Depression Repellent Soap!

Depression repellent soap!

TW: mentions of depression and suicide thoughts/attempts

This post is dedicated to my friends who are still struggling. Mama Rami loves you, deeply and truly. Keep fighting.

I’ll document briefly my experience living with depression since I was a toddler in italics. If you’d rather just skip this part and get to the soap, I get it. I’ll mark it with a title.

I feel I need to say something before just throwing out there a magickal aid to keep depression at bay. First of all, remember this is NO SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL MEDICAL TREATMENT. Magick is a little boost. A push. It won’t change anything unless you complement it with corporeal actions.

So as you may or may not know, I’ve been struggling with depression since basically my birth. One of my earliest memories is of a suicide attempt at age 4.

Lately my life is finally looking bright. I found a job I love that pays like shit, but hey, it’s mine, I’m great at it, and it makes me happy.

My love life is a drag but I feel really good about it. I always basically jumped from one relationship to another and now I’m close to two years of being single and it’s been a very good couple of years.

However, this doesn’t mean my depression doesn’t like coming and going. I try to keep myself away from a maniac episode, but I’ve been exercising and having fun. I’m not “cured”, nor I’ll ever be. But the future, maybe for the first time ever, looks promising.

I had hit rock bottom something close to three years ago. I was keeping a calendar recording all my suicidal impulses, as some sort of countdown.

And that’s when I decided I could either get help, or die.

I never really believed in therapy. All psychologists and psychiatrists always only seemed to me like morons who didn’t really help AT ALL and just sat there milking money from me or my insurance.

In what could have been my final hours, I decided that if everything was lost already, so why not try one last time? I mean, I had already decided to kill myself, had chosen the perfect method, had timed the perfect moment. I had a couple of days left. Why not try to get professional help at least one last time?

The last psychiatrist I saw prescribed me prozac.

It changed my life.

I won’t go deeply into detail. After all, you know what happened. I’m clearly not gone (or am I!? zombie blogging hurr durr) and although things might not be “objectively” better…

My life is good… My life is so very, mundanely, good.

I sang in the car today coming back from work and I stood under the sun and I smiled to myself.

I feel things. I feel bad and happy things. But I can FEEL.

I know they always say the same, that “life gets better”. That’s not true. Life sometimes is objectively shit. But we… we get better. We see the same cesspool of hypocrisy and don’t think it’s pointless. We feel we can make it through today, that we have the energy to spare, to live.

Find help. Reach out. There are people who want to help you. We want you to live and not just breathing in and out until you can’t anymore, we want you to live for real. There’s a good life waiting for you.

Don’t be afraid of using medication to balance your brain chemistry.

You’ll get better.

Today I found a shard of blue glass and I thought it was pretty and kept it in my pocket.

It was just a shard of blue glass but I found it beautiful and worth having.

With its million small good moments in the storm of all things awful…

Life is still worth living.

Some days, however, I’m more tired than usual. And I’m not ashamed to say I need a little boost. I won’t pretend depression isn’t a ghost that haunts you. Some days I don’t have the strength to realize how beautiful my little miracles are.

I’m no longer on prozac, so my brain is on its own to keep its balance.

Of course, a little magick always helps.

How to make my depression repellent revitalizing soap

You’ll need:

A bar of soap of your preferred scent that you associate with happiness, energy, strength, etc.

Sun water.

Rose water.

A yellow candle.

An orange candle.

Crystals or stones you associate with your preferred intent: I used unakite (I associate it with spring and I did this ritual during Ostara), pink quartz (self love), amethyst (balance), clear quartz (purification), Himalayan pink salt (purification), rhodochrosite (vitality and self love). I also highly recommend you use citrine since it’s associated with sun and happiness.

Something to carve the soap with, like a nail or a knife.

One of these sigils by @sigilathenaeum I personally used this one:

Let’s get started.

So you can basically skip the whole process and step straight into the carving part, forget about the waters and whatnot, choose different crystals or not choose to use them at all, simply carve and we’re good to go. But I insist this is the most important step:

1) Choose the right soap.

I shit you not, I spent 20 minutes in the hygiene aisle in the supermarket choosing the right soap. Pick one that’s gonna represent exactly what you feel you need to keep your depression at bay. There are dozens of possible scent and color combinations, pick THE RIGHT ONE. Try to make this budget friendly too, because sadly this soap will run out eventually (although I have a little trick to prevent that) and you’ll probably have to get more.

I personally chose a delicious orange and lemon glycerin soap. It was like $1 and smells amazing.

I had never performed a spell for myself before this one, but I’ve made this soap for other people with other issues before. If you’re gonna be adapting this spell to prevent anxiety I’d recommend something like lavender scent. If recovering from trauma, eucalyptus, mint or aloe are good options. A bad break up or need a self-love boost? Rose or floral scents. Feeling unsafe? Cinnamon or spice.

