Search Results

Submitted question covered in this blog : " Can you please elaborate on the law of three? How does this work? " The Law of Three, also known as the Rule of Three or The Law of Return. It suggests that people receive consequence or reward for the deeds they accomplish during their lives while they are still living. As opposed to rewards or consequences received after death, which is commonly thought by many death focused religions. In Wicca however, it often works as a moral compass for magickal practitioners within their workings and spellwork to be sure that the intention of any particular spell does not cause harm to anyone involved. The idea that what ever is sent out returns to the caster much stronger than was sent out, three times fold. And so, a magickal practitioner must consider the morality, value and purity of their intentions. No matter the purpose of a spell, good or bad, the energies can return with a boost! Three times the good returns if good purr intentions are sent out. And, as well this works the same way with negativity. Bad vibes also return three times stronger than what is sent out. In witchcraft this may manifest as a jinks, curse or a hex, which consists of a malicious charm or spell that is intended to cause harm or misfortune to someone. Mentioned in this older previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/to-hex-or-not-to-hex  To Hex, or Not to Hex. As well as in this other more recent previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/vengeance-or-virtue  Vengeance Or Virtue This popular Pagan belief predates Christianity and views of Catholicism receiving reward or punishment after death based on how one lives their life. Pagans generally beleive that synchronistic rewards are receive while still alive, as well as the harsh lessons and consequences to our own actions. This does not mean to say that witches do not wish harm, nor are they push overs, nor should they avoid retaliating if felt necessary. It's about finding the right balance of justification to do such actions. Shadow work can be implemented before and after spellwork to be sure all possible outcomes are considered. More shadow work blog articles at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/blog/tags/shadow-work shadow work blogs category. In comparison, Catholics actually have their own version of what they refer to as a Law of III, also known as the Law of Trinity. This perspective consists of the three forces of any event, an active force, a passive force and a neutral force. Also referred to in that religion as The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Wrong doing is considered a strike against you, called a Sin that accumulate until there is a judgement upon thee after death. This is a completely different world view and does not correlate with Wiccan belief or philosophy. It should be mentioned that not all Wiccans and magickal practitioners use the Law of III as a guideline within their personal practice. There are witches whom look at all workings from the perspective of love and light. But, not all! ...To each is own! Thank you for visiting AskaGreyWitch.com and for reading the blog! Please feel free to submit your own new questions or of I can reiterate or expand on anything here, please don't hesitate to ask. Bright blessings✨

Submitted question covered in this blog: "...I definately sense bad vibes... What do I do?" Thank you for submitting this question! Because, many people will often suspect witchery when things seem to be going wrong around them. Here is the full submitted question for context: Everything is going wrong the past few years though I mediate and pray to goddesses as eclectic heathen witch. I definitely sense bad vibes around me . What do I do? Be careful to speculate blame onto others when things seem to be very difficult in life or when things don't seem to be generally going your way. This was the main source of whats known as the witch craze from the 14th to 16th century burning times, also known as the witch trials. More about that at in this recent blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/witches-in-danger Witches in danger. In most cases of a negative experience there is no other magickal practitioner involved. Negativities are often held by ourselves and in our own subconscious mind. For example, one is usually their worst critic. We can be influenced to follow our own negative thoughts which can lead to us, ourselves to be the culprits of our own misfortunes. Shadow Work can be an excellent tool in analyzing our own inner thoughts and experiences for the purpose of understanding the energies which we hold onto, positive or negative. This process of self exploration can help to understand the source of negativity in our lives and can even assist us in finding ways of eliminating it by changing our perspective. There are many examples of shadow work written exercises at www.AskaGreyWitch.com/shadowwork and many entries have been written about this within this blog category: https://www.askagreywitch.com/blog/tags/shadow-work It's worth mentioning that most witchcraft is about positive change and improvement in a witches life. in fact, many Wiccan magickal petitioners focus on "Harm none do what ye will" as a general rule to follow within their magickal workings due to the beleif that what ever is sent out returns back to the caster. As mentioned in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/the-law-of-iii The Law of III. If the Law of III (also known as the Rule of III) is part of your practice then you can be sure that any other practitioner who may be working their magick against you will discover that the energies re-balance themselves out and they will automatically experience three times more negativity than they intended, allowing them to get what they deserve. Even in terms of nature, there is joy and substance and living, and there is also pain and suffering and death. As the expression goes, Life happens. How we respond to the events of our lives that seem negative can cause personal development, build inner strength and set determination to better ourselves. In this way, a negative experiences can actually bring positive change. However, in times when you may "sense bad vibes" as mentioned in the submitted question, or the rate times that you may suspect negative energies are intentionally sent in your direction, there is something that you can do to avoid being influenced by it. Cleanse and set protections. This has been mentioned a few times on this website. However, I feel important to reiterate. These previous blog entries and short video may be more helpful: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/smoke-cleansing-and-black-salt about smoke cleansings. And: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/cleansing-negativity about cleansing negativity. As also mentioned in this other previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/protections about Protecting Yourself Further, setting up protections as a ritual can help to feel more confident which in turn empowers our free will. When one's free will is empowered, one can stand their own ground, feel secure and strong themselves, eliminating the possibility of any external influences to have any effect. How do you view yourself? What makes you to feel more confident in yourself? Thank you for exploring the blog entries and for visiting my website. It is in hopes helpful. Questions are always welcome at AskaGreyWitch.com Wishing you well on your journey. Bright blessings,

