Pumpkin Magick

Pumpkin Magick

This is a revising of an older post since I learned some more pumpkin lore.

It's that time of year again so it is good to remember that your favorite decorative gourd is not only edible but also (if you believe in such things) a protection charm.

First, every component of the classic Pumpkin Spice mixture is a ward against evil and negativity and also an attractor for luck. This includes Cinnamon, Nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Not only that but you will find that for over a decade now most pumpkin spice confections, at least in the USA, contain actual pumpkin, whether dried pumpkin or pumpkin puree. In the US it's very hard (today) to find a pumpkin spice beverage or confection without actual pumpkin as an ingredient now.

Once upon a Time Pumpkin Spice used to just mean the spice mixture one adds to Pumpkin Pie but after Starbucks started adding real pumpkin to their Pumpkin Spice latte, a trend was started that almost everything Pumpkin spice would now carry actual pumpkin.

Though incorporating actual pumpkin to the pumpkin spice confections is relatively new, the use of pumpkins for Halloween is not. And their protective power is old as well.

The flower of a pumpkin plant is a five-pointed star that blooms for only roughly thirteen hours out of a day. It will wither and fall away but regenerate until fertilized into a pumpkin or until the first frost. The five-pointed star is considered sacred geometry by the Ancient Greeks. It is Sacred to many NeoPagans, Druids, Wiccans, And Baha’i. It is also the ward against werewolves, demons, (and if you have faith in its power) against vampires as well as other supernatural threats. The five-pointed star is an ancient symbol for the elements of nature (Water, Fire, Earth, air, and spirit) and of magick as magick is the heart of nature. The fact that a pentacle is the shape of a pumpkin flower might be a subtle reason why the pumpkin was chosen as the jack-o-lantern of the new world. Similarly, apples were considered, by some, to have magical and sacred potential because if you cut them in half you could see a star formation at the core.

Many people who do not grow pumpkins don’t realize that the pumpkin flower is a five-pointed star (Pentacle) of yellow-orange golden color. The pumpkin flower, itself, is an ancient symbol if protection and magick.

It is believed that if you eat the stalk (stem) of a pumpkin you will be cursed to be a fool. Personally, I think that if you ate a pumpkin’s stem it may be a little late for that. You were already a fool. Try to only eat the flesh and seeds of a pumpkin, not the stem.

In China pumpkins are a symbol of fertility.

It is sometimes believed that giving a woman a pumpkin or something with a pumpkin depiction on it will aid in getting pregnant. Some women will eat pumpkin-based foods to try to improve chances of pregnancy. Pumpkins are a plant considered sacred to The Mother. Meanwhile pumpkin seeds or small, young pumpkins, represent The Maiden, and hollowed out pumpkins represent the crone of the Triple Goddess. But a whole pumpkin that is fresh and ripe is symbolically The Mother. While the pumpkin flower (a five pointed star that blooms for about thirteen hours at a time) represents magick itself.

When dust particles in the air give the full moon an orange-ish tint this is a pumpkin moon. A blood moon (lunar eclipse) may also be considered a pumpkin moon. A blood moon is believed to have wild magical energy.

One superstition in regard to pumpkins is that if you point at a growing pumpkin it will cause the spirit of the pumpkin to become bashful and shy and the pumpkin will start to rot.

Another superstition says it is best to plant pumpkins on good Friday however it is known that if you plant a pumpkin before the last frost of the season, it will die. Contradicting the notion of planting pumpkins on Good Friday is the rhyme “Plant Pumpkin Seeds in May and they’ll all run away. Plant Pumpkin Seeds in June and they will grow soon.”

If a cat eats pumpkin it will cure the cat of excessive hairballs.

It is believed that eating pumpkin will cure constipation.

Jack-o-lanterns have been a protection ward against wandering spirits for centuries. The Tale of stingy Jack says that he was a wandering soul not granted access to Heaven or Hell and The Devil and his minion laughed at him and tossed on an ember from Hell to light his way. Jack carved out a turnip to use as a lantern and placed the ember inside of it. But Jack was a coward so if he saw similar lanterns he'd flee an area. Over time the belief became that these carved turnips would ward off all wandering spirits and malevolent entities.

When the Irish came to America, they started to carve their Jack-o-lanterns out of pumpkins. Most pumpkins were larger and easier to carve. Also they taste better when cooked and incorporated into foods. It also became a common belief that the pumpkin worked just as well as (if not better than) turnip Jack-o-lanterns.

It is believed that on Halloween night Jack-o-lanterns provide the most protection though they can work all year long (so long as you can make one). If you keep a Jack-o-lantern lit all night long it promises good luck for the year. If it burns out before midnight (however) or if it is blown out, that invites wandering ghosts into your home and possible bad luck. This is why you should never blow out a Jack-o-lantern's candle but instead let it burn out naturally.

It is believed that if you carry a Jack-o-lantern (or even just a replica of one) with you on Halloween it will protect you from wandering ghosts while out and about. A lit one is best but a depiction of one on clothes or jewelry, or an artificial Jack-o-lantern also works. This may be the unconscious reason so many traditional trick or treat buckets are made to resemble Jack-o-lanterns. This superstition works for any hollowed-out pumpkin or something resembling it carried on Halloween. This may also include a small artificial pumpkin.

And finally we have Pumpkin seeds.

It is believed that eating pumpkin seeds will cure an “excessively passionate nature.” Whether this means carnal urges or intense emotions is unclear. There have been real studies into pumpkin seeds’ ability to reduce anxiety and depression. Eating roasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas (small roasted pumpkin seeds) can possibly work as a mild mood stabilizer and sleep aid.

It's an old Eastern European belief that a pile of grain or seeds might distract a vampire, who will feel compelled to count the seeds rather than prey on the intended victim. There was the great New England Vampire panic in the late eighteenth century and nineteenth century.

Many Native Americans considered pumpkin to be one of the "three sisters" as important as corn and beans. Not only was it a source of nutrition but it was thought that pumpkin could keep away some pests and pumpkin seeds were used in medicine.

It is scientific fact that L-tryptophan is found in pumpkin seeds. This is a natural sleep aid and mood booster. A mild, natural, anti-depressant. Eating roasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas (small pumpkin seeds) can help drive away sleeplessness and negativity.

Negatively a superstition has it that if you feed a cow pumpkin seeds the cow will stop producing milk.

An old superstition is that if you eat pumpkin seeds it will cure worms and intestinal parasites. Since pumpkin is high in fiber and considered a natural stool softener and can aid in constipation it could be that this belief comes from pumpkin helping to expel the infection.

So there you have it.

Pumpkins (in the modern version of the Pumpkin spice mixture that contains pumpkin too) works as a ward against evil.

Carved Pumpkin Jack-o-lanterns drive away wandering spirits and malevolent entities.

Pumpkin seeds can ward off vampires, aid with sleep, and improve mood- driving away negative feelings.

Pumpkins may be "basic" but there is a practical magick to them.

At 11:47 PM (Eastern US time) the moon will be completely full. This is The Hunter's Moon also known as the Harvest Moon. It is the most powerful (magical) full moon of the year (outside of blood moons and blue Moons).

It is also the first Super moon of the year. The moon will appear fifteen percent brighter and larger than usual tonight.

For those who practice such things, this is a good night for making moon water and charging crystals.

Also beware of werewolves. The transformations tend to be more intense this time of year. Wear your silver and pentacles if you plan to venture out.

