The Witch of Wanderlust is a mythical figure who embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. She is often depicted as a powerful and enigmatic woman, with a long flowing cloak and a mysterious aura. The Witch of Wanderlust is said to possess the ability to travel effortlessly between different realms and dimensions, using her magical powers to discover new lands and experience diverse cultures. Legend has it that the Witch of Wanderlust is constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. She is driven by a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to push the boundaries of what is known. This restless nature sets her apart from others, as she is not content to stay in one place or conform to societal norms.
Wanderlust Book Tag
I found this tag over at Leigh Hecking’s blog, and I figured it would be a good tag for right now–since we can’t travel in quarantine, why not travel to all sorts of amazing places in books?
Okay, I know how corny that sounded, but really, I swear books have a property to magically transport you anywhere, if the writing’s good enough. I was reading The Black Witch yesterday, and I swear that the imagery made me smell freshly fallen rain on the grass. OOH.
Aaaaaanyway, this tag was created by Reading by Starlight.
THE RULES:
- Mention the creator of the tag and link back to original post [Alexandra @ Reading by Starlight].
- Thank the blogger who tagged you.
- Answer the 10 questions below using any genre.
- Tag 5+ friends.
SECRETS AND LIES: A book set in a small, sleepy town
Salem isn’t necessarily “sleepy,” but how it’s depicted in How to Hang a Witch certainly gives off those vibes.
SALT AND SAND: A book with a beachside community
Hey, Summer of Salt even has salt in the title! What a lovely book 💗
HERE THERE BE DRAGONS: A book with a voyage on the high seas
I need to go back and re-read Daughter of the Pirate King at some point, I remember loving it…
TREAD LIGHTLY: A book set down a murky river or jungle
Nothing creepier than a jungle on an alien planet, right? I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of A Conspiracy of Stars.
FROZEN WASTES: A book with a frost-bitten atmosphere
Even the Darkest Stars should instantly take the cake here. After all, it’s inspired by some of the early expeditions of Mt. Everest.
THE BOONIES: A book with rough or isolated terrain
The Pioneer has such a strange and fascinating–as well as uncharted by humans–landscape that I loved exploring.
HINTERLANDS AND COWBOYS: A book with a western-esque setting
…Um, I can’t think of anything that I’ve read off the top of my head…might have to skip this one…
LOOK LIVELY: A book set across sweeping desert sands
I read We Hunt the Flame last summer, and my memory’s a little shaky, but I loved it!
WILD AND UNTAMED: A book set in the heart of the woods
I still don’t understand why Cursed has such a low rating, I found it such a riveting reimagining of Arthurian legend.
WILDEST DREAMS: A whimsical book shrouded in magic
I just finished The Black Witch…AND I’M ABSOLUTELY SHOOK. EXPECT A REVIEW IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS OR SO.
I tag:
And anyone else who wants to participate! Have fun!
MAKING A DOOR LESS OPEN IS HERE! Definitely expect a review of this one soon…
That’s it for this book tag! Have a wonderful rest of your day, and take care of yourselves!
Magic and Wanderlust
I feel like people these days put too much value in physical offerings. Like, yeah some food and whiskey makes good offerings… But have you considered offering your time? Actions make just as good offerings. Like, you could learn a new hobby in honor of your ancestors because they themselves liked that hobby too. You could learn to play an instrument for them. You could literally just nod your head at their altar in acknowledgement. Time has just as much value as physical offerings.
Colors & Their Magickal Associations
Be it a satchel with herbs and crystals or candles for a simple spell, color has meaning and aid in our spell work.
Here are basic colors and some of their meanings, along with some herbs/flowers/plants/etc associated with those properties.
♡ Black
- Banishing: Cayenne, Clove, Dragon’s Blood, Feverfew, Garlic, Hot Pepper, Mugwort, Rosemary, Wormwood.
- Binding: Dill, Hydrangea, Ivy, Knotweed, Licorice Root, Morning Glory.
- Protection: Anise, Angelica, Bay, Basil, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cumin, Fennel, Leek, Pennyroyal, Rice.
♡ Blue
- Healing: Allspice, Bay, Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Mugwort, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Saffron, Thyme.
- Peace: Gardenia, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Mint.
- Sleep: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lettuce, Rosemary, Thyme.
♡ Brown
- Healing Animals: Allspice, Bay, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clover, Lime, Mugwort, Thyme.