The submitted question covered in this blog: "What is the power of witchcraft? and how can this be achieved?" Thank you for this question. It is very much appreciated as there are many misconceptions around the source of power within witchcraft related traditions. As mentioned in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/how-i-became-a-witch about How I became a witch, many believe that witchcraft is powered by some external force often mis-conceptualized as the devil or some evil entity. When, in fact, it's the opposite. My impression is that Witchcraft is powered by ourselves, an internal force that is within the witch. And, is actually within everyone, even non witches! As mentioned in this popular previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/catholic-witches about Catholic Witches, many non witchcraft related traditions are very similar, if not the same, as to many pagan and Wiccan rituals and traditions. It should be mentioned that witchcraft is a diverse and very personal practice with many interpretations. the source of power is often a matter of personal belief and experience. There are many witches that believe they are influenced by the energies of the natural world such as the moon, sun, elements and plants. Some witches believe they are influenced by the energies of their ancestors, spirits or deities. Where as in my belief and perspective is that a witch's power comes from their own inner strength, focus, and determination. Many witches also believe in a combination of these sources. In my opinion, the power of witchcraft is pure intention. What we truly intend for ourselves and in our lives is often the focus in most spell workings. Even in terms of the spell work in itself, sometimes done as repetitive ritual, can empower the intention within the spell caster. This mindset, often subconscious, can assist us in achieving our goals and desires. For example. associations and symbolisms to the spell's goal begin to stand out in the mind of the spell caster leading to opportunities which on the conscious level appear to present themselves. The more satisfying the workings of the spell, the more likely manifestation. The more confident in achieving the outcome to the spell's goal the more likely one will notice and take advantage of the opportunities around them leading to that success. This is true across all witchcraft traditions and practices. As a secular witch, myself, in conversation with other witches of more traditional Wiccan paths, I am very much able to discuss magick on a common ground even though our perspectives are very different from each other's. Even though we all may look at witchcraft differently, the experience and success is achieved in very similar ways. That, for me, is confirmation that everyone and anyone can do it. I would go further to suggest that many people actually do it naturally without even realising it! This previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/workings-vs-spells workings vs spells, may be helpful in providing more examples and explanation of intention setting. This topic is related to a previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/is-the-spell-even-working titled, "Is the spell even working?" may also be helpful. Thank you for visiting AskaGreyWitch.com and for reading my blog! Please don't hesitate to submit your own questions. Blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Can you give any book recommendations?" Thank you. This question is appreciated. However, There are sooo many books out there by a vast amount of authors who cover a large variety of topics regarding witchcraft and the different branches of Wicca. It's really the topics that interest you that should be guiding you in what to read. The availability of books today is amazing. Whether found in a physical form in a book store, or downloaded digitally to be read from a computer or iphone, etc. or even read to you! The amount of options can become a bit overwhelming. Me myself, I've read a few books that I felt are worth recommending to read if you are getting started to understand the ways of the craft and learning what defines the witch in you. These books made a lasting impression on me and helped me feel confident that I was on the right track in my practice. It should be mentioned that the book recommendations below are from my own perspectives as a grey witch and may not reflect how you practice witchcraft yourself. Each and every witch is different and should follow what resonates with them personally. It is in hopes that by sharing some of the books that I have enjoyed, that it will inspire you to find other books on the topics of witchcraft or Wicca that interest you. Book recommendations Of course, I couldn't not start without mentioning Gerald Gardner and his non-fiction book called, "The Meaning of Witchcraft". Gerald Gardner, known to many in the modern sense as the "Father of Wicca", based the book around his experiences with the religion of Wicca and the New Forest Coven. Adapted from Gardnerian traditions, Seax Wicca traditions are explained in Raymond Buckland's Book called, "The Tree", which was later republished as "Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft". Raymond Buckland's writings made a huge impression on me while I was still considering myself Wiccan and exploring the differences within the religion. Buckland allowed me to learn that I myself, the witch that I am, is acceptable, has a place in Wicca and has a right to devote to the Wiccan religion. It was the Anglo Saxon perspectives and traditions that invited me to re-start my initiation from Gardnerian Wiccan to Seax Wicca in 2016 and followed through to completion in 2019. Also, Alaric Albertsson makes the magickal wisdom of the Anglo Saxons relatable to today's practitioners accessible from his handbook of Saxon sorcery and magic: With elaborate details of runes, charms, brews and portions, and modules of magick and spell casting from the perspectives of Saxon sorcery. Exploring the practices and customs hidden in English folk traditions the book above shares techniques for making wands and staffs, concecrated and using a seax, wortcunning, soothsaying, and more! As a grey witch I thoroughly enjoyed and related with "Of Blood and Bones, Working with shadow magick and the dark moon", by Kate Freuler. This book spoke so closely to my own personal experience with some of the workings that I have done over the many years of my persona practice. Some workings are not for the faint hearted. Freuler does a wonderful job describing some of the grey areas of magick. Speaking of 'grey' areas of magick, "The Grey Witch's Grimoire" by Amythyst Raine did not disappoint. In this book, Raine shares her perspectives by describing some of the many different aspects of grey witchery and the viewpoint of balance and