Autumn is a special time for me when I stay in the mountains - at remote villages, wandering in the forest and climbing mountains to gather last herbs. And now to find myself in the heart of chaotic Hanoi, it’s completely different experience…
These are the ways to celebrate autumnal transition, Mabon while staying in the chaos of city life:
***share the blessings***
open free tarot readings at your favorite coffee shop
volunteer your skills for project \ organisation which inspires you
invite your friends to sit together in autumnal moon light and share some food and stories
give away things
***slow down and turn your mind towards meditation***
don’t rush for new projects
cut off senseless noise (music, small talks and messaging)
drink more water and keep healthy diet, enjoy the fruits of the season
walk with awareness, breath with awareness
burn candles in the evening while drinking your tea and reflecting on your accomplishments, goals, approaches to the things, journal about that
***do magic***
sigils on balance, healing, letting go old things, get rid of blockages
do shadow work with tarot cards, journaling or create shadow altar and explore its opportunities
to dive into the energy of this time, pray, dream, visualize and do other witchy things - create a space filled with autumnal leaves, fruits, sweet gifts of nature, put there some ancestor photos, add symbols of death and old age
***have long walks in parks and around city lakes, watch old people and kids***
***de-clutter your house or backpack, finish old projects***
***share stories with travelers you meet on the road***
***drink local tea***
***use crystals: carnelian, lapis lazuli, tiger eye, amber, serpentine, amethyst, clear quartz
and herbs: rose hips, chamomile, yarrow, marigold, sage, saffron***
🌌 A spell bottle to aid in communicating with spirits/your spirit companion 🌙
Ingredients:
Orange peel- Friendship, success and prosperity
Chamomile- relaxation
Mugwort- divination, astral projection, psychic abilities
Mint- protection, happiness, communication
Cinnamon- awareness, strength
Other optional herbs would be: bay, nutmeg, thyme, lavender, star anise, poppy seeds, lemongrass
A crystal fragment of your choice, I chose amethyst and black tourmaline
A white, blue, or purple birthday candle (or regular sized candle depending on how large your container is)
A jar/bottle with a lid (cork works best!)
Add the herbs to the jar one by one, speaking their properties and how they will add to the power of the jar. Hold the piece of crystal and envision it becoming charged with energy before putting it in. Put on the lid/cork. Light your candle and let a couple drops of wax fall onto the lid, then affix the bottom of the candle into the wax so it stands upright unaided. Hold the jar with the lit candle going and envision the desired effects of the spell (ex: you seeing/talking with spirits easily, seeing manifestations and signs) Continue this until the candle has burned down to your liking and the jar is sealed by its wax.
I share a very small room with my sister, and obviously don’t have much room for an altar. I use most of my space for my Hellenic shrines and altar. I keep my witchy stuff on my shared bedside table. Here is what I use, and how I store/display it. This is element based, but you can use it however you like.
Small Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp - This is a tool I use all the time. It detoxifies my room, and cleanses the space. I feel so much more at ease with it on, like it’s washing everything away!
Crystals - You might want to move these or switch them out depending on what spell you’re doing, as all energy contributes to the working, but while you’re in your room, or even while you’re away, you can leave these here to represent Earth.
Salt - Little packets of salt work, or you can place a bowl with some salt in it on your altar. I use my rock salt lamp.
Dirt - A literal baby jar of dirt works, or you can put a plant on your altar if it’s by a window. I have a succulent!
Earth Imagery - A mini globe would be pretty cool! Or even a little eraser or what not. Having an actual picture of the Earth would be amazing, especially if the clouds were visible, and maybe if it had the sun in the background. Then it could be all encompassing of the elements.
Herbs, Flowers, Plants, etc - As with the crystals, you may want to change these out or put them away during spells, or switch them out. However, they would look really cool as you went with the seasons!
Fossils - I think fossils are awesome Earth representations. They have been in the ground for a very long time! I used to have some really cool fossils I used to represent Earth on my altar.
Tree Slice - Have you ever seen those little wooden slices that come from a tree stump? The ones that definitely had huge roots? Those would be perfect to represent Earth!
