Beginners Witchcraft

What is Witchcraft, you ask? This sounds like a simple enough question. However, it is one of those questions, often asked by seekesrs, that only results in more questions. There are so many different answers to this question, that if you asked a dozen witches to define it, you'd get thirteen different answers! Granted, all of their answers would be similar, yet very different.

The dictionary defines the word very simply: magic. Yet, witchcraft is not standing on stage, pulling rabits out of a hat, and making daring escapes. That is what the word "magic" brings to mind. Others would define witch along the lines of, "a nature-based religious practice based on the natural cycles of the seasons and cosmos." Witchcraft is, fundamentally, the practices and trappings of a witch. Still vague? Some of these activities include, but are not limited to:

Performing Rituals on specific dates and according to the Lunar Cycle

Divining with Tarot Cards, Runes and other tools

Gathering herbs and other botanicals, and know their physical and metaphysical properties

Communing with Deity and other unseen entities

Using Meditation and Astral Travel to gain answers to every day life concerns

Casting Spells - for love, money, happiness, healing, success, etc.

Healing with Herbs, Energy work, and other alternative means

Reading and deciphering auras

The list goes on and on!!!

So you see, there are many, many ways that one can "practice witchcraft". For Beginners Witchcraft, that short list above is merely the tip of the iceberg. Another way to really give you an understanding of the term is to define the word "witch".

A Witch, also referred to as a Wiccan, is an individual who follows Wicca (the modern word for Witchcraft). Don't worry, I will avoid the circular logic... Following Wicca entails all of the things listed above, and ties it all into a specific belief structure. A witchis someone who who knows how to tap into the energies of nature and the universe around them, and manipulate those energies to their benefit. You'll hear much about The Wiccan Rede, which is essentially a code of ethics followed by most who follow Wicca. The rede is where the phrase, "If it harm none, do as you will" originates from, and we'll discuss that more later. A witch is also somebody who respects and is an advocate for nature; believing that all things ultimately come from nature, and wil eventually return to it in some form or another.

So you see, "What is Witchcraft?" is a question that will take considerable time and energy to answer. Just as with many things in life, it won't come effortlessly, and there will be bumps along the way. If you are ready to venture further down the rabbit hole, then please continue on. However, don't take this too lightly. As I will explain in a few moments, "dabbling" in Witchcraft is not a safe practice, and is not for the light-hearted. When you consciously apply the practices of sending energy out into the universe to work your will, you will be surprised at how well it actually works.

Let us suffice it to say,in this short article that Witchcraft is: Practicing magick in such a way that respects the laws of nature and the universe.

If you are new to The Craft, much of this probably overwhelms and confuses you. However, all Seekers learn at their own pace, and you can take as much time as you need an any aspect of Witchcraft. One of the strongest tools that witches have at their disposal is the ability to casts spells. In fact, casting spells is something that anyone in the world can do! It's simply a matter of letting the universe know what you want and need in your life. If you want to learn a really quick and easy way to cast some very powerful spells, please go and check out The Simple Spellcasting E-kit. There, you will learn a very easy method of spellcasting that can bring just about anything you want into being...
Thank you so much for stopping by today, and Blessed Be!

Witchcraft has always been secretive and unforthcoming about its practices and rites. There are very good reasons for this. Many witches out there would warn you off of the path, and not think twice, if you are not serious about your intentions. I am one of those. I am compiling a large resource of information here, but if you intend to use magick to cause harm, or to force your will upon others, then please, close this page, and resume your search elsewhere. If you have heard the phrase Be Careful What You Wish For, this is exactly what I am referring to here. Like attracts like, in life as well as in magick and Witchcraft.

This is not intended to scare you away. I mean only to make you think about your motivations. For some, the warnings will only pique curiousity further. Just as one would not foolishly play with fireworks near a gas station, one should approach Witchcraft and magick with the same prudence.

In Beginners Witchcraft, the best ways to explain this is to describe the phrase, "If it harm none, do what thou will." This phrase is the golden rule of Witchcraft and Wicca. In it, pay particular attention to the 'harm none' aspect of it.

None includes all manner of living things, be they people, animals or spirits. This includes yourself as well.

Harm is a very broad term here. It includes destroying, injuring, causing any kind of suffering, and infringing on a being's free will. A little side note on love magick... There are countless resources out there for Love spells. However, you will not find many of them in my pages. The reason? The kind of love spells that most people immediately think of tend to be directed at a very specific individual. Forcing somebody to love you with magick is wrong. It strips them of free will and and ccan drastically alter the course of their life.

Now, getting back on track, those are the intents of the phrase. I can feel people out there asking, "why?"

One would think that this is a pacifist point of view. It couldn't be farther from it, in fact. Wiccans and pagans are often in the front lines when it comes to defending against injustice and flagrant harm. When acting in the defense of something, be it yourself, loved ones, property, or a just cause, using any means necesarry to defend it is an act of preservation, not destruction.