control that is involved. Also known as Neutral Magick, it involves all kinds of energies in order to "tip the scales" in the direction of the desired manifestation. A terrific metaphysical guide to manifestation by Matt Auryn, including meditation and magick. is the book "Psychic Witch": Filled with meditative exercises and psychic activities to help strengthen psychic ability, Auryn really dives deep into aspects of grounding, healing and manifestation completely from an astral perspective. -- It is my belief that all of the books above would be instrumental in understanding and empowering both the shown and the shadow. Have you already read any of the above books? What was your opinion? Do you have a book that you would recommend? Please feel free to share your thoughts. Wishing you well and safe journey on your path in setting up your own magickal and personal practice in Witchcraft. Please feel free to submit any questions that you may have at AskaGreyWitch.com and I will share my own perspective in hopes that it helps you to find your own. Blessed be. Update : l also mention a few more books that also go in depth about magickal workings and spells, and a pagan lifestyle, etc. in this more recent blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/other-book-suggestions Other Book Suggestions

Submitted question covered in this blog/video: "How would you banish someone from your life?" Thank you for submitting this question. There are many other ways in which to banish someone or have someone removed from your life. Such as but not limited to: with a binding, use of a poppet, elemental banishing, a vinegar spell, etc. However, the petition method described below (and in the video) has worked well for me in the past and so, i thought I'd share it here. One way that i have banished someone from my life is with the use of a petition spell with intention. For this spell you will need a piece of paper, a pen, and a fireproof container or a cast iron cauldron. Start by writing the person's name on the paper. You can also include birthdate, or any other identifying information. While writing imagine the end result of the spell, that this person has been removed from your life. Turn the paper counter clockwise (widdershins) which is the direction to use to remove or banish them. Write your intention over top of the existing writing which should now appear sideways. Be specific in your desire. Then turn the paper again counter clockwise (widdershins), this direction is used for removal. Write the timeframe of your desire. Be specific. You can write a specific date or a general timeframe. Etc. Turn the paper one last time counter clockwise and sign it with your signature, or use your magickal name. Continue to imagine the end results of the shower throughout. Say goodbye to the person being banished. Now with the paper infront of you, folks it closed away from you. Visualize the person leaving your life. Turn country clockwise and fold again away from you. Visualize the person going away from you whilst. Turn it once more counter clockwise and fold it away from you one last time. Say goodbye. It is now your petition. It can be placed in a spell jar, a sachet, or included in further spellworkings. Personally, i like to burn it in my cauldron to release the energy to the universe to manifest. Be careful around fire. The petition could be burned atop a candle and then placed in a fireproof container or cauldron to burn. While the petition burns, continue to say goodbye to the person to be removed from your life. Visualize them leaving within the timeframe specified in the petition . Focus on them no longer in your life. Feel the relief of them gone. Continue to say goodbye as the petition burns completely. This would be a good time to say a personalized incantation. Speak your desires from the heart. Trust your intuition. As the petition burns away, the energy is released. Sometimes spells can manifest in different ways. The person my simply stop calling, or stop contacting or they may find another job, or they may move away, etc. This spell is not intended to cause harm. Only to influence the person described in the petition to leave you alone. If need be it can be repeated until the influences are strong enough for the person to follow through and go away. When the petition is burned completely, the spell is done. The remnants of the ash can be buried or discarded outside. That's basically it! Please feel free to change this spell as you see fit to suite your own intentions. Afterall, the more personally satisfying a spell is when it is cast, the more likely that it will manifest. -- Image taken of removing obstacles spell during a transition. It is in hopes that this is helpful. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns by submitting them to me at the www.askagreywitch.com homepage or greywitchbryan@gmail.com. I am always happy to provide more information. Journey safe, and blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: "I don't know where to actually begin, do you suggest a coven?" Thank you for this question.  It is very much appriciated as this is a common question amongst beginners.  Witchcraft can definately be overwhelming at first with the amount of different it misleading information that is available in books and online these days.  It would be my suggestion to start on your own FIRST.  When you feel you have setup a comfortable practice for yourself, THEN try to reach out to a possible Coven.  Reason being, you'll want to find a Coven that your comfortable working with, as well as compliments your interests in the craft. As also mentioned at https://www.askagreywitch.com/witchcraft It's important to mention from the start that each and every witch's practice looks different from the next.  Every witch started with a small topic and then expanded their knowledge over time with experience.  It would be my suggestion to start by determining what your biggest interest is, or your greatest strength (that you feel you have) in the craft, and then begin researching and learning about just that specifically.   So, for example, say if one feels drawn to a particular type of plant.  Work with that one plant, researching it's properties and creating associations to the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. What is learned along the way may teach about other similar types of plants. Then, suddenly there is all the knowledge that can be applied to many different types of plants and learning the differences between them. Eventually learning medicinal values and herbal benifits, properties, etc.  The regular actions of their craft become a regular practice unique to their study. At that point a witch may identify themselves as a green witch.   Or for example, say someone who loves to cook and bake starts to implement magick or ritual into the foods and drinks that are made. Perhaps shared to take advantage of the health benifits of ingredients or for magickal value. Setting up regular brewings and creations as part of a practice, this person may eventually see themselves as a kitchen witch as their practice grows. Or another example, say if someone feels fascinated with spirits, experiences or  interested in communication beyond the veil of life and death, not afraid of a spirit board (also known as a ouija board), one may relate as a hedge witch setting up a practice of boundaries while able if offer assistance to help others heal from loss.  ...etc.  There are also witches that work in multiple different areas of the craft at the same time collecting knowledge from many reasons of magick and only using what they feel is suitable to them in their craft. Some call themselves Eclectic witches.  It should also be mentioned that not all witches setup a practice with rituals, customs and traditions. It's really about what feels right to you.  When you have discovered what works for you, (what makes you happy) you will be much more informed to make a decision regarding a Coven.  Many covens follow a Wiccan structure, many involve prerequisites, many involve an initiation process, many no not involve skyclad meetings, many do not do any of the mentioned above... Each group can be different.  It is very important to learn about the coven first to be sure it sounds good for you (or safe) to join.  FYI: Not all witches are Wiccan. However, most Wiccans are witches 😉 It is actually very true that there are just as many types of witches as there are witches.  The most important thing when getting started in witchcraft is that you feel personally connected and satisfied with whatever practice you setup for yourself.   After all, the more personally satisfying spellworkings are to the caster, the more likely the magick will manifest. Be sure to enjoy what it is whatever that you're learning and don't feel under any pressure to do it any certain ways that doesn't fit with you, or don't feel you need to expand into areas that your not familiar with or not comfortable going.  Witchcraft is an expression of spirituality that involves magick.  There is no wrong way to express spirituality.   What most interests you about witchcraft? ... Start there. Guaranteed you'll branch out to be learnings and before you know it you've discovered your own path. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about witchcraft or about Wicca.  I'm always happy to answer any questions and share with whom it may be helpful too for others.  Be safe, Take good care, and blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: " What is Shadow Work in more detail? " Thank you for referencing the previous blog entry https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/shadow-work-in-my-opinion and for submitting this question in relation to it. My friend, Aurora Moon also commented on shadow work in this other previous blog/video interview with her posted at https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/meet-a-friend-aurora-moon where as mentioned, Shadow work can be messy. It seems it may be helpful to expand further on this subject. According to the dictionary, the definition of shadow work is: " Any process to become conscious of a shadow aspect of one's subconscious. " According to Wikipedia, the definition of shadow work is: " In analytical psychology, the shadow is an unconscious aspect of the personality that does not correspond with the ego ideal, leading the ego to resist and project the shadow. In short, the shadow is the self's emotional blind spot, projected; e.g., trickster. " Carl Jung was a famous psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. Jung's work has been influential in the fields of psychiatry, anthropology, archaeology, literature, philosophy, psychology, and religious studies. Jung stated the shadow to be the unknown dark side of the personality. According to him, the shadow, in being instinctive and irrational, is prone to psychological projection. This is when one projects a moral deficiency on someone else due to recognizing their own personal inferiority within themselves. Not addressing the subconscious shadow self can lead to some archaic and undesirable thoughts and behaviours rising to the surface of our well being: Can create an inflated ego. Begin to self savotage or self harm. Start self-loathing or have low self esteme. Self deceit and deceiving others. Have anxiety and/or depression. Become self absorption or conceitedness. Struggle to have healthy relationships. Displaying offensive behaviour towards others unnecessarily. There are different techniques of shadow work other than the popular writing or journaling techniques that are more commonly used. Here are some examples of the different ways in which shadow work can be implemented: Journaling or writing a diary I feel it important to start the list with the most popular and commonly used techniques for shadow work. Described as written exercises, shadow work journaling challenges or brings to light our subconscious tramas and traits that are hidden from an external view and even hidden from ourselves. Shadow work Meditation Meditations, including some guided meditations have been designed to analyse and sort inner subconscious thoughts and tramas for the purpose of inner enlightenment. Use of Affirmations Knowing ones inner self well is really the goal in most shadow work activities. Affirmations help to confirm and be more confident with ourselves, inside and out. Partake in inner dialog with self Discussing and analysing our own thought patterns and relating with how situations have made us feel, or reacted, or how something was received, etc. The 3-2-1 process of shadow work The 3-2-1 Process is a procedure of acceptance which involves addressing the parts of the shadow self first in the 3rd person (facing it), then in the 2nd person (talking to it) and finally in the 1st person (being it). Re-evaluate conscious goodness Conscious goodness is the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good from deep within the subconscious. Counseling or Therapy There is professional assistance available such a counselor or therapist that can help to be extremely effective with the use of different shapdow work techniques to analyse thoughts and emotions of the sub conscious. High Magick With the focus on soul evolution and self empowerment, high magick can also be implemented as a form of shadow work within ritual and ceremonial rites. Some benifits from doing shadow work are: Gain more confidence and self-esteem. Improve your creativity. Build better relationships with others. Practice self-acceptance. Discover your hidden talents. Improve your overall wellness. Increase your compassion toward others. Have better clarity. Shadow work helps to reduce undesirable projections onto others when interacting with them. When comfortable with ourselves, we're less likely to be triggered by other people's personality quirks and traits. This can also help you feel more compassionate toward others. You no longer see the undesirable side of yourself reflected in other people. For example of more shadow work exercises, please feel free to visit: https://www.askagreywitch.com/shadowwork It is in hopes that this blog entry provided some more clarity on the immense topic of shadow work. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have regarding anything witchcraft or Wiccan related to AskaGreyWitch.com Thank you for reading my blog!

