🕛 Witchy CHALLENGE ~ Catch-Up!

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to all those who joined in for the previous Witchy Challenge - A Witch’s Divination :divination_crystal_ball:

This challenge marks another milestone in witchy challenge history- it is the 230th witchy challenge here in the forum- wow! :star_struck: As with every ten challenges, the clock has come to a brief halt and previous challenges of all shapes, sizes, and sorts are open once again :alarm_clock:

:spiral_calendar: :raised_hand: Challenge Catch-Up! :raised_back_of_hand: :timer_clock:

To celebrate the 230th Weekly Challenge something special is happening…

Was there a busy period where you missed a challenge? Did an interesting theme happen before you joined the forum? Maybe there was a topic you were hesitant to try but now feel ready for. Well- now is your chance!

This week is a Catch-Up Challenge where all previously closed challenges will be re-opened for a short time!

So are you ready? It’s a blast from the past!

On your mark, get set:

CHALLENGE TIME! :bell:

catch-up challenge

Choose From the Previous Challenges :mag_right:

From earth-friendly magick, dreaming, past lives, magickal names and more- there are 208 previous challenge themes to choose from (not including the past Catch-Up challenges).

The previous challenges and the titles they granted are listed below. Please click the link to visit that challenge page to view details including guidelines, entry suggestions, and inspiration from past coven member entries.

Note that the old discussions for past challenges will remain locked- please share your comments and entries in the comments below or a brand new discussion!

