Ask A Witch

Herbs and Gemstones for Money

2012-02-27T07:13:00.000-05:00

Maggie from Fairfax, VA
I am new at Wicca and I was wondering what herb or stone would be best for success with wealth and money? Thank you.

Margaret from Burke, VA
Hello, I want to go to college, but my choice is extremely expensive and right now I can't afford it, even with my part time job. So what is the best herb for success and money? Thanks!

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Dear Maggie and Margaret,

Use green aventurine for luck and money, basil for money, and bay leaf to make wishes come true.

Witch

Sahra from UK

2012-02-26T07:13:00.000-05:00

I'm in need of some advice. To keep it simple, I'm going to use A and B to represent two different people. A purchased and gave bloodroot to B, to protect B's marriage etc. A asked B to cast a spell for A. B did so, but the spell seems to have backfired. The fact that A gave B bloodroot, is that the same as throwing it at B's doorstep so that any spell cast by B will return back to B?

B never asked A to purchase the bloodroot. B just gave it and A wanted to protect her marriage so accepted it. B is a wiccan, A is not.

According to a website:

"Bloodroot Magic:
Bloodroot may be carried or worn for love. It is also carried to avert evil spells and negativity. This is particularly effective when carried in bag with a blue stone as protection from evil spells. Place it near doors and windows to protect the home, or sprinkle it near doors and windows to block entry of evil or hexes. To turn a spell back on its caster, throw a piece of bloodroot onto his or her doorstep."

I just wanted to know from someone with more knowledge.

B the wiccan is also pregnant, so is it safe for her to even have that herb in her house? Thanks.

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Dear Sahra,

I'll do our best to answer your question, but to be honest, it was a little unclear and took me some time to decipher what was going on. PA (person A) probably gave PB (person B) the bloodroot for the love correspondence, not for the I'm-going-to-hex-you correspondence since PA was asking for help from PB.

PB probably got a karmic slap for casting a spell for another person. PB should have had PA participate in the spell since PA was the one in need of the spell work.

You said PB was pregnant and you were concerned about the bloodroot. As long as she's not ingesting the bloodroot, it's not going to harm her just being in the house. If there is a concern about whether or not the bloodroot has "negative intentions," simply take the bloodroot off the property and bury it in the ground at a crossroads.

Witch

Savannah from Hinesville, GA

2012-02-25T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have a confusing problem about a relationship I am currently in. My boyfriend Tim and I have been dating for eight months now and I had to move with my parents to Georgia so that I can go to college and still be supported. Neither Tim nor I were excited about that, but I needed the support and he lives with his father and has no job. About a month or so ago he asked to take a break from our relationship because he said things were becoming complicated. But his days are pretty open. I understand he goes to college for medical billing and coding and when he comes home he either plays video games or he hangs out with his friends. Now when he asked for a break I was very upset, so I sternly told him that to me, taking a break is like saying goodbye for now, and whether he was saying goodbye for now or for good, he needed to think extra hard because I would not go back to him. He changed his mind and decided to stay in our relationship, but since then he has barely texted me, has not called, e-mailed, or video chatted with me. I just want to know two things to ease my mind for the moment. What is keeping him so busy that he can't talk to me like he used to? Is he cheating on me in any form at all? Because I have done tarot readings and pendulum readings and I cannot get clear answers.

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Dear Savannah,

Your boyfriend tried to break up with you and you guilted him into staying. That's why he's not talking to you. It sounds as if he has checked out of the relationship. There are two reasons your pendulum and tarot cards aren't telling you whether he's cheating. First, you're too close to the situation to get an honest answer, and second, you're doing a reading for another person without his permission.

Cut your losses and let him see what a jackass he was for losing a woman like you. His loss is another man's gain.

Witch

Nicole from New York, NY

2012-02-23T07:13:00.000-05:00

Hello, I have suffered with alopecia for 19 years now. I wanted to know if there was a spell you could do, or a spell that you can tell me to do so that I would be cured of this.

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Dear Nicole,

Sorry, but my answer is no, I don't know of any spell that could help. I also wouldn't recommend any herbal remedy before knowing your full medical history and if you're on prescriptions.

