What was your first experience in the occult or as a Practitioner?

Q&A
1

Howdy my witchy b​:laughing:ches!

I’m just curious to know? What were your very first experiences as a practitioner? Of course, everyone was a beginner at some point in time, but what was the first thing you hands on attempted?

Was it protection? Was it divination? Was it some other type of spell work? what happened? Did it turn out as expected? Or not so much? Were you able to fix it if it wasn’t as expected? What did you learn from that experience that you can share as a little tidbit since everyone is much wiser and seasoned ?

I’m so curious to know, and get to know you guys better! :grin:

2

When I first started in 2022, I really focused first on protection and casting a circle. Nowadays, I tend to envision myself encircled in protective white light by opening my crown and root chakras. I like to feel grounded in Mother Earth and to expand my energy into the cosmos. I will even cover or surround anyone or object around me if I feel the need to. I prefer to use visualization and energy more than I do actual tools.

The other thing I first started with is learning tarot. I have always been fascinated by the cards and their history. That interest has now extended to include Lenormand cards, oracle cards, and runes.

I love that we never stop learning. That there is always something new on the horizon!

4

I feel like I’ve always practiced in some form or other, just not consciously if that makes sense.

Since joining Spells8 I have expanded into divination with Lenormand cards. I honestly intended to learn tarot, but Lenormand is fulfilling me so beautifully right now. :two_hearts: There’s always a chance we’ll be ready for each other down the road.

Other aspects of my practice involve more intention when working in my kitchen, being mindful of the herbs I grow and how I approach food preparation.

5

Divination through Tarot and Lenormand reading, and from there I’ve branched into protective magick. Eventually, I want to learn all types of healing and protective magick. I don’t perform many spells.

6

I’ve always been into morning rituals. Especially when I first started, and I was working in telemarketing. I fell out of it when we moved later on, but that really helped me get through the day!

But until I joined in here, I wasn’t brave enough to do much else. This place really helped my confidence!

7

I started with candles, elements, and rune staves. A lot of what I did was to figure out what I was already doing which was “witchy.” I even made a book of meanings for runes based on Bible sayings in case I got caught.

Mirror work amazed me most: I was a mirror to others who needed to learn from their own actions. People would be attracted to me when what they saw was themselves. Later, they saw me for who I really was and hated me for it, as though I had lied somehow. I had a lot of trouble making friends during that time. Learned to be myself and let them do their own thing because their reactions and friendship were none of my business.

That was when I realized that “trauma” was someone else’s definition of my everyday personal experience. They had defined me as crazy if I didn’t express it all, crazy for having gone through it, and crazy for expressing it, not to mention crazy that I couldn’t back up my experiences with scientific proof just because the one causing much of it wanted to keep it all a secret (this was before there were such things as “objective” and “subjective” experiences). There was no healing there, no integration, and nothing which they promised me if I were to do as they asked. Just a label. So I used that label for my own benefit. If I were to go back to that point, knowing what I know now, it is better defining the experiences as over and done with, starting a new life every chance I could, than to allow some self styled “head shrinker” to force me to re-experience it all over again. It was the process of me dwelling on those so called “traumas” which created the “shadows” in the first place.

Please note: not everyone has had this set of experiences. I am not defining anyone else’s experiences, only my own. If you think psychology can help you, by all means, please use it.

8

For me, it was some psychic abilities. I remember being out in public and predicting that little things would happen before they would happen. Even as a kid, I would get “feelings.” A feeling if I should or shouldn’t do something. 9 times out of 10 my feelings were right. I didn’t think much of it as a kid though of course.

After I started to get the psychic abilities, I wanted to see what else was out there. I tried tarot but at the time it scared me because I didn’t understand it. (I’ve gotten better with that) Since being back on spells8, I intend to practice more spell casting and divination.

9

Boy am I glad to see someone else here with these psychic abilities. I’ve got to ask you some stuff because I knew I could always do these things but were just kind of scared of opening that “door” despite the simultaneous feeling of there not even really being a “door” to open even if I did want. Idk if that makes sense. :joy: but may I plz send you a private dm? Maybe you could help me understand somethings a lot better? I’m hoping ~fingers crossed ~

10

Yes! My dms are open!

11

In the early years, I was reading every book about Witchcraft that I could find. It was pre-internet so information came in books. I started dabbling in tarot, learning to cast a circle and being worried that I didnt have all the right tools. Now that I am older and wiser, I’ve learned tools are not always necessary. I cast a circle in my mind by envisioning a bubble of light around me - as if I am enclosed in a snowglobe. So my first experiences were clumsy and the results often unpredictable. Learning how to be clear with my intention was the turning point when I felt like a true practitioner ☆

12

When I first got started in late 2024, it was because I wanted to be more mindfully connected to nature, and to observe the seasons and turning of the wheel more closely.

I wanted to feel grounded to the energy of the earth and the universe and my morning rituals and daily meditations helped with that.