Submitted question covered in this blog: " Can you please share your alter setup ?" Thank you for your interest and submitting this question. I can appriciate wanting to see an example if an other alter when first setting up an alter of your own. It should be mentioned that each and every alter can be different than the next and still be just as prominent in someone's practices. What works for me may not be what will work for you, and vice versa. So, really follow your instincts and use your intuition when setting up your personal alters or working spaces. That being said, i can share with you about my own personal alters that I have currently setup around my home in hopes that it inspires. There is no one way to setup an alter, and so I'm not trying to say that you should do what I do. Each and every one of us needs to discover their own ways in which to respect, honour and offer our intentions. I, myself have always had multiple alters setup at one time. Outdoors, I regularly will setup temporary work spaces within a created circle to be used for the duration of ritual or ceremony amongst nature or within a sacred space outside. Here is an example mentioned in this previous blog entry called opening closing a circle: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/opening-closing-a-circle My indoor alters tend to remain more consistent and stay setup for seasons at a time. I do change them throughout over periods of time depending what/who I am honoring or working with. And then, i have always had a main working alter. My main alter would be my crafting alter (when I'm not doing magick in my kitchen). Workings/crafting alter: Keeping selected supplies within arm's reach of my main alter, this is where I'll create spells and do rituals in a variety of ways. Personally, I like to use multiple layers of surfaces for this alter. Crafting and working supplies on the bottom level and energetic charging and divination on the higher section. When my black mirror is uncovered, I can perfectly see myself in its reflection while standing infront of this work space. Divination alter: For when ready for divination, meditation and scribing, I'll visit my divination alter where I keep some of my tarot cards, my reading board, some musical and toning instruments, and my series of books of shadows. Ancestors' alter This century old plaster-cast fireplace is often used as an ancestral alter and place for me to connect with spirits. Infront of is usually a comfortable chair and large table where I like to place my crystal ball and do mediumship readings. The fireplace also has it's own connections with spirits itself. Ancestor honor alters: There are also spaces around my home designated to the honoring of specific ancestors individually where their belongings and items of remembrance are placed in memory of. These sources are often visited to reflect on and connect with the passed loved one. Each alter is setup to reflect the ancestor's beliefs, traditions, hobbies and interests, etc. Even if my ancestor's religion wasn't the same as my own, i still honour them in a way that they themselves would appriciate. I myself being Wiccan would not setup a pagan based alter for my ancestors who had Catholic origins of upbringing in their own lives. Memories alter: Where memorial items are kept safe, this very old cabinet is used as a memory alter where my spouse and I will often revisit it's mixed contents with a wide range of different memorable objects and items from both our lives from our pasts. Some may not view all of the above as legitimate alters. However, in my view an alter can be any platform used for the presentation of memories, offerings and other ritualistic purposes. It is in hopes that by sharing pictures of my personal alters that it helps you to find ways in which to setup your own that resonates with your ways in the craft. Please consider submitting any questions that you may have to AskaGreyWitch.com Have a blessed day.

Submitted question covered in this blog/pictures: "Do I need to purchase tools to get started in witchcraft?" This question is sooooo appriciated, thank you to whom submitted it. There is a common misconception that being a witch is an expensive endeavor. The short answer is: No, absolutely not! For example, 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 definately can help to focus that intention. However, the best tools to use are the ones that are hand made by ourselves. While we make and create items to be used in the craft our own energy is going into that item. Whether it is an ingredient of herb grown in your garden, a pretty stone found near the sea shore, a stick taken from a tree in a forest for a wand, or cut grass and bindweed vines intertwined to form a human shape to use as a poppet, collected rain water in a bowl to charge in the moonlight to make moon water, etc. If you feel the need for tools and ingredients to assist you, it does not actually require a single cent of money. Nothing that you need in witchcraft had to be purchased. That being said, 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: Personal (self made or collected) Magickal Tools: Garden herbs and ingredients: Most of my herbs and ingredients are grown in my garden, harvested and stored to be used outside of the growing season. I also collect, ash, stones and rocks, sticks, acorns, feathers, etc. that I feel have energetic association of properties to them. Some ingredients I am unable to obtain without purchasing, such as salt for example (and I obviously purchased the jars). However, most can be provided by my surroundings in nature. The same can be said for blooms and peddles from my wild yard. When I feel that I need an associated reference within my workings, I can take from my stored supplies of dried flowers when not in season. Making much of what I grow readily available for spellwork throughout the year. Wand: This wand was made by myself from a thin branch on my apple tree on my property. Permission was requested and felt it was granted by the plant to take the branch. This wand symbolises love and protection energy as does the tree it came from. It was sanded and painted black with a specially made blacksalt acyllic mix and anointed with my personal witch's brew oil. Runes: These witch runes are self made by cutting a branch into slices and literally drawing the rune symbols on one side of each. Can be used to cast rune readings and intuitively read the messages received. Can cast to a layout or individually select from a bag and read the symbols as an oracle. Tarot cards: Even in its simplest form, tarot can be helpful to gain insight and new prospectives. Created from cardstock paper and a black pen, these self made tarot cards are Theban charectored and based on numerology and traditional tarot structure. Very simple and yet, very powerful. Books for information: Although I did not create the physical books themselves (they were purchased as blank notebooks) I did however create all of the contents within the books and filling them with most of the information that I have learned along my path in witchcraft over the past decades. These are my references to the craft. I have since purchased author published books (by Scott Cunningham, or Raymond Buckland, for example) which just confirmed for me that I was on the right track for myself. I still prefer referencing my own books of collected references, spells, rituals, shadow work exercises, and other useful information. -- 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 Thank you for visiting and reading my blog! UPDATE : I more recently wrote a blog entry about purchases items used in my craft at https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/purchased-items-used-in-my-practice

