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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.
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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! |
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
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