@bottle-witch / bottle-witch.tumblr.com
Compilation of the two card spreads I have posted so far!
Clicking the links will take you to the individual posts for more details about each spread 💙
So!! This is the first in a series on using pokemon cards to do divination, which has been an idea that people have capitalized on before and surely will again, but I’m planning to contribute my two cents.
I choose pokemon cards not only because of the huge variety and the ‘personality’ of each pokemon that makes it great for association and specificity of message, but pokemon is something innately connected to our pasts, our emotions, and feelings of companionship; chances are, if you’re using pokemon divination, you’ve already got a relationship built with the pokemon verse, whether you’re a current fan or just loved them when you were a kid. I believe that kind of connection (and wealth of personal association) makes divination 10x more accurate, because you get a better feel of what the cards are trying to tell you. It’s like talking to a stranger versus an old friend; the better the connection, who’s going to know you better? Who are you more likely to listen to? We talk about relationships with our decks all the time, and the point of Pokemon has always been relationships.
Plus, Pokemon is super cool, so there’s that too.
Without any further ado, I’m going to start on the first thing I want to nail down in this series: the types, or ‘suits’. I’m not really going to try to draw parallels between pokemon card divination and tarot, so major/minor arcana are not present in this system. Types function as suits do in cartomancy. How’s that, again?
Core to a Pokemon’s identity and ability is their type. It determines their habitat, their moves, their relationships with other pokemon– it’s their basic defining trait. Of course, there are different ways a type can be expressed, but essentially all ghost types are going to share a ~vibe~ that defines them and all fire types are going to be, at their core, similar to one another. An easy way to think of the types is to think of them as the suits in cards, like how hearts are associated with relationships, psychic types might be associated with mental affairs. It’s a general interpretation to be refined with each card within the suit (for instance, mr. mime might indicate mental blocks, being a psychic type and also inclined to invisible wall-building).
But doesn’t pokemon have like, 15 types?
Yep. Which is why I’ve got a handy chart for you just below that deals with the various types and the meanings I’ve assigned to them based entirely on my own associations. If yours are different, feel free to mix, match, or absolutely alter them to fit your own needs; it’s all about connection.
These are just general guidelines, but they’re great for 1 card readings. If you have a question (e.g, what am I ignoring?) you can get a general feel from the card you draw. (for instance, if I drew water, I would say self-care.) When you’re working with the specific pokemon, keep in mind the associations of the types and how the types interact with each other. Do you have a lot of waters with fires? That may mean your passion is being smothered by taking too much care, and that you need to let your instincts shine through more. Electricity with ground types might show inefficacy, same with normals and ghosts appearing together; keep an eye on patterns to see what comes out! I’ll make a separate post about this at some point, but this is a primer on pokemon types and what to look for when you’re reading!
Best of luck, and happy pokewitching!
So!! This is the first in a series on using pokemon cards to do divination, which has been an idea that people have capitalized on before and surely will again, but I’m planning to contribute my two cents.
I choose pokemon cards not only because of the huge variety and the ‘personality’ of each pokemon that makes it great for association and specificity of message, but pokemon is something innately connected to our pasts, our emotions, and feelings of companionship; chances are, if you’re using pokemon divination, you’ve already got a relationship built with the pokemon verse, whether you’re a current fan or just loved them when you were a kid. I believe that kind of connection (and wealth of personal association) makes divination 10x more accurate, because you get a better feel of what the cards are trying to tell you. It’s like talking to a stranger versus an old friend; the better the connection, who’s going to know you better? Who are you more likely to listen to? We talk about relationships with our decks all the time, and the point of Pokemon has always been relationships.
Plus, Pokemon is super cool, so there’s that too.
Without any further ado, I’m going to start on the first thing I want to nail down in this series: the types, or ‘suits’. I’m not really going to try to draw parallels between pokemon card divination and tarot, so major/minor arcana are not present in this system. Types function as suits do in cartomancy. How’s that, again?
