If you’re looking to start out on a new path of witchcraft or other spiritual practice, then you need a good foundation. Unfortunately, there’s so much to learn and there’s so many places to start.
Here’s some easy steps, tips, guides, and posts to help you out.
The Basics
Is magic real?
Yes. Are you going to get Harry Potter results? Probably not and almost certainly not as flashy, but magic does work.
Can I be a witch? Or any other kind of magic practitioner?
Yes. Well, almost certainly yes. Some practices and paths are exclusive to certain cultures and some will require initiation or training in that path. Outside of those exceptions, absolutely.
You are never too old, too young, or too anything to start a magical practice.
What path should I study? What kind of witch should I be?
Try a little bit of everything available to you first. There’s many different traditions, styles, and beliefs out there. Far too many to list and far too many to go through in a single blog. Some paths will require you to be initiated and some others will expect serious academic study. Others will ban certain kinds of spells and some others will be closed to anyone outside of a particular culture.
Not every path will be right for you and not everyone will have beliefs that mesh with yours. That’s OK. Just because your truth and reality doesn’t match someone else’s doesn’t mean yours (or theirs!) is less valid. It’s just different.
Do I really need X? Do I have to take a year and a day to study?
Probably not. Hold back on buying a ton of stuff or diving deep into research right off the bat. Try a spell or two. Let your passions and hobbies guide you on what kind of spells or rituals you want to try. Let your interests drive you.
Make mistakes. It’s okay. You may find a path for yourself while you’re exploring or you might not. That’s okay too. This is about you and your connection to magic (or the Universe, or the Divine, or Nature, or whatever). It doesn’t have to match other peoples so you don’t have to follow the rules others set on what to buy or how to go about your practice.
How serious is this?
As serious as you want it to be. You can be as serious or as casual about it as you want. It’s up to you! If you want to use your tarot cards to predict what’s for dinner, that’s fine. If you want to dedicate time each day to rituals and spells, that’s fine too. It’s entirely how much you want to devote to it.
Your practice isn’t any better or worse than anyone else’s. Just because it isn’t as pretty, as fancy, as academic, or as hardcore, doesn’t mean it isn’t valid. Are you being fulfilled in some sort of way? Then congrats! Your practice is working for you.
Okay, but how to do I really start?
- Try a spell, like the one below.
- Read some posts or books on something “witchy” that interests you, such as Celtic mythology, candle magic, spirits, or whatever else.
- Write down the things that interest you, what catches your eye, what you want to look into later, the spells or things you’ve tried.
- Keep on going.
Simple Desire Knot Spell
Get a piece of string. Cut it about the length of your fingertips to your elbow. Think of what you want most right now. Aim for something simple and concise. “I want money” or “I want Alex to talk to me”.
Think or say this clearly and make a knot in the piece of string. Then think or speak that desire again and make another knot a little further down the string. Repeat this process until you have nine knots.
Wrap the string around your wrist and tie it off by saying “My spell is done, my desires come.”
Congratulations! You’ve done your first spell!
Reading to Kickstart Your Practice
This is a collection of 101 posts or explanatory posts that can help you on your way. This section is ever growing so check back often!
Witchcraft 101 posts – All the witchcraft 101 posts published here on This Crooked Crown
Where to Start – A great starting place for anyone looking to get into paganism, witchcraft, the occult, or magic in general.
Getting Back to Your Spiritual Roots – Geared towards people returning to their spiritual foundations but it can also be a useful read for new witches.
How To Get Started on a New Path – Whether you’re new to witchcraft or you’re just thinking about starting a new direction in your spiritual practice, it can be tough to get started. Here’s some tips.
How to Design Your Own Spiritual Calendar – The Wheel of the Year is really popular but it’s not a universal calendar for all pagans everywhere. You can create your own calendar to reflect your own spirituality and religion.
Secular Witchcraft Defined – Secular witchcraft is a rising movement in witchcraft but it’s not an easily understood one. It’s the separation of religion and witchcraft rather than an absence of religion.
Witchcraft Checklist – A checklist for witches and magical practitioners to make sure you’re ready for the new year.
Witchcraft and New Age Shops – A post discussing new age and witchcraft shops and the spells they may use to entice shoppers.
Astral Travel 101 – A beginner’s guide to astral travel.
Dream Magic 101 – Some basic information on dreams, magic, and astral travel.
Everyday Meditation for People Who Can’t Stay Still – A simple stretching and meditation technique for people who have restless minds or restless bodies.
An Exercise to Meditate or Astral Travel – A simple exercise that can be used for meditation or be used as a leaping point for astral travel.
How to Tell if You’re Cursed – A simple explanation on how to tell if you’re cursed, including symptoms.
The Myth of Buying Your First Tarot Cards – A breakdown on the myth and belief that you shouldn’t buy your own first tarot cards and why it probably doesn’t matter.
Ouija Boards 101 or “Are Ouija Boards Dangerous?” – A 101 rundown on what ouija boards are and if they’re dangerous.
Herbs, Plants, and Why They Have Their Associations – A discussion on whether intent is all you need for herbal inclusions in spells or if herbs and plants have their own powers and why those associations may or may not matter.
Braided Cord – Knot spells are a basic magic technique. Braided cords and witch ladders are found in historical digs. This is a basic how to.
How to Make A Poppet – A step by step picture filled guide on how to make a poppet.
How to Make A Poppet House – A way to create a poppet house.
How to Write A Money Spell – A step by step guide on how to write a money spell.
Witches, Jars, and Burying ‘Em – A discussion of what to consider when you’re planning on doing a spell involving a jar (jar spells).
Want to have a more directed path before you? Consider one of my online courses.
If you have any questions, send an email and ask away! I’m always willing to help out the willing and the curious.
This Crooked Crown 