#experienced witch

[creature-of-gaia]

Some advice to anyone who is new to being a witch or pagan magic / energy work practitioner: Your greatest skill to hone is your intuition. Your intuition will guide you and teach you many things about your magic and-or spiritual practices. It's important to sit with yourself quietly and mindfully, and listen closely.

[honeysucklebramble]

🌙✨ hey witchy friends ✨🌙

looking for a cozy little corner of the internet to share your craft, gush about crystals, swap tarot spreads, or just chat with fellow witches over a virtual cup of tea? 🍵🔮

i’m running a witchy discord server that’s open for new members, and we’d love to welcome some new faces!

inside you’ll find:

🌸 chill chats + witchy memes

🌸 spell swaps, journaling inspo, & magical resources

🌸 fun polls + discussion prompts to keep the coven buzzing

🌸 a safe space for beginners + experienced witches alike

🌸 good vibes only ✨ no gatekeeping, no judgment

if you’ve been wishing for a cozy, supportive witchy community, consider this your sign 🕯️🧡

💌 send me a message for an invite!

[dogfoodvendingmachine]

I don't talk much about witchcraft on here, but me, my gf & some friends are making our own coven. It's so exciting. I get to teach them what I've learned over the years.

[grey-sorcery]

Designing Spells, a how-to guide for every level of experience and discretion: Threshold Theory

Suggested Reading

*-Highly recommended

Threshold Theory*

Path of Least Resistance*

Anchors*

What is Witchcraft?*

Basic Energy Work

Conceptualization Vs. Visualization

Spell Dictation*

Spellcasting Basics*

Basic spell components:

All spells have a few components that are absolutely necessary for potent results. It is going to be assumed that physical and/or energetic work was done to actually prepare and cast the spell.

In order to cast a spell, one needs to be in a space of mind that facilitates the spell working. We often refer to this as ‘Headspace”, this assists one to be more focused. This can be the most difficult aspect of spellworking for some practitioners. The mind needs to be honed in on the spell, the energies, spirits, and intentions involved. This headspace exists to channel the practitioner's focus on the task at hand. This combination of headspace and focus is referred to as a state of gnosis.

Secondly, one would need to have passion, an emotional state that is used to fuel the spell.

Lastly, one needs to have an Intention for a spell. This is the most discussed aspect of spell casting, but is also the most misunderstood. Intention is not to be confused with desire. Intent is a personal truth, something that cannot be lied to. It is possible to cast a spell without one of these three components, however the spell most likely will not be as potent as if one did. You totally can cast spells based on desire and not intent, but validating the spell may be difficult or it may have varied results.

Too read about how to record your spells accurately, check out this post.

Correspondences, Tools, & External resources:

When looking through the internet or other informational resources and/or guides on witchcraft, you’ll probably notice that a few things tend to be regularly occurring:

1. That though a lot of practitioners may say that tools and correspondences aren’t necessary, a vast majority of sources and guides include and/or require correspondences and/or physical tools.

2. The correspondences used in each source are only as common as the dominant source for those correspondences within that specific tradition. For some, those sources are books, and for others they are the first result on a Google search.

When it comes to Tools used to perform magic, there are a few things that must be kept in mind. Some tools are culture/tradition specific and it would be disrespectful for you to use them, which may or may not have spiritual consequences. Many tools are used to accomplish the same ends. For example, wands and athames are used for very similar purposes, the casting and/or projection of energies within a specific space- typically when sanctifying an object or opening/closing a space for a working. If you decide to use a tool for your practice, please be sure that you understand the cultural ramifications of doing so within a spiritual space.

When it comes to Correspondences, there are a plethora of sources that may appear to have contradicting data. This is because they stem from various traditions and sources. This occurs because correspondences are 100% subjective. However, if you practice within a specific tradition or culture, then you are expected to follow the correspondences of that practice. This can be incredibly powerful because people have been building on those ideas and connections for lifetimes.

IF you aren’t a part of a preexisting tradition ask yourself what you feel you should use. Magic can be a very personal and intimate experience. Don’t be afraid to create your own correspondences. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to invent your own tools- but be sure to do so as if it were a sacred act. Magical tools aren’t something that should be thrown together thoughtlessly and then treated like pencils or hair ties, they should be created and treated as what they are: a medium for your magic. They should be planned and made with materials that you deem appropriate. The should be stored as if they were fragile or put on display on an altar. If you’re not open about your practice, this aspect may be challenging to hide.