However, the most important thing is that you like the scent! No, more than that.

IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU LOVE HOW THIS SOAP SMELLS ON YOUR SKIN. It’ll be a protective layer that’ll cover your whole body. Make sure you like it!

2) Carve the sigil in the soap bar, not too deep.

I used a nail, but a needle, a knife, even a pencil, they can all work. Soap is really easy to work with!

3) If you care about moon phases, I’d recommend you perform this spell under the waxing crescent phase (after the new moon, when it starts shining again, it represents growth and improvement) or the full moon (it represents plenitude and prosperity).

4) Perform the spell.

Anoint your candles and cast your circle if that’s your thing, light them. Align the crystals and stones around the bar. You can carve the soap at this moment, but I personally did it beforehand. Place the crystals over the soap. Rub a drop of rose water and/or sun water around the bar. I used my crystal bell to bring lightness and joy into my soap. Do your thing, you know how this works. Intent, chanting if you want it. Do it for as long as you feel you must. REMEMBER TO GROUND AFTER PERFORMING ANY SORT OF SPELL.

5) Try it out.

When you use the soap, the sigil will be erased because of the water and the friction. It’ll melt into your skin and into the soap. If you don’t use a glycerin soap, it could take one or two baths, but eventually it’ll settle there completely.

6) When you need it.

Use this soap when you feel you need it. If you need it every time you shower, use it. If you feel you need it once a month, that’s alright.

7) Do it as many times as you need to… or not!

WHEN YOUR BAR IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT, MY TRICK IS GETTING THE SAME KIND OF SOAP (you don’t have to, I’m just picky like that) AND FUSE THE LITTLE BIT YOU HAVE WITH THE NEW BAR. This will transfer all the properties to the new bar without needing to repeat the spell every time.

8) Store it.

Keep your soap somewhere dry. If you don’t have a soap case, you can use just a regular plastic bag.

9) Remember to wash behind your ears.

Happy cleansing!

PLEASE REBLOG. IF NOT YOU, SOMEONE ELSE COULD NEED IT.

-Semiramis, the Magpie Witchling

Crystals in Death Magick 💎💀

Ajoite - overcome sorrow, emotional healing

Amethyst - eases grief and sadness

Andalusite - crossing over into the afterlife

Apophyllite - spirit communication

Bixbite (Red Beryl) - eases grief

Black Tourmaline - eases grief

Bloodstone - to strengthen ties with ancestors or loved ones who have passed on

Blue Lace Agate - connection to the spirit world, eases passage into the afterlife

Calcite - emotional healing, peace

Carnelian - eases sorrow, protection in the afterlife

Celestite - spirit communication

Charoite - eases passage into the afterlife

Cuprite - spirit communication

Halite - dispelling negativity, protection

Hematite - grounding, peace, transforming negativity

Jade - protection in the afterlife

Jasper - safe passage into the afterlife

Jet - eases grief and mourning

Kunzite - eases heartbreak

Labradorite - spirit communication

Lapis Lazuli - spiritual connection

Obsidian - healing, deflecting negativity, grounding, protection

Onyx - grounding, protection

Pink Tourmaline - emotional healing

Quantum Quattro Silica - eases grief

Quartz - safe passage into the afterlife

Selenite - spirit communication, eases passage into the afterlife

Sunstone - spirit communication

Tanzan Aura Quartz - spirit communication

Tsavorite - connection to the spirit world

Turquoise - spiritual attunement

Violet Flame Opal - spiritual awareness

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a-sprig-of-thyme

7 years ago

Reblog if...

You post about any of the following, and you post often,

- Witchcraft - Pagan Traditions - Anything Norse, Celtic, Gaelic or generally pantheon related - Crystals/Minerals - Spells/Spellwork/Spell Bottles/Grimoire Ideas - Tarot/Oracle or anything related to divination - Spirituality in it’s whole - Tech/Green/Kitchen/Religious/Non-Religious/Cosmic/etc Witchcraft - Witch Aesthetic - Vikings - Vulture Culture

I need more blogs like these to follow that are active! Please reblog if you post about anything like this, especially if you post about something related that I forgot to mention. Pretty please!

- Unwritten

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a-sprig-of-thyme

7 years ago

Autumn is almost here…

If you’re an ACTIVE blog that posts:

🎃 Autumn & Fall Photos 🎃 Fall & Cozy Aesthetics 🎃 Halloween & October Photos

Please REBLOG or LIKE this so I can follow you! 👻

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a-sprig-of-thyme

7 years ago

ABC of carrier oils

Vegetable and carrier oils have a plethora of fine uses which include acting as a carrier for therapeutic applications, as an excellent addition to your culinary creations, as a lathering agent for soap, and a binding medium for cosmetics. It is hard to imagine where we would be with our creations, if it were not for the goodness and substance that pure oil provides. There are so many varieties, however, that it is easy to get overwhelmed. Here is a list of the most commonly used carrier oils!