:clock12: Catch-Up XXII [this challenge!]
:divination_crystal_ball: A Witch’s Divination – Diviner
:raised_hands: Creative Magick – Creative Witch
:sacred_flame: Purify & Cleanse – Crafty Cleanser
:offering_bowl: Who’s Your Deity? – Divine Love
:heart_badge: Your Favorite Magick – Specialized Witch
:lantern: Light the Way: Solstice & New Year’s Magick – Light Bringer
:scarf: Cozy Magick – Cozy Caster
:framed_picture: Coven Show & Tell – Proud Witch
:peace_symbol: Practicing Peace – Peaceful Witch
:clock7: Catch-Up XXI
:skull: Spooky Season Spellwork – Spooktastic Witch
:witch_moon: Witch Aesthetics – Witch Aestheticist
:stew: Simmer Pots – Simmer Potter
:ghost_cat: Spirit Animals – Guided by Spirit
:black_spell_candle: Casting with Candles - Candle Caster
:adhesive_bandage: Cures & Remedies – Magickal Mender
:national_park: Practicing With Nature – Nature Witch
:coin: Metal Magick - Metal Worker
:ringer_planet: Power of the Planets – Planetarist
:clock6: Catch-Up XX
:black_joker: Card Magick - Card Witch
:arrows_counterclockwise: The Art of Substitutions – Magickal Substitutor
:incense: A Witch’s Incense – Incense Enthusiast
:spirit_element: The Fifth Element: Spirit – Spirit Elemental
:white_circle: Full Moon Magick – Witch of the Full Moon
:witch_wisdom: Wisdom of the Witches – Keeper of Wisdom
:nesting_dolls: Taglocks & Tokens – Spell Director
:stonehenge: Sacred Places, Sacred Spaces – Sacred One
:triple_moon_goddess: Wiccan Magick – Wiccan
:trophy: Catch-Up XIX: The Two Hundredth Challenge
:drinking_horn: Nordic Magick – Nordic Practitioner
:classical_building: Greek & Roman Magick – Greek Practitioner (or) Roman Practitioner
:eye_of_horus: Egyptian Magick – Egyptian Practitioner
:triskele: Celtic Magick – Celtic Practitioner
:mag: Interpreting Magickal Signs & Messages – Magickal Interpreter
:potted_plant: Enchanting Herbs – Herbal Witch
:spell_pouch: Spell Bags & Pouches – Spell Bag Builder
:rock: Rock Magick – Rockin’ Witch
:waxing_crescent_moon: Waxing Moon Magick – Witch of the Waxing Moon
:clock5: Catch-Up XVIII
:magic_shield: Magickal Guardians – Protected with Love
:exclamation: A Witch’s Intuition – Intuitive Witch
:phoenix: Magickal Creatures – Favored by the Fantastical
:heavy_plus_sign: Bind Runes – Rune Binder
:waning_gibbous_moon: Waning Moon Magick – Witch of the Waning Moon
:droplet: Splish Splash Spellwork – Water Witch
:scientist: Science & Witchcraft – Scientific Witch
:dotted_line_face: Empaths & Empathic Abilities – Empath
:man_dancing: The Magick of Movement – Witch on the Move
:clock4: Catch-Up XVII
:four_leaf_clover: Luck Magick – Lucky Witch
:fairy: Fairies & Fae – Friend of Fairies
:genie_lamp: Manifestation – Manifestor
:bulb: Light Magick – Lightworker
:purple_spell_candle: Candle Divination – Candle Diviner
:witch_pentacle: Finding Your Witchy Talents – Magickally Skilled
:silver_heart: Witch Ethics: The Morals of Magick – Honorable Witch
:witch_cauldron: A Witch’s Cauldron – Cauldron Keeper
:eye_in_speech_bubble: Your Magickal Senses – Sensational Witch
:clock3: Catch-Up XVI
:witch_broom: Blessed Besoms – Broom Keeper
:ghost: Spirits & Ghosts – Spiritworker
:link: Magickal Correspondences – Keeper of Correspondences
:house: Of Hearth & Home – Hearthtender
:triple_moon_goddess: Deities & Deity Worship – Blessed by the Divine
:consecrate_spell: Consecration – Consecrator
:balance_scale: Magickal Equilibrium: Balance – Equalibralizer
:pagan_book: Magickal Traditions & Pagan Paths – Proud of My Path
:wand_tarot: Wonderful Wands – Wand Wielder
:clock2: Catch-Up XV
:ear: The Magick of Sound - Sound Worker
:dolls: A Witch’s Collection – Collector
:wheel: Wheel of the Year: Pagan Holidays – Year-Round Witch
:ring_buoy: Magickal Safety – Warden
:eye: Visualizations – Visualizer
:notebook_with_decorative_cover: Sacred Books – Book Keeper
:thinking: Witch-conceptions: Stereotypes – The One and Only
:dressed_candle: Anointing Candles – Anointer
:witch_hat: Witch Fashion – Stylish Witch
:trophy: Catch-Up XIV
:thread: Knot Magick – Stitch Witch
:woman_cook: Culinary Magick – Crafty Chef
:red_gift_envelope: Amulets and Talismans – Charming Witch
:raven: A Witch’s Companions – Among Friends
:mirror: The Art of Scrying – Scryer
:green_heart: Natural Health & Healing – Healed by the Earth
:female_sign: The Divine Feminine – Divinely Feminine
:male_sign: The Divine Masculine – Divinely Masculine
:tree_of_life: Grounding & Centering – Composed Caster
:clock1: Catch-Up XIII
:tv: Witchy Media – Magickal Maestro
:sleeping_bed: Sleep & Dream Magick – Witch of the Night
:sunrise_over_mountains: Magick of the Sun – Sun Witch
:bubbles: Cleansing in the Craft – Powerful Purifier
:slot_machine: The Fortune Teller’s Game – Blessed by Fortune
:knot: Eclectic Witch: Interdisciplinary Magick – Eclectic Witch
:sake: Magickal Inks & Oils – Craftswitch
:headstone: Ancestor Work – A Living Legacy
:o: Circles in Magick – Magister Circulorum
:clock12: Catch-Up XII
:jar: Spell Jars & Witch Bottles – Spell Jar Specialist
:technologist: Technologic & Modern Magick – Technomancer
:name_badge: Magickal Names – One Who Knows Thyself
:watch: Time Magick – Tempus Mage
:tada: 13 Days of Holiday Celebrations – Festive Witch
:chakras: The Chakras – Chakra Worker
:sun_behind_rain_cloud: Weather Witchery – Weather Witch
:herb: Green & Herbal Magick – Green Witch
:hammer_and_wrench: Troubleshooting Spellwork – Spell Mechanic
:clock11: Catch-Up XI
:dart: Tactical Magick – Magickal Strategist
:fehu: All About Runes – Rune Reader
:cloud: Hedge Magick: Into Other Realms – Hedge Witch
