BOOK OF SHADOWS

Countless shelves filled to the brim with massive books meet visitors of this section of the library. The architecture is grand and gothic, great beautiful stained glass windows casting a rainbow of colors onto the clean hardwood floor. Arches and wooden ceiling beams run across the endless and bewitching space as dark and rich colors fill the eye. The books in this section are organized and upright, not a single slant, torn page, or fallen book found.

Upon first glance is it obvious these books are magical. Leather-bound and massive, those who open these books are met with an anbundant sea of knowledge. While some books have pristine, white pages and others have old, yellowing pages, they are all nonetheless handwritten in unfadable dark ink. Standing against the sands of time, the clear and legible writing of these books introduces its readers to the world of witchcraft. This section of the library holds Mikaela's Book of Shadows.

Also sometimes known as a Book of Spells, a Book of Shadows is a book used by witches to record their practice. Spells, rituals, diagrams, sigils, notes - anything a witch uses in their craft can be stored in one. Come, open a book and learn more about the creator of ATHEOS and their craft.

The key to magic is yourself. With no gods and no masters, each person the master of themselves. With magic, people can improve and manipulate their physical bodies and minds. My magic is free, flexible, and personalizable, usable by anyone. This book is not a bible, a handbook, or some sort of holy scripture. This book holds no magical properties and nothing inside is a stipulation. This book is merely a guide, what readers do with these words are up to themselves.
In magic, everything is about intention and your personal self. Your personal being and what you want comes before established rituals and tradition. Establishments can act as a guide, but what ultimately matters is yourself and what you want to do in that moment. My personal practice involves the use of things such as spell jars, pouches, herbs, candles, incense, crystals, etc. and lots of things traditionally found in witchcraft. However, overall, my witchcraft is a rejection of tradition and organized religion. As a highly personal belief, it is ok if my beliefs and practices change over time, because I place myself before establishments. Nothing it set in stone, what matters most is what you want.
The personal practice of other witches may include different things, and their practices are just as valid as mine. Some may follow deities believing them to real beings or follow strict religions unlike myself, and that is perfectly fine. My beliefs are not better than theirs. I do not have to interject myself into the beliefs of others just because they believe in something I personally reject.
This Book of Shadows is a mixture between personal beliefs (UPG) and the beliefs found in witchcraft and satanism. It is completely atheistic in nature: there are no deities, spirits, ghosts, or metaphysical existing world believed. The only thing believed in is yourself and your body. You are your own master. You are the sole owner of your body and life, and nobody has the right to control you. As your own master, you are free to do whatever you want for your body, beit harmful or helpful. There is no ‘higher’ being whose stipulations you have to follow.
There is no equality, but there is no hierarchy either. Human beings can have differing qualities - some can be physically stronger, more intelligent, etc - but there is no metaphysical hierarchy that shifts the placement of humans on a scale. By metaphysical hierarchy, I mean the existence of things such as ‘grace’. There is no being ‘holier’ than another and nobody has ‘divine right’. Here, there are no concepts of karma, sin, grace, etc. and there are no metaphysical consequences for actions and nor are there any metaphysical obligations. Simply put, there is no sky daddy who will smite you if you steal a cookie from the cookie jar and plays favorites with humanity.
With the rejection of the metaphysical and atheistic beliefs, it may be asked why I even practice witchcraft. In regards to this, the example of music can be used. In the end, music is nothing but organized sound. And yet, music has the capability to greatly manipulate humans. It can make them happy, sad, angry, mournful - but all it is is just sound. It is not like the music itself is reaching out and grabbing you by the throat. All of it is in your brain.
The same is with this practice. I perform witchcraft because it makes me feel good. Healing of self, personal growth, and protection are the highlights of this practice. No, I don’t actually believe that stuffing herbs into a jar will suddenly solve all my problems. I believe that if I want to change my life, I must take direct action myself and can’t simply write down some symbols or light some candles and hope my problems will go away. However, writing symbols and lighting candles could be the acts that finally give me the motivation to fix my problems. This is the purpose of my magic.
Before we get into the bulk of my practice, let me give a quick disclaimer. My practice is highly personalized. My beliefs come from a mixture of traditional witchcraft beliefs, the historical context and uses of things, and UPG. UPG stands for Unverified Personal Gnosis, and it is a term to refer to beliefs gained through personal experience and intitution, not tradition or science. In this book, I will not specify when I am using UPG. Hence, you can take everything I say with a grain of salt and you should keep in mind the practices I describe in this book may not be considered traditional witchcraft. This is the book of a singular witch describing their highly personal craft.

