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Humans are creatures of habit. Many of us find it easier to stick to good habits when we have a set routine. However, unfortunately life does have its own habit of getting in the way! It can be unpredictable - even the small things, such as a train being late or forgetting to pack lunch can throw us off course! This also applies to our spiritual practice. I especially have been victim to this many times in the past; I’ve woken up too late to do my morning devotions or meditation, or I go on holiday and do basically nothing for the week.
So what can we do to make sure we stay on track, even when life seems to do its best to disrupt us? Firstly, don’t be hard on yourself. It’s OK to take a break! We only have a limited energy supply, and sometimes we need to be practical and save it for where it is needed. Maybe you are grieving the passing of a loved one, maybe you are having to work longer hours on an important project, or maybe you’re having to be there for a friend who is going through a difficult time. If you don’t have the energy for it, then don’t force it. Make sure you are taking care of yourself through whatever it is that life is throwing at you, for that is the most important thing. If you are feeling happy and healthy, and just struggling to keep up your practice through a busy or unexpected time, below are some tips which have helped me maintain my spiritual practice during these periods. As I reiterate with everything, everyone is different, and just because they have worked for me doesn’t necessarily mean that they will work for you. However, feel free to give these a go and see if they resonate with you! 1. Stop putting a ‘time’ on your practice: As I mentioned, I try and perform morning devotions. I got into the mindset of thinking that if I missed my morning devotion, then that was it. It was strangely difficult to remind myself that there are many more hours in the day that I can perform a devotional! Just because I don’t say good morning to my deities or spirits doesn’t mean that they are going to abandon me for the day. A devotion at midday is just as good as one first thing in the morning. So, don’t feel disheartened if you miss the period you had assigned for a specific activity, and try and fit it in and some other point in the day. 2. Create a list: Lists are great - I live by lists! Maybe too much at times, but I can’t deny that they do come in handy. I have a Trello board where I set myself goals. For example, ‘practice 3 breathing exercises’, or ‘write a poem to X deity’. Lists can help keep us focused, and motivate us to chase that feeling of achievement once we have ticked something off of our list. Don’t underestimate the power of a good list! 3. Work it into your necessary routine: There are lots of little acts you can perform alongside the ‘necessities’ or your routine. For example, we all have to get dressed in the mornings (well, most of us I’m sure!). Maybe you could incorporate some colour magic into your wardrobe? For example, if you know you have to deliver a big presentation at work, maybe wearing something blue to encourage communication will help. When you are washing your hands after going to the toilet, maybe use a soap which is infused with lavender to help calm you. If you walk past a tree on your way to catch a train, mentally give thanks to the tree for the oxygen it provides. 4. Keep it small and simple: Rather than focusing on carving out time to perform intricate rituals, try and keep your magic small and accessible. I once performed (successfully) a spell to find a lost item in the toilets at work just using visualisation and some internal chanting! Pick up a crystal to carry with you, memorise a short mantra you can repeat in your head on the train, or drink a cup of peppermint tea to bring you focus for example. 5. Carry a travel altar on you: I love travel altars! The one I use is a tin small enough to fit in my bag, and discreet enough that I don’t get asked about it. In it, I keep a small bottle of salt water I can anoint myself with for cleansing and protection, a mini oracle set, and a small octopus charm as the octopus is my main animal guide. 6. Carry a journal with you: This is actually an idea I got from a friend, Nico Solheim-Davidson (Instagram @northseapoet). Ancient Greeks and Romans would often write, or etch, devotions to deities into clay and other materials. This is something we can emulate today! Taking just five minutes out to focus on writing a devotion to a deity or spirit you work with is a quick yet effective way of connecting with them when you don't have much time. You can also jot down mantras, spell ideas, or anything else which may come to mind. It can be difficult to maintain a practice when life is throwing curveballs at you, but it isn’t impossible! Hopefully some of these tips will help, but the most important thing is to make sure you are looking after yourself through the challenging times.
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A patron deity is a God or Goddess who takes a special role in an individual’s spiritual journey. This relationship can be lifelong, or even just temporary. Having a patron deity is not a requirement of practicing witchcraft or paganism; in fact, there are many who don't work with deities at all! I myself have formed very strong relationships with several deities over the years, but not to the level that I would call them my 'patron' deities. A patron deity tends to play a central role in your spiritual practice, rather than one you may work with occasionally. I personally tend to fall into the 'work with deities occasionally' camp, and I still get great results! However, working with a patron deity can be a rewarding experience for those who want it.
