Flowers and Herbs (and recipes!) for the Kitchen Witch

       

           I mentioned in my other post https://witchy-willow.blogspot.com/2018/05/kitchen-witchery.html about a hanging type of garden to put on your porch or in your windows. It sounds complicated, I know, but it's actually very simple. I'll touch on that in this article as well as herbs and flowers you might want to keep around and a few recipes.

          

First things first, let's get to that hanging garden. All you need are seeds (or plants), empty bottles, strong wire, washers, and some hooks that you can screw into the frame. 

This is what we're going for as a totally finished project. This image was gotten from Pinterest. Let me know if you find the creators of this garden!

          1: Take the empty bottles and make sure they're cleaned out of any residue. Lay them on their side and cut out (I use a wood burner for a dull edge) a rectangle. You're basically making the bottles into planters. Don't cut to wide or you won't be able to put anything in there. 

          2: Now, take the wood burner (or whatever you're using) and make two small holes on either side of the new rectangle.  

          3: Take your wire and poke it through the new holes. Make it long enough to connect other bottles above and below it. Pull the wire through the holes and twist it around a washer on the inside of the bottle. The image below is really what we're going for in terms of the bottle.

Ta da! Please let me know if you find the creator as I found this image on Google Image Search!

          See? It's really simple. Once you have them connected to each other, take the top bottle and twist the wire into a small, strong, loop on the end. Make sure it's twisted enough to not come undone, and then hang it from the hooks you've put into the porch and/or window frame.

          That's it! Like I said, it's really simple. Once it's hung you can fill in your dirt, seeds, plants, etc. You can add as many as you want (just make sure your wire is strong enough to hold) or as few as you want. It's a very simple solution to not having the space for a "real" garden or even not having the space for pots/planters. It's also a good solution for keeping non-animal friendly plants away from your fur babies.

What Type of Witch Are You?

          It can be argued that there's simply "Witchcraft" and if you choose to identify or rather not identify, that's completely okay. Never think that you have to label yourself as a certain type of Witch. I know many Witches that are simply that. They dabble in this and that of different aspects of Witchcraft and don't identify with any one label. That being said, it's also completely okay to want a specific label. Labels are here for a reason and often make it easier to explain things to others. With all of that said, here are a dozen or so different types of Witchcraft that you might be interested to learn a bit about.

ALEXANDRIAN

          Around the 1960's, a man named Alex Sanders and his wife funded a movement that is now recognized as 'Alexandrian Wicca'. A bit cocky, I think. It's based on the Garderian practices, but incorporates bits of ceremonial magic as well. It's newer, of course, since it came about some fifty ish years ago. Alexandrian Wicca emphasizes gender polarity and is also considered a bit eclectic. Alexandrian Wicca shares with other traditional Wicca systems that only a Witch can make another Witch. This is to say that only a Witch can take an individual through the process of becoming a Witch.  As with anything, there are more things to learn and you can find information here on the Wiki page ---> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrian_Wicca

CEREMONIAL

          Ceremonial Witches hold ceremonies and rituals in very high regards. They likely get their practices from books and follow rituals or ceremonies to the letter when executing them. They might have a B.O.S. (Book of Shadows) always on hand (like me!) and might draw on their knowledge of more scientific approaches.

ECLECTIC

          Eclectic Witches don't follow certain religions, certain practices, etc. They sort of go their own way and follow their intuition. They'll tend to follow practices that work for them alone, rather than something found in a book. They might have rituals or ceremonies, but they were most likely something they created themselves. Their practices are basically their own creation and used for their purposes alone.

FAERY

          Faery Witches are a bit similar to Eclectic Witches, but a Faery Witch tends to use their own creations to seek communication with the fae folk and nature spirits. There's no known organized practice of Faery Witches, so most of their approaches are individual.

GARDNERIAN

          This was founded in the 1950's thanks to a Mister Gerald Gardner, whom many consider the "father of Wicca". Garderian is similar to Alexandrian, especially in the ways of initiation. You must progress through various degrees in the movement and go through a structured system where you slowly learn more and more about Witchcraft.

