Latest Posts by duskthewitchesblog - Page 4

how does one start to shapeshift? i knew i always could. i just. dont know how

sorry if you arent the one to ask about this! i dont know where else to go lmao

have a great wonderful day, wishing you warmth and good things!

it's all good!

I'm still learning the ins and outs of shapeshifting too, so I'm not super knowledgeable off the top of my head, but I know this doc made by @clownshifting has different methods you can try (amongst other information too) Shifters: A Guide - Google Docs

have a good day and good vibes yourself, thank you!

Beware of the "I wish I was a cat" to "I am not human. This body is not mine, it's just an illusion designed for suffering." Pipeline

🩸⸝⸝ Vampirekin tips ! ⊹﹒IT'S HEREEE!!

✦ Create a vampire themed Pinterest board!

✦ Make a vampiric playlist on whatever music platform u use, I personally enjoy listening to rock & metal!! ✦ Gear such as fake fangs, fake blood, & biting stim toys r really great to have! ✦ Keep a journal specifically 4 ur vampire kintype! Write some affirmations, dream gear, ur shifts (if u have shifts), etc!! ✦ Watch some vampire movies & read some vampire books! My favorite vampire movie is The Lost Boys!! ✦ Like myself, not all vamps r fans of the sunlight. I recommend staying in the shade, wearing sunscreen, or bringing an umbrella outside! ✦ Try to pull all nighters/be more active at night. However, be careful with this & if u cant stay up that is completely fine. ✦ Safely take walks during the night time, it can be very refreshing! ✦ Find community, find other vamps!! It's good to have others who understand. ✦ Dressing in dark alternative clothing always seems to set the mood 4 me! ✦ Decorate ur living space in halloween decorations! Make ur room feel more at home by making it vampy looking. Keeping ur room dark/dimmed is also very nice!! ✦ Drink red drinks, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, energy drinks, etc! ✦ Eating meaty foods always gets my fangs to show but if u are vegetarian/vegan that's okay! I recommend eating fruits such as strawberries, plums, & peaches cuz it almost feels like biting into flesh!!

This might not be 4 every1 but I hope this may have somewhat helped! I will prob add onto this later!!

I found this amusing post in the tags so I'm responding to it in a new post, but

"Why won't p-shifters stop calling themselves p-shifters?"

Because p-shifter is short, sweet and to the point - p-shifter means physical shifter, and even if you don't like the "p" abbreviation (like I don't) shifter is just sort for shapeshifter, a general common use word

The community is fragmented so it'd be hard for all of us to change the word; try getting ALL p-shifters to call themselves "body distorters" or something like that

This would be seen as escaping our responsibility to fix the problems in our community. If we all just switch to a new word without fixing the problems, we're just creating a new community where abuses can happen. It's better to fix what you have than run from your problems

We would lose access to all our resources and community. If you're not a p-shifter you don't have access to p-shifter resources, and while the content of some resources might be dubious (like magic-based turning guides) there's enough good things there that losing it would impact people negatively. People would also find the community harder to access and be unable to understand what they are.

Side note: I think otherkin would be dubious of a p-shifter rebrand anyway? Like I think if we all got together and decided to call ourselves "aniforms" or something similar, guaranteed there'd be a call-out post saying "p-shifters are now calling themselves aniforms to infiltrate the otherkin community! They won't take responsibility for their past, that's why they're skirting responsibility by using a new word!" So we can't win 🤷

My beloved partner and a member of the supernatural (shifter and vampire) community has left this world. He was never on Tumblr, but some of the old Experience Project guard might recognize the username.

We had so many things we wanted to do together, and now, we will never get the chance to do them. I was blessed to know of your existence while you were alive though, and I'll be blessed to know of it again when I leave this world. There had been issues in our relationship, but in his final days we had patched things up and I showered him with all the love and affection he deserved.

BlackRaven2015, rest in peace. I love you - there'll never be another like you around.

Hello. Wolf here who is unsure of her label. I don’t know if I’m truly a therian or a p-shifter, so my question is this:

How do you know if physical shifting exists?

I know because I've shifted before, plus I believe there's enough evidence to say it's real. My own shifting experiences lead me to believe it's possible in some way, shape and form. Others in the community have also corroborated my experiences, so I know its not just me. Even if I couldn't physically shift, I've seen enough evidence (in the form of historical accounts and modern day claims) to say it's real, or that something supernatural is going on. Most historical accounts of the supernatural talk about shapeshifters in some form or manner, and people still claim to see shapeshifters in the present day, so at the very least we can't chalk it all up to tall tales. I also haven't seen academic studies disprove it outright; as long as the conservation of mass is being followed anything is possible. This is a short explanation, let me know if you want me to go into more detail anon!

