🕒 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE ~ Catch-Up!

[Sivonnah]

Wonderful! I love it!

[Sivonnah]

I think I’m going to start with sleep and dream magick! I sooo need
If I have time, I’d like to do more!

[Bumblebee]

Yayyy! I’m new here and didn’t know this was a thing! I’m so excited because I was really bummed about missing the besom challenge. And now I’m even more excited looking at all these other cool challenges I can try my hand out!

[Bumblebee]

Oooh that sounds like a good one that would be really helpful to me too! Glad you pointed that one out!

[suzanne7]

Challenge Entry for Handcrafting - Handy Witch

So I’m working on altar plates for me & Sunny and I’m currently working on this design in my Silhouette Studio so I can cut it out in vinyl on my Cameo and apply it to a round glass trivet.

Ignore the colors, I have it that way so I can make sure I have all the strays cleaned up before cutting.

If this ends up being to intricate I think we may go with something simpler but I think it will work.

[suzanne7]

Challenge Entry (I think) for Scrub-a-dub, Magic in the tub

Can I use a previous post for a challenge?

If so I’d like to use this one:

Witchy Shower Steamers

Wasn’t sure exactly how the catch up thingy works

[BryWisteria]

@georgia

I’m the reason she put up the limit!

Hahaha this made me smile- I absolutely love your enthusiasm for the challenges, Georgia!

And look at those beautiful elemental bottles- so shiny!

@Kasandra

Still don’t know how I managed to do that!

A round of applause for you, Kasandra- collecting all of the badges is a very impressive feat! Enjoy your week off (or feel free to delve back into a favorite topic- all challenge badges can be earned multiple times )

@Phoenix_Fire

keep thinking tuesday os wednesday and wait ( checking now and then) for the next challenge to be posted… then realise its only Tuesday

That is really sweet- I’m glad you like the challenges so much, Phoenix!

@Bumblebee

I’m new here and didn’t know this was a thing!

You’re very welcome here, Bumblebee! And yes! Catch-Ups happen every ten challenges (approximately every two and a half months). Feel free to jump into any themes that call to you- happy challenging!

@suzanne7

Can I use a previous post for a challenge?

Apologies, but challenges ask that magick/work/crafting/research/collecting resources or history to share is done during the week of the challenge- this is because the challenges are designed to encourage everyone to get more involved with their practices!

Your witchy shower steamers are absolutely wonderful and would indeed be a great way to explore the Scrub-a-dub challenge- perhaps you might share a new recipe (perhaps some other herb/flower combos one could use), craft another batch, or talk about the magickal theory behind the ingredients? These kinds of updates/additions would all count as an entry!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away!

[suzanne7]

No worries Bry, and thanks for clarifying, I’ve not participated in a catch up before so this is good to know.

I will be making some this weekend so maybe I’ll share pics of the process and use that as the entry.

[Phoenix_Fire]

I think the great thing about the challenges is it opens you up to more possibilities to practice in so many different ways. Not just getting stuck on a focused idea of what magickal practice can include but helps explore all of the aspects that can be involved, often some that might not even think about. Even if its not something choose to practice longterm or even thought of before and may after the challenge might decide to include in pravtice its exciting to explore all tje different things that can be a part of of a practice and even just giving it a go is great. Also the feeling of commubity as ppl share and explore each tooic together is awrsone esp as i practice alone and esp now my one friend of over 20 years moved away before got chance to catxh up or say goodbye this is now my only commubity that have a chance to share and explore tjis with and its great having thatconnection with others even through discussions and sharing ideas and practives with each other. And tje new challenges also appeal to my adhd side😆, love the new n exciting n trying new things n learning new stuff. Its like the challenges open up new possibilities of how to practice, gives you a chance to try out and share n see what others share and decide whether it was just fun experience to try or something would like to include in practice if not already doing so or also if is, its great way to ignite that interest further to go deeper into that topic more😁

[Medea]

YES…It is finally here. I have so many that I have started and just before the deadline something comes up no excuses because most of them that 90% finished so this will be great for me! It bothers me so when I don’t get my changes in on time. If I miss another one, I don’t know I’m going to have to go do something drastic.

