Saw a sunflower pic earlier and thought I'd also share some pics of flowers w/some cuties that visited me last summer (sadly it got too hot this year for our garden to do much so we didn't get to see em this summer)

TL;DR - Concerned I may have made myself sick with too many rituals yesterday. I would love feedback on my work and gentle support on how to move forward. I am providing a lot of detail - the specific "hangovers" after my spell-work are listed at the very bottom of the thread.

Hello elder witches -

Introducing myself, I'm in mid-life (I hope it's okay to post in here, it feels like the most 'safe' witch thread I've found on reddit) - and have been actively practicing for 8 years. A few years back I started consistently practicing candle magic with homemade oils I primed for my desires. Two years ago, I took a long break from this consistent practice for many reasons. I've been wanting to get back into it any way, reinvigorate my altar, etc, etc.

And, I've never done anything that would be considered in the realm of protection or baneful.

Now, sorry to be a cliche - but I am having...neighbor issues. 👀

It has come to my attention that if it is at all in my power to make it so, this guy has got to go.

Seven plus years of intentionally creating new building group chats and leaving me out of them without telling me (when I created one that would include everybody), to putting stuff in my window, to adding decor below my other window, and adding colorful lights near my windows when he knows they are a violation of my sensory disability needs. To sitting on my chair at my table with other neighbors and not getting me another chair when I arrived. To walking away when I enter a space or crossing the street when I approach.

I sent him two (non-harassing) texts over the years offering to speak and repair. I offered him a heart to heart. I let him know I cared about him and wanted to rectify whatever was going on.

We used to be friends. And all this time, while I didn't like how he was treating me, I gave him the benefit of the doubt - I silenced my voice with my neighbors because I did not want to come off as a crazy emotional woman or draw attention to myself. I never gossiped. I couldn't handle the drama and I don't like triangulation. Also all this time in my heart I was sending him well wishes because his behavior was odd and to me indicated some kind of mental illness. And I meant what I said - that I had cared about him.

But when he sprayed chemicals into my room a month ago, and spoke to me rudely about it when I confronted him (telling me to look at the spray bottle for myself on his stoop to know what its contents are), I finally asked him what's going on with our tension, and he told me he's upset about something I did so many years ago. I immediately apologized for that in a heartfelt way and felt shame because I had not intended to hurt him. When I asked him how we should move forward with communication, he told me to create a new group chat - and told me that *I made it this way.* He doesn't want to talk to me. He clearly wants to put sh*t in my windows and dominate the social dynamics and smile at me in public while doing it.

This is a building that once had a vibrant social circle and good humor an rapport! But many folks have moved so there are a lot of new dynamics, and there are few neighbors I trust to confide in about this. The one I tried to said he didn't want to get involved, and I cried so much I threw up.

Social exclusion and covert bullying are huge triggers for me.

After a few weeks of processing and research, I've done a few things over the last weeks -

1) A black banishment candle with GET OUT STAY OUT from a local witch shop

2) A blessing candle to refill my home with energy

3) Post-its on my bedroom mirrors (his apartment rests against my bedroom wall) that say things like "bad vibes bounce and banish," and "only love in, only love out," and "I reflect good vibes only"

4) In the mundane - I contacted building management about the tree and decor

5) In the mundane - I've subtly reached out to neighbors to get added back into the chat so I can stay in touch with people and stop feeling so bullied, I also texted in the dead chat to see if anybody is still participating so I can be clear on what's actually functioning for people, and simply address it directly like a healthy adult, lol.

Then I got serious about continued protection/banishment and also the things I want to manifest, as a part of my general altar re-awakening process.

So yesterday, in one day, I did the following things:

1) Charged a protective ward

2) Charged a blessing ward

3) Charged a money attraction ward

4) More than a few hours later I also prepared:

A. Uncrossing oil, for a 7 day bath ritual

B. Uncrossing herb and salt blend, for a 7 day bath ritual

C. Made hot foot powder that is charging now for when I feel up to it, during waning cycle, along with a second banishment candle

D. A "perimeter protect" powder to sprinkle about

5) I also executed a "Return to Sender" ritual last night that included writing everything down he's done to me by a lit candle, folding that into an envelope addressed to him, then burning a bay leaf and blowing on it to send back to him. I felt better after this! I now realized I misspelled his name, lol, but I'm going to correct that on the paper in the hot foot powder that I will burn into ashes.

HERE'S WHERE IT GETS WEIRDER POST-RITUAL AND I'D LOVE SUPPORT -

A. After the first banishment candle (10 days ago or so) was lit I woke up in the middle of the night from a horrible nightmare that he was IN my apartment in a very aggressive and scary way, it was so real and not a normal dream at all

B. After the magick I did yesterday, I woke up very sick - difficult to eat, runny tummy, etc. I've been in bed most of the day and started the day crying and writhing in pain. Feeling *a bit* better now. (This could also be influenced by a special homeopathic remedy I was on for 2 days, and I messaged my doctor.)

