Articles — magick

Pennies, acorns, and cracks: The magickal truths behind 7 old superstitions

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Pennies, acorns, and cracks: The magickal truths behind 7 old superstitions

"I don't really believe in it, but I'll do it just in case." That's the definition of a superstition. Even though such practices seem quaint or illogical, some part of you feels that you should heed them...just in case. Superstitions are remnants of old occult beliefs preserved in folklore for the rational age. If you practice magick, as I do, it's easy to see that many folk sayings conceal old truths about how magick works. Their core ideas are so old and so true that they cannot be erased. Though we may think of them as relics of a religious...

Read more →

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...

Read more →

The no-nonsense smudging guide: Easy tips and tricks for clearing your space

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The no-nonsense smudging guide: Easy tips and tricks for clearing your space

Freshen up your life with the cleansing power of herbal incense! Smudging questions are some of the most common ones we get around the shop, so I’ve put them together in little bundle (heh). We cover why and when to smudge, some popular smudging herbs, and other questions people ask about smudging and space cleansing.  Skip to the bottom of this article for a sample smudging ritual that is easy to do and suitable for most situations. What is smudging? Smudging is the practice of spiritual cleansing with smoke, especially from sacred herbs.  You can smudge a person, a place,...

Read more →

Graveyard magick: A Witch's guide

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Graveyard magick: A Witch's guide

Just about every Witch loves to poke around in old cemeteries and graveyards. And yet, actually doing magick in graveyards is a guarded subject, even among people who practice their craft without shame. Is it discomfort with death? Fear of not being taken seriously? The overwhelming influence of the white-light crowd? Who knows. Graveyards are often associated with curses and hexes, with secrecy, with people who take angsty selfies and write vampire poems—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s a handy Witch’s guide to finding, exploring and working within graveyards—no black nail polish required. Why Graveyards? Graveyards are...

Read more →

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...

Read more →