It is often believed that the hair is the crowning glory of every woman, but personally I think that's BS. What makes a woman beautiful is her eyes and her smile. My gut instinct tells me you are beautiful in both areas. Don't allow your hair loss to ruin your self confidence. Buy yourself a sassy, fun wig!

Witch

Tea Night at 13 Magickal Moons

2012-02-22T07:13:00.001-05:00

Please join us for Tea Night every Wednesday from 6-9 PM!

Thomas from Woodbridge, VA

2012-02-21T07:13:00.000-05:00

How many Reiki sessions does it take to heal a person? Will I feel any different after only one session?

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Dear Thomas,

You should start to feel a difference after just one session since Reiki begins the process of healing the root causes to many illnesses and "dis-ease." How many sessions does it take to be completely healed? The Reiki healer can only do so much. At the end of the day it all comes down to you. When problems come up, are you willing to work on them or do you ignore them? The more you work in coordination with your Reiki healer, the more effective the healing will be.

Witch

February - April Class Schedule

2012-02-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

This schedule of classes is offered at 13 Magickal Moons of Occoquan, VA. All classes are held from 7:00pm to 9:00pm unless otherwise noted. Seating is limited so reservations ARE required. Contact 13 Magickal Moons at 703-495-5135 or Samantha at Samantha@TheMagickShop.com to sign up today. For more information on the Tradition of the Witches Circle and Rev. Samantha Harvey, please click here.

Monday, February 20 – Witchcraft 501 – Embracing the Healer Within ($20)
Thursday, February 23 – Original Herbal Course – Week 2 of 6 ($20)
Friday, February 24 – Witchcraft 201 – Medicinal Herbalism ($15)
Monday, February 27 – Witchcraft 501 –The Aura and the Bodies ($20)
Tuesday, February 28 – Waxing Moon Ritual ($10)
Thursday, March 1 – Original Herbal Course – Week 3 of 6 ($20)
Friday, March 2 - Witchcraft 201 – Shadow Masks ($15)
Monday, March 5 – Witchcraft 501 – Healing with Gemstones ($20)
Tuesday, March 6 – Embrace Your Inner Warrior ($15)
Thursday, March 8 – Original Herbal Course – Week 4 of 6 ($20)
Friday, March 9 – Witchcraft 201 – Mala’s and Mandala’s ($15)
Thursday, March 15 – Original Herbal Course – Week 5 of 6 ($25)
Friday, March 16 – Witchcraft 201 – Aromatherapy for Beginners ($15)
Tuesday, March 20 – Ostara Craft Class – Copper Trees ($15)
Wednesday, March 21 – Open Ostara Ritual (Bring a Dish!)
Thursday, March 22 – Original Herbal Course – Week 6 of 6 ($25)
Friday, March 23 – Witchcraft 201 – Introduction to Reiki ($15)
Monday, March 26 - Witchcraft 501 – The Major & Minor Chakras ($20)
Tuesday, March 27 – Herbal Course… 13 Additional Herbs – Week 1 of 6 ($20)
Thursday, March 28 – Working with the Fae Craft Class ($15)
Monday, April 2 – Witchcraft 501 – Root & Sacral Chakras ($20)
Tuesday, April 3 – Herbal Course… 13 Additional Herbs – Week 2 of 6 ($20)
Thursday, April 5 – Full Moon Ritual ($10)
Monday, April 9 – Witchcraft 501 – Solar Plexus & Heart Chakras ($20)
Tuesday, April 10 – Herbal Course… 13 Additional Herbs – Week 3 of 6 ($20)

Sandi from Culpeper, VA

2012-02-19T07:13:00.000-05:00

What book or study material would you recommend for someone to start out learning Wicca? What about the book A Year and A Day?

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Dear Sandi,

Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is a great resource. Although this book was written in the 1970's and does reference “skyclad” a lot, the information and history of witchcraft he shares is timeless. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft has a serious, no-nonsense undertone as well as comprehensive lessons and assignments.

