There’s no doubt in the magical community: moonlight is powerful. But, if you stop just leaving your tools out under it and connect with the lunar Goddess first… it becomes even more intense!

We just completed a cycle of the moon and we’re now in the waning phase, headed to a dark moon that will lead quickly into a new moon (and, yes, there’s an absolute difference between those two but that’s another subject for another day). This past full moon cycle definitely came with a little drama, lol - that partial lunar eclipse (at least it was a partial one for most of North America) and I know that a LOT of us witches really felt this one.

But, every full moon, a lot of witches from all parts of the world and from all kinds of practices, put out things to soak up the beautiful lunar energy. From jugs of water, glass jars with water, crystals, tarot decks, spell jars, witchcraft tools, herbs, candles, and even tea. This is so the moon can charge these items for us, imbue the lunar power onto them.

It’s a beautiful and powerful practice but it makes me wonder something…

How many of us are truly and actually connecting with the moon while we’re doing it?

Or, how many of us are simply putting our stuff outside and thinking something like “Yay, I put my stuff out in the moonlight! Time to go to bed and it’ll be charged by tomorrow!” Then walk back inside and that’s the extent of the ritual - thinking the items will just charge themselves. Maybe they will.

I’m not going to tell you that your moon water isn’t magically charged because you didn’t perform a ritual to charge it so if just putting a jar of water outside under the full moon feels powerful to you, then by all means, use it.

But…

But, I think we’re missing something when we do that. If nothing else, I also think we might be pissing off Selene, the Goddess of the Moon, to be quite frank, by not really paying attention to her, by not connecting to her. The intention of actually working WITH the moon is incredibly different than just being under the moon.

The Moon Isn’t Just a Light in the Sky

What is the moon?

• An astronomical body;

• An astrological body;

• A source of light through the darkness;

• A representation of cycles, change, intuition, emotions, death, and rebirth;

• A presence or deity, such as Selene, the Titan Goddess who is the Greek personification of the moon (btw, she’s not just associated with the moon - She IS the moon).

If you work with any lunar deity (and even if you don’t), you can approach the full moon as more than just an energetic charging station. You can approach it as a relationship; an acknowledgment.

Sit for a few minutes under her light, think about what aspect of the moon most fascinates you. Speak to her, offer gratitude for her light, ask her for her presence, then intentionally invite that lunar energy into your magical workings, into your water, your tools, your crystals, etc.

Don’t Just Leave Your Stuff Outside

Let’s take the example of making moon water. We all know the straightforward process right? Fill a clear container with water, put it where it can receive moonlight, leave it overnight, collect it in the morning, and you’re done, right?

There’s nothing wrong with that but what if, instead, you sat outside with your jar of water under the moon’s light. Held it in your hands, felt its weight, thought about what you’re asking the water to hold for you, what energies? (e.g. growth, transformation, seeing the unseen, emotional healing, etc.). Then, you look up to the beautiful moon and connect like I mentioned before; create that relationship with the moon.

Visualize and FEEL the moon’s light and energy reaching out to you, bathing you. It doesn’t matter what you see in your mind’s eye - don’t question it, just go with it. Feel it enter your head, then into your chest, your arms, hands, your legs, and feet. Now see it bathing and penetrating the jar of water in your hands as well.

You might very well chant something as simple as:

“Powerful moon, illuminator of the dark sky, I call upon your light and your presence. As your energy and light flows into this water and fills it with your lunar power, may it absorb and carry your light, your wisdom, and your magic.”

This isn’t just simply putting water under the moon - this is intentionally acknowledging the moon, her power, her energy and asking her to share it with you! It’s creating a circuit - a relationship.

You are intentionally drawing down the moon’s energy into the jar of water in your hands. You are actively participating in the process. And that’s pretty damn magical.

And, this would work for whatever it is that you’re charging. If you’re trying to charge a lot of crystals, put them in a basket (preferably in something made of natural fibers) and hold them as you would the jar of water.

Once you feel the work is done, just release the connection and thank the moon or your lunar deity and leave the object to rest beneath the moon. This creates a double infusion of power - you’ve intentionally established a magical connection with the lunar energy and now it will continue to “simmer” under the moon’s light.

Now, I do an extra step. I always charge some water, even if I’m also charging a tool or crystals. After I draw down the energy into the water, I use a shot glass and take a drink of the water under the moon. Then I refill the shot glass and pour some out onto the earth. This is my offering of thanks.

The really important part of this is…

Don’t overcomplicate it. The magic is in your connection to the moon and the attention you’re offering to that connection. All I’m suggesting is a transformation from simply placing something under the moonlight passively to something that involves a conscious ritual and working.

The full moon isn’t the deadline you feel it is…

If you’re habitually reaching a full moon and are like “Oh, damn! It’s the Full Moon! I need to get my stuff out in the moonlight!” and then you proceed to run around the house gathering crystals, filling jars, grabbing tarot decks, and trying to remember where the hell you put that one crystal you wanted to charge…

Well, somehow, you’ve turned a beautiful, celestial event into a magical chore. And, we don’t like chores.

But, all is not lost.

I believe that we can slow down. We can replace asking what we can charge under the full moon with “How can I connect with the full moon tonight?” Because, now, the moon isn’t something you’re using - it’s your partner. You’re working together, acknowledging its presence and power, opening yourself to its energy, and you’re creating a stronger relationship with it.

And, when you’re intentionally drawing that energy into yourself and your magical tools, you’re no longer working with that hit-or-miss passive magic — you’re focused, you’re empowered, you’re active! And, so is your lunar magic.

So, for the next full moon, grab whatever it is you want to charge (and it can be just yourself), go outside, take a few moments to sit under her beautiful light, look up at her, connect to her, speak to her, and listen to what she may want to tell you. Then, when you’re ready, draw that lunar energy down into you and into your magical tools.

Let me know how your next full moon experience works for you magically!

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Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp.) are really one of the most beautiful mushrooms out there… at least in my opinion. It’s so beautifully delicate and looks like someone just took a tiny fairy honeycomb and stuck it on top of a little stem. Then had the audacity to call it a mushroom, lol.

Well, these mushrooms are one of the most highly sought after wild mushroom out there (truffles being the top, I believe). If you’ve ever hung out with anyone who forages for mushrooms, you already know that morel season is serious business and absolutely no joke! Foragers will go hiking, climbing hills, crawling through forests, and just plainly wandering around looking at the ground for hours upon hours with the spark of hope that they’ll find a morel mushroom. Then, when they do find one? It’s like it sparks off dopamine that drives them to want to find more!

There are several species of morels in the genus Morchella and they might look a little different from each other considering the species and where they’re growing. But, the one thing that they pretty much all have in common is that cute honeycomb-like cap! And you want to know what’s really cool about morels?? Well, if you’ve been reading our mushroom series, you may have noticed that most mushrooms kinda like the fall and rainy, cold weather. The morel? This puppy is a spring mushroom!!

It’s like the funghi groundhog! When spring arrives, so do they! They’re appearance is definitely encouraged by soil temperature, moisture, weather, and location. When the soil starts warming up from winter, that’s when they feel it’s time for them to shine.

Where might be a good location to go look for morels? They’re usually fond of growing in forest and woodland areas, near and around ash, elm, cottonwood, sycamore, apple, and oak trees. There are other trees but those tend to be their main “squeezes”. But, they can also show up in areas that have experienced disturbances like old burn scars.

And, look out because this is where mushroom foragers get secretive and territorial. Because if someone has a really good morel spot? You might not be able to pry it out of them, not even on their death beds (you think I’m joking but it’s competitive - just like truffles).

Morels’ color can range from tan and yellowish to gray, brown, or almost black depending on the species and its stage of development. So being able to spot them out in the wild might be tricky because these colors blend in quite well with leaves, dirt, bark, or whatever happens to be covering the forest floor in spring. I wonder how many times I’ve just walked right past one on my hikes through the local forest??

Now, here’s something that you all need to pay attention to: there are false morels that contain dangerous compounds and can cause some serious poisoning. So here’s my usual warning:

Please find yourself a local, professional, and experienced mushroom forager to learn with before harvesting wild mushrooms.

As for the culinary aspect of morels, they are definitely edible (and so, so yummy) but they, like ALL edible mushrooms, should be cooked thoroughly before you eat them. So, do NOT just pop a raw mushroom into your mouth unless you are 100% committed to suffering GI upset and sometimes other unpleasant reactions. Oh, and the honeycomb-like shape of its top? It can hold onto quite a bit of dirt so please make sure to clean them properly before cooking them.