This form of witchcraft heavily uses the gifts of the Earth. The beliefs I've attached to each herb come from a mixture of their physical properties, their history, and my UPG. Herbs can be used in a variety of ways, such as spell jars, amulets, burning, infusions, etc. Later entries will cover how herbs can be used in practice.

BAY LEAVES

The bay leaf, also called laurel leaf, is an aromatic leaf from the sweet bay tree, Laurus nobilis, an evergreen from the family Lauraceae indigenous to countries bordering the Mediterranean.
Etymology - The scientific name of Bay leaves is Laurus nobilis, believed to derive from the Celtic word laur meaning green and the Latin nobilis signifying nobile.
History - Bay Leaves are associated with Apollo. When the nymph Daphne tried to avoid him she turned into the first laurel tree, which Apollo adopted as his sacred tree. Versions of the story vary. One tells that Daphne was fiercely independent and wild. Instead of giving herself to Apollo, she pleaded with her father, the river god Ladonas, to transform her. Another account states Apollo was wounded by an arrow of Eros, and fell madly in love with Daphne. She fled from his advances and was changed into the bay laurel moments before her capture. All versions agree Apollo was astounded by the tree’s beauty that he claimed it as his own and dedicated it to reward the highest achievements of Greek civilization.
A narcotic and stimulant in large amounts, it was an important part of Delphic rites. Apollo’s prophetic priestesses at Delphi chewed and burned bay leaves in divination. Placing bay leaves beneath pillows was thought to bring prescient dreams. Bay is a herb of poets, oracles, warriors, statesmen, and doctors. The leaves were made into wreaths for illustrious poets and bay was used to crown the victor of games in ancient Greece and Rome. Bay laurel is the symbol of wisdom.
Strongly associated with the gods and people of high esteem, it gained the reputation of protecting against all manner of natural and manmade disasters. The Caesars appropriated bay as their special protector against accidents and conspiracies.
Use - Fire element. Associated with the sun and elements of wind and fire, bay symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. Bay also symbolizes victory, and can attract love, luck, and positive feelings. Bay can protect and purify spaces and people. Bay leaves are protective, warding off evil and dispelling negative entities and energies. Overall, bay leaves have a positive connotation and symbolizes luck, victory, prosperity, and happiness. Connected to Daphne, bay leaves also bring forth independence and strength. Bay leaves represent the conviction to achieve your goals.
Wishes and wantings can be written on bay leaves and burned. The ashes can be used in spells to get what you want. Bay leaves can be used in spells and charms to bring prosperity, luck, success, abundance, healing, and positive transformation.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvaceae. The genus is large, comprising several hundred species native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
Etymology - From Latin hibiscum, meaning “marshmallow plant,” and from Greek hibiskos, meaning “mallow.”
History - The earliest and most extensive cultivation of the various species of hibiscus began in China. Hawaii has its own native species of hibiscus and they were crossed with imports from other islands and China to make many of the variations of hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus flowers have great symbolic use. The red hibiscus is the flower of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is considered to be the Master of death, time and change. She is also said to be the Parvati, the supreme of all powers, or the ultimate reality. She is the goddess of time, change, creation, destruction, and power. Hibiscus is used as an offering to the goddess and the god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, in Hindu worship.
Use - Water element. Hibiscus is flowery, having a connection to nature and is grounding. The dark red color of hibiscus is passionate, making the flowers symbolize love, lust, but also harmony and peace. Hibiscus flowers can be used in self-love spells and spells meant to bring forth positive self-image and emotions. With its connection to the gods Ganesha and Kali, hibiscus can also bring forth power and assist people in removing obstacles. As such, hibiscus is a good herb to use in spells of self-love, self-confidence, power, and encouragement to overcome life's obstacles. But the power the herb brings to its users can also be used to bring forth harmony and peace. The love, cofidence, and power the herb brings does not have to be violently passionate. It is up to the intent of the user. This is the power of this herb.

