THE NEWBIE WITCH - WHAT OTHERS OFTEN DON’T TELL YOU ABOUT BEGINNING THE PRACTICE

You will find lots of articles on tumblr for newbie witches but I realized when I started practicing that a lot of things were missing and I was kind of ashamed to ask because I felt stupid.

This post is for people who have just started practicing or are planning to. If you have already been into witchcraft for years this could be a little reminder for you.

You don’t need to be wiccan. You don’t need deities in your craft. When I started I was a little puzzled: everyone was talking about prayers, faith and other religious things essential in the craft. It seemed everyone was wiccan! Or Pagan. But they were talking about things I didn’t believe in. They were questioning my religious beliefs and my will to practice witchcraft. Then I found out about the existence of secular witches i.e. witches who do not include religion in their craft. Religion is not essential in witchcraft. You can use your own power, you can ask mother earth to land you some. It’s perfectly fine.

Get info BEFORE you seriously practice. This is a point lots of people skip and underrate. When I discovered magic was real I was enthusiastic. I wanted to start as soon as possible and I was upset my exams didn’t allow me to. Now I’m glad I waited. While I was studying for my exams I read various articles, I followed witchy blogs on tumblr (windvexer and witchtips are great blogs for beginners. Look for their masterposts!) and I collected enough info to start practicing one month later but understanding what I was doing. I’m not saying you should wait months to start but just be sure to be aware of the basis and the possible dangers.

Trust your guts! There are witches who will tell you super rare and expensive items are required in your craft. They will often tell you to use things you can’t have. I’m not saying they’re wrong, they are probably suggesting what it’s right in their practice. But they are sometimes not newbiesfriendly blogs. My suggestions is: do what it feels right for you. (But if you want to use herbs and eat them do some serious research first!!!) For example, if someone tells you you should use rose quartz for tranquillity but you don’t have it/don’t want to use crystals in your craft/you don’t associate tranquility with quartz, etc. don’t do it. Use a substitute! Plus, don’t underestimate the power of visualization. It takes practice, I know, but if you can’t have an item, just imagine you have it! And remember: magic doesn’t come from candles, crystals or whatever. It is within you. They just enhance it but they’re not essential.

Magic is real but do not confuse it with real life. Before you get pissed and think what I said it’s crap let me explain it. Magic is part of your life and your life is real, duh, but do not get overwhelmed by magic. In few words: don’t forget living. Don’t think every single thing that happens in your life is magical! If you see a bunny in a pet shop it probably isn’t a sign meant to you. It’s just a bunny. There are indeed signs hidden in your normal life but don’t think that everything is.

Magic just gives a little push. You can’t perform magic with a purpose and without acting in the real world in order to make it happen. You can’t create a sigil to have new friends if you have 0 social interactions. Don’t ask for the impossible: a spell won’t allow you to meet Obama, I’m sorry, unless you live in the White House.

Don’t be afraid to live magic and muggle lives at the same time. I swear the first time I performed magic and I created a shield I felt bad going to the bathroom. It seems dumb, I know, but beginning the practice can be scary the first time. Don’t be ashamed of what’s natural and don’t be scared to use subtle magic when in company. Magic is part of you!

You don’t need labels. I repeat: YOU DON’T NEED LABELS! When I started practicing I felt the need to say out loud what my interests were. The truth? I couldn’t say it yet. Everything fascinated me so I just told people I was eclectic. But I actually am not. Don’t feel in a rush when you get into the magical realm. Just do what you like and you will later understand what you prefer.

It is okay if you’re not into everything magical! You will see lots of witches who use herbs in their practice. Others use crystals. And every spell you find online requires either herbs or crystals. You will spontaneously think they are essential for every witch but they are actually not. Don’t feel ashamed. Say it out loud: “I don’t like herbs!/I don’t like crystals!/I don’t like sigils!”. You can only love tarots and you can still be a witch. You can dislike jars and you will still be a witch.

It is okay if you don’t want to be called “witch”. I understand that this word is often used to describe someone nasty, ugly or unpleasant. Or you could just simply not like the word for your own personal reasons. You can use other terms, more specific about your craft: diviner, spirit worker, fortune teller, etc. Or if you just want a synonym of the word witch: magic practitioner, sorcerer, wizard. There are many others. Find the word you feel comfortable with.

Males can be witches as well. Witch is not just a word for women. If you’re male and you want to practice magic and be called a witch, go for it!

