#learn witchcraft

[grey-sorcery]

New to witchcraft? Awesome! Here's some things that you should avoid:

Divine [insert gender] or Sacred [insert gender]

Wicca (Especially "Wicca is ancient" bs)

Anything from Lewellyn Publishing

Visualization used as if it was energy work

Godphoning (talking to a deity for someone else, especially when it's non-consensual)

Spirit Animals

Spirit Shops

Spirit impreg

"Raising/higher Vibrations"

Contemporary/Western Reiki

New Age / Age of Aquarius

"Ascended Masters"

"Reptilians" (Aliens/pre-human terrestrials)

Emerald Tablets

Theosophy

New Thought

Anything related to Aleister Crowley

The Kybalion

"One True Way"

Witchcraft requiring a womb

"Men can't be witches" (Especially if they include trans women in this statement)

The Law of Attraction/Assumption

Spells purely with correspondences (Most spell candles/jars)

Appropriation (Dreamcatchers, Lilith, "Qabalah" or non-Jewish Kabbalah, Chakras, Kundalini, Yoga, Western Druidry, White Sage, voodoo, Hoodoo, etc outside of appropriate cultural context.)

"Black" or "White" magic

"Fae Council"

Claims of being a changeling

"Witchcraft requires sacrifice"

"Blood magic makes spells more powerful"

Reality Shifting

Magic/theology that requires self-harm

"Coven" (Especially if it's online)

If you see anyone endorsing anything on this list that is highlighted red, BLOCK THEM immediately.

Here is a list of things you should pursue!

[cauldronandkettle]

Witchcraft vs Wicca vs Paganism

What makes them different, why they are different, and why it might matter to you. 

In the world of magic, there are a lot of phrases and new words thrown around. It’s totally okay to be confused, we all were in the same place at one point! Witchcraft, Wicca, and Paganism can seem like it’s being used interchangeable in conversation and discussion, but there is a fairly distinct difference between them, and sometimes thinking they are interchangeable can sort of box you in when practicing.

____________________

Witchcraft:

Witchcraft, as discussed previously, is simply the manipulation of the energy around you for a needed (but not always intended!) affect. Magic and witchcraft is in everything. Not all magic looks like mixing herbs and lighting candles, some magic is stirring your drinks with intention, holding a good luck charm when you’re nervous. It’s free-form, it’s what you make it. 

Wicca:

Wicca, unlike witchcraft, is an organized religion that used witchcraft or magic as a facet of the organization. It was formally founded by Gerald Gardner Sometime between the 1930s-1950s (It’s debated where the line was between Wicca and the occultism of the turn of the century). Wicca is closer to being a monotheistic religion than most other “New Age” spiritualities, explaining the energies as Devine Feminine and Devine Masculine. As an organized religion, it can be a nice place to turn if you are looking for more structure than practicing by yourself can bring. 

Paganism:

This term is interesting, because I feel like everyone under the sun has a very specific picture in their mind when they think pagan, even if we all get different pictures. But in fact, the term paganism was a catch-all for anyone who wasn’t practicing the religion of the region. The Latin word Pagan literally meant “Civilian” and later closer to “country dweller”. It was used to describe the people of a kingdom that lived in the rural regions. These people often learned how to use the world around them, and held more reverence for nature than the religion that leaders may have told them to follow. But not all people labeled as pagan necessarily practice “witchcraft”, they simply don’t follow the religions that are acceptable in that area. Throughout history, many religions have been called paganism as a form of hate, so many witches try to take that word back. 

________________

Now, these are very brief explanations, but this will help you navigate the magic world. As you can see, there is a lot of overlap among them, but they have very distinct difference. Just because someone studies witchcraft doesn’t mean they are Wiccan, and just because someone is pagan doesn’t mean they practice magic. 

