So You're On A Tight Budget?

Hello Loves!

It seems to me that everyone is on a budget and when it comes to terms with obtaining witchy supplies and reading material, some feel as if they cannot fulfill their witchy duties without having these supplies. Below are a list of places and tips that you can use so you can fulfill your desire without overdrawing your account.

1] You Only Need Yourself

 First and foremost, it should be said that the only tool you truly need when performing any kind of spell and/or ritual is yourself. Your body is your altar and your finger is your wand. Everything else is just to amplify your intent. So if you truly do not need anything for a spell and/or ritual then do not purchase it! The gods know of your true intent so do not stress if buying anything else is not in the cards for you at this time. If you want this to change, you're going to have to put some work into manifesting your desires to the universe. What are you currently spending your money on? If it's only bills and basic necessities, then keep paying them off, don't go into debt over obtaining witchy items. If there's other things that you do not need that you keep purchasing, such as clothes [unless you need clothes of course!], make up, dog outfits [cause really, is your dog going to wear it longer than 5 mins?], jewelery, etc. then take those things off of your shopping list and place the money towards the items you really want. Look for ways to save on the bills. Do you absolutely need cookies or unlimited texting/data? Find ways to save and then you'll see some extra income towards the items you want.

2] Various Box Stores

WalMart & Target

Even if you do not support the retail giants that are currently running the world, something is to be said if you do not have any other options about these ones in particular. You can find incense, oils, candles, decor, journals, writing utensils, food [for cakes & ale], robes and the list goes on and on. These stores really are a on-stop-shop and their items are at pretty decent prices. The advantage of these stores is that you can pretty much find one on almost every corner, making it easily accessible to most people, especially in the Bible Belt.

Goodwill, Red White & Blue, Salvation Army or any thrift store.

Thrifting as been on the rise of trendy shopping habits with various YouTube celebrities if you're friends haven't already suckered you into going to on. Some of the things I've found at thrift stores alone will surprise you! Tarot/Oracle decks, decor such as candle holders, figures, fairies, angels, etc., books on herbs, crystals, sometimes pagan 101 type, etc. and clothing for ritual use. Just look closely at these items before purchasing, check the decks to see if all cards and book are there, check for stains or rust on items. Most thrift stores will go through each item before placing it on the shelves but no one is perfect. I often take things from these stores and if it's for decor, I use it to make something else. Not only is it recycling at it's finest but you're putting an effort to bring new energy into a project.

Local Vendors or Vendors at Events

Shopping locally is always a bonus when purchasing items. The best thing about shopping at local pagan shops is that you don't have to settle for something that's original intent wasn't to be pagany. In witchy shops everything in there is intended to be used for witchy practices or decor. There you will often find spell candles, incense, oils, god/goddess statues, books and so much more! Plus the bonus of shopping there is you're purchasing from the community and keeping them in business, which is much needed!

3] Online Stores

Etsy

If you've never been on Etsy before, it's a neat little marketplace where you can purchase unique and/or handmade items for just about anything. Often you'll find start up pagan shops there selling all of your essentials, such as candles, oils, herbs, incense and occasionally readings and some decor. I often see crystals for decent prices on Etsy too! It's convenient because those local vendors you meet can have their shop set up on Etsy and then you'll always be able to obtain your favorite things! However another thing I like about Etsy is that you can create lists and save them for later purchases or ideas. I have lists for gift ideas, crystals, shops that I really like or I found had a great price and a list for shops I've actually met in person. 

Ebay

Ebay is also a decent tool that is often overlooked when purchasing items. I would do some research in regards to who you're purchasing from, such as feedback and where they're shipping from, however you can usually find a deal on altar cloths and candles if you're in need of a deal, as well as many other things. Most of the time, these items are buy only as opposed to waiting for an auction but they are well worth it!

Amazon

Amazon is a tool that is also overlooked when purchasing certain items.  I've found crystals, god/goddess statues and several books for a good deal! Sometimes you can even find books for a penny and all I had to do was pay for shipping! This is the website to get the most bang for your buck and if you have Amazon Prime [which let's face it, if you're reading this list chances are you're not but you can sign up for a free 30 day trial!] you get free 2 day shipping! Amazon Student also gives you free 2 day shipping if you've registered for that.

