Rowan MadhbhsList Of Tips And Advice For New Witches

Rowan Méadhbh’s List of Tips and Advice for New Witches

Rowan Maédhbh’s List of Tips and Advice For New Witches!

✧ GENERAL TIPS:

Read.

Before you even think about practising magic, you need to study. It sounds tedious, I know, but witchcraft is not a trivial undertaking. You also need to learn to read critically, and with a pinch of salt! Why? Because, although almost all authors do have some valuable and useful content in their work, some perpetuate problematic ideals, such as racism, sexism, stealing from closed cultures, and the use of Wicca and witchcraft interchangeably.

Start a grimoire/Book of Shadows/Journal.

You’ll need a safe place to keep all of the information you’ve gathered safe, and a grimoire (as I call mine), is essentially a notebook for that exact purpose. It doesn’t have to be fancy (though you’re welcome to make it as ostentatious as you like), - it can be a bullet journal if that’s easy for you. Within your grimoire, you should keep all gathered information, spells, failures, successes, records of work you’ve done, etc,. Anything that pertains to your craft.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to pick a path.

You might see a lot of witches who class themselves as one thing or another, e.g., storm witches, kitchen witches, elemental witches, spirit/divination witches; green witches; cosmic witches, and so on. That is cool and their prerogative, but you will also see witches known as eclectic - like me! Eclectic Witches, are simply witches who choose to practise many different types of magic and forge their own path, instead of following only one, or following a pre-established path.

Basically, there is no need at all, whatsoever, to label yourself. With many of us, our paths found us in time.

Research paths, secular witchcraft and religious witchcraft.

Witchcraft alone, is a practise. However, some paths are indeed religious, such as Wicca. Make sure you know the difference before you begin actively practising and before you decide on your path, if you do choose to do so.

Carry a little notebook on your person.

You can’t always carry your grimoire with you, so I personally like to carry a tiny little notebook with me, for those moments when inspiration takes me, or if something captures my imagination or attention. You can add it to your grimoire/BoS later.

Oh, and one more thing: don’t ever stop learning and reading and recording. Witchcraft is a path of continuous learning.

✧ THINGS TO RESEARCH:

Crystals/gemstones/minerals

Herb and crystal correspondences, e.g., such as colour and planetary.

Sabbats and esbats, if you want to observe them.

The basic tools of witchcraft.

Altars (if you’re so inclined).

Lunar phases.

Divination, e.g., tarot, runes, pendulums.

Witchcraft and deities (if you’re so inclined).

Traditional witchcraft practises.

SAFETY! What is safe to use/burn/touch/ingest. There are lots of poisonous and potentially fatal plants and ingredients out there.

Easy/budget magic/witchcraft.

The history of witchcraft, including lore, myths and tales.

The importance and use of the elements in magic.

Research cultures. Find out what is and is not available for you to adopt and practise. Make sure that your practise does not steal from closed cultures.

✧ EASY PRACTISES FOR NEW WITCHES:

Grounding - grounding is the act of centering your energy and focusing it within yourself. You can ground yourself by being out in nature and using visualising techniques that tie your energies firmly into the ground (very traditional method), or by finding a quiet place that you are content in and meditating.

Meditation.

Visualisation/visualising.

Sigil crafting/creation.

Charging jewellery/crystals/objects/sigils.

Using glamours in makeup/cosmetics/everyday wear.

Incorporating intent via ingredients into cooking.

Incantations and chants to bring about luck, good fortune, etc.

Cleansing your space with incense.

Practical Magic (1998) dir. Griffin Dunne

Tiktok "witches": Oh nOoOooOo I forgot to light my eXpEnSiVe DhArMa ChAkRa ClEaNsInG candle for A-A-A-Aphrodite nOw ShEs gOnmA kIlL mY bOyFriEndD!! ApHrodite is A gOddDes who NeEds aLl yOur atteNtion and DrAinS you!! DeIty wOrk iS oNly for AdVanCed VVitChesS!!

Me offering my singular glass of water after like 5 months and still having a good relation with the Lady because really praise of mouth and utmost devotion is enough: oh

Animals Master List

Here is a very brief list of symbol meanings of various animals and other shapes. Never feel the need to stick to one definition or meaning, the most powerful correspondences are those that you discover for yourself.

