Four Tips to Progress Faster as a New Witch

[@skygardentarot]

When I first started dabbling in witchcraft the thing that helped me progress fastest was when I started personalizing my craft for ME. 🌙 I had read widely and practiced in a coven for a while, and had been so concerned "am I doing it right?" When I let go of that fear, and gave myself permission to do what I needed to do without overthinking it, is when I saw my craft LEVEL UP. 🔥 I saw my spells become more potent, my magickal toolkit expanded and I felt super inspired! 💫 Love this video, thank you Thorn! 🌷✨

[@drawingKenaz]

Yes, this is so critical! I think it’s probably the hardest thing to do, too! Thank you so much!

[@poisonparadise13]

Being a witch always seems to be framed as advancing up levels like a video game or something. I think it's more like any other spirituality, where it's more like deepening your well than climbing a ladder. Not saying you are doing that, Thorn, but I think that's how people often interpret "progress."

[@drawingKenaz]

Oh totally! And I agree. I think it’s part of the “competition” people sometimes feel too. It’s one of the reasons why I’m not super in love with the refrain that “witchcraft is a practice.” I mean, it is. And we know that, but there’s so much underneath that. If it’s a practice, then we can be “good” at it. And need to work to “improve.” And that will necessarily lead to those video gave type responses. I think we’re in agreement!

[@gastronomist]

poisonparadise - It’s funny because I was thinking about video games and the analogy is somewhat applicable. In video games, one’s level go up quickly and many people like the rush they get from that, but as the higher levels get more difficult, they get impatient and discouraged. On the other hand, in real life you can't quantify one’s level or measure it in an objective way. It’s not as simple as, "You're level 20; You can cast the fire blast spell.”

[@ccmakaw]

100% on everything you've said - a little something every day rather than a big splurge once a month is also useful. I recently heard the analogy of feeding your dog - you don't skip feeding your dog every day because you don't feel like it, not in the mood, the time isn't 'right' etc 💙

[@greeneyedlady5580]

I love that analogy. Even if I do no more than light a couple of candles and burn a bay leaf as a "wish" spell, I try to further my progress every day through reading and watching witchcraft or pagan videos.

[@robgau2501]

This was some of the best advice on this.

[@emilysmith3636]

This is such a great topic. I started into Witchcraft 4 years ago and stopped in August because I was trying to fit my practice like those around me. I bought every book, Crystal, tarot deck, etc I could find. In doing that, I took MY practice and threw it to the wayside. I felt anxiety about being like others. I’m now starting again, BUT taking my time and making a path that is right for me. Only buying things that call to me. Thanks Thorn.

[@bloodymary3008]

What helped me a lot to advance as a beginner, was listening to Louise Huebner's recordings called - Seduction Through Witchcraft

[@drawingKenaz]

Forever a classic 😌

[@dylanmagoiofthethalasso4032]

Love your hair. I always love watching tip videos for beginners even though I'm not a beginner (I'm celebrating 10 years next month). Enjoyed this video.

[@greeneyedlady5580]

Thorn I absolutely agree about witches trying to frighten new witches. When I first started exploring witchcraft, it was because I wanted to once again be able to feel a sense of control over my own life, and to be able to find some justice where that had been taken away. More experienced witches went out of their way to tell me repeatedly that magic should always be love and light, and that any baneful magic - even towards people who had raped and murdered - would bring it back to me times 3, or times 7, or times 21. I was even told that the magic I do withhold bring harm to my family. Thanks for taking time to make videos for us. I'm looking forward to reading The Witch's Path.

[@boo_in_stlou]

As always, I love your down to earth approach. I've been practicing for 20+ years but have been going through a bit of a stagnant period again. I appreciated the stillness comment. I have found that I'm able to achieve it through exercise, whether that be running or strength training, through journaling, through cooking, and through simply sitting in a quiet dark room and monologuing to myself to sort of delve into what I'm feeling and why. It's so important to have that ability, that self reflection. So thank you for your comments on this. And the comments about accountability. That is want I need. I'm meeting with a coven this evening so I'm really interested and looking forward to it. But your thoughts give me more to chew on. I'll need to think about tand how I can implement that in my practice

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

(thanks algorithms for my missing this when it first came out.) I've been hearing that some sectors of the "witchy" social media talk a lot about "shadow work," but actually being self-knowledge work. I can't imagine what some of them would think about actually going in and dealing with their inner demons.