Almond oil - This is one of the most useful, practical, and comonly used oils. It is great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. It is truly marvelous as a carrier oil and is equally superb for addition to body care products.

Apricot kernel oil - A wonderful oil similar to Sweet Almond, but more suitable for sensitive and prematurely aged skin.It can be used liberally in most body care recipes.

Argan oil - This rare and exquisite oil is meticulously pressed from the fruit kernels of the Moroccan Argan tree. Argan oil is rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E) and phenols, carotenes, squalene and fatty acids, making it a truly luxurious oil. Argan oil absorbs quickly and is often used in skin, nail and hair treatments to deliver deep hydration, strengthen brittle hair and nails, and prevent/reduce stretch marks.

Avocado oil - This ultra rich organic oil is a delightful treasure containing high amounts of Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E. Also contains amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and other essential fatty acids. Highly prized to those with skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments, it also makes a lovely salad oil for dressings and condiments. Highly recommended to those with sensitive skin, problem skin, and other irritations that require vitamin rich oil.

Baobab oil - This exquisite oil is cold pressed from the seeds of Baobab fruit trees growing in Africa. The normal lifespan of a Baobab tree is 500 years, with the oldest trees reaching the age of 5,000 years and a height of 20 meters. Known to the locals in its natural habitat as “The Tree Of Life”, Baobab’s bark, leaves and fruit pulp are also used. Its lovely white flowers emit a smell of rotting meat, which attracts pollinating moths, flies and ants; however, the seed oil itself possesses a light, nutty, almost floral scent. Rich in vitamins A, E and F and sterols, baobab oil absorbs quickly and is a wonderful oil to use in dry skin treatments and products designed to moisturize dry hair.

Borage seed oil -Because of its extremely high levels of gamma linolenic acid, Borage Seed Oil has many potential uses. It has been widely studied for its ability to calm and reduce inflammation, and has been used successfully to alleviate the pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Borage Seed Oil has also been used with positive results for many different skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and prematurely matured skin. Furthermore, studies have begun to show that it may be able to be beneficial for treating and preventing a malady of conditions.

Castor oil - A natural source oil from castor beans. A hard and shiny oil found in most cosmetics that acts as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh conditions and extremes. Very soothing to the skin when included into cosmetic applications.

Coconut oil - This is a great oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your skin. It also acts as a mild oil suitable for those with inflamed and irritated skin, and those with skin sensitivities. Coconut oil is without a doubt the number one lather-producing agent used in soaps.

Grapeseed oil - Grapeseed oil has a mild green color with a pleasant odor, silken texture, and great absorbtion rate. Generally employed as a base oil for many creams, lotions and as a general carrier oil. Grapeseed is especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils too well, and it does not leave a greasy feeling. Wonderful for those with skin sensitivities because of its natural non-allergenic properties.

Hazelnut oil - Hazelnut oil is known for its astringent qualities and because of this, it is best used for those who have oily skin but do not want to abstain from using oils.

Hemp seed oil - Exceptionally rich oil high in essential omega fatty acids and proteins. This oil has a pleasant nutty smell, deep green color, and absorbs well into the skin. It makes a marvelous cosmetic grade oil and because of its high nutritional value, it makes a superior quality dietary oil and one that can be used as a base ingredient for skin care recipes which require healing and regenerative ingredients.

Jojoba oil - Jojoba oil comes from the beans of the shrub like plant, simmondsia chinensis. It is bright and golden in color and is regarded as the most favored in the carrier oil family because of its advanced molecular stability. Also makes a great scalp cleanser for the hair, and is equally wonderful for the skin because it has absorption properties that are similar to our skin’s own sebum.

Kukui nut oil - The Kukui nut tree is the official tree of Hawaii and has been used by natives of this island for hundreds of years. They recognized the oil’s high penetrability and soothing properties and currently they put it to use in helping sooth sunburns and chapped skin. A fabulous ingredient for your cosmetics, or as a stand-alone application, Kukui nut oil contains very high levels of the essential fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic. This oil is readily absorbed into the skin, providing tissues the essential elements that it needs and is particularly good for dry skin, psoriasis, acne and eczema.

Macadamia nut oil - This fine oil comes from the pressed nuts of the Macadamia tree. It is a priceless delight for the skin and has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available. It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and closely resembles sebum (the oil naturally produced by one’s skin to help protect it). Macadamia oil is a fabulous, protective oil with a high absorption rate and has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations.

