Not Sure How to Begin

Q&A
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Hello!

I am a new Baby Witch who started my witchy journey about 7-8 months ago. I’ve always known I had some kind of pull towards witchcraft whether it was loving everything celestial related or being interested in divination or even pretending to be a witch while growing up! Unfortunately, I am currently a closeted witch for my own safety and comfortability.

I haven’t been able to really practice my craft, except for tarot as I’ve been practicing that everyday since I received my first deck a month ago! Im concerned that I’m not being “a good witch” as i can’t physically do any spell/ritual/offering/etc. I don’t have an altar as its difficult in my household (although I heard I could make a mental one with how I’d want it to look).

Lastly, I have had several people (and myself) do readings to confirm the deities who wanted to reach out to me. Hekate was the first back in October. Then it was Lilith in November. Persephone in December. And Medusa was confirmed last week after I had a VERY vivid dream for the first time with snakes. And then I wanted to add Selene as another goddess as she is everything celestial and also because she keeps popping up in my mind from time to time (figured that was a sign).

That being said, is there any advice anyone could give for a closeted witch? Can I still be a witch even though I can’t physically do any type of craft except divination? I’ve made a schedule to accommodate so many goddesses and made sure I put each lovely lady on a day that represents her the most for me to connect with her. But how can i connect with them if i can’t practice my craft or have an altar at the moment? I talk to them constantly so i figured that helps out.

Right now, I’m just doing my research. I have already filled out 2 grimoires of notes so I can keep learning everything. But i feel…lost and lonely on this journey as i have no one to help me or teach me much and i dont know where to start or if I’m even doing anything right. I feel as if I’m not being a good witch like other people are able to do. Just struggling a bit and need a little help. Much appreciated! :slight_smile:

Blessed be :sparkles:

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Ok First welcome. I’m Tracy from England. I practice Nordic Witchcraft . I’m sorry you’re having to hide your practice, but it’s important to be safe. :sparkling_heart:

Here’s a few things that may help and noone will know. :grin: It’s all on your phone.
First, have you downloaded the Spells8 app, it’s great and instant access.

To learn about everything try the classes on Spells8 app.

For an altar, we have a virtual one here:

For godessess it’s here:

And we are here to chat. If it’s a private topic put it in Sacred Space, that way only coven members will see it, not everyone online.

Make yourself at home lovely :sparkling_heart:

Oh and we’re from all over the world, so we will answer you lovely, but it can be at odd times :laughing:

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Welcome little witch. You have asked the question each of us asks every day.
“Am I a good witch or am I a bad witch?” (smile :lying_face:)
Who can say? I believe the ethics deep inside you answers that.

The answer is simple, yes you can.
A lot of what we do is mental. Your brain is a magnificent organ! Imagine a sunny day on the beach. Can you smell the ocean or hear the sea gulls?
Can you see it? It’s that simple and/or that difficult. You’ll learn more when you start meditating.
You’ll find wonderful information and answers when you start your lessons.
When you make a spell, focus… What do you want to achieve? Why.
I’m kind of jumping around here, but bear with me.

  1. We all have a karma and it is colored by our deeds.
  2. Sometimes when things look really sucky, it’s karma from another life. Say, you’re afraid of water, you may have drowned in another life.
  3. Beware the rule of three. What you do, good or bad comes back to you 3 times.
    Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it? Sound like scarcasm? It is, sort of. When you cast look at your intention in many different angles. How will it affect those around you? How will it affect you?
  4. Sweet girl, it doesn’t matter who you pray to, just throw it out into the universe. I can truely say I’ve never had a prayer/plea unanswered, even if the answer was no.
    Be a sponge, absorb everthing you see, hear and or read.
    Keep learning. It was ignorance and fear that got so many of our anscesters burned.
    I must close for now. Reach out to any of us. There will be no guilt nor shame. Just like minded people
    re-learning something we were born with.
    Be kind, be blessed and know you are loved
    Garnet, Elder witch
    Don’t be afraid. This is the beginning of a great adventure!
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There is no scoresheet or any grades being given out. Your Goddesses will appreciate anything you can give them, even if it’s just time. And you can spruce up your room a bit, put out a Glade candle and a seashell or something and have that be your altar. It doesn’t have to look witchy or have lots of things. The importance is intent.

I’m sure just taking a walk under the Goddesses sky and appreciating a pretty day and maybe sitting under a tree and feeding the birds would be a lovely offering. It all depends on what’s in your heart, and intent.