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Isn't it cultural appropriation to smudge with smoke?" Thank you for this question. With little experience with, I can't really speak directly on the practice of smudging with smoke. Which is not the same thing as smoke cleansing. It is not part of my practice to smudge and so, I am too unfamiliar to talk about its purpose. What I can say is that I have indigenous friends who do smudge with smoke and I beleive that the practice is part of a closed tradition. This means that if not part of or connected to the culture of origin, or not invited into a sharing of they culture, then it would be seen as cultural appropriation to do it. In other words, I believe only those raised in, taught from, or born within the culture or whom have cultural significance should be smudging themselves as a practice. Smudging with smoke mainly originates from indigenous traditions (I believe), and the culture's teachings are heritage based, taught according to origin of band or tribe. This makes It a closed practice, meaning only those connected to the tradition should do it. For example, two of my children have connection to the Iroquois Bear tribe of Ontario, and so it's very important that the learnings of their own indigenous heritage comes from the traditions and beliefs originating from the Bear tribe of the Iroquois people and no other. Not all indigenous nations are the same. This especially applies to those who are not even connected to indigenous teachings what so ever. Although not indicated as such, I wonder if this submitted question may have been directed towards my previous blog and video and so I can talk more about that: Smoke Cleansing and Black Salt www.askagreywitch.com/post/smoke-cleansing-and-black-salt As mentioned in that blog/video: There are different uses for smoke cleansings. For example, to cleanse yourself, waft the smoke around you. Or, cleansing your alter or work space. Or, cleansing personal objects, such as crystals. With intention, smoke cleansing can reduce stagnant energy and remove negative energy from ourselves, objects, or our surroundings. Perhaps it also should've been mentioned in this video (linked above) that smudging with smoke and smoke cleansing are not the same thing. Therefore, I didn't think to mention it and in hindsight, I see this as a mistake. As such, the way I understand it, is that the two practices do not have the same intention involved precisely even though the acts may appear very similar. From my own limited recollection of knowledge, as mentioned above, these traditions do not originate from the same culture. Smoke cleansing is mentioned and taught in many pagan traditions, as well as in witchcraft, and many others, because it is considered an open practice. It involves the use of a variety of grasses and herbs based on their individual plant associations. Being an open practice means that anyone can learn and do smoke cleansings no matter the beliefs or religion, spirituality, etc. Smoke cleansing can also be done with incense. However, smoke is not the only way to cleanse energy. Other forms of cleansings include (but not limited to) water such as a a bath, spritz or potion, sound such as a bell, chimes or singing bowls, voice such as hymns, incantation, tones or singing, or psychic cleansing such as through meditation or visualization, etc. If I can clarify further on the practice of smudging, please let me know and I will find out how appropriate (or inappropriate) it would be too respectfully ask an indigenous friend. If suitable, perhaps they'd be willing to answer a few questions, maybe do an interview to get some clarity. Otherwise, If you have questions relating to my own personal practices, please feel free to submit your comments and questions at www.askagreywitch.com or send email to greywitchbryan@gmail.com. Thank you so much for reading my blog!

Submitted question covered in this blog: " What other ways can you protect against magick? " One of the first advice that I've noticed many give to others in terms of beginning witchcraft is to learn to protect yourself before initiating in spellwork. In my opinion, this is good advice. Aside from opening a circle as one form of personal protection that I've already discussed in a previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/opening-closing-a-circle Thank you for this question in response to the previous blog entry mentioned above. There are many other ways in which you can make yourself to feel more protected. With what can feel like so much negativity in the world, staying protected can be important to feel more confident and avoid any external negative influences. A common comment that I have seen often in some online communities is "... I think I've been hexed! ... " Many may think this when in fact it's rather quite unlikely. An actual hex would require huge amounts of energy and time. So much so that it is rarely worth doing in most cases. ...and, you might be surprised how often a curse can simply be washed away. More about curses and hexes has been written in another previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/curses-and-hexes When considering protections, one also needs to consider what is being protected, and against what? "What is your intention" for the protections? To narrow this down, let's take a look at the multiple layers of energetic protections with naming a few example spells for each; Multiple Layers of protection ✓ General external energy protections Examples: a Reversal Spell a Binding a Witches Bottle ...etc. ✓ Property protections Examples: a Perimeter Blessing an Area Ward specific plants, shrubs, trees ...etc. ✓ House hold protections Examples: a Negativity Ward a Witch's Ladder specific potted plants, herbs ...etc. ✓ Personal protections Examples: a Smoke Cleansing an Energy Clearing a wearable ward ...etc. ✓ Internal psychic/spiritual protections Examples: Shadow Work an Energy Sheild a Cord Cutting Spell ...etc. ✓ External spiritual protections Examples: Deities Spirit Guides Ancestors ...etc. Whether you include the Law of Three beleifs into your practice or not, protections are a good idea and defending yourself is not considered to be harmful or baneful magick. The Law of Three There is a general rule about magick that is a metric to the practices of many Wiccans and Witches, called the rule of three also known as the law of three. Basically, it means what ever intentions are sent out comes back to r sender 3 x fold (or stronger). So, for example: if you sent out positive, healing, blessings, prosperity, etc. for others then you will get three times more blessings and prosperity coming back towards you. However, if you sent out negativity, curses, harm, etc. than you will get back three times more harm back to you... and so on. This is also the basis or underlining idea behind a reversal spell which sends back energy that has been sent out returning it to the caster. This general rule itself provides a level of protection with this as a fundamental part of the structure to some practices. Afterall... " what goes around, comes around ". Thank you so much for taking the time to look through and read my blog. At any time please feel free to submit your questions to www.askagreywitch.com Safe journey and blessed be.

