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Submitted question covered in this blog: "What dangers are present to those who identify as witches today?" Thank you for submitting this question as this is a huge concern internationally. The answer to this question will depend on where you live in the world. This question may have derived from the previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/dangers-of-witchcraft Dangers of Witchcraft. Most of whom are affected by witchcraft related prejudice unfortunately usually belong to vulnerable or marginalised groups such as women, children or people with abnormalities or disabilities. Witches are sometimes used by their communities as easy excuses or scapegoats for all kinds of problems such as but not exclusive to illnesses, misfortunes or poverty. "If something goes unexpectedly wrong, a witch must've been involved" and accusations can spread like wildfire. It is my understanding that this was the basis behind the European and North American witch trials, also known as the witch-hunt, in the mid 1600s. This radical movement has been memorialized within the popular colonial town of Salem in Massachusetts, USA. This is where in 1692 to 1693 more than 200 people were prosecuted for suspected witchcraft related activities and many perished under torture, in unsanitary prisons, or while being hung when found guilty. ... And, that was just one town! In Europe this was known as the Burning Times in the 16th and 17th centuries as witches were often burned at the stake. The historical persecution of witches are complex and tragic events that collectively encompass the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and prosecutions that led to the deaths of countless innocent people. Unlike the United States and Canada, unfortunately this fear and prosecution is still very prevalent in some other countries around the world today, such as in India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Within these countries it is extremely dangerous to be considered a witch due to the amount of fear, misunderstandings and misconceptions that still existing today. The many number of churches that preach about sorcery and witchcraft being tied to evil contributes to the rise of witchcraft related abuse and discrimination. The ways in which witches are often portrayed in movies and television shows doesn't help either and also contributes to this fear factor. The many misunderstanding that still exist today has lead to many witches to feel unsafe to publicly identify as a witch, or any kind of magickal practitioner. More about that can be read in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/out-of-the-broom-closet Out of the broom closet. Proper education and training on the subject of witchcraft as well as cultural and social changes may be what's required in order to tackle these epidemics of panic driven fear. As a North American witch who resides in Canada, I am fortunate enough and privileged to express myself without the worry or fear of prosecution. It is not dangerous for me to be a witch as it is for others in other areas of the world, as I mentioned above. As a citizen of Canada, I am protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Particularly: the Freedom of Religion; Freedom of Thought Belief, Opinion, and Expression; and Equality Rights. However, I do still occasionally experience some discrimination from others based on my individual beliefs that differ from the more common belief systems and general public view. It should be mentioned that while the Canadian Charter provides these protections, there are limitations on these rights. Such as when these rights infringe on the rights of others or are contrary to public safety. The Witchcraft laws in Canada were officially repealed in 2016. This means that it is no longer a crime to practice witchcraft or to engage in related activities. This is when I, myself began to openly express myself as a grey practitioner of magick. While the specific laws against witchcraft have been removed, other laws, such as those related to fraud or harassment, may still apply if someone uses witchcraft-related practices to deceive people. It should also be mentioned that many witches and Wiccans generally follow a "harm none, do what ye will" guideline in their magick. More about that can be read in this recent previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/the-law-of-iii The Law of III. Thank you for reading my blog while visiting my website. Do you have questions related to magick and witchcraft? Submit them at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/contact Stay safe! And, bright blessings.

