5 Things Witches Aren't Being Honest About

[@ScarletRavenswood]

What are your thoughts? Are there any other areas where you feel that online witches aren't portraying witchcraft accurately? 😬 I'm looking forward to reading all your thoughts in the comments.

[@kayleemoon._6045]

I feel like some witches don’t say a lot about the dangers of witchcraft, some usually say all the good things and leave out a lot of the bad

[@ScarletRavenswood]

​@@kayleemoon._6045 Hi Kaylee, are there specific dangers around witchcraft you wish more people would discuss?

[@kayleemoon._6045]

@@ScarletRavenswood like for example for beginners some witches don’t make it clear that hex’s and a lot of deity work might not be right for someone JUST starting out, because I’ve seen so many beginner witches go right to love spells and hex’s, and that’s really dangerous in my opinion, I feel like witchcraft shouldn’t be practiced out of greed and desire but more with good intent,

[@ScarletRavenswood]

@@kayleemoon._6045 Great points! Hexing is definitely not a great thing to be trying for someone just starting out.

[@borisjevic6338]

Hi Scarlet, just wanted to add, that for people starting out in "Folk Magic", or that is the type I am led to believe is called, need to be extra cautious. I remember when my grandmother started telling me things - of which my mother stopped her :-\ , was that she would create a large circle on the floor, I think maybe used salt for it too, then create the pentagram, then light candles on each tip of the pentagram, have what she needed to have with her, i.e. papers with written things on them, i.e. spells, call upon the daemons and devils, then burn the papers in to the candles, while being top naked and sitting inside the circle and then when she finished, she would call upon the Angels and Archangels to clear, cleanse and make safe the area. Now, when she invoked those spirits, she told me not to get scared, as at times, some whirlwinds or voices or 'other stuff' could happen at this stage. Unfortunately, my mother didn't let her initiate me, but she did get to tell me other stuff that I am grateful for, but still have a yearning for that of which I missed out. So yeah, depending on the type of magic, you can have real manifestations happen. As for daemon calling, I won't even go there, yet. But I can elaborate if need be. p.s. That is thru a former acquaintance.

[@angellagoff3061]

I used to think being witchy meant casting spells. I now rarely cast spells. To me it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about balance and taking time to connect with the land spirits etc

[@GravesRWFiA]

pretty much. it's an understanding of what is and how to interact with it. at that point the 'spells' are just a part of what you do rather than that moment you set everything up to make with the bibbity-bobbity-boo.

[@SassyUnicorn86]

Ding ding ding!!!

[@stormfire1995]

ABSOLUTELY 💯

[@PinkieJoJo]

I am figuring this out. I am not really a spell person but I am one that likes to write, color, cook, and decorate my home. I found trying to write or work spells to be so daunting and not really for me personally. I’m finding my own path.

[@tarawolf1356]

I have been a Witch for a very long time, Alexandrian trained and initiated, and semi retired as a coven leader. It is surprising to me to see how different the practice of the online Witches are from my own practice. For me it is my faith, my path, my chosen religion. I am really happy to have watched this video, and thank you so much for this.

[@KateKrabheart]

i'm not gonna lie, i personally love the witchy aesthetic, since it makes me feel powerful and confident. that being said, i would NEVER prioritise that superficiality above real and deep knowledge, learning, researching, putting in the hours, and ACTUALLY working with what i have around me (rather than having a bunch of trendy trinkets that collect dust on a shelf). at the end of the day i want to be perceived as that same witch both when im chilling at home in comfy sweatpants and when i'm all glamoured up. because it's not about how you look, but about what you actually do with your practice. i hope that makes sense

[@enchanted_wildflower_]

Same!

[@yvonner913]

Oh yes! My staff is carved by me but my ritual is Victorian style black velvet with a hood!

[@ocarinachic76]

For me, I was incredibly self-conscious about my own Book of Shadows. I have awful handwriting and zero artist skills, so when I see all these beautiful homemade grimoires, it made me feel bad about my own book. Honestly I went through a period of having zero energy to actually write anything down and basically making zero progress in my path. Only recently have I started typing out my pages, printing them out and adding them into a plain black binder. It definitely doesn't look "aesthetic" compared to insta witches, but I actually have the motivation to work on it again, which is all that matters.

[@chuckfriebe843]

That's cool. I actually have a small BOS in my man-bag that I keep with me while at work for just in case. It's as you described, very simple.

[@obsidianstang6296]

There are professional scribes with gorgeous handwriting you can hire on Etsy. They will take your typed pages and write them out by hand in your choice of script. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

[@ajashby80]

If you or someone you know have a computer with internet access. Use it to make a cover to your binder that calls to you. Look in free book bins at stores and libraries. There might be an old beat up book that you could use the cover for your binder.

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@obsidianstang6296 the point is, that it doesn’t really matter.

[@obsidianstang6296]

@@chuckfriebe843 It may not matter to you but it matters to some.

[@ataleofcoffee842]

I think its always helped me to remember that my craft is mine and mine alone. It's not meant to fulfill anyone but myself, and it's going to change and grow with me.

