Scried this week - New Jersey Play and Cozy tome.

                                                        GET THIS PRINT HERE

 Scried this week from around the witchy webs are these two bits of news:

In BORDENTOWN NJ there is an upcoming delight of a story this weekend being put on by the

students of Bordentown Regional High School.

The Witch's Princess will be performed by an award winning cast on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26

at 7:30PM at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center.

The Witch's Princess by Don Zolidis flips the usual fairy tale plot on its head. The play is a

comedic fairy tale set in a cursed kingdom. The only way to lift the curse is to slay the witch.

The king decides to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to the knight who can slay the evil bog

witch. (because its always the princess’ responsibility to be the

reward for fixing the kingdom right?  To avoid a lifetime of laundry and cooking to a clueless

knight, the princess takes matters into her own hands  and sneaks out of the castle to kill the

witch herself.

She assembles the deadliest monsters in myth and legend to help her, and grows with the

discovery that the monsters aren’t what they seem. The narrative about the witch and the curse

has also been skewed too!

Tickets for this comedy production The Witch's Princess are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students and can be purchased

online in advance at www.seatyourself.biz/brhs.

Brainerd Dispatch recently brought our attention to a cozy witchy read just right for the season.

Theresa Bourke reviews The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) is this article.

Orphaned Mika Moon has not had human connections in her life.

Primrose, who chose to raise her, told her that witches survive best alone,

which was important for secrecy and safety. Follow Bourke's Bookshelf for

more book reviews! Check out her review here:

https://www.brainerddispatch.com/lifestyle/arts-and-entertainment/bourkes-bookshelf-a-cozy-witchy-hug

Or get the hardcover here:

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Its got a 4.3 rating on Amazon from 19K + people. Sounds worth a read to me!

HOP A BROOM : Witchy Events for November and December 2024

 Witchy Events for  November and December 2024

We still got November and December left and luvvies, there are so many embracing our inner witch that events are exploding all over the world!

When I started this interest 10 years ago there were barely any places to visit and to see.

Salem’s Halloween events are actually happening right now. If you happen to be there and want to know whats up, here are a few links to check out:

www.festivalofthedead.com

Salem Psychic Fair and Witches Market 

The Salem Witches Halloween Ball

…and remember to respect the residents. Don’t park in people’s driveways and pee in their front yard.

Witches Market and Spiritual Fayre, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wales UK

Saturday November 16th.

Over 60 stalls of all things Witchy, weird and wonderful.

We will have:

Magickal stalls

Psychics

Readers

Therapies

Healers

Crystals

Witchy & spiritual clothing, accessories, jewellery & more.

Spiritual stalls

Skincare & healthcare stalls

Craft stalls

Children’s spooky craft table

Raffle

Refreshments

£2 entry. Free entry for under 16s

Now its their first time doing this festival so it should be really exciting and show your support to the witchery peoples in the area.

Back to the US of A there is the WITCHES ALLEY MARKET in Richmond Virginia on Sunday November 24th.  The event is hosted by River City Witches and will focus on getting the community ready for winter ( as markets won't be happening end of Dec-March) Vendors will be offering herbs/floral, crystals, incense, cleansers, altar/ritual/spell kits, wands, brooms, candles, oils, dusts and pretty much anything that is considered witchcraft supplies.

Take a fly and stock your witchy pantry and shelves for all that you would need.

And lastly, if you can't make it to any of the fairs to stock up, then the links below should help with things that you need.

ALL IN ONE WITCH KIT

Its an All-In-One Witch Kit: This kit is for all beginners or experienced looking to bring magick into their lives. All essential ingredients are well packaged in this mystery witch box: 12 mini sealed gemstone bottles, 12 sealed dried herbs with labels, 12 colored spell candles, 12 small organza pouches, 3 witches salts (black salt, pink salt, white salt) and 12 parchments. There is a lot more too....click the link for the full list.

Learn how to enhance your divination skills with dowsing and Tarot cards. This blog post provides tips and tricks to help you master the art of divination.