Oh, and if you’ve never eaten a cooked morel mushroom, let me tell you… they have a wonderful, rich, earthy & nutty flavor not to mention a really nice texture. Sauté them and add them to pasta, sauces, soups, risottos, etc. They truly are culinary mushrooms.

And, don’t worry if you missed out on fresh morels in the spring because you can also find them in the stores dried. Just rehydrate them in some water (and use that water in your cooking for that umami flavor as well).

Ok, so they taste good but how good for your health are they?

Like most mushrooms, they’re a pretty decent source of nutrients (like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) as well as being antioxidants. They’re also, like their other mushroom cousins, anti-inflammatory and have immune boosting properties. They’re not really considered functional mushrooms but do they do their part to keep you healthy? Absolutely they do! I mean, how often do we get something that tastes good AND is good for you?!?

As for their place in our witchcraft practices…

Let’s think about how they grow… they hide underground until the conditions are perfect for them and suddenly they burst up through the ground, pushing their way through dampened leaves, etc. So, I’d use morels for any magic that involves rebirth, renewal, new beginnings, abundance, fertility, growth, and awakening. They’re great for spring rituals because of their connection to spring (obviously). What other ways can you incorporate morels into your spell work or ritual work?

Think abundance magic! Like, anything that you want to bring in multiples of (did you just think about money magic??) because it might take a while to spot that one morel mushroom in the forest but once you spot one, more and more become visible to you. Which also means this would be a good partner to use for workings to bring the unseen into visibility, like hidden opportunities, intuition, etc.

Next spring, if you’re lucky enough to spot some morels growing, take a moment to appreciate what else they bring to you before you prepare them to be eaten.

Have you ever found morels in the wild? Have you ever eaten them? And, if you’re a mushroom forager, do you have a secret morel spot that you’re absolutely refusing to tell us about? (Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. Probably.)

Tune in next week as the series continues with porcini mushrooms!

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There’s something that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately regarding modern witchcraft and how we sometimes share a lot online, like, maybe too much.

We share our altars, our spell jars, our candles, our tarot spreads, our rituals, crystals we’ve chosen for a particular working, and even photos of spells that are still working (sometimes even in the middle of performing said spells).

But, I get it. We’ve been silenced so long and kept in our broom closets that now we want to share this beautiful craft with the whole damn world. And there’s the whole idea of being able to help others by sharing what we do and know as well as learning from other witches who comment on those posts.

It can make us feel less alone, it can spark an idea for someone, and it could bring a message to a yet-to-develop witch that they’re ready to take that step out under the moonlight. I understand.

Yet, I’ve started thinking about the magical stuff that we don’t need to share online with the whole world. Things that maybe shouldn’t be photographed so as not to make a mess of the energy that we’ve worked so hard to bring forth in a particular working. Workings and altars that don’t necessarily NEED to be photographed or have an audience sending their energy onto them.

Because, sometimes… keeping things hidden is part of the magic and showing it to thousands of other people interjecting their energies onto it (consciously and subconsciously) may not be ideal.

Does Everything Actually Need an Audience?

We post pics of our food, our vacations, homes, gardens, pets, celebrations, etc. But, I think that social media has slowly blurred the lines between when we’re actually experiencing something and just showing others that we’re experiencing it. And, now, it seems to have crept into witchcraft as well.

We make or rearrange an altar and we immediately want to show it to everyone. Same for spell jars, candles for a working, etc. because we automatically think like a hobbyist photographer “Oh, this would make such a beautiful picture” and maybe it would, but ask yourself a few questions first:

“Who’s this working or altar for?” Is it for you? Your deity? Ancestors? Spirit team? A manifestation? Or, and be honest with yourself, is this for everyone watching (even just a little)? Oh, and don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to share beautiful things or knowledge, etc. But, I think we need to start being more careful that we’re not JUST performing our magic for an audience AND (and this is a HUGE “and”)… we have to be super careful that the audience doesn’t actually become part of the working!

To Know, to Dare, to Will, and to Keep Silent

“To know, to dare, to will, and to keep silent” are the Four Powers of the Magus or also known as the Witches’ Pyramid. This phrase comes from a 19th century French occultist named Éliphas Lévi and his book called “Transcendental Magic”.

• To Know (Noscere): Study hard and learn the laws of nature and the mind.

• To Dare (Audere): Take action and face your fears with a brave heart.

• To Will (Velle): Build a strong, focused goal that does not break.

• To Keep Silent (Tacere): Protect your inner work with privacy and quiet control.

I absolutely love these and I think they all should really matter to us because they are ageless. Meaning, these are as relevant now as they were then. But, our focus today is that last one: To Keep Silent.

It doesn’t mean you should never speak of your workings or your craft but I love that it talks about protecting your inner work. There’s so much power in just allowing a spell to exist, quietly working in the dark, away from others’ energies or wills, etc.

Doing spellwork or rituals is very much like planting a seed, right? You place it in fertile soil, water it, then you leave it be - do you watch it every moment? Goddess, I hope not, lol. You probably don’t take a photo of it either until it’s sprouted, right? You don’t pull it out of the earth or dig it up every day to photograph its roots, right??

Like the plant, your workings need time to grow and strengthen; to work without other people adding their energies to it.

Attention Affects Energy

No matter how you understand how magical energy works, you need to understand that attention changes/affects energy.

When you create an altar for a specific purpose, you’re creating a container for your intention. Every object, candle, herb, stone, offering, image, sigil, and tool you’ve placed there has a meaning, a symbolism - an intention. You are creating a world for your system of magic. It’s beautiful, it’s dark, it’s whimsical - whatever your aesthetic. It’s energy.

And, then you photograph it and post it up on your social media accounts. People start looking at it, commenting, asking questions, etc. They interpret it their way, praise it, critique it; they bring their own assumptions, emotions, curiosity, skepticism, envy, admiration, and energy into your space and direct them at your altar.

Now, something that was your “container”, your sacred space, curated by you and your beliefs, your workings, something that was between you and the intention of your altar just became something way more and maybe not exactly what you wanted.

From a mundane perspective, it can change your relationship with it - doubting that you chose the right herbs, or the right candles, etc. And, from a magical perspective, many witches would say (and I’m there with them) that all of that attention can interfere with the energetic “container” that you’ve created

.

Some Spells Should Never Be Posted

I’m not saying you shouldn’t photograph your workings or your altar spaces but posting those photos onto social media may actually be sending your power away or, at the very least, messing with your work.

If you’re sharing an educational post about herbs, candle magic, or altar construction… do it specifically for that function. I sometimes set up a temporary altar to show how to do a particular working to friends but that is not any of my true altars and the ritual isn’t a truly active one at the time.

But, if you’ve just done a deeply and very personal working for yourself and your first instinct is to post it online… maybe don’t. For Goddess sake, let the spell breathe, let it do its work - let the spell belong just to you. You don’t owe the internet and your followers photographic evidence of your magic - EVER.

Magic takes time. Let your spells work without being bombarded by 2k followers looking at it and commenting on it and sending their “who knows what sort of” energy at your working.

Imagine you’re trying to focus on a task (like writing a blog post) but you are being sent dozens of text messages and email messages constantly and you can’t stop the notifications — do you think that blog post will get written any time soon or ever?? Yeah, think about your magical workings that way.

We can choose not to share.

And guess what? YOU don’t have to PROVE you’re a WITCH to anyone!

You don’t have to prove:

… your practice.

… that you performed the ritual.

… that you have an altar (or altars).

… that you work with herbs.

… that you’ve been practicing for years.

… that your spell worked.

Your magic is still real to you even if nobody else can see it or know about it. And, your relationship with your deity/sprit team/ancestors/whoever is still meaningful even if you NEVER post an altar photo.

Keep Something for Yourself

So, the next time that you’re about to do a spell or ritual or set up a new altar, pause for a few moments before you reach for your phone. And, ask yourself:

And, remember:

Privacy isn’t the same thing as secrecy born from fear. They are very different things. Privacy can be a sort of sacredness.

Some things, like spells, grow better and stronger in darkness, in privacy, in silence.

It’s ok to let some of your magic remain yours and yours only. And, it’s definitely ok to close the door, put your phone away, light your candles and incense, and let the magic do its work without all of those other things getting in its way.

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Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps spp.) are, not gonna lie, probably some of the weirdest mushrooms we’ll talk about. They’re not like those cute oyster mushrooms that grow in clusters on a log or like the large shelves of lacquered reishi growing off an old tree. Nope. Cordyceps are strange little things because they may look like tiny orange fingers or, well… Cheetos(tm) sticking straight up and out of the ground.

