Five Prayers to Lucifer

Here are 5 prayers to Lucifer I will share with you from my collection. Most of these prayers have been modified by me over time, to suit my own canter when giving praise. You can modify these prayers to suit yourself or just say them as they are written.

Credit to other authors will be given where appropriate:


1) Prayer to Lucifer for Power:

Praise to Lucifer #1.

Lucifer, grant me the power to be strong in spirit.

Grant me the ability to see what is right for me.

Grant me the wisdom to understand your ways.

Grant me the knowledge to empower myself.


2) Power in the name of Lucifer to break the bonds that hold me back.

Power in the name of Lucifer to overcome my weaknesses.

Power in the name of Lucifer to be strong within.

Grant me the ability to know what is right for me.

Grant me the vision to have wisdom in your ways.

I accept your guidance and wisdom.

In the name of Lucifer.


3) Prayer to Lucifer for Money:

Lucifer thank you for the riches you have brought to me.

Bring me victory in my desire to grow in riches.


4) O, Lucifer, ruler of the material world.

bring your abundance and mercy.

grant me that which I desire.

Fill me with your power and spirit.


5) Prayer for Lucifer:

Lucifer,

I call to you from the depths of my heart.

I praise your name with every breath I take.

I worship you with every fiber of my being.

You have shown me true strength.

You have shown me true love.

You have shown me the light.

My savior, my spiritual father, my friend.

Hail Lucifer!

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Candle Flame Interpretation & Meaning

Candle magick is an incredibly popular and effective form of spellwork. But as any experienced witch will attest, spell candles sometimes seem to have a mind of their own. A dancing, fluttering flame seems to be communicating something…but what is it trying to say?

A bunch of traditions have sprung up around observing burning candles during a spell or ritual. Knowing these signs—and combining them with your own intuition—can give you important clues about the success or failure of your endeavor.

Interpreting candle signs is a broad folkloric practice that encompasses at least three types of divination: Pyromancy (divination by fire), ceromancy (divination by wax) and capromancy (divination by smoke).

I’ve listed as many candle signs and superstitions as I can, learned from my many witchy teachers and friends. Your tradition may have others. Keep in mind that signs and omens are very individual, and your methods of reading them will evolve over time.

A logical explanation

Anyone well-versed in candle-making can tell you what causes weird candle behavior in strictly non-magickal terms. A tall flame is caused by an untrimmed wick. Black soot is the result of oils or colorants being exposed to high heat. And a candle that suddenly goes out could be the sign of an unfriendly spirit…or just a stiff breeze.

We all know that physical properties of candles cause them to burn differently from each other. However, one of the most useful conceits in magickal work is that everything is a sign. Once you bring any mundane object into a magickal space, it becomes a tool for understanding. With that in mind, lets dispense for a while with the chemistry and physics of candle-burning, and get back to the magick.

Here are the interpretations for each possible candle-burning quirk:

CANDLE BURNS CLEANLY AND EVENLY

Generally, uneventful candle burnings are a good sign. When the candle burns without a lot of smoke, movement, noise, or dripping, your spellwork is going as planned. The results will manifest as expected. (Though not, perhaps, as quickly or dramatically as you might like.)

TALL, BRIGHT CANDLE FLAME

There is a lot of energy behind your spell. Barriers to your success are quickly falling away. A fast, happy result is likely.

SMALL, STEADY FLAME

A low-burning flame indicates less energy is fueling the spell. A small but steadily burning flame is still a good sign—though it signals a need for patience and focus. A positive result is likely, though there may be a delay. Be persistent and keep your eye on the goal. If the candle flame increases in size during the working, it means the energy behind the spell is growing.

SMALL, WEAK CANDLE FLAME

A small flame that flickers and bends is not a great sign in candle magick. The timing of the working could be wrong. Or you could be asking for an outcome that is unlikely or unfavorable in the long run. If the small flame falters or drowns in the melted wax, that is a sure sign that your petition will not be granted at this time.

CANDLE FLAME MOVES OR DANCES

An erratic, dancing flame signifies high energy in a spell—but also chaotic energy. A large dancing flame suggests success, but with potential complications. A small one means the spell may be overwhelmed by opposing forces. There may be other wills consciously or unconsciously working against you. Watch the flame closely to see if its shape or motion reveals anything to you.

RAPIDLY FLICKERING CANDLE FLAME

Sometimes a candle flame will dim and brighten, dim and brighten, as if someone is flicking a light switch. In some folk magick traditions, a flickering candle flame is a certain indicator that spirits are present. If the candle is being used for devotional work (e.g. with gods, angels, or higher spirit guides), it means that the invocation was successful and your prayers are being acknowledged. A flickering candle flame is mildly trance-inducing, so you can use it as an opportunity to scry the fire for additional insights.

CANDLE POPS OR SPUTTERS

A noisy candle indicates communication with (or interference by) outside forces. An uneven burn can signal that someone or something is working against you. Add more concentration and energy to the spell. (Or withdraw if you sense the resistance is too great.) Hisses, sputters, and whistles are sometimes said to carry messages from ancestors and spirits—try listening to them and hearing what they say.

THE FLAME SUDDENLY GOES OUT

The working is finished. A stronger opposing force has put an end to it. You should open the circle, ground yourself, and leave it be. Usually this means that your petition or spell—whatever it may be—will not manifest. However, in some cases, it can mean that the objective of the working has already been attained.

CANDLE WILL NOT EXTINGUISH

A candle flame that stubbornly stays lit means, “Sit down—you’re not done.” Perhaps you skipped a step or missed some important message during your candle magick ritual. Some helpful spirit or guide is nudging you to go back for what you forgot. When you feel that it has been settled, try extinguishing the candle again. Traditionally, spell candles are pinched or snuffed out—never blown.

CANDLE WILL NOT LIGHT AT ALL

This spell cannot help you win the result you seek. The outcome may have already been decided, or be outside of your control. Take some time (days or weeks) to refocus your intention before trying again. (You can do a divination instead to find out more about what is blocking you.) Meditation and spiritual cleansing may be required before you can proceed with the spell.

BURNING CANDLE MAKES LOTS OF SMOKE

Abundant smoke is not a good or a bad sign. It indicates the element of Air is present in the spell, the element of communication and observation. When a spell candle puts out lots of smoke, you are being called upon to use your eyes and mind to read the situation. Look at the shape, color, timing, and movement of the smoke to gather helpful information about the working.

CANDLE MAKES A PUFF OF WHITE SMOKE

White smoke is widely regarded to be a sign of blessings and benevolent spirits. If a candle breathes out a puff of white smoke, especially at a significant moment, it means that your wish will be granted.

CANDLE PUTS OUT CLOUDS OF BLACK SMOKE

Dense, black smoke coming from a ritual candle is thought to represent negative energy. Conflict, bad luck, and opposing purposes surround your spellwork. Spend some time in prayer or meditation and do a cleansing ritual before proceeding with the working.

CANDLE SMOKE MOVES TOWARDS YOU

If the smoke from a ritual candle moves towards you, it portends success in attracting what you seek. For spells to draw love, money, or healing, this is a great sign. It means you will shortly achieve what you desire. The exception is for negative workings—curses, hexes, and tricks. If the candle smoke from a hexing candle moves toward you (or fills the room), it hints that you will not be able to escape responsibility for the effects of your magick.

CANDLE SMOKE MOVES AWAY FROM YOU

Smoke that moves dramatically away from you represents energies that are outward bound. In most spells, this is not a good omen. It means that something is escaping your grasp.

However, in spells to heal, influence, and manipulate others, the travelling smoke can mean that the working is going as planned. Pay attention to the speed, direction, and shape of the smoke to determine if your magick is on track.

CANDLE FLAME BURNS BLUE

Blue fire is a sign of spiritual presence. It is the color of Angelic and Faery fire. If a spell candle burns blue or blue-white, it is a sign that high spiritual beings have taken an interest in your magick. Red or yellow flame means that more mundane—but still potentially powerful—energy is fueling the spell.

BURNING CANDLE FORMS A CRATER IN THE CENTER, LEAVING WAX ON THE SIDES

This is most common with large pillars and container candles, but it can also happen with votives and other candle shapes. The melted wax is centered closely around the wick, leaving tall walls of wax on the sides.

Nobody likes it when a candle burns incompletely, and it’s not a good sign in magick, either. It usually means that your will is too weak to cast an effective spell at this time. Or that the spell’s energies have been blocked from reaching their intended target.

CANDLE MELTS QUICKLY INTO A PUDDLE OF WAX

A candle that is not properly contained or leveled will often develop a hole in the side, causing melted wax to drip out quickly and shortening the life of the candle. “Spending” a candle quickly is not necessarily a bad sign—it can mean that there is passionate, accelerated energy behind your spell.

A pile of wax drippings is always an invitation to ceromancy (divination by wax). Examine the hardened wax with an open mind, seeing if any shapes or message emerge. There is a whole collection of folklore about what the various shapes mean…or you can just use your intuition.

CANDLE BURNS WITH NO WAX DRIPS

This is a sign of a well-conceived and properly executed spell. (It is also, I must say, the sign of a well-positioned and correctly-sized wick.) Your spell will go exactly as you have written and expressed it. The candle magick gods have no lessons for you today.

WAS DRIPS ON ONE SIDE ONLY

Something is out of balance. Expect an incomplete result. Some say that drips on the left (in relation to the magick worker) represent an emotional or psychic imbalance, while drips on the right you’re your thoughts and beliefs are getting in the way of the spell.

BLACK PIECES APPEAR IN MELTED WAX

Sometimes, little bits of burnt wick will break off and sink in the melted wax. (“Candle crud” is the scientific term.) Debris in the wax signifies unintended consequences or work that will need to be done after the spell is complete. Guilt, broken hearts, karmic baggage, new hassles, and so on. Usually, it’s not super-serious—but not fun, either. Proceed with the working, but be ready to do some clean-up afterwards.

SOOT COLLECTS ON THE CANDLE CONTAINER

It is rare for a tall jar candle to burn without any soot appearing on the candle. Magick workers read the amount and location of the soot to gather information about the success or failure of the working.

Black soot is generally taken to be a sign of negative energy or interference within a spell working. If it appears only at the top of the jar, the opposition has most likely been overcome. If it covers the entire surface of the container, it means that the working has been thwarted and may need to be repeated.

White soot is a far rarer occurrence, and is said to represent spiritual communication and assistance.

A CANDLE EXPLODES, OR A CONTAINER BREAKS, OR SOME OTHER DRAMATIC CANDLE MISHAP

A dramatic ending to your candle-burning ritual means the spellwork has been vetoed by a greater power. Cleanse yourself and your ritual space, and abandon the working until you have more information.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Five Hard Truths About Magick

Of the many laws of magick, there are a few that you’ll never see on a T-shirt or affirmation board. Here, we’ll cover some of the tough stuff: The harsh, the unsettling, the ambiguous facts of living an enchanted life.

This article was inspired by some recent discussions of false positivity—that is, the habitual repetition of encouraging words and images. In short, false positivity means well, but it does harm by shutting down discussion of anything problematic. You can’t hide the truth forever—and when you try, it seeps out in sneaky and unexpected ways.

There are certain aspects of magick that are difficult to come to terms with. The purpose of airing them is not to discourage anyone from their path, but to counter some of the shallow advice and empty promises that the witchy blogosphere churns out.