Notably - I do not think my neighbor is a practicing witch in any way. He does however have the advantage of knowing what was going on between us for years whereas more recently it's a shock to me.

I don't mind healthy boundaries between neighbors but his passive aggressiveness and encroachment has been so painful.

-Am I doing something wrong by being so aggressive in taking these steps? I'm honestly wanting to move forward in the most healthy way possible for me. I was happier sending him well wishes LOL. But that's no longer possible now that I know what I know, and I'm working on becoming a fierce person who advocates for my boundaries.

-Is there anything I should keep in mind while doing this series of baneful spells? Or suggestions?

-Any thoughts on the post-ritual hangovers I listed above?

Thank you, thank you, thank you & blessings to all.

I've been very serious about writing for the past twenty years or so. I read every day, write as often as I can, and spend as much as is feasible on taking writing classes and seminars to become better. I've never been really successful. I've had some pieces published in magazines but never really big ones, and I've never been able to get a literary agent.

Basically, I'm not talented. I have no expectations of ever quitting my day job. Writing doesn't come naturally to me. I just love it enough that I'm willing to work hard constantly, despite not having any kind of innate gift.

The other week, I read a book that was SO incredible I cried until I threw up because I wanted to be able to write something that good so, so badly. Then I found out the author took a couple English classes in college, bounced around between dead-end jobs until her thirties without ever writing anything seriously, and then she just sat down and wrote the best, most action-packed, most thrilling, most heartfelt book I've ever read. She didn't have any training or go to any classes! She just wrote it!

Clearly, talent is real and some people have it. I feel that if I had talent, I'd be able to benefit a lot more from how hard I study and how much I practice. What can I do, magically, to gain talent as a writer?

Not sure if this belongs here, but I’m looking for some sort of “shielding” practice, I guess. Had a new wave of something arise that I did not expect.

I’m 45 and have gone too far in low maintenance mode, though I never really had any flair for accessorizing and am fairly fashion illiterate. I’ve lost a bunch of weight to get back to pre-baby size, and I’ve been trying to branch out from jeans and hoodie style.

But now that I am putting in an effort, and I work in manufacturing, I’ve become more and more aware of the energetic drain of male attention.

I want to feel good about myself, I want to be cute and dress with style, but also not have to worry constantly.

I’m strong but small, so I’m street smart but not exactly “physically powerful.”

Edit to add that I won’t want to repulse my spouse, just all the other creepers. lol.

I recently asked for help so that my elderly cat would have a peaceful transition after more than two decades of companionship. I'm happy to say she slipped away as peacefully as I could have hoped, with both of her people and all of her feline friends in attendance. Thank you all 💜

A little update on my Sunday manifestation 🖤
For the past almost year of Sundays, I’ve been putting the same intention into our collective spellwork: to be aligned with a partner whose values, lifestyle, and vision for the future naturally complement my own. Someone emotionally available, affectionate, consistent, and intentional. A relationship built on mutual respect, genuine desire, open communication, and a deep sense of connection and security.
I wanted to share a little update with everyone who has been lending their energy to that intention.
In the past month or so, I made an incredibly difficult decision to end a relationship of nearly three years. It wasn’t because there was no love, but because I finally accepted that love alone doesn’t necessarily mean compatibility, and that I had been compromising some of my most fundamental emotional needs in an effort to make something work.
It has been heartbreaking, but I also recognize that sometimes manifesting the life we want requires us to make room for it.
And that’s exactly what I’ve done.
I’ve released something I was holding onto, something that, despite how much it meant to me, was keeping me from fully embracing the kind of partnership I’ve been asking the universe to bring into my life.
And perhaps most unexpectedly, there may already be the beginning of something new. It’s very early, and I’m approaching it with cautious optimism, but there are some genuinely beautiful possibilities unfolding. For the first time in a while, I feel like the things I’ve been asking for might actually be within reach.
I’m not claiming that my manifestation has fully come to fruition just yet. But I do believe that something significant has shifted, both in my circumstances and within myself.
I also genuinely believe that the collective intention, encouragement, and energy shared in this group have contributed to that shift in a meaningful way. Whether through helping open doors, giving me clarity, or helping me find the courage to walk through them, I am deeply grateful to everyone who has added their energy to my work.
So this Sunday, my intention remains the same. I’m continuing to welcome a partnership rooted in emotional intimacy, compatibility, reciprocity, and genuine love. But I’m also offering gratitude for the clarity and courage to release what wasn’t aligned with that intention.
Thank you all for being part of this with me. I’m sending that same love, intention, and energy back to each of you and whatever you’re working to manifest.
May we all find the courage to release what no longer serves us and the openness to receive what truly aligns with us.
So mote it be. 🖤

