Beginnings

Throughout the course of our life, we have been asked from one time or another, what does it take to be a witch?  Many times, people think it is about the clothing or acting witchy and they are far from wrong.  First response they receive is that they must read but they have no idea what to read.  I would start with the history of paganism, witchcraft, mythology just to name a few.  

Witchcraft is an art, as it is based on the cycles of life.  Everything is living and we must respect all living things.  One must remember that no two witches work the same.  We may use the same words, but our emphasis on those words is different.  It is my belief that witchcraft is a spiritual path because as we walk it our soul is nourished.  We commune with our life force and the life force of this world and other worlds.  We know that a witch is polytheistic and the first thing we should do is know our Gods and Goddess.  That is something that many find difficult for they do not know how to find their patron God and/or Goddess.  They hear that they will come to them, but again they have no idea how to find them.

So, let's look at how we reach this point.  It is important for the witch to master and work daily on her
self-awareness.  You need to work on your self-esteem and self-respect along with respect for others.  The most important way to do this is by mediation.  Now, no two individuals meditate the same way and that is perfectly fine.  Some will argue that sitting in a straight pose with legs bent, arms relaxed is the only way to do it, but that is not correct.  For those who find sitting like that uncomfortable or if they relax so much that they fall asleep, then try a different way.  One way would be lay on your back, stretch your feet and relax them, then move up to your legs and do the same all the way up, and slowly breath in and slowly exhale; as you do this then your mind should shut down and you should be able to journey.   How about taking a long slow walk through nature, relaxing as you walk, find a nice tree or bench to sit on and relax, breathing in the good air.  Find that difficult to do, then grab a coloring book and begin to color turning soft music on and lighting some incense and just shutting out the world. 

Another aspect is self-respect.  Many of us have been through hard times, bad life, etc, but shut the door on the past.  This is the hardest thing for many to do and yet it is the most important.  The past is just that past and you are in the present and walking toward the future.  Let the past remain there for you cannot change it, but if you dwell on it the past will affect you.  Look in the mirror daily and tell yourself that you are amazing, strong, healthy and beautiful.  You got this day and begin your day.  Respect is for yourself and choices you make and respect for others. This is not about the past for that door is shut.   We do not dwell on what happened to us in the past.  This is now.  When you can respect yourself you can respect others.  We realize that although we disagree with the opinions of others it is ok.  You must take responsibility for your thoughts, words and actions.  This is not only with your life but your family and personal relationships.  

Keep in mind:  accept who you are, admit your mistakes and laugh at the mistakes-we then manifest positive actions in our lives.  

When the fundamentals are lacking the witch will lose sight of the purpose of the techniques and how to integrate them into our daily lives. When you focus on the past or your mistakes too much you waste too much energy and it drags you down.  Witchcraft is 365 days a year 24/7.  This does not mean it is writing or casting spells or working with herbs etc.  It is how you approach your life whether it is your immediate family, friends or lover. 

Next, you need to learn to build your energy and feel the energy.  Everything is alive and everything emits energy.  Remember when you slap your palms together and rub them how warm they become they are emitting energy and you feel that quicker.  If you have someone at home to do this with then practice this:  Slap your palms together – both of you and rub your hands then place your palms close to their palms.  You feel the energy.   Another great thing to try is closing your eyes and reaching your hand toward the couch, dresser etc and feel the energy off that furniture or even the friend that is helping you.  We feel that energy then we can build that energy in our spell work.  

If you do not have anyone to practice with then build an energy ball and play with it.  Slap your palms together rubbing hard and then slowly pull them apart visualizing the energy ball of white light growing and then bounce from hand to hand.  After energy work, grab a small bite or drink some water and rest.