Animal Symbolism

A

Alligator - aggression, survival, adaptability Alpaca - minimalism, generosity, interdependence Ant - team player, worker Antelope - nimble, quick, sensitive Armadillo - active, nocturnal, protection

B Badger - aggression, assertiveness, powerful defense, determination Bat - guardian of the night, cleaner Bear - power, adaptability Beaver - builder, planner Bee - communication, abundance, productivity Bison - survival, fortitude, strength Black Panther - secrets, solitude, stealth Blackbird - mystery, sacred messenger, cosmic knowledge Blue Bird - joy, pleasures, messenger Boar - sacred, cunning, ferocious Bobcat - patience, listening, interpreting Buffalo - sacredness, life builder Bull - strength, warning Butterfly - metamorphosis, carefree, transformer

C Cat - protector, guardian Chameleon - adaptation, patience, perception Cheetah - accuracy, elegance, refinement Chinchilla - curiosity, innocence, warmth Chipmunk - creativity, intuition, exploration Cougar - leadership, courage Coyote - prankster, insight, playful Crab - emotion, security, vulnerability Crane - solitude, independence Cricket - meditation, vibration, spirit Crocodile - longevity, fierceness, power Crow - messenger, clairvoyance, change, ancient wisdom

D Deer - kindness, love, gentleness Dolphin - kindness, play, bridge man to ocean Dove - peace, understanding Dragon - wisdom, nobility Dragonfly - flighty, carefree Duck - intuition, awareness, communication

E Eagle - divine spirit, connection to creator Eel - adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, defense Elk - strength, agility, freedom Elephant - patience, strength, wisdom

F Firefly - illumination, possibility, belief Fox - cunning, provider, intelligence Frog - water element, prosperity, transformation, true love

G Giraffe - graceful, observer, foresight Goose - community, synchronicity, treasure Grasshopper - discipline, balance, freedom Grizzly Bear - hunter, nature’s pharmacist

H Hawk - messenger, observer of the sky Heron - moon magic, shamanic travel, secrets, the logical mind Horse - stamina, nobility, strength Hummingbird - messenger, stopper of time

J Jaguar - confidence, power, preparation

K Koala - slow down, mystery and power of self, soulmates

L Ladybug - luck, enchantments, dreams Leopard - secrets, mystery, sensuality Lion - wisdom, power, mastery Lizard - conservation, agility Lynx - instincts, observation, silence

M Magpie - omens, prophecies Marmot - truth, consciousness, curiosity Moose - headstrong, unstoppable, longevity Moth - wonder, delight, passion Mountain Lion - bravery, freedom, intention Mouse - survival instincts, cunning, observations, shyness

O Orca - healing, spirituality, journey Otter - laughter, curiosity, mischievous Owl - wisdom, truth, patience

P Panda - enjoyment, prosperity, carefree spirit, conservation Peacock - grace, pride, prosperity Pegasus - carrier of lightning Penguin - elegance, survival, imagination Polar Bear - power, fearlessness Porcupine - liesure, nonchalance, wisdom Praying Mantis - intention, hypnotism, perception

R Rabbit - alertness, nurturing Raccoon - fearless, exploration, secrets Ram - determination, new beginning Raven - trickster, teacher, hoarder Reindeer - determination, visionary, magic Robin - new beginnings, good luck, serendipity

S Scarab - eternity, creativity, imagination Scorpion - precision, defense, passion Seahorse - confidence, grace Shark - hunter, survival Skunk - power, respect, protection Snake - shrewdness, transformation Snow Leopard - intuition, solitary, secrets Spider - creative, pattern of life Squirrel - trusting, innocence Starfish - flow, movement, sensitivity Swan - grace, balance, festive

T Thunderbird - caller of rain Tiger - sanctuary, mysticism, passion Tortoise - treasure, guidance, peace, meditation Turtle - self-contained, creative source

U Unicorn - singular, unique

W Wren - divination, strengthening, cleansing Whale - wisdom, provider, cleaner White Peacock - illumination, renewal, attraction Wolf - loyalty, success, perseverance

Z Zebra - clarity, individuality, balance

Other Symbols

All Birds - freedom, messengers from the divinities Angel - guardian of hope and wonder Bear Paw - strength, mobility Cross - redemption, salvation Eye of Horus - protection, nobility, good health Heart - love, fondness Hopi Hand - life, creative, healing Kokopelli - fertility, joy, music Om - the sound of the universe Star of David - union, heart, love Trinity Celtic Knot - long life, eternity Wolf Paw - freedom, success, guidance Yin & Yang - balance, harmony Zuni Bear - good health

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EXPLAIN THE BASICS: astrology + astrology calendar

As always, I will love to hear your thoughts! and if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! If you liked it, leave a comment or reblog (that is always appreciated!). If you are interested in more methods, check the masterlist!

