#teaching witchcraft

Witchcraft Basics and Giggles:

Everything to know before you start! The various practices The Tools healing, protecting, and grounding. shielding and banishing herbs,oils and crystals.| Herbs | Oils | Crystals color magik the sabbats the Elements astrology + astrology calendar spells, hexes and curses energy manipulation the various entitis Divination tool Symbology Shadow Work Witchy hack Offerings Grimoire/book of shadows how to work with deities. (works with entities too) sigils. How to create a spell

Through all of the Witchblr drama lately, there's one thing I've not seen commented on much and it's something that's been stuck in my head for weeks now - how does someone know they're equipped to be a teacher? And it's not just because of some of the questions raised, it's personal. I am constantly questioning whether I should be teaching workshops or giving talks, even with them being unpaid. I am always trying to walk the path of sharing what I know as ethically as I know how to and it's an incredibly difficult process to navigate well. So I wanted to share some thoughts, almost as a letter to my younger self, on whether and how someone should go about teaching esoteric, occult, and witchcraft practices.

After thinking about it quite a bit, the best way I can think of to tell if you're suited to be a teacher is to share what you know without positioning yourself as a teacher at all or charging money for your work.

Before you even consider teaching, I recommend putting out what you are doing for others to see and doing so regularly. For folks who read tarot, what spreads are you doing and how are you thinking through them? For witchcraft or occult practices, while you may not be able to share details, are there any insights or realizations you've had that you can share for others?

I think this is key for a few reasons actually. For one, you'll quickly see whether you have the ability to accept and grow from criticism - which is a hugely vital part of the teaching process if you accept that role. Or at least, it has been for me. I was born with the gift of what my family calls Foresight, not the gift of teaching and so learning that skill has involved taking feedback into consideration. Not all of it has been kindly given, but almost all of it has been valuable.

Another reason is that it will quickly show whether you seek to teach for your own ego and or to genuinely share what you know to help others. If you are comfortable sharing what you know without an ounce of expectation of respect or clout, that is the best indication to me that stepping into a teaching role is possible at some point. I do not know how anyone can teach effectively without being deeply humble. Especially in spiritual traditions. Otherwise teaching quickly becomes a means to control and left unchecked can lead to abuse.

One other reason to share without positioning yourself as a teacher is that it'll pretty quickly let you know where you seem to know more than most folks and where you know less. When I first created this account, my first post was literally just a write up of my intro lesson I'd been giving friends who'd just bought tarot decks and wanted to pick it up as fast as possible. I wrote it specifically as a record they could come back to. I had no intent to position myself as a teacher, just as a way of sharing what I had gathered over my 10 years of reading cards.

The response to that and later my shadow work posts showed me that people were getting a lot of what I was sharing. The responses to my deity veneration posts showed me that people weren't getting as much out of them and that I had a lot to continue learning. I was able to shift my approaches for both. I put more work into figuring out how to share what I knew about tarot and shadow work and more work into continuing my learning about deity veneration. It was a year of writing like that before I ever took a leap and taught my first tarot and shadow work workshop where I again got feedback about what was actually helpful and what I needed to learn more about. That process is valuable and I'm thankful for it everyday.

Another reason for sharing without expectation is that it will allow you to begin to develop a radar for teachers who aren't going about their work ethically. You'll start to notice when people present something as absolute fact or as their observations and experiences. The latter has been far more useful in my own spiritual education than the former. You'll see where people are charging for information they never write about deeply. They'll position themselves as needing to charge for freely available information because they "did the work" of reading it at one point.

Which brings me to the complicated question of when is it right to charge for what you're sharing? I think personally the best way to handle it is to just set up a donation link and let people decide how much your work is worth to them. If you manage to make a little money while you're still figuring out whether teaching is right for you, then it's a bonus! I see the “fuck you, pay me” mindset in so many places if has no right to be in my view. It’s not other peoples job to pay you while you’re still bad at what you do. And believe me you will be for a while.