You don’t need to be in a coven. If you don’t want to be part of a group you can learn on your own. And that’s fine.

Be careful of the words you use. You’re new in the craft and you start using words like gipsy, spirit guides, strega, etc. Be very mindful of the words you choose! They can be disrespectful, cultural appropriation or misuse of terms about a closed practice. Do your own research and remember to be always respectful. If you misuse a word and people let you know it’s wrong apologize, be polite and change your attitude. It’s easy. For more info I’d suggest to look here [cultural appropriation 1 2; gipsy as a slur word; witch culture; stregheria 1 2 3; - I will add more links in the future about this topic]

Don’t let others define what’s right and what’s wrong. Some people say cursing is bad, blood magic is for evil witches, satanism is bad, etc. There is no “white magic” or “black magic”. Magic is neutral and it depends on you. You can curse and be the nicest person in the world. If you’re afraid of the three fold law I’d suggest to read this post and don’t let others influence you. It’s your choice. Not theirs.

Everyone can be a witch. When you discover magic is real and it’s not just in books you ask yourself “Can I be a witch?”. You may think you need someone in your family to “pass you the magical genes” or something like that. But what most of witches believe is that magic lies within each one of us. You can be more naturally talented but if you are not don’t be afraid. Speaking of books, remember that Hermione was born in a muggle family yet she was the greatest! If you don’t have natural talents you can still be a witch. Work hard and you will see great results!

Gender, sexual orientation, age, race, culture do not prevent you from being a witch. You can be transgender, asexual, African American, Chinese or whatever. You can still be a witch.

Did I forget something? Let me know in comments or reblogs and I will add it in the list!

Neveira

Protective Storm Ward

A warding spell to protect an area against severe storm and weather

by Rainy-Day-Witchcraft

Materials

Storm water

Sea salt

Heather

Black Pepper

Thistle

Ground wood charcoal

Oven mits / Heat handling tools

Disclaimer: Some may develop hives or experience itch when physically dealing with thistle - if you have never worked with it before, find out if it’s safe for you to handle, as you would any herb or plant.

Step 1. In a fire-safe pot or cauldron sitting over a stove or fire, pour in about two cups of storm or rain water and a few tablespoons of salt. One by one, add in the ingredients as the water warms, speaking aloud or thinking of the properties of each ~ Heather (linked to mists and rain), Black pepper (earthly protection), Thistle (protection and banishment), and wood charcoal ground to a chalky powder (protection and banishment).

Allow your herbal water mixture to seep on a low temperature for a few minutes (if you’re using a non-stovetop fire, bring the water to an almost-boil and remove from heat source for a few minutes).

After the mixture has seeped, turn the heat up to high or return to heat source and allow it to come to a rolling boil; our goal here is to produce steam, so be sure it’s at the boiling point where a good amount is evaporating!

Step 2. Using heat handling tools or mits, carry the pot/cauldron to an area that is exposed to the outside air; you can choose to do this outside, or if the weather does not allow it, in front of an open window. If you are already working over an outdoor fire, staying where you are is fine!

Place the pot in front of you and allow the steam from the boiled mixture to waft up into the sky or out the window. As you watch, envision that the essence and energy from the herbs traveling up into the sky with the steam; it eases the clouds, quiets the winds, and banishes the danger. Continue to watch the steam until it cools and no longer produces as much, visualizing the clouds relieving their tension and the wind blowing them away. During this time you can recite a chant, blow on the steam, etc!

Step 3. When the above step is finished and the steam has diminished, it’s time to do away with the remaining watery plant pulp that did not evaporate. If the weather condones it, dig a small hole in the earth and pour the mixture into it; Mix it counter-clockwise three times with your finger, a wand, an athame, or a branch, and then proceed to cover the hole up with soil (feel free to once again chant or visualize). If the weather is still looking too severe to step outside, store the mixture in an air-tight jar and in a dark space (to prevent mold growth) until the storm subsides ~ It is then that you should bury the mixture. This protects the earth, and in turn the area you perform the spell around, from the damage of severe weather!

My ask and/or message box is open if you happen to have any questions or comments about the spell. Thank you!

Ostara Incense

For Ostara incense, you could make a blend from any of the following scents or simply choose one… jasmine, frankincense, myrrh, dragon’s blood, cinnamon, nutmeg, aloes wood, benzoin, musk, African violet, sage, strawberry, lotus, violet flowers, orange peel, or rose petals.

