🩹 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Cures & Remedies

[BryWisteria]

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to all those who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Practicing with Nature

After wandering through the wonderful world of natural magick, we’re digging deeper - looking past ailments to explore magickal cures

The theme for this week’s challenge is…

Magickal Cures & Remedies

From wise women to herbalists, shamans to medicine men, village healers to grandma’s home remedies and more - humans have a long history of home-based healing tied into spiritual and/or domestic practices. For the common cold, itchy skin, toothaches, and more - there are many folk remedies for small ailments.

As manifestors in tune with the natural flow of energy, witches often pick up cures of their own - be they magickal, mundane, or a mix of the two.

What magickal remedies are you familiar with? Are you ready to learn about new witchy cures? Get ready - it’s time to share wisdom and load up your magickal apothecary this week!

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This week’s challenge is all about magickal cures and remedies - how you choose to take on this theme is up to you.

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Disclaimer: This challenge and its entries explore traditional and modern magickal practices. The spellwork and wisdom shared here are not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical practitioner. Please be mindful of the needs of your unique body and consider consulting a trusted doctor before changing your current treatments.

Apothecary picture from Canva

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STEP 1 : Magickal Cures

This challenge is all about magickal remedies and cures - but as always, feel free to explore the theme in a way that aligns with you and your unique practice.

Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

Please make sure you are logged into your Spells8 Account so you can view all of the resources shared!

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Curing Potions & Balms

AntiAnxieTEA Spell Potion

All Purpose Healing Salve

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Amulets & Talismans for Health

Thyme to Be Healthy - Cold Protection Charm

Ginkgo Leaves to be Healthy and Wealthy

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Healing Spells

How to Send Healing Energy to Someone

Healing Candle Spell

Healing Prayer for a Cat

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Other Home Remedies

Sinus Clearing Healing Salt Bowl

Vital Citrus Spice Tonic

Chamomile and Eucalyptus Healing Bath

Related discussions and resources:

• 😷 Sickness Remedies
• Do You know some home remedies for toothaches? 🦷
• Advice of remedy for chronic migraines
• Spells or remedies for energy
• Insomnia tea
• Herbal Remedies Collection

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… And More!

The suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity- if you feel called to explore magickal remedies in another way, you are welcome to do so!

As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the challenge theme

Mental Health Healing

Video by @Silverbear, shared in Mental Health Healing

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for a note about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For lurkers and those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

Getting Your Credit

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it!

Where Should I Share My Entry?

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note : If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the “challenge-entry” tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you!

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Deadline

This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)
2024-09-24T11:00:00Z

(Note that the time zone is ET- if you don’t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)

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Prizes

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

Picture by @TheMuslimWitch, shared in Migraine/Headhache Oil

A warm reminder that the challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team.

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Picture by @Mistress_Of_Herbs, shared in Help dealing with an itch

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A cut or scrape, a cough or cold-
Look to the folk remedies of old
The healing magick you accure
Can help you be as good as new!

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Blessed Be!

[georgia]

Oh my! Where to begin! I think I’ll watch what others put up and add along the way, if that’s OK. It means many small offerings rather than one challenge entry, but it may allow others to speak their minds so I don’t steal the wind from their sails.

[Artemisia]

Oh, I’ve got two perfect things for this challenge! I need to decant my Ghost pipes tincture and decide how to test it but I also have needed a pain relief balm for nerve pain. I’ve got Arnica and St. John’s wort that I might try in a balm.

[tracyS]

I’m going to get my mother in on this one. She’ll say she’s not a witch, but she’s the potion queen. When I was sick, I’d get well in 24 hours with her potions! Lol. I don’t know whether it was the taste or smell, but those bugs would legit out of me as soon as she walked in the door with her potions

[Nhaama]

Oh my goddess, the timing of this one is perfect, teehee~! I’ll try to see if I can think of something that can help with seasonal allergies and flu season

[john1]

This is my entry:
At home I got spell tea from a witch store years ago
Its called sniffle tea it taste good it’s to cure the sniffles

[Mystique]

CHALLENGE ENTREY

Migraine/headache oil

Since I shared the peaceful sleep oil I thought maybe some of you could use this one. I haven’t had a migraine in over a month now and I use to get them daily! As soon as I feel a headache coming on or start getting the warning signs of a migraine I put a drop on each temple and then put it wherever you get your migraines. Mine are like a tight rubber band around my head so I put it across my forehead. You can use a roller bottle or dropper bottle. I prefer the roller bottle for this one. …

This migraine oil also helps with aches and pains. I use it on my fibromyalgia and it temporarily eases the pain.

https://forum.spells8.com/t/peaceful-dreams-oil/52192?u=mystique

This one helps with a good night sleep

[Nhaama]

Challenge Entry
After consulting my Herbal Magic book and doing some research, I have made this recipe that is meant to help with the flu. Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients if needed!