:fallen_leaf: Seasonal Magick – Witch of the Season
:raised_hand: Palmistry – Palm Reader
:cauldron: Witch Brews & Potions – Potion Brewer
:fountain_pen: Handwritten Magick – With Hand and Heart
:white_check_mark: Conditional Magick – Master of Circumstances
:1234: Numerology – Numerologist
:clock5: Catch-Up X
:globe_with_meridians: Liminal Magick – Liminal Witch
:game_die: Divining Differently – Divination Explorer
:speaking_head: Multilingual Magick – Polyglot Practicioner
:mending_heart: Wholesome Healers – Healer
:moneybag: Money Magick – Prosperous Witch
:sunglasses: Casual Casting – Casual Caster
:heart_hands: HandCrafting – Handy Witch
:railway_track: A Journey of Change – Doctrina et crescente
:mountain_snow: Mountain Magick: Land Beneath Our Feet – Mountain Witch
:100: Catch-Up IX : The Hundredth Challenge
:sun: Solstice: Festivities of Light – Solstice Celebrant
:shell: Ocean Magick – Sea Witch
:people_hugging: As Above, So Below – One Who Is Connected
:nose: Smells Like Magick – Osmic Occultist
:person_in_lotus_position: Meditation Magick – Magickal Meditator
:hibiscus: Blooming with the Moon - Virent anima
:unicorn: The Bestiary - Cryptozoologist
:couch_and_lamp: Let a Witch Unwind! – Caster of Calm
:hotsprings: Energy Work – Energy Channeler
:clock4: Catch-Up VIII
:diya_lamp: Candle Magick: Light 'Em Up! – Holder of Light
:tornado: Chaos Magick – Master of Chaos
:magic_wand: Tools of the Witch Trade – Well-Equipped Witch
:sunflower: Flower Power – Athrophile Witch
:tea: Teas & Infusions – Tea Witch
:teacher: Teachers of Magick – Student of Magick
:pentagram: Symbols & Sigils – Wielder of Symbols
:broom: Everyday Magick – Carpe diem
:heart: Love Magick – Lovely Witch
:clock3: Catch-Up VII
:tiger: Lunisolar Calendar and Chinese New Year – Favored by Fortune
:performing_arts: Your Magickal Muse – Beloved by the Muses
:deciduous_tree: Sacred Trees and Wood – Custos Arborum
:open_hands: Making Magickal Offerings – Blessed Bestower
:door: Passage Into the New Year – Trailblazer
:blush: The Magick of Happiness – Beholder of Happiness
:sun_with_face: Solar Magick – Solar Mage
:busts_in_silhouette: Freedom in Forgiveness – Magnanimous
:crossed_swords: Dual Wielding Opposite Forces – Unus qui est libratum
:clock2: Catch-Up VI
:sparkler: Spell Swap Meet – Coven Contributor
:angel: Working With Higher Powers - In manibus numinum
:candy: Trick-or-Treat! - Sweet 'n Spooky
:purse: Making Objects Magickal – Enchanter
:sparkles: A Magickal Blessing – Blessed One
:mag_right: Peering into Past Lives – Witch of the Ages
:books: History of Magick – History’s Heir
:shield: Powerful Protection – Powerful Protector
:dancer: The Magick of Music – Bard Witch
:clock1: Catch-Up V
:map: Magick on the Go – Wandering Witch
:handshake: One Witch to Another – Keeper of Knowledge
:salt: Salty Spellwork – Imperium salis
:cyclone: Reading Auras – Aura Reader
:black_cat: Cat Magick – Amicus felium
:yum: Wickedly Delicious – Connoisseur Witch
:bride_with_veil: Deities of the Moon – Blessed by the Moon
:rose: Beauty Magick – Pulchra magicae
:flower_playing_cards: A Touch of Tarot – Tarot Reader
:trophy: The Challenger [50th Challenge] – Challenge Champion
:dragon_face: Dragon Magick – Blessed by Dragons
:prayer_beads: A Healthy Dose of Crystals – Crystal Healer
:notes: Enchanting Chants – Chant Witch
:rainbow: The Many Colors of Magick – Colorful Witch
:timer_clock: Catch-Up IV
:milky_way: Astrology: Reading the Skies - Astrologer
:white_heart: Into the Light - Witch of Love and Light
:black_heart: From the Shadows - Shadow Survivor
:confetti_ball: Congrats to the Coven - Coven Celebrant
:place_of_worship: All About Altars - Reverent Witch
:toolbox: Holistic Magick: A Witch’s Apothecary - Apothecarist
:writing_hand: The Wizardry of Words - Word Witch
:paw_prints: Claws, Paws, Tails and Scales - Animalis magum
:full_moon_with_face: Strength of the Full Moon - Lunar Witch
:running_woman: Catch-Up III
:art: Magick in the Arts - Art Witch
:star: Star Magick - Shining Bright
:footprints: Your Magickal Roots - Peritus viatorem
:small_blue_diamond: Elemental Mastery - Master of All Elements
:mountain: Of the Element Earth - Earth Elemental
:fire: Of the Element Fire - Fire Elemental
:seedling: From Seed to Sprout - Ceiliúradh an tséasúir
:wind_face: Of the Element Air - Air Elemental
:ocean: Of the Element Water - Water Elemental
:alarm_clock: Catch Up II
:scroll: Of Goals and Intent - Finis patrator
:partying_face: Holiday Cheer - Merrily Magickal
:new_moon: Magick in the Dark - Tenebris Lucem
:yarn: Of Spells and String - Weavemaster
:bathtub: Scrub-a-dub, Magick in the Tub - Bubbly Witch
:gem: Heed the Call of Crystals - Crystal Collector
:hocho: Creative Crafting - Creatively Crafty
:candle: Of Candles and Flame - Witch of the Flame
:skull: The Veil Between Worlds - Witch of the Veil
:spiral_calendar: Catch-Up I
:honeybee: The Spell-ing Bee - Spell Master
:crystal_ball: Foretelling the Future - Seer Apprentice
:alembic: Potion Making - Potion Master
:open_book: Books, Tomes, and Tales - Book Lover
:sparkling_heart: Giving Gratitude - Blessed and Grateful
:ear_of_rice: Inviting Abundance - Blessed by Abundance
:full_moon: Moon Magick - Moon Witch
:pray: Dealing in the Divine - Deific Witch
:cupcake: Kitchen Witchery - Kitchen Witch
:sleeping: Dream Magick - Oneiric Witch
:dove: Earth-Friendly Witchcraft - Earth Witch
:money_with_wings: The Thrifty Witch - Thrifty Witch
:compass: Celestial Exploration - Cosmic Witch
:star2: Trying Something New - Experimenter