About a month ago I saw a witchy tips post with all the uses of salt, mostly for protection against evil, warding, and luck.

The list was pretty basic like how salt can be used to drive away evil spirits. (This is where the superstition of sprinkling salt over your shoulder comes from) or how a circle of salt can protect against black magick and evil forces.

The tips were mostly correct until there was one for "attracting wealth" by placing your bank card (Debit card) in salt.

Please do NOT do this! This is as foolish and as harmful as smudging (with sage) when used on antique books. (smoke damages book paper and binding.) There are other non-invasive ways to cleanse used books such as with crystals.

Now with cards and salt, the salt can get into the card and damage both the magnetic strip and the microchip inside the card. You can damage your card and accidentally render it unreadable.

Incantation vs. Chant and Baby Brooms

I don't know if someone has coined a similar term before me but I've started calling the younger / online witches and witch Wiccans Baby brooms.

Now, Baby brooms, what's with the "Chants"? Back in my day... century, we called them incantations. If it's a vocal spell and you're putting your will into it, and or it has "So mote it be" in there it's an incantation. You diminish the intended power when you call it a chant.

A chant is more like "We got spirit! How about you?" at a high school prep rally.

What you are doing is an incantation. Can we please bring back to the correct terms and acknowledge that there are spells that require nothing more than a voice? Not all spells require candles, herbs, or crystals. Sometimes the power is in your own words.

The whole reason why some people cast these spells in different languages from your own or in rhyme is because it makes you focus more on the words and the intention and meaning behind them. It makes you weave your will into the words.

That, baby brooms, is an incantation, not a "chant."

It's time to leave high school and enter the Scholomance.

During this time of year it's good to remember that the popular pumpkin spice flavor you find all over North America is also a configuration of protection against evil.

Every ingredient in the traditional Pumpkin spice mixture is a herb or spice used to repel evil or bad luck and invite good luck (like cinnamon).

Thirty or so years ago "Pumpkin spice" was just the term for the spice mixture you usually would add to pumpkin pie but in the last few decades most Pumpkin spice flavored confections, drinks, or deserts would contain some pumpkin and for the last two centuries Irish immigrants in America have used pumpkins to carve Jack-o-lanterns. Jack-o-lanterns were not merely for decoration. They were wards against evil and wandering spirits.

Though originally carved from turnips, Irish immigrants found pumpkin Jack-o-lanterns, to be just as effective if not more so in warding off of evil or wandering spirits. (Pumpkin also tastes better and is easier to carve).

So even the pumpkin when pumpkin is one of the ingredients, is also a protection ward against evil.

The popular flavor of the autumn is a strong protection ward against evil. :-P Now what clever witch went out of their way to shift all of pop culture so that the majority of US and Canadians are drinking or eating, (or decorating with) a protection spell mixture all through the season when spirits wander?

The Black Moon and Magick

What is a Black Moon? A black moon is when you have two New Moons in a month the way a Blue Moon is two full Moons in a month.

A seasonal Blue Moon is when there's an extra full moon in a season. And Seasonal Black Moon is when you have an extra New Moon in a season.

This August has a Seasonal Black moon on August 22nd and August 23rd.

What use is black moonlight in magick?

1. Black Moonlight (actually shadow) is useful for de-hexing, removing minor curses, hexes, or the evil eye.

2. Under Black Moonlight is the perfect time to cast counter-spells ore remove spells. This is the time for lifting spells or charms you don't want anymore, or ending things. Spells for ending relationships, or to end troubling thoughts- this is when to cast them, it's a time for ending things, change.

3. You can make a (unfortunately volatile) moon water, only really useful for warding and de-hexing. It can be used for removing minor curses and amplify certain spells such as counter-curses, justice spells, spells to end things like bad relationships, or bad memories haunting you. Similarly you can charge crystals and stones or amulets with the power of black moonlight (shadow) including pentacle wards against werewolves or similar entities.

4. Black Moon Water can be used as a blood substitute during a binding ritual to make a pet familiar or even a human familiar (Must have consent if you intend to claim a human familiar!) The night of a black moon is also the perfect time to ritualistically claim and create your familiar (Pet or human). (Again I remind you, that human familiars must be claimed with consent. It's meant to be an eternal transformation, to be claimed and kept by another magical praticitioner).

5. Black Moonlight (and black moon water) can weaken a werewolf. During the black moon a werewolf will be at their most human and weakest and at their least wolf-like. If you intend to try to "cure" werewolfism (and there are a few spells for it) this is the time to cast it.

During a Black Moon werewolves and those who feel a kinship to wolves may feel something similar to extreme fatigue or even flu-like symptoms. Witches who practice Moon based magicks may experience similar symptoms or even a sense of their power waning. Don't be alarmed. This is only temporary. Take it easy and sleep it off. When the moon light returns you will be fine.

6. Black Moons are when most moon based magicks can be undone, countered, or even just temporarily break. (Some may re-activate when the moon is again visible).

7. Spells to do with shadows or shadow work will be extra potent during a Black Moon. It is also a good time for cloaking spells, invisibility or aversion spells too.

8. Black Moon nights are ideal for Oneiromancy (dream based magick) or dream walking. It is a night to show appreciation to Phobetor AKA Ikalus (or Icalus, not to be confused with Icarus) the Oneiro of Nightmares. Appreciating him could lead to the reward of inspiration for horror writing, art, or Gothic poetry. Morpheus (giver of dreams that are true or at least symbolically true) also can be shown appreciation on a Black Moon night though being a shaper of forms Morpheus tends to seem to have a preference for nights with moonlight. it's Phobetor who usually works with shadows. Phantasos (giver of fantasy) can be shown appreciation during the waxing or full moon.

9. If you want to be scary, face your fears, or conquer your fears, the black moon is the time to do it. Show respect to Phoebetor, weaver of nightmares for aid in such matters during the Black Moon. Wander a meadow or forest and / or dance in the shadows in his honor.

10. Black Moons are ruled over by the Queen (Crone) aspect of the Triple Goddess. It's a time to ask for justice or to appreciate the wise sage aspect of The Triple Goddess. Her sigil is the right facing crescent of the triple moon sigil.

You can leave an offering to her and perhaps an offering to Phobetor (God of Nightmares) during the Black Moon, depending on your needs. If you need justice or wish to show appreciation to the Triple Goddess, that is for the Crone. If you want inspiration while writing a scary story or a Halloween display, or just something decidedly Gothic- the one you want is Phobetor.

11. Ghostly activity or shadow person activity might increase during a Black Moon. Your best defense if out and you sense something watching you or following you is to head for running water. Most of these entities of wandering spirits will not cross running water. If you have a Jack-o-lantern (even an artificial one) it can work as a protection ward against wandering spirits.

