Hi there! I start by explaining the title. I "desperately need a community" for two main reasons: - I don't know anyone in person who practices witchcraft or who is as much interested as I am. - I'm agnostic/atheist and this makes me very confused, but since I've read that there actually are atheist witches, I've decided to try. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure that there are no italians here, but it's not a problem, I just hope that you all would want to share your experiences with me, especially if you are atheists, because if feels like we are very few in the witchcraft community, although maybe I'm wrong...? I hope so... I've always been drawn to magic, folklore, nature... But especially with magic, I clearly remember always doing "spells" and "potions" (of course not actual ones, although I lactually used spices, as far as I can remember) when I was a little girl and at some point I also remember that I had started to think that I could search for actual books about witchcraft in book shops, but I still was very confused between reality and fiction. In general, growing up, I walked away from religion (Catholicism, since, you know... ITALY), but started to feel some kind of spirituality on my own, although if I'm not really capable of firmly believe in things I can't see. The only thing I "know" is that there are things I like to think about and that make me feel good, things that I would really want to believe in and I feel like maybe there is "something" in nature and between all humans. And because of all these things, especially looking back to when I was a dreamy little girl (you know, a little bit of Anne of Green Gables), I also like to think that there's something "magical" inside of me that brought me "here". Anyway, now I'd like to talk about the things that make me confused the most. Basically, I don't know where to start and this makes me very frustrated too. I've bought a book, "Drawing Down The Moon" by Margot Adler (I'll put a link, so that you can see what it tells about), but obviously it's not enough. Have you got some suggestions (about books, but everything you want too) for someone who wants to learn to practice without any religion/deities? I've read that atheist witches rely on themselves, the universe, their own psyche, etc but it's still too wide as a "spectrum" and too confusing. I've also read everywhere that anyone can "custom" their craft, but I still can't understand how...? If I don't follow any religion, where do I start from? Everything always feels like "stealing" from other beliefs, if you know what I mean. I can't tell if some spells, rituals, etc are linked to a specific religion or if they can fit for everyone, especially I can't tell if they can fit for atheists. How do I do it?! Thank you anyway for reading my post. If this is the wrong section (or if there is one that it's better for my questions), please tell me! I really, really hope to find beautiful and magical people to talk to! P.S. Here's the article that -after years of wondering on the internet and in my mind trying to decide and understand what to do- convinced me to try and not being too scared (although I couldn't tell that I'm not): https://medium.com/@Vi_LaBianca/confessions-of-an-atheist-witch-24c659ecb700 And the book I've bought: https://www.amazon.it/Drawing-Down-Moon-Witches-Goddess-worshippers/dp/0143038192/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1566576118&sr=8-2
Search
Sep 2, 2019
· Edited: Sep 2, 2019Here I am, a begginer from Italy who desperately needs a community.
Here I am, a begginer from Italy who desperately needs a community.
Its true- anyone can be a witch, regardless of religion! Ive found most spells don't require specific deities, but if they do you can omit that part by saying something different/ cutting it out. And most spells are easily customized, whether you use a white candle in place of green, leaving out sections for deities, saying someone else's name, using a sigil if you want even though the original may not mention sigils, etc. I'm here if you have any further questions! I hope this helped!
Thank you so, so much, I really appreciate that you shared your thoughts with me. Right now I'm searching A LOT for suggestions and reassurance, because the amount of information is just overwhelming and also because of, you know, coming from Catholicism (even if it's not an actual part of your life and you don't follow it) always leaves you doubtful, scared and a little bit "closed" about everything else. It's so sad. I hope to find myself through my new "spiritual" journey. If you want to suggest your favourite books to me, please, feel free to! Thank you so much again!
Do you believe in the power of the moon and nature?? With those two things you can replace any spell that calls from help from the deities with those two.
Also I would recommend looking into anything having to do with the fey or faerie realm because I believe asking those spirits to help you in spell work can be just as powerful as working with god or deities.
Coming from a structured and organized religion like Catholicism something like this is just going to feel different. There's no "right" way, we are all just sharing to give some ideas and inspiration. That's what the books are for as well. A lot of us witches use ideas from a little bit of so many religions, but it doesn't have to be labeled as that. Create your own ideas and beliefs, it's all about what makes you feel good and what works for you.
Gather information and go with you intuition; do what feels right and everything else will fall in place. Read anything and everything you can get your hands on, even if its more of the religious side of witchcraft, like Wiccan books. The information will help you understand every belief and round out your own. You can always skip the pages with gods and deities and like Ezra^ said just replace the deities with anything that's Magickal to you.
Thank you so much to you too! I appreciate that you stopped by to write your thoughts. As you said, I think Catholicism is a big part of my "problems" and, as I replied to the other comment, even when you decide that it's not for you, it's hard to dismantle all the things you've heard during your life. Especially some years ago, when I first approached (and then "left") the idea of witchcraft, a part of me wanted "more rules", instead of finding myself lost in the amount of traditions, beliefs, freedom, etc that are part of it. lol But now I'm slowly learning to accept and especially appreciate it. Anyway... I think that I can't believe in spirits, the same way I'm not able to believe in general... Moreover, the idea also scares me a little bit, even if I don't believe, and anyway I've started to hear about them recently, so I'm still confused everytime someone mentions them. What you all mean when talking about spirits? Aren't they part of some religions anyway? Thank you again and I hope to not bother you with my questions. I think and hope that you can understand how it feels to be a beginner...
Hello and welcome! Silver Ravenwolf has a lot of books you might like to check out. Her book "Solitary Witch"has been recommended to me a lot over the years. She writes from a Wiccan perspective. I'm an eclectic witch and do not conform to the Wiccan religion, but her books are very informative and explain a lot about the history, dieties, and practices.
Again welcome, and I look forward to getting to know everyone better! Love & light!
Hi, Kashka! I've written at least 3 messages to you and canceled each one because the more I typed... well, the more I thought of and I didn't want to post a 300 page tome here. <:-} I've found that our lovely Olivia is a great source of a lot of really good information but, since I believe in multiple sources for almost everything, here are some more... There have been some fairly detailed book reviews (of many different witchy books) as well as discussions of different approaches to (and different kinds of) witchcraft on the YouTube channels of HearthWitch (who follows a generalized path with some emphasis on Hoodoo) and Thorn Mooney (a Wiccan High Priestess); another witchy channel with occasional book reviews but a lot of discussion about personal day-to-day witchiness etc. is Shadow Harvest (who seems to take an eclectic approach). Another really useful Internet source is PDFdrive.com, where you can find free or cheap e-books on just about anything, including witchcraft. Best of luck to you in your hunt!
Hi Kashka,
I’m new to the forum, but wanted to share my philosophy with you since I think we are of the same mind. My philosophy is simply: Serve No Masters- Honor no Kings, I do not worship gods and/or goddesses and my magick works just fine….having said that, I make no judgments of those who choose that vehicle…whatever gets you there. One of the many reasons Olivia resonates with me is her “You Do You” approach to Witchcraft--The more natural it feels to you the better the outcome. The only acknowledgement I make is to the power of the Universe that I am one with.
Witchcraft is in its essence is natural and simple…the more natural it feels the greater the chance of success. Your Magick has to come from a place of sincerity and authenticity, sincerity gives you clear intent, and you MUST be clear in your intentions. The more simple and natural-- the more potent. Complex rituals will only distract you and diminish your will. Focus on the simplicity of what is going on in your head—“ it is the expression of your will put upon the universe to manifest a desired result” (can’t give the proper attribution to author for that quote…but it’s one to remember)
Clearity + Intent=Manifestation , hope that helps,
Blessed Be