Note that you can view the full list of challenges at any time by visiting: Weekly Witchy Challenges :fire: A History

catch up challenge

How many challenges can I do during the Catch-Up period? :thinking:

If you are feeling particularly adventurous and want to do more than just the usual one challenge, you can do:

Up to FIVE CHALLENGES

This limit exists to encourage mindfulness on each challenge- please remember that, although some challenges have similar themes, every challenge requires its own unique entry in order to receive the corresponding badge :medal_sports:

But I want to earn all of the badges!

That is awesome- I am so happy that you enjoy the badges so much! :blush:

At the end of the day, badges are just a small token- the challenges are really here to help you improve and enhance your magickal practice. So please try to take your time with your exploration of the theme(s) you choose- they are here to help you help yourself! :sparkles:

(On an administrative note, the limit also exists to save your challenge moderator from a potential ocean of badge-giving for all the various challenges at once! :ocean:)

But for challenge enthusiasts and badge collectors- no fear! You can rest assured that another chance to join in on any additional missed challenges will come again soon. You can expect another Catch-Up Challenge and a chance to earn old badges every ten challenges :+1:

Not sure which challenges you already participated in? :ballot_box_with_check:

Click here to learn how to check which badges you already have

If you can’t remember if you completed a challenge or not, no worries! You can go to the challenge page and check the entries to see if you submitted.

Additionally, you can go to your Badges page to see a collection of all the titles you previously earned.

Here is how to check your badges:

  1. Click on your avatar/picture icon at the top right-hand side of any page in the forum.
  2. Click on the person icon and select “Summary”.
  3. Next, click on “Badges”

Here you can see all the badges you have earned during your time exploring the forums!



challenge

How to Join the Challenge :trophy:

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! :pray:

:exclamation: IMPORTANT FOR CATCH-UP CHALLENGES : Because there are a lot of possible challenges this time, please don’t forget to include the name of the chosen challenge(s) and/or the badge(s) you want somewhere in your post as well.

If you do not include a challenge or badge name with your entry, I will have to use my best guess and you may not get the badge you were hoping for - so please be sure to mention it!

Where Do I Share My Entry? :thinking:

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” :repeat: 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! :bowing_woman:

Click here for a note for our lovely lurkers

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge. For those who would like the challenge prizes, please know that you will need to share your experience if you want to receive a prize and a public shout-out.

