Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies: The Magician

In Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies, I’ll be going through every card individually and sharing mini insights we as disabled and neurodivergent (ND) witches can take from it.

The Fool begins with little more than a twinkle in their eye; the Magician takes that twinkle and creates a complicated system of magnifying glasses and lenses to amplify it into a glow. (To exhaust a metaphor.) This is someone with tools in their toolbelt, ready to go to work. 

When I suggest that the Magician’s wisdom for spoonies involves tools, the most obvious items that come to mind are canes, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc. And absolutely those fall under this umbrella. But any object you use to make daily life easier or more accessible is a tool. If you have a bag full of fidget toys for on-the-go stimming, those are tools. If pulling out a book and reading for ten minutes helps you re-center after a meltdown, books are tools. If you can type messages on your phone when you’re nonverbal, that’s a tool. Know your tools. If it helps, write them down–especially the ones you’re apt to overlook or forget in the heat of the moment. I have specific Youtube playlists saved in a folder for flareups because I need something distracting, but nothing too loud or intense because I get into sensory overload very easily when I’m already in tons of pain. That’s one of my tools.

If you have physical tools like fidget toys or board games, you can even make a literal toolbox for yourself. And actually use those tools when you need them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked myself out of bringing my cane with me, only to deeply regret it later. The Magician would roll their eyes at me. Identify your tools and use them, and the Magician will be with you.

Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies: The Magician Tiny Witchcraft

Book Review: Will You Give Me a Reading?

With so many amazing books out there about tarot, it’s sort of shocking that how few there are on the art of reading for others! So I was excited to dig into Jenna Matlin’s Will You Give Me a Reading, and spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed! Jenna is a professional intuitive and tarot reader, and this is her third book on the market. Will You Give Me a Reading advertises itself as a guide for anyone–seasoned veterans and total newcomers alike–to start reading not just for themselves, but for others. What a breath of fresh air when so many tarot books for beginners focus solely on how to memorize the meanings behind each card. And don’t get me wrong, that kind of book is very needed (and I certainly used my fair share of them, and still do sometimes)! But it’s so lovely to find a tarot pro who encourages newcomers to share their reading skills right away, no matter how green and unpracticed they may be. 

Image Description: a book cover, which reads "Will you give me a reading? What you need to read tarot with confidence." The author is Jenna Matlin, and the foreword is written by Benebell Wen. The cover image shows a dark-skinned hand pulling a tarot card from a pair of lighter-skinned hands. Candles and crystals decorate the rest of the cover.

PROS

I have, erm, quite a few tarot books on my bookshelves, and they run the gamut from essential getting-started guides like Melissa Cynova’s Kitchen Table Tarot to meaty, scholarly tomes on the subject like Benebell Wen’s Holistic Tarot. (Don’t ask me how many decks I have. Just assume the answer is “too many, and counting.”) But it’s rare to find a book that can comfortably serve brand new readers, long-time practitioners, and everyone in between. It’s a testament not only to Matlin’s mastery of the cards themselves, but her writing style as well. If I was new to tarot, this wouldn’t be an intimidating text to pick up. And yet as someone who’s been reading the cards for a few years now, I still found a ton of new insight and ideas to incorporate into my practice. That is not an easy line to walk, and Matlin does so rather brilliantly. 

As someone who always looks for hands-on activities and practical applications for the cards, I love to see how many examples and suggested activities Matlin included. This is not a book to read passively; it’s a book that has you grabbing your deck and trying things out. For newer tarot readers, this provides tons of chances to practice, on their own or with a querent. And for more seasoned readers, this gives opportunities to enhance their understanding of the cards and develop their voice and style as a reader. As I keep saying, there’s truly something for everyone in this book. 

