How to Practice the Craft
Do you want to be a witch? Practicing the craft sounds like fun. You get to create different spells and hexes. Witchcraft can make your everyday life better. However, if you heard about the Salem witch trial, it suddenly sounds dangerous. Nobody wants to be burned at the stake after all.
As dangerous as it sounds, we are loving in modern times now. Most people are more open-minded these days. Although practicing witchcraft can intimidate some people. If you don't care what others may think about you and still want to practice the craft, keep on reading.
How to Practice the Craft
If you decide to become a witch, there are many different things you need to learn. Witchcraft is not just about lighting candles or making potions. There's a deeper meaning to being a witch. Here are the ways to start practicing the craft.
1. Find Your Path
Before anything else, you need to find and choose the path you want to take as a witch. There are different types of witchcraft and you can choose what suits you best. It's important to research everything about being a witch.
Paganism
If you decide to be a witch, you choose the path of paganism. It's similar to other faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Although pagan beliefs emphasized Earth and nature. The neo-pagans are the modern-day practitioners of paganism.
Wicca
Another path is being a Wiccan. This is a religion that worships gods and goddesses. Although most Wiccans are believed to only be women, men can also join Wicca if they please.
Ceremonial
Ceremonially practicing witchcraft is a by-the-book type of practice. They always make sure that they practice ceremonies and rituals expertly.
Brujeria
Dating back centuries ago, Brujeria is a form of witchcraft from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Bruja is a Spanish word that means witch. The gender-neutral term is bruja which still means witch
Solitary
A lot of modern witches choose to be solitary. It means that they don't choose their coven. Instead, they practice witchcraft alone. They can mix other types of witchcraft as they wish.
Eclecticism
Eclecticism is a term that applies to witchcraft traditions. These types of witches are not part of a coven as well. Solitary witches also follow the path of eclecticism. They are types of modern Wiccans who don't belong to any categories of other witches.
2. Learn the Craft
Once you're sure that you want to become a witch, start learning everything you can. It might be overwhelming because there are a lot of things to learn. The best thing to do is research before trying to whip a potion. Make sure you have enough knowledge before doing anything.
In witchcraft, the rule of three should be taken seriously. The threefold law means that whatever you do, it will come back to you three times. It can be positive or negative. Be careful before putting a hex on someone. It will go back to you three times. Make sure to keep on learning.
3. Get Your Supplies
Now that you have decided that you will start practicing the craft, it's fine to get your supplies. It will depend on what path you decide to practice. Most likely, you can get everything you need from an occult store. If it's not available in your area, check online occult stores.
There are a few things you need to have before getting started. Get some candles, herbs, oil, and roots for rituals. You may also need tarot cards, spell books, a cauldron, and potion ingredients. Get a crystal ball, crystals, and jars as well.
4. Start Practicing the Craft
Once you have everything you need, it's time to practice the craft. Make sure you have at least the basic knowledge to get started. Have your altar ready. Make sure to be familiar with the candles to use with different intentions.
Record everything you have learned about witchcraft on your grimoire. Others call it the Book of Shadows. It's a notebook or a journal where you can write your spells and other knowledge about witchcraft. If you want to personalize it, go ahead.
5. Find Your Coven
Finding a coven is optional since some witches prefer to practice alone. If you think that you need to find a coven, you can go on social media for this. It's the perks of living in modern times. Find a FB group or check out Pinterest to find your coven and interact with them.
Things You Need to Know About Witchcraft
1. Initiation
Witches need to go through initiation especially if you're joining a coven. It will make you an official part of the coven. The initiation will also provide an opportunity for other members. Witches with good knowledge and experience can become the leader of the coven through initiation.
2. Coven
Coven is a community of witches that is led by a high priest or priestess. Wiccan covens include sabbats. They celebrate an annual cycle of seasonal festivals called the Wheel of the Year. Esbats are non-sabbat meetings that include observing the full moon.
3. Familiar
It's a witch's spy, protector, companion, and assistant. Familiar is an animal-shaped spirit. It can be a cat like in the movies and series about witches.
4. Altar
It's one of the most important things for a witch to have. An altar is where you cast spells, chants, and worship the gods and goddesses. A symbol-adorned cloth covers the altar to protect it from liquid, candle wax, and ashes from ritual items.
5. Pentacle
A pentacle is a symbol of Wicca which is often seen in altars. It's normally confused with a pentagram because of its similarities. The pentacle is also often used for talismans.
6. Black Magick
It's a type of magic that has malicious and malevolent intentions. Some witches use black magic to create curses and hexes. Although it's not recommended for modern witchcraft, some witches are still using this magic.
7. Seance
If you want to contact the spirit of the dead, a seance is a ceremony to use. I'd normally be done with a medium to help contact a spirit they want to talk to.
8. Grimoire or Book of Shadows
Grimoire contains magical texts in the form of books or diaries. The Book of Shadows is your grimoire as a witch. It's used to record your journey to witchcraft. It can include instructions for spells, hexes, and rituals.
