Before practicing any religion or belief system, you should think carefully about what it means to you and what you could do with the empowerment it gives you. Too often people think only of what a spiritual practice can give them and only practice what works for their lifestyle. Magick is a gift and to practice you need to commit to the path not blindly cast spells and hope they work. Spells rarely work without the right guidance and devotion to learning the ways of the craft.
Though I stress the importance of devotion towards your chosen spiritual practice, I do not mean any one path in particular. Choose what feels right for you. This particular post however is for my fellow witches and people interested in witchcraft. If you're simply spiritual or looking for spiritual guidance those post can be found under the spiritual lessons page
Step 1 Do Your Research
What are you looking to gain from your new found religion or spirituality? Before digging into the art of magick, look into different religions and belief systems. Think about what morals and guidelines they consist of. Finding the right fit can take time, but I promise it is worth the wait. As you're exploring these fascinations you will discover more about yourself and who you are spiritually. I am someone who felt powerless over my life and wanted control over my destiny. That's what led me to becoming a witch. However the power I wanted isn't exactly what I got. When I first started practicing I thought I could do whatever I wanted and my spells never worked. This is because I set poor intentions. Magick is all about intent and all things we do come back to us in the end. Make sure to ask for the right things if you want results. Remember that the craft is an art and power a gift. Most importantly keep in mind that whatever you do to someone else comes back to you. Some call it karma, others the law of three, but it most definitely exists and you don't wan to cause harm towards yourself by harming others.
Step 2 Building Knowledge
Commit time to study your craft. Not just the values and regulations within your belief system, but the craft itself. This can be difficult and you will take time. I myself struggle to learn due certain factors in my life. I try take time out of each day to study and work towards becoming adept in my magick. I recommend you find a good book to start with and if you're a hard learner I recommend flash cards. There are tons of free apps and kindle is a fantastic resource.
Step 3 Build a relationship with your higher power(s)
Go to them with all your frustrations and questions. Talk to them regularly and thank them for your blessings. Meditate to get to a better connection. Set aside time each day to meditate within a magick circle. Keep clearing your mind and the answers to those questions and frustration will come. Sometimes as signs and sometimes as thoughts. But our higher powers talk to us. We just can't always see the signs.
Step 4 Connect With Life
We are most powerful as witches when we are aligned with the energies around us. Take a hike in the woods and appreciate nature. Spend time gazing at the stars. Connect with each of the elements. Take a shower, stand in the rain or swim to connect with water. Plant vegetables or flowers to connect with earth. Have a bonfire or burn a candle to connect with fire. Use an oil burner or diffuser, light some incense, or stand atop a windy hill to connect with air. Everywhere you go there is energy all around you. Try your best to tune into it and create positive connections with the nature around you as well as the
people. It's important to remember that we are not to harm anything. So while you're aligning with nature be careful to respect the creatures and energies you find there. Don't litter, or cut down anything without permission or without necessity. Live in harmony with the earth and it's many vast species.
Step 5 Build Your Grimoire
Every witch has a book of knowledge and personal spells they call a Grimoire or Book of Shadows. Your book of shadows should consist of your notes from studying the craft, a spiritual journal, and a bunch of your own spells, and other spells you have collected. Along with the spells you should write down the outcomes so you can learn what works for you. Just because it's called a book of shadows doesn't mean it has to be a physical book. A Google account will work just fine or any type of virtual notebook.
Step 6 Making every day magickal
First cast your magick circle and meditate within it daily. Say incantations before bathing or brushing your teeth. Enchant your morning coffee with strength and healing. Charge your daily jewelry for protection or enchant your perfume to attract positive energy.
Step 7 Make time for practicing
Once you have studied and are committed to the craft, it's time to cast. Be sure to get some kind of calendar and track the moon phases and prepare spells for each main phase. Be sure to mark the sabbats and celebrate them. Make sure you prioritize the path you have chosen. If you do all the wonders of the world could be yours.
Step 8 Bless Instead of Curse
Now that you're practicing let's get into some basic guidelines. Part of living a life of devotion is doing no harm. All beings on the earth are children of the creator(s). So keep that in mind before you send out that bad energy. Stick to the golden rule that we were all taught in kindergarten. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If someone cuts you off in traffic, think about what might be going on in their life. Perhaps they're late for work or they have a family emergency. You never know what someone else is going through, so be kind. Now in Magick this takes on a different meaning. Instead of cursing your enemies, bless them. Ask for them to heal and see a clearer vision of right and wrong. Hope that they change and forgive them. This keeps the negative energy from coming back to you.
Step 9 Show Gratitude
Thank the elements, beings, and deities who have helped you throughout your magick work. Make sure to honor them with offerings such as wine, perfume, jewelry, crystals, sea shells, ect. Hang pictures on your altar. Don't just show appreciation after a spell. Be thankful when you receive any kind of blessing
Step 10 Becoming Divine
Being a child of light is all about balance and connecting with the divine. You must begin to see your body as a vessel for divine will. Your body and mind needs to be clear of toxic energies. This includes most of not all substance use. I'm not saying you can never enjoy a drink with friends again. However, if you truly want to be open to the energy of light you should avoid substances when possible. Just something to consider. This step isn't absolutely necessary.
Step 11 Fairly Give and Take
Monetary gain is meant to be shared and yes none of us are probably wealthy enough to donate hundreds of dollars. However there are chances to donate time and other resources nearly every day. Take food to your local food bank. Volunteer for an hour at the soup kitchen. Donate your spare change to a good cause. By giving back what you can you are making the world just a little brighter and are more likely to reap blessings when needed.
Step 12 Spread Light
Starting with your home you should be spreading light throughout your environments. Making a shrine of deities and elements all through your home. Put a picture of a deity that you most connect with in your wallet. Play spiritual or meditation music regularly. Change your phone or laptop background to something spiritual. Join Facebook groups and follow fellow witches and witchcraft pages on social media. Spread positivity everywhere you go. Hold the door for that elderly person. Have patience when frustrated. Show extra compassion towards yourself and others. Spend time with family and friends. Actively listen to people when they ask things of you or tell you how they're feeling. Be kind for no reason at all. Cleanse yourself of negative energy when necessary. Put in your best effort at work. Be proactive when a problem arises no matter where in life. Share wisdom whenever possible. Be open minded when you talk to others with different views. Try seeing things from other people's perspectives. Forgive your enemies and genuinely hope that they heal.
Follow these steps and you will become an amazing witch or if you already practice, an even better one.
Remember you are Magickal,
Raven PhoenixFeather