To Those Who Are New to the Witching Ways

outsideperception:

Whether you’re new, pondering, investigating or are actively enduring initiation, becoming a neophyte, on a probationary period, enduring coven acceptance, going to your first group magic/celebration or shared correspondence, please take this into consideration:

If you are being told to become sexually liberated…don’t feel obligated to succumb to such requests, especially if you aren’t comfortable with them. The whole point of magic is to be in touch with your higher self and surroundings. 

If you are being told to start using drugs or become a psychonaut…it is not something you have to do in order to validate your path. To become a psychonaut takes a lot of commitment, dedication and careful application; it is not meant for everyone. It also requires a lot of reading, trust in who you’re surrounding yourself with and it will, in essence, become something that is meant to open your path. If you aren’t comfortable using drugs or becoming a psychonaut in order to reach gnosis, then don’t do it. Your practice is still powerful as long as you apply the power of belief.

If you have boundaries that are being violated…don’t crumble to it. Perhaps it is not the right group for you. If you feel a strong connection to said group, talk to your High Priest/Priestess, Soror, Frater, etc. to let them know what is happening. From there, if they do care for your safety, they will negotiate re-locating you with a different chapter, ward, group, coven or gathering.

If you’re being told by fellow members that you’re doing it wrong and they aren’t willing to help…don’t take it personally. Sadly, elitism is rampant everywhere, especially fringe groups and more obscure ideologies. It’s always hard to hear, however, it isn’t your fault if you haven’t been instructed on how to do things. If you find that rituals in a certain order doesn’t work for you, there are alternatives out there such as chaos magic, dedicated to those who want to create their own magic without any designated dogma or applied ritual.

If you’re being addressed as a Whore of Babylon, Harlot Woman or anything that is demeaning…be weary, regardless of whether it is how the group operates or not. If you’re entering the path of magic, you deserve decency and to be treated as someone who is a student. Not someone who is a pass around, disregarded or easily forgotten about. If you’re being addressed as a Soror, student, practitioner, magician, solitary, etc. then you know you’re perceived as someone who takes their practice seriously, as someone that is seen with a level of respect within your group. 

If Wicca doesn’t resonate with you…then there is no need to feel like you’re lost or don’t know what you’re doing. A large majority of us don’t identify as such and do not partake in their practices. 

If you’ve gone solitary, planning to go solitary or are considering going solitary…don’t feel guilt or shame from others within your peers or group to stay. Solitary magic is beautiful because you’re going your own way. You’re transcending a group dynamic because it may not work for you. Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable with those around you. 

If you are being coerced, manipulated, pressured or told that you have to do things you aren’t okay/comfortable with…steer clear of those who are trying to tell you that the only way you can be effective in your practice is to follow their lead. It is never okay in any situation to follow suit. You have to do what’s right for you. The beauty of the witching way is that you establish your own path and find what works for you. If outside influences are trying to force you into a certain criteria, then it is their own problem. You deserve better. 

If you’re not sure how to start, what your path is or what you identify as in that regard…that is more than okay. It can take years for you to find what fits and what speaks to you. There are many people who finally become established in their 40′s, let alone their 20′s. There is no shame in not knowing and it’s always good to read more, ask questions and to experiment with what works.