Articles — spells

Purple candle magick

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Purple candle magick

Wisdom, dreams, and psychic vision. That’s what it says on the product page for our Basic Purple Candle. But what if you want to know more? Welcome to the first installment in our advanced color magick series. This article takes a long look at aaaaaallll (well, most) of the things you can do with a purple candle. Purple is one of the most versatile and magickal colors. Here’s an overview of the types of spells you can cast with just a simple purple candle: Wisdom and spiritual attainment Psychic awakening Honoring and remembering the dead Friendship spells (lavender) Making a...

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Eight famous magickal oils (and how to use them)

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Eight famous magickal oils (and how to use them)

A row of little potions with colorful names and indescribable fragrances: Uncrossing Oil, Black Cat Oil, Four Thieves…where did they come from, and what are they used for? Most of these oils have their origins in American rootwork, Hoodoo, or Conjure. They were developed by magick workers in rural and minority communities, and the recipes were often passed down by word of mouth. Families might hang on to a formula for generations, or an apprentice of the magickal arts could learn them from an elder teacher. Conjure oils are often partially descended from—and yet distinct from—Western high magick. It’s not...

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The candle signs dictionary (What does it mean when my candle does that?)

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The candle signs dictionary (What does it mean when my candle does that?)

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...

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The magick of seashells

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

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...

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The Fiery Wall of Protection

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The Fiery Wall of Protection

The Fiery Wall of Protection is a folk magick ritual to stop someone from bothering you. Like most spells that have been passed down through oral traditions, it has countless variations. A Fiery Wall can be constructed with just a few household items—and of course, your properly focused will. Here is a very simple recipe for a Fiery Wall of Protection. (The way I learned it from my teachers, with a few personal notes added.) I call it the quick-and-dirty version. Anybody can do this spell and see positive results almost immediately. You can customize this spell to your individual...

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