But, here comes the really weird thing about these mushrooms…

Some species of cordyceps are parasites of insects. Yep, you read that right. They zombify insects!

They sneak into certain insects’ bodies, grow inside them, and, eventually, sprout their fruiting bodies right out of the insects’ bodies. It sounds like something that belongs in a horror movie rather than in a mushroom article, right? But, don’t worry. They may zombify the insects but they’re not turning us into mushroom zombies… at least, not yet… hahaha. Maybe this article should’ve come out for Samhain, lol.

Anyway, the name “Cordyceps” comes from the Greek language and basically means “club” and “head”. There are a few different species of cordyceps. You’ll probably hear about Cordyceps militaris the most when you’re looking at commercially grown cordyceps, while Ophiocordyceps sinensis is the really famous wild species that’s associated with the high-altitude regions of Tibet and the Himalayas.

And, again, we have a whole other level of weird when talking about Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Why, you ask?

Because, this fungi grows from the larvae of ghost moths. (Maybe I need to republish this around Halloween…) What are ghost moths? Glad you asked. I mean we’re far into weird territory already so, why not? Ghost moths are called such because of how the male of the species’ tries to attract a mate. They hover and sway like pendulums while moving up and down over the ground at dusk which makes them look like floating ghosts. Now, back to our programming and Ophiocordyceps sinensis. So, basically, there’s a little caterpillar underground, the fungus infects it, grows through it, and then eventually sends a fruiting body up through the ground. I’m sorry if you’re disturbed now.

Now, please don’t go into the forest and try to find some cordyceps on your own. Wild cordyceps isn’t really a beginner foraging project. But, you can find Cordyceps militaris as a cultivated option among commercial growers, which makes it much easier to get your hands on. And, thankfully, commercial growers don’t generally need to go around collecting infected caterpillars. These cultivated cordyceps are grown on various substrates and are commonly sold dried, powdered, as extracts, tinctures, and in capsules. No need to put cordyceps infested bugs in our teas!

So, what makes this strange little fungus so interesting health-wise?

Well, cordyceps contains several compounds that they’re know for, including polysaccharides, nucleosides, and cordycepin. Cordycepin is probably one of the compounds that you’ll hear about the most when you’re reading or researching about cordyceps. What is cordycepin? Just know that they’re finding it “exhibits potential antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties by interfering with RNA synthesis and cellular signaling pathways”. (Cite: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7356751/)

These mushrooms are also great for improving your immune function as well as cellular energy metabolism. It’s part of the reason that you’ll see cordyceps listed in many physical endurance and exercise performance drinks and protein powders. Not only are they considered an adaptogenic mushroom but they’re also often considered an energy mushroom or an endurance mushroom.

But, don’t think that cordyceps is going to give you the same kind of energy boost that caffeine or guarana does. It’s not an energy drink in mushroom form. So, what does it do energy-wise? It helps you play the long game. Meaning, it helps your body do the things that it needs to do to balance itself so that you DO have more energy or more endurance eventually. It’s really more about how it can support energy metabolism, oxygen utilization, stamina, and the body’s ability to deal with physical demands.

Cordyceps has long been used traditionally in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, for things like vitality, strength, endurance, and general health. And, honestly, when you look at what this fungus does in nature, the traditional associations with strength and vitality seem pretty on point. It quite literally takes over an insect, survives inside it, and then pushes its way out of the ground. If that’s not a perfect example of perseverance, I don’t know what is.

So, how do you take or use Cordyceps? You can use it as a powder, extract, tincture, or capsule. You can also find dried cordyceps, although I think the flavor may not be something you’d enjoy because it’s got an earthy, mushroomy taste that can also be a bit bitter and woody. I think it just works best when you mix it into something else like a nice tea blend or coffee. Try it with hot chocolate or in a smoothie. And, here’s little a hint about flavorings to mask the cordyceps - blend it with things like cinnamon, ginger, cacao, or vanilla will help temper that, er, flavor.

Remember, identifying mushrooms out in the wild can be incredibly complicated as well as dangerous. I really don’t recommend learning through trial and error. Please find yourself a local and experienced mushroom forager and learn from somebody who knows what they’re doing, hopefully.

And, why wouldn’t we totally talk about the witchcraft side of cordyceps mushrooms?!? I don’t even know if there’s even a witchier mushroom out there, lol.

What sort of rituals or spells can you consider using this fungus in? Some ideas out of the ground (Ha! See what I did there?!):

• Anything involving the need for strength, endurance, resilience, determination, or vitality.

• You can totally use these mushrooms in magic involving transformation (shadow work, rebirth, death/rebirth, liminality) as well as a spell or ritual for overcoming obstacles.

This fungus literally takes over a living creature, transforms it, grows, and pushes itself out of the earth — that can make for a very powerful partner in your magic workings! Including, shall we say — justice spell work?? Oh yes, please! Or when you just need more personal power just based on what they do to live in the wild!!

Cordyceps’ way of survival is a good reminder of how there’s strength in continuing to grow, even when you can’t see where you’re actually going yet.

And, if you happen to see one growing in the wild? Please take a picture and do NOT eat it. Oh, and definitely don’t touch it. I mean, you could turn into a zombie!

Tune in next week as the series continues with morel mushrooms.

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So, my thought is that we hide in the shadows while christians are out here “I’ll pray for you” or “May god help you!” And, when you sneeze, everyone says, “God bless you!” What if we started saying instead, “Hekate bless you”? Or, “Ancestors bless you”?

What if, when someone is bitching about their bad luck that day and a christian (and you know they can’t help themselves) comes out of the woodwork to say, “Trust god, he’ll help you” or something similar? They’re figuratively shoving their “magical” practices down our throats. Because, let’s face it - it is a magical practice that’s borrowed stolen rituals and rites from many pagan religions and cultures.

How many times has that scenario happened around you? Did you see any pagan (including yourself if you identify as such) come in and say, “Trust in Anubis, he’ll guide you”? Or something like that - maybe spirit guides or ancestors instead of Anubis but you get my meaning, right? Why DON’T we do that?

Maybe I’m just being presumptuous because of my experiences and, to be completely transparent and take ownership of my shit, I am one of those witches that hasn’t done this either. But, I’m going to try to change that. Which is why I wanted to share this with all of you - let’s insert more paganism into society together!

Instead of or to overrule Christian clichés:

1. God bless you!

2. God take the wheel!

3. Trust in God!

4. God has a plan for all of us.

5. God won’t give you more than you can handle.

6. Let go and let god.

7. I’ll pray for you.

8. God helps those who help themselves.

9. Pick up your cross.

Suggested pagan responses or overrules:

1. Ancestors bless you! (Or spirit guides or your deity, etc.) Note: I just say “gesundheit” for sneezes since it literally translates to “health” but that’s me — I also like to see them flinch from the use of a German word.

2. Ancestors [spirit guides or deity, etc] guide you!

3. May the universe help you!

4. Trust the path of your higher self.

5. As above, so below.

6. Give your burdens to Gaia to carry.

7. I’ll add you to my healing energy work.

8. Even magic needs mundane action.

9. Accept your shadow self.

I know, some of these sound just as ridiculous as the christian ones but imagine their faces when a christian comes in with “Let go and let god” and you pipe in “Or just give your burdens to Gaia to carry for a bit”?

Anyway, just something to mentally gnaw on, right?

How do you feel about using more pagan leaning terminology with people? Or do you already have something you interject that I didn’t list?

Also, remember that your safety is important so if you’re in a community where it may not be safe to come out of the broom closet in public, then please don’t do it.

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Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, seem like they’ve come straight out of an apothecary in a witch’s cottage somewhere deep in a forest. Why? Because they’ve got these beautiful, shiny, reddish-brown caps that look almost like they’ve been lacquered, and they grow in little shelves off the sides of trees. They’re pretty magical looking.

The word “reishi” is Japanese (pronounced RAY-shee), in case you’re wondering, but they’re also known as “lingzhi” in Chinese. They both loosely translate to “Mushroom of Spiritual Potency”. Either “Mushroom of Immortality” or “Mushroom of Spiritual Potency” are pretty impressive nicknames for a mushroom, right?

Unlike maitakes, lion’s mane, shiitakes, and oysters, reishi isn’t really a mushroom that you’ll toss into a stir-fry or salad. These mushrooms are seriously BITTER. Like, “who decided eating this was a good idea?” type of bitter, you know what I mean? They’re woody and tough, too (which isn’t pleasant to try to chew on but no judgment if you like that sort of thing). But, they can be dried and made into teas, powders, and tinctures. So, what I’m saying is that reishi mushrooms really are NOT a culinary mushroom.

