General Relationship Tarot Spread

Throwin’ the Bones

Of the divinatory techniques with which I am familiar, bones are my personal favorite. Yes, they have that very witchy vibe – but it’s more than that; the bones are honest. They don’t sugar coat, and while they have to be interpreted, once you know how to read them – there’s little room for interpretation. They are very direct and are much better suited to answering yes or no questions than tarot. With a little imaginative methodology, there few questions the bones can’t answer. And even fewer they won’t answer (as tarot cards can be known to do). A few examples of things I think the bones are better at answering than tarot: questions involving time, questions regarding health, sickness and maledictions; they present a broader grasp to any given situation – incorporating things outside of the question presented and how these things relate to the question or the reading, showing the interconnectedness of life – and how these things all relate back.

Our countless cultures have countless methods for collecting and reading the Bones – and I can only rightly attest to my own methodology: one in which the Bones need not necessarily consist solely of bones, but a collection of gathered trinkets and curios, all with their own meaning, their own story and their own energy. My collection consists of: bones (bare and painted), coins, stones, shells, jewelry, twigs, buttons, animal teeth and other squabbles. The only rule I implement is that the item can be easily gathered and (safely) tossed without breakage or injury (save your razor-blades and glass shards for witches’ bottles!).

Collecting the Bones and Bobbles

Most any small bones will do, though its recommended that you use bones that haven’t been cooked, as cooked bones have a tendency to get very brittle – especially in the case of chicken, which is quite common. In my collection I have a number of different animal bones: most are chicken, but I also have some raccoon and possum bones, as well as teeth and claws. I built a “base” of bones, but am continuously adding or replacing as I see fit.

A short list of “Bones” I like to include – most of which serve as my “base” bones:

Self Bone – used for the reader

Other Bone – used to represent another person or the person you are reading

Magic Bone – represents the need for or use of magic

“Evil” Bone – malicious or hateful acts, disadvantageous behavior

Love Bone – represents romantic love

Male Bone – represents male fertility, masculinity, sexuality or a man

Female Bone – represents female fertility, femininity, sexuality or a woman

Health Bone – represents physical or mental health

Wealth Bone – represents financial standing or monetary issues

Family Bone – represents familial connections or a family member

Fate Bone – represents destiny and your lifepath (I use a shell for this: open side up means an event can be altered, destiny is not set in stone; open side down, this path must be walked – prepare in lieu of fighting)

“Key” Bone – (I actually use a small key) which represents the key to any given situation, the remedy or problem at hand and its cause

This list is by no means comprehensive and I have many more bones in my collection with more menial meanings. This is simply a small list of options to be added to and adapted by whosoever casts the bones.

Reading the Bones

There is no right or wrong way to read the bones, there is simply your way and their way. Below I will dictate how it is that I do a general reading – again, this is just an example of one way, take and adapt to fit your own unique style or tradition!

Begin by collecting your bones into your hand. I keep mine in a leather pouch, but don’t like to toss them directly from the bag as it doesn’t allow for much control – i.e. the bones fall out either in a massive, unreadable pile or they fly out in such a scattered way nothing is close enough to read. Throwing them from the hand allows for a rather contained casting, and one that can be read easily. I do not include the Self or Other bone, instead, the Self Bone is placed before the caster and the Other Bones is placed either in front of the person you’re reading for or simply in the middle of the casting area. When reading for yourself, place the Self Bone in the center and discard the Other Bone.

Throw the Bones. This can be done on a square of cloth on which a circle (or any number of complex shapes) has been drawn or simply upon a flat table. If throwing in a circle, discard all bones that fall outside of it. These bones are null for the reading, though they can also be read as “far from the person’s mind/current situation.”

Interpret the Bones. This is done by noting the location and connection of the bones present. For instance, note the Love Bones proximity to the Other Bones and the Male Bone. This could be interpreted as being the male love of the querent – but if the “Evil” bones is introduced, this could symbol ulterior motives or a hostile or explosive relationship. Read based on both their proximity to the Other Bone – the closer, the higher priority the matter is – and their relation to one another. It’s very much like investigating a big puzzle, putting it together piece by piece to form a comprehensive understanding of their life or situation. Also not their relation based on the third dimension: x bone seems to be overlapping y bone – is the x issue eclipsing an underlying problem or truth represented by y? It depends. Only through practice will you find clarity.

Convey the message. I always like to spend a few moments making a variety of “hmm” noises when reading for others – it builds up their anticipation. Or you can throw in the occasional gasp or snarky smirk. Their responses are usually hilarious – even more so when yours are genuine! If you are reading on your own, it may be a good idea to sketch out a general map of the readings as opposed to taking a picture as often bones overlie others, which makes for a rather misleading photo representation. You might also find jotting down notes rewarding, especially in synthesizing a cohesive read.