[@camw1534]

I remember having only a few well-used books, few tools, and keeping everything on the down low some 35 years ago. Now a crone, I have lots of 'stuff,' but it's to enjoy (and honor my gods), not impress. I have relationships with deities cultivated over that time as well. Like most relationships, some are steady and others wax and wane. And they are private. And as far as paranormal experiences, all I can say is be careful what you wish for! Thanks for the good video, Scarlet!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Hi Cam. Glad you enjoyed the video. I really like what you said about how relationships with deities should be cultivated over time and that it's ok if they wax and wane. Definitely agree! :)

[@wildershoney2439]

I've only been practicing for close to 5 years and I wouldn't even call myself a witch until almost 2 years in. I didn't feel I had enough knowledge and experience to have the label. Not to mention I had to cone to terms with how I've done things like this all my life without realizing thats what it was. Kind of an awe period of time coming to grips with my power those many months. Then I felt like it should be private, and still do, but I'm glad its easier to share if you want. Long time practitioners definitely had to hide it, thanks to the "Satanic Panic", but I'm not about the coven life anyway so its easier. I actually mourned the time lost of this way of life. The freedom, strength, peace, and control. It was always there but I was brainwashed into believing only one deity can "give" you all of those things. You are very lucky to have such a long journey as a witch. I wish people like you wrote more books. Personal life experiences within the craft. It would be beautiful.

[@crystal260]

Also, one thing that to me seems like witch aesthetic that I personally have been attacked for is I don’t work with a whole lot of astrology. I was told it was because I need to do shadow work. No, for some people, it’s just not for them.

[@LoraCoggins]

Totally agree! I'm just not a big believer in astrology.

[@astrodonunt]

Modern astrology is basically a hedgemony of ancient Greek culture (and that in itself is possibly a false statement at odds with how they really did it, and the whole system has evolved over time). There are so many different ways to do astrology based on what culture you're from and where you live, and the insistence on it ignores the entire southern hemisphere in which a lot of the constellations appear differently or not at all. You don't have to use every herb in the book, so you don't have to use every star in the sky (or any), especially not if it's from a system you don't relate to culturally or spiritually. And the idea of doing shadow work to "fix" your beliefs/make them conform is gross. There's a difference between resolving resistance and forcing yourself to resist your own likes/dislikes for the sake of someone else!

[@TheAtheopaganismChannel]

I think that the Pagan enthusiasm for discredited pseudosciences is one of the things that makes it hard to be taken seriously by people of other faiths or those just starting to investigate us.

[@ryeannmcintyre7348]

I hope this video gets the positive hype it deserves. There’s a lot of misleading things about “witches” on social media and I’m tired of all the clout they get. It’s about time we get a video like this!🖤

[@oldmanofthemountains3388]

How about every other forum post starting with "I'm an Empath, so...."

[@brigantiablackbird]

That's one of my pet peeves too. I think the phrase, "I'm an Empath, so..." is essentially "I'm SPECIAL, look at me!" or "I'm too fragile to actually deal with anything so everyone should tip toe around me, because feelings." When I see people go down that route I try to impress upon them that psychic abilities of one sort or another is NORMAL within witchcraft and doesn't set one witch apart from another. and then I sermonize on the need to learn shielding techniques and learn how to use one's talents and not be a slave to them. and then I'm suddenly extremely unpopular! lol

[@oldmanofthemountains3388]

@@brigantiablackbird 100% agree!

[@melindaroop1346]

@@brigantiablackbird YES!!! I always roll my eyes at a lot of these.

[@Grounded_Gravity]

As one of those who are on the side of having more deity / supernatural / channeling experiences, although I'm far from the most psychic person ever, I just want to add that while I agree that certainly some witches may be exaggerating and making an ego trip, some of us are cautious about telling our whole truths because we know it might be a bit "out there" for most people, even for some witchy and Pagan communities. It can be lonely on the other side too. Supernatural and psychic experiences have actually been incredibly overwhelming and isolating for me at times. I wonder if part of the reason we hear about it more is that people don't always have to hide this part of their lives in the dark anymore. I'm STILL afraid I could face serious negative ramifications if I disclosed my supernatural and psychic experiences in the wrong situation, and it takes a lot of discernment to walk this line. But I'm really thankful that I can be more open about my experiences (especially online) than I would have been able to even decades earlier, even as much as I have to be careful. I also think another myth is that people with more psychic ability are "special" - I'm constantly told this by others but I am not. I just worked very hard at these skills for years because I felt called to be an energy worker. And honestly, most of this is just energetic sensitivity which can absolutely be improved upon with time and effort. It's a learned skill, like any. Sure, some are gonna have more of a knack at first, just like math or sports, but with practice, time, consistency, and effort anyone can build it.

[@JB-og8gn]

It is VERY difficult for me to talk about psychic or “paranormal” experiences in the witchy community. The disbelief and discomfort expressed by others has been intense. I no longer do. I do not consider these experiences “lucky.” Many people who have these experiences find them overwhelming, difficult, or scary/painful. Especially in this culture that does not know how to support people having them. I agree with everything you say here. The witchcraft community talks about spirits and the occult more than almost any other community, and cultivating practices that are meant to engage “psychic abilities,” but if you actually start experiencing mediumship or psychic abilities, you are disbelieved or become the object of sublimated jealousy or insecurity. It may well be a spectrum, but humans are naturally psychic, there are realms, dimensions, whatever you want to call it that are beyond our own, people who are “naturally” more sensitive are generally not that way because they asked to be or are trying to be “better” in some sense than others, and all of these “abilities” (which all humans have) can absolutely be cultivated and developed. I think this is poorly understood in part because understanding of energy work varies a lot among Western practitioners and isn’t really as emphasized as in Eastern practices. I’m still looking for a space where I can practice witchcraft, deepen my energy practices and grow my energy body, and develop my psychic skills in a space of non-judgment, one where the bias is to trust and believe what people say. I believe that space exists, but so far, I have not been able to find it.