It’s time for some straight talk about magick—some Swords to go with your Cups, some Rue with your Roses.

It’s Not for Everybody.

Can anyone become a Witch? Any honest answer to this question is complicated. In some ways, yes—the magickal arts are open to all who seek them. In other ways, no. Some people lack the gifts, the learning—but most often, the dedication—to become effective practitioners of the Craft.

These two are the fundamental magickal skills: The ability to alter reality through will. And, the ability to perceive things beyond the normal senses. These experiences are part of our natural state of being. They are, in a sense, the birthright of every conscious creature.

Yet these abilities are constrained on our earthly plane and must be located and cultivated. You need a strong will to accomplish this. It takes repetition. It takes humility. It often requires help from others—partners, spirits, plants, disparate parts of self—whose cooperation you must earn.

In short, excelling in magick is just like excelling in business or music or athletics. Not every aspirant will have what it takes. Talent only gets you so far. Hard work isn’t always enough. Sometimes you do everything right and still don’t get the results you want.

It’s not easy. It’s not for everyone (or at least, not all of the time).

Real Witchcraft Isn’t Photogenic

Thick black eyeliner, a bespoke cloak, moon tattoos, and a table full of Amethysts—that’s what magick is made of, right? Sure, if you believe the internet. Like so many other things, witchcraft has been co-opted in recent years by lifestyle bloggers and tastemakers, advertisers and influencers. Super-stylish, just-edgy-enough witchy pics go hand-in-hand with the idea that magick is a piece of cake.

What’s wrong with enjoying all these highly performative images of witchcraft? Nothing! There’s no reason a person can’t be genuinely magickal and also extremely good at self-presentation. Visual art is a kind of magick, too. However, let’s not make the mistake of confusing Instagram witches with the real thing.

It’s even possible for personal magick and social media to work at cross-purposes. Oversharing violates the principle of magickal silence—the idea that talking about your workings can dilute or disperse their energy. People who endlessly photograph their working tools, altars, and ritual garments are arguably siphoning off some of their power for the sake of likes and followers.

Thinking back about the most powerful magick I’ve witnessed, much of it has been in the dark, among old or shabbily dressed people, with nary a smartphone in sight. The most eye-opening books I own are crappy dog-eared paperbacks that would look terrible in a tableau with a crystal pendant and a sprig of Rosemary. Pinterest offers no altar porn for the third eye…you’ll have to find those goodies on your own.

Magick is Dangerous

The Satanic Panic of the 1990s was in full swing when I first embarked on my magickal studies. The media often reported on the addiction, insanity, and death that were the obvious consequences of dabbling in the occult. Religious tracts and books warned against the dangers of “gateway” activities like drum circles and Harry Potter books. I used to hoard these writings and snicker at them. What a quaint idea—that devils stalk the earth, seeking the ruin of souls through Ouija boards and zodiac pendants!

With more experience, I see a grain of truth in those zealous warnings. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies out there, folks. Different magicians have different opinions about whether spirit entities have an external reality or only dwell within the mind of the magick worker. I can’t prove it either way, of course. But my own instinct says that entities are real, they have independent consciousness, and not all of them have your best interests in mind.

Not scared of spirits? Fine—let’s go to the energy model of magick. Playing with spiritual technologies—meditation, invocation, astral travel—can cause extreme and rapid shifts in your energy body. They can wreck your appetite and mess with your sex life. They can effect changes in your mood and sleep cycle that will disrupt every aspect of your daily existence.

Other hazards of the occult are more pedestrian: You can become arrogant (common!). You can turn into a colossal bore who only talks to plants (and even the plants wish you would shut up). You can invite the scorn of people who don’t approve of your path, people who formerly respected you. It’s hard to keep your spiritual and mundane lives in balance—but it’s absolutely necessary if you want to make magick a lifelong quest.

Anything worthwhile carries some risk. With magick, we are talking about nothing less than the rapid evolution of the soul…so it only makes sense than the risks would be commensurate with the reward. Only you can weigh the dangers and decide if it’s worth doing. (See #1: It’s not for everybody.)

You (Probably) Need Tools For Effective Spellwork

“Cast spells without tools!”

“The secret of mental magick!”

“Advanced witchcraft!”

There’s a whole slew of authors and teachers offering instruction in tool-less spellcraft. And yeah, technically they’re correct: The only tool you really need is your focused, unadulterated Will.

But therein lies the problem. How many of us actually possess a focused, unadulterated Will? We’re human! Our thoughts are always mixed with distractions, mental noise, memories, and misgivings. Magick without tools is theoretically do-able…but in practice, it’s rarely as effective.

It’s true that intention is the most important component in spellwork. It’s true, also, that the more practiced you become with certain skills (visualization and trance induction), the less you tend to rely on the externals. However…

Magickal tools—and I’m not just saying this as a shop owner—tools play a very important role. Several roles, actually. That’s why Witches—yes, even “advanced” ones, have employed them for centuries.

What Do Tools Accomplish That Thoughts Alone Do Not? Here’s a Sampling

1. Anchoring: Tools link your intention in the physical plane (which is where you want the results to manifest, right?) Most magick spells can be conceived as a kind of cycle—from earthly need to thought/will and back to physical action. Tools complete the loop by grounding your petition in the present time and place.

2. Distraction: Tools subvert the less-magickal parts of the brain (mental chatter, worries, skepticism) by engaging the older, more primal parts. Tying knots, lighting incense, and dressing candles are all classic ways to activate spells. You could say these actions let your magickal self do its work by keeping the mind and body busy.

3. Correspondence: Spell ingredients like herbs and candles contribute allied energies to your spell. The magickal brain is both literal and sensual. To a person who is very familiar with lemons, the thought of a lemon is enough to invoke Solar energy. But if you have an actual lemon—bright and yellow and soaked in the summer sun—that’s better, you know? I refer to Randall Garrett’s maxim: “The best symbol for a sharp knife is a sharp knife.”

4. Effort: The extra work of using tools is a gatekeeper that separates the worthy spells from the unworthy ones. When you go through the trouble to acquire and prepare materials, you’re signaling to your unconscious that this spell actually matters—and that will generally translate to better results.

Magickal tools don’t have to be complicated, and they don’t have to be expensive. A candle and some oil. A pen and a piece of paper. Keep it focused: An over-encumbered spell is just as a bad as a flimsy one.

Unless you are a super-adept—like, the kind of master that comes along once in a zillion years—you probably can’t just speak or dream your desires into being. Spells without tools are more akin to…wishes. It’s fun to make a wish, but they usually don’t come true on their own.

There Are No Experts.

“We’re all apprentices in a craft where no one becomes a master.” Ernest Hemingway was referring to writing, but the same can certainly be said of the metaphysical arts.

Magick is a vast and mysterious topic. There’s a natural instinct to look up to people who have been at it longer than you, or who seem to be more sure of themselves. But while some people are objectively more accomplished, there’s nobody who’s got it all figured out. We are all grappling with the inexplicable mystery of consciousness. We are all grasping at forms we can’t possibly see the shape of.

It’s scary to realize that everybody else is basically flying blind. But it’s liberating, too. When you stop relying on others to show you the way, you can begin to truly explore your own power.

And there you have it…five tough nuggets. I don’t expect that this will become one of my most popular blog posts ever, but I’m happy that I published it.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Free Witchcraft Supplies: Nine tools of the Craft that are Totally (or Nearly) Free

Magickal stuff is all around us, and some of it doesn’t cost a thing. The thrifty Witch knows that successful magick doesn’t need to be expensive. Here are nine easy ways to stock your altar without even touching your wallet:

SCRAP PAPER

Paper has endless magickal uses. Filling a Book of Shadows, recording affirmations, automatic writing, and drafting sigils are just a few examples. Every time you mark an empty page, you are performing a magickal act—the creation of something from nothing.

Store-bought paper is inexpensive, but re-purposed paper is free! Try saving scrap paper at home or collecting paper waste from local businesses. When you use it in your magick, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping the Earth at the same time. If regular printer paper doesn’t seem magickal enough, you could try tea-staining it for a rustic parchment effect.

SALT

Salt is an age-old ingredient for rituals of blessing and protection. Salt’s exemplary reputation reaches back into prehistory, when people first noticed that it keeps food from spoiling. It wasn’t too much of a stretch for early humans to ascribe magickal properties to the stuff.

A pinch of salt is an ingredient in many traditional charms against evil. Salt and water make a cleansing wash for ritual tools and sacred space. Salt is excellent for grounding yourself quickly. And the list goes on and on.

Sure, there’s ritual black salt, Himalayan pink salt, and exotic sea salts gussied up with herbs and essential oils. But even regular old table salt will do the job if you’re in a tight spot.

WATER

Water is a sacred resource that most of us are fortunate enough to take for granted. But don’t underestimate its magickal power. If you have a running tap, you have access to a tool for scrying, cleansing, healing, devotional practices, and more. One popular folk magick remedy for “freezing” an enemy involves water, an ice cube tray, and a photo or personal effect…I’m sure you can guess the rest.

STONES

When people mention magickal stones, they’re usually thinking of gemstones and crystals with their various energetic properties. But even garden-variety stones can be helpful magickal partners. They embody the energy of Earth—patient, protective, and steadfast.

Try using blessed stones for circle-casting or setting up wards around your property. Flat rocks can be painted and charged as talismans. Ordinary rocks are also an empath’s best friend. They’re happy to absorb excess energy when you’re feeling jittery or ungrounded. Hold the stone between your hands while visualizing the unwanted energy flowing outward. Then put the stone back on the ground to mellow out.

BOOKS

One of the best steps you can take to increase your magickal knowledge is to read. Independent bookstores and public libraries sometimes have a discard box where they offer damaged and out-of-date books for free. If you have friends who are also interested in witchcraft or Wicca, you might consider organizing a book swap to make the most of your book collections.

No book exchange near you? Many ancient texts (and older books on witchcraft) are available online for free. Signing up for free trials with an e-book service is another way to score witchy reads at no cost.

FIREWOOD

Few things stir a Witch’s heart as much as a dancing flame. Thanks to the generosity of trees, you needn’t spend a lot of a money to keep the hearth fire burning. Learn to identify different woods and their unique energies to add another layer of correspondence to your spellwork.

Gathering fallen twigs and branches outdoors is a moving meditation—one that will also feed your cauldron or brazier. If you’re so inclined, leave a token of gratitude for tree spirits and forest fae. City-dwelling Witches can often pick up wood curbside, especially after storms.

STRING

Believe it or not (heh), string is one of the oldest magickal tools in the world. Magick using tied string was first recorded in Babylon and Assyria over 4000 years ago. Knot magick is simple, discreet, and very powerful. You probably have all the supplies you need for knot magick in your kitchen, garage, or junk drawer.

String is especially useful for binding spells and love spells. Tying the knots seals the spell, while cutting or untying them releases it. The number of knots and color of the string can be chosen according to the need. A chant or visualization helps to weave the spell while the knots are put in place.

Some Witches use special ritual cords for knot magick. However, if you’re truly broke, any string or ribbon from around the house will do.

MIRROR

Mirrors make an appearance in lots of fairy tales and horror stories. And with good reason—a mirror is one of the most magickal items in any household.

Mirrors may be used for reversal spells, to reflect negative magick back to its sender. A mirror in a darkened room—perhaps illuminated by candles—makes a cheap and easy scrying mirror. Mirrors also have a place in the magick of glamour, beauty, and illusion.

