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Submitted question covered in this blog: "How would you protect against malicious magick? " Negativity wards are essential in my practice to bring balance by discouraging negativity and to feel protected against the negative intentions of others. This question is greatly appreciated and thank you to whom submitted it. First off, the more positive you are in your thinking the less negativity will have an effect on you. But, sometimes it can be helpful to ward off the influence of some of the incoming negativity that may be sent by others. There are so many ways to create a ward to discourage unwanted negativity or the lowering if energetic vibrations. I would recommend using several techniques to ward off negative energies if felt or need be. -- Image of witch balls of cottage witchcraft The one that i will talk about here in this blog is one of oldest and most powerful form of a negativity ward known, that i have researched, is the creation of a Witch's bottle spell. To create a Witch's bottle spell, you will need: A glass jar with a sealable lid Sharp or reflective items such as pins, nails, pieces of glass, broken mirror, etc. Salt or sea salt that's been consecrated A piece of string A black candle A magickal tag or bodily fluids of the person to be protected (such as urine) To start, fill the jar about half way with the sharp or reflective items with the intention of shredding or reflecting back any negative energy directed towards the intended protected person. Add the salt with it's purification properties, and the red string as a protective association. Add the urine (or blood or other bodily fluid as a magickal tag) of the person to be protected. Hair, or fingernail clippings can also be added. The intention of adding the essence of the person is to draw the negative energy to the bottle instead of the person and then the sharp items within either shred the negative energy or reflective objects within reflect it back to the sender. If not comfortable with the use of bodily fluids, you could also consecrated moon water or wine as a substitute. I would not recommend the use of vinegar for this spell as vinegar is commonly used to preserve or curse within some hexes. Close the jar (make sure that it is air tight so not too leak) and seal it with the candle wax. Once the bottle is created with intention and you are satisfied with it, hide it in the home or bury it outside. Be sure to choose a hiding place where it will not be found or disturbed. In the olden days, a Witch's bottle could be hidden behind the stones within a chimney hearth or built within the walls of a cabin, for example. For those who may be renting a home or apartment, or do not have access to property, it could be buried in a large house plant pot, or strategically hidden in a cupboard, under a step, in an attic or basement, etc The bottle can then be hidden somewhere where it for sure is not to be disturbed. It is then left out of sight out of mind to do it's job. It will protect the home against any negative intentions from others which also includes any malicious spellwork from other witches. This work brings the mind at ease and allows the focus of positive intentions without being bombarded with the negativity of others. -- Image of 17th Century Witch's Bottle (I haven't included an image of my own witch's bottle, since it is such a personal protective spell, and also, it so well hidden, not even I can retrieve it 😉) Please feel free to let me know if i can elaborate further on this topic or you have any other questions or concerns. Messages can be submitted to me right the www.askagreywitch.com homepage or by writing email to greywitchbryan@gmail.com. Stay safe and blessed be

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Can you please give suggestions to a beginner tarot reader?" As a professional tarot reader I am always interested in helping others who are wanting to learn tarot for themselves. My suggestion would be to start with learning to do self readings. Doing self readings is really about getting to know yourself well as you analyse your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the messages in the cards by applying them to the situations of your life, or to the question or subject of the self reading. It is within this inner self reflection that insight and new perspectives are gained. There is a difference between Oracle cards and traditional Tarot cards. Oracle cards are usually numbered or ordered (but not always). However oracle decks tend to contain their own individual structure. When referring to self readings, I am more referencing learning a traditional tarot structured, such as the Ryder Waite Smith deck and alike. In this case, I would recommend separating all of the cards into seperate groups to learn gradually. For example, Lower Arcana cards (suits Ace to Ten) Cups (or Water, or West) - emotion Wands (or Fire, or South) - action Swords (or Air, or East) - thought Coins/Penticals (or Earth, or South) - money/health Court cards of the suits (Pages, Knights, Queens, Kings) Higher Arcana (0 to 21 [without suits]) Put each group of cards in order and go through each one by one as if flipping through pages of a story. Each suite is a different path in life. Swords represent thoughts and intellect. Wands or sticks represent physical accomplishments and passions. Cups represent feelings and intuition. Coins or pentacles represent work or projects or needs of the body and mind. I previously wrote about doing tarot and rune readings in a previous blog entry at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/runes-and-tarot On my other website, www.staffordtarot.com there is another blog all related to tarot which includes reading tips and suggestions and also features a free online video beginners course created by Lindsay Knight, a talented numerologist and intuitive reader (and a mentor of mine): http://www.staffordtarot.com/blog/categories/lessons I would strongly recommend taking these free lessons and following along with your own deck of cards. My website also gives other helpful suggestions, advice, and tips on how to do self readings. Including the following Do's and Don'ts to consider when getting started: DO'S : Create a relationship with the cards or runes and get to know their meanings on a personal level. For simple questions or topics, use a simple spread or layout. Choose a spread or layout to use first, even before shuffling the cards or holding the runes. 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. Be objective through out the reading, and remain subjective. Keep an open mind, and accept the messages received. Hear what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Expect the unexpected DON'T: Readings shouldn't really be done for others while haven't taken the time to get to know the cards for one's self. Don't do readings when emotional They're should be no need to draw "classifiers" or extra tarot cards from the same deck beyond the chosen spread Avoid doing multiple readings on the same question or topic without allowing time to pass in order to offer a new perspective. Don't do readings in hopes for specific meanings. There's no need using complicated spreads or layouts for simple questions or basic topics. Please feel free to contact me from my website www.staffordtarot.com/contact if you have any questions regarding tarot or intuitive readings specifically. Otherwise, any questions related to my magickal practice can be submitted right from the homepage of www.askagreywitch.com. Thank you for reading my blog and for submitting your question!

The submitted question covered in this blog/pictures: "What is 'green' witchcraft?" There are different realms of magick in terms of areas of witchcraft. Basically a green witch studies the magickal and medicinal properties of plants. Many plants and herbal remedies can be used within spellwork and ritual. Here are examples of some of the useful local plants (in my area) that I work with regularly: Dandelions: Dandelions are connected with healing and psychic power. The leaves are eatable and if harvested before the plant starts flowering the leaves can make an excellent healthy addition to salads. Once flowering the leaves taste bitter. If already flowering, the blooms can be harvested and made into an infused syrup. I like to harvest the roots of this plant and cut up and dry to make a dandelion root tea that I drink before divination. If you roast the roots in the oven on a low temperature until it slightly changes colour the tea will be more of a rich nutty coffee experience. Plantain: Plantain is associated with healing, strength, protection and can empower spellwork. This is an excellent plant to have growing close by of you have any kind of skin irritation, such as bug bites, sun burns, thistle stabbings, etc. Literally rub a leaf against your skin for releif. Can be made into an infusion that can be poured over skin irritations. I like to infuse a grape seed oil and make a beeswax based salve with this plant which can be applied to the skin to also help with acne, escema, scoriosis, rash, etc. Can also relieve cold symptoms if made into a tea. However, be advised that it's not safe to invest if you are pregnant or live with any type of blood disorder or have a history of blood clotting. Colts foot: Coltsfoot has been used in love, tranquility and money spells and can be burned during divination rites. It can also be added to divinatory and healing incense. The leaves can be dried and burned to relieve a cough or help with breathing issues such as weeziness, asthma, congestion, smokers cough, etc. Over ingestion can lead to some problems with the liver. And so, i would not recommend inhaling the smoke directly. Wafting it in my presence is usually enough to open the air pathways when inhaling normally to assist with breathing more smoothly. The flowers of this plant which bloom in the summer (were it gets its name because they look like pony-hooves when dried) can be added lightly to a dry tea mix when dealing with a cold, the flu or covid. I often use during spring rituals because it is one of the first flowers to appear in the season and the long stems can be woven into wreaths. Bindweed: Considered a bane to most avid gardeners - not to me! As the name suggests, this long narrow growing vine can be harvested to be used for binding spells and rituals. Quite often these invasive plants grow spiraling up the stems of other plants choking them out. I like i use for cord cutting spells, to hold stick poppets in shape, or used in knot magick, and also be used in handfasting ceremonies. Little trumpet shaped white flowers appear along the vines which look similar to moon flowers, only smaller. It should be mentioned that the seeds are very poisonous just like morning glory flowers and long ago the seed oils were riskly used to induce hallucinations. Woody Nightshade: Unlike the familiarly named deadly nightshade which is more powerful extremely poisonous, this particular plant is woody nightshade, also known as bittersweet nightshade. Although the leaves and stem are still slightly poisonous. This vine can be used in protection against malicious spells from other witches. Can also be used to protect the home. The red berries that come to fruit from the little yellow and purple flowers in the summer time are the most poisonous part of the plant. Long ago, it was somewhat popular to harvested the berries and the juices were used to poison red wine because the colour nor the taste could be easily detected. Along with this, this plant can also assist with more baneful magick such as jinks, curses or hexes. Mullen: An infusion can be made with the leaves to treat frostbite or sunburn. An oil based infusion made with the flowers can be made to produce a strong antibacterial solution which can help reduce migraines by adding about 10 drops into a cup of water or when applied within, can fight against infections of the ear. Mullen leaves can be dried and smoked to relieve chronic cough or asthma. Works very well as a tea if you are suffering from a cold as long as you strain the brew through a cloth so not too get the tiny hairs in your tea. The little hairs from the leaves can cause irritation of the mouth and throat. This plant grows in two year stages. The first year it grows as a short plant with leaves and the second year it grows back to produce a tall stem with a cob of flowers. I like to smoothly harvest the flowers as they appear and make into an antibacterial oil. Long ago the stem and cob at the top of this plant was dipped in wax, lit a flame and used as a torch for light in the dark of night. ...There are so many more plants to choose from that I could talk about. However, the ones mentioned above are all from my gardens and property (pictures were taken late spring/early summer of 2022). Thank you for reading my blog! If I can clarify on anything here or if you have questions, please feel free to ask. Otherwise please submit any comments and questions at www.askagreywitch.com or feel free to send email to greywitchbryan@gmail.com