Facebook Groups & Instagram

This one has been a shocker for me personally. There's a whole network of witchy stores, trading groups and selling groups on FaceBook that you can pretty much find anything you're looking for at a decent price. I've personally purchased crystals, mala beads, books and other goodies at really low prices. The only downfall to going through here is that most of these sellers have to take your money somehow and that method is PayPal. Though PayPal is a safe and secure method, be aware that PayPal always takes it's cut one way or another. Regardless of the method of payment, you can either outright purchase the items or sometimes you can bid on them until the seller says the sale event is over. There's thousands of groups and seller pages for you to explore! Another surprising social media store is on Instagram. Searchable through hashtags, you're able to find witchy shops or supplies in auction type picture posts. I've purchased several crystals specifically through Instagram where I am led to purchasing through PayPal or the company's website. You can find a deal depending upon the shop! Just be careful about those scammers.

Listia

If you've never heard of Listia before, it's a website similar to Ebay but without money involved. You post items you want to sell and bidders bid with credits. Then you use those credits to purchase other things. Sounds really confusing but once you get the hang of things, it's a lot of fun! Some things I've purchased through Listia are several books, tarot decks, oracle decks, herbs, oils, readings, crystals, decor and the list honestly goes on and on. Most of my collection has come from this website. There's a bidding system for the most part but users can list a GIN [aka buy it now] option so you don't have to wait. If you want to make an account, use this link so we can both get some free credits!

4] Bartering With Your Skills & Hobbies

Have a skill or hobby that people would pay for? Why not make a trade deal! Not every witch barters, just so you are warned before bartering your whole life away but the one's that do are definitely worth checking out! Bigger pagan stores do not barter so I would not bother trying [unless you know the owner and have a sort of relationship, which you might have a better chance but it is really up to the owner]. Most smaller businesses or ones you meet at vending events such as Pagan Pride Day or the Renaissance Fair might be willing to negotiate a deal. Say you make your own candles and you want a necklace, if you have your product with you or can get it to them easily, the deal could happen. Both parties win!

5] Make/Grow Them Yourself
The last tip I am going to offer is just making what you want yourself. Candle making can be a little time consuming but it can also be a lot of fun! The same can be said for soap making, jewelry, incense, oils and so much more. As for herbs, growing them yourself is a rewarding experience and one that will surely be shown in your spell work.

6] Borrowing Never Hurts
If you know a person who has an item you'd like to borrow, best example being a book, ask them if you can borrow it! That way you can use these materials without spending a dime! Just make sure to return the item the exact same way you found it or chances are, they won't let you borrow from them again.

And that is it for now my dears!
Let me know down below what methods, places or tips you would suggest that weren't on the list!
Love & Light,
Ganshmi

Book Review: How To Hear Your Angels by Doreen Virtue

Greetings Loves,

Provided by Amazon

Today I wanted to express my personal views on the book How To Hear Your Angels by Doreen Virtue.  Overall I adored this book, having not experienced too many things as far as angels are concerned, I found it to be a perfect beginner's book and a great intro to other Doreen Virtue books. I love how she gives descriptions on the major Archangels that she likes to discuss and that the information is the same as those on her website. She also goes into some detail over the various ways to connect with your angels as well as the differences between the ego and the actual connection with other beings comes into play. 

The only thing that I found odd, which I am not the only one to think so if you give a second to read some of the reviews on Amazon, is that she likes to site her other novels a lot in the middle of paragraphs. Though as I said, this is a good book to have an intro to her other novels, if you have already read her novels you will not be satisfied with these references, and do I day saw advertisements, for her other works. Also it should be worth noting that if you have read her other books then you will not like this book at all. Again, going off of other reviews on Amazon that I have seen, apparently she uses a lot of material from her other novels and does a 'copy and paste' into this book, making up at least 90% of the book. A lot of others were not happy about this, especially those who collect her novels and tarot decks throughout the years.

However, this was the first book by her that I have own and read of hers. I would state that this is a wonderful introduction book. It's a light read and you can finish it within an hour or two if you're reading straight through. It is also nice to have other sources of information that is by her if I am interested in the subjects she was discussing. No where in the book does she say you must buy her product, I got the vibe that she is just letting you know if you want to know more is all. The advertisements didn't leave a sour taste in my mouth.