The submitted question covered in this blog: " What does it mean if your pregnant and a spirt or demon tries to engage sexual intercourse with you " Thank you submitting this question and being upfront about sharing such a personal experience! The interpretation of this can be complicated, drawing from both your personal spiritual beliefs and other broader personal contexts. Pregnancy is known to sometimes make witches feel more energetically open or sensitive to various energies. You are likely more attuned to some subtle energies and may be drawing them to you Is it possible that you are perceiving a strong or invasive energetic presence and your mind is interpreting it in a sexual context? ...especially if you are feeling vulnerable or stressed. In some spiritual practices involving shadow work manifestations, disturbing or uncomfortable experiences can be manifestations of your own subconscious "shadow" aspects that need to be acknowledged and integrated. More about shadow work in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/shadow-work-expanded Shadow work expanded on further. As a Humanist Wiccan, I wonder if your pregnancy might be bringing something subconscious to the surface, perhaps? Does the experience hold any symbolic meaning for you or within your spiritual journey? Consider what intercourse, intimacy, power, and vulnerability within this context represents to you personally. The spirit or demon might actually be a symbolic representation of an internal conflict or an external force you can subtly feel is trying to control or making you feel violated. Some witchcraft traditions may view your growing power as a pregnant witch a source of attraction for certain entities, both benevolent and malevolent. In that case, this could be a negative entity reacting to your increasing energy. Regardless, the experience signifies a violation of your energetic and personal boundaries. My advice is to reclaim and strengthen your boundaries as a crucial next step. An evil eye amulat is often worn as a protective symbol against psychic attacks Depending on your cultural background, there might be existing folklore about spirits and pregnancy that you may find helpful. If you feel psychically attacked, you should immediately reinforce your spiritual protections. This could involve casting protective circles or shields, or calling upon your deities, guides, or guardians for protection, using protective sigils, crystals, or herbs, performing cleansing rituals for yourself and your space. More about protection in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/protections protecting yourself further. Try to discern the nature of the experience. Does the spirit feel malicious, opportunistic, or something else? Trust your intuition and maybe trying a divination practice that you use might be helpful. Your protective instincts for your unborn child are likely strong. Incorporate protections for your baby into your spiritual workings. Energetically and intentionally set firm boundaries. Clearly communicate (mentally or verbally) that such interactions are unwelcome and will not be tolerated. If you feel the entity is negative or attached, perform thorough cleansing and banishing rituals for yourself, your home, and in your aura. If you are part of a coven or have trusted fellow witches, reach out for support, guidance, and potentially collaborative workings. While approaching it from a spiritual perspective, don't entirely dismiss the possibility of vivid dreams or psychological factors. Hormonal changes and stress during pregnancy can lead to vivid and disturbing dreams that feel very real. Anxiety and fear related to pregnancy or other factors can manifest in unusual experiences. I can imagine that experiencing something like what you've described may be deeply unsettling. Trust your instincts, prioritize your well-being and the well-being of your baby, and don't hesitate to seek support from both spiritual and mundane sources. If the experience is causing significant distress, seeking support from a therapist or counselor who is open to magick or understanding of spiritual experiences could be beneficial. Explore any underlying fears, vulnerabilities, or unresolved issues that might be contributing to these experiences. Regularly ground your energy and center yourself to maintain stability and connection to the earth. It is in hope that this is helpful. Please don't hesitate to reach out again if you have any questions or further concerns. Of course, if you have other questions about witchcraft related topics, can also be submitted at www.askagreywitch.com Blessed be.

Submitted questions covered in this blog/video: "Do you make money from doing spells?" There are two different ways that I can think of in which to address this question -- thank you for btw! One way that I have technically made money from spell work (from my perspective) is by achieving manifestations. Such as spell work to succeed financially or assisting with mundane actions through out life tasks and objectives. For example, when I was much younger, I manifested the house and home that I wanted to live in and did live in years later, and still do to this day. As mentioned in this more recent blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/manifestation-explained A Manifestation explained. I couldn't have achieved it without the hard work and dedication I put in that was required in order to follow through with the manifested steps laid out before me. Like, the pieces all came