#male witches

Look who came today! Lord Apollo showed up from the mystical world of Etsy! I had to give him an immediate space on my working alter right away!

dharc16:

Hello my fellow Christian witches, and my fellow pagan witches out there, I come to you with this post because I figured : “ hey! there are many witches out there and they all identify themselves with different forms like Sea Witch, Storm Witch, Swamp Witch, and the like. So why not introduce the types of magic that are really common and practiced among all of us witches out there!”

So here are the 5 Types of Magic, and I hope that no one feels offended, or feels like what is this asshole talking about? These types are so common, and are categorized according to the source of energy rather than the way!

Blessed be to all!

Types of Magic:
Magic has two components: intention and amplification. The following 5 classifications are based on that second component. I divided all the different types of magic according to the source of energy rather than on the way of doing it. On a side note, I did not include divination because it is NOT a form of magick. Divination is a way to gain insight: you can’t use it to manifest things (unless you use it as a magical tool). So, without further ado, here are the 5 basic types of magic.

1. NATURAL MAGIC
This is probably the most common form of magic. Any magic that deals with the forces of nature falls under that category. Natural magic incorporates all four natural elements (Earth, Air, Water and Fire) but also Sea, Weather, Crystals, and much more. Natural magic is also called folk magic or low magic because it does not require a lot of preparation and tools to perform. You can practice it anywhere, intuitively, using what you have on hand. Casting a sacred circle isn’t even necessary! It’s been practiced since the dawn of time by shamans, healers, medicine women, druids, and other traditional witches around the world. Potions, talismans and amulets are typical examples of natural magic (but you are not limited to these of course!).

2. PLANETARY MAGIC
Planetary magic draws its energy from heavenly bodies such as the Sun, the Moon, and the planets of our solar system. This kind of magic is based from the age-old tradition of astrology. Lunar and solar magic also falls under this category. In their simplest form, Full Moon rituals are a mix of natural and planetary magic. To perform planetary magic, you need a good knowledge of astrology and astronomy. This kind of magic requires more planning than natural magic because you have to carefully select the perfect time and material corresponding to your goal and to the planet that you will work with.

3. CHAOS MAGIC
In Chaos magic, you draw your energy from your own psyche. To charge their spells, chaos magic practicionners need to be in a gnosis, or altered state of consciousness. This state can be attained in various ways such as meditation, drumming, dance, intense physical effort and even sexual intercourse. It’s only when you’ve reached this specific mental state that you can charge your spell with your own energy. It’s as if you were programming the Universe AND your own subconscious at the same time. For this reason, chaos magic doesn’t require a lot of preparation or theorical knowledge. If you know how to attain gnosis, you can practice it anywhere, using what you’ve got on hand. You don’t need to cast a sacred circle either. Of course, the most popular form of chaos magic is sigil crafting. However, there are many other ways to practice chaos magic such as the cut-up technique, linking sigils, and servitors. Since there are no rules in chaos magic, be creative and feel free to experiment. Keep in mind that anything that uses symbols can be used as a support for chaos magic, even tarot cards. However, be very careful what you wish for! Chaos magic is very neutral and unfiltered, so you might be surprised by the results of your spells.

4. CEREMONIAL MAGIC
Ceremonial magic is also called High Magic by some. It is an ancient form of magic that uses complicated sets of rules, rituals, symbols and tools. Its probably the most “occult” form of magic. The magic from all initiatic orders falls under this category (such as the Institute of Hermetic Studies, the Society of the Inner Light, O.T.O., Rosicrucians, Templars, Golden Dawn, Freemasonry, etc). Besides, you need to be initiated by a member in order to practice it. Here, the energy source is the egregor of each specific tradition. Since a lot of these traditions are highly philosophical, their spells and rituals need a lot of prior knowledge and planning. Since I’m not a member of any initiatic order, I don’t know much about it. All I know is that a lot of ceremonial magic is based on the Kabballah and alchemy.

5. SUMMONING MAGIC
Summoning magic draws its energy from entities of other planes of consciousness such as gods and goddesses, faeries, spirit animals, angels, and even demons and “ancestors,” for Dark Magic practitioners. Therefore, this category incorporates all rituals and spells requiring the summoning of an entity. Here, the practitioner does not act on their own. Instead, spells and rituals are performed in the name of the entity that has been summoned. This form of magic is practiced in all devotional magical traditions such as Wicca and other neopagan religions. Summoning magic requires knowledge, planning and dedication in the long run. Working with a spiritual guide of any kind is the most powerful form of summoning magic.