For my purposes, I will be focusing on the overarching concept of witchcraft, but we may touch on paganism here and there. Because I don’t identify as a pagan or a Wiccan, I don’t feel it my place to speak on those details. If you are interested in more information on paganism, I can make a book recommendation list of pagan resources, or Wiccan resources. 

[haloquin]

The Cauldron of Awen: A Creative Initiation

Happy Imbolc! Tomorrow marks Imbolc, which is considered by many to be the festival of Brigid, Goddess and Saint of poetry, healing, and smith-craft (among other things). (It’s also the start of the annual song-writing challenge, FAWM, which I’ve found so inspiring these past two years.) Here in the Northern Hemisphere, in Wales, the land is starting to wake up after the long dark nights, and…

[diana-rajchel]

ONLINE Shadow Work Beginnings via Wicked Grounds July 15

Let's get your started with shadow work - the ONLINE class happens Thursday, July 15th at 6 pm PST - reserve your space in class here, now: https://forbiddentickets.com/events/wicked-grounds/2023-07-20-online-shadow-work. Shadow work is meant to be the work of self-recognition and self-acceptance. As much as I wish it was, it is NOT the work of self-perfection because as long as we have bodies and entropy is part of nature, it will never be healthy for us to be perfect. Perfect is a social construct meant to make people feel inferior. In the class that I sometimes co-teach with my partner Synty, we pose questions to ask ourselves starting with the key question: “Who do I think I am?”

From there, we ask a series of questions to help bring into your range of inner vision some secrets you had been keeping from yourself. By recognizing these hidden aspects, you can create an inner space for yourself to allow the possibility of self-acceptance. Tickets are via Wicked Grounds and are sliding scale - you can purchase them for this ONLINE class here: Tickets are via Wicked Grounds and are sliding scale - you can purchase them for this ONLINE class here: https://forbiddentickets.com/events/wicked-grounds/2023-07-20-online-shadow-work

[thelionesswitchblog]

My passion for authentically connecting with myself and the world around me sprouted when I was 14 years old.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about different religions and spiritual practices, so I spent much of my free time indulging in binge study sessions.

I scoured the internet, prowled through libraries, and practiced meditation with intentions of enriching my own practice and deepening my connection to my higher self and to God.

In 2009, resources for learning about non-religious spiritual development existed, but were scarce. It was hard to tell if what was available was authentic, well researched, and unbiased.

Accessibility to open witchy communities was limited, and I couldn’t ask my friends or family about my “blasphemous” studies for fear of judgment or punishment.

Because of these challenges my spiritual journey was lonely and tumultuous for a long time.

Today, I am thankful for the endurance and wisdom that it took to arrive where I am and I am thankful for the connections that I have made that gave me the confidence to express myself unapologetically.

I believe that it is my souls purpose to be of service to souls like mine. It is my desire to provide to them what I used to wish I had.

From my soul to yours 🫶🏽

I am The Lioness Witch.

[marzipanandminutiae]

accused 17th-century English or English colonial witches in a certain subset of modern pseudo-feminist fiction: I'm a girlboss who can read, unlike other women! I live apart from the community and use herbs to basically invent modern medicine! my views align perfectly with many modern progressive talking points! also I wear my hair down because I'm a ~free spirit~

actual accused 17th-century English or English colonial witches: I'm homeless and mentally ill and my community just kind of wants me gone. or I'm Jewish or Romani. or maybe I have property that someone else wants. I could have strong opinions but that's usually not enough to attract witchcraft charges on its own unless the community is REALLY in a mess. I might even be an unpopular MAN who someone has an interpersonal squabble with, although statistically I am more likely to be a woman (unlike in Scandinavia, where the reverse is true)

[the-mortuary-witch]

GRIMORE IDEAS

INTRODUCTION:

A book blessing.

Table of contents.

ABOUT ME:

Your current path.

Your personal beliefs.

Your spiritual journey.

Superstitions.

Past lives.

Favourite herbs/crystals/animals/etc.

Natal chart.

Craft name.

Astrology signs and their meanings.

