Yay! You’ve somehow come across the beautiful and magickal world of witchcraft. You have read the books, talked to experienced practitioners and might have even tested out a few spells yourself. It’s official: you are a Witch and you want to let the world know know it!
That’s awesome and it’s important that you celebrate taking the initiative to not only explore the path but to dedicate yourself to it. Once you have come to the decision of learning more about witchcraft, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of information that is out on the internet and in books. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
You get out what you put in. Unlike other traditional Abrahamic religions, there isn’t one book to rule them all. Depending on the tradition of witchcraft you would like to practice (Wicca, Santeria, Hoodoo, etc.) you might have access to hundreds of books that offer various opinions on a variety of topics that could impact your practice. This means there isn’t a straight path for most newbies to the Craft unless they immediately find a coven to practice with.
But I think we of all traditions would agree that at some point new practitioners will need to come out of the books of theory and into the real world of practice. That means practicing simple divination. Being mindful of the changes in the seasons. Observing the moon cycles. Honoring your ancestors. Begin building your daily practice! It can be something as simple as saying a quick prayer under your breath before getting up in the morning, or keeping a dream journal next to your bed at night. Practicing will allow you to discover what feels good to you and what doesn’t work, which is important on your journey.
Hold yourself accountable. Because most Witches do not attend church and even more are solitary, it can be easy for sabbats and esbats to sneak up on you. Suddenly it’s Ostara and you aren’t prepared! Fear not, it happens to the best of us. If you find that you are having a hard time getting into a rhythm, try scheduling time once or twice a month for studying. It can help take the pressure off of yourself and reduce anxiety if you know that on certain days of the month you have already committed to practicing your witchcraft.
Learning more. So you’ve read the books, started your daily practice and are hungry for more. Now what? It might be time to branch out and seek out groups! You can find online study groups and discussion forums, as well as social media accounts of practitioners that can answer your questions. And if you would like to connect locally, Witches’ Voice Inc can help you find people near you who might share your same interests. Be patient! You want to make sure your group is a good fit for you and aligns with your spiritual goals so be sure not to rush into any commitments.
Still have questions? Feel free to comment below or reach out to us here. We’re always happy to help. 🙂
