Basic Witches: How to Summon Success, Banish Drama, and Raise Hell with Your Coven

by Jaya Saxena

Many women are taught from an early age that any power we have, even power over ourselves, is considered dangerous, but witches revel in that danger. Ambition, assertiveness, nonconformity, high standards, the ability to say no, control over your own body: all witchcraft, by our definition.

black is the color of vast things: the night sky, the deep earth, the inside of your head when you close your eyes.

Reds grant strength and power; blues are all about tranquility and peace. Yellow connotes joy, green deals with luck (especially in finances), and purple signifies healing. (The signs of the zodiac are sometimes associated with specific hues, too.) Pair colors with facial features to further strengthen this magic. Want to channel female energy to your soul? Cover your eyelids in silver powder. Want to encourage kind words to come out of your mouth? Paint your lips orange. Want everything you touch to bring you financial success? Get yourself a green manicure.

POWERFUL SCENTS TO TRY For happiness: frankincense, lemon, and grapefruit

For mental acuity: rosemary, lemon, and jasmine For strength and vigor: peppermint For calm and comfort: orange, vanilla, and lavender For creativity: vanilla and cinnamon For attractiveness: black licorice, lavender, and pumpkin pie spice (really)

“Do you want advice, or do you want to vent?” “Would it help to talk more about what happened?” “What do you plan to do next?” “Do you need someone to go with you?”