For my Christian witches,  I do not recommend the Summoning magic, although it is frequently used, because it is too easy for an evil entity to impersonate an angel of light, your dead ancestor, etc. It is quite dangerous, however popular it is. I do recommend praying to God. As for my pagan witches who prefer dealing with such entities, please be careful and keep protected! If ever visited by any evil entity do perform a banishment spell under any circumstances!

Wanted to share this for others to see! Since we don’t encourage labeling witches much! Here is an old post on types of magic we witches practice ❤️ love and light to all of you!

playboi-reads:

First, what are aspects? 

Simply put, aspects are the relationships made between planets. It’s how their energies interact with one another mathematically. Aspects (geometrically) are the slices of our Natal wheel, the Zodiac Circle. This circle adds up to 360 degrees. Half of the circle will give you 180 degrees, or an opposition. Dividing this circle into four equal parts will give you 90 degrees, or a square.

The Conjunction:

Conjunctions are planets that are very close together falling 0-10 degrees away from each other. Conjunctions can be described as easy as well as hard aspects depending on which planets are involved in the conjunction. A conjunction is the integration of two planetary energies. For instance, a Sun conjunct Venus aspect would indicate the Sun’s ego blends well with Venus’s grace and charm making for an optimistic, social individual on a surface level. This would be considered an “easy” conjunction. However, Mars conjunct Saturn would be a more difficult conjunction as Mars may feel restricted under Saturn’s rules and regulations, expressing themselves could seem harder, or center their energy on success and work while desensitizing them to emotion. Conjunctions typically fall under the same sign but there are still Out-of-Sign Conjunctions which are planets 0-10 degrees away from each other but occupying different signs. 

The Opposition: 

In case you didn’t get an inkling by it’s name, this is a hard aspect. Like mentioned above, oppositions are 180 degrees apart, meaning planets that are in opposition to one another are directly across each other on the wheel. Forexample the 1st house opposes the 7th house, the 2nd house opposes the 8th. Oppositions are like two energies on a seesaw, one goes up the other goes down. These two energies need balancing as they can swing from extreme to extreme. For instance, someone with moon opposite Pluto would struggle with integrating their emotional needs and comfort with their desire for power, control and strength. Creating a “ticking time bomb” like individual, due to suppressing (Pluto) their emotions (moon) for long periods of time till it all bubbles up to the surface resulting in explosions and outbursts. Oppositions are not a death sentence and can be remedied. In fact, oppositions are quite complimentary energies to one another, as the saying goes “Opposites attract.” (Determine what Signs Oppose each other here.)

The Square:

Squares are formed by 90 degree angles and for the most part can be found by counting three houses away from each other. Squares are also regarded as difficult aspects as the planetary energies here are having difficulty blending together. I usually describe a square between two planets as the planets are having a consistent argument between each other. They’re fighting. Squares highlight our inner conflicts and where we are challenged.Sun square moon would highlight where our emotional nature conflicts with our ego and outer persona. Squares lead to the most growth as they cause the most stress. Here is where we are challenged again and again until we get it right. Knowing the source of these conflicts give us a better handle on them and more control. (Determine what Signs Square each otherhere.)

The Trine:

Trines are formed by 120 degree angles, mathematically found by dividing the Zodiac circle by three. Trines are very easy aspects as the two planetary energies integrate harmoniously without any effort. Trines are the talents that come naturally to us, without a second thought. Here are the things that “fall into our lap.” At times these energies flow so easily through us we don’t even notice them, so a lot of times our trines are overlooked and taken for granted. For example, Moon trine Neptune can indicate a natural empathic and intuitive nature, easily picking up on energies of their environment and others. However, these individuals can have a tendency to ignore/distrust their inner voice and intuition telling them that someone is giving off a bad vibe. (Determine what Signs Trine each other here.)