GREEN WITCH

          We're getting down my alley here, folks. A Green Witch predominantly communicates with Mother Earth and works with Her energies. You'll typically use natural items and places (rivers, sacred tree, etc.) for your rituals or ceremonies. This is done so you can be closer to the Spirit that is sensed strongly through nature. You'll typically make your own materials (say hello to my new clay items drying by the fan!). There are actually two types of Green Witches. Flora, who uses mostly flowers and flora in their practice, and Herbal, who uses mostly herbs and other types of plants. Personally I don't judge and tend to use both herbs and flowers and mosses, leaves, eggshells... etc. etc.

HEREDITARY/BLOOD WITCH

          Hereditary Witches are a bit.. harder to explain. Rather than a type of Witch like the ones listed so far, this simply states that Witchcraft is passed down to you. You can only be a hereditary Witch if it was passed to you by being born into a family that practices.

KITCHEN WITCH

          Kitchen Witches are the Witches that most of us didn't know we knew. Like our grandmothers and mothers who globbed us with smelly goops for bruises and cuts or smeared a leafy paste onto a rash. A Kitchen Witch uses practical tools for rituals, ceremonies, and magick. She (or he) enjoys keeping the home and surrounding place sacred. You aren't confined to the kitchen, but you'll tend to spend a lot of time there making potions, stews, and various teas.

SECULAR

          This type of Witch uses tools like crystals, herbs, stones, etc. You don't recognize them as divine or spiritual. A Secular Witch believes that the materials she/he uses and the energies that she/he connects with come from the natural world and the Earth, but you don't necessarily worship any deities or spirits.

SOLITARY

          This type of Witch is fairly easy to understand. You don't follow or belong to a set practice, group, or organization. Legend has it that these Witches have practiced over many lifetimes and remember their previous knowledge upon reaching puberty. They begin to remember the craft and don't need the help of other groups or organizations to perform magick.

SATANIC

         This is a type of Witchcraft centered around Satan in two ways. One being a literal sense, where the Witch believes in Satan literally as a deity or form to worship. The other being that Satan is regarded as a symbol and not treated as a literal deity or form to worship.

CHRISTIAN

          Believe it or not, this is possible. Witchcraft itself isn't religious and therefore it's possible to be a Witch who is still Christian. This form of Witchcraft is performed to offer the Christian God as the primary and only deity.


         

20 Magickal Charms

          I found most of these charms on Pinterest and various Google Searches. If you have suggestions on other charms, feel free to contact me and have them added here.

Please note that these shouldn't be used in place of available medical treatment. Magick is always an option, but that doesn't mean medical professionals should be cast aside.


1: Lay thorny branches on your doorstep to keep evil away from your home. I understand that it might be annoying to step over them constantly, so I suggest bells above the door or scissors (very firmly!) attached to the frame above your door.


2: Eat a pinch of thyme before bed to have sweet dreams.


3: Place chips of cedar in a box with some coins to draw money towards you. Don't let this stop you from seeking real employment, though. ;)


4: Carry an anemone flower with you to ward against illnesses.


5: Burn allspice as an incense to draw money or luck to you, as well as speed healing.


6: Place a piece of cotton in your sugar bowl to draw good luck to your house.


7: Place almonds in your pocket when you need to find something. With my luck I'd go to the store for almonds and forget why I was there!


8: Scatter chili peppers around your house to break a curse.


9: Carrying a packet of strawberry leaves will help ease the pains of pregnancy.


10: Carry a potato in your pocket or purse all winter to ward against colds.


11: Chew celery seeds to help you concentrate.


12: Carry a chunk of dried pineapple in a bag to draw luck to you.


13: Ask an orange a yes or no question before you eat it, then count the seeds. If the seeds are an even number, the answer is no. If an odd number, yes.


14: Place lilacs around your house to rid yourself of unwanted spirits.


15: Eat grapes to increase psychic powers.


16: Rub a lettuce leaf over your forehead to help you sleep.


17: Smell dill to get rid of hiccups.


18: Place a sliced onion in the room of an ill person to draw out the sickness.


19. Place morning glory seeds under your bed to cure nightmares.


20. Mix salt and pepper together and scatter about your house to dispel evil.


          What are some magickal charms that you've heard? Share them with me and have them added with credit to you for submitting them.

Magickal Oils, Recipes, and Methods of Creation

I should begin by saying there are several  different types of oils and perfumes in Witchcraft. I'll dip a bit into them and after that will have different recipes listed. Feel free to contact me with your own perfume and oil recipes to have them updated into the article!

In this article you'll read about the types of oils there are, carrier oils (and why they're so important), recipes for creating your own oils, as well as three different methods of oil making.

