Author: runa

You Might Be A Witch If You Witch

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5 Core Things About Being a Witch

Over on IG, I often post content under the theme “You Might Be A Witch If…” I do this to point out areas where as a Witch, you’re connecting on another level with the entire Universe. Below are a couple of examples:

You Might Be A Witch If…

The Beltane Eve sky puts on a show for your fire circle fun.

You’ve run out of space for plants in your kitchen window.

Your animals talk to you. You can hear what #MsSnickleFritz is saying? I see you, Witch.

This content is tongue in cheek often, but there is lots of lore around “finding out you are a Witch,” or the things that make you a Witch. Much like writing makes you a writer, you’re a Witch if you practice Witchcraft. The cool thing about the Craft is that there are lots of different ways to walk its path and show up as a Witch. 

Here are 5 things that I think are core to being a Witch, or recognizing this path may be calling you. I must, however, caveat this by emphasizing that this is just my opinion based on 40 years of walking the path. Everyone’s journey differs, but I think these five just might be key. Think of them like the points of the ever-loving pentacle that we adore as witch-folx. 

You see a spell in every possibility. 

Walking to the mailbox? You can make it magic. Drinking water? You can make it magic. Moon’s going to be full on date night? You get the drift. You understand how your energy connects with the energy of other things. In that connection, there is so much possibility and magic. And you focus on it with little to no effort. If you can clap your hands and change the energy of the room, you might be a Witch. 

You tend to keep meticulous records. 

You have many texts, workbooks, and journals on all the way you Witch. Now the organizing of such resources may be another thing entirely. Thanks to my Mars in Virgo, I’m better than I’ve been. But you actively seek to learn, explore, and do all the things to support and elevate your spiritual practices. I also believe this comes from understanding that writing these things down helps its longevity and provides information to teach others. Walking the Craft path is a journey and detailing the story of it is deep-rooted magic. Do you salivate in the journal section of the bookstore? You might be a Witch. 

You see ritual supplies in nature. 

Why did you just pick up this rock, feather, and stick? Because it wanted to come home with you and bring its energy to your next working. Oh, and the wildlife? You know they come out just to bring you a bit of joy. That respect for Mama Earth is deep within a practitioner’s heart and soul. Magic is an exchange, always. As a Wtich you know this instinctively. Living closer to the Earth may be a recurring theme for you if you think you’re a Witch. 

You regularly coach people about protection.

From scammers to fear-mongers to patriarchal late-stage capitalist b.s., and oh, by the way, #FreePalestine– you are all about keeping your kindred safe and creating a world that is better in all ways. You’ve likely also gone through your healing journey, which required some deep protection work. After 40 years I’m here to let you know that it is an ongoing process just like walking the Craft. Keep it up! By the way, the next new moon has good energy to re-do your wards and other protection spells. If you were already thinking about that, you might be a Witch. 

Knowing the difference between practitioners.

Not everyone calls themselves a Witch, but practice magic. Not everyone is Wiccan. Wiccan and Witch are not the same thing. Not all Witches are Healers and not all Healers are Witches. Not all Heathens are Witches, but some Witches may be Heathens. And much like knowing the difference between practitioners, we view our spirituality as sacred nonetheless. Even though I’m a public Witch, much of my magic is very private. It was for decades before I used my Craft to help others, and for the most part, 90 percent of it still is. But there ain’t nothing Wiccan about it. A bit camera-shy and feel like you need to call yourself a Strega instead? You’re discerning and may just be a Witch. 

Want to know more about being a Witch? Consider joining my Patreon. It’s where I teach all the things I know about walking the Craft and all the myriad of ways it can show up in our lives. For me, that includes, but is not limited to: Dream work, Rune casting, kitchen witchery, magical mixology, folx workings, hedge riding, and healing the planet one step at a time through the lens of permaculture. 

So are you a Witch? How do you know? Tell me below in the comments. 

What The Witch Is Reading: February 2024

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This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

Recently Finished:

Magic Julep By Gina LaManna

This is a Magic & Mixology series that I’ve been whipping through while I wrote Magic In Your Cup: A Witch’s Guide to Sippable Spellcraft (coming soon from Llewellyn Worldwide). When writing fiction, I can only read non-fiction. When writing non-fiction, I can only read fiction. Magic Julep is book seven in the series, and I’ll likely start Mermaid Mimosa soon (but I’m currently in the middle of editing a fiction book for the day job,  and I just can’t have LaManna’s voice in my head while doing so. However, I have been loving the cozy and escapist vibe to this. This is it when you need something to take you away to a magical isle in the middle of Lake Superior. I particularly love this one because there are some real relationship challenges…but nothing a little magic can’t handle. If you’ve read this series, let me know your thoughts. Beach-read vibes for sure, and I recommend starting with Book One in the series Hex on the Beach. Regardless, while finishing my non-fiction magical mixology book, this has been an excellent decompression story for me. And some of the characters are cool, like vampire cousin Poppy and shape-shifting cousin Zinnia. We all need a little time away, and this PG-13 romp is perfect. 