Thinking in terms of accessibility, this would be a great addition to the bookshelf of any disabled or neurodivergent (ND) tarot reader who wants to start reading for others, or who already is reading for others and wants to deepen their skills. It can be tough to make the jump from pulling cards for yourself to reading for anyone else with confidence (or at least with well-faked confidence). Matlin’s writing is deeply empowering. She assures the reader that they have meaningful insight to share no matter what stage of learning they’re in, and encourages them to start honing their reading chops in the wild right away. (Matlin mentions several times in the book that she struggled with debilitating migraines, so she is no stranger to chronic pain herself.) 

CONS

The only con I can think of has less to do with Matlin’s book itself and more to do with the question of confidence. Confidence is hard to cultivate for most people, but when you’re disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent, there’s extra challenges to maintaining your self-esteem. There’s the internal battles–the whispering of anxiety, the intrusive thoughts, the energy that flags too easily, the flareups that can sometimes be pushed through but often shouldn’t be. And then there’s the external battles, the ableism that constantly tells us that we’re less productive, less useful, less reliable, and more of a burden. It can be challenging to find your confidence in anything, much less in something as squishy and intuition-based as reading tarot cards. 

If this is sounding familiar, I still think Will You Give Me a Reading can provide a stepping stone on your journey to developing confidence as a reader. But I would add the caveat that it’s okay to start small. Begin by doing one-card readings for someone, for instance. Early in my development, I got in the habit of pulling a daily card for myself, but for two of my closest friends, as well. It was relatively quick, so it didn’t take a ton of energy. But it boosted my self-assurance immensely when I pulled a card that resonated with my friends. (And if you’re in the early stages of learning the cards’ meanings, this gives you more space to linger over the nuance of an individual card.) Another option to make readings feel less intimidating is to do larger readings with more cards at once, but be very selective about who you read for first. Choose a trusted friend or a beloved family member–and in general, when starting out, perhaps avoid reading for folks who are ALSO tarot readers. The last thing you want is to have your querent correcting you on what the cards mean or challenging your intuition while you’re just starting to find your footing. Or identify someone who’s also in the very early stages of their tarot development and trade readings with them!

It’s hard to break that seal and move from solo readings to pulling cards for others. But as ever, there are ways to make that transition a touch more accessible and achievable. Be gentle and patient with yourself. As Matlin says herself, “Keep a loose grip. Hold on to a thing, but not too tightly. Honor a belief, but change it if it no longer fits. Command respect, but also learn to laugh at your mistakes. Be responsible for your actions, but love yourself when those actions are less than ideal.” Giving someone a reading doesn’t have to mean going from quick one-card readings for yourself to huge, lengthy spreads for total strangers. Start small, and make sure to notice your successes as readily as you notice your mistakes. It can be all to easy to hyperfocus on the speed bumps and overlook the stretches of smooth road. 

Thank you to Llewellyn for giving me this copy of Will You Give Me a Reading to review! Jenna Matlin is an awesome human–check out this conversation I had with her over on her youtube channel. And if you’ve read her book or mine, please take a moment to leave ratings and reviews on amazon or goodreads! 

Book Review: Will You Give Me a Reading? Tiny Witchcraft

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ruleestory.com/2023/02/10/book-review-will-you-give-me-a-reading/

Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies: The Fool

Welcome to the first post of a brand new series! In Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies, I’ll be going through every card individually and sharing mini insights we as disabled and neurodivergent (ND) witches can take from it. We’ll be starting with the Major Arcana, so today it’s the Fool! 

The Fool represents fresh beginnings and diving into new projects. When I draw the Fool, I always imagine the protagonists of my favorite books taking the first step on their respective journeys. For those of us in the disabled and/or neurodivergent communities, the Fool encourages us to approach our daily lives with fresh eyes. Yes, of course it’s important for anyone to keep their limits and triggers in mind, especially spoonies. But at the same time, it can be easy to expect a flareup/meltdown so much that you make it happen just by bracing yourself for it. Or to talk yourself out of trying something that might be worth the risk. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best, as the saying goes. 