One way to use dried reishi for all of its health benefits (which we’re getting to next), is to simmer pieces in water for a long time to make a strong tea or decoction. But, I strongly recommend that you add in things like ginger, cinnamon, or even a little maple syrup to make it a bit more, well… easy on the taste buds. You can also try grinding some dried reishi into a fine powder and add it to your coffee, cacao, or other herbal preparations (like an electuary).

But, reishi isn’t bitter for “shits and giggles”. These partners bring some serious health boosts to us. Like most mushrooms, they contain beta-glucans and other compounds called triterpenes. (Triterpenes are being studied for their effects on the immune system and inflammatory pathways.) Reishi has been traditionally used to support immune health, cardiovascular health, liver function (because it’s definitely a bitter), and the body’s ability to adapt to stress (making it an adaptogen). Reishi is known as one of the most reached-for adaptogens along with ginseng. While the herbalism world already knows that reishi is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, along with having neuroprotective properties, the scientific world is still researching this. They’ll eventually catch up (wink, wink).

Also, just because it’s nicknamed the “Mushroom of Immortality”, don’t go thinking that reishi is going to make you an immortal (cue Highlander theme song here). Because, sadly, it won’t. Or not sadly. I have no idea on how, you the reader, feels about physical immortality so you do you. But, what this mushroom can offer you is a boost to your health and well-being in many ways.

There are several species that are called reishi, so the one you can spot while hiking or foraging will depend on where you are in the world. Reishi mushrooms will usually grow on hardwood trees, particularly dead or dying trees and old stumps. You know, like most mushrooms. Depending on the species, you can find them growing on trees like maple, oak, beech, and other hardwoods. But there’s a large difference between reishi mushrooms and the mushrooms that we’ve discussed up until now. These mushrooms prefer warm, humid environments and are most commonly found during the warmer months. Exactly when they actually “fruit”, though, depends entirely on where you live. So, if you’re looking to spot some, bear that in mind. I recently was able to find some growing off a forest trail a few weeks back and it was beautiful! Look for shiny, shelf mushrooms. As they mature, their caps may develop a beautiful reddish-brown color with a pale white edge.

Even though there are several of the species that can look incredibly similar, none are known to be toxic. But, once again, here comes my usual warning. Please find yourself a local, professional, and experienced mushroom forager to learn with before harvesting wild mushrooms. And, if you’re not the foraging type, that’s ok because reishi is so commonly “farmed”, you can easily buy some from a reputable grower or buy yourself your own farming kit to grow at home. I recommend looking at Far West Funghi for this (https://farwestfungi.com/products/mushroom-spawn-plugs)

And now, for the witchcraft side of reishi mushrooms! Reishi is an amazing partner for so many things in your practice! Use them in magic involving longevity, protection, wisdom, healing, spiritual strength, and resilience. With its traditional association with immortality and spiritual potency, work with it when you’re trying to strengthen your connection to your own inner wisdom or to ancestral and spiritual energies. Because of its slow growth and incredibly tough, woody texture, it also makes it a great choice to do workings for patience and endurance. Use it in transformational and liminal work (just like the other mushrooms because it straddles death and life). Are you moving through a longterm change and need a boost to your strength to keep moving through it? Add some reishi to your workings or ritual. If you’re looking to improve spiritual boundaries and to create a stronger energy foundation, reishi mushrooms can help you with that as well.

Have you ever tried reishi tea or tincture, or have you ever found one growing in the wild?

Next week, we’ll be discussing Cordyceps mushrooms.

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Vibrations, frequencies, energies…

We’re always hearing about these things in witchcraft all the time, right? But what does any of that actually have to do with spells and visualization?

Well, let’s talk first about spells.

Do you speak your spell in your mind? Or do you speak it out loud? Both can work, but I believe one has a more power behind it because of the subject of this post.

When you speak your words of power out loud, you’re taking the energy of a thought, transforming it from that energy into a frequency or vibration, giving it a physical foothold in this physical plane. You’re moving that thought from the inside of your mind (or even from downloading it from your higher self or source) and pushing it out into the world through the vibrational frequency of your words. Carrying and sending it out through the sound waves as well as your breath.

Now, think about where your voice emanates from energetically… your throat chakra! Of course this plays into the entire process as well, because it’s kind of the energetic center of communication and expression. When you speak your spells (or just say things in general), it is also affected by this energy center. Not only is this the energetic seat of your communication but it’s also like the connection between your heart and your head, between emotions and thoughts. It’s a powerful place of energy in your body so when you use it to speak spells…

You’re literally speaking them into existence!

So, could you do your spell, incantation, invocation, prayer, etc. entirely inside your head? Absolutely! And you may still get some great results but imagine how much more powerful and quicker your results would be if you incorporated that energy center in your throat and the power of frequency, vibration, and breath??

I think that speaking spells aloud gives them another layer of energy to work with. Instead of keeping the spell entirely inside of you, you’re sending that energy out into the field and giving it a physical form through sound vibrations/frequency and with your breath.

It’s like the difference between thinking, “I’m calling this to me,” and actually standing there, in your power, and declaring it out loud to the field, sending it rippling in waves of vibration and breath to find a foothold to materialize.

One is an intention. The other is an intention with all of the power you have behind it. It’s like using a 3-D printer!

Which now brings me to visualization.

Now how does all of this theoretically work when you’re not speaking a spell at all? There’s a whole part of magick that asks you to visualize something and that will bring it into existence, right? Ok, if I asked you to visualize your absolute favorite dessert or treat in the entire world, could you see it, like really see it in your mind’s eye? Could you imagine the texture and the smell of it? What about the temperature, like is it ice cold or warm and gooey? Can you even imagine how it feels and tastes in your mouth? At this point, I’m willing to bet that your mouth is probably watering.

That’s because visualization is really powerful since your brain (and your body) doesn’t always need something to physically be happening in front of you to respond to it. When you engage your senses through visualization, you’re creating a much more in-depth experience than simply thinking about something. You’re not just thinking, “I want this”, you’re experiencing it. This is very much in the realm of manifestation magick because…

That visualization experience, in that amount of detail, creates its own energy.

Which is kind of why I believe that visualization doesn’t necessarily need to be spoken into existence in the same way a spell does. You’re already giving the intention energy through your senses AND all of the energy centers on your body! That sensory data transmits through your energy centers and out into the field as frequency and vibration. It gives your intention a somewhat physical place in the world, it sends it for you, like an email or text.

See the difference?

With a spoken spell, you’re taking the intention that exists inside of you and giving it physical vibration and frequency through your voice. With visualization, you’re taking that intention and giving it energy through your senses and other energy centers.

And, what if you combined the two of these??

Speak your spell while visualizing exactly what you want to happen. Like feel it happening, see how it will unfold and where, hear whatever sounds or talk that will come from it as it happens, what will be felt by everyone affected by it, what will the outcome of it be… Then - SPEAK it! Say the spell, the words out loud with your entire power! Experience it as though it’s already moving toward its goal.

And, that combination, can make for some incredibly powerful spellwork.

But, what if you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about speaking your spells aloud? Then, you might want to first do a micro spell (see my post called “The First Domino: Why Your Spells Aren’t Working”) to give yourself that confidence. Practice saying small spells out loud - even when others are around because don’t others pray in public? Why should we be any different (I feel that this may be another post down the road, lol)? But, seriously, practice it. Practice using different tones (aka vibrations or frequencies) and see which works best for particular spells. You may find a lower vibration works for one thing but something else works best with a higher tone. Play with it!

”What If I’m Terrible at Visualization?”

First of all, you’re probably not as bad at it as you think you are. Like with meditation having such misguided myths, so too does visualization have these myths. Sometimes, there’s this idea that visualization means you need to be able to close your eyes and suddenly see a perfectly rendered, crystal-clear magical movie playing inside your head. Nope, not necessary, and not really something that most people can achieve.

Maybe you don’t actually “see” anything. Perhaps you can simply know what the thing looks like without seeing it in your mind’s eye perfectly, like a semblance of it. Or, maybe you can’t see any image at all but you can feel it or hear it. Maybe you know what it would smell like or you can imagine how it feels to touch it or hold it.

That still counts as visualization because it doesn’t have to mean literally seeing an image. And, if you do have trouble creating mental pictures, try meditating and directing some healing energy toward your third eye. Why your third eye? Because that’s the energy chakra that works with your imagination and being able to “see”. It’s also connected to intuition so it’s a good one to work on. I’m sure you can find plenty of resources online about clearing and opening the currents in this energy space.