12. Black Moonlight is the time for secrets or anything secretive where even The Moon won't watch you.

13. A Seasonal Black Moon indicates that something big is ending. And that also means something new can begin.

Wicca and Faith Magick

I think something that some magical practitioners that dismiss and belittle Wicca don't consider is that the aspect of Wicca that many don't like (The rule of three) might be the faith's greatest strength. Wiccans believe that whatever you do, good or bad, comes back to you three times over. Now, I know there are many magical practitioners who don't believe in the rule of three and that is their provocative. There are practitioners who see the injustice in the world and for this reason they cannot bring themselves to even believe in a form of karma. There is some loose scientific basis for belief in Karma, such as the law of conservation in physics. And Newton's Third law of motion. "For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction." The golden rule "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you." exists in some form in most faiths but Wicca is one of the few to believe that positive and negative actions can have a trifold effect. Now, here's the power a lot of people don't realize. Similar to the notion of the Tulpa or more precisely Egregore there is a concept called Faith Magick where the belief that something is true is strong enough to make a thing manifest. This is part of why and how people who believe themselves to be werewolves (people with Lycanthropy) often produce physical manifestations as if they truly are a werewolf. The line is so blurred that the term to mean being a werewolf and believing one is a werewolf are one and the same. Faith magick accounts for why (for some people) prayer seems to work, or blessed water. Sometimes the belief is enough to will a manifestation of form or action. And I, myself, have witnessed the "Rule of Three" not merely work on Wiccans but also manifest on those who have done wrong to specific Wiccans or done good by them as well. Whether consciously or unconsciously, some Wiccans appear to be projecting their faith and using Faith Magick to make the rule of three manifest on those they interaction with, even if it's someone who may not necessarily even believe in the rule of three or think that they deserve any reward or consequence. I am not necessarily saying that the rule of three is true but sometimes a belief in something can be strong enough to influence a person, their environment, and even those they interact with. Those who unconsciously wield Faith Magick (in any faith) may be more powerful than any actual Hex or curse (which are usually forbidden by Wiccans because of the Wiccan Rede. "And it harm none, do as thou wilt.") It's an interesting phenomenon that should be observed. Which is strongest? The manifestation caused by faith or the de-manifestation caused by the lack of faith? I actually suspect it's not an even match up and that perhaps some (not necessarily all) Wiccans can passively project the rule of three on those who interact with them, for better or worse. And remember, Sage won't protect against Karma.

So Auras are real now...

So it was discovered that all living things emit a light (an aura) that usually can't be seen. And that light goes out when the body dies.

It's on a molecular level and caused by what scientists are calling bio photons. That just means light particles in living organisms.

Auras are real. Scientists can see the aura on a molecular level. Think of all the times people have made fun of spiritualists for talking about auras.

The magick of teas

Disclaimer: I only slept about three hours when writing this so if you can make sense of my typos or random use of the wrong word, I appreciate it.

Every so often I see joke posts about making soup or tea as a magical potion but... that is a potion. Chicken Soup is one of the oldest, most culturally accepted, mild healing potions.

It's a rebellion against traditionally feminine roles that has lead to a decline in "Kitchen witchcraft" but soups and teas, in particular, have been potions for centuries. And a lot of it has been accepted as medicinal science. Herbal remedies are how we discovered aspirin from willow bark, for example.

So with some folk superstition / magick mingled with herbalism and actual medical knowledge I present to you a short list of teas and their magical purposes.

First a bit of folk magick for all teas. Stir clockwise AKA Sunwise (Deosil) to induce a spell and to infuse and intention into your tea. Stir counter-clockwise to end or undo something, such as a perceived hex. Put your intention or desire into the stirring.

Adding honey to the tea helps with mild coughs and sore throats. And yes, you can add sugar and / or cream or milk to any tea. It won't compromise the magick. Raw honey is especially good in medicinal teas because raw honey is a natural, mild antibiotic.

All teas help with hydration so that won't be mentioned here in the list of medicinal and magical properties.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a substitution for medications. Always consult your own physician whenever possible for medical concerns.

Home remedy and magical uses for tea:

Hibiscus tea = Good for helping to regulate blood pressure.

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White tea - Relieves upper raspatory infections / head colds and may help to prevent colds. High in antioxidants.

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Green tea - Also helps with head colds. Ginseng has many medicinal properties so yes, even Arizona's iced green tea with honey and ginseng is a remedy. I tend to crave it when I'm feeling under-the-weather. Green tea is high in antioxidants though white tea might have more antioxidants, which is why I listed that one first.

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Peppermint - Aids with indigestion or upset stomach. Also freshens breath. Can aid with heartburn. When mixed with sugar and light cream or half-and-half (half-cream / half-milk) or with just milk, it becomes a desert beverage that might help induce a seasonal Yule-like sensation. If treating a stomach ailment, it might be best to leave out any cream or milk. Sugar is perfectly fine and will not interfere with its medicinal properties.

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Spearmint - Calms some mild stomach ailments. Freshens breath.

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Catnip in tea - Relieves stomach pain in humans (Part of the mint family).

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Valarian root - Natural sedative. Valarian root will aid in sleep. (This works so long as you are not ADHD. Usually works for neurotypical people, sometimes works if you're not. You may want to test it on yourself first. Some neurodivergent people have had adverse reactions).

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Vervain AKA Verbena in tea or as its own tea - When consumed this tea induces a temporary protection against vampiric powers such as hypnosis. (No, this is not just in vampire diaries. I used to think it was just a vampire diaries thing too.)

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Hibiscus, rosehips, and cinnamon - Nostalgia tea. This tea can help calm you and invoke fond memories of the winter season, particularly of Yule / Christmas. It can induce a comforting, warm feeling.

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Herbal tea mixture: Chamomile, tilia flowers, valerian root. spearmint, lemongrass, and hawthorn. = Sleep aid tea. Relaxes and helps bring on sleep. (This works so long as you are not ADHD. Usually works for neurotypical people, sometimes works if you're not. You may want to test it for yourself first. Some neurodivergent people have had adverse reactions). A name brand version is, of course, Celestial Seasonings' Sleepy Time Tea and Sleepy Time Extra Tea. (stronger variation.)

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English breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea, and Scottish breakfast tea. = Stimulant. This will wake you up more quickly and more potently than ordinary black tea. They are listed here in order of weakest to strongest. Scottish breakfast tea, when brewed just right, is stronger than coffee.

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Lemon tea = Aids in sore throat and helps with singing / vocal range. Also usually contains vitamin C so it can help with sinus infections, upper raspatory infections / head colds and preventing them. This works best without cream or milk.

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Ginger tea = Helps with upset stomach. Similar to how ginger ale (with real ginger) helps. When sweetened this will usually taste like flat ginger ale. This works best without cream or milk. Honey or sugar are optional. With the right amount of sugar it will have a similar taste to flat ginger ale.

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Chamomile tea = This one will aid with mild fever, inflammation, and menstrual cramps. It also can help to relax and calm you.

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Rose tea (Particularly wild rose) = Will ward off demons and vampires.

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Herbal blend: Rose (Particularly wild rose), Hawthorne, and verbena (AKA Vervain) (garlic optional though I don't recommend it as it ruins the flavor) = vampire warding tea. Will also work on some demons.

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Chai = Dispels negativity and can invoke luck with its cinnamon content.

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Black tea = Has mild medicinal properties. Many find it comforting and familiar. It can invoke a sensation of the autumn and when consumed near the end of summer it may help seem to speed along the arrival of autumn and cooler weather.

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Pumpkin spice tea - This is black tea mixed with the traditional "Pumpkin spice" spice mixture and usually also with dried pumpkin added. This tea works as a protection against evil, wandering ghosts, bad luck, demons, and some black magick.

The spices in the Pumpkin Spice mixture such s cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc are all spices used in protection and luck charms. Even the the dried pumpkin is a protection ward against evil since Irish immigrants to North America started using pumpkin in the carving of Jack-o-lantern protection wards (as opposed to the more traditional turnip Jack-o-lanterns used in Ireland). It was believed that the pumpkin versions worked just as well if not better than the traditional turnip versions.