Once you’ve garnered all the information you can from that particular toss, feel free to specify: take the bone/situation you wish to examine and toss the rest again over it/them, reading the others through that particular lens. I.E. Who is this person mentioned? What are their qualities? What is the nature of this love? What magic is being referenced here? Follow that rabbit hole as far as you wish, building your understanding.

Do not be afraid to adjust your style! Want to narrow down a time frame? Make a sort of timeline with the bones. Wish to determine the source of an ailment? Shape the bones into the form of a body. I find the bones allow for far more creativity and ingenuity than cards. And above all – TRUST YOUR GUT.

Photos: These are photos of my “base” bones when I first started reading; since then they have probably doubled (if not tripled) in number and do not incorporate my other animal bones, claws or teeth. 

Witch Tip Wednesday 3.7.18

Salt Your Sigils, Walk With Chalk

There are few things we consistently have with us when we leave the house: keys, wallet/phone and clothes. Of those clothes you wear, they change daily, but your shoes may not.

There’s tons of folklore about shoes and steps and turns of phrase, so why not use them as a tool?

There’s the helm of awe on the heels, moons and star on the inside heel, and an all seeing eye.

Why not draw the sigils you need on the soles of your shoes? Use some chalk and hop to it! Protection, travel, speed, discretion, do some hex work by writing the name of someone on the soles and spend the day trampling them.

Alternatively, you can draw on brick, walls, the ground and possibly shoes (haven’t tried) with salt.

You can get salt rocks online for a few bucks and they’ll last a loooong time. Treat them like chalk, when scraped against rough surfaces they leave a white trail and it’s an easy and less mess way of carrying salt with you for Witching on the go.

Draw a circle wherever you feel the need to do a working, sigils, staves, symbols, gliphs, anything you would trace or draw can have extra oomph behind it by physically drawing it with something of the earth.

🦇Cheers, Barberwitch

Shoe photo source unknown

Burn It Away Banishing

You Will Need:

▪️A slip of paper

▪️A pen

▪️A fireproof bowl on a heat resistant surface

▪️Matches or a lighter

This spell is very simple to execute. Begin by writing down what you’re banishing, be it the name of a person or spirit or something more intangible like procrastination or negative self talk. Focus on what you’ve written for a moment, call it to mind as clearly as you can.

Light the slip of paper on fire and drop it into the bowl. As it burns imagine your target leaving your life and then focus all of your attention on what your life will be like after the banishing takes effect.

When the paper is finished burning you should dispose of the ashes away from your house, you can scatter them on the ground or into the wind or even just dump them into the trash bin outside of your house but get them away from you as soon as possible.

This form of banishing is excellent if you’re short on time or energy, it’s simple quick and to the point. Of course, proper care should be taken not to light yourself or anything else on fire. Don’t perform this spell on flammable surfaces, outside on windy days or in any environment that you can’t control. Another good idea is to be sure that any pets you may have are out of the room, you would’t want any curious whiskers getting singed during your spell.

Spell By: Avery Hart

Spell to Strengthen a Romantic Relationship

Supplies

Lavender

Cinnamon

Chili Pepper

Fire-safe jar or cup

Red Taper Candle

Lighter

Representation of your lover

Instructions

Mix the herbs together (in the glass) with your finger in a clockwise motion. Visualize their powers of love and strength.

Light the red candle.

Chant:

“Our love is ever strong

By distance short or long

We made homes in each other’s hearts

Souls tied together from the start” x

Burn the symbol of your lover (over the glass) and visualize all the good times you have together: the kisses, the sex, the laughter, etc.

Add the ashes and herbs to the sachet, and place it near your bed, or wherever you interact most with your lover.

Thank any spirits or Gods that may have helped you in the spell.

Let the candle burn down. When it is finished, the spell is activated.

~H

I think the first step towards the life you want is often to just say yes to more things. Accept that coffee invitation from your coworker even if it seems awkward. Sign up for that free class at the library that you're not sure you'll like. Join that club. Book that tour. Say yes to as many things as you can and kill the part of your brain that gut-reacts with a no.

SPELL JAR MASTERPOST

MONEY SPELL JAR RECIPE

HEALING SPELL JAR

SELF LOVE SPELL JAR

PROTECTION SPELL JAR

ANTI ANXIETY SPELL JAR

HOME PROTECTION AND TRANQUILITY SPELL JAR

GOOD SLEEP SPELL JAR

CREATIVITY SPELL JAR

PET PROTECTION SPELL JAR

BANISHING “FUCK OFF” SPELL JAR

DIVINATION/INTUITION SPELL JAR

LOVE SPELL JAR SAFE TRAVEL JAR

The Seven Stings Hex

This is a hex intended to provide long term irritation and discomfort to the target until they’ve learned a specific lesson.

