Moon Phases Meanings

☾ moon phases meanings ☽

new moon

✦ new beginnings

it’s time for a clean slate, start to gather your thoughts and plan.

waxing crescent moon

✦ set intentions

send your hopes and desires into the world.

first quarter moon

✦ take action

when you face obstacles, do not waver. it’s a time for pushing forward.

waxing gibbous moon

✦ refine and hone

observe and align your hopes with the universe. momentum is building.

full moon

✦ harvest endeavours

a time to harvest the intentions and wishes of past moons.

waning gibbous moon

✦ introspect

turn inwards, think about your goals, and be grateful.

third quarter moon

✦ release and let go

let go of the habits that bind you and do you harm.

waning crescent moon

✦ surrender

recuperate and rest. it is okay to feel empty sometimes.

new moon

✦ new beginnings

it’s time for a clean slate, start to gather your thoughts and plan.

a beginner’s guide to…

✨ altars ✨

here are some materials you can use for an altar, whether it is for your spellwork, a deity, or any other use! altars should reflect your personality, and be a space where you feel happy and safe :D

none of these materials are required, and everything is completely customizable to your beliefs! (just practice respect and safety obviously)

🕯️ basics 🕯️

an altar cloth is a piece of fabric that covers your altar. this could be a bandana, a small blanket, or even a piece of paper!

a glass plate is a mundane but VERY versatile altar piece. it can work as an offering dish, a tray to collect wax drippings, or just a little trinket holder

candles are an easy addition to any altar. you can use any type of candle, but my favorites are taper and prayer candles. scented candles are completely fine to use as well! choose candles based on color and scent

natural materials like crystals, flowers, plants, animal bones (responsibly sourced), etc. are an incredible addition to any altar! if you have a deity altar, learn about their associations and use this to guide your choice

paper and pen/pencil will be your best friend if you write petitions, draw sigils, etc. keep them near your altar for convenience

🌱 cleansing 🌱

many people believe an area should be “cleansed” before it is used as an altar or sacred space

methods of cleansing include incense, water cleansing, sage smudging, and more

incense cleansing is often done by wafting an incense stick or cone through a space and visualizing the smoke clearing out negative energy

sandalwood, lavender, and rosemary are common incense choices for cleansing

water cleansing is something i do a lot, it can be done by sprinkling water in an area or even washing/pouring water. regular tap water is perfectly fine, but you can also incorporate moon water, sun water, rainwater, etc.

smudging with sage involves burning a bundle of sage and, similar to incense cleansing, wafting the smoke through the area. sage smudging is traditional to indigenous tribes like the Lakota and Navajo. as a result, sage smudging (especially the use of white sage) is often considered cultural appropriation when done by non-indigenous people. i am not indigenous nor do i use sage, so i am not incredibly well versed on the subject but i thought i should include it. always do research and practice respect and sensitivity 💌

🌙 takeaways 🌙

finally, your altar is YOUR space. you can include or exclude anything you want; your space doesn’t need to be “aesthetic” or make sense to others

my first altar was a cardboard box with one candle and a handful of crystals. it wasn’t expensive or fancy, but it got me into my practice

through the years, my altar has grown and changed as i have

if you want to make an altar, start with what you have! you would be surprised how powerful your resources are 🩷

Cleansing & Calming Salt

Here is a quick recipe I made for some salt to cleanse my crystals/spell jars and also charge them with some calming energy at the same time!

Ingredients:

Salt (cleansing & purifying)

Lavender (calming, relieves anxiety)

Chamomile (calming, soothing)

Rosemary (anti-depressive)

Simply mix the salt and herbs (I used a mortar and pestle but you could just mix in a bowl) and use however you like to use salt for cleansing. Feel free to substitute for herbs with similar correspondences, or for whatever intent you would like the salt to have!

Bonus tip!

Add to a spray bottle for an easy way to cleanse and calm whatever space you’re in with a quick spritz!

Witchy Tips 🔮🌙

Hello darlings 🥰

Whether you’re just starting out on your magical journey or have been practicing for years, here are some helpful tips to enhance your craft and deepen your connection with the mystical realm:

Trust Your Intuition: Your intuition is a powerful tool in witchcraft. Listen to your inner voice and follow your instincts. It will guide you on your magical path and help you make decisions that align with your highest good.