Submitted question covered in this blog: "Since my family are Christians, should I myself not be doing witchcraft?" This question actually comes up often within some online communities that I am involved with, which makes this question even more appriciated - thank you for submitting it. Witchcraft is mainly an expression of intention and desire in order to manifest it, as mentioned in this previous blog entry about how I myself became a witch: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/how-i-became-a-witch ...and there are also details of the differences between Witchcraft and Wicca mentioned in this earlier previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/why-start-this-blog-channel My advice to beginners whom may not be "out-of-the-broom-closet" yet is to not give up on your own fundamental beliefs. Trust your instincts and follow your intuition. Find ways of continuing your practice descretely. Like your "book of shadows" can pass as a personal diary that you write in occasionally. You don't need to be a witch to weep a floor or lite incense or candles. Gather spell ingredients outside and do spell work where you can be alone and undisturbed, like a forested area (i know, can be easier said than done depending on if you live in a city, etc.) If you do not plan to tell anyone that you a witch, you can still build a practice that is meaningful to you. It may be comforting to know that many ancient pagan traditions long ago were adapted into other traditions as a way of converting the people. What people often don't realize is that they practice pagan traditions of witchcraft without even knowing it! For examples: Cursing the driver in the car next to your car with hand gestures and phrases (can apply negativity just like a baneful spell), or Picking of the petals of a daisy flower saying, "love me, love me not" for each petal until the final petal reveals which (one of the oldest love spells known), or Making a wish and blowing out a candle on your birthday after a happy chant (when does it not actually sound like chanting when most people sing happy birthday together lol) That being said, the craft can actually be practiced within any beliefs or cultures. Although, the religion of Wicca does include witchcraft in its rituals and practices, obviously not all do. In fact, even though other religions, like Christianity for example, may frown on the idea of the use of witchcraft within their traditions and customs, there are however many MANY similarities within the separate religions. Some examples of similarities between Wiccans and Christians are: Blessed witch's water is made by adding salt with intention - same as Catholic holy water. A Witch's ladder is a charm used to count and track repetitive chants - in the same way as a Christian rosary helps track repetitive prayer. Witches ring bells, use incense and lite candles with intention - as well as Catholics for ceremony. ...etc. Not to mention the many other customs and holidays that overlap. Such as: Wedding/Handfasting, Church/Coven, Communion/Initiation, Prayer/Spell, Christmas/Yule, Easter/Ostara, ...and I'm sure there's more! It's my personal opinion that to mark discussion occasions with ritual, ceremony and celebration is a part of human nature within us all whether spiritual, religious, or otherwise. In my own life as a child growing up, my mother was the one who taught me the basics of witchcraft, about setting up an alter, deity worship, the rule of three, premonitions, kitchen magick, and some very simple spell work, even though she was a devoted Christian. The Immaculate Mother Mary was the deity that my mother worshiped, amongst Jesus and the disciples, angels, etc. Her "spell work" was done in the form of prayer and affirmation and synchronization. Even though she never identified as a witch, I strongly believe that my mother was what's known as a Catholic Witch. Although, i did not follow in her Christian footsteps. I followed a path of a secular Witch and studied a Seax Wiccan tradition myself. I pay much respect to my mother as a powerful influence and inspiration to me and on my practice years after she had passed on from this life, she still assists and guides me today. Along my journey I have since met and conversed with many Catholic Witches with different individual practices and traditions that are personally meaningful to each. There's no wrong way to express your spirituality. I now consider myself a Humanist-Wiccan. Each should set up their own practice that is truly meaningful and resonating with your own true beliefs. Trust your instincts, and follow your intuition. UPDATED : this much more recent blog entry more describes my practices as a Humanist Wiccan: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/humanist-wiccan

The submitted question covered in this blog: "...Isn't it necromancy?" Thank you to whom submitted this question as there are many misconceptions about the practices of necromancy, and what it actually means. Many movies and fictional novels have portrayed "bring back the dead" as a literal corps crawling out of it's grave... this is very far from reality. Many are influenced to be fearful of the practices that involve necromancy due to the many misunderstandings and mistruths that have spread over time. When people think of the dead, they often associate with ghosts, gouls, or other maleficent beings. It is my opinion that these misconceptions are what have lead to some practices being labeled as "Dark Arts". Whereas this line of thinking has caused fear of the topic itself. When death occurs, it is difficult to accept that our loved ones will never return to us after they've passed away. But, the reality is, in fact, that the dead can not be risen. There is no 'bringing back to life', once deceased. Magick can not break the boundaries of physics. We carry energies with us in our memories. The spirit of someone represents the impression on which they have had on those around them. This impression memory allows us to recall the feeling of someone's presence, remember the sound of their voice, knowing what they would be saying to us in the moment if they could, etc. How we associate the impressions of a moment with the spirit of a loved one is how to gain insight and realizations within ourselves. This is often an important part of a witches practice, especially if taught generational teachings passed down as ancestors were alive. Or, if taught from a coven which the elders have passed on. Alters can be set up in honour of the spirit of a loved one which offerings of kind gestures may be placed as a form of showing respect and reverence. It's important to cherish and honour the memories of our ancestors and close friends who have died. It reminds ourselves of the impact in which they may have had on our lives and how their spirit may continue to guide us as we live on in honour of their memory. Even though they may no longer be with us we may still live as example to their teachings and knowledge shared. Necromancy is most often referencing this sort of communication with a spirit of the dead, rather than focusing on returning the dead to the living, as often imagined. It is essentially another way of describing the process of what's more commonly known now-a-days as Psychic Mediumship. More about that was mentioned in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/demystifying-mediumship Demystifying Mediumship. As well as discussed in this previous live broadcast: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/can-you-be-a-psychic-medium on the Witches of Eastview Channel. And, there are many more examples within other previous blog posts, thanks to submitted questions like this one! Have a look through, and use the search option if that helps to narrow down the subject you're interested in. Please feel free to submit your own question at www.askagreywitch.com Together, we can help to break many of the misconceptions that seem to still exists about energy workers, witches and other magickal folk. Bright blessings✨

Question covered in this blog/video: "Would you join me on a live for a my Buck Full Moon fire ritual?" Thank you to Aurora Moon from the Witches of Eastview empowerment group for inviting me and including me in your "Stepping into your power" fire ritual demonstration. Apologies for the poor sound quality and loud intrusive street noise interference during the discussion due to the location. A special thank you to camera man, Phil Landriault who also helped us through some of the recording complications. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have to AskaGreyWitch.com Blessed be.

