Witch Craft for Beginners

witchcraft

Apr 25

What does it mean to be a witch? Does it have to be scary? Do you really have to have animal bones on your altar? Do you have to be a goth?

Do you have to believe in gods and goddesses? Will your family and friends make fun of you and you’ll feel like an outcast?

Do you have to let people know what you’re doing and go public with it?

Is there some kind of witch organization that you have to belong to like a Wiccan coven or the OTO?

And do you have to believe in things or deities you don’t feel drawn to such as Odin, or Baphomet (that Satanic-looking goat figure)?

The answer to all of the above is NO!

What Do Witches Actually Do?

Just as it was hundreds of years ago, most of what is called “witch craft” today is folk magic that is more nature-oriented than it is allied to a particular deity.

Most witches practice in their own way as they please, although some do follow the Celtic “Wheel of the Year” (celebrations connected to Sun and the seasons), and/or the phases of the Moon, and/or astrology for those who believe in that system.

Basically, you get to find your own way and you do what you want (and don’t do what you don’t want). There’s no self-appointed leader you have to follow.

But, this is not meant to be a history lesson, so let’s get into how you can start using witchy ways in your own life and start seeing what witch craft can do for you.

If you’re ready for the 5:30-minute how-to witchy video, just scroll down a bit.

Witch Definition

My definition of a witch is someone who likes to change their current reality by:

◾ developing your intuition,
◾ deepening your relationship with magical allies of your choice (ancestors, spirits, plants, animals, crystals . . . all are “alive” and most are happy to teach and assist you), and
◾ finding the kinds of spellwork that work for you, personally.

For many people, learning to be a witch helps them go from feeling powerless and at the mercy of whatever happens in their lives to feeling they are in charge of creating their reality — feeling confident, strong, and beautiful.

Witchcraft Meaning

The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.” Witches were highly respected people as independent business women (brewers, midwives, and healers).

Their very independence caused patriarchal men to hold them in suspicion and make the word “witch” something to be feared and denied.

Just as we see in the social and political climate today, once women become independent, patriarchy moves in to strike them down. In these times, it’s even more important that women connect with our creative skills and powers.

Witch craft is one way to do that, especially if our freedoms are eroded more and more in the days to come.