So, to first calm down, I’d like to you to take several deep breaths, in through the nose, and out through the nose. Let your belly expand on the inhale, and bring your navel back towards your spine on the exhale. Try to count to the number four on each inhale, and count down from the number four on the exhale. Do this four times, or more if you need.
Feel a little better?
Okay, the next step is that I’d like you to try to mentally separate film from witchcraft. They are two different things. Film is a visual manipulation that causes you to react emotionally, and often times it’s over-dramatized so you can get a bigger emotional effect. So, while I haven’t seen the movie Annabelle, I can tell you that most movies that are “based on a true story” are very loosely based on truth and plumped up with more action to get you to react more. Like, I think you have to change a script or plot by at least 49-51% to keep it from being in violation of original content plagiarism. The numbers may have changed, but when I was working in the film industry, that’s what the figures were. So, a lot of films, especially thrillers and horror themed projects, are bullshit to make you react, like an amusement park ride. Did you know that films were first publicly introduced in that kind of circus-y environment? Film is generally for entertainment, and now it’s grown as an education tool. Annabelle is not a piece to learn much from, unless you’re interested in aspects of filmmaking.
When it comes to documentaries and educational tapes, make sure that you research your sources. If you’ve found a scary witchcraft documentary, it may be from a biased group. Try to find a neutral source to help curb your anxiety.
Okay, so I’ve rambled enough now about that, and I hope that helps… sorry if it bored you. I’m a film nerd.
Anyway, back to real witchcraft.
Witchcraft is a nature-based practice that sometimes involves spirituality, and other times doesn’t. It depends on the person, situation, context, and many other factors that are personal to each and every witch.
If you’re concerned about negativity creeping in, there are two ways to go about this. One, is to start guarding your mind, through the power of positive thought. While some of life is out of our control, much of life is within the power of our own mind. If you know that you can’t be controlled, then you won’t be controlled. The other is to physically protect yourself, and in witchcraft, that generally means drawing a circle around yourself, calling in positive guides and deities (if that’s in your practice), using crystals, and lighting candles.
I believe in the power of therapy, but if you feel really inclined to find a therapist, really do your research. I can speak from experience that not all doctors and counselors are open to witchcraft or less-mainstream spiritualities, find someone you trust that you know won’t judge you before you commit to many sessions. Some places offer a free consult, so give it a shot if you need it. Therapy can be very helpful, but it’s not for everyone.
I’m really tired and I don’t know if this makes much sense, but I hope it’s solace to know that witchcraft is usually not scary and sometimes films are made to scare you.
It’s okay to be a witch and it’s okay to decide that it’s not a path for you, either.
You’re okay and you’re not alone, and if you have more questions, just ask.
Sincerely,
A Tired Film Witch
I think I have an idea of the type of stuff nonny is talking about. If I don’t, I think I could help anyway. Let me preface by saying I have always had a crippling fear of the dark. Unrelatedly, my mother and I LOVE to watch those paranormal testimonial shows where people tell the story of what happened to them and the show puts on a dramatization. We also watche a show where a family calls a detective and a medium and the detective does research on the property and the medium walks the property and talks about what she says. With that in mind, I’ll begin my story. This summer, I worked at a camping facility as a teacher. Out in the woods, it gets very, VERY dark. Initially I was very uncomfortable about it, but as time went on, I wasn’t so afraid anymore. I realized that I wasn’t afraid bc I wasn’t always watching those shows with my mom. My mind was occupied with other things, and I wasn’t so afraid when I walked in the dark alone. Is my fear cured? No. But I can sleep without any form of light in my room without panicking, so that’s good.
These types of shows can get very scary, even if it isn’t a jump scare kind of thing, and can be very damaging. Especially if you already have a fear of the unknown. Perhaps, nonny, you should put watching those kinds of things on hold until you can manage your anxiety better.
Also, do more research on witchcraft! I find that even when I’m afraid, just calling myself a witch helps me to feel better. It helps me to feel more in control of the situation and even if something does go bump in the night, I can go bump right back. In fact, I AM what goes bump in the night now.
TLDR; stop watching g scary movies and shows and you’ll be alright. Witchcraft can protect you from your worst fears, if you allow it to.
^^ Extra info for anyone who needs it
Hello, I’ve been reading on witchcraft for a while and the occult. I’ve never done spirit work, just some cute spells. It has made my anxiety awful because I’ve been watching a lot of occult doccumentaries, the worst is Annabelle because its a real thing. Now I’m constantly spooked that I will encounter one of these forces and spirits and they will attack me. I’ve had an anxiety attack, stopped witchcraft, and concidering therapy How do I stop being scared of poltergeists, ghosts, possession et?
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