Search Results

The submitted question covered in this blog: " What does it mean if your pregnant and a spirt or demon tries to engage sexual intercourse with you " Thank you submitting this question and being upfront about sharing such a personal experience! The interpretation of this can be complicated, drawing from both your personal spiritual beliefs and other broader personal contexts. Pregnancy is known to sometimes make witches feel more energetically open or sensitive to various energies. You are likely more attuned to some subtle energies and may be drawing them to you Is it possible that you are perceiving a strong or invasive energetic presence and your mind is interpreting it in a sexual context? ...especially if you are feeling vulnerable or stressed. In some spiritual practices involving shadow work manifestations, disturbing or uncomfortable experiences can be manifestations of your own subconscious "shadow" aspects that need to be acknowledged and integrated. More about shadow work in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/shadow-work-expanded Shadow work expanded on further. As a Humanist Wiccan, I wonder if your pregnancy might be bringing something subconscious to the surface, perhaps? Does the experience hold any symbolic meaning for you or within your spiritual journey? Consider what intercourse, intimacy, power, and vulnerability within this context represents to you personally. The spirit or demon might actually be a symbolic representation of an internal conflict or an external force you can subtly feel is trying to control or making you feel violated. Some witchcraft traditions may view your growing power as a pregnant witch a source of attraction for certain entities, both benevolent and malevolent. In that case, this could be a negative entity reacting to your increasing energy. Regardless, the experience signifies a violation of your energetic and personal boundaries. My advice is to reclaim and strengthen your boundaries as a crucial next step. An evil eye amulat is often worn as a protective symbol against psychic attacks Depending on your cultural background, there might be existing folklore about spirits and pregnancy that you may find helpful. If you feel psychically attacked, you should immediately reinforce your spiritual protections. This could involve casting protective circles or shields, or calling upon your deities, guides, or guardians for protection, using protective sigils, crystals, or herbs, performing cleansing rituals for yourself and your space. More about protection in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/protections protecting yourself further. Try to discern the nature of the experience. Does the spirit feel malicious, opportunistic, or something else? Trust your intuition and maybe trying a divination practice that you use might be helpful. Your protective instincts for your unborn child are likely strong. Incorporate protections for your baby into your spiritual workings. Energetically and intentionally set firm boundaries. Clearly communicate (mentally or verbally) that such interactions are unwelcome and will not be tolerated. If you feel the entity is negative or attached, perform thorough cleansing and banishing rituals for yourself, your home, and in your aura. If you are part of a coven or have trusted fellow witches, reach out for support, guidance, and potentially collaborative workings. While approaching it from a spiritual perspective, don't entirely dismiss the possibility of vivid dreams or psychological factors. Hormonal changes and stress during pregnancy can lead to vivid and disturbing dreams that feel very real. Anxiety and fear related to pregnancy or other factors can manifest in unusual experiences. I can imagine that experiencing something like what you've described may be deeply unsettling. Trust your instincts, prioritize your well-being and the well-being of your baby, and don't hesitate to seek support from both spiritual and mundane sources. If the experience is causing significant distress, seeking support from a therapist or counselor who is open to magick or understanding of spiritual experiences could be beneficial. Explore any underlying fears, vulnerabilities, or unresolved issues that might be contributing to these experiences. Regularly ground your energy and center yourself to maintain stability and connection to the earth. It is in hope that this is helpful. Please don't hesitate to reach out again if you have any questions or further concerns. Of course, if you have other questions about witchcraft related topics, can also be submitted at www.askagreywitch.com Blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: "What dangers are present to those who identify as witches today?" Thank you for submitting this question as this is a huge concern internationally. The answer to this question will depend on where you live in the world. This question may have derived from the previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/dangers-of-witchcraft Dangers of Witchcraft. Most of whom are affected by witchcraft related prejudice unfortunately usually belong to vulnerable or marginalised groups such as women, children or people with abnormalities or disabilities. Witches are sometimes used by their communities as easy excuses or scapegoats for all kinds of problems such as but not exclusive to illnesses, misfortunes or poverty. "If something goes unexpectedly wrong, a witch must've been involved" and accusations can spread like wildfire. It is my understanding that this was the basis behind the European and North American witch trials, also known as the witch-hunt, in the mid 1600s. This radical movement has been memorialized within the popular colonial town of Salem in Massachusetts, USA. This is