There is a lot of misinformation about witches.Folk magic is a method of magic that involves an in-depth knowledge of the natural world, the spiritual world and the self.If you have a connection with those worlds and are dissatisfied with traditional beliefs, learning more about what it takes to be a witch might be right for you.It's a lifelong practice.
Step 1: There are different magic traditions.
A lack of a central school of witchcraft, witchery, or spell-casting means that novices and non-practicioners have a hard time figuring out what's real and what isn't.For many witches, it takes 20% spell casting and 80% taking notes to become a witch.Different schools of thought and traditions may be more appropriate for you.Wicca and green witchcrafts are popular in the United States, often revolving around nature-based spells and meditation.The earliest Wiccans were followers of GeraldGardner, a British magic scholar who had his ideas and works popularized in the 1950s and 1960s.This might be right for you if you have an interest in crystals, herbs, rituals, and essential oils.Ancient witches are interested in history and tradition, specifically practicing in accordance with the seasons and with rituals.These styles might be right for you if you want to get back to traditional witchcraft.Depending on where you live and your culture's traditions, Santeria, Stregheria, Fari, and other cultural witchcrafts are common.You should research the local practices where you live if you have a strong connection to place.Keep in mind that some religions are closed.If you are required to be born into a culture or religion in order to participate in its spiritual practices, it is considered closed.Some orthodox sects of major religions are easy to show off.There are various Native American religions and cultures.Wicca is closed due to the fact that it is a mystery religion and formal initiation into a coven is required.Neo-Wicca is an alternative that is more open and accommodates solitary and uninitiated practitioners who follow Wiccan principles.Asking someone who is in the culture is the best way to find out if it is closed.It is best to ask permission before buying something that seems exotic or mystical.Witchcraft Secular is not affiliated with any religion, philosophy or belief system.Secular witchcraft can be practiced by anyone from any religion.Everyone is allowed to practice witchcraft.The truth is that other people don't have a say in your beliefs and practices, no matter what they say.There are many types of witches, including Christian, Jewish, and Wiccan witches.You are the only one who can decide what works for you.
Step 2: There are a lot of sources about different histories and traditions.
The novice witch will quickly learn that every adept practices differently.There is no central guiding list of principles or rules for witches.Anything that claims to be true is false.It's important to take expert advice with a grain of salt because your practice will be your own.You can read some classics, but they should be used for your own understanding of the arts and practice.Colin Wilson's The Occult: A History Malleus Mallificarum, an ancient text on witchcraft, is one of the classics.Many people have written about traditional witchcraft.Many books and authors are coming from a Wiccan/neo-pagan viewpoint.If you are looking for information on secular witchcraft, which is not associated with any religion, philosophy, belief system, etc., then books on Wiccan witchcraft won't be helpful.Some authors are known to be problematic, mistaken, and ignorant.Historical inaccuracies, biased views on various subjects, and rampant cultural appropriation are some of the things these authors include.Some authors to be wary of are Silver RavenWolf, Raymond Buckland, Laurie Cabot, Margaret Murray, Edain McCoy, and D.J.There is a person named Conway.If you decide to read their works, be sure to fact-check everything.These books can be useful, but do your own independent research and don't take anyone's word for it, no matter how popular they are.Some authors have been dead for a while and so their information is likely to be a little outdated.Scott Cunningham is an example of this.His books can be helpful, but remember to read other sources.
Step 3: Personal goals can be set for your practice.
Being a witch is a personal journey.There is no way to do it.It's important to learn what you can and how to get there, as well as write your own goals and path for yourself.It's helpful to keep a record of what you hope to discover and what it is you want to explore.It's up to you to find the answers, even if a few guiding questions can be helpful.What do you want from being a witch?What types of spells would you like to perform?What do you want to know about being a witch?How do you hope that magic can change your life?
Step 4: It's a good idea to watch out for fluff.
There are online schemes and for-pay tutorials.It's not something that can be communicated in 25 easy steps for only $39.95 from Hot Topic.It's not about following a list of rules and going from A to B to C in the correct order.It's a journey of discovery that is different for everyone.When talking to different practitioners of magic, what it means to be a witch will change a lot.Take things with a grain of salt.Talk to other witches if they don't want to help you learn or disagree with a particular reading.Ignore the dissenters if you find a group of like minded practitioners.
Step 5: The tools of the trade need to be collected.
It's a good idea to get the basic tools to start practicing witchcraft.broomsticks and hats are not needed.The basics of being a witch are not required in order for you to use any of the different tools that each witch requires.You can select a wand.For their personal connection to the witch, wands are often selected.It's just a matter of finding a stick and charging it.You should spend a lot of time in the woods to find a short stick that works for you.When you find it, you'll know it.If you don't use a wand or any other tool that another witch uses, you are not a real witch.No one else can tell you what works for you.There are important objects for spell casting.A mortar and pestle are used to mix herbs and other ingredients and can be found in most kitchens.There are some herbs.There are many herbs used in witchcraft.Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is a good guide for beginners.You can learn about the powers of herbs and how to use them.Mineral spirit and salt.Mineral spirits and salts are used in cleansing and keeping your spell safe.You can help to protect yourself by charging your tools with all-natural mineral spirits and circling yourself in salt.
