Witchcraft 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Magical World
The world of witchcraft has fascinated people for centuries. Even just the word conjures up (see what I did there?) a multitude of thoughts, ideas, stereotypes and more. It’s a word that means many different things to many different people. To some, it’s “evil”. To some, it’s a lifestyle. And to others, it’s all a bunch of hocus pocus. However, if you’re here, on my website, I’m going to assume you’re at least a tiny bit interested in exploring the magical world. With so many avenues to explore under the witchcraft umbrella, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, I hope this blog post will be able to break it down and make things a little less confusing. Of course, there is far too much to fit in just one post - so let’s start with the basics: what is witchcraft, where did it come from and how can you start?
Witchcraft as a Journey
Witchcraft is a diverse and dynamic practice with roots in various parts of the world. Summarizing it in a simple explanation is challenging due to its long and complex history across centuries and cultures. I would personally classify witchcraft as a journey to empowerment, discovery, spirituality, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. I think the quote I’ve included above by witchcraft author Dorothy Morrison sums it up beautifully. Magic isn’t just rituals, spells, ingredients, or incantations. It is us and the world we live in and it is woven into our very existence. The world of witchcraft offers an incredible array of subjects to explore, from astrology and nature to divination and more. With different paths, cultures, and histories, the fascination of this subject is endless, providing a never-ending opportunity for learning and discovery.
Tracing the Ancient Roots of Magic
The origins of magic and witchcraft are deeply rooted in ancient civilizations. From the ancient Egyptians wearing protective amulets and inscribing spells on tomb walls to the Greeks and Romans employing charms and seeking divine aid, magic has weaved its way throughout history. The Celts and Druids, too, practiced a form of nature magic. Due to the extensive and rich history of witchcraft, there are many tales, myths, legends, and folklore depending on which culture you are from. It’s important to note, however, that some cultures and practices are closed, so research is always recommended. However, despite this beautiful history, the word “witchcraft” can invoke negative connotations, even today, due to the witch hunts during the mid-1400s to 17th century across Europe and America. Hysteria provoked under Christian authorities led to widespread persecution, primarily of women. Despite its roots in healing and spirituality, these practitioners faced brutal execution, fuelled by gossip and unfounded accusations. Even today, remnants of this prejudice linger. Yet, the teaching of witchcraft survived and was popularised again in Europe by Gerald Gardner (known as “The Father Of Wicca”) in the 1950s. Gerald Gardner is a controversial figure with a history of cultural appropriation and there have been doubts cast on the authenticity of his claims, but he is widely credited with the renewed interest in pagan and witchcraft traditions. For a deeper dive into the history of witchcraft, I highly recommend the book A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult, a great book of information and visuals that will look beautiful on any bookshelf.
Diving into the World of Witchcraft: Where to Begin
Starting your journey into witchcraft can be both exciting and daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Read and Research: Dive into the wealth of resources available, from kindle books and blogs to physical books. Follow topics that intrigue you, make notes, and let one exploration lead to another.
- Start a Journal: Begin with a simple notebook or a binder folder to jot down notes and thoughts. As your research and journey progress, you may want to make changes, and starting with a flexible format will make organizing your findings easier. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect book of shadows straight away.
- Trust Your Intuition: Follow your heart and explore the path or practice that resonates with you. However, remember to research and respect the cultures and traditions that are considered closed.
- Avoid Overwhelming Yourself: I have seen some beautiful starter kits on Etsy - but they aren’t essential, and I say this as someone who used to sell them. Yes, they are pretty, and if you’re financially able to support a small business and you’d like to purchase, go for it! I’m not saying don’t buy them, I’m just saying that not getting a starter kit doesn’t make your practice any less valid. You can build up to that later. By this same token, also beware of where you’re buying magical tools (I will have more posts coming up on this). Make sure they are genuine, and if you’re not too sure, reach out and ask.
- Connect with Like-Minded Communities: Social media has revolutionized the way we connect, and the witchcraft community is no exception. There are so many Facebook groups and other social media pages that you’re bound to find like-minded people. Some of my favourites are Natural Witchcraft, Witchy Business and That One Witchcraft Group. I also have a small Facebook community here.
Enjoy Your Magical Journey
In conclusion, this journey into the world of witchcraft is uniquely yours. Embrace your individuality and remember that there is no "right" way for it to look. Your intuition will guide you through this enchanting exploration of self and magic. I hope this blog post provided a glimpse into the world of witchcraft and serves as a starting point for your magical journey. Stay tuned for more specific posts on crystals, divination, herbs, and books designed especially for beginners. To receive notifications, follow me on social media or join my mailing list.
I also have a lot of free starter resources here, and all my own products are aimed at starters or those of you who want a quick and easy reference. And if you’re looking for an all-rounder, I highly recommend the Magical Pocketbook - which you can find here in a downloadable format or here in a physical format.
Have a magical weekend!
Laura