🕓 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Catch-Up!

[BryWisteria]

It’s time for a friendly reminder!

Thank you so much to everyone who has jumped in and explored a challenge (or two!) this week! If you want to enter the challenge but haven’t done so already, please know that you have one more day left to do so:

This challenge will close TOMORROW

If you would like to participate and haven’t done so already, please post about your challenge experience(s) by the deadline: Tomorrow: April 19th, 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time)

Blessed be!

[jessica72]

I was really jumping like a little frog from lily pad to lily pad trying to land on what other challenge I would like to make an entry for. I thought I might like to share something that I think would qualify for an entry in A Healthy Dose of Crystals – Crystal Healer

I thought I might share this that ai shared from the monthly affitmations thread.

@jessica72

Two of my favourties from Moon Omens…

I am loving, easy-going, honest, kind and compassionate,
But I also have strong boundaries.
I love myself and protect my energy when needed.
I know my worth and I don’t tolerate any less than I deserve.” - Lukas Notes

“I respect myself enough
to know that I deserve to be
treated with love and integrity.
I no longer allow and I no longer
tolerate lies, mind games and
any form of mistreatment.
I protect my energy.’” - Lukas Notes

I loved and resonated with these affirmations so much - that yesterday I did a little computer wizardry - or should that be computer witchery - boom boom and I made myself a little print out and I put them up on my wall by my Rhodonite , Rose Quartz and Lepidolite spheres and Selenite pillar.

Rhodonite - Like many rose-red and pink stones, Rhodonite is deeply connected to the heart chakra. For those who feel like they need a helping hand in overcoming the life traps of forgives, fear, compassion, and true open-hearted authentic and healthy love – this is the stone you need to bring lashings of peace and layers of healing vibrations into your life. With Rhodonite on side, we can occupy spaces free from the tangle of toxic relationships and we can bring an altruistic beauty back to our world.

Lepidolite - Lepidolite is a hugely stabilizing stone and therefore it’s energy works wonders when it comes to balance and complete emotional healing. When our emotions are out of whack this can lead to us feeling unable to climb off the rollercoaster of life. Up one moment and down the next, this can be hugely disorientating for the mind. Rather than embrace our shadow side, we can try to stumble on and blindly deal with our feelings without a foundation to keep us strong and stable. Lepidolite recognizes this imbalance and works with us to move to a place of long-term healing and harmonious self-love.

Rose Quartz - Rose Quartz meaning is that of universal love. Here is a crystal so ripe with healing properties, so drenched in harmony, and so tender that you will always want it close to you, or at least in a place you can turn to time and time again. The Rose Quartz stone is strongly attached to both the heart chakra and the throat chakra. But it’s not a stone that simply rests in romance. Rose Quartz speaks softly to all kinds of love; from healing communication with family to developing a deeper bond with spouses and friends, and even bringing sweeter notes of self-care into your own world.

Selenite - With a coloring as pale as the flutter of angel wings, the Selenite stone is awash in otherworldly wonder. Instantly soothing, Selenite has a long history of being a beloved goddess stone and is said to bring protection, harmony, and soul healing to your body, mind, and home. Selenite is said to be a crystallized form of Gypsum. It comes from Hydrous calcium sulfate and is a soft stone that seems almost malleable in nature – more feather than rock. As one of the softer stones, it can be a wonderful and vivid reminder that we should move through this world with a sense of gentleness and that we should bring sacred space to our practices.

Crystal Information Source: https://tinyrituals.co

I thought that the energies these particular crystals would help to amplify the intentions of these affirmations. I try and read these out loud to myself each day.

It’s my ex scum bags birthday next Monday so I’ve been grating on myslef for the first time in 15 years that I won’t be wishing him a happy birthday. I will be ignoring him (Not that Mitch ever remembered mine. Maybe 3 times in 15 years he remembered to say the words. But I never once forgot him or ignored him).

I guess it’s just been sinking in a little more lately that he really was a narcissistic emotional abuser which is all I’ve ever known. I’m stumbling somedays with my new found freedom.

I have been spending money that i would have blindly been giving to Mitch on buying crystals. Specifically to help me on my healing journey. I don’t smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol so there are worse things I could be spending my money on. But crystals. They are kind souls. They only want to help and to love. I love and i am very grateful my crystal family.

