Getting Started as a Witch

[@sigmarecovery699]

I am a man and an empath. Former police officer in recovery from PTSD, drug, and alcohol abuse. I was baptized as a Catholic (not ashamed of this fact) and Jesuit educated. I began exploring different forms of spirituality when my recovery started. For some reason, I have felt really drawn to Norse mythology and Wicca. Been studying and researching books from the library on those two topics.

[@drawingKenaz]

Lots of luck to you! And congratulations on your work in recovery! That’s incredible! I hope your explorations lead to more good things, whatever direction they take!

[@sigmarecovery699]

@@drawingKenaz Thank you. Interesting channel. Namaste.

[@BrelynnHeart]

Remember in the first episode of Sabrina (90s version) every spell she casts turns into a pineapple🤣.... that's kinda what it's like to start🤷‍♀️. Powerful magick comes from confidence. Confidence comes from familiarity and familiarity comes from doing it over and over.... boom, witchcraft. Now get out there and make a lot of pineapples🤣🤣🤣

[@Nectar_Ix]

Exactly! I love you for this❤😂🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍oh, all the pineapples!

[@drawingKenaz]

So cute! I love this!

[@cirella1064]

😂 I love this too. Thanks for posting.

[@sandyblack9698]

Do you think other witches know other witches even with no contact??blessings 🌛🌕🌜🤎

[@joeovercash9985]

@@drawingKenaz kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@pamelasavage5157]

It's refreshing to have another American Witch and Wicca so you are very much appreciated as well.

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@Elizabeth-ll4tt]

The initial draw to witchcraft for me was the fact you could tailor the craft and beliefs to yourself, that it was fluid and open to change along with the practitioner's life milestones. It offset the strict conformity of the overculture/religion in my area expected from the community as it was during my own childhood, as I balk as being forced to conform to an ideology. My worry is the witchcraft/wicca/pagan community falling into that conformity trap, and inadvertently suspressing curious minds who need that freedom to explore.

[@pamelasavage5157]

Also here in the United States in the Northeast Georgia Appalachian mountains. ❤

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@christykimsey6838]

This was so helpful and genuine. Thank you! ✨🪄🖤🖤

[@Beafree]

OMG!! Thank you for putting this out. I had just started dabbling into witchcraft, mostly divination. I joined a witch group in my town. Right away people were telling me I had to choose what direction I was going to go in my craft, those in leadership were also asking and even offered witchcraft lessons (One of which is in a coven). So after buying books and researching I eventually got burned out. I finally got to the point that I told them I needed time to do my own thing and enjoy the process.

[@EmberHoneyRaven]

Your video quality is *chef's kiss*!! If you cared to share what kind of camera you use, I would binky in your honor!

[@drawingKenaz]

Thank you! I’m just using my phone! It’s an iPhone 13 (not the pro)

[@fizzlestyxx8507]

Thank you very much for the video. I'm been on the fringes for a very long time but I have just recently made up my mind to learn and practice. I am practicing meditating and grounding and centering. I feel a bit broken though when it comes to visualizing and enery sensing. They elude me. I appreciate very much the interesting video and I hope to learn more.

[@kalicorrell5026]

zlibrary is my go to when shopping for books. It’s not free, but if you donate 20$ you get to download unlimited books! So definitely worth the money.

[@MsStratyllis]

Another brilliant video. You're still the best. I told my local Occult Bookstore owner, Robert of Edge of the Circle Books, to order your book so I could buy it from him post haste. If you're ever in Seattle please come do a book signing at his store!

[@tameramorrison8966]

Hi Stratyllis!

[@drawingKenaz]

I hope I get to someday! Seattle is such a cool city!

[@nairbvel]

Note: this is NOT meant as a commercial, I just wanted to point out something that a lot of people here probably have but might not know they have. Another unexpected (for me) resource for people short on cash but looking for books is "Kindle Unlimited" through Amazon Prime. It costs $9.95 per month but that's often less than the cost of even just 1 book, and the program lets you "borrow" a number of books for free. There's a limit to how many free books you can have in your account at any one time, so you can't keep them like a book you've purchased, but if you're looking to read through entire books (not just a few sample pages) before buying them or just want to take notes on a bunch of different books, this is a fairly cheap way of doing it.