Birthday Candles/Tea Lights - You can colour code! These are great for short workings, or even to call the elements. To make these stand up, place them in a bit of clay and let it harden.
Matches - Double whammy here- light your candles and have a representation!
Ash - I used to have volcanic ash, which was perfect. It got spilled, but for the while that I had it, it was awesome. Collect ash from incense, a fire, etc, and use it (just wait for it to cool!!!)
Charcoal - I always thought charcoal looked kinda witchy. I think a dish of it would make a good rep.
Charred Wood - If you have a bonfire, or just so happen to light a piece of wood on fire, you could let it cool and use it for your altar.
Lamp - If you have a secret altar, a little lamp could be an inconspicuous representation for fire, as it does produce light and heat.
Lantern - You can buy super cute mini lanterns at the Dollar Store. I love them, but haven’t gotten one yet. I think they would be fun to use for Fire.
Glass of Water - You can use whatever type of water you’d like; moon water, rose water, purified water, gem elixir; take your pick! Just make sure it doesn’t get moldy and stay moldy. Change it out each day/week.
Sea Shells - You can get these in super small sizes! Or, you can get them big and bulky.
Sea Glass - These little stone-like fragments are so pretty! They look just like crystals, and can be found on the beach or in the store!
Sea Salt - Sea Salt could work to represent Water, especially if you pour it into a seashell or add in sea glass to it. It could be like a little potpourri of water related objects!
Rain Cloud - You can create clouds out of things like stuffing for toys, cotton balls, and sometimes led lights. It could be a fun project, or you can buy one of them off of etsy.
Mermaid Image - I have a mermaid book mark made of metal, and it sits with my other water-related objects. I feel like it adds that feel of majesty to my water representation.
Drift Wood - This is so pretty! The pieces are smooth, have a fun shape, and definitely capture the essence of water!
Sand - If you go to a beach, collect some sand, and place it somewhere on your altar! Be sure to put it in a bowl, though, because it is hard to clean up.
Sea Weed - You can hang this somewhere, or put it directly on your altar. Either way, it looks great.
Coral - If you find some coral, you can place it on your altar. It looks so neat!
Starfishes/Sand Dollars/etc. - These are a little harder to find on the beach, but if you do, place them on your altar.
Wind Chimes - These add a little decoration to your altar, as well as give you an air representaiton. You can even listen for the tinkling of bells to see if any fae are around!
Bells - If you ring a bell, it disperses stagnant energy, and helps to cleanse a space. Having one on your altar is a great way to keep it fresh!
Feathers - This is a pretty obvious one, an oldie but a goodie. If you have some feathers, you can use them, but make sure there are no laws against collecting them in your area. Alternatively, you can use fake ones from a craft store.
Empty Glass or Bottle - Air is all around us. Use that to your advantage!
Dandelion Puff - This is what I immediately think of when I picture the wind. You can collect some puffs and put them in a glass.
Bird’s Nest (fake) - You can buy or make a fake bird’s nest. They look pretty real, and have this awesome rustic naturey vibe to them!
Leaves - They were once high in the sky! Collect them during the fal season or after a storm.
Incense - Another well-known one. You can burn this and use the smoke.
Tornado Making Jar - You know those little jars that you can shake up, and they make a tornado? Those would be a fun water-air duo!
Other:
Small Jewelry Box - This can store crystals, herbs, essential oils, etc. I use to use mine to cleanse my crystals becuase it played music!
Multi Colour Light-Up Candle - I found mine at Five Below! It lights up in tons of different colours, but is pretty large. However, it takes up a lot less room than a bunch of different coloured candles.
Your Wand - Having your wand on your altar makes it a sacred, special tool. It will be charged by the witchy items you have there, and will feel natural inn the environment.
A Mini Besom or Real Besom (Broom) - I use a paintbrush as a mini besom, as I can’t have real one. However, it would be nice if I did, and I’d keep it near my altar!
Your Grimoire/Spellbook/BOS/etc - If you aren’t hiding it, you could keep it on your altar!
A Fire-Safe Dish or Cauldron - If you water scry, burn things, or just like to include your cauldron in your spells, you can keep it on your altar.
Incense Tray - Incense can’t be burned without somewhere to place it. Keep your incense holder handy!