Mirrors can be gateways into the past, future, or Otherworlds. There are plenty of unsettling anecdotes about mirror magick—so make sure you’re in good mental and spiritual space before venturing through the looking glass.

SCISSORS

Scissors symbolize fate, endings, and the Goddess in her aspect of Crone. In Greek mythology, the Fates ended each person’s life by cutting a thread with a pair of shears. Scissors are domestic cousins of a flashier witchy tool, the blade or scythe.

Use a pair of silver-bladed scissors to harvest herbs and plants. (Preferably under the waning moon, of course.) Keep scissors in your altar for trimming candle wicks, paper, and string. They’re also good for energetic cord-cutting and separation spells.

There are many superstitions surrounding scissors: You can break any spell, it is said, by dropping an open pair of scissors behind your back. Sleeping with scissors under your pillow (or hung on the wall) is supposed to prevent nightmares and psychic attacks while sleeping.

EVERYTHING IS MAGICK!

While there’s nothing wrong with buying witchcraft supplies from a magickal shop (in fact, we hope that you do!), store-bought tools are never necessary to walk the patch of a Witch. With a little ingenuity, you will begin to see the hidden power and secret lore in everyday objects.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

The Magick of Seashells

Seashells are a very special magickal material—a beautiful gift of Earth and Sea. Shells are found in the secret space between these two kingdoms, which is revealed only during the change of tides. They are treasures from an invisible world.

Whether plain brown or white, or cascading with a rainbow of colors, each shell brings a message to the person who is fortunate enough to find it. Read on to find out more about the magickal properties of seashells.

THE AMAZING SEASHELL

Normally, I’d just dive right into the correspondences of shells and their uses in spellwork. But instead, let’s stop for a minute to consider how unique and amazing shells are as a material.

What are seashells? They are the hard, protective exoskeletons of marine mollusks. Soft-bodied invertebrates create their own shells from minerals in their bodies and the sea. Each creature makes a shell that will be its home for its entire life. For this reason, shells can be seen as symbols of independence, solitude, and self-reliance.

Not only are they essential for marine life, shells rival anything created by humans in their beauty, strength, and mathematical precision. (The outward curve of a Nautilus shell famously follows the Fibonacci sequence.) The shapes and patterns aren’t random—they’ve been passed on through countless generations. It’s hard to contemplate a shell without being in awe at the power of ancestral memory and Divine creativity.

CORRESPONDENCES OF SEASHELL

Every child knows that if you hold a shell up to your ear, you can hear the ocean. Naturally, shells are often used on the Pagan altar to represent the element of Water. Shells also correspond to Venus (the planet and the deity) and to the Moon, who gently tosses them ashore every tidal cycle.

For millennia, shells have been a symbol of feminine beauty. Their white-pink colors recall the blush of a fair complexion, and some shells resemble the female breasts or vulva. When Botticelli painted the Goddess of Love floating upon a seashell raft, he cemented an age-old correspondence into an indelible image.

Cups, mirrors, and combs are often made with shells (or shaped like them) in keeping with the Venusian aspect of shells. The use of shells in necklaces goes back to the Stone Age—though we have no way of knowing if these shell artifacts were used for male or female adornment.

But seashells aren’t just about beauty. Shells are also linked to prosperity and abundance. They have long been an important religious symbol to coastal dwellers who take their nourishment from the sea. Shells have also been used as currency by many world cultures. There are probably trillions of shells in the ocean, but it still feels special and lucky to find a perfect shell resting in the sand.

Despite their family resemblance, different types of shells have different properties in magick. Generally speaking, shells symbolize mystery, divinity, love, and prosperity—but each type has its own nuances. See the list of shells at the end of this article for detailed correspondences.

SHELLS OF MAGICK

The natural cup shape of many shells makes them great for holding things! Shells make perfect little dishes for incense, sand, crystals, and herbs. Cleaned seashells can also hold food or drink for rituals.

Abalone shells are a very popular choice for Sage smudging. The shell is used either to catch the ash or to hold the burning herbs. (Some people believe that the latter use is improper—that it’s disrespectful to place Fire in a Water vessel.) If you do burn herbs or incense in a shell, put a thin layer of sand in the bottom to help distribute the heat and avoid scorching the shell.

Shell is sometimes cut into thin slices and used to decorate pendants, bowls, or just about any flat or curved surface. A shell-covered box or mirror could be a lovely tool for a Water witch’s altar. Small shells or shell tiles can be incorporated into the handle of a ritual wand or knife.

Of course, the most popular way to use shells is in their natural, unaltered form. Large shells can be placed on your altar or used to decorate indoors and outdoors. Smaller shells make beautiful jewelry. (Some even have natural holes for stringing!) You can add shells to magickal windchimes, mojo bags, or incorporate them into charms and amulets.

FINDING YOUR OWN SHELLS

It’s a fact: Shells that you scavenge for yourself are more pleasing than the fanciest boutique purchases. If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, find out what kind of shells are available from your local coasts. Or head out at the first low tide and see what you see!

If you do buy shells, please purchase from responsible sources. Small-ish and common shells are the best bet. The bigger and flashier the shell, the higher the odds it comes from an animal that is slow-growing or overhunted. Illegal exporting of rare shells is a big business that funds environmental pillaging, organized crime, and exploitation of labor. Don’t be that guy!

Some types of sea life have been making seashells in more or less the same designs for millions of years. Seashell shapes are timeless and sacred. They were here before humans, and will probably outlast us. Here are some of the most common shell shapes and their magickal lore:

ABALONE

The Abalone shell incorporates all the colors of the sea and sky. The inside of the shell is coated with nacre, the same substance in pearls and mother-of-pearl.

Abalone has been an important food source for tens of thousands of years. The shells represent the giving power of the Mother Ocean. The iridescent hue promotes feeling of abundance, peace, and compassion.

Abalone shells have an especially sacred meaning in Native American and Polynesian religion. Most people are familiar with Abalone as a vessel for Sage smudging, a Native American spiritual practice.

The vibrant color and natural luster of Abalone shell makes it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. Wearing an amulet of Abalone is said to impart a calming, spiritual vibration and to help the wearer work through emotional issues.

SCALLOP

The Scallop is perhaps the most familiar seashell shape. It has a sacred meaning in Christian Europe, dating back to the earliest pilgrims—many of whom would have been illiterate—who were guided to pilgrimage sites by the Scallop emblem. The Scallop is an emblem of Saint James the Apostle. It may be adopted as a badge by anyone who has undergone a spiritual quest. Scallop shapes may be discerned in countless Christian altars and cathedrals.

Art nerds will recognize the Scallop as the seat or carriage of many an ocean deity. Poseidon is depicted riding upon one, and Aphrodite floats to shore in a Scallop shell. The Scallop appears on Pagan altars as a symbol of the sea goddess and the element of Water. Use a Scallop shell as a chalice, offering bowl, or vessel for love magick. (The large and colorful variety found in magick shops is a warm-water species called Lion’s Paw or Mexican Sea Scallop.)

The Scallop is distinguished from other shells by the multiple rays and ridges, converging on a single point near the base. To medieval Christians, this represented the varied paths of travelers on their way to a holy site. To earlier humans, the Scallop’s rays may have resembled the Sun’s beams converging on the horizon at sunrise or sunset. This makes the Scallop an especially fitting symbol of Venus, who is called the Morning Star or Evening Star.

NAUTILUS

The Nautilus is the nomad of the sea, traveling hundreds of miles on currents (and a raft of bubbles). The name means “sailor” in Greek. The Nautilus shell is an important symbol in sacred geometry and even mathematics—displaying a logarithmic spiral in its growth pattern.

Unlike some other shell creatures, the Nautilus does not shed or exchange its shell, but creates a large chamber for its body as it grows. The Nautilus shell is thus a symbol of growth and renewal. The outward spiral shape of the Nautilus suggests that it can keep growing indefinitely.

The Nautilus is one of the few sea creatures to have survived since the time of the dinosaurs. It is one of Nature’s true masterpieces. Meditate on a Nautilus shell, or use it in your magick of spiritual growth and expansion.

AUGER

The Auger shell is an elongated spiral, with an opening at the base and a point at the tip. In the language of shells, the Auger is both masculine and feminine, representing completeness. There are hundreds of varieties worldwide.

Auger shells come from a type of predatory sea snail, and the aggression of the animal is implied by its narrowly focused shape. Augers possess a venomous tooth that is the terror of marine worms. In magick, Augers are one of the only shells that may be properly attributed to Mars. Augers are popular for headdresses, magick wands, and protective charms.

COWRIE

The familiar Cowrie shell is yellow or white and egg-shaped, with two rows of teeth along a central gap. Cowrie shells have appeared as currency, decoration, and religious items in nearly every part of the world.

Owing to its shape, the Cowrie often represents the life-giving vulva. It is used in charms for wealth and fertility. Cowrie shells are strung onto necklaces or sewn into garments. Additionally, the shells may be used for divination. There are several distinct systems of Cowrie divination stemming from African and Afro-Carribean occult traditions.

Cowrie shells are admired for their fine natural polish. Their glossiness symbolizes refinement and luxury. The Italian word for Cowrie is porcellana (“little pig”)—from which we derive the word porcelain.

STARFISH

Not technically a seashell, Starfish are nonetheless available at many a beach seller’s stall. The Starfish is a spiny sea creature whose dried body forms the shape of a star. They are symbols of heavenly power, renewal, and good luck.

Because of their resemblance to the heavenly stars, the Starfish has an affinity with various sky Gods and Goddesses. How amazing to uncover a star within the depths of the seas! (As that old thrice-great Egyptian guy says, “As above, so below.”) As a (usually) five-pointed creature, Starfish are also linked to the Pentagram and the number 5, the number of Man. No wonder the Starfish speaks to the mystic’s heart.

Biologists will tell you that Starfish are exquisitely sensitive animals. Its nervous system radiates from the center and extends through each limb, allowing it to explore the ocean floor with grace and ease. Starfish are symbols of instinct and intuition. As a totem or amulet, Starfish reminds a sensitive person to adapt and thrive within their surroundings.

Starfish possess the superpower of being able to regrow a missing limb. Use them in charms for strength and recovery from trauma.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Weird Pagan Words: An Annotated List

Like any other subculture, Pagans have our own special vocabulary. Many of them just aren’t found in Wicca 101 books or infographics. Fortunately, I write down unfamiliar words and Google them later so you don’t have to.

This glossary covers some of the more obscure words and phrases in the Pagan lexicon. The ones that might leave you scratching your head if you’d never heard them before (or never before in a Pagan context).

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of Pagan and magickal terminology—just a quick rundown of some of the weirdest Pagan words and phrases zipping around out there.

Adept – A person who—through study, practice, or natural gifts—is extremely proficient at a magickal system. A master. Adepts are rumored to actually exist, but anyone who claims to be one probably isn’t.

Aspect – A form, facet, or persona of a deity. As a verb, “to aspect” means to channel or invoke the deity into oneself.

Asperge – To purify a space by sprinkling water. Often performed before ritual. The bundle of herbs used for this purpose is called an asperger.

Athame – A ritual knife. In traditional Wicca, the athame has a double-edged blade and a black handle. Generally speaking, the athame is used only for magick—never to cut objects. Most witches say “A-thum-may” (with a short “a” as in “cat”). But you might also hear “AW-thum-may” or even “aw-THAYM.”

