PLEASE NOTE. THIS PAGE WILL NOT BE UPDATED. It’s here mostly for posterity and so people can have tumblr posts. The links below are tumblr posts so clicking a link will take you over to tumblr.
Many of the posts have new updates here on thiscrookedcrown.com so be sure to check the above menu categories to find the new and improved posts.
Casting a spell is one thing but witchcraft almost always requires some serious study and resources. This page is an on-going attempt to link posts I’ve written that are potentially useful to fellow practitioners or folks who just want more information on what a witch really does.
Many of the topic have a lot of posts, many of which have been rewritten or updated for clarity or to include new information. Click on the topic subject to bring you to a new page where the posts are linked. Many posts are placed in multiple categories. When something is a personal practice specific post I will use the [UPG Alert!] so you know it’s my experiences and opinions going in.
Please feel free to ask questions!
General tips on researching
Critical thinking is exceptionally important when you look for resources. Ask questions such as why a book was written and where the information is coming from. See hellboundwitch’s “how to read a fucking book / i can’t reach you how to think”, spiritcraft’s “how to read a 101 pagan/wiccan book” (remember to check to notes for additional tips) or google up “critical thinking” or “critical reading”.
Everyone has a starting point. Wikipedia isn’t the best source but it can give you a general idea and areas to continue your research from. Google scholar is also useful when looking for more academic papers. There are a ton of scholarly resources out there, just ask around.
Other good starting places are history, folklore, fairy tales, mythology, and superstition books. You may also want to check out theology, philosophy, psychology, and religious texts. They can be excellent sources at understanding the context of when something is written and where certain practices and beliefs come from. Annotated versions of this sources are often the best and look for materials written by those from the cultures being written on. Links: Electronic Journal of Folklore, Encyclopedia Mythica, Godchecker: Your Guide to the Gods, Sacred Text Archive
If you’re just thinking about dipping your toes in the witchcraft water, consider a spell book. They usually have some basic information in the beginning and they list a bunch of spells to try. Watch for cultural appropriation though. If you’re trying to explore herbalism, you should probably first learn some medical herbalism through books or schools. Meditation can be tricky for folks so I usually recommend hellboundwitch’s post on meditation. Lucid dreamers may want to check out this link: Wiki How to Lucid Dream in 16 steps (with pictures)
Specific Posts I’ve Written by Topic
BASICS
- Wait, You’re a Witch? I Didn’t Think That Was Still A Thing
- An Overview of Wiccan and Pagan Beliefs
- Wicca, Paganism, and a Basic Information Post Some information is borrowed from the above post.
- What is a Hard Polytheist Secular Animist and again, more personal this time
- Hard Polytheism vs Soft Polytheism
- Where Does A Beginning Witch Start
- How Do I Get Started in Witchcraft or Magic?
- Where To Start?
- UPG/UPE/SPG… what?
- Do I Believe in Hereditary Witchcraft?
- What Do I Believe Makes Magic Work [UPG Alert]
- What does does a beginner need?
- Tips on finding a teacher
HOW TO RESEARCH, CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, MISINFORMATION, ISSUES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
- How to Read and Research – Something everyone should check out. Tips on where to look.
- Another Post on Research
- How to Look For the Etymology of a Particular Myth
- A Pseudo-Rant on Appropriation in Paganism and Research. Also check out this version A Pseudo-Rant on Appropriation in Paganism and Research for some etymology break-downs.
- A Smackdown of Different Forms of Not-Witchcraft and Cultural Appropriation.
- “If everyone just learned to love one another the world would be such a better place.”: The smackdown of why this shit isn’t OK to say. – A real life conversation on why this and victim blaming and victim shaming isn’t OK. Trigger warning in general.
- Charm, Talisman, Amulet
- How to Look For the Etymology of a Particular Myth
- A Pseudo-Rant on Appropriation in Paganism and Research. Also check out this version A Pseudo-Rant on Appropriation in Paganism and Research for some etymology break-downs.
- Trancing
- Deja Vu
- Seer vs Clairvoyant vs Prophet and other Diviners – etymology. Oracle etymology. Soothsayer etymology.
- What’s the difference between spirits and ghosts? [UPG ALERT!]
SYMBOLISM
- Brazilian Flag Ideas – part of the #witches for Brazil movement.