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Is baneful magick bad to use, in your opinion?" As a grey witch I can very much appriciate this question -and so, Thank you to whom submitted it! What makes me a "grey" practitioner of magick is that I work with all kinds of energies to find balance. In my practice magick is not good or bad, dark or light, black or white, etc. It just is. And so, baneful magick can sometimes actually be required in order to bring forth a balance. If you look at it from a light/dark perspective (positive/negative), i work to achieve a "grey zone" in the middle. Sometimes a little positive is required to balance a negative situation. Other times, a little negative may be what's needed in order to create some positive again. Sort of like developing, or evolving after a difficult lesson has been learned. It's never my advice to work negative to negative as this quite often backfires. For example, returning a curse with a curse. I have protections for that . And also, I never work positive to positive for the same reasons. This is why many love spells backfire. Finding the necessary balance required can sometimes involve baneful magick which can influence "the scale" back in the right direction. But, free will is always it's own. If you are mindful of the law of three, bringing balance will return balance. The key is not to over tip the scale off balance, remaining centered. It's usually my instinct to look at a what's required for a situation similar to determining a balancing of energies. Some very basic examples : If someone is hurt, would healing not be appropriate? Perhaps it'd help. If someone is being disruptive, would wishing them calm and peace make a difference? Perhaps they'd feel it? If someone seems obsessed, maybe backing away from them or if need, binding them? Perhaps they get the point. If someone has stolen from me, would someone stealing from them show the original thief how it felt/feels? Perhaps they'd not do it again. If someone flips the middle finger to me while driving past me on a road in a fit of rage, would sending a blessing help them through their already troubled day? Perhaps they need it. Etc. Other information on curses and hexes were included in a previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/curses-and-hexes It is in hopes that this entry has made sense to you as per what i am trying to say in it. LOL comments or questions are always welcome, if you would like me to expand on the above further, just let me know. Thank you for reading my blog! Please feel free to send me your messages or ask if I can elaborate. Questions can be submitted right from the homepage of www.askagreywitch.com

Some of the questions collected over a period of time covered in this blog: "Doesn't that make you an ugly old woman?" "Can you actually fly on a broom?" "How do you create fire from your fingers?" "How can you levitate?" "Do you worship the devil?" "Is there a spell to shapeshift into an animal?" "Are witches even real?" Although, i did not create a blog entry for each of these questions, i did respond in email to each sender referring them to previously submitted blog entries for clarity. I thought I should at least write about them! These questions are some of the oldest misunderstandings that there are about witches, still today. Of course, we don't have green skin, guaranteed warts, or long pointed noses, etc. like in the image above taken from a scene in the movie, "Wizzard of Oz". Can you believe that some people actually think this? Below I will explain the above questions and a few other Hollywood misconceptions that I have seen still existing in society: Only wemen and not men The term "witch" is actually gender neutral and is used by both men and wemen who identify as a practitioner of witchcraft. Many mistake the term "Warlock" as a male witch term. However it is not and actually originates from Christian beleifs, not Wiccan or witchcraft. Either a man or a women can be a witch. Ugly old ladies only The only explanation I can think of is that long ago it was beleived by many that the male sex was dominant over the female sex. It was frowned upon back in the older days and even down right feared for a women to become overpowered over men. And so, it was automatically aimed that a confident and powerful women must be possessed or guided by evil influence to which witchcraft was often to blam. Another misconception from this is that many Wiccans revere the woman as a more dominant sex over the male. But also, some celebrate the crone stage of life and wisdom, the women elders of magick circles (after mother stage of life of birth and teaching, from much after maiden stage of life of youth and learning). This could have been intimidating to rulers of the world back in the day. Levitation Witches are notorious for working with plants and knowing the properties of certain plants well enough to concoct to create potions, salves, and other ways of ingesting the plants in order to gain certain effects. Some of these effects felt like getting high, or numb simulating a levitation feeling when walking. This has nothing to do with lifting ones self into the air as some may suggest. Flying on brooms Similar to above, flying was sometimes a reference to the effects of hallucinogens from ingesting plants though lotions or salves. Sometimes these salves would be spread on a broom handle while a witch rides the broom between their legs allowing the salves to absorbe into the inner thighs at a safe rate to avoiding overdosing. Another misfact that comes from flying on brooms is that witches used to jump with a broom between their legs to show crops how high to grow. The appearance of this could have looked like someone trying to take off in flight unsuccessfully. Fire summoning There are television shows and movies that depict witches as being able to lite candles by simply pointing at them. This simply isn't true. Witches follow common physics like everyone else. Gory ingredients in potions or Over the years, plant names and references have changed and in ancient times has completely different names then they do today. For example, dog's tail is a type of grass. Or, eye of newt is a type of herb, or frog's toe is a type of flower pettle, etc. Seeing some of these listed in an ingredients list long ago could have created some gory imagery in ones' imaginations to spread further misconceptions of witchcraft. Devil worship Please see this previous blog entry about what it means to be a witch and does not involve the devil: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/how-i-became-a-witch As mentioned, there is no devil in Wiccan religions. Some witches work with different Gods and Godesses through a form of deity worship, prayer or mentorship. No devil - sorry. Turn into animals Through synchronousities a witch communes with nature and the world surrounding. This can include animals. And so, when am animal seems to come to the assistance of a witch it can be seen as a familiar. Either brought forth by spirit by representation or by symbology and properties of the animal, nature provides much influence in magick. Witches may turn to animals for assistance. However, we do not turn into animals! This is another play on words that has been misunderstood over the years. Melt with water Thank you Wizard of Oz! Because of you there are people who actually beleive that water can be bad for witches. Now, to be honest whomever may beleive such a thing probably doesn't believe real witches exist in the first place. LOL So then, Are witches even real? Yes!!!! - In more modern times the internet has actually helped witches find eachother and sharing with eachother beliefs, facts, traditions and practices and to assist other magickal folk and in turn has been enlightening the world. The practices in the craft are growing and the communities with it. Although understandably, many covens still remain hidden and their practices kept protected. ... It should be mentioned that what i mean by " Hollywood " misconception is that most of the misunderstandings about witches are directly related to the creations by movie producers and story book authors from the past who imaginatively focused on scarring their viewers and readers with fictions of witches. Unfortunately, some of those ideas stuck, spread and even survive. Other source of mis facts and mistruths came from the horrible witch trials of previous centuries. In the past, ordinary people were tortured under the suspicion of being a witch and were told the torture would stop if agreed to false ideas of witches such as flying, devil worship, etc. and then they were usually killed. Stories and rumours spread faster than most disease. It also did not help when the Catholic Church basically called occult and pagan practices evil through out history. You may find interesting a previous blog entry about the similarities between Pagans and Catholics: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/catholic-witches Thank you for all of the questions submitted to me at www.askagreywitch.com there are no foolish questions, only opportunities to learn. Your openness and understanding is greatly appriciated. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at greywitchbryan@gmail.com or from the contact section of the webpage. UPDATED : Since this blog post above, more similar questions have been submitted and mentioned in this more recent blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/misunderstandings-that-continue-to-exist  Movie misunderstandings that continue to exist

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Do you have a familiar?" This question is very much appriciated, thank you to whom submited it. I like this question. Because, the way that I view "Familiars" is a bit old fashioned. The was that I approach familiars seems to differ from what I hear many modern witches say now a days in online communities about their own experiences working with a familiar. Many nowadays describe familiars as a living animal, like a physical pet, that a special connected relationship is obtained with. The animal working with in magick is considered a familiar to some witches. In that case, this would be my familiar when she was alive: My cat assisted my magick from 1995 - 2011 Where as to other witches, some say a familiar is similar to working with spirit or ancestors. Like working with spirits of animals that we once knew and loved in life, (or during a previous life) where who's energy can be felt around the witch thereafter. This energy can be helpful to a magickal practitioner depending on intention. I have definately felt my previously living furry friend's energy around me through out the years that followed her passing and have also felt her assistance with my magick at times thereafter. -Picture of my cat's resting place A dictionary meaning that I found on a familiar is, " a demon supposedly attending and obeying a witch, often said to assume the form of an animal. " ...and, there are some witches that believe this as well!!! Soooo, then what do I believe? To me, familiars are energies of past loved pets that feel as though they visit or deliver messages often appearing to a witch through synchronousities, or during spells or ritual which can assist with the workings in the moment. Often crows, rabbits, owls, wolves, mice, and other common wildlife are described as familiars when they seem influenced to approach a witch to assist in one way or another. Sometimes seen as the same species of animal showing themselves repeditively to a witch as a presence to be seen and taken note of. What all of the descriptions above and different beliefs about familiars have in common, that I've found, is that they all involved energetic relationships with animals assisting witches in magick. -picture of the memorial tree, a Weeping Pussy Willow, planted atop my cat's resting place. Thank you for reading about my own perspectives. What are your thoughts?