I still do a daily devotional and meditation, and join in with the group rituals here on Spells 8. I love using herbs, either that I have grown myself or purchased for my apothecary (and I definitely purchased way too many when I first started) to create spell jars and pouches - for protection, to enhance creative energies, etc.

It took me a while to get “into” tarot. I really wanted to like it, but had a hard time connecting with a traditional Rider Waite deck. It wasn’t until i found the Earth Woman deck by Tarn Ellis that I really connected to it. I do simple one card tarot readings each day now that are really helping me with my spiritual growth.

14

So I guess it depends on how you view it, but I remember being a kid, in the 3rd grade, attempting “light as a feather , stiff as a board” . Was I successful? No. :joy:

But I always had a knack for feeling energies of my grandpoppis haunted home (which I hated) but I had to be there from time to time. It always felt like the house was watching me.. I felt this before I found out that the previous owner was a mortician whom liked to bring his work home with him, were talking pre1970’s era. I still have dreams about that place to this day.

My first actual hands on working was of course chimed up on a whim after my loved one passed away at an early age. I was distraught. It was divination done on the fly. I figured if I used my pendulum as a way of communication, meaning he be the pendulum, and answer my questions I had for him in a random , unbiased manner, by hiding the questions from myself , and whatever answer he gave, I wrote on a separate sheet of paper. I thanked him, closed my circle, and read the answers one by one by unfolding the question slips and matching its number to the numbered answers in chronological order. Did it work? I’d say so. Did anything come through that wasn’t supposed to? Probably but idk. Maybe not. Did I do it right? I have no idea. I did find out that you’re not supposed to contact a loved one after passing until a year and a day after , though. But I’d say it was a success. Was it a very daring thing to do as my "first " , I definitely would say so. I don’t think I’d even try that now, despite me being 4 years wiser or seasoned in my craft. :joy: That was some daredevil stuff , there. But I guess love makes people do crazy things. :woman_shrugging:

15

Love this question, and everyone’s answers to it! :heart: What was my first working… it was back in 2020, I was an excited new witch, wanting to learn about everything in the craft. Most of all I was drawn to the Moon and Goddess in her many forms… the first ritual I remember I did was a self-dedication to the Goddess and my witchy path. It’s been a twisty path for sure and I’ve changed along with it, but it still feels right, and it’s like that past self knew that on some level. I don’t do dedications and commitments easily, but that one felt right. It was in the middle of the night in a darkened room, in front of a window facing the Moon, with no clothes on, reciting a vow I had written. She was there in the room, I could feel it, quietly watching.

One of my most powerful early experiences was with tantra. I had found a teacher, who I instantly felt a connection with, and who I worked with for years. When I first saw her description of what she does and what tantra is, I was like: this is it, I need to message her.

I had been drawn to energy work for some time already, and wanted to feel something powerful, leaving me no doubt that this is a real, tangible phenomenon that we can work with. I got to feel that, with this fun, intimate exercise. Chakra penetration! :laughing: All I had to do was to relax into it, and feel my teacher enter my energy body with hers at various points, while physically we were both sitting perfectly still. It was a most curious sensation! Imagine being stretched and getting full of someone else’s presence at a certain point in your body, only it’s not physical. Still, there was definitely a warmth and a pressure to it. Feeling that for a moment, and then having them slowly withdraw, and then it’s just you again. There’s so much you can do with your presence and attention, I learned right there. Including increasing and decreasing physical sensitivity as well, and getting access to ecstatic states.

What’s my biggest takeaway? Trust your intuition. If something feels right, go with it! If there’s just something off, wait. You’ll get what you’re magnetizing to you. With time the attraction can get stronger, or it can change form. But there’s always something. Enjoy, and don’t sweat it. :heart_on_fire:

16

The trick to it is to look at a spot slightly above the object you are lifting while chanting and physically lift the object. If someone then breaks your concentration, the object is heavier than you thought. No, objects don’t levitate on their own. You can’t take your hands off and expect them not to fall on your toes.:grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: However, the spell is great for moving!

17

When I was very young, maybe 4 or 5, my dad and grandfather worked with me to try to develop telekinesis, and psychic ability. We also worked with sensing spirits. I never did develop any telekinesis, but the rest is very strong. I was always encouraged to embrace my gifts, and never fear them.

18

If I were to go before I knew what “occult” was, it was the day after my father died my mother asked me to come downstairs from my attic bedroom by myself for the first time. I saw what looked like a cloud of bugs sparkling in the light. Mom couldn’t see them and tried to convince me they weren’t there. I held my breath in fear of breathing the bugs in and dashed down as fast as I could. By that night, my bedroom was on the main floor. I’m sure the sparkles were my father, and I have been watched over by him ever since.

It may have been later that day. Mom was cleaning out under the kitchen sink, sitting on the floor in her pj’s and a thick robe. I wanted to kiss her cheek, and moved the collar of the robe so I could reach her. Something came over me. I felt older, somehow. Perhaps Dad possessed me for a moment in an attempt to comfort her, but the next thing I knew, I was on the floor under the kitchen table: Mom had gotten scared I was going to kiss her neck and hit me, throwing me across the room.

