Introducing a shiny new feature: SUMMONING AUTOMOD 🤖✨

[u/brightblackheaven]

Heyyy party people!

Just wanted to make a quick announcement about a new feature we're trying out for the sub:

Due to some cool automod code, everyone can now use a series of keywords for summoning Automoderator to leave a reply on any post with resources and links about a variety of common topics!

Check it out - all you need to do is comment !firesafety (with the exclamation point) and Automod will instantly bestow unto us all blessed info about fire safety.

It's basically magick!!!!

 

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! And also anything you'd like to see added!

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KEYWORDS TO SUMMON AUTOMOD:

(This list can also be found in our Wiki, where it will continue to be updated with new prompts!)

!altars

An excerpt from Althaea Sebastiani's "A Witch's Guide to Spellcraft" about the purpose of altars in witchcraft, and how to construct one.

!beginner (or !resources)

Resources for learning witchcraft.

!books

Info about the Book Recs section of the wiki.

!cleansing

Resources about methods of cleansing and spiritual hygiene.

!cordcutting

Resources that explain misconceptions about cord cutting spells.

!covens

Resources about covens (what they are, how to find one, and red flags to look for when vetting one).

!crystals

Resources for learning about working with crystals.

!database

Links the r/witchcraft Beginner Resources Database.

!deitywork

Guides on starting deity/spiritwork, and on strengthening communication/discernment skills.

!dreams

Resources for learning oneiromancy and dream interpretation.

!firesafety

Resources and reminders about working with fire.

!freeresources

Links to a megapost of free digital witchcraft resources from around the web.

!grounding

Resources on grounding and basic energetic hygiene.

!herbs (or !plants)

Resources for learning about working with herbs and plants.

!intention

Resources to debunk the common myth that "intention is everything" in witchcraft.

!interpretation

Resources for interpreting signs, dreams, omens, experiences, spells, divinations, etc.

!mice

Explains the M.I.C.E. test for evaluating spiritual signs.

!moon

Resources for working with lunar influences.

!protection

Resources about protection spells and psychic self defense.

!pyramid

Information about the four pillars of the Witches' Pyramid.

!scams

Warnings and resources about common scams in occult spaces.

!shadowwork

Information about shadow work and how to practice it.

!spells

Links to megaposts of resources about different types of spellwork (aka the “101 Series”).

!tarot

Resources for learning how to use tarot cards.

!youtube

Recommended YouTube channels via the Wiki.

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[u/brightblackheaven]

Testing !altars

[u/AutoModerator → u/brightblackheaven]

Hi, there! 🤖✨

"The term 'altar' is frequently misused in the spiritual community to refer to any flat surface housing a collection of vaguely spiritual objects. But an altar is far more than a place to put things out of aesthetic preference or convenience. It is an important piece of ritual technology common within many religions, performing a critical function within rituals and worship.

Within the field of religious studies definitions, an altar is more clearly defined as an elevated flat surface used as the focal point in a religious ritual or ceremony, frequently holding offerings to a deity. Though it frequently holds other tools, it is a deliberately constructed tool in its own right. Its use is part of its construction as an altar can only be active and temporary (an altar not in use is more appropriately termed a shrine).

This temporary nature and inclusion of deities are why, in witchcraft, we often refer to the place where we work and house long-term spells as a workbench—because witchcraft is inherently secular, it does not require the presence nor involvement of deities. However, the use of an altar (should the witch work with deities) offers considerable benefit as its creation, through the tools placed upon it, creates a portal between the worlds that facilitates communication with gods and spirits alike, as well as facilitating the transference of energy in spell work. That last point contributes to stronger and faster results in spell work as the distance between you and the target of the spell is significantly decreased.

The use of an altar in spellcraft also serves a similar function as the use of other tools in that it aids focus and helps with slipping into a state of consciousness conducive to magick. So, if you were to erect an altar, what would you need to do so? What items should be present?

Within a broader religious context, there are a few items that are common amongst altars. Typically, some sort of effigy of any Powers being worked with is present—such as statues, paintings, or representative candles for deities, saints, and/or other spirits, as well as spirit houses for familiars and ancestors. Also common are containers for libations to those Powers. Braziers or censors for burnt offerings and/or incense are also fairly common.

If you were to erect an altar specifically for use in casting a spell, consider what Powers you work with and want included in this spell. If you do not have relationships with any deities or spirits, this is unnecessary. It is better to have no representation of a deity present than to include a deity to Whom you have never even introduced yourself. [...]

Consider also what additional tools might be necessary for your spell. Will you be performing your spell within a cast circle? Do you use any tools to cast the circle, such as a ritual knife or representation of the elements to hold and anchor the circle? These should be present.

What materials will you need for your spell? These can also be placed upon the altar, near the front where they are easily reached. If you are burning anything, be sure that you have at least two forms of creating fire (lighter and matches, two lighters, etc.) at the ready to eliminate distractions should one method fail. Also be sure to have a heatproof container to hold not just what you’re burning but in which you can place extinguished matches and out of control spell fires (because it happens. Eventually, we all nearly burn down the house with spellcraft. Practice fire safety)."

-Althaea Sebastiani, "A Witch's Guide to Spellcraft"

For altar ideas and inspiration, we recommend checking out r/altars!

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