This is, of course, easier said than done. I have a chronic pain condition that often flares up if I overexert myself physically, so if I have something physically demanding on my schedule (traveling, standing in line for an event ,etc.) it’s hard not to brace for the worst. And again, it’s wise for me to keep my limitations in mind and plan accordingly–making sure I have my meds and cane on hand, checking on possible accommodations ahead of time, and so on. But I don’t do myself any favors by going into the event thinking, “Oh god, I’m going to be in so much pain after this. Is that a twinge already? I’ve still got three hours to go, this is only going to get worse from here!” Instead, I try to stay in the present moment and not expect a flareup. Sometimes I’m disappointed, but sometimes I get through surprisingly unscathed. 

So, the Fool suggests, approach each situation with a beginner’s mind. It could go more smoothly than you think. If you start to feel overwhelmed, or a symptom starts to pop up, take a few deep breaths or do a quick body scan to re-center. Listen to your body when it tells you it’s being pushed too far, but listen to it when it’s managing perfectly well, too. Each moment is a new beginning. 

Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies: The Fool Tiny Witchcraft

Tarot Spreads: Full and New Moon

IT’S LAUNCH WEEK, MY DEARS! My very first tarot book, Your Tarot Toolkit, comes out this week! It’s honestly still pretty surreal, but I’m so excited to share this box of activities, reflections, and affirmations based on the tarot. It’s been a labor of love for sure! 

To celebrate, I thought I’d share two moon-cycle spreads I created a few years ago. One is for the full moon and one is for the new moon. They are slightly more involved spreads than the ones I’ve shared in the past (six cards for one, and seven for the other) so they’d be best suited for a full/new moon when you have a few spoons to spare. 

Tomorrow is also the full moon, so we’ll start with that spread! 

HARVEST YOUR FULL MOON

Image description: A tarot spread template for the full moon. There are six cards needed. The first three are laid out in a horizontal row from left to right. The fourth and fifth cards are on top of the row of cards 1-3, and the sixth card is at the very top. All together, they form a pyramid.
  1. REFLECT on the lessons you’ve learned
  2. REFINE the goal you’ve been working towards
  3. RECHARGE after the growth you’ve achieved
  4. REKINDLE a positive energy from the past month
  5. REDIRECT an upcoming negative energy
  6. RECEIVE a message from the universe

The full moon is all about reaping what you sowed over the last month (or so). It’s an excellent time for introspection, observing the fruits of your endeavors, and celebrating abundance. I find it’s a great opportunity for journaling, or for catching up your Book of Shadows if you keep one. I designed this spread with harvesting and reflecting in mind. It’s a barometer of sorts, allowing you to check in with your craft and see how it’s going, note any potential speed bumps ahead of you, and open yourself to the universe’s wisdom. 

A quick personal anecdote about this spread with particular relevance to spoonie witchcraft. When I first created this full moon layout a few years ago, I had been going around in circles for months about whether to buy a walker/rollator. I felt instinctively that choosing one with a built-in seat would be ideal for situations where I might be expected to stand for long periods. Waiting in a long line, for example. But I’d talked myself out of going through with a purchase several times. Did I really need it? Shouldn’t my cane be sufficient? Etc. The usual internalized ableism. So one full moon, I sat down to do this spread, still undecided about whether to buy the mobility aid. I used my beloved Numinous Tarot, which features characters of many races, gender identities and expressions, and (notably) ability levels. In the sixth position, for my message from the universe, I pulled Nine of Wands, which also happens to be the only card in the Numinous Tarot that features a character using a rollator. 

Image description: The Nine of Candles (Wands) from the Numinous Tarot. It shows an older white person with a rollator pausing atop a bridge to look back. They are holding one candle, and eight more burn behind them.

Welp. Message certainly received, universe. I bought the rollator not long after, and yes, it has been incredibly helpful. 