 

This post contains links to products which may help you with this topic. Some are affiliate links and some are not. They have all been useful to me at some point…….

…..AND at some point in everyone’s journey you encounter Divination. And how exciting this feels. Can you imagine, being so intuitively connected to the Ether that you can see options for the future?

Divination is a peek into what is possible, given particular circumstances.

There are several methods that can be used for Divination. Some of these are:

1. Tarot Reading: Tarot is a divination tool that uses a deck of cards to gain insight into current and future situations. Each card is associated with a specific meaning, and the user interprets these meanings to answer questions and provide guidance.

Great Online resource: Learn Tarot Card Meanings

 

2. Astrology: Astrology is the study of how celestial bodies impact human life. It uses birth charts and astrological signs to understand someone's personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and predictions about their future.

Great Online resource : FREE NATAL CHART

3. Runes: Runes consist of a set of 25 stones, each with a unique symbol etched onto them. The user tosses the runes and reads the symbols that land face-up to answer questions about the past, present, and future.

Great Online Resource: Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum

4. Scrying: Scrying is the practice of looking into a reflector (such as a crystal ball, a mirror, or water) to receive spiritual visions or guidance.

5. Pendulum Reading: Pendulum reading involves using a weighted object (such as a crystal or a metal pendant) hung from a string or chain. The user holds the pendulum, asks questions, and interprets the directions of its movements to gain insights.

Great Online Resource: Witchy Spiritual Stuff

6.Dowsing, also known as divining, is a method used to locate objects or substances that are not visible using traditional detection methods. The technique involves using a dowsing rod, which can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, copper, or brass. The rod is held by the dowser who then walks around an area, allowing the rod to move naturally. When the rod detects the presence of the object, it will swing in a particular direction, indicating where the object is located.

Great Online Resource:  The Joy of Dowsing

This list is by no means all. The best list that I have seen for Divination methods and how to do them can be found in this book:

SPELLS AND PSYCHIC POWERS - SORAYA

To enhance your divination skills, the following practices may help:

1) Meditate regularly: Divination requires connecting to your intuition and psychic senses, and regular meditation can help with this. Start by finding a calm and peaceful environment, comfortable sitting position, and focusing on your breath for a few minutes every day.

2) Study and Practice: Understanding the basics of divination methods such as Tarot, Runes or Astrology can give you a foundation from where to start. As you become more familiar with the concepts, you can practice your skills with small groups or trusted individuals.

3) Trust Yourself: As you practice divination, take note of your intuitions and those inner voices that may come through. Do not worry about being right or wrong, try to focus instead on that connection to yourself and your higher self or higher power. Practice in a safe and loving space where you can gain insight into your intuition, thus allowing yourself to become more proficient in divination over time.

4) Using the Divination Tool Box - This tool Box is available at The Mystical Moon Online store. Key to using this in practice is the Oracle Oil which helps open and elevate your senses. It improves communication with higher dimensions. The Selenite Wand increases light to your being and helps detach any unwanted energies which may block you from “casting out” as I call it. The Tool Box contains other items as well for cleansing and empowering.

You can find it on this link : Divination Tool Box

More to come on this topic...or you can check the keyword list on the side of the page for more .

Using AI to write content for blogs. And a fun experiment!

What better image than to show IMAGINE was used to create the image for this blog. AI Witchyness!

 So the netizens have been abuzz with AI and its goodness and badness and its probable take over of the world! Aaaaaaaggghhhh....*runs screaming and arms flailing!*

But what da hell does that tech have to do with Witchcraft?

Well witchy peeps...let me release my explorations upon thee!

I have been working on putting together a book of teas and brew blends which I plan to unleash free to all who visit the blog. I have been using AI in the process for some of the creativity. Like asking for some ideas about what to name the e-book.
It chewed up the question and spat out a few which included:

1. Bottled Magic for Tea Lovers
2. Herbal Witchcraft for Tea Drinkers
3. A Herbalist's Guide to Bewitching Teas
4. Witchy Watering Holes
5. The Mystic Tea Room

All are good choices. I did ask for 30 and it complied nicely and some where really very good. So I didn't want to share all.