[georgia]

@Medea

I’m going to have to go do something drastic.

Need an alibi? LOL

[MeganB]

Welp, time to get my spreadsheet out, too! I know I missed at least the last two… I might have an entry for each of them!

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry - Catch Up #1
🌌 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Astrology: Reading the Skies) - Astrologer

I chose to look more into the combination of my moon sign (Sagittarius) and my sun sign (Aquarius).

1. Intellectually Curious and Visionary: Both Aquarius and Sagittarius are signs that thrive on intellectual stimulation. You’re likely to be someone who is always looking forward, interested in new ideas, and innovations, and exploring different philosophies or cultures.
2. Independent and Freedom-Loving: Independence is a key theme in both signs. Aquarius values individuality and non-conformity, while Sagittarius seeks freedom and adventure. You probably cherish your freedom and are uncomfortable with restrictions, whether in personal relationships or your career.
3. Humanitarian and Idealistic: With Aquarius’ humanitarian streak and Sagittarius’ optimistic and ethical nature, you’re likely to be idealistic and concerned with larger social issues. You may be drawn to causes that aim to make the world a better, more equitable place.
4. Sociable yet Detached: Aquarians are known for their friendly yet detached nature, and Sagittarians are known for their outgoing and gregarious personality. This can make you sociable and well-liked, yet you may maintain an emotional distance and value your personal space.
5. Adaptable and Resilient: Sagittarius is adaptable and resilient, and Aquarius is innovative and resourceful. This combination suggests that you can easily adapt to change and are not easily deterred by setbacks.
6. Philosophical and Reflective: The influence of Sagittarius may bring a more philosophical outlook, complementing the Aquarian tendency to think deeply about things. You likely enjoy exploring different belief systems and may have a unique or unconventional worldview.
7. Restless and Seeking Variety: Both signs are restless in their way. You might find yourself constantly seeking new experiences, ideas, or even places, making you a lifelong learner and explorer.

I see some truths in there and some that don’t fit quite right.

1. I am absolutely one of those people who love new ideas and exploring new cultures and religions.
2. I also am someone who cherishes my freedom.
3. I’m not sure that I consider myself a crusader or ardent about social justice, that’s not to say I don’t care about the welfare of the world and of the people who live in it, just that it isn’t my life’s goal.
4. Ding Ding Ding! I enjoy being social on my terms and enjoy alone time to recharge and create.
5. I find that I am not immediately adaptable - meaning that I like making plans and the plans going accordingly, and when things change, I am initially resistant and upset but after my little “pout period” I am fully capable of replanning, changing course and adapting. Some changes I am more mournful about what I’ve lost but I do keep moving forward.
6. Spot on.
7. I would say this is probably the least like me. I am not one with wanderlust and a desire to always be moving and seeing and doing new things. I do like routine for the majority of my life, but I also do like learning and making new crafts be it sewing, metal clay, or weaving grasses into brooms.
   

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry - Catch-Up! #2
Love Magick – Lovely Witch

After the week I’ve been having, anxiety has been rearing its ugly head with self-doubt and blame, so this is the perfect time for A self-love appreciation break

Which was an absolutely perfect way to end my evening

[Artemisia]

@Phoenix_Fire

I think the great thing about the challenges is it opens you up to more possibilities to practice in so many different ways.

I absolutely agree! When I first started doing the catch-ups, I realized I was avoiding certain ones since they perhaps were outside of my current knowledge or practice. Using a random number generator to pick mine, has broadened my practice as I go by the ones it picks. Always a fun surprise!

[Cosmic_Curiosity]

CHALLENGE ENTRY 2 - Teas and Infusion

My partner often suffers from a bloated stomach. I made this “bloaTEA” which seems to help so thought I would share incase it helps others too.