BASIL

Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a herb of the family Lamiaceae, a family of flowering mint plants. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia.
Etymology - The name “basil” comes form the Latin basilius and the Greek basilikon phuton, meaning “royal/kingly plant”, possibly because the plant was believed to be used in production of royal perfumes. The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk’s venom.
History - There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. In French basil is sometimes referred to as “l’herbe royale”, the royal herb. Basil may have been used in some royal ungunet, bath, or medicine. Basil has religious significance in the greek orthodox church, where it is used to sprinkle holy water. Holy basil, also called tulsi, is highly revered in Hinduism, where it is placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. In India, basil is placed in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach god. Similarly, the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed basil would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on. Europeans placed basil in the hand of the dead to ensure safe passage to the next plane of existence.
Use - Fire element. Although the herb historically has been used for the dead, my practice rejects the existence of another plane and thus won't be used as it was historically. Instead, the royalty of the herb is to be called upon. Basil is a herb of luck, success, confidence, and strength. Basil brings forth royal confidence and determination.
For reasons I will not name, this herb has a high personal connection and importance to me. As such, Basil is highly connected to yourself and self identity. It is grounding and affirming. It brings forth confidence that you are yourself and that you have the strength to do what you want. Basil is affirming and connective, grounding and rooting. Basil brings forth inner power and strength. As such, Basil can be used in self-love spells and spells concerning yourself. It can be used in success and confidence spells. Keeping in line with its historic uses, basil could possibly be used during the creation of poppets, bringing life to them and connecting them to their creator so that they may fulfil their duties.

CENTAURY

Centaury, or Centaurium erythraea, is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family. The herb reaches half a meter in height and has a leafy, erect stem that may branch. The flower is pinkish-lavender and about a centimeter across with yellow anthers. It flowers from June until September. The herb is widespread across Europe and parts of western Asia and northern Africa and has been introduced to other parts of the world.
Etymology - The herb is commonly known as “feverfoullie”, “gentian”, or “centaury.”
The name “Centaury” harbs back to the centaur Chiron, the wounded healer of Ancient Greek legend, who used it to successfully heal a wound caused by a poison arrow. The ancients named the plant Fel Terrae, or “Gall of the Earth” for its extreme bitterness. Because it was used to treat fevers, it earned the name “feverwort” or “feverfoullie.” In some parts of Europe centaury is affectionately referred to as “Stand Up and Go Away” because anyone partaking of its bitter taste in a tea or tonic is likely to do that.
Centum means 100 and aurum means gold, and thus the medieval Europeans called the plant “Hundred Guilder Herb.”
History - The European century is used as a medical herb in many parts of Europe and is said to help kidney damage for people with diabetes, loss of appetite, and indigestion, as centaury contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation, but there is no good scientific evidence to support this.
Centaury is named in honor of Chiron the Centaur, the legendary half-man and half-horse Ancient Greek legend who healed his own arrow wounds with centaury and later taught the herbal healing arts to Achilles, Jason, Aesculapius, and Hercules. The Anglo-Saxons used it for snakebites and other poisons, and for bringing down fevers. The herb has a long history of traditional use as a digestive tonic.
An old Pagan ritual with the goal of gaining the blessing of their goddess healing herbs found in their fields still takes place in Germany today. The herbs, may include centaury, are gathered and presented in bundles or seven or nine (these are magickal numbers) and are placed over the entryway of homes to safeguard its occupants from disease or mishap. Should illness or misfortune befall them, the bundle is burned to banish its source.
Use - Centaury drives off snakes and reduces negative energies. Many spiritual traditions will burn or scatter the herb to banish evil or use it in a bath to wash away negative energies. Altogether, centaury is a highly protective herb, warding against illness and misfortune. Its bitterness drives away negative people in your life. Use this herb to take control of the bad things in your life and banish them.