Another book you should read is Dorothy Morrison's The Craft - A Witch's Book of Shadows. Dorothy has a way of writing that speaks true to the simplicity and passion we should have for the craft. She also has a way of writing invocations that are very poetic and powerful.

Last but not least, I would recommend Scott Cunnningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Most of us start off and remain solitaries. Cunningham's book is one you can refer to no matter how long you remain in the craft.

If you have any witchy friends, most of them have all three of these books sitting somewhere in their bookcase.

Unfortunately, I have not read A Year and A Day. I have heard it is a good book, but I have no personal knowledge of it.

Witch

Carlos from Fredericksburg, VA

2012-02-17T07:13:00.000-05:00

To make a long story short, I belonged to a coven, and as part of my training they wanted me to find an erotic student. They said they would help, and sure enough I found the student of my dreams: A water elemental-like lady who was incredibly gifted with second sight. I taught her everything. But we had some caustic elements in the relationship. And though I loved her, I told her to go out and find her life and soul. She did that, and made quite a few mistakes, but that is a way other story. For almost ten years I battled my desire to be with her again. Then, suddenly everything stopped. I just knew the energy loop was gone. I feel a bit upset, that she was most likely doing spells and such. But I can assure you, we were done then, as now. But, I do not understand: Is it usual for something to last so long? I mean, it was over so long ago.

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Dear Carlos,

I’m going to answer your question first, which is yes. You were in a relationship and those feelings can last for years, especially when we recreate the moments in our memory.

Now, let’s talk about this coven forcing you to find an “erotic student.” I have a huge problem with this on so many levels. I’m going to call it what it is: sexual abuse. In all my years of training, all the covens I know, and all the groups that have come and gone, never have I heard of a coven requiring the initiation of a new sex partner. Get a clue! Your sexual parts are not a portal to spirituality. That’s not saying that spirituality can’t be sensual or erotic, however it’s generally done between two consenting partners who found each other out of a desire to be together, not out of a need to find a new student. This sounds like a cult, and a dangerous one at that. It’s this kind of “coven” that makes witchcraft a joke to the outside world.

Witch

Kye from Staunton, VA

2012-02-15T07:13:00.000-05:00

Can dreams be shared, and if so, how? Also how do you know if you're... gifted?

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Dear Kye,

Dreams can be shared, however both participants usually have to be very in tune with each other and agree on a specific place and time to meet.

What exactly do you mean by “gifted?”

Witch

Kayla from Fairfax, VA

2012-02-13T07:13:00.000-05:00

I want to attract a suitable lover who I am attracted to and who will advance with me at my pace. I was looking to buy a spell from a reputable spellcaster and buy rose quartz to keep on my person. Is there any other way I can attract a good lover?

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Dear Kayla,

When you say you’re going buy a spell from a reputable spellcaster, do you mean you’re going to have them perform the spell for you? If so, good luck with that. One of the driving forces behind any spell is the need and the desire. Your reputable spellcaster doesn’t have the need and desire for you to find love, only for you to pay them money. If you really want a love spell to work, you could buy the materials from the spellcaster, even have the spellcaster with you when you cast the spell, but YOU need to actually perform the spell. Rose quartz is good for self love, but if you’re looking to attract a soul mate, rhodonite is better, as rhodonite attracts love partners and soul mates.

Remember love doesn’t always come in the package we think it’s going to be in. Once the spell is cast, keep yourself open to the many possibilities. There is no such thing as a perfect partner, only the perfect partner for you.

Witch

Mikad from New Orleans, LA

2012-02-10T07:13:00.000-05:00

I was doing love spells and I first started with cleansing sage, chakra meditations, etc.... Then one day during my spells, after they had been working GREAT and my desires were manifesting, I got totally confused with the disposal of my spell work. I used sage smudge one day when I was stressing. Shortly after that, I noticed that my spells began to reverse on me and everything was going wrong. My lover returned to the girl he was cheating with and he started acting very mean and disinterested in anything I had to say. He won't even talk to me anymore. I was using simple stuff like candle magic with oils and honey jars. I also did a binding with knots and a few freezer spell on the intruders. I later found out that sage reverses love spells. Now I am unsure what to do to continue with my work. I still love him and very much so want to be back with him. PLEASE help. This is of urgent need. And please be specific so no further mess up can happen. THANKS in advance.

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Dear Mikad,

First of all, in all my years of practice never have I ever, ever, EVER heard of sage unbinding love spells.

Second, why exactly do you want to be with a person who has been sleeping around with someone else? No one understands better than me, a libra, being in love with the idea of love. However, there is a difference between love and lust. Love is faithful, honest, and respectful. Lust is demanding, urgent, and unhealthy. You really need to ask yourself if you are in love with this abusive person who betrayed you on every level imaginable or if you are mad that he started playing in someone else’s playground. Maybe the universe was sending you a message: He’s a creep; move on.

Honey, I don’t know you, but I know you deserve better. I hope your heart has healed a little by the time you read this.

Out of love and respect,

Witch

Joyce from Singapore

2012-02-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

Hi. May I know if love spells really exist? I have a feeling that my brother is under a love spell or something. This is what happened. A year ago, my brother told me that he heard from his friend that a girl seemed to like him. However, he told us that he is not interested in her! To our astonishment, a few days later, they got together and my brother seemed to be possessed by her and cannot leave her side. He also became very mushy which shocked me as this is not his character. His girlfriend is very rude in many ways, hence, my family and relatives refuse to accept this relationship as we think that she is aiming for our money (no offense). It has been almost a year that they have been together. And throughout the year, many absurd things happened such as my brother trying to commit suicide when she wanted to break up with him (and she promised to get together with my brother the day after that quarrel which made me feel that she is playing my brother's feelings). I think this is really weird as having known my brother for 16 years, committing suicide is not his way of doing things. Therefore, can you please tell me some ways I can tell whether my brother is under a love spell cast by his girlfriend? Sorry for bothering you. Your reply is very important to me. Thank you!

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Dear Joyce,

No, there's no way to tell if he's under a love spell. Whether we want to admit it or not, we become different people when we are in love. A lot of the time, those closest to us like our family and friends, don't like the person we become. That is just the nature of the love beast.

Witch

Cleansing Gemstones

2012-02-04T16:37:00.001-05:00

M from Virginia:

What is the best way to cleanse your stones? I've read many different things and want to know what is the most commonly used. I have purchased many stones from 13 Magickal Moons. So many in fact that I've forgotten what some of them are! May I bring them into the shop and have someone help me identify them?

Radek from Woodbridge, VA:

I recently purchased some stones, and I'm having a hard time finding a way to cleanse them. I live in an apartment, which makes burying them a difficult option. Could I bury them in some pots with some plants? A friend told me if I did, then the negative energies would transfer over to the plant, so I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

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Dear M and Radek,

There are so many different ways to cleanse your gemstones, but I have found it easiest to simply place the gemstones in a bag, box, or bowl with lavender and sage. This cleanses the gemstones in a safe, easy way without damaging them in any way, shape, or form. Also you can reuse the lavender or sage for a long period of time.

If you wanted to bury your gemstones in a pot with soil and a living plant, have no fear that unless you starve your plant, it will survive. The reason we bury gemstones to cleanse them is the earth is able to naturally transform negative energy into useful, positive energy.

For help in identifying which gemstones you have, I invite you to visit our website. If you go to our gemstones page, there are pictures and correspondences for most of the gemstones we have in stock.

Witch

Anonymous from Unknown

2011-12-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

I was sitting down the other night for dinner and my arm started to tingle and feel quite strange and Iook at my left arm and see a faded mark as if something has bitten me and in the past I have never been bitten before on my left arm so I know it's not a scar. I looked even more and saw two. Could this be from a spirit or does it mean anything?

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Dear Anonymous,

If it was a spirit, I would suspect you would have felt the presense before, during, or after you noticed the bite mark(s). Has it happened again?

Witch

Wendy from Avon, NY

2011-12-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

I used to be able to meditate and "see things." I have been so blocked for so long I do not know what to do to get it open again. About 18 years ago, I was studying Wicca and was quite open to things. I got quite sick and now I want it back but am at a loss. Please help me out. What can I do?