Core to a Pokemon’s identity and ability is their type. It determines their habitat, their moves, their relationships with other pokemon– it’s their basic defining trait. Of course, there are different ways a type can be expressed, but essentially all ghost types are going to share a ~vibe~ that defines them and all fire types are going to be, at their core, similar to one another. An easy way to think of the types is to think of them as the suits in cards, like how hearts are associated with relationships, psychic types might be associated with mental affairs. It’s a general interpretation to be refined with each card within the suit (for instance, mr. mime might indicate mental blocks, being a psychic type and also inclined to invisible wall-building).
But doesn’t pokemon have like, 15 types?
Yep. Which is why I’ve got a handy chart for you just below that deals with the various types and the meanings I’ve assigned to them based entirely on my own associations. If yours are different, feel free to mix, match, or absolutely alter them to fit your own needs; it’s all about connection.
These are just general guidelines, but they’re great for 1 card readings. If you have a question (e.g, what am I ignoring?) you can get a general feel from the card you draw. (for instance, if I drew water, I would say self-care.) When you’re working with the specific pokemon, keep in mind the associations of the types and how the types interact with each other. Do you have a lot of waters with fires? That may mean your passion is being smothered by taking too much care, and that you need to let your instincts shine through more. Electricity with ground types might show inefficacy, same with normals and ghosts appearing together; keep an eye on patterns to see what comes out! I’ll make a separate post about this at some point, but this is a primer on pokemon types and what to look for when you’re reading!
Best of luck, and happy pokewitching!
One of my teachers was very insistent that before I was allowed to study a plant, I had to get to know it first. Head knowledge is one thing, but when you are working as a herbalist you have to have more than that.
Before using any herb, even for these exercises it is important to look up contraindications for the herb. Herbs are medicinal, even in small doses. Personally I like to use this book. And remember to always tell your doctor if you are taking any herbs!
Based on the type of herb, make a decoction or infusion. Fragile herbs, usually dried leaves or flowers, are better suited to an infusion (let steep in nearly boiling water for 20 minutes). Hardier herbs such as roots can be simmered in the water for 20 minutes (decoction).
Sip slowly, taking notice of how the tea feels in your mouth. Does it trigger a salivary response? How does it taste? Anything your experience is worth taking note of. I’ve never been sad I took too many notes!
Take a bath with it. If a full bath isn’t possible, do a foot or hand bath. I was taught to start with water as close to room temp as possible. This can be a good way to determine if the herb has warming or cooling properties.
Again, make notes! Lots of them.
Get creative with how you experiment. Cook with them, use them for facial steams. Any way that you’re called to, and remember, take notes!
It’s time to make your own herbal! We’re going to take our observations and start a Materia Medica. This is the term herbalists have been using since the 1st century AD, thanks to the Ancient Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides. Modern science now often uses the term pharmacology but I greatly prefer the Materia Medica.
Some witches will combine this with a Materia Magica which goes into the magical correspondences for the herbs. But this post won’t be covering that.
How each herbalist organizes the Materia Medica is going to vary, but it should hit a few key points. And, of great importance, is to track your sources! Any information that you include in your MM needs to have a citation so that you can track your info.
Latin Name
My Materia Medicas always start with the Latin name for the herb. Herbs have many, many different names. Both through history and throughout the world. The best way to ensure that you’re using the correct plant is to use the latin name. But then, after that, I make not of common names and historical names.
History/Lore
If a herb has an interesting history, or appears in folk lore I make note of that next. It can be interesting and is helpful for knowing the herb. There’s a lot of knowledge to be gleaned from old stories!
Description
If you’re inclined for either wildcrafting or foraging, a section on the cultivation and appearance of the plant.
Chemicals
Now, we get into the medicine of it. Herbs work because they contain chemical compounds. A lot (all?) of modern medicine is derived from the manufacturing of these chemicals.
Make a list of the chemicals that are found in the herb. Making note, where you can, of what these chemicals actually DO. Over time you’ll want to get to know which ones are the active ingredients and how the work. Yup, it’s science!
Herbal Actions
Actions come next. Herbal actions are a whole language to learn. But as you are putting together the Materia Medicas you’ll start to get the hang of things! An action describes the way a herb works on the body.
It can seem a bit overwhelming, so here is an example.