Name brand variations of Pumpkin Spice tea include Celestial Seasonings' Sweet Harvest Pumpkin and Bigelow's Pumpkin Spice tea. (Personally I prefer the Bigelow version because the Celestial Seasonings version has Roasted Chicory and I'm not a fan of the taste of that. But the Bigelow version also contains licorice root, which is often considered a tea filler / sweetener, and I know some people don't like that one. So check the ingredients or mix and match to make your own.)

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Warm sweet apple cider (Cloudy apple juice, also available as Motts' "Natural" version of their apple juice. NOT hard cider. This is the alcohol-free kind) can help to invoke a sensation of the autumn and invoke autumn weather. And when mixed with a little cinnamon or cinnamon and nutmeg or pumpkin spice-like seasoning configurations, can ward against evil and bad luck. This can also be served chilled but warmed brings out the fragrance and helps with any attempt at autumn weather spells.

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Another natural sleep aid beverage is milk served slightly warm (Body temperature) or even at room temperature, mixed with a drop of vanilla extract (or to your liking), and raw honey. (If you don't have raw honey, regular is fine.) This sweet mixture will taste like melted vanilla ice cream when blended correctly and can aid against insomnia.

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A warning, J. K. Rowling discusses a wolfsbane tea in Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban. Do not attempt to make ANY tea containing wolfsbane, in case this wasn't common sense. Wolfsbane, AKA aconite, AKA Monkshood, is a highly deadly neurotoxin with no antidote. It will kill anything!

Ugh! Why do I torture myself by joining Facebook Witchcraft groups?

On a Witchcraft group I joined someone asked where the idea of moon water came from, the idea of the Eclipse being chaos energy, and the idea of magick being energy came from.

She got several replies but annoyingly there was at least one person who blamed Tumblr, and three or four who blamed TikTok, while others said things like "I've been practicing Witchcraft for forty years and never heard of it until recently! Definitely invented by TikTok!"

Okay, kids, if you don't actually know something, don't assume. I don't care if you're been practicing for forty-years. If you only had one book and were practicing alone in a suburban garage, you haven't been exposed to much.

According to folklorist / historian Briana Saussy, The notion of moon water dates back to the 1860s where it was actually being used by some small Christian groups, leaving water out under the full moon, but the tradition dates back further than that and can be found in Sami culture and some Native American nations.

The eclipse being considered "Chaos" is from the logic leap tied to the notion that the power of the full moon is suddenly being infused by the presence of a shadow the color of blood. There's a lot of symbolism in that. "The moon will turn blood red" was a sign of the end days in Revelations (New Testament) but that comes from pre-Christian beliefs that associated eclipses with signs of great incoming change. Because of this the notion that lunar eclipses are unpredictable was introduced, possibly during Dianistic cultist practices in the Hellenistic era.

As they are symbols of change and change can be chaotic this is where the logic leap comes from, it's mostly fear of change because change can be good or bad.

Magick being considered energy is tied to nineteenth century hermeticism and early twentieth century theoretical physics when magick was being associated with thermodynamics and later concepts like psychokinetic energy, which was borrowed by Dan Aykroyd for the Ghostbusters franchise (PKE Meter). Just because it's new doesn't mean it's wrong. The Chinese notion of Chi was an early descriptor of this with different wording.

BWAHAHAHA! This (see attached meme) is for the idiot who don't realize the "Satanic" version is Upside down (inverted). Thinking the right side up pentacle is evil is like thinking the upside down cross and regular cross are also both demonic.

I know not all Christians are that stupid but some are. It's like thinking The Star of David is evil (and I've actually come across some antisemites who think that).

For anyone too stupid to get it (see picture) the one on the left is the evil one. The one on the right is good / protection.

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Inverted / upside down pentagram = Supposedly demonic. (Much like the Saint Peter's cross - Upside down across, stolen by supposed Satan worshippers).

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Right side up Pentacle:

Ancient Greek = Sacred geometry. Sigil of pythagoras (Father of modern mathematics and music).

Folk Christian belief / Catholicism = The symbol on the ring given to King Solomon by the Archangel Michael to ward off and bind demons and djinn (Geanies).

Medieval Europe = Found in stain glass windows and carvings on Christian Churches to signify the five wounds of Christ.

Fifteenth to nineteenth century Germany = (Also called the drudenfuss) the Pentacle was hung over doorways to ward out demons. In Goethe's Faust it was the only thing that could keep out, trap, or harm the demon Mephistopheles, besides rose petals.

Werewolf lore = (May be with or without the circle) Wards against werewolves, and can prevent a werewolf transformation if worn by a werewolf. (The Wolfman (1941), Dark Shadows (1966 TV series), An American werewolf in London (1981)).

Protection = Also protects against vampires (The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher) if you have faith in it. And protected against The Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow 1999 movie where it was used as a protection ward for loved ones).

Wiccan = Symbol of Faith and respect for nature. Spirit, Water, Fire, Earth, and air. (May be with or without the circle). This is true for other Neo Pagan faiths as well. The circle represents order or unity within the universe. It's not necessary but it is common.

Baha'i = (without the circle) They also call it the Haykal, Belief that all religions have some truth to them. (Apparently the faith of the late Jim Henson.)

I know we should respect all beliefs but I find it so strange that there are people who believe in magick but don't believe in Karma. You can believe in spells but not in a spiritual level equivalent to Newton's third law?!?

My views on Hereditary Witches / Hereditary Wiccans

Now, there are some Neo Pagans, Asatru, Witches, and Wiccans (Particularly British Traditional Wiccans) who say that you need to be initiated into The Craft to count as a true Witch or Wiccan. Even more stringent are those that believe in "Hereditary witch" or "Hereditary Wiccan."

Now, let me establish my totally not rooted-in-racism credentials. (Can you tell I don't like this?!)

My biological father was adopted by the Pike Family of Bermuda and Long Island, New York so I won't be relying in them much as I do not know my blood line on that side and never took a DNA test.

On my mother's side however…

My Aunt Susan was a practicing Chaos Witch. And I'm fairly certain my Aunt Jennifer (who I do not have a very good relationship with) is a practicing witch. She does the typical Sage cleansings, has a book on Candle Magick, and is a seventh daughter. She even gave me a pentacle necklace once as a gift so I'd argue she initiated me if an initiation is required. My Aunt Susan and I had also discussed magical beliefs and the uses of and meaning behind various stones and crystals so that may count.

I also have a younger cousin (Jessica Conroy) who sometimes identifies as a Wiccan.

Everyone on my maternal side has had ghostly encounters, sensed spirits, or interacted with spirits.

An Irish Great great-grandmother was said to have encountered the Family Banshee (Bean Sidhe) before she died. A Family Banshee is a spirit (usually of a deceased relative) who warns of an impending death, having become a Banshee posthumously. If you hear The Banshee it means someone you know will die but if you see the banshee it means you will die.

My late mother believed she sometimes caused street lights to go out simply by being near them, whether intentional or not. These were not the motion activated street lights that shut off and on at the presence of activity. Plain, old fashioned, street lamps.

And going back further than that, my Aunt Jennifer did a 23 and me DNA test and found she is mostly Germanic, and 53% specifically from the Black Forest region of Germany. (as she is my maternal aunt that makes it about twenty-five percent of my own DNA).

The Black Forest is the real world origin for The Enchanted Forest of most German fairy tales. It is said to be home of such figures as Baba Yaga and many other classic witch and werewolf stories. Most of the Grimm Fairy tales can be traced to The Black Forest, it is where they did most of their folklore collecting. The region is supposed to be one of the most haunted locations in Europe.