Reading Now:

Longing For Darkness: Tara and the Black Madonna by China Galland

The Black Madonna appeared to me in a dream a few years back. She still visits me often in that space. Other than some statutory and art frequented within many of my ancestral homes and some of my travels, I did not know much about this particular symbol of the Divine Mother. I am about halfway through the book and am anxious for the author to get to the Black Madonna. However, as I take this spiritual journey with the author, I’m learning a lot about Zen Buddism and other comparative religions. More to come after I finish.  

Up Next:

Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine by Lara Veleda Vesta

This book was a gift from a friend who knows my frustration with accessing spiritual literature about the tools I use in my Craft, particularly Runes, that are not colored by racism and bigotry. I don’t know why the Nazis love my lineage’s heathenry, but they do. I always laugh when I see that because do they even know Odin? Talk about Patron of Drag Queens. I’m hoping Ms. Vesta provides a more witchy and inclusive viewpoint. Come back soon to read the review of this one. 

As you can say, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk books!

Books Open; Book Done

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We’re past the mid-winter hump, and my books are open for dream interpretations and Rune castings. My shop was closed for a good chunk of the last quarter, and I’ve slowly been ramping up since the first of February. Meanwhile, the cover for my upcoming book has been released – if you’re on my Patreon you got a sneak peek at it weeks ago. Stay tuned here, or join us on Patreon for news about the book’s release date. 

Making a book is a long process, so now it’s time to get back to helping folx with my intuitive services – dream interpretation and Rune casting. Dreams are metaphysical windows, offering glimpses of our deepest thoughts, feelings, and desires. They also provide a conduit for messages from our ancestors and Spirits. The Runes are not merely ancient symbols but provide insights into various aspects of life from career to health, wealth, and spirituality.

Below are some testimonials about my services. Click the links inside this post or on the sidebar to schedule a reading today. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Now it’s time to make some more magic! 

Testimonials:

When I have a dream that confounds me there is only one person I seek out for advice. Runa’s insights and interpretations are so profound and help me to untangle the webs woven in my dreams so I can move forward with more clarity. Her wisdom has helped me at major junctures and I am grateful that she shares her gifts with us. 💜💜💜 ~ Kim, Florida

As always, blown away with her ability to pull out so much meaning, even if it seems like it may mean absolutely nothing.~Tina, Washington

I am so pleased I decided to have Runa interpret my dream!! I didn’t really know what to expect, but was hoping for some clarity on an intense dream. I knew I could trust Runa’s immense wisdom and deep knowledge of symbology, so was looking forward to reading her interpretation. Even knowing how brilliant she is, I was honestly blown away by the interpretation. I got goosebumps while reading through it. The way she pulled in elements of symbology, numerology, and her own intuition was amazing, and lended such incredible insight into what my dream meant. I really couldn’t recommend her more! Will definitely be returning with any other perplexing/interesting dreams I have! ~Sophia, California

This was my second reading and somehow it was even better than the last. The combination of runes and oracle cards is pure magic. I love that she shared the special story behind the cards and explained why she chose each of the items on the reading altar. At the end of her interpretation of the first card (which was spot on) she suggested I meditate with turquoise. I purchased a turquoise stone just before I received my reading. That was confirmation that this would be special, and it was. The entire reading deeply resonated with me. If you’re thinking about booking a reading, do it. You’ll be grateful later. ~Laura, Virginia

New Moon In Scorpio – Diving Back Into Tasseomancy

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Tea leaf readings, also known as tasseomancy, have been an outer-edge flirtation in my magical practice. It was some divination I could do as a Witch deep in the broom closet and not many even blinked about it. It was one of my first divinations – outside of dream work, before Runes just spoke to me so clearly. But every autumn I seem to want to cozy up with some appropriate tea – today I used Witch’s Harvest from Night Rituals, which is just what the New Moon in Scorpio called for – Rooibos, which is all about strength, courage, and wisdom. Apple, for health; cinnamon for abundance; and marigold for healing. It’s very flavorful, too. So, as you sip, you connect with the liquid, the tea, as well as your intuition and, if it’s in your practice, ancestors (this practice feels very ancestral to me) (insert Spirit, Guides, or Divinity, as well here). 