Bitter is an herbal action, and it is aptly named. Herbs with this action typically taste… bitter! The action that they have on the body usually starts in the mouth where it stimulates saliva production as the first step of aiding in the digestive process. (they do a lot more but we’re keeping it simple for the example).
Examples of bitters are: arugula (also called rocket), dandelion greens, and black coffee.
Here’s a very simple way to experiment yourself! Take some time to sample one of the above mentioned bitters and see how your body reacts.
Christopher Hobbs is an herbalist I respect a lot. He has a handout that he uses in his classes which lists herbal actions, indications (we’ll get into that next), and lists example herbs.
I highly suggest printing this sheet out and keeping it handy, reading it over often. Eventually it’ll become more intuitive, but it takes time and practice.
Indications
Indications are where we want to use the herb. IE: where is the herbal action of the herb indicated? This is going to be a list of conditions that the herb in question is good for treating.
For example, Corn Silk (zea mays) is an antiseptic, demulcent and a diuretic. Because of this, it’s indicated for use with a urinary tract infection. (it’s indicated for other things too, but I’m trying to keep things fairly basic!)
The demulcent soothes the irritated skin, the diuretic helps to increase urine output, and the antiseptic of course helps to prevent the growth of harmful organisms.
Medicine
The last section of my Materia Medica deals with dosing and contraindications.
I like to include dosing for both teas and tinctures as they are my personal favorite ways for treating people.
Contraindications means anything that counteracts with the herb. St John’s Wort is a popular one for this, as it has many. It is a highly reactive herb and can interact negatively with many drugs!
It is very important to know how the herb interacts. People think that because herbs are natural/plants that somehow this excludes them from the realm of medicine. But the very reason that herbs are effective is because they ARE medicine!
When I am working with a client, I do my best to take a detailed history, even things they don’t think is important. But I also inform them of every herb I am giving them and encourage them to do their own research. And it’s important to be aware of your body when you are taking herbs. From the practitioner to the person taking the herb, everyone needs to do their own due diligence.
If you found this post useful, or have any comments/thoughts/etc I would love to hear it. If there is interest I can do posts on salves, tinctures, etc. And perhaps examples of my own materia medicas.
I like making lists of things, whether it’s about shadow work or for the Morrígan. This is another such list collecting resources for Irish and Gaelic polytheism, which will (hopefully) never be finished. There’s still plenty more out there to find, so if there’s anything that should be added, just let me know.
That said, there’s also the Guide to Gaelic Polytheism blog and its auxiliary, @guidetogaelicpolytheism.
[image: Eamonn Farrell]
Of the divinatory techniques with which I am familiar, bones are my personal favorite. Yes, they have that very witchy vibe – but it’s more than that; the bones are honest. They don’t sugar coat, and while they have to be interpreted, once you know how to read them – there’s little room for interpretation. They are very direct and are much better suited to answering yes or no questions than tarot. With a little imaginative methodology, there few questions the bones can’t answer. And even fewer they won’t answer (as tarot cards can be known to do). A few examples of things I think the bones are better at answering than tarot: questions involving time, questions regarding health, sickness and maledictions; they present a broader grasp to any given situation – incorporating things outside of the question presented and how these things relate to the question or the reading, showing the interconnectedness of life – and how these things all relate back.
Our countless cultures have countless methods for collecting and reading the Bones – and I can only rightly attest to my own methodology: one in which the Bones need not necessarily consist solely of bones, but a collection of gathered trinkets and curios, all with their own meaning, their own story and their own energy. My collection consists of: bones (bare and painted), coins, stones, shells, jewelry, twigs, buttons, animal teeth and other squabbles. The only rule I implement is that the item can be easily gathered and (safely) tossed without breakage or injury (save your razor-blades and glass shards for witches’ bottles!).
Most any small bones will do, though its recommended that you use bones that haven’t been cooked, as cooked bones have a tendency to get very brittle – especially in the case of chicken, which is quite common. In my collection I have a number of different animal bones: most are chicken, but I also have some raccoon and possum bones, as well as teeth and claws. I built a “base” of bones, but am continuously adding or replacing as I see fit.