[@Grounded_Gravity]

@@JB-og8gn I sooo hear you! The stigma is real, and the loneliness of these experiences can be really difficult and isolating. And it can be hard to find those spaces. I am mostly in reconstructionist pagan spaces atm, which I love, but there tends to be a little more skepticism there and more of a focus on the concrete (history, documents, etc) . But in the more "open" general spaces, I see a lot of people being pretty unsafe and ungrounded with their psychic development practices and that also freaks me out. It's really hard to find a space with grounded people who are also open and non-judgmental about their psychic development. And who aren't on some kind of ego trip about it, thinking it makes them special. As a society we need to get away from the idea that a person must be exceptional to be worthy, and therefore that psychic skills are somehow "better" than other skills. It leads to exploitative psychics who further stigmatize psychic phenomenon for the rest of us.

[@princesseuphemia1007]

I think I kind of know what you mean. I do not have regular intense experiences of the paranormal or hear the gods speak to me directly but the experiences I HAVE had only just added up for me a few years ago and ever since I have been thinking about them and what I should do. I still can't really decide if I should ever open up about them or not. Because if I ever did tell the world it would mean I have to take on a great responsibility that would change my life forever. One I'm doubtful there would ever be any coming back from. So for now while I do still have my shot at a normal life I've kept them in my heart and buried them there. Because I do still want to be able to live a normal, peaceful life.

[@princesseuphemia1007]

​@@Grounded_Gravity I agree with this comment so hard.

[@Grounded_Gravity]

@@princesseuphemia1007 in case you need to hear it, it's absolutely up to you what you do with the abilities and talents that you have. Being good at math doesn't mean you have to be an engineer or a math teacher. Having psychic abilities doesn't mean you are obligated to use them for anyone else. You don't owe it to anyone. 💕 I hope you find your way with it!

[@anneniliam9012]

Spells are like prayer, their power comes from your focus upon the outcome and your work building your will towards it. Effecting change in conformity with your will requires a serious exercise of that will. The paraphernalia associated with the craft is useful as a focus but is by no means essential.

[@drschonify]

As a Norse Pagan I can really relate, especially to your first point. I see so much online from others that you would think some of them are just blasting out an invitation to every god and goddess in the pantheon to go bowling...and they all show up....every Friday. My few experiences have been in times I was so in need of direction that one of chose to come help me. And those even were usually not much more than a couple words or a surge of strength.

[@crystal260]

So many people don’t understand how tools are not even necessary, so buying tons of stuff they cannot afford is unnecessary and just part of society telling people they have to buy more more more. I do have to disagree on the seeing spirits part. Some people really do have a natural ability to see and talk to spirits. No not everyone will be able to develop this, and that’s ok, it’s just not meant to be. (Speaking for my family, it runs in my family to see spirits 🤷‍♀️ I see at least my spirit guide every day).

[@kristenmorreale307]

I’m a natural born witch or there’s def something different about me! Never thought I was a witch until recently. I’ve had a lot of spiritual encounters well some I can speak to the dead if I wanted to. Also have a familiar spirit..

[@kristenmorreale307]

So I agree there’s def natural gifts but she’s saying it’s not as common...

[@Ezaton]

@@kristenmorreale307 ooh another natural born witch! blessed be🌒🌕🌘

[@destroyraiden]

Right about how often one can see spirits. I grew up in a haunted house it was too common to have toys move, voices speak to me, or see them. I can go back there and still sense them they scared me alot and I've fought to get away from my abilities but doing so is hurtful and hampering in alot of ways now I have to make peace with it, get to know it, and bring it back for it's only dimmed not left me. I also disagree with her physic visions normally I get deja vu alot but sometimes I'll get visions like I had a dream I had to wear washing gloves and the next day my dishwasher broke and I had to wear washing gloves! I do agree with you that culturally we're told to buy, buy, I heard one witch say, "you need a crystal that you don't have? Then go outback and get yourself a rock from the ground." basically you don't need a crystal that rock will do.

[@destroyraiden]

@@kristenmorreale307 Agree, been questioning it for while myself I believe you are born a witch weather or not you choose to identify as it you will be one always. My mother is a healing witch but would never believe so.

[@AnaCeciliaPS]

Honestly, thank you for this video. I started my path when I was a teen but put it away when I became an adult and one year ago I started coming back. And I felt so overwhelmed with all the things you just talked about. It seemed like my witchcraft wasn't everybody else's craft. Like I was doing something wrong. It frustrated me a little bit but I kept going trying to not mind about these things that much. But to see that your experience on the craft is similar to mine is really reassuring. Thank you

[@aliciav63]

It is a skill … The more your learn The more you search The more you practice The more you will gain insight connection and many of your reflections will change … No one becomes a witch because you claim it You are in constant evolution until you die in this incredible world we experience 🐈‍⬛🖤

[@miamystical]

Thank you for talking about this!! Instagram and tiktok always makes me feel bad or like I'm not doing enough with my practice or that I'm not far along enough but your practicing is YOUR practice and it's entirely personal and not based on anyone else's opinion. It's up to you and what resonates with you

[@churka5984]

Real mediums exist and there are a lot of studies done on them. In their practice it's quite normal to communicate with non physical entities on a daily basis. There are also people who genuinely experience poltergeists on a regular basis weather it be because of their own intense energy or because they live in a house that is full of residue energy from people that used to live there. However, I doubt most witches on social media live lives like this. There are a lot of people who fully believe that these are *not* real experiences, but rather something that you "believe" happens when it really doesn't. It puts anyone who does genuine spiritual work into a very difficult position and I'm glad you're calling them out on that! 🤗