Astrology is a belief system that suggests a connection between the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, and events on Earth, including human life and personality. Here are some basic concepts:

We are going to start with something simple: the zodiac sign. The sky is divided into 12 segments, each associated with a zodiac sign. which are: aries, taurus, gemini, cancer, leo, virgo, libra, scorpio, sagittarius, capricorn, aquarius, and pisces. But those zodiac signs are not the same for every culture; in fact, The 12 signs that I mentioned are from western culture. Western culture believes that planets and other living bodies hold a certain influence over our daily lives. which is what we are going to cover today! if you are interested in the other cultures too, let me know.

The 12 zodiac signs are connected with elements, and for every element there is some characteristic associated. I will do my best to explain it as well as I can:

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the elements of Fire, and they are defined as being very passionate, enthusiastic, tempermental, and spontaneous.

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the elements of Water, and they are defined as being very sensitive, mysterious, imaginative, and emotional.

Capricorn, taurus, virgo are the elements of Earth, and they are defined as being very pratical, loyal, grounded, and reliable.

Libra, aquarius, and gemini are the elements of Air, and they are defined as being very social, observant, creative, and adventures.

THOSE SIGN DEVIDE THEMSELF IN ANOTHER THREE CATEGORIES.

Cardinals are the leaders, dynamic, initiators, action-oriented, direct, and assertive, and the signs associated with them are: aries, cancer, capricorn, and libra.

Fixed are the determined, resistant to change, great willpower, stable, reliable, inflexible, and the signs associated with them are: Leo, Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius.

Mutable are the flexible, adaptable, communicative, changeable, resourceful, and the signs associated with them are: sagittarius, pisces, virgo, gemini.

NOW, we are going to talk about the planets and their ruling sign:

The sun rules the leos; the sun sign is about self-expression. It is going to influence your ego, identity, and personality. The moon rules the cancers; the moon sign is about emotions. It is going to influence your emotions and feelings. Mercury rules Geminis and Virgos: the Mercury sign is about communication. It is going to influence communications and intelligence. Venus rules the Taurus and Libras; the venus sign is about attraction and love. It is going to influence love and beauty. Mars rules of aries; the mars sign is about actions. It is going to influence bravery, courage, and aggression. Jupiter rules Sagittarius; the Jupiter sign is about expansion. It is going to influence abundance, generosity, positivity, and luck. Saturns rules The capricorn: and the Saturn sign are about structure or restriction. It is going to influence disciplines, commitments, and challenges. Uranus rules Aquarius: the Uranus sign, is about change. It is going to influence change and individuality. Neptune rules Pisces; the Neptune sign is about imagination. It is going to influence healing, intuition, and spiritual awareness. pluto rules the scorpio; the pluto sign is about transition. It is going to influence power, transformation, and destiny.

In your birth chart, you will also find:

Your ascendant; is about your persona. It is going to influence your appearance. Your descendant; is about what you see in others. Your midheaven (Medium Coeli or MC); is about status and career. It is going to influence the purpose of life. Your IC (Imum Coeli); is about home, family, and foundations. Your Lunar Nodes (the North Node and the South Node); the north node is about your potential and how much you can grow as a person, and the south node is about your experience and what inborn abilities you have. Lilith: is about your hidden emotions.

as the last topic we have the houses:

First house | aries | persona, identity, physical body. Second house | taurus | finances, security. Third house | Gemini| communicatios,siblings. Forth house | cancer | home, family, past.Fifth house | Leo | romance, children, creative.Sixth house | Virgo | health, job, daily routines. Seventh house | libra | mariage, partnership. Eighth house | scorpio | death, transformations, joint financial.Nineth house | sagittarius | higher education, long-distance travel, spirituality.Tenth house | capricorn | career, public image, legacy. Eleven house | Aquarius | groups, friends, luck. Twelve gouse | pisces | unconscius, limitations, introspectation

I hope I explained myself well; my brain is not braining anymore. I will leave here a link to a website that actually has all of the astrology events that are upcoming this year!

Worshipping With Limited Space/Materials/Time/Etc.

One of my close friends has been asking me how to worship deities with limited space/privacy/materials/etc, so here it is. A guide on worshipping without space.

See @catnip-reed for my religious blog if you want.

Altars

There are many ways to have a small/discreet altar. Some people (including me) even make them online.

Travel Altars: a small altar (usually in a small box or tin can) made for traveling; usually includes a tealight candle, crystals, herbs, coins, and photos.

Discreet Altars: a collection of objects that doesn’t look like an altar but functions as one; usually includes decorations, colors, etc. that don’t directly point to it being an altar but still hold symbols of the deity (i.e. coquette decor for Aphrodite, cat-focused decor for Bastet, etc.)

