10 Things I Wish I Knew as a Beginner Witch

What did you wish you knew as a beginner witch?
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[@IriLightWalker]

Thank you for sharing this, I tend to get caught up in the day to day so returning to basics is a good reminder. As far as things I wish I knew as a beginning practitioner the biggest one is that my Christian upbringing and folk healing are not mutually exclusive. Being raised Mormon many of the historical practices of my ancestors were hidden from me because they were thought to be taboo. Then I learned about my ancestors in the Appalachian mountains and around the world. Oh boy did my eyes get opened, not only can they exist side by side, many of my ancestors preferred it that way. You went to church for baptism, marriage, etc. But you went to Granny for the day to day spiritual needs.

[@youreokay3847]

The biggest thing I wish I knew as a beginner was that I didn't need to constantly practice spellcraft to be a practitioner. Witchcraft has always been more religious than practical for me and I wish I had known when I was a witchling that it was okay to focus on the things that made me feel closer to the earth, rather than forcing myself to do spells I didn't understand

[@YourWitchyCousinTikTokComps]

The biggest lessons for beginners are always 1) never stop learning, 2) respect closed practices, & 3) take no shit

[@koya326]

The best type of witchcraft, fuck around and find out 😂

[@MaridithSmith]

Honestly like you more now than when I first saw your content in 2020. These are all solid things to remember newbie or not. My thing I would remind folks about is there can be value in reading material from the public library. You don't have to spend a fortune on books you're not 100% sure about. Many libraries can also get books through inter library loans. Obviously if you love a book buy it, but when you're starting out, you wont always know which books will be impactful to you.

[@ChaoticWitchAunt]

I like me now, better, too!

[@amandaleigh2526]

I’ve learned that doing little things frequently becomes powerful over time

[@CarriedAwayWithDolls]

Something I wish I had realized as a beginner is that I didnt need to buy/get/accumulate so much stuff. I wanted all the stuff lol and boy oh boy did I get it. I learned that for many spells/rituals/crafting that i can use what I already have and that I dont need expensive things for my practice. I also wish i knew that i could incorporate my craft from many different genres of witchcraft and not just zoning in on one. Thank you for this wonderful video ❤

[@megancunningham2460]

This was amazing! Even as a semi-experienced witch, this was a great video to watch as a reminder. I think the thing that I always forgot as a beginner witch was that my practice was, ultimately, a way to look at the world like I did as a kid. When I focus on my practice, I see the world as FULL of magic and unknown and possibilities. Sometimes I lose myself in “you HAVE to practice this” and “you have to worship that” and forget that the whole point was to preserve that beautiful sense of wonder.

[@cheshira2646]

One of the things that it’s been really crucial for me to learn has been that over time, not only will your practice change, but so do your beliefs- and that doesn’t mean your old beliefs were wrong, so much as they’re no longer useful to you and no longer suite your magic. It’s taken me a while to wrap my head around the idea that not only does magic work differently for every practitioner, but that figuring out how your magic works is it’s own journey that never ends; I used to be able to cast highly effective spells that mostly relied on chanting/words, but now those old charms fall flat, and I rely more on plants and the relationships I’ve built with the seasons. Your magic may never change in how it works, but it could, and if it does, that’s okay

[@friedpickles5882]

Thank you for helping me through my practice! I send much love your way. 1) I wish I knew that my practice is my own and it doesn't have to look like anyone elses. I'm mixed race and it took me a long time to learn that I dont have to pick one culture. Its beautiful to learn about and integrate the folk magic of my many cultures. Its a way I honor and connect with my ancestors. 2) I wish I knew about earthing. Its where you put your bare feet (or skin) on the earth. Its scientifically proven to help with inflamation and circulation amoung many other things. Its also a great way to cleanse and return unwanted energy to the earth. Its like a recharge for the body and spirit. I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

[@boyishempress]

Hi Frankie! I just wanted to say, you’re glowing from the inside out. I can tell your break was rejuvenating and helpful and it’s great to see you back full of energy and happiness :) This video was so helpful and I appreciate how generous you are with knowledge and your own experience. Thank you!!

