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Foggy memories of August by @90377

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Kick start your spring season by getting some spiritual cleansing done! For more witchy content, tips on starting your practice and more >> follow or visit witchesbelike.com. 

Cleansing with the 4 elements is one of the first things I learned in Witchcraft and a really simple way to cleans tools, ritual items and even yourself. The process is really simple and involves passing each item through an elemental representation. The best part is that you can find things outside or use items you already have to represent each element in your cleansing. I still use this cleanse on the reg, especially with new items, tarot and just really anything that I feel like needs a good energy clearing. 

The first thing you need to do is find or acquire an item that represents each of the 4 elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Use 4 separate items. I’ve listed below my suggestions but feel free to use whatever representation makes sense and speaks to you. 

Element Representation

For Earth you can use small potted plants, dried herbs, leaves, small sticks, crystals or even smooth rocks. 

Air representations can include bird feathers (that have fallen off naturally), incense or dandelions. 

For fire you can use candles of any kind, incense or metal objects that have been welded like old keys and small trinkets like rings or pendants. 

Water is the easiest, use a small glass or bowl of water. (Bonus if it’s moon water.) You can also use sea shells, tea cups, or even brewed hot tea.

Don’t feel stuck to these items only. If something speaks to you and you feel like it represents an element for you, use that item instead. The best representations to elements are ones that have a personal connection to you. 

Cleansing 

After collecting your items, place them on your alter or on a flat surface where you will be doing your cleanse. Space out each elemental representation in a square starting with Earth. Light any incense or candles if you have them for your element representations. 

Now, take the object you are going to cleanse and ‘pass them through’ each element starting with Earth. For instance if you are cleansing a new ritual tool and are using crystals for your Earth representation simply pass the item over AND under the crystal to cleanse of the energy. When you’re done move onto the next element. Repeat until all 4 elements are used and your items is cleansed. 

Safe Keeping

Keep your element ritual items in a small box or drawstring bag until next time and leave them in a space where they won’t be disturbed. If you have items you can’t keep such as leaves from outside or water in a cup, you can bury the contents outside or use the water to water plants. 

* The graphic for this post was created by Obsidian Oddessy. Please check out her amazing painting for magical beings!  

Living With Intention

When I first heard of living with intention I thought it was just some girl boss energy that I didn’t really want to participate in. I’m not a hustle wake up at 5 am person, so that never really works for me. I’m more of a lay in bed until 11 and I’m hungry enough to get coffee gtype person. So I initially just brushed it off as another lazy way businessmen are trying to hype up manifesting money. (That never really works mind you,) But then I learned that living with intention isn’t goal setting, it’s a lifestyle that adheres to what you want and how you can live your life to make it happen, in any way that you want. And no, you don’t have to get up at 5 am everyday to make it happen. 

Intentions not goals

I HATE goals. Like deep hate for them. All that slander in the early days of hustle culture really hit a nerve because not everyone is built for that same energy. And I saw a lot of people feel really guilty when they failed simply because that system was not designed for them.

When I say we are all different, I mean it. Each member of my family has a different energy type. So when you have one recipe for goal getting, it’s not going to work for everyone in the room. And yes, some people will fail and it has nothing to do with how hard they tried or how much effort they put into it, despite what all the hustle gurus tell you. 

Because it’s all about intentions NOT goals. You see, goals are little demons that crawl around making you feel guilty for stepping outside of your dream and doing something different just because you feel like it. Example 1: Oh you overslept, you didn’t get up at 4:30am and you missed your workout class now you are a failure forever. How is that mindset even healthy?!

Intentions are more simple and have a slower pace. Intentionally I want to someday live in an old Victorian house that we can fix up and make beautiful again. So I look up how to fix things and practice in my current home. I also read blogs on fixer-uppers and DIY everything I can in my house. This helps prepare me for the big dream. Intentions are not goals, but small steps you take to move forward with what you want. Can intentions change? Sure, I may never even move (LOL) or I may fall in love with a different style home. But does that mean I’m a failure? No, it means my intentions have changed and there’s room for that flexibility. 

Intentions can be other things, like career choices, what you want to study in school or how you visualize your life. Let’s say you want to someday be a salon owner. You can start living intentionally by researching salon ownerships, studying business or researching where you can get your cosmetology license. All of these things have the intention of someday being a salon owner. You can also do other things like enjoy your life, go out with your friends and work on your mental health. None of the other things take away from living with your intentions. It just means you are experiencing a full life. 

Intentions are moving forward daily and taking small steps towards how you want to build your life, without all the drama that comes with goal setting. With intentions there’s room for failure, flexibility, and changing your mind all while still manifesting the life you want.   