Ostara Oil Ingredients 6 drops Rosewood 4 drops Geranium 4 drops Chamomile 3 drops Myrrh 2 drops Cedarwood 1 drop Bay ½ oz. Carrier Oil such as Jojoba or Almond

Ostara Oil Ingredients 10 drops Almond 10 drops Patchouli 10 drops Elder 10 drops lavender 10 drops Violet ½ oz. Carrier Oil such as Jojoba or Almond

Ostara Incense Recipe by Scott Cunningham

2 parts Frankincense 1 part Benzoin 1 part Dragon’s Blood ½ part Nutmeg ½ part Violet flowers (or a few drops Violet oil) ½ part Orange peel ½ part Rose petals

Burn during Wiccan rituals on Ostara (the Spring Equinox, which varies from March 20th to the 24th each year), or to welcome the spring and refresh your life.

Source:https://www.ravenandcrone.com Photo: Etsy

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Yes, you heard it right! I’m coming out with my own 30 day challenge! I tried to come up with a lot of unusual tasks that I don’t see in challenges and to try and make this one fairly interactive. Before we get into it here is a quick FAQ. HAVE FUN!!!

How do I take part?

Follow each instruction on the list for 30 days. That is about it! If you want to share your experience with others then you can upload your pictures and stories to Tumblr and tag it as #Violetwitchcraftchallenge! Alternatively you can submit them to me and I will post them on your behalf. You don’t have to write anything long; just how you found the day will do fine :)

When does it start?

Whenever you want! You don’t have to start at the beginning of the month; the only requirement is that you do all 30 days in a row. But hey, I don’t really care if you miss a few days ;)

I’ve already done _____ on this list!

Either go back to refresh your memory or just skip that day.

30 DAYS OF WITCHCRAFT.

Day 1: Write a short post about how you got into witchcraft.

Day 2: Write down in any form you wish what you love about your path.

Day 3: Create a witchy playlist. Share the tracklist.

Day 4: Try Automatic Writing. Share the results.(Learn how here. The channeling of a guide is not required.)

Day 5: Learn a little about a path that you don’t know about, but like the look of.

Day 6: Write something in a witchy script. (My script can be found here. Other acceptable alternatives are the Theban, Tolkien Elvish, etc)

Day 7: Learn a little about a path you don’t know about, but hate the look of.

Day 8: Try seeing your Aura. (Learn how here)

Day 9: Create a Sigil. (Learn how here)

Day 10: Work out your natal chart. (Learn how here)

Day 11: Create a spell.

Day 12: Learn about any form of divination you have not yet tried and give it a go. Share the results.

Day 13: Create a new tarot card for the Major Arcana of tarot. You can just make up a concept and a card name if you are not artistic! (Learn what the Major Arcana is here)

Day 14: Write a short post about what you do in your specific practise.

Day 15: Write a piece of poetry on any witchy topic you would like.

Day 16: Learn the brief history of a specific divination method that interests you.

Day 17: Try meditation. If sitting is too uncomfortable for you then lay down while doing so.

Day 18: Name a book, film, game or TV show from pop culture and how it has inspired your craft.

Day 19: Create a spell inspired by a book, film, game or TV show.

Day 20: Create a sigil from song lyrics of your choice. (An example of this is here)

Day 21: Describe or draw what kind of witch you would be if you were in a fantasy game.

Day 22: Find a blog that inspires you or helps you in your path and send them a nice message :)

Day 23: Create a magical symbol that represents your specific craft. (Similar examples are the pentagram, the cross, etc)

Day 24: Try some of the magic you did as a kid again now. (Making a wish at a specific time, blowing out candles on a cake, making a wish on a dandelion, etc)

Day 25: Use an unconventional item in your craft. How you do so is up to you. (think objects completely unconnected to witchcraft.)

Day 26: Download a witchy app on your phone. Share with us what it is and how you find it useful.

Day 27: Create a deity. You can either draw or just describe the deity and what the deity rules/means.

Day 28: Research a famous occultist from any period of history.

Day 29: Watch a documentary on witchcraft on YouTube. Note if you agree or disagree with how witchcraft was represented.

Day 30: Give yourself a big pat on the back for making it to the last day of the challenge! As a reward for sticking with it I present you with this link to 31 witchcraft movies. Watch one and relax!

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