Personally - I'm still in that transition period and I've been writing and putting out work for about 3 years. I do charge for my zines and my digital workbooks but that's less because of the information I'm presenting and more for the work it took to write and format it all. I have a Patreon I maintain and add bonus materials to as I'm able and I often stick a donation link on the bottom of my posts just in case folks feel lead. While lots of folks have asked me to develop a course, I have a feeling it'll be another 2 years before I know how to really walk the walk of being a teacher proper and feel comfortable putting out something so involved.

I don't take the work of teaching lightly. I see it much more as an additional calling to my work as an Oracle/Seer as it's in line with my mission to use my gifts for the betterment of others. When asking yourself about the role teaching plays in your life, ask yourself whether if furthers the work you're called to. What you're sacrificing to be a teacher? How are you seeking out feedback and training? Does your work actually improve the lives of others? Does it further your spiritual callings or does it merely support your ego?

Some folks will consider those questions and still not have the self awareness to know it's not their path and that's fine. I'm not really trying to reach those people. My hope is that someone truly called to teach will get some use out of hearing about how I'm navigating that transition of competent practitioner to facilitator and teacher. If that person is you, the best advice I can give you aside from the above is take it slow. If it's truly you're calling, the path will unfold a little at a time as you are ready.

As always, I will love to hear your thoughts! and if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! If you liked it, leave a comment or reblog (that is always appreciated!). if you are intrested in more method check the masterlist!

Desclaimer: Everything I will talk about is information that I got from books and sites online and even videos on YouTube. In my years of practice, I learned as much as I could out of curiosity and what works best for me. I suggest you do the same by learning as much as you can on your own (I will be here making posts teaching this kind of stuff) from multiple sources.

Shadow work in witchcraft refers to the practice of exploring and integrating the darker, often unconscious parts of oneself. This concept, which has roots in Jungian psychology, involves confronting and working through repressed emotions, fears, and desires that can influence behavior and spiritual well-being. For witches and those practicing modern paganism, shadow work is a means of personal growth, healing, and achieving a more balanced self.

What is Shadow Work?

Concept and Origins

The term "shadow" was popularized by Carl Jung, who described it as the unconscious part of the personality that contains repressed weaknesses, desires, and instincts. In witchcraft, shadow work involves delving into these hidden aspects to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and to heal from past traumas. (Do not take it as a substitution for a professional therapist.)

the Purpose is:

Self-Awareness: Gaining insight into one's unconscious motivations and behaviors.

Healing: Addressing and healing from past wounds and traumas.

Integration: Bringing the shadow into the conscious mind to achieve a more balanced and whole self.

How to Do Shadow Work in Witchcraft

Preparation

Safe Space: Create a physical and emotional space where you feel safe and comfortable. This can include an altar, candles, crystals, and other personal items.

Set Intentions: Clearly state your intentions for undertaking shadow work. This could be written in a journal or spoken aloud as part of a ritual.

Techniques

Journaling: Regularly write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Focus on patterns, triggers, and recurring themes in your life.

Meditation: Practice meditation to quiet the mind and become more aware of your inner world. Guided meditations specifically for shadow work can be helpful.

Dream Analysis: Pay attention to your dreams and record them. Dreams can provide insight into the unconscious mind.

Tarot and Oracle Cards: Use tarot or oracle cards to explore your shadow. Specific spreads can help reveal hidden aspects of yourself.

Rituals: Perform rituals that focus on introspection and healing. These might involve candle work, invoking deities or spirits associated with transformation, and symbolic acts like burning written fears or burying objects representing old wounds.(Do not even think of doing this without the right preparation first!)

Mirror Work: Spend time looking at yourself in the mirror, speaking affirmations, and acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of yourself.

Integration and Healing

Acceptance: Acknowledge and accept all parts of yourself without judgment.

Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion and forgiveness for past mistakes and behaviors.

Therapy: Consider professional therapy if needed, especially when dealing with deep traumas or difficult emotions.

Continual Practice

Shadow work is an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Regularly revisit and update your practices to continue growing and healing.