[@wildfranticbird8967]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you for giving libraries and interlibrary a shout out. I'm a librarian and interlibrary loan things all the time; it's magic!

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful, how are you?

[@cirella1064]

This video set up is excellent. Great content as usual. Not sure why this is now in my feed and how I missed it.

[@karmas8864]

I came into the witchcraft space a year and a half ago. It was half-assed and I followed "the rules and regulations" for about 6 months. Last Halloween I threw myself into full time learning and dropped the qualifier titles. I read/absorb what calls my heart so my practice is MY practice. I've followed your videos, took what resonated and left the rest. I have a huge stack of books as I followed the greatest advice of, next level witchcraft isn't in the "witchcraft" section. I love the lore, myths, herbal/plant reference, geology, plant/rock guides, astrology, etc. The most dangerous things I've come across is based in mundane safety (have a fire extinguisher nearby!). Yeah, weird things have happened and not all fun but nothing like what Hollywood says would happen. I really appreciate this video and now I get it. Thank you! And you look freaking fabulous!

[@oliviagrace6914]

unrelated but shoutout to all of the pagans/wiccans/witches who don’t make fun of me for being Christian. thank y’all. God bless and Jesus loves y’all!

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@witchNwand]

Hi Thorn, thanks for the advice, i really appreciate it, and I've literally just bought your book 'The with's Path' from Amazon, so I'm looking forward to some great learning. Have a blessed day ✌️

[@kelleydonovandancers]

OMG I've been reading your book! I did not realize u were the author of the book I am reading, I watched two videos then you held the book up at the end of the video and I realized that is the book I am reading!! 😮😊

[@pamelasavage5157]

What are your thoughts on or about Raven Silverwolf? I've heard different people say oh she's great and others say they say to avoid her and I'm not sure why? So I have been watching and following you for years. And I first found the late Tiptoe chicken my she be R.I.P. so I've just struggled finding others that come close to her and you that are Wiccan and what I started with and learning Wicca. Blessed Be and thank you I appreciate what you do and your opinions and that's.

[@jackhunter929]

Time stamps please

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video!😁

[@VinnieV15]

To the library 😎💙

[@RayRaeNonbinary1]

I have left Christianity due to religious trauma and I want to learn about other beliefs because life has become mundane. Wicca as I understand it sounds calm no real strict rules other than don't be an asshole. So it sounds good for the things I dealing with.

[@BethRitterGuth]

Thank you for this video. I am not a witch, but, as an independent Druid, I am often confused as one, and people ask me all sorts of questions I can't answer. I will definitely point them to your video, as it seems very balanced.

[@oliviagrace6914]

unrelated but shoutout to all of the pagans/wiccans/witches who don’t make fun of me for being Christian. thank y’all. God bless and Jesus loves y’all!

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful, how are you?

[@bloodsweatandsteel.2749]

Another outstanding video Thorn! Thank you so much for sharing. I've only been at this witchcraft thing since oct 2017 and I've encountered all of the issues you mention here. What helped me get going was deciding to start by using what I already know as a jumping off point. In mycase this meant metal work. I have a background in welding and a hobby as a blacksmith turns out that historicol metallurgy and smithcraft have a massive occult history and practice. So my advice if I may put my 2 cents in would be use what you know. You would be surprised to learn just how witchy you already are. Just my opinion as someone who is still a bit of a noob.

[@oliviagrace6914]

unrelated but shoutout to all of the pagans/wiccans/witches who don’t make fun of me for being Christian. thank y’all. God bless and Jesus loves y’all!

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@Gypsy235]

I’ve done spells since a teen and some have worked, and some didn’t, and I’m okay with that. It’s all trial and error when you do them. I love your videos bc they’re so honest and informative. Thank you I also agree with you about the material stuff in witchcraft. Our ancestors did not have “material stuff” like we have today. They used what was on hand to them, nothing more. I feel Wicca and the Witch community has gotten to far into “material stuff” anymore.

[@oliviagrace6914]

unrelated but shoutout to all of the pagans/wiccans/witches who don’t make fun of me for being Christian. thank y’all. God bless and Jesus loves y’all!