A short list of “Bones” I like to include – most of which serve as my “base” bones:
This list is by no means comprehensive and I have many more bones in my collection with more menial meanings. This is simply a small list of options to be added to and adapted by whosoever casts the bones.
There is no right or wrong way to read the bones, there is simply your way and their way. Below I will dictate how it is that I do a general reading – again, this is just an example of one way, take and adapt to fit your own unique style or tradition!
Do not be afraid to adjust your style! Want to narrow down a time frame? Make a sort of timeline with the bones. Wish to determine the source of an ailment? Shape the bones into the form of a body. I find the bones allow for far more creativity and ingenuity than cards. And above all – TRUST YOUR GUT.
Photos: These are photos of my “base” bones when I first started reading; since then they have probably doubled (if not tripled) in number and do not incorporate my other animal bones, claws or teeth.
whats your opinion on the "broom closet" or variations of that same phrase, ive seen it used so often in the tumblr witch community, im personally kind of uncomfortable with it,,, i was wondering what your thoughts on it were..
I don’t like it at all, honestly. It makes me very uncomfortable to equate witchcraft with something so serious as gender or sexual orientation. I fully understand that being in an environment where you aren’t free to openly practice is scary and upsetting, but I don’t think it’s fair or ok to equate that with the sheer terror and shame that “in the closet” speaks of.
This is Astragalomancy…Not Just For Squares, in its finality.
Enjoy Universe.
(If enough people bug me about it, I might provide the pdf so you can print it out at home.)
@artsy-lil-witch here you go! It has quick explanations for all dice :D
I’d love the pdf version! A great excuse for me to buy pretty D&D die without playing the game :3 the die are always so pretty…
Think I’ve reblogged before…
I have just been shown possibly the greatest website for witches or book lovers in my life today and it’s called http://darkbooks.org and it has over 1500 free downloadable e books on occult, pagan, and witchcrafty topics from centuries of publishing, including all books by aleister Crowley, h.p. lovecraft, dozens of books on fairies, free spell books, Aradia gospel of the witches, several versions of the Edda both prose and poetic and so so much more. So please check it out if you like occult and pagan literature or even just mysteries. I’ve been on it for hours and can vouch that nothing has happened to my phone and they all open up in my Kindle app.
Remember, http://darkbooks.org
This satchel idea was brought to me from a friend’s friend who went through a painful, abusive relationship. They left their harmful partner and wanted to find a way to protect themselves so that they can keep the ex-partner away.
What it does: this satchel will help protect you from an ex-lover or abusive partner that you’ve decided to break contact with. This helps protect you from toxic people who might otherwise take advantage of or hurt you.
Before making this satchel: make sure that you’re not going to allow your harmful ex back into your life. Don’t call them, text them, stop them on the street to say hello, etc. Do not allow them to puncture your space by any means. And if they do manage to come up to you, leave as soon as you can.
What you’ll need:
Casting: You are free to cast the spell however you wish, though I would recommend burning a black candle while you put the items into the satchel, saying the intent of the pouch as you fill it. Chant something like
This bag is my shield and these items keep it strong All these things protect me from (name)’s wrongs
Everyone’s casting styles are different, so you are free to do your own version of whatever spell you want to accompany this.
Meditate on the purpose of the satchel. Feel the powers of the herbs and stones protecting and holding the items that represents you; in turn, imagine your psychic shield wrapping around you, protecting you from the harmful person’s presence.
Wear the satchel on you when you’re out or feel uncomfortable, until you feel safe and secure knowing they will no longer bother you ever again.
Why I chose these items: I’m very fond of plant/herb magick and crystals, so there’s one. Salt is a very protective mineral that is very commonly used to ward off negative presences. Rosemary, sage, and bay leaves are also protective. Rose thorns are the shield that roses, the symbol of love and frailty. Hematite, onyx, and other dark crystals are protective, especially hematite. Black is a strong colour, and is very defiant and protective.
MAKE YOUR OWN TEA
Using Wild/Local Herbs
(please don’t go eating/drinking random things you’ve found in your yard or park, do the research and save yourself a hospital trip; a lot of these require special preparation so please look into that before potentially harming yourself)
Freebies
Tea Supplies
DiY and Upcycling
Buy Herbs/Tea/Dried Flowers/Ect
Spiritual
Health
Water
Misc.