I can easily recall my grandmother and aunts talking about it – on my father’s more heathen side, of course. My mind’s eye easily plays little tea-reading sessions inside a tiny kitchen table that could not even begin to seat the amount of people who had to live in that house (1,000 square feet and a partially finished basement and weirdly attached garage for 11 people… what our ancestors went through). Messages like this are why I’m playing around again with my nose down staring at tea-mains inside a cup. 

Additionally, a lovely group of my friends (Witches, all, y’all) surprised me on my birthday with this little set (pictured above). They knew I was giddy about giving this set (with book, of course) a home here on the covenstead. The gift came with a tea reading demonstration and general Q&A session with Ruthie Connel. Yes, that Ruthie. Did you know she’s a whip with a pendulum? Yes, the set came with one of those, too. My friends spoil me so much. Thank you, ‘Chamily!’* 

It’s been a lovely magical pull back into a practice I’ve done for a bit, put down, come back to, put down again… you maybe know the drill. Our practice, our crafts go through cycles just like everything in the Universe. And that’s okay. Now I find myself back in love with this witchy tool. I’ve been practicing pretty much daily since receiving this gift – not always with this mug, mind you, as sometimes I find that I need a more sparse canvas for reading tea leaves. But I love the interaction of this particular set, including the astrologic influences as well as common culture symbols. It reminds me of the Runes’ ‘interactions on my casting cloth. Speaking of Runes, they show up often in my tea readings, which gives it this level-up feeling to the divination. 

We awoke today with the new moon in Scorpio, and I had to swirl that energy into yet another tea reading. Let’s just say it didn’t surprise me when the moon symbol showed up. Working with this energy has provided me with a laser light on what and where I need to expend my energy this season. 

Over on my Patreon, I examine more of what this new moon in Scorpio tea reading said to me. 

In the meantime, I invite you to take the time this late autumn, and even throughout winter, to dedicate yourself to a magical practice you’ve been away from, you would love to explore, and get your Witch on! May we dive into the darkest time of year shining lights on things that bring us joy, knowledge, and comfort. All of this or better. So it is. 

*Chamily = chosen family. Yeah, I made it up. All words are made up. (See: my Mercury return a couple of days ago. Hehe. Mercury is in Sagittarius, what do you expect? 😉 

What Does Your Happy Veterans Day Mean

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Armistice Day is upon us. I remember my grandfathers – both WW2 vets – calling the November 11th date that, well before I had served myself. Although in the United States it was already technically Veterans day having changed the name of the day of  remembrance of the end of WWI federally in 1954. But to the elders in my family it would always be Armistice Day. 11 minutes of silence on November 11 at 11 a.m. However, today, Veterans Day, seems a hollow observance given that so many vets are suffering. 

When a servicemember signs up, they are told repeatedly that their service will be rewarded and that the country will always take care of them. But when you consider that 23 percent of homeless persons and 33 percent of all homeless men are veterans, can we really say we’re taking care of them? If you truly are appreciative of their willingness to raise their hand in oath of service to the country, understand what a large percentage of veterans are up against.

The challenges a vet faces, especially as they age, are more often than not peculiar to their service time. Currently the statistics for veteran health are not great. The latest stats show 17 vets committ suicide every day. That’s a company size in a week, a battalion in a month. Of veterans deployed in post-9/11 operations, 47 percent who suffer from PTSD or major depression are NOT seeking support. Given that it’s an average 18 days for treatment at any given VA facility and the average mean distance between a veteran and VA mental health services are at minimum 15 miles away (for instance for me it’s more than 40 miles away), just the sheer logistics of getting help is hard.

Add to that that many vets hold a personal or professional stigma towards care and generally do not trust doctors, and there’s a perfect storm of elements blocking our vets from getting the help they need. The nomadic element to their service – whether one time or a lifetime – can create a less than trustworthy relationship with medical providers. For many vets who do access the service, it’s the first time they may have a regular care team. 

So this Veterans day, perhaps keep silent the ‘Happy Veterans Day’ or ‘Thank you for your service’ and write a letter to your government reps to do better by Veterans. Hell, we should be doing better by everyone, but on this holiday it brings the spotlight to veterans. When Whether your relationship with the day is a free day off of work, or just annoyed that there will be no mail service, or you stand in silent ceremony at 11:11 hrs., I humbly ask that if you dare to utter a ‘Happy Veteran’s Day,’ or ‘Thank you for your service,’ to someone, please make it meaningful. To make it meaningful, perhaps consider supporting an organization that helps veterans. 