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Is magic even real?" Absolutely! The influence of magick is everywhere! Thank you for offering this opportunity to debunk another misconception by submitting this question. The idea that magick is not even real floats amongst the general public regularly. First off, I should mention that I personally spell the word magic'k' with a 'k' to seperate what I do from the 'magic' of an illusionist or entertainer. Magic is not real in the sense that it is a trick done to fool it's audience. What I'm going to respond to is in reference to 'magick' as in directing energy to manifest one's desire. From my perspective as a witch, I feel that I can confidently say, "Yes - magick is very real!". I would not continue to pursue an interest in the craft of witchery most of my life if I did not experience beneficial results and successful manifestations from my own personal magickal workings. Of course, I'm not talking about the "Hollywood" magic involving fireballs thrown from one's hand or casting evil on people like you may have read in a book or watched in a movie.  (Makes me laugh)    As eluded to above, the dictionary definition of 'magic' is " Mysterious tricks, such as making things disappear and reappear, performed as entertainment. ” this is obviously not what I am referring to either.    To be clear, when I mention the word 'magick', I am referring to the workings of energy manipulation, or in other words, manifestation through means of intention. The practice of magick is about raising and directing energy to direct one's desires, or fulfill one's intentions. Externally directed energy can have subconscious influences on us when interacting with our own internal energy centres and energy fields (as all living creatures in nature have). It should also be mentioned that free will can never be controlled, and is always our own. There are many ways in which to set your intention to direct energy for the purpose of manifesting. Whether referring to drawing something new coming into our lives (such as love, or prosperity, protections, etc.), or wanting to push something existing out of our lives, (such as removing negativity or avoiding obstacles, banishment, etc. the ability is within us all to make the necessary changes for ourselves to live happier lives.  Sometimes certain kinds of energy work, such as readings, spells, or shadow work, etc. can be a useful tool to help recognize our own true intentions and help to consider the changes required for us to live happier lives.  There are many different ways in which to manifest, and there are a variety of perspectives and opinions involving magick and it's authenticity. I am only able to speak from my own opinions and beliefs. Some examples within my own practice are: my spouse and I literally requested eachother before we met in this life; through spellwork i manifested the home in which we now live; my regular prosperity workings have guided us through the mundane tasks required in order to make a living together; offerings to goddess and gods have been answered very specifically at times... I live the results of my magick. Some say, "Seeing is believing". And so, you may just need to experience it for yourself in order to understand that it's about, that it's actually there, it's everywhere, and that it has been there for the entire time. More about manifestation is available at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/witchcraft Find ways to connect with the magickal moments in your life!!!

Submitted question covered in this blog: " What do you find most difficult about being a witch? " This question is interesting and much appriciated. Because honestly, in my opinion the most difficult part about being a witch is not being understood by the non-magickal folk, or mundane people around me, which i sometimes refer to respectfully as "a Cowan". I'm not referring to stereotypical people who have their own ideas of what a witch is. And, I'm also not speaking about rude or discriminatory people like those whom may avoid me because i wear a penticle around my neck, etc. Disrespectful people are not difficult at all actually... In fact, I see them as having their own lessons to learn in their lives and it's not my responsibility to resolve it for them, personally. (However, I have done reversal spells before with nonharming intention for some individuals to learn from their own mistakes). What I'm actually talking about that I find difficult is with the regular day to day interactions between myself and any non witchy people in my day to day life who unknowingly might break a sacred circle or unintentionally tamper with workings, disrupt traditions or interfere with rituals, etc. What may seem like a minor disturbance or small distraction can actually be quite counter productive to my practices. With regularity, can get down right frustrating. For example, say I'm harvesting and collecting specific plants or herbs, (dandelions would be a great example). A Cowan may look at my bounty of collected stems, roots and leaves as just a bunch of picked weeds that needs to be discarded and may think themselves doing me a favour by throwing them out when I'm not around. This happens occationally in my home involving my young adult children or with my spouse at times. This is indeed perfectly understandable (of course,) with them not having the experience or knowledge in the craft as I do to know any better for themselves. So naturally, i understand even though it can be difficult at times. Sometimes, it can still lead to energy and intention being disrupted. Even before being harvested, i can find myself protecting and vouching for the life of some of my plants due to the fact of others not understanding my intentions. Some people just want to pull them out of the ground before they bloom not realizing it's a flower, or remove them when they are blooming calling it a weed, or just want to mow them down either way just because it's too wild looking or looks disorganized. Not even referring to the non witches that live in my home. In the city where i reside, there are strict bylaws around the maintenance of neighbourhood properties, what plants are allowed to grow within the city limits and there's also a height limit of 7 inches (about 25 cm) as well as other rules for citizens to follow. This often conflicts with my green-witch side. Here is the difficulty: My entire property is a wild naturalized area designated to provide for everything that I need in my craft. But, also my property provides food, substance and shelter to a variety of birds, bees, butterflies, insects, mice and many other small creatures. Each and every spring I receive visits from the city bylaw officer to my home explaining the number of complains from my neighbours reported to city officials. Their concerns that my whole yard is long and tall and wildly, ...and ...yeah, it is!!! As I can prove that i do remove common allergy sources from my "gardens" (such as Ragweed, for example) and I am able to identify every plant that's growing in the area, showing that each is grown ornamentally or has a purpose. Because if this, the city does not take action against me. At one point the city even provided a naturalist expert to visit my home in hopes it would be suggested that I change to a less wild approach. However, when she arrived she understood what i was trying to acheive and absolutely loved my attempts to create a self sustaining property. It should be mentioned that I do keep it maintained as per naturalized yard regulations stated in the by-law regulations. All of the neighbours who continue to complain still do so with no avail. Other than that lesser annoyances mentioned above there really isn't much that I find difficult about being a witch. In fact, I would rather think it would be much more difficult if I wasn't a witch! I'm not sure where i would be in my life if I did not walk my path in the craft, not follow through with my manifestations, didn't do spell work, rituals and traditions, etc. My practice has made me who I am today. Thank you for sending in this question. If you have your own questions please feel free to submit them at www.askagreywitch.com