[@kittyfeathers3422]

In 1981.. as a beginner… did not realize that either inherited or not, that all will not be “known” all at once.. it’s always a learning process 🧙‍♀️ 50++ still learning

[@tigercloverorchidowl]

Yes! Love this. Especially the part about changing your mind isn't bad, but healthy; that you don't need to worry about timing spells; and that your practice doesn't need to look like anyone else's cause there is no wrong way and it doesn't need to be fancy. And YES to bindweed! So useful. For me, I'd add 1) Don't believe everything you see/hear/read online about witchcraft. Sit with it and then do your own research and discernment before buying into anything. 2) As you said, use what you have in your home or surrounding nature BECAUSE the local/personal/familiar is sometimes more powerful than that trendy thing from another country/culture/environment.

[@lilithhekatedaimonia]

Every sentence makes me wish I could just hug you and learn how to be quiet again over a sandwhich. Thenkyu you for this hun

[@jennyl.3742]

I think the biggest thing I wish I knew was making sure you were cleansing items when bought offline. I learned this the hard way. Everything collects energy and in the beginning I didn't understand that concept. It cost me largely. Cleanse Everything.

[@lunawolf3645]

Number 2 goes with one of mine of the fact that you don’t have to be spell crazy to be a good witch. Being an “armchair” witch is not bad. If you’re more interested in learning than constantly applying, you do you. You know what you need to do if a situation for a spell pops up or know how to get that information? Good. Being disconnected from time to time is normal. Like many things in life, you aren’t likely to be constant with something forever. You come back to it again and again, and that is what tells you that it’s a part of you. You are no less valid calling yourself a witch in those disconnected times than you are when you are connected.

[@lavender3084]

i love this

[@mmb196]

“In the beginning it was probably a mess, but I knew I was going in a direction that felt right to me and I was doing my research” THIS!! I often times will affirm this for myself when I’m feeling inferior about my practice. Which is often due to in-law family having similar interests as me 🥴 it’s basically an extension of “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”- love that for us!

[@bon_bon27]

some of my favorite content of yours is your "re visit" videos . they are a great example of how you can change and grow. all your videos are appreciated , thank you. I just received your book as a gift and I am so stoked to get into it .

[@kylaallen822]

Bwahaha! "I know a good fish recipe with lemons..." Perfectly said! And I love what you said about respect to everything you are working with. Thank you!

[@xeniaungeilla2469]

I whish I knew "less is more". In ingredients, planning, thinking, .. just in everything. Less is more allows you to really focuse. Fewer ingredients, tools and spirits mean you can truly connect to those you're calling uppon, power comes from the bond you create.

[@kirstencorby8465]

In a coven or lodge situation, your practice is *supposed* to change as you rise in grade and learn the inner teachings. I find the idea of magic not changing very peculiar.

[@taybunn]

I wish I knew to be as specific as possible with my spells. To be even more specific than you might think initially. I've never had a spell *backfire,* only do something I didn't really intend as I wasn't specific enough with my intention. 😅

[@maryh2730]

Very true! Lol

[@jojo_jm]

Addon thought: potency isn't equivalent to reliability. Focus on making the most potent powerful spell is one approach and is not better or worse than focus on small slow reliable steps 🥰

[@Moocto]

Frankie You're amazing!!!! I've been practicing for some years now but being reminded of some things in this video almost got me in tears 😭😭❤️

[@gianaromimi]