Altar Cloth - This ties everything together! It can be switched out for sabbats/festivals/seasons/spells.
Chalice - I’m not Wiccan, but I use the chalice in my workings every once in a while, usually for water-related magic. You can get these beautiful metal ones at antique stores, or regular old wine glasses at the dollar store!
Mortar and Pestle - For practical use and an awesome vibe! You can keep this near your herbs.
Coloured/Enchanted Salts - They display beautifully,and are really good to have on hand.
Spirit Vessels - These can go in their own little corner if you like. They could also be the center of your altar, especially if you work mainly with spirits.
Tarot/Other Cartomancy Cards - Find a nook for your cards to be kept safe and clean. They will be charged by the other objects all around it, which makes it an awesome idea to have on your altar.
Scrying Mirror - Make this the main attraction, or perhaps just a piece of the puzzle. If you have an ornate mirror, it could be a very drawing part of your altar!
Crystal Ball - Like the scrying mirror, it could be a background piece or the focal point.
Runes - If you cast runes, you can keep your bag or box of them on or near your altar.
Other Divination Tools - You cans store these, or just la them throughout your altar. Whatever you choose, having your tools close by will be awesome!
Twig Shapes - You can make sigils out of twigs and hot glue! Add a ribbon or piece of twin in the shape of a loop, and you can hang them above your altar as decoration and as a little energy booster!
Circle (Embroidery Hoop) - I know most people use salt to cast circles, but I actually use an embroidery hoop. I cast one around myself, and one around the items I am working with (ex: what’s in the hoop).
Knife - If you use a ritual or practical knife in your workings, it’s good to have on hand. I can’t have one, but I like my wand better anyway, personally.
Fae Garden - You’ll have to have plenty of sunlight near your altar for this one, but it will definitely be fun to have some Fae living on your altar!
Spell Supplies - Random bits and bobs, like egshells and ribbons, can be kept on your altar as well.
This is a simple knot spell to help bring anxiety down to a manageable level. It combines the type of fiddly hand motion that helps calm down a lot of people (as well as myself) and a nice chant to help with focus.
What You’ll Need:
A piece of ribbon or cord with a texture you find nice to run your fingers over.
How It’s Done:
Run your fingers over the length of the cord/ribbon while taking deep breaths. Push as much calming and relaxing energy as you have to spare into the ribbon.
Say this chant and as you do so tie the corresponding knots in the ribbon/cord:“One to begin and two to breath Three to sit back and four to see Five for calm and six is for me Seven brings peace and eight reprieve Nine nears done and with ten I am serene.”
If you need to repeat the chant as much as you need to until you are calm. Simply move your hands over the knots in place of tying them.
When you are done dispose of the cord/ribbon as you see fit. My personal suggestion is to pass is over some cleansing smoke a few times and keep it in an easily accessible space for when you need it again,
That’s that folks. I know it’s pretty simple but I hope it helps when anxiety gets too much.
Feel free to tweak or modify this spell to suit your needs. I don’t even mind if you write it down in your personal book, just please note where it came from. Also please don’t upload/post this spell anywhere else and claim it as your own.
✨Sharpie pen sigils on your lighter.
✨Blow smoke into a jar to use in spell work.
✨Little nugs as offerings to nature or your deities.
✨Keep your ashes in a tightly closed container for spell work. (Do not breathe the ashy dust this creates*)
✨Make sure you drink enough water, especially if you smoke heavily.
✨Write sigils with your resin.
✨After cleaning your pipe/ rig set it out in the moonlight.
✨Make knot magic with hemp string.
✨Say a chant or incantation as you blow the smoke out of your lungs and release it to the universe.
Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Weather: rain, snow, fog, etc.
Biome: aquatic, forest, desert, grassland, tundra
Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Celestial: Moon, Sun, stars, planets, etc.
Divination: display your methods of divination. If you work with Tarot/Oracle, highlight a certain card and its meanings
Healing: display whatever tools you use for your healing methods
Animal Focus
Color Focus
Crystal Focus
Material Focus: all wood materials, all copper, all glass, all porcelain, etc. Kitchen Witches can even have a whole tea set on their altar to Craft with
Witch Type: if you identify as a specific type of witch, you can coordinate your altar to that. See here for inspiration
Spell Type: love, wealth, prosperity, luck, growth, strength, protection, etc.