[@witchNwand]

You're down to Earth girl, you didn't tread on my toes, you just helped ground me. We're all only human, and just because some of us are witches doesn't mean that we are better or worse than anyone else, or have superhuman abilities. Have a great day 🙂✌️

[@linden2080]

I used to feel ashamed to tell people I was pagan because I thought they would call me a devil worshipper etc etc but these days I worry more I’ll get mocked because all they’ve seen is the materialistic social media witch stuff (which I do still enjoy but I wish more people from the outside would take the time to understand witchcraft and paganism before judging)

[@chrisadimitriadou]

well, you know what they say "if you talk to god it's a prayer, if god talks to you it's schizophrenia"

[@kathleenroberts7972]

I liked what you said about not needing any tools more then access to the natural world! So true. But if that wasn't available we have our thoughts. Our mind is where everything first happens and our greatest tool

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Great point about the power of the mind and our thoughts! I had a fascinating chat about this topic with fellow witch, Jessi Huntenburg a couple weeks ago. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoaxl2dolK-gkNE

[@bebbcorpharpery7331]

I love the channel and thank you for making these videos. While I do not have experience in witchcraft, for those who wish to experience, I would suggest looking into shamanic journey. Rattles, drums, sound, and breath are a few different ways to alter consciousness. A couple good books on this topic are the way of the shaman by Michael Harner, and Shamanic Journey: a beginner’s guide by Sandra Ingerman. These can be profound spiritual experience without the use of drugs. I also like how you touched on not being materialistic and consumeristic when it comes to acquiring a bunch of, “stuff.” For my own personal things in lieu of buying crystals, I prefer to take walks in nature with my family. My son and I pick out a few rocks that grab our fancy. There is something curious about rocks that you find. It feels more personal, and there is some wisdom or character in the old rocks. Anyways I ramble. Thanks for the videos.

[@geminigreywolf6655]

The only thing I disagreed with was paranormal experiences. I have for my entire life have had experiences. If you were to ask most everyone in my family, siblings, cousins etc you would find they all have had experiences. My parent’s house was in our family since 1780s. They were a few spirits there. The house I live in has two regular spirits. I can’t call them up or see/hear them all the time but there has been some unbelievable encounters.

[@destroyraiden]

And don't they seem to just come and go as they please? I grew up on a haunted house and moved to a new one we get occasional grifter ghosts that come in follow us around then go off again last time we had it we found out one of the neighbors lost their spouse and we were wondering why she was tailing us cuz we knew it was a woman. Though moving to a generally non haunted house has been a weird and eye opening experience I didn't know how daily/weekly the interference was I thought it was all normal and was mostly a me thing. I had no separation of spirit and me now having been removed I'm learning what was them influencing me and what was me and it's very different.

[@jamesrussell8571]

Everyone is different, some are naturally more sensitive than others. Its ok if you don't have a lot of these type of exleriences, and ok if you do. For most, these kinds of experiences are rare... and do get exaggerated a lot. But occasionally there are those who experience it more often.

[@dodiekoehler5256]

Thank you Scarlet. I have been thinking about the same thing. It's nice to hear I'm not the only one thinking it.

[@vane33a6]

This video brought me comfort, validation, and growth. So thank you! Blessed BE.

[@veidrdrengrskald9789]

I have had spiritual moments that are unexplainable many times in my life its wrong to put a number on someone's experiences you can usually tell the exaggerations...

[@TravelandBang]

First video on KZbin being 100% honest. No wacky confessions and no Harry Potter fantasies, thanks for being brutally honest Scarlet🔮

[@brandonthomas1702]

I love this video. The commercialism is what bothers me the most.

[@Theholliewitch]

The older the witch gets , usually the less he or she needs to rely on spells and ingredients. I think a lot of witches go through the phase of thinking they need things, but if we keep on the path we find that it’s in our mind and outside our door in nature

[@icarogois5268]

Getting the chance of watching someone like you speaking openly about your spirituality really eases my mind. I love your channel and the way you share your knowledge with us. Keep up the amazing work!

[@saraht6562]

Thank you for your honesty. I often wonder myself if some of these people really believe in the experiences they’re having or just straight up lying. There can be an awful lot of gatekeeping from those who claim to be connecting with the gods, and acting as if those who don’t have that type of experience aren’t actually “doing the work.”

[@catt8111]

Oh they believe it in all honesty, but they are also completely self deluded idiots. Their egos are so wrapped around their fake abilities that they can never admit they're fake even to themselves.

[@hedgebeast8930]

Some are probably lying, some are definitely not!

[@catt8111]

@@hedgebeast8930 and what do you put that ratio at?

[@hedgebeast8930]

@@catt8111 I wouldn't have a clue but it seems like a lot if people aren't very genuine. Those people make the rest of us look like liars but we're not! But some people experience crazy shit week in week out

[@catt8111]

@@hedgebeast8930 What crazy stuff happens to you every week? Spill it girl!!!!!

[@thenerdycrone]

Love this video, it is so spot-on, I find my most effective spells are using things I have found or been given, Sometimes I will leave an offering in return or I will return something I have borrowed once the spell has worked. I don't buy things as a rule and I am also worried about where crystals are sourced from. Hence mine is the magic of sticks stones and leaves lol.

[@lynnsmith3995]

For ME, social media is just as staged and fictional as any movie I’d watch on say, Netflix. Some of its pretty, but it’s all done for ratings. I can appreciate some of the artistic efforts, but it Doesn’t impact my personal practice at all.