This is what has come out of saving websites to my drafts for later use.
A masterpost based off of tea.
Cleaning candle holders is probably one of my least favorite things to do, but recently I’ve started collecting left over wax to use in other projects (a post for a much later day) and I was entrusted with a few extra candle holders to clean so what better use of chore than to make a blog post about how I get it done.
There are A LOT of ways to clean candles. This is just the way that I like doing it and I prefer to do things in batches anyways because I’m all about saving some time.
Very useful information. I will definitely be trying this the next time I have candles burn down. As stated above you can reuse the wax or toss it, but you can also reuse the holders.
-A
The word Rosmarinus is from the Latin meaning “dew of the sea”. Rosemary is believed to attract faerie and good energies.
Rosemary is useful for ritual baths, and for making sacred herbal water for ritual cleansing, blessing and purification. Bathing in rosemary will enhance your memory and will make you more memorable to those you meet throughout the day.
Use rosemary in spells to enhance memory, including those spells for success in school. Also use for spells to retain youth and burn as incense when you are meditating or doing dream work to remember your past lives.
Place rosemary under your pillow to help you to remember your dreams and to keep away nightmares and other unwanted nighttime visitations.
Rosemary oil massaged into the scalp is believed to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth. Massaging the body with rosemary oil will increase circulation, relieve aches and pains and warm the limbs. Used as a toner, rosemary will help bring blood to the surface of the skin and acts as an antiseptic and astringent.
Sprigs of Rosemary can be placed in your dresser drawers to protect your clothes from moths.
Rosemary is also associated with Aphrodite and appears in many ancient images of Her. It was an embalming herb and sacred in Egypt. It was also a sacred herb to the Greeks.
An old saying says “Where Rosemary flourishes, the Woman rules” and in England it was believed that rosemary could not grow in the garden of the home unless the mistress was the master. In France, Rosemary was burnt, along with Juniper berries in sick rooms and hospitals to purify the air. During the Middle Ages, it was hung around the neck to protect from the plague. Carrying a twig protected from the evil eye.
Rosemary should not be taken internally in large doses. Rosemary should not be used medicinally by pregnant women, but it is okay for them to use it as a food seasoning.
[source]
I put this together with my own practice in mind, which is why there are no cross-quarters dates and no tracking of the outer planets. For additional info on lunar mansions, check out Lunarium’s [Universal Lunar Calendar]. For more information on the movements of other Planets through the signs, check out CafeAstrology’s [2016 Calender].
January 2016
February 2016
March 2016
April 2016
May 2016
June 2016
July 2016
August 2016
September 2016
October 2016
November 2016
December 2016
Combine a few drops of water with the egg white in a small bowl, and whisk them together. Hold the flower petal gently between two fingers and dip into the water mixture. Shake off excess water, and then sprinkle sugar on the petal. If your petals seem too soggy, use a paintbrush to brush the water mixture onto the petals instead.
As you complete each petal, place it on a sheet of wax paper to dry.
Drying time is anywhere from 12 hours to two days, depending on the humidity level in your home. If your flower petals aren’t drying fast enough for you, place them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 150 degrees for a few hours.
Store your flower petals in an airtight container until it’s time to use them. Use to decorate cakes and cookies, add to salads, or just to eat as a snack.
For a more detailed and extensive edible flower list CLICK HERE
Probably the easiest thing to do. :)
You can also substitute milk for the egg white if concerned, you just need to turn the oven on for like a minute then right off again so its barely warm and then set the flowers in to dry. This drying method usually takes two hours.
You can also dip the flower into the milk vs painting it on, you’ll just have to gently remove any excess milk or you’ll end up with soggy candies!
^^^^^^ That too!
These would make amazing fae offerings!
Dude my mom made these for me when I was a tot. I loved them so much. A++++ do this (and not just for beltane yesgood)
mint leaves are reeeally good for this too!
Sometimes you don’t have the perfect kind of water to do the job. Fortunately, you can substitute in a soda and it’ll do the trick.
Just when I’m giving up soda, I see this