Birthday correspondences (birth tarot card, birth stone, etc).

Goals.

SAFETY:

Fire safety.

What not to burn.

Toxic plants and oils (to humans, plants, and animals).

Crystals that shouldn’t be put… (in sunlight, in water, etc).

Things that shouldn’t be left in nature (glass, salt, etc).

Potion safety.

How to incorporate blood in spells.

Smoke safety.

Wound care.

Biohazards.

Spirit work safety guide.

CORE CONCEPTS:

Intention and how it works.

Directing energy.

Protection.

Banishing.

Cleansing.

Binding.

Charging.

Shielding.

Grounding.

Centering.

Visualization.

Consecration/blessing.

Warding.

Enchanting.

Manifestation.

Meditation.

What makes a spell work.

Basic spell structure.

What not to do in spells.

Disposing spell ingredients.

Revitalizing long term spells.

How to cast spells.

What to put in spells.

Spell mediums (jars, spoken, candle, and sigils).

Spell timing.

Potion bases.

Differentiating between magick and mundane.

Common terms.

Common symbols.

Intuition.

Elements.

Basic alchemy and symbols.

Ways to break spells.

Laws and philosophies.

CORRESPONDENCES:

Herbs and spices and their uses and/or properties.

Crystals and their uses and/or properties.

Colours.

Liquids and drinks.

Metals.

Salt and their properties.

Numbers.

Tarot cards and their meanings.

Elements.

Trees and woods.

Flowers.

Days.

Months.

Seasons.

Moon names, phases, and their meanings.

Zodiacs.

Planets.

Incense.

Teas.

Essential oils.

Directions.

Candle colours and their meanings.

Animals.

Symbology.

Bone correspondences.

Different types of water.

Common plants.

ENTITIES:

Deities you worship.

Pantheons.

Pantheons and deities closed to you.

Common offerings.

Epithets.

Mythos.

Family.

Worship vs work.

Prayers and prayer template.

Deity comms.

Devotional acts.

Angels.

Demons.

Ancestors.

Fae.

Familiars.

House, animal, plant, etc, spirits.

Folklore entities.

Spirit etiquette.

Graveyard etiquette.

Boundaries.

Communication guide and etiquette.

Spirit work safety guide.

How entities appear to you.

Circle casting.

Servitors.

Mythological creatures (dragons, gorgons, unicorns, etc).

UTILITY PAGES:

Gazing pages.

Sigil charging station.

Altar pages.

Intent pages.

Getaway pages.

Vision boards.

Dream pages.

Binding page.

Pendulum board.

Throwing bones page.

Divination pages.

Mirror gazing page.

Invocation pages.

Affirmation/manifestation pages.

Spirit board page.

OTHER PRACTICES:

Practices that are closed to you (Voodoo, Hoodoo, Santeria, Brujeria, Shamanism, Native practices).

Wicca and Wiccan paths.

Satanism, both theistic and non-theistic.

Deity/entity work.

Religious paths (Hellenism, Christianity, Kemeticism, etc).

Animism.

TYPES OF MAGICK:

Pop culture Paganism/magick.

Tech magick.

Chaos magick.

Green magick.

Lunar magick.

Solar magick.

Sea magick.

Kitchen magick.

Ceremonial magick.

Hedge magick

Death magick.

Gray magick.

Eclectic magick.

Elemental magick.

Fae magick.

Spirit magick.

Candle magick.

Crystal magick.

Herbalism.

Glamours.

Hexes.

Jinxes.

Curses.

Weather magick.

Astral magick.

Shadow work.

Energy work.

Sigils.

Runes.

Art magick.

Knot magick.

Music magick.

Blood magick.

Bath magic/rituals.

Affirmations.

DIVINATION:

Tarot cards.

Oracle cards.

Playing cards.

Card spreads.

Pendulum/how to use one.

Numerology.

Scrying.

Palmistry.

Tasseography.

Runes.

Shufflemancy

Dice.

Bibliomancy.

Carromancy.

Pyromancy.

Psychic abilities.

Astrology.

Auras.

Lenormand.

Sacred geometry.

Angel numbers.

Ornithomancy.

Aeromancy.

Aleuromancy.

Axinomancy.

Belomancy.

Hydromancy.

Lecanomancy.

Necromancy.

Oneiromancy.

Onomancy.

Oomancy.

Phyllomancy.

Psephomancy.

Rhabdomancy.

Xylomancy.

TOOLS:

Crystal grid.

Candle grid.

Charms.

Talismans.

Amulets.

Taglocks.

Wand.

Broom.

Athame.

Boline.

Cingulum.

Stang.

Bells.

Drums.

Staffs.

Chalices.

Cauldrons.

Witches ladder.

Poppets.

HOLIDAYS:

Imbolc.

Ostara.

Beltane.

Litha.

Lammas.

Mabon.

Samhain.

Yule.

How to celebrate the Sabbats.

Esbats.

Deity specific holidays.

Religious holidays (Christmas, Easter, Dionysia, etc).

Celestial events.

ALTARS:

Basics of altars.

Travel altars.

Deity altars.

Spirit altars.

Familiar altars.

Ancestor altars.

Self altars.

Working altars.

Sabbat altars.

SELF-CARE:

Burnout prevention.

Aromatherapy.

Stress management.

Coping mechanisms.

Meditation techniques.

THEORIES AND HISTORY:

Witchcraft history.

Paganism.

New age spirituality.

Cultural appropriation.

Thelema.

Conspiracy theories.

Cults.

Satanic Panic.

KJV.

Witches in history.

Cats in history.

Transphobia in witchcraft circles.

Queerness in witchcraft circles.

OTHER:

Recipes.

How to get herbs.

Foraging.

Drying herbs and flowers.

Chakras.

Reiki.

Witches alphabet.

Runic alphabet.

Guide to gardening

Your witch tips.

Resources.

Other tips.

List of spells.

Cryptids and their lore.

What is a liminal space?

How to start a dream diary. 

Recording/writing rituals.

Wheel of the Year. 

[buriedpentacles]

Reminder that humans are also a part of nature. We are not some outsiders looking into this world - we are a part of the world. We evolved alongside every other creature and plant on this planet, we are no better and no worse than them, we just are.

[starlight-sage]

♤ ʜᴇʀᴍᴇs • ɢᴏᴅ ᴏғ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ, ʙᴏᴜɴᴅᴀʀɪᴇs, ᴍᴇʀᴄʜᴀɴᴛs, ᴛʜɪᴇᴠᴇs, ᴛʀɪᴄᴋᴇʀʏ, ɢᴀᴍʙʟɪɴɢ, ʟᴜᴄᴋ, & ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇs ♤

[mothtato]

Honestly one of my favorite headcanons is that the drifter hand sews the floofs around the backroom so they don't forget anyone they meet

[mai-love-andthestars]

Friendly reminder

Not everyone can "see" "talk" or "hear" their deities or spirit guides and that is okay. Not everyone can, but they can communicate in many other different ways and it doesn't make your practice, devotion or worship any less worthy.

[grey-sorcery]

ITS SPOOKY SEASON

Which means if you're seriously interested in learning witchcraft,

I write long-form articles about nearly any topic you can think of, with the exception of theology. I have a focus on technical work and critical thinking, rather than my own practices.

[cauldronandkettle]

Witchcraft: Where to start

🌿What is magic?🍄

Magic is in everything. Everything we do, feel, and encounter is infused with it. That golden glow you feel when you are laughing with a good friend, the feeling of going barefoot in the grass. It’s all around us, all the time. A witch’s job is to learn how to harness that feeling for yourself, for others, and for the surrounding community. Harnessing that power can be incredibly empowering, helping you find control with an otherwise uncontrollable world. Witchcraft, simply put, is self-care and community care. 