- Butterfly symbolism – what to do with a dead butterfly
- Smashing Light Bulbs – on using light bulbs as a whole or in pieces for witchcraft.
SPELL AND WITCHCRAFT TECHNIQUES BASICS
- All-Purpose Spells
- On Getting Embarrassed While Speaking Spells Aloud
- Troubleshooting Spells
- Using Media-Based Spells
- Where to Put Your Charms
- Your Fancy Spells Don’t Have to Be Fancy – How to do spells without ingredients or tools at all.
- Witches, Jars, and Burying ‘Em
- Crossroads
- When Spells Work
- Spell Side-Effects – NOT the three fold law or Karma
- Intent and why sometimes it isn’t enough
- Birthday Witchcraft
- “Monster” – Tips for Children Seeing Monsters – Check the notes! A TON of people had a lot of great tips.
- Calming spells on Babies and Children – Why you might not want to. Also here. And lullabies here.
- Floor Wash – Remember, this is not just for washing your floor but for any surface that won’t be affected by the solution.
- How my younger brother learned I’m a witch
- Pets in the Kitchen [and witchcraft]
- Inviting Spirits Into Your Home
- Offensive Spells
- ADHD, Magic, Crossing Over, and You
- Master love spells / Valentine’s Day post – contains love spells, tips and spells for dating, and general advice.
- Witches and Dating – A video
- Glamours and how to use them on demand and to detect them – Connected to “Witches and Dating”
- Apple Love Spell
- On Target-Specific Love Spells
- Ideas for Witchcraft for Queer Folk
- Cosmetics and Magic
PROTECTION, ANTI-THEFT, BARRIERS, SHIELDS
- Protection Spells and Amulets
- I’m Not Sure My Protections Are Good Enough
- Protection Techniques
- Anti-Theft Recommendations
- High Protection Barrier Spells
- Backup for When Salt Fails
- What’s Binding, Wards, and Cleansing?
- Warding – with photos
- Glamours and how to use them on demand and to detect them – Connected to “Witches and Dating”
- Protection against witches
- Crown’s “Get the Fuck Out!” – Dead People Version – can be used on the living too, although you might be arrested for assault.
- Car Protection
- Offensive Spells
- Protection tattoos
- Salt Spell Psychic Boundary Line [adapted]
- What’s Binding, Wards, and Cleansing? – an ask
- Cleansing
- Cleansing Yourself – Cleansing 101 essentially. Accessible for all.
- Cleansing With Smoke
- My Seasonal Bathing Ritual
- Crown’s Fuck-All-The-Things Cleansing
- Crown’s “Get the Fuck Out!” – Dead People Version – can be used on the living too, although you might be arrested for assault.
HEALTH, HEALING, GENDER, BEAUTY
- To Soothe Symptoms of Depression
- Witchy Tips for Anxiety and Energy
- Healing Spell for a Cold, Sort of
- Enchanting a Yoga Mat (or Exercise Equipment) to Increase Usage Enchanting said yoga mat
- Weight loss
- Ideas for Witchcraft for Queer Folk
- Migraine and Pain Soothing Spells
- Acne, Skin, Hair, and Magic – old post
- ADHD, Magic, Crossing Over, and You
- Protection tattoos
MONEY, JOBS, LUCK, SUCCESS, PHYSICAL TRAVEL
- Herbs, Spices, and Additives for Money Spells Or WTF Do I Put in A Money Spell?
- Step-By-Step Money Candle Spell
- Doll Spell for Employment
- Business Drawing Tips and Advice – an ask
- Crown’s “Go the fuck away” Spell / “I want to go there” Spell – utilize MapCrunch and/or Google Maps to make people go away or to travel.
- Lemon Magnet Meetup Spell
- Bewitch Your Holiday Shopping
- Things to consider when starting a witchy business
FOOD AND DRINK
THE ARTS, MUSIC, ART, DANCE, ETC
- Spell Songs
- Drawing and Witchcraft
- Witch or Pagan Dance/Theatre Companies – check the notes for comments and reblogs related to it. There’s a ton of clever folks out there doing tons of devotional things in the arts field.
- Glamours and how to use them on demand and to detect them – Connected to “Witches and Dating”
- Would breaking another’s glamour break our own glamour? Would the glamours cancel out?Ask one, ask two.