•awakening (1/3•

My awakening isn’t something I’m too open about. I cannot find a single person who shares a similar experience as I. Due to this, I’m fearful and anxious about publishing this post, BUT I want to. Perhaps I’ll feel less alone by doing so. With that said, here goes. 🐺

It started off around late summer to early fall in 2012/2013. I had just moved into new house with my mother and made a few female friends who were around my age. After getting to know them a bit as kids, they both introduced me into the supernatural. At first, they mentioned they were vampires and they “turned into one” with the use of “online spells” from YouTube.

From what I recall, I wanted to be a vampire alongside with them. These two girls “turned” me with the online spells and boom. I thought it had worked. I was going to simply live my life as a vampire. Of course, I was fooled.

Later on around the age of 12/13, I had discovered “werewolf spells” once again all online. I did one and I thought it had worked. I thought I was experiencing “symptoms”. I stated what kind of wolf I wished to be. A polar wolf with yellow eyes.

Before my true awakening, I discovered the world of physical shifting and the community. I was beginning my journey into it and tried out mental shifting through various methods on my own. I recall I tried to visualize myself as a wolf but nothing came of it. Disappointed but still determined, I kept going…

Soon enough, I had heard my “friends” no longer believed in the supernatural but I still held onto the belief of it. I even told myself, “no one will ever take this away from me. I’m determined to see this through and to discover myself.” My gut told me to keep pushing, for there is more out there than I realized…

•awakening 2/3•

At this point in my journey at the age of 12 or 13 years old, I knew I was about to discover something bigger than myself. Excited, I just kept going.

I was uploading videos on YouTube of myself. My posts consisted of me posting about “real werewolf spells” and spiritual guides. I truly thought my guide was a wolf and nothing else. I’d do quizzes as well back then to “help” find more about myself as a wolf and my guide. I was also in contact with a friend of mine on Kik messenger back when it was gaining popularity.

While discovering that there were others out there who had similar experiences and beliefs of my own (p-shifting), I realized I was a lot less alone and more focused on how to shift physically. I also had tried out meditation all on my own. I even joined a lot of toxic “packs” on Kik from the ages of 12/13-16?

For a while however, I still felt lost. Lost about myself and those around me. I didn’t know what was real and what isn’t. I didn’t know if p-shifting truly existed. I just kept wanting to genuinely shift…

February of 2015 hits. By now I had moved out into the countryside, went to a middle school where I was bullied and other traumatic situations were happening. I recall however that I didn’t feel entirely alone anymore. I had created my own online pack where a lot of drama took place and I thought I was encountering real p-shifters. While none of us could p-shift, we were deep in belief.

In February of 2015, I had met someone online. Let’s call her C. C was only 13 and I was 15. I’ve never forgotten this moment ever. When C and I had met, I immediately let her join my pack. Something in me told me she was a legitimate nonhuman. After getting to know her personal experience and life in DMs, we became close friends…

I remember as clear as day about this experience. It was winter and there was a severe snowstorm brewing. This was at nighttime. The electricity went out, we used candles for lighting, I had zero internet, and it was freezing. I recall looking at my phone while my data was in and out. Typing out a message to my pack, I was bombarded with messages…

It was about C…

•awakening 3/3•

As my messages from Kik were surprisingly delivered, C had vivid flashes of wolves. Visions from a deep meditation she had done.

While my memory doesn’t serve me well, I was in shock at what C had seen. I knew it wasn’t just make believe or lies… this was all real.

She managed to make contact with various wolves. She had seen an entire pack one at a time.

The winter storm was blowing and wind was howling. As I read through these messages, she had seen the following:

• a pure-ish looking white as snow polar wolf with yellow eyes laying down in snow.

• some sort of black wolf but I cannot recall what it was doing.

• a cream blonde wolf with white and pale green eyes. Medium in size. This was C’s vision of her wolf, Fern. Her wolf was standing side by side with mine. A silver looking black phase wolf with mahogany eyes by the name of Dusk…

I had seen photos of Dusk like a mixture between two reference photos as seen in the second and third photo. In shock, I was surprised that she had seen these wolves.

