#witchvibes
Rainbows! Didn’t really know what I wanted to wear today and ended up with this. Dress is thrifted, corset belt is Shein, necklace is Hot Topic and boots are YRU. My allergies are going crazy today so I think I’m going to just hide inside for the most part. I made the mistake of re-watching the old Gossip Girl and I got totally sucked At least I’m finally on the last season.
CENTERING, SHIELDING & FILTERING.
Shielding and Filtering require visualization. If you find visualizing hard, I would suggest trying to “feel” things instead of “seeing” them. Almost like having the impression of something, if you can’t actually see it.
I suggest you always Center before any type of magical working.
CENTERING: is the practice of collecting together our energy. We collect it into a central point in our being from which we can direct and release it into the world.
To Center:
1.) Begin with a deep cleansing breath. (Good stuff in, bad stuff out.)
2.) Become aware of yourself. Notice that you are present where you are. (For me - I’m currently at the library, sitting in the back, typing this up for you. It’s not that deep, lol.)
3.) Locate the part of your being that feels like you. This is your center.
4.) Begin to breath in and out from your center. See/Feel your breath flow to and from that spot.
5.) Close your eyes and imagine your energy gathering in one spot. You’ll see it all over your body, then draw it into your core. It should gather in your center of your being as a ball.
This seems like a lot, but can be done within a matter of seconds once you get an idea of how to go about it.
(Side Note - A good technique to growing in centering is to gather the energy into a ball and practice holding it there. Then when you’re ready, release the energy and allow it to redistribute.)
SHIELDING: The process of blocking out all external energies/emotions.
To Shield:
Imagine a sphere of light around you emanating an energy field that nothing can penetrate. Nothing will penetrate this shield. Instead, the energy will be deflected off like an arrow shot at a smooth, round dome. Nothing can get in, you are safe.
After you get this down, you will be able to throw your shield up instantly. This is not just for protecting yourself from emotions but from everything. I have my shield up when I drive or travel. If I have my shield up around others, they tend to leave me alone. It is powerful but not to be used as tool for isolating yourself from people and relationships. We are not meant to do life alone. This is for protection only.
FILTERING: The process of eliminating negativity by turning negative energy into positive energy before it comes to you.
To Filter:
Visualize that the sphere of light is made up of a substance like medical gauze. Only positive energy can travel freely into your sacred space. Anything negative is turned positive once it hits the surface of your sphere of light, adding to your energy and building your power. This technique is especially useful when someone is trying to manipulate or control you.This too can be done easily once you get it down.
for instance, you see the energy of your sphere (my shield) as a power that instantly neutralizes all harmful energy, turning it positive and allowing all that is good to pass through the barrier. This could filter out unwanted energies. For example, maybe you see your shield made up of your element. Surrounding yourself by fire, water, earth, & air is most certainly a way to protect yourself.
SHADOW WORK - GOOD OR BAD?
Shadow work has become a hot topic in witchy circles lately. What is “shadow work” and is it something we should be doing?
WHAT IS SHADOW WORK?
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In Jungian psychology, Carl Jung theorized that the shadow (also known as id, shadow aspect, or shadow archetype) is either an unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify in itself; or the entirety of the unconscious, i.e., everything of which a person is not fully conscious. In short, the shadow is the unknown side.
From one perspective, the shadow “is roughly equivalent to the whole of the Freudian unconscious;”[1] and Carl Jung himself asserted that “the result of the Freudian method of elucidation is a minute elaboration of man’s shadow-side unexampled in any previous age.”[2] Contrary to a Freudian definition of shadow, however, the Jungian shadow can include everything outside the light of consciousness and may be positive or negative. Because one tends to reject or remain ignorant of the least desirable aspects of one’s personality, the shadow is largely negative. There are, however, believed by some, positive aspects that may also remain hidden in one’s shadow (especially in people with low self-esteem, anxieties, and false beliefs).[3] “Everyone carries a shadow,” Jung wrote, “and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”[4] Jung theorized that it may be, in part, one’s link to more primitive animal instincts,[5] which are superseded during early childhood by the conscious mind. According to Jung, the shadow, in being instinctive and irrational, is prone to psychological projection, in which a perceived personal inferiority is recognized as a perceived moral deficiency in someone else. Jung writes that if these projections remain hidden, “the projection making factor (the Shadow archetype) then has a free hand and can realize its object—if it has one—or bring about some other situation characteristic of its power.”[6] These projections insulate and harm individuals by acting as a constantly thickening veil of illusion between the ego and the real world.
