Pine Tea
Health: Health wise, properly gathered or purchased tea of this type is extremely good for you seeing as it is a ton of vitamin C. It is commonly used a vitamin C replacement for some individuals. It also has large amounts of vitamin A (though this one should be taken smaller amounts).
Correspondences: Pine corresponds mostly with endurance, strength, rebirth, celebration, and health
Willow Bark Tea
Health: Often referred to as “nature’s aspirin” or “the natural aspirin” willow bark tea is often used as a pain reliever for people and historically has been used for centuries. It is also often used for anti-inflammatory purposes. Though it can upset sensitive stomachs.
Correspondences: Willow trees often correspond with femininity, glamours, secrecy, invisibility, healing, sleep, fertility and emotional ties
Spruce Tea
Health: Spruce trees are very high in vitamin C making them great for immune systems and often used for vitamin supplements. Spruce needles are often used to soothe sore throats and coughs when made into a tea. It is also a great source of potassium.
Correspondences: astral travel, cleansing, purification, flight, creation, transformation, shapeshifting and ancient wisdom.
Deities of the Forest
This is a huge list of deities from different religions and mythology from around the world, none of which to my knowledge are closed religions. I did not list closed religion deities due to them being closed religions or religions such as Hinduism that requires someone to be initiated into it. (If I did accidentally list any closed religions please do let me know).
Baltic
Medeina: Goddess of forests, trees and animals
Celtic
Abnoba: Goddess of forests and rivers
Artio: Bear Goddess of the wilderness
Druantia: Goddess of Trees
Sucellus: God of agriculture, forests and alcohol
Vridios: God of vegetation, rebirth and agriculture
Egyptian
Ash: God of oasis and vineyards
English
Apple Tree Man: Spirit of the oldest apple trees
Chunnmilk Penny: Guardian spirit of unripe nut thickets
Finnish
Lempo: God of wilderness and archery
Tapio: God and Ruler of forests
Mielikki: Goddess of the forest and the hunt
Germanic
Ostara: Goddess of spring
Herne the Hunter: God of forests and wild animals
Greek:
Actaeon: God of wilderness, male and wild animals and the hunt
Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, wild animals, nature, wilderness, childbirth, virginity, fertility and health
Chloris: Goddess of flowers
Hegemone: Goddess of plants
Oxylus: God of forests and moutnains
Persephone: Goddess of spring and its growth
Physis: Primeval Goddess of nature
Mesopotamian
Abu: Mino plant God
Damu: God of vegetation and rebirth
Emesh: God of vegetation
Ningikugai: Goddess of reeds and marshes
Ninsar: Goddess of plants
Ua-Ildak: Goddess of pastures and poplar trees
Norse
Joro: Goddess and personification of Earth
Fjorgyn: Goddess and personification of Earth
Skadi: Goddess of mountains, skiing, winter, archery and hunting
Vidar: god of the forest, meditation, silence and wilderness
Roman
Ceres: Goddess of plant growth
Diana: Goddess of hunt, wild animals, wilderness and the moon
Faunus: Horned god of the forest, plains and fields
Feronia: Goddess of wildlife, fertility, health and abundance
Flora: Goddess of flowers and spring bloom
Fufluns: God of plant life, happiness, health and growth
Nemestrinus: God of the forests and woods
Pilumnus: God of nature and child growth
Pomona: Goddess of fruit trees, gardens and orchards
Silvanus: Spirit and Deity of woods and fields, protector of the forests
Slavic
Berstuk: Evil God of the forest
Jarilo: God of vegetation, fertility, spring, war and harvest
Porewit: God of woods, Protector of lost adventurers and voyagers, Punisher to those who mistreat the forest and nature
Simply put these are rules you put in place as a witch and spirit worker that all spirits working with you and residing around you are expected to follow and obey out of respect. They are like a contract that you have displayed out in the open for spirits to see. It is like posting the rules to the pool up for swimmers to look at, disobeying those rules may get you kicked from the pool and the same goes for your space and your House Rules. Spirits who disobey them are at risk of being asked to leave by you or other occupants of the house or even banished if need be.
Why have House Rules?
House Rules exist to protect you and other occupants of the home safe and make it clear to any spirit guests what is absolutely not allowed. Think of them as the first step of warding out those who you don’t want around, sure it may not deter spirits who are seeking to cause you trouble or harm but it can keep away those who you may just not get along with (though let it be noted House Rules are not a replacement for wards).
