WHAT IS SPIRIT WORK?

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spirit work is how it sounds, working with spirits. these spirits can be spirits of plants, people, animals, mythical beings/creatures, familiars, and otherworldly spirits. it is communing with these spirits, building a relationship with them (forming trust) and asking for their aid (be that in protection, spell work, etc).

TYPES OF SPIRITS ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

now i should preface this with the types and branching of spirits is vast and wide, and it is dependent on culture, tradition, and religion. i am going to be focusing on animism and the undead spirits, but i will briefly touch on other important/highlighted entities.

: ̗̀➛ plant/flora spirits; spirits that are of trees, plants, flowers, rocks, etc. things found in nature that aren’t mammals or animals. most common/popular examples being nymph spirits.

: ̗̀➛ animal/fauna spirits; spirits of mammals, bugs, birds, and reptiles - spirits of the animal kingdom excluding humans.

: ̗̀➛ house/domestic spirits; house spirits have the potential and possibility to be human, but they can also be non-human. domestic spirits (in rome they’re called domestici lares) are guardians of a household and generally the protectors of the home and even the hearth (depending on mythos and region). a common/popular example being saints.

: ̗̀➛ tutelary spirits; tutelary/guardian spirits are exactly how they sound, they’re guardians. these spirits can be guardians of a specific place (like a temple or holy ground, see Shi lions), graveyards (this can be any spirit but the most famous is a gargoyle), or of a person (like guardian angels, but any spirit could be a guardian, such as gryphs)

: ̗̀➛ human spirits/shades; a human soul can and is defined many ways and varies from person to person and tradition to tradition, but human spirits (aka shades, ghosts, etc) can and do reside in our realm alongside the spirit realm (via transport, normally by liminal spots or the aid of a psychopomp, but some can travel on their own).

: ̗̀➛ vampiric spirits; vampiric spirits are spirits who drain energy in order to survive or gain strength. back in the day they were known to cause sickness, health issues, and low immune systems, etc. most common/well known spirits are vampires/vampyres, succubi/incubi, some umbra/shadow people, and as i like to call them - dream wyrms.

: ̗̀➛ infernus spirits; infernus spirits are those relating to the underworld, this can at times overlap into the demonic, but not all of the demonic are infernus. infernus spirits are mostly those who aid as psychopomps, but they can be the servants and attendants of infernal or chthonic deities.

: ̗̀➛ mythical creature spirits; mythical creatures or legendary beasts are those who are not of this plane and reside in the spiritual world. some can be worked with while some cannot (such as faer folk, a note about faer folk is that it’s best to just leave them alone, or yokai).

: ̗̀➛ familiar spirits; familiars are spirits/entities who are shapeshifters and sometimes called demons who create a pact with a practitioner/witch/mage/etc. in order to aid them in magical practice and even protection.

BASICS OF SPIRIT WORK

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it’s important to know and note the basics of spirit work in order to start spirit work. so here are the foundations of what is needed to know for proper and safe spirit work.

section i. cleansing

let’s firstly begin with what cleansing is and why witches do it. cleansing is a way of forcing negative energy out of an area or person. cleansing is an act that is sort of like a reset button. think of it like showering! you shower because during the day you collected dust, dirt, sweat, etc. and you want to be clean so you take a shower! cleansing is similar, you collect negative energy from weeks of active or inactive craftmenship and even spirits or other entities can latch onto you and your home which then drains your energy. cleansing is needed to keep your space clean and easy to manage energies. it’s important to cleanse yourself, your space and even items. cleansing is important for all magic arguably, but especially spirit work. there are plenty of methods to cleanse, the most popular is smoke (do note it’s important to not smudge smudging is a closed practice to natives and indigenous in north america). but there are other methods such as sound, air/wind, energy work, and water.

section ii. banishing

banishing is also an important skill to have in your back pocket. banishing is is a more forceful means of cleansing. it’s to forcefully remove an entity and less “nice”. banishing can be done in rituals, spells, using fire (writing the name or being down and burning the paper), air (writing the name or being down and tossing it in the wind), earth (writing the name or being down and burying it), water (writing the name down and tossing it in the sea or river, drowning the paper, etc), etc! loads of ways to banish and more i didn’t mention!