Good luck!

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Hi @Lunar_Witch, and welcome! You’ve had some fantastic advice already, but as I was reading I felt like I could’ve written your post, so I wanted to share my experience.

As it has been said, we all ask the questions am I doing enough, am I helping… and I think it’s just like being a new mother in a lot of ways, because the fact you’re asking the questions means you’re on the right track.

I was raised Pentecostal Christian, it’s only in the last year that I’ve been practising with purpose, but even that is difficult. I find that the responsibilities and expectations in life keep me from doing what I want to do, and this is life; I’m putting away toys when I want to write a new spell, or doing laundry when I want to go outside and commune with nature. I can’t have an altar either, I can’t even burn incense here… what I’m trying to say is that I know it’s hard. But I realised that I was kind of stuck in the confines of “religion” - where everything has to be seen by others or it doesn’t really count - as opposed to a relationship with the Universe and all that entails.

When I stopped comparing myself to others, it became easier to do my craft how I wanted to do it, which is the essence of Wicca - finding your own way. I use the virtual altar when I need to (really handy having an altar on the go), and everything else isn’t really necessary if the intention is there. And I’ve learned that I can infuse magick into any part of my life, including the laundry - it’s a good time to say a blessing for my princess using her clothes!

I also felt lost and lonely, so jealous of those who have people to learn from in real life, to show them what to do, who teach not just what we do, but why… the knowledge passed down between generations is precious beyond measure. So I just soak up as much as I can from everyone I encounter, because everyone knows something. Joining this coven has provided that missing human link, even if it is online - having people to connect and share with is what makes life so very interesting.

As for whether you can be a good witch if you “only” do Divination… first of all, there’s no only, because divination in and of itself is not easy and not for everyone, so well done on being able to do it. Secondly, who says your craft has to be anything more than Divination? Ask yourself what you want in your craft - maybe focusing on divination and tarot is exactly what you’re meant to be doing right now. Thirdly, give yourself a break perhaps? Divination, tarot, connecting with goddesses… I think you’re doing more than you think you are, and that’s a good place to be in, because you don’t want to try and do too much so you don’t overstretch yourself. And lastly, being a good witch is a choice, not something that happens because you can’t have an altar for example; and it sounds to me as though you’ve already made the choice to be a good witch, so I don’t think you have anything to worry about! Lots of love, hugs and sparkles x

x Blessed Be x

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Welcome @Lunar_Witch ! It’s great to have you with us! I’m from Minnesota and have been practicing many aspects of the craft for over 35+ years. I currently work with chaos magick, voodoo and divination.

Looks like you got some great answers to your questions already. Tracy gave you the link to the courses. I would start there. They are a great learning tool. She also gave you the link for our virtual altar. It is perfect for the closet witch.

You are no longer alone dear. You now have a big amazing coven of witches, wizards, warlocks and just practitioners in general. This is a great group! Everyone helps and encourages each other. Never be afraid to ask questions. Someone is always willing to help out.

Blessings :purple_heart::purple_heart::purple_heart:

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I don’t either. Everything is set out of sight when I am not using it and when I have private time to myself I create an temporary altar. Plus a mini or travel altar is another way to go. I have a couple that I made with altoid tins and have one in my car and one in my purse.

The nice thing about spiritually is that while items are nice additions to have, none of it is required to connect to a deity, or to practice the craft. You can always substitute “regular” items in place of ritual ones - a tree branch for a wand, a cup for a chalice, herbs from your kitchen…

My practice is very green and nature-based, so I use my garden, spend time outside with my tree spirit familiar, walk through the woods, and sky-watch at night. It doesn’t require me to bring anything with me unless I wish—like a journal, my tarot cards, or a water/food offering.

Don’t let it get too overwhelming. All you need is you, intentions, and the stillness to hear the divine :pink_heart:

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I think this is a loaded question. Because what one thinks as bad others do not. I don’t know. Because I practice baneful magic for good. For justice. I believe deities/demons are just and fair and the demons I know are just in their actions. They choose whether it’s fair or just. And whether to help with anything baneful if your working with them.

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@tracyS Thank you so much for these resources! I greatly appreciate them and will use them for sure! I know I’ve only been on here for a few days, but it’s been a wonderful community with such great resources and I’m so excited to continue learning beside so many great people on here. Thank you so much for your kindness :slight_smile:

@Garnet Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I’ve been struggling so much ever since I’ve started this journey alone. I live in a household where witchcraft is a “sin” and completely unacceptable. It took years for me to be able to have tarot in the house, but I’m able to. I really appreciate all the advice and kind words, thank you! I will definitely reach out if I need anything.