By describing myself as a secular practitioner, I signify both my pagan beliefs that nature itself is holy, thus the planet we live on and the bodies we live in are all sacred and my role as a complex person who works with energetic properties. In my personal non-theistic practice, i consider deities to be architypes created to symbolize different aspects of our own human nature and are not external entities or supreme beings, etc.  I strive to do what is felt to be right from a Wiccan background with a humanistic approach. Speaking my mind has sometimes been met with judgment. But, I follow what feels right for me and I encourage you to do the same. Other intuitives have referred to me as a light worker as I am so often drawn to helping others. I offer guidance based intuitive readings to those who feel they may benefit from another prospective. I also offer personal insight and new perspectives through tarot or rune readings. When referring to my craft, I'm actually speaking to my own secular practices involving Seax Wicca and an affinity with nature within my pagan traditions. I dedicated to a Seax Wiccan tradition in 2016 and completed initiation in 2019. As I get older, my craft becomes less about trying to cause specific outcomes fire myself and more about focusing on helping to become more purposeful and compassionate in life. While I still do rituals of the more traditional kind, my magick has become something which I can carry with me in all areas of my life. With many tools, crystals and herbs to aid me in various workings, I make my own infusions, potions, salves, candles, and oracles. Always learning along my path and relying on my intuition, I personally scrye and work with runes, tarot, pendulums, palmistry and tasseography. Devoted to working with all kinds of energies, and finding balance, I am known as a Grey Practitioner, hense the use of the term "Grey Witch". Secular humanism is the belief that I, myself can live a good and moral life without the existence of having a belief in a supernatural god(dess), deity, etc. But, rather I connect with aspects of my own human nature. At times, random strangers unexpectedly sought me out to tell me about their problems or ask me for advice in public places such as in a store or at a bus stop, etc. Quite often I find myself offering guidance, answering questions, providing information and giving advice to other practitioners of magick. And so, this blog will help me to reach out to more whom would like my assistance. I also will be able to divide my time more evenly for those who've requested mentorship. Please submit your questions, or if I can provide information, or examples of, etc. Just let me know. Take good care, journey safe, and blessed be UPDATE: This information was added to and then extended on at: www.askagreywitch.com/greywitchbryan to create an about page. & More about my Wiccan practice can be read in this more recent blog post: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/secular-wicca

www.staffordtarot.com With my previous experiences giving in person readings and self readings, I have been offering private remote tarot readings to others through video calls or in email during the pandemic restrictions. This has felt hugely rewarding for me to help others in this way by offering some clarity, gained insight or new perspectives, and watch the finding of peace and/or closure. At my Stafford Tarot website, you can request readings by me, read information about how I do readings, look at my tarot decks, and even learn to do readings yourself with a featured free course for beginners to learn tarot for themselves, thanks to Lindsay Knight from 9th Vibration. More information can be found at: www.askagteywitch.com/staffordtarot Questions and comments regarding tarot or about readings can be sent to: bryantarotreading@gmail.com or visit: www.staffordtarot.com

Please feel free to submit a question or topic that you would like to learn about and I'd be happy to provide information from my perspective as a male witch or to answer any questions that you may have. Where if I can provide an example, I may include pictures or make a video. Although videos may be hosted in YouTube, it will be shared here within the posts of this blog. Please don't mind the advertising as I do not make money from this "Ask a Grey Witch" website. And so, I'm also not paying to have the advertising removed or to purchase software for editing at this time. Perhaps if I one day can accept donations I could register the applications and remove the advertising, etc. But, my goal here is not about making a profit. As a light worker following a calling to help others, I am hoping to do just that -- to help others. Much is still to be decided. Stay tuned!!! Coming soon RIGHT HERE is my new blog where I will be answering questions submitted by you! Please submit your questions and they WILL be included in the upcoming entries -- Thanks!!! Don't forget to subscribe below to stay up to date when new entries are posted. Update: so to remove some advertising, this webpage is been featured and sponsored by: www.staffordtarot.com The messages within await!