How I live intentionally

Journaling

Journaling has always been a big way for me to sort out my feelings and I incorporate that into my intentional living. I know goal setting is all about writing your goals, and setting time frames but we are setting intentions here so let’s scrap that. If you want to set intentions and use your journals, write how you feel. How you would feel walking into your salon (if that’s your goal) or what you feel like researching or doing in the next month to live in your intention. If you manifested life includes owning a salon, maybe you want to look up cosmetology schools in your area, or maybe you want to do something fun like practice doing your own hair. Either Way make sure it’s bringing you energy and lots of happiness when you’re doing it. Intentions should never feel like work or a chore, they should feel fun and full of invigorating energy.

Making a mood board or collage

Start by clipping images, having a dedicated Pinterest board or just using Tumblr to get an aesthetic of how you see yourself in the future. If you’re owning a salon in your future you can imagine how it would look on the inside, maybe pick a logo or color palette or make business cards for fun on Canva. Remember it doesn’t have to be stressful or complete. Just fun ways you envision yourself living the life you want. 

I like to  categorize everything to make it easier for me, so I might have several folders on my laptop with pictures of things I’ve gathered over the years. My folders are categorized in things like, family, home, career, money etc. That way I can see each board individually and play around with the images I find online. Sometimes I print them out, sometimes I don’t. 

The important part of making a board or collage is to help visualize how you see yourself in the future. If you want to go to a specific school or live in a certain state, start compiling images in that space and picture yourself there. Use full sensory visualization. How does it feel? What is your day like? Remember visualization makes reality because our thoughts are things. 

Using spells

Spellwork is a great way to move forward with your intentions and can be the magical boost you need. Want to get a certain job? Maybe as your first step towards a new career? Before you interview, do a spell to set up that energy up for success. You can continue to use spellwork throughout your life to manifest your needs step-by-step and create a mindset where you are attracting what you want. 

It helps to break down your intentions into digestible parts and start with the first step. Each time you move towards another step in your journey see if you can incorporate spellwork into your manifestation. Each little jump forward is you moving closer to the life you want and more importantly living your truth.

Art on this post was created by Obsidian Odyssey! Thank you for collabing with me and creating the art for this post. Check out her witchy blog! Also she’s an AMAZING artist and has a free coven you can join!

There are probably a million reasons why sometimes spells just don’t work. Most of the time it comes down to needing to do the inner work or just waiting a little longer than you thought necessary for the magic to happen. Just like anything else, witchcraft is a practice and spell work takes time. So if you’ve been feeling out of focus with your casting there’s probably a reason why your spells aren’t checking out. 

Read below for my top ten reasons why sometimes spells just don’t budge. 

1 You didn’t do the inner work

The number one reason why magical intention doesn’t move the energy you wanted it to is because there are blocks, energy blocks. All these blocks are blocking up your ability to push forward to what you really want. Want to focus on more of your magic? Do the work to remove the blocks so you can forge ahead. 

2 Your spell doesn’t align with your highest intention 

Yes we all have the greatest potential, but what if what you’re asking for isn’t really aligning with that? Maybe you’re destined for bigger things…like owning that big company but you’re asking for a small fry raise at a place that drives you crazy with a toxic boss instead? If you have a calling go for it, don’t settle for second best. Your magic will help you more when you’re aligned with what you’re supposed to do. 

3 You don’t have enough focus

Spells are hard to perform. They’re even harder with kids, siblings, noisey housemates or any other interruptions bargingin in during your ritual work. If you really think you weren’t focusing enough, don’t force it. Just try the spell again when you can get a little quiet time instead. 

4 It just didn’t work

For reasons beyond understanding it just wasn’t meant for you (or me). I like to think of cases like this where my spirits are looking down the tunnel of my future and saving me from some really horrible outcome. So I say in instances like these, don’t force it, just go with the flow. 

5 You’re meant to focus your energy elsewhere

Just like the spell not aligning with your highest intention, it could be that your energy is needed elsewhere. Pay attention to where you are being drawn to. Something better could be waiting around the corner. 

6 You just need to practice

Pushing your magical energy out there to attract what you want in your life is not an easy task. It takes many years of dedication and practice to get it right. No one is perfect at it, and especially if you’re just starting out you may just need to practice. Don’t get frustrated, just like anything else, practice makes spells perfect.

7 You really don’t want it

Did someone beg you to perform the spell (the worst). Or is it something you really don’t want to do or happen? Dig deep and really ask yourself those hard questions. Are you manifesting what you truly want for yourself? 