I have been using an AI app for some artwork as well, but it tends to add some odd elements to the image, and hasn't gotten the hang of hands yet. Still I find the images are cute enough to add value to a blog post!

My other exploration was to ask AI to blend three witchy practices together and create a ritual to do X. I got a no no from that. AI thinks it's unethical to merge two spiritual practices. I am not sure how my racially mixed, multicultural practicing brain feels about that. I pull from ancestral practices all the time. My spiritual DNA needs it? Maybe?  But big respect to the AI engineers for taking that approach.


Funnily enough, I asked the AI to write a humerous blog post in the style of Terry Pratchett (love his work) about "How to Stop a Witch!"
I was happily surprised by its approach.

Mind my intersections in bold type...because really! LOL!

Much respect there AI engineers! See the response below:

Good evening, fellow witches and non-witches alike! As an experienced witch and expert on witchcraft, I am often asked how to stop a witch. It's a question that is not easily answered, for we witches are a cunning and resourceful lot. However, I am here to offer you some tips and tricks that may help you protect yourself from the wiles of a witch.

Firstly, it is important to understand that not all witches are bad. In fact, most of us are just like everyone else, going about our daily lives and using our powers for good. However, there are some witches who use their powers for evil, and it is these witches that we need to be wary of. (cliche much. Feels like an overly judgemental aunty)

The first and perhaps most obvious step in stopping a witch is to use protective magic. (DUH)
There are many spells and incantations that can be used to protect oneself from witchcraft, such as creating a protective circle, wearing a talisman, or carrying a charm. These should be used as a preventative measure, rather than waiting until a witch is already attacking you.
(AND HOW WOULD YOU EVEN KMOW THIS IS HAPPENING? IT AIN'T HOLLYWOOD)

Another important step in stopping a witch is to understand their weaknesses. (HA)
Witches are often vulnerable to certain types of elements, such as fire or cold iron.( OKAY YOU MAY HAVE A POINT. WHATEVER THEY USE IN COSTUME JEWELRY DRIVES ME NUTS. SO STAB ME WITH AN EARRING)
They may also be susceptible to certain herbs or plants, ( or minerals.Like mica. So throw some eyeshadow at me!) which can be used to weaken or even immobilize them. (takes 24hrs with the mica for me to be affected)  It is important to research and understand the weaknesses of the particular witch you are up against, as different witches may have different vulnerabilities. ( Well there...I just sold out all mine. Oh and shrimp...yes)

If all else fails, there is one surefire way to stop a witch – make them laugh.
According to ancient witch lore, witches cannot resist laughter. If you can make a witch laugh, they will be rendered powerless and unable to use their magic against you. (Anyone who can shift my mood from intense anger to roll-around-on the-ground laughter deserves my respect and a drink on me!)
Of course, this is easier said than done, as not all witches have the same sense of humor. ( Schnortle) You may have to try a few different jokes before you find one that works.

One final word of caution – it is always best to try and resolve any conflicts with witches peacefully and respectfully. We are all human (or witch) after all, and we all have the ability to be reasonable and understanding. ( Whistles with an eye roll)
If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to stop a witch, remember to stay calm and use your knowledge and experience to your advantage.

That's all from me for now, my fellow witches and non-witches. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to witchcraft, so stay informed, stay protected, and stay magical!



It ain't bad...a little fanciful, and not at all like Terry Pratchett. But it was interesting reading.

Some apps to explore to help you write your blog posts:

1)Writesonic (ChatSonic)
2)Nova
3)Chatbot AI
4)Wordtune


Do you use AI in your practice/craft/research? Let me know how it is being incorporated-or not- in your daily life.

Here are a few articles which speak about the considerations when developing ethical AI


Decolonizing AI 

Explore the path of spirituality with Artificial Intelligence. 

