Being A Solitary Wytch (Witch).

Merrie Meet

When you are starting the journey into being a wytch (witch) there seems to be an incredible choice of routes or paths that are available to you.  

Such a vast range of choice can, to say the least, be confusing.  The choices that open to you become even more numerous if you choose to traverse an eclectic path into the craft.

Because there is so much to choose from, it may be advisable to look at all the separate elements you discover.  You can then put together the parts that work for you, thus creating your own, very individual, practice. 

There are so many ways to define The Craft that you really need to identify what practices you feel that your Solitary path must include.  Once you have done that you will be better able to look for the information that you need.

At this point it might be useful to note that the spelling of key words is not critical.  It is more about what we do rather than how we spell it.  A lot of it is simply down to personal preferences.  (For myself, because I like Old English type spellings, I often style myself as a “wytch” and state that I practice “magick”)

Another thing that can affect the path you follow is whether you are interested in any particular cultural practices and /or Gods and Goddesses. 

It may be worth remembering that witchcraft can be non – religious and can be a “stand alone” practice or used alongside any other established religion.

There are a number of very good books on the subject of Witchcraft and 2 notable examples are the ABC of Witchcraft and Natural Magic by Doreen Valiente

If you wish to follow a path that is more akin to Wicca then Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham may prove useful but, as a word of advice, it does not follow that practicing the ideas that are contained within the book does not make you Wiccan.

If a Wicca-based path is not of your choosing, then another option could be to read Evolutionary Witchcraft by T. Thorn Coyle which is based more on Feri Trad Witchcraft (founded by Victor and Cora Anderson).

There are many publications available that will guide you through the seasonal celebrations, moon phases (there are even apps available to guide you with these).  Additionally there is also a very useful free app that I use called the Wiccan Wheel of the Year (found in the app store as “Year Wheel”).

Finally let us take a look at the frequently misunderstood group of 8 simple words that make up the Wiccan Rede.

The Rede actually states “an’ it harm none, do what thou will”

Translated, this wonderful piece of advice means that as long as your actions do no harm to anyone, you are free to do what you wish. 

The hidden message is - if you do take actions that cause harm to someone or something, then you must understand that there will be consequences and that you will be required to face them,

There are many other factors that form your journey to find your place and for some people that journey may include taking the decision that you no longer wish to be a solitary practitioner and finding a local coven to join.   

You may also find that a “mentor” could be a great asset as you travel on your journey, someone with plenty of experience who could be a very worthwhile teacher and guide.

If someone is put off by use of the word wytch (witch), just tell them that it really means “wise woman” or, put another way someone who is trained in the arts of communicating with nature and whatever you call the invisible power that spins the planets and governs the tides.

For me, that is Universal Being, The Goddess, God, Creator, all of which are interchangeable according to my needs or mood in the moment.

My days are just like those of anyone else, albeit that my days are suited to my own personality and the magick that I need to perform. It is my contention that all of us, solitary as well as wytches (witches) belonging to a coven, would find such practices useful.

Put simply magick is: “a co-operation with universal energy to attract or shape events in our lives”.

But, without being disciplined in the following daily habits it would likely prove difficult to create magic of any kind.

Meditation

Grounding

Smudging

Connection with Nature

Consultation with Runes, Tarot, Oracles

Connection with Magickal Tools (altar, athame, candles, crystals)

A Book of Shadows (containing journal entries) or a separate Magickal journal.

These tools all help Magick to become what it truly is:–

Intention coming to fruition

I wish you every success on your path and in your practice and that the learning journey is as wonderful and joyous experience for you as it is for me.

COMPILED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES BY THE MERLIN

21^ST September 2017

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So now as we come to the end of this post it is time for me to take my leave of you but not before I say that if you have liked this and the other posts on this blog, please click the link to follow us. 

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So now I will wish you the best things that life can give and say

Love, Light and Blessed Be!

Merlin.