SO IS THAT TRUE?
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Despite the current popularity with the topic, Freud himself has been largely debunked by modern psychology and serious scholars and psychologists and other medical professionals do not take his work seriously. Jung has a larger following and many good theories which we do still appreciate today. But was he right about the supposed need for us to to delve into our “shadow?”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
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“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” John 8:12.
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” John 12:46.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8.
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” 1 Thessalonians 5:5.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5.
It is a common misconception among witches, and among people in general, that light and dark are opposites, just like left and right, up and down, empty and full, yin and yang. It’s a concept that was popularized with things like the movie Star Wars where the good guys use the “light” side of the force and the bad guys use the “dark” side. But the truth that Jung and most people today fail to realize is that light and dark are actually NOT scientifically opposites at all, like the other pairs. You see, darkness cannot exist in the light, but light CAN exist without darkness. They are not “opposite” sides of the same coin. And that is scientific fact. So all that stuff that you read about how you can’t be a light witch and be balanced, that you must embrace your dark side, and all that, is poppycock.
There is no darkness in God, and there is no darkness in heaven. Heaven is a perfect place, without sorrow, sickness, pain, or death. A place without selfishness, lying, hatred or fear. This is our ultimate goal.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” Matthew 5:14.
SO SHOULD WE DO “SHADOW WORK”?
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I believe in and practice positive psychology (and positive and love-based parenting) in my counseling. Positive psychology’s focus is on what is going right with an individual. A love based approach reacts to negative behaviors or negative occurrences in positive, kind and loving ways. I do not believe that there is benefit in going back into the darkness (revisiting traumatic experiences, shadow work, etc). We can’t change the past and there is great benefit in looking forward to a positive future. The light dispels the darkness and the shadows and we should always search for the light. It is well known that there is power in thoughts and words and actions and we should always follow God’s example and think and speak and act positively.
Just as there can be no healing when a person is still in an abusive or traumatic situation, there can be no healing if a person is looking backwards to or is stuck in that experience mentally and emotionally, even if they have removed themselves from the situation physically. Staying in or returning to the situation - physically, mentally and/or emotionally - results in a cessation of healing and often even a reversal of healing. In fact, this is pretty much the definition of PTSD.
We cannot find healing in the shadows and darkness. We must move into the light.
So the question was, do we need to do shadow work. My answer is NO. Fly towards the light, my witches. Let the past go. Let the darkness go. Let the light of our God of love illuminate you and heal you.
REFERENCES
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1. Anthony Stevens, “On Jung.” (London 1990) p. 43
2. Jung, C. G. “The Practice of Psychotherapy.” (London, 1993).
3. Young-Eisendrath, P. and T. Dawson. “The Cambridge Companion to Jung.” (Cambridge University Press, 1996) p. 319.
4. Jung, C.G. “Psychology and Religion.” In Psychology and Religion: West and East, (Collected Works of C.G. Jung 11, 1938) p. 131.
5. Jung, C.G. “Answer to Job.” In Psychology and Religion: West and East, (Collected Works of C.G. Jung 11, 1952) p. 12.
6. Jung, C.G. “Phenomenology of the Self.” In The Portable Jung, 1957) p. 147.
10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN EQUINOX
The Autumnal Equinox is the time of year when daylight and nighttime are equal. After the Autumnal Equinox, the darkness will begin to win the battle, gaining an extra minute or so every day as we progress towards winter. Now is the time when nature begins to slow and the harvests become less plentiful. Though the autumn equinox can arrive as early as September 20th or 21st depending on solar patterns, this year it falls on September 22nd. So get ready to celebrate!
Like most Sabbats that are celebrated later in the year, the autumn equinox is about reflection and letting go of that which does not serve us any longer. It’s a chance to slough off the old and prepare for rest. We clean out that which piled up during the business of summer and store up that which we will need for our winter rest. The colors of the Autumn Equinox are just as rich and warming as the colors of autumn—deep crimson, vibrant orange, lustrous gold, and earthy brown. If you’re planning a feast, make sure to include all the fall bounties as well as late summer fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin, squash, berries, nuts, and corn are all fantastic inclusions. Looking for specific ideas on how to celebrate the Autumn Equinox without costing a mint? You’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 wonderful ways to celebrate for free or for little cost!