The Black Forest is also the source of the Danube, where the famed Vladislaus Drakulya (Yes, that Dracula) the III of Wallachia, also known as Vlad Tepes (The Impaler), did battle against Ottoman Turks.

In my Germanic lineage there's also a high chance (unproven) that I am directly or indirectly related to Doktor Johann Georg Faustus (born 1466 or 1480.), the self-proclaimed sorcerer who is the basis for the Faust Legend that was turned into the play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and Faust Parts 1 and 2 by Goethe (The German National Play).

Doktor Johann Georg Faustus has at least two surviving grimoires that can be found today. One of which is The Black Raven, also called The Trifold Cohesion of Hell.

My mother's maiden name was Kuhn. And that name has some unfortunate connections to Nazi Germany but if you go back further than that, the name has connections to werewolves.

A Kuhn collected werewolf folktales. An Adalbert Kuhn, specifically, even wrote the book "Werewolf" in 1859. (Source: University of Pittsburg, Werewolf Legends from Germany). Adalbert wrote of a magical belt that allows for werewolf transformations and a case of a servant who transformed at night to eat livestock. He also described magical methods of how to transform a human back from having been turned into a hare or other animal, including a werewolf, and he described iron's use against werewolves.

Adalbert goes into detail that when a human to animal transformation is deliberate, you can force the person out of animal form by throwing something iron over them. He said that this is called "Making Blank" the witch and that when this happens with a werewolf, the wolf pelt will burst from the forehead crosswise and the naked human will emerge. All the animal to human transformations he describes result a naked human.

Adalbert Kuhn's full name was Franz Felix Adalbert Kuhn and based on my own research it appears I may have inherited my eyesight problems from him. His eyes look a great deal like my own. He was a known folklorist and probable occultist (since he devised counter spells for things like animal transformations and werewolfism).

A Phillip K. Kuhn was an established historian and author in England, born in 1933, roughly four years after my grandfather, James Kuhn (they were likely cousins). Philip K. Kuhn wrote research papers on Asian magical practices and was commended on the respect and consideration he held for the traditions and culture while doing so.

Now back to my paternal line, thought my biological father was adopted my mother suspected he was adopted from one branch of the Pike family, to another branch of that family, so I will only touch on this briefly.

If what my mother had told me is correct that means I’d be related to Robert Pike, (born in England in 1616 and died in in the American colonies in 1706, he was 90). He was a town official, who settled disputes for the settlement of Salisbury and was a vocal opponent to the Salem Witch trials, so much so that he, himself, was suspected of witchcraft. Robert Pike even was excommunicated partly for his defense of those accused of witchcraft and for defending Quakers. He was never officially charged with witchcraft, himself, but he famously spoke out against the witch trials. His excommunication was later undone,and he was reinstated by the very man who ordered his excommunication.

When three Quaker women were sentenced to be whipped in eleven different locations, including Salisbury, for the crime of preaching in public, it was Robert Pike who interceded and violated the “Warrent” that ordered it.

When the women arrived in Salisbury to be whipped he defied the decree and freed them. A plaque about Robert Pike’s defiant and (at the time) controversial stance reads

“"Cut loose these poor ones and let them go; Come what will of it, all men shall know No warrant is good, though backed by the Crown, For whipping women in Salisbury town!"

He actually was vocally against violence toward women, which was unusual for the era.

And in regard to the Salem witch trials he said that it was better that a hundred guilty should go free than for even one innocentsoulto suffer for a crime they didn’t commit.

Robert Pike wrote a long defense for Mary Bradbury(one of the accused witches)and petitioned for reform to the justice system, including the need for substantial evidencebefore a convictionbutMary Bradburywas still hanged.Robert Pike’sdefense of her, though, was used to help reform Massachusetts law after the witch hysteria died down.There is a plaque for him at the Salem Witch museum.

So now that I have established my witchy / occult pedigree, though dubious in some areas, I have only stated all this to validate what I say next for those who would dismiss it as the words of an “outsider.”

And here it goes..

It’s all Bullsh-t. Whether I’m related to the (maybe witch) witch defender, Robert Pike, or the sorcerer Faust, or the werewolf occultist A. Kuhn, or if I have aunts,or a later mother, or cousin,who considered / consider themselves witches, none of that matters.(especially since most of my maternal family is Catholic anyway…)

None of that matters because having a natural predisposition toward magick doesn’t require it coming through bloodlines. If you believe being a witch is genetic, than fine. It’s a sort of mutation that you are naturally incline toward the magical and supernatural, and being a mutation means sometimes it won’t show up in the blood line and sometimes it may happen randomly to someone with no trace of previous family witches. (Hello, Squibs and Muggle-borns! Ugh, I hate using the Harry Potter jargon.)

I think most people can tap into the world of the arcane and even successfully cast spells, it’s just that it comes easier or innately for some.

Even if it can run in families, it had to start randomly at some point. At some point a witch had to come from two non-witches. Even blue eyes started as a mutation, and sometimes still pops up randomly from time to time in lineages with no blue eyes known in the family lines.

My point is I think anyone can be a witch. And I wasted my time writing out four pages of self-research just so the more gate keepy and pretentious might hear me out.

I have English, Irish, and German blood in me (American) and probably a bunch of other bits and pieces too. I think “hereditary witch” nonsense has its roots in xenophobia and racism and it makes me feel dirty to pander to it.

You want to feel special, do something special. Your blood doesn’t matter. The elementals and Ancient Gods don’t care who you are related to. What matters is your soul.

ANYONE can be a witch, DNA test not required.

Note: I DO identify as Wiccan. This is not an Anti-Wiccan post.

It's weird that the burning of white sage to drive out evil spirits - which in turn is causing the over-harvesting of sage, and was also a Native American practice - is the biggest thing most people have against Wicca when claiming the religion "culturally appropriates."

Ironically most of the people I know who burn sage to drive out evil don't even identify as Wiccan. They're Christian and some of them might even be horrified to know it's associated with Wicca since they mistakenly think the "Fluffy bunny religion" is somehow Satanic).

There are actually many other alternatives for driving away evil.

Salt (One of the most effective and easy to access alternatives, simple sprinkle at entrance ways and windows)

Garlic

Roses (especially wild roses)

Cinnamon

Nutmeg (Actually all the ingredients of "Pumpkin spice" including arguably even dried Pumpkin, are protection wards against evil.)

Burning Angelica leaves (to break minor curses)

Protection wards and charms hung at doors and windows

Protection sigils / symbols.

Slamming every door of a house

The color purple (Wards off black magick and curses)

Jack-o-lanterns (Not originally just for Halloween. Pumpkins or Turnip versions- which is what were first used for Jack-o-lanterns, are supposed to drive away evil or wandering spirits).

Blessed water - Wiccan blessed water or Christian Holy water

Sacramental wine (alternatively Welches Sparkling grape juice was originally intended to be a non-alcoholic sacramental wine. And the current incarnation is Kosher).

A mark of Lamb's blood (The myoglobin from grocery store lamb chops will suffice) is supposed to drive away demons or even The Angel of Death.

The list is substantially longer than that but it seems sage is just the lazy, pop culture, option for driving away evil and now it's over harvested and giving Wiccans a bad name by extension.

How to Create a Human Magical Familiar (Quick version)

How to Create a Human Magical Familiar:

The very simplified version.

First: What is a Familiar? Traditionally in magick a Familiar is a spirit that serves a magical practitioner Master. In more recent years it has been used to simply mean the pet of a magical practitioner.