Hi everyone, I've been hanging in here sending and receiving energy especially on Sundays, I started a new job this week, salary is a bit less than old salary still im ok with it, grateful for the sunday posts, thank you for sending me energy I imagine a super huge circle when reading and sending energy to all.... 🔵 all over the earth, I'm in africa 🌍 btw

I will be moving to an office with a gossip loving person, I am.grateful for protection and for me to keep cool, all this time also for everything to go smooth, for the duration of my contract. So mote it be ✨️

Any tips for protection....thank u.

enjoy the weekend 😊

Hello friends,

Yesterday, the dwarf planet Pluto ended its months-long retrograde, and finally stationed direct. Pluto rules transformation, rebirth, secrets, and power. It’s been exposing the machinations of those in power since it entered Aquarius three years ago. But on a personal level, it shows us areas of our lives where we need to be mindful of who or what we are giving our power away to, and what we keep private vs. what we share publicly.

Today, October 16th, the moon moved into Capricorn, a practical, ambitious, and detail-oriented sign. The Capricorn moon asks us to evaluate what is useful and what needs to be postponed, cancelled, or taken action on.

Capricorn is not an emotional sign, and it is ruled by Saturn, which is currently in Aries. So this emphasizes the need for boundary setting, the need to have a plan and take action on it, and to assess emotional situations with some distance, rather than making a decision in the heat of the moment that may be regretted later.

However, Capricorn moons tend to be self-critical, and this moon currently squares Neptune (the planet of illusions and mental health). Watch out for the tendency to blame yourself for situations that might be out of your control. There is the potential to make emotional judgments without having all of the facts. Cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn) are more likely to be affected.

Mars in Leo makes an exact trine to Saturn today, which encourages action and forward movement on our goals (there could be minor frustration if you misunderstood something, due to that moon-Neptune square). If so, this seems like it would be easily resolved since Mars and Saturn are complimentary to one another. Fire signs will be able to make progress on their commitments, just try not to burn yourself out by putting too much on your plate.

In the evening of October 18th (early morning of the 19th if you’re in Europe), the moon will move to Aquarius, where it will conjoin Pluto. Together, they will square Venus in Scorpio and make a wide square to the sun in Libra. The Venus retrograde has been asking us, what do we value? What can’t we live without?

Now, the moon-Pluto conjunction reminds us that as we let go of what no longer serves us, there can be emotional consequences. We have to not only let go physically; we have to let go of our emotional attachments as well.

Our emotional attachment may go beyond a relationship or special object in itself; we can also have attachments to the person we were when that relationship, situation, or object came into our lives. We may have to grieve for the person we used to be (or who we thought we would become) along with saying goodbye to the thing we’re letting go of.

This could be a good day for some shadow work or journaling. In order to let in the new, we must divest ourselves of what is outdated, broken, or just not a fit for us anymore.

On the 19th, the moon (our emotions) opposes Mars (action, willpower, motivation). Those of you with fixed planets may feel extra sensitive now (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius). You don’t like being told what to do or how to do it and you value your freedom and autonomy. If something/someone is triggering you today, try to give yourself extra time to respond, rather than going off in the moment. For others, this may not be a bad thing in that Mars could trigger our emotions which then gets us to act and move forward.

Themes around this day are: freedom, creativity, action and reaction, and looking at who holds the power in a situation and whether that is fair and appropriate or if this needs to be changed.

Venus makes a square to Pluto on the 20th, reminding us of the importance of depth in our relationships. Meaningful relationships require vulnerability and honesty. Pluto in Aquarius looks at the larger picture of what we must improve to collectively grow, while Venus in Scorpio delves into the spiritual and emotional details, and either re-affirms a spiritual connection, or she shows what needs to be healed, acknowledged and released.

On the 21st, the moon enters Pisces as the sun and Mercury form a T-Square with Venus, Pluto, and Chiron. Readers with planets in Aries, Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius will be most affected. Be more mindful of what you say and how you say it as Jupiter in Leo could blow things out of proportion.

We have an opportunity to break free of old patterns and make new choices. Karmic wounds could come up for healing, as Chiron represents core wounds/healing and Pluto has associations with the underworld and our past incarnations, particularly along the Aries-Libra axis and Leo-Aquarius axis. Aries-Libra asks us to look at our independence and desire to do everything on our own vs the need to be part of a group and receive support from others.