A patron deity is a divine being who forms a close relationship with a practitioner, offering insight, support, and lessons. Some people are drawn to a particular god or goddess through dreams, meditation, or a deep personal resonance with their mythology and attributes. Others may feel chosen by a deity who repeatedly appears in their life through signs and synchronicities. Discovering your patron deity is often a process of self-exploration and divine communication. Here are some methods to help: 1. Research Different Deities: Study mythology from various cultures to see which deities resonate with you. Pay attention to the attributes, symbols, and domains of different gods and goddesses, and see if these align with your personal beliefs, goals, and needs. 2. Meditate and Ask for Guidance: Spend time in meditation, inviting a deity to make their presence known. There are plenty of guided visualizations out there to help you connect with divine energies. When I was first starting out I used a meditation which involved heading into a cave, writing your intent on a piece of parchment, and then knocking on a door three times to help discover your deity. The Greek Goddess Selene was revealed to me (I had no idea who she was, I had to do a lot of research based on her appearance and her energy). That was over 20 years ago, and Selene is still a Goddess I work with today. 3. Observe Signs and Synchronicities: Repeatedly encountering certain symbols, animals, or themes in your daily life may be a sign that a deity associated with those is trying to get your attention. Unexplained emotions or deep feelings when reading about a specific deity can indicate a connection - I have experienced this several times. It is almost like the puzzle pieces fall into place, a 'knowing' and undeniable pull towards that deity. 4. Work with Multiple Deities First: Before committing to a patron deity, engage with various gods and goddesses to see who aligns best with your energy. Pay attention to how you feel when working with different deities. You may think you have identified your deity, but once you start working with them, you don't really feel a connection. That's OK! But it is always better to find these things out early before you decide to dedicate yourself to a specific God or Goddess. 5. Divination and Dreams: Use tarot, pendulums, or rune readings to ask which deity might be reaching out to you. I personally find tarot is useful, and there are plenty of spreads out there which will help you connect with, and receive messages to help you understand the deity you may be speaking with. Keep a dream journal and look for patterns of divine messages or imagery, as oftentimes these sorts of messages can come when we are in the sleep state. How to Work With Your Patron Deity Once you have established a connection with your patron deity, there are many ways to deepen and honour this sacred relationship. 1. Set Up an Altar: Creating a sacred space dedicated to your patron deity helps maintain a connection. You could include a statue or image of the deity, candles in their associated colours, crystals, herbs, or items linked to their energy, and symbols or offerings specific to their mythology. 2. Offerings and Rituals: Regular offerings show gratitude and devotion. You could try lighting an incense, or leaving flowers, or food as offerings; pouring libations such as wine, water, or herbal tea; writing poetry, prayers, or songs in their honour; or performing rituals aligned with their themes and mythology (I actually wrote a blog post a few weeks ago on creating rituals using myths, so check that out if this is a route you are interested in!). 3. Meditation and Prayer: Speak to your patron deity daily, either aloud or in your mind. Meditate to receive messages and guidance from them. 4. Celebrate Their Sacred Days: Research festivals, feast days, or special times associated with your deity. If there are none, then create your own! 5. Study and Learn About Them: This one may seem obvious, but reading myths, folklore, and historical texts about your patron deity can help strengthen that connection and develop your understanding of them. 6. Invoke Their Guidance in Your Practice: Call upon them during spellwork, divination, and other magical practices. You may even with to dedicate a specific aspect of your craft to them, such as protection, healing, or creativity, and always involving them in that type of working. It is important that you actively work to maintain a healthy relationship with your patron deity. Make sure that you show gratitude for their presence and their guidance, and never demand anything of them or throw a tantrum if you don't see immediate results. Just because a deity doesn't produce the result you wanted doesn't mean that the deity isn't listening - often, they know what is best for us, even though we may not see it at the time. Be patient - building a relationship takes time - and make sure you are consistent in how you work with them. Even a quick, spoken prayer in the morning before you head off to work can help maintain that connection you have with them. Many of those who work with a patron deity find it to be a deeply transformative experience. They can become a guiding force in your spiritual journey. By honouring them with devotion, respect, and an open heart, you can cultivate a meaningful and lasting bond with the these divine energies which can truly enrich your spiritual practice. Throughout history, people have looked to the world around them for signs and omens, seeking guidance and understanding from nature, dreams, and everyday occurrences. Whether we believe these messages come from the universe, deities, ancestors, or your own subconscious, learning to interpret them can be a powerful tool in our spiritual practice.