where in 1692 to 1693 more than 200 people were prosecuted for suspected witchcraft related activities and many perished under torture, in unsanitary prisons, or while being hung when found guilty. ... And, that was just one town! In Europe this was known as the Burning Times in the 16th and 17th centuries as witches were often burned at the stake. The historical persecution of witches are complex and tragic events that collectively encompass the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and prosecutions that led to the deaths of countless innocent people. Unlike the United States and Canada, unfortunately this fear and prosecution is still very prevalent in some other countries around the world today, such as in India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Within these countries it is extremely dangerous to be considered a witch due to the amount of fear, misunderstandings and misconceptions that still existing today. The many number of churches that preach about sorcery and witchcraft being tied to evil contributes to the rise of witchcraft related abuse and discrimination. The ways in which witches are often portrayed in movies and television shows doesn't help either and also contributes to this fear factor. The many misunderstanding that still exist today has lead to many witches to feel unsafe to publicly identify as a witch, or any kind of magickal practitioner. More about that can be read in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/out-of-the-broom-closet Out of the broom closet. Proper education and training on the subject of witchcraft as well as cultural and social changes may be what's required in order to tackle these epidemics of panic driven fear. As a North American witch who resides in Canada, I am fortunate enough and privileged to express myself without the worry or fear of prosecution. It is not dangerous for me to be a witch as it is for others in other areas of the world, as I mentioned above. As a citizen of Canada, I am protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Particularly: the Freedom of Religion; Freedom of Thought Belief, Opinion, and Expression; and Equality Rights. However, I do still occasionally experience some discrimination from others based on my individual beliefs that differ from the more common belief systems and general public view. It should be mentioned that while the Canadian Charter provides these protections, there are limitations on these rights. Such as when these rights infringe on the rights of others or are contrary to public safety. The Witchcraft laws in Canada were officially repealed in 2016. This means that it is no longer a crime to practice witchcraft or to engage in related activities. This is when I, myself began to openly express myself as a grey practitioner of magick. While the specific laws against witchcraft have been removed, other laws, such as those related to fraud or harassment, may still apply if someone uses witchcraft-related practices to deceive people. It should also be mentioned that many witches and Wiccans generally follow a "harm none, do what ye will" guideline in their magick. More about that can be read in this recent previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/the-law-of-iii The Law of III. Thank you for reading my blog while visiting my website. Do you have questions related to magick and witchcraft? Submit them at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/contact Stay safe! And, bright blessings.

Ask a Grey Witch was a guest on the Witches of Eastview! This live broadcast was recorded the evening of April 13th, 2023. Aurora Moon and Bryan Stafford discuss being witches, the difference between their individual practices and answer questions submitted in the chat during the recording. Grey:  An ill-defined topic, situation or area of activity not readily conforming to a category or set of rules. Grey Witch: Working within the "Grey Areas" of Witchcraft and finding balance. Stay tuned for more great collaborations between these channels soon to come. Thank you to Aurora Moon for inviting me to join you for this interesting conversation. If you have any questions, please feel free to submit them at www.AskaGreyWitch.com Thank you to YOU for viewing this video and for visiting my blog!

About The Grey Witch My name is Bryan Stafford and I live in Guelph, Ontario Canada. I am an empathic male and an intuitive pagan with many years experience with metaphysical workings, including spell work, astrology, mediumship, and divination such as tea leaf, rune and tarot readings. By describing myself as a secular practitioner, I signify both my pagan background that nature itself is holy, thus the planet we live on and the plants, animals and bodies we live in are all sacred and my role as a complex person who works with energetic properties. In my personal non-theistic practice, deities are percieved as common architypes created to symbolize different aspects of our own human nature and are not actually external entities or supreme beings, etc. Sometimes my perspectives are confronted by other practitioners with disdain. Whereas I say, "to-each-is-own". I strive to do what is felt to be right from a humanistic approach and to speak my mind. Secular humanism is that I, myself can live a good and moral life without the existence of having a belief in a supernatural deity within my practices and traditions. But, rather I connect with aspects of my own human nature. When referring to my craft, I'm actually speaking to my personal independent practice involving manifestation and an affinity with nature within my pagan traditions. As I get older, my craft becomes less about trying to cause specific outcomes and more about focusing on helping to become more purposeful and compassionate