In the beginning, my craft seemed to be unstable in a way, constantly changing what felt like every week because I'd discovered something new and thought, "This is what I want to do." First, it was Wicca, then Hellenic Paganism, then Hoodoo (going back to my roots), and then green witchcraft, etc. Each time I'd changed my beliefs and practice, I thought that was it. This is really who I am, and to be honest, I even feel like this now.
It wasn't until 4 years into my practice that I realized that this was not some sort of race to nirvana. To some sort of perfect state of being. It was a journey through a sometimes dark, winding path with so many forks and dead ends. The destination wasn't (and isn't) the most important part. It's the path you are choosing to take to get there. In this post, I hope to provide to some quick-fire advice that may help you along your own path.
Avoid claiming a label completely until you've had it for at least a year.
Before you call it gatekeeping, I'm not trying to say that unless you've practiced something for a year, you're not valid. The point of this is to prevent you from trying to cling on to a certain title and alter your practice in order to do so.
Avoid getting fixated on the idea that you need a magickal label.
If you don't fit neatly into a label, a lot of practitioners don't, you don't need one. Even if you do, you don't need a label. While having a way to cleanly categorize your practice can help when it comes to finding others like you or explaining your craft, they are mostly unnecessary to the practitioner. Your craft is simply that: your craft.
If it is magickal to you, it is magick.
You don't need herbs, or spell bottles, or a wand, or even an altar to practice. You don't need incantations or deities. All you need is intent and effort. Wherever and however you choose to apply it is your choice entirely.
Avoid copying or pining after other people's practices.
It's nice to admire another's craft, but trying to replicate it will result in more work being put into maintaining an aesthetic rather than learning and growing.
Think about things critically before you think about them magickally.
It's easy to get caught up in potential omens or curses or signs from the gods. Not to mention, it's common for people to have unrealistic expectations about what they should be able to do with magick. Take a step back and think about it like a scientist before you think about it as a practitioner.
Have a process for creating and performing spellwork.
This will help immensely with your practice regardless of where your path takes you as it gives you a basic structure to work and grow from. My process: Innovate/Create, Execute/Perform, Optimize, & Consistency.
Don't practice for others.
I don't mean don't perform spellwork to help others. My point here is that your practice isn't a performance. It doesn't have to be perfect. Its first priority should be to satisfy you. There is not some imaginary crowd looking over your shoulder.
Don't be afraid to take breaks.
Unfortunately, we can't just disappear into the forest to practice our craft indefinitely. We're humans first and foremost. With jobs or kids or illnesses. Don't force yourself to have a daily practice or perform rituals when your heart, mind, or body isn't up for it. Taking a break doesn't make you any less of a practitioner.
Not everyone is going to agree with aspects of your practice, and it can mess with your head if you let it. Keep the nitty gritty details of your craft between you and your higher self. If you do choose to share with others, be mindful about what you share and the sort of reactions you may get.
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