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I have been wondering if I fit into the category of a witch recently, because aesthetically I don't think I do. But on paper, like my last entry, I definitely check a lot of the boxes. That's not to say there is a necessary/sufficient set of conditions, it's just an idle thought "am I a witch?" that's based on what I do rather than what I am. In all things, it's what you do that makes you what you are, even if sometimes that "doing" is thinking or feeling.
Aesthetically speaking, I don't think I look like what I've been led to believe a witch looks like. No pointy hats, no crone/mother/maiden vibe, no familiar, etc. But that's not to say I wouldn't love to! Tons of moss and lichen growing on me because I'm older than anything but several generations of plants in a colony.
That said, I think I have some strengths in the "witchy" area. Like, I'm not super versed in herbology or medicine, but I am good at making things, such as paper and ink. I'm also good at calligraphy, and all of those together come to form sigils.
I make ink. I'm learning, but it's not especially complicated and I think there is a lot of potential here. I would love the chance to make it over a fire with a cast iron pot, but for now cooking on my propane stove works. India Ink (is there a better term?) is quite easy to make. It's ash and water, more or less. You can use cigarette ash or lampblack, but burnt charcoal and distilled water are the best. You mix an ounce of charcoal ash and an ounce of distilled water (should I save up for a distiller?). You stir until it's not lumpy, then add a drop of white vinegar to lock it in. I'm not sure how this works, but it does and for now that is enough. Some of the other inks require hot water, but as far as I'm aware room temperature water is just fine for india ink. You can get a darker ink that's a little thicker by adding an extra amount of charcoal, but it's not necessary.
I'm simmering a coffee ink right now, it's pretty simple. You add 1/2 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water, simmer for an hour, then let it sit for 24 hours. Finally, you strain it and pour a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of white vinegar into the mix. Boom, you've got coffee ink. The longer you let it simmer and the longer you let it sit, the darker it will be. For now, I'm sticking with 1 hour simmering and 24 hours cooling, but if it's too dark I might lessen the time. It's easier than walnut ink, which is a whole long process that I'm not willing to undergo while I'm in school. Maybe during the next summer, when I have more time to gather and experiment.