"Fleshing out" your Path

[Noni_Isha]

So, I've been thinking.

 

I'm starting out on my path, and on certain subjects, I know where I stand. Such as deity (maybe..), using blood in craft, ethics, and a few other things here and there.

 

But overall, I'm not really certain how to "flesh out" my path.

 

I guess in a way, I'm not certain what questions to ask. And, I suppose there's not "An Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Path of Craft" book, but I was just curious, what would be some necessary questions to ask yourself when building the foundation of your craft? Or do you just "go with it"? Start with what you gut says, or I suppose possibly a book, and just learn from trial and error, with modifications as you learn?

 

- Noni

[8people]

What do you do? Why?

What don't you do? Why?

 

Might sound patronising but pretty much just think about what you've tried over the years, what has fitted, what hasn't, what has been adapted, what has never been tried and information on the reasoning behind it.

 

You will never cover *everything* if nothing else then I doubt anyone knows everything that could be covered by witchcraft. I'd look along from where you started until you reached the point you are at now and understand where your thoughts and actions have changed along the way.

[Ancestral Celt]

I suppose the best way to move forward, to learn is to focus on a area in which you are particularly interested and concentrate on that; practicising as you go. Some like using herbs, some like correspondences, some go for blood and bone, symbols, sigils, runes, divination, others focus on ancestors, spirits, elements some prefer to work with different energies to find their niche. If you have an interest, follow it and flesh that out: you may find it's not what you thought, not for you; or you may discover you've found it's an area in which you'd like to specialise. And ... you just keep going sticking with each area that tickles your fancy and your path will flesh itself out.

 

I have to admit that up until this year, I looked to others for inspiration but this year I have decided to focus on what interests me and it has led to some interesting developments in my thoughts and practices and I am moving forward (or deeper) into my craft.

[o_O]

i think the best thing to do is to read and experiment. When I say read, I don't mean just books written about practicing witchcraft or other paths related to witchcraft. I've gotten ideas for thing from fantasy writings and movies before, and things worked out well. Basically look everywhere for inspiration, and when you have an idea, go with it and see how it goes. Also don't forget to take the time to reflect on your work and see how things are going, and what you think you need to work on.

 

It's your path, make it what you want to.

[LadyShalott]

i think the best thing to do is to read and experiment. When I say read, I don't mean just books written about practicing witchcraft or other paths related to witchcraft. I've gotten ideas for thing from fantasy writings and movies before, and things worked out well. Basically look everywhere for inspiration, and when you have an idea, go with it and see how it goes. Also don't forget to take the time to reflect on your work and see how things are going, and what you think you need to work on.

 

It's your path, make it what you want to.

 

I have found folk tales, folklore and mythology to be invaluable resources of information..

[Ancestral Celt]

I have found folk tales, folklore and mythology to be invaluable resources of information..

 

Definitely!

[Cara Dack]

I find that looking through old threads on here is useful. Sometimes things will pique my interest and I will spend time looking into it, thinking about how I feel about it. Also reading, lots and lots of reading!

[CelticGypsy]

 

I have found folk tales, folklore and mythology to be invaluable resources of information..

 

 

Affirmative ! I also believe by experiance, that certain things are not for the new one either, untill they have grown a bit and furthered their loyalty to their path. IE: 10 year olds do not have the privilge to drive a car, where as 16 year olds have garnered through study and practice that privilge. Let it be noted, that 16 year olds can scare the shit out of people whilst operating a motor vehicle of any kind also.

 

Regards,

Gypsy

[LadyShalott]

Affirmative ! I also believe by experiance, that certain things are not for the new one either, untill they have grown a bit and furthered their loyalty to their path. IE: 10 year olds do not have the privilge to drive a car, where as 16 year olds have garnered through study and practice that privilge. Let it be noted, that 16 year olds can scare the shit out of people whilst operating a motor vehicle of any kind also.