Aesthetic: whatever you like, Pinterest has inspiration for you
None: no strong theme at all! Just all your materials in one place with a cleared Craft space
What are your favorite Latin phrases or just phrases in general?
omg this is a cool question, let me try to recall some of my favs:
per adua ad astra, and all it’s variations (per aspera ad astra, sic itur ad astra, and so on). they’re all various ways of saying “through hardship, you will go the stars”. Idk, ever since I first learned the phrase, it’s always stuck with me as one of the most beautiful expressions.
Veni, vidi, vici- I came, I saw, I conquered. It sounds imposing and powerful and like something i’d have tattoed on myself if i was a battle-scarred warrioress.
semper ad meliora- always towards better things. I like it simply because a) it sounds nice to say (which is a common factor for all my favorite phrases, tbh) and b) it’s inspirational, as cheesy as that seems.
Auribus Teneo Lupum- “I hold the wolf by the ears,” this one is actually an ancient proverb.
bellum se ipsum alet- “war feeds itself”
capax infiniti- “holding infinity”
luctor et emergo- “I struggle and emerge”
dum vivimus, vivamus- “while we live, let us live”
“ita vero” is a phrase I always wish I could have courage to throw out in casual conversation, since it just means “thus indeed” and it’d be hella eloquent to use it while trying to sound smart.
lux aeterna- “eternal light”
nec aspera terrent- “they do not fear the difficulties”
Do you want to make your house smell amazing while being thankful to Gaia at the same time? If so, you can prepare this beautiful and fragrant floral simmer pot.
1 tbsp. dried lavender
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 sprig of fresh mint
Roses or rose buds, stems removed (I used about 6 spray roses)
1 cup rose petals
1/2 cup fresh chamomile flowers
10 drops of rose essential oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a medium pot or Dutch oven. Add about 4 inches of water to the pot. Place it on the stove and bring to a simmer over low heat. Be careful of overheating the water beyond a very gentle simmer, because boiling flowers will ruin their scent.
Let the pot simmer for several hours, refilling with water as needed.
Tip: When you're done using the simmer pot, bury it and thank Gaia for her gifts that purify your home.
Basic herb bundle for protection, prosperity and love.
You will need:
Cotton twine
Large leaves of basil
3 sprigs of rosemary
3 cuttings of lavender ( leaf and flower on stem)
Leaves /stems of sage (common/garden)
1: Lay out large leaves of basil with shiny side down. Placing twine under these will help with the bundling after.
Basil will serve as the outer shell of the bundle.
2: Inside the basil layer, lay some sage leave, followed by the rosemary and lavender at the ‘core’ of the bundle.
3: Layer more sage
4: Lay the last few basil leaves, now shiny side up.
5: CAREFULLY tuck the top layer of basil and fold up the bottom layer of basil.
(Kind of like folding up a tortilla or a pastry shell)
The goal is to get the shiny side of the basil on the outside of the bundle, having the sage and rosemary snug inside.
Use the previously placed twine to fasten the bundle.
BE GENTLE-fresh basil will tear easily. Not that it’s a big deal. The bundle will work fine. But, it won’t be as aesthetically pleasing.
6: With a new, longer piece of twine. Wrap the base snug and then wrap the twine firmly (but not so hard you bruise the leaves) and spiral up to the top.
7: Wrap once and tuck the tail to fasten.
8: Hang your bundle where you dry your herbs. I like a window with subtle light.
In a week or two (depending on humidity) it should dry out and be ready for use.
Tips:
It helps to occasionally check the tension on the twine. Herbs may shrink when drying Periodically snugging them up can help the bundle keep shape.
Always use caution when burning.
Use a fire safe dish or bowl.
Watch for drifting embers
Keep some form of cover handy to snuff out any flare ups.
**Dry lavender leaf can burn quickly!**
Do not just go waving burning bundles around all willy-nilly.