HOREHOUND

Horehound is a bitter perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. The plant is coarse, strongly aromatic, less than 3 feet tall, with square stems. The flowers are white, borne in clusters.
Etymology - Possibly derived from Old English hoar, meaning “white,” “light-colored” and hune, a word of unknown origin designating a class of herbs or plants. Could also come from har and hune, meaning downy plant. Another suggested derivation is from the name of the Egyptian god of sky and light, Horus. Egyptians once called horehound the “Seed of Horus.”
History - Horehound has a large medicinal history. It was one of the herbs in medicine chests of the Egyptian pharaohs. In Roman times, Caesar’s antidote for poison included horehound. It is also used in Jewish Passover rites.
Use - Air and Earth element. Considering its historical uses, horehound can be used extensively in protection and healing spells. It is also a grounding herb, able to be used for protection against negative energies and healing. It can help with mental clarity during rituals and helps mental focusing.

LAVANDIN FLOWERS

Also called lavandula and lavender, it is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, lamiaceae.
Etymology - The English word lavender is generally thought to be derived from Old French lavandre, from the Latin lavare (to wash), referring to the use of infusions (extracting chemical compounds or flavors) of the plants. The botanic name Lavandula is considered to be derived from this and other European vernacular names for the plants. However, the name could also be derived from the Latin livere, meaning “blueish.”
History - The ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfume. Ancient Greeks used lavender to fight insomnia and back aches. The Romans used lavender oils for cooking, bathing, and scenting the air. Romans used lavender oil in soaps and carried it with them. They used Lavender for its antiseptic healing qualities. In Medieval and Renaissance France, lavender was used to scent drawers, perfume the air, and ward off infection and heal wounds.
Use - Air element. Lavender is useful for sleep and calming, and rest from distress. Lavender is also useful for grounding and affirming yourself. Lavender can also be used for protection, peace, love, and purification. Lavender brings forth stability, tranquility, and harmony. Lavender can bring a tranquil type of protection, as opposed to passionate and fierce protection like centaury. However, this does not make lavender more weak. Lavender's power lies in its soothing abilities. It can be used in all types of healing spells which aim to calm the user.

MEADOWSWEET

Meadowsweet is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Rosaceae. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it grows easily in damp places, preferring ditches, damp woods and meadows, and the banks of streams and rivers. It blooms in summer, from June to late August in Britain. Meadowsweet has delicate, graceful, creamy-white flowers clustered closed together and has a very strong, sweet smell.
Etymology - Meadowsweet has various names including Filipendula Ulmaria, mead wort, queen of the meadow, pride of the meadow, meadow-wort, meadow queen, lady of the meadow, dollof, meadsweet, and bridewort.
In Chaucher’s The Knight’s Tale, it is known as meadwort and was one of the ingredients in a drink called “save.” It has the name bridewort because it was strewn in churches for festivals and weddings and often made into bridal garlands. In Europe, it took the name “queen of the meadow” for the way it can dominate a low-lying, damp meadow.
The name ulmaria means “elmlike,” possibly in reference to its individual leaves which resemble those of the elm (a type of tree). The generic name Filipendula comes from filum, meaning “thead” and pendulus, meaning “hanging.” This is said to describe the root tubers that hang characteristically on the genus, on fibrous roots.
History - Meadowsweet is one of the three main herbs sacred to the Druid traditions. In medieval times, meadowsweet was a favorite strewing herb, dropped around the floor to fragrance the room as people walked over it. The smell was said to make the heart merry and joyful and delight the senses. According to the national records of Scotland, meadowsweet was used in a bath to temper the rage of the Irish warrior Cuchulainn. It is said the herb got its lovely fragrance from Aine, the Celtic goddess of summer and wealth who represents the sun, love and fertility.
Use - Air element. Meadowsweet has a connection to nature and signifies freedom, strength, and independence. Meadowsweet is widely used in love spells due to its beauty and fragrance. Meadowsweet also brings forth peace and happiness, calming and releasing tension. Meadowsweet brings delight and joy to the heart and can temper rage and other brutal negative feelings. Being historically used in weddings and having a lovely fragrance, the herb can also be used for love.