On the day of my near awakening, the electricity came on. I was all happy about it however curious of what else was said by C. DMing her, I asked about what happened. I cannot recall the conversation due to time, but she had shown me the photos. She suggested I look on my own for a better photo and see what I feel…

Feeling it out, I came across a photo of a particular wolf (timber I believe). I had shown the photo to C and she had said it was what she saw, expect for a few minor details were different.

At this point, I cannot recall how exactly I awakened or what triggered it, BUT I’ll always remember what I felt.

It was like something came to life again from a deep state of sleep. Dormancy if you will. I had truly felt something was.. with me. It was like another presenc but female in nature. At this point, I was told to meditate immediately afterward. It was like another being was with me and always had been… Dusk it was.

I only really remember feeling her in my mind. I felt her emotions and energy throughout me. She felt close to the surface and at the forefront of my mind. It was a new sense of energy. It was as if I could feel my wolf throughout my veins. From here, the rest is simply history.

Thank you for reading!! 🌸🐺

Does anyone here believe that their animal self isn’t just themselves?.. am I the only one who believes that my wolf isn’t only me but that of an entity?

I’m always told, “your animal is only you” like… no?? It’s really not just me. I refer to my inner wolf as a female as it’s what I have felt over the years from MY own experience.

I know I’m not the only one who believes this. No, it’s not DID or any mental illness. It’s not a defense mechanism either. Sigh.

If anyone knows of any users who have this experience, let me know! 😅

"You're human!"

In which way do you mean?

The representation of man being destructive? Yeah, i guess so. In the way mental/psychology way? No, im not. Biologically? I'm an animal. Physical? Still an animal.

Humans and nature are not separate. Sapiens ARE nature. Why do humans feel the need to see themselves as above it? Without it, where would they be? We are all some animal, monster, creature, in our own ways. Wether it be obvious or not.

Animals aren't inferior to humans. They have helped humans throughout history. They are equal.

Tonight, I did it.

Not officially, but I almost ran away.

I went to the boundaries of my property, and sat in the road. I ran bipedal the way there but got quadrupedal as I continued.

I let it all out. I couldn't speak. I forgot English. All that came out was sad barks, choking noises and whimpers if I tried to talk.

I sat in the middle of the road. The street light glimmering on my pelt.

I howled. For at least ten minutes. Desperately, signaling "please, i need you".

A response came. 4-8 coyotes joined in. Heard my sorrow.

We chatted. For a moment. Although none of us could understand eachother.

They never came to me, though. Got closer, but realized the road is a dangerous path.

I sat whimpering in my driveway, wondering how I had gotten here.

I growled at a passing car, hoping it wouldn't stop and shoot me for being the big bad wolf I am.

I left at 9:30, It is 10:00 now.

My throat hurts. My paws are limp, rough even. I smell like outside. It's comforting. I smell like a dog after being in the rain.

Im going back tomorrow night. Maybe then I'll get farther and explore past where my leash has confined me.

Tarot Tips for Witches, Beginners & Intuitives

Because your deck is more than just pretty paper!

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the cards, these tarot tips will help sharpen your intuition and deepen your connection:

Everyday Tips

• Cleanse your deck often — crystals, moonlight, sound, or simply your breath and intention.

• Ask open-ended questions like “What do I need to know about…” instead of yes/no.

• Keep it simple. 1–3 card pulls can be just as powerful as a full spread.

• Trust your gut before the guidebook. First impressions matter.

• Write your readings down — patterns, symbols, and synchronicities love to show up later.

For Energy & Intuition

• Pull a daily card for guidance or reflection. Let it speak to your mood, your magic, or your mission.

• Set a soft intention before reading: “Let this reading bring clarity, kindness, and truth.”

• Speak to your deck like an old friend. Tarot mirrors your inner world.

• Shuffle until it feels right. Your body knows more than you think.

Witchy Add-Ons

• Sleep with a card under your pillow to absorb its energy in dreams.

• Keep amethyst or labradorite near for boosted insight.

• Read during moon phases — new moons for beginnings, full moons for revelations.

• Don’t rush. Some cards whisper, some scream. Give them all time.

Which tip do you swear by? Or what’s the best advice you’ve received from your deck?

Masterlist | linktree | Patreon

Hello again! :) I had another question if you don’t mind!

Is it true that our hair color matches fur? Like dark hair = dark fur? Light hair = light fur?

Thanks!!

hello, it's not a problem at all!

I'm not 100% on hair color matching fur color, but it would make sense. I've heard it depends on your DNA, since if you're a shifter with unique pigment genetics (dragon shifters for example. I've heard that they come in all sorts of colors and aren't limited to "natural" colors) your fur/scales/feathers etc would match whatever's been passed down to you through genetics/DNA.

