Witchcraft – Solitary Paganism.

What is Death Witchcraft?

Posted on January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Here is a few facts on Death Witchcraft.

I personally define death witchcraft as working with and honoring spirits of the dead (ghosts, ancestors) as well as the power of death itself (endings, resurrections). Death witches reflect upon the concept of death, come to terms with their own death, and work through spiritual deaths in our lives. We also communicate with the dead regularly. Many of us heal and help the dead, and in return, they aid us in our magical workings. Rather than fearing death, we embrace it as a pivotal point in the cycle of life.

How is this different from Necromancy:

Necromancy comes from the Greek words nekrs (“dead body”) and mantea (“divination by means of”). Literally, it means speaking to the dead through divination. Most necromancers receive insights about the past, present, or future through the dead.

Necromancy is part of death witchcraft, but it isn’t all of that path. Death witchcraft also involves working with death as a force, dead plants, healing the dead, and other aspects of the end of life. Some death witches also call themselves necromancers; others do not.

Today, the term necromancy is often reserved for ceremonial magicians who work with the dead. Some modern-day practitioners prefer to avoid the term because of its association with fantasy.

Why Do you perform Death Witchcraft?:

As with any magical path, everyone practices for difference reasons. Some people have an intense fear and fascination with death, and they aim to find peace through this path. Others have experienced the deaths of loved ones, and they want to heal and aid the deceased. Some worship a death deity or work as a mortician, while others are in it for the power.

Regardless of their reasoning, death witches choose to embrace death and actively work with it. Since death witchcraft relies on spirit work, it has a high learning curve and is one of the more taxing crafts out there.

What do you do in the Craft?: A lot of spirit work, namely contacting the dead. Some death witches focus on healing the dead, while others work with ghosts to perform other spells. Most death witches conduct shadow work to assuage their anxiety surrounding death as well.

Common techniques of the craft include tending to graveyards, giving offerings to the dead, helping the dead pass on, and traveling to the afterlife. Death witches also honor ancestors, honor different cultures funeral rites, and necromancy.
Some witches combine the craft with vulture culture, or becoming a mortician or funerary holder.

Is death witchcraft religious?:

Yes and no. Considering how much work death witches do with the spirits of a dead, a general belief in the afterlife is necessary. However, I do know some death witches who engage in past life work as an aspect of their craft instead of working with ghosts. Death witchcraft has the flexibility of neatly fitting into most religious beliefs.

Is death witchcraft a “dark” path?:

If you mean “dark” in terms of “evil” or “negative,” then no. Of course death witchcraft involves death, an idea that many people feel uncomfortable with. And it can be a hard and draining path. But evil? Or unethical? Not at all. With death witchcraft, you have the opportunity to heal yourself and souls around you.

Are there any rules in death witchcraft?:

I cannot enforce rules onto any path, but I will encourage one: respect both the dead and the living. The dead are not your slaves; they’re just as valuable as we are. Respect them, and they’ll respect you.

The Enigmatic Connection between Gothic and Witchcraft

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

It’s no secret that both Gothic and witchcraft have captivated our imaginations for centuries. They share a mysterious allure, a fascination with the supernatural, and a penchant for the dark and macabre. But what exactly connects these two intriguing realms? Let’s dive into the depths of this enigmatic relationship!

Firstly, both Gothic culture and witchcraft challenge societal norms and embrace individuality. They reject the mainstream and celebrate the unconventional. Whether it’s through their unique fashion choices or their rejection of traditional beliefs, Goths and witches alike dare to be different and embrace their true selves.

Secondly, both Gothic culture and witchcraft are deeply rooted in history and folklore. They draw inspiration from ancient rituals, myths, and legends, weaving them into their own narratives. The Gothic aesthetic often incorporates symbols and themes associated with witchcraft, such as pentagrams, black cats, and mystical potions. It’s a beautiful fusion of the past and the present, creating a world that is both haunting and enchanting.

Lastly, both Gothic culture and witchcraft provide a sense of empowerment and liberation. They offer a space for self-expression, where individuals can explore their darkest desires and embrace their inner strength. Whether it’s through the cathartic act of dressing in Gothic attire or practicing witchcraft rituals, both realms allow individuals to tap into their own power and find solace in their unique identities.
So, dear friends, it’s clear that Gothic culture and witchcraft share a deep and intricate bond. They both challenge societal norms, draw inspiration from history, and empower individuals to embrace their true selves. Together, they create a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and fiercely independent.

Embrace your inner witch and let your Gothic spirit soar!

Santa Muerte: Facts and Practices Behind the Saint of Death

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

People have been fascinated by death for centuries, and for those living in Mexico, the Bony Lady, Santa Muerte, has become a beloved figure representing death. There’s a lot of debate surrounding her origins and her modern practitioners, but one thing remains constant – Santa Muerte isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Historic Representations of Santa Muerte
Given her name, there’s a common misconception that Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte – Santa Muerte for short – is actually connected to the Catholic canon. In reality, she’s a folk figure with greater ties to Indigenous spiritualism than to Catholic sainthood. Toying the line between supernatural figure and religious icon, scholars have come to associate Santa Muerte as being an adaptation of the Aztec goddess of death, Mictecacihuatl. In the wake of colonial religious inquisitions and violence, Santa Muerte’s typical Spanish garb and European accoutrements show this interplay between the indigenous spiritualism and European religious sentiments battling with each other at the time having manifested in this unique female figure.