You can also practice with really simple things like visualizing an apple. I mean, most people know what an apple looks like, right? If you still have a problem seeing the image in your mind’s eye, stay with it for a moment and figure out if you’re getting any other inputs like I spoke of before. Don’t worry about making it perfect but just see if you can see the apple’s color. Can you see if the apple is shiny or dull? Can you feel if it’s warm or cold? Maybe you can imagine what it feels like to hold it? What it smells like? How about biting into it? If you can imagine biting into the apple, can you hear the crunch, feel the juices in your mouth?

The more you practice engaging your senses and the other energy spots on your body, the easier visualization can become.

And remember, witchcraft isn’t a performance.

You don’t have to see a glowing ball of energy floating perfectly between your hands to be doing it “right.”

Your witchcraft practice is YOUR practice and I hope I’ve given you something new to incorporate into it. The fun part is that you get to figure out what makes your own magic vibrate!

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Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are also known as, well, Oyster Mushrooms! Not necessarily the most creative name we’ve seen in this series so far, but just looking at them you’ll be able to see where the name comes from. Their fan-shaped caps grow in these overlapping clusters on the sides of trees and they look a lot like a bunch of oysters hanging out on a log. They also have an interesting range of colors, from white and cream to gray, tan, and even slightly blue-gray depending on their age and growing conditions.

Oysters mushrooms are mainly a culinary mushroom (though they also have functional and adaptogenic qualities) and are one of my favorites for cooking with because they have such a great range of flavor and texture. They’ve got a mild, slightly sweet and earthy flavor as well as a wonderful meaty texture when cooked. They’re great to sautée, roast, grill, fry, or toss into soups and stir-fries. Tear them into strips and fry them until they’re crispy for some pretty damn good vegan “chicken.” I’ve also seen them turned into a few other vegan replacements such as fried “chicken” sandwiches, pulled “pork,” and even “bacon”. They dry really well and can be ground up into a mushroom powder to add that incredible umami flavor to just about anything. You can also buy oyster mushroom powder already made and keep some on hand to add to your dishes.

But, oyster mushrooms aren’t just here to make your meals taste amazing or replace animal proteins in vegan dishes because, like I said above, these funghi bring some oomph to your health as well. They’re a great source of beta-glucans, which help support and regulate our immune system (and if you don’t know what beta-glucans are, please go read my Chaga mushroom blog where I talk all about them). Oyster mushrooms have been associated with the ability to support healthy cholesterol levels and good cardiovascular health. They have antioxidants and provide B vitamins, potassium, iron, zinc, and dietary fiber. Some of the compounds in oyster mushrooms have been studied for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Like many edible mushrooms, they’re also considered adaptogenic and can be a lovely addition to the diet when we’re looking for foods that help support the body through everyday stress. So, once again, we have a mushroom that is both delicious AND doing some work behind the scenes! Mushrooms are really a good health secret (or not so secret) weapon.

So, where would you think you’d find these mushrooms in the wild? They tend to grow on dead or dying hardwood trees, stumps, and fallen logs. They especially like beech, maple, oak, poplar, and willow trees and they’re usually found during the cooler, wetter parts of the year. So, finding them also depends on where you live. But, as with most mushrooms, look for them after you’ve had some rain when the temperatures drop a bit. One of the really cool things about oyster mushrooms (and most mushrooms) is that they’re saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead and decaying organic matter. They’re basically Mother Nature’s clean-up crew! But, they also give us an abundance of tasty nutrition. There are some look-alikes of which a few can cause gastrointestinal upset, so please don’t go wandering into the woods with a basket and a sense of false confidence! Like I’ve said this whole series, please find a local, professional, and experienced mushroom forager to learn with before you start foraging for wild mushrooms on your own.

As for uses in witchcraft, oyster mushrooms are wonderful for abundance, nourishment, prosperity, and transformation spells. Because they tend to grow in large clusters, they’re especially lovely for workings where you’re trying to increase something, like money, opportunities, creativity, community, or just generally having more good shit in your life. Their ability to grow from dead and decaying wood also makes them great for liminal work and transformational work. Use them to release the old and bring in the new, turning endings into beginnings!

Have you ever cooked with oyster mushrooms or found a giant cluster growing on a fallen tree? Or, have you considered using them as part of a spell or ritual? Let me know in the comments!

Tune back in next week when we discuss Reishi mushrooms.

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Somehow, a lot of people decided that spells meant to influence others is evil, manipulative, or an attempt to override someone else’s free will. I believe that’s a misunderstanding of both magick and how we all interact with each other..

Here’s a reality: Every single thing you do influences other people.

The clothes you wear, your tone of voice, the words you choose, the perfume/cologne you use, the smile you give a stranger, the confidence you bring to an interview, the color you choose to paint your house - all of it influences the people around you. And, often, you’re doing it without even knowing you’re doing it.

So, why is it all of a sudden something immoral when we intentionally add a little magical nudge to that same process?

Influence Isn’t Control

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that influence magick somehow reaches into another person’s brain and forces them to obey. (Thanks to all of the old voodoo magic horror movies, lol).

But, influence magick is definitely not that dramatic because, in my belief, those spells act more like planting a seed. You really can’t make someone think about something they’re not ready to think of or may even be unable to think of it all - you don’t erase their personality and you definitely don’t remove or hinder their free will.

You simply place an idea, an opportunity, or a perspective in front of them and whether or not that seed germinates and grows is really 100% up to them. Some seeds land on fertile ground while others bounce off concrete or the birds pick them up and carry them away. It’s just a glimmer that can easily be ignored or even forgotten. And, yet, even others stay dormant for months until the timing is better for them to sprout and grow.

Influence spells create possibilities and not certainties.

“But What About Mind Control?”

Well, now, can influence (whether a spell or things you mundanely do) cross a line? Absolutely but it won’t be because of one candle spell or remote viewing, etc. Nope. This level of manipulation that people equate with mind control requires something far more intensive, nefarious, and psychological than a one-off magick spell.

This type of thing involves repeated psychological conditioning, isolation, emotional abuse, gaslighting, fear, dependency, and reinforcement of these things over long periods of time.

A disgusting example is an abusive romantic relationship where one partner slowly convinces the other that nobody else loves them, nobody else understands them, and that leaving would be impossible.

That’s manipulation and THAT’S coercive mind control.

And yes, someone could layer spellwork into that kind of abuse, but the abuse itself is doing most of the work.

We Already Practice Influence Every Day

Think about going into a job interview. I’m willing to bet that you carefully thought out what clothes you’ll wear and rehearsed a bit what your answers will be for potential questions, right? How about at the interview? Did you smile and make eye contact? Did you watch for the interviewer’s body language, like did they lean in toward you when they liked something you said? Did you adjust how you respond based on your observations of how they respond?

Well, hello! You just used influence!

But now imagine you performed a small influence spell before your interview to help the interviewer see your confidence more clearly, to remember your strengths, and ask you about them.

What’s the difference? You still do the clothing choice, practice your responses, etc. but now, the interviewer, if they’re open to it, will note how confident you are and will want to discuss your strengths more at length.

Influence magick doesn’t replace your efforts, it doesn’t control the other person’s mind, it allows for more possibilities; it works with your efforts.

Is it Time to Rethink Influence Magick?

Maybe the real question isn’t whether influence magick is good or evil but maybe the question should be, “Why are you using it?” Are you trying to create understanding in a particular situation? Start a conversation with someone? Help someone see possibilities they hadn’t thought about?

Or are you trying to manipulate, isolate, deceive, and exploit?

The ethics don’t come from the spell itself - they come from the intention behind it and how you choose to use it.

Influence is woven into every human interaction. Magick didn’t invent it. And, in most aspects of it, influence magick isn’t about taking away free will. It’s about knocking on the door and whether someone opens it - which will always be their choice.

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Shiitakes are one of my favorite culinary mushrooms because of their so yummy and rich, savory, umami flavor. They have a slightly chewy, meaty texture that makes them perfect for soups, stir-fries, ramen, risotto, pasta dishes, and just about anything else that could use a little earthy goodness. They also dry really well, and soaking dried shiitakes before cooking gives you both delicious mushrooms and an incredibly flavorful broth that is far too good to pour down the drain. I love using shitake powder in my vegan savory dishes because it gives them that meaty flavor without the meat.