Nhaama’s Hibiscus Tea for the Autumn Flu
1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
1/4 cup of dried orange slices (can substitute with dried tangerine slices)
1 tsp of honey or ginger syrup
A few pinches of cinnamon

Instructions:
Add the dried hibiscus and dried orange/tangerine slices in a kettle over the stove. Let them simmer, but not for too long. Sieve the contents, pour the brew into your teacup, then add the honey/ginger syrup and cinnamon. Stir well with your favorite spoon, and enjoy. Pairs well with cookies and cakes

Now, to break down each ingredient to explain why I chose them for this tea blend:

Hibiscus
I chose hibiscus due to it being rich in vitamin C and iron. Hibiscus helps with your immune system and helps fight bacteria, making it easier for you to recover from colds and the flu.

Oranges/Tangerines
Rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, these citrusy friends are known to boost the immune system, which is vital for fighting off harmful bacteria. They also aid with iron consumption and improve cognitive function.

Honey
Along with being a natural sweetener, honey is antibacterial, an antioxidant agent, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, honey in tea is just delicious, so why wouldn’t you add it to your teacup?

Ginger
Ginger is a commonly used ingredient to aid in healing, and for good reason! They are great for treating the flu and common cold, as well as improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, all of which are essential in combating the flu and common cold. It also promotes digestive health and helps with nausea.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound. Adding cinnamon to tea helps fight off infections and reduce cramps. No wonder it is a popular spice among witches and healers alike!

[diana3]

I ha always suffered with ear infections. To relieve the pain i use a pancake. Sounds interesting doesn’t it. All you have to do is make a flour and water pancake, they are like rubber when they are cooked. You can also add any herbsthat you would like. I suggest lavender for it’s calming sent or maybe eucalyptus leaf for its sinus opening affect. Place the pancake in a tea towel, to prevent burning, and place that against your ear. The moist heat helps break up the gunk in your ear and relieves the pressure.

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry 1a - Cures & Remedies

Inspired by a post by @BryWisteria about Ghost Pipes I was able to find some at the right time to harvest a little bit.

I chopped them up and put them in 100% vodka and let them infuse for several weeks.

I had actually forgotten about them until I was reminded in that thread just in time for this challenge.

Today I decanted them and strained out the solids left over.

Then I put them into a dropper bottle with a label. I’ll test it out tonight with an extremely low dose to see how it works for my nerve and skeletal pain.

[bj1]

Weekly Challenge - Cures & Remedies
A Self Altar

My copy of Chronically Magickal: navigating chronic illness with witchcraft, 2024, by Danielle Dionne just arrived and I found this idea for self-care when you are not feeling well. Build yourself a self altar.

You will need:

• A picture of yourself or a mirror you can gaze into
• Representations of your accomplishments or what makes you special that will remind you of who you are and what you have already accomplished (awards, resumes, etc.)
• Candles, stones, herbs, curios, or animal images significant to you (but not spirits or deities)
• Offerings to yourself (consumables you enjoy such as candy, lotions, soaps, sleep charms, special tea blends, cookies, foods, or tokens)
• Altar cloth.

1. Select a location that you frequent often.
2. Cleanse the space with sacred smoke, spray, wash or oil.
3. Place the altar cloth. Put the picture or mirror in the center, and then arrange the other items until it pleases you.
4. Consecrate the altar in your name. Speaking from the heart, say: I consecrate and bless this altar to be a sacred space where I honor myself. May I hear and clearly know my highest self and wisest self. May I be empowered by any and all work accomplished here for the highest healing good. So mote it be.
5. Take a moment at least once a day to look at yourself.
   Use the altar as a source of power for you.
   If you have a tarot deck on the altar, pull a card for guidance.
   Your altar can be a place to say affirmations or daily intentions.
   Use it to send healing to and from yourself.
   Charge items such as your magical jewelry.
   Celebrate your birthday or other auspicious days at your altar.
   Remember to consume the treats on your altar, they are for you!

