Beginner Witchcraft: 5 basic tips on how to get started

If you're here and reading this then I assume in one way or another you have a curiosity for witchcraft. Whether you're looking to start practicing or just looking for general knowledge on the topic, I've got you covered.

I have been a practicing witch for over 20 years, and I am finally ready to share my knowledge with the people with whom this knowledge can help.

We all know the internet helps to connect us in many ways, and I am hoping this blog can further my reach, and allow me to get the info to the people that want it.

Below I have outlined my top 5 tips for beginning your witchcraft journey.

Tip #1 - Research, research, research

Witchcraft is beautiful because it is so open and personal. What works for me, and what I believe may not be right for you, and that's okay. There is no one correct way to practice witchcraft or to use magical energy.

Start with the basics and work your way up. Start with what witchcraft is.

For me, magic is all around us, and every living creature has energy (both negative and positive), the elements (earth, air, fire and water) carry their own brand of energy, and the wielding of those energies, and our own personal energies, is witchcraft.

These energies can be used for many things, and its a personal choice as to what you will use these for, but some examples are; to attract love or wealth, healing trauma, enhancing creativity and passion, seeking guidance and answers, and a plethora of other purposes.

There are many helpful books, blogs, websites and social media posts that can help you get started on your research. My personal favourite beginner books are;

"The Wicca Bible" by Ann-Marie Gallagher- it is a great general introduction to wicca. Wicca is the practice of witchcraft which follows the law of karma and the rule of 3 (what energy you put out will come back to you x3, be it positive or negative), and can be a monotheistic practice (belief in one "God"), or polytheistic (multiple "Gods" and/or "Goddesses"). This book delves into core beliefs, deities, tools and practices for beginner witches.

"Llwellyn's Witches' Spell a Day Almanac"- The almanac is released every year and is basically a witchcraft agenda. These books have the perfect balance of spell and ritual ideas mixed with seasonal, traditional and spiritual knowledge. Read in a few sittings or take the book day by day. The books are beautifully designed and have so much valuable information for each day; moon phases, colour and flower associations, element associations, and so much more. The perfect companion for spell work.

"Modern Guide to Witchcraft; Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, & Spells" by Skye Alexander- this a a complete guide to most areas of the craft. The author has really done her research in the different types of magic and witches. The basics and foundations of witchcraft are thoroughly explored and explained. The different aspects of nature (herbs, flowers, crystals, and elements) are are also spotlighted in this book, combined with a lot of great beginner spells and rituals.

We are creatures who should always be learning, and there is always something new to explore, so start with what interests you most about witchcraft, whether its crystals and herbs, spirit communication or spiritual healing, start from there and see where the journey takes you.

Tip #2 - Get in nature!

Paganism, wicca, witchcraft are all synonymous with nature, and are nature based. I have had the advantage of growing up in the country of Canada and have always been able to find and be in nature, but I recognize it's not so easy for everyone. Wherever you live, I encourage you to find any natural spot you can. Whether it be your backyard, a park, a nature trail or even just simply being outdoors, make being outside a priority in your life.

The elements are all around us and lend us their energy for us to ground, cleanse, invigorate or calm ourselves and others. The warmth of the sun, bonfires and candles connect us to the strength of fire. The earth is ever present in our lives as the ground we walk on and the food we eat. We also nourish ourselves with water, as well as using it to cleanse and clean. We use the air to breath, warm and cool our bodies. The elements and how we interact with them play a huge role in the manipulation of magic.

Feeling a connection with the elements, the earth, and energy is essential to witchcraft, and getting comfortable in it is a great way to start and to enhance your practice.

Tip #3 - Meditation and visualization

Energy manipulation is the foundation of magic and witchcraft. I'm not going to sugar coat it, it takes work and dedication to master meditation and visualization techniques. On a positive note, with technology, we have come a long way from sitting in a dark quiet room silencing our inner voices, and there are plenty of apps and guided meditation videos to assist you.

Meditation helps us to connect with our higher selves and to quiet the physical world around us, and allows us to tap into the spirit world more easily.

Visualization is the tool we use to manage and manipulate energy. In my opinion this is the most important tool we posses as witches. Tools, crystals, altars, and any other item will never be as powerful as your intentions and your will. Visualization takes our visions from dream to reality.

Below I have outlined a simple visualization technique:

Ring of Protection Spell

Tools

- a quiet place to sit

- your mind

Technique

- sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes

- take a few deep breaths and relax your mind and body. Notice any tension being held in your body and release it.

- in your mind, visualize yourself sitting where you are. Picture a small ball of white light starting around you belly button. See the light ball growing until it envelopes you like giant light bubble surrounding your entire body. visualize the light as strong and as bright as you can make it. If you are up for it, see the light expanding and surrounding your home and property.

- TIP: concentrate on as much detail as possible when visualizing yourself and your surroundings. The better the picture in your mind, the more power it has.

- when you are finished, open your eyes and the spell is complete. Refresh the bubble in your mind, anytime you feel it necessary.

It really is as simple as that. Your intentions and the energy you put out is the absolute core of your witchcraft practice.

Tip #4 - Try divination

I think that a very popular witchcraft topic is divination or divining the future. I do encourage you to research different techniques, as there are many, and try some that you feel comfortable with. Trust when I say it is not meant for everyone, but it is one of the more notable aspects of witchcraft.

Divination is a more chaotic form of energy, and works different for everyone. Some people may receive images, words, smells, or even voices in regard to divining the future. Some forms of divination include; tarot cards, palmistry, tea leaf reading, scrying, and pendulum work.

Divination is in no way required in the practice of witchcraft, but it is interesting to learn, and working with divination tools can help enhance your intuition and connection to your higher self and spirit guides.

In my opinion, a great starting point is the pendulum. They are cheap, and super simple to use, and can be used for more than just divination. Pendulums are made with different materials, ie. wood, metal and crystals. Try different materials to see what feels best to you.

To use: hold the pendulum in your hands for a bit to get a feel for it, and let it absorb some of your energies. When ready hold the pendulum over your palm and ask it to "show you yes". The pendulum should then either swing back and forth or in a circle. After being shown your answer say "show me no", the pendulum should move in the opposite way as to before. You pendulum is now ready to answer any yes or no question you may have.

Tip #5 - Practice your craft

Once you have learned more about the fundamentals, elements, deities, divination and meditation techniques, don't be afraid to put your learning into practice, that's why we practice magic. I spent a lot of time being afraid to practice, and afraid of everything not being perfect, but let me tell you it will never be perfect, and it doesn't matter. Magic isn't about specific tools or incantations, it's about your intention and passion and honestly the hard work your willing to put in to achieve your goals.

Please remember that any spell or ritual you read about, it's just a guideline or template for your magic. If you don't have the 'required' ingredients or tools don't stress. At the end of the day you really don't need to perform spells and rituals to be a successful witch, it's all about your energy and intent.

Being a witch is about much more than just energy manipulation, spells and fortune telling. It's about being accountable for our actions, and the energy we put out into the world. It's about personal growth, and living in harmony with nature, and all living creatures. It's mostly about getting know yourself. Your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses, about what you dream of for your future and how you can accomplish that, both magically and in the physical sense.

Always remember....

What I have written is a guideline based on my personal experiences and in no way am I stating anything as facts. These are my beliefs, my research and my personal experiences with witchcraft. That being said I do hope that you have found some of this to be useful in some way, as it is my goal to inform and share my truth with you.

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you found useful, other tips for beginners and what other witchcraft topics you would like to read more about.