Submitted question covered in this blog/pictures: "Can you talk more about purchased items you use in your practice?" I believe what this submitted question is referring to is in a previous blog, i mentioned: ...it DOES take time and patience to grow, seek out or create ingredients or tools to be used within spellwork. Many self made tools tends to be temporary and may need to be replaced or created regularly. With the hustle and bustle of modern life sometimes it may feel like they're just isn't the time to take to make it happen. Not to mention some are not crafty or skilled in making their own supplies, Or perhaps patience just isn't a 'strong suit that is worn often'. If you have the means, there is nothing wrong with purchasing ingredients and tools to save time or be relieved of stress and hassle. It is strongly recommended that when purchasing supplies, that the objects be cleansed and charged with your own energy or consecrated before using for your workings. Items created by others can still contain the others' intentions and energies. Be sure to know the energies you're working with in spellwork! Personally, I have purchased many tools and supplies for convenience over the years of my practice. But, I thought it may be helpful for me to share some of the items that I have created for myself or was provided by nature that I use in my practice:... From: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/self-made-tools-within-my-craft The above was from a previous blog entry about self made tools that I personally use within my craft. Thank you for asking me to expand on this. Here, in this blog entry, below, I thought I would answer by sharing about some of the items that I've either had custom made for me by other practitioners, or that I have purchased and cleansed or consecrated to be used within my own craft. It is worth reiterating that purchasing items and supplies are completely not necessary to start a practice in witchcraft or Wicca. There is no actual need to spend money in order to be a witch. Spellwork is powered by intention. And so, in my tradition the only tool that I really need, to focus and direct energy, is my mind and the pointer and middle fingers of my own hands. Magical tools and ingredients definitely can help direct energy to focus that intention. However, the best tools to use are the ones that are provided by and found within nature, or hand made by ourselves. Purchased items Smaller Crystals Charged to be used with a variety of spell workings (or as associations to represent various energies working with), the vibrations from smaller crystals are often taken advantage of. Larger Crystals Providing a means of clarity, clearing and cleansing, larger crystals are used in my practice to ground, align with and take advantage of the higher vibrational and energetic patterns of each. Crystal balls Crystal balls are an excellent divination tool in my practice that I also use for focusing, and remaining objective during spellwork for others, as well as during tarot readings. I write about using my crystal balls during tarot readings in my Stafford Tarot Blog: https://www.staffordtarot.com/post/the-use-of-crystal-balls-during-readings Singing bowls An excellent way for me to clear energy for me in my practice is with singing bowls. I have several different kinds, sizes and tones that I associate for different uses. This is my largest, which can cleanse my entire home with its powerful sound vibrations. Candles An ongoing and never ending collection of candles. My immediate family has caught on that candles make excellent gifts when I'm hard to shop for - LOL. Once cleansed and consecrated purchased candles can be a time saver given all the application abilities with candle magick. Books (suggestion to read, read, read...) Reading books and articles (hard cover it online) can be excellent sources of information. Although many of the books that I have purchased are provided by online reader services and can't show them here, what I can show are a few of the printed books that I have around. Even though each has been thoroughly read, they still make excellent resources to refer back to when trying to be more creative within workings. Tarot Cards and Oracle Decks Another massive collection of mine are the number of tarot and oracle decks that I own. Even though I've made tarot reading into a profession, there are many decks of cards that I do not use within readings for others and are strictly for my own personal use (not shown here). I talk more about my tarot decks on my Stafford Tarot blog at: https://www.staffordtarot.com/blog/categories/tarot-decks Cauldron Quite often a containment is required during spellwork whether for a collection of ingredients, or to create/mix oils, or to hold a flame, my cauldren assists with many of my spells and rituals. Athame Similar to a wand, my athame is used to direct energy during rituals, ceremonies or spellworkings as well as carve runes, sigils or other magickal markings. If used for anything harmful (such as a to injure or wound), would be considered affensive and sacreligious. Ritual Sword Used along with a spear in Seax Wiccan traditions, this sword was custom made for me to be used within sacred rites, rituals, ceremonial traditions and spellwork. If used for anything of a harmful nature (such as a sword fight, or a wounding for example) would be considered affensive and sacreligious. -- Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. If I can clarify anything here or if you have questions, please feel free to submit your comments and questions on the homepage of www.askagreywitch.com or send email to greywitchbryan@gmail.com

Submitted question covered in this blog : " You mentioned burning sage to cleanse, isn't that a closed practice? " Thank you for this question. I believe this question is referring to where i mentioned using sage to smoke cleanse in the previous blog/video: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/smoke-cleansing-and-black-salt There are many misconceptions about the use of white sage and even more missunderstandings. Firstly, the use of white sage, is NOT a close practice. If you are mimicking an indigenous ritual with the use of white sage, then YES - that would be cultural appropriation. It's the ritual itself that is closed to outsiders of the practice. Not the general use of the white sage plant itself. I also write about closed practices in a previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/open-practices-vs-closed-practices The way i understand it is that there is a concerning issue with this particular type of herb is that it only naturally grows in nature within certain areas of the world where it is depended on by local indigenous cultures. Currently, for resale around the world this plant is being over harvested (in those natural areas) which is effecting the supply for the local peoples of that area, specifically a community in California, United States. It can be a good idea to consider growing your own white sage to reduce the demand and strain on the local communities where it grows naturally. It is similar to Paulo Santo, which is a type of wood that is over harvested and seems to be gradually going extinct. There are local peoples where this supply of wood originated that struggle to maintain their cultures traditions due to this scarcity being created. Again, it is not a closed practices to use the ingredients within your traditions. However, when over harvesting is due to manufacturing a product in order to sell to consumers around the world, it can be prevented. In my climate zone where I live on the planet a white sage plant can survive a few years of properly taken care of and covered in the winter weather. Due to the harsh conditions of the Canadian winters the plant eventually turns 'woody' and strangely, and eventually dies, since the plant only survives in the wild in a certain California mountain range climate. Personally, I'm not a big advocate to the movement being discussed here. But, if I can help another community of spiritual folk, no matter their background or traditions, to express themselves more freely by avoiding purchasing white sage products in stores, than so shall it be. And so, i don't buy it. I do grow it in my garden. Now, some would also say that even purchasing the seeds for the plant should also be avoided. Afterall, the manufacturers probably harvested the plants to get the seeds - no doubt, right?! There isn't an easy way to tell, as a consumer, if the sage plants or seeds of the plant come ethically, like from a green house environment, or if it was harvested in the wild from their natural environment without consideration for the reprocautions on the community of local tribes. Do your research if feeling you require white sage in your practice. Who is the supplier? What information do they provide up front? Where do they source the herbs? How is/if the profits from sales benifits local California tribes and indigenous communities? ...etc. It is in hopes that this is helpful. If you have questions please feel free to submit them at www.AskaGreyWitch.com

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Do you know a spell to remember your dreams after waking up ?" Actually, i came across a way to remember dreams accidentally working with plants and herbs. This question is greatly appriciated, thank you. Previously I tried to create a more restful sleep for myself by mixing scents with incense or mist sprays. In doing so, i found that specific herbs have off a scent that could encourage the recollection or details when dreaming. The spell that I recommend is extremely simple. But requires a certain mist spray or incense combination. The scents that I found most restful was a jasmine/cedarwood infusion. I like to make into a sleep potion mist spray that I can spray the mist around myself before starting my bedtime routine (brush teeth, change clothes, etc.). The mist helpes to calm the mind before falling asleep allowing to remain calm throughout and experiencing a more restful sleep. However, I also noticed having more dreams during. Or rather, I was in fact remembering more of the dreams that I have while I slept when I use the spray in this way. To remember my dreams even more clearly than I was with the above method, as referred to in the submitted question, I would add rosemary or mugwart to make this mist, or the placing of a rosemary or mugwart herb bundle under my pillow whilst I sleep would also work well. To make the mist spray mentioned above, I like to use moon water and witchhazel as the base (witchhazel helps everything mesh with the water for a more even distribution in the mist).  If no witchhazel is available, can use a strong alcohol like vodka (ratio: 1/3 witchhazel (or alcohol) and 2/3 moon water. Then add 20-30 drops of each essencial oils, in this case jasmine and cedarwood (or sandlewood would also work). Let sit until the next full moon and then use anytime thereafter.  To use, shake well and then mist in the air around about 10 or so minutes before expecting to go to sleep. Place the mugwart or rosemary under your pillow placed in a little bag, or sachet, it wrapped in a thin cloth. These herbs can also be combined into an incense to burn the smoke lightly and waft around you before starting your bedtime routine.  This is a great time to say an incantation, prayer, or speak your desires with intention. As well as with a scented oil mixture version, this mist spray or incense mix can be used in conjunction with astral travel or dream work to help remember details more clearly. If wanting to remember your dreams always keep a notebook or memopad and a pen or pencil beside the bed where you sleep so that whenever you wake up, right away you can write down the details you remember. This is important because each of us slowly begin to forget what we dream once we wake up. So, writing it down right away - first thing allows to review and remember details. Also, throughout the day, if you can recall anything further about your dreams from that night prior, then adding those details to your notebook or memo to yourself may help to compile as much of the dream as possible. Another way to use dreams to your advantage is to ask yourself a specific question before you fall asleep and then allow your subconscious mind in your dreams to describe the answer to you. To do this, spray the mist around as described above and then write the question for yourself on a piece of paper and place it under your pillow while you sleep. Then, in the morning (or whenever you wake up) write down any details they can be remembered. What is wrote down should contain the answer to the asked question. If there are any questions about this spell please do not hesitate to ask. Of course, other questions that haven't been covered yet with a blog entry can be submitted at www.askagreywitch.com Rest well, & Thanks for visiting and reading my blog!