What Are Signs and Omens? Signs and omens are symbolic messages that appear in our daily lives, often pointing towards future events or offering insights into our current situations. While signs can be compared to 'subtle nudges', omens are often more striking and carry stronger implications. How To Know If It's A Sign or Omen: One of the most difficult parts of signs and omens working out exactly what one is. Not every feather we see on our walk to work is a sign; sometimes, a feather is just a feather. If we get caught up in believing that everything is a sign or an omen, we risk being led down the wrong path or missing the messages being shown to us whilst we are distracted trying to find meaning in the mundane. If you experience any of the following, it could very well be a sign/omen:
Where to Look for Signs and Omens: There are some common places to seek signs and omens, or places where they are more likely to occur. Nature is one such place; birds, animals, weather patterns, and plants can all carry messages. For example, a crow cawing three times might signal change, while a butterfly landing on you may symbolize transformation. Dreams are also a common place in which we may recognise signs and omens. Recurring symbols or significant dreams often hold deep meaning and can serve as warnings, reassurances, or guidance. Finally, as we have mentioned before, numbers can be indications of signs and omens: Seeing repeated numbers like 111 or 777 can indicate divine communication or alignment with the universe. These are often referred to as 'Angel Numbers', and there are many, many different numbers with different meanings. That is definitely another post for another time though! How to Interpret Signs and Omens It's all well and good being able to identify what is a sign and what is an omen, but we need to actually interpret them for them to be of any use. And again, there are several ways in which you can do this:
There are some 'tips and tricks' you can use to help you become more attuned to signs and omens. You will probably be unsurprised to find journalling is a great way to help you recognise and interpret omens, and can also help you track patterns and meanings. Practicing mindfulness can help us stay in the present moment and more able to recognise signs and omens as they appear, and meditation can help us connect to our intuition and use that to recognise and identify these signs/omens. By staying open to the world around us and tuning into the signs and omens present in our lives, we can gain deeper insight, guidance, and clarity on our spiritual journey. The universe is always speaking—it’s just a matter of learning to listen. 8/6/2025 1 Comment 10 Activities For The Full MoonThe moon plays an important role for many witches and pagans. It helps us connect with the divine feminine, and represents the cycles of life as it waxes and wanes. As such, many of us time our workings to the phases of the moon, with the full moon being seen as a time of particular importance. You may have heard ‘esbats’ - rituals to honour the divine feminine, and work magic during this time. However, sometimes a full-blown ritual just isn’t possible; maybe we don’t have time, maybe we’re tired, maybe we completely forgot it was the full moon and haven’t had a chance to plan anything (which is the excuse I am most often guilty of!). So if you want to work with, or honour this moment in the moons cycle, here are some quick and easy ways you can embrace the energy of the full moon.
1. Charge Your Crystals: Place your crystals outside (so long as they are safe and won't be picked up by any people or wildlife) or on a windowsill to absorb the moon’s energy. It is believed that the energy of moon recharges them, amplifying their power. 2. Perform a Release Ritual Rituals needn't be long and complex. To perform a very simple release ritual, write down things you want to release (fear, bad habits, limiting beliefs, toxic relationships) on a piece of paper. Burn the paper safely in a fireproof dish, visualizing those burdens disappearing as the paper burns. 3. Make Moon Water Fill a jar with clean water and leave it under the moonlight overnight to absorb its energy. You can use full moon water for drinking, making tea or crystal elixirs, or adding it to ritual baths to help empower yourself and your workings, watering your plants to help them grow, or using it to cleanse your tools. 4. Take a Ritual Bath Ritual baths are one of my favourite ritual formats! To create a full moon cleansing bath to help you embrace these lunar energies, you could use: Himalayan salt (for purification) Rose petals or lavender (for self-love and peace) Essential oils such as jasmine or ylang-ylang (to represent feminine energies) Place a piece of moonstone near the bathtub 5. Do a Tarot or Oracle Reading The full moon heightens intuition, making it a great time for divination. Ask your cards: What should I release this cycle? What energies should I embrace? What messages do my guides have for me? 6. Meditate Under the Moonlight Sit outside or by a window, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Imagine the moon’s light filling your body with energy, beautiful and pure. You may wish to focus on this light corresponding with a specific intention, such as cleansing you of negativity, or bringing healing. 7. Work on Manifestation Spells The full moon is a powerful time for bringing our dreams into reality. Write down your goals or dreams on paper and place it under a candle of a colour that matches your intention or goal. Envision your goal coming true while the candle burns. Keep the paper on your altar until the next full moon. 8. Connect with Deities or Spirit Guides Many deities are associated with the moon, such as Artemis, Selene and Hecate. The full moon is a great time to connect with these deities, ask for their guidance, and make offerings to them. 9. Dance Under the Moon Expressing yourself through movement and sound is a fun way to connect with lunar energy. It can also be cleansing and rejuvenating! Stick on some music and dance your worries away, or even focus on a particular intent and use the energy raised by dancing to help manifest your goal. 10. Journal Your Dreams & Emotions The full moon often brings heightened emotions and vivid dreams. Keep a journal nearby to write down any dreams or insight you have. This is also a good time to focus on prophetic dreams, maybe drinking a tea before bed designed to help you dream the future or find clarity around a specific situation. 31/5/2025 1 Comment 10 Simple Morning RitualsWe often describe witchcraft as a way of life. However, as with all changes, we need to actively work at building the habits that support this way of living. We often start small, and before long these little changes become integrated into our lifestyle, and then we focus on either expanding on these habits or adding in more. For many advanced witches, the below will probably be something they have already incorporated into their routines. However, these are great if you are just starting out, or if you are constantly on the go and are looking for smaller ways to bring a bit more magic into your everyday life. So have a go at any of the below that take your fancy and see if they make a difference!