Santa Muerte’s Appearance and Purpose
Santa Muerte appears as a skeletal figure, dressed in the colorful and delicate garb of historic Spanish descent, holding a scythe and a globe or set of scales in her hands. No matter how jarring her appearance might be, she’s a comforting figure to many people in Mexican communities and the surrounding areas. She stands as a guide to the afterlife, and also a mystic who can deliver people from death using her healing capabilities.

The Cult of Santa Muerte
Often referred to as the Cult of Santa Muerte by the media, the impassioned followers who devote their time to praying to Santa Muerte began coalescing in the past few decades. Unfortunately, Santa Muerte has gotten a reputation for being the patron saint of drug dealers; however, her followers are much more varied than that. While there is proof that people involved in the drug trade do revere Santa Muerte as their chosen saint, many people with other professions look to her in times of stress, in need of healing and solace when a loved one has passed.

Similarly, this fear of the Cult of Santa Muerte and its connection to the Mexican drug cartel speaks more towards global concerns over the drug trade than it does this mythic icon. In order for the media to appear anti-drug, they also have to demonize the Cult of Santa Muerte, and this demonization isolates rural Mexican followers who find real solace in supporting her.

Santa Muerte and the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church isn’t known for its historic tolerance, and it certainly doesn’t tolerate Santa Muerte and her followers. Presumably, much of the Church’s frustration with Santa Muerte stems from the cultural perception that she is an actual Catholic saint – as her name suggests. To the leadership of the Catholic Church, this undermines the canonization process and the veneration of their chosen saints.

In fact, the Vatican went so far as publicly denouncing the goddess of death in a statement released in 2013. According to BBC News, the President of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, stated that “[the Cult of Santa Muerte] is not religion just because its dressed up like religion; it’s blasphemy against religion.”

Dia de Los Muertos and Santa Muerte
Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a well-known Mexican annual holiday which seeks to honor the dead and invite them onto the land of the living. Although not officially connected to the Day of the Dead, many of Santa Muerte’s followers have adopted the day within their spiritual calendar as an unofficial holiday to feast in the goddess of death’s honor.

Worshipping Santa Muerte Yourself
All religious figures since humans have been worshiping have been known to require some type of dedicated devotion or action done in their name before they will accept any requests pertaining to their goodwill. Whether these practices come through prayer, sacrifice, altars, or spellwork, there is a tangible nature to worshipping any entity. You must first show respect to these folklore gods and goddesses before you can ask anything of them.

Santa Muerte’s followers look to her to help accomplish many tasks, such as being blessed with love, money, employment, health, and so on. Take a look at some of the things that you should consider when you’re looking to make contact with Santa Muerte:

You must perform any rituals, prayers, or altar worship in darkness or at night, since this is when Santa Muerte is at her strongest.
If you want to use spellwork to connect with Santa Muerte, make sure that you have an experienced spellcaster nearby so that you complete your spell safely.
You can dedicate a pair of rosary beads to the goddess of death and pray on them throughout the day.
Since she has roots in both pagan and Catholic worship, you can light candles in her honor at the start or end of every day.
If you’re in the area, you can visit a temple dedicated to Santa Muerte and pay your homage there.

Death Can Be Celebrated in Life
Given the significant western cultural taboo surrounding death, it isn’t surprising that many people are wary of Santa Muerte and her followers. However, she stands as a vestige of a myriad of past religious practices and offers her guidance and protection to those who ask. So, if you’re feeling a little lost and want someone to guide your way, light a candle for Santa Muerte – because death can be celebrated

Queen of the Witches, daughter of Diana

Posted on January 15, 2024January 15, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Aradia is an extremly powerful entity and protectress of witches in general. The following invocation is VERY old. She was said to work her magic with great power and used her powers to help others who were weaker than herself.

This is an example of her invocation. Recommendations are that you be careful when and IF you ever use the following invocation!

Aradia! my Aradia!
Thou art my daughter unto him who was
Most evil of all spirits, who of old
Once reigned in hell when driven away from heaven,
Who by his sister did thy sire become,
But as thy mother did repent her fault,
And wished to mate thee to a spirit who
Should be benevolent,
And not malevolent!

Aradia, Aradia!
I implore Thee by the love which she did bear for thee!
And by the love which I too feel for thee!
I pray thee grant the grace which I require!
And if this grace be granted, may there be
One of three signs distinctly clear to me:
The hiss of a serpent,
The light of a firefly,
The sound of a frog!
But if you do refuse this favour, then
May you in future know no peace nor joy,
And be obliged to seek me from afar,
Until you come to grant me my desire,
In haste, and then thou may’st return again
Unto thy destiny. Therewith so be it

The Witching Hour

Posted on January 13, 2024January 13, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Witching hour, also called devil’s hour, in folklore, the time at night when the powers of witches and other supernatural beings are believed to be strongest, usually occurring at midnight or 3:00 AM. The term also has a modern colloquial meaning that refers to a time of unpredictable or volatile activity, such as the unsettled, colicky sleep of infants or the final hours of stock trading.