[Susurrus]

@jessica72 you have overcome so much & come such a long way with your craft. You are no longer bound to Mitch you are your own witch now. I know that there are times when you feel like your going back, but you need those times to thrust you forward so you can continue to grow.

The situation & how it affected you & to the degree it affected you, will become less & less like a step back as time goes on, nothing is instant but you are doing an amazing job.

[Rowan]

** Rowan’s Challenge Catch Up-Symbols and Sigils**
My entry is one that I did about a week ago. As many of you may know I have a little boy who lives next door to me, I have for the last couple of years witnessed through the walls of my home the events of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and the lack of compassion for this child. Many times it was so upsetting that I would just cry and yell very loudly how disgusting people are to treat a child this way, a few cuss words probably were stated as well. This little boy is around 7 now I think. His father screams at him on a daily basis saying things as You’re not wanted here, I don’t want you here…You’re a rude little boy that’s why no one can stand to have you around…
It’s just heartbreaking. I’ve tried to help by contacting CPS only to be disappointed even though I sent in an audio recording of one event that occurred as proof. I’ve reported the father and his partner to the management, nothing. The father after finding out about CPS, made the point of telling Tim that he knew it was us who reported them and that he had gotten away with it 4 times before this time wouldn’t be any different.
I felt like I had to try to do something else that would get better results than the legal way obviously…So I sat down and gathered my intentions to find a sigil to protect the little boy.
I drew it on some evil eye postcards that I had received and anointed it with an oil blend for protection. I made three of them and hung them on my walls adjacent to their living room entry way wall, and his bedroom wall.
I also printed two signs that say STOP CHILD ABUSE and hung them on my windows facing out. I would love nothing more than to knock on their door one day and confront them, but I would be the one ending up in jail not them.

Day One after pinning the cards, the shouting still ensued early that morning around 6 am.
Day Two: Everything quiet…
Day Three I believe the little boy left perhaps with mother (not in the home) or other family.
The little boy was away for almost a week, he returned Saturday April 16. So far pretty quiet.

[MeganB]

@Torista

but I ended up printing it out cutting it out and taping it in

Ahh, that makes way more sense lol it looked like you had drawn it in there!

@Ostara

My second challenge entry is from “Moon Magic”.

It’s a beautiful bottle and spell oil Ostara I hope it’s working well for you!

@NickWick

so i came up with a herbal bath charm infusion tea bag for ralaxation instead

I love that you used an organza bag for this instead of a tea bag. It lets you add more ingredients I’ve also just added a teabag to my bath, too lol it’s already there so I might as well, right?! I hope it worked out well for you

@Phoenix_Fire

This is what ive got so far

It all looks good to me I hope the binding rune has helped you if you’ve used it already

@Artemisia

I know it might sound silly but I finally feel like a real witch creating this.

haha I understand the feeling! I love making little oils like this and yours looks wonderful I hope it works well for you!

@jessica72

I will be ignoring him

You should definitely ignore him I think those crystal spheres are beautiful and I really love the one in the back with all the designs on it!

@Rowan

So I sat down and gathered my intentions to find a sigil to protect the little boy.

What a noble, kind, and amazing thing you’ve done I hope with all hopes that it works and that little boy is protected

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For my second challenge entry, I’m going to be making a sweet dreams bag to put over my bed. I’ve made a version of this before (I made a Reel on Instagram) but this one has run its course and needs to be refreshed. I’ll be using the same spell bag, cleansing it with some incense, and adding in another piece of amethyst, lavender, and maybe some rose petals or sunflowers I’m getting ready to make it right now so I’ll update this post with pictures when I’m done!

[jem1]

My Challenge Entries
For this catch up I decided to do The Magick of Music and Symbols and Sigils.
For the magick of music I decided to use a song to raise energy during my full moon ritual. I decided to play Radioactive by Imagine Dragons since the guitar in it is quite fun and energetic.

For the Sigils and Symbols challenge I decided to look at queer symbols, specifically the non-binary symbol.

I personally see that this symbol could be used in spells for personal empowerment, protection, seeing through the veil, acceptance and self-love.
Blessed Be!

