Research:
• Do you want to follow paganism, a Wiccan path, or create your own?
If you do want to follow Wicca or paganism, start with the history and traditions. Learn about the proper altar set up, the sabbats in the wheel of the year, their beliefs, gods, goddesses, deities, etc.
• if you want to create your own path, think about why you wanted to practice in the first place; are you intrigued by the lunar phases? Does astrology fascinate you? Start there! If you’re interested in using candles or crystals, learn about their correspondences and metaphysical properties
• take a lot of notes! Not only will you thank yourself later, but it will also help you find out where to go from here and what you’re truly drawn to
• practice, but only once you’re comfortable: always take safety precautions and always thoroughly look into herbs, especially if consuming or using topically; keep water near by if you’re using candles and never let them burn unattended
• I’d also suggest doing a spell for protection, cleansing or self love as your first ritual when you’re ready and feel confident enough
A few other notes:
Remember that you can do things your own way!! I seriously can’t stress that enough, like I’m not Wiccan or Pagan but I still enjoy celebrating the sabbats. I am also a completely independent witch and have never worked with a coven, I prefer it this way tbh. Plus I don’t work with spirits, deities, gods or goddesses either. It’s all about what’s best for you
Lunar phases:
The moon cycle is very important in my path, I follow it closely and celebrate every full moon. I also do most spells in accordance with it, plan my cleansings with the dark moon, etc.
Water witches should also look into tides
Herbs, oils, and teas:
Herbs need to be treated with respect and caution. Some are poisonous. Some can not be ingested or applied to skin, some shouldn’t be used in large doses, while breastfeeding or pregnant, etc. this is why research is so important!!!
Oils can be infused with herbs or you can use essential oils, which “represent large quantities of plant material and are therefore very powerful plant derivatives that should be used sparingly and carefully” and are commonly mixed with a carrier oil There’s also tinctures and salves made from herbs and even herbal teas can be used metaphysically or medicinally (but thoroughly research either way make sure you’re not allergic, and be cautious)
Meditation and visualization: I personally think this is a huge part of witchcraft! It’s become one of my favourite areas to research and is always connecting to other aspects of my life, bringing me new opportunities, wonderful experiences as well as endless success in my craft
Crystals and elixirs: “A crystal elixir is the unique vibratory energy pattern of a crystal imprinted into the auric and biophysical energy matrix of water.”
Always check that the gemstone will not dissolve (like selenite), rust (like pyrite), or release any toxins (like malachite).
There are also several ways for the water to absorb the crystals energy without being submerged like this example
Divination: tarot or oracle cards, pendulums, scrying mirrors or bowls, tea leaf readings, runes, etc. There’s a variety of methods, each with their own process. I personally enjoy using seashells, but that’ll require a post of its own to properly explain
Altars: there’s a specific set up for Wiccan altars, certain colours and symbols for sabbats, etc. but an altar is any sacred space. For example, it could be your nightstand with just a photo of your dog, some candles and a crystal ─ as long as it brings you comfort! It also doesn’t have to be your workspace. I have one with an empty spot for preforming rituals but the other ones I don’t usually touch much or at all
Offerings: usually left to gods, goddesses, fae, deities, etc. I like to leave them for small animals or just for nature in general ─ also remember that you can remove litter as an offering too and make sure that you do not ever leave anything which could harm the environment it was left in!!!
I know I missed a lot of things but this is just to give everyone a general idea of what to research and where to start, I hope it helps! 🙊🕯✨
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