But, shiitakes aren’t just for making dinner taste amazing. They also carry medicinal compounds like beta-glucans that help support and regulate our immune system (seriously, if you haven’t already, go read my Chaga mushroom blog where I nerd out about beta-glucans). Shiitakes have been seen to help support healthy cholesterol levels, healthy blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health. They’re also packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, copper, selenium, and dietary fiber. They may even have antimicrobial and antiviral properties according to some research. They’re not considered an adaptogenic mushroom but are in both the culinary and functional categories.

Shiitakes grow on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially oak, chestnut, beech, maple, and other broadleaf trees. They’re native to East Asia, but are now cultivated all over the world, usually on hardwood logs or supplemented sawdust blocks. In the wild, they generally fruit from spring through fall depending on the climate. Unfortunately, unlike maitakes or lion’s mane, shiitakes do have a few look-alikes, including some that can make you very sick. So I’ll keep repeating myself throughout this series: please find a local, professional, and experienced mushroom forager to learn from before heading out to harvest wild mushrooms. Grocery stores and local mushroom farms are wonderful places to start if you’re just looking to enjoy eating them.

As for witchcraft, shiitakes can be used for spells about health, vitality, longevity, and prosperity. As with most mushrooms, shiitakes can be used in transformational, liminal, transmutational, and renewal rituals because of having an existence between life and death (since they grow from dead or decaying wood).

Have you ever cooked with shiitakes or found them growing on a fallen log?

Tune back in next week when we discuss Oyster mushrooms.

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Let’s talk about how we approach doing our rituals for a few minutes.

How many witches do money, love, or job spells? We want the money, the love, or the job, right? So why shouldn’t we do those spells? Slow down!

Yes, while these may technically work at times, a lot of times we’ll do the spell, the ritual, say the words, put everything into a jar or bowl, recharge it daily or weekly but… nothing happens. Side note: emergency money spells or protection/security spells are a different category in my opinion so this article doesn’t pertain to those.

We’re then taught to think, “well, it just wasn’t meant for me” or “maybe I did something wrong”.

What if I suggested a different approach? What if, instead of jumping right into the macro spell of say money, we broke it down into some micro spells? And, wait for it… what if we meditated on what we need FIRST in order to allow said money to flow into our possession?

Ok, so we meditate and ask our guides, higher self, deities, ancestors, etc. “What do I need first in order to get more money into my bank account?”

For the sake of this article, let’s say the answer we receive is “a new job”.

Right, then the next question is, “what do I need first in order to get a new job?”

Do you see where I’m going with this line of thinking?

So for the sake of brevity, let’s say you’ve gone all the way down your list of “what you need first” and the list looks like this (from macro to micro):
—>Money —> New job —> Better resume —> Stronger self-esteem.

What should we do the spell for then? If you answered, “stronger self-esteem” you’re right. That’s the foundation, the first micro spell.

You do the spell and you also do the mundane work that goes hand-in-hand with the spell (because magick is the assistant but you still need to do the physical, mental, and emotional stuff).

A few weeks later, you’re feeling like you have what it takes in the self-esteem department for a great, new job. Ok, so the next micro spell is to first write a kick-ass (but realistic) resume, in fact, a few different versions so you have one for different jobs that may come up. Now the spell work part is to enchant or spell those resumes. If you practice sigil magic, maybe create an appropriate sigil that hides in the background to take your magic digitally to whoever (or whatever) is screening applicants.

Now, do you just kick back and wait? Nope. Keep sending resumes out to potential employers but it’s also time to do a ritual and spell to make sure you’ll get the job that checks off all of the boxes for you, including making more money. Be very specific and clear about what you’re looking for when you do this.

Finally, now you get to do your money spell!

At this point, you should have the spell for stronger self-esteem/self-confidence still going (and recharged), the spell on your resumes (including the sigil), and your perfect job spell active.

Yes, it’s a lot of work but tell me that it doesn’t make sense?

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Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are one of the easiest mushrooms to identify in the forest because... well... they look like a giant fuzzy white pom-pom hanging off a tree. Some people think they resemble a lion’s mane (hence the name), while others say they look like cascading icicles or even a fluffy white beard. Personally, I think Mother Nature looked at a shag carpet and said, “Yeah... let’s grow that on a tree.” Though, you won’t get any static electricity with Lion’s Mane!

Unlike many mushrooms that have gills underneath their caps, Lion’s Mane grows long, soft spines that hang downward. These little “teeth” produce the spores instead, making it part of a fascinating group of tooth fungi. That’s right, tooth fungi.

Lion’s Mane is an excellent culinary mushroom with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s often compared to crab, lobster, or scallops which you’ll see it being replaced for those in vegan cuisine. Slice it into thick “steaks,” pan fry it until golden brown, then baste it with butter (or, in my case, my homemade cashew-based vegan butter), garlic, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon. It also shreds really well for vegan crab cakes or to be tossed into stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes. Just don’t overcook it or you’ll feel like you’re chewing some shoe leather!

Now, why has Lion’s Mane become one of the most popular functional mushrooms in recent years. While many mushrooms support the immune system thanks to their beta-glucans (and yes, go read my Chaga blog if you haven’t already), Lion’s Mane is especially known for supporting healthy brain and nervous system function. Research suggests it may help stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein involved in maintaining and repairing nerve cells. Because of this, people commonly use Lion’s Mane to support memory, focus, concentration, and overall cognitive health. It’s also being studied for its potential role in supporting mood, reducing anxiety, and helping protect against age-related cognitive decline. Like many functional mushrooms, it’s considered an adaptogen as well, helping the body manage and recover from stress while adding powerful antioxidants for a healthier immune system. Some people believe that Lion’s Mane can also help people with ADHD to focus better!

You’ll usually find Lion’s Mane growing on hardwood trees like beech, oak, maple, walnut, and sycamore during late summer through fall, although in some climates it can continue into winter. It often grows on dead or dying trees but can occasionally be found on living ones as well. Fortunately, there aren’t many convincing poisonous look-alikes for Lion’s Mane. There are a few other Hericium species that look somewhat similar, but they’re all considered safe to eat. But, as usual, I’ll repeat what I’ve been saying throughout this series: please get yourself a local, professional, and experienced mushroom forager guide before heading into the woods on your own armed only with your phone or a book.

As for witchcraft, of course we would use Lion’s Mane for spells or rituals involving wisdom, intelligence, learning, memory, and clear communication. It’s an excellent ally those who are looking to go deeper with meditation in their practices as well as develop more divination or psychic skills because it helps quiet the mind and helps it focus. Growing from old trees and carrying that unmistakable white, cascading appearance, Lion’s Mane also symbolizes the wisdom of age, ancestral knowledge, and receiving guidance from those who came before us. And, like all mushrooms connected through the mycelial network, it reminds us that knowledge isn’t something we discover alone—it’s something we’re all connected to.

Have you ever cooked with Lion’s Mane? How about used it for your ADHD?

Tune back in next week when we discuss Shitake mushrooms.

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I’ll start this post off by saying that I do belong to an online collective coven and I love my coveners!

Now, with that in the books, I have a question for those of you who run or help run these sort of covens or just belong to one: do you see a plethora of practitioners join up and just not involve themselves?

Is it just me or does it sometimes feel as if these online covens are just ways for some people to get information, magickal support, or benefit from the collective’s magickal energy and not feel like they need to contribute back into the coven? If one is part of a coven but isn’t participating at all, are they actually part of the coven?

Being shy is completely understandable, so is being socially anxious. I’ll even take the “testing the waters” by observing first for a bit but when and how do we say, “hey, would love to hear your voice, know who you are considering we’re supposed to be working magically and energetically together”?

A coven isn’t a one-way system, a one-sided exchange. Technically, a coven is defined as a close-knit group of practitioners who meet to cast spells, perform rituals, or share knowledge. The definition of a collective coven is even more concise: a group of witches or spiritual practitioners who pool their magical power and operate collaboratively. How are strong magickal relationships to built? The pooling of wisdom, experience, and magick energies?

Collaboration is fundamental, at least in my opinion, for strong workings as a coven, as a collective. Outside of an online coven, a physical coven, no one would show up to gatherings to just lurk in the shadows… would they?

So, how do you get more involvement from your online covens? How do you get people to feel comfortable communicating, sharing, casting, learning, teaching, etc.?

Would love to hear what’s worked for your community!

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Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are also known as Hen of the Woods. Named as Hen of the Woods because in the wild, they resemble a chickens fluffy rear end! The word “maitake” is a Japanese word that means “dancing mushroom”... not really sure how much dancing this fungus does but, apparently, the title came from people finding this “rare” mushroom and “dancing with joy” for finding it.