[@SarahEsmaeWolfe]

Even with spells that are the "set it and forget it type," at least for me, I still have to recharge them or feed them if I want them to keep working. I think that helps me keep what I want in my subconscious so I actively work toward it. But I personally think if you make a spell and it sits in the back of your cupboard for years, it's probably not working (unless it's a freezer spell then def don't mess with it xD).

[@Logelees]

Really great videos actually appreciate the hard work

[@wakefulwitch]

Thank you for this video! I often feel the same, almost inadequacy for not constantly doing spells every moon cycle or channeling messages from the spirit realm or not seeing spirits with my eyes. For me deity experiences have been more like little signs and correspondences that add up over years of being exposed to them. Hearing your perspective here has me feeling less of "not enough", and I appreciate it so much

[@ameliakimmel9734]

I loved this video, I definitely agree with everything you said

[@Boudicaisback]

When I see ppl say "im a baby witch" I cringe

[@todhannigan8779]

“Truth” is that which corresponds to reality. Thank you for sharing the truth!

[@Cantetinza17]

I've been a witch since I was 12 and now I'm 41. I have learned for me that just because you're a witch it doesn't mean all your problems are solved. I have also realized that I am not a 1 style witch. I will use what and whomever to get the job done or to show me a different path. A lot of the times I don't use anyone or anything sometimes I just have to sit and be still until the answer comes. I don't always write in my BOS unless I have changed something up or unless something very interesting happened. If I leave out an ingredient I add it when it comes to mind. I used to freak out and think it wouldn't work etc and I realized whether I add cinnamon before or five minutes into the spell, it didn't matter. Finally always keep learning. It's so much fun to learn other styles or easier ways to accomplish your goals when maybe you don't have materials or time. It's great.

[@MagickMelangle]

I do have paranormal stuff all the time but not everyone is truthful. Try opening your 3rd eye more if interested! Also astral adventures help ❤ Thank you for the video!

[@amalathisdreaming]

When it comes to way spells and rituals are portrayed on social media, I feel like so many witches - mainly newbies - do spell or ritual for every smallest thing in life. When you do them multiple times per week for every possible element of your life, some of them are bound to align with what is happening of your life and give you a belief that the spell worked.

[@tarawolf1356]

the longer I am a Witch, the less likely I am to do a spell. I usually just put the mundane work in to get what I need. or I learn to live without it.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I'm a witch. I almost never do spells. That's not all there is to it. It annoys me that people who call themselves witches think being a witch is all about casting spells.

[@NeloBladeOfRanni]

On the point about psychic abilities I 100% agree with you. While I have had dreams that come true in the past contrary to what alot of TV shows and social media portray I'm not constantly getting flashes of the future 🤣. I've also been told I'm a empath and a medium but for me especially in regards to mediumship I don't actually hear a spirits voice it's more like I read their energy and get a general idea.

[@leviolmr2448]

I’ve been possessed by a evil spirit in high school. I’ve spoken in tongues at church. I’ve seen shadows, seen and heard things move. More so when I was a kid and teenager. It’s not cool and people shouldn’t be messing with that stuff. It’s only trendy because people are not being honest. Thanks for calling all of this out. I have a great big intuition and discernment. But….most of my experiences and use of abilities came when I was wrapped up in a Christian church. So…yea. Me being Pagan has extremely lessened my paranormal experiences and I love the peace. Pagans don’t encounter a whole lot. We live very peaceful lives. Contrary to popular beliefs and what you will read from a Abrahamic book. I’ve had some here and there. But NOTHING like it was as a kid and teenager.

[@Tess9494]

I appreciate this video. When I first felt a strong call to witchcraft three years ago, I quickly turned away because of some of the problems I saw with it on social media. It felt like it was about showcasing and ego more than nature worship. But I could not ignore the call and here I am three years later, back to witchcraft. This time, I am going to put boundaries around witchy social media consumption. After all, there are so many books! And much to learn from direct interaction with nature.

[@waltervega8730]

I completely agree with what you're saying. I've been a practicing witch for almost a year now. Most of my tools and materials are hand made and from the dollar Tree. One of my favorite tools are candle holders, which i use often. I gathered up seashells and use them as candle holders for tealights, and chime candles. I feel when I use tools that i made or find in the natural environment- I'm more connected to my craft and just means more to me. Thank you so much for sharing! Keep up your informative videos.

[@Selena-ee6ch]

Witchtok: so me an my bestie , the morrigan, were chatting and the morrigan was like, "wow bro you really live like this?" an' I was like, "dude literally so rude" and then we laughed and had a pillow fight and played mario kart for like three hours * baloon cheeks and peace signs *

[@heat15sw]

i think alot of these come from TikTok, other people in the community mention witch TikTok and give the impression that everything will happen just like in the video.

[@EAGLE97K]

I think your craft and videos are great Ravenswood.

[@A.Hess7749]

I think psychic abilities sometimes come unexpectedly and at random. There have been actual cases of authentic psychic ability, but the person receiving the information did not identify as a psychic and it was a one time experience. I myself have had three experiences when I was 7, 35, and 37… that’s it. Everything I am stems from that very first experience I had at seven years old. Love this video!

[@lindamicki0509]

Wow, I have had paranormal experiences my life. And have been lucky enough to have it happen when others are around me. Even at work. Confirmation for me to let me know that I'm not crazy.