The Sextile:

If you divide the Zodiac Circle by six you’d end up with a 60 degree angle, which is half a trine, or in other words a Sextile. The Sextile functions a lot like the trine except that it requires a bit of effort. These energies reflect our potential gifts and talents that we have to tap into. Unlike the trine, these energies are more apparent to us. For instance, Venus sextile Neptune can point to potential artistic abilities, the individual may have always had a quiet yearning to indulge in the arts. It’s not until they pick up a paintbrush and discover that they’re a Picasso incarnate. This is a harmonious aspect as the planetary energies here work together as friends. The Sextile points to gifts and skills  we can access with ease. We work fluently and efficiently with ourselves here. (Determine what Signs Sextile each other here.)

HOW AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE TAKING SPIRITUAL BATHS

There are so many times where you’re either having a bad day, have a lot on your mind, or you just aren’t feeling up to par. How do you tackle these ailments so that you can move freely throughout the day?

WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL BATH?

So what exactly is a spiritual bath?

A spiritual bath is nothing more than a cleansing session where you take the necessary time to yourself to cleanse the physical body, your aura and you mind.

There is no set way to take a spiritual bath, your ritual is completely up to you. We’ll go over some examples of what you can use and how you should proceed with the bath later in this post.

Now I bet you’re wondering, “Why should I take these baths? How do I benefit from them?” Let’s start by saying that there are no negatives to indulging in a spiritual bath. Many of you already bathe in the tub anyway, so why not take an extra step to heal yourself and your mind? Along with cleansing, relaxing, and attracting positive things into your life, the baths aid in grounding the soul. Listed below are some of the possible steps and tools you can implement when you begin to take your much needed spiritual baths.

PREPARING FOR YOUR BATH AND SETTING INTENT

One of the first and most important steps you should take before taking your spiritual bath is setting your intent. Setting your intent is basically figuring out and knowing the reason why your doing something. I find that it helps to write it out on paper as I say it out loud. That way I am using multiple senses. I am using touch (writing), sight (reading), and hearing (my voice as I read).

You can draw your bath and expect healing results without knowing where to direct the healing energy. To get the best and most effective results, be sure to cleanse your space. Remove the clutter, get rid of any trash, and open the windows to let in fresh air. It may also be a great idea to shower before the bath, to be sure your body is open to new energy.

GATHERING YOUR NECESSITIES AND SETTING THE MOOD

The items you bring into the bathroom with you should all be there to support the intention you are focusing on. There are not set rules on what you should have or use during your spiritual baths.

One way to set the mood is by utilizing candles. Candles are great because they serve so many roles. They can be used in place of inorganic light, the aromas are extremely therapeutic, and create an ambience like no other.

You may also want to incorporate herbs and essential oils. You can choose ones for health or relaxation or that correspond to the intention you choose to set. There are tons of herbs you can use, it’s just the matter of picking the ones that suit your needs. In The Grimoire for the Green Witch, Ann Moura lists several herb blends to incorporate in your herbal spiritual baths:

FOR COMFORTING: Calendula (Marigold), Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Raspberry Leaves, Rosemary.

FOR ENERGY: Heather, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Savory.

FOR PEACE: Chamomile, Hops, Lavender, Peppermint, Rose.

FOR RELAXATION: Chamomile, Dianthus, Heather, Jasmine Flower, Lemon Balm.

Soothing: Calendula, Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Rosemary.

FOR STRESS RELIEF: Chamomile, Dianthus, Lemon Balm.

Music is another component that I believe could really help bring in wanted energy. You could listen to meditation music, nature sounds, or your favorite songs. You can also use white noise machines, which are pretty unique on their own. Of course, be sure to keep all electronics away from the water because you can’t go into a spiritual bath creating additional problems for yourself.

Sea salt is another must have in my opinion. Sea salt is used to help draw out the impurities in the body, such as bacteria and other debris. When choosing you salts, be sure to pick the best quality, unprocessed salts. Normal table salt should be avoided because it takes out needed minerals, instead of drawing them in. 100% natural, raw and unrefined Himalayan Pink Sea Salt is wonderful.

COMBINING IT ALL AND DIVING IN DEEP

Now that you’ve cleansed your space, and gathered your intent and tools, it’s time to combine it all together. Step into the water filled with lovely scented herbs, sit down and begin to take that mental dive into the world of relaxation. If you are tense, this bath just won’t work for you. As the water rushes around the tub, imagine all of the negative energy being pulled from your body and your intentions being manifested. When you are settled in, take some time to pray and then be still and listen for God’s response. When your bath is complete, release the water down the drain and envision all of that unwanted energy flowing away, and thank the universe for all it has done and will do for you.