8 The spell you used was off

Spells are weird. And there are a LOT of bad spells. Sometimes it’s hard to see which spells are not it and maybe the one you’re using just isn’t vibing with your energy. If it’s something you really want, switch up the spell and try again. 

9 You don’t believe

Belief is the number one drive in your magical force. If you don’t believe it’s like driving a car with no gas in the tank. Believe, believe, believe. 

10 You’re just having an off day

Maybe you’re just having an off day. It could be the planetary alignment, some funky person bothering your vibe at the gym, or a multitude of reasons why your energy was off. Even the best witches have off days. Dust off your spell and try again. 

I know the saying is spirituality isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t mean it has to be inaccessible. I remember how difficult it was starting my practice and wanting to get all the things that cost all the money and having neither. One of my favorite go-to places from way back then (and still is)  was the dollar store. If you really look up and down the isles, you’ll find so many things you can use in your practice on the cheap.

My advice to baby witches just starting their collection of craft items is be patient. Set a budget of a few things and make sure they are the items you need to use on the reg. Once you’ve picked up your first couple of things, plan out the next few pieces you will need to help expand your craft. Don’t worry about getting everything you need at once. More than likely you won’t need everything you think you do in the beginning anyway. 

Make sure you are purchasing à la carte items one at a time as needed, and stay away from Etsy and spiritual shops that tend to overcharge. Instead, use them to pick up special items like crystals or blended oils that you can’t get at a discount store. And always keep your eyes open at garage sales, thrift shops and your grandmas house.

*Each local dollar store will have different inventory, so your dollar store might vary in what they have available. Take note of what they have but check back every few months when they rotate their stock. 

Notebooks, Pens/Pencils - Note books, pens and pencils will be at every dollar store. You can even pick up markets or colored pencils. 

Journals - Journals are sometimes stocked with the book isle. So I usually check that area to see if there are any blank journals I want to use for spell books or craft journals. 

Candles - Dollar stores are the jackpot for candles. You can get pillar candles, tea lights or votives in glass.

Offering Plates - They typically have clear glass bowls you can use for offering plates or even small dishes. 

Bottles (Glass or plastic) - I’ve found colorful glass bottles with cork tops at one time or another, this might be a seasonal item. 

Mirrors - Mirrors are always good for reflecting spells so pick up a few for protection/reflection magic. 

Olive Oil - You can use olive oil to anoint and bless. Grab a bottle if they have it in stock. 

Essential Oil - Your dollar store may carry a limited amount of essential oils, if they do you know you’ve scored big. No doubt these aren’t real essential oils and probably more like fragrance oil, so I wouldn’t put directly on my skin, but you can still use them in candles and just in general. 

Boxes/Bins/Storage - Any dollar store will have loads of bins, and storage to hold all your witch crafty items in. 

Incense/Incense holders - My dollar store always stocks incense cones, so I know they will be there, but I’ve seen sticks and some too. 

Jars - Grab some canning jars! You will definitely need them to make spell jars and hold items in. 

Yardley Soap - In my opinion, this soup is so overlooked. This original recipe dates back to the 1700s and is made in London. Use it for cleansing and ritual work. 

Clay - Clay can be used to make small pentacles and even painted with paint from the dollar store. You can use clay to create other alter items as well like candleholders, beads and jewelry. 

Calendars/Planners - Most calendars and planners will have the moon phases written on them, and if not you can always go in month to month and write it in yourself. Planners are a great way to track moon phases and spells that are coming up.

Drawstring Bags - Perfect to house herbs, crystals or anything you want to carry around with you in a little pouch. 

Chalk - Chalk can be used to draw on doors, windows and porches for protection symbols. You can also use it to draw your circle around you when you cast spells. 

String - String can be bought for tying up bags, knot spells or cord spells so definitely something handy to have around. 

Felt - Not every dollar store will have felt, but it’s worth a mention. Use for making poppets and dolls. If your dollar store doesn’t carry felt, craft stores usually carry it for a dollar a sheet.

A small stool or shelf - If you’re looking for a small alter space you might be able t find a shelf or small stool/table. 

Table cloth - Dollar stores will generally have this item either in the party section or in the household items. Typically they come in white but if you go during Halloween season you might be able to score a black one. 

Seasonal decorations - Always head over to the dollar store for any seasonal items. Think Yule décor, Halloween decorations and so much more. 

Lighter/Matches - A regular find at any dollar store and super useful. 

Paper - Loose leaf lined paper or computer paper is always good to have on hand aside from notebooks.

Spices (Garlic/Salt/Cinnamon) - They won’t carry all the spices, but a dollar store will have a small selection. Look for cinnamon, garlic, salt and sugar. 