At St. John’s School, I overheard some girls talking about the boyfriend of a sister while we were all walking the halls between classes. There were enough details that I Knew they would break up soon, and I spoke up. It was butting in, and the girls yelled at me for doing so. A few days later, the younger sister yelled at me again, calling me some kind of witch or devil’s child. I’d gathered that my prediction was correct.

These are the earliest I can remember. There were more, I’m sure.

19

Super Sunday Suck :sun_with_face:,

I really am not too sure. I have dabbled since I was about 4 or 5 years old. I have many memories but did I actually initiate it? Not really sure. As for my returning to the craft, I started just working with the elements. I would have to say, my first success was in the physical healing that sun and moon water had on my person. After I started making sun and moon water daily and drinking it, about 6 months later, people started commenting on how much healthier I was looking. So, I guess this would have been my first, conscious attempt at magick that I had seen a result.

Lady Gene :witch_moon: :moon_water: :phoenix:

20

I greatly appreciate everyone’s response! I’m so in love with every response here! :heart_eyes: plz forgive me, I’m trying to figure out how to make one post while tagging others, and highlighting certain aspects of what was said. :laughing: ill figure it out eventually!

But for now, ill make one big post -shouting out everyone and giving thanks for everyone’s responses! I truly love @georgia s’ bible runes. That sounds pretty neat! I’ve always been to scared to do mirror work , or Blood magick for that matter.. But I think maybe I could give it a second thought. Maybe I’m not too scared these days.

@MeryWynd totally agree! Fortunately for me, I had Pinterest when I first started, but I don’t knock Pinterest because many knowledgeable things can be accessed from there! I actually enjoyed using Pinterest but as I moved and expanded, I wanted to expand my resources I guess. :person_shrugging: the bubble of light is what I do too! Its so simple but so effective!

@Greenbriar I honestly still have a hard time trying to connect with the RWS Deck too! I’ve never tried lenormand or the one you mentioned, but Id sure like to see what that’s like! I bet its so much simpler! Is it?

@CelestiaMoon GIRLLLLL. :frowning_face_with_open_mouth: that sounds intense as hell. But I do agree-intuition is like the biggest part of my spiritual journey , as well. If I ain’t feeling it, then I don’t do it. Lol

@georgia you’re kidding?! That’s how you do that?! And it works??? :scream: well too bad I’m not back in the 3rd grade with a group of girls, I’d definitely be conducting some witchcraft for those girls to witness. :sweat_smile: maybe I could teach my daughter, and she could just carry the torch. I thought I was cool when I attempted that, back in the day. Heck, I still think I’m cool looking back on it, today! :joy:

@shari2 I remember, I always wanted to learn telekinesis because of the movie Matilda.. Love that classic!!!

@georgia dang! My condolences about by our father , first and foremost. I like to give respects regardless of how long its been. So, do you still see the bug sparkling in light to this day? And those girls were mean. They wish they could’ve been as cool as you. I bet even now, you’re running laps around them when it comes to cool.

@leilani1 I have heard of this, but do not know too much about it. Can you explain more in detail? Do you use crystals or anything on top of the water while its being charged? What’s the difference between drinking the moon water or the dun water? Do they both produce the same affect?

21

Sensational Sunday Suck :sun_with_face:,

Sure, no problem. I washed out a large glass jar. I use an amethyst for sun water and moonstone for moon water. I place the stone in my jar, add the water and bless it. For sun…thank-you Danu for this water, please Brigid, put your sensational sunbeams in my water, namaste.

for moon…thank-you Danu for this water, please Hanwi have your magnificent moonbeams enter my water, namaste.

When I remove the moon water from the window sill (when I awake), “thank-you ladies for my water, Tiamat, use this water to repair my ___” (physical ailment). In the evening when I remove the water from the window sill, again, “Tiamat use this water to reconnect the synapses in my mind” (I had a coma and severe TBI, long story),

I am not sure about the different effects, but I make the two waters, moon to repair my physical issue and sun to repair the connections in my mind (from the TBI).

I am not really sure of the effects, but I was feeling better, and my mind was clearer and thinking better. Plus, after about 6 months, people said that I was looking better. So not sure what it does, but it does “it”.:zany_face:

Lady Gene :phoenix:

22

I have always been fascinated by the stars and the planets. Previously, it was more of a scientifc interest ie astronomy, but when you are out under the stars, you get a sense of the magick around you and I saw the stars and planets like the mechanical parts inside a clock, all working together in my life. Thats when I made the jump to astrology and planetary work. I learned the workings of the zodiac, how to decode my birthcart and how to use it to my advantage eg planning around planetary days and hours, using planetary squares and using the specifics of my birthcart during new and full moons.

I have also been drawn to Egypt much of my lige and after joining this group, found the confidence to take the plunge and connect with the deities I felt such a close connection to.

Senebty :ankh:

Alan