A Word of Advice from Belladonna

I get asked often if I have any tips for new witches. And the truth is, I could spend all day talking about the craft and its perks and different aspects, approaches, and methods. But not everyone has that kind of time. So, I’ll break it down into some of my own personal core values when it comes to the craft. Keep in mind that no two witches are exactly alike, we all have different views on practice and technique, and well as structure and belief. This is just mine.

1. Keep multiple journals. Personal ones as well as witchy ones. Write down your current passions, dreams, interests, goals. This will help you find your path and figure out where you’d like to start on your journey. In the beginning it can be hard to find the magic inside of you, this is a great way to find it as well as identify all of the magic in the world around you. 2. Put yourself in nature as much as possible. Work on your ability to identify local plants, herbs, animals, and work towards growing your own garden. You can start off small and eventually expand if you desire to do so. Seeds can be affordable and you can even grow some herbs in a leftover tin can. Really, you don’t need a lot of space or cash to be able to start some sort of garden, whether indoors or outdoors. 3. Cooking is a great way to study Herbology. It’s a handy life skill, plus if you’re still in the broom closet it’s super inconspicuous. 4. DIY projects will be your best friend, especially if you’re a budget witch, so work on those skills. Making anything by hand helps to give it power and can be another great way to practice witchcraft under-the-radar. And always keep your eyes peeled for supplies which you can find in more places than you’d think. • Thrift stores • Art Supply Stores • The Dollar Store • Grocery Stores • Farmers Markets • Etc. 5. Build your library! Read all that you can get your hands on. And if you can’t afford to purchase any books, your public library is a great resource. Cookbooks, how-to books, field guides, books that teach you skills. History books, scientific magazines and journals, textbooks on any topic. Read about first-hand accounts, theories and practices, facts and trivia. All have valuable information, and don’t be afraid to look for multiple sources. I encourage it! 6. Take care of yourself! If you are too tired and don’t have the energy to focus or use energy in a spell, it’s not going to work. So, drink water, exercise, sleep, relax. Do what you can to take care of you. Self-care isn’t always easy but it’s important in everything you do. 7. There are so many people in and out of our community that feed into the idea that in order to be a witch you must meet certain criteria. You have to be all-knowing, have all of the tools, fit an aesthetic. That you have to be a cis, white female with a black cat and a mystical demeanor. None of which is true. • You don’t have to have fancy tools. All you need is yourself, your desire to practice, and your intent. Yeah, having them is nice and if you can afford them treat yo self, honey! But don’t feel like you have to have them. • Your appearance and aesthetic do not have any affect on your craft. You don’t have to “dress like a witch” in order to be a witch. We come in all shapes and sizes and all have different personalities and outward appearances. Look however you want to look. Don’t put yourself in a box. • Wicca is not the only way to do witchcraft. While in some practices and traditions initiation is needed- but to be a witch in general, it is not necessary. You don’t need to prove yourself to be a witch and be wary of those that insist that you do. • There are some in the community that will fight tooth and nail to make it seem you have to be a cis female to call yourself a witch. Don’t listen to those terfs. anyone can be a witch, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, lineage, religion, label, etc. • It’s okay to not know everything. Witchcraft is very old and very diverse. Practicing is a journey and not everyone learns at the same pace. It’s been over a decade now that I’ve been practicing and I’m still learning every day.