 

Regards,

Gypsy

 

LOL CG, my son drove us thru Atlanta at 5 pm once.. I know of what you speak... aged 10 yrs in 1 hr..

[Mountain Witch]

LOL CG, my son drove us thru Atlanta at 5 pm once.. I know of what you speak... aged 10 yrs in 1 hr..

 

You can age 10+ years in one hour as an adult driver in Atlanta rush hour traffic! (Speaking from experience ...)

[CelticGypsy]

LOL CG, my son drove us thru Atlanta at 5 pm once.. I know of what you speak... aged 10 yrs in 1 hr..

 

 

You can age 10+ years in one hour as an adult driver in Atlanta rush hour traffic! (Speaking from experience ...)

 

 

I do hope this levity in examples drives home my point. :crossfingers: In my reply to this original post. lol

 

Regards,

Gypsy

[Mountain Witch]

I do hope this levity in examples drives home my point. :crossfingers: In my reply to this original post. lol

 

Regards,

Gypsy

 

As I've always told & been told, one has to crawl before walking, walk before running ... Applies not only to locomotive skills but a lot of things - magic included. And yes, 16 years old or adult, some situations will scare the shit out of you if you're not prepared.

[Michele]

As I've always told & been told, one has to crawl before walking, walk before running ... Applies not only to locomotive skills but a lot of things - magic included. And yes, 16 years old or adult, some situations will scare the shit out of you if you're not prepared.

 

Some have scared the shit out of me even when I was prepared, lol...

 

M

[Michele]

So, I've been thinking.

 

I'm starting out on my path, and on certain subjects, I know where I stand. Such as deity (maybe..), using blood in craft, ethics, and a few other things here and there.

 

But overall, I'm not really certain how to "flesh out" my path....

 

 

- Noni

 

All joking aside, lol... it sounds like you've decided some things for your path - but thinking about it and making decisions is different than doing (believe me, I'm a BIG thinker, lol). If I were looking to flesh out a new path and I knew my decisions about what I believed and what I didn't (or at least had an idea) I'd start with feeling. I'd practice feeling the energy. Start looking for it, seeing if I felt it more on the waxing moon or less on the waning. Seeing if different usages of the energy "felt" better during the waxing or waning. See if I felt the energy more in one place (like my yard or my neighbor's yard or the park and my house) than I did in another. I'd practice "playing" with the energy and driecting it, pullling it in, sending it out. I'd play with a candle flame and see if I could pull it to me or push it away from me with energy. Then I'd look into protection, maybe make some protective charms for all the entrances of my home. I'd practice "blasting" out energy like one would do if one was suddenly confronted with or by something that was not a positive thing. And I'd practice little magics and charms for my house or yard. Just to get the feel of the serpent energy and how it relates - or if it relates - to what I believe, and how I relate to it.

 

M

[Guest Elfyd]

Hey Noni Isha,

 

Two things to consider in your quest:

 

One, is to remember that all the responses you receive here are based on the individual's personal experiences and paths walked prior to. Everyone will give their own honest and informed opinion for you to absorb and perhaps act on. From my own perspective I have been many and varied walks and traditions only to find myself firmly embedded in (B)TW as the core of my witchyness. In the time I have been walking this path I have made many changes and even U-turns but have not stopped walking the path. ALL of the experiences of mine are the sum total of my present place and I would be poorer without them. For every plus there is a minus, it is the nature of things. I hope you have challenges and that you rise to them and grow.

 

Two, living as a witch is doing, acting and experimenting, this will prepare you for whatever is next. Try SOMETHING NEW, be bold and creative. There are no mistakes only lessons. Michele has given you a very good and valuable delivery, I think you should place a lot of stock in her words. I would add that for now if you see something that makes you think "that looks interesting" or "I think I can do that", well just DO IT, do not wait, analyze or postulate, DO IT! It is is a piece of art and you think it sucks do not throw it away, store it. If it is a new way of looking at something try looking even if nothing seems the same, it may the next time. You will find that as you walk further on the path that these times will be of value to you.