Submitted question covered in this blog/video: " Is there magick that can help with ecsema? " Absolutely! Magick is great when done side by side to medical advice, implementations, procedures, etc. Sometimes, the medicinal ingredients that we need are all around us provided by nature. Thank you for this question! Green magick can assist in making herbal potions, lotions and salves to help skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, etc. I create skin surface safe salves to treat ecsema, scoriosis, sun burns, and other skin conditions. I make this particular salve to treat skin conditions with a local plant known as Plantain. It is easily found (in my area). It grows almost anywhere! Most see it as a pesky weed. Do not harvest all the leaves from one plant. I only take one from each. It is identifiable by its broad leaves. It easily hides with other plants! Often it grows along paths or on grass. Do not harvest rear road traffic! All plants can absorb pollutants. Be safe! After done harvesting the leaves, you'll need olive oil as a base, and later beeswax. Start by crushing the leaves with the use of a pestle and mortor keeping the leaves whole, creating abrasions adding intention to your workings as you work. The cracks and abrasions that form in the leaves help the plant properties to infuse with the oil. Be sure not to skip this step as it is important to make the infusion needed to create the skin salve. Select stronger looking leaves to use and discard any leaves that have dehydrated or if lost their firm texture. Place the crushed leaves in a jar that will be used to mix the infusion and allow to sit for a period of time. & Now you can add the olive oil. You can also use grape seed oil, canola oil, or mineral oil. Giving the jar a little shake can help the oil to coat the herb well. You want to add enough oil to completely saturate the leaves. Fill level to the top of the plants. Cap the jar well. Store someplace dark for at least two weeks or longer to allow the plant to infuse with the oil. Then when ready, use a colander strain the infusion into a pot that can be heated on a low heat over a fire or on a stove. Always proceed carefully when using a fire or arrive to heat ingredients to be used in magickal workings. Strain as much of the oil as possible to use as much of the infusion as you are able! I like to press the plants with a short wand to extract the remaining oils from the plant mixture. Energy and intention can be directed into the infusion while stirring and pressing the plants accordingly. The liquid should be clear and thin while heated and there should not be any bits of plant material within. This is now a very nice plantain olive oil infusion. At this point I like to add further intention with incantation, or blessings of the infusion for healing. To make into a salve begin adding small pieces of sliced beeswax to the infusion while over low heat. Be careful when slicing beeswax with a sharp knife. If can be tough to break apart. But, necessary to melt evenly. Allow the beeswax to melt and dissolve into the infusion adding little pieces at a time. It's going to take some time for the beeswax to fully melt. Be patient! It's worth the wait. Stirring the pieces around can help to melt a little quicker and to mix evenly. When the beeswax is completly melted, to know whether you've added enough beeswax, do a spoon test: Dip a spoon into the infusion mixture and if it is ready the spoon should start coated by the liquid salve. You should see a fast coating form of wax over the spoon surface. If the spoon does not appear to be coated by the liquid salve solution when it is dipped into it, then melt more beeswax into the salve. When the spoon coats well by the liquid salve mixture, then pour right away into a heat safe sealable jar or container. Be careful when pouring. Leave about an inch of space from the top of the jar when filling them with the liquid salve solution. I like to use canning jars because they can withstand the heat at first until the salve cools down. It may be hot to the touch! Use as many small jars or containers as necessary. I don't like to use large jars so not too waste. Be sure to place somewhere where the jars will not be disturbed and can sit to cool. Tightly seal the jars closed with a lid and allow to sit still until completely cooled. It's going to take some time for the salves to cool. Becareful as the jars may be hot to the touch at first. As the salves cool the mixture should become less transparent and more solid forming. The solidification of the dive mixture may not cool evenly - That's ok! Allow to cool thuroughly. When cooled, the salves will appear thick and solid. But, be soft enough to gather and spread with a finger tip. Afterwards, i like to place on my working alter as an offering of the potential healing to come. That's basically it! It is important not to break down the plantain's medicinal benifets by using too high of a temperature to melt the beeswax and mix into the infusion. Using a low heat to gradually melt the beeswax over a lengthier period of time will preserve the qualities to take advantage of. This salve can also assist with relieving pain, reaction and swelling from bug bites, bee stingings, thistle and nettle stabbings, cat-scratch fever, etc. and makes great relief for sunburns and some other skin irritations. It should be mentioned that magical workings do go great hand in hand, or on the side to medical practices. However, magick should never be treated as a substitution for medical advice of a doctor or direction of a health practitioner. Always seek the help that you need when you need it. As always, I'm an open book if anyone has any questions or comments about the information provided in this blog entry. Be safe, and blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Are there different types of magick? " Thank you for submitting this question which is so appriciated. Because, many witches that I've met either don't even realize that there are different types of magick, or many witches form a misunderstanding as to what the different types of magick mean. For example: some witches call themselves a "white" witch (meaning only focusing on good intentions) or some use the term "black magick" meaning bad or evil. I personally feel that in today's day-in-age these white/black terms can give a very wrong impression and comes across the absolute wrong way - in my mind. I am also not referring to the type of witch. Rather, i'm speaking about the types of magick any kind of witch can do. White doesn't mean good and black doesn't mean bad. Respectively, the term "Black Magick" when used appropriately actually refers to the traditions and customs originating in African Tribal Magick. It should be mentioned that I believe that there is no bad or good in magick. As someone who identifies as a "Grey" practitioner of magick myself, this is quite often misunderstood. Being a Grey Witch means that I take an approach of balancing energy and exploring the "grey areas" of magick. This can include right from wrong, masculine from feminine, positive from negative, wealth from poverty, etc. Within my practice I'm not focusing on the middlepoint of evil like some seem lead to believe. I feel as though there is a wide misunderstanding that the types of magick that there are, are either good or bad. In my experience this just is not the case. Magick can involve noble intentions and it can also involve baneful intentions. This lies within the intentions of the caster, not within the magick itself that is done. The difference between the main types of magick IS about the intention involved. However, it's NOT about nice vs evil. There is "Neutral Magick", "High Magick", and "Low Magick" which in my view can be described together as the three main realms of witchcraft. Neutral Magick The Universe or Nature works it's own magick, in the background and witches work within it. This is the fabric of manifestations. The behind-the-scenes to a witches magickal workings is Neutral Magick. Consisting of energy vibrations, other dimentions and realms of reality, it vastly includes, but not limited to: nature; life force; energy flow; the fae; spirit; astral; gaia; the green man; goddess; god; web of life; cords; the universe; etc. etc. etc... High Magick Workings that are meant to have a spiritual purpose rather than a practical one and depends heavily on learning precise, complicated ritual and intricate sets of correspondences and associations, is High Magick. It involves improving one's inner self, which can include self empowerment, initiation, gaining divine knowledge, purification, the attraction of proper influences, embracing one's destiny, etc. Ceremonial magick is a form of High Magick in its own rite. In my opinion Christianity can also be considered as a form of high magick. Low Magick Otherwise, workings that influences the mundane or has practical purposes such as healing, attracting luck or love, driving away evil, finding lost items, bringing good harvests, fertility, etc. is Low Magick. Rituals involve day to day everyday items: plant material, coins, nails, wood, stones, etc. Most folk magick traditions and customs can be considered Low Magick which are often passed down through generations of family teachings. However, with the wide sharing of information in books and over the internet these days, more and more is becoming accessible to all whom are interested no matter their background or religion, or beliefs. Personally, my practice involves High Magick and Low Magick as I do identify as and live my life as a Witch and Seax Wiccan. Please feel free to share with me what it is that you believe. I'm always happy to hear about other perspectives from other practitioners of magick and other types of witches. It is in hopes that this has helped to clear up any misunderstandings that there might be about the types of magick that there are. At least from my own perspective. Thanks for reading my blog. If you have a question that you would like to submit, please feel free to do so, or write to me greywitchbryan@gmail.com