1. Set an Intention with Your First Sip of Tea/Coffee/Water I always try to drink water in the morning and make sure I take my vitamins (because I am now at that age where I need all the help I can get lol). Before drinking your morning beverage, hold the cup in both hands and set an intention for the day. Whisper a word like “clarity,” “focus,” or “calm” into your drink and visualize yourself embodying that energy as you drink it. 2. Light a Candle for Guidance Light a candle (white for general blessings, yellow for focus, green for prosperity, etc.) and take a deep breath. Say a simple morning affirmation like: “May today bring joy, wisdom, and peace.” Let the candle burn as you prepare for the day (but never leave burning candles unattended), or snuff it out after a moment of reflection. 3. Morning Moving Meditation Routine I am personally a big fan of Qi Gong as I find it helps balance my energy, so I will often find time to perform a short routine. Even just ten minutes of gentle stretching whilst you focus on your body and your energy can help clear and settle your mind for the day ahead. You can always combine it with setting and focusing on an intention or gently chanting a mantra that matches any intention you have for the day. 4. Call on a Deity to Guide You If you work with any deities, a quick prayer to either ask them to guide you, or simply to thank them for their presence in your life, is a good way to acknowledge and show gratitude to them. If you have any jewellery or such which you associate with your deity, then this would be a good time to put it on. 5. Pull a Tarot or Oracle Card Draw one card from your tarot or oracle deck to gain insight into the day ahead. Reflect on its meaning and how it applies to your daily life. Keep the card nearby or journal about it to deepen your understanding. 6. Anoint Yourself with Essential Oils Choose an oil or herb that matches your intention: for example, lavender for calm, peppermint for focus, rose for self-love. Dab a bit on your wrists, behind your ears, or over your heart while saying a simple blessing. 7. Breathe in Healing and Positivity Take three deep breaths and visualize a white light pouring down from above you. See this light entering your head through your crown chakra, or even breathe this energy into yourself. Feel it filling your body, this light imbuing you with positive, healing energy. Say: “I am safe, I am strong, I am surrounded by love.” 8. Write a Quick Gratitude List List three things you’re grateful for in a journal or notebook. Gratitude raises your vibration and aligns you with abundance. You can also add a small manifestation statement for the day, like: “Today, I attract kindness and success.” 9. Wash Your Face or Hands with Charged Water Before washing up, whisper a small blessing over the water such as: “May this cleanse away negativity and refresh my spirit.” If you like, add a drop of rose water or moon water for extra magic. 10. Carry a Crystal for the Day Choose a crystal based on what you need. For example Clear Quartz – Clarity & energy boost Amethyst – Spiritual protection & calm Citrine – Confidence & abundance Hold the crystal in your hand for a few moments and set your intention before carrying it with you. The word ‘mindfulness’ does feel as though it has become a bit of a buzzword over the past couple of years. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit us? And what does grounding have to do with it?
Mindfulness is that art of living in the moment. It allows us to be aware of our thoughts, emotions, our surroundings, and our physical self without judgement in the here and now. There are many reasons as to why this can be beneficial; it can allow us to better understand our thoughts and feelings and to manage them. This, in turn, can help reduce stress and the effects of negative emotions and improve our relationships. It can help improve our focus, and help us appreciate each moment as we experience it fully. Grounding is a term which has been around for at least as long as I have been practicing, and is the art of ‘anchoring’ yourself to the present. You can see the similarities between the two practices; although I personally have always felt that whilst grounding focuses more on making sure we feel connected in more a physical sense to our surroundings, mindfulness focuses more on that connection from and thoughts and feelings perspective. So together, we can ensure that we are grounding all aspects of ourselves. Grounding and mindfulness is something which should be practiced regularly for you to see the long term benefits of it. It is also an activity that can be performed as and when needed. There are many different ways of grounding and practicing mindfulness, but the most important aspect is to find one which works for you. Everyone is different; we have different triggers, stimulations, motivations, thoughts, worries, etc. As such, it is best to have a play around with several different ways of grounding and practicing mindfulness, to make sure that you find one which is effective for you. So how can you build your own grounding and mindfulness ritual, and what should you take into account when creating it? First, it needs to be simple and discreet enough that you can perform it at the drop of a hat wherever you are. It won't be very useful to you if you can't actually use it because you are embarrassed to perform it in public, for example. It should also be as minimalist as possible, as you don't want to have to find space for, lug around, and then set up an entire mini altar with incense and candles and the like. If you do wish to use physical objects as part of your grounding and mindfulness rituals, then make sure they are small enough for you to carry and use easily such as items of jewellery, small crystals, etc. Meditate on grounding, mindfulness, peace, calmness, etc. What springs to mind when you think of these concepts? Are there any colours, animals, images, etc., that you associate with these concepts? For example, when I think of grounding, I think of rocks, and when I think about peace and calmness, I think of the colour pink. Therefore, a small stone painted pink could be used as a focal point for my ritual. I also think of flowing rivers, so maybe I could imagine myself sitting on a giant rock on the edge of a riverbank. Essentially we are aiming to build ourselves a trigger. The word trigger is nowadays often used in a negative sense, to say that something triggered us. But triggers can also be a positive thing! The more we use our chosen ritual, the more our subconscious will associate it with grounding and mindfulness, making it more effective and quicker to work its power. Below are some other ideas for you to try out and see if there are any you could incorporate into building your own ritual: Mantras: Mantras are phrases that we repeat over and over, often positive affirmations, as if we are ‘reprogramming’ the way we think. For example, ‘I am grounded, I am calm. Nothing can harm me’. Engaging the physical senses: Many different sources recommend incorporating the