I feel like the biggest change I've had in my practice was feeling like I had to learn EVERYTHING. Probably a common change for us, but I realized that most of the things I tried to learn were things that I didnt really connect with or needed. I just thought they were cool or that I needed to learn these things to be a better witch faster. Now? I just make oils and manifest and read tarot. Its not much, but it works. You dont have to master everything. Sometimes something as "simple" as protection is amazing once you cultivate it. Trying to learn everything leads to burnout, atleast it did for me. Tip: write for yourself. Write in a way that you understand, not in a way that people would want to. Some might think "duh" bug someone might need it. I know I did. If Frankie ever reads this, thank you. You were the person that pulled me into this world and im forever grateful. To this day, you never fail to make me want to practice even just a little in a day. Im writing my own list of what changed over the years in my practice at the moment, and its going great. Take it easy guys♡

[@sapphics4hozier]

hi! im so glad to see this video!! ive been a practicing witch for a few years yet im still taking notes! you never stop learning in regards to your crafts :)

[@Helplessandhopelessromantic]

I love rewatching videos of practitioner's who revisit the start of their practice as I've grown. Taking my time to understand that having mental breaks from practicing is amazing and Apollo/my guides arent coming for me for it. We all know how I am mentally but ever since I've started giving energy as offerings (eating and drinking food in honour, then dancing to get rid of the energy in honour again) I feel it has brought me closer to those who are around me. I'm so glad that my friends are practioners and I can come onto here and watch others perform their skills as learning is a big thing!

[@anniesangco]

Hi, I’ve recently started my interest in witchcraft and started doing a lot of research. It became very overwhelming and your videos have helped me a lot on my journey. I definitely needed to hear this. Thank you and keep up the good work!!!

[@Roku97]

I wish I had found Hekate in the beginning rather than all the confusion I had in 2019-2021. I kept changing my practice monthly because nothing would fit with me… when I found Hekate it’s like I came home… the confusion I continued to have was me being scared of the inner work with Hekate… but I’ve done a lot of it and grown since then, as a person and witch… I feel like If I found her in the beginning I could’ve focused on the inner work and my relationship with her so I could practice without the blocks I had

[@GothamCity48532]

Magic & medicine are a practice, science isn’t always spot on, it’s a constant experiment. And science always evolves too, keep up the great stuff!

[@psychofangirl_0428]

As a very VERY beginner witch (I live in a Christian household, I share a room AND I’m in the process of packing things to move, so I haven’t had quite the opportunity to put what I’ve learned into practice yet) thank you for this

[@Blindfold-Me]

Thank you for this video❤

[@nmelodic6391]

lovely, lovely, lovely video!

[@w1th3rh3r3xd]

Thanks for all of the content you make ❤ You're awesome

[@shannnnn4]

Def needed to hear these😂 love your content, Frankie!

[@TheAstrophelPractitioner]

This is something I needed to hear, in all honesty. I've been shaping my practice on and off (more off than on) for 3 years now and I've always felt that I'm not doing anything right, that I'm missing something. I felt pressured to know everything I could and because I haven't been so hands on through so many years of researching slowly, I didn't feel like I could call myself a practitioner. Because of that, I was discouraged and felt that maybe this is just not for me, but it always calls back to me because deep down, this is something I want to do wholeheartedly but I have so many doubts and worries, but I also know it's okay. It's okay to take your time, you don't have to be at the pace others are at, you don't need to know everything that the others do and you don't need to always be right or certain.

[@NeurodivergentHan]

I really needed to see this. Thank you. I’m always here if you need to talk. You’re a beautiful person 🖤

[@cookieshard3]

thanks for the tips!

[@kathrynrogers6796]

I really appreciate your transition to KZbin and long-form videos. I followed you for years on TikTok but I feel you’re so much more genuine and your videos so much more insightful here on KZbin. Thank you ❤️

[@ChaoticWitchAunt]

This comment made my day! I feel the same - I love long-form content and it allows me to talk more about things, share more, and be more myself than I feel as though Tik Tok allowed. I appreciate you following me through my transition.

[@Anjalisrslyblue127]

This was so wholesome for some reason!

[@johngross5224]

I got a tarot deck that, by the time it made it to me, I realized it wasn't the kind of quality I expected for the price. I was considering if I should return it before messing it up by shuffling. My wife told me to give it an actual chance and let it speak before being so dismissive of it. Turned out to be a very honest and insightful deck that I could've missed out on a wonderful relationship with. Made me more humble and honest with myself too.