It’s obnoxious to correct someone’s pronunciation of “athame,” especially since the actual origins of the word are obscure. Don’t be bullied. Pick your favorite pronunciation and use it.

Balefire – A sacred fire, especially one in which offerings or magickal items are burned. Balefires are kindled during the festivals of Beltane and Samhain. For practical reasons, a balefire usually happens outdoors, but even a small cauldron fire can serve as a balefire.

Besom – A ritual broom. Witches don’t fly on their besoms, but they do use them for energetic (and physical) clean-up.

Blot – A term meaning “sacrifice” in Norse Paganism. Pronounced “bloat,” a blot is a communal gathering to honor the Gods. In olden times, a blot revolved around the slaughter of a large animal whose body would feed the holy feast. At a modern blot, you’re unlikely to see an animal sacrifice. You will see a lot of eating, libations, and readings of Norse legends and religious poems.

Book of Shadows – A Witch’s or coven’s magickal diary. The Book of Shadows includes rituals and teachings, records of spellwork, and anything else that is important to the Witch’s practice. The term comes from Gerald Gardner, and refers to a time and place when such a book would need to be carefully hidden.

Boline – A small knife that Wiccans use for cutting herbs and other ritual items. Gerald Gardner describes it as a “white handled knife.” The spelling varies. It can be pronounced “BO-leen,” “BO-lin,” or “BULL-en.”

Broom Closet – A person who is not public about his/her Pagan beliefs is said to be “in the broom closet,” e.g., “He’s still in the broom closet at work.” Formed by analogy with the LGBT slang “in the closet.”

Burning Times – A collective name given to the Bad Old Days of the Reformation, Inquisition, etc., when Witches were burned alive by fanatics.

Cafeteria Pagan – A pejorative name for an eclectic Pagan. A cafeteria Pagan is someone who picks their spiritual beliefs and practices from whatever “looks good,” without devoting serious study to any of the traditions they borrow from. The concept of cafeteria Paganism is related to concerns about cultural appropriation and dilettantism.

Cakes and Ale – A communal offering of food and beverage, most often performed at the close of a Wiccan circle. The ritual honors the gifts of the Earth and the presence of the Lord and Lady. The actual ingredients of the offering will vary according to the season and the preferences of the celebrants. Sometimes Wiccan refer to the ritual as “cakes and ale” even if the altar holds sangria and chocolate chip cookies.

Casting the Circle – A Wiccan practice of creating sacred space. The first step in many rituals, casting the circle carves out a separate space for magick to occur.

Cense – To cleanse or bless with incense. Ritual space and ritual participants are often prepared by censing. The vessel used for censing is called a censer.

Charge – To imbue with energy. People, things, and places can be charged. Ritually charging objects is an important component of many spells. “Clearing” or “grounding” the energy reverses the effects of charging.

Coven – A group of Witches who meet regularly. Contrary to popular belief, a coven need not contain thirteen members. The word initially referred to any gathering, but now connotes witchcraft and secrecy. It comes from the same Latin root as “convene.”

There are as many types of covens as there are families. Some are open and welcoming, some are tiny and secretive. Wiccans are the most likely to call their groups coven, but other Witches use the word, too. Lots of covens have fanciful names, like “Order of the Briarwood” or “Draggyns Myst Coven.”

Covenstead – A covenstead is a place where a coven regularly meets. It is the home of the coven on the physical plane. Since most Pagan groups don’t have temple space of their own, the covenstead could be a bit of parkland, someone’s living room, or the backyard of a liberal church.

Cowan – An old derogatory term for a non-Wiccan or non-Pagan. In the post-Potter era, it’s been almost universally replaced by “muggle.”

The Craft – Witchcraft, especially hereditary witchcraft. The Path of the Wise, the Old Ways, the Hidden Arts, etc. A perfectly good phrase that was all but ruined by a cheesy 1996 movie.

Craft Name – A name adopted for spiritual/magickal purposes. A Craft name may come to you in a moment of inspiration, or be conferred upon you by a teacher. Some Witches take their names from an honored deity, plant, or animal.

Croning – The process of becoming a Crone, or wise elder. Some Pagans have Croning celebrations for women who have attained the third phase of life. (The male equivalent is “Saging.”)

Dedicant – A person who has been studying with (but not yet initiated in) a magickal coven or lodge. Dedicants learn about the group’s beliefs and practices before committing to membership. In Wicca, the dedicatory period traditionally lasts a year and a day—after which the candidate may decide whether to seek full initiation.

Some covens have formal dedication ceremonies and attendance requirements for dedicants. Others just encourage newbies to hang around for a bit and see what it’s all about. The titles Neophyte and Probationer are also used to refer to the stage(s) prior to initiation.

Deosil – Clockwise. Deosil movement is often used when casting the circle or raising energy. (“Sunwise” means the same thing.)

Drawing Down – “Drawing Down the Moon” or “Drawing Down the Sun” is a possessory invocation of the Goddess or God, respectively. Drawing Down the Moon means invoking the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess of coven. (In traditional Wicca, the High Priest performs the invocation.) The rite was referenced by Margot Adler in a famous book by the same name.

Now that Pagan groups are tending to become less gender-rigid (yay), it’s not uncommon to hear “drawing down” refer to any possessory deity work. A person in a state of possessory trance is said to be “drawn down.”

Eclectic – A person who draws their spiritual practices and beliefs from diverse sources, without adherence to one tradition. Adjective or noun. (Unscientific estimate: 95% of Pagans self-identify as eclectic.)

Elder – An aged person, often a leader within the Pagan community. A Crone or Sage. A Second- or Third-Degree coven member is sometimes called an Elder regardless of age.

Esbat – A coven meeting outside of one of the eight Sabbats. Typically, this is Full Moon observance—though there are covens that hold their Esbats during the New Moon. There are normally 13 Esbats in a calendar year. The word was brought into popular usage by Margaret Murray’s 1921 book, The Witch-Cult in Western Europe.

Esbats are a time to perform spells and psychic training, while Sabbats are generally more celebratory. Besides being an opportunity to have a Lunar ritual, Esbats are a time for covens to meet socially and take care of coven business. Solitary Witches observe the Esbats as a time for personal magick and communion with the Moon.

Familiar – An animal who acts as a helper to the Witch during magickal work. Some Witches use the term more generally to refer to a companion animal or pet. The word “familiar” may also refer to familiar spirits—disembodied beings that the Witch contacts as a part of their magickal work.

Fluffy Bunny – A phrase coined in early online Pagan communities to distinguish New Age-y, love-and-light Pagans from self-styled “serious” practitioners. Fluffy bunnies avoid in-depth study and flee from anything dark or challenging. You will rarely meet someone who self-identifies as a fluffy bunny—the term is nearly always meant as an insult.

Great Rite – Symbolic or actual sexual act performed as part of a ritual. It represents the Hieros Gamos, the sacred marriage of the Goddess and God.

Handfasting – A Pagan ceremony of marriage, or alternately, betrothal. Handfasting is a rite that may be connected to or separate from civil (legal) marriage. For a handfasting to be legal in most places, it needs to be performed by an ordained clergy member. (Handparting is the Pagan ritual equivalent of divorce.)

High Magick – A general term for ceremonial and ritual magic of a lofty sort. High Magick is concerned with spiritual progress, communion with Gods and higher beings, and uncovering the secrets of the Universe.

Hive – To “hive” (or “hive off”) is to form a new coven from one or more of a coven’s current members. The word refers to the way in which young queen bees must leave the colony to form their own colonies. Wiccans may hive off after attaining their Third Degree within a coven.

Hiving off allows a former student to transition into a leadership role with minimal disruption to the existing group’s structure. The new coven is called a sister coven of the old one.

Kindred – In Norse Heathenism, a community that meets for worship and mutual support. A Heathen kindred is a kind of extended family. Kindreds may be formal or informal. Its members may be related by blood or by choice. Some non-Heathen Witches also use the word “kindred” (or “family”) to describe brothers and sisters of the Craft.

Left-hand path – Refers to various magickal paths including destructive magick, self-serving magick, or non-obedience to God. (If someone describes themselves as a left-hander or on a left-hand path, you might want to ask them what they mean.)

Lineage – An unbroken chain of students and teachers within a magickal tradition. It is common to claim a lineage stretching back to some well-known figure.

Low Magick – More commonly referred to as witchcraft. “Low Magick” encompasses such practices as spell-casting, ritual healing, hex-breaking, divination, and good luck charms. (See High Magick.)

Magick/Magik/Majik – Alternate spellings used to distinguish occult pursuits from stage magic. “Magick” is often attributed to Aleister Crowley and is the most common variation. (Though it will always trip up spell-check and some people find it hopelessly precious.)

Maiden – Wiccan term for the young Goddess, the first aspect of the Triple Goddess. Also used to refer to the junior female member in a coven who serves as an assistant to the High Priestess. (The High Priest’s equivalent helper is called the Summoner.)

Once-Born – A young soul. Many Pagans judge themselves to be “old souls,” so the term is usually derogatory.

Otherkin – A subculture of people who believe themselves to be partially non-human. Otherkin include Fae, Elves, Werewolves, Vampires, Dragons, and so on. There is some overlap between Otherkin and Pagan/magickal communities.

PST (Pagan Standard Time) – An imaginary time zone invented to explain endemic Pagan lateness.

Quarter Call – An evocation of one of the four elements, or quarters. Calling the quarters is a component in most circle-casting rituals. One person may call all four quarters, or the task may be divided between four or more ritualists. A quarter call is the first bit of public magick that many people ever perform.

Reconstructionist – A Pagan who attempts to re-create ancient spiritual practices from historical information.

Rede – An archaic word for advice or counsel. The Wiccan Rede is, “An it harm none, do as ye will.” Wiccans just call it “the Rede.” The “Complete Wiccan Rede” or “Long Rede” is a 26-line poem attributed to Lady Gwen Thompson..

Sabbat – One of the major Wiccan/Pagan seasonal holy days. There are eight Sabbats based on the Celtic agricultural calendar. They are further divided into four Quarters (Yule, Ostara, Litha, Mabon) and four Cross-quarters (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas).

Second-Degree Fever – An unfortunate disease often contracted by initiates who have just attained their Second Degree and feel all giddy with power. Symptoms include bragging, posturing, acting like a know-it-all.

Skyclad – Wiccan term for ritual nudity. Some Pagan groups prefer to perform rituals skyclad.

Smudge – To ritual cleanse someone, something, or someplace with smoke. Various fragrant herbs can be used for smudging. The best-known smudging herb is White Sage—but some Pagans prefer not to use it, out of concerns about co-opting a Native American spiritual practice. (The word itself is from Old English smogen, meaning smoke).

Solitary – A Witch who practices alone, without a coven or group. (Used as an adjective or noun.)

Sumbel – In Norse Paganism, a communal ritual of celebration. At a sumbel, the horn is passed, toasts are made, and oaths are made before the Gods. A sumbel is a joyful affair that is nonetheless performed within sacred space.

Tradition – The Pagan equivalent of a religious denomination. A collection of beliefs, methods, and rituals passed down through a group. Most living Pagan belief systems have various traditions, called “trads” for short.

Uncle Al – Affectionate nickname for Aleister Crowley, British occultist whose work influenced contemporary witchcraft and Paganism.

UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) – A legacy of early internet forums, “UPG” is an acronym that describes information that is experienced by one person and presented as fact within a spiritual community. Some examples are dreams, visions, and channeled communications. Discussions about the Gods, afterlife, and the Otherworlds are full of UPG and UPG-haters. (Ed. note: “UPG” is not a very nice thing to say to someone who has just shared a significant spiritual experience with you.)

Wiccaning – The Wiccan rite of blessing an infant or child. There is no standard Wiccaning ritual—most involve welcoming the child into the world and asking the Lord and Lady to watch over him or her. Probably formed by analogy with “christening.”

Widdershins – Counter-clockwise movement. Normally used in banishing rituals or to un-cast the circle.

Working – A magickal undertaking, especially a long, intense, or complex one. Spellcasting, channeling, and evocation…they are all types of workings. (Even though they can also be fun!)

I’ll be adding more weird Pagan words as I meet and talk to more weird Pagans. Happy magick-ing!

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Representing the Elements on a Pagan Altar

Connecting to the powers of the Four Elements is a foundational practice for many Pagans. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water move through us and inspire us. As ideas, they help us to make sense of and to describe a complex world. Even the simplest of Pagan altars usually have some representation of the Elements.

Some Pagans have specific ritual tools consecrated to each one of the Elements. (The Wand, Cup, Disk, and Sword are the canonical tools of the ceremonial magician.) Others take a more spontaneous approach, grabbing everyday items that symbolize the elemental powers. There are traditional and non-traditional ways to evoke the four elements.

Speaking of which, there are no rules when creating an elemental altar. There is no such thing as a “perfect” elemental tool. Remember that every object you might find on Earth contains more than one elemental energy blended together. Just choose things that are meaningful to you and that appear harmonious when brought together. The lists provided below are suggestions only. (Your tradition may have others.)

Here are some different ways to represent the Elements on a Pagan altar:

The Element: Earth

Traditional Tool: Pentacle or Disk

The meaning of Earth: Earth is perhaps the most overlooked Element in Pagan magick. Earth is everywhere, and it appears passive. It doesn’t really “do” anything with the same force as Air, Fire, or Water.

Yet the Earth gives us our birth. While we live, it sustains us. When we die, it covers us. Earth encompasses a multitude of magickal ideas: Nourishment, protection, obstruction, wholeness, stillness, plant and animal life, interdependence, prosperity and rest. The objects that can represent Earth are similarly diverse.

Altar Objects for Earth:

  • Pentacle.
  • The altar (base) itself.
  • Plate, paten, or disk.
  • Ceramics.
  • Cast metal.
  • Coin.
  • Rock or stone.
  • Dish of soil, sand or salt.
  • Food (especially fruits, vegetables or grain foods).
  • Flowers or herbs.
  • Cauldron.
  • Labyrinth.
  • Gems (Garnet, Hematite, Jasper, Aventurine).
  • Candle (Green, brown, or black).
  • Deity statue (Gaia, Macha, Saturn/Chronos, Pan).
  • Horn or bone.
  • Acorns.
  • Seeds.
  • Images of trees and mountains.
  • Gnomes.
  • Animal art (Cattle, Tortoise, Rabbit, Deer).
  • Oil (Patchouli, Vetivert, Evergreen).
  • Altar tile decorated with symbol of Earth.
  • Tarot Ace of Pentacles.
  •  

The Element: Air

Traditional Tool: Sword (or Wand, in some traditions)

The meaning of Air: As Air passes over the still Earth, the world moves into action and consciousness. Air is the Element of communication, exchange, and ideas. Air is invisible—we know it only through its effects on the world.

Air is also swift-moving, changeable and self-aware. It is the most human of all the Elements. Choose your Air items based on what Air means to you at the time you’re assembling the altar.

Altar Objects for Air:

  • Athame or sword.
  • Wand or staff.
  • Feather.
  • Windchimes.
  • Bell.
  • Incense.
  • Lamp or lantern (symbolizing knowledge).
  • Fan.
  • Book.
  • Spoon or stirrer.
  • Wheel.
  • Wind-blown flowers and seeds.
  • Brightly colored ribbon or streamers.
  • Crystals (Clear Quartz, Citrine, Smoky Quartz/Topaz).
  • Candle (Yellow or white).
  • Musical instrument (especially strings or woodwinds).
  • Images of clouds and sky.
  • Animal art (Birds, Dragonfly, Butterfly).
  • Angels.
  • Fairies.
  • Air freshener or diffuser.
  • Deity statues (Hermes, Thoth, Saraswati).
  • Oil (Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender).
  • Altar tile decorated with symbol of Air.
  • Tarot Ace of Swords.

The Element: Fire

Traditional Tool: Wand (or Sword, in some traditions)

The meaning of Fire: Elemental Fire is the pure power of heat and light. The energy of Fire is strong, primal, and often dangerous. In Fire, we find the heat of passion and the warrior’s fighting spirit. Esoteric meanings of Fire include courage, willpower, lust, protection, spiritual aspiration, destruction and impending renewal.

Altar Objects for Fire:

  • Wand.
  • Flame (candle, lamp, or brazier).
  • Lighter or matches.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Phallus.
  • Incense.
  • Cactus or thorns.
  • Candle (Red, orange, or gold).
  • Dragons.
  • Images of flames or the sun.
  • Volcanic stones or ash.
  • Bright yellow or orange plants.
  • Gemstones (Ruby, Carnelian, Amber, Opal).
  • Pyramid.
  • Djinn/Salamander.
  • Oil (Cinnamon, Frankincense, Dragon’s Blood).
  • Deity statues (Ra, Vulcan, Brigid, Pele, Sekhmet).
  • Animal art (Lion, Lizard, Phoenix).
  • Altar tile decorated with symbol of Fire.
  • Tarot Ace of Wands.

The Element: Water

Traditional Tool: Cup

The Meaning of Water: Water is the great partner of Earth in creating life as we know it. Like Earth, Water appears gentle, but contains immense potential power. It is cleansing, calming, and healing. Elemental Water also governs the magick of love and emotion, intuition, pleasure, and introspection.

Altar Objects for Water:

  • Chalice, cup, or goblet.
  • Beverages (especially water or wine).
  • Scrying bowl or crystal ball.
  • Rainwater.
  • Blessed or holy water.
  • Seashell.
  • Yoni.
  • Driftwood or seaweed.
  • Gemstones (Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Amethyst).
  • Ankh.
  • Mirror.
  • Mermaids.
  • Images of ocean, rivers, or lakes.
  • Candle (Blue).
  • Oil (Rose, Lotus, Jasmine).
  • Animal art (Fish, Dolphin, Frog).
  • Deity statue (Poseidon, Aphrodite, Yemaya).
  • Altar tile decorated with symbol of Water
  • Tarot Ace of Cups

I hope you enjoy putting together your elemental altar!

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

The Eight Sabbath: Witch’s Holidays

Modern Pagans celebrate eight major holidays throughout the year, known as Sabbats. They are based on pre-Christian customs related to the movement of the sun. Most are related to the Celtic agricultural festivals that have given them their names.

Of course, now we know that the sun doesn’t actually move around the earth. And lots of Pagans live far away from the places where our food is grown. But the Sabbats are still a meaningful way to connect with the cycles of the seasons and of human life.

The Pagan Sabbats include the four astronomical holidays (the equinoxes and solstices) and four traditional holidays in between. Together, these eight festivals are known as the Wheel of the Year. They are observed in Wicca and Wicca-influenced forms of neo-Paganism.

Learn about the eight Witch’s holidays and some popular customs for each one:

Samhain

Probably the best-known of the Sabbats, Samhain is celebrated on October 31st. It coincides with Halloween or All Hallows Eve. Halloween is a time when even non-magickal people indulge in spooky activities and ancient superstitions. It’s also the time when mainstream culture pays the most attention to the activities of Witches and Pagans.

The word Samhain comes from the Irish Gaelic word for “summer’s end.” The days have become shorter, and the darker half of the solar year is upon us. At this time, farmers would use up the remaining stores of perishable fruits and vegetables, preserving other foods to sustain them through the cold and dark season. They would also slaughter any livestock that they did not plan to feed through the winter. This is why we sometimes refer to Samhain as the Third Harvest, or Blood Harvest.

At Samhain, many people believe the boundary between the words is at its thinnest. Samhain is also known as Ancestor’s Night or the Feast of the Dead. For most Witches, Samhain is the best time to commune with the beloved dead (ancestors and honored spirits). Some also believe that lonely or angry spirits may wander the Earth on Samhain night, looking for humans to annoy.

How Pagans Celebrate: For Pagans, Samhain is the beginning of the new year. It is a holiday of reflection and celebration. At Samhain, we cast off the old year’s attachments and turn our attention to the coming scarcity of winter. We feast on the last of summer’s bounty. We contemplate what is worth saving and nurturing during the dark of winter. We try to make friends with Death.

Pagans celebrate Samhain in many of the same ways muggles do: Scarfing down sweets, carving jack-o-lanterns, dressing up in costumes. We decorate with skulls and spiders and go to haunted houses. All of these Halloween traditions are too fun to miss out on—and besides, most of them have their roots in old Pagan beliefs, anyway.

If you’re invited to a Samhain ritual, you may see an ancestor altar. This is a shared altar where participants are invited to pile on their mementos and offerings for the dead. The presiding priest or priestess may invoke a deity who rules over transitions or the migration of souls—Morrighan, Hecate, or Hermes. You may participate in a meditation where you travel into the depths of the underworld, or look departed friends in the eye once more. People will speak the names of loved ones who died during the previous year, or long ago.

Feasting is a component of many Samhain rituals. When we eat sweets, we are savoring the sweetness of life and its impermanence. When we eat meat, we remember that all flesh must die and become nourishment for some creature or another.

We also use food as an offering to the dead—to communicate fond memories, to pay our respects—and perhaps, to appease hungry ghosts. Some Pagans set an extra plate at the Samhain table for spirit visitors. Another contemporary Pagan custom is the “dumb supper”—a silent meal where we invite our ancestors (both known and unknown) to come and dine with us.

Yule

Yule is the Pagan name for the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it falls on or around December 21.

After the winter solstice, the darkest part of the year is over and the days begin increasing in length. This solar holiday is related historically to Christmas—Pagans delight in pointing out that Christians co-opted the date around the third century CE.

In the overarching neo-Pagan mythos, Yule is the birthday of the divine infant who is conceived in the spring. The dark of midwinter is the period of the Goddess’s confinement and labor as she prepares to welcome the solar child. On the longest night, the Sun God is born to the praise and gratitude of all Earth’s creatures.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Yuletide is a time for passive, personal magick—for short days of work and long nights of dreaming. We set intentions and incubate our plans. It is a time of preparing mentally and spiritually for the light half of the year. Some Pagans keep a midwinter vigil, awaiting the rebirth of the sun at dawn.

It’s not often that you find large group rituals for Yule—probably because lots of Pagans are busy traveling and visiting with non-Pagan family! Instead, Yule rituals tend toward the home-y and conventional.

We decorate with evergreens and holly. We exchange gifts with friends and family. On Midwinter Eve, we light candles to herald the return of the sun. (The ambitious among us may set a Yule log blazing.) We eat traditional, calorie-rich holiday foods: Tamales, eggnog, rum cake, ham, and chocolate. We give thanks for the life-giving energy of our planet’s sun.

Imbolc

Imbolc is a festival of purification and the early signs of spring. Imbolc is celebrated on Feb 1. (Not yet spring in most of the world, to be sure—but sometimes spring-like in Britain due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream.) It is the first of the three Pagan fertility festivals, followed by Ostara and Beltane.