[@princesschelsea1558]

I agree with you completely on all of these, especially on spells being able to tip the scales in your favor but not automatically give you everything. I think we have to show up and do our part. I mean, it seems rude to just ask for something without giving in return or trying so I definitely look at it as a respect to the Universe of Deity as well. I’ve been working with Athena a lot lately and I can’t imagine her giving guidance or wisdom if I didn’t get my butt in gear as well! Haha When I work with her, it’s very subtle like you said. I kept seeing signs for a good year before I finally realized it’s going beyond coincidence. But she doesn’t show up as an apparition or clearly speak to me. It’s more in gentle nudges and intuition. Maybe a sign here or there to show me I’m heading in the right direction or maybe a seemingly random thought pops in my head that feels like it has intention behind it. Anyways, I absolutely love all your videos including this one!

[@DarkArachnid666]

Hoodoo practitioners would actually agree with you. :)

[@thepaganpirate3528]

I love these kind of videos, it’s how I decided to start my content for now. I love the feeling of it! Keep these kinds of videos coming!

[@jadencasarezwattpad]

On the subject of paranormal experiences....I dont have the expendable time nor the expendable energy, I am getting too old and I have too much depression to lie. Protip: pick an ability and practice it intensely for years to still see little to no results, then forget about it..give it up even like your neo working a 9 to 5 and watch it come on its own.

[@tomkipling7705]

See, the problem we face as a community is people taking a concept and running with it. People like to romanticise the craft, deity relations especially.

[@theamvgirlx]

Paranormal experiences *can* happen all the time but ONLY if you are a medium because I believe that ghosts or entities can sense if you are one. However it barely happens to someone who is not a medium x

[@inesvalente212]

Dear Scarlet, It's amazing after all these years I still feel a sense of truth when I hear your words. Thank you for creating this amazing community and to have the courage to do it. And yes, I get what you mean with this video. My Pinterest have grown a lot with "too much" in a last couple of months. It would be great if people could be honest about the craft, because otherwise, people would see this amazing community as a lie (wich is not!) Kisses from Portugal 😘🌿

[@sagehawk12]

Ive had it go both ways with deity contact and spell work. It all depends on the deity, your relationship with that deity... or lack there of. As for spell work it depends on complexity. If you just want a doughnut and you are already in a doughnut shop... you very well could have the spell work immediately. If you want a house... probably going to take more time.

[@stankybee]

Thank you for making this video! I've had a similar sort of feeling lately seeing all this stuff on social media, so I'm really happy you made this. Good to know I'm not wrong to feel that way.

[@benjalucian1515]

Good video. While you don't _have_ to get all the spooky, occult-ish items, sometimes they can set the mood. Some people have to be in the right atmosphere to meditate and concentrate clearly. Some people can do this anywhere and good for them, but for others, trying to concentrate on a spell or prayer when they're sitting next to a pile of laundry that needs folding, their dishwasher is running and they can hear the kids outside screaming and playing when they also know they have to get lunches ready for tomorrow, doesn't help. To set aside a sacred space, complete with suitable items - candles, incense burners, statues/altar/shrines - really helps to get in the correct mindspace. I imagine the people who who are not being honest are either seeking attention or seeking reinforcement of their own beliefs or uniqueness. Lot of what I read is people who haven't researched very much of the Craft. Seems they jumped on the boat without knowing much about it. This is not unusual, this happens in many faiths. I saw this in one Christian evangelical friend who joined such a church, _then_ took classes to learn about his faith. He, like some online witches, found something he liked in the faith, and immediately broadcast to all and sundry of his new path, while not knowing much about it and then spread what wrong information he'd found out without checking first.

[@achyleftistwitch]

With the paranormal experiences thing, I really think that's person to person. I've been having them since I was little to an insane level, apparently, compared to most people, but from my perspective other people may be having just as many and they don't see them for what they are. Knives used to end up placed blade out in our couch and my dad always used to ask me why I would do that....it wasn't me even once. Just one example

[@oneeyedwilly8139]

That's it, I'm getting my wand of magic missles.

[@jamessimpson9385]

Casts protection from minor magic.

[@44of144]

Right, lol!!

[@theakirschblatt8393]

If I ever had an issue with spells it was that they worked too well. They ruined my life. I just cast a hand full of serious ones 15 years ago when I just started as a tiny witch.... and I wished someone had told me not to. U don"t need spells to be a witch. be happy with what is given freely.

[@EarthSilver]

So I'm not the only one that noticed all of this. Either that or I have had similar experience in my path as yours.

[@kevinlittle9483]

Love your videos, informative and beautiful!🥰🥰🥰

[@zoevd4072]

Oh my god, I love you Scarlet! Thank you so much for keeping it real. Sometimes I feel like I'm not a valid witch because of the reasons you listed. Personally I don't do spells and you would never guess I'm a witch by the way I dress. I'm into Tarot, I pay attention to my (rather vivid) dreams, I experience a lot of synchronicity. I think intuition and psychic ability has a lot to do with paying attention lol. Once you start seeing how spirit/deity/the universe communicates it becomes almost funny. My experiences with the divine could be described as mystical or spiritual, it's more like a sensation, beyond words. Physically it manifests as a warm tingly feeling or a rush of energy. But I've never actually seen let's say Artemis appear before my eyes :)

[@SheriLaFay]

Great video and points! I was slightly distracted though by the plant (which is a beauty) but it will ruin that desk top if you don't put something under it :)

[@callievick9700]

I feel like pop witchcraft has taken away from the authenticity many of us have. It's frustrating to see stuff exaggerated and this "gimme gimme more more" culture is exhausting along with overwhelming.

