Ostara Honey Cakes

A Baby Witch's First Grimoire

Grimoire Entry 23 - Beauty Herbs

Anemone

Avocado

Catnip

Cosmos

Evening Primrose

Flax

Ginseng

Magnolia

Maidenhair

Myrtle

Orange

Rose

Tulip

Yerba Santa

Feel free to check out my master post for more information!

Fruit Correspondences

Apple: spirit work, offerings, love, healing, beauty, wisdom, harvest

Apricot: love, self love

Avocado: beauty, love, lust, fertility, spell work

Banana: wealth, luck, spirituality, religion, masculinity

Blueberry: protection, banishment, curses

Blackberry: protection, fertility, femininity, funerals, afterlife, moving on

Cantaloupe: spell work, protection, grounding, energy work

Cherry: lust, love, fertility

Clementine: childhood, dreams

Coconut: protection, cleansing, femininity

Cranberry: holidays, blood magic, spirit work

Date: fertility, luck, money

Dragon fruit: lust, passion, spell work

Durian: curses, cleansing, protection

Fig: happiness, divination, love

Grapefruit: cleansing

Grape: money, spell work, fertility, offerings

Guava: love, self love, lust

Honeydew: cleansing, energy, love

Jackfruit: divination, spell work, happiness

Kiwifruit: health, love, lust, happiness

Kumquat: luck, health, money

Lemon: cleansing, purification, protection, curse breaking

Lime: cleansing, protection, love

Lychee: love, self love, femininity, beauty

Mango: love, lust, fertility

Nectarine: love, self love, spell work

Orange: cleansing, protection, divination

Papaya: curse breaking, banishing, spirit work, love

Passion fruit: lust, love, passion

Peach: fertility, love, happiness, spirit work

Pear: offerings, happiness, luck, money, confidence

Persimmon: healing, love, luck, protection

Pineapple: protection, health, offerings, money, luck

Plantain: fertility, masculinity, lust, passion

Plum: love, healing, offerings

Pomegranate: offerings, blood magic, fertility, divination, spell work

Prune: cleansing, protection

Raspberry: love, dreams, health

Strawberry: love, wishes, dreams, happiness

Starfruit: lunar/solar magic, spell work, cleansing

Tangerine: solar magic, strength, energy work

Tomato: protection, cleansing, love, passion

Watermelon: healing, femininity, lust, love, spirit work, cleansing

Tip Jar

Actual Alternatives to "So Mote It Be"

"It is as I will it. "

"As I speak it so it is. "

"This I command."

This is by my power."

"This I manifest."

"By me and the powers that be."

"Because I fucking said so."

(Feel free to add some of your own.)

✨️10 Things I always Include in My New Grimoire/Book Of Shadows✨️

I'm getting to the end of my second grimoire (prior to this I'd have random stuff in school notebooks that I unfortunately don't have anymore) so I thought it'd be fitting to talk about the stuff I benefited from copying over into my second Grimoire along with what I will most likely put into my third Grimoire.

Please Note: for my journey a Grimoire is the most fitting way for me to describe my preferred method of transcribing what I learn. As a result I will be referring to a Grimoire the whole time but this knowledge can be generally applied to other witchy books meant to hold knowledge.

To help with dictinctions:

Anything with an asterisk* indicates I regretted not including it before

Anything without is stuff I've included and benefitted from having on hand

1. The Elements and Their Correspondences

What I Include in this entry:

- A page dedicated to each element

- Tarot Card, Astrological sign, Color, Crystal, and Herb correspondes (condensed down to crystals and herbs I'm guaranteed to use)

- a vague list with ideas on what this element embodies vibe wise (for example: Earth can represent success, stability or fertility)

- A page dedicated to ideas on how I can work with each element

- how to invoke and banish an element with a pentacle

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

It makes for a very useful reference point when doing spellwork. I can easily see if I can use elemental symbolism and how I can incorporate it.

