
AskaGreyWitch
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Blog Posts (119)
- Witches in danger
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.
- Feeling attacked psychically
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.
- Making money from spellwork
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
Other Pages (47)
- Spellwork advice and suggestions | Ask a Grey Witch:
About Witchcraft and Wicca Growth, Development, Sustainability Witchcraft 101 page 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 beleive witches even exist, or think Witchcraft and Wicca the same thing, (they're not). Below you'll find information, some background, and proof that magick is used all around us in every day life, whether a witch or not. Where to start? "Beginner-Witch" tips For anyone hoping to start their journey into witchcraft, It is my hope that this website helps make your journey less overwhelming. Anyone who knows anything about witchcraft knows that there is a current stereotype of witches that has been based on missunderstandings, 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. More about the paths of wicca is available in the blog post:h ttps://www.askagreywitch.com/post/wicca-in-more-detail Wicca in more detail. 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. 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. More information on this can be found at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/suggestions suggestions and advice. Some book recommendations More about where to start More information about witchcraft and Wicca More about Wicca in more detail Understanding energy Energetic expression When you feel energy, what you’re really feeling is the impact that the energy is having on your own energy. The key is noticing the change to your own energy created by that 'reflection'. When working with or reading people's energy, most people’s energy is changing all the time. If you think of energy as a symphony, with dozens of musicians playing at once. It’s beautiful, but it’s hard to pick out a single musician. When listening for energy, that’s like trying to hear a single musician, a soloist amongst the orchestra. Just like how the other instruments have to become quiet to allow the soloist to be heard, you must quiet your own energy in order to sense the energy of others. What specifically do I mean? Quieting energy is remaining steady, smooth, and calm. Being flexible and responsive, not rigid or tense. Energy can move, keeping it slow and gentle. Above all, quieting energy means listening and responding. Energy is everywhere. It is a part of us and every item and object that surrounds us. We can interact physically and energetically with our environment. The balancing of energies is an important aspect of all workings in my craft. Energy work is used within many different practices, such as mediumship, metaphysical healing, working with nature or wildlife or deity, sensing or scrying and also includes ritual, ceremony and spell work. Even beyond our planet's surface there are astrological influential energies that impact our day to day lives and can be used in divination to gain clarity of a situation, or to foresee a lifespan of someone's life, from simply observing the positions of specific astrological bodies in our solar system. Some examples of energetic charging would be the process of making moon water by leaving it in moonlight; or similar to making sun water; or during the casting of the runes; or similar to during the shuffling of tarot cards. Etc. While doing so, there is an energetically charging of intention taking place (for example the question of a psychic reading) and feeling the reflection of that energy return is how to know how to read the answer. When casting runes it's the energetic draw of the symbols and their positions in the layout used that guides a rune reading, or when shuffling tarot cards it's the energy of the cards that makes aware when to stop or which card to choose. Again, just like runes it's the energetic draw of the symbolism in the tarot card's design and spread used that guides a tarot reading. To know which runes or cards to choose to work with, you should select the one that energetically "feels" right to you. The same can be said in regards to spellwork. The use of associations and energetic properties of ingredients and supplies of spells are important to make the purest connections with our true intentions. Each of us have different associations that we have developed since the beginning of our lives. And so, no one else can be more clear about your intentions than yourself. The more personal satisfying a spell is to the caster the more likely the desire will manifest from magickal workings. Click the button for more information about how the external astrological energetic influences can effect us: More about astrological energetic influences How to energetically read tarot cards More information about witchcraft and Wicca Suggestions and Advice Witchcraft 101 page Submit a question or comment Read the response blog entries
- Intuitive Readings | Stafford Tarot