MUGWORT

Mugwort is an aromatic flower plant in the genus Artemisia. Artemisia is a diverse genus of plants belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Artemisia is derived from Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, fertility, forests, and hills.
Etymology - There are multiple ways the name Mugwort came to be. It could come from the Old Norse word muggi, meaning “marsh”, the German word wuertz, meaning “root”, and mucg, a variation of the old english word for “midge”. The wort in mugwort comes from the old english wyrt, meaning “root/herb/plant”. Wurz means root in old high german, and urt means plant in old norse.
Ultimately, Mugwort appears to come from a mixture of words with very earthly meanings, including marsh, root, midge, root, herb, and plant. That means this plant has a high connection to nature and the ground. Coming from the Artemisia family furthers the connection to nature because artemisia comes from Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, chastity, and childbirth.
History - Mugwort has been used historically for protective purposes. In European middle ages, Mugwort was used as a magical protective herb and was used to repel insects - especially moths - from gardens. Roman soldiers put mugwort in their sandals to protect their feet against fatigue and cramps. Native Americans believed rubbing the leaves of mugwort on their body will keep ghosts away. Japan has an ancient custom of hanging mugwort and iris leaves together outside homes in order to keep evil spirits away because evil spirits dislike the smell of mugwort. Mugwort has been used throughout history to protect against evil spirits and possession and protection for road weary travelers.
Use - Earth element. Mugwort has a high connection to nature and the earthy ground. Thus, mugwort is highly connected to nature and, because your physical body is a part of nature, your physical body as well. Mugwort is highly grounding, making it useful for antianxiety and calming spells. Mugwort is also incredibly protective, protecting against negativity and negative energies. It can ward against and drive away the negative people in your life. Mugwort is also protective for travelers and helps combat fatigue.
Mugwort is said to bring prophetic and lucid dreams. It can be stuffed into dream pillows or drunk as a tea for dream enhancement. It is also often used to consecrate and dress instruments for divination. It is also said to help astral travel. In this witchcraft, mugwort can simply be used to help sleep and bring forth intended types of dreams and sleep.

PASSIONFLOWER

Passionflower is native to the southern United States. Its flowers are striking and flamboyant, displaying five stamens and three stigmas. There are five petals and sepals, and a collar of threadlike, frilly, lavender-colored coronal filaments. It grows in relatively poor sandy soil and prefers full sun and a trellis or fence to wrap itself around. It grows in disturbed areas and is considered a weed.
Etymology - The story goes that in 1569, a Spanish doctor in Peru ‘discovered’ (putting discovered in quotes because he was a colonizer, the first people to discover the plant would be the natives) the plant and it came into the hands of Spanish missionaries who saw the flower as a physical representation of the crucifixion of jesus. They decided to name the flower passionflower after the passion of jesus.
History - Passionflower has a rich history of traditional use dating back to historical times. Seeds thousands of years old were found in Virginia, where the Algonkian Indians thrived. Early European settlers have records that Algonkian Indians ate the passionflower fruit. Passionflower has been used as a magical charm to attract friendships and bring peace. The leaves have been placed in houses to elicit harmony and lesson discord.
Use - Water element. Passionflower is cooling to the body, calming to the mind, and soothing to the spirit. It quells and calms the bothered mind, promoting natural relaxation and helps in coping with stress. Its effects are gentle yet profound. Passionflower brings forth harmony, lessons discord, and brings about peace.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an aromatic member of the mint family native to the Mediterranean. It is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. It is a member of the sage family Lamiaceae.
Etymology - Derives from Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea.”
History - Highly popular in ancient Rome and Greece, it was common in art and on statues. The Egyptians used it for cleansing and healing, having a range of rituals based around it. Egyptians used it in burial rituals. Rosemary was popular in the middle ages as a symbol of love for weddings and a spring was thrown into the grave for remembrance at funeral ceremonies. Rosemary has been used often in burial or memorial rites. From the Middle Ages, Rosemary was sprinkled under the mattress to repel nightmares.
Use - Fire element. Rosemary fulfills lots of purposes. Connected to aphrodite, Rosemary can be used in love spells and has aphrodisiac effects. More innocently, rosemary brings forth general good vibes, calmness, peace, and positivity. Rosemary attracts good energy and its scent energises the mind.
Furthermore, Rosemary can be used for protection and warding off evil spirits and nightmares. Placing rosemary under a pillow promotes sleeping and warding off evil spirits in nightmares. Rosemary can be burned to purify a room or ritual space before performing magic. Rosemary can also be used for purification, cleaning, and sanctification.