[NickWick]

Ok… so I see the need to do another catch up challenge today and this one I have chosen is [WEEKLY CHALLENGE- SYMBOLS AND SIGILS.

Since symbols and sigils plays an important part of our lives and magick, it is more that likely for us to even create such as our own. I have made a few myself for my personal interest, for I do believe when you put your intentions behind a sigil it carries alot of meaning and power for the purpose that it was intended for and not forgetting that it is unique to any other

To fast forward everything… I had a dream a few months ago when I was home from work due to the mandate of my country and me not taking this vaccine. The laws stated that all Govt workers will stay home from work and will not get paid until the vaccine was taken ( like what ever) although this was hard for many, things was not that bad for me since I was kinda happy i was home too cause I needed the rest . In the process of things it became challenging and a bit stressful during that time.

This is when I asked for signs of encouragement along the way and strenght to push through all this nosense. During the same week this is when i had the dream of me driving going to somewhere and in the dream I was looking for answers and there is when a masculine voice spoke out and said to me I am here ( Alfa and Omega) and there a 12 fingered star like shape glowed out to the side of the car seat on my way to where ever it is that i was going. For each srtike on the star there was a small period and for wach period a word of mèaning that offered self assurance.

When I woke up from the dream I was left feeling well assured everything was okay and everytime I looked as my sigil, I felt wonders within it. I drew a picture of the sigil, however I am afraid to say that I cant share this one with you today. This sigil is not only special but CARRIES MAGICKAL POWER ON ITS OWN.

You see it is sacred to me . I received a maessage and was told in spirit not to give it out and it should only be used for self assistance in times or real need. I have so far used it once in real need the last New Moon and trust me ( it really worked) I have seen it with my own eyes again and again that magick is indeed real.

I plan on using this sigil sometime soon again probably for this (New Moon) for i do believe that
Quote:
Though small in size, they hold the key
To unlock and wield every possibility!

Blessed Be

[Mistella]

Weekly Witchy Challenge- Sacred Trees and Wood

Hello everyone

I wasn’t sure what to pick for the challenge, so I let the week play out and was gifted with two magickal Sacred Tree and Wood experiences.

The first was working with some Vine Maple branches from two indigenous Maple trees in the yard. Next weekend I’m making Witch Bells with an old friend and decided to use the branches instead of buying metal rings. I bent the branches and wrapped them with twine several times until they were firm. They have been laying on the gas stovetop to dry out in preparation for Saturday night.
Maple Tree’s meaning: balance, offering, practical magic, promise, longevity, generosity, and intelligence .

My second experience was purchasing two Lilac trees and a lilac bush yesterday on Easter Sunday in memoriam of my grandmother, who loved Lilacs. (I have a lilac tattoo in memory as well)The larger tree will be planted in the West corner of the property as you enter. I cleared the grounds for where I will plant it and uncovered a black glittery stone I hadn’t identified yet. I’ll take it as a protection stone for now.
I planted the smaller lilac tree in a massive pot close to where the septic tank is buried 2 feet down. (more on that later) While digging and prepping the dirt, I uncovered a jade-looking sparkly stone! ( serenity and purity?) What is it with sparkly stones today?
Lilac trees are not native to the U.S.; they most likely arrived during the colonial period and are native to Europe and Asia. Lilacs in the history books go back as far as 1750, when the oldest living Lilacs may still reside in New Hampshire at the Wentworth Estate in Portsmouth. Over the last two decades, many of those trees were infected with a honey fungus, as to which there is no cure, and many had to be destroyed.
A lilac restoration organization has been working hard to replace many trees.
Fun fact:
If you ever noticed a row of lilac trees or bushes lining old properties, it could be from the practical use of planting them over outhouse holes once they were moved. Better than Febreeze! Maybe planting mine near the septic tank will do something magickal if a smell creeps out of the earth!
Lilac Tree meanings: Renewal, confidence & spirituality.

Thank you @BryWisteria for another fun Challenge opportunity! Blessed Be everyone and have a wonderful week

[MeganB]

@jem1

I personally see that this symbol could be used in spells for personal empowerment, protection, seeing through the veil, acceptance and self-love.

I love this, Jem! Great job!