Types of spells:

In my experience, there are seven types of spells. Please bear in mind that these are by no means finite boundaries for spellwork to exist within, just an acknowledgement of trends.

Altar Spells: Spells that require not only tools and correspondences, but also require a ritual or ceremony in order to cast it. Often, these spells utilize candles and crystals, prayers and symbology, and may even go as far to actually require an altar.

Glamours: These spells more often than not, require only symbols and energy. They are use to altar the perceptions of whatever they’re placed on, whether targeting other or yourself.

Divination: Spells used to heighten your intuition. A lot of practitioners don’t view divinations as being spellwork, but a good diviner uses all three of the basic components of spellwork for their readings.

Psychological Spells: These are spells put on yourself to altar your own mind by manipulating your own subconscious. These spells are performed often through repetitive action and subliminal messaging through turn of phrase of symbology.

Energetic Spells: These spells require only the energies of yourself and/or beings and objects around you. Most energetic spells that are easy to find on the internet are very small spells, typically aimed at small scale manifestation. However, with enough practice and intuition, Energetic Spells can do anything that any other spell type can achieve.

Astral Spells: These are spells that require being in an Astral form or even on the Astral Plane. They are very similar to Energetic spells but they require even less. However, due to the nature of the Astral, maintaining the basic components of spellwork while in this form can be very challenging.

Spirit Spells: These are spells that either use spirits as the medium for the spell to travel through, or employ a spirit to do the spell work for you entirely. Like energetic spells, this type of spell can achieve anything that all the others can if given enough experience and practice.

Spell dictation: Whether it be for recording a spell that you have already cast or recording how to perform a spell you have only just thought of, the way you choose to record your spellwork with have a massive impact on your craft as a whole.

The importance of record keeping:

When performing spells, it is imperative to keep a record of the exact spell process and results. By doing this you’ll be able to keep track of successful spells and those that aren’t. Then it becomes easy to home in on effective spell processes.keeping a record also makes it a lot easier to undo spells that take an undesired turn. I recommend having a dedicated book or Google drive folder to record your spells.

Spell Design Process:

All spells can be thought of as a combination of Thresholds, Nodes, Intent, Focus, and Passion. (And an action)

Without any of these a spell will not function as intended or would not work at all.

Nodes are things like correspondences. They are individual concepts that are connected to form a complete web, or Threshold, for the spell to travel through. Correspondences need not be only for the physical objects involved. They can be as simple as word association or a memory.

Start creating a spell:

1: Decide on a goal, what you wish the spell to accomplish. It is important that your spell takes the path of least resistance in order to have the highest chance at success

2: Create or find correspondences and concepts to create your nodes from and then find how they can be connected. This can be done mentally or by using nodes that are associated with each other.

3: Get all your tools and sympathetic representations together, if you decide to use them. If not, skip to 4.

4: Decide what is the best headspace to be in for casting the spell. It is important to record this as well.

5: Find what is the best emotion to fuel the spell and record that as well.

6: Figure out what energetic programming you wish to use and record that. Do this as best you can, I do realize that the current energetic model definitely leaves a ton to be desired.

7: If you wish to involve spirits, be sure to commune with them beforehand if necessary. And be sure to keep record of the conditions that are reached and which entities you involve.

8: Compile your spell into a single process.

9: Cast and record results.

Be sure to do as much research into your target as possible. Like if you’re casting a spell onto the brain of another person, it would be wise to know their medical history or there could be unwanted side effects.

Discrete Spells and Practices:

The best way to keep your spell work private is to forgo your physical tools and sympathetic representations. This can be achieved by relying on spirit work or energy work.

If you wish to keep the physical aspects of the craft and the way you keep records, I recommend having a small discrete bag to hold your tools and such and coming up with a transcription orthography to write with. This can be either a personal alphabet or a simple encryption like a caesar cipher. A lot of discrete practitioners cannot use candles or burn, in order to get around this you can have ashes as your fire representation and draw things you would burn in water soluble inks. You can also draw Sigils using invisible inks as well.