@Amethyst I know they would appreciate it, I guess I just have a lack of confidence and I tend to compare myself to others as not good enough. But I’m trying to do better and trying to find ways to embrace and praise my Goddesses. I even thought about the idea of buying a keychain wristlet for my keys and have a keychain that represents each of my lovely ladies so they are with me everyday and everywhere I go!

@Nikki-Phoenix I completely agree and feel the same! I grew up in a Catholic and Methodist religious family, so it was definitely a household where there was a lot of pressure about how we praise God/Jesus. But ever since I was a kid, I always questioned their bible and didn’t feel comfortable with it. But because we can’t question it, I hid my opinions and found my own way. I knew about witchcraft but again was pressured by societal norms, so didn’t really research much into it until I was in high school and knew that I have been pulled towards it and denied it out of fear of rejection and hurt. Now, I am embracing it on my own within the community in a safe way. Thank you so much for being so kind and supporting! I will try not to be so hard on myself and make sure to take breaks so I’m not overwhelming myself.

@Mystique Thank you so much! I’ve only been on here for a few days and I already feel so welcome and like I’m finally a part of a community I fit into. I’m excited to learn from so many people on here and make great connections!

@Artemisia I have a portal tin altar for Hekate at the moment! I would like to get one for each of my lovely ladies I follow so they equally are loved and appreciated. I’m glad items aren’t required, because I am not super wealthy and can’t buy a lot of materials all the time. I am realizing with all of your guys’ help that I don’t need any of it and just my intention and faith and myself. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Thank you kindly :slight_smile:

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You’re just as the Gods made you, so you are good enough! Remember that.

That’s a good idea, or you can make prayer beads. There’s a really good Book on pagan prayer beads so you can make them yourself, so you could use any charm you wanted to!

Unfortunately it isn’t available on Kindle, which makes what you’re reading harder to hide. But you can use Book Covers! I used to use them all the time when I was reading at work and didn’t want people to know I was reading witchy books.

There are also websites about pagan prayer beads. I’ll link you do a few! But I hope this helps you and gives you ideas.

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Ooh! That’s a nice idea! Could get heavy, but you would always have them to detach and use as a portable altar. I use necklace charms or a charm bracelet for some of that. When I’m not using it, I have it hidden in a tin or jewelry box of some kind.

When I first started, I lit lots of candles. A cardboard box was my first altar. Everything else was pure imagination.

“Want to change the world? There’s nothing to it.” - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

My first witchy tool was a set of runes I’d made with a hand written booklet full of Bible verses replacing the meanings so I wouldn’t be found out. I read a rune a day while in a bathroom just to have a bit of privacy.

Do you work with clay or playdough? Make tiny representations of each deity or their symbols. These can be made when you cannot find or afford metal charms, and can be small enough to keep them all in one tin in a pocket or bag. Then no one knows what you have with you. If you have to empty your pocket for air travel, say they are sensory toys for a nervous traveler or a teaching device.

Another possibility is making your own paper dolls and/or scene stand ups. My words are failing me at the moment. Keep them in a box, manilla envelope, or tote when not in use. That way, you could have paper candles, light them in your imagination, and set them around you when you need to do a ritual and put them away so no one sees or knows when you’re done. Drawing and cutting them out is as much a ritual as anything else we do, and it can be done at the kitchen table with the alibi of getting a head start on the next holiday’s decorations.

I made my own code so my mother couldn’t read my journal entries.

This is always good! Best of all, it’s good enough!

Talk to your deities when watering the plants in your garden. If you think to have tea outside on a nice day, dribble a bit on the grass as an offering to the deities with a silent prayer. If someone sees you, “oops, I spilled it.” Throw a bread crust to the birds on a picnic. Carry wrapped crackers and crush them for the local wildlife.

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You’ve already been given some amazing responses to your questions, so I just want to pop in my two cents :blush: You asked if you could still be a witch even if you can’t physically perform spellwork. The short answer is yes, of course!

There are several different models of belief when it comes to witchcraft. No matter which one you fall into, there are no physical requirements for spell-casting unless you belong to a tradition that requires it – many people do, such as Initiatory Wicca, where different tools and implements hold very specific meanings.