@NickWick

however I am afraid to say that I cant share this one with you today

No worries, of course! Some things are better left for ourselves Whatever the sigil is, I’m happy that it works so well for you!

@Mistella

gifted with two magickal Sacred Tree and Wood experiences.

How amazingly magical! And I didn’t know that about lilacs. We had some purple lilacs when I lived in Nevada and then some white lilacs when we lived in Oregon! I haven’t seen any here in Florida but I’m sure they exist somewhere

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I know I said I was going to have pictures of my sleep and dream bag but I got sidetracked with other things and still haven’t made it yet lol I’ll update soon!

[Sarafeena_Sage]

I’m doing the “Heed the Call of Crystals” Challenge for the ‘Crystal Collector’ badge.

There was a Gem Fair in Salt Lake this weekend so HAD to go to that!!
We bought a few gems of course and I have added some crystals to my collection the past few weeks.

I love crystals and rocks. I collected up some rocks today to give rock painting a try. I hope it turns out well

OK now on to the goodies…
These are the ones we got at the fair:

Citrine Point, Lemurian Quartz Points, and a Pyrite Sun Dollar, also called a ‘Miner’s Dollar’

Rhodocrosite, Quartz Points, and Blue with a dab of Pink Tourmaline

Larimar, Agate Moon, Kambaba Jasper Kitty, and Banded Botswana Agate.

These are the ones I’ve collected the past few weeks:

Aventurine Dragon

Gypsum goodies! I got 2 Satin Spar towers with the cool lights underneath, a satin spar flat wand, and raw selenite.

Its not pictured but I got a cute little Flower Agate cube and some raw Lepidolite pieces when I bought the raw Selenite.

I will post another challenge if I can get it posted before it ends!

[AileyGrey]

My baby witch self is over here vibrating with excitement over all these replies! I am so inspired by everyone’s work and I am feeling so incredibly blessed to have found this community as I begin my own journey! Just wow!

Since I am just starting out, I decided to complete of goals and intent (finis patrator) for my challenge this week. The suggested readings were great and very helpful!

I’ve been working very hard on meditation and setting intentions since I joined about two weeks ago. I’ve been reading avidly and trying things out.

On Friday, I started a Book of Shadows, so I decided to do some journaling about my intentions since I’ve had a few days to think them over.

I’m coming into this journey from a strict Catholic upbringing and while I am thrilled, excited, and eager to learn and explore, I am definitely still working through some feelings instilled in me from that upbringing. With that in mind, here are the intentions I have set for myself.

[BrightBear]

It looks like I’m doing mine last minute once again. Between doing my taxes and the insane amount of stuff on my plate these days, I am just trying to get by. I decided to do the Kitchen Witchery challenge because, well, it’s become second nature to me now. It’s the easiest way for me to fit in a little self-care. I never knew what a simmer pot was before coming to spells8 and I have learned a lot from @BryWisteria, and @Susurrus about them. I regularly have a pot on the stove now. Actually, there’s even one on right now! I bought special chalk paper for my fridge a couple of months after I started here and I use them to get creative and write my intentions as I start my simmer pot. I hold the intentions while I cut the fruit (I usually use grapefruit, oranges, and lemons) and get all the herbs and spices prepared for my work. It has become such a wonderful new tradition for me and I never would’ve known about it were it not for this site!

[Sarafeena_Sage]

For My second Challenge I picked ‘The Thrifty Witch’ for the “Thrifty Witch” Badge…

I am reusing a picture from last week’s meditation ritual, my Thursday-money candle, that’s how thrifty I am lol, reusing posts!!
But really…
I bought the candle at the second hand store for .50 and the candle holder I bought at Dollar Tree when it was still just $1.00. I burned the first candle in the holder then I cleaned it out for my new candle. The herbs and oil I used was from a money spell I did last year. (One of my firsts!)
I really like this candle holder because it reminds me of a cauldron I have several in different colors too!

I love to recycle and reuse items when I can. I don’t feel like this is the “thriftiest” I can be but I think it will work to acquire this badge

[BryWisteria]

This challenge is now CLOSED

I always get really excited for Catch Up Challenges- it is so much fun to see which challenges everyone chooses, and how they explore so many various aspects of magick! The talents of the coven really shone brightly this week- thank you so much to everyone who joined in!