Networking and How to Talk About Spells:

When discussing witchcraft, it is of the utmost importance to first establish personal semantic meaning. Since witchcraft is a multicultural and multilingual phenomenon, the words used to discuss it vary wildly. This is why I take the time to define my terms.

Once the baseline of semantics has been discussed, it is safe to proceed with discussions about magic. It would be easier to start with practitioners who have a similar practice. But I recommend connecting with anyone who is willing to have fair, free and, open discussions. Remain aware of the nuances of culture as to avoid taking and using what is not meant for you.

Validating Spells:

when recording spells, be sure to note the date and time of casting and have a timeframe in which you would expect a given result. Once the timeline runs its course take any notes of what might be pertinent.

If the spell is continuous, be sure to make note of the situation beforehand so that as time passes you can make notes of relative change.

Sometimes spells don’t work and that’s okay. That just means you need to reassess the working and try again.

Troubleshooting Spells:

If a spell effects more than what was desired, you likely weren’t focused enough or your nodes weren’t connected thoroughly.

If a spell worked but wasn’t to the desired intensity, you likely didn’t fuel it with enough passion during the casting.

If a spell didn’t work at all, it could be that it didn’t take the path of least resistance or you were missing a crucial element. As an example, it is more effective to cast a spell for your employer/client to notice your hard work than it would be to cast one to get a raise.

As you adjust aspects of your working, you’ll be honing it to perfection. Keep track of your changes and overall processes.

If you have any questions, want to know about my blog, commission a Sigil, commission a magical script, suggest content, get a divination reading, or see a list of my planned and published content click here.

[raeraisesroads]

I wonder if experienced witches who post a great deal of educational / informative content on witchcraft…

truly e n j o y slowly becoming a person that so many beginner witches flock to with questions like “how do I become a witch?” “How do I start doing this specific thing in witchcraft?” “Why is this witchcraft thing like this?” etc.

I honestly expect that there are pros & cons, tho I’m curious bout the point of view more experienced / teacher / “mother” witches have on this topic.

[psychopomps-recital]

Howdy folks! My asks are open!! If you have a question about death work, folk magic, my practice at all lmk! I also work as a costumer and actor in the horror / haunted house industry so lmk if you wanna ask about that. Or if you just wanna get to know me more! Lmk!

[tarotvan]

Hi, Hello, Welcome!! My name is Van, I’m a 28 year old, nonbinary, queer Witch. I focus on plant magic and tarot, with an affinity for sigils. My goal is to have a vast collection of information here for baby witches, and experienced witches alike! I want to share knowledge as I can and learn from others! I do also plan to promote my readings, and sigils, and will always try to make it obvious when I’m selling something instead of sharing information. So join me! Let’s learn and grow together! I’ve got a Twitter and a TikTok as well, both under the username @Tarot_Van!

[crazycatsiren]

What I would tell my younger self

If I could have a chat today with the young novice witch version of myself from a decade ago, these are the things I would say to her.

You don't need to be afraid. You've always been strong enough

Your love will become your strength.

Your kindness will take you far.

Your difference is your power.

Protect yourself, and your empathy.

You don't need to hide. There are people who accept and love you for who you are, and those people will always be your people.

You don't need to know everything. You will never know everything, and that's perfectly fine.

Don't let anyone dictate how you should practice your craft or your religions. Your spirituality is yours.

Don't believe everything you hear/read. Trust your instincts.

Skepticism is good and necessary. Question everything. Take what people say with grains of salt. Take things further and dig deeper.

Your intuition is there for a reason.

All the good things take time.

Buy that crystal, that tarot deck, that candle, if you have the money to spare on your hands. Treat yourself.

You don't need to prove yourself or your magic to anyone. Do what makes you happy. You are your own magic.

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Your craft is yours. You never have to get to everything. You don't have to be an expert in things that you're not drawn to.

Listen to and trust your heart.

There are things that you sense and feel that are hard or impossible to explain. Don't be scared by them.

Books are wonderful, but hands on experiences are also important.

People may not understand you, but it's not unreasonable to expect them to respect you as a human being.

You can start small and slow. Choose one thing that speaks to you, one topic to research, and go from there.

Ask for help when you need it.

Don't let the bastards grind you down.

You are enough.

(Art by Syndey Hanson.)