Maitakes are very much a culinary mushroom with an earthy, nutty flavor. They are very commonly used as meat replacements in dishes because, when cooked, they take on a meaty taste and they crisp up very nicely. They can also be dried and made into powder to use in dishes for that elevated umami flavor. Sauté these beautiful mushrooms with some butter (in my case my homemade cashew based vegan butter) with some garlic, sage, and a splash of wine. I’ve also had a whole “head” of these deep fried and OMGoddess, they were so good dipped into some vegan garlic aioli!

But, maitakes aren’t just pretty faces in the culinary world. These funghi bring some oomph to your health as well. They help us regulate our immune systems as well as our blood sugar, they help improve lipid metabolism (the storing and burning of fat), and they’ve been shown as a cancer fighter because of their beta-glucan availability. If you don’t know what beta-glucans are and what they do, please go read my blog post about Chaga Mushrooms here:

Cauldron Creations LLC

Mushroom Series: Chaga Mushrooms

Not the prettiest of mushrooms but it’s tasty and packs a great nutrient punch. The scientific name for it is Inonotus obliquus and it grows on the bark of birch trees in colder climates. Some people think it’s just the bark growing weirdly but it’s really a mushroom! Chaga mushrooms have a high concentration of antioxidants and beta-glucans…

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2 months ago · 6 likes · Cauldron Creations LLC

As most edible mushrooms, Maitakes are also considered adaptogens which help us recover faster from stress, help us manage stress responses, and they support a healthy cardiovascular system (maybe not the deep fried ones but, you know). They’re a good source of antioxidants, vitamin D2, potassium, and dietary fiber. So, maitakes are both culinary and adaptogenic mushrooms!!

Maitake mushrooms tend to grow at the base of mature (living or dying) hardwood trees like oaks, elms, and maples in the early fall. They, like most of their group, do feed off of decay so check out any decaying roots. Look for them after a drop in temperature following heavy late summer or early fall rains. There aren’t any poisonous look-alikes for this mushroom either. But, like I’ve said during my whole series, please find yourself a local, professional and experienced mushroom forager to learn with before you go out into the forest and get into trouble!

As for uses in witchcraft, maitake mushrooms are mostly used to manifest abundance, financial prosperity, and joyful energy (see the “dancing mushroom” meaning in the first paragraph). Also, like other mushrooms, being connected to the mycelium network gives mushrooms that significance of being a bridge between earthly and mystical realms, so think of it also for liminal work. As it’s found at the base of pretty old and strong trees, you can also think of using it for grounding or resilience spellwork.

Have you ever tried maitakes or seen them growing in a forest?

Tune back in next week when we discuss Lion’s Mane mushrooms.

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I find it fascinating that some witches choose to avoid any form of baneful or justice-oriented magick, preferring to focus exclusively on what many call “light and love” workings.

And honestly? That’s a perfectly valid path if it genuinely aligns with your beliefs and your practice. We all walk different roads.

It just isn’t mine.

Over time, I realized that magick isn’t neatly divided into “good” and “bad.” Like nature—and like people—it’s a spectrum. It’s layered, nuanced, and rarely exists in absolutes.

That doesn’t mean I’m out here hexing everyone who annoys me. Quite the opposite. I believe mundane solutions should almost always come first. Conversation, boundaries, legal action, leaving the situation—those are usually the first tools I reach for before ever considering a justice working.

But here’s a question I’ve been pondering:

When you choose not to perform baneful or justice magick, is that choice coming from a deeply held spiritual philosophy... or is it coming from fear of the consequences?

There’s no right answer. I just think it’s worth asking ourselves.

Now here’s the thought experiment.

What if every spell carries consequences?

A money spell. The opportunity comes to you instead of somewhere else.

A love spell. Perhaps another potential connection never unfolds because yours did.

A road opener. Did your new path close another possibility?

A job spell. Someone else may not receive the position you were hoping for.

Even spells for love, healing, or peace raise interesting questions. If your intention reaches a handful of people rather than everyone, what does that mean? Are we simply directing energy? Are we redistributing possibilities? Or are we creating something entirely new?

I don’t claim to know the answer.

What I do know is that every act of magick changes something. Every choice creates ripples. Intention matters, ethics matter, power matters, and consequences matter—but I don’t think consequence-free magick exists.

This isn’t me telling anyone how they should practice.

It’s simply an invitation to think a little more deeply about the ripple effects of our craft, regardless of what tradition or philosophy we follow.

And if I’ve nudged you outside your comfort zone for a few minutes... well, that’s kind of what good discussions are for. 😉

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Look at those pictures above and you can get a pretty good idea as to why these mushrooms are called “Turkey Tail” mushrooms! Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are very commonly found in wooded areas because they LOVE breaking down lignin and cellulose in rotting wood and do their little “transmutation” of it into vital nutrients the soil needs to grow healthier plants, etc. These beauties are found all over the world in temperate locations across North America, Europe, and Asia. I’ve found them in my backyard growing on a fallen branch! These are not necessarily culinary mushrooms because they are rather leathery but they are definitely functional mushrooms as well as adaptogenic mushrooms.

But, there is a fake Turkey Tail mushroom, a doppelgänger! It’s commonly called “False Turkey Tail” but its scientific name is “Stereum ostrea“. But, you can tell the difference by checking their underbellies! The poser has a completely smooth and yellow-ish, poreless underside while our hero has a white, porous one.

Don’t worry about the false one too much though as it’s not poisonous and it does still carry some health benefits such as being antibacterial and antifungal (does anyone else find it funny that a mushroom has antifungal properties??).

Now back to our regular programming!

Turkey Tail mushrooms are considered pretty powerful powerhouses for immune system support because they contain specialized beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides like Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and PSP which “hand feeds” the immune system’s natural killer cells (NK cells). NK cells are the immune system’s hunter cells that go out to find invaders and kill them! You think that’s violent? You should see NK cells in action! If you’re interested in seeing how these baddies work, check out this video on YouTube:

NK cells are very important in our bodies’ efforts at fighting viruses, bacteria, and cancer. Because of their role in cancer fighting and how Turkey Tail mushrooms help them be strong and healthy, countries like Japan and China use these mushrooms as an added therapy for people being treated for cancer with a reduction in side effects and with an improvement in their survival rates.

These mushrooms don’t just help fight off invaders in our bodies, they also are helpful to the digestive system by being rich in fiber and prebiotic compounds to help feed good bacteria in the gut and promote a healthy gut balance. They’re also packed with phenols and flavanoids (antioxidants and anti-inflammatories) to reduce oxidative stress in our bodies as well as lower overall inflammation.

So, how should we use Turkey Tail mushrooms? They are typically dried then ground into powder (sometimes with their mycelium for added benefits) and that powder can be put into supplements or you can use it as “seasonings” on your food. You can also use dried Turkey Tail mushrooms as a tea or tincture. A lot of times you will find them as part of a immunity boosting blend like “My Community” on Paul Stamet’s website (if you don’t know him, look him up on YouTube or get one of his books - he knows EVERYTHING about mushrooms and is quite the lecturer!): https://hostdefense.com . These mushrooms have a mild earthy and nutty flavor but, when prepared as a tea, are slightly bitter.

As for side effects, Turkey Tail is generally well-tolerated except, because of their fiber content, you might have some mild side effects of gas, bloating, or darkened stools. There’s also a side effect of temporary fingernail discoloration due to its content of Polysaccharide K (PSK), but it’s not a big deal and will go away, plus it’s pretty rare. Like with anything you’re trying to add to your routine if you already take prescription meds or other over-the-counter supplements, check with your pharmacist about adding Turkey Tail supplements or teas (yes, pharmacist because they know more about chemistry of medications than your doctor). Also, if you’re planning on foraging for these (or any mushrooms) please go with a guide to learn how to identify the appropriate ones in the wild first. As for Turkey Tail mushrooms, avoid harvesting wild samples near contaminated soils and always practice harvesting ethically and sustainably.

Witchcraft uses of Turkey Tail mushrooms? I’m sure this is a burning question! Not surprising, they are associated with earth and spirit elements. Because of their “rings”, many associate Turkey Tail mushrooms as being symbolic of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth so it’s not a huge jump to thing of using these mushrooms when setting intentions for transformation. As I mentioned earlier, you can also use these while doing any sort of transmutation ritual because of how they take death and transmute it into life-giving nutrients. Look to use these mushrooms in rituals involving the need for resilience or boundaries, or rituals for longevity, transitions, and ancestral connections. These are beautiful to use in a tea when working on shadow work.

Next week, we’ll talk about Maitake mushrooms! See you then!