MAKE POPCORN
What’s more cozy than snuggling under a blanket with a big bowl of buttered popcorn? Of course, you could always watch a movie, but why not take your treat outside to watch nature instead? Inhale that fragrant autumn air. Really take a few moments to appreciate the breathtaking hues of the trees. Watch the birds and squirrels as they prepare for winter. Simply take in the magnificence of the season. And if you’re in a generous mood, leave a few un-buttered pieces of popcorn for the critters.
BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS
The Autumn Equinox is a time to find balance in your life. But while we tend to immediately think of time constraints as a place to find balance (work versus family time, family time versus self-care), when was the last time you balanced your spiritual centers?If you’re not familiar, chakras are points of energy on the body that have spiritual as well as physical impact. When they are balanced, life is good. When they are imbalanced, we have unwanted manifestations, such as illness and financial troubles. The good news is balancing them is as simple as taking a few minutes for visualization! Like any visualization, chakra balancing gets easier with practice, so don’t feel discouraged if you have trouble focusing during your first go around or two. A nice, simple chakra meditation can be found on YouTube. Get a blanket, find a quiet spot under a tree, and take some time to balance your chakras this Mabon! You’ll be glad you did. Bonus points if you plant your feet in the soil and get your earthing on!
HAVE A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Admittedly, this suggestion is a little self-benefiting. But what’s autumn without a warm drink laced with cinnamon and nutmeg? You can certainly buy one at your favorite coffee shop, but why not make one? I’m betting you already have the ingredients on hand. Take the time to really savor the process. Inhale the nutty aroma of the coffee before you brew it. Watch as the creamer turns your drink into a rich caramel color. Savor the first sip without scarfing down the entire drink. Life is a lot more pleasurable when we take time to relish the things we enjoy. Sit outside with your homemade brew, breathe deep inhalations of that luscious autumn air, and simply BE.
FOCUS ON GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING
With Autumn Equinox being a time of reflection and balance, what better way to celebrate than to make a list for all that you are thankful for? Take a notebook to the park and make a list of everything you appreciate—from big things, like your family or health, to small things, like hot cocoa and fuzzy slipper socks. Feeling crafty? Make a gratitude tree! Simply find a funky fallen twig that has lots of little branchy offshoots to hold your leaves. Place the twig (or twigs) in a pot of stones so it’s standing upright, like a miniature dead tree. Collect fallen leaves or cut your own from construction paper. Write something you’re grateful for on each leaf. Tape on a loop of string or thread, and hang the leaves from your twig! Beauty and function— my favorite!And remember, crafts don’t need to be limited to children. Our children are grown and gone, yet we make a gratitude tree every year for Thanksgiving by adding one leaf a day for each day in November leading up to the big feast! Festiveness isn’t just reserved for those too young to drive. Embrace life! Live it with all you’ve got! And don’t forget to be grateful!
BRING IN SOME NATURE
If you’re anything like me, you’re just itching to get something decorative in your home this fall. We don’t really get in to decorating for Halloween with ghosts and goblins because we don’t celebrate the way that most people in America do. We celebrate it the Christian way, not the pagan way. Why not take a nature walk and collect whatever beautiful, natural treasures you stumble upon? Colored leaves. Acorns. Gnarled twigs. Pine cones. Cool rocks. Bring a bag and collect whatever catches your eye. Arrange it on a table or counter top when you get home, throw in a candle or two (maybe gold and red) and you’ve got yourself an instant natural Mabon altar! You can even leave your natural masterpiece up for a few weeks as a spectacular (and FREE!) fall decoration!
WELCOME IN THE DARKNESS
As the sun sets on the Autumn Equinox, we welcome in the darkness of the coming season. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and allow yourself to be fully in the moment as the sun sets this equinox. Once the orange globe has dipped below the horizon, breathe in the darkness of fall and honor the tranquil introspection this season inspires. With tea, of course!
BRING ON THE COZY
Having spent most of my life in Texas, what I miss most about autumn is the coziness. Soft sweaters. Knitted throws. Hot drinks. Crisp morning air. Chilly noses on rainy days. Envelop yourself in the coziness of autumn, even if, like here in Texas, you are still running the air conditioner and suffering in 90 degree weather. Whether that means decorating your home in autumnal flare, lighting a pumpkin-spice candle, or baking a cinnamon-scented apple pie, do something special that puts you in that autumn state of mind.