The association of witches with midnight is rooted in folk beliefs that supernatural phenomena are most prevalent at certain times of the day and year. Much like seasonal events, such as the solstices and equinoxes, midnight was deemed to evoke magic, allowing for unpredictable and possibly malevolent happenings. It is said that during the witching hour the boundary between the living and the dead becomes blurred and the living are more sensitive to the spirits of the dead. Witches, sorcerers, and fairies were among the spirits and figures believed to have stronger powers during these times and to carry out their mischief or dark practices at night.

Some beliefs set the witching hour’s boundaries between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM or between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Biblical references to the death of Jesus were calculated as having occurred at 3:00 PM. Accepting this calculation, the inversion or opposite of this time was then considered the “devil’s hour.”

In literature and folklore
In literature one of the earliest references to the witching hour appears in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in which Prince Hamlet begins one of his soliloquies:

’Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn, and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood
And do such bitter business as the day
Would quake to look on.…

Although this soliloquy, which was written between 1599 and 1601, mentions “the very witching time of night,” one of the first recorded uses of the term witching hour appears in the poem “Nightmare” by Elizabeth Carolina Keene, from her collection Miscellaneous Poems, published in 1762. In modern times American author Anne Rice published The Witching Hour in 1990, the first novel in a best-selling trilogy about a family of witches living in New Orleans.

The folklore of many cultures offers advice on how to ward off supernatural powers or harness them to one’s advantage, with specific instructions on what to do at the stroke of midnight. In the folk beliefs of Nordic (Scandinavian) cultures, for example, an unmarried woman could see the face of her future spouse by peering into a well at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve. According to 19th-century Irish poet and folklorist Lady Jane Wilde, a number of Irish love charms and rituals against harm involved tonics taken at midnight or visits to graveyards or churches at that particular time.

In modern times the term witching hour has become an colloquialism for other periods of unpredictable or troublesome activity. Parents may use it to describe the fussy period in infancy when a baby tends to cry continuously, usually during the same time each day and at night. In investing, the witching hour is the last hour of trading before stock options, futures, and indexes expire, which occurs on the third Friday of each month. When multiple types of derivatives contracts expire on the same day, it is called double or triple witching. Such periods are characterized by high levels of activity and volatility as traders rush to roll out and close expiring contracts to maximize their profits.

Ways to develop your clairvoyance

Posted on January 7, 2024January 7, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Do lots of meditation
Raise your vibrations and energies
OBSERVE
Record your observations
Practice your visualization. Visualize with flowers, numbers, and symbols.
Imagine your third eye opening during meditation.
Keep a dream journal. Record and analize their meaning.
.Crystals for clairvoyants

Lapis lazuli – Opens your third eye. Induces dreams and insights.
Clear quartz crystals – Opens your third eye. A powerful stone for visions and clairvoyance.
Amethyst – Helps with psychic development. Encourages deep meditation and higher states of awareness. It also helps with mental control and focus, opening your intuition, and gaining spiritual insight and wisdom.
Azeztulite – Enhances clairvoyance and bring forth visions from past and future. Enhances third eye activation, precognition, and higher dimensional consciousness.
Azurite – Activates the third eye. Strengthens intuition and insight.
Emerald – Opens up clairvoyant abilities.
Moonstone – Opens intuition.
Sodalite – Deepens meditation and stimulates the third eye.
Herbs for clairvoyants

Anise – Great for any type of clairvoyance, divination, or any psychic developments.
Bay – Burned to induce visions. Put its leaves under your pillow for inspiration and prophetic dreams.
Cedar – Opens the psychic channels while protecting the operator.
Cinnamon – Aids in improving your psychic abilities.
Lemongrass – Used to aid psychic powers.
Lilac – Good for inducing “far memory” and recalling past lives. Also good for Clairvoyance in general.
Mugwort – For clairvoyance, summoning spirits, manifestations and dreams.
Poppy Seeds – For dreams, visions, and clairvoyance.
Rosemary – Used in pillows for dreams and visions.
Sandal wood – Stimulates clairvoyance.

You are a Witch!

Posted on January 7, 2024January 7, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

I’m a What?
A witch, you say?
Let me tell you why that’s perfectly okay!
I’m filled with magic from head to toe
But things don’t just happen when I twitch my nose.
What’s that? A warty face and talking toads?
Come now, that misconception is pretty old.
Let me tell you all about the real me …
Then maybe… just maybe you will see.
My book of shadows is merely the pages of my mind.
That magic candle burning bright, that’s the light I carry inside.
My magic potion, simply put, is the love that I share.
My broomstick, how I fly – that’s my dreams drifting through the air.
The cauldron that holds my brew
Well that’s my soul, I thought you knew!
The brew that bubbles deep inside
You see that’s my spirit, I cannot hide.
So call me a witch if that’s what you want to do.
I’ll send you some love, for that’s the kind of magic that I do!

Life

Posted on January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

We live upon the Earth because we are not prepared to live in the ways of the spirt. We are not physical beings and this is why physical life is often difficult.

It is not our way to disregard the physical, for we dwell within it. So it is best to live in harmony with the world. But for us to become involved in the physical so as to disregard the spirit is likewise harmful. This binds us to rebirth, and to unhappiness.