And, yes, there is a way to make a human into your familiar. ________________

Note: Consent, beforehand, is required of the would-be Human Magical Familiar! Remember to gain consent before any of this!

It is preferred that the would-be Familiar have some occult knowledge, experience, and talent. You want wisdom and creativity in the Familiar. Another magical practitioner is preferred in becoming a Human Magical Familiar.

Step 1. Contract: An agreement or contract, verbal or written, or both, must be established where the person consents to becoming the Familiar of a magical practitioner. If the contract is written or printed on paper, it is best that The would-be-Familiar signs it with a little bit of their own blood. A drop will do.

As this is completely done with consent, it does not violate the Wiccan Rede. This spell does not harm. It transforms.

Step 2. Binding Circle: The would be Familiar must stand, sit, kneel, or otherwise be placed inside a circle of salt or white chalk drawn on the floor or ground.

An office chair on wheels is an ideal option if you wish to tie down or otherwise restrain your would-be Familiar for the duration of the ceremony. It also reduces chances of resistance within The Binding Circle or chance of The Familiar trying to leave the binding circle during The Ceremony. Alternatively, the would-be Familiar may also be forced to kneel for the ceremony (with or without restraints). That is an option.

Step 3. Vows: You will have to personalize the oath but the Familiar must pledge themself to their master (or Master and Coven or even just to a coven). They will vow to surrender all of their power and magical potential to the service of their Master or Masters (there can be more than one or an entire coven). The would-be Familiar will surrender themself to their Master(s) forever.

The would-be Familiar acknowledges that from now on they are no longer what they once were (witch, sorcerer, etc.). That now, in the realms of magick, they are magical property, enslaved within The Laws of Magick, a Familiar, and that they give themself to this status willingly.

This pledge of obedience and to be a Familiar can be made specifically by the Familiar or a version directed toward the Familiar by the Master. I.e. "Do you swear to surrender all of yourself to me forever? Do you accept that within the magical community you will now and forever be mine? " And the Familiar provides confirmation. If this is done by an entire coven laying claim to The Familiar, or to certain members of the coven, they may each ask for a similar pledge. "Do you bequeath to us your magical potential in all spell casting purposes? Do you promise to love and obey us? Do you acknowledge that you belong to us, as our Familiar and do you acknowledge us forever, as your Masters?"

The Familiar does not have to be restrained for this part but it is optional. If the restraint chosen is one that prevents speech (i.e. a gag or tape or some other mouth restraint) than confirmation can be given via nodding while the would-be Master asks the vows. The reason a gag or mouth restraint should be considered is the magick taking effect might cause the Familiar to abruptly cry out or scream during the metaphysical transformation. And inability to talk (though temporary) can be symbolic of willing subjugation and submission so there is symbolic meaning there. Note: If you use tape, first make sure the would-be Familiar consents to it. Tape may not be safe. Make sure they can breathe comfortably. If they cannot breathe comfortably do NOT use the tape!

The Familiar should probably be restrained in some way as so they cannot leave the circle until the ritual is done. Tied or chained (in a wheeled office chair is an option that allows easy placement of The Familiar) while preventing breaching the circle.

Iron shackles and manacles are a practical choice and also symbolic of submission to the transformation. Such restraints are also re-usable. It is the choice of the master to restrain, or even gag the Familiar whenever they feel it is necessary, such as during ritual magicks where The Master may channel magical energy from The Familiar, or during sabbats. But if The Familiar does not consent to this from the start of abruptly chooses that this is not acceptable, The Master must heed them.

Step 4. Collaring or marking: While still within a circle big enough for The Familiar to stand in (usually drawn with white salt or white chalk) a collar is gently placed around the throat of the Familiar by the Master, possibly (But not necessarily) bearing a tag that says "Familiar" or "Familiar of (name here) and (Coven name here) or Familiar and the sigil of The Master. A tag is not necessary.

The collar is symbolic. It can also be a pendant, or bracelet, or something bearing their Master’s sigil, or infused with their Master’s power. Something to mark The Familiar as claimed. A pendant of any kind is most discrete.

A literal collar has the most symbolism and significance for the ritual.

If a literal collar is used, the collar is locked in place, usually with a tiny key lock / small pad lock. The Master keeps one key and if the Familiar is shared by the coven, another trusted member of the coven keeps another key in case of emergencies. The Familiar may not take this collar off and should never be told where the key is, if such a collar is used.

The collar (or pendant, bracelet, etc.) is never supposed to come off except to possibly replace it with another collar. Without the collar, or other symbolic marking, The Familiar becomes vulnerable to supernatural entities that might see them as an unclaimed Familiar and possible magical prey. The familiar must always wear something identifying them as a *claimed* Familiar and a collar is best as they ARE a pet. The collar (or other jewelry or marking) is infused with the aura of their Master and shows other magical entities that The Familiar has a Master and is claimed. If the Familiar is placed in a locked collar (recommended) and absolutely needs to remove the collar for medical reasons or going through security at an airport, The Master may remove the collar for them before-hand but a sigil of The Master must be drawn somewhere on The Familiar’s body and that sigil must stay there until the collar can be placed back on. This is not just for kink. A Familiar without a marking of ownership becomes fair game to supernatural predators, and the sigil is actually a safety measure. The act of Collaring can be equated to a marriage ceremony. The Familiar is surrendering themself, their power and their will and The Master is pledging love, comfort, support, and protection. It is a sincere act of trust and love for The Familiar and it is a sense of honor to be so trusted, and a willing and loving responsibility for The Master. It should be treated as seriously as a marriage (if not more so since it is magically binding and not mere BDSM!). ______________________

Step 5. The True Naming: During the collaring a new magical binding is placed on the Familiar by The Master. This is done by giving The Familiar a new True Name during the collaring. While locking the collar (or placing on the jewelry or marking) The Master says “(The Familiar’s True name.) I now name you (True name said again). This is now your True Name! I bind you and claim you (True Name said a third time here) by the Laws of Magick. I am your Master and you are now my Familiar! So mote it be!” A True Name is usually not your legal name. It is the name you most heavily associate with yourself and believe you will recognize as your identity in any discorporate and posthumous form. It is precious and magical and it can tug at your very soul. This can be discussed and or chosen between Master and Familiar before the collaring ceremony. And the name may be whispered into The Familiar’s ear if The Master does not want anyone else to know it. All supernatural entities and magical users respect the power of a True Name. The one who knows your true name can hold dominion over you magically, and this is even more true when giving a new True Name. It is powerful and transformative. It is a type of binding spell, sealing The Familiar’s role as property of Their Master and as a Familiar forever. Note: An already established older True Name of The Familiar or the original True name of The Familiar is optional if The Familiar does not want their True Name changed, but their Master is laying claim to the name by saying it and by extension claiming The Familiar utterly, and must say whatever The Familiar’s True Name is or will be thrice (three times) as the collar or pendant, bracelet, or otherwise marking, is placed on them.

_____________________________

Step 6: The Blood Binding: This one may be substituted as the only step of the Familiarizing ritual if you are in a situation where you must rush but it is advised to go back and do the rest of the ritual later if possible. This is the final step of the ritual of creating A Human Magical Familiar. If The Familiar is restrained against speech the restraint must be removed at this point in the ritual. For a very quick version of Familiarizing AKA Making a Familiar, you can bypass all else that came before and do this step but I do not recommend doing that. Doing only this step should only be in an emergency situation and if possible, later do the complete ceremony.