The purpose of this website is to provide information about myself and my background. I try to assist anyone who would like to learn Intuitive Tarot for themselves by including blog entries with helpful suggestions, reading tips, and more. You can also find (below) details on locations of events and about the services that I offer. Questions and comments are always welcome. ~Enjoy your visit! AskaGreyWitch.com does not currently produce it's own income. There are however costs associated with maintaining a website. And so, this website has been mostly paid for by my profession as an intuitive reader. Therefore, this website is made possible thanks to Stafford Tarot, Intuitive Readings Info Summary See Terms Of Service Info Summary
- Suggestions and Tips | Ask a Grey Witch
Suggestions and Tips Read, read, and read some more As mentioned previously, there is so so sooo much information out there. Whether it's in books, online articles, as well as other sources of information such as videos, documentaries, etc. Start with your interests in witchcraft and then go from there. If interested in Wicca, research and discover the different branches of Wicca to be sure that you are comfortable with the traditions and practices you've learned about. Research can help to decide what is the best fit for you, personally. "An' it harm none, do what ye will." Don't just believe whatever you read or learn about when it comes to Witchcraft. Go with what mostly connects with you. I can't reiterate enough that what works for you may not work for others (and vice versa) and that each and every witches practice is different from each other. There is no wrong way to setup a practice, and there certainly is no wrong way to believe what it is that you believe. Go with your instincts, and follow your intuition. Document your path One of the things that I often hear/read other witches say A LOT is to journal your progress. This is something that was and still is hugely important in my own practice. I write in a Book of Shadows: details of rituals and practice information, a Book of Mirrors: where I write reflections of myself, a Book of Spells: also known as a grimoire, and a Book for my coven's information called The Tree (pages considered the leaves that come and go) which each of my coven members will be invited to take from or add too for/from their own knowledge. Each book is kept up to date regularly (when I'm able). It's important to acknowledge the changes that constantly happen as one grows with their craft. Prevent burn-out Understanding that energy is all around us existing in everything, in every stone, twig, flower, plant, tree, ...all creatures, etc. We can interact within our surroundings in an energetic way through spellwork. It's my advice to not only depend on your own energy. But, make use of the energies around you to avoid feeling exhausted. Also, don't rush - take your time. Witchcraft is a spirituality and has a lifetime worth of learning! Be confident Free will can not be controlled. Your free will is always your own. The more confident you are, the more empowered your free will is. Protection spells allow us to feel more confident. And so, in return our free will is then empowered to not be as influenced by negative energies around, or directed towards. The more confident a witch is in their craft, the less effect and influence any external negative energy will have. Knowing your innerself well, also known as the shadow, will help to know what will work for you, and what won't. Expensives NOT REQUIRED! There are actually no tools required to start doing witchcraft. Most practitioners can direct energy with simply using their index and middle fingers. Nature can provide most to all working ingredients. Find pebbles, rocks, and crystals outside near forests, paths, meadows, beaches, or where-ever your surroundings. Sticks, stones, grass, vines, flowers, herbs, dead insects, bones from victims of prey, etc. Collect the rain water. Charge under the full moon, ... There really are no costs required. HOWEVER, Tools can help Tools are not required. That being said, they can help. Some practitioners find they feel more directive with energy by using an athame or a wand. Although a wand could be selfmade from a thin branch there may be some tools many can't selfmake themselves, such as an athame. It would be my suggestion to start with naturally provided tools. However, when you feel ready and if affordable, there is also nothing wrong with purchasing craftsmanship from others. Just be sure to first cleanse away others' energy and to charge the object with your own energy with intention before implementing it into your practice. Trust your instincts! Don't let anyone else tell you that you're not doing something right, or that you are doing something the wrong way. There is no wrong way for you to express your spiritual. Each and every one of us has different associations to everything based on our own experiences in life. No one walks the same exact path. ...Be you! Do it your way! Manifestation is much more likely when spellwork is personally satisfying to the caster. Follow your intuition We all have guidance we can connect to whether it be ancesters, deities, spirit, or what ever your beleifs. Requesting assistance is always ok. However, do your own spellwork. No one can associate more with your desire than yourself. If a spell is found online, or provided by another practitioner of magick, feel free to change anything: the ritual; ingredients; incantation; etc. so that it resonates more with your own intentions for the workings. Make it your own. Introduction to Witchcraft Submit a question