A witch respects life, and all living things. Life must not be taken without necessity. The purpose of physical life is to learn the higher ways of the spirit through knowledge of the lower. And to prepare our spirit for the existence for which it was created

Intention

Posted on January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Be clear in your intentions towards your dreams. Write them down and review them before going to bed, so they’ll be fresh in your mind each night. Examples of your intentions might include:

I will remember my dreams
I will get plenty of rest.
I will wake up 15 minutes before the alarm goes off.
I will record my dreams daily.
I will use my dreams to help me improve my life.

Attention
The more attention you pay to your dreams, the more helpful they will become. Some suggestions:

Buy a special notebook to record your dreams in.
Read books or magazine articles on dreams; look at internet resources.
Think about your dreams during the day.
Talk about your dreams with friends or family.
Spend some time each morning recalling your dreams and think about their significance.
Keep a dream journal.
Join a dream group.
Value your dreams. Treat them with respect. Act as if they are a cherished friend.

Expectations
Our expectations and willingness to cooperate greatly influence the outcome of events in our lives.

Expect to remember your dreams!
Expect to find a clear meaning to your dream.
Expect to get answers to your questions or solutions to your problems.

What is Modern Witchcraft?

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Spells. Moon rituals. Crystals & herbs. Each of these things and many more are associated with what has been branded modern witchcraft.

But what is modern witchcraft? Who is the modern witch, and what does she do?

In short, what makes a witch a witch?

Let’s break it down.
What Modern Witchcraft Isn’t
Before we talk about what modern witchcraft is, let’s talk about what it isn’t.

It’s not a fashion choice. It’s not a fantasy novel. Or a bunch of socially awkward teenagers playing around with an Ouiji board on the weekends.

And although the mystical allure associated with the modern witch is often the subject of television series and movies, the reality is actually much simpler and (sorry, kids) less glamorous.

But also, way more interesting.

Okay, so what is modern witchcraft?
Man, that’s a tough one. Because if you ask any modern practitioner for a true definition, you’ll get a different answer every time.

But in a nutshell:

Modern witchcraft is the use of spells, rituals, incantations, and visualizations based on the philosophy that it’s possible to shape your destiny with your intentions or will alone.

Nearly everything else—-the particulars of spell work, the belief or non-belief in god(s), the celebration of holidays, political views, the use of tools (or the option to not use them at all), all of these things are unique to the individual practitioner.

In the general, modern sense, witchcraft has no central authority. There is no agreed-upon scripture or doctrine. Which is both the difficulty and the beauty of it. Practitioners are free to create their own unique practice.

Of course, that also means they are responsible for their own practice, and the results of that practice.

The practitioner is expected to come up with his/her own moral and ethical code. She/he must decide for themselves whether a love spell is unethical, or even if they believes it will work. She/he has to make up their own mind about big, heady things like whether or not they believe in god, or if it’s okay for them to continue to practice spellcraft alongside Christianity.

These things are not decided for them. They must decide for themselves. What makes the modern witch, first and foremost, a kind of spiritual rebel.

The true secret of magic.
In the beginning, a brand-new novice witch is nearly always attracted to a magical practice by the spells.

Specifically (if we’re being honest) they are likely attracted by the idea of power.

Don’t judge them for that. That attraction is natural. It’s human nature to want control of your life.

If we’re being really honest, it’s even natural to occasionally want control over others (although this is obviously much more ethically problematic and controversial).

But what the experienced witch eventually learns—through trial, error, and frankly, a lot of pain—is that magic isn’t a tool of power.

It’s a tool for spiritual education.

Beginning practitioners often fret about whether or not their spells will work. Did I use the right oils? The right herbs? The right lunar cycle?

But if magic is really just a focused intention to shape your fate, your intentions will manifest in some way.

It’s not about whether your spell works—it will work. That part is all but guaranteed.

It’s a matter of how it manifests. Often, what you think you want is very different from what you actually want. Which is why some people consider it so dangerous. Ironically, if spells and magic are what attract people to witchcraft, the possibility that they work is what scares them off.

But it should be the reason they come to it. Because learning the difference between what you think you so desperately, stubbornly want and what you actually need is one of life’s most valuable lessons.

And magic is the wisest teacher I know.

A Water Witches Path

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Water Witches are sometimes called Sea Witches, but many of them find a calling with inland creeks, rivers, and lakes. It is rare for them to limit themselves to any one type of body of water. They generally align with all forms, including rain.
In most mythologies, human sprang from the Earth, but the gods themselves came from water. Egyptian theory states that the sun god Re was born from the primordial waters. Today, scientists can back that theory, NASA scientists theorize that water exists in heavy quantities in the universe. It works as a coolant. The water vapors in outer space for the condensing of clouds. Once a cloud condenses enough, it becomes a star.
Water reflects, the Water Witch does the same. If you yell at her, she will yell back at you. If you are kind to her well, she will be kind and treat you well in return. She is very fair. She shares many qualities with her sister Earth Witch, as the Earth is 90 percent water. Among those qualities is the core belief of taking complete responsibility for her actions. The Water Witch accepts that every move she makes can cause ripples across the surface of the water and moves accordingly.
Water is considered a feminine force, and the Water Witch may prefer an alliance with the Goddess, all the while recognizing and maintaining that the God is within the Goddess. She cans sometimes relate closely to Dianic Witches in this preference.
The Water Witch can see things that those on other paths cannot. In fact, the human sense of sight belongs in her realm. Just as the seas teem with life that we have yet to discover and understand, the Water Witch know s that there is much more to our world than what is within our eyesight! While she can be highly superstitious, for the most part she simply knows that there is more just waiting to be discovered, as well as some things that humanity has known about and forgotten over the ages. The old phrase “out of the blue” speaks volumes about the ability of the Water Witch to tune in to her intuition. She is often very gifted in divination practices. Tarot is usually her divinatory tool of choice, but she also has a talent for dowsing.