Submitted question covered in this blog: " what type of witch can summon a kitsune for me " It is my understanding that a "Kitsune" comes from ancient Japanese culture as a form of deity worship.  In Japanese folklore, a Kitsune is a type of spiritual fox entity with paranormal abilities such as shape-shifting into other creatures, even humans.  It is often depicted as a mischievious fox with several tails. The more tails present - the wiser and more powerful the Kitsune.  The above is familiar to me due to the fact that my daughter co-oincidentally studies Japanese culture and so she was able to fill me in further about a Kitsune. Thank you for submitting this question. Even though your question involves a practice different from my own, It is still very much appriciated because I can share some info on this topic.  I also thought it may be helpful for me to describe basically how I work with my own deities within my own practice.   Deity worship in my own practice as a Seax Wiccan involves connecting with the different aspects of human nature. Each aspect is represented by specific related personas. In my case, this would include such personas as Woden (creativity and magick), Freya (tough love and romance), Thunor (strength and bravery), Saturn (business, money, and finances), or Ty (patience, hardship and sacrifice), etc. These deities mentioned are based on Anglo Saxon traditions.   The interactive responses from these representations of each diety is based on synchronousities that can be noticed throughout my life from day-to-day interactions of my surroundings. If you resonate with, I don't think it's wrong to explore the different pantheons of Goddesses and Gods, etc. Working with deities involves building a relationship with as working with developing a part of ourselves. Most deities have archetypal representation to different aspects of our own human nature. To work with a specific deity, decide what are you hoping to acheive within yourself? ...and then, decide which deity's portraited charector, history and lessons connect most with what you hope to acheive. No matter what deity you are attempting to create a relationship with, from any culture or traditions, working with the personifications that is associated with or represented by each will draw that particular deity to you from within. A popular way to connect with deities is to create an alter in honour to them. An alter can be designated in honour of any specific deity that you're hoping to connect with.  Offerings can be laid on the alter as a form of respect and acknowledgement specifocally to them. In respect to the submitted question, paying honourage to a Kitsune by perhaps leaving food on an outdoor alter.  The alter can include anything that you feel that a fox (out of respect for a Kitsune) would appriciate. If honoring another entity, you would choose items or objects that reflect that entity. Trust your intuition and follow your instincts when choosing how you would like to honour your deity.  Do some research on the deity you want to work with (or Kitsune) to connect with and find objects and materials that coincide with the personality and charector traits specified.  Create your own relationship with that deity and invite them into your life as necessary. If further interested in more details regarding working with a Kitsune specifically, it may be helpful for you to reach out to one of two types of witches:  Kitsune-tsukai  who works with a fox familiar.  or  Kitsune-mochi  who works with the fox spirit.   These are both considered Japanese fox witches that would know much more about interacting with a Kitsune than I.  In my experience, spirits have presented themselves to me in the form of an animal in several occasions through the synchronous ties of the situation at the time. For example, Cardinals singing at just the right moments after memory of a loved one who's passed. Or similar with mourning doves when sad... Etc. Personally, I've also asked myself within for assistance from time to time. For example, I once felt lost and so, I drew from my human aspect of wisdom and creativity for direction to then suddenly and unexpectedly seem to be guided by two large black birds. Crows who seemed to know the way. For me, it felt so much more than coincidental that I found my way again by following my instincts to go in the direction that the birds flew. Because, it felt right to do at the time. There are many witches that I've heard explain from their experience that often a deity will allow their presence to be known by just feeling them around in support of what ever is happening at the time. For example, when strength seems to just come out of no where. For me, when I need it, and when I feel that support I find a way to show my thanks to that aspect of myself. My best spells are the ones were I invoke my creativity and wisdom and during the working I'm unexpectedly learning to do it a whole new way than I hadn't thought of prior. I totally understand everyone's desire to want to work with deities or other entities. It is my personal opinion that goddesses and gods are representations of the aspects of our own human nature, and can be represented by deities as architypes. The key to doing any energy work, that I've learned, is knowing yourself well enough to be able to recognize your own aspects of human nature and separate them out into symbolic representations of that energy. and the difference to the presence of another's energy, and sensing what's around us. If you can do this, and acknowledge their association with human nature, then I can almost guarantee that you will receive results. It is in hopes that this has provided some sort of clarity or direction for you in your journey.    If there are any other questions related to witchcraft, or Wicca please don't hesitate to submit it at www.AskaGreyWitch.com.  UPDATE : A more recent blog entry has been written expanding in this topic at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/deity-suggestions-and-advice Deity suggestions and advice

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Do you or your family celebrate Hallowe'en ?" Many North Americans celebrate Halloween as a time to scare and be scared, dressing up in goulish costumes or attempt to scare others by creating fictional fun haunted houses, and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters that walk door to door expecting either a trick or a treat given to them, etc. Skeletons, bats, graveyards, jack-o-lanterns, zombies, and even Hollywood themed witches are common symbols seen in the general public around Halloween, October 31st: In my own personal perspective, this isn't something that is encouraged for my own children to do. However, they do participate. I teach my children to focus on noticing and embracing the seasons' changes, along with the changes that take place in our lives through out. Quite often in society in general, it is assumed and sometimes even expected that everyone partakes in the traditional holiday seasons, including Christmas, Easter, etc. and including Hallowe'en. There is a common misunderstanding around witches and the North American traditions of Hallowe'en that they are one in the same origin, or even related. Witches typically do not celebrate Halloween in the way in which it is widely known. Sure, it may be fun to participate, dress up, or go to a Halloween party. And, many of course do. However, Hallowe'en is not a pagan, witch or Wiccan event, even though partly inspired by such. Halloween is a modernized adaptation of some of the older celebrations that now minimally exist. The celebration that most Wiccans participate in on the evening of October 31st and ending the night of November 1st each year is called Samhain. ...It's pronounced, "sow-win". In it's basic form, it marks the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of Winter, commonly associated with death. This is usually a time of acknowledgement for life and death or celebration of passed loved ones and ancesters. The ways in which I personally celebrate Samhain is to have thrown a large gathering, or party inviting spirits to attend the event. At this gathering, candles are lit for each of those invited to allow the flame to guide them to the party. The food and drinks served are what the invited would have enjoyed eating and drinking when they weren't alive, the music selected are from the choices from what the spirits would have listened too if still with us, and the stories shared from the living who attend are spoken of the memories of our loved ones whom were invited. In essence, through the food, drinks, music and stories shared, the departed actually attend the party amongst the living. And in this way, the dead is celebrated. During such event the spirits are felt and observed listening, sometimes there's interaction with the living party guests. Usually wreath's are created and placed on the front door for protection and jack-o-lanterns are placed outside near the door to lurer away any uninvited spirits, and prevent spirit party-crashers. The living invited guests would be relatives and friends of the invited spirit guests, and can include coven members. It is believed that at the time of year of November 1st that the veil between life and death is the thinnest (given all the dead represented in the season with the coming of darkness, falling of the leaves, the animals going into hiding, and mass death of the plants, insects, animals, etc. that seemingly takes place. It is the eve beforehand which it is celebrated most often. But, not always. The above is just one way in which to celebrate Samhaim, night is the dead, or Hallowe'en, all saint's day, etc. Not all witches or covens celebrate the same ways. There are different traditions, rituals and time periods that can reflect the different traditions and practices. However, There is a general consensus amongst most that the time if year is most important. Samhaim can be considered a witch's New Year by some as it is often considered the time when the Wheel finishes another turn and begins another. The wheel flourishing in its stages of life throughout. Beginning in darkness, coming to light and turning again as the cycle of life also predicts: From Spirit, to Birth, to Life, to Spirit. Also described as, Life and Death and Rebirth. as with from Maiden, to Mother, to Chrone, to Spirit, is as to Fall, to Winter, to Spring to Summer. Blessed is the wheel, so mote it be. Thank you to whom submitted this question. Please feel free to submit your own questions to www.AskaGreyWitch.com Update : More in depth information about Samhain can be found in the more recent blog post https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/the-origin-of-samhain The origin of Samhain.

Submitted question covered in this blog/video: " Do you have in person witch friends?" Thank you for submitting this question in relation to my previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/paganism Yes, i have met other witches in person, and I do have an in person friend who is a witch. However, I didn't always. I started meeting others by getting involved with online communities and eventually met some that lived in my area. We've since slowly gotten to know eachother. One of my friends, Aurora Moon is also a grey witch. I thought it may be fun to interview my friend with some of the submitted questions that I've been asked on my website and for her to answer some of your questions from her own perspective. Aurora choose these five from all of the submitted questions asked at www.AskaGreyWitch.com so far: How did you become a witch? Do I use purchased tools to start witchcraft? Can you describe what shadow work looks like in your practice? Do you make money from doing spells? In your opinion, are oujia boards dangerous? Please watch the video included above for her answers to these questions. Join The Witches of Eastview Facebook group And check out the Witches of Eastview YouTube channel Thank you so much Aurora Moon for allowing me to do this short interview and for sharing your own perspectives as a fellow grey witch. If you have questions you would like to submit, please feel free to do so at www.AskaGreyWitch.com

Question covered in this blog/video: " If your free would you like to join in and have a chat... " Thank you so much to Melissa T. Downard for inviting me into her live talks. A guest grey witch answering questions about tarot spreads. It was my pleasure to be a guest on the Intuitive Experience and I look forward to other possible future collaborations. In this video Melissa and I discuss energy work, mediumship, and I answer questions about tarot and give a free short tarot reading live to a viewer who showed interest while attending the recording. Then Melissa beautifully shares her channeling gifts in closing.  Check it out above! This video is longer than my standard 4-10 minutes length as I just couldn't bring myself to cut out any of the fascinating conversation we had together in case helpful to anyone else who experiences psychic intuition or wants to learn to do tarot for themselves. Thanks again Melissa!!! Melissa T. Downard The Intuitive Experience www.truebeingsoflight.com Bryan Stafford Stafford Tarot www.staffordtarot.com Even though many forms of divination fit into my practice, tarot had been a constant almost from the beginning as I've walked my path as a witch. Given it's connections with intentions and desires, tarot and witchcraft can practically dove-tail together within magical workings. Hope you enjoy the above video! Thanks for watching! Do you have questions about witchcraft? Feel free to submit them here at www.AskaGreyWitch.com