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A Props and Presents post will soon appear with shout-outs and prize details for everyone who submitted an entry. Please keep an eye on the main page of the forums.

Note : This post will remain open for continued discussion for a few more days, but no additional prizes will be given after today.

Blessed be!

[BryWisteria]

@Torista Your natal chart turned out beautifully, Torista- what a great addition to your Grimoire! It looks like you dove pretty deep into the details of your chart as well, great work!

@JollyStar Hooray for knot magick- it sounds like a perfect area for your talents to shine, Amber! I love the chant too- I think the counting really helps to build the spellwork into place as you stitch the ladder into being Beautiful work, may your ladder help to strengthen your love and bring many blessings!

@Kasandra Chamomile to the rescue- it really is a great herb for calming down, and a perfect one for a relaxing bath I feel the same about energy drinks- they only seem to amplify any problems I’m having before I drink them And ohhh your friend’s garden sounds amazing- so many great plants! You are very clever for adjusting the blessing to your practice, and I have to say I love how it turned out. Great job!

@Ostara Amazing finds, Ostara- you have quite the eye for witchy potential while shopping! Your rosemary is stunning- it must be very happy there with you And perfect timing indeed- way to make the most of the full moon for the challenge this week! Your oil is gorgeous- it looks like a happy moment in the garden contained within a glass. Great work!

@Phoenix_Fire I’m glad that you were able to find some themes that resonated with you and your growing business, Danni- I think you choose some great ones! I hope you enjoyed working with your healing crystals as well with honing your intentions. I love the idea of including a binding rune in the spellwork, that is very creative!

@Jessica72 You’re very kind for asking the crystal what it wanted- I think it has a lovely new purpose in your pendulum jar, it really looks amazing so far! I’m sure that once the crystal chips arrive it will be even more gorgeous. And haha you’re too funny- if it moves on its own, I don’t know what I’d do either! Hopefully it will behave and will only work at your will! Lovely crystal work as well- thanks for bringing back the affirmations and info And I feel you, my friend- freedom is a blessing, but it can be a heavy one sometimes. Keep going strong- you are on the right path and are constantly making progress with the most important person: you! Cheering for you, Jessica- you’re amazing!

@NickWick Hooray for a fellow tea lover- I’m glad you decided to jump in on the tea challenge, Nicki, I think it’s a great one for you and your talents! And brilliant use of chamomile tea bags- that is such a great one to include in the bath spell! Your bag is gorgeous and I can image you had a very lovely infusion bath And how exciting to meet the sigil within your dream- did you ever look into the voice that spoke to you? The sigil sounds like their gift to you! I think it will go wonderfully with your beautiful chant

@Artemisia It was a perfect week to work full moon magick, good for you for drawing on the moon in your entry, Kat! Congrats on your first ritual oil- it’s an exciting landmark! Do you have a spell or ritual in mind that you are hoping to use the oil for? Or perhaps keep it around for the right moment? Either way, great job- enjoy the full moon oil!

@Rowan I remember you posting about the situation next door before- it’s a shame not only that people that awful exist, but that they keep getting away with the horrible things that they do I think the signs you crafted are really heartfelt- I love the combination of symbolism and intention you put into their creation. May they help protect the poor boy and bring him the safety and happiness he deserves You are so kind to help him, Rowan

@MeganB The sweet dreams bag sounds lovely, Megan! I know the feeling about running out of time- I feel like I say this a lot, but it is a busy time of year! Even if not for the challenge, I hope you’re able to find some nice relaxing time to make your bag- may it help you find sweet and happy dreams!

@Jem1 Radioactive is a great song to jam out to- a really powerful accompaniment to the full moon! I never considered combining queer symbols and magick, but I don’t see why not- sounds like an idea with lots of potential! The female symbol is also the planetary symbol of Venus and the male symbol is also the planetary symbol of Mars It makes me wonder which planets the other gender symbols correspond with too!

@Mistella Not just one, but two lovely entries about Sacred Trees and Wood! It sounds like this theme really clicked for you, Mistella The Witch Bells made from maple are such a clever idea- happy crafting! And oh, congrats on your new lilac bushes- lilacs are a favorite of mine! It sounds like your lilac tree had a special sparkly gift for you, that’s so sweet Thank you very much for joining in the challenge, Mistella- great work!