TYPES OF OILS

Ritual Oils is a general term for oils used to anoint tools, materials, furniture, money, etc. and when used on your body they're often called anointing oils. You should never use straight essential oil for ritual oils that will come in contact with your skin as E.O. are highly volatile.

Aromatherapy Oils are oils used in healing. Ancient ancestors would burn scented flowers and herbs while taking a bath, having a massage, and skin care for curing ailments and cosmetic purposes.

Essential Oils are volatile (easily evaporative, highly flammable) and are primarily used to make perfumes, flavorings, and accentuate specific oil blends. E.O. should not come in contact with your bare skin, so take care when using them and wear proper gloves.

Synthetic Fragrance Oils are compounds created in labs that smell a lot - or a little - like the natural flowers and herbs after which they've been named. A lot of companies use these oils instead as they're much cheaper that Essential Oils. For magickal purposes, though, it's always better to use real Essential Oils when possible as they contain the magickal properties of the plant, which synthetic oils do not.

Handcrafted and Herbal Oils are blends used for specific ritual or magickal purposes. They're not made in a factory and are ritually charged with intent. Other oils may be considered handcrafted, but only if they contain actual herbal ingredients and were made by hand.

Carrier Oils are various oils, both vegetable and mineral, that are used to help dilute Essential Oils that can cause severe skin irritation or reaction to some people if applied directly to your skin. Carrier Oils help dilute and stretch the volume of E.O. There are a number of different oils that can be used as carriers.

• Olive Oil has a history of being used and is often seen in oils meant to help in blessing and anointing.
• Almond Oil became popular as a carrier oil due to it having a lighter scent and texture as opposed to the heavier Olive Oil. Almond Oil, unlike Olive Oil, doesn't dominate the natural fragrance of the herbs and E.O. that are being used.
• Jojoba Oil is very good for use as a carrier because it doesn't turn rancid and mimics the natural smell that human skin produces.

ESSENTIAL OILS AND FRAGRANCE OILS

When using Essential Oils you should NEVER use them directly on your skin  without first diluting them. Using them directly on your skin without diluting can cause sensitization. Sensitization symptoms can vary from person to person, but the effects are permanent and last forever. Think of it like a skin allergy with a severe and/or horribly itchy rash. The more severe cases can potentially lead to respiratory issues or anaphylactic shock. Once you develop sensitization to an E.O., you are likely to always be sensitized to that oil even if you adequately dilute it. You could also develop a reaction to other oils and even products that contain those oils. Some people may touch E.O. without diluting first and have no reaction, but it is never worth the risk. Always dilute your Essential Oils before use.

A good rule of thumb for diluting your essential oils is using 12 drops of Essential Oil to 1 fl. ounce (30 ml) of a carrier. It's not exact, and less is always more when using E.O., but 10-12 drops is the recommended amount per one fluid ounce of carrier oil.

Here are some Essential Oils and Fragrance oils that can be used "straight" (when diluted with a carrier!), but not blended with other scents.

JASMINE FRAGRANCE OIL This oil is best used for magickal workings relating to Psychicism, Astral travel, and Clairvoyant works.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL This oil is best used for magickal workings related to love and health work.

LOTUS FRAGRANCE OIL This oil is best used for magickal workings related to work involving spirits and love; it is also used to invoke the Moon and the Element of Water.

PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL This oil is best used for magickal workings relating to money and protection work, but it can also be used with great success for love and passion workings.

CALAMUS ESSENTIAL OIL This oil is best used for magickal workings related to gaining mastery and control through natural talent and charisma.



I'm sure you think I've forgotten about adding recipes, but don't fret. It's important to learn how to properly use the oils before creating your own.

INFUSING OIL METHOD & RECIPES

Infusing oils is the simplest (and most expensive) method to blend your preferred oils. Even though you use just a few drops of oil per ounce, Essential Oils are still expensive. They're very concentrated and it takes a lot of herbs or flowers to make one small bottle of Essential Oil. 

The steps to infusing oils are simple. Add your carrier oil (30 ml/1 fl. oz.) to your container and add up to 12 drops of your Essential Oils. The rule of thumb is 10-12 drops of Essential Oil to 1 Fluid Ounce of Carrier Oil. Because it's difficult to get an exact measurement due to thickness of liquid and the size of the drops, the formula isn't exact. However, less is more when using Essential Oils. 