senses to help you ground and be present in the moment, such as focusing on one thing you can see, one thing you can hear, etc. Or maybe some with a specific texture, a specific song, or maybe carrying some mints or sweets with a specific taste. Using Meridians: Meridians come from ancient Chinese belief. These are points within the body that helps funnel energy around the body, and are associated with different aspects and associations. They are used in EFT, acupuncture, and reflexology amongst other practices. For the example, the Heart 7 (Ht-7) “Spirit Gate” point is said to be able to treat all emotional imbalances, ease anxiety, and settle the mind. Applying gentle pressure with your thumb to this area could help. To find this point, place your arm in front of you, palm facing up. It will be on the crease of the wrist, aligning with the bottom of your little finger. Breathing Exercises: breathing can help promote grounding and mindfulness. You can either just focus on making your inhale and exhale of equal lengths, or try and incorporate something like pranic breathing into your ritual. An unusual sequence that you wouldn't find elsewhere: In the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier where the Winter Soldier is activated by a series of seemingly random words. These words are so random it is almost impossible that these would be accidentally spoken in a sentence together. However, when they are, they trigger the winter soldier. Similarly, you could choose a short list of words, or a combination of the above; a word, a specific tap, and specific breath, etc. Once you have chosen your approach, you will need to actually use it! You don't need to wait for a moment where you feel overwhelmed or stressed. In fact, it is better to practice it so you feel comfortable performing it when you do need it. If you feel like your ritual isn't working, you can try changing it. Just make sure that once you have found an approach which works for you, you follow it exactly every time you use it. Try to practice it at the very least a couple of times a week out side of the times where you need to use it. Remember, the purpose of this ritual is to develop a trigger which when performed will immediately help you feel more grounded and more in the moment. Keep this in mind as you create and practice and find a method which works for you. Honouring ancestors is a profound and sacred practice in many spiritual and magical traditions. For witches, connecting with the spirits of those who came before us can provide wisdom, protection, and guidance. Whether you seek to honour direct family members or ancestral spirits of the land and tradition, there are many ways to cultivate a meaningful relationship with them. One thing to note before we get started is that you don't necessarily need to know who your ancestors are. Some families can be complicated, including mine, and we may be left with very limited knowledge as to our lineage. This doesn't matter; trust that whether you are aware of them or not, your ancestors are watching over you, and can be honoured accordingly. One of the main questions that often arises is, what if my ancestors were bad people? Should I still honour them? I feel that the answer to this depends wholly on your personal preference. Whilst we can bear in mind that our ancestors lived in different times and faced challenges or societal pressures we cannot relate to now, it is up to you to determine if you are comfortable working with those whose actions may be questionable. I personally do; I may not be condoning some of the actions my ancestors took, but I still wish to acknowledge that without them, I would not be here today and living a life for which I'm grateful for. So, as with most things in witchcraft and spiritualism, work within your own boundaries. Below are a few ideas to help you connect with your ancestors. 1. Create an Ancestral Altar
Setting up a dedicated space for your ancestors helps focus your intent and invite their presence into your life. Now, I know that setting up an altar is pretty par for the course when working with anything which involves veneration; before long, you have an altar for each deity, an altar for certain spirits, an altar for healing, and you pretty much can't move for altars taking up your space! When I say 'altar', even just a small, dedicated spot on the corner of some shelving will do (which is what I personally have gone for). Great items to include on your altar include photographs of deceased family members, ancestral symbols (such as a coat of arms) or heirlooms, a small bowl of water (as water is associated with the dead and travelling to the underworld), and a small bowl or plate on which to leave offerings. I also have a 'scroll' (a piece of rolled up paper) on which I have written the name of every ancestor I am aware of (mostly through tracing back my family history), which I often use as a focal point when I am working with or honouring my ancestors. Make sure that you visit the altar regularly, keep it clean and tidy, leave offerings, or even just to say 'hi'. 2. Offerings and Libations Providing offerings is a timeless way to show respect and gratitude to your ancestors. There are many different types of offerings you can make; food and drink your ancestors might have enjoyed, incense or herbs, coins, shells, and other natural items, or even songs or poems you have written. I find that leaving offerings which are personal to you can help nurture the connection. You can also share in these offerings with your ancestors. For example, I will often make two cups of tea - one for me, and one for my grandmother who has passed and whom I was very close to - and I will leave one cup on my altar and drink the other. I like to think I am 'sharing' a cuppa with my grandma again, and will often talk to her and just tell her how I'm doing and what is going on in my life as I drink. 3. Ancestral Meditation and Journeying Meditation and visualization are powerful methods to connect with your ancestors’ wisdom. There are many guided meditations and journey prompts out there to help you meet and connect with your ancestors, so have a search and see if you can find any which resonate with you. 4. Celebrate Ancestral Festivals Many cultures have designated times to honour the dead. Participating in these observances strengthens ancestral ties. These include Samhain (October 31st), Día de los Muertos (November 1st-2nd), and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). I personally will hold a large feast for my ancestors on Samhain, which also includes a dance party - I put on some classic music I think my ancestors would have liked and invite them to dance with me. That may sound strange, but I really enjoy it (and I get the impression my ancestors do to!). You may have special dates which are more specific or personal, such as the birthdays of departed loved ones and such you may wish to celebrate, and can use these to connect with the energy of your ancestors. 