[Artemisia]

Oh my goodness, I love this idea! All of it, offerings to yourself, the consecration, pulling a tarot card daily for guidance… Such a lovely idea! Thank you for sharing

[bj1]

I started gathering a few items for my self altar.
The owls are made of matte photo paper and are of course hollow, so I am going to put my current tiny spell jars in them and no one will be the wiser, hehe!
I haven’t picked a special spot for the alter yet.

[Nhaama]

I love that! It’s similar to how I do my self-love altar

[MeganB]

Hmm… I think for this challenge I may get the ingredients I need to make fire cider this weekend. I’ve been meaning to do it for a literal year, at least, so this might be the right push I need to finally get it done!

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry 1b - Cures & Remedies

I decided to make a general muscle and joint pain relief balm using Arnica (for inflammation and bruising), St. John’s Wort (for nerve pain), and Cayenne pepper (natural warming agent to ease muscle tension) in coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. I added peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils for their pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Looking forward to trying this out tonight. Since I’ve got my supplies still out I might see if I can come up with another recipe.

[Mistress_Of_Herbs]

Hmmmmmm what would yall @everyone like to see…suggestions

[georgia]

@bj1

Representations of your accomplishments

Wow! That would take up my whole apartment! I have done a lot in my life. It’s worth trying. After all, I do forget very easily all the good things, the places I’ve been and things I’ve done. Every time I prepare to move, I find tons of such treasures and feel I have to remove them for portability, but if I considered them sacred, maybe I wouldn’t waste so much money and time replacing them.

[Phoenix_Fire]

**challenge entry **
Ok ill admit was looking at things to do for challenge around cures and remedies and a much need for self care and recovery after an insane week.
I saw i had this book

I thought id do the whole open up book yo see what page landed on to see what i needed and i got this

My fbromyalgia means doing the excessive exercise required just to do my job and travelling public transport 3 hrs each time i work etc i do ky 10000 steps and 10000 stairs without bareky being near stairs but cause i am up and down fron the floor or ground to stsndinf all day it seems my watch thinks im climbing stairs but im going from standing to kneeling or sitting on floor to standing all day long. Or bending over picking things up … or picking up chuldren… so im wiped by time im off …but ofyen i crash and burn…and need rexovery but movement is painful and even laying in pain is nirmal but i saw this and i know excessive exercise a few days then nothing other days isnt good accordung to doxtor. Light exercise everyday better… i xant stop work being so physical but seeing this i thought wow maybe there are little rhings i could do movement wise to help recovery of my body whether like yogo or simple stretches or maybe gentle movement meditation might help on my recocery days from work.

Ok heres me at my divination explorations afain lol and youll see why i add this in a sec… so i decided to create plain cards including most systems id use like tarot, favourite oracles, lenormsnd, kipper, runes, witch runes, ogham, days or week, dates of month and months of year for timing, i ching, colours etc. Made a deck of 548 cards last count. Experimenting to see how work togethervand part way through realised i was doing on eve of ostara ( great timing cause i wanted to do sometging for it but been so crazy forgot to organise) and i did a lenormand based spread of grand tableu and used some steps from the game of hope which the lenormand apparently had been based on …