You got a brain- use it
-The Cranky Old Pagan
Jar Spells & Pouches
“Bubbly Friend” Protection and Cleansing Jar Spell
“Tough As A Nail” Protection Spell
“Portable Barricade” Spell Jar
“Protect My Ass” Spell Jar
“Stay The F*ck Away From Me” Protection Jar
Jar Spell for Protection
Witchywoman’s Protection Jar
Shiroinightmare’s Protection Bottle
Gender/Sexuality Protection Jar Spell
Sea Witch’s Protection Bottle
Stormy Protection Spell Jar
Elemental Protection Jar Spell
Dragon Protection Jar
Protection Jar Against Bindings & Hexes
Basic Warding Jar
Making A Witch Bottle (Charm)
Witches Bottle for Protection
Potent Protective Witch Bottle
Blood Magic Protection Jar
Mini Protection Vial
Ares Protection Pouch
‘Sweet Tooth’ Spell Sachet
Protection Pouches
Protection Pouch
Protection Sachet
Protection Sachet for School
Amulets
Simple Protection Amulet
“Untouchable” Charm Ward
Subtle Protection Amulet
Coral Protection Amulet
Sunglasses Enchantment
Ways to Make Amulets
Simple Protection Necklace
Strength & Safety Amulet
Protection Vial Necklace
Wonder Woman’s Bracelets
Sword & Shield Graveyard/Spirit Jewelry
Nasty Witches’ Brew Protective Jewelry
Bath/Shower Magic
“Armour of Love” Protection Bath
Powerful Cleansing Bath
Simple Purification and Protection Scrub
“Master Protector” Body Scrub
Gossip-Stopping Scrub
Shower Disks for Protection
Pine Protection Balm
Kitchen Witchcraft
Purification and Protection Soup
Fondant Potatoes for Protection & Prosperity
Self Love & Protection Recipe Spell
Abundant Apple Pie Cookies
Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread
Potions
Cleanse & Protect Spray Potion
Rose Shield Potion
Protection Potion
Pisces Protection Potion
Return To Sender Vigor Potion
Bucking Bronco Vigor Potion
Charge Vigor Potion
Spells
Bravery/Protection Spell
Aroma Veil Spell
Protection Spell for Queer Folks
Spell For Protection While Coming Out As Trans
‘Hiding Secrets’ Spell
Stronger Than You Spell
Protection Against Bullies
“Belittlement Barrier” Spell
Expecto Patronum
Substitute Spell
Curse Decoy
LoZ Magic Armour Protection Spell
Riddikulus Charm
Snowdrop Protection Spell
Method for Protection Against Undesired Spirits or People
Evergoing Spell
Rose Quartz Shielding Spell
Protection Candle Spell
Protection Chant
Night Protection Spell
Night Protection Spell #2
Protection Against Curses, Hexes & Bad Energies
Maka’s Black Blood Dress
Mars Celestial Fire Surround
Plutonic Protection Spell
‘Dark Dome Close’ Sailor Pluto Spell
Moon Tiara Magic
Jupiter Thunder Crash
Mind Blast Spell
Metal Claws Spell
Expelliarmus
“Back To You, B*tch” Protection Spell
‘Return To Sender’ Spell
‘Backfire’ Curse Repelling Enchantment
Engraved Hourglass Nebula Curse Return Spell
‘Trainer Chose Squirtle’ Spell
Black Salt Spell for Protection & Absorbing Negativity
Protection Spell Against Negative People & Psychic Vampires
Wards/Rituals
‘Don’t Go In The Dog Park’ Ward
Nail Polish Ritual
PC Magic Warding Ritual
Positive Energy/Banishment of Evil Incense Ritual
‘Fire Rose’ Healing & Protection Ritual
Protection Ritual for the Downtrodden
Sigils
I Am Shielded From Acts of Violence
I Am Protected From Unwanted Spiritual & Physical Entities Who Would Do Me Harm
Protection From Evil Spirits
I Am Safe
I Am Safe At Work
I Am Aware of My Surroundings & Protected
I Am Protected From All Negativity
I’m Protected From Negative Vibes
No Negative Energy Can Affect Me
I Repel Ignorance and Negativity
Protection From Bad Intentions
Protection From Unwanted Eyes
I Am Safe From Fascists
I Am Safe From Transphobia
Those Who Would Harm Me Suffer Their Own Ill Intentions Turned Back On Themselves