The Master must feed The Familiar (preferably from a chalice) a mixture of Moon Water (water that had been bathed the waxing, nearly full, or full moon light) mixed with three drops of The Master’s blood. This is an easy spell to assure eternal submissiveness, and loyalty from an animal familiar or magical slave (Human Magical Familiar). If The Familiar is squeamish about drinking blood or there is concern about HIV or other transmittable illness, the three drops of blood can be substituted with a sprinkling of salt with the words “I bind you, O creature of Earth and claim you. You shall obey me forever. So mote it be.” The moon water with salt version is best if an entire coven is claiming The Familiar. “We bind you, O creature of Earth and claim you. You shall obey us forever. So mote it be.” You, as The Master, may have to force feed the moon water and blood mixture or moon water and salt mixture to The Familiar if they chose to be "forcibly" transformed into a Familiar (meaning they consented to being made into a Familiar but admitted in advance they might panic, resist, or struggle later or want to make a show of resisting to increase the sense of being ensnared by the magical forces observing). Needless to say, do not force or trick anyone to drink blood against their will. If The Familiar cannot or will not consent to blood, than the salt and incantation in the water is fine. Whether using The Master’s blood or salt, if the making of The Familiar is intended as an act of contrition, punishment, or being “Forced,” than black moon water is recommended. This is also an option for a more romantic Familiar creation. Black Moon Water is moon water bathed in the “Light” (read: Darkness) of a new moon night that happens to be the second New Moon of a month. It is not necessary but it does add a little more binding power to the spell. It also makes the status of Familiar virtually impossible to leave- it is more fulsome of a binding. On the other hand, Moon water made with Blue Moon Light (a second full moon in a month) grants luck and success, but not necessarily more power, behind the spell. Either is an option. More conventional moon water is fine.

Note: When doing the three drops of your Master’s blood spell for an animal familiar, just hide the three drops of blood in their food. Don’t bother with the water. And do NOT restrain an animal familiar at all. When claiming an animal familiar, just put three drops of The Master’s blood in their food. That is ALL you have to do! A human magical familiar is much more complicated.

After this if the mouth was restrained The Master should probably place the mouth restraint back on The Familiar because within the next few moments is a metaphysical transformation.

The Master should now gently stroke the Familiar’s cheek and then stroke or lightly brush the hair of The Familiar. If the familiar is bald, gently stroke the scalp. Then whisper something comforting in The Familiar’s ear. Even a simple “Well done, (followed by their true name).”

This is a rarity but if the Familiar identifies as (or is suspected of being) a vampire (psychic or blood-drinking), then The Master MUST complete the ritual by driving an iron nail through The Familiar’s shadow. Driving an iron nail through The Familiar’s shadow is an old and slightly obscure superstition on how to enslave a vampire. In such a situation this is absolutely necessary. Even if you only suspect vampire tendencies it is better to be safe than sorry.

If The Familiar truly is a vampire do not be startled to know that this moment may be when The Familiar truly starts to take the situation seriously and might start to show some possible apprehension or instinctive struggle or resistance. If The Familiar just becomes anxious or agitated, you may calm them and continue the ceremony.

If the Familiar identifies as a werewolf or is suspected of being a werewolf than adding a silver five-pointed pentacle or star (or drawing one) somewhere on the collar is advised, or use a pentacle pendant as the mark.

Now The Master breaks the circle that The Familiar is standing within and leads them out toward any and all witnesses and presents them. “I present to you, my Familiar (Familiar’s chosen name or nickname is then said.)!” The newly recognized True Name is optional here but not necessary. It is done. The Familiar has been ritualistically created.

A full practitioner has been ritualistically destroyed and a Magical Familiar has been born and created from them. The Familiar is treated like a newly made entity created out of the magical practitioner. The restraints (if any, again, it is recommended) come off only when The Master feels like it and The Familiar may be restrained when The Master feels like it or deems it necessary. Keeping the Familiar at least somewhat restrained after the ritual until a little after the sun has risen is recommended, if the ritual was done at night (also recommended but not necessary).

Becoming a Familiar is meant to be forever! It is not supposed to be temporary. It is a very serious and sincere surrender and commitment to become magical property to a Master. That is why I emphasize it has to be willing and it is as serious and sincere as a marriage ceremony (if not more so). As The Master, creating and choosing to keep such a being as a Familiar needs to also be taken seriously by The Master. You, as The Master, created this entity in metaphysically destroying a magical practitioner and transforming them into your Familiar. You must forever be accountable for your magical creation. You own them. They are your property. So take care of them!

In situations where The Master may have rendered the Familiar unable to physically speak, a gesture or some other communication must be devised so that The Familiar can communicate a “Stop.” Or “I do not wish to proceed with this.” If such a gesture is made, The Master must heed it. Some masters even prefer The Familiar be forbidden from speaking except when The Familiar is providing magical assistance, advice, or spell formulation. The notion for some is that a Familiar should be seen and not heard. This cannot be enforced publicly, mind you. The “normies” and Cowan and their culture should be respected. Laws of Magick does not mean Law of Man. If a Master prefers their Familiar be prevented from talking most of the time, this should be discussed beforehand between them and I, personally, suggest substantial compensation- expensive gifts to The Familiar- if you (as the master) want your Familiar to live this way, in near total silence or even restrained against speaking the majority of the time.

Some masters (or coven) might even want The Familiar to be kept in some sort of restraints or shackle tethered to a wall within the house when The Familiar is not out in public (where no restraint should be used!). In that case- again- I suggest offering considerable compensation to The Familiar and discuss this prospect (being restrained a great deal of the time) beforehand.

Despite what some might think, a relationship between Familiar and Master can and should be a healthy one of mutual respect and love. The relationship can be romantic or even (believe it or not) strictly platonic.

The Master of The Familiar could be a lover, platonic, Queer Platonic, ace-romantic, or a good friend.

Also contrary to what one might think, being a Familiar is not a “lesser’ or “inferior” status just because The Familiar is claimed / owned. It is not a status to be ashamed of but one that someone could and should take pride in. Only someone of great intelligence and Creativity is worthy of being a Familiar. And Familiars have a considerable reserve of magical energy that a Master can use in spell casting, advanced spell methodology composing, psychic potential, and heightened senses. The perks might make being a Familiar possibly more appealing than simply being a magical practitioner.

A Familiar is a magical entity and should be respected as such. Familiars should be valued and appreciated. Unlike some depictions in pop culture, Familiars are extremely valuable and prized. The status of being considered magical property does not diminish this value and appreciation. A Familiar is something precious and should be treasured. ___________________________________________

When the magick takes effect during or right after the ceremony The Familiar will feel an ASMR type of tingle in the scalp and down the spine. This is the lightest sigh that the spell is working.

There is a very real metaphysical transformation.

On a psychic level The Familiar is now a magical entity.

A Familiar can be gifted or willed to a new master. Their very aura will have changed.

There are many perks to becoming a Familiar but there are some drawbacks as well.

The Familiar loses the right to cast magick on their own. They are forbidden from casting magick without their master and any attempts to cast magick alone may backfire or just not work. However, The Familiar’s own magical potential and ability to channel magick is enhanced in that it can be used so that The Master and others chosen by the Master may draw magical energy from The Familiar to enhance their spells. Spells cast with the aid of a Familiar’s potential almost always work.

The Familiar will feel at least faintly, urges to obey their Master, though this can be resisted. They still have free will despite being perceived as magically claimed / owned.