I do not Wish to Curse Myself

 

I do not wish to curse myself,

I take the book from off the shelf

If I needed a spell to do,

What would I say, what should I spew?

For a curse to work just right,

It's not enough to say it  tight.

You must put your heart and soul,

In every word and every toll.

You may think you have a cause,

Reason to use your wicked claws.

Perhaps someone hurt you deep,

Or made you lose a lot of sleep.

I pick the right words to cast,

One that will make the pain hold fast

Find some herbs, some salt, and fire,

And let the curse become your desire.

But heed this warning, my dear friend,

For some curses have no end.

They will come back to haunt your life,

And bring you sorrow and loads of strife.

To send a curse is to curse yourself

So put that book back on the shelf

And take the time to look inside

And see what change you can abide

So think before you hex and spell,

And weigh the consequences well.

For in the end, it's not worth the prize,

To curse yourself and pay the price.

What is Witchcraft? Learn about the basics of Witchcraft. If you're interested in practicing the craft or want to be a witch, read on to find out more.

If you are expecting to learn Witchcraft to control people or have power over them, then you are in the wrong place. You don't want witchcraft, you want a Hollywood Movie.

People seek out Witchcraft and Wicca for magick, and yes there is magick, but not the kind you see in Charmed or the Craft.

A bit about Witchcraft first.

Witchcraft,  Wicca or the Craft,  are modern Pagan religions that have gained popularity in recent years. Some people see divisions between the three, some people use the terms interchangeably and see them as the same. This view is totally personal.  The Craft is steeped in mysticism and it emphasizes the use of spells, incantations, and rituals to harness the energies of the Earth and the universe.

The structure of the Craft is personal...and we will get to that later. A lot of what will work for one witch won't work for another. Practice is as personal as your ancestral heritage. The more you can connect to what's in your DNA is the more aligned and grounded in the Craft you will feel. More on THAT later

At its core, Witchcraft is a nature-based religion that honors the sacredness of the natural world and promotes the idea of living in harmony with it. While the practice of Witchcraft has been around for centuries, the modern-day Witchcraft movement began in the mid-20th century and has since evolved into a diverse and multicultural religion that is practiced around the world. There was a huge explosion of study and information about witchcraft in the early 90's with several "schools" online to teach Witchcraft. Yes there are classes, yes there are traditions with degrees etc, but for the most part, unless you want to be "clergy" in one of those traditions, you don't need the certificates and degrees to be a witch. What you need is to see the world through the "Witch" philosophy and practice and include aspects that you can into your life.

Is what I teach and what I practice in alignment with those "schools" of thought.

Nope. So if that's what you are looking for, now is the time to start googling other Witch schools.

One of the central beliefs of Witchcraft is the concept of “magick,” which is seen as the use of willpower and natural energies to manifest one's desires. This is not the type of "magick" commonly found in works of fiction, but rather a personal power that practitioners believe exists within everyone.

 Through the use of rituals, spells, and other magical practices, Witchcraft aims to tap into this power and use it to create positive change in one’s life. 

The only person you can change is yourself....and lets be real about that. That's the ONLY person who is going to change on this journey. Take your contempt and spite and need for revenge or control elsewhere.....not here.

Witchcraft is also a religion that acknowledges the existence of a divine force, which is often represented through the worship of a mother goddess and a father god. This duality represents the balance of nature and promotes the idea that all things in existence are connected.

Another core aspect of Witchcraft is the concept of karma. Practitioners believe that everything they do, whether good or bad, will come back to them in some way. So keep that in mind whenever you are tempted to do a love spell (that is attempting to control people, you may end up being controlled yourself!)

This reinforces the idea of living in harmony with nature and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's actions. Witchcraft also promotes the idea of personal responsibility, with practitioners believing that they have the power to create positive change in their own lives. We are all here to experience our personal journey of life, and no one owes you a damned thing....not your parents, friends, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend whatever.

If you want a good life, you need to craft a good life and no spell is ever gonna give you a good life if you are a shitty, selfish, entitled person.