Below are some links to make it easy, if you like to support those supporting Veterans. If there’s one you support that’s not here, be sure that the funds they are using are mostly going to help veterans and not hold up the organization. There Are some big-name groups that hold up warriors in their name, but aren’t really holding up Vets, just themselves. So, be discerning, friends.  

If you’re interested in my own struggles, as a vet and a Witch, I wrote about that over on my Patreon. And in the meantime, please pray for peace…everywhere. 

Disabled Vets of America

NorthWest Battle Buddies

Black Veterans for Social Justice

Center for Veterans Issues

______

Works Cited:

Staff Report, Sound Off, Supporting Those Who Served On Their Terms, Web, 11/10/23

Department of Veterans Affairs, National Survey of Veterans, October 18, 2010, Web, 11/10/23

Meatless Monday & The Witch (11-6-23)

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My family has been practicing Meatless Monday for as long as I can remember. My parents practiced it; their parents did; and so on. As a big history nerd I knew how it started, but over time it’s morphed into something I think the wider Witch community might revisit. 

When the United States finally entered into World War I, much of the European landscape that was once flourishing farms were battlefields, and many of its male, head-of-household farmers were either dead or serving as soldiers. Surviving elders, women, and children did what they could, but anyone can tell you that a freshly sown crop run down by military tanks isn’t going to sprout well. American soldiers were affected by the food crisis once they began arriving in Europe to fight. 

Under the direction of Herbert Hoover, the then U.S. Food Administration began its “Food Will Win The War – Produce It!” campaign. This was done in an effort to keep Americans from having to move to a ‘rations’ system as was necessary in Europe during the war as well as to support our soldiers overseas. Citizens from the Atlantic to the Pacific were asked to cut back on meat, fat, sugar, and wheat and participate in what was then termed ‘Meatless Tuesdays and Wheatless Wednesdays.” No meat on Tuesday, No wheat on Wednesday. 

In November of 1917 in New York City, the city’s hotels managed to save nearly 100 tons of meat. That November, also, more than 11 million American households signed a pledge to take part in this effort. They pledged to buy food with thought, to cook it with care, to serve just enough, to save what would keep, to eat what would spoil, and to know that home-grown is best. 

Rations eventually were necessary when it came to sugar, butter, and oils, but the country embraced eating fresh fruits and vegetables, since none of that could be shipped overseas. Liberty (and/or War) gardens, which would morph into Victory gardens, began to take hold. You could eat rye bread (no wheat, you see) with fresh tomatoes and sour cream and be helping the soldiers and citizens in Europe. 

These efforts were mimicked again during World War II quickly – the last war had not been that long before. Given the history of how producing food helped in WWI, American citizens quickly mobilized to turn every space around their homes into food production. 

Post World War II, Meatless Tuesday morphed into the more recognizable and alliterative form of Meatless Monday. At the turn of the century, it was not spurred by war, but rather by public health campaigns to embrace a more plant-based diet. For my family, it was all about the grocery budget. And even though my family was not Catholic, and outside of the season of Lent, we only ate fish on Fridays. Again, it was a budget thing (and honestly, likely helped the meal planner on the daily conundrum of ‘what’s for dinner, mom?”)

Today, it serves all the purposes that you could think of from meal planning ease, health, cost, and environmental impact. As a Witch, I want all these things in my life: a softer impact on Mama Earth, extra dollars in my wallet, a focus on healthier foods (especially home produced), and knowing what direction to plan a meal. If we incorporated such a practice into the way we walk in the Craft, we could help save 133 gallons of water with each meatless meal and reduce our carbon footprint by 8 pounds each time you participate. But the opportunity to make Magic on Meatless Monday cannot be discounted. I have found it a simple way to expand my own practice as a Witch. 

Combine all of the above with a little Magic? And you have a weekly touchstone, something mindful to focus on besides capitalism on Mondays. Does it mean you have to add Magic to every meatless meal you make? As I’ve written to you multiple times now, absolutely not. But, if you set a goal to do it once a month, I’m sure you’ll recognize the powerfulness of this simple ritual. Yes, Meatless Monday can be a ritual (Or Fish Fridays, if you prefer). That’s the wonderful thing about being a Witch. Many of our paths are very ‘choose your own adventure.’ You may choose this or not. I offer it only as an option and to show you how it’s blessed my own life. 