Submitted question covered in this blog: " What is moon water, and what is it used for ?" Charged water is a topic that can throw us down the rabbit hole! And so, this is a great question. I'm honestly surprised that it hasn't been asked sooner. Thank you to whom submitted it! There are many different ways in which water can be charged with intention and making moon water is definately the most popular amongst witches! Moon water is made by literally leaving a dish of water out in the moonlight as the light of the moon itself charges the water. The water is traditionally collected before sunrise and stored in a dark or shadowed location or kept covered away from sun light (which would change the charge of the water). Moon water Charged moon water can be used for a variety of spiritual means. It is often said that the water can empower intentions within workings. I have known witches to drink moon water (clean water charged in moon light during the night and then drank in the morning). The most popular time to make moon water is during a full moon as at that time the moon rises at sunset and falls at sunrise and is illuminated as much as possible allowing a full night's charge under the full moon's light. Moon water increases intuition and connectiveness with self, and is often consecrated to make witch's holy water, which is used in high magick, as well as other spellwork. Each witch uses moon water in their own ways depending n their office and as is associated with the intentions of each. This previous blog entry describes in mid detail how the different moon phases could effect the energy of the charged moon water https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/working-with-the-moon-phases Moon water is just one way in which I have charged and used water. Below are some of the other ways in which water has been collected or charged in preparation for workings that involved blessed water, potions, infusions, etc. to be used for spells Blessed witches holy water Moon water that has been concentrated in ritual in which salt is added and disolved. The ritual involved will effect the energies of the charged water. Witches holy water an be used to purify, cleanse, and protection. To take advantage of the empowering full moon if there is a lunar eclipse and not have it cause unexpected outcomes, you can charge moon water successfully the day before fully illuminated and the day after when the Moon is still at least 97% illuminated. Sun water Water that has been charging in the light in the sun, usually full sun with no to little cloud coverage. Sun water is used with energizing and healing spells, as well as with fertility, love, and power. The different phases of the sun and the seasons of the earth will effect the energy of the charged sun water. Astral water Moon water that has been left out into the sun the next day is made into astral water. This water can be grounding and contains energies of the earth. The surroundings of the water will effect the energy of the charged astral water. Celestrial water Water that has charged under both the sun and a new moon (when the Moon appears in the sky during the day time). Celestrial water is charged under both the moon and the sun simultaneously, thus effecting the energy of the charged water amd can be used for divination, high magick, transformation and beginnings. Storm water Rain that has been collected during a fierce lightning storm is charged storm water. Sometimes used in baneful workings, storm water contains the power and aggression of the storm which is what it is essencially charged by and then that energy can be applied to spell work to empower a particular desire. Snow/ice water Water that has been collected from melting ice or snow to be charged with an intention. Snow offers many shadow workings, can be used to gather (like, into a ball) and let go of emotional wounds (throwing the ball away) and in serenity, calm, peacefulness (watching a snow fall). Can also represent abundance, or spirit. Ice can be used to either blocking or binding temporarily, or for removing obstacles or eliminating a deadlock, etc. Associations may differ depending on geographic. The type of snow fallen and the temperature surrounding will effect the energy of the charged snow or ice. Lake water Water that has been collected from a lake (or from the sea depending on where you live in the world) and charged for a particular purpose, usually healing, prosperity, honesty or knowledge, divination, etc. Associated with the many mysteries of the seas, oceans and great lakes, and can differ in associations depending on where it's collected from, if the water is fresh or salt water, how clean the shore is, how clean the water is, if there are known shipwrecks near, etc. all factors involved will effect the energy of the charged lake water. River, Creek or Swamp water Water that has been collected from a swamp, or dirty puddle, etc. and charged for a particular purpose, usually baneful workings. Usually used in baneful magick suck as heavy curses, etc. Swamp water consists of life and the longer it sits the more life is parishing within the water's container. Eventually, all life ceases to exist within the water resulting in a process of death and decay which is worked with alongside intention into a particular desire. The condition of the water will effect the energy of the charged swamp water. ...and, I'm sure there are others ! However, out of all the different ways water can be concentrated on, moon water made under the full moon is far the most popular and widely used charged water by witches today. Many witches also incorporate other tools and aids with the energetic charging of water. Such as but not limited to herbs or powders, stones or crystals, sticks or grass, peddles or flowers, etc. I personally avoid putting crystals in water as some crystals can be sensitive to moisture, be damaged by water, or can give off toxins that leach into the water, etc. It's very important to fully know the chemistry and properties of all ingredients that go into the moon water, especially if it is intended to be consumed. It's always best to be safe, rather than sorry. If there are any questions, it can be submitted to AskaGreyWitch.com and I'll do my best to help. Thank you for reading my blog!

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Can you change your appearance with just magick ?" This is a great question. Thanks to some popular Hollywood film makings cycling their way though society, it is a common misconception that magick can be used alone to change physical appearances. Can anyone remember that scene in the movie, "The Craft" when the witch in the movie changes her appearance to look like her friend? Nah, not gonna happen. Scene clip from "The Craft" movie Unfortunately, this is as unreal as creating fire from our finger tips - simply untrue. So... The answer is, "No." Unlike what many have commonly observe in movies and television shows, you can't physically change your appearance with just magick. However, what you can do with magick is have influence on how you are perceived by others. Changing the way that others see you is not the same thing as changing your appearance. But, can have a similar outcome or effect. For example, I've used glamour magick to appear younger than I am. I make my own skin salves and potions that work together to not only make me appear more youthful to others. But, also feel more youthful again inside. Most when they meet me are quite surprised if they discover that I'm half a century in age. More about how I create salves was shown in a previous video/blog entry at https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/creating-a-salve Picture taken April 2022, Bryan Stafford. It's been known that other witches have used glamours to appear more attractive, or thinner, or muscular, or prettier, ...or whatever their desired or preferred way to be perceived, or seen as. Quite often Glamour's are used in simple ways in which to accentuate already existing features and qualities that we like in ourselves, and that others may take more notice to. I've also heard of glamour magick be used by witches towards making a better impression. For example, during a job interview to appear more intellectual in hopes to increase their chances of getting hired. Using glamour magick is not as simple as picking out the best outfit or choosing the right tie and belt, or contouring with make-up, or adding blush or lipstick or eye shadow, etc. However, doing it with additional intentions. With successful results with glamour magick, there are no actual physical change in appearance even though others may seem to think they see a change or something different. These types of spells can go hand in hand with compounded workings to focus the manifestations on the one desire. For example, an attractive glamour dovetailed with a love spell. Or another example, incorporating glamour spells into ritual bath magic. A ritual bath can consist of an undisturbed, relaxing bath, using favourite scented bath salts and oils, and listening to music that make you feel strong, powerful and beautiful. Some place a board across a bath tub as a temporary alter, or to journal, etc. After soaking in the bath for 20 minutes step out and allow your body to air-dry nude in front of a mirror. Then, massage your favorite body salves or oils on your skin, or spray yourself in a scented mist, etc. After you’re dried off, look in the mirror and state personal affirmations of strength, power or beauty, such as “I am confident, I am gorgeous, I love myself.” When incorporating water with glamour, the energy within can have a greater effect and the properties of water can be used to help heal physical and emotional wounds. Water not only cleans the physical body. But also, the auric field which can help to calm us, so we can tend to wounds, anger, and anxieties. How you associate with the different oils, mists, salves, herbs, incenses, flower peddles, etc. that are used within the glamour magick being done will effect the energy of the spell. Please note that knowing ourselves and being happy with our true selves is the most powerful aspect of our intentions. Even in doing glamour magick! And so, I feel the need to point out that glamour magick is not intended to actually change anything. It is meant to enhance personal qualities that already exist. The less confident one is while doing a glamour working the less effect it will have (just like with any spell!). Trust yourself! Find both your inner and outer beauty. Is there an existing quality that you would rather be perceived as more by others? Thank you to the one who submitted this question. It is in hopes that this response is helpful. Journey safe, and blessed be. If you have questions please submit them at AskaGreyWitch.com to inspire more upcoming blog posts.