Once your oils are added together, avoid shaking or stirring the container and instead swirl in a clockwise motion until they're mixed well. It's best to use a cobalt blue or amber bottle as they provide protection against UV rays. Once in a proper container, give them proper labels, dates, and store them in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture. 

The steps for each oil mixture is the same, so just the ingredients are listed below.

Affection Oil can be used to bring affection towards you or make someone more affectionate.

• 6 drops Gardenia
• 4 drops Jasmine
• 2 drops Musk
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Altar Oil is used to purify your holy items and your altar to increase the power of your spiritual ritual. Anoint your holy items once a week and say a small prayer of thanks. 

• 6 drops Rose
• 6 drops Walnut
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Altar Oil (2) 

• 6 drops Myrrh
• 6 drops Cedar
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Altar Oil (3)

• 7 drops Myrrh
• 4 drops Cinnamon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Blessing Oil can be used to bless new babies, new ventures, new homes, and for healing. Sincere prayer can amplify the properties and when used with prayer, will, and intent, it can be used for help to purify you or your home.

• 5 drops Sandalwood
• 3 drops Camphor
• 2 drop Orange
• 2 drop Patchouli
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil 

Calming Oil can be used for when you're stressed, anxious, or feeling upset/down.

• 6 drops Benzoin
• 4 drops Vanilla
• 2 drops Cinnamon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Citrus Purification Oil can be added to cleaning products or mop water.

• 4 drops Orange
• 3 drops Lemongrass
• 3 drops Lemon
• 2 drops Lime
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Consecration Oil

• 5 drops Frankincense
• 5 drops Myrrh
• 2 drops Cinnamon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Full Moon Esbat Oil can be used to anoint candles or yourself for the full moon rituals or when you just feel like you need the moon's energy. Make this prior to a full moon.

• 12 drops Sandalwood
• 8 drops Vanilla
• 3 drops Jasmine
• 1 drop Rose
• 2 oz. or 60 ml Carrier Oil (this is a larger amount of carrier oil because the Essential Oil drops are doubled)

Money-Drawing Oil

• 5 drops Patchouli
• 3 drops Bergamot
• 2 drops Cypress
• 2 drops Lavender
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Protection Oil can be used to keep yourself safe from psychic and magickal attacks. This blend can be used around your home, your car, on others, etc.

• 5 drops Patchouli 
• 4 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Mugwort
• 2 drops Hyssop
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Purification Oil can be used during spells, after an unhappy or unpleasant experience, and for use when moving into a new home.

• 6 drops Juniper
• 4 drops Cedarwood
• 2 drops Lavender
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

OILS FOR YOUR ZODIAC SIGN

Oils for your zodiac sign can be used to help meditate, create a connection between yourself and the Earth, and help you reach goals and create success. Wearing your oil can enhance the aspects of your sign or also help attract those qualities.

Aquarius Oil

• 6 drops Acacia
• 4 drops Cypress
• 2 drops Lavender
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Aries Oil

• 5 drops Carnation
• 3 drops Cedar
• 3 drops Cinnamon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Cancer Oil

• 6 drops Gardenia
• 4 drops Lemon
• 2 drops Violet
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Capricorn Oil

• 6 drops Chamomile
• 4 drops vanilla
• 2 drops Lemon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Gemini Oil

• 5 drops Bergamot
• 2 drops Clover
• 2 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Lilac
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Leo Oil

• 6 drops Cinnamon
• 4 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Musk
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Libra Oil

• 4 drops Apple
• 4 drops Cat Nip
• 2 drops Magnolia
• 2 drops Sweet Pea
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Pisces Oil

• 6 drops Basil
• 6 drops Lemon
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Sagittarius Oil

• 4 drops Borage
• 5 drops Saffron
• 3 drops Sage
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Scorpio Oil

• 6 drops Basil
• 4 drops Clove
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Taurus Oil

• 5 drops Palmarosa
• 3 Ylang Ylang
• 4 Rose
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

Virgo Oil

• 4 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Wintergreen
• 3 drops Rose
• 2 drops Orris
• 1 oz. or 30 ml Carrier Oil

WARMED OIL METHOD

I said I'd provide three methods, and so I am. 

The warmed oil method takes more time than simply swirling oils, but it can be tons of fun to create. Be careful when using an open flame and remember to wear gloves when directly handling Essential Oils to avoid getting them on your bare skin.