House Rules are a polite but authoritative way to make it clear your values as well. It is a good way to indirectly tell spirits in the area what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with. This can help prevent poor communication between you and your guests or even companions. You may use these rules to mark what areas of the house spirits are allowed to flock and where they are not welcomed, your personal ‘codes’ on behavior, who they may and may not interact with, who they may or may not take/borrow energy from etc.
What are some common House Rules?
There are quite a few common house rules that many witches or spirit workers have (of course not all have the same house rules) which are good ones to look at and take into consideration while making your own:
Where a spirit may NOT go (bathroom, personal bedroom, safe space, etc)
Who a spirit may NOT interact with (children, pets, roommate, grandparent, parent, etc)
Whether the spirit is allowed to touch you and/or others and the specific guidelines on this
If the spirit is or is not allowed to use your energy
Whether sexual advances are welcome or not
Things a spirit is NOT permitted to do (scare individuals, loom over others, harass pets, move or knock over things, etc)
How a spirit may interact with you and how they may NOT
Your needs and expectations (such as you come first with things, the spirit does not)
What are my House Rules?
As a good reference to some of you I thought it would be nice to post what my personal House Rules are currently. Note that they are sometimes flexible depending on what spirit I am working with.
WILLOW’S HOUSE RULES FOR SPIRITS AND COMPANIONS
You are NOT permitted into the bathroom without direct invitation
You are only allowed onto the bed without invitation
You are NOT allowed in (roommate’s name)’s or (sister)’s rooms/on their beds at all
You may interact with pet but only if it is positive interaction, harassing or scaring my pet on purpose is grounds for banishment
You may NEVER harm me, my pets or roommates, this will be taken extremely seriously
You may not touch or attempt sexual things (flirting, touching, seduction) to roommate or sister
You may only touch/flirt with me per spoken permission and on very specific grounds
NEVER make sexual touches or advances to me without FULL SPOKEN PERMISSION
ANY sort of racial slurs, sexual slurs, homophobic/biphobic/acephobic, or sexist behavior will be immediate grounds for banishment
You may not interact with anything burning (candles, incense, paper, etc) without spoken permission due to fire safety
When I or another is sleeping, unless it is an emergency, please do not disturb
Guests in house are to be left alone unless otherwise told via me AND the guest
No fighting, territorial disputes or hunting of others inside or around my home this is to be done elsewhere unless otherwise stated by me or in terms of emergency, self defense, etc
No making threats or insults to each other or other spirits unless otherwise told
Sarcasm is always welcome, but to be funny not to be mean or a bully
I am willing to allow you to feed off of my energy but you MUST ask first
Do NOT drain my energy when I am sleeping, ill or on my period unless I otherwise permit it due to these times being when even I am low on energy or uncomfortable sharing
I will ALWAYS put my health and comfort first, this is my home and so my rules, I will not accept abuse from any spirit towards me or any attempts at making my home life miserable or uncomfortable, you will banished without question
If you invite other spirits over be sure they too read and agree to these rules All who do not obey these rules may and can be asked to leave or banished from my home!
How do I come up with my own House Rules?
Well start with what makes you uncomfortable, things that you don’t want them doing such as touching you or invading private spaces. Take into consideration those you live with and what they would want, most roommates wouldn’t want strangers in their rooms right? So take that into consideration. If you have pets or children, take their safety and needs into consideration as well. Make sure you put your mental and physical health first in all cases. It is your home, so therefore they need to follow your rules. Them being there does not make them the boss, you are the boss.
How to post House Rules for spirits?
There are several ways, I personally post a few printed or written up copies around my personal spaces such as on my bedroom door, near my window, on my wall, in the stairwell and near the front door inside. Posting it nice and big in places for them to see is always a good way, similar to posting signs and rules in public spaces.
Another method is to write it up and burn it to ash and keep the ash in jars or containers near entry points of your property such as windows and doors. Some also bury the notices around their property either whole, folded or as ash so that entering spirits may sense them. Putting up astral rules via energy work onto your wards similar to giant signs placed onto walls is also an option. Really, choose whatever is convenient for you.
In Conclusion
Keeping House Rules for when you work with spirits or invite them into your home is a good way to ensure there is no miscommunication about Do’s and Don’ts in your home. It’s a good start to your own personal protection and the protection of others in your home. Keeping House Rules posted is very important so that all passing spirits can see it. Make sure to make it clear that all that break them will not be taken lightly and will not be welcomed back to your home.
“It binds its body with its tails to make itself look bigger. If it locks eyes, it will glare ceaselessly.” -Pokedex Entry
A glamour spell to protect oneself from threats and danger by making oneself appear intimidating and not worth it to approach.