Hi! Fellow werewolf p-shifter here. I have a few questions if you don’t mind!

Have you ever heard of a user named Sheangel before?

Do you believe in multiple awakenings and further development of being a shifter/were? As in what’s called a “growth phase”?

Thanks!!

hello!

that name sounds familiar, but I don't personally know them or know anything about them. I might've heard that name before from somewhere, but I can't recall from where! sorry about that!

also, I think to some extent, yes, I think that "growth phases" or further development in someone's journey is expected, no matter if you are nonhuman or not. we're always figuring out who we are as individuals and I don't see why it would be impossible to have different phases or sudden personal growth spurts. I think I'm even going through it myself currently! I'm relearning a lot about my nonhumanity and what I feel connected to.

you're welcome, and if you (or anyone else) has any other questions or comments, feel free to add on ^^

guys i was looking at old alterhuman websites and found one from 2002 talking about physical shifting and i think i understand now

is this what yall p shifters feel is acurrate to u

i feel like a lot of shifters need to talk to other shifters about how they found out about their species because sometimes "i shifted and i was just this," doesn't always help and not all shifters can shift/have the right environment to.

it's difficult because a lot of shifters rely on their dreams and visions, and consistently don't know what or who they are because all of our history has gone kaput - and so have our ways to connect with ourselves.

-🔮☀️

Yesss exactlyyyy!!

We will be honest with you we have a few tips we actually want to give because we hate to see this info degrade away. So, this is the rare occasion we will respond with information rather than just tags ♡♡

First of all what you are as a species shifting-wise is usually not discovered through shifting into said animal. We have never shifted into our animal as of now and there was a few ways we found what we were. A lot of shifters we know followed a similar path.

One tip we saw floating around was your species could be based on *where you live*. So, if you live in the americas theres a chance you could be anything native to america.

Another is choosing an animal that gives you the "this feels right / this feels like me" vibes and allowing yourself to experience that animal fully as if you are that animal (since you are questioning theres no way to know, you know?) So you research it, mental shift with it, feel phantoms, meditate with it, connect with it... etc. Pay attention as to how YOU feel being this animal. And we dont even mean like "oh this is a trial run this may not be for me"... just allow yourself to confirm it and explore it for awhile. If its not right, move on!

Keep allowing yourself to sniff around and settle, chase feelings and be okay with confusion for awhile, because honestly you may be pulled a bunch of directions regarding this. Just remember, its finding that other part of YOURSELF, not what others want you to be or what you think would be cool.

(I didnt want to be the feline i am now in the past! I wanted wings, i wanted to have a pack, i wanted to be cool, ill be honest lol.)

With mental shifting, you can do this with any animal or creature. Meditation-wise, you just close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself in first pov as the creature you chose and explore the world the creature lives in. Assign sounds, tastes, feelings, basically be fully immersed. If you want to take a more traditional route its always helpful to do this a handful of times and record how it felt, how you felt, what it did for you, afterwards the general vibe, etc.

A lot of older guides say you have to do this a lot and "fully mental shift" -- we personally believe that this process is a form of solidifying the other half of yourself into a consciously recognised part of you, as we all tend to hide anything that isnt human.

There is a huge culture back then of immersing yourself into the possibility of you being an animal -- basically degrading the older beliefs that "you are only human" and "shifting is impossible" fed to us by society. Which was like little things, such as changing your room to be more of your habitat, researching, writing affirmations (ex: "i am a wolf"), keeping a log of your shifts, and analysing your doubts to later take them apart.

Regarding what you have said that shifters only experience their forms through dreams or visions, this isnt true either for a lot of shifters. Usually shifters have dreams and visions.... after... theyve discovered their forms, although its not impossible to have visions or dreams.

Overall, we would recommend researching and following what feels right to you, even if you have no shifts or a faint clue of what you could possibly be. We didnt have any at all actually, we had deeply repressed our feline self to the point where it never happened.

We have also seen people telling newbies to look back at their past or their ancestry to figure it out, but we find this to be very shaky and apply to anything. Rarely does someone have access to family history, including regarding the supernatural, and what you do in the past is too hard to pinpoint to a root cause until many years after you are no longer in the discovery phase.

We hope that this was helpful to any in the discovery phase of their journey! Its actually pretty similar to the therian community, albeit a more rudimentary way of doing it.

And please document your journey, its super easy to forget those first few months / years of this path, and it can be very helpful to have a record as such.

