the grief of growing

— Stormwaterwitch (via stormwaterwitch)

Quercus virginiana (Southern Live Oak)

by Kelly Louise Judd

2018

An important lesson we can learn from plants, especially those considered "weeds", is that if a system does not work for you, grow around it.

Dandelions cannot thrive trapped under a concrete roof, so they twist and spread and sprout between the cracks.

Tree roots will find their way through foundations and bricks to feed the tree.

Brambles will climb up and over fences designed to keep them out, if what's beyond let's them grow.

A sunflower in a pot will face the sun, not the room it's owner so desperately wants it to decorate.

Do what you need to do to thrive, irregardless of what others think you should do.

I block accounts run by polytheists who make entire portions of their content/personality about despising Christians/"exposing" the "lies of Christianity," btw.

If you spend so much time hating another religion, you probably aren't keeping up with the responsibilities you have to your own, and I stand by that. 🤷

Need to study something quickly?

Use a clove leaf as a book mark to help boost your memory!

Being a Witch IS Political

Witchcraft and spirituality are inherently political. To embrace these paths without acknowledging their history and ongoing struggles is to reduce them to mere aesthetics. True witches—and spiritual practitioners—understand that the essence of these practices is rooted in resistance, justice, and transformation.

Historically, witches were the wise women and healers of their communities. They tended to the sick, midwifed births, and served as the keepers of ancient knowledge. Their craft connected them deeply to nature, the cycles of life, and the unseen forces that govern our world. These practices often placed them on the fringes of society, not because they were wrong or dangerous, but because their power defied the status quo.

These women (and men) were political figures simply by existing. They challenged patriarchal systems, capitalist greed, and authoritarian control. When they provided herbal remedies or midwifed safely outside the church's purview, they defied institutions that sought to monopolize power over life and death.

The witch trials of history were political acts, targeting those who threatened established hierarchies. Witches were scapegoated for plagues, famines, and dissent, often accused because they stood up for their communities, demanded justice, or refused to conform to societal expectations.

Even today, to identify as a witch or spiritual practitioner is to take a stand. It is to honor the marginalized, to value the Earth over profit, and to seek balance in a world obsessed with domination. It is to embrace healing, not only for ourselves but for others and the planet—a deeply political act in a culture that prioritizes profit and power over people and ecosystems.

Being a witch means advocating for what is right, even at risk to our comfort or safety. It means standing against oppression, environmental destruction, and systemic injustice. To claim this path is to reclaim the legacy of those who came before us—the wise women, healers, and rebels who walked this path at great personal cost.

If you are drawn to witchcraft, spirituality, or paganism, understand that this is more than crystals and candles. It is a call to action, a commitment to live authentically and fight for a better world. Anything less is a disservice to the courageous souls who paved the way for us.

to rewild your witchcraft

𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘

(wild winter witchcraft here)

Understanding the 3 Types of Sigils

Sigils are one of the most versatile tools in witchcraft, acting as symbols infused with your intention and energy. What makes sigils so effective is their adaptability, you can choose how to work with them based on your goals and needs. When deciding how to use a sigil, it’s helpful to understand the three main types: destructible, temporary, and permanent. Each type serves a unique purpose and adds a layer of magickal flexibility to your practice. 

Destructible Sigils 🕯 

Definition: These sigils are created with the intention of being destroyed, often as part of the activation process. 

Purpose: Used for immediate, transformative, or highly specific goals. The act of destruction releases the energy. 

Examples of Use:  

⟡ Burn a sigil for quick manifestation. 

⟡ Bury a sigil to symbolize letting go of something. 

How-To: Draw the sigil on paper, charge it with your intent, and destroy it by burning, tearing, or submerging it in water. 

Tip: This method is great for goals where you want to release energy into the universe quickly. 

Temporary Sigils ✿ 

Definition: These sigils exist for a short time and are erased, washed away, or allowed to fade naturally. 

Purpose: Ideal for ongoing but temporary needs, like a daily boost of confidence or protection during a specific event. 

Examples of Use:  

⟡ Draw a sigil on your skin with makeup or henna. 

⟡ Sketch a sigil in sand or dirt before a ritual. 

⟡ Write a sigil in chalk on your door for short-term protection. 

How-To: Use materials that naturally wear off (chalk, marker, or skin-safe paint). Focus on charging the sigil when you draw it. 