Honey - Perfect for making honey jars and sweetening up spells. 

Candles are of course a witches go to. Almost every spell, ritual or cleanse calls for at least a candle or two to help elevate the energy. It’s something about even lighting the candle in the first place that starts setting the mood. Think about a birthday cake, you light the number of candles according to how old you’re turning, make a wish, then blow them all out. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s totally a spell. 

If you’re new to Witchcraft and want to sort it all out, follow the guide below. I didn’t really intend on writing this much on candles, selling as there is already so much information available on the subject, but I just started to roll with whatever I was thinking. 

Types of Candles

Pillar Candles - These are thick round candles that can usually stand on their own. They come in any range of colors and sometimes scents. Pillar candles in my experience are used as a sort of decoration or just an altar candle. I’ve seen altars or spaces decorated with lots of different height pillar candles dripping everywhere. It makes for an amazing aesthetic. If you are using Pillar Candles, place a coaster or heatproof glass on the bottom of your candle to protect the surface you are burning the candle on. 

Mini Spell Candles - These candles you’ve probably seen at any local mystical or witch shop. They come in a range of rainbow colors and are larger than a birthday candle but smaller much smaller than a Pillar Candle. Mini Spell Candles are definitely a staple in many witches’ cabinets, and oftentimes witches (like myself) keep several in every color just in case. When a spell asks for a certain color of candle, they are usually referring to these. The best thing about these candles is that they are pretty inexpensive, and you can grab a bunch in any color for all your spell casting needs.

Candles in Shapes (like a man or woman or skull) - These candles are more specific. They are sometimes used to target a specific person or even just yourself. The shape or figure of the candle can represent your target in a more personal way. These candles can be used for a wide range of reasons and come in a variety of colors to suit any spell working. 

Tea Lights - I’m a Tea Light advocate. I know they’re not very witchy, but you can grab a bag at any dollar store and use them for everything. I like to use them to line the bathtub for any ritual baths, decorate my altar, and even carve intentions on them or symbols and burn them for small spells. I also use Tea Lights for tarot readings and any sort of Divination. The versatility of these little guys is what makes me a Tea Light fan. 

Votive Candles - Votive candles to me are glorified Tea Lights. They are small sort of fat Pillars and need to be encased in a glass votive. Hence, the name. I haven’t seen too many of these in very specific colors but I do have a bunch on hand in case. Just like the Tea Lights, you can purchase these at a discount store and are generally not very expensive.

Knob Candles - I’ve only used knob candles a couple of times. You can recognize them by their specific look, they literally have seven or so knobs on them. The intention for this is that you cast the spell and burn one knob a day. Be warned the knobs take forever to burn, so make sure you have enough time to babysit this guy each day. 

7 Day Candles - 7 Day Candles are sort of like the knob candle, however they are tall candles that come in a glass vase. These candles are generally poured, and sometimes the glass has decoration on it according to it’s intention. You can purchase these ‘fixed’ or charged with intentions like luck or money, and they come in a variety of colors. You can also purchase these white and create your own intentions by decorating the glass vase yourself and adding your own oils and herbs to the candle. 

Dipped Candles - These are what I think of when I think of original old school candles. They sometimes come in a pair with the wick connecting the two candles. Dipped candles are usually crafted by a candle maker, and if you find a witch who dips and sells her own candles you’re in luck!

Tall Candles - Tall candles are your basic candles that people used to have out on their dining room table in brass or metal candleholders. I think most people use them for decoration, but you could add them to your alter or spells. I don’t typically use them for whatever reason.

Candle Color Meanings

White - White is used for cleansing, new beginnings and fresh starts. White can also be used for clarity and divination.

Black - Black absorbs negativity, so I’ve always used it to get rid of negativity, protection, or banishing. 

Blue - Blue is tranquil. Use blue candles in your spell work for focus, peace and wisdom. 

Orange - Orange is a bright and happy color. It brings out joy, stimulates energy and attraction. (The manifesting kind, not the lover kind.)

Yellow - Yellow is more of a breaking blocks kind of color. It also brings confidence and new ideas to the table. 

Pink - Pink is all the things like love, passion, self-love, happiness and even romance. 

Purple - Purple is more of a regal color and with it comes meditation, connecting to your spirits, and intuition. 

Green - Green is all about money, success and prosperity. It attracts wealth and abundance. 

Red - While pink is the color of romantic love, red is straight up passion and power. Increased energy and courage. 

Gold - Gold is the masculine color and can bring about success and abundance. I like to use gold for money too.

Silver - Silver is the feminine version and is more about connecting to the goddess. Silver is used for deepening your spiritual connection and developing psychic abilities.