The models of belief in witchcraft are broken down very well in Ariana Carrasca’s book Spellcraft and Spellwork. In it, she says the following:

The spirit model…posits that there is an Otherworld beyond our physical plan that is inhabited with all sorts of different types of autonomous spiritual entities. Such spirits can include angels, demons, deities, land spirits, plant spirits, the fair folk, etc. When we perform magic through the spirit model, we understand that the works are carried out and function through the help of entities enlisted in the magical process. Behind the scenes these spirits are able to control, manipulate and influence situations in a spiritual plane we don’t readily have access to, so that they align and fulfill the magical goal.

The next most common model of magic is referred to as the energy model. The underline premise of this model is that reality is comprised of energy. Energy is everywhere and every action or phenomenon in the world is a sequence of energetic movements. As magical practitioners, we employ techniques to manipulate and move that energy towards a desired goal and that serves the fundamental process for how magical workings, such as spells, work.

The psychological model is a further semi-popular model in today’s witchcraft and magical communities. Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic theories revolutionized psychology and has since influenced many schools of thought on how the mind works and explanations for human behavior. The psychological approach to magic is underlined by this, and posits that the unconscious can be tapped into in order to affect change, through subliminal symbolism and altered states of consciousness. In this case, intentional magical action is training your unconcscious mind to influence changes in your life.

If you notice, none of these models say anything about needing any tools, implements, ingredients, or physical items for them to work. It is also possible to fall into more than category at once depending on your beliefs.

For me, at its core, witchcraft works through both spirits and energy. I can sit quietly in my room and travel to the Otherworld to enact the help of a spirit familiar or other entity. This is done through trance, meditation, astral travel, and spirit flight. None of these methods require any objects, tools, or rituals. The spirit you work with may require an offering from you, and that may turn out to be an item, but it doesn’t have to be.

In the energy model, I can clean my house while playing music to raise positive energy. Then, I can open the doors and windows to allow the positive energy I have raised to push throughout the room and house, leaving no room for negativity to stay. This doesn’t require anything special, either. Adding in a broom can help, but it can just be a regular broom that you use to clean your house.

The overall point I’m trying to make here is that you don’t need anything special to practice witchcraft. Tools such as candles, herbs, plants, books, etc. are just tools to help connect you to what you’re doing. Granted, it is often easier when you’re a beginner to use tools, but it is not impossible to work without them.

My suggestion to you would be to work with your energy. Learn to sense your own energy and the energies of others. Work on grounding and centering techniques, meditation to find your focus, and intuition to hone your senses. You will slowly start to learn the difference between your energy and Earth’s energy, and the energy that is naturally flowing in the air around us. You can then manipulate this energy, give it purpose, and release it back into the world to do what you need it to do. None of that requires any special tools, just lots of practice and the ability to be humbled when it doesn’t work, because it won’t always work, nor will you probably get it right the first few times you try.

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And to add to this. If one does baneful magic and spell work it’s not only “demons” practitioners go through it’s also many of "regular " deities also that are willing to work with you the same way for justice and good in the baneful magick. There is no backlash if they choose it’s not time or whether it isn’t just enough. I have never experienced backlash once. Whether it was only because the things truly were deserving of this “justice” I can’t say but i could always find out. They are always quick to answer my question and call. But I think of you are working with a deity or demon for the assistance it’s ultimately their choice and they don’t punish you for making a mistake as such I just don’t see that. Sorry it’s off the main topic I guess but I just want to add that to my main comment

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Who ever told you that you had to be like everybody else or to compare yourself to others did you a great
dis service. How Stepford Wives!
You were born an individual, new and unique, not a clone. Sing and dance to your own tunes and steps.
You are infinately precious in this universe. Do NOT think less of yourself because someone doesn’t see how special and unique you really are. You are blessed in the eyes of the Gods.
Be kind, be careful and know you be loved.
Garnet, the invincable

Today I’m crystal clear and eternal! And so are you. :upside_down_face:
:innocent: :heart_on_fire:

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This is great! I know you were having some trouble there for a bit. Glad to see you feeling better! I treasure your wisdom and experience!

This is interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience.

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I concur. We have to stop comparing ourselves in al. Aspects it takes away from acknowledging our greatness and feats. I know I don’t want to be like anyone else. We all bring something different to the table and it’s necessary in my opinion. Don’t let anyone put baby in box :gift:

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