What makes herbal research and privacy essential for modern witches, and how can practitioners use herbs safely in spellwork?
I couldn't wait to sit down with guest Beans the Witch, a TikTok creator, tarot reader, and herbal enthusiast who shares her mid-journey perspective on witchcraft. Beans discusses her path starting with shadow work and ancestor veneration, as well as her current exploration of Hoodoo fundamentals.
Our conversation highlights why Hoodoo remains a protected, closed practice rooted in ancestral resilience, why research is vital before using herbs, magic or physically and why candle fire safety is essential. Additionally, Beans shares her unique tarot technique of cleansing decks through movement and much more.
Why is deep research so important when working with herbs in witchcraft?
Research helps you connect with an herb's historical meaning, magical associations, and physical safety guidelines. Understanding an herb's history, such as how cloves were once used as currency or how jasmine represented royalty, gives your spellwork deeper power. Furthermore, research prevents dangerous physical accidents, such as ingesting toxic plants (like mugwort without proper preparation) or applying skin-irritating herbs (like cinnamon) directly to baths or skin.
How can I safely use herbs with candles without causing fire hazards?
Avoid piling dried herbs directly onto candle wax or around the wick, as this creates oversized, uncontrollable flames that can shatter glass plates or cause accidental fires. Instead, place dried herbs in a circle around the outside of the candle base or burn them separately to ensure fire safety and allow for cleaner candle wax or flame divination.
Why shouldn't I post photos of my primary altar, my bed, or my pet's eyes online?
In traditional and folk practices, displaying your bed, working altar, or pets' eyes exposes your personal space to energetic drain, unwanted surveillance, or malicious magical targeting from bad actors. Keeping your main working space private protects your home base, while using a temporary or secondary altar for public videos keeps your core practice safe.
Join Our Community!
Looking to learn more herbal properties, get a grounded tarot reading, or connect with fellow practitioners? Follow Beans the Witch on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube at @beansthewitch, or check out her podcast Spill of the Beans! You can also email me at howtobecomeawitchpodcast@gmail.com and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app to stay connected.
Let's connect!
