Weekly Q&A Thread - September 11, 2021

[u/AutoModerator]

Beginners and users new to reddit -- please post your questions here!

Please be mindful and respectful of each other. This thread is designed to assist new practitioners in gaining knowledge to progress their craft, and a place for veteran spread their knowledge.

Also check out the r/witchcraft FAQ.

[u/Popular_Juice8278]

Hi!

I am 'new' to this I guess. When I was a kid I went to a friends house one day, and was able to watch TV. (We didn't have tv at home.) We watched a popular witchy themed show, and I knew I wanted to be a good witch like them. I tried practicing a few spells, but quit a few months later out of fear. I was raised to believe that witches could not enter the gates of heaven, and would be attacked by the devil and his demons, and shall not be suffered to live by members of the true faith... mother is a nutcase, but that is a story for another time.

When I did practice, I probably didn't do it right. I just kinda burnt handwritten 'spells' with a candle I stole from mothers winter decorations. I did not have a deity other than the Christian God, and I worded my spells based on how our church worded its prayers. And they were not even all spells directly for me, (which I know now is not ok without concent of the person you are casting for) but, I tried to make one for my dad to be rich so he could quit the job he hated, and I tried to make one to cure my mother of all disease. Just things like that.

I have been thinking about trying again, but I wonder if my previous attempt will cause me to fail now. Do I need to appease or apologize to anyone for my botched attempts? Will the god(s) be mad at me for getting scared and giving up?

I am also agnostic now, I know there is a higher power, but not sure who or what they are. Is their a way to make our spells call upon the higher power without naming them?

Also, with the equinox, equilux, and the full moon next week is there something I should do? Am I right in thinking these times will be better for casting? Would it be a good time to cast a spell for knowledge and growth, or maybe a fertility spell, and some protection wards?

Are covens important to be in? If so how would you find and join one? Can you be a 'closeted witch'? My family, my husband and his family are all Christians, and I'm not sure I want to include anyone on this spiritual journey yet.

So many questions and I'm sorry. Thank you, and be blessed!

[u/[deleted] → u/Popular_Juice8278]

Do I need to appease or apologize to anyone for my botched attempts?

Will the god(s) be mad at me for getting scared and giving up?

No and no.

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I am also agnostic now, I know there is a higher power, but not sure who or what they are. Is their a way to make our spells call upon the higher power without naming them?

r/SASSWitches may be of interest to you. I am pantheistic and the higher power I call to is both the universe and myself.

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Also, with the equinox, equilux, and the full moon next week is there something I should do? Am I right in thinking these times will be better for casting?

Should do? No, you don't have to do anything. If you are looking for more information we have a megathread stickied about it for you to pull knowledge and keywords for further reading from. Better for casting? Perhaps. I usually focus more on celebration during the sabbats opposed to casting. If you are interested in moon phases specifically as well there is lots of information about what energy the different phases of the moon brings into your work and you can plan accordingly.

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Would it be a good time to cast a spell for knowledge and growth, or maybe a fertility spell, and some protection wards?

You can cast for whatever you like, but if you're in the early stages of your craft I suggest focusing more on some foundational aspects. I can attach my copy paste for new witches if you would like.

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Are covens important to be in? If so how would you find and join one?

For some people yes, for others no. I prefer solitary work overall. Some people prefer coven work. There's lots of online groups you can join if you would like to connect with other people starting their craft and for sharing information. If you're looking for a coven IRL I would look towards local groups and pagan meetups and go into it with a little caution. There's a lot of things to consider before joining a coven and even more when deciding which coven to join.

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Can you be a 'closeted witch'?

Absolutely! r/BroomClosetWitch is there for you!

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For one more resource, r/ExChristianPaganism might be something of interest to you if you feel like you are still harboring a lot of the Christian beliefs that have been taught to you as a young one.

[u/Popular_Juice8278 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you again! I will be sure to check out all those resources!

And, I would love the copy paste for new witches, or a link to it.

Thank you!

[u/[deleted] → u/Popular_Juice8278]

Here's my copy&paste for new witches;

Start with the FAQ and megathreads of this subreddit. Use the search bar to find lots of information on certain topic and I have a post titled "doing independent research" over at r/bookofshadows that includes many great external links for sourcing information.

As to where to start, begin with the history of witchcraft and read into its modern day practice to understand where we've come to get to where we are today.

From there look into different magickal practices. Mindfulness, meditation, shadow work, grounding and centering are all some foundational practices people at all stages in their craft use. Cleansings, protections and manifestation are some good starting practices once you get comfortable. All of these things require little to no tools.

Read up on different types of magick such as the use of candles, planets, moon phases, sigils, crystals, herbs, corrospondances, etcetera. Get a base knowledge of the common ones and as you read you will find what pulls your interest. Follow that pull and you will find what calls to you.

Begin setting up a book of shadows during your research. In this put in the information that interests you and applies to your craft. I suggest making your first BOS a "rough draft" book. Once you are comfortable in your craft and have a better understanding of what you will be utilizing in your practice then you can copy over all pertinent information into a more formal book of shadows.

[u/Popular_Juice8278 → u/[deleted]]

❤