Research and Learn: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of witchcraft. Read books, explore reputable online resources, join discussion groups, and connect with fellow practitioners. Expand your knowledge and stay curious about different traditions and practices.

Personalize Your Craft: Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to witchcraft. Tailor your practice to suit your unique personality, interests, and beliefs. Embrace what resonates with you and let go of what doesn’t. Your craft should reflect your authentic self.

Connect with Nature: Nature is a boundless source of inspiration and energy. Spend time outdoors, observe the cycles of the moon and seasons, and develop a deeper connection with the natural world. Commune with plants, animals, and the elements to harness their magical energies.

Practice Regular Cleansing: Cleansing rituals are essential for maintaining energetic balance. Use methods such as smudging with herbs, sound cleansing, or visualization techniques to clear your space, yourself, and your magical tools regularly.

Set Clear Intentions: Intention is the driving force behind effective spellwork and manifestation. Before casting spells, clarify your intentions, and focus your energy on your desired outcome. Be mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions, as they shape your reality.

Keep a Magickal Journal: Document your magical experiences, dreams, spells, and rituals in a journal. Reflect on your progress, successes, and challenges. Your journal serves as a valuable resource for self-reflection, growth, and tracking your magical journey.

Embrace Self-Care: Nurturing your mind, body, and spirit is vital for a balanced magical practice. Practice self-care rituals like meditation, energy healing, herbal baths, or indulging in activities that bring you joy. Prioritize your well-being to maintain your magical energy.

Honor Your Ancestors: Connect with your ancestral lineage and honor the wisdom and guidance of those who came before you. Incorporate ancestral practices, rituals, and symbols into your craft to cultivate a sense of connection and ancestral healing.

Follow Your Own Path: Ultimately, remember that your magical journey is unique to you. Embrace your individuality, trust your instincts, and follow your own path. There is no right or wrong way to be a witch. Embrace the freedom and creativity that comes with being a practitioner of the craft.

May these tips inspire and empower you on your magical path. Embrace your inner witch and continue to explore, learn, and grow in your craft. 🌟✨

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With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊✨

Different types of water and their magickal uses:

Sea water: good for curse/hex breaking, cleansing, healing, banishing and protection spells.

Dew water: beauty, love and fertility spells, as well as delicate magick. Also Good for Fae work.

Storm water: is great for spells and rituals that has to do with emotional strength, confidence, charge, motivation and force. It’s known for strengthening spells. Also good for curses.

Snow water: Spells and rituals that focus on purity, endings and change, as well as slow working spells.

River water: Good for creating changes, moving on and letting go of negativity, warding and focusing energy.

Rain water: Very multi-purpose, but specifically great for growth and rebirth spells. Great for spells that you want to keep gaining power over time.

Spring water: Growth, holy water, cleansing, protection, prosperity

Moon water: Depending on the moon phase it was created in, it can have different properties.

Sun Water: protection, healing, clairvoyance, courage, strength, prosperity, luck, self-love, cleansing and creativity.

Swamp Water: Used for banishing and binding.

tip-jar

▪️▪️▪️▪️🪬Protection Magick 🪬▪️▪️▪️▪️

Hello darlings 🥰

Today, let’s talk about protection spells and rituals 🪬✨

As witches, we understand the importance of protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our homes from negative energies and entities. Here are a few simple protection spells and rituals that you can try:

🧂Salt Circle: One of the simplest and most effective protection spells is creating a salt circle. Simply sprinkle salt around the perimeter of the area you wish to protect, visualizing a shield forming around it.

📿Protection Amulet: Choose a protective crystal such as black tourmaline or obsidian, and wear it as a necklace or carry it with you in a small pouch.

🪬Protective Sigils: Create a protective sigil by drawing a symbol or design that represents protection to you, and charging it with your intention. You can draw it on a piece of paper or carve it into a candle.

🪔Smoke Cleansing: Use garden sage or cedar to cleanse your space and yourself of negative energies.

Remember, protection spells and rituals are not just about physical protection, but also spiritual and emotional protection. Always trust your intuition and do what feels right for you.

(Note: This post has been edited after a commenter pointed out the ethical implications of smudging and using palo santo and white sage - alternative tools are detailed in this post. Thanks, @panthera-dei!)

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🌞 If you enjoy my posts, please consider donating to my energies 🌞

✨🔮 Request a Tarot Reading Here 🔮✨

____

With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊✨