With this month being Black History month as well as Healthy Keys, LLC 5 Senses to self-care events taking place. We wanted to show you how certain African American rituals and practices that are perceived as witchy can be self-care. We are currently living in a Witchy Revolution. More and more individuals are finding themselves awoken and tracking back to their ancestral roots. Many African Americans have decided to reclaim their traditions and embrace the spiritual realm. One of the major reasons for this shift is the desire to heal our people. Especially our women. We want to heal not just our bodies, but mind and spirit also.
Tarot - Tarot decks have many self care benefits. Tarot readings can aid in mental and emotional support and healing. Tarot can be an aid in therapy. It can help to get you thinking and analyzing situations for the best result. Tarot encourages dialogue. Tarot can also help you find much needed answers to questions. There are many different types of tarot decks. You can purchase a tarot deck to help you with self care exercise. Tarot is an effective tool for self reflection.Often times tarot cards reveal areas of your life that need extra care and compassion. Tarot is a holistic approach to help support you, your body, mind and spirit.
Crystals - Crystals are more than just a pretty stone. Crystals aid in energy healing. Crystals have many different properties. Crystals emit different frequencies. These frequencies help boost your mind, body, and soul. Depending on the crystal you are healing different parts of your body and life. We will touch this in a later article. Crystals can help you recharge, reconnect, and rebalance yourself.
Herbalism- We all know by now that all herbs have different healing properties. Using herbs for self care comes with numerous benefits because of the healing properties. Herbs can be used as teas, in your bath or a yoni (vaginal) steam or Lingham (prostate) steam. These are some really great self-care practices. Each one aids in relaxation as well as other reported benefits.
Smudging- Many people look at smudging as casting a spell. However, it's more to smudging than just casting a spell. Smudging is a calming ritual. This ritual helps aid in cleansing yourself and home of bad energy. It helps you to bring in good vibes and energy. Smudging also helps gain you spiritual protection and improve your spiritual health. The smoke from smudging purifies the body, soul and brings clarity to the mind. You can use white sage bundles or palo santo sticks to smudge.
Manifestation- Manifesting is aligning your mind and thoughts. It is aligning your energy with the source of creation for your desires. This is a form of spiritual self care. The practice of manifesting is putting reminders and affirmations of the things you're doing well as well as your goals and dreams around you so you can see them.
Meditation - Meditation is physical, emotional, psychological, personal and spiritual self care. Meditation provides nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. It provides us with mental clarity.
Altars - Creating you an alter aids in self care as you are creating you a sacred place. You get to hand pick all the items on your altar. Everything on your altar relates to you and your ancestors. You can use your altar for many reasons and self care practices. You can do your tarot reading on your altar, pace your crystals and candles there.
Candles- Candles are used in various ways for self care. The aroma from candles is a stimulant for your mental well being. Candles can help you achieve a calm or relaxed state. Candles give you a boost of energy. You can light candles at dinner or for a nice relaxing soak in the bath.
Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy can be used to stop stress from over taking your body. It triggers relaxation and calmness.
Plants- There are several pants that boost your magical energy. Loving nature can also bring you a sense of calmness and rejuvenation. Plants can bring you prosperity and harmony. Plants can bring positive energy to your home or yard.
Black girl magic meeting and hoodoo festivals- Meetings and festivals can be self care as you are connecting and fellow shipping with like minded individuals.
There are several other forms of African American witchy practices that can be used for self care. I wanted to touch on some of the most common forms. I also want to note that other races may also use these methods. Magic is all around us. Magic provides self care too.
“Where there are preachers, there are also Conjures; where there are conversions, there are also dreams and visions. And where there is faith, there is, and ever continues to be magic.” - Yvonne Chireau
"She was devoted to the moon in its darkness she found comfort and in its light she found hope" – Wild Woman Sisterhood