You Will Need:
Garnet
Cinnamon Incense
Black Salt
Black or dark colored nail polish
Preparation:
Cleanse yourself and your area and if needed ground your energy. Set up a nice clear space where you can safely do your spell without worry of spilling anything or burning yourself with the incense. Make sure you are comfortable as well where you are practicing, do not wear long flowing sleeves to prevent fire dangers. Place your incense inside of a proper holder and your black salt around it in a circle. Take your garnet(s) and place them before you, if you are using chips or more than one then place them as it feels right for you. If desired you may play music that makes you feel powerful, focused and/or pumped up, heavy drum sounds or thunderstorm sounds can also help.
Steps:
Once you are set up light your incense and allow its smoke to burn throughout the spell
Open your nail polish as you begin the spoken part of the spell “I am not one to mess with, I am not one to toy with, I am one to respect and fear. If you cross me and try to dominate, I will stop you with my leer. My eyes and nails are black as shadows, my heart is beating and strong. You shall not harm me, you shall not scare me, you shall respect me all day/night long.”
As you are saying this (or your own version of it) paint your nails of your hand. Once done with the chant and nail painting blow upon them focusing on your intent to appear intimidating like a great shadowy feline to those who try to approach you. Wave your nails a few times in the smoke of the incense.
Repeat process above on second hand.
Once both hands are painted end the spell as you see fit and rest, you deserve it.
“It absorbs a spirit, which it then burns. By waving the flames on its arms, it puts its foes into a hypnotic trance.”
A curse to make another’s lives go numb and things they once enjoyed to feel dull. (This curse can be broken by the caster)
You will Need:
Pendulum (preferably obsidian or a dark stone/metal)
4 black candles
2 purple candles
Burning safe plate/bowl
Target’s name written on a strip of paper (
Bowl containing any of the following: cayenne pepper, chili powder, used coffee grounds, onion skin, dried garlic, catnip, poppy seeds and/or black peppercorn
Set Up:
Set up a good space for your spell to be cast. It needs to be comfortable but safe to burn your candles without risk of burning yourself or something else. Keep water or salt near you to help prevent any flare ups (only use water if no oil is on the candles or around the candles, oil fires and water do NOT mix). Cleanse yourself and your space as you feel is proper and ground/center yourself as needed.
Set up your candles up with two black candles on the outsides and the other two blacks on the inside with the purples between the outside and inside candles. Light the candles starting with the black candles outside in every other on each side, careful of not burning yourself. For small set ups a longer match or lighter is recommended.
Once all candles are lit place the bowl in front of you with candles on either side and herbs already mixed into the bowl. Once the bowl is placed you are ready to begin the spell.
Steps:
With your pendulum in your dominant hand hang it over the herbs and sway it very carefully side as to prevent it from hitting a candle or other object. Once you have a good flow going you may begin chanting: “Right, wrong, right, wrong. You have not done me any good, you have only done me wrong. For this I shall punish you. All that you love and all that brings you joy, shall only bring you emptiness, misery and void.” Repeat the last line three times.
Once you have finished the chant carefully on your fire safe plate/bowl light the name of the target you have written on fire using one of the candles of your choosing and let it burn to ash. Mix the ashes with the herbs and toss them in the trash.
Finish the spell by cleansing yourself, the area and your pendulum. Once you have well cleansed take a good long rest.
To Break Curse:
You can state ways to break the curse during your chant if you choose or determinants for it to break automatically such as “when they feel remorse” or “when they change their attitude” or you can set it to be a specific time such as “in 3 months the curse will lift.” this is all really up to you.
A binding spell to prevent someone from emotionally attacking you.
You Will Need:
Poppet
Freezer safe container
Water (preferably moon/new moon water)
Chamomile
Marker (preferably black)
Steps:
Make and create your poppet in your preferred method (though I do recommend using paper or cloth poppets). Once you have made your poppet write on it the words “I freeze you” anywhere you desire using your marker and the target’s name or initials.
Fill your freezable container with the water you will be using and add in the chamomile which should aid the spell in making the person’s aggressive nature weaker.
Place your poppet of the target into the water and make sure its submerged.
“I freeze you away, into a cage of ice, so you cannot target or make me weep, I freeze you away so safety I keep.”
If you have a lid for the container place it on, and place the entire thing into the freezer. Leave it there for as long as you wish to bind the person
Unbinding: To unbind the person and cancel the spell simply remove from the freezer, place in the sun and state three times “I thaw you out, I free you” and leave it there (preferably on a towel to prevent a mess) until it is fully melted. Dispose of the water and poppet properly.
Willow Wisp's Witching Corner 