The Water Witch sees little that she considers an obstacle. She understands that her fate is in her hands, and if she cannot flow through something, she will flow around it. Once her mind is made up, very little can stop her from obtaining what she wants. Because water exists in three forms on Earth, The Water Witch can be considered a formidable force. She will not admit to any weaknesses.
The Water Witch has a close link to the feminine side of nature. She understands reproduction and is akin to her sister Earth Witch in this manner as well. Menstruation falls in the realm of the Water Witch. Because of this, she is instrumental in moon-lodge practices and coming-of-age rites. Her sister Earth Witch may focus more on the rebirth cycle, while the Water Witch is more in touch with creation.
The Water Witch specializes in healing, cleansing, beauty, emotions, intuition and energy. Her magickal style is usually based on instinct. If the feeling hits her to perform a cleansing, she will. She does not necessarily worry about correspondences and timing. Her timing is completely her own–she will not be rushed by others into decisions or action. Schooled in water magick, ice magick and snow magick, the Water Witch can tell you all about the role of water in the metaphysical and physical realms.
Winter is the season when the Water Witch’s power is at its peak. She holds within herself the ability to transform fluidity to solid form during the winter, the same way that water turns to ice. It is during this season that the Water Witch should turn her view inward and evaluate her goals. She often redefines herself through the process. Because of this, a Water Witch grows stronger every year. She understands that just as dry ice is sticky, it is her role to hold thing together.
Throughout the winter months, the Water Witch is abnormally busy, even for her active lifestyle. Because she is at her highest power and incarnated in all three of her forms during these months, she may be short of temper. When you add to that the fact that artificial heat (fire, an evaporating influence on water) is usually pumped into the home during this time and families tend to be cooped up in the same space, you may have one cranky, stressed-out Water Witch on your hands. She longs for room to spread out and flow. A simple snowfall can ease her mind and soothe her spirit; she draws strength from it. If that is not an option, a long bath or a cup of hot tea usually helps. Rest assured that if you visit her in the winter months, she will be a very gracious hostess, regardless of the timing. The Water Witch is known for her generous hospitality.
Her home décor is usually unthemed, with whimsy being the main rule. The Water Witch may have a quirky collection of glass objects, prisms (she tends to like sparkly things), tons of throw pillows and an aquarium. Cool blues and greens are often primary colors in both her wardrobe and her home.
Due to her busy lifestyle, the Water Witch frequently has to let the housework slide somewhat. Although she prefers all things to be clean, she also understands that there must be “salt in the sea.” In other words, a small amount of dirt is inevitable, and she is able to live with that comfortably. She absolutely cannot stand clutter, though. It drives her to distraction.

Another common trait of the Water Witch is a quirky sense of humor. It simply cannot be defined. Some of the things she says seem to come from outer space in their relation to the topic, yet they can make you laugh as nothing else will. This is intentional–the Water Witch is lighthearted. But just when you begin to think she has never had a deep thought in her life, she will prove you wrong. When it comes to serious conversation, the Water Witch can often put her finger on an aspect of the situation that the other Elemental Witches do not see. The Water Witch is very wise.

Like her mythical brethren the mermaids and water nymphs, the Water Wise tends to love long hair. She may keep it pulled back in a ponytail due to a lack of time, but she lets it grow nonetheless. The effects that water has on the body are directly in line with the metaphysical attributes of the Water Witch. Usually beautiful, she is often younger looking in appearance than in age and has a long memory and attention span and bright, shining eyes.
Because the Water Witch always considers every side of an argument before making up her mind, she may be slow to assume a position. Rest assured that when a Water Witch states her opinion., it has been well thought out. She open-minded and fair. Her strength lies in her dual nature an a ability to see the points or view of others. And like water, she will find her way into all of the small nooks and crannies of a situation. She may initially choose an answer based on instinct but if new facts come to light, she will often change her mind. She is flexible.
Those on the water path often find a calling in helping others. They make wonderful therapists, psychiatrists, obstetricians, pediatricians or service personnel. Often people are attracted to their soothing nature and come to them for advice. Like a waterbed, a reflecting pool , or a relaxing bath, Water Witches project an aura of serenity and comfort.
The Water Witch may be seen as moody, but like the sea herself, she is often in motion. She rarely slows down She is full of energy and always on the go. And like the sea, her moods swing with the tides. The moon holds sway over the tides, and one can easily draw a parallel between the moon and the Water Witch’s emotional patterns.

An Opinion from a Witch!

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

A Witch refuses to allow her/himself to be corrupted by the great guilt neuroses which have been foisted on humanity in the name of the Divine, thus freeing the self of the slavery of the mind. The Witch expresses responsibility for her/his actions, and accepts the consequences of them; guilt is rejected as inhibiting to one’s self-actualisation, and replaced by the efforts of the Witch to obey the teachings of harmlessness, responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions, and the goal of actualizing the full powers of the individual.