- Home Protection: Anise, Basil, Bay, Caraway, Cedar, Clove, Cotton, Cumin, Fennel, Garlic, Ivy, Lavender, Leek, Marigold, Mint, Mugwort, Oak, Parsley, Rose, Rosemary, Sage.
♡ Green
- Beauty: Aloe, Avacado, Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Thyme, Tumeric.
- Luck: Allspice, Comfrey, Heather, Nutmeg, Oak, Orange, Rose.
- Money: Allspice, Basil, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Jasmine, Orange, Pecan, Sesame, Spearmint.
♡ Orange
- Legal Matters: Buckthorn, Calendula, Hickory, Marigold, Skunk Cabbage.
- Success: Bay, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Marjoram, Rosemary, Safforn, St. John’s Wort
♡ Pink
- Romantic Love: Basil, Catnip, Clove, Clover, Coriander, Damiana, Gardenia, Ginger, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Rose, Thyme, Vanilla.
- Friendship: Bamboo, Gardenia, Lemon, Rosemary, Sweetpea.
♡ Purple
- Healing: Allspice, Bay, Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Mugwort, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Saffron, Thyme.
- Power: Acorn, Black Haw, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Ginger, Rowan, St. John’s Wort, Sunflower.
- Travel: Comfrey, Dill, Fennel, Lucky Hand, Mint, Parsley.
♡ Red
- Courage: Basil, Black Cohosh, Chives, Horseradish, Nettle, Pepper, Sweatpea, Thyme, Yarrow.
- Lust: Avacado, Caraway, Cardamon, Celery, Cinnamon, Daisy, Garlic, Ginseng, Lemongrass, Licorice, Mint, Nettle, Pear, Periwinkle, Rosemary, Saffron, Vanilla, Violet.
- Power: Acorn, Black Haw, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Ginger, Rowan, St. John’s Wort, Sunflower.
- Sex/Sexual Potency: Banana, Bean, Black Cohosh, Caper, Dragon’s Blood, Fig, Grape, Hawthorn, Hazel, Mandrake, Oak, Peach, Poppy, Walnut, Wheat.
- Strength: Bay, Carnation, Mugwort, Mulberry, Pennyroyal, Saffron, St. John’s Wort, Sweetpea, Thistle.
♡ White
- Joy/Happiness: Catnip, Lavender, Marjoram, Saffron.
- Peace: Gardenia, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Mint.
- Protection: Anise, Angelica, Bay, Basil, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cumin, Fennel, Leek, Pennyroyal, Rice.
- Purification: Anise, Bay, Cedar, Coconut, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon, Parsley, Thyme, Tumeric.
♡ Yellow
- Divination: Camphor, Cherry, Dandelion, Fig, Goldenrod, Hibiscus, Lettuce, Meadowsweet, Orange, Pansy, Pomegranate, Rose, St. John’s Wort, Willow.
- Joy/Happiness: Catnip, Cinnamon, Feverfew, Hawthorn, High John the Conqueror, Hyacinth, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mint, Safforn, St. John’s Wort.
- Mental/Psychic Powers: Acacia, Bay, Caraway, Cherry, Citron, Dandelion, Flax, Grape, Mugwort, Orange, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Rue, Spearmint, Star Anise, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow.
How To Sense Your Own Energy
Energy Work 101: Sensing Energy
When first trying to sense energy, it’s suggested you try on crystals and objects first.
The first step to learning to sense crystal energy is to discover which is your sending hand and which is your receiving. Although some ambidextrous people can sense energy equally in both hands, most people find they have one hand in which they feel energy more strongly. Typically, your receiving hand is your nondominant hand and it draws in universal energy. Your sending hand is your dominant hand (the hand with which you write) and moves energy out of the body and back out to the universe after the receiving hand has drawn it in. The process of sending and receiving energy is constant, but you can also consciously direct the energy flow, during healing and meditation, for example.
SENSING YOUR OWN ENERGY FIELD:
A simple way to become familiar with energy is to learn to sense your own. Start by rubbing the palms of your hands together to activate the tiny energy centers located here. Then draw your hands apart and slowly move them together, palms facing one another until you feel the quality of the energy shift or change. Continue moving your hands together and apart to become familiar with the feeling of your energy.
Don’t get caught up on if you can or cannot feel it right away. Use visualization if it helps you. You aren’t imagining it and you’re doing great. Take a minute to just play with the energy. Make it grow larger, make it tiny. Envision it turning into different elements, different shapes, moving around away from your hands using your will and intent to guide it. Play with it, see or sense it in your mind’s eye, and roll with it. It may seem silly at first, but I promise it works.