Ingredients

Thumb sizes piece of ginger🫚
Cinnamon stick
6 cloves
Lemon
Honey
Loose tea (optional)

1. Cut the ginger into slices. I then press the knife down on the pieces to release the juice. Add to the teapot.
2. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick. I tend to crush the cinnamon stick
3. Add a slice of lemon and a squeeze of juice from the remaining lemon.
4. Add a teaspoon of honey
5. Add a teaspoon of loose tea if using.
6. Fill the teapot with boiling water.
7. Allow the tea to brew, or as we say in Scotland “mast” for 10 minutes. I have a metal teapot so tend to do this over a low heat on the hob.
8. Pour into cup through a strainer.
9. Add a slice of lemon and extra honey if desired.
10. Serve and feel the benefits

Ginger has compounds that can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to help reduce bloating.

Cloves have carminative properties, which means they can help relieve gas and bloating.

Cinnamon has long been used to support digestion and to relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Lemon contains citric acid, which can aid the production of stomach acid and promote the breakdown of food.

Blessed be

Alan

[BryWisteria]

@suzanne7

thanks for clarifying, I’ve not participated in a catch up before so this is good to know.

It’s no problem at all, Suzanne Welcome to your first Catch-Up Challenge, I hope you have lots of fun with the process- enjoy!

@Phoenix_Fire

the challenges open up new possibilities of how to practice, gives you a chance to try out and share n see what others share and decide whether it was just fun experience to try or something would like to include in practice

Exactly this! You worded it beautifully, Phoenix- it’s kind of like an open workshop or group class in this sense. It’s a judgement-free zone to dip into something new, experiment, and potentially find a new area of the Craft that brings joy and value. At the very least, the challenges are a place to swap ideas and share inspiration around!

I’m really happy that you enjoy the challenges, Phoenix- thank you!

@Medea

If I miss another one, I don’t know I’m going to have to go do something drastic.

No need for anything drastic, my friend- that’s why the Catch-Ups exist! They are kind of a breather- a chance to catch your breath and look back on any topics that were missed. And there is always another one near on the horizon- we do a Catch-Up every 10 challenges, so opportunities will always exist. No stress and no pressure!

@Artemisia

Using a random number generator to pick mine, has broadened my practice as I go by the ones it picks.

This is such a clever idea for choosing topics! And I have to admit I’m always excited to see which challenges the generator picks for you!

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Look at all these fascinating entries right off the bat- you are all amazing! I’m gobbling up all of the wisdom, ideas, recipes, spells, and more. Catch-up challenges are my favorite- it is so much fun to see everyone’s beautifully diverse practices on display!

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry - Catch-Up! #3
Giving Gratitude - Blessed and Grateful

I chose to do

Artemis’ Gratitude Devotional Prayer

as my entry.

I set up an altar, picked a flameless candle for Kitten Safety, used Cypress essential oil instead of incense, and used a lioness figurine as my offering.

Hear me, Zeus’ daughter, celebrated queen,

Dionysian and Saturn, of a noble mien.

In darts rejoicing and on all to shine,

Torch-bearing Goddess, Martian divine;

Over births presiding, and thyself a maid.

To labour-pangs imparting ready aid.

Dissolver of the zone and wrinkled care,

Fierce huntress, glorying in the Sylvan war.

Swift in the course, in dreadful arrows skill’d,

Wandering by night, rejoicing in the field.

Of manly form, erect, of bounteous mind,

Illustrious dæmon, nurse of humankind.

Immortal, earthly, bane of monsters fell,

‘Tis thine; blest maid, on woody hills to dwell.

Thank you for all that I am and all that I have

Thank you for the wind that caresses me

Thank you for the sun that keeps me warm

Thank you for the food that I have

Thank you for the water

Thank you for the seas

Thank you for the sunsets

Thank you for the sunrise of a new day

Thank you for the grass

Thank you for the plants

Thank you for the flowers

Thank you for all the beautiful aromas

Thank you for my strength

Thank you for the fire

Thank you for the earth

Thank you for the home where I dwell

Thank you for the sacred temple that is my heart

Thank you for the trees.