I layed out my spread making 6 piles and rolling dice for which pile to draw from and how many cards each time shuffling and placing as fell out or drawn to card till had sll 36 cards.
I drew a template of grand tableu and photocopies incase wsnted to use agsin. Labled the houses for lenormand and then wrote in cards and where fell. I can explore more past the initial game of hope steps but thought as still figuring out how to use this deck the way ive set up cimbined that i d start there…
Step 1 set intention then the xard in position of the house of the anchor ( no 35) shows the aim workimg towards or focus of reading . . …
I cracked up as when i looked up first card which was in hoise of anchor it was the goose ( reversed) based on the druid animal oracle. I looked up meabing and it was basically that in order to be productive need to look after myself…how hard do you want yo hit home cause that blew me out of the park just how relevent that was … and this is based out of 36 cards that card fell on the goal or aim or focus needed to work towards…this is out of 548 card deck mind you … clesrly simeone wants to drive the message home or at least get it accross… i need to look after myself ( which having been rationing foid and toiketires for week’s barely sleeping stressing bout food, money etc cause wasn’t paid properly and took over a month to sort out… thankfully niw sorted and was able to buy food and toilet psper last night… next is my medication…but snyways … point taken… need to take care of myself to keep beinv productive especially as burn out was why i had to go on leave last year and why im on reduced hours and yet still pressured by overworking and workingvat home etc… brings me to next card in the 36 cross house of tge grand tableu shows obstacles to the goal or aim of the xard in house of anchor which with to take care of self in order to be productive…that xard was the number 2. I check possible meanings of 2 in tarot ( its just 2 not related to suit so the 2 in numerology relates to choices, balance and duality… im like cracking up… ive only looked up 2 cards in 36 card spread so far with cards from multiple divination systems and so far my cards are hitting home hard… balance… theres no life/ work balance and that definately hinders me doing self care abd hust making sure fed, sleep ok and even just those basic self care in order to be ok…
The rest of the steps may reveal more snc im guessing rhey will highly relate to that theme ofvthe reading in regards to needingbto take care of myself in order to be productive. Like tge anciebt celts didnt eat the goose but used for laying eggs…just like they used sheep forvtheir wool not eating( according to tge cards expksnation ) … they fed and cared for goose so it could lay eggs so i need to do the same …lol the universe has spoken it was friday when did reading and thats day ive attribured to Freya and while no clan cards came up in reading shes often been on me for needing to give myself the self care and self love ive not be getting …ive also noted the " restorers" card from druid plant oracle xame up reversed which is if memory serves me st johbs wort, valarian and another herb…it fell in the house of the whip which shows discord and came out reversed…defibatly thinking this spread going to be revealing more and focusung on my beed for self care…perhaps even giving ideas on how to best do yhat and blovkages to doing so. Im curious about the date 31… its agead of the woman card in house of bear…but september only has 30 days so maybe if it relates to this year it might signify october 31 or december 31…only other timing related card i see in spread is the waxing cresent reversed… im not sure whether i want yo read themoon cycles reversed or not but it could be a warning related to that time of the cycle and point to simething i might beed to be awaare of or to prepare for or prevent… not sure yet. So much to take in just in this one spread…but it seemed relvent so i thought id share…the spread includes alot. Maybe in it i might find some more ideas on how to achicw this valance and also look after my body etc better. I did see dukes protein shakes had a sleep type shake i think it had some herbs for promoting sleep… i rely alot on protein shakes eapecially when i couldnt afford foid amd its all i had but sometimes i can barely move yet alone cook so the shakes some days might ge all i can manage …

Ok found image . . Its chamomile, lavender and passionflower extract . I knew it was something like that . . When i can afford a new order going to try that one as well and see how i go with that being my nightly ritual and i love how they have so much goid stuff ( vitamins and minerals) that i might not orgerwise get and i can mix with water or milk and has green tea in most of normal shakes and gluten n dsiry free… sometimes its the little things tgat maje my life easier to look after myself … even simple things like eating … being able to make a shaje and know it may be all i can manage but its still got nutrients need to help stay healthy …it gives me a peace of mind… and something to eat ( or shoukd i say drink asitsliquid food) when in too much psin or exhausteed, not ebough time or run out out of food whether cause couldnt afford or just couldnt get to shops. Im big on remedies and everyday magic or activitues that help get through the day… even using my concealer to right tge algriz rune on my face as nornal psrt of makeup before leave house… for protection…using essentual oils in wasging to protect clothing and me from germs might of cone inti contact with on clothes during day… it mayseem like everyday thibgs… but remedies and cures dont always need to be big spells or potions etc… sometimrs its just taking advantage of natures remedies in everyday life. . I also still use oil diffyser . Lately usung lavender, peppermint and frankincense not only yo respect clan and my way to vonnect or offer something to them as a part of daily practice but also i realise having those things being diffuseed into my living space also benifits me… especislly after long days overwhelmed and over stimulated and needing tgat santuary space… it helps with that as well.
Ok. Ive tslked alot… i coukd probably keep saying thibgs but ill stop so i dont make this entry any longer than it is.

[georgia]

@Phoenix_Fire

Made a deck of 548

I have been drawn to do something similar. Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel more comfortable trying it.