Althaea Sebastiani's Blog, page 3

On Talking to Other People's Dead Folk

The last week has been one filled with spirits. While that’s generally to be expected at this time of year, as our minds naturally fall toward thoughts of death and the beyond, so many of these spirits that filled my days were the beloved dead of others. Here, a collection of photos documenting this week. Witch's Whisk, Mullein Leaf, & Turtle Bones Although I may not work with my own ancestors, for more reasons than I feel like revealing, at this past Dark Moon my bone kit had a...

Creating Your Spiritual Calendar

Thirst for knowledge and intensity is a common trait within the witchcraft community. It’s a driving force that keeps our minds open to information and experiences, actively seeking them out. But in the search for advanced witchcraft or advanced magick, the importance of consistent, repetitive application of beginner level skills is often forgotten. That thirst for knowledge keeps us searching and we forget to not just fully develop our skills but to hone them to the point where their...

7 Year Blogiversary

Screencatch of The Tarot Witch from 9/23/10. This was mine & my husband's 1st website & my 1st venture into writing publically about witchcraft & Paganism. Pic is linked to the way back machine so you can see what the site was & was trying to be. It was later dissolved & all articles were moved here, such as the articles on "Candle Spells" & "Autumn: the Time of the Fall," as caught in this archive photo. It’s hard to believe this blog has been existence for seven years now! Throughout t...

My Book on Home Warding is Now Available

Thanks to my beautiful backers on patreon, my first book is now available for purchase!

For as much as warding is a fundamental part of witchcraft, it really isn't given much discussion. Even the ambiguously worded and highly generic topic of protection magick is rarely discussed in enough detail to be of actual effective use. With an emphasis on warding your home, this books aims to correct that and to provide you with practical information you can immediately put to use.

The book begins...

What is Throwing the Bones?

Throwing the bones is a very old form of divination that can be found in numerous cultures throughout the world. There are many different approaches, techniques, and even pieces used in bone divination. It is not a divination method that belongs to any one particular culture nor religion.
Some bone readers have bone kits made up of nearly a hundred pieces, while others may rely upon only four. Some readers work heavily with their ancestors, connecting with them in order to provide you...

7 Simple Ways to Achieve an Altered State of Consciousness

The ability to achieve an altered state of consciousness is a fundamental skill in witchcraft. It facilitates the use of psychic abilities as well as the application of magick. It is also a critical component of awareness and paying attention -the most important skill one can develop as a witch. However, the term altered states is frequently discussed in a manner that makes it seem as if achieving an altered state of consciousness is difficult to accomplish or that it requires the use o...

Walking with Witch-Children

We stepped lightly, feet sinking into the soft sand that lay beside the creek. The air was heavy with the recent storm, the desert air saturated with wetness, and the undeniable feeling of Other. The babyman demanded we walk, pointing to the creek and providing the sweetest little grunts as encouragement. This he did, again, now, pointing at the birds that lay just ahead on the trail.

The oldest two girls followed closely, listening, feeling. This was to be an awareness walk, an exercise...

On Wandering & Staying Put

Committing oneself to adventure and living life on one’s own terms almost requires that the unexpected is to be expected. The plans that one has for themselves are frequently found to be tossed into the wind, with Fate taking, rearranging, and replacing the pieces at will. It necessitates a need for internal calm and adaptability, for stubbornly trying to adhere to that which can no longer work will only make one miserably frustrated. That sort of stress, while to be expected on some oc...

Rambling Thoughts, Adventure Nigh

Clouds rest heavy on the mountains, perfect accompaniment to the wandering thoughts of a wandering drive. I’ve been negligent here.

Life is very full right now, poised on the brink of adventure. The last few months, the children and I have been paused, waiting, biding our time. But now… everything is falling into place and the remaining details are being worked out.

The road calls, the wilderness beckons.

The baby is nearly 9 months old now. The resulting hormonal changes have left me sprea...

How to Make the Dark Moon Work for You

The Dark Moon holds an interesting place within witchcraft. Far more poetic and filled with mystery, just the name alone conjures thoughts of the unknown and makes it seem more plausible that truly nefarious acts are being done beneath its shadow than at any other point in the Lunar cycle. After all, just the name Dark Moon means that this night belongs to those of a more misunderstood bent, those who more comfortably dwell in night, alone, with naught but starlight and candle flame to light...