Thank you for my breath.

Thank you for my life.

Thank you, Artemis

Foe of the stag, whom woods and dogs delight,

In endless youth who flourish fair and bright.

O, universal queen, august, divine,

A various form, Cydonian power, is thine.

Dread guardian Goddess, with benignant mind

Auspicious, come to mystic rites inclined

Give earth a store of beauteous fruits to bear,

Send gentle Peace, and Health with lovely hair,

And to the mountains drive Disease and Care.

[Kasandra]

Okay, I decided to do the magick in the arts challenge and receive the art witch badge a second time.

[starborn]

Challenge entry #1

Multilingual Magick

I can manage in a few languages: Macedonian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. And I can probably survive in a whole lot more than that. I love learning bits of different languages, even dead ones like Latin and Phoenician. I think improving my Chinese and Russian are next on my list, though. My Chinese is alright, but I can’t write a serious paper like I had to for university anymore, so I would like to get that back at some point.

Recently, I tried translating some Polish using knowledge from the languages I know and online dictionaries.

Slavic Witchcraft: A Samhain Spell and a Meditation to the Goddess & God

Continuing the discussion from Spells8 Book Club XXX - Readers' Reviews!: So, @BryWisteria brought up an interesting book on Slavic witches: Słowiańska wiedźma by Dobromiła Agiles. It’s written in Polish and I thought it would be fun to go through it and see what I could translate and share. Yes, you’re welcome to share a spell! Given that Samhain is coming to for many in the coven, I thought that’s where I’d focus my efforts first! And so, here we are. …

When it comes to the demonic side of things (The Demonolatry Experience for some context on why I think of demons at all), Latin seems to be the number one language of rituals and spells. The Light Bearer’s Call, for example,

Ut patet viam meam dimitto ceteris
Aperi tu cor meum ut lucifer audite quaeso
Meae voca ego offerre mea erga obsecro incipere

(Don’t worry, you haven’t summoned Lucifer by reading that in your head. But I blurred it anyway. )

So, I thought I would try examining these things a little more closely. In doing so, I went through a lot of interesting little rabbit holes.

One thing I noticed is that in a rite to Beelzebub written in Greek, Thanatos is called upon, and there’s no mention of Beelzebub himself. Now, Beelzebub isn’t known for any connection to Thanatos. He’s thought to be derived from the Canaanite god Baal, to whom the Egyptian equivalent is thought to be Set, whose Greek equivalent is thought to be Typhon.

But, that is perhaps taken too literally. For the text actually evoked the “Angel of death,” which, in Greek, is “θανάτου” (thanátou). Just because Thanatos is the personification of death, because it’s in lowercase, it could simply mean “death” in any personification and not be referring to him. I’m not sure I’m explaining this clearly… But it’s basically “death anywhere” versus “this specific Death.”

On the other hand, I can’t find a single example of Ancient Greek that actually uses case. It’s all “uppercase” in everything that I can find. Which leads me to believe that the only way we can make this distinction is actually through context. Given the context, I would have to assume that it is not necessarily Thanatos himself, but whichever spirit of death heeds the call.

For my fellow language nerds, you already know that thinking about this is fun. But for those of you scratching your head and going, “Okay…?” just chalk it up to a language nerd thing. I’m already fighting the voices of others in my head who get angry and say, “Who cares?! X is X! End of story!” I’m chuckling at the image now, but it actually is really frustrating to have my curiosity shut down so hard all the time.

But yeah, that’s part of what I’ve been up to recently (outside of my 9-5, Etsy shop, moving arrangements, and life with my partner and cats).

In other news, through various other threads, I learnt the proper pronunciation of Hekate (heh-kah-tee), besom (bee-som), and Samhain (sah-win). I think that alone is a win, but hey, that’s just me – I like all victories, big and tiny.