Don’t feel comfortable sharing? No fear! For lurkers and those who are shy, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge on the sidelines. At the end of the day, these challenges are here to help you help yourself by expanding and enhancing your personal magickal practice. I hope they can be helpful for you!


Deadline :spiral_calendar:

:exclamation: This challenge will close in 13 DAYS :exclamation:

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 AM ET (Eastern US Time)
2024-03-25T11:00:00Z

(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!)


Prizes :gift:

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

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.

:gift_heart: :gift: :gift_heart:

catch up challenge

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 :open_book:

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! :heart: 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 :hugs:

The clock has stopped so the door of missed opportunities can open once again- spread your wings and don’t be afraid to delve into a previously unexplored of magick!

:mage: :infinite_roots: :trophy:

Blessed Be!

6 Likes

Just bumping this part for the challenge regulars who might miss it! Because witchy challenges now run for two weeks, there is more time to catch-up on missed challenges, so the limit has also been increased.

If you’re feeling extra magickal over the coming days, feel free to go wild with the challenges! And most importantly, have fun :blush: :trophy: :sparkles:

8 Likes

Wooo! :tada:

Now it’s time to see if I can actually get some challenges done :sweat_smile:

8 Likes

Time to pull out the spreadsheet and see how many I have left. :tada: Can’t wait to get started!

7 Likes

Okay this is awesome but I have a problem…you want me to pick 5 challenges…there are over 200 to choose from…I suck at maths but even I know that’s a challenge in itself, it’ll take a day just to decide which badges I want :rofl:

x Blessed Be x

8 Likes

@MeganB You got this - I believe in you, Megan! :partying_face:

@Artemisia You’ve done so many amazing entries for challenges - I can’t imagine there are too many left on your spreadsheet to-do list! :grin:

@Nikki-Phoenix Haha sounds like a challenge warm up before the challenges themselves! No worries - there is one of these catch-ups every ten regular challenges. A few people have done all/most of them, so it is possible if that’s a goal! :grin: Whichever ones you pick this time, I hope you have fun with them! :two_hearts:

8 Likes

haha I get it! My trick is that I have everything in a spreadsheet and I use a random number generator to choose for me :rofl: then I don’t have to choose and I can still get challenges done!

8 Likes

As fate would have it, I have 5 challenges left. No need for the random number generator this time!

8 Likes

I think I’ve finally decided on mine - Egyptian Magick, Liminal Magick, a Touch of Tarot, the Wizardry of Words, and Elemental Mastery. It’s going to be a fun 2 weeks!

x Blessed Be x

8 Likes

Ooooh… thank you for this. As I have browsed the forums, I’ve often come across past challenges and wished I could have participated.

Now I just have to whittle down my choices… decisions… decisions…

Spell bags are my favorite so I’ll have to have a go at that one.
:spell_pouch: Spell Bags & Pouches – Spell Bag Builder

And I’m leaning toward this one too.
:national_park: Practicing With Nature – Nature Witch

I enjoy making sigils too, so I may have a go at that one.
:pentagram: Symbols & Sigils – Wielder of Symbols

OK - I’ve whittled it down to three. I hope to do one or more of these challenges over the next two weeks.

8 Likes

Oh this is amazing. I can’t wait to finish my day job so I can figure out which I want to do!!!

7 Likes

Challenge Entry #1 - :mag_right: Peering into Past Lives – Witch of the Ages

Past Life Tarot Spread (7 Cards)

  1. Core Identity: Who were you in this past life? (Your personality, role, or primary essence)

    Ten of Cups - This card indicates a happy home life with harmonious relationships and plenty of support.


  1. Major Life Lesson: What lesson did you need to learn in that life?

    Seven of Wands - I needed to learn that with success, comes the need to fight for my rights and position from those covetous trying to take away what I had earned.


  1. Challenge or Obstacle: What significant challenge shaped that life?

    Page of Swords (reversed) - This card talks about holding back when expressing my truth especially in a public fashion. I’m not sure how grand or small this personal truth was, but for it to have been a significant challenge in this life, it would most likely have been a larger issue or belief.


  1. Gift or Strength: What talent, skill, or ability did you master?

    Page of Wands (reversed) - This card indicates my ability to acknowledge and deal with self-limiting beliefs that hamper projects fuelled by passion and inspiration. I learned how to stop second-guessing choices, learning to be flexible to overcome challenges, and slowing down to avoid rushing the process and making mistakes.


