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The witch's home bar: 6 occult-inspired bottles to charm your guests

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The witch's home bar: 6 occult-inspired bottles to charm your guests

Everyone knows that witches throw the best parties…but what do you pour when witches gather? No dry-ice Halloween cocktails or gummy snakes or blood-red punch on this list. We’re interested in the real top-shelf mojo: Bottles with a witchy heritage, the patronage of a Pagan deity, or mind-bending botanicals. Whether you’re stocking your bar for an evening Sabbat, or you’re a full-time witchy imbiber, here’s six witch-approved bottles to sample at your leisure. (No, I don’t recommend trying them all in one evening...or all in one drink.) Taste these libations on their own, or get creative with magickal mixed beverages....

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All about wand woods: Magick and meaning from Alder to Zebrawood

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

All about wand woods: Magick and meaning from Alder to Zebrawood

Welcome to the world of woods! As a wand-maker (or wand purchaser), you may wish to know more about the different woods that lend their character to your magickal tools. This list is alphabetical and includes many of the most common wand woods. The woods on this list are drawn from three broad categories: The traditional Celtic (Ogham) trees, domestic trees that are more commonly found in American parks and backyards, and the exotic imported woods that are favored by luxury wandmakers. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a start. I’ve included an overview of each tree, personal notes...

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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...

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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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Gemstones and their meanings: 40 stones for magick and meditation

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

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...

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