This lesson was loosely adapted from an article by Star Wolf’s Den.

DAILY MAGICAL RITUALS or MAKING EACH DAY SACRED

It’s a common thing to hear someone say that there’s a difference between their magical lives and their mundane lives. Rituals become the monthly or yearly gatherings (think High days and Holidays). In reality, we have the ability to step into ritual each and every day. And each and every day is sacred and its own ritual, if you make it so. Here are a few simple suggestions for marking each day as sacred.

WAKING RITUALS

When you first awaken, connect with one or all of the Trinity. Give thanks for a new day and for Their love and care. Do this first thing upon waking every morning and you will begin to notice that you are more aware of their presence throughout the day.

As you wake, stretch your body. Give thanks to yourself for what you can do with your body today (Leave the judgments, aches and pains for another ritual!).

Connect with your breath and know that whatever comes your way this day, you can return to your breath.

After joining your family, tell yourself, a partner, a child, a pet, or the plants in your home what they mean to you. “Good morning ____. I love spending Sabbath mornings with you” can become a lovely ritual all by itself.

And don’t forget to stir positive intentions into your morning coffee or tea!

MEAL TIMES

Preparing a meal, for me, is a sacred time of the day. A simple ritual you can create while prepping a meal is to visualize love and health flowing from you into the food, whether it is for your family or for yourself.

Another thing I like to do is to light a candle when I begin prepping, and send a prayer up to God for the health of my family. When the food is ready, I snuff out the candle and thank God for their health.

While eating, I enjoy the taste of my food and thank God for the food. I like to ask for God’s blessing before the meal, and I like to say thank you to God at the end of the meal. Most people do not even bother to ask God’s blessing upon the meal at the beginning of the meal, much less give thanks for the meal at the end of the meal, but if you will try these traditions, you will find that they can really make a difference in your outlook and on the meal itself. If you are at home, or even if you are in public if it does not make you uncomfortable, try holding your hands out in a cupped position as you ask God for Their blessing. This, too, can make more of an impact on you than you might think.

CLEANSING RITUAL

At the end of each day, give yourself the luxury of cleansing away the day. Whether in a shower, a bath or just by sprinkling yourself with aromatic water – gently wash away the day looking back at the challenges, joys, people and mysterious ones that participated in life with you.

ALTAR RITUAL

Take a few moments each day to sit with your altar. Take a few minutes to calm yourself and connect with God during this time. This is an absolute necessity!

What messages does your altar have for you? Does it need tending in some way? Is there something calling to be added or something that is being called to be removed?

This might also be a good time to practice your meditation!

PLEASURE RITUAL

Give yourself the gift of pleasure each day. This might be that 30 minutes devoted to reading an engaging book, having a delicious cup of tea, listening to your favorite playlist, singing in the shower – Something that speaks to you of pure pleasure for the sake of pleasing yourself. (Note: use good judgment here – the “17 shots of tequila” ritual may have unintended consequences and might not be in your best interests!)

JUST BEFORE SLEEP RITUAL

Use relaxation techniques and deep breathing techniques and stretching to relax your body when you first lie down. Do not play a video game or do something that might stimulate your mind. Read a chapter in a book or something else that is relaxing. Make sure that the lights are dim.

Immediately after turning out the light and closing your eyes, take several deep breaths and calm and clear your mind. Tell one or all of the members of the Trinity goodnight and thank them for Their blessings and care and protection throughout your day. Ask them to bring you and your loved ones safely through the night. Contrary to popular depiction, this is NOT the time to start praying for your problems and your entire prayer list. This is a time to connect with God. Take a few moments to LISTEN for God’s response. FEEL God’s arms wrapped around you, Their love flowing around you, comforting you, embracing you. Drift off to sleep secure in the knowledge that They hold you safe in Their arms and that you are loved and cherished and treasured.

Rituals can be wonderfully complicated, requiring tools and incantations and over the top locations and they can be the incredibly, deliciously understated. The important thing, at least for me, is to recognize and engage with ritual practices daily.

Note: you may notice God a lot, I’m a Christian Witch, so don’t get offended or feel wrong! Take what resonates with this teaching as it fits your practices