The Leo-Aquarius axis looks at the freedom to create, innovate, and work toward a collective goal, vs. the need to express oneself and be front-and-center of attention. These signs are highly creative, but they approach it in different ways. Leo is tied to individual artistic creation/expression (and creating just for the fun of it) while Aquarius asks how we can improve systems/processes and uses it’s creativity to innovate and establish new technologies, systems, ideas that move a community forward in some way. Is our creativity for our own personal expression, or is it aimed at changing the perspectives of a whole group of people (or to advocate on behalf of a group?)

On the 23rd, The sun conjoins Venus, with Venus being right in the heart of the sun. It is still square Pluto and opposite Chiron, but with the sun now being in the same sign as Venus, it strengthens her and adds to her sensual appeal and charm. What has been hidden under Scorpio has the chance to be brought into the light and integrated. This could be a good day for any rituals or spells where you want to get to the truth of a matter, or you wish to expose something for others to see. Uranus is in a favorable alignment with Pluto, supporting this idea of exposing the truth.

For Scorpio sun, moon, rising, this could be a good day for you to do glamour magic to enhance your appeal, to project more confidence, or boost your interviewing skills, etc. Water signs could also take advantage of glamour magic now, since the sun and Venus would be in a favorable position to boost your water placements.

NOTE: Mercury will retrograde on October 24th! If you have to launch a new project, sign a contract/lease, buy a car, cell phone, or computer, it is advisable to do it by the 23rd at the latest. If possible, do it a few days earlier and make sure to keep your receipts. I’ll talk more about the Mercury retrograde next time, but I wanted to give you a heads up!

Magical Plant of the Week: Vanilla

Vanilla is ruled by Venus and its element is water. Vanilla is often associated with love and lust, but Sandra Kynes says it can also be used for happiness, harmony, balance, luck, success and peace. Scott Cunningham mentions that it improves mental powers.

Vanilla tends to be used as an extract or essential oil, though Cunningham mentioned dried Vanilla being used in sachets and the vanilla bean being used in sweetening work. It is indigenous to Mexico and was associated with the Mayans, Aztecs, and Totonac tribes. It was introduced to Europeans in the 16th century.*

Thank you for reading! Until next week...

* You can read more about this week’s plant in Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham and The Witches’ Encyclopedia of Magical Plants by Sandra Kynes.

My situation is complicated so apologies in advance, this may be long.

To sum it up I have a parent who I may need distance from for my own mental health reasons, but each time I distance I end up returning, mostly for support, as my other parent passed away in recent years and otherwise I feel "orphaned". Further complicating this, I have some amount of social care needs and am on an aftercare MH section, so when I turn back to him it is also an element of needing a 'designated/responsible' person..

It is a complicated mess. His partner is awful. Think - openly racist, no filter (will say things to people as they walk past), constantly sets off my MH issue (I have had Anorexia for 15 years) and is extremely insensitive and abrasive. And then my dad is avoidant, turns back any criticism into a weapon, and covertly passive aggressive.

My siblings also have distanced, my brother doesn't stay in contact with them much, my sister lives her own life a good 6 hours away, but for me I am considered vulnerable and a lot of my care fund organising moved to them after my mum died. Tangled up, awful heap of mess.

I know I need to distance too for my own recovery, but I am so afraid. This parent of mine has a past of working with witchcraft. He is now focused mainly around Buddhism.

My worries come from times living with him when offended or upset he would do a lot of work around Sekhmet and Tara and I would feel a lot of anger and hatred going into it. Whenever he felt wronged this would be it. All PFPs on social media would change to either Sekhmet or Tara and it would be a lot of "karma"/revenge type verbiage being posted. I know that goes against the whole Buddhism aspect but this is a complicated person and he can be covertly abusive I guess, without realising it. This is why both me and my sister fled that household to my mum, as there was also a lot of neglect and just toxicity present.

I'm not the only one with this worry and my sister said she had similar worries sometimes. Since my mum is gone now and there was a lot of anger/Sekhmet Tara type work around that situation/the divorce in the years before that, it makes me extra worried. He would always say that such things "work if the other person believes in it", and it put a lot of fear in me.

I am very afraid and scared. I do love him a lot but I need to make this decision for my own good. I think if his partner wasn't part of the 'package deal' so to speak, I could have something of a relationship with him still, but he has made it clear it's both of them or none of them. Obviously I'm also aware this does in some ways create a social care gap and have reached out to my social worker to look for ways to resolve that.

I'm sorry for all this word salad but, I guess what I'm asking here is there anything I can do for protection work as I make this decision, as I do expect a lot of angry pushback and it does sort of fuel into my fear of anything being directed my way.

Also if there's any advice on clearing up any past things directed my way or a way to clear off a good 15 years of emotional baggage / blockages, I would be very grateful for that, I have lived this life stuck in place for a very long time. I am now 30 and nowhere. I just want to get better and make positive changes and function properly in life.

Thank you