#online bos

[witchofbeginnings]

Getting Started

Following this, I’ve just mentioned a few of the youtubers who helped me find my feet at the start. I know most people here are probably already well practiced in the craft, but if it does help someone get started, then that’s great! :D

Having studied for myself some of the history behind witchcraft, and the origins of some of the common misconceptions that surround the craft, I was ready to start exploring the craft a little. 

Obviously, having also gone on several tangents during my reading - like I’m sure all of us have - I found myself excited to try several things like astral projection, tarot, spellcasting. At that point of time it didn’t really seem to matter what exactly I tried so long as it was “something witchy.”

In my haste to “become a real witch,” I dug through several websites looking for spells to cast. And though I found several spells, or at least lists of ingredients and exaggerated chanting, or rituals, I didn’t really find anything that felt right. 

It was rather disheartening to realize that none of this really fit me because witchcraft - from what little research I had done - honestly seemed like my path. my calling. 

And I almost gave up on it.

What really helped me at this stage, was finding a few youtubers who made content aimed at beginners. People who would speak about their own experiences, and also outline some of the basics of witchcraft, Wicca, and Paganism in general. 

I honestly think that for a closeted witch, finding the right online influences can be crucial in how quickly and how comfortably you progress in your craft. Because let’s be honest, if you have to practice in secret, it’s not very likely that you have anyone in your life who can really guide you on your way. And so, youtubers, instagram witches, witchy blogs, will be taking their place instead.

It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make to your craft just being able to know, and being reminded that you’re not the only witch out there!

While I know I cannot recommend youtubers whose ideals everyone agrees with, I can tell you the youtubers I started with.

The first “witchy” youtuber I found was actually a Wiccan, Harmony Nice. After this I found the Witch Of Wonderlust, and from here I discovered Hearthwitch.

And while I have found several more since then, these are the youtubers who helped me form my own ideals concerning witchcraft, and who helped me properly begin my journey.

[sephrenia]

i just reorganised my altar & i'm so excited i could cry! i finally feel like my spiritual practice is taking form 😻 it feels so rewarding & utterly joyful! 💓

[artemiscalled]

A Tip for Online Witches

You can save your tumblr posts for a virtual Grimoire or Book of Shadows!

There are a couple applets through IFTTT that will automatically save your posts to another account, like Evernote - both programs are pretty nifty for stuff like this.

You can sign up for both IFTTT and Evernote for free, and they only require an email address. You don’t *have* to connect either to Facebook - which is a plus, especially for secret witches :)

The best part: this can save the content of all your posts, even from your side blog(s).  And it will only do or save as much as you tell it to.

The worst part: it doesn’t save previous posts.  The applet will only run when you post, so any posts made pre-applet won’t be copied over.  So the sooner you start, the more you will have saved!

Honestly, I’m paranoid about how many posts mysteriously never get copied down in my Book of Shadows...(it’s baffling, really).  And with the looming possibility of Tumblr getting shut down, I don’t wanna see all that content disappear! 

[witchofbeginnings]

It’s The Little Things That Count

When you start out, you see a lot of people and websites talking about intention, and being able to meditate successfully, and having at least one method of divination under your belt, and connecting more closely to nature, and a lot of other things.

And while all (or at least most) of these things are important foundational steps that will help you move up to more advanced theories and spellwork in the future, they are also deceptively hard to get right (or sometimes even to know for sure if you are getting it right when you don’t have someone to help you out) when you’re just starting out.

This can be frustrating, and discouraging. So, pick one easy thing that you can add to your daily routine. It can be something as simple as making your own tea or coffee at the start of your day, or putting on your makeup with a little extra care and effort (if you wear any), or being a bit more mindful when you’re washing your face or showering. 

All of these are pretty simple habits that you will fall into fairly easily. And soon enough, with a little extra effort everyday (and a bit of magickal reading or research. Honestly just read about anything you can get your hands on. You’d be surprised where inspiration can come from sometimes), you’ll find them evolving into distinctly magickal practices. 

For instance, the first witchy thing I ever added to my daily routine evolved from my tea drinking. Everytime I make a cup of tea now, I put in that little extra effort to make it with intent. In the mornings I decide my tea based on what kind of day I want to have or expect to have, and I take a little extra care while I’m making and drinking it, reminding myself of this intention. And while this may sound “not magickal enough” for someone who’s just starting out (I know it did for me ^-^”), it honestly does make a difference.