It also can be nice to reference if I'm celebrating a holiday that embodies the energy of a specific element. I can reference the page for ideas on herbs to use while cooking, colors I can incorporate, etc.

2. Moon Phases, Time, and Seasonal Correspondences

What I include in this Entry:

- a drawing of each moon phase along with about three adjectives to describe the phase

- lists of associations for each time of day

- a chart of the cardinal directions and which season and element corresponds with each one

Why I find this Entry Useful:

It might sound weird that I have all of this stuff condensed down into one entry but hear me out: it's so much nicer to plan rituals and spellwork when all you have to do is look through two pages??? Especially if your first grimoire has all of these entries in more detail (which I heavily reccomend so all of the knowledge is still recorded somewhere), it's nice to know you can easily access the basics without reading every little detail, and then you can always go back to your old grimoire when you need to access more information on the topic.

3. Cartomancy/Tarot

What I Include in this Entry:

- very brief definition of Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court Cards

- elemental correspondences of minor arcana plus what they symbolize

- what each court card symbolizes

- a numerology "cheat sheet"

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

This is one of those things that will not be helpful for everyone but since I practice tarot frequently it's perfect for me. Even if you're not a big tarot person I at least reccomend you pick something you do a lot and create a condensed version for you to review when you need it!

4. The Witches Compass/Opening and Closing Circles

What I Include in this Entry:

- a brief explanation on why you'd use one

- a step by step guide on how you would open and close one

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

Even though I don't always utilize the Witches' Compass or a standard magic circle, I like to have a condensed form written in case I need to perform a ritual but don't have the space to lug around multiple books.

5. Alters, Shrines, and Temples

What I Include in This Entry:

- Definitions of each word

- a list of examples of types of alters

- a general run-down on what typically goes on an altar

- ideas on how to decorate an altar

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

I actually don't have an altar space currently, but I do find it useful to have inspiration on hand in case I need it. I also just find it useful to have the distinctions on hand in case I'm cross referencing my research.

6. Warding and Defensive Magic*

What I Include in this Entry:

- a list of types of wards with minor guidance on how to use them if I don't use them often

- ways I can use defensive magic if things go wrong

-When to ward/When not to ward a space

- a page dedicated to the Witches Ladder, how to make one, and I typically include one of my own spells with it.

- a page dedicated to a basic house protection spell

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

This is one of the topics I didn't copy over into my current Grimoire but really regret not doing. Since I like to dabble in Astral travel and a huge part of my practice is working with the in between this knowledge is nice to have on hand.

I'm personally of the school of thought that you don't need to ward everything at all times, however if you're like me and you do a warding spell every once in a while and then you forget how to do it... yeah might be nice to just always have it freshly recorded so you're not rifling through all of your stuff.

7. Magical Excersizes from Books, Media, Etc.

What I Include In This Entry:

- the source I got the excersize from

- what the goal of the excersize is

- a step-by-step rundown

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

It's especially nice when you're dealing with burnout or a mental block. It's also oddly refreshing to occasionally do one.

Now, I wouldn't reccomend having every magical exercise you've ever done in your new Grimoire, but I usually pick three or four that I really like and write them down.

8. About Me Page*

What I Include In This Entry:

- Deities I mainly Venerate

- What magical "paths" or ways of life I tend to follow

- How I feel about my practice (Do I need to improve in some areas? Do I feel lost? Etc.)

- Things I want to explore more or do more

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

This is another entry I seriously regret not including more. With my first Grimoire (that I didn't lose) it served as a good spot to check in order to see my growth, look for anything I hadn't learned yet but wanted to learn, and it served as a nice sentimental peice to look back on.

Some may not benefit from having an entry like this, but others may find they'll benefit from it like I do!

9. A Basic Guide on Fae Species (or other entities depending on your practice)

What I Include in this Entry:

- I usually pick about 8-10 Fae to make an entry on and I try to keep it in a broad, diverse range.

- A picture depicting each thing

- Name of species

- Anecdotes on their temperament, how you can avoid pissing them off, etc.