 

Go for it girl.

 

FFFF

Elf

[kryptos]

So, I've been thinking.

 

I'm starting out on my path, and on certain subjects, I know where I stand. Such as deity (maybe..), using blood in craft, ethics, and a few other things here and there.

 

But overall, I'm not really certain how to "flesh out" my path.

 

I guess in a way, I'm not certain what questions to ask. And, I suppose there's not "An Idiot's Guide to Building Your Own Path of Craft" book, but I was just curious, what would be some necessary questions to ask yourself when building the foundation of your craft? Or do you just "go with it"? Start with what you gut says, or I suppose possibly a book, and just learn from trial and error, with modifications as you learn?

 

- Noni

 

Part of the JOURNEY is exploration and experimentation. When I was younger I never imagined my path twisting and turning so that I walk where I am now on my journey. Follow your intuition, be dedicated and persevere. When you read folk lore, modern books, or try rituals, be aware of what your heart tells you about it. Learn the difference between irrational fear and the need to protect yourself in your practices. Don't be a weekend witch, let everyday be part of your progress on your journey into witchcraft. If you meet a potential teacher to teach any skills or ways they should be able to prove their power. I do not suggest asking for proof, I would be offended by that. However, sense the energies, use your intuition, and keep your eyes open when considering a teacher from any tradition that may interest you. You may study any traditions and gain from it what you will without having to become a lifetime member. I do suggest though discussing respectfully your objectives in seeking their mentoring or teaching. Different teachers will have varying views on teaching who they may perceive as an "outsider". The more you learn the more you will understand many paths and traditions. Focus on connecting with nature, animistic spirits can help you to learn about nature and they can help you advance your skills of intuition and sensing the energies around you. Practice various forms of divination, and know the difference between divining and fortune telling. There are also many good posts here, read around, you may get more of a sense of direction. Keep an open mind too, you may head in one direction and your heart tells you to change course. I hope this is helpful to you, may your journey be fruitful.

[Guest Grimr]

Part of the JOURNEY is exploration and experimentation. When I was younger I never imagined my path twisting and turning so that I walk where I am now on my journey. Follow your intuition, be dedicated and persevere. When you read folk lore, modern books, or try rituals, be aware of what your heart tells you about it. Learn the difference between irrational fear and the need to protect yourself in your practices. Don't be a weekend witch, let everyday be part of your progress on your journey into witchcraft. If you meet a potential teacher to teach any skills or ways they should be able to prove their power. I do not suggest asking for proof, I would be offended by that. However, sense the energies, use your intuition, and keep your eyes open when considering a teacher from any tradition that may interest you. You may study any traditions and gain from it what you will without having to become a lifetime member. I do suggest though discussing respectfully your objectives in seeking their mentoring or teaching. Different teachers will have varying views on teaching who they may perceive as an "outsider". The more you learn the more you will understand many paths and traditions. Focus on connecting with nature, animistic spirits can help you to learn about nature and they can help you advance your skills of intuition and sensing the energies around you. Practice various forms of divination, and know the difference between divining and fortune telling. There are also many good posts here, read around, you may get more of a sense of direction. Keep an open mind too, you may head in one direction and your heart tells you to change course. I hope this is helpful to you, may your journey be fruitful.

 

very well stated, I agree wholeheartedly with what Blacksmith said. In addition, I would say - Listen; to the wind, the spirits, the world around you, but also yourself - they can become great guides in helping you along your path.