Now obviously, you can choose to do something other than this too. A regular shower, when you decide to visualise yourself being not just physically cleansed, but also energetically and/or spiritually cleansed (depending on what you believe in), turns into a cleansing ritual. Your makeup could be a glamour spell or a confidence spell. 

If there’s something similar that you do or know of that you think might help someone, feel free to leave it in the comments or to reblog and add your own ideas. I would love to learn from all of you!

It is important to realize that not every spell needs chanting, or long ritualistic elements. When you’re starting off, especially as a closeted witch who can’t be too open about your practice, it’s honestly the little things that count. And depending on who you are, and what you need, your magick will evolve to fit your needs. 

[witchofbeginnings]

How To Start?

Honestly there is no right way to going about your practice. so, let me just tell you the way that I found easiest. 

Witchcraft has a lot of misconceptions piled against it when you’re looking in from an outsider’s perspective. And despite me never outright being against witchcraft at any point of time, I still found myself holding back from it as some invisible force seemed to pull me back from it. I found myself feeling increasingly conflicted as the things i was learning - and on some level accepting - refused to fit into the ideas that had repeatedly been drilled into my head all my life.

When i finally realised what my problem was, I also realised that learning the history of witchcraft, and understanding where the roots of this preconceived hatred lie could help me realise whether I was on the right path or not. 

So, this is where I think anyone who’s stuck - not because they don’t know where to start, but because they don’t know how to start - can get started. 

you’ll be helping yourself overcome prejudices while at the same time learning the history of the very craft you might choose to pursue.

[witchofbeginnings]

What is Witchcraft to me?

Witchcraft for me is a way to connect more deeply with myself, and with the world. I have never really been one who accepts things unquestioningly, and I always put my own thoughts and experiences first when it comes to believing in something. This is a large part of why I never felt at home as a Christian.

In witchcraft, a lot of practices like meditation, divination - and magick spells and rituals of all kinds really - can be interpreted in a way that makes sense to you.

 Finding your own way through witchcraft is actually encouraged. You might ascribe something to being because of your subconscious self, your higher being, the universe, deities, spirits or faeries (and many other beings) and you would still always be right. Because your path is unique to yourself and no one else will learn or experience things in the same way that you do.

For me, witchcraft is a way to learn and understands the secrets of the universe (it sounds dramatic as hell when I say it like that but really, that’s what it is.) 

I know that the little bit I have learnt for now works, and I understand it. I know that when I cleanse and protect myself and my space, it works. I know that when meditate and set an intention for the day, it works. 

And most importantly, I know that I have the freedom to learn and grow and change during my journey as a witch.

[lexithewitch]

Emotional Healing Spell

This is a personal spell that i adapted from a candle magick book i have (the author escapes me ill edit post later). You can use this to heal/sort your emotional state or banish unwanted emotions. (Please note that spell work is not a replacement for seeking out help or a listening ear, this has been the disclaimer.) Wut u need: •one spell candle (black for banishing or blue for healing) •a quiet space •optional essential oils corresponding to need •optional tarot cards that emphasize your purpose (ex: the hanged man for letting go of unneeded things or temperance for finding balance) i suggest up to three cards •optional cauldron Instructions: Set up your alter and do your regular beginning routine while thinking of your intent. Your *optional tarot cards* should be within view yet a safe distance from where you will set the candle. Take a drop or two of *optional essential oil* and rub it onto the candle starting from the top and going to the middle then repeat from the bottom of the candle (or to your intent). Envision your intent as you do this. Next place your candle (in a holder for stability) in the cauldron and set it alight. Close your eyes and visualize your intent, banishing negative thoughts and invite healing and letting go of negative energies. See yourself in better moods and having better interactions with people and your surroundings. Do this as long as you need to. Once you are done say: And so this spell is done, for the good of all and harm of none, so it be. Meditate for a little bit after if you like. Let the candle burn until it is out or relight the candle over several days until it is fully out. Some notes- please remember to practice good fire safety. Also some essential oils should be diluted before having skin contact. Final notes- adapt to your style as needed!! There is no one way to witch 💜 blessed be 💜

[eclecticfawn-blog]

21.10.16

We saw a bunch of shooting stars last night, sat on the cold wet grass surrounded by people who were no doubt indulging in some cottaging/dogging. I offered up my quartz to the moon and asked for it to be cleansed by her.

It was honestly something really magical. It was worth the cold bum.