  1. Relationship Influence: A significant relationship that impacted your growth.

    The High Priestess - This card talks of a significant person in my life who was a mentor or perhaps a spiritual teacher.


  1. Unresolved Issue: What lesson or karma carried over into your current life?

    Three of Cups (reversed) - This card speaks to a betrayal that left me feeling isolated, angry and distrustful - issues that continue to this day that I am still trying to release.


  1. Guidance for Now: How to integrate this past life wisdom into your current path.

    Two of Swords - (Second time today this card has come up) This card reminds me the choice is mine to make - remove the emotions that cloud, confuse and taint my view and wisely choose the path forward.

7 Likes

Challenge Entry #2 - :new_moon: Magick in the Dark - Tenebris Lucem

I wasn’t sure if I could make this one work until I saw Lunar Eclipse Ritual and Shadow Work. Perfect! I’ll do the ritual tomorrow evening and add any photos taken to this post.

I also created a few shadow work journaling prompts that I have already started working on.

  • What aspects of myself have I been avoiding or suppressing?

    Reflect on parts of me or my emotions that I may have ignored or tried to push away. What lessons or growth might these shadow aspects have if I allowed them to surface?

  • Where in my life am I holding onto patterns that no longer serve me?

    Identify any old patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that are limiting my growth. Consider how these might have been formed and whether they still have a purpose today.

  • What fear or insecurity is ready to be released during this eclipse?

    Think about any fears or insecurities that are keeping me stuck. How have they shaped my decisions or self-worth? Explore the possibility of letting go of these fears to make space for something more empowering.

  • How can I integrate my shadow to create a more authentic self?

    Instead of rejecting the shadow, consider how it can be integrated into my whole self. How can I embrace these parts to step more fully into my authenticity and power?

6 Likes

Challenge Entry #3 - :small_blue_diamond: Elemental Mastery - Master of All Elements

I’m on a bit of a roll (as well as have unexpected free time and the need to distract myself while I wait). This challenge, I chose to do the Elemental Pentagram Spread.

I’m not sure I’ve ever done a tarot reading while listening to a guided ritual so it was a new experience for me.

I laid them out with the first card placed in the bottom left position - Earth, the second in the upper right - Water, third in upper left - Air, fourth in lower right - Fire and card 5 in the upper middle - Spirit.

  1. Earth - How you interact with the physical environment or elements that can’t be changed and are out of your control. Or something that is keeping you in place or even holding you back.

  2. Water - What action to take that will lead to the best outcome.

  3. Air - Intellectual side of your question, represents communication, knowledge, and intuition.

^These two (water and air) are often connected.

  1. Fire - Powerful influence of creation or destruction. Where your heart is. May suggest a new goal or direction to put more energy into.
  2. Spirit - Represents the soul, the divine and the mystery. The overall theme of the reading, the position of outcome and closure. How things will be restored.

I’ll speak generally for this reading as it is personal.

Earth - Six of Wands: This is a card of success and victory - how I see this as holding me back or in place is that due to a great many things out of my control, recognition or thanks isn’t coming, which doesn’t diminish the accomplishments. Time to stop waiting for the thanks and continue on to the next goal.

Water - The Lovers: This card speaks of a relationship of trust, affection and balance.

Air - Seven of Wands (reversed): External pressure is weighing me down and overwhelming me. I need to rebuild my self-esteem and confidence.

Fire - Two of Cups (reversed): Where Water speaks of a harmonious union, fire here speaks of a relationship that is in disarray, with miscommunications and insecurities. This is a force that could destroy if work isn’t put in to communicate, trust, and share.

Spirit - The Fool: The future is full of potential, new beginnings and optimism. Remember the past but work together towards the future.


This spread is a keeper. I will be using it again!

5 Likes

Oh my goodness! This is great! Even as a gamer, I am a completionist! There are so many I am missing! I’m glad that I saw that we can only do 5 this round. LOL I would’ve exhausted myself trying to do them ALL! LOL

6 Likes

Challenge Entry #1 - Healer

I’m hoping this counts, but I’m not sure. (there’s a part in the spell itself that’s been bolded)

My 3 year old son had bad nightmares for close to 6 months He had zero problems sleeping in his room all night before September, then saw some Halloween decorations that scared him (it was accidental, as we went to Lowe’s for a water heater and they had them set up at the door. Someone had just hit the button for it to move.)