We refuse to believe that a human being is born innately sinful, and recognize the concepts of sin and guilt are tremendously inhibiting to the human potential; the consequences of the Law of Cause and Effect, called karma by some, are not punishment, but the recurrences of situations and their effects because the individual as not gained the Wisdom needed to handle or avoid such situations.

There is no heaven except that which we ourselves make of our life on Earth, and likewise there is no hell except the effects of our unwise actions. Death is not followed by punishment or reward, but by life and the continuing evolution of the human potential.

One cannot damn the divine in oneself; one can, however, cut oneself off from it through the rejection of wisdom and a refusal to strive for self-realization. This cutting off does not lead to personal suffering in “hell”, for there is no Self to suffer if the tie to one’s own divinity has been severed; what remains is merely an empty shell, a “personality” or thought form devoid of it’s ensouling Spark of the Divine Fire.

Start in Cottage Witchcraft Ritual

Posted on January 3, 2024January 3, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Items needed:

a vacuum (or broom, whatever you have)
a cloth and wood polisher
a white candle
a mix of salt, sugar, and rosemary
olive oil or vegetable oil
After gathering the items, take a moment to relax and prepare.
Open the windows to let the fresh air in.
Open the front door and back door, then get a broom or cloth and brush out (or swat out with the cloth) the negative energy.
Take the mix of salt, sugar, and rosemary and sprinkle it around the house “Let was once was be lifted, and only purity, happiness, and magic shall remain”.
Once you are finished, it’s time to clean the entire house. Vacuum the floors, dust the furniture, leave nothing uncleaned. You are ready for a fresh and clean house to start your Witchcraft in!
Once the cleaning is finished, you should make sure that you empty all of the trash cans in your house, so nothing dirty remains.
Next, you will grab the oil and place a symbol of protection, magic, love, whatever you desire upon the door.
Lately, you will grab the white candle and place it in the hearth of the home (the place where the most activity is done), lit it, and place it by the windowsill.
Put on some music, sit down, and relax~ the task has been done c:
You can start cooking if you desire. The smell of freshly cooked food is fantastic for any home.

Witching Hour

Posted on January 2, 2024January 2, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Witching hour, in folklore, the time at night when the powers of witches and other supernatural beings are believed to be strongest, usually occurring at midnight or 3:00 AM. The term also has a modern colloquial meaning that refers to a time of unpredictable or volatile activity, such as the unsettled, colicky sleep of infants or the final hours of stock trading.

In literature and folklore
In literature one of the earliest references to the witching hour appears in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in which Prince Hamlet begins one of his soliloquies:

Swamp Witch Black Water Hattie

Posted on January 2, 2024January 2, 2024 by A Solitary Pagan

Swamp Witch Black Water Hattie is a witch who lived in the swamps and bayous Florida. Although there are unknown tales and stories of Hattie the most well known legend is the song written by Jim Stafford. Hattie’s tales date back before Jim Stafford’s song but most of those stories haven’t been told or heard by anyone outside of Louisiana. However what is known is that the towns people who live near her don’t get along with Hattie. She lives in the swamps full alligators, snakes, leeches, lizards, fish, alligator turtles, frogs, toads, turtles, alligator gar, salamanders, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, owls and many other creatures that people don’t dare to go near.

Many of the people fear Hattie because of her powers, they fear what she could do and they also fear the stories of what other people have told them about her. Some people claim to have seen the horrible things that Hattie has done but it seems more likely that Hattie doesn’t cause trouble with the towns people and just prefers to be alone. Another reason people are afraid of Hattie is because of the animals that she keeps with her. But despite the fact of all the stories told about her and the fear that people have of her. Hattie helps the town when a plague comes to the town at first they blame Hattie for the plague. But the towns folk change their minds about her after she helps them and saves the town. The people want to thank Hattie but she doesn’t want any thanks all she wants is to be alone. Even though Hattie isn’t as evil as people believe she knows that people fear her and she uses this to scare people and keep them away.

Although people fear her there are some who are brave enough to go into the swamp to look for her. The few people who go looking for Hattie seek charms, spells, potions to cure sicknesses. Most never find her or make it those that do receive the cure that they are looking for. Although Hattie gives them what they need those people are to scared to go back into the swamp she also enjoys frightening them when they find her shack.

Being a Witch

Posted on December 31, 2023December 31, 2023 by A Solitary Pagan

“Being a witch, continued Don Juan, does not mean practicing spells, or trying to affect people, or being possessed by demons.

Being a witch means reaching a level of consciousness that gives access to unthinkable things.

The term “witchcraft” does not have the ability to express what witches do, nor does the term “shamanism.”

The actions of witches exist exclusively in the realm of the abstract, of the impersonal.

Witches struggle to reach a goal that has nothing to do with the common man’s quest.

Witches aspire to reach infinity, and be aware of it..

The purpose of the witches is to break the fixation of social interpretation to see energy directly.

It is not enough for the warrior to know that the universe is energy, he has to find it out for himself. “

How To Master Witchcraft Even With Absolutely No Time…

Posted on December 31, 2023December 31, 2023 by A Solitary Pagan

Is your life filled with so many responsibilities that you can barely make time for yourself, let alone try to master the art of witchcraft? You feel like you have no time and no energy to pursue your interests. You see so many witches online talking about the books they’re reading, the spells they’re casting, and the meditations they’re doing every. Single. Day. Sometimes it feels like you’ll never have the time to really devote yourself to your craft in the way that you “should”.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need that much time or energy to start learning the craft. In fact, all it takes is a bit of dedication, some self-compassion, and a little loop de knowledge, and you can become the witch you’ve always wanted to be.