Witches often use a variety of tools and materials in their practice, such as herbs, candles, crystals, and tarot cards. Also included on that list may be rocks, leaves, rolling pins.....a slipper......you get the point. Tools are to assist you in focusing your energy. The tools in themselves have no power but each of these items serves a specific purpose and is often used in rituals or spellwork. This depends on you too of course.....are you a visual learner? Do you respond better to sound? .Or do you respond to actual experience.....like finally realizing you shouldn't drive drunk AFTER totalling your car? (Yes there are people like this. Personal responsibility means understanding the dangers and assessing risk BEFORE you take action)

Despite its popularity, Witchcraft is often misunderstood or even demonized by some. While some may associate it with Satanism or evil practices, the Craft is, in fact, a peaceful and nature-based religion that seeks to promote love, harmony, and positive change in the world.

Seriously.... Harm none. Read that HARM NONE again......'bout revenge spells and shit...

In summary, Witchcraft is a modern Pagan religion that emphasizes the use of magic, ritual, and the worship of nature to create positive change in the world.

 Its central beliefs include the power of personal will (You will get this or you won't), the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the existence of a divine force.

 

At its core, Witchcraft is a religion that promotes peace, love, and healing, and it offers a unique and empowering path for those seeking to connect with nature and tap into their own personal power.

RECOMMENDED READING -  Because different points of view are important to having a well rounded knowledge about any subject matter.

The Study of ADVANCED WITCHCRAFT- Deborah Lipp 

Yes yes yes it says ADVANCED and you may be now starting. But the book is a rich resource of philosophy, history, self improvement techniques that I feel NEED to be known/read BEFORE any magickal practices are done.

The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self -Thomas Metzinger

Because you cannot seriously know yourself without taking a serious look at your ego.

Deconstructing Rituals - Toward a Psychology of Religious Ritual

Blessed Be.

My Spiritual world has taken a haphazard bunch of turns recently. I liken it to floating aimlessly at sea in a comfortable well stocked vessel. I have been enjoying the aimless floating and gathering lessons from what takes place around me. I have gained some dominion over fears, and have become more confident in my abilities and really learnt some amazing things.

However, it is time to move....some where. The thing about being in the middle of the ocean so to speak is that there is no "right" direction. Especially if you have no destination. Its like seeing several island off in the distance and being so indecisive that I just remain floating there.

I need to pick one and go exploring.

In that light, recently I just decided to "Pick" something to read in depth and opened up a whole library of knowledge and a labyrinth of direction I could go in one area of my life.

In doing so, I stumbled upon an interesting document that I believe is relevant to understanding ritual; and the effect is has upon our minds.

http://www.body-mind-unlimited.com/PDF/ReligiousRitual.pdf

Great stuff to read.

Update: 14th May 2023. I did go somewhere. I did pick something. and I am calmer and more content with the word, and feel more equipped to share my knowledge.

The Circle Comes around again

Magickal growth is like a spiral. You travel along the path, and sometimes revisit old issues. But you see these old issues in a new light because of the growth you experienced in the past. You are higher up the ladder of that issue....solving it becomes closer and closer.....till it no longer is an issue.

 Learning, I suppose, can be like that. Each time you revisit a theory, you see something there that you did not see before and you knowledge of the thing expands.

The reason I am going down this discussion is because I feel the need to do it all over again. Witchcraft learning, from scratch. Now that I know what I know perhaps I will see something more.
To begin again, without the giddy headed elation, with out the giggly happiness feeling of finding a new paradigm. To approach witchcraft with a seriousness that was not there before, and re-absorb the knowledge and the principles which were looked at already.

One thing I found in my previous journey is that there was not enough lore, wise words, or daily inspiration for one walking the path. Perhaps I would find some this time or be able to write some using the base energies that swirl around every issue.
Travelling the world is hard enough, one needs a code to live by. Even though I am aware that searching for the code can lock ones mind into a lifestyle which does not leave a mind open to other possibilities, I am willing to take the journey of learning again.
Maybe I will make some more new rules.......so I begin again.