- Like Honey
- Self- Sufficient Glamours or Concentrated Glamours?
- Glamours for invisibility, to not be noticed, to avoid attackers, etc.
- Cosmetics and Magic
- Ideas for Witchcraft for Queer Folk
- How to Alter an Enchanted or Energy Filled Item Without Losing the Original Enchantment or Energy
- Enchanting Basics
- Offensive Spells
- How to Make a Poppet – detailed, how-to with images. Trigger warning for spell heavy images.
- Poppet Houses
- Dolls, Poppets, Puppets, etc.
- Doll Spell for Employment
- Sims as Poppets
- Lirenne’s Hex – Pop culture magic, Dragon Age spoilers
- Why cursing or hexing doesn’t make you a bad person and my reply to an anon who still thinks cursing is wrong.(TW: rape and violence discussed in both but not described.)
- What’s Binding, Wards, and Cleansing?
- To Bind and Bring to Justice – Binding spell [adapted]
- What items can be used for cursing – A video
- Crown’s “Go the fuck away” Spell / “I want to go there” Spell – utilize MapCrunch and/or Google Maps to make people go away or to travel.
- How to Make a Poppet – detailed, how-to with images. Trigger warning for spell heavy images. Made during a curse, so it may be interesting for some readers.
- Crown’s “Get the Fuck Out!” – Dead People Version – can be used on the living too, although you might be arrested for assault.
- Crown’s “Get the Fuck Out!” – Living People Version – can be used on the dead too.
- Weeping Angel curses – For my Whovian pop culture witches and pagans out there.
- Offensive Spells
- On Confrontation – Physical, more personal version
- Lirenne’s Hex – Pop culture magic, Dragon Age spoilers
- Tiny energy manipulation 101 post
- Glamours and how to use them on demand and to detect them Connected to “Witches and Dating”
- Energy Manipulation =/= Witchcraft + Tips on Improving Energy Detection
- Enchanting Basics
NECROMANCY, ANCESTOR WORSHIP, WORKING WITH THE DEAD
- Godbothering and Why You Might Not Want to Work With a God
- How Does One Start A Relationship With A Deity?
- How do you find a deity?
- How to connect to a deity
- My Shrine
- Doctor Who in Witchcraft and/or Paganism – This links to hellboundwitch’s reblog because she’s amazing and made some linkage additions that is absolute necessary. Also, this may be added to as time goes on (or have separately produced parts which will be linked here) Be forewarned: There is a lot of feels and geekiness in this. A LOT. No shame.
- Weeping Angel curses – Because Weeping Angels are terrifying yet awesome.
- Horsing – allowing your deities or spirits to possess you
- Creating Your Own Deities – what makes a deity and why that’s a personal question.
- Jack Frost – pop culture and folklore spirit
- Spirit or Deity Refusing to Give Name (and Name UPG)
- Seidr
- Difference between fae and spirits? Are fae spirits? [UPG Alert; not standard answers]
- What’s the difference between spirits and ghosts? [UPG ALERT!]
- Spirit Vessels
- How to Avoid Getting Possessed
- Possession, horsing, allowing yourself to be possessed, and consent
- Horsing – consensual possession
- What is a Servitor?
- Egregores and Constructs – Servitors
- How to Create a Servitor (or, rather, what to consider when making one)
- A Starter’s Resource for Demons and Spirits
- On Confrontation – Spirit version
- Crown’s “Get the Fuck Out!” – Dead People Version – can be used on the living too, although you might be arrested for assault.
- Spirit Kings [UPG Alert!]
- Familiars, An Ask
- Ghost in the House
- Inviting Spirits Into Your Home
- Spirit or Deity Refusing to Give Name (and Name UPG)
- Jack Frost – pop culture and folklore spirit
- YOU DO NOT NEED TO ASTRAL TRAVEL
- Being forced into the astral is NOT cute and potentially dangerous. (first post) Also a consent issue (second post).
- I don’t want to astral travel. Ever. What do?
- What’s the difference between meditation and trancing?
- Ethereal Weapons
- Dancing
- Opening Up
- Tips for Crossing Over, Being Safe and Coming Back
- Training
- Crossing over with a phrase
- Trancing
- Trance Techniques
- Mugwort for Trances
- Mugwort, Trances, and Sleep Paralysis
- Trances and Music –
- An Episode – Personal
- How the Act of Crossing Over Feels to Me
- Should non-witches cross over to the astral and tips to start – TL;DR: Yes, if you want to.