[@WhyseWytch]

I think what I've learned goes off of "Spells will backfire" They will also fail from time to time. In those cases, I examined what I did and question why. That's why writing down your rituals is so important. You might discover you work better with certain elements like color or plant, or maybe you're not vibing with the spirits or deities you invoked. I think examining intention is vital. If you're doing a money spel, but spending all your extra cash on frivolous quick pleasures, do you really want to save the money, and why?

[@Rukiethespooder]

Your stuff is amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@beanbaghagwag]

I am an old crone. I wish I would have had your channel to learn from when I started my practice.

[@banana-bl8pf]

Thank you, this is really helpful as a beginer witch. I just learned the basics and your videos always help me so much, you are awesome

[@wanderinghedge]

I think it's a good thing to evaluate yourself and your practice from year to year. This way you can see how you have changed and what your practice looks like compared to a year ago. Even if it is just in the smallest of ways. Things I wish I knew? 1. I agree with you on the first one. When I first got into this, I had been warned by others to not feel like you have to know everything, and yet I still fell into that slump somehow. And I think we all do in some way or another. It's just human nature to think we have to know everything before beginning or before advancing to the "next level" so to speak. Eventually it catches up with you, feeling overwhelmed by all the information, and you find yourself studying so much you never have time to actually do anything. Take it from us who have been there, kids. This is one area of life you will not ever be able to learn all there is to learn. So learn what you can in small bites and get started with that. 2. For a world so adamant on putting everything into a box this is one area that you'll come away very disappointed by trying to do that. This is not a practice that's codified. Nor is there any rigid set way of doing things. Sure, the philosophies are there as a guide but that's all they are, a guide. Each tradition, and practice for that matter, is going to look different from one tradition to the next and from person to person. And that's fine and nothing to argue over. In other words, this is not an area of the world where you have to think it to be either "this or that", because truth be told you're both right and neither of you are wrong. 3. You made a huge point and I couldn't agree more. And technically I had already addressed this above. I think the witchcraft and spiritual community is so obsessed with being right all the time due to one factor. Ocean Keltoi, a Norse Heathenistic Pagan, coined it as Latent Christianity. Now, when I say this, I'm of course directing it toward those who have come over from Institutional Christianity. They have in one form or another brought that baggage with them and not just with this one issue. But anyway, it's as if they feel like they always have to have an apologetic for everything to prove they're right and everyone else is wrong. Because that's what Institutional Christianity teaches is to always have an apologetic for every objection or to have an apologetic toward everything that's different from what they do. It's as I said in my second thing I wished I had known; you're both right, and neither of you are wrong. And moreover, Institutional Christianity also teaches you to be very closed off, and to have what they believe to be "consistency" according to what they understand it to mean. Which is why they always argue about how "you once did it this way and now you don't" as if that's illogical somehow. I think this is the major issue, Latent Christianity. I think people have this idea that they need sage or palo santo and other things of the like because they see big time celebrities using that kind of stuff. However, one thing they need to realize is, there's a difference between "High Hill" magic and "Low Valley" magic. And for anyone reading this, now they know where the terms "High Magic" and "Low Magic" come from. High Magic was developed by royal families and lords who throughout history lived on hills which is what also eventually evolved into some of the bigger mainstream religions we see today such as Christianity (i.e. just take a look at how government, law, and control of the people focused it is, trying to give you definitive definitions of what they think is right and wrong, and etc.). Whereas Low Magic was developed by the every day people who worked and lived in the valleys below. They need to understand exactly as you said but I'll word it a little differently: More money does not equal better quality in the craft.

[@lunarjasmine]

I really enjoyed your perspective here! I have to admit, a lot of the time I'm not actually fond of the "what I wish I knew" lists, but I'm really glad I watched this one. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@ClaudiaDCD]

Love your focus on embracing changing views, how that's all natural and valid. Found your hex advice most useful!! Will definitely keep those things in mind.