section iii. grounding

grounding is an extremely important part of spirit work. grounding keeps you in a stable mindset and energy wise keeps you balanced. ways of grounding can be dancing, shaking your hands and feet, stomping/jumping, meditating, taking a walk, listening to music, etc.

section iv. circle casting/closing

circle casting is important, especially for beginners, it creates a wall and safe zone for yourself and the spirit. one of the easiest ways (physical circles) is to pour a circle of salt around you, candles or crystals at four points (in the position of a pentacle), etc. as far as mental/energy ones, some use their finger or a wand and do a complete circle around them, or, a circle and a pentacle (pentagram). while casting circles some people call upon and evoke deities, angels, the watchers/watch towers, spirit guides, elements, etc. for protection and ensuring safety. some believe you must cast a circle starting north and finish at west, some don’t. no matter where you start the circle you must start and end the circle at the same point, going the opposite direction than what you started with when casting, will close the circle. so if i casted my circle clockwise, i would close it counterclockwise and end at the same point i started with.

section v. further protection

casting a circle isn’t the only method of protection that should be precautioned, there are also the means of protection such as layering warding (which is a lesson in itself). some examples of warding are; energetic wards, spell jars, spell bags, charms, crystals, sigils, and house guardians to name a few. you can also veil during spirit work, but it’s not necessary.

section vi. boundaries

setting boundaries with spirits is super important, especially if they’re staying long term (but even if it’s short term have boundaries!) so say you don’t like it when spirits knock, establish the boundary politely of “i don’t like it when you knock at night or during the day, so please don’t do that.” remember, be polite, but be firm too. and if you want a spirit gone tell them sternly!

section vii. what are vessels?

vessels are what ground spirits and help to stabilize them in our plane, a vessel can be anything too, such as jewelry, dolls, a pen, bones, literally anything. an anchor is similar to a vessel, but an anchor doesn’t “house” the spirit, more so provides it a free range and source of stability. conduits channel the spirits energy, it can be symbols, sigils or other iconography to channel and then utilize a spirits energy. these are all important tools and things to know when it comes to spirit work.

SPIRIT ETIQUETTE

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In General

: ̗̀➛be assertive, but be polite

: ̗̀➛ do not forcefully bind a spirit to an anchor, vessel, or conduit alike

: ̗̀➛ always use consent when it comes to using vessels, anchors, or conduits

: ̗̀➛ ask and negotiate, come to a compromise, have firm boundaries too

: ̗̀➛don’t forget to feed and provide energy for any vampiric or even familiar spirits

: ̗̀➛ make a schedule if you really need to/set reminders on when communication is and isn’t ok

: ̗̀➛ don’t sell, show, or give away spirits

House Spirits

: ̗̀➛ be polite

: ̗̀➛ treat them like you would treat a living breathing human

: ̗̀➛ when entering a house, i normally like to whisper a quiet greeting or even in my mind saying “hello”, “good day”, “good afternoon”, “good morning” etc.

: ̗̀➛ depending on your belief, greet the house guardian

: ̗̀➛ light a candle to them, do divination, learn about them!

Graveyard

: ̗̀➛ don’t take what’s not yours, it’s impolite

: ̗̀➛ have manners, people from all centuries probably reside there

: ̗̀➛ greet & give offerings to the guardian at the front gate (this can be a tree, a specific spirit, animal spirits, etc.)

: ̗̀➛ treat them like they’re people

: ̗̀➛ dont step on the grass (this is respectful to the dead and their families)

Landmarks (i.e. lakes, forest, plains, oceans, etc.)

: ̗̀➛ introduce yourself & say a greeting

: ̗̀➛ spend quality time & respect boundaries

: ̗̀➛ offer things that will benefit them / the area (i.e. water, compost, etc)

: ̗̀➛ don’t be shy to strike up conversation and divination

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spirit work

Shield of Light: A Simple Protection Spell

Ingredients:

A white candle

A small piece of clear quartz or black tourmaline

A pinch of sea salt

A small bowl or dish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions.

Set up your altar or sacred space with your materials.

2. Grounding and Centering

Take a few deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment

Visualize roots growing from the soles of your feet, anchoring you to the Earth

Feel your energy centering and aligning with your intentions

3. Candle Preparation

Light the white candle

Hold the quartz or black tourmaline in your hand, infusing it with your intention of protection

4. Casting the Circle

Using the small bowl or dish, create a circle around the candle with a pinch of sea salt, moving clockwise.