@Sarafeena_Sage Woohoo- a Gem Fair sounds like heaven for a Crystal Collector like yourself, Sarall- I bet you had a blast! I am drooling over your amazing haul- you found yourself some really amazing treasures. Thanks so much for sharing them! And ohhhh that is some smart thrifty witchery you have going on- great finds, and for such good prices too! Creativity and recycling go a long way in the Craft- brilliant work!

@AileyGrey I really love your enthusiasm and excitement- it’s contagious! The Goals and Intent challenge is a fantastic choice for someone at the beginning of their magickal journey- it sounds like you put a lot of careful thought and emotion into building your Book of Shadows and journalling. Great job, Kristin- you are well on your way to achieving your goals, I’m cheering you on!

@BrightBear You’ve been busy, BrightBear- no worries at all! I think you’re amazing for planning out the time to do your self-care work despite everything on your plate at the moment. Kitchen Witchery is a beloved aspect and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it- I feel like I can smell your lovely simmer pot from here! Good for you for finding a new tradition that brings you joy- great job!

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The Props and Presents post for this challenge is now live in the forum and badges have been sent out to all those who entered

Gosh, I probably shouldn’t pick a “favorite challenge”, but maybe- because the Catch-Ups are technically all of the challenges- it’s okay if I play favorites here! It is so much fun to see which themes everyone chooses- the forum feels so alive when all the different types of magick are on proud display

Thank you all once again for joining in- great job, everyone!

[jessica72]

@Susurrus @BryWisteria @MeganB thank you so much to each of you for your beautiful thoughts and words of encouragement.

I’m sorry it’s taken me a little bit to reply. It just took me a little while to have all that sink in.

It does take a little getting used to. This whole being liked and welcomed kind of thing. The more I step away from Mitch the more my eyes are opening to the real world and the goodness in it. And that in large part is down to this incredible commmunity.

You don’t know how truly grateful I am to each and every person whom has ever taken time out of their day and put their own troubles aside just to give me a few moments of kindness. Please believe me when I say every word is cherished and very much appreciated.

Oh and @MeganB the pink stripey one in the back is Rhodonite

[Garnet]

danni1Membe
My Darling Danni,
We are here to fill whatever needs we can for you, but please take all the time you need for your wellbeing.
If you’re overwhelmed and don’t either stop or slow down, that’s when you can implode. Always…always leave yourself a release area, that’s just yours.
Sending love, strength and endurance.
Garnet

[Sarafeena_Sage]

I think maybe you were talking about the stone I posted. It is a stone called Rhodocrosite, it’s more rare and expensive than Rhodonite.
I will add a link to youtube.com that I watched about telling the difference between crystals and fakes.
No worries or anything, we are all learning here.
I watched a lot of videos before I went to the Gem fair because I didn’t want to be dooped!
BTW I love your pendulum bottle Great idea! Please update us about how it is working for you

HOW TO SPOT FAKE CRYSTALS | PART 4 | OBSIDIAN , RHODOCHROSITE & SELENITE | ARE YOUR CRYSTALS FAKE??

ColdBrewBarbie

She has a lot of videos with good information and she sells crystals on etsy here in the U.S.

[jessica72]

Thanks so much for the link. That’s great. I really appreciate it I’ll have to check it out on Etsy. Maybe she may post to Australia.

The sphere in the back is for sure a piece of Rhodonite. I’m like you and i only shop with reliable stockists.

I do only have one small tumble in Rhodochrosite. I agree it is very expensive and very difficult to find.

Sometimes being here in Australia it makes it even more difficult to source good quality stones. So I only use a few stores that I can shop directly in store as well as they offer online shopping.

The Rhodonite sphere I was lucky and picked up in a sale that’s how I was able to afford to buy it. I would not have been able to afford that stone if it was Rhodochrosite! Trust me!

After what my humble little Rhodochrosite tumble cost I dread to think what a sphere or a point would cost! But it would be totally worth it if I could afford to buy it at the time if i was ever to find one.

[martje]

I love them!