WitchVillage Posted January 19, 2020 Share Posted January 19, 2020 If you had a friend or two who were newcomers to the Craft and they looked to you for guidance, how would you help to guide them through their first year in the Craft. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mona Posted January 19, 2020 Share Posted January 19, 2020 (edited) I would not. It is very personal.Only if particular questions asked. Edited January 19, 2020 by Mona 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodwitchofthewest Posted January 20, 2020 Share Posted January 20, 2020 I agree somewhat with Mona about the craft being a very personal thing. But if I had a friend who really wanted some advice for getting started, here is what I'd suggest they do. 1. Begin a meditative practice of some kind. Preferably, a type of meditation that calms the mind and focuses the will. This is important for any kind of craft. 2. Do some research on the different traditions to see the variety of practice that is out there, and see if any of them resonate. If not, this is still a good idea because it can help a newbie iron out what they personally believe is possible. 3. Keep in mind that all things change. So understand that where you are now and what you believe now will change with time and experience. This is not to be dreaded, but embraced. Change is the one constant in the universe. 4. Get outdoors. However much you can, in whatever ways you can. 5. Learn to grow something. Houseplants, herbs, veggies - it's all good. 6. Learn to make something. The possibilities are just about endless. Feed that creativity! 7. Learn to think for yourself, so you are not at the mercy of the world when it comes to your personal beliefs and inner life. 8. Stay cautiously curious.9. "Stuff" (crystals, oils, candles, bones, altars, etc) is fun and nice to have, but you don't need to have a bunch of stuff to do work in the craft. Many folks work great magic with nothing more than a pen and paper. Your brain and your heart and your will are the most versatile and powerful magical ingredients you will ever have. Learn to use them well. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagefire Posted January 20, 2020 Share Posted January 20, 2020 (edited) I tend to agree with Mona. It is very personal and must be sought with an individual direction in mind. That said... Woodwitchofthewest hits some valid points... To the beginner, -Learn to meditate in any discipline that interests you. -Interact with Nature on a base level as often as possible. -Read, read, read! And not just the internet. Hit the library, touch books, go to the book store. Read history, science, astronomy, art, philosophy, not just stuff about witchcraft. Research as though you are doing a doctorate thesis. -Talent. Everybody has a gift or two that is their contribution to the world. Find it. Develop it. THIS is where your practice will yield results. Let your talents lead you. You can learn Tarot by the numbers, but if you don't have the gift, you are contributing nothing. However, if you can draw or paint, you can CREATE Taro decks, or Runes or charms or compose incantations or brew tinctures and potions etc... Edited January 20, 2020 by Sagefire 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 I taught a friend how to make and activate a sigil. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchVillage Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) Thank you for the replies so far. This is all pretty much in line with what I've been suggesting: Meditation definitely, Being mindful of the elements in the everyday: when washing up, when gardening, when warmed by the fire, when breathing fresh air. I've also encouraged regular warding practice, Edited June 11, 2020 by WitchVillage 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gyreleaf Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Show them how to listen and observe the world. Teach them to be silent, quiet themselves but not to withdraw from the world as alot of meditation achieves but to become fully immersed with it. This will eventually evolve into trance work and spiritual experience of nature. Teach grounding and centering. Get them started with some basic daily ritual that will form a sturdy foundation that will serve them well the rest of there lives. I would get them to start learning two divination techniques. Get them to learn craft techniques, how to make oils, how to make powders etc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gyreleaf Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Meditation isn't necessarily a beginner's technique. It can induce frustration in beginners and form a block to progress. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchVillage Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) This is actually a good point! The original meaning of the word 'meditate' is to concentrate on something, attend to it closely, not emptying the mind, but focusing it. In Zen Druidry the author encourages us to meditate outside in the garden if possible. Being mindful of the breeze, the bird calls, the warmth of the sun, or the chill in the air On 1/21/2020 at 10:24 AM, Gyreleaf said: Meditation isn't necessarily a beginner's technique. It can induce frustration in beginners and form a block to progress. Edited June 11, 2020 by WitchVillage 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holdasown Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 I'm a these people are here for a reason kinda gal, so yes. But I would still do certain things on my own. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phagos Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 As others have said already, if they are total noobs, my advice would be to read as much as they can, from authors of all different paths. As Witchcraft is such a personal practice, they need to find out for themselves what resonates with them. And the other thing would be to just sit and listen, outside if they can and as much as possible. Just sitting quietly, observing and noting the rhythms of nature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belwenda Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Practice, practice, practice. :stirring: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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