Overall a cute little introduction book. I would recommend if you've never read her books before or if you've never read about angels before. Safe if you're not a pagan too, as she states in the beginning this caters to no specific religion because the angels do not.

Love and Light to You,
Ganshmi

My New Year's Resolution

Merry Meet My Loves!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun intro into the new year! I wanted to talk about what my goals are for 2016 as opposed to actual resolutions. Every time I make a resolution it never pans out, so making goals is a different approach that I fell will give me the ultimate success I am seeking. I have a little bit of a list and perhaps you might find some inspiration from the following as well.

1] Take Time For My Spiritual Self

This should be a dead give in and something that I already should be doing. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to fall into the traps of becoming too busy with work, school and now coven activities. Though I love being busy, I have to remind myself that focusing on my spiritual step should take a higher priority then most of the other activities. Working on one's self provides a sense of peace and comfort that the mundane world doesn't seem to be giving me. I found that when I started my practice and figured out what I was doing, when I was meditating once a day I was more at peace. I stopped due to the lack of sleep I was getting by working two different jobs and my soul was not at peace. Once I had a meditation, I was stunned by how calm I felt. Moments like these are a wake up call that I need my spiritual practice as much as it needs me. We are one in the same and this year I will work on being there for my soul more then 2015.

2] Be Better To My Body

This one should be another give in, but I have yet to respond to the call. Whenever I see myself in my third eye, I am a fit woman with long dark hair cascading dow my back, dressed in traditional hindi clothing and dancing as if nothing can hold me back. Looking in the mirror, I don't see that. It's more then just looking at myself and being disgusted [which I admit, sometimes I am] but it is taking ownership of my past mistakes, learning from my bad habits and why I got to the point I am now, and changing these habits. Not only will my body thank me, so will my peace of mind. I have already partially started a new diet where I am cutting off all sweets except for fruits, most bread, most dairy and all processed foods. When I did do this, I lost weight, slept better, had less back pain and just felt better. The holidays happened and I got back into my spiral. No more! It is time to respect myself just as I demand to be respected by others.

3] Be A Priestess To An Open Ritual, Even If I Don't Think I Am Good Enough

This is part of the initial item on my list, but it is something I feel I am ready to at least try. I want to experience working in an open circle and leading the ritual in my own creative flair. I feel called to do this. I am actually in a very fortunate situation where my coven lets all members have priest and priestess opportunities to lead and this year, I want to take one. If not, then I will lead my own. I feel this would be a good lesson for me and I am ready to learn it.

4] Buy A House

Okay, a mundane thing I admit is on this list. I haven't had the best luck with money in the past and am learning my lesson in a pretty harsh way. But if it had not been for this harsh lesson, then I would not have realized I was hurting no one but myself. A house is important to me in this aspect because it will provide me with the space I need to worship securely, a place that I can finally call my own, and a chance for my relationship with my boyfriend to grow and to take the next step.

5] Manage My Spending Habits

This one I have come to struggle with all the time, almost as much as my anger. When I moved states I had no friends to hang out with. To ease my loneliness, I went shopping. It wasn't that I needed these things, I just needed to feel as if I had something to do and that I wasn't alone. As the years progress, it has become a bit easier with the spending habits [to which my bank account is grateful for] but it is not where I would like it to be. I am taking a better approach to these habits now.

6] Finish My Book

I have been working on a personal book project that I post on a story sharing website. I am not looking for it to published per say, but I want it finished by March. With working with Archangel Raziel*, he instructed that I write some of the book at least once a day for it will be therapeutic to me and my anger. I am taking his advice and am going to continue working on it in 2016.

7] Write More

And to finish my list, I am going to write more. I started writing more almost a year ago now, but I want to write about things that matter to me and those around me. Similar to writing my book that I mentioned just a bit ago, I want to write more in my book of shadows, I want to write my experiences and feelings in the pagan community and to continue to grow in that aspect.

So this is my list for this year! What goals have you created for the new year?

Picture these goals; write them down or picture them in your mind's eye and then set yourself up for meditation. Create a sacred space within your circle, invite your guides and gods, and ask them to aid you in accomplishing your goals. Your guides and gods want you to succeed and are willing to aid you in terms of accomplishing them.

I am wishing you all a bright and prosperous year.

Love and Light,

Ganshmi