Candles: literally just a candle; used to focus energy, sometimes contains herbs or crystals inside

Shoebox Altars: a shoebox filled with permanent offerings, statues or photos, candles, and other things commonly placed on an altar; usually stored away until needed

A Binder: a binder filled with art, poems, prayers, information, etc; can also be a notebook or deity journal (see my post about deity journals here)

Bags: bags or satchels of things related to the deity (i.e. coins, herbs, photos, etc.); can be emptied to set up a temporary altar or held when praying/offering/etc.

Books: a collection of books devoted to them; can be books related to their domains or books that remind you of them; used as an offering (reading) or communication (annotation)

Temporary Altars: altars that can be set up and taken down with ease; most commonly includes a small offering plate, a small cup, and sometimes candles, statues, or photos

Photos: a photo collage online or physical containing photos of the Gods and/or their domains; my favorite way to display these is as phone/computer backgrounds or on bulletin boards (similar to a vision board)

Pinterest: pinterest boards; a collage of pins of the Gods, their domains, and things that remind you of them

Tumblr: tumblr sideblogs; reblogging or posting things like quotes, photos, ideas, etc. that remind you of them

All in all, altars really are just a way for you to focus on your deity. In some religions, altars are a designated space for offerings. Depending on how you view them, you can make anything into an altar.

Divination

Some people like to use communication methods like tarot, runes, etc. to talk with their deities. For those who can’t openly own/use them or can’t afford them, here are some alternatives.

Lenormand Cards Website

Labyrinthos Tarot App

The Fool’s Dog Tarot App

Golden Thread Tarot App

The Classic 1910 Tarot App

A List of Oracle Card Apps

Cartomancy: using playing cards to divine

Astragalomancy: using dice to divine

Coins: flipping a coin to get a yes/no answer; there are other coin divination methods but many are closed

Bibliomancy: using books to divine; either a book falls on a specific page and you choose a random sentence or you choose a book, flip to a random page, and find a random sentence

Aeromancy: using weather to divine

Pyromancy: using flames from a candle/bonfire/etc. to divine

Capnomancy: using smoke to divine

Offerings

Offerings! One of my favorite things about my worship. Offerings are basically bribes so that your deities like you more /s. But seriously, offerings bring you closer to your deity.

Water: a simple cup of water; can be drank or left out for them

Food: either portions of your meal or food made for them; can be eaten or left out for them

Other Drinks: cups of other drinks; can be drank or left out for them; most commonly milk, alcohol, coffee, or tea

Candles & Incense: candles or incense devoted to them; can be lit or just kept in honor of them

Flowers: bouquets or single flowers; can be bought from stores or found outside (i.e. dandelions)

Honey: doesn’t have to be ethically sourced; can be added to teas and other drinks

Art: your own art or the art of others; includes music, playlists, digital art, poetry, drawings, paintings, instruments, etc.

Coins: many deities enjoy coins as offerings; can be offered to wealth/luck deities or can be offered to a deity because of the image (i.e. a coin with a sun on it can be offered to Apollon)

Devotional Acts

The only thing I love more than offerings. Also used to get closer to deities. Offerings of actions instead of physical things.

Donating: donating to organizations related to your deity (i.e. health organizations for Apollon)

Volunteering: volunteering at places related to your deity (i.e. dog shelters for Ares)

Practicing Good Hygiene: showering, washing your face, brushing your teeth and/or hair, etc.

Self-Care: ritual baths, face masks, relaxing, doing a hobby, etc; anything that makes you happy can be dedicated to a deity

Going Outside: taking a walk or sitting outside; some people make outside altars for some nature deities

Sunbathing/Cloudwatching/Starwatching: sunbathing for deities associated with the sun, cloudwatching for deities associated with the sky/weather, and starwatching for deities associated with the night/stars/planets; if the deity does not have a domain in one of these do whichever makes you happy

Cleaning: keeping your space and any altar/religious space you have clean and free of dust

Research: learning new things about your deity

Browsing Social Media: browsing a tag/account/etc. dedicated to your deity

Sharing: telling people about your deity

Learning Language: learning the language of your pantheon (i.e. greek for hellenism, italian for roman polytheism, etc.)

Conclusion

You do not need big, elaborate altars to worship. You do not need scheduled offerings, or even any offerings at all. You do not need to use tarot or runes to communicate with your deities. The only requirements for worshipping a deity is wanting to worship them and stating that you are worshipping them. To build from there, you begin building a relationship with them. Offerings and altars may help you do that, but they are not required. The Gods will understand if you do not have the space/time/materials/etc. to worship them how you would like or how others do. The Gods will understand if you do not want an elaborate practice. They will understand.