He refused to sleep in his room anymore, even when we switched from the crib to his “big boy bed”

Being an exhausted mom at her wits end (and brand new at witchcraft this January), I decided to create a sachet to place under his mattress.
I did a lot of research on herbs and crystal chips to add for nightmares and sleeping, but I didn’t stop there. I added a few “twists” of my own. :purple_heart: Now, we’re still fighting with staying in bed throughout the night, but he’s been falling asleep just fine with NO nightmares!

Here’s the spell:

Liam’s Snuggle Sachet

Ingredients:

  • Sachet
  • Cayenne
  • Eucalyptus
  • White Oak Bark
  • Cloves
  • Nettle
  • Juniper
  • Mustard Seeds
  • White Rose Petals
  • Elderberries
  • Vervain
  • Cinnamon
  • Orange Peel
  • Bay Leaf
  • Dill
  • Mandrake
  • Nutmeg
  • Selenite Chips
  • Dumortierite Chips
  • Black Tourmaline Chips

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients in this order, stating its purpose.
  • Cleansing/Purification of the space and the mind:

    • Cayenne
    • Eucalyptus
  • Repel negativity in the space and of the mind:

    • White Oak Bark
    • Cloves
    • Nettle
    • Selenite Chips
  • For health and healing while sleeping:

    • Juniper
  • For courage in life, the mind, & in the presence of negativity:

    • Mustard Seeds
  • For peace in sleep and of the mind:

    • White Rose Petals
  • For sleep, good and restful, uninterrupted sleep:

    • Elderberries
    • Dumortierite Chips
    • Vervain (specifically to prevent nightmares)
  • Love as an additional protection and for knowing he’s loved (also self-love):

    • Cinnamon
    • Orange Peel
  • Protection for the space, mind & spirit, both physical & spiritual:

    • Bay Leaf w/ name & intention written on it
    • Dill
    • Mandrake
    • Nutmeg
    • Black Tourmaline Chips

I may tweak it some, depending (especially to help with staying in bed all night)

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Challenge Entry #2 - Empath

I’ve always felt deeply attuned to the emotions of those around me, even before I embarked on my spiritual journey. Sensitivity to others’ feelings has been a defining part of who I am, allowing me to recognize unspoken emotions with ease.

This intuitive awareness also extends to sensing negativity directed toward me. I can pick up on sadness, anger, or unease, often feeling compelled to offer a kind word or uplifting message when someone’s energy feels heavy. Beyond emotions, I’m also highly receptive to the energies that surround me—both positive and negative. More often than not, I can discern whether a person carries good intentions or not. It’s always such a weird feeling at first, but then it grows until I can’t ignore it. It’s very hard to explain. I think I’m going to exercise my empath side more.

Now that I understand the importance of energetic protection, I’ve taken steps to safeguard my space. I keep selenite and tourmaline at my front door and above my bed, creating a barrier against unwanted energy. I also have protective runes on the inside of both my front door and bedroom door. Soon, I’ll be putting the empath protection bind rune, now that I’ve learned about. :purple_heart:

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Challenge Entry #1 - :performing_arts: Your Magickal Muse


There are two things that come to my mind when I think about inspiration. The first is the books I read by M.A. Phillips which helped inspire my practice when I was Irish-focused and leaned into druidry. The second thing that comes to my mind is how I learned to knit recently because my friend was making a sweater and I was inspired to learn, too.

The common theme between these two things is that the inspiration came from someone who has meaning to me. My author friend wrote about a main character whose life, though not like my own, was very much normal in the way her pagan practice was portrayed. The second is that my friend means a lot to me and we spend a lot of time in creative practices together.

I’m less inspired by mythology and grand stories. These days, I find inspiration in the very real, very mundane things around me. That is what is currently informing my practice, and honestly, it’s the most inspired I’ve been in a very long time. :pink_heart:


Challenge Entry #2 - :adhesive_bandage: Cures & Remedies

In researching folk remedies for my state, I found an interesting (and kind of gross) remedy involving pumpkin seeds and tea :teacup_without_handle: So, the story goes that a young boy was having convulsions, about thirty a day, and had no relief. An older woman asked the boy’s mother if she could help and gave him a remedy of pumpkin seed tea. After about 15 minutes, the boy ended up passing some parasites [blurred for grossness!] the source says the boy passed “great masses of worms” that “were crawling”.