For some, sensing energy is difficult, it may come more naturally to others but don’t get discouraged. Keep practicing.
SENSING DEITY AND SPIRIT ENERGY:
One great way to get a feel for the energy of your spirits or deities is going to be to have them come to you and put their energy on your back or hands or whatever you feel is right for you. What does the energy feel like? Do you get any images from it? What color do they feel like? Hot or cold? What makes their energy different from others?
In my practice, Bast feels like red velvet. Hades feels cold but fatherly. Rhiannon feels like the color yellow and pale flowers, Medusa feels like staring up at the sun through a lemon tree. See how the energy of the deities feels to you. It may be different for everyone.
ARE YOU OVERTHINKING IT?!
Yeah, okay, we all overthink a lot of things in the craft especially when we first start out. We have no idea what we are doing and rely a lot on our peers or other witchcraft communities for guidelines and shit that, for the most part, may not even be needed.
Here are some frequently seen pitfalls that we can fall victim to and how to overcome them.
This restless nature sets her apart from others, as she is not content to stay in one place or conform to societal norms. The Witch of Wanderlust is known to have a deep connection with nature and the elements. She often taps into the energy of the earth and the sky to fuel her magical abilities.
“I saw a (insert random thing here). Could that be a sign?”
Nobody knows for sure, we weren’t there and we’re not you. Maybe it’s magical, maybe it’s just mundane. Always take into account other external factors in your mundane world before going directly to “it’s a sign!”
Maybe that flock of birds isn’t a sign, maybe it’s just migratory season for that bird.
Maybe all those spiders you are seeing aren’t a sign, maybe it’s just spider breeding season.
You get where I’m going with this? You can also ask for signs that are specific. BE SPECIFIC with the universe. You aren’t asking too much, the universe will answer you. You can ask for a specific sign that is a Color + Noun like an Orange Cat or a Blue Rose, something like that. If you’re not expecting a sign about a specific thing, let the Universe know what your standards are. “I will read things as a sign only if (blank).”
This connection allows her to navigate treacherous terrains and overcome obstacles that would deter others. Many stories portray the Witch of Wanderlust as a loner, forever exploring the unknown on her own terms. She moves through forests, deserts, and mountains, leaving traces of her presence in the form of wildflowers and whispered tales. Despite her solitary nature, the Witch of Wanderlust is said to possess immense wisdom and the ability to communicate with creatures of all kinds. Those who encounter the Witch of Wanderlust are often transformed by the experience. She has a way of igniting a sense of adventure and evoking a yearning for discovery in those she meets. Her presence is said to inspire creativity, courage, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world. The Witch of Wanderlust serves as a reminder to all of us to embrace our innate curiosity and explore the world around us. She teaches us to step outside our comfort zones and seek new experiences that enrich our lives. In a world that often seeks stability and routine, the Witch of Wanderlust shows us the importance of embracing change and embracing the unknown. In conclusion, the Witch of Wanderlust embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. She is a mythical figure who symbolizes the power of curiosity and the desire to push the boundaries of what is known. Her presence inspires others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the beauty and magic of the world..
Reviews for "Traveling with Spirits: The Witch of Wanderlust's Shamanic Journeys."
1. Jane - 2 stars - I found "Witch of Wanderlust" to be a disappointing read. The plot was disjointed and difficult to follow, with too many characters introduced too quickly. The dialogue felt forced and the pacing was inconsistent, making it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, I felt that the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by this novel.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Witch of Wanderlust" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was convoluted and pretentious, making it difficult to connect with the characters or the story. The author seemed more concerned with showcasing their vocabulary than creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. Furthermore, the protagonist lacked depth and motivation, making it hard to invest in their journey. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and well-crafted fantasy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Witch of Wanderlust" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The author attempted to create an intricate and complex world, but it felt overwhelming and confusing instead. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistencies in the plot made it hard to suspend disbelief. The characters lacked development and I found it hard to care about their fates. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and struggled to finish it. I would not recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Witch of Wanderlust" promised an exciting adventure, but it failed to deliver. The story lacked cohesiveness and the world-building felt superficial. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the characters. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with long stretches of little action and then sudden bursts of chaotic events. I struggled to stay engaged with the plot and found the overall reading experience to be underwhelming. I would not recommend this book to others.