ST JOHN’S WORT

Also called Hypericum Perforatum, St. John’s Wort is native to Europe and traditionally gathered around the time of the summer solstice.
Etymology - It is called St. John’s Wort because it commonly flowers, blossoms, and is harvested at the time of the summer solstice in late June, around St. John’s Feast Day on 24 June.
The genus name Hypericum is possibly derived from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture), in reference to the tradition of hanging plants over religious icons in the home during St. John’s Day.
History - St. John’s Wort has folkloric uses during the middle ages. It was believed the herb helped people from curses, demons, and lightning. It was given as a tea to calm the mentally ill, and in modern times it is used in teas to treat depression and mental illnesses. The herb would be hung on houses and stall doors on St. John’s Feast day to ward off evil spirits and to safeguard against harm and sickness to people and live-stock.
Use - Fire element. St. John’s Wort has great protective elements, useful for dispelling negative energies and purifying and protecting homes and spaces. The herb can be used in warding and protection. It promotes healthy moods, emotional balance, emotional healing, and recovery from traumatic or unfortunate events. Of the fire element, it was burned during rituals of exorcism. St. John’s Wort also promotes romance and longevity.

WORMWOOD

Also called Artemisia absinthium, wormwood is a moderately poisonous species of Artemisia native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa.
Etymology - Artemisia comes from Artemis, who is Greek goddess of the hunt and protector of the forest and children in Hellenistic culture. The name absinthium comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning the same.
The word “wormwood” may come from the Middle English wormwode or wermode, which have obscure origins. It could possibly come from the ancient use of the plant as anthelmintic, expelling parasitic worms.
History - Wormwood has been used in flavoring the notorious liquor Absinthe, as well as some other liquors, wine, and spirits. In the middle ages it was used to spice mead and was used to cure intestinal worms.
Culpeper, the seventeenth-century herbalist, considered it a good treatment for injuries done by creatures such as wasps, hornets, or scorpions. It is much connected to snakes and was considered a protectant against snake bites.
In Russia, wormwood was used against the green-haired Rusalki, female water spirits who in spring would leave their watery bodies and walk in the woods. If you had to go into the woods when the Rusalki were about, you were advised to carry a handful of wormwood, which they could not stand.
Use - Wormwood is highly protective, being used to keep unwanted visitors away and protecting from bad people and energies. Wormwood can be utilized to banish anger and turn back negative energy. Wormwood signifies freedom from disturbance.
With a connection to Artemis, wormwood is connected to nature, wild creatures, and the hunt. In other forms of witchcraft, wormwood has a strong connection to the spirit world, and is useful in the invocation of the spirit, clairvoyance, and increasing psychic powers. Wormwood has also been used as a tool for getting vengeance through sorcery.