[@blahtoaster8224]

Thank you so much for sharing this. The line about changing doesn't make you lesser! WHEW! That made me tear up in this library! I am one of those witches that rarely does any spellwork because I don't have community around me and am so fooking afraid of messing up. I am always trying to be perfect and go by the book. Perfectionism had me scared of living my life for a while. Until I just said I AM GOING TO LIVE MY LIFE!!! The rest of this year I vowed to go forth with my practice and stop focusing on what people would say and focus on what I need spiritually.

[@user-bi8cc2wk7m]

As someone who has been practicing for many years but took a significant break, thank you for making this, I feel a little bit like a beginner because I haven’t been practicing in almost 3 years

[@lostchild7467]

you’re literally the best source i have rn bc anything magic related especially books are banned in my country so it’s much harder for me to find reliable sources i’m hoping you or any other witch here gives me other online sources i could use

[@skylarghhh]

the number 1 hit me so hard tbh. i restrained myself from practicing for 3 whole years because i felt like i lacked knowledge even though i already knew a lot and it was because of that one facebook comment in a facebook group :((

[@hanhanmac5017]

Thank you for an updated video of this. I completely agree with many of the things you said. When I first started, I wish I knew that I didn't need to follow a set path, celebrate specific holidays just because others did. I wish I knew that I didn't have to do rituals or spell works everyday or have a lengthy daily practice when it wasn't practical for me to do so. Although I've never had a spell backfire currently, I have had spells not work and thats okey. I also had to learn that spellwork and rituals don't fix everything and that balance between the mundane and magickal is important. Currently, over the last year, I am learning that it's okey to include my Catholic upbringing into my practice.

[@petarpan6922]

Hello aunty, i was watching this video and had to take a moment to stop and feel at 7:27 because what you were saying was hitting a part of my soul in a way that felt very confronting, but in such a way that made me feel seen. Im a baby witch (i honestly have been for as long as i can remember) and i have alot of negative people towards my practice (S T R O N G christian household) in my life and ive realised i know next to nothing due to this. Thank you for truly making me feel so seen and understood and making this kind of honest and heartfelt video. Im so excited to learn more and feel the magic in a more controlled way... not to say that the magic we hold should be controlled but more directed in a way that isnt iratic... ive realised that i have gone on a tangant and you will possibly never see this but you have made a detrimental vhange in my heart and i must voice it to this extent AT LEAST. Again. Thank you.

[@Cclesbo]

Omg you look amazing

[@juliemassam933]

I think the biggest thing I wish I'd known is how to listen to my intuition. I have grown so much with this but I basically had to teach myself, with the help of KZbin and books.

[@katelynstrack4964]

I still consider myself a beginner, but something important I have learned recently is just how much of popular witchcraft has been sneakily appropriated from oppressed cultures and people of color. I have made sure to consciously decolonize my craft before moving forward. If it wasn't something my distant ancestors would have done or known about, it probably isn't for me.

[@strigiformthunderstorm]

Had a sweetening jar ferment and turn into a souring jar. It was for the best lol

[@embyrsong7748]

I still count myself as a beginner. I've never really done spells before, at best I lit a small self love tea candle I got from etsy and asked for help in that aspect. And a couple others I got from etsy. But the one thing that still amuses me the most, is when I had gotten the pull to finally make an altar for artemis and apollo. To say they were thrilled would be a massive understatement. For weeks I kept running into deer on my walks in the woods. One day when I was relaxing and singing at a tree all the local pagans call 'the witching tree' in those woods, a small herd of like 8 deer showed up and just chilled near me as I kept singing. Nowadays I see crows everywhere, not as many deer. Regardless I just say hi and thanks for continuing to protect and guide me. And around that time I had also asked Artemis' help with cranking up the reproduction of feeder mice at the pet store I work at. Boy it worked. Massively. We went from having an adult mouse shortage to exploding with babies, we couldnt sell them fast enough and I lowkey felt sorry for our breeders 😂 Sat there like a year later thinking to myself 'Well thats what I get for praying to a minor fertility goddess for help'. Not that I mind, she's helped keep the flow steady.