Materials

- 7 white tealights

- 7 thorns (I use bougainvillia or rose but any will do)

- Vinegar

- Sea salt

- Small bottle

- Needle

- Target’s name on paper 

Steps

1. Soak your thorns in vinegar for whatever amount of time you feel you need. I usually leave mine for a few hours

2. Line your seven candles up so that they are next to each other, you can have them in either a row or a circle, whichever you like!

3. Light all your candles and place a thorn in front of each. Picture the energies of each thorn and candle linking to one another.

4. Fold the piece of paper with your targets name so that it has three layers.

5. Needle in one hand and paper in the other, recite the following chant (I like to do another chant more specific to the situation before this one as well). As you speak it, pierce the paper with your needle.

“Mind, body, soul - my hex will take its toll.”

Place the paper and the needle in your bottle for later.

6. Next, repeat the following words. As you say each line, extinguish on of your candles and place its respective thorn into your bottle.

“Seven days of slight unease

Seven nights of restless sleep

Seven dawns of nagging guilt

Seven dusks of bad luck built

Seven days of karma coming

Seven days of endless running

Seven days of all you’ve earned

Until your lesson you have learned

But should the lesson stay unheeded

These seven days shall be repeated”

7. Throw a pinch of salt in the bottle. Meditate with the open bottle for awhile and focus on your intent, allow your energy to flow into it. When you’re ready, seal the bottle. You may use wax for this if you wish.

8. Leave the bottle in a cold, dark place to add to the discomfort. I left mine outside during a storm. Don’t forget to cleanse your space and yourself after performing a hex! Once you feel the bottle has done its work, burn its flammable contents and cleanse everything else.

I like to perform this hex at night on the evening of a new moon, and of course for any hexes or curses a stormy night is always best, however as always your intent is the main ingredient!

(My photo, please don’t use without permission.)

Mini incantations for a better day*

*SOME OF THESE I WROTE AND SOME I FOUND VIA THE INTERNET I DO NOT OWN ALL OF THESE

**if you happen to see your incantation and want credit, let me know I’ll add it to the post

☕️ Put a punch of cinnamon in your morning coffee or tea. Stir it clockwise and say “Cinnamon you magical spice, bless my day and make it nice.”

🌹 While spraying rose water on your face in a clockwise motion say “water of roses, lend me your grace, bless me with a beautiful face.”

💄 While applying lipgloss/lipstick or chapstick say “I am beautiful, I am kind, I am the apple of everyone’s eye.”

✨ While tapping powder or glitter onto your face say “ever more beautiful shall I be, to all others who may see, by the power of three times three” repeat 3x total.

⏱If running late, tap a watch or your phone and say “my way is swift, my path is clear, I’ve got to get my ass in gear.”

🐰 On the first day of a new month, as your feet touch the floor getting out of bed say “white rabbit” for lots of good luck.

🍷 Stir a glass of wine with your finger clockwise and say “My words and heart are completely pure, may the love of my life walk through that door” before an important first date.

💰 Before work, while applying a necklace or bracelet, say “money comes and doesn’t stop, money makes me rise to the top.”

✨BOND SPELL🕯

*** This spell is meant for increasing the bond of a previously established relationship. This spell won’t create a relationship that was not previously there.***

CHANT:

Like a bee to a flower, we need to be lovers, one cannot live without the other, and should it be found that we are apart, we’ll be connected at the core of our hearts. For I am your one and you are to mine, forever and always, together in time.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1. A purple candle 2. A gold thread/string

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO DO:

1. Light the purple candle. 2. The gold thread will be a representation of your bond. Wrap it around your candle and tie a knot ONLY ONCE while repeating the chant. 3. Keep this candle at your bedside or somewhere in the room that you share with your partner. You can keep the candle lit as long as you would like but you can blow out the candle once the knot has been tied. 4. Every night, simply light the candle and retighten the knot. This represents strengthening the bond of your relationship continuously. Because relationships are a continuous effort, they must be continuously strengthened. You may retighten throughout the day if necessary. Repeat the chant while doing this as often as you can (kind of like singing during any task). ***OPTIONAL: You may engrave a sigil of Strength into the side of the candle***

Blessed be.

