(Source: Pinterest)

Hogwarts Houses common rooms in Halloween season 

“Find meaning. Distinguish melancholy from sadness. Go out for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a romantic walk in the park, spring at its most spectacular moment, flowers and smells and outstanding poetical imagery smoothly transferring you into another world. It doesn’t have to be a walk during which you’ll have multiple life epiphanies and discover meanings no other brain ever managed to encounter. Do not be afraid of spending quality time by yourself. Find meaning or don’t find meaning but ‘steal’ some time and give it freely and exclusively to your own self. Opt for privacy and solitude. That doesn’t make you antisocial or cause you to reject the rest of the world. But you need to breathe. And you need to be.”

— Albert Camus, Notebooks 1951-1959

Never regret your mistakes. Admire the courage it took to attempt the unknown.

- My daily cup of tea.

Artwork by Dave Dick

Here's a more pragmatic approach to getting started in witchcraft:

Understand Your Intentions: Witchcraft is deeply rooted in intention. Start by identifying your reasons for wanting to explore witchcraft. Is it for self-improvement, healing, personal growth, or something else? Knowing your intentions will help guide your practice.

Learn About Various Practices: Witchcraft is incredibly diverse, with numerous traditions and practices. Research different aspects of witchcraft, including herbalism, crystal work, meditation, and symbolism. This will allow you to choose the aspects that resonate most with you.

Focus on Self-Discovery: Witchcraft is often a journey of self-discovery. Embrace practices that help you understand yourself better. This might involve journaling, meditation, or working with self-reflective tools like Oracle cards or even psychology-based cards for wisdom, learning and introspection rather than interpretation or meaning.

Embrace Practical Tools: Rather than focusing solely on magical tools, consider practical tools that align with your intentions. For example, if you want to enhance your mental well-being, explore mindfulness techniques or cognitive-behavioral tools. Self-empowerment does not have to be a "mystical" thing,

Explore Symbolism: Symbolism plays a significant role in witchcraft. You can incorporate symbols into your daily life to help reinforce your intentions. For example, wearing specific colors or jewelry that symbolize your goals can be meaningful.

Work with Crystals: Crystals are versatile tools that can be used in various ways, even without traditional spells or rituals. You can carry crystals with you, place them in your environment, or use them for self-reflection and intention setting, or reminders of what resonates with you.

Focus on Mindfulness: Developing mindfulness is a powerful practice in witchcraft. Being present in the moment, practicing gratitude, and connecting with nature can all enhance your craft and personal well-being.

Build Your Own Practice: Witchcraft is highly personal. Don't feel pressured to conform to specific traditions or practices. Instead, build your own unique practice that aligns with your values and goals.

Be Skeptical: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism and critical thinking. Question and analyze what you encounter in the world of witchcraft to ensure it aligns with your pragmatic and self-empowered approach.

By taking this pragmatic approach, you can create a meaningful and self-empowering witchcraft practice that is grounded in reality and tailored to your specific needs. This guide encourages you to explore, question, and create a path that resonates with you.

Speaking as a religious witch? Nobody is saying you're not allowed to include deities in your witchcraft practice for just a witchcraft practice, without a religious practice alongside it.

But for the love of all things holy, at least show some respect for the religions which these deities are from, for their origins, for the people and cultures for whom they have or had once been such important parts of their lives.

These are gods that are thousands of years old, who have impacted human civilizations and influenced humanity. And some of you are for reals treating them like witchy collectibles.