together at just the right moments for it to have happened successfully. It has been heard work and much of that involved money of course. Money and prosperity spells have also been instrumental in my life when cash was/is needed. In the video, I thought I'd share an example of a simple candle money spell that I do. It can be done to bring money to you and secure your finances. A money and prosperity spell: One way that I like to 'make money' from magick is to manifest income and balancing and protection of my finances. For this spell, you will need: a fire proof dish, a green candle, and some change. Use coins of different denominations to encourage all sorts of income. Herbs I will use in this spell are rosemary, cloves, and bay leaves. Should be set aside for later use in the spell. Be sure to charge each herb with intension before using in the spell, rosemary for positivity, cloves for protection, and bay for money. Start by charging the green candle, working from the center of the candle outwards towards the end of the candle. Herb infusions can be made ahead of time and used in this spell as well by dressing the candle with the oil while charging it with intention. To make an infusion, submerge herb in a base oil, like grape seed, or olive, and allow to soak for a period of time until oil is well infused with the herb. I have decided to add a peppermint infusion to my candle with intention to promote prosperity within the workings of this spell. Oil is always applied to candles starting at the center and working the oil outwards towards the ends, similar to charging with energy. I purchased oil dispensers for my infusions. However, can be applied directly to the candle with your fingers. Be sure that the type of oil used will not harm your skin if using your fingers. Herbs that can cause irritation are Jasmin, Oregano, Lemon Grass, Cinnamon bark, Peppermint, Clove, and some herbs that are phototoxic are Bergamot, lemon, orange, other Curtis. Oils can be diluted with a base to prevent serious reactions on contact. Stand the candle in the centre of the dish and place the coins around the base of the candle so that the coins sorry the candle from falling over. Use as many coins required to stabilize the candle. Visualize the coins as the incoming money due to the results of the spell. I like to place objects of reference to my intention in the work space when doing spells which helps me to connect with the desired outcome of workings. Such as, for this spell, pyrite crystal, (aka false gold), assorted stones, such as Tiger eye and blood stone, and a crystal ball for focus. Connect yourself with this candle. This can be done with visualization, meditation, or whatever your practice. Take the bay leaf and crumble it evenly around the candle. Visualize the pieces as individual bills of cash coming in due to the spell. Add the pieces of bay leaf to the dish from all directions around the candle. During, visualize money coming in from different sources. Add the cloves spreading around the candle in a counter clockwise direction to remove obsticles, hense protecting the outcome of the money spell. Add the rosemary around the candle in a clockwise direction to increase the chances of positive outcomes from the money spell. The candle is now ready to be lit. Always be careful with fire. An incantation can be spoken to focus your intention for the candle. Speak your desires from the heart. Allow the candle to sit undisturbed while it burns and let it burn all the way down and through until the flame extinguishes itself. Ritual size candles should burn for about an hour or so, providing the flame is not disturbed by wind. Close any open windows or doors if needed. While the candle burns, I like to lit incense with associative properties. The incense stick I used in this spell was made from frankincense. I chose to use frankincense during this also to promote relaxation, feelings of peace, and overall well being. Rosemary would also suffice. Other forms of magick can be implemented into this spell, such as carving inscription into the candle, or creating a sigil to place the candle on. Never leave a burning candle by itself unsupervised!!! This spell should be setup close by so that it can be watched closely. Allow the candle to burn over time. As mentioned earlier, a ritual size candle will burn for about an hour or so. The melting wax will drip down into the coins and then hardern as it cools which secures the coins in place, symbolically securing your finances. It's ok if the herbs catch on fire which will add to the fragrances. This is one reason why a fire proof dish is so important to use. Always be careful around fire. The scent of peppermint and frankincense surrounds the candle encouraging intention of prosperity and we'll being for these workings. Alternative ideas to add to this spell are: Black salt can be added to the dish as a powerful boost of protection, Mixing dried basil with white sugar can create a money drawing powder, Sprinkling cinnamon powder over the candle can be grounding and adds further protection to the spellwork. This spell can also be done with a dish of water and a floating candle. The dish can also be placed around the home strategically, such as close to the main front door way to promote prosperity entering with you. When the candle is completely burned out, I will place the dish in front of a framed picture of myself accepting the spellworking's results. That is basically it. On another related topic, charging a fee for spells to do for