Before you begin, there are some notes about this method that you should know.

• Use fresh flowers, herbs, etc. Dried flowers tend to not produce as strong a fragrance as you may desire and some even have a completely different scent once dried. If that's all you have, go ahead and use them but be prepared for them to be different.

• You will need a filter. The herbs, flowers, etc. don't stay in the oils once they're fused.

• Label label label! Correctly label your oils once they're bottled.

• Store your oils in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture. It's best to use cobalt blue or amber bottles if you can since they provide protection from UV rays. You can even store your oils in the refrigerator once they have completely cooled.

• Oils should last up to six months before going rancid, but you can put them in the refrigerator to extend their life a little bit.

• You can use several things to heat the oil. Aromatherapy warmer, small crock pot, cast iron skillet, or even a candle warmer. Be careful not to let the oils boil!

• A common rule of thumb for blending oil and herbs is 2 oz. (or 60 ml) of oil per 2 tablespoons of herb/flower/plant

Directions

             1: Gently bruise and crush the herb/flower/plant and place in your warmer (or whatever you're using to heat this all up).

             2: Pour just enough oil over the herbs to cover them and no more.

             3: Gently stir your ingredients into the base oil using a swirling method, swirling three times in a clockwise direction. Chants can be said while you do this to help infuse your magickal intentions into the mix.

             4: Slowly heat your mixture over at least a period of an hour. Keep a very close eye on it and DO NOT LET IT BOIL. If it does begin to boil, immediately remove it from heat and let it completely cool, then place back on the warmer at a lower setting. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the exact scent you want.

             5: Allow the oil and herbs to cool, then strain the mixture through the filter. Be very careful not to burn yourself and wear an oven mitt if necessary.

             6: Label everything with the ingredients and the current date. You might also want to add a "best if used by" date of six months into the future.

             7: Store the oils in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.

COLD OIL METHOD 

This method takes longer than the others, but it's good to use if you don't have access to heat or flame for whatever reason. It's also good to use if you're wanting to make a large batch and won't need them until a later date.

First, here are some tips on this method that are good to know before jumping in.

• Brown spots are normal and are just the oil of the plant. This is what you want, trust me.

• These oils will usually last about 2-3 months. You can add Vitamin E as a preservative and have your oils last up to six months. The amount of Vitamin E used should be near 2% of the entire mixture.

• Oils must be kept in the refrigerator in jars small enough to not let any air rest above the oils. As you use the oils, transfer the remaining oil into smaller jars.

• Big tip: Never add fresh oil to old oil and always make sure you use properly cleaned containers to prevent the chance of bacteria growth.

Time to begin!

             1: You'll start this method in a similar way to the warm method. Gently bruise and crush the herb/flower/plant and pack them into your container. You'll want to use a very clean, dark glass jar (blue, green or brown), and add just enough oil to cover the herbs. You'll need to be patient for this step as it can take a moment for the oil to settle around the herbs. Add more oil if need (it probably will be), once the first pour has settled.

             2: Screw the lid on tightly and store in a cool dark place. Make sure that the liquid reaches the top of the container so that no air can rest on top of the oil.

             3: At least once a day you'll need to check on the oils. Swirl them around the container and then allow it to sit. Every time you swirl the oil and herbs you can recite your spell or incantation.

             4: At the end of one week you need to check your oil. If the desire scent hasn't yet been achieved you can remove the herbs and replace with fresh herbs.

             5: Repeat this process for at least three weeks or until the desired scent is achieved.

             6: When the desired scent is achieve, strain the oil and pour it into containers. With use method you can use a colander. If you want to get the most out of the herbs after straining them, you can pick them up and squeeze any liquid from them into your jar.

             7: Store your oil in a very clean jar and fill it to the very top so that no air can rest on top of the oil. 

             8: Be sure to properly label your oils with the ingredients and date they were made. 

Herbal Teas

          So, let's talk about teas. Ask any witch and I guarantee she'll tell you that there's a tea for everything. This article is less about discussion and more about recipes. I think because I'm providing the recipes that I have to mention my lack of responsibility if something bad were to happen. Everyone, please know your allergies and use your best judgement when using something you're unfamiliar with. I don't condone improper use of herbs and such and definitely don't condone harming others. To my best knowledge, I won't have anything listed that could cause harm to someone. All that being said, let's get to it.