in my own life. While I still do rituals of the more traditional sort, my magick has become something which I carry with me in all areas of my life. Always learning along my path and relying on my intuition, I personally scrye and work with runes, tarot, pendulums, palmistry and tasseography. With many tools, crystals and herbs to aid me in various workings, I also make my own infusions, potions, salves, candles, and oracles. I dedicated to a Seax Wiccan way of life in 2016 and completed initiation in 2019. More about my Wiccan practice can be read at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/secular-wicca In 2022, I became co-founder of the Sacred Meadow Circle. More about the coven can be found at www.askagreywitch.com/coven Devoted to working with all kinds of energies, and finding balance, I am often referred to as grey witch. This means my practice has involved learning as much of the baneful ways in the craft as I have to heal and help, giving me a unique perspective in magick allowing me to work in 'grey' areas in order to bring balance. For example, undoing a hex. Other intuitives have referred to me as a light worker as I am so often drawn to helping others. I offer guidance based on intuitive readings to those who feel they may benefit from another perspective. Random strangers at times unexpectedly sought me out to tell me about their problems or ask me for advice in public places such as in a store or at a bus stop, etc. Quite often I find myself offering guidance, answering questions, providing information and giving advice to other practitioners of magick. Practice suggestions and Advice More information about my coven About AskaGreyWitch.com About StaffordTarot.com

The Witches Gathering is an educational gathering of modern witches who are seeking to improve their personal craft, and connect deeply to their intuition. Register for free More about The Gatherings The Sacred Meadow Circle Astral Chat. The S.M.C. Astral group is an o nline international diverse assortment of witches that keep in contact and seek support in their discovery and learning of witchcraft. Anyone can participate! There is no requirement other than looking for help or support in setting up a meaningful practice in the craft, or meeting other witches. Quite often an example or reference to a starting point is all that's required to become grounded within beginning to set up your own witchy practice. Join us for this magickal chat experience! Starting in January 2025 Virtual gatherings will happen each week on Wednesdays, to start at 8 PM ET until about 9-10 PM ET. Check the Upcoming events section for topic and details. It should be mentioned: All else that is permitted to be revealed to non-members is that the Sacred Meadow Circle exists as a collaboration of separated gatherings of witches. No in-coven business is discussed outside of the circles such as but not limited to about what is discussed, the magickal workings that are involved, traditions explored, any trainings or lessons that take place within, or whom any of the other members are, etc. Since witches and witchcraft face so many misconceptions and misunderstandings in the world today, revealing identities of witches or other coven information could result in the jeopardization of wellness or saftey for others. Please be respectful and considerate of one another. - Blessed be! About Remote Gatherings: Please join us for the next upcoming online gatherings! Only those invited to the specific group's remote gathering will receive the meeting join links required in order to attend. First, one attends the Astral S.M.C. virtual gathering to find out what's new and upcoming in the coven and participate in introductory discussion topics. From there one may be further invited to get more involved! Starting in January 2025 Virtual gatherings will happen each week on Wednesdays, to start at 8 PM ET for a variety of witchcraft related topics of discussion and planning future events together. In person Full Moon S.M.C. gatherings may be mentioned (However, no locations nor members nor itinerary information is shared) in order for local witches to show interest and possibly be invited to attend. Witches whom show interest to attend in person gatherings are then presented to and approved by the Full Moon S.M.C members before any other information is shared with the potential member such as the gathering location and meeting details. The Astral Sacred Meadow Circle serves as a support for an online international diverse assortment of witches that keep in contact and seek guidance in their discovery and learning of witchcraft. Anyone can participate! There is no requirement other than looking for help or support in setting up a meaningful practice in the craft, and/or meeting other witches. Quite often an example or reference to a starting point is all that's required to become grounded within beginning to set up your own witchy practice. Join us for this magickal chat experience!!! During the gathering, please feel free to use craft-names and to express your witchy-selves as you see fit. These virtual meetings are not recorded, nor broadcasted. However, please be prepared that other meeting participants will be able to see you when your camera is on. And so, we ask for consideration of your surroundings that may be visible within your camera's view range. Stafford Tarot is the sponsor of the AskaGreyWitch.com host website. And so, there will be an opportunity to receive a free short divination reading with either Charms, Runes, Tarot or other oracle during the remote gathering. An A.I. companion IS used during remote gatherings for participants to ask it questions during, and create meeting summaries afterwards which may be shared with registrants as a follow up (Please note that the A.I. generated meeting summary is often not 100% accurate). For more information about the Sacred Meadow Circle gatherings, please visit: https://www.askagreywitch.com/gatherings Registration is free, and helps to prevent scammers or other insincere entry into the meeting. Once registered, please check your spam/junk folders for confirmation and for invitations to the next upcoming virtual gatherings which contain the meeting join link required to attend. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or have any concerns. We look forward to seeing you there! More Information: Register for free More about The Gatherings About The Host/Organizer About the Grey Witch Group Rules: Kno w... ...when TO KNOW Do research and exploration of the craft in the areas of your own interests. Everyone has a different point of view. This path is a lifetime of development. Please be kind and courteous at all times. ...when TO DARE Do what feels right and stay true to your own practice. Please respectfully disagree if doing so. Bullying, targeting, or attacking a member of this group is not allowed and will not be tolerated. ...when TO WILL We can support each other in finding your own way in the craft. Manifest your own will's desires. Be mindful of the Law of III if part of your practice. No selling to or spamming other members. ...when TO BE SILENT Revealing identities of witches or other coven information could result in the jeopardization of wellness or saftey for other members. Please be respectful, supportive and considerate of one another. Check Upcoming Events for the Next Gathering Date

Tarot card divination The messages within await Cartomancy is divination or fortune taking using a deck or cards. They're are different forms of cartomancy since suit cards were first introduced into Europe in the 14th century. Practitioners of cartomancy are generally known as cartomancers, card readers, or just as readers. One form of caromancy is Tarot card reading. A tarot card reader uses messages received from the cards to gain insight or new perspectives into the past, present or future. A question is formulated and then cards are drawn to interpret the messages. Message can very depending on the card itself and also the direction of the cards in which it lands, and if a layout or specific card spread is used it will also depend on where the cards land into which position. Intuition is generally taken advantage of to clarify the meanings of the messages. The ways in which the messages are related and associated to the different aspects of ourselves and our lives is how insight and new perspectives are drawn out from within us. Hence, "the messages within await". Helpful suggestions Are you interested in doing your own self readings? Here are some tips to get started: F Find a tarot deck that you like. There are many different kinds of cards that can be used for excellent readings. The most common tarot deck is the Rider Waite deck. There are many other tarot decks the use the same or similar symbolism and meanings as the Rider Waite illustrations. There are also other decks that are completely different and have their own design. Take your time to find the tarot deck that speaks to you. When you have purchased or obtained your new cards, keep it in a special pouch, or wrap them in a special clothe, and somehow make them your own. Some sleep with them under their pillow for the first few weeks to charge with their energy. Others place certain types of crystals with them when not in use. Always keep your's covered to remain dust free and they will last longer. Do what feels right to you in creating a relationship with your own personal tarot deck. Spend some time getting to know the cards. For tarot, lay out the entire deck. You can separate the Higher Arcana cards, Court cards, and Lower Arcana cards at first if that helps to focus on the differences between these groups within common decks. Go through the deck and familiarize yourself with each's symbolisms. What does each card 'say' to you? Whether you are working with runes or tarot cards, be objective, and trust your instincts. Most tarot decks will come with an instruction book that can be used at first as a general guideline. However, eventually you should reach a point when you feel confident to read the cards without these descriptions. As you go through the cards more you'll begin to form a kind of relationship as you learn the cards meanings, including your own interpretations. Follow your intuition. Consider how each card may mean something different according to where and how it is placed in your layout or spread. If the interpreted meanings of your cards do not seem to fit with your subject or question, write down those details and watch for events to unfold over the next few days or so - sometimes meanings can make more sense afterwards. Some forewarnings may not make sense until 'it' happens. In the beginning, you're going to have difficulty reading a complicated layout or spread. Especially, if you haven't built a relationship with the cards (getting to know them well). I'd suggest to start with a simple layout or spread first (1 rune/card draw, or a 3-5 runes draw or cards spread for example). Then, when you feel confident learn the more challenging methods, such as a full card casting, or full tarot spreads (5-9 cards spread, or the commonly used 10 card Celtic Crux spread, or others) A great way to start readings is to give yourself readings on a regular basis. I STILL do daily readings for myself to know what to expect that day. Each time you'll learn more and more about your own interpretations of the cards and layouts or spreads used. This allows you to become more comfortable and confident before giving readings to others. Knowing yourself well