[@tyson7687]

I think that throughout all of the years I have been following you on social media, journaling is a tool you've been praising the whole way. This is something I heavily integrated into my practice and I cannot begin to explain the amount of help and support this practice gives. New or not, journaling is invaluable. As for meeting others, this used to be something I loved to do. It wasn't just the pandemic that halted this but also the sometimes guarded attitudes groups have. It can take effort to warm others up to understand their practice; especially if you're deeply inquisitive. Social media can be a great alternative but always bear in mind that social media typically portrays the best of any situation. Understanding a whole practice takes that extra effort of reaching out.

[@greeneyedlady5580]

I'm in my 60s, and I've tried journaling numerous times throughout my life. Inevitably I'll do it fairly faithfully for a few days, then look back on what I've written with a cold eye and say this is just rubbish, and then scrap the whole thing. Have you got any suggestions for how to journal in a way that I might be able to stick with?

[@tyson7687]

@@greeneyedlady5580 it does take more than two weeks to build a new habit. So, start with 30 days. Second, journal however you want in that moment. Mine have quotes, thoughts, dreams, and all sorts of things. Finally, it is all rubbish and that's the joy in it. I don't ever recommend looking into our journals with a critical eye. That's just judging yourself and nobody needs more of that.

[@greeneyedlady5580]

@@tyson7687 Thanks for the reply. I definitely don't need any more of the self-criticism, but that's a very hard habit to break.

[@ShadowSun922]

I love all of these tips! I’m so inspired by this! I find the second one to be a little difficult for me just because I think I don’t know where to look for people but I have met some people along the way. I know that this video was made for beginners, but I have found that for someone who has been practicing for years like myself I’ve learned a lot. I feel like journaling and self reflection is something I wish I had done sooner in my practice. That said, I find both to be invaluable! Thank you for sharing this!

[@rosetoad]

Thank you for this Thorn

[@Elizabeth-ll4tt]

Oh sweet, milestoning tips!

[@ThothTV]

Another great heartfelt video for beginners. Nice to have you back 😌 x

[@drawingKenaz]

Thank you!

[@stillarobyn]

I love your suggestion on meeting folks. I wish I knew better how to start, not only in a global pandemic, but also as an adult in their 30's when, looking at online spaces, a great deal of folks are on the younger side.

[@drawingKenaz]

It’s hard! I’ve had that experience, too, of feeling like I’m a lot older than many folks in online communities (I know I’m not really, but it feels that way when younger folks seem to get more traction online!). But even stuff like this-commenting, chatting with folks on social media posts-totally counts. I’ve made friends with people this way for sure!

[@stillarobyn]

@@drawingKenaz I'm trying to be better about being outspoken in online spaces, and in comments. I'm not shy, but I was raised in a nonreligious household and don't know how to discuss spirituality with people I'm not close to. I need a study buddy!

[@nelsonsantiago3426]

1st time viewing this channel and immediately subscribed. I really like the analogy of learning a musical instrument. The content of this video is helpful in all aspects of life. Thank you.

[@nicklauslee3283]

Great info Thorn!

[@WishboneWoody]

This advice was really awesome. I particularly liked the contingency planning for when you get off track and I think I will apply the concept to other areas of life too. I'm currently trying to connect to the weel of the year and the God and goddess concept through the seasons. I've decided to observe the wheel of the year across a lunar cycle as a whole year to study it is too long for me to feel like I am actually connecting to it and I feel that the lunar cycle closely reflects the wheel of the year in many ways.

[@CricketsBay]

Yes to this! Finding the names of each month's Moon on Space.com and seeing how that Moon is connected to the season and that specific month has helped make my practice much easier to observe the Wheel of the Year in because it's shorter periods and I can see the changes in the weather, the plants, etc. every Moon, not just the 4 big Sabbats or the 8 Sabbats total.

[@WormwoodCrow]

Your last pointer sounds like the magical equivalent of a gym buddy.

[@drawingKenaz]

Exactly lol. It’s very helpful to have a magical bro to get metaphysically swol with.