Take care ♡

i love all pshifters, never let them tell you youre not who you are..

the "therians/nonhumans know they're bodily humans" crowd is gonna be real surprised when they meet someone who claims to be a nonhuman in all ways including physically, or when they're shown physical proof of shapeshifting or other forms of physical nonhumanity lmao

bit of a rant

TW: mentions of cults/toxic behavior

the biggest thing that I see when folks bring up physical shifters/nonhumans/mythicals are cults or toxic people/behavior. yes, there will be the few that are shitty individuals or people that hurt/traumatize others. but I think that people fail to see that in or outside of this community, those shitty people exist anyways. in fandoms, clubs, groups, out on the street, etc. the demonization of individuals who are physically nonhuman is extremely harmful and unnecessary. the real problem is the individuals who actively hurt others, not the community as a whole. you take multiple bad experiences and cast it over the entire community, how is that acceptable or fair? why do you fail to see the bigger picture, the entirety of us? isn't it easier to be open minded, to realize that there will be horrible people all over in the world and not just within pshifter spaces? and yet you decide to focus and target us.

you don't have to like us, you don't have to understand us, but we were standing beside what we now know as modern therians and otherkin years ago (those who don't believe in being physically nonhuman). we were a part of therian and otherkin groups regularly. we were a part of your spaces, and I'll never let you forget it. you don't have to like us, but that doesn't give you the right to demonize or erase us.

this is why learning about history is important, this is why being able to archive things is important, this is a part of why I've made it my own personal job to make a timeline and collect information geared towards physical nonhumanity; so that we may never be erased. your hatred will never erase us, and you'll never silence our voices as long as we live.

Brown bear and ravens By: Antti Leinonen From: Realms of the Russian Bear 1992

𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐬 - 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠

this week i've really fallen in love with the act of praying.

i've been praying to my deities first thing in the morning and sometimes even right before bed. i've been keeping them updated on life, and really taking the time to strength my bond with them.

and it got me thinking - why didn't I do this earlier?

I think coming from a catholic background, I was always told how to pray and what to say. I was taught the structure from an early age and learned it until it felt comfortable and second nature.

but with paganism, there aren't any structures to follow - there aren't any rules to learn and memorise. you have the power of doing your acts of worship in any way you want - and that can be a little daunting for someone like me.

I didn't know the right things to say or how to structure it - and I guess I didn't want to look stupid 'doing it wrong' if that makes sense.

until it dawned on me that prayer is just a conversation. it doesn't have to be magical and one of a kind. It can just be a good morning or even a thank you to count and sometimes that is all you need to keep that connection alive with your deities + loved ones.

so for those overthinking it like I was - remember it doesn't have to be a massive grand gesture to be special.

sometimes deities just like to know that you're doing okay ‪‪❤︎‬

this gif is not mine.

hot take: just because someone might appear bodily human doesn't mean that they always will be human

it's all fun and games (being a common nonhuman species) (for me its something wolf/canine adjacent) until you realize you've searched near and far for information on the other half of yourself to only come up with little to nothing (i am still heartbroken to find barely anything on horned bird kintypes or anything in mythology) (like.. are you guys out there?)

also i know ive made similar posts to this in the past but im trying to find ANYONE to relate to 😭

Angrboda

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞

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What is Beltane?

Beltane is a fire festival celebrated on the night of April 30th into May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, and around October 31st into November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, honoring fertility, passion, and the sacred union between the divine feminine and masculine. Traditionally, it signals the beginning of the light half of the year, a time of growth, abundance, warmth, and blooming life. Beltane celebrates freedom, love, lust, creativity, and the return of life to the natural world, bringing with it new, flourishing beginnings. May 1st is a day of joy and play. After a harsh winter, it becomes a celebration of renewal, of aliveness, and of nature’s wild rebirth.

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The History of Beltane

The name Beltane comes from Old Irish Beltene, meaning "bright fire" or "The fires of Bel". Some people link it to the Celtic god Belenus, a solar and healing deity, while others have drawn comparisons to Baal, a fertility god, though that idea is debated and not widely accepted.

Historically, Beltane was celebrated in Celtic regions, most notably Ireland and Scotland, as a pastoral festival. Bonfires were lit on hilltops, and cattle were driven between two of them to protect them from disease and ensure fertility. People would jump over the flames, not just for luck, but as a way to connect with sacred fire and invoke fertility, health, and courage for the coming summer season.