BLOOM WITH THE NEW MOON

  1. An affirmation for the coming month (this could be an oracle card, if you prefer!) 
  2. A challenge to learn from
  3. A tether to ground with
  4. A negative energy to release
  5. An energy to welcome in
  6. A triumph to celebrate
  7. A goal to reach for

The new moon is a time for making plans, setting intentions, and beginning projects. This can be an exciting period of embarking, though for disabled and neurodivergent witches there is always the temptation of overdoing or overcommitting as well. The good news is that oftentimes, our tarot cards are more honest/realistic than we are about our limits and access needs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled Four of Swords for my “goal to reach for,” reminding me that rest is just as important a goal as anything else I might be working on. And although I might roll my eyes upon pulling this card and say, “I KNOW, DECK. I GET IT,” it’s always a needed reminder, too. 

If you give these spreads a try, I’d love to know how they felt for you, or if you pulled any particularly impactful cards. And if you want to go a step further and incorporate one or more of your moon-cycle cards into your daily life, you can get my book TODAY! It’s available anywhere books are sold, but I particularly recommend bookshop.org, as the sales there help support local bookstores. 

Tarot Spreads: Full and New Moon Tiny Witchcraft

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ruleestory.com/2023/02/04/tarot-spreads-full-and-new-moon/

Tarot Spread: What Does my Mind Need?

I’ve already shared a tarot spread to help connect with your body and its unique needs and wants. With the new year well upon us and all the stress that it can entail, this feels like a good time to give that same treatment to the mind! 

Now, full disclosure: I am much more familiar with physical challenges than mental ones. I’m pretty confident I have some undiagnosed sensory processing issues (I’m working on the whole diagnosis thing this year) and I am diagnosed with generalized anxiety. But I’ve had much more experience talking to doctors and peers about chronic pain and fatigue than I’ve had talking to doctors and peers about mental health conditions or neurodivergence (ND). As the blog continues to find its footing, my plan is to interview witches with all manner of disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and neurodivergences. But in the meantime, know that this is a very general mind-focused tarot spread, created by someone who’s operating in the overlap that we all share (in other words, that our brains and bodies function very differently than abled and/or neurotypical folks’ brains and bodies). And if there are ways that I could be doing better here, please do feel free to reach out and let me know! As I’ve said before, disability/ND is an enormous category that covers a dizzying variety of conditions and limitations. I want this to be a space for all of us to come together and share our challenges and the resourceful ways we might address those challenges. 

With that gigantic disclaimer out of the way, let’s take a look at the spread of the day! 

THE SPREAD

As in the case of our body needs tarot spread, first take a few minutes to connect with your mind and your thoughts in whatever ways are comfortable/safe. A few possibilities: 

  • Set a timer for five minutes and free write, doing your best not to stop your pen, just writing down anything that comes to mind. You could also do this by recording a voice memo.
  • Spend a few moments outside or at a window, just noticing anything that catches your attention
  • Meditate in whatever way works best for you
  • Do an activity that is somewhat tactile and repetitive, like needlework, folding laundry, etc. As you go, pay attention to what thoughts and feelings arise
  • Talk to a friend or family member about whatever might be top of mind at the moment. 

Once you feel ready, grab your tarot deck, shuffle in whatever way you prefer, and lay out five cards in the following positions:

Image description: five rectangles representing tarot cards in a layout. The first card starts at the top left corner, the second directly across from it to the right. The third card is below the second, and the fourth is to the left of the third and directly underneath the first card. They form a square, and in the center of this square is the fifth and final card.
  1. What is weighing me down? (Fatigue, depression, burnout, etc.)
  2. What is overloading me? (Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, etc.)
  3. What else is on my mind? 
  4. Who can I ask for help? 
  5. What gift can I give my mind today? 

As always, here is a sample of the spread that I did for myself. 

Image description: an example of the spread above is laid out on a purple altar cloth. The first card is the Page of Wands, represented by a young person with fiery red hair and a flame in their chest. The second is the Seven of Wands, depicted as a single axe growing from six other branches. The third card is the Four of Cups, which shows a person looking away indifferently from four cups. The fourth card is the King of Cups, depicted as an older person pouring a cup of tea invitingly. And the fifth and final card is the Four of Swords, represented by a person nude from the waist up meditating with four swords arrayed around them.