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

As a Celtic Pagan it feels right for me to have an entry that includes the Fae even though I avoid interacting with them when possible. I've also generally had a sort of fixation on the Fae and their way of life since I was young so it's a little something that speaks to my heart and my passions as well.

If you want to look at this more practically, having a guide of common entities can be good in case you encounter one that way you have a sort of code of conduct written down.

10. List of Herbs I Commonly Use and their Correspondences

What I Include in this Entry:

- Household herbs I can easily find in the pantry

- items I can easily forage and use from outside

Why I Find this Entry Useful:

My first ever list of herbs was basically every Herb under the sun and how I could use it. Did I use any of those herbs? Heck no! Now I keep a small, condensed list of stuff I actually use and have easy access to and if I use anything I'm not used to that's when I reference my giant list.

Not all of these topics may personally speak to you, but I hope that at least some of them could help you decide what you'd like to include in your own books!

🜏Astra's Grimoire; Masterlist🜏

Working with Spirits

Abaddon

Angrboda

Arachne

Aradia

Astaroth

Asmoday

Azazel

Buer

Bune

Cernunnos

Dantalion

Decarabia

Eris

Gaap

Leviathan

Lilith

Loki

Lucifer

Marbas

Medusa

Melinoe

Morrigan

Murmur

Nyx

Paimon

Ptah

Raum

Ronove

Samael

Seere

Stolas

Uphir

Valac

Zagan

Invocation Ritual

Spells/Recipes

Commanding Oil

Crow Sleep Spell

Create a Dark Talisman

Clavum Et Spinam

Casket Boxes

Materialization Potion

Invocation for Integration of Multidimensional Gifts

Fire And Water

Attract the Fae Using a Faerie Ring

Black Opal Charm

Phoenix Ash

Hunter's Curse Enchantment

Hex Bag of Illness

To Give The Evil Eye

Folk Chaos Recipe: Influence Powder

Jar Candle Road Opener

Black Arts Oil

Other/Various Topics

List of Baneful Components

The Dark Moon

Notes On Crossroads

Magickal Herb Sets

Serpent Symbolism

Obscure Spell Components

Sigils Part 1

Sigils Part 2

Necromancer's Tool Kit

Courtesies Of Sect Law

The Powers That Be

A Dive Into The Dark Feminine

Interacting With The Fae

Eleven Powers of Witches

Essential Herb Collection

A Selection of Weather Magick

Bypassing Wards and Protections

A Collection of Symbols

My Personal Correspondences

Wand Woods

Key Magick

The Magick of Spiders

Celtic Astrology

Creating Servitors

Basic Incense and Their Uses

Hedge-Riding

Candle Divination

The Satanic Statutes

Basic Numerology

Liminal Spaces in Witchcraft

Cursed And Bonded Objects

Bug Correspondences

Magickal Uses For Bindweed

The Basic Principles Of Spellcasting

Egyptian Zodiac

Cursing By The Moon

Cartomancy

The Power of Hair

Tarot Tips

Blood In Magick

Soul Connections

Spiritual Downloads

The Four Powers Of The Magus

Types Of Witchcraft

Crystals By Use: Quick Reference

Witch's Runes

The Faerie Star

A guide on speaking to/channeling spirits.

I also posted that in my witchy discord server! inv: https://discord.gg/N57k5YKHcG

CHANNELING SPIRITS 101 Channeling spirits is one of the most fun, interesting and complex things to do in witchcraft. A lot of you might have done that already when talking with you deities, but this is a guide that will focus more on the general things.

Before we begin with the guide, I want to list some REALLY IMPORTANT THINGS YOU MUST READ BEFORE TRYING ANY OF THIS.

1. Always respect spirits.

Doesn't matter if it's a random one, or your own spirit guide, always approach them with respect. Don't worry, intrusive thoughts don't count, it's your intention that matters.