others is not a regular occurrence for me. However, I have done spellwork for others, and yes -- I have been paid for my time when my own intentions do not match the intentions of my client. Otherwise, the spells that I charge for are when supplies are required to cover any costs associated, if any. Usually, when I'm asked if a can do spells for others, my first advise to them is always that spells work best when done yourself. No one can connect with your inner true intentions better than yourself. Always first seek assistance from perhaps a coven, or possibly law friends or family first. Very often I help many who ask me questions by simply explaining examples, providing information, or directing to some online sources of information, for the purpose for them to find what works best for themselves. Expenses may be necessary for the purchasing of supplies, ingredients, or whatever associations to be used in the workings that are not found around the home, or not wanting to learn to make from natural sources from the environment outside. As mentioned in a previous blog, all supplies needed to do witchcraft don't actually cost anything and can be acquired from outside in nature via water, sticks, leaves, herbs, stones, snow, dirt, etc. and that purchasing tools and supplies is not actually necessary in order to learn. Although tools and supplies can help us to connect with our intentions in workings, the best tools are homemade and the best ingredients are self grown/made. I'm always happy to help others along their own journey down a spiritual path such as witchcraft -- hence, this blog! Thank you for reading! If I can clarify further or if you have questions, please feel free to submit your comments and questions at www.askagreywitch.com or send email to greywitchbryan@gmail.com

Rituals and Spellwork The dictionary meaning of ritual is a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. If its something you do repetitively every day (or practically daily) then that's pretty much a ritual. Many of us have a morning coffee ritual of making that first cup of the day. Not all rituals are spiritual, or ceremonial in fact. It also can happen daily, weekly, annually, etc. In my view, if there is a repetitive structure it can be considered ritualistic in nature. I'm sure you may be able to think of other rituals that already take place in your life, whether it be morning/evening rituals, bedtime rituals, birthday rituals, hygienic rituals, romantic rituals, etc. Sooo, why magick rituals? One example of a magickal ritual, would be a self love ritual bath. If you think of your bathtub as a massive cauldron, surround with candles, add water and charge with intention using scented oils, herbs, or other ingredients while literally sitting within the spell itself. The focus can be cleansing, self love, healing and empowerment, Or, what ever intention for yourself. Rituals help us to ground with ourselves and connect with an intention. This is why I believe that spellwork is ritualized so successfully. After all, ...spellwork is powered by human intention! Spells generally have a ritual component to them for the reasons mentioned above. If desire is to manifest from raising energy within a spell, it has to invoke emotions and intentions to put forth that energetic force. The wording of an incantation encourages the energy trying to be raised by a witch (or group of witches). By repeating incantation of a spell witches can associate more with the intention and build upon it with each round. By rhyming incantation of a spell witches can then focus more on the raised intention and desire and less concentrating on the wording itself. It's also much easier to remember if repeating 3 or 9 or 13 times in rounds (depending on the spell) if it rhymes. The ingredients and what is done with those ingredients, or any actions beheld are all associations to represent a symbol for the intention of the spell being carried out. ... all symbols and associations of intention. Some examples of spells and magick: https://www.askagreywitch.com/blog/categories/spells Example of a ritual: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/opening-closing-a-circle Introduction to Witchcraft Submit a question

Witchcraft & Wicca Growth, Development, Sustainability For anyone hoping to start their journey into witchcraft, It is my hope that this website helps make your journey less overwhelming. Not sure what Witchcraft even is? With the amount of misunderstanding and misleading information that there is amongst the general public about witches, it's no wonder many people don't believe witches even exist, or think Witchcraft and Wicca the same thing, (they're not). On this webpage you'll find lots of information, some background, and proof that magick is used all around us in every day life, whether a witch or not. Anyone who knows anything about witchcraft knows that there is a current stereotype of witches that has been based on misunderstandings, misconceptions and down right untruths. Let’s be honest, witches don’t fly on brooms, wear big pointy hats or have green skin, etc. In fact, witchcraft is a much more complex and in-depth practice that has many different branches that can be explored. Witchcraft can be overwhelming at first due to the vast amount of information published or available online. Finding what path you want to go down can be difficult at first. There is an enormous amount of different kinds of witches out there. The definition of a witch is, basically: "Anyone who does