[Whiterose]

Part of the JOURNEY is exploration and experimentation. When I was younger I never imagined my path twisting and turning so that I walk where I am now on my journey. Follow your intuition, be dedicated and persevere. When you read folk lore, modern books, or try rituals, be aware of what your heart tells you about it. Learn the difference between irrational fear and the need to protect yourself in your practices. Don't be a weekend witch, let everyday be part of your progress on your journey into witchcraft. If you meet a potential teacher to teach any skills or ways they should be able to prove their power. I do not suggest asking for proof, I would be offended by that. However, sense the energies, use your intuition, and keep your eyes open when considering a teacher from any tradition that may interest you. You may study any traditions and gain from it what you will without having to become a lifetime member. I do suggest though discussing respectfully your objectives in seeking their mentoring or teaching. Different teachers will have varying views on teaching who they may perceive as an "outsider". The more you learn the more you will understand many paths and traditions. Focus on connecting with nature, animistic spirits can help you to learn about nature and they can help you advance your skills of intuition and sensing the energies around you. Practice various forms of divination, and know the difference between divining and fortune telling. There are also many good posts here, read around, you may get more of a sense of direction. Keep an open mind too, you may head in one direction and your heart tells you to change course. I hope this is helpful to you, may your journey be fruitful.

 

Kudos...

[Wytchywoman]

Hi Noni Isha, :wave:

 

It looks like people have giving you some excellent advice thus far! A BIG KUDOS to all above! :cheerleader:

 

Anyhow, I have started introducing the craft to one of my daughters of whom I feel is ready to begin learning and fleshing out her path. So far we have taken hikes in the woods where I have pointed out some of the plants and trees and explained some of the uses for them, while also asking her her thoughts and feelings for them. We came across a fern and she insisted she felt it reminded her of something to use for sleep. I told her that while it is not normally considered an herb for sleep, because she strongly argues a case for it, and feels it so, it would likely work in that direction for her if she wanted it to. So for her, we are starting the walks so she can work on knowing nature, feeling the energy from it, and sharpening her senses in that direction. Then we will start with exploring other energy together, and after that, experimenting with some magical all while having her consider her beliefs such as if deities exist, etc.

[o_O]

H We came across a fern and she insisted she felt it reminded her of something to use for sleep. I told her that while it is not normally considered an herb for sleep, because she strongly argues a case for it, and feels it so, it would likely work in that direction for her if she wanted it to.

 

I'm really happy to hear that you did this. Many people forget that plants and herbs can be used for anything that the user feels that they will be appropriate for.

[Wytchywoman]

I'm really happy to hear that you did this. Many people forget that plants and herbs can be used for anything that the user feels that they will be appropriate for.

Exactly! That is also the impression I hope she gets as well. For this reason, Kept my explanation of the various plants and trees very open ended. Always first asking her what her feelings are about the particular plant or tree. When I'd tell her what people may commonly use them for, I expressed it in a way that it was not an absolute. Therefore, just because many others had great success using something like lavender for anything to do with sleep, doesn't mean that she wouldn't have a great amount of success trying it with a fern either.

[Guest Elfyd]

WW,

Not only is this very cool to hear about your kid but also serves as a reminder that children are much deeper and insightful than many give them credit for. You must be very chuffed with yours.

FFFF

Elf

[Wytchywoman]

Elfyed,

 

Indeed! She has a great perception and among other things, an amazing imagination. I thing both qualities will really help her quite a bit along this path. :)

[Guest Elfyd]

The beauty of this is that you have a special person or will enable her to BE a special person, witch or not. In a perfect world this should happen all the time. This segues into a mention that she is fortunate to have you.

 

FFFF

Elf

[Wytchywoman]

The beauty of this is that you have a special person or will enable her to BE a special person, witch or not. In a perfect world this should happen all the time. This segues into a mention that she is fortunate to have you.

 

FFFF

Elf

Thank you that is very kind of you to say. You made my day! :vhappywitch:

My hopes is to help her realize that craft, the way of life is not all about casting spells. That's why I am introducing to her what I think is most important. Trying to feel, and experience energies within herself and around herself. Even if she later decides she doesn't want to be a witch, I feel this is something she would benefit from greatly.