As you sprinkle the salt, envision a shimmering barrier forming, shielding, and protecting you from all negativity.

5. Invocation

Call upon the divine or any deity or spirit guide you feel connected to for protection. You can use your own words or try the following: "I call upon the divine light and protection, Surround me with a shield, strong and true. Guard me against harm, negativity, and deception, May only love and light pass through.“

6. Charging the Crystal

Hold the crystal in your hands and visualize it filling with radiant, protective energy.

State your intention clearly, such as, "This crystal is charged to shield me from all harm and negativity.”

7. Activating the Shield

With the charged crystal in hand, pass it over the flame of the candle, visualizing the flame igniting a powerful, protective light.

As you do this, repeat your intention of protection, reinforcing the shield’s strength.

8. Closing the Ritual

Express gratitude to the divine or any entities you called upon for their protection and assistance.

Extinguish the candle, knowing that the shield of light remains active and present.

9. Maintenance

Keep the crystal with you, carrying it as a talisman or placing it in a safe and sacred space.

Repeat this spell as needed, especially during times when you feel particularly vulnerable or when facing challenging situations.

Remember, the most powerful protection comes from within. This spell serves as a tool to focus your intentions and amplify your energy, but it’s crucial to cultivate a mindset of self-awareness, discernment, and personal responsibility in maintaining your well-being and protection.

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witchcraft protection spells spellcraft spellwork protection magic

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

2 years ago

Zeus and his Queen

Lee Weeks

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hera greek gods zeus

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

1 year ago

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

2 years ago

Hera and Ares sketch 👑 twitter

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sketch hera greek gods ares greek myth

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

1 year ago

Tide Pool (1980) by Jeremy Miranda

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art artblr nature☁️ painting artists ocean artist aesthetic acrylic mermaid oceancore art blog art history naturecore ocean aesthetic sea art gallery nature aesthetic academia aesthetic fine art classical art oil painting oil on canvas art community mermaid aesthetic mermaidcore

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

1 year ago

Hermes Offerings and Devotions

Offerings

Keys

Dice

Playing cards

Coins

Rocks/pebbles

Playing jacks (UPG)

Bouncy balls (UPG)

Lucky charms (Cereal)

Rabbit's foot

Horse shoe

Magic 8 ball

Coffee

Energy drinks

Herms

Road trip snacks (I like Hostess donuts)

Airplanes/trains/cars imagery

Foreign/new foods

Trail mix

Peanut m&ms (UPG)

Turtles

Lyres/string instruments

Sandals/shoes/running shoes

Journals

Camping gear

Survival gear, like multitools, fire starters, first aid kits etc.

Pens/pencils

Small (stolen) trinkets

Language dictionaries

Work out gear

Panpipes

Postcards

Letters

Mail

Stamps

Envelopes

Zodiac signs

Sheep/goats

Car parts

Backpacks/drawstring bags/bags

Crocos

Sticks

Saffron

Sticks

Board games (UPG)

Dominos (UPG)

Pick up sticks (UPG)

Books

Cups

Scales

Dream journals

Graveyard dirt

Cookie fortunes

Foreign money

$2 Bills

Dollar coins

Marbles

Travel souvenirs

Bikes/skateboards/skate

Old licenses/IDs

Sport trophies/jerseys/jackets/gear

Wings/feathers

Letters/numbers

Video games

Magic kits

Oranges/Lemons (UPG)

Devotional Acts

Write letters

Go for walks

Run

Road trips

Learn about alchemy, astrology, lucid dreaming/astral travel, astronomy, etc.

Learn basic car maintenance (change a tire, jump a car, change air filter, check oil etc.)

Give money/socks/cigarettes/water/food to panhandlers

Go talk to a panhandler and keep them company for a bit. I usually smoke a cigarette with them (only time I smoke) and just chat.

