becklyboo:

This war is just too gruesome for me. The enemy has hung valiant skeleton warriors as trophies in their halls.

orriculum:

as we approach the anniversary of “the bone incident” i thought this was important. not an expert in law, but throughout my practice this is a list i have gathered of things that may conflict with things you may want to do in your craft

there are just some things that are straight up against the law. this isn’t aimed at your religious freedoms, this is about following the laws of the land you live in. while your religion/spiritual beliefs may allow and encourage it, that may not be coincide with what is legal in your area.  

🐦   bird feathers – some species of birds and animals are endangered and collecting their feathers or remains is against the law. this varies from state to state, so you should check the laws of your area before collecting things you find in the wild. (x)

📩   plants/animal parts in the mail – there are a number of restrictions on what can and cannot be safely mailed in a sanitary method, and they need to be followed. (x)

📖   teaching witchcraft to minors – in many places, it is the parents who get first and only say in what religion is taught to their child, until they reach the age of majority. legal action can often be brought against those who teach a minor witchcraft without the parent’s consent. (x)

💀   digging up bones – just no. collecting bones that somehow come out of the graves is off the table too. the selling and buying and overall collection of human bones is often illegal, if not entirely. (x)

🌍   littering – spells that tell you to bury a glass jar somewhere, or to throw it in the ocean are not only harmful to the environment, they’re illegal, and subject to fines and prison time. you need to find a decompose-able method or a different spell (x)

🍷  tampering with someone’s food or drink – no matter what your intentions are, giving someone a love potion or something for their benefit, this is illegal in every state. not to mention, you don’t know if they’re allergic to what you put in. (x)

🔪   human sacrifice – i’m not even going to source this. you should know better.

💉   improper disposal of spell remains – be very careful on how you dispose of a spell, and make sure you aren’t introducing mercury or other toxic chemicals into the ecosystem. it’s bad for your surroundings, and it’s illegal (x)

🐕   animal abuse – it does not matter how sacred animal sacrifice and abuse it to your craft, if it breaks the laws, you should rethink it. (x)

🚷   trespassing – no matter how much you may want to pick some herbs that grow on someone else’s property, doing so without permission is trespassing and stealing. not to mention dangerous, as there are states with laws that allow the owner to bare arms against trespassers. (x)

🔥   fire safety – so you go out into the woods to set up a ritual, cool. but you dont pay attention to the fire alert that day and a stray spark from your ritual candles could start a forest fire and endanger countless people. it does not matter what stars are in position, if smokey the bear says no, do it a different day. (x)

this is not about dictating your beliefs or repressing your religious freedom. this is about public safety and respecting other people’s rights. practicing magic does not put you above the law, and it does not make your whims more important than the safety and rights of other people. if you do any of these, you’re not expressing your beliefs, you’re putting those around you in danger.

this is based on my experience in america and in reference to american law. if you have any more to add or other countries’ law restrictions, feel free to add. 

actualizetheself:

Mabon: Autumn Equinox

To begin, let me start by saying this is the 3rd time I have to write this because Tumblr decided to refresh on me when I didn’t ask it to and so everything I wrote DISAPPEARED (fix your bugs, tumblr!) Because of that, this version my original post is going to be so half-assed now! I hate tumblr sometimes!

An equinox is a day of the year when there is equal parts day and night – light and darkness. Many people have a tendency to view this as a “versus” thing, but it’s not! It’s a day to acknowledge balance and harmony.

The fall equinox is an important day of power for many Neo-Pagans and Witches. It’s a day that some even call, “Witches’ Thanksgiving” because it’s a day where witches “reap what they sow” – literally and figuratively. That means, giving thanks to Mother Earth for providing us with the sustenance we need to survive and also acknowledging the people in our lives by expressing our gratitude and asking for forgiveness for our past transgressions (and also for forgiving others).

There are many mundane ways someone who is a witch, or Pagan, can celebrate Mabon! Here are a few examples that I can think of:

– Throw a “barnyard” party with dancing, singing/karaoke, and chanting

– Have a bonfire! (please be responsible!)

– Host a potluck or a dinner party

– Apple picking

– Go camping or take a hike

– Crochet, quilt, or knit

– Make wines, ciders, beers or butters, jams, jellies, featuring the fruits of the season

– Bake pies!

– Give back to the community and maybe volunteer at an animal shelter or food bank or host a food drive

There are also many things a witch can do to celebrate this day of power:

~ This is a good time for divination (apparently there’s something called apple divination and it sound perfect for this time of year!)

~ Protection magic also gets a boost during this time (maybe try warding?)

~ Because this day is a day of thanks, avoid asking for things on this holiday

~ Have a “Gratitude Ritual”

~ Meditation and grounding are great on this day (it’s all about finding balance and harmony)

~ Set up an altar that showcases the fall of Summer, the start of Autumn, and the soon to be here Winter; be sure to include things that you’re grateful for!

~ Have a mock sacrifice

~ This is a great day to practice and hone your kitchen magic, so take this time to learn more about sigils in baking, herbs and their medicinal and magical properties, etc.

– If you’re Neo-Pagan, take this time to talk to some different deities (focus on harvest, wine, earth and sun deities)

Important symbols:

> The colors gold, yellow, red, and orange

> Oak, ivy, Hazel, Cedar, Hops and Vines are important trees/plants to acknowledge during this time

> Scarecrows, scales, ying-yang, scythes, & haystacks are common symbols

> Wolves, dogs, foxes, and birds of prey are important symbols of this time

> Amethys, yellow topaz, and citrine are stones/ctystas associated with this holiday

> Drinks and Foods include wine, grapes, most nuts, apples, all berries, and black pepper

As always, please feel free to share your knowledge and wisdom – and feel free to ask questions – so that we can all continue to grow and prosper!