🕯☽☾🔮🖤 Looking For Active Witchblrs! 🕯☽☾🔮🖤

So this is my backyard. I guess I’ve got a lot of wishes to make

Mesquite: The Tree of Life of the South West

"I could ask for no better monument over my grave than a good mesquite tree, its roots down deep like those of peace who belong to the soil, its hardy branches, leaves, and fruit holding memories of the soil..." J. Frank Dobie, Texas Writer

Overview

The name mesquite derives from the Hispansized word 'mizquitl'.

There are more than 40 species of mesquite trees found worldwide, at least 90 percent of which grow in Latin America, principally Argentina and Chile. Although mesquite also thrives in other arid regions such as those in Southwest North America, Africa, the Middle East, Tunisia, Algeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Burma, Hawaii, West Indies, Russia, Puerto Rico, and Australia.

The tree itself comes in a variety of sizes depending on rain fall. Locations with higher rain fall note mesquite trees ranging from 40-50ft in height with a spread of nearly 40 feet or more. The branches are sparsely covered in thin feathery leaves with 2inch thorns growing at the base of the leaf joints.

This blog will mostly focus on Latin America; specifically in the Southwest Us and Texas.

There are seven varieties that cover one-third of the state of Texas or 56 million of the 167.5 million acres of land from the Rio Grande to the Panhandle, across central and north Texas and into much of west texas. Of all the US states 76 percent of mesquite wood grows in Texas. Mesquite grows in all regions of the state except the deep East Piney Woods.

Out of the seven varieties, the post will mostly reference Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa a.k.a "Honey Mesquite".

Map of the American South West and Latin america showing the range of Mesquite tree growth.

Native Tribes: Resource and Myth

Description reads: Salt River Reservation, Pima Agency Arizona, two Maricopa men(sitting) and Mojave Man in full aboriginal dress. 1880

Mesquite was such an omnipresent and nutritious resource and a central part of life itself that many tribes such as the Walapai, Apache, Papago, and Maricopa honored mesquite within their language and mythology.

Mesquite beans were the food staples for many of the South West Native American tribes. Through out the United states they gathered millions of pounds annually. In cases of food shortages, mesquite beans were often the only food source.

Much of the plant material such as fiber, thorns, sap, and roots were used in the making of many goods. The fibers were used for making of textiles and baskets. The

The creation myth of the Maricopa states that the Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai -after death of their maker- scattered over the land and gathered mesquite beans. An Apache myth recounts how the sun and moon consulted with one another and formed the mesquite tree then hung beans upon its branches. The death of the Coyote myth of the Pima tells of Mesquite surviving the Great Flood and of how the coyote ate so many beans that they swelled in his stomach.

The Mesquite was an extremely important resource and was used frequently as an amenity of trade between the Apache tribe and the Pima tribe. When food plants failed during time of drought the Pima would travel long expeditions to trade goods with the Apache for beans and bean flour. With it, the Pima made dough and cooked it as round cakes. Certain tribes such as Pima and Opata also fermented bean flour water creating a bean beer called Atole and has a mildly intoxicating quality.

The gum, or sap, of the tree was used as adhesive to mend broken pottery as well as dye clay before the heating process. The gum when mixed with mud was used in several tribes spiritual and courtship rituals.

Both leaves and gum of the Mesquite is known by the tribes to carry healing powers and medicinal properties.

The Yaqui community in particular honor mesquite as one of two plants to have supernatural powers beyond most other plants. However of the two, only Mesquite grows in the sacred territory of the Yaqui and is said to have powers to detect and vanquish witchcraft especially if the wood is cut into a shape of a cross. One Yaqui myth tells of a "talking stick" made from mesquite wood which foretold death to all people baptized as christian.

Anglo-Texan History

Image of Mesquite Texas, 1890 showing piles of mesquite branches and horse drawn wagons containing grain or beans.

Historians believed that the mesquite was orginally limited to extreme South Texas and spread north only after the Civil War when cattle drives became frequent. Cattle would eat mesquite beans when grass was not plentiful.

Early Texas settlers facored the mesquite wood because not only was it plentiful but it also resisted rotting. Before commercial barbed wire came to texas in the 1870s, ranchers built sturdy corrals from mesquite-log picket fences. Travelers also fashioned hubs for wagons, wagon spokes, and small boat ribs from mesquite.

During the civil war, when coffee was scarce, Texans made ersatz coffee from roasted and ground mesquite beans. Honey made from mesquite flowers was especially prized. In the absence of pins, settlers substituted mesquite thorns.