(Not my best work, photo-wise, but I was in a coffee shop. What can you do.) I used the Sasuraibito Tarot for this reading. 

What is weighing me down and what is overloading me? Both of my “what’s going on” positions at the top here have Wands, which is pretty interesting. I interpret that to mean that I’m pushing myself too hard to be creative and active when sometimes I need to let myself rest and recharge–not just from a physical standpoint, but a mental standpoint, too. Page of Wands weighing me down suggests that I’m trying to BE the Page of Wands–creative, sparky, always flitting from one idea to the next–but when I’m overwhelmed, this inspirational image of myself becomes heavy and makes me feel guilty that I’m not living up. And similarly, the Seven of Wands is spinning me into anxiety and overload because I’m trying so hard to be unique and prove to the world that what I have to offer is special and worthwhile. I don’t need to prove anything. 

What else is on my mind? We have Four of Cups, which is often a harbinger of apathy or boredom. Because I am currently focusing all my energy and time on this blog and my writing endeavors, there’s a fear lurking in the back of my mind that I’ll grow lethargic. I’ll rest on my laurels and let my creativity go stagnant. On a more positive note, this is a card that often pops up for my relationship with my partner E (not in a “this is a boring relationship which you’re apathetic about” way, but in a “we are each other’s comfortable places” way). It’s a good, warm, affirming relationship, and the fact that it’s on my mind is a bright spot to focus on. 

Who can I ask for help? Sometimes this can bring up more of an abstract suggestion, like “here’s the type of person you might need to reach out for” or even “here’s an energy you need to cultivate in yourself.” In this case, though, my cards gave me a very concrete answer: for me, the King of Cups is always, always my dad. I unfortunately can’t go directly to him, being that he is an ancestor and not a tangible person in my day-to-day. But I haven’t done any tarot readings specifically for him recently, so this might be a nudge that he’d have insight to share if I intentionally opened the line of communication. 

What gift can I give my mind today? Again, this is a dang clear response from the cards: Four of Swords means REST. Rest is not the same thing as apathy or lethargy, and in fact it is intentional rest (both physically and mentally) that gives me the oomph to keep doing the creative things. Also, Four of Swords is another ancestor card for me; my dad’s dad, Grampa Bennie, likes to use this card to say hello. Could be another reminder that ancestor work is a space for rest and reconnecting, too. But most importantly, I need to stop seeing rest as a fail state and instead see it as important and productive. And just because I’m not physically exerting myself, I may not be resting my mind, too. That is equally important. 

As in the case of the “what does my body need” spread, if you draw a blank as you look at your cards, consider jotting down some notes or taking a picture of the spread. Things may click later on, and you’ll want something to refer back to at that time. And feel free to drop questions or spread-related thoughts in the comments–I’d love to chat! 

And meanwhile HOLY HECK MY BOOK COMES OUT IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! I’ve heard pre-orders have started going out already, so now is a great time to order your copy!

Tarot Spread: What Does my Mind Need? Tiny Witchcraft

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ruleestory.com/2023/01/28/tarot-spread-what-does-my-mind-need/

Fundamentals: What Tools Do I Have?

One of my absolute favorite witchy movies (and actually, one of my absolute favorite movies of any category) is Practical Magic. If you haven’t seen it, highly recommend. Near the end of the movie (no major spoilers here, promise!) the main characters are trying to pull together a rag-tag coven of ordinary women. They’re asked to each bring a broom with them. One of the ladies blows in, triumphantly holds a Dirt Devil above her head, and queries, “Is this okay? It’s all I had!” 