5. Research Your Ancestry and Traditions Understanding your lineage can deepen your ancestral connection. I have managed to trace my mum's side of the family back to the 1600's, which has been absolutely fascinating (and definitely became addictive at one point!). You can speak to elderly family members, or use tools such as FamilyAncestry.org. Online archives and such can also be useful resources, as these usually hold probates and other documents aside from the censuses, birth, death, and marriage certificates that most ancestry sites will hold. Use this to understand more about your ancestral traditions, beliefs, and customs. Many of my ancestors were sailors and farmers, which in part explains my connection to water and the country! You may even wish to travel to any places of significance you find, such as grave sites or property and such where your ancestors resided. 6. Engage In Acts Of Remembrance Honouring ancestors isn’t just about ritual—it’s about keeping their memory alive in daily life. There are many ways in which you can do this, some of them relatively simple; you can cook family recipes and share meals in their honour, share stories about them with others, visit places they loved, dedicate a charitable act in their name to a cause they supported, or take part in activities they enjoyed. My grandma was a keen knitter, and when she passed all I wanted from her estate was her knitting needles; I love knitting with them and creating garments and other knitted objects to give as gifts, as it feels like an appropriate way to keep her memory with me. You can also call upon your ancestors in magic and manifestation, or to ask for wisdom or protection. However, in this article I wanted to focus more on building a connecting with them, rather than working directly with them - that will be an article for another day! But for now, especially if you are new to ancestral work, focus on small but consitent activities that will help you build that connection with them. Dreams have long been regarded as windows into the subconscious and a means of receiving spiritual guidance. I have to admit, I struggle with dreaming - or at least, remembering my dreams. However, I have found that by consciously working on it, I am starting to remember more, and gain more valuable insights. One of the tools I have been using to help me achieve this is a dream journal. It isn't exactly a revolutionary idea - dream journals have been recommended for years! But by keeping a dream journal, you can decode hidden messages, recognize patterns, and deepen your connection with your higher self, spirit guides, or the universe. So without further ado, here are my tips and tricks to creating and using a dream journal to better understand and remember your dreams.
Choosing Your Dream Journal Your dream journal can be anything from a traditional notebook to a digital app. Choose a format that feels intuitive and accessible to you. Some people prefer handwritten entries for a more personal touch, while others opt for digital journaling for convenience. I personally use 'Dream Catcher: Lucid Journal' which I have downloaded onto my phone, but there are many recommended apps out there! Preparing for Dream Journaling: I have found that establishing a routine really helps in remembering and recording your dreams. My personal routine includes:
How to Record Your Dreams Write your dreams down immediately upon waking – Dreams fade quickly, so jot down whatever you remember as soon as possible. Make sure that you record all details, even seemingly small ones, including colours, people, emotions, symbols, and locations. Even these seemingly small details can be significant. Create a unique title for each entry to help with recall, and organisation later, and also include the date and moon phase, or any other notable planetary influences – Lunar cycles can influence dream symbolism and energy, as can other planetary alignments. You may also wish to record any significant events that happened that day that could affect your dreams. It is quite fun to look back on these and see if they have made any difference! Interpreting Your Dreams for Spiritual Insights When interpreting your dreams, look for recurring symbols – Patterns in symbols, numbers, or themes may indicate messages from your subconscious or spiritual guides. Also, pay attention to the emotions associated with each dream, as the way you feel in a dream can provide clues about unresolved emotions or personal growth areas. You can use a dream dictionary (I do), but use it cautiously. While dream dictionaries can offer guidance, trust your own intuition for personal interpretations. We all have our own personal symbology - a spider in a dream is going to have a different interpretation to someone who is scared of spiders, as opposed to someone who keeps them as pets! So try to let your intuition guide you in the meanings of dreams and symbols. Meditating on your dreams is a good way to do so, and it may help bring additional clarity and insights. Using Your Dream Journal for Growth Usually at the end of the month I will review my dreams for that period, looking at the symbols and themes of each, and seeing if I can identify any recurring patterns. These usually indicate areas of your life you need to work on, issues you need to resolve, or even new opportunities you should explore. If you do notice any recurring symbols or such, you could try working with them in the 'physical' realm to see if it will help unlock any further insights, or if they might help guide you. Use them to inspire art, or using them as sigils, or even incorporating them into meditations and rituals can be a rewarding experience which can influence your spiritual growth. A dream journal is a valuable tool for personal and spiritual development. Keep an open mind, trust your intuition, and enjoy the journey of dream exploration! Imposter syndrome can be a common struggle among witches, especially those who are new to the craft or self-taught. The feeling that you are not “witchy enough,” that your magic is not as powerful as others’, or that you lack the right knowledge can create self-doubt and hinder your spiritual growth. Overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial to embracing your personal power and deepening your connection to witchcraft. It's something I have pondered on a fair bit, and on a podcast I recently did, I was asked if I identify as a witch. And it genuinely got my wondering, am I a witch? Do I feel like a witch? What is a witch supposed to feel like? What is the 'life of a witch' supposed to look like? I work a somewhat stressful day job, and for eight hours a day I need to be in 'professional' mode, answering emails, convincing people to stick to timelines, editing spreadsheets. I can't say I 'feel' like a witch when I'm in work mode, and as witchcraft is supposed to be such an integral part of ourselves, does this make me less of a witch because I don't feel like one 24/7? I see people posting their elaborate altars on instagram, or meditating at the chalice well in Glastonbury whilst I'm just trying to make sure I can fit a food shop into my evening. Does that make me less of a witch than them? Imposter syndrome is the internal belief that you are not truly skilled or knowledgeable in a practice, even when you have evidence to the contrary. We can experience imposter syndrome in any aspect of our lives, but in witchcraft, this could manifest as:
I have been practicing for nearly 25 years now, I have been a part of several groups, taught courses, and have several books published, but even I have those moments of doubt! Below are some ways which I have found can help overcome the feeling of being an imposter in your own practice.  1. Embrace Your Unique Path
Witchcraft is a personal and ever-evolving journey. No two witches practice the same way, and there is no single “right” path. Honour your intuition and follow the practices that resonate with you. I personally find that it helps me to write about my path as if I were writing about a character in a book. For example, 'Jess is a witch of many years. During the day she occupies the corporate world, for even witches need to pay their mortgage. However, when she is out of work mode, she revels in her spirituality. She is a creature of habit, who loves routine; on a Monday she will awaken and cast stones to predict the week ahead. In the evening she will perform a smoke cleanse before spending the evening playing a RPG online with her friends. On a Tuesday....She is not one for big, elaborate rituals, preferring to recite prayers over a bowl of water or burn a candle whilst she cooks dinner...she spends her commute reading books in witchcraft....etc' This approach can help you view your practice from a third-person perspective and see the scope of your practice. You may find that you engage in more 'witchy' practices than you realise! And if you don't, then this is a great starting point to identify any changes you may wish to make. 2. Focus on Experience Over Perfection or Fear Magic is a practice, meaning it is something you refine over time. Instead of waiting until you feel fully “qualified,” start engaging in spells, rituals, and divination. Similarly, you may be holding back because you fear that your magic won't work, and it will emphasise how much of an imposter you are. The best advice I have found here is just to do it! Sure, it may fail - even now, I have scrying sessions where I don't see anything, or will cast a spell which just doesn't work. It doesn't mean that you have failed - it could simply mean that you are tired. Or, maybe the universe has a different path in mind for you. But with all things, witchcraft takes practice. Failure should be seen as learning, not as something negative. It took me nearly 20 years to get to grips with pendulum divination, for example, but lithomancy I picked up immediately. So try to practice gratitude for every experience, and focus on that experience rather than the outcome. 3. Keep a Record of Your Practice Maintain a journal to track your spells, dreams, and magical insights. This doesn't have to be a full on book of shadows; simply scribbling notes as to what you have done (i.e, 'woke up, meditated for 10 mins', or 'read a chapter of a book'), is worth jotting down. Looking back at your progress can help you see how much of your 'witchy' self you connect with, and again you may find that you engage with witchy practices more than you thought! Over time, it can remind you of how much you’ve grown and learned, and can be great motivation for keeping you on track. 4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Social media can create unrealistic expectations of what a “real” witch should look like, and I know that this one of the ones that can trigger my own imposter syndrome. I have to remind myself that the person posting pictures of their intricate altar set up probably isn't going to post pictures of them editing word documents for their day job. That person may just post pictures of their altar and never actually use it as much as I use my altar hastily made from a wine rack I impulsively bought from IKEA and then realised I didn't need. I constantly have to remind myself that anyone can post anything on social media - it is not always indicative of their actual practice. Remember that everyone is on their own journey, and what is shared online is often a curated highlight rather than the full picture. 5. Trust Your Intuition, not External Validation Your inner guidance is one of the strongest tools in witchcraft. Instead of seeking external validation, trust your instincts when practicing magic or interpreting signs and omens. In fact, I would go as far as to say not to share them with people. When we share them with others, we are opening ourselves up to being judged. Sometimes, people saying nothing can feel like judgement; if we post a picture of an omen we received and it gets no response, we can wonder if it wasn't a big enough, or impressive enough omen to be worthy of comment. So next time you receive some sort of sign, keep it to yourself. Enjoy that this is your sign, given to you by the universe for you alone. Once we truly start embracing our witchy-ness for ourselves, rather than for how it may make us look in front of others, it becomes much easier to overcome any feelings of imposter syndrome. 6. Educate Yourself Without Pressure Learning about witchcraft is valuable, but you do not need to know everything at once. Take your time exploring different traditions, correspondences, and methods at your own pace. Remember, there is so much to learn, so many different paths and traditions, that most people will become 'experts' in two or three, but may have zero knowledge in a different aspect of witchcraft. Just because someone talks about the 22 chakras but you only know of 7, doesn't make you 'lesser'. Identify those areas of witchcraft that interest you, focus on feeling confident in those, and make peace with the fact that there is too much out there for you to be knowledgeable in all of it straight away (if ever). 7. Connect with a Supportive Community Surround yourself with witches who encourage and uplift you rather than make you feel inadequate. A supportive community can remind you that self-doubt is common but does not define your worth. This is by far the one which has helped me the most. Ironically, most of the communities I am involved in are online ones - and as I have mentioned, one of the biggest elements that has contributed to my own feelings of imposter syndrome in the past is comparing myself to others on social media! I find that going beyond scrolling what others have posted and 'liking' it is the way forward; actually comment on posts, ask questions, say congrats to people when they post something positive, and agree to join that meet up. Connecting with others more closely is not only motivating, but can also help us see that those posting beautiful pictures online are also human too, and experience the same challenges that we do. I live in England in the UK, and the stereotype of it always raining and being grey is a stereotype for a reason! Even during the summer I carry an umbrella in my bag, as you can never trust it.