[@jinxapologist]

Totally with you on paranormal experiences of any kind! I'm not a witch or wiccan, but I strongly believe in those experiences, but I believe it's very rare and only happens to a handful of people, and probably to the ones who wouldn't necessarily expect it. Thanks for your honesty opinions on these topics!

[@Purpleaggie05]

Question 🙋🏼‍♀️- I understand you’re a huge reader. How do you balance between reading new information and actually applying what you learned in your life? That’s something I’m struggling with right now. I read a ton, but I struggle with applying to my life.

[@georgebelmontejr2326]

Thank you so much i totally relate to you. I thought something was wrong.

[@hamingjure]

I apricate you making this video. I've been a witch for a bit, and I own a store. I do tell customers who are just starting out some of what you have said in the video. Though I do honor different gods I really don't have any type of relationships with one specifically. I actually prefer to honor my ancestors, and have worked with earth spirits or the fae. Reading some of the responses I agree that pop culture has caused some of the impressions you addressed. Thank you again for helping the new witches/pagans. Blessed Be

[@thecastleoftruestblue9665]

Quite an interesting video. I don't really share my witchy journey on TikTok. The only places I feel safe to do so are on my small blog and equally small Facebook account. In regards to your first point, I do receive audio. But it isn't a constant thing like people portray it to be and it's also not super loud/obvious either. I can relate to the subtle signs that you mentioned. Personally, it's getting the urge to paint or create something or feeling inspired to learn more about something in a particular deity's domain.

[@thecastleoftruestblue9665]

I also forgot to mention, that sometimes, I feel a warm energy. And in terms of the audio thing, it's common in my experience for either one of us to be silent for quite a while. But that doesn't necessarily mean that anything has gone wrong. Hopefully this all makes sense in some form.

[@unknownuser4418]

Great video. I think pop culture and social media has created a twisted view of how things really work. This twisted view becomes a barrier to exploring truth. Learning to listen to that inner voice becomes all but impossible, if you are expecting a spirit to physically manifest and tell you what to do. There is a physical world and a spirt world. They interact with each other, but are not the same place. The art of magic, prayer or whatever you want to call it, is acting in the spirit world to bring about action in the physical world. Of course this is a two way door. What we do in the physical world also impacts us in the spirit world.

[@Cernunnos_83]

Witchcraft and witches are getting more popular. It is good but bad at the same time. Not every new witch is pagan and so it is just a modern trend, which can go away very fast.

[@Robert-gc9gc]

Have you moved your bookshelves? I remember a window in the background. Would definitely like these random videos about what you’re thinking about ❤️

[@whenovemberends]

Personally, i do actually have conversations with 3 different gods (current status). I don't talk to them 24/7 and sometimes there are weeks where we don't talk at all. But they're there (most of the time, of course they don't always appear when i want them to) and they help me and sometimes we even joke around. However, that's how my personal relationship with them is and i realize that many people have different experiences with their deities. I think it's not anyone's place to judge whether someone actually has the relationship with a god that they claim to have. Relationships of any kind take work on both sides and i am very happy with the way "my" deities choose to communicate with me. :) That's just something i wanted to say. Great video by the way!

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

I think my spirituality has kind of diminished since acquiring things that I think help my altar. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have, physical things can only enhance that, they can’t replace it. Too much hype and IG/TikTok fame when it comes to Paganism and Witchcraft. I’ve never experienced paranormal stuff or seen deities. I know these things exist, and I’d love to have encounters. Yes people exaggerate. It takes some serious evil or a very determined soul with unfinished business to manifest as an apparition in this world. Ouija boards are great tools for the subconscious mind too. Tarot kind of scares me because of all the disinformation that’s out there lol. I have divined in the past with books like the Havamal and some other books with lines of advice. I’m warming up to Tarot though. All in all it was a great video, I like it all! I’m a Norse pagan mostly but I’ll get into witchy stuff and anything else. We should mix things and learn from them. Cut everything right down the middle.

[@abbeypeters2765]

The deity thing annoys me, because I've felt like no matter how hard I try deity doesn't want to connect to me and it really bothered me. To the point where I considered just stopping my deity veneration, but what I realised is I do connect to deity but more the way you say: It's subtle, weird coincidences and still has a lot of question marks even when you do experience something.

[@aussiewatcher5986]

Thank you for being so honest, and I think you are so right

[@leslybeauvais]

Fun video! I agree. People exhagerate a lot.

[@chuckfriebe843]

I agree totally about the deity thing. While I feel inspired by the archetype of the Horned One/Cernunnos or whatever name you want to label the witch god of the forest, I've not had an audible encounter with him. I identify with the spirit and the symbolism or Cernunnos. I do believe in animism and I call on those spirits when doing a working. I also may occasionally be in a trance or dream state and see the archetype in my mind and feel the presence of spirits, but again, never an audible encounter. Our experiences will vary. So, it's important to not feel bad or left out if we don't have the same experiences as others. Thank you so much for this post. Very poignant.

[@lorrainetrotter4737]

I have practicing for decades and rarely use 'tools' so don't really have any. Candles some. An occasional herb that I either also cook with or buy as I need. Most of what you are talking about is mostly show imo. And no, psychic ability doesn't suddenly stick to a witch. If not born with, it can be developed. But it honestly may take work. Along those lines, mediums communicate with the dead. At 62 I have probably known less than a handful. As with any gift, this is somewhat rare.