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Dear Wendy,

By "see things" I am going to assume you are talking about visualization. If I'm wrong then please resubmit your question.

When we are meditating, we use more than just our "sight," we also use our sense of smell, taste, touch, and knowing. Most people can't close their eyes and see a red apple. Most people will be able to smell the red apple, taste the sweet tartness of the red apple, and some "know" the red apple is there. Don't be disheartened because you can't "see" the apple. Use your other senses to help you out.

Start off slowly... find a quick 3 to 5 minute meditation and practice doing it around the same time everyday. The more your body gets use to meditating, the easier it will become. Once you start feeling relaxed and at ease with meditation, your sense of "seeing" should kick back in.

Hope this helps!

Witch

Ike from Woodbridge, VA

2011-11-30T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who asked about house cleansing. What materials would be needed and how would one be performed? Thank you.

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Dear Ike,

Nice to hear from you again, Ike! Here's an easy house blessing ritual for you and your friend to do.

Supplies:
1 medium or large sage bundle
Heat-proof container
Lighter
3 cups of water
1 glass bowl (large enough to accommodate the water and herbs)
4 tablespoons of dried lavender
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon of basil
zest of one lemon
zest of one orange
1 small sponge

Ritual:
1. Put lavender, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and orange zest into the glass bowl.
2. Pour the water over the mixture.
3. Unplug all smoke detectors until the ritual is completed (VERY IMPORTANT!).
4. Move to the lowest part of the house with the sage, heat-proof container, and lighter.
5. Light the sage bundle and let the fire burn for about 30 to 45 seconds.
6. Blow out the flame on the sage bundle. The red embers are what creates the cleansing smoke.
7. Using a circular motion, wave the sage bundle near every wall, corner, and crevice of the room.
8. Once you have finished the room, stand in the center and say "By this sacred smoke this room is cleansed."
9. Go into the next room and repeat steps 7 and 8. Do this to every single room in the home (including the attic!).
10. Once you have finished, go back into the kitchen and place the sage bundle on the heat-proof container and put both of them in the sink.
11. Take the herbal bowl mixture and sponge to the front door.
12. Dip the sponge into the water and "wash" the door frame.
13. Once you have finished, stand back and say "By this sacred mixture, this home is protected against negativity."
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 for each door and windowsill in the home.

The whole process will take about an hour, depending on the size of the home, and it's well worth all the effort!

Let me know how it goes!

Witch

Rachele from Fairfax, VA

2011-11-27T07:13:00.000-05:00

If someone is a witch in this life, do you believe she will still be a witch in her next life?

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Dear Rachele,

It's a possibility. If not in the next life, maybe a few lives down the line.

Witch

Al Sam from Glenmont, MD

2011-11-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

Hello,
I'm in a bit of a pickle here. My question is about totem animals. Everybody has them, some more than others, but I have a totem animal that I am deathly afraid of: spiders. I have been a practicing witch since I was young thanks to my grandfather. We've been practicing shamanism together for a long time. He passed when I was still young but I still went on practicing with his memory in my heart. When I was young, the spider has been a strong medicine animal for me, but I have always been avoiding them still. Now that I'm an adult, I still haven't gone over that fear, but I feel as if I need to stop ignoring the messages the spider still offers me but my fear prevents it. I don't really know what to do. Is it wrongful of me to keep avoiding the spider? Should I overcome my fear of spiders? If so, how?

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Dear Al Sam,

Yes and no. Yes, you need to overcome your fear of spiders enough to work with them on the magickal plane. No, you don't have to overcome your fear enough to play with them in person. Like you, one of my lifelong totems is the spider, and like you I'm afraid of them. However the power and magick they bring into my life is undeniable. To deny the power of the spider totem is to deny the power within yourself. Ask your grandfather's spirit to assist you in overcoming your fear.