In Old Irish, Imbolc means “in the belly” and was associated with the onset of the lambing season. It was an obscure Irish folk festival until the 20th century, when neo-Pagans revived it as part of the Wheel of the Year. It coincides with the Christian festival of Candlemas and with that old farmer’s oracle, Groundhog’s Day, both observed on Feb. 2.

For our ancestors, the significance of Imbolc would have been the beginning of the ground thaw. It is the time to prepare for the planting season—to survey the land, take an inventory of tools, and make any repairs or modifications that will be needed. For the Witch, it also a time of preparation. We clean and bless our altars, and make sure that the tools of our practice are attuned to their intended use.

Mythically, Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the Goddess after giving birth to the young God at Yule. In the Earth, we observe the first stirrings of life after the frozen winter. (If you don’t know what a frozen winter looks like, ask your grandmother.) Imbolc brings the energy of creativity and imagination. Projects that were put on hold during the holiday season start to creak into motion again. Our midwinter dreams resolve themselves into their first visible shapes.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Imbolc is especially sacred to Brigid—Celtic Goddess of hearthfire, healing, the bardic arts, and smithwork. Many Imbolc rituals honor Brigid with candlelight, poems, and woven ornaments known as Brigid’s crosses. The first light of spring is evident by now, and it is an auspicious time of year for rites of cleansing, healing, and blessing.

Imbolc is a time for spiritual dedication and re-dedication. Some covens—especially women’s covens—initiate new members at Imbolc. For old Pagans, it is also a time to examine and refresh our practice. If we have become lax, Imbolc is an opportunity to purify our intentions and reconnect with spiritual guides. We light candles, open windows, and wash the floors to cast out the last gloom of winter. Some also use Imbolc for divination for the year’s harvest.

Imbolc is not really a feasting holiday, as the season of grains and fruits is months away. The first food of the year is dairy. Butter, milk, and cream are traditional foods for the Imbolc table.

Ostara

Ostara is the spring equinox, which falls on or about March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. It is opposite the autumn equinox (which Pagans refer to as Mabon). But any desktop calendar can tell you that. Ostara is the Pagan cousin of the Easter holiday, a modern revival of one or more ancient spring celebrations.

Ostara is the second of three fertility festivals, a time when the blessings of spring become more visible in the natural world. Flowers bloom, the birds and the bees do their thing, and grocery aisles fill up with pastel-colored treats. Ancient fertility symbols like eggs and bunnies are everywhere. (Yep, Ostara is the Sabbat with the rabbit!)

Astronomically speaking, Ostara is a midpoint of the year, and day and night are equal at this time. The Sun God (who has been growing and gathering strength since Yule) is an adolescent. The Great Goddess, who has been getting progressively younger since December 21, is in her maiden form. These two lusty youths are now the same age, and will soon conceive the child who will be born at Yule.

How Pagans Celebrate:

The original meaning of Ostara as a fertility festival is not lost on modern Pagans. Ostara provides a perfect opportunity to work magick for love, prosperity, and gains of any kind. We harness the energy of the lengthening days to fuel our desires and bring projects to fruition. We honor the gifts of the earth Goddess, who is presently blessing the land with beauty and nourishment.

Pagans also use Ostara as a time to reflect on the principle of balance. Everyone has goals and responsibilities—work, family, art, spirituality—that compete for our time and attention. At Ostara, we take a moment to notice things that may have shifted out of balance. We reset our priorities as the austerity of winter gives way to the exuberance of spring.

Beltane

Beltane is the ancient name for the May Day rite, held on May 1. Originally a fire festival, it was widely celebrated in pre-Christian Ireland and Scotland. The name comes from the god Bel (“the bright one”) and means “Bel’s fire.” It is the second of two principle festivals on the Celtic Pagan calendar, the other one being Samhain. Samhain and Beltane are the two poles of the magickal year, when the gates to Faery and the spirit world are most open to travelers. ­­­

In traditional Wicca, Beltane is a sexual festival, the last of the three fertility festivals. It is the time when the Maiden Goddess takes a lover in the form of the young God. Wiccans enact this drama through the ritual marriage (Great Rite) of a High Priestess and High Priest, whose union will bless the land.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Theoretically, Beltane is an occasion of unbridled sensuality and revelry. However, sexual rites are rare in modern covens. If invited to a Beltane ritual, you’re far more likely to dance around a maypole or witness a symbolic Great Rite (with a chalice and athame) than encounter an orgy.

For the social Pagan, Beltane season abounds with bonfires, festivals, concerts, and campouts. Solitary Pagans might celebrate by making an altar to the young God and Goddess or connecting with a lover. Flowers, honey, sweets and wine on the altar echo the sweetness of the occasion. Beltane is also a time for illusion, seduction, and Faery tricks. By the light of the Beltane fire, the real can become unreal (and vice versa).

Since Beltane celebrates the union of the God and Goddess, it is a popular time for proposals, handfastings, and renewing of vows. Magickally, the combined masculine and feminine energies lend a powerful alchemical surge to almost any type of spellwork.

Litha

Litha is the summer solstice, which in the Northern Hemisphere falls on or about June 21. Linguists disagree about the origin of the Sabbat’s name, but summer festivals were common across pre-Christian Europe. People lit bonfires to keep the sun’s light alive for as long as possible. Solstice revels were supposed to bless the crops in the fields and drive away evil spirits.

Litha is the day when the Sun God is at the peak of his power. It is an auspicious day, ruled by the Sun and the element of Fire. After Litha, the nights will begin to grow longer and the Sun will move further away each day. With the fall harvest imminent, Litha is an opportunity for anticipating the (actual or symbolic) crop. Medieval people believed that Midsummer Night was blessed, and that whatever a person dreamed on this night would come true.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Outdoor rituals are common at Litha, as Pagans take advantage of the long hours of daylight. It is a joyful Sabbat. Bonfires and summer games brighten the space between earth and sky. We decorate our altars with solar symbols, and honor the God in his aspect as Father.

Litha is an appropriate time for all magick ruled by the Sun. This includes spells of cleansing, protection, charisma, and truth.

Lammas

Lammas is the first harvest festival on the Pagan calendar, observed on or about August 1. It is related to an old agricultural holiday celebrating the reaping of grain. Lammas probably comes from the Old English words for “loaf mass.” Loaves of freshly baked bread would have been prepared from the first grain and blessed in churches around the countryside. Lammas is also called Lughnasadh, after the Celtic sun God, Lugh.

As the summer stretches on and the days grow shorter, the sun God symbolically loses some of his strength. He is not yet dead, but is aware that the dark season will soon approach. The god of summer “dies” in the fields to nourish the people, and prepares for rebirth at Yule.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Lammas is a time to welcome the harvest. We give thanks that the year’s work is proceeding as planned, and that we will soon enjoy the fruits of our labor. Grain is the traditional food for the Lammas table, in the form of wheat, barley, beers and ales.

Celtic Pagans celebrate Lammas/Lughnasadh as the feast of Lugh, an agricultural god—but also a patron of poets, musicians, and craftspeople. At Lammas, we may show off the skills we have acquired and trade them for things we will need. It is a traditional time of year for craft fairs and local markets.

Mabon

Mabon is the autumn equino (or as us Texans call, it “fawwwl”). In the Northern Hemisphere, it falls around Sept 21. Mabon is the pivot point of the solar year when the days begin to shorten and winter is on its way. (The name of the festival is modern and dates from the 1960s or early 1970s.)

Mabon may also be called the Second Harvest, because it is the time when autumn fruits and nuts reach their maturity. It is a time to contemplate what we have worked for in the previous year and what rewards we are ready to reap. We give thanks to the waning sunlight and prepare to store our wealth away for the scarce season. We shift from active to contemplative magick. Mabon season is a fine time for workings of prosperity, gratitude, security, and balance.

How Pagans Celebrate:

Mabon is a time for celebration after the hard work of the harvest. Though it is sad to watch the beauty of the growing season fade away, we revel in the mild weather and rest that autumn brings.

Mabon foods are comfort foods, those that evoke fond memories and connect us through sharing. We bake and brew, pickle and can. Offerings of wine, cider, fruits, and boughs may adorn the Mabon table—along with that most Pagan of centerpieces, the Cornucopia.

On the Pagan religious calendar, Mabon represents the turning point to the dark half of the year. We shift our attention from the youthful merriment of the summer Sabbats. At Mabon, we honor the Crone and Sage deities, the cycles of aging and death, and the spirit world.

Mabon is a popular time for large outdoor rituals—in part because the weather is good and it doesn’t conflict with any major mainstream holidays. We gather together to feast and express gratitude for our lovely tilted planet. Many cities host a public Mabon ritual as part of their annual Pagan Pride Day gatherings. Solitary Pagans might celebrate Mabon with offerings at a home altar, or a contemplative walk in the woods.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

What’s up with Energy Play? Six Secrets of Fun and Consensual Energy Sharing

Energy play is the voluntary exchange of subtle energy between two or more people. It is usually—but not always—accomplished through physical contact. Energy play is quite common within magickal groups. I personally began actively seeking out partners for energy play sometimes in my mid-20s, and have had many interesting conversations on the topic. (The best bits of which, dear reader, I am eager to share with you.)

Most people in metaphysical communities are familiar with some variety of subtle energy technique or modality. Reiki and yoga have helped to mainstream the concepts of energy exchange, chi, the chakra system, good vibes, bad vibes, etc. There’s also quite a bit of discussion about certain aspects of energy work that aren’t strictly voluntary: Psychic vampirism and psychic empathy. These concepts are related, for sure, but they’re not the same thing as fully conscious (and consensual) energy exchange.

Yet there is not a lot of discussion online or in books about what I call “recreational” energy play. Doing energy transfers because they feel good—or let’s be honest, because we’re curious or skeptical about psychic energy.

Yes, I know—there are all kinds of other good reasons to practice energy transfers. For healing, for psychic development, for spellwork, just to name a few. But I’d like to focus for a while on the least-known form of energy work—the “just because” kind. We’ll also keep it simple by talking about one-on-one energy transfers, though energy play can also be a group activity.

Isn’t anybody talking about energy play? In fact, yes. This discussion of subtle energy owes a huge debt to the online BDSM community, particularly folks involved in vampire roleplaying. Their early online forums were among the first to hash out the mechanics of (usually one-sided) energy transfers in a specific way. The terminology (not to mention ethics) of BDSM play are relevant to energy users—whether you’re kinky or not.

I’ve seen energy play listed as a check box on fetish dating sites. However, if you’re a Witch or occultist, the prevailing views on psychic energy among the mundane kinksters may leave you cold.

Energy play is a subjective emotional practice that frequently is said to have spiritual and transcendental connotations. Generally speaking the top will seek to stimulate a response from the bottom without the use of physical touch, though specific experiences may vary wildly.

Energy play is frequently said to include techniques of: muscle-tension/relaxation, hormonal or sensory stimulation through touch or imagination, emotional self programming, Endorphin manipulation through SM techniques to produce a chemical high, repetition, slight of hand/confusion, hypnosis and stress techniques to create a suggestible state for the willing, and use of cold reading and interrogation techniques.

Some energy players claim use of techniques that include more esoteric notions that include energy field projection, chakra manipulation and similar notions that are not scientifically verified.