As much as this moment is played for comedy, I’ve come to appreciate it as a moment of witchy resourcefulness, too. (Though tragically, she doesn’t end up using the Dirt Devil in the spell–they loan her a broom like cowards.) Many of us can remember reading our first witchcraft book or attending our first metaphysical event and feeling overwhelmed at the number of tools, accessories, and trinkets you can use in your practice. From wands and athames to candles and crystals to herbs and oils, there’s an unbelievable amount of paraphernalia out there. But if you’re just starting out, or you don’t have much space to store lots of tools, or if you’re in a living situation where you have to keep your witchcraft closeted, or you don’t have money to spare on fancy tools…it can feel like there’s an awful lot of prerequisites to being a witch. (And I probably don’t need to say it, but many of us in the disabled and neurodivergent [ND] community struggle with space, money, and/or living conditions…so that describes a lot of us.) 

In previous Fundamentals posts, I’ve discussed why witchcraft should be accessible, and how to consider your capacities and limitations. Today’s post (you may have guessed) is all about tools. What tools do you have? What tools do you need or want? And what tools can you create–not just physical tools, but quick, accessible shortcuts to make spells and rituals more manageable for yourself? 

Let’s dive in. 

HAVE, NEED, WANT

Brace yourself, we’re making another list. As always, this doesn’t have to be a physical list. It could be a bullet point list of scribbled notes on your phone or laptop. It could be a voice memo. It could even just be quiet time and your own thoughts. Whatever works best for you. 

First of all, think about what witchy tools you already have. Maybe you picked up a wand. Maybe you have a handful of carefully-collected crystals. Maybe you have a gorgeous notebook that you’d like to use as your book of shadows. These are all somewhat conventional magical tools, but make sure to think about tools that seem mundane at first glance, too. I do a lot of witchy needlework, so I could include all of my cross stitch supplies, for example. You might use a sketchbook to create sigils, so that sketchbook and any drawing supplies would count. Basically, any object you own that you use to enhance, channel, or inspire your witchy practice should be part of this list. 

Now then. Shift to considering all of those shiny, beautiful witchy tools you’ve seen in your local metaphysical store window. Or that list of “must-have tools for beginners” in your Wicca book. Think about what tools you might need or want. Now, at the end of the day, you don’t need most (if any) witchy tools to do magic. Intention is the most important thing, and you can direct that with words, focused thoughts, and/or movement. But there are tools that might feel particularly necessary for the flavors of magic you’re most interested in. If tea magic seems like the perfect method for you, you will need a teapot or water heater, mugs or cups of some sort, and at least one or two types of tea. If candle magic feels like your scene, you’ll need a few candles and either matches or a lighter. Etc. These are the types of items to put on your “need” list–any object you don’t currently own that would significantly impact your magical practice for the better. 

For the final category, list any object that would just be really nice to have, but wouldn’t necessarily have a huge impact on your practice. I don’t need yet another tarot deck, but boy that one deck is gorgeous and I’d love to have it. I don’t need amethyst for my altar, but it is my birthstone and an amplifier for magical workings. I don’t need this print of my patron deity, but it is from one of my favorite etsy artists. You get the picture. Having witchy accessories to sprinkle through your life, while not necessary, can be incredibly fun and affirming. And this is just a wishlist, so you can feel free to make it as extravagant or exhaustive as you’d like! 

CREATIVE SUBSTITUTES

For the moment, focus on your “need” list. Are there items that could sub in for the witchy objects you’ve listed? (A Dirt Devil instead of a broomstick, for example?) I’ve talked about this before, but I use battery-operated candles in place of regular candles most of the time because of my spouse’s fragrance/smoke sensitivities. You might create a google drive folder or document to function as a book of shadows instead of a physical notebook. Maybe one of your kitchen knives could play the role of ceremonial athame. (Or a spoon instead of a wand! That’d be thematically appropriate, wouldn’t it?) There are apps with virtual tarot decks if you can’t currently afford a physical one. And so on. 