- Food in the astral
- Spirit or Deity Refusing to Give Name (and Name UPG) – works for astral travel shenanigans too
- ADHD, Magic, Crossing Over, and You
- Increasing Intuition
- Spells on the astral
- Basic astral travel FAQ
- White Sage and Why You Shouldn’t Use It (and not for the reasons you’re thinking of)
- What are the MUST HAVE Herbs for Witches – Hint, the answer is whatever the fuck you have on hand.
- Witchy Usages for Marjoram, Bay, Thyme, Lemon, Pepper, Salt, Honey, Sugar, Coffee, Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Garlic
- Plants to Keep in the Kitchen
- Herbs, Spices, and Additives for Money Spells Or WTF Do I Put in A Money Spell?
- Herbs, Plants, and Why They Have Their Associations
- Plant Work, Crown’s Style
- Nutmeg for trances. This post caused a small stir at the time so be sure to check the posts on 1/5/2015 to see further discussion.
- Mugwort for Trances
- Mugwort, Trances, and Sleep Paralysis
- Mugwort – tips to make your own salve, sort of.
- Keep Pests Away From the Garden
- Question on my Mugwort Flying Salve
- Mugwort, Wormwood, and herbal shops
- Flying salves and birth control
- Making flying salves and why you probably shouldn’t
- My opinion on flying ointments
- Plant Sentience
- Seer vs Clairvoyant vs Prophet and other Diviners – etymology. Additional one for Oracle etymology
- How to Tell the Difference Between a Vision and the Imagination
- Pendulums – How to and basic information
- Difference between oracle decks and tarot decks – includes photos
- Sand Divination or Abacomancy
- Divination – A Theory
- Scrying Help
- Memory, Knowledge, and Seership
- Divining with Stains
- Tarot Cards and Tools Storage Tips
- New Tarot / Oracle deck Tips – Cleansing and Storing
- Learning Tarot and Oracle cards
- Anti-Nightmare
- How to Create Your Own Divination System
- Ouija Boards Rant Tips for usage
- Practice for Seers, Premonitions, and Visions
- Divination / Scrying Tip
- Increasing Intuition
- If you as a divination tool a false question
- Where do the answers from divination tools come from? [UPG Alert!]
SPREADS FOR THINGS (spreads for tarot, oracle, runes, or whatever divination method you use)
- Future Lovers Spread (7 cards)
- The Journey Spread (10 cards)
- Why Don’t You Love Me As I Love You Spread [The Woodkid Spread] (11 cards)
- The Catalyst (9 cards)
- Deity Dossier (18 cards)
- The Seasons (20 cards)
- Book of Shadows vs Grimoire
- On Grimoires
- Candles and Incense – Alternatives and how to keep them from smoking.
- Tarot Cards and Tools Storage Tips
- What are the MUST HAVE Herbs for Witches – Hint, the answer is whatever the fuck you have on hand.
- Wands, Rods, and Staffs and Wand making
- What does does a beginner need?
- Main post – the plea for witches to help with Brazil
- Brazilian Flag Ideas
- General Before-You-Drink Tips – a non-witchy post
- How to Deal with Spies – could be witchy, general life skill mini-post.
- “If everyone just learned to love one another the world would be such a better place.”: The smackdown of why this shit isn’t OK to say. – A real life conversation on why this and victim blaming and victim shaming isn’t OK. Trigger warning in general.
- Tips and Advice on Creative Writing
- Who is the Urchin Prince?
- The Magick of Cats:A Feline Grimoire by Charles Austin – 1/5
- Witchcraft 101 by Seth Cardorra – 1/5
- Simple Spells for Success by Barrie Dolnick – 2/5.
- Cottage Witchery by Ellen Dugan – 4/5
- The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak – 2/5
- 101 Curses by Augustus Numley – 4/5
- Love Spells of Old by Fae Merrie – 5/5
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If you have a question on a subject that has no resources listed, ask. I’ll add them as the requests come in. Also, if you remember a post I’ve written and it’s not listed, let me know. I’ll look for it, give you the link, and add it here.
If a link no longer works let me know.
This Crooked Crown 