The True Value Of Tools In Magic (It’s Not What You See Online)

A big misconception I see come up a lot is that tarot can predict the future. In a sense, it might, but it's a lot more nuanced than that.

There is no 'THE future'. There are lots of different futures and lots of different paths you could be led down, but not all fates come to fruition based on the choices we make.

Tarot should be used to gain insight and reflect on your current and alternative paths. You can't necessarily predict how something is going to go, but you can use them to look within yourself and see what might need to change to get on the path you want to be on.

This is one of the earliest things I learnt when beginning tarot, and learning this can open you up to different paths and possibilities, as well as allowing you to ask the right questions to get where you want to be.

Made this a while back and never posted it, but I figured I should now that I actually started T!!!

(Not a self portrait, this is just some guy)

Oh my god, guys.

Are we just going to ignore the fact that bay trees and laurel trees—the laurel trees, used for Roman victory wreaths—are the same?? Why is witchblr sitting on this??

And why are bay leaved associated with prosperity? It makes sense, but they should symbolise victory and glory! Success! Fame, winning, being lauded and recognised! Prosperity comes along with this but it's not central.

I only found this out yesterday, I'm shocked.

EDIT: In North America (and probably other places) there is Mountain Laurel, it's a shrub that grows by roads in northern states. It's poisonous. Don't burn or eat it!

The Bay Laurel is the tree used by Greeks and Romans. It's safe and used in cooking.

Thank you so much to @.teawitch for adding this!!! I literally copied their addition into the post, sorry.

🏹 Artemis 🏹

A reminder that Robert Graves is not a reliable source, and if you are relying on any books by him, including The White Goddess, to double check everything you incorporate into your practice!

ETA: If you're happy to include things like that anyway, the choice is (obviously) your own, and I don't mean to judge that :). Just to be aware that a lot of Robert Graves' theories are unfounded and based somewhat on poetic license.

lil’ pagan tip/idea- dedicate a journal to your deity!

a journal can be useful for a lot of reasons. not only it is an easy way to feel closer to your deity or deities, but it can be super convenient if you’re a person who travels a lot or need to worship in secret.

things to write or put in your journal could include:

prayers

pressed flowers/leaves/herbs

sketches or doodles of things that remind you of them

devotional poems or art pieces

song lyrics

experiences you’ve had with them

dreams they’ve sent you

recipes

stickers

spells / rituals (especially ones you have done or would want to do with them)

photos

notes on offerings and devotional acts

list of crystals, herbs, colors, etc. you associate with them

and these are only a few ideas :)

the journal can also work as a mini-altar that you can put offerings on! since taking care of myself is one of the ways i honor my deity, sometimes i’ll place a glass of water or juice on the journal i have and i can keep it next to me to sip from while i’m doing something. again this can be really helpful if you travel a lot, worship discreetly, or if you don’t have a lot of space for a full altar.

additionally, you can dedicate a few pens or markers to your deity too (because everything is better with fun colors!)

I wish people understood that "folk magic" isn't just another homogenous flavor or type of magic, it's literally unique and different depending upon where you are in the world. Every culture and belief system will have folk magic and practices. They aren't 1:1. Some will have similar or overlapping elements, sure, but they're unique to where they come from and who they're practiced by, to the degree that two different individuals in the same area from the same culture could have completely different practices and methods. Often they lack larger structures and systems.

Would ye be interested in a digital grimoire about trees? Irish folklore, actual properties, how I use them in magic?

You don’t have to have fancy crystals and herbs for spell jars btw. You can use sugar, coffee grounds, leaves, acorns, etc. Don’t fall victim to witchcraft consumerism.

Oh my god, guys.

Are we just going to ignore the fact that bay trees and laurel trees—the laurel trees, used for Roman victory wreaths—are the same?? Why is witchblr sitting on this??

And why are bay leaved associated with prosperity? It makes sense, but they should symbolise victory and glory! Success! Fame, winning, being lauded and recognised! Prosperity comes along with this but it's not central.

I only found this out yesterday, I'm shocked.