Over my years of being, first a student of witchcraft and then a teacher of witchcraft, I have noticed a pattern of repeated conversations which point out mental traps witches fall into that keep them from working from their fullest potential and using all the tools available to them.
Generally, these conversations take place when a person is facing difficult time, they are down and feel helpless, as they feel they are doomed to react to whatever happens to them. As we speak I may suggest that they try empowering themselves, be proactive, you’re a witch, you have knowledge others don’t, why not do a little divination, maybe work a little magic?
Usually, I receive one of a few common responses: I can’t because…I don’t have the RIGHT supplies/ I don’t have money for supplies…
or
I haven’t consecrated my tools
or
I’m not in the right mind set
or
Ritual/magic and its preparation take a lot of time; I’m short on that right now.
or
Isn’t it wrong to work magic for yourself
Many of these statements represent fallacies in magical thinking we all fall into at times that I would like to address.
1. I don’t have the RIGHT supplies/ I don’t have money for supplies. These two statements address different fallacies but they are definitely related. Most witches I know are self-educated, voraciously reading every book on the subject they can get ahold of. We revere and look up to the authors; they are the authorities. While it is good to respect those who have tread the path before us, ultimately, they are not the authority in your life. Magic is a personal pursuit. It relies on personal energy, personal connection and personal symbolism, (for instance, many supposedly calming meditations begin by having the individual imagine pure white light, while many people are relaxed by this idea it tends to make me antsy. I have to imagine a dark night to calm my mind.) The same can be said for some spells. We may see a spell that ressonates with us, it seems like it could help us. This spell may suggest it be performed during a certain moon phase, day of the week and time of day (for your need, this may not be realistic). As you continue reading, there is alist of herbs and stones to use. “This spell will work perfectly for me”, you think, getting excited. However, as you study the list of herbs and stones. You become disappointed, there are stones and herbs listed that you don’t have on hand, your budget is tight, payday is a little ways away, due to the suggested timing you’re not sure you could procure the needed materials in time.”Damn!” you think, regressing back to your feeling of hopelessness, “I can’t do this spell, now what am I going to do?”
Well, first let’s address the biggest issue with this situation. You are wrong. Spells in books are guidelines, suggestions and sources of inspiration. This is what worked for that author, and may not, even if performed exactly the same way, at the same time, work for you. Besides that, there are substitutions that can be m ade, when it comes to herbs and stones and in some cases you don’t even need those trappings. For instance, I have a quick prayer to the Earth Goddess to help find a parking space, works everytime, no candles, no stones, no herbs, no ritual…I simply focus my energy and say the prayer. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that these elements of a spell are completely are inoperative, they are amazing boosters and allies, but in a pinch you; yourself as the witch, are capable in and of yourself, of manipulating energy and manifesting magic. While authors know their stuff, they can’t make the connections and associations for you.
The other portion of this fallacy is that you need to have fancy, expensive tools specifically set aside for ritual and magic working. While they are nice to have they are not necessary, I have cast a circle with a pen, I have pulled herbs from my spice rack in my kitchen and reused crystals from previous rituals after cleansing them.
The idea of the pomp and circumstance and pretty opulent, shiny ritual tools comes from the idea of ceremonial magic (sometimes called High Magick). Ceremonial magick is highly ritualistic and has a history of being tied to the noble classes in antiquity. The special tools are nice, and I will say that the special tools are great for groups. However, for everyday magic, everyday objects absorb the energy frequency of your life, they are connected and bonded to you and that can make them very powerful magical tools. Your magic can be just as, and on occasion, more successful, than if you had used the specially consecrated tools. In fact, I have found that sometimes, simplicity adds power to a working.
2. I haven’t consecrated my tools! While it is important to cleanse tools when you first get them (you don’t know what kind of energy they may be carrying), and consecrating them to your work is helpful, the consecration portion isn’t completely necessary. As we use them to cast or circle (if we even cast a circle) and focus on the intent at hand they are tuned to our intent in that moment. Ecstatic Magic ad Ecstatic Ritual (that is magic or ritual that comes from being in the moment, with words and actions that are inspired by spirit) are some of the most powerful experiences that I h ave had and in most cases they were accomplished with what was on hand, not speciallyh consecrated tools. It is the spirit, the intent and the focus that are the most important parts of a ritual or magical working.
3. I’m not in the right mindset First off, it is important to be focused on your intent and to carefully direct your focus. However, some of the techniques we witches use to prepare for magical workings can help calm an upset and chaotic mind. Smudging: this cleanses the area and the practioner, it can help you to release negative feelings, calm aggitated emotional states, uplift your energetic frequency. Meditation: this is a pause, a moment to take time out, it can force you to examine the situation from all angles, listen to the guidance sent to you by your special connection with the Divine. By meditating you take a break and give yourself some rest. Writing or planning a ritual or spell: this takes research, and some time. This step gets your mind working on solutions, and alternatives, you think about the outcome you want and how to get it. It helps to distance you from the emotional overload. It keeps you from focusing on the overwhelming feelings that buried you in the first place. Casting a Circle: While this is a step that might not be taken, depending on the situation and location of a ritual. However, casting a circle focuses your energy and blocks out distractions. Invoking the Divine, the Elements and any other spiritual guides or allies can help you to not feel so alone in your situation and casting a spell or working a ritual is empowering, it is a form of taking control, and switching your perspective from reactionary to proactionary.
4. Rital/Magic and its preparation take a lot of time. It’s not something I have a lot of right now. While ritual an magic can take a lot of time, it doesn’t have to. My personal belief is that it should fit into your life. A successful spiritual practice is made up of a lot of small things that when put together creates a rich and beautiful tapestry. It can take as little as a couple of minutes to light a candle or incense as an offering and say a small prayer or to spend a moment using a pen and paper to manifest your intent. Think outside the box, find ways to work magic when you can. It doesn’t have to be a full on ritual everytime. Magic can be as simple as focusing energy and saying a few words over your drink and taking in that energy yourself as you drink.
5. Isn’t it wrong to work magic for yourself? This is a creation of Hollywood, not a valid magical principle. Magic is a mechanism for healing and change in the world. Anyone can tell you that the best way to change the world is to start at home. When we heal our own wounds, when we work towards being happy, healthy and productive we are able to do more good, be more helpful and the good ripples outward, just like the ripples on a lake when you have tossed a stone in. So, no it is not wrong to work magic for yourself. In fact it is a great spiritual practice to better yourself. Magic for yourself, is in some ways one of the best things you can do, and is definitely a good way to get in some practice; after all, do you really think that you should being doing something for someone else that you wouldn’t do for yourself?
What all of this comes down to is one of the greatest lessons a witch can learn. You are Magical. Magic lives inside of you and you are capable of working magic no matter the circumstances; whether you have all the bells and whistles or just yourself. You, my dear reader, come from Divine origins and are an amazing magical authority with a unique voice and style you should explore and express in the world.
The Frith Wytch 