What the Witch Is That?

We now live in a world where many are coming out of the "broom closet" so to speak, and as far as society goes, that is probably the one and only thing I love about this age right now. People (not just women) are discovering the Witch within, and their own divine power more and more often these days, and let me tell ya, it's beautiful! So, maybe you're reading this because you are spell-curious, or maybe you are just plain old curious, but either way, I'm here to help. First off, let's start with what Witchcraft is.

Witchcraft is a practice, much like yoga, or meditation, as opposed to what people may think. Witchcraft is not a religion, as you can easily call yourself a Witch whether you are Wiccan, Christian, Catholic, or what have you. The best way I can explain Witchcraft is that it is basically living your life in harmony with nature, using your own divine gifts and energy to better your life. Now, when I say "living in harmony with nature," I do not whatsoever mean that you suddenly have to become a Vegan or Vegetarian. I simply mean having a respect for the fact that all life was created for a purpose, and acknowledging that fact. So, if you are a hunter, being in harmony with nature would look something like thanking nature and the Universe for the life that has ended for you and your family to be fed, and using as much of that creature as possible (using the hide for warmth, the meat for food, etc). Being a Witch (and yes, male Witches are also called "Witch"), means putting as much good intention into even the little things. Like when you are preparing a meal, you research what herbs promote good luck or grounding, and you use them to improve your food. It's about putting more thought and love into your life, and in doing that, you automatically bring more good into others lives around you.

There are many kinds of Witches and aesthetics that go along with them, but the gorgeous thing about this is that you and only you decide what kind of Witch you are, and there is no harm in being one kind one week, and a different one in another. The freedom of choice is limitless. For instance, maybe you love cooking and baking and decorating your home. You could consider yourself a Cottage Witch (no cottage required). Or perhaps you enjoy being outside, running your hands through the dirt and studying up on wild flowers and their properties, and for this, you could call yourself a Green Witch. I myself tend to lean more towards a Viking Moon Witch, because that is the path I am on, and the one I feel most in-tune with. The choice really is yours, and if labeling yourself sounds like an uncomfortable idea, then by all means, feel free to drop the name tag.

If becoming a Witch is something that sounds interesting to you, then I recommend starting some research on things about it that can help you find the start of your path:

Herbs

For centuries, humans have known the power of plants and the effects they have on living creatures. Each and every single plant has an energetic imprint and meaning, and learning about as many as possible will teach you what to use when you want to attract a certain something (or someone) into your life. For instance, when I'm baking, a lot of times I use cinnamon because it promotes love, health, happiness, protection, money, and fertility. If you are a reader, here are a couple books you could delve into, for further info:

• The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
• Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
• A Green Witch's Cupboard by Deborah J. Martin

Crystals

Oh boy, this one hits close, and I'm sure it would with any practicing Witch. Crystals are a huge thing for us right now, and boy are they amazing! Trust me, I can't get enough of them, and as an Empath, crystals are my go-to for practically anything, anytime. If you are interested in learning about them, then first off, I would find your closest crystal or rock shop, and get these three crystals: Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Malachite. When you first get these, get some white sage as well so that when you get home, you can light it and hold the crystals a few inches above the sage smoke. Doing this clears away any remnant energy they might have from people touching them constantly. After that, just hold each one for a couple minutes each, and BEFORE looking up what they mean, see what you feel from each of them. This is especially smart to do, because it allows you to see just how susceptible you are to crystal energy. You'd be surprised at how cost-effective crystals can actually be. Of course it always depends on the crystal and the size, but trust me, they are all worth it. For example, Amethyst is pretty cheap and easy to find, because most crystal users use it for relaxing and taking away anxiety, whereas Malachite can be fairly pricey, but makes for the best grounding and money-attracting stone. All stones have extraordinary benefits, and you won't be sorry for having at least a couple by your side. To dive deeper into the world of rocks and shiny things, here are a couple book recommendations:

• The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
• Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
• Crystals, The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing by Yulia Van Doren

The Moon

Many a-Witch has come into their path via a connection to the moon. In traditional witchcraft, the moon actually plays a huge part, as it is deeply in sync with women, or rather, vice versa. There are so many legends around the world about the moon, and they all are incredibly interesting. The moon in most cultures is believed to be more of a feminine energy, while the sun is more masculine. When learning about witchcraft and spells, it is important to also learn about the moon, and what phase helps with what kind of spells. Not to mention it helps women get to know their emotions just a bit better. During certain moon cycles you can feel one way, and completely different over the course of a different cycle. Studying up and getting to know the moon allows us to get to know ourselves much better. For more information, here is a book recommendation:

• Moon Magic by Diane Ahlquist

Most books, blogs, podcasts, etc. that you find touch on everything above, plus more. Whatever peaks your interest, it is probably much easier to find information about it than you realize. The best thing I've done for myself is just letting myself go with the flow, and remembering that my beliefs are my own and I don't have to let others pressure me to believe in something different, nor do I have to pressure myself into hurrying up and learning everything I can right this second. I learn about things in my own time, and it's much more enjoyable to when I take my time and let my heart lead the way. Maybe it sounds corny, but let's be honest here: What you believe dictates the rest of your life. If you believe you are going to hell, your life is probably miserable and hate-filled. If you believe there is a higher power out there looking out for you, believing in you right back, with loads of unconditional love for you that gave you your very own power, you are probably very happy and love life. It's all about you, so if you are interested in becoming a Witch, no matter what religion, and the thought of learning more about it makes you happy, then do it! Please believe me when I say that your happiness really is all that matters. Because when you are happy, you either attract happy people, or the people already around you either become happy, or leave because they aren't happy with themselves. Either way, it's win-win because you are taking control of your life. Everyone is responsible for their own happiness, and I think that's a big part of why Witchcraft is in my life. It has taught me that I don't have to let myself wallow in depression, and that I have my own incredible power to save myself.

I sincerely hope that this article has inspired someone, and before I go, here are some more book recommendations that cover a little bit of everything I've been talking about:

• Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within by Juliet Diaz
• Wicca by Harmony Nice
• The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy & Vibrational Healing by Margaret Ann Lembo
• Change Your Energy by Krista N. Mitchell
• You Are Magical by Tess Whitehurst
• Daily Spellbook For The Good Witch by Patti Wigington
• Inner Witch by Gabriela Herstik
• Protection Spells by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
• The Magical Household by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington

A few other points of interest you could look up are essential oils (I LOVE DoTerra), pendulum work, tarot, oracle cards, empath abilities, meditation, vibrational healing, binaural beats, manifesting, positive mindsets, candle magic, and so much more. There really is so much out there and so much to learn, and we barely use the incredible benefit of the worldwide web to do so!

Thank you so much for reading, and please feel free to stop by again for the latest post. Blessed be!

-Shelbie Fae