In the 1869 Dr. John E. Park of Sequin patented under the no. 51,407 on December 5 for the use of mesquite bark in tanning leather. In the article from 1870 Texas Almanac, he included information on the superiority of the use of Mesquite in tanning leather. For, mesquite was found to be richest in Tannic Acid (a substance used for tanning) and worked exceptionally faster than previous methods because the acid penetrated the hide faster. Fast enough to seldom lose hide to decomposition. This allowed for tanning to be done in summer months, a process usually done in winter.

Medicinal Uses

*Note: not a replacement for modern day regulated medications and treatments.*

Aztecs made a lotion from ground mesquite leaves to treat sore eyes.

The Yuma tribe treated venereal diseases with an infusion of leaves and sap.

Comanches chewed on leaves to relieve toothaches.

The Yaqui Tribe treated headaches with a poultice made from mashing leaves to a pulp, mixing with water, and binding the mixture to the forehead.

The light-amber gum or sap that oozed from mesauite bark was mixed with water and gargled to treat sore throats, or swallowed to treat diarrhea, aid in digestion, and help wounds heal.

The Yavapai rubbed a mixture of mud and mesquite gum into their hair to simultaneously dye it and treat lice.

Modern Uses

Although ranchers still try to annihilate mesquite due to injury of livestock and cowhands, a dedicated group of texans cant get enough of it. They are mostly artisans who value mesquite for its beauty, the ease with which it can be worked, and the high sheen of finished pieces. Some even prize its irregularities.

Mesquite has a swirling grain, radial cracks, mineral deposits in the bark, and often many insect holes. Mesquite is dimensionally stable: as most hardwoods dry they shrink more in one direction than they do the other while mesquite shrinks the same percentage in both directions. It has a surface hardness of 2,336 pounds per squared inch, equal to that of hickory and almost twice that of oak and maple; and a density of 45 pounds per foot greater than oak, maple, pecan, and hickory.

Modern Spiritual interpertations:

Harmonizing qualities

Accessing the willingness to cross the wasteland of "dark night of the soul" to find deep spiritual richness within yourself and others

Comfortably connecting with others from a place of compassion and warmth

Standing inside a circle of love

Self blessing

Forgiveness

Possible use for Mesquite in imbalances

Emotional remoteness

Aloofness

Allowing others to see a coolness that actually covers an inner warmth

Feeling as is there is a barren wasteland or spiritual desolation within self.

Feeling separated and remote from others or self.

Personal Suggestion on craft Use*

*Disclaimer: subject to error and not a replacement for actual medications; allergy notice: mesquite is part of the legume family. Research trees and plants in area before ingesting random plants. Watch out for use of pesticides in public places. I do Not recommend diy fermentation. I do not support appropriating native tribes' traditions and rites unless explicitly permitted to by said tribe, do NOT trespass on Sacred Lands for resources it may be possible to purchase sacred mesquite from the tribes. Do Not vandalize sacred grounds or public trees. BE RESPECTFUL.*

Mesquite is tasty. Use wood for rich Smokey flavor on barbequed meats and vegtables.

Make tea from leaves

The beans are said to taste sweet and contain 30 percent sugar trace. Eat beans raw, roasted, dried, or ground into a flour.

Use water diluted sap to treat rashes. (Unless allergic.)

Use diluted sap in hair as you would oils.

Burn leaves and wood to smoke cleanse.

Hang mesquite cross to avert hexes or harmful craft.

I recommend buying from South Western Tribes and other mesquite artisans for bobbles and other wooden figures. Otherwise, source your mesquite in an earth friendly manner by sustainable means and only take what you need.

Information Sources:

"The Magnificent Mesquite" book by Ken E. Rogers

Texasalmanac.com

Desert-alchemy.com

Local Texans

Picture Sources: Google and pinterest

🛡 Warding 🛡

Disclaimer: This is all based on my research, path, opinion & experiences! Intro: I really was holding out on doing this post because it’s such a big, important topic to cover and I really don’t want to mess it up or get anything wrong. This post needs to be done though, people have asked if I have such a post and an anon suggested it. So finally, here it is.  - What Is Warding? Warding is a type of magick, it is the act of creating an energetic barrier around you, your home, an object, ect. They can be temporary or permanent, although typically they are cast with the long term in mind. They can banish or turn away whatever you choose. Warding is an excellent skill to have because it can keep you, and even others safe and with practice you can do it anytime with just about whatever you have on hand.  When Should I Ward? Whenever you want an energetic barrier around you, most people consistently ward their home, themselves or their place of practice. Some people even ward their space every time they prepare for a spell. It should be done consistently in any area you want protected, but exactly where and how often is entirely up to the practitioner.  What Should I Do Before? Cleanse, a ward is a barrier of energy and in the same way that it keeps things out it also keeps things in. You don’t want to trap anything inside of it. Cleanse yourself before you ward yourself. Cleanse your space before you ward your space!  Tips Before You Ward- Phrasing Keep the phrasing in mind! You don’t want to keep anything out that you want in, or let something in that you want out. If you’re chanting or using sigils ect keep in mind exactly what you want to keep out both in your methods and in your mind. Covering everything Make sure to cover everything, a ward is useless if there’s a weakness in it or if the ceiling & floor aren’t probably covered. Be super thorough!  Layering Your Wards One small little wimpy barrier? Ha, the spirits say as they scramble into your home to wreak havoc! You need to layer your wards, don’t just use one method one time, there’s no such thing as too much warding.  What Are Some Ways That I Can Ward? Now we’ll get right down to the methods you can use to ward yourself and your space! Remember that warding is important and needs to be effective, don’t try anything that you don’t have experience with for warding. At first, focus on the stuff you know. If you like sigils, use sigils at first and slowly work your way into using other more complex methods or methods that solely rely on your abilities. Circle Casting You cast a circle by summoning the four elements to protect & energize what is in the circle.  - Here’s my post about circles & how to cast them  Chanting/Speaking Come up with a protective chant you can use to ward your space. This chant could be someone else’s or your own as long as you feel it’s effective. Speak it aloud and visualize a layer of energy protecting your space.  Incense Burn a protective incense in the space you’d like to ward and visualize a barrier protecting your space. Athame Draw out the line of your ward with your athame, visualize the wall appearing, covering everything with a thick layer of energy.  Spraying Spray a mix of blessed/magickal waters and or herbs with protective properties in the space you want to ward.  Sigils Create a sigil using your favorite method with the intent to “ward” or “protect/protection.” Then charge and activate it as a layer of protection! Here’s my post on sigils if you’re interested in that: - Sigil Post Jar Spells You could mix up a jar spell for warding, set it in your house and forget it as a layer of warding.  - My protective jar spell post Anointment Anoint the doorways of your space, you could also anoint the ceiling, floor, walls, corners, honestly go for it.  Salt Sprinkle salt all around the edge of your home or space. Make sure to sprinkle salt on the INSIDE of your harm as salt can harm plants & wildlife if used outside. If you’d like to make a barrier on the outside of your home, you can use dried & crushed eggshells in place of salt. - Post on how to make eggshell powder here -  Hag stones Hag stones are stones with holes in them that have been corroded into the stone because of rushing water. It is believed rushing water is protective & cleansing so if you wear a stone that sat in it long enough to have parts corroded away, that the stone will maintain and keep those properties with it. It’s a great way to personally ward yourself, and an excuse to go out in nature.  They look like this! 

Energy Manipulation If you’ve got a knack for manipulating energy, you can create a barrier through work and visualization that surrounds yourself or your space. This isn’t recommended for beginners though! Links: - Horse Warding Charm By @anothersusurrus - House Warding Spritz Mixture By @seleneblackwell Both of these are great if you’re looking for specific spells, types of magick, correspondences, sigils, ect! - Protection Magic Masterpost Part 1 By @auricwitch - Protection Magic Masterpost Part 2 By @auricwitch Personal Wards Also remember not just to ward your space but yourself, if you layer your home with wards, what happens when you leave? Exactly. Keep yourself safe too! Circle casting & hag stones are great methods I mentioned above that are good for personal warding.  Can I Ward Specific Things And Not Others? Absolutely! I mentioned this in the phrasing section of this post, keep in mind exactly what you want to keep out when you’re warding. I like words like “negative” or “harmful” or “with ill intent” because they don’t necessarily keep out the Fae or positive/neutral spirits but it does keep out anything that wants to harm you in general. Just think about it ahead of time, find wording or a phrase you like and keep that in mind as you ward.  What If I Live With People? If you’re out of the broom closet, explain to your family/roommates what you’re doing and why you’re doing it and make sure they’re cool with it and are aware of what’s going on. If you’re not out of the broom closet, you may have to resort to only warding yourself/your room, & that’s okay!  I hope this helps someone or teaches them something new! Enjoy! Have a lovely day 💖

This is about 20 minutes from my house.

Just Texas things…

Photo by me

@elbavdh

100 ways to incorporate magick in your daily life. 

