Got questions? Ask a witch!

Iris from the Portland store answers questions from our readers, and tells you what you need to know!

Querent: I’ve always been interested in Wicca and recently I’ve started reading up on the practice. I don’t know how to start fully practicing witchcraft though and I was wondering what tips or advice you may give me?

Iris: Thanks for reaching out! Your first steps on a new path are very exciting! Practicing witchcraft varies a lot from person to person or from group to group. The first steps are usually building an altar, and setting yourself up with a regular practice (daily, weekly, at full and dark moons) of candle lighting or meditation or divination. To be a witch, a person needs to notice nature around them, and to try and connect to the energies of nature. I'd suggest finding safe places to go for walks where you can touch the dirt, smell the air and feel the sun on your skin. Some folks find that journaling can bring stronger connections with nature and Deity.

And of course there are tons of books. My personal recommendations to start are "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, "How to Become a Witch" by Amber K, and "Wheel of the Year" by Pauline and Dan Campanelli.

I hope that's helpful! Best wishes, and Blessed Be!

Querent: Do you have any products or books you would recommend to keep negative spirits out of a home while welcoming benevolent spirits?

We never cleansed our apartment when we moved in a year ago. When I was younger, I was very sensitive to the spirit world around me, but decided to consciously close myself to it. Two days ago I made a decision to return to being open to them. That night the wind broke my childrens’ window, but miraculously, only one large piece fell inside. The rest fell onto a little used walkway.

I cannot decide if this was a negative spirit trying to take advantage of my renewed openness or just nature and a benevolent spirit who protected my children. Either way, I am out of my depth. I would love your advice on any products you have at the shop which could help me moving forward.

Thank you!

Iris: Sounds like a harrowing experience! I'm glad everyone is alright. It sounds to me like the choice to open up again definitely resonated with the spirit world. I do have some suggestions for you. Please, don't feel pressured to buy any or all of these products, but use the following links as examples of what you might choose.

I would start by cleansing your home, either with smoke from cedar or juniper bundles, or with a cleansing spray, like Sacred Woods. Do the whole apartment, starting at the front door and moving through each room counterclockwise. Open closets and cabinets and fumigate the whole space. In the childrens' room, I would place a protective stone, for example jet or black tourmaline or our protective stone bundle, near the window, where it won't be disturbed. (Maybe hang it from a curtain rod in a little pouch). I would refresh this warding once a month, by redoing the smoke (maybe less thoroughly just to re-up the protection) and taking the stone down and rubbing it with salt to cleanse it.

Then, I would make a little welcoming altar outside, or near the front door. Start with a plate or a bowl, and add offerings or gifts for the types of spirits that you want to invite, along with an actual written welcome note. "Kind spirits are welcome to share and teach in this home" or something similar. Quartz, amethysts, blessing herbs, all make good starter offerings. From there, be willing to keep this space clean and well-tended, visiting this altar everyday, maybe lighting a small candle when there's time to meditate and commune with the spirits. Food offerings are nice, but have to be cleaned regularly. Take note of what the spirits like, and consider your work with them like getting to know new friends.

I hope this is helpful! Feel free to write back, or call the shop with questions. We are all happy to help if we can!

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