As many of you know, I wrote a book on water witchcraft, and the element of water is one I work with closely throughout my practice. Which is quite convenient when you live in such a wet country! There are many ways you can incorporate the rain into your practice, and so below are some which can help you make the most out of the drizzly weather. So below, I will talk you through some of those I like to indulge in when we have an especially rainy day. 1. Use it as a background for meditating: The sound of rain can be very relaxing, so use this as a good opportunity for getting some meditation or other work in! Alternatively, if you have little background noise, you can always record the sound and use it to create your own meditation background music. An alternative to meditating is simply day-dreaming! I have always been a big day-dreamer (one of the many reasons I didn't do great at school). I personally think it is a very underrated practice. It can help strengthen your visualisation skills, help us relax, and allows us to take some time out to connect with our inner self. We can learn a lot about ourselves through our day-dreams! So take this time to dim the lights, get comfortable, and enjoy a little adventure in your head. 2. Go for a cleansing walk: A walk in the rain is not everyone’s idea of fun, but rain is very cleansing! One of my favourite experiences happened a few years ago; I went for a walk in what I thought would be light rain, which soon turned into a raging thunderstorm. At that point I was too far gone to be able to turn around and head home, so I embraced it! It was truly a magical feeling connecting with nature in those conditions. I did arrive home absolutely drenched through and having to remove most of my clothes on the doorstep (sorry neighbours!). So if it isn’t too cold, and you’ve got something dry and warm to slip into after your walk, then head out and focus on letting the rain wash all of your worries away. 3. Collect it: Rainwater can be used in rituals and the like. The other weather conditions can dictate the best way in which this water can be used in the future. For example, if it is sunny whilst it is raining, then this will be great to use in rituals regarding happiness, joy, and abundance. If it is grey and cloudy then it can be used in rituals on self-reflection, or overcoming grief and loss. If it is collected during a storm, then it can be used in cursing, or to help rid yourself of bad habits, strength, power, or to speed up the results of your working. In Greek mythology, there were a group of rain spirits called the Hyades. These nymphs were the daughters of Atlas, and had a brother named Hyas. When Hyas died, the nymphs were so overcome with grief that they cried, and it was said that it was their tears that caused the rainfall. As such, rain water can also be used in rituals to help you come to terms with loss and manage your own grief. You can float candles or flowers in this water, distil/sterilize it and add a little to your bath (remember that rain water could contain contaminates or bacteria so only do this if you are confident in your ability to sterilize it, and never drink it), or use it to ritually cleanse objects for example. 4. Dance with the rain spirits: There are a couple of different cultures that believe that rain spirits love to dance! So put on some music, and dance with the rain spirits in honour of the water that they pour onto the earth. 5. Cleanse your crystals/tools: Running water is a recommended way to cleanse crystals, so what better way than to leave them out in the rain? Some crystals and tools don’t work well with water, so make sure you do your research first as to which are compatible with water. Also make sure that you leave them somewhere safe; the last thing that you want is for curious animals to run or fly off with them, or risk harming wildlife which may try to eat them! 6. Practice journaling: Rain is also great for reflection, so this is a good time to do some journaling or any other activity which allows you to reflect on yourself and your wants, needs, and ambitions. Taking this time out to check in with yourself to make sure you are on the right track, and understanding what it is you need to do to ensure you are on your true path, is a perfect activity against the backdrop of the falling rains. Yes, the rain can be a pain in the backside. It's wet, it's cold, it can screw up public transport, but it can also be cleansing and rejuvenating. So if like me you live in a country where there is plenty of it, then make the most of the benefits it can bring! |
The Weekly Witch:Once I week I talk about something 'witchcraft' related I have done with my week. How we incorporate witchcraft into our every day lives is always a topic that has interested me, so I wanted to start this blog to explore it further! Archives
May 2025
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