New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
A wand can be a powerful tool for magical work. It can focus and direct energy, amplify intention, open and close a sacred or ceremonial space, and more. Many are happy purchasing a pre-made wand, but making your own is extra special. The classic wand is made of wood, ideally a thick "found branch" from a wooded natural space. Use the length between your elbow point and middle fingertip as a measure. Remove the bark with a pocketknife, sand the branch smooth with sand paper, and then rub with ...
To retreat is to withdraw from the mundane while seeking quiet, rest, and rejuvenation. You can engineer your escape from daily routines and digital noise by creating a personal retreat. Plan a time and a place for it, away from home if needed. A couple of hours are good—a day is even better. Be undisturbed and leave technology off (emergency settings only). Plan what you'll do. You might read, meditate, hike, work magic, create art, or do anything that allows you to enter the liminal ...
We magical folx often find ourselves needing to divine, cast spells, or work magic at unplanned times or when we're far away from our magical workspace. Plus, we may not feel comfortable setting up an altar or working spellcraft in public, or carrying materials with us. You can remedy some of these situations by creating a Porta-Pagan. What's a Porta-Pagan? It's a miniature set of magical tools in a small, sturdy container. Because it's small, it can be carried in a pocket, purse, glove box, ...
Witch bottles are wonderful protective charms with centuries of historical use. They're not only powerful, but also easy to make. You'll need a small glass jar with a tight lid, some wine or mead, a black candle, matches, and several of the following items: tacks, bent pins, or small nails; pieces of obsidian; sea salt; bits of black wax; a red ribbon; very small pieces of broken glass or pottery (handle carefully!); cleaned bones from a roast chicken; bits of fur or feather; and sprigs of ...