TAKE IT IN
The best part of autumn is undoubtedly the simplicity. Life seems to slow down just a little, following the graceful dance of nature herself. Take the time to slowdown alongside her. Treat yourself to a pumpkin latte, head over to your favorite park or even your own backyard, and just exist. Watch the passersby as you sip your drink. Observe the colors of autumn, the slight crisp that’s beginning to blossom in the air, the chatter of birds as they prepare for winter. Breathe deep. Slow your mind. Just exist. It’s something we don’t do often enough, but fall is most definitely the time for it!
FIND BALANCE
Whether autumnal or vernal, equinoxes are the perfect opportunity to find balance, just like nature! If you’ve been doing a little too much of anything—eating, working, worrying, whatever!—now is the time to take a step back and evaluate how to change your behavior in favor of a more healthy approach. Remember, anything in excess is damaging. Even drinking too much water will kill you.I know! Crazy, right?!If you find it difficult to disconnect from work. If your vice is copious amounts of sugar. If exercise has become obsessive. If spending has exceeded income, take the time to make positive changes. NOT to belittle and berate yourself. NOT to feel guilty and swim among the self-loathing waters. Objectively look at the situation, find a reasonable solution, and make changes. Shame doesn’t fix the problem. It’s a warning bell that alerts us to the need for change. Nothing more. Take a deep breath of that fresh autumn air and start again. You’ve got this!
CINNAMON FLAMES
Autumn seems to bring out the craving for bonfires and campfires. If you’re lighting one up this Autumn Equinox, toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks for good luck in the coming season. Plus your backyard will smell heavenly!
Whether you use this time to reflect or to indulge, I hope you have a spectacular Autumn Equinox celebration filled with love, coziness, and an extra dash of magic! BLESSED BE!
New year, same bitch. I made this dress in a day and then we decided to reschedule our party (stupid covid). So I made the headpiece today and just decided to take some bad bitch pics. Happy New Year!!
Saw Porter Robinson last night and it was so good!!! Haven’t really wanted to post in a while as I was busy with some life stuff, but this concert gave me a chance to dress up a lil so I snapped some fit pics after I got home. I made the crop top and mask and modified the vest, skirts and net shirt are from goodwill, platforms are Demonia and belt is Shein. I’ve never been super into concerts but last night was kind of magical because for a lil bit it felt like the world could get back to the fun parts of the before times
Feeling like garbage today as cramps came to town early this morning. Fun stuff. At least I can look cute. Everything but the platforms and belt are thrifted. This dress was originally from Target and it’s this great like faux leather but it can get pretty warm. Luckily the weather today is perfect as that pesky humidity is finally going away
Went and got a bunch of pumpkins from me ma for decorating the house today. On our way home we stopped at goodwill and I found this amazing belt so of course I had to style it immediately. It’s so heavy and I love him. I made the top but everything else is thrifted! It was perfect pumpkin getting weather today, finally feels like fall
Went to an 80s/90s vintage fest today. It was aight. Some cool stuff but I didn’t end up getting anything. Had a nice walk in the rain afterwards near a lake tho so that was cool. I made this top, the dress under and the skirt are thrifted, the gummy bear necklace is from Hot Topic, and shoes are from bestie. I think I might curl up and watch Hocus Pocus with some hot chocolate
It’s finally October!! Spooky season has begun!! I’m pumpkin ready! I found this skirt in my basement with a bunch of old clothes and I have no memory of where it came from (it’s also like a children’s large?!) But I knew it would look so cute with this thrifted pumpkin sweater. Time to watch spoopy movies and not leave the house because the weather here is still stuck in humid
I feel like a fluffy lil fairy and I loooove it. It’s been a little on the humid side so I wanted something I could stay cooler in. Everything is thrfited, even the boots! I think I even got the tights at goodwill but they were new. I can’t belive it’s October tomorrow!! I’m making my spooky watch list, what’s your favorite movie to watch at this time of year??
A take on a 90s ish fall look I guess? I dunno I like the stripes on this turtleneck but it might get too warm to keep wearing it today. Everything but the belt (Shein) and platforms (Demonia) is thrfited. Went on a walk this morning to walgreens and the one I went to really needs to get on top of their Halloween game because it’s just sad. Damn it walgreens I just need spoopy crap thank you