After reading this story, which you can find by clicking here, I went on the hunt for information about pumpkin seeds or pumpkins and how they’ve been used in folk medicine.

It turns out that pumpkin seeds have been used historically to treat a lot of things, including parasitic worms! There have been very few studies that show the efficacy of pumpkin seeds for treating worms, but it is still an interesting thing to take note of.

The seeds are used, sometimes in conjunction with other herbs, (such as Saw Palmetto or Pygeum, for example), to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous inflammation of the prostate gland. The seeds have also traditionally been used to expel intestinal worms, to treat childhood bed-wetting, as a mild laxative, against asthma and mild pulmonary ailments.

Pumpkin Seeds

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Challenge Entry #4 - :trophy: The Challenger [50th Challenge]

This was a bit tougher for me to come up with a project. I wanted to try something new. I decided to look up obscure or little known magickal practices. Looking through a google search, I hit on one that really appealed to me.

Photography & Sympathetic Magick

Sympathetic Magick is a foundational concept in many magickal traditions that “like affects like” or that an affect resembles its cause. It’s all about creating a connection between the representation and the real thing, in this case photographs of people, places or things.

James George Frazer coined the term “sympathetic magic” in The Golden Bough (1889) (wiki)

He proposed that it was based on two principles - The Law of Similarity and The Law of Contagion.

The Law of Similarity, a fundamental concept in sympathetic magic, asserts that like produces like, leading practitioners to use objects or symbols resembling their desired outcomes to influence events.

The Law of Contagion, also known as the Law of Contact, posits that things once in contact continue to affect each other even when physically separated, enabling witches to employ personal items or connections to manipulate circumstances.
Source

Honestly I could go on and on with information, but I’ll leave a few resource links instead.

resource links

The Power of Using Photographs in Spell Casting: Weaving A Spell with Photos | aromaG's Botanica
An Explanation of Sympathetic Magic: A Photo Essay
Sympathetic Magic: Underlying Principles Explained

I created a A Simple Sympathetic Photography Spell

  1. Choose a focal point (like a powerful tree or a favorite wildflower).

    • I chose my favorite American Beech tree in my backyard.
  2. Ground and center, connecting to the energy of the place.

  3. State your intention clearly: “I capture the enduring strength of this beech tree to carry it within me.”

  4. Take the photo with mindful awareness of your breath and energy.

  5. Once printed or displayed, periodically charge the image with your intention by tracing it or meditating on it.


This morning I did the sympathetic photography spell with the American Beech tree in my backyard. She’s younger than my grand dam in the wood 1/4 mile from home, but it’s nice to be able to walk out anytime I need to meditate or spend time with the beech spirit.

I printed out the photo and framed it for my office. I also framed one of my favorite photos of the grand old Beech as well. It will be lovely to have them nearby whenever I need strength or inspiration.

I’m excited to continue to use this in my practice especially this spring! :deciduous_tree: :cherry_blossom: :herb:

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Challenge Entry 1:

:spell_pouch: Spell Bags & Pouches – Spell Bag Builder

A couple of months ago, I found this spell bag recipe here in the forums, but cannot, to save my life, find it now to give attribution. If you recognize this as your spell, please let me know and I will add it here.

It worked great, I was sleeping well, waking up refreshed and my MyAir CPAP scores really improved.

But I had been using the same spell bag for about a month and I felt it needed refreshing itself. In the end, I made a completely new spell bag today.

Ingredients:
Dried lavender - to promote relaxation
Dried rosemary - for protection
Sea salt - for protection
Amethyst crystal chips - to promote inner peace
Black tourmaline crystal chips - for nightmare relief

I got settled in at my altar/desk and visualized myself sleeping well and waking refreshed. As I added my ingredients to the pouch, I thought about the properties of each one, and recited this prayer:

"As I place these stones and herbs divine,
Infusing dreams with peace and time,
May amethyst calm the mind’s distress,
And black tourmaline shield and bless,
Lavender’s scent, so pure and sweet,
Guide me gently to restful sleep.
Rosemary’s touch, wisdom align,
Sealing dreams with love’s pure sign.
Sea salt’s grains, protect and cleanse,
In this pouch, my spirit mend.
My moonlight’s glow and starry night,
Grant me peace till morning light.
With harm to none, this spell is spun,
So mote it be, the magic done.

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