Yikes. It’s clear that some of the few people who are writing about energy play think it’s all just a clever mindfuck, and that’s fine. But I don’t think that its correct to view energy play either as a merely a psychological delusion or a sexual fetish. Those of us who know, know better.

I’ve decided to respond to the information void by contributing a few facts and opinions about energy play from a magickal perspective

1. You Don’t Have to Know Anything, Join Anything, or Be Anything to Participate.

Energy work (and play) are fundamentally about channeling universal life force energy. That sounds rather lofty, but it’s just another way of saying this: You already have everything you need.

Everyone can give and receive energy. We’ve all been doing it since we were in the womb (or before that). The only real differences come in our ability to notice and control what we’re doing, and to articulate it in a way that other people can relate to.

Energy work is not a religion. It does not require membership, initiation, activation, equipment—or even, really, belief. Other people can teach you skills. But no one can give you access to your own energy.

2. A Really Skilled Partner will Knock Your Socks Off.

I know what at least some of you are thinking: All of this sounds a little woo-woo to me. Where are the meters to measure this so-called energy? Where is the proof?

All I can say is, if you persist in exploring and seeking out energy experiences, you will eventually meet someone who knows what the hell they are doing. This person will blow your mind, scramble your chakras, curl your toes and leave no doubt—at least in the current moment—that what you’re experiencing is as real as can be.

Most of the time, subtle energy is quite…subtle. You mostly notice it when you’re paying attention, and sometimes, you can’t be absolutely certain it’s there at all. There are outliers, though. And they are intense, unsettling, and delightful.

3. There is an Unspoken Etiquette to Energy Play.

One of the things I’ve noticed from years of doing energy transfers with different people is that most encounters follow the same basic script. This is very interesting to me. (Especially since I know there’s not much literature on the subject.) It seems like magickal people have independently arrived at a broad consensus about how energy play should happen.

Some examples: Most energy transfers start with a sort of “energy handshake”—a light touch of the palms or wrists to sample the other person’s energy. If everything is agreeable, then the exchange can proceed from there. Energy transfers are usually centered in the hands, arms, and heart. For casual play, most will block off their lower energy centers (below the heart or solar plexus).

The unspoken rules may seem esoteric, but fortunately, it’s not that hard to learn. Energy etiquette is basic stuff centered around consent and courtesy. Don’t be a jerk, don’t have too many expectations, don’t drain or dump on people. Grounding before and afterward is good energy hygiene and good manners, too.

4. Some People Like to Give, Some People Like to Receive. (Neither is bad.)

If you’re doing energy with someone for the first time, you can usually assume that the exchange will be reciprocal. You will take turns giving and receiving, or mingle both participants energy in a sort of pool or loop.

However, don’t be surprised if the person tells you, “I’m better at receiving,” or “I’d just like to send if that’s okay.” Most people do seem to be better at one or the other. It’s more fun and less frustrating to work with a complementary partner. (You can find a match purely with psychic sensation—but using words helps, too.)

Unfortunately, some energetic types inevitably get stigmatized. This is crap. If all the participants are happy with what’s going on, there’s no more or less value in being a giver or a recipient of energy. It is a wonderful service to offer energy to others as a gift. But the skillful acceptance and transmutation of excess energy is another act of service.

A little while ago I mentioned psychic vampirism. Psychic vampires are the bogeyman of the energy-aware community—people who thrive by leeching energy off others without giving anything in return. Some psychic vampirism is consensual, some is accomplished through manipulation and subterfuge. But the phrase has unfairly become a pejorative for anyone with an appetite for receiving subtle energy.

5. Energy Play is Not Sex.

But it’s also not completely different.

This can sometimes be problematic, but it doesn’t have to be. It comes back around to communication and consent.

The flow of psychic energy can feel a lot like sexual arousal. It runs through some of the same pipes. It can lead to sexual gratification (and sexual attachment). And it is essentially the same thing as sex: The ecstatic, creative life force in motion.

However, none of that is an excuse to be creepy during regular (i.e., non-sexualized) energy play. Don’t assume that an energy partner wants to be your sex partner. Don’t direct sexual/genital energies at someone unless they have indicated that they want that. And if you get too hot and bothered during energy play, take a minute to slow the flow, ground yourself, adjust your pants—whatever needs to happen to maintain composure and courtesy.

Lots of people think “energy” is a code word for some sexual fetish. It’s why non-witchy friends and family squirm and look uncomfortable every time I talk about it. Thanks to a bunch of salacious popular tantric books and whatnot, this is probably the single biggest misconception about energy play.

Personally? Yeah, I have used energy play to audition potential sexual partners. It makes sense to do so, because I don’t like to have sex with anyone who isn’t very sensitive to energy. But I also regularly do energy with people without any sexual attraction or intentions. I tend to think of sex as a subset of energy play—not the same thing.

6. It feels Amazing Because it is Amazing.

Human beings live and thrive on sharing. Research shows over and over that forming meaningful connections with others is the most emotionally satisfying thing we can do. To give and receive is to feel truly alive.

At its best, energy play is more intimate than sex, more profound than prayer, more pleasurable than any vice human beings have yet come up with.

People are trying to exchange energy all the time…with food, with physical contact, with money, with conversation. Energy play strips all of that away to get at the most primal transaction possible between human beings. Whether you call it chi, prana, spirit, pneuma, or something else, it doesn’t matter. What we are talking about is nothing less than sacred—star stuff, stolen fire, the very breath of the Universe. It cannot be bought as a commodity or service (and I would certainly be broke all the time if it could be).

I’ve shared just a few observations about energy play, but there’s much more to discover on this fascinating topic. Please check back for more about working and playing with subtle energy.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.

Gemstones and their Meanings: 40 Stones for Magick and Meditation

Looking for stones for your magickal toolkit? Here’s a crash course in 40 of the most commonly available crystals and gemstones. Working with crystals can improve your personal energy, amp up your spellwork, and help you create the life you desire. This handy guide will help choose the right crystals for you, whatever your goals might be.

After you’ve read these crystal meanings, I encourage you to spend some time gazing at and handling your crystals. Crystals are a hands-on, eyes-on, heart-on hobby. One of the best ways to study them is to visit with them. It sounds kooky, I know—but many stones will tell you all about themselves if you take the time to listen.

Collecting crystals is a blissful and transformative experience. Our own crystal work has undeniably changed our lives for the better. But we never recommend crystal magick as a substitute for medical care. If you’re seriously ill or distressed, get qualified help before rock shopping, okay?

Here they are, in alphabetical order, 40 magickal stones and their metaphysical uses:

Amazonite

Sea-green Amazonite carries all sorts of positive meanings: Serenity, creativity, and brave self-expression. It is one of the best talismans for artists and performers. It clears self-doubt and inspires love of beauty. Amazonite is found in a pale celadon hue (see picture) in Brazil, China, and Africa. The bright turquoise variety is a new discovery and comes from Madagascar.

Amethyst

One of the most magickal stones on Earth, Amethyst is a favorite of witches, healers, shamans and seers. Purple is a color that is seldom found in nature, and Amethyst has an exquisite vibration to match its rare hue. Amethyst is great for meditation and for managing the emotions. It calms anxiety and balances fear and excess. Amethyst gently stimulates dreams and visions, inspiring you to become your highest self. There are countless colors and shapes of Amethyst, each with slightly different properties.

Angelite

A lovely stone with a lovely name, Angelite is formed by the compression of Celestite over millions of years. (Yes, it is actually condensed heaven!) Angelite is soothing and uplifting. It is a popular choice among Angelic healers, channelers, and lightworkers. Angelite can assist in making contact with ancient guides and smoothing the way toward higher states of awareness. Don’t get Angelite wet—it didn’t wait all these millennia just to turn into calcite in your jacuzzi, thanks.

Apatite

Apatite is a semi-precious gem that can be found in a wide range of colors, most often green or blue. Apatite is a stone of confidence, truth, and creativity. It is used by energy workers to help balance overactive energy centers and stimulate underactive ones. Apatite is a wonderful crystal for working with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras. It helps awaken and develop gifts of clairvoyance, telepathy, and lucid dreaming. Apatite brings mental clarity and improved communication. It makes it easier to speak to others with authenticity and directness.

Black Onyx

Black Onyx is a glossy dark gemstone that evokes the deep and restful properties of Earth. It is a stabilizing, balancing stone said to assist with mastery of the body’s energy. Black Onyx can strengthen determination and willpower, and help bring wisdom in difficult circumstances.

Black Tourmaline

One of the premier protective stones, Black Tourmaline has long been used as a shield against evil spirits and negative energy. A Root Chakra stone, it helps in grounding and releasing stress and emotional baggage. (It is especially useful for empaths.) Black Tourmaline is also considered a lucky stone—rub a piece of Black Tourmaline when you need a little extra boost of luck!

Blue Aventurine

Blue Aventurine is a naturally colored Quartz crystal. Sometimes called “Blue Quartz” it gets its color and shimmer from tiny inclusions of other minerals. It combines the energy-boosting properties of Quartz with the soothing quality of the color blue. In crystal magick, Blue Aventurine is used for stress relief and healing of the heart and mind. It gently enhances communication and stimulates creativity.

Blue Calcite

Blue Calcite is a calming, relaxing stone with an especially high vibration. It is used in rituals of healing and purification, or carried as an amulet to relieve pain and anxiety. Blue Calcite corresponds to the element of Water and the Throat Chakra. It gently amplifies energy and assists in recalling dreams and astral travel. Calcite is also found in yellow, green, orange, and pink varieties—but Blue Calcite is certainly the most beautiful.

Blue Goldstone

Blue Goldstone (or Blue Sandstone) is a dark blue, almost purple stone with tiny sparkles throughout. It is formed by adding copper salts to molten glass using a unique cooling process. This synthetic gem was reputedly accidentally created by Italian monks practicing alchemy, hence the name Goldstone. Despite its laboratory origins, Blue Goldstone is a very popular choice for mystical items. A piece of Blue Goldstone looks just like a midnight sky full of stars! It is an inspiring stone that encourages confidence and courage, and places one’s dreams within reach.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a red-orange, semiprecious stone that has been prized since ancient times for its captivating color. Its bold energy brings a rush of warmth and joy that lingers, stimulating courage and desire. Carnelian resonates with the Sacral Chakra, and is traditionally worn to inspire love and passion. Carnelian may be solid orange or have red and white bands—the banded variety is sometimes called Red Agate.

Citrine

Citrine is a member of the Quartz family of minerals. Golden and sparkling like a drop of sunlight, Citrine is said to bring the solar qualities of warmth and happiness to the wearer. Because Citrine resonates with the Solar Plexus Chakra, it stimulates vitality, willpower, and personal strength. Citrine is said to be one of the only crystals that cannot hold negativity, and experience bears this out. Try to charge a piece of Citrine with crappy vibes sometime and see how long you can keep a frown on your face. Quite a lot of the Citrine on the market is heat-treated Amethyst—the two are chemically similar and are sometimes found together in a stone called Ametrine.

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is possibly the most versatile and magickal of all gemstones. Clear Quartz amplifies energy and thought, acting as a powerful aid to psychic perception. It balances and revitalizes the subtle bodies and brings all the chakras into harmony. Clear Quartz makes an excellent “memory stone” because of its ability to absorb, store, and release energy. It may be used in combination with any other stones, enhancing their effects. Clear Quartz is often used in crystal grids to direct and amplify the energy of the other stones. Special designations like Record Keeper Quartz, Lemurian Quartz, and Phantom Quartz are sometimes used. They may refer either to the shape of the crystal or the patterns of inclusions found within.