2. Your permission and boundaries hold power.

It's a good idea to NEVER trust a random spirit with your permission, especially if it's about something personal. You can and It's recommended to, to place boundaries. Let the spirits know your rules, state them so they don't do anything you don't want them to. Also respect their boundaries if they have any. If you aren't comfortable with that, just say goodbye.

3. Channeling drains your energy. Don't overdo it, ground yourself before and after and make sure you are feeling okay.

Be cautious with how much you do it, make sure you don't force yourself while you're tired or anything.

4. Be protected.

It's a good idea to ALWAYS have protection on you, but you should do additional/temporary protection. Spirits cannot harm you at all if you're protected, so you have nothing to worry about if you are!

WHAT CAN YOU CHANNEL?

Pretty much everything. You can speak to your ancestors, random positive spirits around you or you can call upon any deity/god. (If you're a reality shifter, you can also channel people from your DR.)

HOW TO CHANNEL SPIRITS.

1. Cast a circle, do your protection and ground yourself.

You don't have to do that when speaking to deities, but it's a good idea overall to have some sort of protection.

2. Invoke the entity you want to speak to. Hold your cards/pendulum/other divination tool, invoke the spirit! "I invite in any positive and helpful entity here to speak to me through [divination tool.]" is a good way to go. Make sure to focus, be clear with your intentions and you should feel when it's ready.

3. Ask your questions. Speak with them. If you use tarot cards, just ask the question normally while focusing on the entity you're speaking to. It's about intuition, you will know when to stop shuffling and what to look at. (NOTE: Tarot cards often tend to fall off when speaking to spirits especially, don't ignore these cards.)

4. When you're done, thank the spirit(s) and say your goodbyes! You can say "thanks for your messages, I release you and peace and light, goodbye." and you will be okay. Afterwards, cleanse your space and ground yourself again and you'll be done.

That's it, I hope that's helpful, make sure to ask me if you have any questions!!

🌅 Lucifer Deity Guide 🌅

Note: This is inspired by both my own experiences with Lucifer and the information I read on @scarletarosa's blog and her devotional guide to him. Please go read that one too!!

The divine rebel, Lucifer is the light of truth and divine wisdom; an ancient light which shines through the darkness, representing illumination. He is the driving force of innovation, liberation and transformation. According to Scarletarosa, who actively works with Lucifer and was told this by him, he was the first-born god of the Universe created by the supreme deity, the Source. He is so incredibly ancient and beautiful. Lilith was created to be his counterpart, the Queen of Heaven. However, Jehovah took the throne of heaven from Lucifer and cast him and his followers into hell. Most of them lost their connection to heaven and their energy became dark and intense. Jehovah claimed the throne of heaven and set himself up as the one true god, manipulating humans into betraying their original deities. Thus, Lucifer became the King of Hell and has been scorned by Christians for millenia. 

God of: Illumination, Light, Darkness, Change, Rebirth, Challenges, Innovation, Logic, Truth, Knowledge, Wisdom, Strategy, Persuasion, Revolution, Luxury, Pleasure, Freedom, The Arts and The Morning Star (“Morning Star” is another name for the planet Venus)

Symbols: Sigil of Lucifer, The Morning Star, Violins and Fiddles (instruments traditionally associated with him)

Plants and Trees: Rose, Belladonna, Mulberry, Patchouli, Myrrh, Min, Tobacco, Marigold, Lilies, Hyacinth, Sage

Crystals: Amethyst, Black Obsidian, Onyx, Garnet, Selenite, Rose Quartz

Animals: Black Animals in general, Dragons, Snakes, Owls, Eagles, Ravens, Crows, Rams, Foxes, Pigs,  Bats, Rats, Moths, Swans

Incense: Rose, Frankincense, Patchouli, Myrrh

Colors: Black, Red, Silver, Emerald Green, Gold

Tarot: The Devil

Planets: The Morning Star, Venus

Day: Monday and Friday

Consort: Lilith

Children: Naema, Aetherea and many others

How was he traditionally worshipped?