Tips for Effective Shadow Work

Patience and Persistence: Shadow work can be challenging and emotional. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your efforts.

Support System: Have a support system in place, whether friends, family, or a community of like-minded individuals.

Self-Care: Engage in regular self-care activities to balance the intensity of shadow work.

Balance: Ensure you balance shadow work with other spiritual practices that uplift and energize you.

As always, I will love to hear your thoughts! and if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! If you liked it, leave a comment or reblog (that is always appreciated!). if you are intrested in more method check the masterlist!

Discleimer: Don't start your journey as a witch by doing spells without knowing how to protect yourself.

It's important to note that the concept of spells, hexes, and curses can vary widely among practitioners. Some may follow positive and ethical paths, while others may engage in practices that involve more negative or harmful energies. Here's a general overview:

Spells:

Spells are rituals or actions performed with the intention of bringing about a specific result or change.

They can be categorized as positive (such as healing or protection spells) or negative (such as banishing or binding spells).

Spellwork often involves the use of herbs, crystals, candles, symbols, and spoken words to channel energy and focus intent.

Hexes:

A hex is typically considered a negative spell with the intent to cause harm or misfortune to the target.

Hexes are believed to work by manipulating energy to bring about negative consequences.

It's important to note that many practitioners follow the Wiccan Rede, which encourages the use of magic for positive purposes and advises against causing harm.

Curses:

Curses are similar to hexes but may be more severe or long-lasting.

They are often intended to bring about significant harm or suffering to the person targeted.

Some practitioners believe in the concept of the "Rule of Three," which suggests that any energy or intent sent out into the world, whether positive or negative, will return to the sender threefold.

I do follow the rule of three because everything comes back to you; as you sow so you shall reap. So be careful with any spell (or hexes or curses) because it may come back to you!

It's also important to approach the subject with respect and cultural sensitivity, as different traditions and individuals may have varying beliefs and practices. As with any belief system, there are diverse perspectives within the witchcraft community, and not all practitioners engage in hexes or curses.

what to do before you start a spell?

I will explain step-by-step how I prepare before any spell.

I clense my space.

I protect myself with a symbol or by praying to a god, which means that I am dedicating that spell to the specific god or asking for protection and guidance during the spell.

I prepare everything I need and clense it with smoke one by one.

The first thing I did was light up a white candle to keep track of the spell with the flame (I will do another post where I explain better how to read flames).

then I proceed to do my spell.

some other posts of basic things you should know before a spell:

healing, protecting, and grounding.

Check out Part 1, which explains how to use the things down below. Disclaimer: All the things in this post are based on research and personal experience. As much as I could be a teacher, I suggest you find many resources for knowledge to develop your own experiences. Make sure you research the oils you buy/use because some oils can damage or hurt your skin in a really bad way. as well as some aromatherapy oils that can hurt your pet (if you have one).

Types of oils

Anointing oils — A sacred oil that’s blessed and charged and specially formulated for a specific purpose, usually for people.

Carrier oils — Vegetable and mineral oils that are used to help dilute essential oils that could cause skin irritation.

Condition oils — Anointing or conjure oils used to help relieve or improve someone’s condition.

Conjure oils — A dressing oil from an ancient practice usually African, European, or Native American traditions. Often found in Hoodoo.

Dressing oils — Specially prepared oil applied to spell and ritual objects before using them to sanctify, charge, and prepare them for use.

Essential oils — Volatile, concentrated oils, with the characteristic scent of the plant/flower they are from.

Ritual oils — Oils used to anoint candles, ritual tools, material, furniture, money, and other such items, and then use to anoint the body are often also called anointing oils.

Basic oils and their use:

Basil: Stimulates the mind, used in money-attracting oils, and encourages peace

Benzoin: Increases personal power and awakens the conscious mind

Bergamot: Money and protective rituals

Black Pepper: Protection and promotes courage

Chamomile: Meditation and inducing peace

Camphor: Purification and promoting celibacy

Cardamom: Energy to love and sexually oriented formulas

Cedarwood: Enhances spirituality

Cinnamon: Money and psychic awareness

Clove: Courage and protection

Coriander: Love and healing

Cypress: Blessing, consecration, and protection. Helps ease loss

Eucalyptus: All healing and purification.