[@chunli928]

i would love to see a video on plants or items that are easy to find in colorado

[@ChaoticWitchAunt]

Are you thinking foraging/spell ingredients?

[@Rukiethespooder]

Hey!

[@hashbuddha]

Know exactly what your intention is before you start a working. No “if this happens then that will happen and if the other thing…” no. “This is what’s going to happen. So it is.” Otherwise you may cause all of those what if situations to happen

[@livbaker_]

i wish i knew that i didn't need every herb and spice in my kitchen cupboards, smuggled upstairs to my bedroom in little jars.

[@babybeartarot3268]

Have you done a video on how you know when something’s backfired or how to possibly fix it?

[@Hungarianwitchofwhitelight]

I love this Thanks for all that you do frankie Sincerely Thehungarianwitchofwhitelight

[@stephaniegomez2000]

Omg the first Lolol love that idk why but hiii😊

[@honestlyaaron5377]

What is the best way you’ve found to dispose of any herbs used in a spell?

[@jenniferkwasnycia6813]

I love your channel. I don’t normally comment but you kept saying that you change because you were wrong or fixing your belief or practice. Instead maybe that you changed because you grew more in your practice.

[@fatcoyote2]

I think what you're experiencing/moving towards is called 'Intuitive Witchcraft'.

[@bonesandpinecones]

Love this. I often feel like i don’t know how to show the proper amount of respect for spirits. Does anyone have tips or references?

[@estelleraven1009]

I would say for me the one thing i wish i knew is that Wicca is not Witchcraft and that I can worship deities without working with them. Now that I know this, my witchy practice is way more simple (and as i'm a writer, most of my witchcraft practice is now how i create a novel. This might be weird but, when i read a book i think about the book as a spirit (by annotating, by make live his characters and everything) and I work with those books spirit to help me with my own novel spirit. Is that Witchcraft ? I think.)

[@alexanderbakugou2519]

What was it you said at the end. I liked it's energy

[@creepycrybabyxoxo]

I wanna start doing spells and witchcraft but idk where to start

[@MintyCow101]

I nad a few questions on spells, How do i know the spell i did is working? If there a certain way a spell needs to be done? Do spells need to be repeated?

[@pnkplled]

oh my gosh, does anyone know the oracle deck from the beginning of the video? the black and white one?

[@melissasanders8952]

What book(s) would you recommend for someone who is at the very beginning, my very first?

[@Juan-Pablo-Diesk]

Los que están empezando en esta gran cultura te lo agradecerán más si les proporcionas los libros o mejor aún si haces videos de ellos para que así mismo racionalicen e integren en ellos su conocimiento y sepan de donde viene todo lo que explicas. remember. As above, so below. and what centers you is part of the extremes because without one the other does not exist. Hermes. Baphomet.

[@MeganSmith-ce1rk]

Okay this coming from a newby witch what is a lemon hex or spell

[@mikee1527]

I'm not practicing the craft but I'm very curious about it and I like reading materials about the craft so I want to ask about "your spells will backfire." What exactly does it mean, how does it backfire? I feel this is a stupid question so I'm sorry and please bear with me.

[@whiterzwzm]

Why do spells backfire? And is it just because you've done something wrong? (ie. used the wrong herb, didn't say or do the thing you should have). I'm just curious because I haven't experienced this myself, but I am scared I will experience this.. because I hear it all the time as a baby witch.

[@lilyshealinggarden5648]

Thank you I'm still learning and researching as a baby witch 🪄🪄.. taking time Is good.. you know..

[@andersome]

If you need a teacher, I would love to teach you everything I discovered ❤ You already visited in my dreams and taught me something 👻🪄🌹