Hey! I’ve been practicing some witchcraft here and there for just over half a year now and I’m having quite some trouble ‘getting into it.’ It’s a little hard to describe but everything feels ‘blocked’ to me. Theres so much information to learn (and I’ve been doing what I can to learn as much as possible) and so many different ways to practice witchcraft that I feel like it’s all clouding my vision. This path feels right but whenever I think about cleansing spaces or performing spells I feel defeated before I’ve even started. I feel confused and overwhelmed just with everything as a whole. For some reason, it feels so difficult to incorporate witchcraft into everyday life, it feels like a chore rather than something that’s natural as it appears to be to other witches on YouTube. I’ve tried focusing just on crystals or just candle spells but it’s not ‘clicking’ with me. I just want to know if anyone else has felt this way and if so, what did you do to overcome it? If you haven’t, are there any ways you suggest I can overcome this road block?
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So...threw my own experience my road block was my own doing. I had to go threw some shadow workings in order to let myself continue on my path. I had to figure out where I really was and who I really was and what I wanted. I hope this helps you a little bit. Also if this is what you have to go threw...be prepearrd for some juicy messy inner workings And I hope it goes as smoothly as possible lol.
My experience in witchcraft was a sort of an evolution, for years I practiced certain aspects of it without even realizing that was what I was doing, I had always just considered myself to be a spiritual person, but I digress. I agree with @NewMoonMetal in that some shadow work would definitely behoove you. When you have a greater understanding of your self (your past, present, and future goals) then it will be much easier to connect with the appropriate energy/spirits to do your workings.
When it comes to taking in all the wisdom and knowledge about witchcraft there is available, it can be very overwhelming. But you have the right idea, pick a topic and focus on that. Try and pick something that will work in tandem with shadow work to research and learn first. When I was doing the bulk of my shadow work (which still continues, as we are all constantly changing and evolving and sometimes it can go unnoticed even by ourselves in the fast paced world/society we live in) I used tarot. However, 9 times out of 10 I don't use tarot in the traditional divination sense, but as a tool to help communicate with my spirit guides. When doing this, try to avoid tarot spreads. Come up with some questions you'd like to ask, and focus on each inquiry before drawing the next card. Lay the cards out in whatever formation feels right to you at the time. Not relying on spreads for these readings will help to hone your intuitive abilities as well, which will come back to help in your shadow work. It will also help to write down the questions you've posed to the cards, the card that was drawn, and then your interpretation of the message; this will solidify your relationship to your cards and help to better understand the message(s) being relayed.
If you have any questions feel free to ask either here or in a message and I'll respond as soon as I can! Hope this helps!
Ohhh I like what you had to say. Well put!
@sensitive-witch I personally would recommend starting shadow work with instant gratification. my reasoning is that with the craft most things take time. You can’t do a spell and have it work the next day it could take days weeks months years for it to work. And with the society that we live in today we care conditioned to need it now it has to happen now I want it now ect. I always feel the need to learn more about as much as I possibly can and when I forget to take time to slow down I get overwhelmed. So my point in being is that once you do working in yourself for that it can help you slow down and not be so overwhelmed. There is so much time to learn things. No need to rush! ❤️ Buuut...this is just my opinion and what I have gone threw personally.
When I worked in healthcare, I used to remind people that the hardest part of being a patient was being patient -- and later realized that it goes double for other aspects of life (like, f'rinstance, practicing the Craft). I have to agree with @WoodWalkerD , @NewMoonMetal @TheIndigoAlien -- don't push or rush, take whatever amount of time is needed, and steer your efforts toward better defining (for yourself, not anyone else) what it is you're seeking to do & what does/doesn't work rather than jumping into "okay, now I'm a-gonna cast a spell" because the latter is seductive and fun and generally thought to be What We Should Be Doing while the former can sometimes be uncomfortable but in doing so opens doors, makes paths easier to see, and helps one deal with oneself with solid footing and honest answers.
I just re-read my comment and want to apologize for the double-length run-on sentence at the end, y'all. <8-o
@Brian NobleHeartedLion no apologies ever!! Well for long winded comments anyways. You have things to say and at least some will read it and find it interesting like me!! Lol
@NewMoonMetal Thanks! Problem is I'm the son of a (retired) English teacher... oops. <8-P (I'm not a "grammar Nazi," but probably do fall under the heading of "grammar crossing guard.")
I feel the exact same way <3
I am currently going through this, but rather than become frustrated and discouraged I see this as a time to discover what works for me and what doesn't. Maybe what you're focusing on, isn't what your spirit connects with? I thought when I started witchcraft I'd be an eclectic witch, or even you know, a crystal witch or some such.
But after working with certain items, mediums, crystals etc. I've discovered that sometimes my own energy doesn't vibe with the things that I like or think are pretty. Instead, it vibes with bone, coral, wood, black tourmaline and copper. Things that I don't look at as being something I would enjoy, and yet they resonate with me.
Don't force it. If it doesn't feel natural, if there is resistance, let yourself flow like water into a different space. Don't fight toward what you think you want to do, let your energy tell you where it is you need to go. Center yourself. Find a space that's just for you, and sit for five minutes. You are not obligated to learn everything in witchcraft nor should you - because not everything will resonate with you. Your energy, your body, and your mind will tell you. Relax, and just be. Ask the universe for help, out loud, and then wait. It is okay to sit in the stillness and wait.
When I started looking into things I *wanted* to do? I was like, Oh, crystal grids and crystals! Fire spells! Charm bags! And what my energy and inner self said to me was - knot magic, sigils, the power of the ocean and water, air, words, music, breath.
I hope this helps even just a little.
Ohhh very well said!
What worked for me: 1) Repetition - It's only natural to feel weird about an activity you just suddenly introduced into your life. Rituals and spellwork were very awkward to me at first no matter how eager I was to do it. But I kept practicing anyway until the uneasiness faded away and so now I feel one with my Craft. 2) Written Guides - At first, being unfamiliar with the general flow of things, I got lost in the complexity of it. I try to organize my thoughts objectively as to what to do or say next but channeling intentions combined with apprehensions clouded my mind too much. So I wrote the process down (steps and incantations) and read from my notes every time I did anything, until I got into the rhythm well enough to remember most of it. I still occasionally glance at my notes just to make sure I don't forget anything. It also helps with my peace of mind knowing that my written guide is there when I need it. This allows me to focus all my energy on intention. 3) Personalized Practice - Things stick better when they appeal to you personally. So instead of following my research to the letter, I added my own flair onto everything (as long as the changes don't ruin the purpose, of course). That way, I always like what I'm doing. It doesn't feel like an obligation. Also, incorporate your own interests into your Craft. What do you like? What are your hobbies or passions? In my case, for instance, I love art. So I capitalize on sigil making. I also love to cook. So whenever I prepare meals, I do so with intention (stirring clockwise, of course. Hehe).
hey I'm a baby witch with a lot of questions one of them is what's shadow work and how can I do shadow work
Please go to the shadow work thread of the forum and read the pinned post