I understand that these are not exactly all witchy but this is about intergreting your everyday life in your practice and appreciating as well as finding magick in the most mundane and simple things that we often miss out on. ♡

1. When you wake up, before grabbing your phone or getting out of bed, take a few seconds to breathe, and stretch all your limbs.

2. Say ‘’thank you’’ to your god/goddess/deity, or simply to acknowledge how lucky you are to live another day.

3. Open the window regardless of the weather and take a big breath of fresh air. This will not only cleanse the room but also your body. 

4. If it’s raining outside or snowing, take a minute to admire the beauty of it. 

5. Pick wildflowers (please don’t pick any endangered flowers or toxic ones, do your research).

6. Dry said wildflowers and put them in your Book of Shadows or any book or journal you are using.

7. Go for a walk in nature during the day and during the night as well. 

8. Sunbathe.

9. Moonbathe.

10. Light lots of candles.

11. If your room needs a cleaning, try to make your own household products naturally using your favorite scents and clean your room with them. 

12. Change your bed sheets and pillowcases.

13. If you have a clothing line, hang your clothes, blankets, sheets, comforters, pillowcases, underwear outside. Visualize the wind cleansing them. 

14. Grow your own favorite herbs. 

15. Buy a succulent. 

16. Dry your herbs and save them for bath magick, spells, teas or rituals. 

17. Sweep the floor and visualize yourself sweeping off all negativity out of the room. 

18. Sprinkle sea salt over areas that you feel have a negative energy to purify them.

19. Make your own purifying/cleansing spray. 

20. Take a hot, soothing bath. I am a sea witch so I find this particularly helpful when I miss the ocean/the beach. (Don’t forget to add herbs, essential oils, sea salt, flowers, crystals, or anything that has magickal properties for a magickal bath)

21. Sip a cup of your favorite herbal tea.

22. For kitchen witches, try brewing your own tea, and cooking meals with intention and magickal ingredients.

23. Make charm bags. 

24. Water your herb garden by hand. 

25. Show the people you love that you love them.

26. Show some love to your pets and spend a few extra minutes with them. 

27. Light up your favorite incense.

28. Keep a small bag of your favorite herb (for example: lavender) in a drawer, so when you feel stressed, just pop the bag open for a deep breath of calming aromatherapy. 

29. When you take a shower, visualize the water neutralizing your energy and washing off all the bad stuff. 

30. Bless your morning coffee or tea.

31. Keep a daily journal, whether it’s a Book of Shadows, a daily planner/organizer or a dream journal. 

32. If you wanna be low-key and discrete about your craft, draw small sigils all over everything. Your school notebooks, pencil cases, journals, shoes, etc. 

33. Read lots of books about magick and form your own opinion/path/views/beliefs.

34. If you read fictional stories, allow yourself to get lost in them and let your mind wander and escape. 

35. Put on your favorite clothes, makeup, shoes, or whatever little thing that makes you feel fabulous, even if you’re staying in. 

36. Be proud of your body.

37. Practice self-care.

38. Take time to unplug and spend time with yourself. (that includes smartphones, iPads, laptops, tablets, desktops, and all electronics/little gadgets we lug around on a daily basis.)

39. Go to the beach

40. Go to the forest.

41. Go to the desert. 

42. Go to the mountains. 

43. If it’s warm outside, make a bonfire and admire the flames. If it’s winter and you have a fireplace, light it up. 

44. Go somewhere you’ve never visited before. 

45. Go camping if you can, by yourself or with friends. 

46. Stargaze.

47. Breathe.

48. Dance.

49. Dance in the rain.

50. Sing.

51. Go outside in a snowstorm (but don’t drive and most importantly know if it’s safe or not. Be careful.)

52. Plant a vegetable garden, even if it’s just a pot of tomatoes. 

53. Walk barefoot and feel the earth under your feet.

54. Pull weeds.

55. Adopt an animal from the shelter.

56. Practice yoga.

57. Eat healthy, but if you wanna eat that last piece of cake, do it. Life is short.

58. Exercise.

59. Start a new hobby.

60. Mix your own perfume.

61.Make your own candle.

62. Make your own essential oil.

63. Make your own soap. 

64. Lay down and listen to your favorite music. (Mine is video game music, it’s just soothing for me.

65. Take a day just for you without answering the phone.

66. Pick dandelions and make a wish.

67. Carry crystals/stones with your in your pocket. 

68. Learn how to do tarot readings.

69. Collect rain, sun, snow water.

70. Plant lavender or rosemary for protection and luck. 

71. Bless your kitchen utensils, such as spatulas and wooden spoons, that all the food you make with them will promote healing and love. 