If you can’t think of any pre-existing alternatives, would it be possible for you to make one? A medium-sized stick can be decorated with ribbon, beads, etc. to create a wand. A stone gathered from your backyard can be infused with energy and purpose just as well as a polished crystal. A cloth napkin can be embroidered upon, and presto, you have an altar cloth. It might not have the same sparkly “but new pretty tool though!” vibe, but it will work–and more importantly, you’ll have it accessible and ready for witchy doings, instead of just wistfully staring at it through a shop window or a computer screen. Obviously your mileage may vary if, for instance, fine motor skills are a challenge for your particular body or brain. But it’s definitely an avenue to at least consider when you’re assembling your list. 

You can go through this same process for your “want” list, though you might want to prioritize the “need” items–at least a few of them. The “want” list is a good one to circulate for gift ideas, or to turn into an online wishlist. The “need” list might be something to save up spoons for if you’re making items, or to save money for if you’re purchasing. 

MENTAL TOOLS

Not all tools are physical, tangible items. You can create mental tools–behaviors and activities that make the processes of magic easier and/or more accessible for yourself. I like to think of this as magical shorthand: you are building a language of magic and symbology that is meaningful to you. 

Here’s an example I absolutely love (and not JUST because it comes to me from one of my partners). For each of their loved ones, E selects a special crystal or stone to be that person’s. They keep these crystals on their altar most of the time, but if they want to feel their loved ones’ support more tangibly on any given day (especially since many of E’s people are long-distance!) they can put their stone in their pockets or bag and carry that person’s love with them. And if they wanted to do a spell for someone specific, they could use that person’s stone in the spell as an anchor of sorts. Outside of the initial energy of acquiring/selecting/programming the Right Stone, this is a super low-spoon option for invoking someone’s presence! And you could do this with anyone or any energy you wanted. Program a special stone or crystal for a deity you work with often, or an archetype like Empress energy, or an ancestor! 

The possibilities for these sorts of shorthands are endless. If you aren’t sure where to start, think about magical activities that you often get tripped up on, that seem to drain more energy than you’d prefer, or that are frequent parts of larger rituals/spells. Grounding might be a good starting place, for example–where an abled/neurotypical witch might be able to spend 5-10 minutes meditating in silence before moving on to a spell or ritual, a disabled or ND witch might be exhausted by trying to focus that hard for that long. Maybe your grounding shorthand could be putting a hand over your heart and taking three deep breaths. Maybe it could be doing a specific stretch you reserve for grounding. Maybe it could be opening a window and getting a breath of fresh air. You get the idea!

Creating sacred space is another action that many spells and rituals begin with–casting a circle, inviting in deities/ancestors/spirits, etc. You don’t have to walk the perimeter with a broomstick if that’s Too Much for you physically or mentally. Maybe you sit in the center of the circle and trace out the perimeter with your pointer finger. Maybe you visualize a bright white bubble expanding out from your heart, protecting the space you’ll be working. Maybe you have a tangible item that usually lives on your altar, like a larger stone/crystal, a small statue, etc. that you bring into your working space and set in the center to signify sacred space. 

Here are a few more common witchy actions that you might want to create magical shorthand for! Obviously this list is not exhaustive by any means–it is merely a starting place.

  • Protection (sending it to others, invoking it for yourself)
  • Attraction (calling in some sort of energy and anchoring it to yourself)
  • Blessings (sending them to others, invoking them for yourself)
  • Energy (building for spellcraft, directing it towards someone or something)
  • Healing (it can be especially helpful to create shorthand for your common symptoms/triggers! For example, I have a special sigil I created for fibromyalgia flare-ups, which I draw on my wrist when I’m flaring)
  • Release (letting go of something that no longer serves you) 

If you want a ready-made set of mental tools and self-care actions based around the tarot, look no further than my upcoming book, Your Tarot Toolkit! We are SO CLOSE to February 8th, which is release day! But you can go ahead and pre-order it here.

Fundamentals: What Tools Do I Have? Tiny Witchcraft

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ruleestory.com/2023/01/20/fundamentals-what-tools-do-i-have/