3 Spells to Do While You Stay at Home
By Stephanie Valente
Recently, we entered a new realm of uncertain and reflective times. While many of us might be sitting in anxiety, worry, or just the unknown, this is also a time we can support ourselves and forgive ourselves.
While writing this, the sun is shining. I can see birds and squirrels in my backyard meticulously eating seeds from the feeder my landlord leaves out. Laundry hangs on a line in my neighbor's backyard. Trees are green. Children laugh. But there's a general unease that permeates the air. When my husband and I walk my dog, I make eye contact with everyone.
As we stay inside, I rounded up three simple and easy spells to support our well-being, our communities, and our spirits. Some of the spells below call for a few specific objects, but these are not hard and fast rules. The magic is just as strong with whatever you have to use around you. A spell isn't less powerful if a candle is a different color, size, or not there at all. Your power is all that matters.
1. A spell for self-love and self-support.
Items needed: a red candle, rose quartz, a small cup of water, paper, and pen. Time to perform the spell: Morning or night! Buy anytime works. Bonus ideas: wear your favorite perfume, makeup, or outfit. You can even complete this entire spell as a ritual bath, too! Where do you feel most comfortable? What do you feel the most powerful wearing?
Light the candle as you prepare the spell, I look at this as protecting and making even the beginnings of the ritual sacred. After all, you are sacred and every step in this process is important.
Now, let's start the deliciousness. Please say the following and repeat as necessary: I love myself, I am here for myself, I support myself. (Note: I tend to do things in threes because it just feels nice, but do what you will).
Relax. Write a personal mantra on the slip of paper – this can be the same flow as the above, or something shorter, and even more personal. Stumped? Here are some suggestions: I am a powerful prism of light and success; I am a queen; I am beautiful and bountiful; I cherish and love myself; I'm fucking amazing. You can see where I'm going with this, and in the end you need to write down what feels right.Close your eyes. Hold the rose quartz in the palm of your right hand (or left if that feels better).
Notice the sensations in and outside of your body. Imagine a beautiful gold, glimmering light around you. It sparkles and glitters. Repeat your mantra. Envision yourself saying (or chanting, or singing!) this mantra surrounded by gold light. Repeat it again. See yourself grow stronger and more self-loving in the light. The light glitters more, it's strengthens as you strengthen. Repeat the mantra again. Repeat it until it is no longer necessary. See the light gold light.
Open your eyes. Kiss the quartz. Drop it into the cup of water.
Smile. Revel in this moment. Notice sensations in and outside of your body once again.
Say: I thank myself for holding space for myself. In loving myself, I am committing to a journey with myself. I love myself. Burn the slip of paper. Drop it into the water.
Blow out the candle. Clean your cup. Smile.
2. Write a poetry spell.
Items needed: Paper, pen/pencil, or your computer.
Feeling dreamy and poetic? Writing short poems as spells to support oneself is a great way to explore both the light and the dark. Read more on poetry spells here.
3. A spell for anti-anxiety support.
Items needed: fragrance or lotion, clear quartz, a calming music playlist (make your own!),
Bonus items: clearing spray, lavender spray or oil, a purple candle.
Sit upright, in your favorite spot – bed, on the flower on cushy rugs with pillows, in the bath, whatever! Queue up your calming playlist. Light the candle.
Spritz your favorite scent on your body, or gently rub your favorite lotion all over. Go slow. This is not a fast ritual. In fact, the more your take your time, the better.Place the stone in front of you.Close your eyes. Envision a lilac, iridescent hued light. It surrounds you. It's warm and pleasant. Notice the sensations, and we'll start with the top of your hair. The light glistens. It dots the top of your hair, your forehead, your cheeks. You radiate this mystical lilac light.
The light pulses. It grows stronger. It swirls around you.
Repeat: I am here. I am in this moment. I am safe.
Repeat it again. Envision the light circling your shoulders, your arms, your palms. The light snakes around your hips, your legs, the light protects you.
Repeat: I am here. I am in this moment. I am safe.The lilac light holds you. You are in a safe space.
Repeat: I am free to choose. I am free to choose again. I am here.
Open your eyes. Give yourself a hug. Rub your arms and your legs. I suggest to keep the tunes on. Blow out the candle at your leisure. Spray more lavender spray or some other soothing scent.
Stephanie Valente lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is a Young Adult novelist, short fiction writer, poet, editor, content & social media strategist. In short, she wears many hats. Especially if they have feathers. She is the Founder & Chief Editor of Alt Bride, Fashion Editor at Greenpointers, Associate Editor at Yes, Poetry, Social Media Manager & Columnist at Luna Luna Magazine, and Style Blogger at Kitschy. Some of her writing has appeared in Bust Magazine, Electric Cereal, Prick of the Spindle, The 22 Magazine, Danse Macabre, Uphook Press, Literary Orphans, Nano Fiction, and more. She has provided content strategy, copy, blogging, editing, & social media for per’fekt cosmetics, Anna Sui, Agent Provocateur, Patricia Field, Hue, Montagne Jeunesse, Bust Magazine, Kensie, Web100, Oasap, Quiz, Popsugar, among others.
