The first steps to walking the Witches path
- mathewrhyswalker
- Dec 27, 2023
- 2 min read
New to the Craft but feeling torn in many directions? Confused as to where to even begin? I have written below some tips to help you get started.
Take a step back, in order to move forward. Some wise advice is to truly intuit whether or not this path is for you, or if something else is stirring this attraction. This could in fact be the path that brings you home, or your soul recognises the potential help you could receive from someone already practicing.
Acknowledge the overwhelming reaction to the diversity of that which is Witchcraft. When first discovering not just how in depth Witchcraft is, but broad too, it can be very overwhelming, especially when coupled with eagerness to learn it all, quickly. Acknowledge and then surrender the emotions, it is always best to learn gradually, after all, black belts are not born overnight either.
Try and focus on one singular topic and design your own study plan. Another difficult step for keen newcomers is how to arrange and prioritise their new studies and practice. The best tip I can give here is, if you are not already training or following material from another, begin to learn about the topic which is most exciting and beneficial at that point in your life.
Do not compare yourself to others. This inclination often arises due to low self esteem in the context of new avenues in life, it is quite common. Witchcraft is very diverse, your embodiment of it will be different to the next and so I say try your best not to compare to others and weave your own web of magick.
Network, at least lightly, to be able to learn from others by asking clarifying questions. I began as a solitary practitioner but found merit in connecting with others via social media, not necessarily making friends per se, but simply learning from and sharing with others, also knowing there was a safe space to ask questions.
Be open to constructive advice from already practicing Witches. Try not to take somewhat corrective comments from other Witches too personally. It is not to destroy your self esteem, but to help you do things right. Be open to guidance or small corrections. Despite a growing attitude of "Each to their own", it's still handy sometimes to take on traditions or expectations as they present.
Ignore the trolls. Another one for beginners, it doesn't matter who you are, how you work, how eclectic or traditional your magick is, you will always encounter negative Nelly. So ignore them and keep crafting.
Respect your own boundaries, and other people's. In order to truly stand in your own power, especially on a path of spiritual growth, you need to learn when to say no, to distance yourself from toxicity, to prioritise self-care and dump those in life who criticise your efforts.
And finally spending money on supplies. Witchcraft has many facets, many simple and dramatic rituals, some spells and rituals require extensive supplies, please don't break the bank! Gradually build up your commonly used supplies, even consider foraging in abundant areas to share in nature and retain your own resources.
Enjoy the path!
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