🔮Why choose the craft? 

Well, that’s the beauty of the craft, that’s all up to you! There are a lot of reasons a person may choose to follow this past and connect to the energy and magic around them. This is something for you to sit with, meditate on and decide for yourself. Maybe people get into the craft to connect to something deeper, some want a structured routine in their spirituality, and others use the craft to look outward to help their loved ones and their community. But that’s the beauty of it all, all paths are valid, as long as you are staying true to yourself. Sitting and meditating on this will help you decide the direction to point your path as you start. Those you want to commune with nature and wildlife may to compelled to look into green witchcraft, while those who want to use the craft to nourish, protect and care for their loved ones, may be moved to look into kitchen witchery, and divination. Every craft is unique, but we all have to decide our first steps ⭐

Okay, Where do I go from here?

So, you have thought about why you want to practice, and you have an idea of the direction you want to go, what now? The world of witchcraft can feel overwhelming in the beginning, and that’s understandable. But there are lots of little ways to start that help you get your toes in the water so to speak, but I like to suggest finding ways to incorporate your craft into your daily life. Mindfulness meditation, simple sigils, or crystals that call to you are all great places to start, but the options are endless. 

In the end, the journey is all yours. We all navigate the world of witchcraft at our own pace, so don’t let anyone tell you how to practice (within reason!) All you have to do is let your happiness guide you to your own little corner of the magic world.

As always, if you have any questions, DMs are always open. And be on the lookout for my soon-to-come patreon and discord to help build community.

[haloquin]

Lammas Land Magic

Happy Lammas, Lughnasadh, Calan Awst, and Imbolc for my Southern Hemisphere folk! Here it’s the start of the grain harvest, and Leo season is in full swing. The rowan berries are out, turning the small dark trees brilliant red, and, as I write this, the sun has burned away the cooling clouds to bake the stone paths that wind through my town, and the tourists have arrived bringing the scent of…

[witchyintention]

How to Be a Witch or Pagan Without Falling for Conspiracy Theories and New Age Cult Stuff

Witchcraft and paganism offer beautiful, empowering ways to connect with the world, the divine, and yourself. But let’s be real: the spiritual community can sometimes feel like navigating a metaphysical minefield. From “lizard people control the world” conspiracies to the pervasive influence of New Age cults, finding your way as a witch or pagan can feel daunting. So, how can you embrace this path while keeping your wits about you? Let’s dive into it—no tinfoil hats required.

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1. Know Thyself and Do Thy Research

One of the most powerful tools for any witch or pagan is knowledge. Before diving headfirst into spiritual practices or belief systems, ask yourself:

What am I looking for in my path?

What resonates with me spiritually and ethically?

How can I learn more from credible sources?

Avoid treating every book, blog, or TikTok video as gospel truth. Instead, prioritize research from reputable authors and scholars. Look for historical, cultural, and anthropological contexts behind practices and beliefs. For example, if you’re exploring Norse paganism, read the Poetic Edda, but also check out scholarly works like Hilda Ellis Davidson’s writings.

💡 Pro Tip: If something sounds too fantastical or claims to have “secret knowledge,” approach it critically. “Ancient Lemurians built the pyramids” is not archaeology—it’s a conspiracy theory.

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2. Critical Thinking: Your New Familiar

While spirituality embraces the unseen and mysterious, it doesn’t mean suspending all logic. Here’s how to keep critical thinking in your witchy toolkit:

Fact-Check Everything: Whether it’s a viral claim about moon water curing all ailments or a new trend like “quantum jumping,” take a moment to verify its origins.

Ask Questions: Who benefits from spreading this belief? Are there ulterior motives, such as selling courses, books, or products?

Beware the “Cult of Personality”: Be wary of influencers or leaders who discourage dissent or demand unquestioning loyalty. Spirituality thrives on diversity of thought.