[@Gypsy235]

@@oliviagrace6914 ❤️

[@wheelerdave]

Hi I'm a fairly new(days i think) subscriber, I've been asking this to all the Wiccan/ Pagan folks i started following; so thought I'd ask you. Where are you on the whole Solitary vs. Coven Wiccan( I should say that I am Solitary by choice, coven just doesnt appeal to me, that being said im open to different opinions)? I'm a very new Wiccan(mid Jan of this year) this time, I looked into Wicca many many moons ago(sorry felt like the right way to say that); I don't remember what it was that didnt interest me or whatever it was why I dont think it fit, or if im being totally honest what drew me back other then it feels right. I've gotten kinda mixed reactions from its all good, to if youre not in a coven youre not really Wiccan. You may have talked about this in the past, im only through videos from about 10 years ago. Sorry this ended up so long, once i start its hard to stop. Thanx

[@chrystals.4376]

I’m not a Witch, but as a practitioner of Magic I disagree about never having to buy things. I DO agree that most people do not need pricey incense especially since anyone can make it themselves with herbs spices & bulk resins, but I still had to buy incense burners (from thrift stores) and eventually electric ones as well as other mostly inexpensive supplies like diamond tipped etchers in order to make my own talismans. Learning how to be cheap as possible and avoid extravagances would be better way to frame things IMO.

[@CoralTheWitch2023]

My God, you’re GORGEOUS! LOVE the hair and make up!

[@drawingKenaz]

You’re so kind! Thank you! 💙

[@helmoonkitty8583]

You look amazing love!!! Great vid. Thank you and Blessings 🕯️

[@crutchead]

From another older video of yours-- youve mentioned that youve gone through (and thankfully recovered) ftom awful elements before that you were involved in. Just wondering upon your recovery-- is it accomplished through the practice youre involved in or was it through professional help. Ease be upon you.

[@oliviagrace6914]

unrelated but shoutout to all of the pagans/wiccans/witches who don’t make fun of me for being Christian. thank y’all. God bless and Jesus loves y’all!

[@drawingKenaz]

No one should make fun of you for that! 💙

[@sandyblack9698]

Samhain blessings from Devon England 💜🌛🌕🌜🎃🎃

[@sshhayne]

Thank you for this!!

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@geminigreywolf6655]

I have been really enjoying The Witch’s Path. It is really a great book. Thorn , you look fantastic. Love the hair color.

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful, how are you?

[@squirrel777777]

You are absolutely radiant. Thank you for this video.

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@LailokenScathach]

Not sure why I unsubscribed from you, but this is excellent advice! I've re-subscribed. :)

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@rsnsol2490]

great advise. thankyou. Your hair color looks really nice.

[@JarredTheWyrdWorker]

Great video. One piece of advice that I like to give -- which I think relates heavily to your second tip -- is to learn to trust yourself.

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@theowlspirit]

Yea I really really wanted to “be” a green witch. But I honestly don’t engage with plants and the reality is that I’m more of a diety worship type of witch. Sometimes the aesthetic you like is not what you “are” and it’s all a self discovery.

[@batty_babette]

That's a really good point, and I think one I need to keep in mind myself.

[@ShaunMeaney99]

Nice name ;P

[@peachpotchi]

Great video! First tip is definitely the most important. When I first started out I was convinced I have to be wiccan, consumed all the content, read a bunch of books and tried some stuff but it just didn't stick with me. I'm not a religious person, so I dropped it. Like a month later I was still interested in witchcraft, so I researched beyond and I feel much happier now with it.

[@KellysCreativeDreams]

Greetings, Thorn. I love your tips. I'm going to link your channel on my blog on Thursday. the Free Lewellyn conference on-line is also a great resource. I believe that's where you may have popped up on my channel from. Blessings ~Rain

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@foreverseeking1380]

Amazing video!!! So true.

[@gastronomist]

This should make your editor happy.

[@joeovercash9985]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Faq1uq7WYhpY

[@blossom7582]

Look at you all prettied up!!!

[@jessicamartinez2625]

I don’t think you can put it any better than how you just did👍👍👍

[@susanscheela8766]

So new I dare not call myself a witch... But my searches on Google brought me better incense, crystals that make me feel protected, respect for tarot cards and an independent bookstore put the Witch's Path

[@susanscheela8766]

In my hands. I am grateful and a terrible typist!! Lol. I feel like my journey has just gotten real!

[@lacolocha75]

You are looking GREAT!!