          You can take your herbal mixtures are store them in airtight containers until they're ready to be made into teas. Add one heaping tablespoon to a mug of boiling (be careful!) water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes depending on how you prefer you tea strength. Strain (or don't, if you read it) and enjoy!


Divination Tea
3 t. China Black Tea
2 t. Lemon Balm
1 t. Eyebright
3 t. Mugwort
3 t. Rose Hips


Headache Remedy Tea
3 t. Lavender
3 t. Chamomile
3 t. Rosemary.
3 t. Mint


Meditation Tea
6 t. English Breakfast Tea
2 t. Chamomile
1 t. Rose Hips
2 t. Elderflower


Cold & Flu Tea (also good for nausea)
2 t. Grated Ginger
1 t. Honey


Reduce Anxiety
1 T. Lemon Balm
1 t. Chamomile


 Sleepy Tea
8 parts Chamomile
3 parts Hops
3 parts Catnip
1 part Valerian Root
1 part St. John's Wort
1/2 part Lavender Flowers
1/2 part Rosehips


          Now, I realize that I've only included half a dozen recipes for teas, which isn't a lot. But I do think I touched on most things. Sickness, insomnia, anxiety, illness. divination, meditation, etc. If you have any suggestions, please contact me so that I can make a new article or update this one with credit towards you. (:


**Standard medical disclaimers apply here. I'm just a practicing witch and have no medical background.

A Teenage Witch

       

Found on google images. Creator Unknown.
If anyone finds the creator, please direct me to them!

          Being a teenage Witch can be wonderful and exciting, but it can also be very difficult. If you're lucky, you're attending a school with peers who accept you and you have a support system at home (like your parents) who support your journey. If you're like I was, though, you attend a school where your peers bully you and corner you in the halls, and you have a parent who thinks you worship the devil. I don't suggest lying or hiding things from your parents and I truly hope that your parents are people you can have discussions with, but sometimes that's not the reality we live in.

YOUR PARENTS

          Only you can truly have an opinion on how your parents would react to finding out that you practice Witchcraft. If the situation could become dangerous and/or violent, of course it's something you shouldn't bring up. In a few short years you'll be out of that environment and on your way to being a functioning adult Witch. Ignoring the Witchy aspect for a moment, if you live in an abusive home you should contact a school faculty member for the appropriate help. Never hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

          Hoping that you aren't in the above situation, let's consider your parents are simply very religious or just might not approve of you practicing Witchcraft. Take the time to gather your own thoughts about why you want to practice. What do you hope to gain, do you plan to do spells, are you going to be using fire (like candles and burning spells)? If your parents are unfamiliar with Witchcraft it's understandable that they might not be supportive in the beginning. Do research and figure out what you hope to gain from practicing Witchcraft. Don't just sit your parents down and say "Mother, Father, I'm a Witch."

          Sit with your parents and start with your beliefs and thoughts on being a Witch. Tell them what you believe in, how you see the Craft, and how you feel. Explain spells, rituals, tools, etc. Open a dialogue with them and keep in mind that they might still disagree with everything that you tell them. As much as you have a right to feel and believe the way you do, they have that same right to their own feelings and beliefs.

          If your parents aren't supportive and forbid practicing, try to stop yourself from sneaking around. Your parents may eventually come around, but sneaking around and keeping secrets will only make them believe that your behavior is because of Witchcraft. Whether you know the truth or not, what are your parents supposed to think? It's easy to say that you have a right to practice, your parents can't stop you, it's not fair, blah blah blah. I was in the same situation, so I understand. Believe it or not, though, time passes quickly and soon enough you won't be living with your parents anymore. In the meantime you can try to present more information to your parents about Witchcraft. Don't be pushy or rude and try to avoid yelling. Try giving them an example of Witchcraft when you help make dinner. Stir clockwise and project positive and hopeful thoughts into the dish. Explain to your parents that you're praying for positive and happy emotions to those who eat the dish. If they don't support any form of magick, though, you do have to respect their wishes for the time that you're under their roof. I know it seems like it will last forever, but it won't. In the meantime, keep reading to pass the time. ;)

SCHOOL

           Let's say your parents are supportive and your only issue is school. When it became known at my high school that I was a Witch, I was cornered in the bathroom and bullied by the "popular girls". They yelled at me, laughed, and made joking requests for tails, money, etc. and wouldn't let me leave until I said some mumbo jumbo for them. I don't suggest that you hide who you are/who you're becoming, but some things are better left unsaid. I was not a confrontational person and at my school the administration was never a help to those who were bullied.