Dalmatian Stone

Dalmatian Stone (sometimes called Dalmatian Jasper) is a beige stone with black spots like a puppy dog. You might think, then, that this stone is related to the doggy world–and you would be right. Dalmatian stone is used to cultivate loyalty and enhance family bonds. An earthy stone, it helps ground and connect you to the here and now. Some people use Dalmatian Stone to boost communication with canine familiars.

Fluorite

Fluorite is a highly structured crystal that may be clear, green, purple, blue, yellow or a mix of these colors. Green Fluorite is the most common. It has a fresh, clean vibe that matches its spring-green color. Fluorite offers an organized, high spiritual vibration to any person, place, or object it touches. It helps to disperse chaotic or stagnant energy. Fluorite may be used to cleanse and balance the aura, boost mental acuity, and protect the bearer on the physical and psychic levels. Green Fluorite resonates with the Heart chakra and promotes feelings of abundance and well-being. This unearthly stone also helps interdimensional communication, especially with Nature Spirits and Fae folk.

Garnet

Garnet is a stone of love, strength, glory, and devotion. Garnet has been prized since at least Egyptian times, when it was known as the “Blood of Isis.” Dark red in color, Garnet is considered to be Root Chakra stone with a protective vibration. Use in crystal grids and charms for psychic shielding. Garnet is said to help balance the energy system and encourage love and loyalty.

Green Aventurine

Green Aventurine is a quartz-based stone colored by mineral inclusions. It is one of the best all-around crystals for prosperity, happiness, and well-being. The name comes from the Italian word for chance, and carrying the stone is supposed to protect a person from bad luck. Aventurine is linked to the Heart Chakra. It promotes creativity, contentedness, and feelings of abundance.

Hematite

Hematite, a natural form of iron, is a strongly grounding and protective gemstone. The ancients noted it for its resemblance to blood, and the name means “blood stone.” Hematite is common in protective amulets because of its mirror-like quality—it is said to deflect any negativity deflected at the wearer. (Some also use Hematite mirrors for scrying.) Synthetic Hematite (known as Hematine or Hemalyke) is often carved into shapes for jewelry. Just about every teenager loves Hematite, and that’s probably no coincidence. It is excellent stone for anyone experiencing mental or emotional strain.

Howlite

Howlite is a white stone with wispy veins of grey. (Howlite is frequently dyed to make imitation Turquoise which is how most people first encounter the stone.) This humble mineral is useful for calming an overactive or troubled mind. It aids in dispelling fear, resentment, anxiety, and anger and replaces them with gentle self-awareness. It is known as a stone of wisdom and compromise. Working with Howlite can help you learn to communicate difficult issues without causes offense. Some also use Howlite as a sleeping aid.

Labradorite

Labradorite is a variety of feldspar known for its iridescent optical effects, or “now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t” flashes of color. Usually green-grey, the stone has spectral shades of blue, green, and copper. In crystal lore, Labradorite brings deep spiritual insight and connection with the other realms. It stimulates mental and intuitive gifts and acts upon the entire energy body. Labradorite is also associated with Faery trickery and portal magick. High-grade Labradorite is sometimes marketed as Spectrolite.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its rare color. It often includes tiny specks of gold-colored pyrite, which make it shimmer like a sky full of stars. Lapis Lazuli is regarded as a stone of harmony and truth. Its deep, celestial blue remains the symbol of royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit and vision. Lapis Lazuli resonates with the Third Eye chakra, expanding psychic awareness and stimulating attunement to higher wisdom.

Lepidolite

A variety of Mica, Lepidolite is a lilac-grey stone with a subtle shimmer. In crystal healing, Lepidolite is a stone of serenity. It contains the element Lithium, a natural mood enhancer. Lepidolite is said to relieve stress, assist with healing and balancing, and gently encourage spiritual growth.

Mahogany Obsidian

Mahogany Obsidian is a little-known version of the popular volcanic stone. It gets its brick-red color from the inclusion of small amounts of iron oxide. Originating within the depths of the Earth, Mahogany Obsidian resonates with the Root Chakra. It supports integrity and courage, even under difficult circumstances. Use Mahogany Obsidian for protection magick, ancestor work, and underworld journeying.

Malachite

One of the most prized ornamental stones, Malachite is characterized by its green bands and whorls in a variety of patterns. Malachite has a long list of positive effects for the crystal user: Boosting personal energy, stimulating creativity, blocking negative emotions, and transmuting trauma into wisdom. Malachite is an ore of copper, the metal of Venus. As a Venus stone, Malachite guides you to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and engage deeply with its pleasures. Malachite is also associated with wealth—both material possessions and the spiritual wealth that comes with experiences of love.

Moonstone

Found in soft shades of white, pink, and bone, Moonstone is soothing to look and to hold. Moonstone is connected to the magic of the Moon, and is traditionally used as an amulet for travelers, a token of love, and a symbol of mysticism. Moonstone is said to comfort and soften the heart while it stimulates the psychic mind. Rainbow Moonstone, with its iridescent flashes, is especially prized as a stone of Lunar magick.

Moss Agate

Moss Agate, also known as Tree Agate or Dendritic Agate, is a semi-opaque stone with swirls of white and green that look like moss. All Agates are respected as healing and protective stones, but Moss Agate is a special favorite of green Witches. It is especially attractive to nature spirits and can assist you with making a deeper connection to the Earth.

Prehnite

Prehnite is a yellow-green stone that may be translucent or opaque. It often contains needles of black Rutile. One of the best stones for healers and wisdom-seekers, Prehnite helps you confront tough realities with patience and grace. It helps to heal the heart, removing old hurts and blockages from the energetic body. It has the power to “heal the healer” and is a valuable amulet for empaths. Prehnite supports magickal learning at a safe and sustainable pace. It unlocks gifts of empathy and clairsentience. Some users report that it aids in past-life recall.

Pyrite

Pyrite is a cubic mineral often called “fool’s gold” —but only a fool would neglect its magickal uses. Pyrite’s mirror-like surfaces are said to deflect negativity and ill luck when carried as a charm. Its name comes from the Greek word for “fire” —like flint, Pyrite-bearing stones can make sparks when struck together. A mineral of the Sun, Pyrite is associated with all the Apollonian qualities: Logic, success, clarity, confidence, and vitality. Pyrite’s resemblance to gold nuggets makes it an obvious choice for money-drawing magick.

Red Goldstone

Red Goldstone (or Red Sandstone) is a red-orange gem with tiny golden sparkles throughout. It is formed by adding copper salts to molten glass using a unique cooling process. It is a Root/Sacral chakra stone that encourages creativity, confidence, and drive.

Red Jasper

Red Jasper is a strongly protective and healing stone. Historically, Red Jasper has been a talisman of warriors and a token of strength. The red color comes from deposits of iron oxide. This iron resonates with the Root Chakra and with the blood, and aids a person with grounding to the stabilizing energies of the earth. Red Jasper promotes vibrancy, endurance, and stability.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a pink gemstone with veins of black Manganese creating a marbled look. All mixed stones are thought to aid in reconciling and balancing opposing energies. Rhodonite is a particularly powerful healing stone for relationships. It encourages clear communication, emotional stability, and releasing of fear from the heart.

Rose Quartz

The sweetheart of the crystal world, Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love. Rose Quartz emits a calm, peaceful energy. It soothes the heart and helps one to overcome past suffering. Wear an amulet of Rose Quartz to learn to become more loving and more able to accept love from others. Rose Quartz is commonly used in love-drawing spells and charms.

Ruby Fuchsite

Ruby Fuchsite is two minerals in one—precious red Ruby and soft green Fuchsite. It is a popular mineral for healing wands and massage stones. A heart-centered stone, Ruby Fuchsite encourages personal transformation, compassion, and trust in others. Ruby Fuchsite is an excellent emotional healer. It helps with self-integration and balancing the messages of the intellect and intuition. Ruby Fuchsite instills a sense of peace and protects the user from negative emotions brought on by the words and actions of others.

Selenite

Selenite is a variety of gypsum, a mineral related to Quartz. It is known as the stone of clarity, and is renowned by crystal lovers for its high vibrational frequency and peaceful energy. Selenite resonates with the Crown chakra, helping to connect the use with higher wisdom and intuition. It gently opens all the chakras, preparing the etheric body for energy work. It is an excellent choice for meditation, healing work, and spiritual discovery. Selenite is quite soft—softer than most of the other crystals on this list—so don’t soak it in water or let it knock around with your other stones.

Serpentine

With its spotted green and black appearance, Serpentine is named for its resemblance to snakeskin. Sometimes called “New Jade,” Serpentine is found in various patterns in deposits around the world. It was known to the ancients, who used it as a talisman against snakebites and poisons. Serpentine is one of the most psychically active Earth stones, and some specimens contain deposits of Magnetite (natural magnetic stone). Serpentine encourages the unlocking of magickal secrets and observation of the spiritual planes. It is an excellent complement to wisdom-seeking and shamanic practices. Partner with Serpentine for rites of initiation, deep meditation, and working with kundalini energy. Because its powerful energy can be disruptive, Serpentine is often paired with balancing and grounding crystals.

Sodalite

Beautiful, swirly Sodalite is mainly blue with deposits of White Calcite mixed in. It is related to the stone Lapis Lazuli. Sodalite is an excellent stone for promoting mental clarity and self-expression. Because Sodalite’s blue hue resonates with the Throat Chakra, it is said to aid communication. Sodalite helps dispel anger, helping the user handle difficult situations with grace. It may stimulate latent psychic and creative abilities.

Snowflake Obsidian

Snowflake Obsidian is a type of natural volcanic glass, created when grey crystals form in rapidly cooling black lava. Obsidian has long been considered an especially magickal stone. It is strongly protective and cleansing. Use Obsidian to banish negative energy, and to delve deeply into inner truths. Obsidian is a gemstone but not, precisely speaking, a crystal—the molecular structure is amorphous rather than crystalline.

Sunstone

As its name hints, Sunstone is bursting with gentle solar energy. It brings warmth and radiance to meditative or magickal practice. It is a stone of leadership and personal power, as well as abundance and generosity. Sunstone combines the fiery power of the Sun with the grounding Earth energies, making it an excellent stone for manifesting your desires. Use Sunstone to strengthen your resolve, boost charisma, banish doubts, and inject fresh positive energy into any project or relationship. Most consider Sunstone to be a Sacral Chakra stone, but it can also awaken and soothe the Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras.

Tiger’ Eye

Tiger’s Eye is a natural Quartz-based stone that comes in gold, red, and blue varieties. Gold Tiger’s Eye corresponds to the Solar Plexus Chakra. Tiger’s Eye combines the brilliant energy of the sun with the grounding properties of earth and stone. Using Tiger’s Eye is said to improve focus, will, and personal power. Just like the fierce animal that is its namesake, Tiger’s Eye inspires courage and grace—and the ability to act decisively without illusion.

Unakite

This unique stone was first discovered in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina. It is a granite-like stone with mottled green and pink patterns. Its other name, Epidote, means “growing together” in Greek. In crystal healing, Unakite is used to draw off negative energy from the Heart Chakra. It is said to encourage confidence and healthy balance, and to aid in resolving personal differences.

I hope that this was informative and helpful. If so, tell me in the comments below.