72. Charge your crystals under the full moon. 

73. Have tantric sex with a loving partner. 

74. Carve sigils into the sand at the beach and let the tides release them into the universe.

75. Re-arrange your altar. 

76. Keep track of your sleep and menstrual cycles and moods to see how the moon phases affect you.

77. Be open minded to the retrogrades.

78. Go outside on any phase of the moon and take in all its beauty. 

79. Keep your pendulum with you as a necklace so you’re always ready to do a little scrying. 

80. Burn sage or cedar first thing in the morning to start your day off fresh.

81. Look for constellations and learn them. 

82. Paint sigils on your mailbox.

83. Hang wood chimes, or a silver bell on your front door knob for luck.

84. Tuck a sprig of lavender under your pillow before bed to promote peaceful sleep. 

85. Watch a meteor shower with someone you care about.

86. Buy new candles. 

87. Water your plants in your garden counterclockwise to banish negativity from the space.

88. Paint your nails a color associated with the intention of your spell or ritual before you begin so that your hands become your wand. 

89. Plant red geraniums by your front door as this is a traditional sign of witches.

90. Bless more than water and crystals on the night of the full moon: set out your essential oils, nail polish, or a special bottle of champagne too. 

91. Dry your vegetables or plants and incorporate them into a charm bag. 

92. Wash your windows with moon water for extra clarity.

93. Use sun water when you brew tea for a magickal experience. 

94. Stir sugar into your tea or coffee with intention, willing sweetness into your day and life. 

95. Draw sigils or write a brief protection spell on the inside of your dog or cat’s collar.

96. Soak in a milk bath (or just soak your fingers in a bowl of warm milk) on the full moon to embrace the feminine energy. Plus you’ll come away with silky, soft skin. 

97.Hang up palmistry and astrology charts in your home for easy reference and pretty, witchy decor. 

98. Line your windowsills with protective crystals. 

99. Make censing sticks for the seasons, using chamomile buds for spring, lavender for summer, sage for fall and pine for winter. 

100. Just be you and love yourself. Don’t forget you are made of stardust. You are magickal and amazing.

field trip; antelope valley, california

available for purchase here

source

Sure-Fire Ways to Master Your Intuition

1) Scry Half Asleep

Go to a quiet place, and dim the lights.

Close your eyes and ask your higher power a question.

Pay attention to what you see. Names… numbers… faces… dates.

Once the visions stop, open your eyes and note them down.

After a few days, see if and how they manifested.

I once saw an old clock and heard the word “Praha”. I ended up being sent to Prague on a fully paid trip unexpectedly.

At first, your visions will mean nothing. They will be shallow. A McDonald’s signage… A TV commercial… This is your intuition warming up. Soon enough, it will be sprinting. As long as you keep going.

2) Designate People to Tarot

To a beginner, the characters in tarot can feel out of reach and intimidating. Bring them down to earth.

Does Strength remind you of your mother? Is she calm and fearless in the face of danger?

Does The Fool remind you of Harry Potter? Is he young and untrained, but rich in nerve and courage?

Do you see yourself in the Seven of Pentacles? Always planting seeds that are never quite ripe enough for harvest?

The next time you read tarot, you will not be seeing strangers, but people you know by heart. This is how your intuition can connect to the cards.

3) Record Your Dreams

Keep a journal on your nightstand.

The moment you wake up, write down what you remember. No matter how meaningless, no matter how strange.

Did you see yourself naked in public? Or late for class? Perhaps falling from a building? The theme here is fear.

Did you see a younger version of yourself? In a playground? Maybe eating a snack no longer sold today? The theme is nostalgia.

Analyze your own dreams. Research them further if you like.

This is you bridging the gap between your conscious and subconscious. This is you taming your intuition.

4) Know People’s Zodiac Signs

Be curious about your teachers’, superiors’ and peers’ astrological personality, even if only through their Sun sign.

Watch how the Air signs harmonize with Fire, yet clash with Earth and Water.

See how a Scorpio is quietly strong in her intensity, while an Aries is loud with his.

Life is complicated, and people are complex. But if you can understand their basic instincts, you will make fewer foes and more friends.

More importantly, your intuition will be able to warn if a person wishes you harm.

5) Devour Literature

For all the intricacies of life, every feeling that has ever been felt has already been recorded.

See movies. Read books. Really hear the words. Really watch the gestures.

Understanding characters is a step to understanding people, which ultimately leads to understanding yourself.

It will help you realize that your intuition is not some external being that is difficult to grasp. You will find that it and you have always been one right from the start.