[@Bramble1976]

I've been practicing for over 20 years. I have a stack of books I picked up last week from my library, I came away clutching my books like Gollum from LOTR 😅 Everything from Wicca to Forest Witchery and a Woodland craft book thrown in for good measure. Libraries are fantastic resources and people need to utilize them more. Besides....how lovely is it sprawl out on a comfy chair with a delicious coffee and while away a hour in the atmosphere of a good library 😍

[@zenilityquandry4767]

Thank you Thorn. I find myself in this very situation. Your guidance is much appreciated ❤

[@drawingKenaz]

I’m so glad this was helpful! You’re very welcome!

[@moistsquish]

Even after being in the craft for 8 years now I still enjoy these type of videos because thr community changed all the time it feels like every year I'm a brand new practioner

[@artsydaisy]

I am just wondering about magical properties of plants and herbs. What is the source of this info… like when we say something is good for protection… why? Is this just someone’s idea long ago because they believed it for their own reasons at the time? I understand that it may be related to the medicinal properties… but. Don’t always see a correlation. I just feel like some of it is random. And is it more that a persons belief that is gonna bring something or repel something is where the power is, magically. And if somehow the medicinal properties and energetics of that plant can align then even more power, but not actually necessary… but actually intention and belief being the main magical part????? I just don’t like reading that this plant or herb does this and that for spell casting. I want to know why? Why does camomile tea sprinkled around the home, bring prosperity? Makes no sense to me. Why not sprinkle any other kind of tea? It’s the ritual of sprinkling and setting the intention and belief and action that actually makes it work, right? How did these ideas form, that one herb does this and another does that, magically. Help!

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful

[@strandedinseattle9931]

I appreciate that you put this video out and are discussing the diversity of witchcraft. I think the biggest aggravation for me is the massive amount of misinformation flying about online, and that a large population of "new/baby witches" predominantly learn from mimicking one another and learning from memes or TikTok... Which to me is very cringe-worthy as it facilitates the misinformation exponentially. No one seems to want to actually study and learn and understand what they are trying to do, they just want the instant Hollywood pizzazz and fantastical results. I think a good place to start is to explain that witchcraft is not a religion, it is a skill set people learn through study, experience, and mastery - hence the "craft." There are a number of religions which utilize witchcraft in conjunction to their practices (ie: Wicca, Voodoo, etc), but that witchcraft in and of itself isn't religious at all. One does not need to belong to a religion to make use of it, and one is not conflicting with their existing religion (whatever that may be) to use it. Also, being a witch is not a birth rite, it doesn't matter what your mother or grandmother did unless they are the ones who directly trained you as an apprentice in their witchcraft skills. Anyone can learn *aspects* of witchcraft, and thinking you need to be born to a "matriarchal line of ancient witches" is what leads to the sexism and exclusion of male witches or anyone identifying as anything beyond female. This sort of thinking is akin to claiming to be born to an ancient line of accountants or veterinary doctors, it has zero bearing as you are not genetically coded to be an accountant or vet, nor does it matter what gender you identify yourself as (meaning, following your matriarchal line to validate your standing as a witch).

[@GuffeyYT]

Thank you so much, Ms. Thorn. I really fell off my practice during the pandemic, and I'm trying to get back into it. I really appreciate the advice you gave. And, ma'am, you look amazing with grey hair. 🙂

[@angelagoodwin5758]

Thank you so much for this video. As someone who has spent over 5 decades of strong interest and study, your message is very encouraging.😊

[@carmaterra2275]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@diannahess8179]

You look beautiful

[@MayastarOfficial]

😘🥰💖🌈🦄✌

[@bloodymary3008]

You should give out free trial bottles just like the commercials on TV 🤣🤣

[@drawingKenaz]

Not in this economy! 🫠

[@bloodymary3008]

@@drawingKenaz but if it works for them then they will keep paying

[@BethRitterGuth]

Hi Thorn. I went through and watched some of your other videos, and made my own video and talked about one of your videos that I absolutely loved (Screw Your Witchy Aesthetic). I feel the exact same way about the Druid tradition. If you want to see the video, it's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXyTmmqvach4ms0

[@drawingKenaz]

Thanks Beth! I’ll check it out!

[@PaulWillsonscot]

Hello beautiful