Pranks

Public speaking

Tip well

Stargazing

Geocaching

Learn new language

Learn ASL

Work out

Drive safely and predictably

Use your blinker fools

Bike/skate

Clean your car

Make a travel altar

Get a passport

Travel

Practice keyboarding

Have a penpal

Train your voice

Magic tricks

Check your mail/email regularly

Low risk gambling, like lotto tickets

Riskier gambling if you're mindful of it

Make sigils

Have a race

Play a tag

Be nice to wait staff

Play sports

Make maps of trails near you

Make maps of whatever you want

Play uke/string instruments

Make herms

Carpool

Uphold confidentiality

Coin tricks

Be a reliable worker

Thrifting/yard saling

Dumpster diving

Making trades and barters

Help look for missing people/pets

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2 years ago

aphrodite doodle from this neat little comic (i didnt know her canon colours </3)

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

2 years ago

I've noticed something in the discussion around Gerard Way and trans identity that I am officially fed the fuck up with. While talking about Gerard's outfits from the second leg of the tour, people love to use use the line "clothes ≠ gender" as a gotcha for those of us who are keen to the fact that they aren't cis. This pisses me off for three main reason plus a fourth mini reason that's more of a history blurb than anything else.

Before we start anything, Gerard has been out as not cis for the better part of 8(!) years now. To not acknowledge that is doing them a disservice. Some of you have purposely chosen to ignore that fact. Right out the gate that's fucked up. Ok now we can proceed.

First off, you're right. Clothes do not, in fact, equal gender. I know this, and it sounds like you'd like me to believe that you know this. So forgive me for being a little confused when you go on anon after they're photographed wearing what you dub to be "masculine clothing" (i.e. anything that's not a skirt/dress with heels) and tell me I'm an idiot for implying that they aren't a cisgender man.

Secondly, the concept that clothes don't equal gender in only true to us very recently. If you think that Gerard Way, a 45 year old ex-Catholic Gen-X'er who grew up in an wildly conservative suburb of north New Jersey doesn't have a different relationship between clothing and gender than you, a 14-to-20-something year old who hasn't closed tiktok in three days and averages 0.3 minutes of critical thinking per week, then you're extremely delusional and self-centered. People are socialized in entirely different ways. As humans, our experiences are not in any way universal. What doesn't mean anything to you means everything to someone else. Maybe you don't equate femininity with skirts and dresses, but I guarantee you a 45 year old who has openly struggled with gender identity their entire life does in some capacity. This is not a bad thing.

Thirdly is that in your attempt to sound as woke and morally upright as possible, you're unintentionally (or intentionally, seeing as a considerable number of you are terfs,) discrediting and invalidating the way someone experiences gender euphoria because you personally don't get it. Gerard Way has only ever said "I don't use labels" in response to people implying that they're cishet. If your first reaction to seeing someone who could even potentially identify under the transfem umbrella experiencing visible gender euphoria in a dress is to say "oh well clothes don't equal gender, so I'm going to assume that he's a man in a dress until he explicitly outs himself", then congratulations! You're transphobic. Because that's the thing. When you use the rhetoric of clothes ≠ gender in that context, it becomes crystal clear you don't actually care about trans people. You just want to sound like the smartest person in the room. And you're willing to throw GNC trans people under the bus in order to achieve that goal.

I think people have forgotten big time that "don't assume my gender" originally meant "don't assume I'm cis", because now the way people interpret the rhetoric (don't assume my gender, clothes ≠ gender, I don't use labels, etc.,) and use it to prove a point only use it as if to say "it's inherently wrong and creepy to identify and acknowledge when people aren't cis. Cis is the default and the only safe assumption. Anything else is offensive and crossing a major boundary" and you can tell it's because they view transness as an insult to someone's character. We have to, collectively, stop viewing transness as an allegation you either have to beat or bear with. Alongside that, we have to stop assuming cisness.

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trans whatever that's it mcr gerard way fuck transphobes also all the tags and the replies v true a 45 year old in New Jersey and you believe he sees the world like gen Z does?? That's just dumb i lost faith in people

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amazingariadneisnotonfire

2 years ago

𝓐pollo is most famous for such aspects of His as healing, art, and music. However, while valid, those are some of the latest inventions of the Apollonian cults. Some of the oldest found archeological evidence allows us to tie Apollo to very primal, nature-tied aspects of the world such as the heat of the Earth, prophetic fumes, and the Underworld.

Apollo Soranus is one of the least spoken of incarnations of the God and one of the most curious ones. As Soranus, Apollo was closely associated with the Underworld, given human sacrifices to, and worshipped alongside Dis Pater, the Lord of the Dead.