WITCH'S BLACK SALT

Black salt is a common ingredient used in protection and ritual spells. There are multiple types of black salt used in witchcraft, and it is very popular. Some types, such as himalayan black salt or black lava salt, are found naturally in the earth and instantly ready to use in spells. The type I will describe in this entry, which I refer to as witch's black salt, is one that you make yourself. There are multiple ways to make witch's black salt, and ultimately it is up to the witch to decide how they want to make it. The most common way is to take grind white salt, incense ashes, egg shells, and charcoal all together to create a black or dark grey salt. Some witches will also add a variety of herbs to the mix or skip the use of egg shells - witch's black salt is to each their own. Here I will describe how I make my own black salt and what it means to me.
The base of black salt is, of course, salt. I burn a lot of incense every day, and instead of using a typical incense burner I pour white sea salt into a glass bowl and then sitck the incense upright in the salt so that the ashes fall into the sand and later remove the stick and place it in a small glass. Doing this completes the first step of making black salt.
When I decide I need more black salt or I want to remove the salt that is currently in the bowl, I begin the actual process of making black salt. First, I take the used incense sticks I've saved and burn them all in my cauldron. I take the ashes and bits and pour them into my mortar and pestle and begin grinding up the remains. Afterwards, I take out any large unburned parts that cannot be ground up or burned and discard them. Then I pour the ashes and remains into my jar of black salt.
Finally, I pour the salt mixed with incense ashes into the jar of black salt, close the lid firmly, and begin shaking the jar to mix the new salt with the old salt. I prefer my salt to be black or very dark grey in color, and if I feel like the addition of new salt made the color too light, I use charcoal tablets. To make the color darker, I take part of a charcoal tablet, grind it up in my mortar and pestle, add it to my jar of black salt, shake the jar, observe the new color, and repeat until I am satisfied with the color. The reason why I want the color to be black is related to color magick. The color black, in witchcraft, is often associated with protection and warding off negative energy. Thus, the newly black salt becomes usable in protection and ritual spells. I also add pepper to the mixture, as pepper is known for its protective qualities.
Sometimes I will add more herbs to my jar. Sometimes I choose the herbs during the black salt creation process, grind them in a mortar and pestle, and add them to the salt. These chosen herbs often include centaury for its incredible protective qualities and bay leaves for the way it assists in manifestation. Sometimes, I will simply sweep bits of herbs left over from spells I performed on my altar into the salt bowl that later becomes part of my ritual black salt.
I use black salt in almost every single one of my spells for its amazing protective qualities. Using black salt in spells will ward off backlash or unexpected results. It is also especially protective during baneful practices, protecting the witch. When I create spell jars I always use black salt as the first ingredient and use black salt a firm, protective foundation from which the spell is built off of.

III. THE ELEMENTS

Please note this chapter is a major WIP. It shall be updated as I do more proper research on the elements - Mikaela.

The elements - Earth, Air, Fire, and Water - are the basic components of all that exists. In magickal working, the elements should be viewed as more than just their physical forms. For example, Earth refers not only to the planet, but also earthiness and stability. This chapter deals with the magickal symbolism and workings of the elements.

FIRE

In Europe, the mysterious fraternity of the Rosicurcians were sometimes called Philosophi per ignem, the fire-philosophers. This is because, to them, fire was a symbol of transmutation. Unlike the other elements, fire cannot exist without consuming (transmuting) something else. The substance of a candle becomes transmuted by burning and changes into light. In a similar way, they sought to transmute into something better, to attain illumination - enlightenment. They had a mystic saying or motto: igne Natura renovatur integra, “All Nature is renewed by fire.”
Fire was considered to be the most spiritual of the elements, not only because it gives light, but because fire has such an important historical use. Ritualistic dancing around a fire is a primitive ceremony, and seeing images in a fire was an early form of clairvoyance. Similarly, a form of magick today exists where witches 'read' the flame of a candle as it flickers and wavers. Candle-burning for magical purposes is a very popular form of magic. Divination through fire is known as pyromancy.
Fire is a symbol of life-force. Fire is used to cook food and warm homes during the winter, chasing the cold away and inviting warmth. The sun is regarded as the natural ruler of fire, and fire is considered a masculine element and is best represented by the color red, the color of flames.
While fire is a source of life, it is also a source of destruction. Fire burns quickly and brightly, determined to destroy everything in its path. As such, fire represents power and physical strength, as well as determination, willpower, courage, and energy. The element fire inspires others to burn as brightly as itself, to burn their troubles and blaze through challenges. The power and strength fire gives can be used both offensively and defensively, it is up to its user to decide how to use fire's power. Fire can be used in both offensive and defensive magick.
In fire's path of destruction there is opportunity for new beginnings. Upon the ruins new things can be built like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Hence, fire also represents new beginnings, purification and healing. Fire can be used to burn away the old and negative, leaving an empty plot on which positivity and newer, better things can be built.