Neem oil - A magnificent oil with numerous benefits for both therapeutic and medicinal use. Among other properties, this certified organic oil is anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Used widely in creams, dental products, hair care products, and in gardens for natural pest control. Can be applied directly to the skin or included within skin care preparations that are designed specifically to treat problematic skin conditions. This oil is exceptionally rich, contains a heavy odor, and may be diluted accordingly.

Olive oil - Olive oil is by far the most universal oils used for a multitude of purposes including cosmetics, as a carrier oil, for hair care solutions, and in cooking. It has a rich, full bodied flavor with a strong aroma and is golden brown in color. It has a great conditioning effect in body care recipes and can be used in almost all applications because of its stable nature.

Palm kernel oil - Palm Kernel Oil is pressed from the fruit kernels of the palm tree Elaeis guineensis. It is most commonly found in handmade soap to increase its lather and hardness. It may also be used in a multitude of other cosmetic and bodycare products for its moisturizing properties.

Plum kernel oil - An incredibly rich and intoxicating oil which gracefully shares it benefits in numerous food and cosmetic applications throughout the world. Plum oil is a recent addition to the exotic oil scene and it has been incorporated into some of the finest food dishes in France and it can be found in some of the most exquisite cosmetics in Italy. Having a flavor and aroma similar to Apricot kernel oil with a fruity top note, this oil is sure to embellish itself well upon any creation you may choose. High in fatty acids and leaving virtually no residue on the skin, the potential of Plum kernel oil in body care applications is endless.

Pomegranate seed oil - A luxurious and deeply penetrating oil from the cold pressed organic seeds of pomegranate fruit. This highly prized oil which is naturally high in flavonoids and punicic acid is remarkable for the skin and has numerous dietary benefits as well. Deeply nourishing to the outer epidermal layer, Pomegranate seed oil provides powerful anti-oxidant benefits for numerous skin ailments including eczema, and psoriasis and gently challenges free radicals that damage and age the skin. A great ally to have in your cosmetic creations or as a stand alone product to help nourish and develop healthy skin cell regeneration.

Rosehip seed oil - A rich, amber colored organic oil from the ripened fruit of the famed Rosehip. This unique oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids and has carried much respect amongst professional journals and organizations as being a great agent in the fight against dry, weathered, and dehydrated skin. It works wonders on scars and is the predominant oil used for treating wrinkles and premature aging. Can be used in all fine skin care recipes.

Safflower oil - A highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of Oleic acids. Deeply soothing and one of the first choices for skin care recipes requiring moisturizing benefits.

Shea nut oil - Shea oil is a byproduct of Shea butter production where the pressing of the seeds produces a fractionated oil. This oil leaves a smooth and healthy feel to the skin and offers benefits for numerous skin problems including dermatitis, eczema, burns, cutaneous dryness and other irritations. Highly recommended as a protective agent against harsh weather conditions where a mild barrier against the elements is desired.

Soybean oil -High in natural source lecitihin, sterolins, and vitamin E, this oil makes a great base for your products which are being created for outer epidermal healing. Soybean oil is easily absorbed and leaves a smooth sensation to the skin.

Sunflower oil - An oil wealthy in Oleic acids with high amounts of Vitamins A, D, and E, also has beneficial amounts of lecithin, and unsaturated fatty acids. Deeply nourishing and conditioning for the skin and it is highly recommended for recipes designed to treat dry, weathered, aged, and damaged skin.

Tamanu oil - The Oil of Tamanu offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is extracted by a cold pressed method from the whole organic nuts of the Polynesian Tamanu tree. Tamanu oil has been thoroughly researched, and the conclusive evidence on its ability to heal damaged skin is overwhelming. Its benefits are notable for the treatment for scarring, stretch marks, minor cuts and abrasions, rashes, sores and much more. Can be used directly on the skin or mixed within formulations.

Wheat germ oil - This ultra rich, unrefined Wheat Germ oil is a great ingredient high in natural source Vitamin E, A, D, proteins, Lecithin, and Squalene. Wheat germ has been applied externally for numerous irritations including roughness of the skin, cracking, chaffing and many crafters of cosmetics use it successfully to help reverse the effects of wrinkling. The first ingredient in quality skin care products.

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a-sprig-of-thyme

5 years ago

Beauty of the Tyrol - Franz von Defregger

1880

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a-sprig-of-thyme

6 years ago

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a-sprig-of-thyme

7 years ago

Witchy tip #6

Before cutting a plant, harmonize with it trough visualization. Feel its energies and then say:

“O little plant of (name, such as rosemary, etc.) I ask that you give of your bounty that it may aid me in my work. Grow stronger by my stroke, stronger and more powerful, o plant of (name)!”

If it’s a tree, use the tree’s name. Only cut what you need and leave an offering like a silver coin or a crystal.

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a-sprig-of-thyme

7 years ago