What is Witchcraft, Really? a Guide for Beginners
Or perhaps you would more quickly think of the recent Hollywood images of witches – sexy teens in gothic garb and black lipstick, sporting massive silver pentacles and obnoxious attitudes.
Unfortunately, neither of these images can be used to accurately portray witches or witchcraft, because witchcraft has nothing to do with what you look like, what you wear, or the way you conduct yourself in life.
Sure, there may well be old, wart-ridden women who practice witchcraft. There may also be teenagers with bad attitudes who practice witchcraft. Does this mean witchcraft is bad? Not at all!
You see, witchcraft is simply a tool that helps to release the power within you. This power is something we all have, and it’s up to us where we want to take it – either to a good place, or a negative place.
White Witchcraft vs. Black Witchcraft
Just like any tool can be used for good or ill, so can witchcraft. Unfortunately, this is one reason why witchcraft has gotten such a bad rap over the years. Too many people using it to fulfill their desires for lust, greed, and power. But did you know that witchcraft can also be used to help heal illness, encourage fertility, and attract abundance? Did you know it can be used to increase your self-confidence and strengthen your relationships?
The main difference between white witchcraft and black witchcraft is the intention behind them. If you use witchcraft to bring harm and misfortune to others, or to exert your will over others, it is considered black witchcraft. If you instead use it to bring joy, happiness, health, wealth, and love into your life, and into the lives of others, it is considered white witchcraft.
How Can I Become a Witch?
There are no mysterious rites of passage to become a witch. You simply need to turn within and begin learning about your own spiritual power, and how to use it effectively. This means harnessing the power of your mind, improving your concentration, and learning how to raise your energy and release it toward the creation of a specific outcome. It sounds confusing, doesn’t it? It’s not, really.
Think about the last time you wanted something really, really badly. What did you do? You thought about it constantly. You daydreamed about it, prayed for it, and took action to make it happen in your life. Witchcraft employs a very similar process of mental focus, conscious intention, and taking action to create an opening for new circumstances to enter our lives.
It doesn’t sound so confusing now, does it? The practice of witchcraft is simply learning how to harness and direct the mental and spiritual power you already possess.
What About Candles, Spells, and Incantations?
Yes, it is true that practitioners of witchcraft use candles, incense, scented oil, herbs, and more. However, it’s important to understand that they are simply props. They are not required to practice witchcraft. They simply give you a focal point, which helps to release the power within you. If you desperately feel that you need this, start with a plain white pillar candle and some sweet-smelling incense. You can always explore more complex additions later, like using herbs or crystals, tarot cards, and more.
Steps for Beginners
There are two things that I suggest for beginners in witchcraft:
1) Read and learn. Visit your local library or the New Age section of your local bookstore, and begin browsing the books available on witchcraft. There are many wonderful selections to choose from. There are also many great websites with helpful information. Simply do a search on, “witchcraft for beginners,” and you will have many options. However, it is important to remember that there are many interpretations of witchcraft out there. Some are good, some are not so good, and some are downright dangerous. It’s important to trust your own inner wisdom over anything you read. If something feels wrong or bad, let it go. Only keep the knowledge that resonates as truth deep within your own heart. This will help you to stay on the right path and make beneficial decisions for yourself.
2) The other thing I suggest for beginners is daily meditation. No, you don’t have to contort your body into the shape of a pretzel and sit on a mountaintop for days. Simply begin spending 5-10 minutes a day sitting quietly and getting in touch with your own spiritual center. Focus on emptying your mind of all thoughts and connecting with that serene silence within you. It will take practice, because your thoughts are likely scattered and you don’t yet have a strong level of mental concentration, but you will if you continue with this practice. Day by day it will seem a little easier, and you will later be able to use this power of concentration in any witchcraft you do.
Take it One Day at a Time
Finally, remember that learning how to practice witchcraft is a process that will never be complete. There will always be more information to learn, more techniques to try, and more knowledge to gain about yourself. Simply focus on taking it one day at a time and learning as much as you can. See your progress as an exciting journey, and you will be able to enjoy every moment of it.