WATER

Water is a universal symbol of cleansing and regeneration. It is the element of purification, the subconscious mind, love, and emotions. Water is the element of emotions because like water, emotions are fluid and constantly flowing. Water is the element of the subconscious mind because like water, our subconscious mind is rolling and constantly moving like the ocean which never rests. Water is ruled by the moon that gives the ocean its rolling waves.
Water is a cleansing and healing element. We wash ourselves with water to clean ourselves, washing away the grime we accumulate on ourselves each day. Just as in showers and bathing, we can use water magic to wash away impurities (purify) and cleanse. Water gives us life when we are dehyrated and helps a withering plant renew itself. Likewise, water magic can be used in healing and rejuvenation works.
Night or day, the ocean is a constant in our lives. No matter what troubles occur on Earth, the ocean's precense is always assured. Hence, water is the element of peace and relaxation. Let yourself be comforted by the consistent presence of water, and let the peaceful sound of crashing waves against the beach lull you to sleep. Water is the element of sleep, dreams, peace and relaxation.
Water represents emotions, subconscious, dreams, purification, blood, love, healing, peace, compassion, reconciliation, purification, friendship, relaxation, and sleep. Water is linked to clairvoyance and best represented by the color blue, the color of deep water.

AIR

The sign and rush of the wind is part of the magic of air. It lulls the conscious mind into quietness, and thoughts are stilled. The secret of our breath is connected to air. Air is present everywhere, including our bodies. We breathe in air, as it gives us the oxygen we need to live. Air is the element of intellect, the realm of thought, and creation. Air is clear and uncluttered - a powerful tool for change. Air promotes movement and the sending of visualization towards manifestation.
With its conection to the intellect, air is the ruler of instruction, knowledge, discovering lost items, uncovering lies, and knowledge. Air is a great element for students, promoting learning, theorization, thinking, and pondering. Air is the light for wisdom and consciousness, as well as divination. Promoting the functions of the mind, air is also the element of creativity, vision, communication, clarity, intuition, and inspiration.
Air is also the element of travel and freedom. As travelers wander from land to land, the air is a constant friend brushing against them. Air surrounds planes flying the sky and blows the sails of boats crossing the seas. The air is free and boundless, capable of flying anywhere and present all over the world. Whenever one raises their hand to try and stop the air, the air simply goes around.

EARTH

Earth is the foundation of the elements. Across the times, many civilizations envisioned the Earth as a great Mother Goddess, an all-fertile Goddess of nature. The goddess of Earth was revered in ancient times as the Magna Mater, or Great Mother, from whom all things of this physical world were born and to whom all must return to be regenerated and born again. The chief part of her magic is the lore of herbs, flowers, and trees.
From the Earth all things grow. Like flowers and trees, we are also children of the Earth who are nurtured by the Earth and rely on the Earth for us to live. The food we eat and the water we drink comes from her, the Earth. We build our houses on the Earth made from materials of the Earth and the clothes we wear were made from products of the Earth.
Earth is everywhere. When we walk, sit, stand, sleep, and go about our daily lives, we work within the element of Earth. Without Earth, life would not exist. Hence, Earth holds an intimate connection to our phsyical bodies and our lives.
Earth is a feminine, grounding, and nurturing element, promoting stability and growth so that we may grow like the flowers she blooms every spring. No matter what struggles a witch endures, they can be comforted by the fact that the Earth will always be there to hold them and that, one day, they will be reunited with the Earth.
The Earth is the most physical and the most materialistic of the elements. Earth is the element of abundance and prosperity, useful for spells and rituals involving wealth, careers, money, and success. The color green is most associated with the Earth element (see color magick), as green is found everywhere nature is found.