Tip: These sigils are perfect for quick and discreet magick, as they’re easy to create and remove. 

Permanent Sigils 𓃠 

Definition: These sigils are created with the intention of lasting indefinitely. They are charged to continuously radiate energy over time. 

Purpose: Used for long-term goals or intentions, such as protection, abundance, or anchoring a space with positive energy. 

Examples of Use:  

⟡ Draw a sigil onto a piece of jewelry or altar tool. 

⟡ Paint or carve a sigil on a doorframe for home protection. 

How-To: Choose a durable medium (wood, stone, metal) Ensure the sigil is charged and activated with care. 

Tip: Permanent sigils require deep thought and a strong intention, as their energy is meant to be constant and enduring. 

 ⛥ No matter which type of sigil you choose, remember that their power comes from the energy and intention you infuse into them. Whether you’re releasing energy through destruction, working with short-term goals, or embedding your magick into something permanent, sigils can adapt to your needs and bring your intentions to life. ⛥ 

If you’re looking for more in-depth content check out my Patreon 🌙🖤 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/easy-way-to-salt-116545319?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Have you worked with sigils before? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have. Feel free to share your thoughts or favorite sigil practices in the comments! ฅᨐฅ

*grabs Witchblr by the shoulders again* Drink some water. Drink some water. Drink some fucking water.

A Reminder to my U.S. Witches -

Whether you're a private practitioner or a witchy business owner, it is now more important than ever to KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

Wicca as a religion is officially protected by Freedom of Religion under the First Amendment. This extends somewhat to other less organized pagan religions as well as the general state of Being A Witch, which is also protected by Freedom of Speech.

But we must remember that this only protects you from PROSECUTION, not PERSECUTION.

You have the legal right to present as a pagan or witch in public spaces and technically you cannot be discriminated against in the workplace for such things. However, we all know how that kind of bigotry disguises itself and the way things are going, resources for reporting and resolving such grievances may soon be in short supply.

You also have the right to own and operate a pagan-oriented or witchcraft-related business, provided that you obey all applicable tax codes and consumer protection laws. (This is why we have to mark so many of our goods and services as "For Entertainment Purposes Only," and I strongly suggest updating your disclaimers to include additional language if need be.)

Again, as we've seen, this doesn't always protect business owners from harassment or help them with seeking reparations if there's trouble. But it's important to know, as more and more "proclamations" roll out from the "new management," that executive orders do not immediately or fundamentally change the law.

This is nowhere near a comprehensive explanation of the constitutional rights and laws applicable to witches and pagans currently living in the United States. I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with all applicable laws in their area which deal with public gatherings, small businesses, consumer protection, public transit, loitering, search & seizure / "stop & frisk," and anything related to being detained by law enforcement for any reason.

Familiarize yourself also with social and legal resources in your area, just in case you or someone you know needs them. Talk to the elders in your local LGBTQ organizations as well - we've been there before.

Most importantly, build links and relationships with trusted people around you, whether it's your neighbors or your colleagues or like-minded people in the community. We all need to be looking out for each other and the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves, our homes, our livelihoods, our communities, and our rights.

(If anyone has any applicable links or information, PLEASE add them in comments and reblogs.)

Stay safe!

My policy on trad craft books: cannibalize them. Take what's useful, leave the rest.

More often than not, any source is useful if you know how to pick it apart.

My philosophy for evaluation of books is as follows:

Read it, don't skim it. Does the author make broad /inaccurate/outlandish statements with no caveats or evidence? Do they provide historical context when it's needed?

Check the bibliography. Do they cite good sources? Are their sources reliable in themselves? Is there citogenesis?

Look up the author. Do they have biases-- conscious or unconscious -- that come through in their writing?

Content balance. How much theory is there in this book? How much how-to content (i.e. ready-made spells, rituals, cantrips, etc) is in this book? This, for me, is often a good benchmark of utility. When in doubt, go with the latter. More how-to means more material to adapt to my own devices. Not to say that theory is not useful; it's just not what I need in 70% of situations.

There are exceptions. Treading the Mill by Nigel Pearson has a lot of decent ideas, but there's one statement in there that I found very distasteful and I don't wish to use any of that methodology. But that's me. Mileage will vary by user.

Don't fall for rage bait.