So if you’re feeling like life is standing in the way of your dreams of being a witch, don’t worry—this is for you. In today’s blog post, I’ll share my secrets for mastering witchcraft despite life’s challenges.

When Life Makes Practicing Witchcraft Difficult
Are you finding it hard to make time for your daily magical practice? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the other obligations of life, and have no idea how to fit one more thing into your already crammed schedule? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common things that I hear when I ask my audience what’s stopping them from really pursuing the craft. It always comes down to too many responsibilities and too little time.

The truth is that the ultra-polished, high-frequency witchcraft practices you see online are often staged, exaggerated, or even entirely made up. Comparing yourself and your practice to what you see other people doing online simply isn’t reasonable. Why would a mom of three who also works full time have a witchcraft practice that looks the same as a university student on TikTok who has no job and very few responsibilities? The answer is, she wouldn’t! That would be insane!

The thing that is actually causing such a major block in your ability to practice witchcraft isn’t a lack of time, it’s actually a lack of self-compassion. By constantly comparing yourself to other people and getting down on yourself about how you can’t, or you’re not good enough, or you’ll never be a real witch because… you’re adding a huge amount of judgment and shame to your life and your craft.

In all honesty, this kind of negative self-talk takes up a ton of time and energy! That’s time and energy that you could be putting toward literally anything else, like, y’know… witchcraft. Rather than spending a bunch of time and energy beating yourself up for not being a good enough witch, why not make ANY amount of witchcraft a win?

The key is to start small. Instead of fitting an hour-long ritual into your daily life, try sneaking in a few minutes of magical activity here and there. Regularly writing down your thoughts in a journal that you keep near your bed or planning out a few quick spells can be just as powerful as doing full-fledged rituals. Just because it’s not big or flashy doesn’t mean that it doesn’t count! Start counting absolutely every magical moment, even 10 seconds of tuning into the energy of a room, as real witchcraft and you’ll likely find that you’re already doing way more than you thought.

You can also try to make mundane tasks magical. Channeling your energy toward something mundane can help increase the power of your spellwork and ritual work significantly. Even doing small things like taking care of plants or wearing particular colors or jewelry that have special meaning for your practice can add an extra layer of magic to any activity.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to take breaks from witchcraft when needed—it’s ok if you don’t always find time for it! It’s more important that you take care of yourself first—and will ultimately help maintain stability and balance in both your magical and mundane life.

Where to Find Magical Time in Your Schedule
You don’t need to give up on living a magical life just because you don’t have the time to focus on witchcraft. With some creativity, you can find a few moments here and there to fit in magical practice this with self-compassion. You may not be able to find time every day. Even one extra moment of focus on your craft during the week counts as a win!

Start by mapping out your weekly schedule. Take a look at the hours you spend on work and other responsibilities. Think of what small changes you can make in order to create space for witchy activities—even if it’s only five or ten minutes here and there.

For example:

Wake up 10 minutes earlier for a morning tarot card pull
Take a short meditation break during lunch
Spend half an hour listening to an audiobook or podcast before bed or during your commute
Fit in manifestation sessions or spell casting during study breaks
You’ll soon find that you are able to fit in small doses of ritual and these small moments can really add up!

Finally, if even these small moments still don’t seem to be enough, look into creative ways to practice and immerse yourself in the world of witchcraft. From joining online communities to taking classes or workshops, to learning from books, there are plenty of ways to enrich and add depth to your craft that don’t have to take up a ton of time.

At the end of the day, carving out a successful magical practice requires a bit of ingenuity and flexibility. Don’t feel bad if you can’t meet the expectations of a grandiose witchy lifestyle—start with small changes and over time, you’ll be able to gradually create a more robust and fulfilling magical practice.

Establishing a Daily Practice
You might not think you can make time for a daily practice of witchcraft, particularly if you have a demanding job or too many responsibilities. But it’s actually easier than it sounds—you don’t need to do something elaborate. All it takes is a little bit of effort and the right mindset.

To establish a daily practice, start by carving out just a few minutes each day for yourself. This could be during your lunch break, when you wake up, or before bed—it doesn’t matter when, as long as it works for your schedule.

Here are some simple steps to get you started:

1) Choose something that resonates with you—this could be divination, journaling, or meditation.

2) Create an easily accessible space where you can set up everything you need for your chosen practice. Not having to do any setup or put things away every single day takes a LOT of the friction out of this process and makes you much more likely to return to it regularly.

3) Be flexible. If something in your life changes, let your practice change with it. Consistency requires that you keep the reality of your life in mind! Sometimes schedules change, your energy levels change, and what you need and want from your practice changes. Switch from mornings to evenings when you need to, let yourself do a tarot pull instead of meditation sometimes, and build ease into the practice.

4) Finally, BE COMPASSIONATE WITH YOURSELF. Did you miss a day? That’s fine, life happens. You missed a week? No sweat, that’s life. Get back to it when you’re ready just stop agonizing over not doing things exactly right all the time. You can become a perfectly good witch even if you get it “right” less than half the time! You are good enough.