Witch

Allen from Quantico, VA

2011-11-24T07:13:00.000-05:00

If one is in a relationship that is a result of a love spell, how does one get out of it? I am in such a relationship and want to get out but am drawn to the person. There are so many red flags and problems, and it doesn't seem right to me, but I'm drawn like a magnet to the person. Any ideas...

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Dear Allen,

I need you to answer a couple of questions for me first because your answers will help me help you find the right solution.

Are you married or handfasted? Did you two make any kind of vows to each other, and if so, what were the vows? Is your lover a practicing witch? How long have you two been together? Are there children involved? Is there another lover you are interested in?

Send me your answers and I'll post again with a response.

Witch

Kasi from Woodbridge, VA

2011-11-21T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have an ex who I have a 3 year old daughter with. I left him because he was violent to the extreme and now I'm in an ugly battle for custody for my child. To say I have to share my baby with a monster is an understatment and I worry every day that she is with him that something bad will happen to her. Thanks to our wonderful court system in Maryland, I have to wait and wait until we go for our final hearing in December. I have been fighting this since January. I want to know if there is a spell that will work to make him forget us and leave us alone. I planned to visit this store and talk with someone in person but I figured I'd ask when I saw the site. Thanks for any help.

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Dear Kasi,

Samantha will be working at the shop this Saturday if you wanted to come by the shop to talk. Until then...

I can't begin to imagine how difficult and emotionally draining the last few years have been on you. I would like to say that the justice system won't let you down, but the truth is that our legal system is flawed.

There are three goddesses I would recommend; Kali, protector of women, Hecate, bringer of justice, and Lilith, defender of children.

There is also a book I would recommend: Utterly Wicked by Dorothy Morrison. There are a number of spells listed in the book that will help you.

I really would like to talk to you about this privately. Please send in your email address!

Witch

Heidi from Norway

2011-11-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

Hey:) I have only one question:) I wonder, there are so many spells on the internet, but none of them sound believable. Anyone know how I can find the ones that are more credible, from the Old Grimoires? I wonder if it is possible to put a spell on a necklace, so that as long as you wear it, so will the spell work for you, is it possible?

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Dear Heidi,

If you believe in a spell, it will work. Old grimoire spells are not necessarily more effective than modern ones; in either case, the caster's belief that it will achieve the desired result will determine its effectiveness.

Keep reading books and websites with an eye toward finding spells that can be adapted to your use. When you find a spell that strikes a chord with you, modify it to fit your needs, to make it even more personal and powerful. When you feel confident enough, try writing your own spells!

Yes, you can create a spell for a necklace that will last for a long period of time but it's always in your best interest to reenergize the necklace at least once every three months.

Witch

Leah from Charlottesville, VA

2011-11-17T07:13:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I'm a relatively new solitary witch and am trying to find a good place to buy supplies like herbs in Charlottesville. Any suggestions? Thanks!

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Dear Leah,

I'm sorry, but I don't know of any metaphysical stores in your area. However, 13 Magickal Moons ships all of our products, including herbs. Please visit our website for a complete list of available herbs. If you don't see what you're looking for, please feel free to call or email the shop to ask.

Witch

Taheerah from Kent

2011-11-14T07:13:00.000-05:00

I would like to know if my daughter's father and I will be together soon?

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Dear Taheerah,

I'm really sorry hon but I have no idea. The Ask-A-Witch program is for those looking for answers regarding their spirituality, not a free psychic reading site.

Witch

Lisa from Derry, NH

2011-11-11T07:13:00.000-05:00

I need to know what happens when you break a binding love spell, and the effects on the caster. I did a love/binding spell on my husband when we were separated. I took nail clipping and tied knots for a penis hex, and I also used my husband's hair. I also did candle spells to bind our love and each other through eternity. I want to know what will happen to us if I break those spells. The reason why we got separated was because he cheated on me.

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Dear Lisa,

As long as you don't do the unbinding in a moment of anger or rage, but with the honest emotion of just letting go, then there will be no repercussions for you or him. When relationships end, it's very hard to accept the fact that it's over. One of the most healing things we can do is let go of the relationship before it turns to hate. I would suggest including the wedding band and engagement ring in the unbinding.

Witch