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Is there anything that sounds not be done during a full moon ?" With this inquiry extending from the previous blog entry https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/working-with-the-moon-phases I very much appriciate this question sent in - Thank you! There is also a previous blog entry about charging water for a particular purpose that may be helpful, including mentioning the creation of moon water at https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/charged-blessed-water There are lots of advice online about what to do and to cast spells during the full phase of the Moon. However, there isn't much information about what NOT to do during the full elimination of the moon light. Below I touch base on some simple common suggested do's and don'ts regarding the phase of the full moon based on my own personal interpretations and associations: Suggestions what not to do: Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the inflow of energy from the full moon. Quite often this can happen leading to some of the strange behaviors witnessed by people generally during bright full moons. Be aware and be careful. Don't over react to things happening in your life. At times the energy of the full moon can feel intense without realizing it. Quite often strange behaviours from others are more noticeable during a full moon simply because people underestimate the affects of the moon. Emotions usually run higher than any other moon phase. Don't make harsh or quick decisions. Giving the full moon energy can feel overwhelming to some, try not to feel overwhelmed yourself or try but to be too short with your responses to things. Give yourself some slack and consideration during. Take time to consider the best outcomes. Don't rush to start something new - you had your chance during the last new moon, and will have another chance again in the next new moon. The entire moon cycle (28 days in length) can be an excellent time reference in setting goals, timing spell work, etc. Take the time needed. Don't charge crystals and moon water during a lunar eclipse - My belief is that the transitory energies of an eclipse can cause unexpected charging of unintended energies. For example, it changes the charge in crystals or in the making of moon water under not just a full moon, but one that transitions through all moon phases. Suggestions what to do: Relax, Meditation or channeling. Be in control, seek guidance and retain well being. Let go of built up emotions, heavy feelings or regrets. Know yourself well - all of the full moon phases can be good times to sort out different aspects of shadow workings depending on the associations with each moon phase, including full moons. Cleanse your mental state, your physical space, and personal items. Be aware of and take charge of your surroundings and personal surroundings. Charge tools and crystals under the full moon. Take advantage of the mind energy by using it to empower special items with an intented purpose. Release energy by dancing. Let it go - let yourself go - feel free to move to your own rhythm. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. Celebrate your own accomplishments over the past month. Empower yourself! Know that You are worth it! Be sure to have completed any goals made during the last new moon phase. New moon phases are about new beginnings and are an excellent time to start something new, or set goals for the next 28 days that follow. Half way through that process is the full moon. This makes for an excellent check point half way along the journey to be sure to be on track with the goals that have been previously set. For most witches the most popular phases of the moon to work with are the new moon and the full moon stages. The Moon is considered dark under 3% illumination, where as the Moon is considered full at over 97% illumination. This period of new/full can last up to three days - the day before, the day of, and the day after are acceptable for workings with the particular moon phase. To take advantage of an empowering full moon during an eclipse and not have the eclipse cause unexpected outcomes, you can charge moon water successfully the day before fully illuminated and the day after, when the moon is still full (at least 97% illuminated). For most Wiccans, the Moon is referred to as a goddess symbol (being feminine), where as the sun is a god symbol (being masculine). The Moon herself symbolises our inner selves, our unconscious, the dark, the hidden, the habitual shadows. During coven ritual a drawing if the moon represents channelling the energies of the moon foe a High Priest(ess) to deliver a message of guidance to fellow coven members. In astrology, the Moon represents emotions and the inner shelf. The energy of the zodiac can also play a part in the kind of energy the Moon exhibits. The Moon's position in the sky correlates with the star's constellations in the same way that the sun does, and the corresponding zodiac has it's influences. Always, tust your instincts and follow your intuition.

Submitted question covered in this blog: " What does Samhain mean to you?" Given the time if year (this question was submitted Oct. 30th) it is greatly appriciated!!! And, I hope to post my response by Oct. 31st! Officially, we enter into the dark half of the year and can really feel it on Samhaim - October 31st. From what I understand, most ancient peoples of Europe associated with modern-day Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland, also known as The Celts, celebrated their Celtic "new year" on the evening of Samhain, pronounced "sow-win". As a Pagan myself, to me, this is the time of the wheel (point in each year) when is the midpoint between summer and winter, and lightness and darkness and is considered a time of celebration of death. It is like a festival of completion to show gratitude for both the labour and "seeds sown" and the bounty of "the harvest" rewarded throughout the second half of the summer season. Simultaneously, it is about traditions which acknowledges the very valuable time of rest, silence, and darkness that the Earth seemed to need in order to revitalize for next summer season and the next year's harvest. While celebrating death may seem somewhat morbid to some, myself as a Seax Wiccan it is a stern reminder that I live in a never-ending world of cycles. Life - Death - Rebirth. This cycle is seen in the natural world everywhere we look from the animals, the plants, to the body itself and is popularly symbolised with the phases of the moon, etc. More information about working with the Moon phases can be found in a previous blog post https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/working-with-the-moon-phases This celebration helps us to learn to welcome and embrace death, as we must be willing to come face to face with it one day. From what I've learned, the word "Samhain" literally translates from Gaelic to english as "Summer's End", Samhain marks the time when the sun (or sometimes described within Wicca as the son of the Goddess) dies and rests in peace until his rebirth during the Winter Solstice. By the end on October, seeds of the harvest lie dormant and hidden deep within the dirt. The leaves on the trees change colour or shrivel and fall, the dark nights grow longer, and the earth starts to freeze and seemingly falls into a deep slumber. Due to this, Samhain was also the night when it was believed that the veil between life and death (this world and the otherworld or spiritworld), was lifted, or is the thinnest, allowing us to connect further with and reunite energetically with our lost loved ones and ancestors. One way that I like to acknowledge and celebrate the dead is to have a designated party to invite specific spirits of passed loved ones to attend as a gathering. More information on a "gathering of the dead" celebration that I traditionally host at Samhain each year is available in this previously posted blog entry https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/gathering-of-the-dead Thank you to whom submited this question and thank you also for reading my blog! More questions can be submitted at AskaGreyWitch.com

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Can you explain what shadow people are?" This is a great question, thank you to whom submitted it, as this is something that I have heard that many people experience - including myself! It should be mentioned right from the start that this topic is NOT at all related to Shadow Work or the Shadow Self. For more info on that, please see this previous blog: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/shadow-work-in-my-opinion There has never actually been any real explanation to what can feel like haunting activities of dark shadows. Shadow figures, sometimes called shadow people are different from spirits of people who have passed on. In fact, many who have seen them say they do not feel that they are human and some clairavoyants consider them non-human in nature. The shadow figures are usually shapeless dark masses that are mostly seen with peripheral vision. Some say they have seen them move between walls, have no human features, wear no clothes. The exception for this is that some say a hat man/hooded figure shadow figures commonly described with this experience. Some also have described their experience as a form of sleep paralysis unable to wake up while being held down by a shadow figure while sleeping. This was similar to my own repetitive interaction with a shadow figure. As I slept, being completely aware of my surroundings, I realized I was actually awake. But unable to move. A shadow encroached closure and closure. The closet it got, the more fear and terror came over me. Each experience it seemed to gain more proximity. Each time as soon as I was able to finally move, my body suddenly responded to my state of mind I was in and I would have to stop myself from screaming as I regained control of my body. This persisted until the final night that I experienced it, just before the shadow reached for me my spirit guide and past ancestor pulled me away and I had a dreamy moment with that ancestor before I woke up. I never experienced sleep paralisys again. This is a rare interaction with shadow figures and most people experience them while awake amongst the darkness at night. People who encounter shadow figures generally explain having a sense of dread. As mentioned they usually have no discernible mouth, noses or facial expressions. Although, there have been suggestions of glowing red eyes with the man with the hat shadow figure. Some are seen as child sized dark humanoids. There have also been experiences of shadow animals, such as a shadow in the form of a cat, or dog. But, with no discernible mouth, nose or eyes. Some people say they seem to be made up of dark smoke or dark steam. Some day that at times when shadow figures move, they appear to be moving on an invisible track from one place to another, such as a toy train on a small scale railroad track. They have been seen to hop or shift in a way almost like a strange dance. They are also known to just be there staring or looking at the floor.  Two commonly mentioned types of Shadow People other than a general shadowed-shape are the ‘hat man’, that looks like they are wearing a fedora hat from the 1930s and is sometimes depicted as having glowing red eyes. And, the ‘hooded figure’, which looks like the shadow person that has a hood over their head. The hood and hat stand out as clothing, and sometimes the figure is described as having a shadowy shape as if wearing an old cloak or drench coat. But, usually they are described as not wearing any clothing at all. Some say they merge with the darkness of natural shadows and their presence can be sensed or felt in the room. These entities are not associated with demons or spirits. The experience mostly explained when it comes to unsettled spirit interaction is that a slight smell similar to sulfuric acid or an electrical smell, or rotten flesh can be present, sounds can be experienced as if coming from everywhere at once, and chills are often felt or a sudden drop in temperature, and sometimes momentarily physically touch or poking sensations can occure. The entire space of air in the affected area will feel thick like fog and the temperature can drastically change. These are not typically expressed from those who experience shadow figures, which generally appear as a shadow (hense the name) and are not usually described as spirialing smoke or mist, nor have detailed features. Some ways in which to deal with shadow figures are: It will probably go away if you just ignore it. If not a shadow figure however, sometimes spirit activity increases because the present spirit may want some attention. Distinguish which you are dealing with based on interaction. Fear can be overwhelming in these situations. And so, try to use light humour during. This may help you to feel more comfortable in the situation, or to remind yourself that you're not in any real danger. If you feel that the figure is trying to tell you something or communicate with you, then it may be a spirit afterall and not a shadow figure. Try to find out what might be the communication and if they're something you may be able to resolve for them. If the entity is aware of you, it just might hear you or listen to you. So, simply ask it verbally to leave. Whether it is a shadow figure, an unattended spirit, etc. Giving it your request to depart from you or from your home quite often works. For a more persistent entity, you may want to attempt a simple lights out spell or cleansing of the space, before attempting more complicated workings such as a banishment, for example, which is most likely not even necessary. Please feel free to reach out if there is anything else on this topic that comes to mind or other that you have questions about. Blessed be, and thank you for visiting www.AskaGreyWitch.com