Witchcraft". It should be mentioned that witchcraft is a form and expression of intention. Where as Wicca is usually referred to more as a religion that involves witchcraft in its traditions. These two terms are not the same. When referring to my craft, I'm actually speaking to my spiritual practice involving magick and an affinity with nature within my pagan traditions. Wicca usually involves magick, nature and the worship of deities. It is a newer set of beliefs in comparison to many of the world religions, starting in the early 20th century and takes much of its practices from Pagan traditions. It's my understanding that paganism dates back to before the Renaissance period, is a bit more broad, and it also typically follows the worship of deities and centers more around ceremonies or festivals. The most important thing to do when starting out with Wicca is to do your own research. For the origin's of, one great place to look is in any books written by Gerald Gardner, who is nicknamed "the father of modern day witchcraft." The main text many Wiccans follow is Gardner’s “The Gardnerian Book of Shadows”. Another important figure in the history of Wicca is Aleister Crowley, who Gardner knew and drew inspiration from, to start the new religion. Raymond Buckland adapted Gardnerian Wicca into an Anglo Saxon perspective. The main text that a Seax Wiccan follows is Buckland's "The Tree". Several more branches of Wicca also eventually formed to express other differences in beliefs, such as but not limited to Alexandrian Wicca, Agard Wicca, Dianic Wicca, etc. Wicca is the largest group within the modern rise to neopagan practices, with nearly half identifying as Wiccan. I, myself, dedicated to a Seax Wicca tradition in my secular practice (involving aspects of my own human nature), beginning in 2016 and completed initiation as a Gesith in 2019 with the founding of the New Moon Sacred Meadow Circle. Becoming dedicated isn’t something one does overnight and does take time. It is a path of constantly learning over an entire lifetime. Research, looking into yourself and getting to know your inner self better is a big part of starting the journey and can be widely implemented through Shadow Work. Other Book Recommendations: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/book-recommendations More about where to start: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/where-to-start Wicca in more detail: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/wicca-in-more-detail About the Sacred Meadow Circle: https://www.askagreywitch.com/coven Purchase on Amazon Introduction to Witchcraft Submit a question

About The Grey Witch My name is Bryan Stafford and I live in Guelph, Ontario Canada. I am an empathic male and an intuitive pagan with many years experience with metaphysical workings, including spell work, astrology, mediumship, and divination such as tea leaf, rune and tarot readings. By describing myself as a secular practitioner, I signify both my pagan background that nature itself is holy, thus the planet we live on and the plants, animals and 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, deities are percieved as common architypes created to symbolize different aspects of our own human nature and are not actually external entities or supreme beings, etc. Sometimes my perspectives are confronted by other practitioners with disdain. Whereas I say, "to-each-is-own". I strive to do what is felt to be right from a humanistic approach and to speak my mind. Secular humanism is that I, myself can live a good and moral life without the existence of having a belief in a supernatural deity within my practices and traditions. But, rather I connect with aspects of my own human nature. When referring to my craft, I'm actually speaking to my personal independent practice involving manifestation and an affinity with nature within my pagan traditions. As I get older, my craft becomes less about trying to cause specific outcomes and more about focusing on helping to become more purposeful and compassionate in my own life. While I still do rituals of the more traditional sort, my magick has become something which I carry with me in all areas of my life. Always learning along my path and relying on my intuition, I personally scrye and work with runes, tarot, pendulums, palmistry and tasseography. With many tools, crystals and herbs to aid me in various workings, I also make my own infusions, potions, salves, candles, and oracles. I dedicated to a Seax Wiccan way of life in 2016 and completed initiation in 2019. More about my Wiccan practice can be read at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/secular-wicca In 2022, I became co-founder of the Sacred Meadow Circle. More about the coven can be found at www.askagreywitch.com/coven Devoted to working with all kinds of energies, and finding balance, I am often referred to as grey witch. This means my practice has involved learning as much of the baneful ways in the craft as I have to heal and help, giving me a unique perspective in magick allowing me to work in 'grey' areas in order to bring balance. For example, undoing a hex. Other intuitives have referred to me as a light worker as I am so often drawn to helping others. I offer guidance based on intuitive readings to those who feel they may benefit from another perspective. Random strangers at times 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. Practice suggestions and Advice More information about my coven About AskaGreyWitch.com About StaffordTarot.com