What Do You Do If You’re Short On Time And Not Sure Where To Start?
I get it. You’re busy, you have a million responsibilities, and finding time to practice witchcraft is one thing but you don’t even know what to DO with that time when you manage to find it.

Make Figuring It Out The Goal
If you have no idea where to start, the first thing you should do with the time you do manage to carve out is figure out where to start. Literally. That is a perfectly good goal to begin with. This could mean something like spending 15 minutes a day reading about witchcraft or spending a few minutes journaling about what you actually want to do with your craft. It’s ok to srpend a few weeks or even months just getting the lay of the land and figuring out where you want to focus your energies first. Witchcraft is a huge and incredibly varied subject and nobody expects you to just jump straight in and know exactly what you’re doing.

Start With What Interests You
It’s important to focus on what really resonates with you when it comes to your craft. Pick one thing that speaks to you the strongest and start there—maybe you begin by studying astrology or learning spells—and go from there. This way, you don’t feel overwhelmed with all the options out there and can concentrate on mastering that one thing first before moving on to something else. It doesn’t really matter what you pick as long as it’s something that piques your interest, there’s really no “correct” order to learn things in.

Learn from Others
No one ever said that mastering a magical practice had to be done alone. Reach out to experienced practitioners and those knowledgeable in witchcraft to pick up tips and learn from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to open up about your own struggles—not only will it help you to get perspective on things but it will also create a sense of community among those who have similar interests and goals.

Track Your Progress
Finally, make sure to keep track of your progress. This doesn’t have to be complicated; it can take no more than writing a few words in your journal each day or creating a spreadsheet or digital document to track your spells, rituals, divination, and other activities related to your practice. Write down all of your wins, big and small. In fact, especially write down the small wins! Remember that those little moments add up and they DO count.

By tracking your progress, you’ll be able to easily refer back to your successes, what worked and what didn’t. And on days when things seem to be hitting a dead end, you’ll be able to look at the progress you’ve made and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.

By integrating these tips into your magical practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering witchcraft despite life’s little hiccups and obstacles.

When life gets overwhelming, don’t forget that you can still practice witchcraft. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth practice or a lengthy ritual – it can be a five-minute positive affirmation every morning or lighting a white candle every night before bed. While it’s important to build a strong foundation of knowledge and practice, a lot of times the sim plest techniques are the most powerful.

Reminss and have the power to shape your life. Invest in yourself and create a personalized practice that works for you, but remember that a d bit goes a long way. No matter how busy or stressed you might be, a few simple steps can take you a long way on your journey to mastering witchcraft.

Things You Do NOT Have To Be In Order To Be A Witch..

Posted on December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 by A Solitary Pagan

PAGAN: you can be a witch and be a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or any other. Religion that does not use the label pagan for itself.

WICCAN: witchcraft is a secular practice. Wicca is a religion that involves the practice of witchcraft sometimes.

RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL: you can be an atheist witch.

FEMALE: men and non-binary people can also be witches.

WHITE: a person of any ethnicity or race, can practice witchcraft and be a witch.

STRAIGHT: anyone of any sexual orientation
( Gay, lesbian, bi, pan, ace, poly, multi, Omni..
Can also be a witch. CIS: trans and non-binary people, can be witches.

A HARDCORE ENVIRONMENTALIST: respect for nature is certainly never a bad thing, and an absolute must in my eyes. But you don’t have to chain yourself to a tree or live in the building running entirely on solar power or eat solely organic food to call yourself a witch.

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: witches can eat meat and animal products. Remember, witchcraft is a secular practice.

FULL OF LOVE AND LIGHT: witches who do not follow a religion or a moral code that says otherwise. Then they may curse as they see fit.

DARK AND SCARY: some witches do not want to curse anyone, and that is also fine. Make healing potions and yummy smelling tinctures to your heart’s content.

NATURALLY PSYCHIC ( ally gifted ) not every witch was born able to Divine or do divination, sense auras or predict events.

ANTI-SCIENCE: love and study of scientific fields and technology can compliment witchcraft.

A CHILDHOOD WITCH: some witches start practicing as adults, after marriage and are great at it!

A COUNTRY DWELLER: you go urban Witches!

Bottom line is this, you can be whatever you want to be, you can do whatever it is that you want to do. You can act and practice and believe in any way that you see fit. So don’t ever let anyone judge you or belittle you for rockin to the beat of your own drum. I applaud you! I’ve always said there is no room for dogma in the Craft, it’s just too diverse and the possibilities of how you can practice really are limitless. I hope this post can help put to bed some questions that some of y’all have been wondering about. If you have to be a certain way to be a witch and all that jazz. So please absorbe this article and take it all in little witchlings, because all you need to be a witch is your genuine magickal self.

Divinity Disguise

Posted on December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 by A Solitary Pagan

“In mythos and fairy tales, deities and other great spirits test the hearts of humans by showing up in various forms that disguise their divinity. They show up in robes, rags, silver sashes, or with muddy feet. They show up with skin dark as old wood, or in scales made of rose petal, as a frail child, as a lime-yellow old woman, as a man who cannot speak, or as an animal who can. The great powers are testing to see if humans have yet learned to recognize the greatness of soul in all its varying forms.”

A Witch am I

Posted on December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 by A Solitary Pagan