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Beltane and the Fairy Realm

Beltane is a liminal time, one of the two key points in the year (along with Samhain) when the veil between our world and the Otherworld grows thin. While Samhain leans into the realm of spirits and ancestors, Beltane belongs to the fae.

It is said that on the eve of Beltane, the Fair Folk wander freely, drawn to laughter, music, and offerings left with care. In many old traditions, people avoided disturbing fairy mounds or sacred groves during this time, choosing instead to leave gifts like milk, honey, or sweet bread beneath hawthorn trees. These offerings were meant to honor the fae, invite blessings, and protect against mischief.

Wearing a crown of bluebells on Beltane Eve is said to help one see the faeries, as bluebells are sacred to them. A ring of blooming bluebells is also believed to be a favorite gathering spot for garden faeries.

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Beltane and the Hawthorn Tree

Few trees are more sacred to Beltane than the hawthorn. Often called the “fairy tree” in Irish and Scottish folklore, it is said to guard the entrances to the Otherworld. Blooming right around May 1st, its soft white-pink blossoms carry the energy of protection, love, and the unseen.

In Celtic tradition, hawthorn trees were deeply respected as portals to the realm of the fae. During Beltane, it was common to tie ribbons or small offerings to the branches while making heartfelt wishes, not demands, but gentle hopes whispered like prayers. Damaging or cutting a hawthorn tree, especially during this sacred time, was believed to bring terrible luck or stir the wrath of the Fair Folk.

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The Sacred Fire

Fire is the central symbol of Beltane. The festival’s original name literally refers to Bel’s fires, honoring the sun and invoking purification and fertility.

Traditionally, two large bonfires were lit at Beltane, and people, along with their animals, would walk, dance, or even leap between them for blessings, healing, and protection. In some regions, ashes from the sacred fire were scattered over fields to encourage fertility. Couples, especially newlyweds, often passed hand-in-hand through the smoke as a symbol of unity and renewal.

The fire wasn’t just a ritual, it was a living spirit. Lighting it the old way, through friction rather than matches or lighters, was seen as a sacred act, calling upon the raw elemental force of nature itself.

Even today, many Beltane celebrations honor this ancient custom through bonfires, candle magic, and fire rituals. You don’t need a blaze on a hilltop, even a single flame, lit with intention, can carry the sacred spark of Beltane into your home and heart. :D

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The Maypole

The maypole is one of the most central symbols of modern Beltane celebrations. Though it has roots in English May Day traditions, it’s been beautifully woven into Beltane for its rich symbolism of life, fertility, and union.

The tall, phallic pole rising from the earth represents the God, masculine energy, vitality, and the spark of creation. The colorful ribbons and flowers spiraling around it, often held by dancers weaving in circles, represent the Goddess, the womb, fertility, and abundant life. Together, they form a sacred spiral: a dance of harmony between the masculine and feminine, of earth and sky, movement and stillness.

As dancers move around the maypole, their steps create a living mandala, a spell in motion, tied with laughter and bright ribbons.

The dance itself is a celebration of harmony between forces, of weaving ourselves back into the rhythm of the land.

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Beltane x Handfasting

Beltane is also a favored time for handfasting, a traditional pagan betrothal or wedding ritual where a couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons, cords, or braided threads to symbolize their union. In ancient times, a handfasting ceremony could last for a year and a day, after which the couple had the choice to stay together or part ways. Today, many modern pagans choose Beltane as a powerful and romantic time to make such commitments, drawn to the fertile energy of the season. Handfastings are often held outdoors, in nature, near fire, under blooming trees, or surrounded by loved ones in sacred space. The vows exchanged during these rituals can be traditional or deeply personal, as the magic of the ceremony lies in the heart connection and the intention to walk beside each other, bound by love and commitment.

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Magic Correspondences

Planets: Venus

Season: Midpoint between spring and summer

Element: Fire

Time of the Day: Noon

Tarot Cards: The Strength, The Lovers, The Sun, Three of Cups

Colors: Green, Red, Pink, Yellow, Purple, White, Sky Blue, All Pastel Colors

Herbs: Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Ivy, Nettle, Sage, Basil, Juniper, Clover, Mugwort

Fruits: Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Bananas, Lemon, Cherries

Vegetables: Cucumbers, Carrots, Garlic, Lettuce, New Potatoes

Crystals: Emerald, Bloodstone, Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Red Jasper, Green Aventurine, Moonstone, Fire Agate

Runes: Kenaz, Wunjo, Ingwaz

Trees: Hawthorn, Elder, Willow, Birch

Goddesses: Artemis, Diana, Brigid, Aphrodite, Flora, Gaia, Hera, Astarte, Venus, Juno, Freyja, Epona, Bastet