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3. Beware of Spiritual Bypassing

Some New Age ideas encourage bypassing real-world issues in favor of “high vibes only.” While positivity is great, ignoring trauma, systemic problems, or mental health struggles in the name of spirituality is toxic. True witchcraft and paganism embrace balance, acknowledging both the light and the shadow.

✋ Red Flag: Anyone who tells you to “just manifest” your way out of hardship or suggests that you’re attracting negativity because of bad energy. Life is more complex than that.

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4. Stay Grounded in History, Not Appropriation

A common pitfall in modern paganism and witchcraft is cultural appropriation masquerading as spirituality. Using sacred practices or symbols from cultures you’re not part of without understanding their context can be harmful.

If you’re drawn to a practice, research its origins and ensure you’re honoring it respectfully.

Consider focusing on traditions tied to your own ancestry or exploring paths open to everyone, like modern witchcraft.

🌿 Example: Smudging is a specific Indigenous practice. Instead of co-opting it, explore alternative smoke-cleansing methods with herbs like rosemary or lavender.

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5. Cult Warning Signs: Spot Them Early

Not all cults look like Hollywood’s hooded figures chanting in candlelit basements. In spirituality, cult-like behavior often hides under the guise of community.

Red Flags Include:

An authoritarian leader or group demanding absolute loyalty.

Isolation from family, friends, or outside perspectives.

Fear-based control tactics, like threatening spiritual punishment for leaving.

Heavy financial exploitation (e.g., expensive courses or “required” donations).

💡 Remember: True spiritual communities empower you to think for yourself, not rely on a single leader or system.

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6. Separate Science from Spirituality

You can be a witch or pagan and still respect science. Magic doesn’t have to contradict reality—it works alongside it. For example:

Herbs like chamomile and valerian have scientifically proven calming properties, but that doesn’t mean they’re a cure-all.

Astrology can provide insight into your personality, but it’s not a substitute for therapy or medical advice.

🌙 Balance: Use spirituality as a tool for meaning and connection, not as a replacement for critical thinking or evidence-based practices.

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7. Build Your Own Practice

You don’t need to follow every trend or adopt someone else’s path. Witchcraft and paganism are deeply personal journeys. Create a practice that aligns with your values and beliefs, free from the noise of conspiracy theories or cult-like pressures.

Ideas for Starting Out:

Learn about local folklore or the natural cycles in your area.

Experiment with simple rituals, like lighting a candle with intention or journaling under the moon.

Create an altar with objects that resonate with you—crystals, photos, or even trinkets that make you smile.

🌟 Most Importantly: Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say “no, thanks.”

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8. Community: Seek Connection, Not Control

Connecting with other witches and pagans can be enriching—but choose your circles wisely. Look for communities that:

Encourage discussion and critical thought.

Respect individual paths and practices.

Avoid fear-mongering or elitism.

👀 Where to Look: Online forums, book clubs, or open public rituals are great starting points. Just remember to maintain healthy boundaries.

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9. Grounding Techniques to Avoid Falling for the “Woo Woo”

When exploring spirituality, it’s easy to get carried away. Grounding yourself regularly can help you stay centered:

Meditate or practice mindful breathing.

Spend time in nature, whether it’s a park or your backyard.

Write down your beliefs and revisit them regularly. Are they still serving you?

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10. Be Open-Minded, Not Gullible

It’s okay to explore the mystical and unknown, but there’s a difference between curiosity and naivety. Stay open to new ideas, but don’t abandon discernment. Your path should feel empowering, not overwhelming or manipulative.

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Final Thoughts

Witchcraft and paganism are all about connecting with nature, yourself, and the divine in ways that feel meaningful and authentic. By staying grounded, informed, and true to yourself, you can embrace this path without falling prey to conspiracy theories or cult-like traps.

Remember: You’re the captain of your own broomstick. Fly wisely.

╔══ ∙∘𓆩⟡𓆪∘∙ ════════╗

How to Support the Blog

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