When I craft a Meatless Monday menu, (say that five items fast), I try to keep it very plant-forward. I try to avoid only doing things like pasta – especially with cheese – because dairy can be a crutch when it comes to eating more plant-based, e.g. meatless. This is where my seasonal focus also is easily highlighted. Don’t know what to cook? Visit your local food co-op or farmer’s market and buy what’s in season. Right now it’s squash, brassicas, and mushrooms. As always you can check the correspondences of the foods you love and what you want to bring into your life, as a way to decide what to make. Whether you use seasonal or magical energies to lead the way, it’s a powerful tool. 

Over on my Patreon is a Meatless Monday working to help bring health, wealth, and the wisdom to do what we can to help this ecosystem which we are all a part of, as well as, save a little emotional energy along the way. Monday = no meat. Open up your magical kitchen! You can easily do this once a month and then work up to once a week.

Come join my Patreon and learn all kinds of magical ways to be, know and do, and meet some fellow kindred witchy souls. Saving some money, upping your veggie intake, and feeling good when Monday ends is just a bonus.  

The Witch Is In: Scorpio Season Update

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Happy Scorpio season, Witches. I’m partial to it, of course, since my Sun is Scorpio. But, I’ve never been so ready for a zodiac season, I feel. In fact, I’m taking off from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7th because life has been heavy. Heck, Scorpio season has been here for a couple of days now and I’m just getting to this update. 

But, I’m in massive recovery mode – creatively, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The manuscript was turned in to Llewellyn on Oct. 1. Whew. This was on the heels of the Sept. 16, release of Magicae Optimum. And throughout all of that I’ve been on heavy eldercare duty, which looks like it’s going to be a thing for another couple of weeks, at least. Meanwhile, I’m putting the food forest/gardens to bed for winter and readying the covenstead for the introspection and intimacy of the winter season. In light of all that, I’m ready for the slow down of Autumn, the inward reflection that Scorpio season provides. 

In the meantime, I’m putting my shop on pause. I’ll likely not be on social media much, and I’m probably NOT going to be writing during my break week. Mama needs a break to dream, do some extra self-care, and figure out some plans for Yule and beyond. If there’s something you’d love to see from me, please let me know. what Yule will look like. Do note that my Patrons will receive regular content and readings, so if you’re there, I’ll see you there. 

I hope your Scorpio season is all you need it to be. If you have a Scorpio in your life, give them an extra hug. 

Divine to Divine,

Runa

She’s Alive! Are You Ready?

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Pre-orders begin for Magicae Optimum Daily Grimoire and More!

Get the newest magical tool to center and expand Magic in your life! Preorders begin September 9, 2023.

Click the image above to be transported directly to get your hands on the best way to optimize the Magic in your life. First shipments are targeted to arrive by mid-October. We’ll update you as timelines become clearer! So excited to share this with you all!

Magicae Optimum Daily Grimoire Coming Soon

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A New Way To Optimize Your Magic

Two West-Coast Witches Collaborate on New Magical Life Tools

Bellingham, WA. – This autumn’s season of the Witch may just be more organized. A new foundational tool is premiering for all those who practice witchcraft, love astrology, Tarot, and love to celebrate lunar and solar observances.

The Magicae Optimum Daily Grimoire (MODG) is an all-in-one Book of Shadows, astro-weather guide, as well as a tracker for your dreams, intentions, and your everyday Magic. Walking in the Craft is all about being our truest selves and living our best lives. We get there day-by-day. Improving, one step at a time. One day at a time. Present in the moment, and eye on the details.

Runa Troy along with fellow Witch and co-creator, Kelsi Horner, contend that the MODG gives its users a way to optimize their time and energy (and thereby their resources and energy). 

This Grimoire gives each day its due with a big focus on Magic, including the day’s astrology featuring the degrees of the transit. Every month has an overview detailing the moon cycles and zodiac transits. Throughout the planner there are art, quotes, and witchy knowledge and tips to perhaps teach, inspire, and entertain.

“I got tired of carrying – and often losing – multiple planners, astrology calendars, notebooks, and journals to keep me on track,” Horner said. “Runa and I found ourselves discussing wanting something different, a new system to incorporate keeping our mundane and magical lives aligned, with a focus on the Magic.” 

“Next thing I know we’re working on creating just that and Magicae Optimum was born,” Troy said.

It is available for pre-order on September 16, 2023.

Special collections to complement the MODG are also available at MagicaeOptimum.com. It can also be ordered through DarlingWeirdos.com.