There is not much to say about how Lucifer was historically worshiped seeing as he wasn’t worshiped at all for a large chunk of human history. He seems to have been worked with in some capacity according to the Gesta Treverorum, written in 1231, which is where we first see the term Luciferian being used to refer to his worship. This was by a woman named Lucardis for a religious circle, who was said to lament to Lucifer in private and prayed to him. However, the term Luciferians was later applied to basically any groups Christians didn’t like and wanted to fight, as one might expect. However, the modern Luciferian movement also sheds light on how Lucifer is worshiped. For Luciferians, enlightenment is the ultimate goal. Their basic principles highlight truth, freedom of will and fulfilling one’s ultimate potential, and encourage the same in all of us. Traditional dogma is shunned because Luciferians believe that humans do not need deities or the threat of eternal punishment to know what is good and the right thing to do. All ideas are to be tested before being accepted, and even then one should remain critical because knowledge is fluid and ever-changing. Regardless of whether Luciferians view Lucifer as a deity or an archetype, he is a representation of ultimate illumination and exploration in the name of personal growth. 

Epithets

Phanes

The Morning Star

Light-bringer

The First-born

Prince of Darkness

Son of Morning

The Glory of Morning

Lord of the Lunar Sphere

The First Light

Offerings

Red Wine, Whiskey (especially Jack Daniels), Champagne, Pomegranate Juice, Black Tea (especially earl grey), Chocolate (especially dark chocolate), Cooked Goat Meat, Venison, Apples, Pomegranates, Honey, Good Quality Cigars, Tobacco, Daggers and Swords, Silver Rings, Emeralds and Emerald Jewelry, Goat Horns, Black Feathers, Seductive Colognes, Red Roses, Dead Roses, Crow Skulls, Bone Dice, Devotional Poetry and Artwork, Classical Music (especially violin)

Devotional Acts

Acts of self-improvement, spiritual awakening and evolution, knowledge-seeking and dedication to spirituality ; Shadow Work ; Working to overcome your ego to become wiser ; Defending those in need ; Working to better yourself without being too self critical ; Fighting against tyranny and bigotry whenever you encounter it

Altar Decorations

Black or Red Candles, Snake and Dragon Figurines, His sigil, Roses, Fancy Chess Boards and Playing Cards, Silver Jewlery and ornaments, Black feathers, Goat horns

Appearance

For me Lucifer usually appears as a tall light-skinned man with long fiery red hair (so red it looks like it’s been dyed), a sophisticated face with a killer jawline, passionate eyes and dressed in a fancy black suit. From all my experiences with him and what I’ve heard from other followers, it seems Lucifer and most demons dress in full suits and tuxedos. 

Personality

Lucifer is nothing if not charming. He’s a protector first and foremost - one that always works to help you better yourself, but a protector nonetheless. He feels like a protective older brother taking care of you while your parents are away. He is a very complex entity, deeply wise and eloquent. He is more serious than one might expect for a demon given their popular depictions in our culture as chaotic forces of evil, but Lucifer is full of courage and love. I often feel him with me even when I’m not doing things related to him. He is proud of his follower’s accomplishments and congratulates them on a job well done, though he also reminds them that the job is never truly over. Growth is constant. Lucifer is the epitome of growth, blunt and gentle at the same time, telling you what you need to do and giving you space to figure out how to do it. 

Lucifer values resilience, the pursuit of self-betterment, intellectualism, courage, open-mindedness and responsibility in individuals and wants to see his followers develop these qualities. He is constantly rooting for you to reach your full potential. He won’t hold your hand the entire way, but he will help you take steps in the right direction. Lucifer, like all deities, is different for everyone and will adjust his approach depending on your needs.

^ The Sigil of Lucifer

Some animistic bone-reading tips

I've been practicing bone-reading for about five years now, and through that I've picked up on a few things that I don't regularly see people talking about, so I decided to put together a list that I would have personally found helpful at the beginning of my divination practice. Please be advised that I come at bone-reading from a very animistic perspective, so if that's not a viewpoint that you believe in, most of these tips probably won't be helpful to you.