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Not the prettiest of mushrooms but it’s tasty and packs a great nutrient punch. The scientific name for it is Inonotus obliquus and it grows on the bark of birch trees in colder climates. Some people think it’s just the bark growing weirdly but it’s really a mushroom! Chaga mushrooms have a high concentration of antioxidants and beta-glucans.

Beta-glucans are a group of bioactive and soluble fibers in the cell walls of things like oats and barley, mushrooms, yeast, and algae. They are know for lowering LDL cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and for helping your immune system get stronger. It’s not just “fiber” that helps you get healthier but it’s these little bioactive babies in the fiber and it’s why your cardiologist might tell you to eat your oatmeal. But, as you can see, it’s not just oats that have them and, you might be surprised at this, per weight chaga mushrooms have about 8% to 15% of beta-glucans compared to whole oats at 3% to 5%! So, maybe your cardiologist should be telling you to eat more chaga mushrooms instead, right? Not really, but it certainly won’t hurt to add them to your diet!

Chaga mushrooms are also anti-inflammatory because they contain some active compounds like triterpenoids and betulinc acid that can help you manage chronic inflammation, specifically inflammation that’s associated with arthritis and metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that may include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels). This also means that they also help regulate cytokines which may be overactively activating Mast cells and causing all kinds of inflammatory havoc in the body. There’s a lot going on recently that is linking inflammation to high cholesterol as well as diabetes (well, our systems aren’t disconnected islands, are they??) and other things (like migraines, IBS/IBD, etc.).

These mushrooms are really dense and fibrous which means that you will rarely eat or take them whole. Because of this, they’re usually grated or broken into chunks then simmered for hours to make a nutrient-dense decoction or tea. Its flavor is earthy, slightly bitter, and often compared to coffee or cocoa (you can find chaga coffee online). You can also find chaga extracted into powders, capsules, and tinctures for easier daily use. My Cosmic Cocoa and Mushroom Coffee blends all have chaga mushroom powder added to them!

In witchcraft, we can use chaga mushrooms for grounding, endurance, and protection. It is very much tied into Earth energy as well as Saturn and can be used in ceremonies/rituals when deep-rooted strength and forest wisdom is called for. If you do Chakra workings, it’s associated with the root chakra. Shamans in Siberia and Russia traditionally used chaga in their healing ritualistic baths and healing spellwork, calling it the “Mushroom of Immortality“.

Chaga is definitely not a culinary mushroom but an adaptogenic mushroom. If you want to add some chaga into your daily routine, please make sure you check with your doctor first. I recommend starting with a powder to add to your food. As I said above, you can also find capsules and tinctures that you can use as a daily supplement. Or get some dried chaga and make a tea with small chunks. Honestly, I’m going to invite you to try what I use almost daily - chaga truffle salt. I get mine here:

https://thechagaco.com

You’ll also find many things with chaga at that store, including chocolates!!

So, how will you add some cha-cha-chaga, into your diet?

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(Image from Living in Matriarchy Wikipedia page)

Mushrooms. You either love them or you hate them. I never understood the hate but it’s good that we don’t all like the same things. Honestly, these babies bring a lot of nutrition and antioxidants plus a lot of them are considered adaptogens (something that helps your body recover better from stress) than any other species in the world. And, yes, mushrooms have their own kingdom - they are not plants and they are not animals, they are in the fungi biological kingdom. Let’s learn a few general things about them before the series actually begins.

Did you know that mushrooms are classified into three categories, with some mushrooms crossing over multiple categories? What are the categories you ask? Well, the categories are:

• Edible/Culinary Mushrooms

• Functional Mushrooms

• Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Edible or culinary mushrooms are pretty much your everyday grocery store mushrooms—like button, cremini, portobello, shiitake, and oyster. This doesn’t mean that they’re insignificant in help you stay healthy but it just means that these are usually used more for flavor, texture, and basic nutrition. They tend to be good sources of fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin D and B-vitamins), and minerals.

Functional mushrooms are usually denoted as such because of their health benefits that go beyond the basic nutrition of edible/culinary mushrooms. They’re known for high concentrations of bioactive compounds like beta-glucans and antioxidants (Beta-glucans support heart and digestive health, balance blood sugar, and modulate the immune system). These tend to be very woody or leathery so are rarely used in cooked foods and are used mostly as powders or liquid extracts.

Adaptogenic mushrooms are like a sub-category of functional mushrooms because they still have a higher nutritional level than culinary mushrooms but they also serve the role of an adaptogen through some active compounds in their make-up. These compounds help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress, regulate the nervous system, and manage cortisol levels. Different ones provide different levels of these benefits (we’ll learn more by breaking down the most common mushrooms in the coming weeks).

Now, we are not going to talk about the trippy kind of mushrooms (and there are different species of that as well) so I hope you’re not too disappointed but we will be talking about the many benefits of the following mushrooms:

Chaga
Turkey Tail
Maitake
Lion’s Mane
Shitake
Oyster
Reishi
Cordyceps
Morel
Porcini
Truffle

I hope you’ll enjoy this journey into the world of fungi! See you next week for Chaga mushrooms, the ugly duckling of the mushroom world!

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What is an oxymel? It’s an ancient herbal remedy made by blending raw honey and vinegar (usually raw apple cider vinegar). Its name comes from the Greek words oxys (acid/sour) and meli (honey). Documented since the time of Hippocrates (400 B.C.E.), oxymels are valued as both folk remedies and culinary tonics.

If you’ve ever heard of or bought or made something that’s taken off lately like a wildfire called “Fire Cider“, then you’ve already been introduced to an oxymel. The simplest form of an oxymel is basically 1 part honey to one part vinegar. That’s it. But, why stop there? You can add in herbs, fruits, even vegetables (like Persian Sekanjabin which has cucumbers).

If you can’t do honey, you can even substitute that with vegetable glycerine, maple syrup, agave syrup, or your own sugar syrup. Honey is traditional, especially raw honey, because of its enzymes, antioxidants (flavonoids & polyphenols), vitamins, and prebiotic components. But, don’t underestimate the power of maple syrup either because it’s also loaded with antioxidants, minerals and prebiotics, not to mention a low Glycemic Index score. While Agave syrup is also considered low GI and has prebiotics, it’s not as nutritionally loaded as maple syrup or honey but it does have a more “honey-like” consistency than maple syrup. Vegetable glycerine is also a good substitute in the consistency department and it’s going to help you retain hydration and has a low GI score but it can upset the digestive system if you use too much.

Now we’re done with half of what goes into an oxymel but what about the acidic half? The vinegar! Personally, I like using a good apple cider vinegar (ACV) that’s raw, unpasteurized, and still has the “mother”. But, why? Well, if you use the ones like I do, with the “mother”, it contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. Raw vinegar is considered an antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It can also help reduce blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and it acts as a great preservative! The acetic acid in the vinegar is also a great way to draw the medicinal properties, minerals, and vitamins from any herbs that you use in your oxymel.

Combining vinegar and honey helps to create an environment hostile to infection, promotes wound healing and immune support! This is a win-win combination and if you like those Sweet & Sour Asian dishes, you’ll love an oxymel! I like making them into sodas with some ice and sparkling water!

Here’s a cardiovascular support recipe if you want to try making your own oxymel. This one probably won’t be so good as a soda (like I mentioned above) but you can also drink it straight, like a shot! Just swing it back!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw, local honey

• 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar (ACV)

• 1/4 cup crushed fresh garlic cloves (supports artery suppleness)

• 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers (helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure)

• 1 tablespoon fresh or dried hawthorn berries or leaves (traditionally used to strengthen the heart)

Instructions:

1. Place the garlic, hibiscus, and hawthorn into a clean, sterile glass jar.

2. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged.

3. Add the honey and stir thoroughly to combine.

4. Cap the jar tightly (use a plastic lid, as vinegar can corrode metal) and shake well.

5. Store in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar every couple of days.

6. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into an amber glass bottle, squeezing the herbs to extract all the liquid.

7. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 6 months.

How to Use It:

• Dosage: 1 tablespoon of the oxymel into a glass of warm or sparkling water or drink it like a shot!

• Frequency: Drink 1 to 2 times daily.

Both of the main ingredients in an oxymel are used in witchcraft as well. Honey to sweeten someone’s disposition, for binding/attraction spells, abundance, fertility, and for communication with spirits. Vinegar is used to “sour” things (or people’s situations or experiences), to repel negativity, for cleansing, purification, banishing and for uncrossings. Maybe, a witch could look at an oxymel as an attraction spell with the power to repel negativity?

Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried to make or have tasted an oxymel before. Thanks for reading!

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