A sense of loyalty and possibly dependance to their Master is perfectly normal.

This does NOT mean The Familiar is without free will. A Familiar’s Free Will remains intact despite instincts and inclination. And Masters, if a Familiar refuses a command because of moral or personal objection, or because they no longer wish to be considered a Familiar, (despite the metaphysical transformation) you must heed them. The Familiar / Master relationship is one of mutual respect despite The Familiar being considered claimed property.

Do not be alarmed if The Familiar’s sleep patterns are very different from the person they once were. Familiars are usually, instinctively, nocturnal. The Familiar also gains a new and potent creative ability to concoct and formulate new and potent spells. Any type of spell The Master may require, if asked of from The Familiar, the Familiar may instinctively come up with a version of a suitable spell that will almost definitely work.

The Familiar may also develop some heightened senses and at least a slightly extend longevity as a reward for choosing to become a Familiar.

The Familiar may also develop some animal-like instincts and behaviors or quirks (though personality and intellect will remain in tact or even be enhanced). Any animal-like trait will be reminiscent of animals The Familiar already felt a kinship with or resembled before in nature. These traits may resemble those of a dog, wolf, bat, cat, owl, or fox, crow, raven, or other animals and birds.

The emotional and intellectual range of The Familiar will also increase even if only slightly. This is another gift from The Universe for The Familiar having chosen to bind their fate to being a Familiar.

This also makes The Familiar more useful as an advisor and helper for their Master.

The Familiar is also under protection in the claiming of a Master. That means no other magical or supernatural entity may lay claim to them except if The Master willingly (and with the willingness of The Familiar) passes ownership to another.

There is a certain amount of clout in being able to say you claimed another magical practitioner as your familiar. It is not that common.

There is a sense of love and of pride in knowing someone wanted you as their Familiar badly enough to go through with the ritualistic spell and responsibility for The Familiar.

There is a considerable shortage of Human Magical Familiars. (Not just pets). So there is considerable compensation from The Universe for choosing to become one. If you become a Familiar you will gain enhanced psychic potential in such things as psychometry, clairvoyance, possible mild empathic potential, and increased spirit sensitivity.

The Familiar now counts as a magical entity while still physically remaining human.

Take this warning: Once a Familiar, always a Familiar! The metaphysical transformation remains even if The Familiar later no longer wishes to be considered a familiar. Also, usually if that should happen, sooner or later they will likely want to return to being considered a Familiar, even if it is to a new master.

All though the metaphysical transformation is irreversible, if a Familiar wishes to no longer be considered a Familiar, this must be respected. Though, again, I strongly believe that sooner or later that former Familiar will feel a compulsion to be considered a Familiar again even if it is to a new Master. Once a Familiar, always a Familiar.

The Familiar has the right to choose to no longer be considered a Familiar but they become vulnerable to being claimed by magical or supernatural forces that will sense them as an unclaimed Familiar.

The Familiar also has the right to refuse any command from their Master(s) that goes against their personal sense of right and wrong.

___________________________

There are many reasons one might choose to make and claim a Human Magical Familiar or why someone might choose to become a Familiar. It can be very personal.

Becoming a Familiar is a substantial metaphysical transformation. If someone wishes for a fresh start or a complete reinvention of themself, or to completely liberate themselves from their past and a previous identity and start a new life, this is a way of going about doing that in a way that is more transformative than most other actions.

Surrendering oneself to become a familiar can be a profound gesture of love to a would-be master or coven to give yourself as a gift. It is the greatest gift a magical user can give to another magical practitioner, your power and self. It can be seen as a deep gesture of love.

Becoming a Human Magical Familiar provides immediate protection if that person is under threat of being claimed by harmful or negative supernatural forces. Those entities would now see that person as claimed property, a slave bound by The Laws of Magick, and as such, would be unable to claim The Familiar.

Someone may want a sapient magical assistant, 24/7 advisor, or companion that is bound to them to reduce chance of betrayal.

Loneliness is a valid reason to claim a Human Magical Familiar or to become a Human Magical Familiar. A Familiar should always live in the home of Their Master, a home purchased for them by their Master, or in some cases, The Coven House.

Familiars usually live in luxury and comfort as a pampered and beloved pet though they are required to assist their Master in magical matters, and formulate spells for their Master, as well as serve as advisor. Familiars are NOT usually intended for menial labor (though that is optional if discussed beforehand). And a Master cannot control how a Familiar chooses to dress (except in regard to collar, pendant, or other marking, signifying claimed status.). Things such as restraints or gag are the prerogative of The Master and should be discussed between Master and would-be Familiar before the ritual of creating The Human Magical Familiar. The usual assumption is The Master has a right to restrain The Familiar whenever they so choose. So discuss these matters thoroughly when providing consent, or not, before the transformation spell.

If a magical practitioner is considered extremely powerful but dangerous, transforming them into a Familiar is a way of placing them and their power under control while they also remain useful to others.

Becoming a Familiar can be a chosen punishment for a serious magical offense to a person or coven. It is a great deal more effective and reformative than binding spells (which I, personally, feel don’t really work).

Someone may want the power to devise spells that are almost always guaranteed to work even if it is at the price of being able to cast those spells alone. (Again, a Familiar is forbidden from casting magick alone, it almost always will backfire that way.)

There is, for the Familiar, the promise of some possible heightened senses, slightly raised intellect and emotional range, and enhanced psychic potential. Owning a Human Magical Familiar also gives you access to very obscure or incredibly specific spells as The Human Magical Familiar gains the ability to come up with spells that almost always work for any occasion their Master might ask for. You can be as precise as you want, such as “I want a spell that will improve the writing on my favorite Netflix series.”

For personal, intimate, reasons someone might wish to be claimed by another or wish to claim another. And creating a Human Magical Familiar is a way of doing that in a method that is publicly acceptable in the magical community.

If a magical practitioner is chronically ill or has a disability, having a live-in human familiar provides companionship and assistance so that both can be active in magical communities.

It is perfectly acceptable to bribe someone into selling themselves to be a Familiar. And there is no shame in accepting payment to sell yourself into becoming a Familiar but it is a decision that should be considered carefully. It is best done out of love.

Most familiars live with their Master(s) or in the house of their Coven but a Master may also buy a house for their Familiar near to their own house. A Familiar who owns their own house, given to them by their Master, is more likely to be perpetually loyal.

Owning a Human magical familiar gives you access to all the potential magical energy of your Familiar, channeled through them, to fuel your spells. Simply hold or touch your Familiar while casting a spell to accomplish this (May result in your Familiar feeling groggy afterward). Spells cast with the channeled energy of a Familiar almost always work and impressively well.

The Master gains access to all the useful possible enhanced senses or psychic abilities of The Familiar.

There is considerable clout, within the Magical and Supernatural world, in owning a Human Magical Familiar because it is still incredibly rare. It is a sign of status, strength, magical skill, and power, to have a Human Magical Familiar and implies great magical skill.

I find it concerning that there were so many AI generated food recipes around Halloween (mostly punches with variations of lemon / lime soda, and pineapple juice) and other recipes Christmas this year.

I feel it is only a matter of time (if it isn't already happening) before magical practitioners start trying to use AI to come up with new spells and incantation rituals for them.

I would advise NOT to trust any spell generated by AI. Edit: I already found one that used an incantation invented for the fantasy TV mini-series 10th kingdom as a curse and being revised as a helpful hair growth spell.