enough is key to remaining objective while giving readings. Our inner-selves can sometimes throw us off in self readings, which is why some books do not recommend it. The more objective you are in self readings, the more accurately you'll be able to interpreted the messages for yourself, and as well for others. The "Do's and Don'ts" of readings To do? or not to do? DO's: ------ DO create a relationship with the cards or runes and get to know their meanings on a personal level. For simple questions or topics, DO use a simple spread or layout. DO choose a spread or layout to use first, even before shuffling the cards or holding the runes. DO focus on the use of the spread or layout chosen with the intention of the reading while shuffling the cards or holding/casting the runes. DO be objective through out the reading, and remain subjective. DO keep an open mind, and accept the messages received. DO hear what you need to hear, (not what you want to hear). DO expect the unexpected DON'T's: -------- DO NOT read for others while haven't taken the time to get to know the cards for one's self. DO NOT read when emotional DO NOT drawing "classifiers" or extra tarot cards beyond the chosen spread DO NOT do multiple readings on the same question or topic without allowing time to pass in order to offer a new perspective. DO NOT do Readings in hopes for specific meanings. DO NOT use complicated spreads or layouts for simple questions or topics. Personal associations Getting to know the cards Below are some associations to begin reading from tarot spreads, and then allowing intuition to guide fine-tuning the messages of each card according to the energy of the quarrent or sitter. It is important to understand that the interpretations of the meanings of each tarot card will change slightly according to its spread/layout position and also, whether it has been placed right side up, sideways or reversed will further refine the message from the reading, as well as the intuition of the reader. Tarot Reading and The Cards: For the following, these are general associations according to Rider Waite symbolism. Card Suites The Quarrent - Spirit, Within, subject or question Pentacles or coins - Earth, North, money and achievement Swords or blades - Air, East, intellect and decision Wands or rods - Fire, South, and action Cups or chalices- Water, West, and emotion Higher Arcana 0 The Fool - a fresh start or leap of faith I The Magician - power, skill II The High Priest(ess) - intuition, higher wisdom III The Empress - fertility, abundance, creativity IV The Emperor - authority V The Heirophant - religion, group identity VI The Lovers - union, binders VII The Chariot - victory, assertion, momentum VIII Strength - cottage, self control IX The Hermit - solitude, soul searching X The Wheel of Fortune - Karma, turning a cycle XI Justice - fairness, cause and effect XII The Hanged Man - letting go, suspension XIII Death - endings, beginnings IXV Temperance - balance, healing XV The Devil - bondage, restriction XVI The Tower - sudden change XVII The Star - hope, spiritual, guidance XVIII The Moon - illusion, Merry, dreams IXX The Sun - success, vitality, youth XX Judgement - Inner Calling XXI The World - completion, accomplishment Court Page - messages, enthusiasm, synchronicity, curiosity, youth Knight - motion, passion, romance, haste, adolescence Queen - creativity, vibrancy, nurturing, astute, women King - vision, emotional self control, truth, man Lower Arcana Pentacles / coins I prosperity II balance III teamwork IV budgeting V poverty VI charity / giving VII making investment VIII patience IX independent wealth X culmination, ancestry Wands / rods I inspiration II choice III foresight IV community V conflict VI recognition VII standing your ground VIII travel / news IX resilience X burden Swords / blades I clarity II decision III pain IV rest V defeat VI transition VII making a break for it VIII isolation IX anxiety X endings/ defeat Cups / chalices I intimacy II love III friendship IV apathy V loss VI youth VII dreams / fantasy VIII moving on IX fulfillment X marriage / happy home Positions from spreads: Target Environment Quarrant Subject Rival/against Ground Past Present Future Many come to pass Will come to pass Fear Family opinion Hope Outcome Path Dilema Advise Resolve Action Tool Considerations Reversed Oracle Working with the cards An energetic exchange with the deck Energy is everywhere. It is a part of us and every item and object that surrounds us. We can interact physically and energetically with our environment. The balancing of energies is an important aspect of all workings with tarot cards, in my opinion. Energy work is used within many different practices, such as mediumship, metaphysical healing, working with nature or wildlife or deity, sensing or scrying and also includes working with rune casting and tarot card readings. Especially during the shuffling of tarot cards. While doing so, there is an energetically charging of intention that is taking place (for example the question of the querrent) and feeling the reflection of that energy return is how to know how to read the answer. When shuffling tarot cards it's the energy of the cards that lets the reader know when to stop or which card to choose. Again, it's the energetic draw of the symbolism in the tarot card's design and spread used that guides a tarot reading alongside the intuition of the reader. Aside from oracle decks, there are many different tarot decks to choose from when you are ready to purchase your own and get started with doing your own readings. To know which to choose, you should select the one that energetically "feels" right to you. For more information... ... visit the Stafford Tarot website reading tips blog: Visit StaffordTarot.com for more information