[@melolore1280]

Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees. So to be honest I’ll admit that as of late I’ve been questioning myself & my practice? Mostly because of the online borage of “Everything you Need to be a Witch”? Buy this & buy that! I thank you for bringing this to the forefront cause it definitely needed to be addressed as well as the newest turn towards the paranormal? Although I believe in the paranormal & have had more than just a few dealings, some before I knew what was going on as early as the age of 2-3 but that being said I will admit that I do have a lot of what I call gifts. Some new, some old which I still work to perfect? Unfortunately it seems that most now think you can not be a practitioner without throwing “Paranormal Specialist “ in the mix, & no one doesn’t have anything to do with the other? Perhaps with the online phenomenon of being a Witch to be cool has intermingled the two? I love that you have the ability to say what needed to be said. Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees even for us Witches? Thank you again & blessed be🔮

[@kristenmorreale307]

I didn’t know it was rare to contact deity! Thanks this has helped me a lot! Thank you!

[@lavenderrosecosplay5639]

Thank you for the videos, Scarlet! I started my path almost 2 years ago with starts and stops. I started with wicca as a foundation. I had very little money to put into gathering things. For ages, candles and salt were my only tools. My main expense was getting Wiccan/pagan books to research. The good parts of witchtok have been very encouraging to me, but I tried to stay away from the consumer side of it. Being in booktube made me cautious about outrageous spending, especially when you don't have the space to accommodate a sudden collection.

[@LeoDiogenes]

Great video! I like the informal chit chat. I think it is important to be sober and slightly skeptical of paranormal encounters. Some may be coincidence or mearly natural circumstances that we don't entirely understand. That being said, I have had numerous "encounters" over the course of my life. As for personal progress and experience. This work is almost entirely a subjective thing, and comparing our experience with others is probably not healthy.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Hi Jason, Glad you enjoyed the video. That's a good point about personal experience being subjective and thus difficult to compare. :)

[@bpsara]

Mundane before magical, as the witch of wonderlust likes to say

[@tripplespringsfarm9737]

I think she was purely speaking on the folks making videos for attention instead of actual real experiences. Of course we cannot compare one another in basic terms.

[@alicemarley7336]

Thank you so much. It's nice to know I'm not the only one going I don't have this that or the other... Well let's go find something to make it instead. 😏

[@johnpool5629]

I want to thank you for your honesty that most witches don't do very often.

[@jerrycolwell5468]

Totally agree thanks for your opinion. I hope your video reaches more than just witches and pagans so people of any faith can at least try to understand. (My family in particular lol) I will share your video once again thanks

[@todhannigan8779]

That is my experience as well! Sincere thanks for your honesty!

[@wulfbana]

Hi! Interesting topic to bring to attention, so thank you!

[@mjj7781]

Thank you for being honest. Some things on social media seem even shady to me. I am just starting out I want to learn and do research. I don't want to do it on a superficial esthetic level. For me it's about empowerment, training my intuition, believing in myself. For me it's also a feminist practice.

[@aislinnedana]

Somebody needed to say it! I think practicing witchcraft is a lot more low key than people make it seem like. Even the super elaborate spells and rituals that are posted. Maybe it's real, maybe it's for the 'gram. But that's not the norm.

[@strangeaslife]

You will probably get some pushback on this video so thank you for bravely discussing these topics. I think you are right on and these things are honestly one of the biggest concerns I hear from friends who dip their toes into the witchy community and might otherwise take off with following this path: they feel SO intimidated because of how "instawitches" and others who are maybe looking to make money off their witchy image or persona portray their practice publicly. Their income is their business and I dont knock anyone for working hard to build a business but they should also take some time to he honest. Not that they're all lying... but many of them are amplifying reality for entertainment value, which again is fine, but acknowledge that fact. I think when you and i started (based on your previous videos I've assessed we are about the same age and started about the same time on our witchy paths), social media hardly existed outside of forums and email chains. There's so much pressure on people these days with money making blending with people's personal lives in such intimate ways. It's something we all struggle to reconcile and I think will struggle with for a long time to come. Thanks again for speaking on this. Honestly it has inspired me to be more vocal about my practice but in an authentic way.

[@tiffanyrobichaud7280]

You gotta realize there's both light and dark magic and you're gonna have a different experience than someone dabbling in another form of witchcraft yourself. And there's also different kinds/ levels of witchcraft in both kinds.

[@Lioru92]

Only point I don't 100% agree with is the paranormal tidbit. In my experience people have varying levels of awareness and being open to the spirits and energies around them. It is definitely over exaggerated, but for people like me, who have experienced paranormal events our entire lives, it is just a normal part of life. Not always present, but not impossible to find at all. I think it probably gets brought up more because of all the tv shows and KZbin channels, which range from completely faked to actual experiences. There is nothing wrong with being closed off, but it certainly varies between people. Otherwise yeah, deities have only given impressions/very strong pulls. More of a foreign feeling or thought that persists and nags until you pay attention. I think a lot of people are pulled to the aesthetic of witchcraft. Which is unsurprising considering how much magic is in pop culture, but for some may be their window into the craft, and for others a phase. We enjoy what we enjoy and everybody has different paths. The important part is learning how to view things we are presented with a critical eye and to be honest to ourselves. We compare ourselves far too much to everyone around us.

[@spy8464BB]

Great video. If I'm not mistaken this craft is about the manipulation of subtle energies. Most witchy videos are far from subtle and I believe this video kind of brings the image/view of witchcraft more down to earth where it belongs. Subtle is the key. Personally I just want to live closer to our true nature and feel connected to those signals that the universe sends in my direction. I think the content of your video runs parallel with this idea..