          Kids can be cruel and it's easy for them to target you for being different. If you find yourself a victim of bullying, you have one or two options .The first option is hopefully very obvious. Find a teacher (so cliche, I know) and tell them what's going on, and also tell your parents when you get home. If you're lucky, your parents will take a trip to the school and everything will be sorted. Don't let one bad encounter discourage you. Even if the bullies aren't punished the first time, ALWAYS go back to a faculty member or your parents every time it happens. Don't let those jerks win. 

          I know what you want to hear, though, and that's a spell. Lucky for you, I might have one up my sleeve. 

          You'll need some small stones or pebbles, a white candle (tea candles work great), the full name of your bully written on a piece of paper, a black pouch or bag, and a black piece of cloth, paper, plate, etc. Some black surface will work. 

          Choose what sort of person you want to become in this situation. Think of things like "strong", "courageous", "honorable", etc. Write down the qualities you'd like to possess in this situation.

          Ask the elements for help in performing a successful spell. (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) Light the candle and begin by taking a deep breath. Relax. Hold your hands over the stones. Begin by saying seven time, while imagining the stones being filled with light, the following: 

One magick

one power

one Spirit

one might

shatter the darkness

bring only the light.

          Take another deep breath and relax. Hold the stones in your hands and say the qualities you'd like to possess in this situation and then say them out loud three times. Follow this by chanting the words "I am" until you feel lighter, happier. At the end of the last time, blow on the stones, saying:

One magick

one power

one Spirit

one might

shatter the darkness

bring only the light

as I will, so mote it be.

This spell is sealed.

          Draw an equal armed cross over the stones. This looks like a sideways X, sort of. Put the piece of paper with the person's name on  the black surface. Repeat the above incantation every time you drop one of the small pebbles on top of the paper. Finish by saying:

You are burdened with your own negativity. You can no longer move against me.

          Finish the ritual by thanking the elements and Spirits for their assistance. Take the stones and place them in the pouch. Bury the pouch of stones, the paper, etc. off your property.

   
          As you grow with the craft you'll be able to finetune most spells to your own making. Even though this spell is here for you, you still need to contact a trusted adult who will help you. Don't pick someone who believes in being passive, because that never stops the issue. Pick someone you trust who will help you solve the problem.

FAMILY/FRIENDS

          So your parents support you and your bully issues are nonexistent. There will come a time when your family and friends will find out that you practice Witchcraft. Keep in mind that it's up to you to decide when to come out of the broom closet, so to speak. Be prepared for the people you tell to be confused. Think of when  you told your parents and apply it here, too. If you're close with the family members, try sitting down with them the way you did with your parents and having an open discussion. Let them ask questions and try to understand what the craft is about. Be prepared for them to not understand, though. That's okay, because not everyone does, but it can still hurt to be rejected by someone you love, simply because you believe in different things.

          For friends, it's a safe bet that they already know, am I right? A true friend will have your back in any situation unless it's something that could harm you or someone else. Seeing as Witchcraft harms none, you're golden. Regardless of what Witchcraft really is, it's always possible that your friends won't understand. Maybe they don't have experience with it, maybe they've only heard stereotypes, etc. Whatever the reason, that's where you step in. Sit down with them and tell them about it the same way you would with your family. You could even kill two birds with one stone and have everyone together at once. Hopefully your friends will see that it's not something bad and they'll be there supporting you on your journey. If they're not, though, you have to see it from their point of view and hope that they'll eventually come around. 

      

          I truly hope that this article has been helpful. If you have questions (and I'm sure you do), feel free to use the contact form to the right and ask me anything. If you're a parent with some questions, please feel free to do the same. 

          Blessed day!

Q & A

If you haven't noticed already, take a look to the right at the contact form. It's not just for show, I swear. I am hoping to begin a Q&A with my followers (all two of you).

If you have something to discuss, use the form to the right and I'll make a new article to answer your concerns. Whether it's a question about spells, telling friends or family that you're a Witch, or a suggestion for a new article, I am all ears.

I want to have a connection with the community and not just be a blank face to an anonymous voice on the internet. Sometimes it's hard to get exactly what an online article means, so I hope that you ask about something if it's confusing or doesn't make sense.

-Willow