I Am One With The Forest
Earth Protection
Protection + Happiness
Ace/Aro Protection Sigil
Protection Sigil/Charm
No Evil Can Touch Me
Sigil for Protection Against All Forms of Magickal Attack
Sigil to Protect One Against All Forms of Possession
Sigil of Protection
Protection
Protection
Spell Jars
Simple Home Protection Jar Spell
“I Don’t Know Sh*t My Dudes” Protection Jar
My Home Is Protected Spell Jar
House Protection Jar
Home Protection Spell Bottle
Peace & Protection Bottle
Peace & Protection Spell Jar
Home Purification/Protection Spell Jar
Sleeping Beauty House Protection Jar Spell
Mama Cat’s Evil Eye Protection Jar
Sprays & Washes
House-Warding Spray
All-Purpose Cleansing Spray
Protective House Wash
Protective Floor Wash
Rituals
Protecting Yourself And Your Home (Basic Ward Ritual)
Three Elements Home Blessing & Protection Ritual
‘Protect My Space’ Pouch & Ritual
Wards
Quick Protection Ward
Prickly Protection Ward
Protective Storm Ward
Patronus Ward
“Let Only Good Energy In” Horseshoe Ward
Moonbeam Ward
“The Hedgehog” Green Witch Ward
Pumpkin Wards
Complex Bramble Ward
Weaving Protection Wards (ADVANCED)
Spells
Simple Protection Spell
Simple Herbal Protection Spell
Simple Hearth & Home Protection Spell
Home & Body Protection Spell
Clearing Negative Energy from a Room
Home Protection Steam Spell
My Home Is Protected Spell
“Protect My Home” Spell
Home Protection Spell
Home Protection Charm
House Protection Spell
Spell to Protect Your House
House Protection Charm
Threshold Protection Spell
Protego Totalum (Harry Potter Spell)
Four Shells Protection Spell
Pine Cone Prosperity & Protection Spell
“Little Lurkers” Home Protection Spell
Home Protection Spells
A Series of Protection Spells
Strong Home Protection Spell
Home Protection Tip
Home Protection Tip
Sigils
My Home is Protected
My Home Is Protected
This Home Is Protected
Sigil for Protecting One’s Home
Protect This Home
My Home Is A Safe and Healthy Environment
The House I Come Back To Is Safe For Me
Only Positive Energies May Enter My Space
Negative Forces Do Not Enter Here
Spells
Simple Protection Jar For Your Grimoire
Grimoire Protection Spell
Hidden Object Charm
The Serpent’s Lock/Serpent’s Key
Sigils
Protection From Prying Eyes
All Prying Eyes Are Diverted; This Grimoire Is Cloaked In Invisibility
This Item Will Not Be Found
I’m Safe. This Object Is Safe.
The Book in Which This Sigil Is Written Cannot Be Lost or Stolen
This Grimoire Is Protected
This Grimoire Is Protected
My Grimoire Is Protected
Grimoire Is Protected From Those With Ill Intent
This Book of Shadows Is Protected
This Book Is Protected
[part 2]
NEW MOON : Setting intentions, taking actions, moving forward, focusing in the increase, starting new ventures, exploring opportunities
WAXING CRESCENT : Redefining goals and taking first actions, consistency, gaining momentum, determination, pushing forward
FIRST QUARTER : Finding the balance between the new goals and habits, expansion, being practical, concentration on goals
WAXING GIBBOUS : Cultivating actions toward goals, improving and readjusting, intensive growth, pushing boundaries
FULL MOON : The energy of completion, gratefulness, cleansing, charging, appreciating progress, psychic work, letting go
WANING GIBBOUS : Giving thanks, decluttering, eliminating negative habits, slowing down, reevaluing goals
LAST QUARTER : Letting go, practicing forgiveness, finding time to relax, cord-cutting, get rid of unhealthy habits and addictions
WANING CRESCENT : Making room for new, rest and surrender, energizing by doing things we love, discharging the health issues