Step 6: You should charge your magic tools.
Before and after spell castings, wand, crystal, and other implements need to be cleansed.A good witch keeps her tools charged and free of negative psychic energy.You can charge and cleanse your tools by using the traditions and techniques of your practice.Many witches use the moon's energy to charge or cleanse their wand, by sitting out in the night and absorbing the lunar energy into the stone.Mineral spirits can be used to cleanse and clear out psychic energy.
Step 7: The area needs to be cleansed.
Magic rituals can be performed in the comfort of your bedroom if you want to cast spells and circles.You will be comfortable and undisturbed in a safe space.For as long as it takes to complete the ritual, choose a place where you can remain undisturbed.According to your practice, meditate for several minutes.Asking that evil spirits and negative energy stay away is one way to offer a prayer of protection.Take a deep breath and remember the task to come.You should light candles and prepare other objects for the ritual that you're going to perform.If other people are around to perform the ritual with you, hold hands and complete the cleansing prayers together.Join as a group.
Step 8: The circle should be cast.
It's not important if you want to use candles, stones, chalk lines or sticks to create your spell-casting circle, what matters is your intent.The circle is a physical or psychic barrier that will allow you to channel the deities, powers, and energies necessary to do your work.In many traditions, a circle must have candles at each of the four directions.Keeping a representative of each element in the circle is a good idea.A handful of earth, a glass of water, the fire of a candle, and other elements should all be present.
Step 9: The spell is being cast.
You should welcome the elements and the deities and state the purpose of the ritual.Specific invocations and prayers should be said.A database of spells can be found here.You should raise and release the energy.The purpose of a spell is to connect your circle to the unseen world of spirits and energy.When you connect with those energies, you have to detach yourself from them as well.
Step 10: It's a good idea to close the ritual safely.
Thank the Deities for showing up.The elements helped you with your spell.Depending on your tradition, close or open the circle."Remember the Rule of Three, What Ye Sends Out Comes Back to Thee" is a Wiccan phrase.Anything you do comes back to you threefold.Think about your actions and how they affect others.Not all witches are Wiccans, and non-Wiccan witches aren't required to follow Wiccan guidelines.Don't bash or bully anyone else for their practice because it's not the same as yours.
Step 11: You can find a guide.
It's important for witches who are just starting to explore the world of witchcraft to get help since it can be so overwhelming.You can find other more experienced witches who will help tutor you in the dark arts, recommend readings, and show you a thing or two about spells.You should never lie about your experience in witchcraft.If you don't know a wand from a cauldron, try to be an experienced witch.Others will see through it and respect you less.It's better to be willing to learn.
Step 12: You should keep your book of shadows.
It's a good idea to start your own book of shadows when you start practicing witchcraft.Just get a composition book, it doesn't need to be bound in ancient leather and stained with goat blood.Adorn it like a journal, with images you find powerful, moving, or full of witchy wisdom.As you pick up spells, observations, and incantations from your readings, use the book to record them.
Step 13: An altar should be created.
The bleached skull of a 12th century mystic would be awesome, but an altar doesn't need to be elaborate.An altar is a place where you can practice.It should include things that are important to your practice.Crystal, stones, herbs, pictures, and any number of other objects are important to you.Your alter should be adorned with important objects.If you're a Wiccan or a green witch, it might be a good idea to put dead flowers, dried herbs, and laurels on your altar.Find stones that speak to you, strange seashells, or other objects of power and beauty.If you are a traditional witch, you should keep pictures of your family on your altar.Photos of Civil War soldiers and old pocket watches are things that remind you of the past and should be included if you don't have any.
Step 14: Practice with the seasons.
Witches like to be in tune with the changing seasons and the transitions from one phase to the next.Practice your spell casting in accordance with the moon's phases and other signifiers of changing time.You can learn about the shifting planets by getting an astrological calendar.Pay attention to the changing seasons and your responses.
Step 15: You should keep collecting magic objects.
It's a good idea to keep your cabinets and altar growing as your Book of Shadows grows.Keep growing your collection of powerful herb and oils by collecting them.Learning about their unique uses is a good way to practice using them.You can collect precious stones and crystals and use them in your practice by meditating with them.It's a good idea to collect fresh herbs to dry for yourself if you want to buy herbs and stones.It's an excellent idea to connect your practice with the earth.If you want to find magick herbs in your climate, you should get a local field guide.You can find precious stones by going around creek beds.