All of this boils down to one simple concept. It's known by several names, but you might call it The Law of Karma, The Golden Rule, or even the Law of Attraction. all of these thoughts express the same idea: Whatever kind of energy you put forth into the Universe, it shall return to you. Often, it will return times three. So, if you are transmitting the need to cause harm or suffering, then that is what you will get, though it will more than likely be suffering on your part, rather than your target.

If you need further convincing, please, check out th following links to gain a better understanding: The Links are not active yet, btw. I am still working on them

The Golden Rule

The Law of Karma

The Law of Attraction

The Power of Three Times Three

What does all this mean? Simply put, it just means that you need to be in the proper mindset when approaching magick and the mysterious of Witchraft. Especially if you are a beginner to witchcraft. If you hold in your heart doubt, negativity and malicious intent, then your magickal endeavors will not help your situation. In fact, they may hinder you further.

Another, unrelated, word of caution for those who would dabble: Dealing with paranormal forces and entities can have many unforeseen, and undesirable, consequences. Spirits, deities and other entities have a conciousness and motivations that are all their own. If you are not well-acquainted with a particular entity, be sure that you are protecting yourself as you interact. Know what you are asking, as well as what the entity will be willing to give... I remeber my very first dealings with Salamanders... Toasters generally don't catch on fire so enthusiastically on their own....

With that, I hope that I have given you sufficient caution when dealing with the mysteries. The best way to really experience them for yourself, though, is to get out there and start to do it on your own. If you would like to learn a simple method for casting spells that actually work, please visit The Simple Spellcasting E-kit. This is a very easy to understand method for spellcasting, and it will blow your mind with how easy it is!

Blessed Be and Joyous Seeking to you!

In order to really get you off to a good start with Witchcraft, you need to know its roots. There is no better to do this than to give you The Wiccan Rede. I definitely suggest that you write this down, and keep it somewhere where you will see it often, as it is a powerful piece. Without further adieu:


Hear now the words of the Witches,
the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway
that now we bring forth into light.

Primal energies of water and fire,
the earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
and will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all nature,
the passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
rejoice in the magickal ring.

Four times in the year The Great Sabbat returns,
and the witches are seen at Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and Old Hallowe'en.

When day-time and night-time are equal,
when sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
and again gather Witches in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year,
thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry,
for each golden year and a day.

The power was passed down the ages,
each time between woman and man,
each century unto the other,
ere time and the ages began.

When drawn is the magickal circle,
by sword or athame of pwer,
it compass between the two worlds,
lies in land of the Shades for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it,
and world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
the Great Work of magick is wrought.

The dark and the light in succession,
the opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess:
of this did our ancestors teach.

By night He's the wild wind's rider,
the Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day He's the King of the Woodland,
the dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as She pleases,
She sails the tron clouds in Her barque.
The bright Silver Lady of midnight,
The Crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The Master and Mistress of magick,
the dwell in the deeps of the mind,
immortal and ever-renewing,
with power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
and dance and make love in their praise,
till Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In the peace at the end of our days.

And do what you will be the challenge,
So be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment.
By magick of old it be done!

Eight word the Witches Creed fulfill:
If it harm none, DO WHAT THOU WILL!

The Wiccan Rede is probably the most important thing to remember when you are just beginning with The Craft. It is what all of your decisions regarding Witchcraft and magick should be balanced against. Especially the "Harm None" piece. While learning to tap into your own personal power and discovering some of the deeper mysteries available to us, it is easy to loose sight of how your actions affect others. So, take a minute, sit back and contemplate on the Rede. Does it resonate with you? Does it "feel" right? If not, than these pages are probably not right for you...

However, if you like the sound of Wiccan Rede, and it does strike a chord with you, you may want to start doing some magick on your own... This means casting some spells! To learn an extremely easy-to-follow method for spellcasting that is guranteed to get results, please visit The Simple Spellcasting E-kit. It's all laid out for you there.
Blessed Be!

Another piece of writing that goes a long way towards explaining what it means to practice witchcraft is The Witch's Rede of Chivalry. I first saw this written in a book written by Ed Fitch, entitled A Grimoire of Shadows. It's all pretty sefl-explanatory, so here goes:

Insofar as The Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:

1. Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways.

2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return - bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest."

3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

4. "This above all... to thine own self be true..."

5. A Witch's word must have the validness of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give your word sparingly, and adhere to it like iron.

6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falshoods.

8. Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.

9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth: to keep one's head is a virtue.

10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.

11. Diverse covens may well have diverse views on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired.

13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore, exercise discretion in the use thereof.

14. Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant it. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another witch or another coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.

17. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing, and must hear nothing.

There you have it. I have lived by this code of chivalry for a long while now, and it has served me very well.

Does my sharing of the information on these pages contradict that? Not at all. All that I reveal will be from my own experience, and sources that are not considered secret. If I borrow from another's work, such as above, you will know of it.

Another resource that I feel will be an invaluable tool for you is The Simple Spellcasting E-kit. This simple method of casting spells will help you start casting the easiest to understand, and most successful spells out there.

Once again, thank you for stopping by my lens and reading for a bit, and Blessed Be!!!