The method of bone-reading I use is to ask a specific question and toss the bones to read. This is a common method, but there are also alternate practices, such as tossing bones in the fire and reading them based on the burns and heat cracking.

Choose your bones carefully. Pick ones that want to be worked with, and ones that you're personally able to resonate with. Bones that don't want to be read can't be used effectively from my experience.

Feed your bones. This is the practice of giving your bones offerings to maintain their willingness to work with you and to build your relationship with them. I find divinatory herbs and blood to be a great offering, though blood should not be used without experience and caution. Food the animal would have eaten while alive can also be effective (for example, if your set is made primarily of fox bones, a small offering of meat might be appreciated).

Listen to your gut. Bone-reading is an incredibly instinctual and personalized form of divination. Don't try too hard to logically assign meanings to your bones - from my experience, they will usually let you know. If you can tell a bone would like to be used for a reading but can't tell what the bone might mean, add it to your set. It will let you know once you start doing readings with it.

Use a mat. This is partially a mundane recommendation; if you throw your bones straight onto the floor, they're eventually going to break. This also makes it easier to tell when a bone breaking is significant to the reading. A mat can also serve as a center of the reading; the bones in the middle may be more significant, whereas the bones that fall off the mat may be irrelevant to the reading. This isn't a format one has to use, but it can be helpful, especially to beginners.

Just start bone-reading. Obviously you should go into it having done research, and with a cautious and respectful attitude. However, at a certain point, doing research and preparation isn't helpful. Because bone-reading is so personalized and instinctual, there is so much you can only learn once you start. During your first few readings, pay close attention to each bone, where they fall next to each other, and what they may be telling you about their meaning.

Hi I am really confused on what is shadow work and you can work on it

Could you please explain it to me

Only if you want tho

Thank anyway ❤

What is Shadow Work?

Shadow Work is a way of consciously confronting your Shadow Self to achieve personal and spiritual growth.

We all have a Shadow Self - it is what we can't clearly see in ourselves. What is hidden to us, what we deny and repress - the 'dark side'. You cannot and shouldn't even try getting rid of your shadow side. It is necessary and not at all bad or evil. But when you ignore it, that is when problems start to come up.

What you should do is get to know your shadow self. Explore, learn and understand your shadow behaviours because it can lead to a much better mental health, overall growth, spiritual awakening, higher energy levels and authenticity. 

Our shadow - or the things we repress and try to hide - often comes from childhood trauma and unfortunately, many people don't even realise theirs or they choose to ignore it, because that is much easier. Those could be addictions, restrictive mindset, toxic habits and much more. Only you can recognise your own shadows and actively work on them.

That is what Shadow Work is for. Answering all the uncomfortable questions and facing unhealthy behaviours in ourselves. It is hard work and can take a lot of time, but it is absolutely necessary if you want to become the best version of yourself. So start as soon as you can.

✧ Check out prompts for 16 days of Shadow Work 

Darkness Hex

Do not use this spell unless your intention is to cause complete havoc. There is no reversing the spell, so make sure that this is a last resort, and you will not regret doing it later.

When you begin this spell, think about all the pain and suffering this person has caused you (or someone close to you). Visualize chaos attacking them from all sides.

MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE:

You will need a 9″ piece of black yarn.

Tie 3 separate knots as you chant the following:

“With this knot I seal this hex you will not sleep, you will not eat, you will not rest dark knots of anger, dark knots of hate This black cord with knots brings you your fate As I tie this second knot this makes two As complete black darkness falls over you Slander, chaos, evil too I send the darkness straight onto you With this third knot, yes I bind Complete horror and chaos into your mind Hex of anger, hex of hate Bring (SPEAK THE PERSON’S NAME) down, I will not wait. I have spoken it and so it shall be. I have spoken it and so mote it be!”

Douglas Hensley, A Book Of Magic Spells And Hexes