Frankincense: Spirituality and meditation

Geranium: Happiness and protection

Ginger: Courage, love, money, and sexuality

Grapefruit: Purification

Jasmine: Love, psychic awareness, peace, spirituality, and sexuality

Juniper: Protection, purification, moon symbolism, and healing

Lavender: Health, love, peace, and consciousness

Lemon: Purification, healing, and lunar use

Lemongrass: Psychic awareness and purification

Lemon verbena: Love

Lime: Purification and protection

Lotus: Spirituality, healing, and meditation

Magnolia: Meditation, love, and psychic awareness

Myrrh: Spirituality, meditation, and healing

Neroli: Happiness and purification

Niaouli: Protection

Oakmoss: Attract money

Orange: Purification

Palma Rosa: Love and healing

Patchouli: Money, sex, and physical energy

Peppermint: Purification

Pine: Purification, protection, money, and healing

Rose: Love, peace, sexual desires, and enhancing beauty

Rosemary: Love and healing

Sandalwood: Spiritualty, meditation, sex, and healing

Tangerine: Sun symbol, power, and strength

Tonka: Money

Vetivert: Money

Yarrow: Love, courage, and psychic awareness

Ylang Ylang: Love, peace, and sex

Disclaimer: All the things in this post are based on research and personal experience. As much as I could be a teacher, I suggest you find many resources for knowledge to develop your own experiences.

I will do another post about each of those three things to let you have some guide lines that you can follow, especially for the crystals because some have different ways to be clensed, and if you clense it with the wrong thing, it could damage the crystal (nothing will happen if you break or damage a crystal, but we have to take care of our things).

In witchcraft, the selection and use of herbs, oils, and crystals often depend on an individual's belief system, intuition, and the specific intentions or goals of their practice. Herbs, oils, and crystals are tools we can use in any type of ritual or spell.

Herbs:

Magical Properties: Different herbs are believed to possess unique magical properties. For instance, rosemary might be associated with protection, lavender with relaxation and purification, and sage with cleansing negative energies.

Ritual Use: Herbs can be used in rituals, spells, and potions. They may be burned as incense, infused in oils or teas, or sprinkled during ceremonies to invoke specific energies or intentions.

Healing: Herbalism is often a part of witchcraft, where herbs are used for medicinal purposes. Herbal remedies may be prepared for physical healing, emotional balance, or spiritual well-being.

Oils: Disclaimer: Make sure you research the oils you buy/use because some oils can damage or hurt your skin in a really bad way. as well as some aromatherapy oils that can hurt your pet (if you have one).

Anointing: Oils are commonly used for anointing tools, candles, or individuals during rituals. They are believed to imbue objects or people with specific energies or intentions.

Aromatherapy: Essential oils are used for their scents, which are thought to influence moods, emotions, and energies. Different scents are associated with various properties, such as calming, energizing, or purifying.

Crystals:

Energies and Properties: Crystals are believed to have their own unique energies and properties. For example, amethyst might be associated with spiritual growth and intuition, while quartz might be seen as a general-purpose amplifier of energies.

Charging and Cleansing: Crystals are often charged with specific intentions and cleansed of any negative energies. They can be placed under moonlight or sunlight, smudged with sage, or buried in earth to reset their energies.

Meditation and Ritual: Crystals are frequently used in meditation practices or incorporated into rituals. They may be held, worn as jewelry, or placed in specific patterns to enhance spiritual work.

I’ve finally (or at least I think I have) explained everything about the basics of witchcraft. I’m ready and excited to teach you some spells and rituals! Of course, I’m hoping you’ve read and absorbed the basics over time without skipping them.

You’ve learned a lot about the fundamentals of witchcraft, and I truly hope you stay curious and keep learning as you embark on this next journey of actually practicing spells and putting into action what you’ve learned.