Gods: Pan, Cernunnos, Belenus, Dionysus, The Green Man, Bacchus, Priapus, Faunus, Eros, Ra

Dragons: Sairys, Fafnir

Flowers: Lilac, Bluebells, Daisy, Lilies, Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Marigold, Tulips, Violets, Primrose, Peony, Poppy, Honeysuckle

Animals: Frogs, Swans, Cows, Deer, Squirrels, Sheep, Ducks, Cats, Bees, Rabbits, Swallows, Leopards, Lynx, Hares

Magical Powers: Love, Sex, Fertility, Protection, Cleansing, Transformation

Symbols: Maypole, Ribbons, Phallus, Bonfire, Flowers, Faeries, Sex, Floral Crowns, Frogs, Celtic Knots

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Activities to do:

🌸 Make flower-shaped biscuits

🌸 Do candle magick

🌸 Find a local hawthorn tree and make a wish to the faeries

🌸 Wear flowers in your clothes, hair, or as bracelets

🌸 Leave offerings for faeries, as this is the season when they’re most present, you can leave them honey, milk, or biscuits

🌸 Go out for a walk in nature and feel the arrival of summer

🌸 Make a fire in the yard and dance around it (only in safe circumstances, of course); if you don’t have resources, you can light candles in your room (again, be careful)

🌸 Eat anything with oats, as it’s associated with Beltane, such as oatmeal, oatcakes, or other oat-based foods

🌸 Do a tarot or rune reading in the morning of Beltane

🌸 Take care of the trees in your yard or nearby by watering them

🌸 Honor all deities associated with fertility

🌸 Practice faerie magick

🌸 On the morning of Beltane, open your windows or door to warmly welcome the energy of the sabbat.

🌸 Make a Beltane magick jar

🌸 Water your flowers

🌸 Listen to music and dance :D

🌸 Celebrate life, fertility, love, and union

🌸 Take care of your garden, plant seeds, clean dried leaves, and prepare for summer

🌸 Make special Beltane treats

🌸 Casting your circles with oats around this time of year is also a good idea, as oats are a traditional Beltane grain for good luck

🌸 Have a picnic with your loved ones, or organize a gathering with food and grilling

🌸 Honor your ancestors

🌸 Place decorations in your garden

🌸 Plant a tree with any intention you want and take care of it

🌸 Draw runes and specific symbols on paper and burn them

🌸 Do self-love activities

🌸 Practice sex or love magick

🌸 Look for hawthorns in your area and honor them with water and offerings for faeries

🌸 Make a maypole

🌸 Collect flowers

🌸 On the morning of May 1st, wash your face with May Dew or natural spring water

🌸 Connect with the fire element

🌸 Read about the fair folk

🌸 Have a bonfire with your loved ones

🌸 Place ribbons or colored thread in trees with intentions for each, you can use color magick to attract what you need in your life right now (pink for love,

🌸 Meditate

🌸 Make flower crowns and wreaths

🌸 Perform spells for fertility, purification, and love

🌸 As this is a day of love, if you are of an appropriate age, comfortable, being sexually active is part of the celebration

🌸 Buy seeds and plant them in your garden, welcoming the growth of new life

🌸 Create a Beltane altar

🌸 If you don't have a maypole you can dance around your favorite tree <3

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Food and Drinks:

Oats in all forms (oatmeal, oat cookies, oat bread, oatcakes, bannock), strawberries, blueberries, honey, whipped cream with oats, strawberry biscuits, oat and honey bread, blackberry pie, lavender cake, cheese (including Swiss), seasonal potato dishes, fresh fruit salads, tomato and cucumber salads, dairy or plant-based milks, vanilla-flavoured foods, ice cream, grilled food, BBQ, spicy dishes to honor the fire element, May Day wine, white wine, regular wine (with a strawberry placed at the bottom of the glass if you wish), tarts with cheese, mayonnaise.

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a reminder that the trees you grew up with have not forgotten you and the way your feet padded along the ground.

the breeze that sweeps through the foliage once swept through your hair and between your fingers.

the moon has not forgotten you, in fact she still watches over you during the night.

Low energy land spirit work

Please note that I would recommend properly greeting land spirits before talking to them, or making offerings to them. If you're intrested in reading about my thoughts and experiences with land spirits, give this previous post a look!