Basic Offering Ideas for Spirits

Hello! I will be making a recipe list sometime soon for those of you who want to spice up your offerings or routine, but for now, here are some easy daily offerings with a little correspondence with them, based on my personal experiences.

Apples: Apples represent a full harvest, abundance, and time spent with the ones you love. Perfect for those times when you want to recall memories you’ve had with the spirit.

Oranges: Their vibrancy, attraction, and the smell all come together to represent a life lived to the fullest. I like to think of oranges as an innocent guilty pleasure, and something easy to obtain.

Grapes: elegance, refinement, perfection. I also tend to think of being waited on and treated like royalty. Definitely good for a spirit who needs some extra attention.

Fruit in General: great for sweetening up a spirit, or showing that you find them vibrant and kind. I like to give fruit and eat another piece of fruit with them, make it a little date of sorts.

Honey: another sweetening agent. Good for spirits who are feeling low on energy, as it lasts a while and holds lots of sugar, which I often associate with energy.

Bread: fun to make, and good to customize. Have a spirit who likes a bit of savoury element to their offerings? Try adding spices, maybe make garlic bread. Alternatively, you can bake sourdough, brioche, or even some sort of sweet bread. It’s a fabulous offering for family and household spirits.

Milk and Honey: Definitely something I would offer nature spirits. It’s wholesome, sweet, and very natural. Great for those moments when you want to indulge on them.

Chocolate Milk: An alternative to milk and honey. Something I think children spirits would enjoy.

Milks in General: This includes soy milk, almond milk, etc. I find these to be good offerings you don’t leave out, for obvious reasons. Nice for rituals and for those moments when you want to be able to take it away after a little bit. Very filling and delicious.

Cookies, Cakes, and Sweet treats:

Water: I see this most often with ancestral spirits, or spirits you make offerings to on a daily basis. You can enchant it, charge it, make gem elixir with it. There’s a lot of magic in water anyway, though.

Wine/Alcohol: I find a lot of spirits request this, even though I can’t give it to them. Maybe it’s because it’s a ‘spirit’? *badum tssss* Seriously though, this is a fairly generic offering I see a lot.

Juice/Cider/Lemonade/etc: Similar to wine, but much more friendly to your wallet and to those of you who don’t drink for whatever reason. I associate this with friendship for some reason.

Platters: Grab a couple of items from your fridge or pantry, and offer it together. I most often go for grapes, cheese, crackers, and juice. I just find it to be an easy, hassle free offering that doesn’t cost much. Especially if you don’t give it in large quantities, which is totally okay with this, and any other offering really. I like this one in particular because it offers a variety of tastes and energy sources.

Drawings: Pictures, especially things you’ve made, are awesome offerings. It shows you care and are willing to spend time thinking about them. Just like any other relationship, meaningful gifts are awesome.

Photographs: Whether you see something cool outside or online, bringing them a picture that you think they would like is kind. It also shows that you know them pretty well, or are at least trying to.

Embroidery: I have a friend that makes beautiful embroidery pieces for the Hellenic Theoi, whom I worship in particular. They’re full of energy and patience and time, and I think that makes it a great offering. Not to mention they’re just nice to look at.

Sigils: Make sigils for those special spirits in your life! They can be to promote energy, happiness, peace, etc. Ask them what they would like, and make it for them. Add it to their vessel if they have one, and you got a good start.

Natural Objects: Crystals, flowers, pretty leaves, jars of sand. Glasses of water from a stream, rocks, pieces of wood that fall from trees (ask permission before taking any of these things); all are awesome ideas. They have energy, and make them lasting offerings that you can recharge and fill beck up.

Music or Sound: Play a song for them. Play your own musical instrument. Sing, ring bells, clap around. Sound is vibration, and it is energy. It is also something we like. So why wouldn’t most spirits? Ask them if they would like to hear music, or even a specific song.

Energy: Send them balls of energy, streams of it, etc. Help them connect to the moon or the Earth so they can use that as often as they need to. Basically, provide a source for them to live off of when not using your offerings. I do not recommend having them use you as an energy source, except on occasion and for a short period of time, because they can drain you, even without meaning to.

Trinkets: Find something cool at a store? Maybe you pick up a few bobbles at a thrift store. If you feel like they would want it, offer it! You never know what could make them smile, or keep them busy when you’re not home, and they’re not out and about.

Anything You Think They Would Enjoy: Literally anything could be an offering. Find what works for you and what they like. Make special offerings once in a while, too, if possible. And remember, this is a relationship, not a mandatory thing. You are doing this together, and you chose to be a friend of this spirit, most of the time.

I hope this list will help some of you get started! Feel free to add on to this list, share your experiences, etc. Happy offering!