Witchcraft is called a CRAFT for a reason

Something I've been thinking about lately is how much people want rules in witchcraft.

And honestly, I completely understand why, because I was exactly the same when I started.

When you're new to witchcraft, there is so much information everywhere. So many different traditions, so many different correspondences, so many people sharing their own ways of doing things. It can feel overwhelming. You just want someone to tell you: "Do this, use this, say this, and it will work."

I remember when I first started learning about the craft, I wanted everything to be very specific. I wanted to know the exact steps because I thought that was what made something powerful. If I followed the spell exactly as someone else wrote it, then surely it would work better.

But looking back, I think the problem was that I was focusing so much on doing everything correctly that I wasn't really connecting with what I was doing.

I was following instructions, but I wasn't always understanding the intention behind them.

And with time, that started to change.

The more I practiced, the more I realized that witchcraft isn't about copying someone else's magic. It's about learning, understanding, and then creating something that feels personal to you.

It's called a craft for a reason.

Of course, there are things you should learn. Learn about herbs and their traditional uses. Learn about different correspondences, elements, planets, moon phases, colors, and symbolism. All of that knowledge is valuable because it gives you a foundation.

But a foundation is not the whole house & at some point, you have to start building.

Every herb has multiple meanings. Every symbol can mean something different depending on the person using it. There isn't always one single correct way to work with something.

For example, you might read that a certain herb is used for one specific intention, but maybe you feel connected to it for something else. Maybe there is a personal memory attached to it. Maybe the way it grows, smells, or feels reminds you of the energy you're trying to bring into your life.

That is the connection that matters.

I think intuition is one of the biggest parts of witchcraft that people are afraid to trust.

And I understand why. When you're starting out, you don't want to do something "wrong." But witchcraft isn't meant to feel like an exam where someone is checking if you followed every rule correctly.

It's a relationship.

A relationship with yourself, with nature, with the symbols you work with, and with the energy you're trying to connect to.

One of my favorite parts of spell work is layering things together.

Sometimes I'll create an oil and use it in different ways. Maybe I'll use it on a candle, maybe I'll incorporate herbs connected to the same intention, maybe I'll drink a tea with similar herbs while I'm doing the ritual, maybe I'll create a sigil or use an object that reminds me of what I'm working towards.

Not because someone told me that this is the only way to do it, but simply because it feels meaningful to me.

Sometimes people think a spell has to be this huge, complicated thing with a lot of ingredients and a perfect setup. But some of the most meaningful rituals can be incredibly simple.

Cooking can become a ritual.

Taking a bath, cleaning your space, lighting a candle before journaling, even putting intention into your morning routine can become a magical practice.

Magic doesn't only exist in big ceremonies. It exists in the small moments where you are consciously connecting with yourself and your intention.

I also think people worry too much about having exactly what someone else has.

"I don't have this herb, can I still do the spell?"

"I don't have this crystal, does it mean it won't work?"

And the answer is usually: yes, you can still do it.

Learn the basics, understand the meanings behind things. But don't forget that you are also part of the magic.

You are the person bringing the intention, the emotion, and the energy into the ritual.

Of course, I love looking at other witches' work. I love getting inspired by other creators, books, and different practices. There is so much beauty in learning from others.

But inspiration doesn't mean you have to copy everything exactly. Take what speaks to you, change what doesn't. Add your own ideas.

 Create your own sigils. Create your own rituals. Create your own way of practicing.

Because eventually, your craft should start feeling like yours.

And I think that's the beautiful thing about witchcraft.

There is so much room for creativity, and that creativity is not something separate from magic.. its part of it.

Funny enough, while writing this I realized this wasn't just something I wanted to share.. it was something I needed to remember myself.

Tina