Open the window and let the outside air in. If your window is equipped with a screen against bugs, you can place a drink at the window for a few hours to serve as an offering

Taking a walk around the block, spotting the nearby trees, gardens, flowerbeds, rock formations...

Journal about your personal relationship with local natural spots, indigenous plants, wildlife...

Become interested in local birds! Birds are among the most common types of wildlife to be observed in urban areas, which makes it all the more relevant to do so. Setting up birdhouses also makes for a great offering!

Limit the amount of processed foods in your diet

Read up on plant identification in your area

Engage in artistic activities in order to depict nature! It might seem silly, but it's a good visualization exercise, and any time spent meditating upon the land spirits may be considered devotional. Drawing, painting, writing... no matter your activity of choice!

Reflect on what local issues might affect them, especially concerning environmental protection

Leave a bowl of clear water outside as an offering

Do your part to respect nature: composting, recycling, saving water and the like make perfect devotionals

Talk to them regularly, if only once a week. Spend a moment outside to tell them of your appreciation for their presence and protection

Use natural elements to decorate the house: get flowers when available, pick up the acorns or fallen leaves that strike your fancy...

Being with the Gods is feeling the air fill your lungs, letting yourself be lulled to sleep under their protection, waking up under the sun—it truly is like coming home.

They have always been, they always will be. They're here for you to pray to, no matter what happens.

Witchcraft Basics Masterlist!

Witchcraft Basics and Giggles:

Everything to know before you start! The various practices The Tools healing, protecting, and grounding. shielding and banishing herbs,oils and crystals.| Herbs | Oils | Crystals the sabbats the Elements astrology + astrology calendar spells, hexes and curses energy manipulation the various entitis Divination tool Symbology Shadow Work Witchy hack Offerings Grimoire/book of shadows how to work with deities. (works with entities too)

more master lists!

"How can I be a witch/pagan without falling for conspiracy theories/New Age cult stuff?" starter kit

Posts & Articles

Check your conspiracy theory. Does any of it sound like this?

Check your conspiracy theory part two: double, double, boil and trouble.

QAnon is an old form of anti-Semitism in a new package, experts say

Some antisemitic dogwhistles to watch out for

Eugenicist and bioessentialist beliefs about magic

New Age beliefs that derive from racist pseudoscience

The New Age concept of ascension - what is it?

A quick intro to starseeds

Starseeds: Nazis in Space?

Reminder that the lizard alien conspiracy theory is antisemitism

The Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis is Racist and Harmful

The Truth About Atlantis

Why the Nazis were obsessed with finding the lost city of Atlantis

The Nazis' love affair with the occult

Occultism in Nazism

Red flag names in cult survivor resources/groups (all of them are far right conspiracy theorists/grifters)

The legacy of implanted Satanic abuse ‘memories’ is still causing damage today

Why Satanic Panic never really ended

Dangerous Therapy: The Story of Patricia Burgus and Multiple Personality Disorder

Remember a Previous Life? Maybe You Have a Bad Memory

A Case of Reincarnation - Reexamined

Crash and Burn: James Leininger Story Debunked

Debunking Myths About Easter/Ostara

Just How Pagan is Christmas, Really?

The Origins of the Christmas Tree

No, Santa Claus Is Not Inspired By Odin

Why Did The Patriarchal Greeks And Romans Worship Such Powerful Goddesses?

No, Athena Didn't Turn Medusa Into A Monster To Protect Her

Who Was the First God?

Were Ancient Civilizations Conservative Or Liberal?

How Misogyny, Homophobia, and Antisemitism Influence Transphobia

Podcasts & Videos

BS-Free Witchcraft

Angela's Symposium

ESOTERICA

ReligionForBreakfast

Weird Reads With Emily Louise

It's Probably (not!) Aliens

Conspirituality

Miniminuteman

Behind The Bastards

I feel like not enough people know that you can just go do witchcraft. Like yeah, all the pretty and aesthetic things you see online can be really expensive, and if you live in a place where witchcraft is frowned upon it can be hard to hide things, but your practice can literally be anything you want.

Part of my practice is making friendship bracelets with colors of what I want to manifest. I learned morse code and tie my goals into the bracelet. It look like a normal bracelet, no one would know the difference unless I told them. Your manifestations and spells can be verbal and whispered to the wind, your sigils can look like doodled stars or stick figures, your altar doesn't need to be anything more than the tools you use (if you even need an altar). You can put spells together based on what you have and what the things around you mean to you.

You do not need to buy things for witchcraft or have a very visible practice, just do what feels right for you. Your practice is what you make it.