You gotta know when you’re in a bad situation—or a bad-for-you situation—that requires real action and not just a wish, prayer, and a dash of salt for protection. Magick isn’t like it is in fiction. I mean, sure. Miracles can happen, but, at the end of the day, when you’re in a bad situation, a spell isn’t going to show up like a caped crusader and conquer your monsters.
Spells can affect the world around you. I’m not saying they don’t. I’ve cast spells that made a creepy guy stop calling me. I’ve cast spells that gave me the courage to demand to sit at the same table as my kids. I’ve cast spells that gave me a couple extra bucks when I desperately needed it. I can affect the world around me to a small extent. Oh, yeah. I won the lottery but lost the ticket until it was too late. Yeah. I did that.
It doesn’t change people, though, and that’s something you’ve got to keep in mind. If people are toxic to you because you don’t agree with them or follow them or do what they tell you, then you don’t need a spell. You need to leave. Cast a spell to give you the courage to run. Cast a spell to help you find a reason that will get you to move, but actually—physically—make yourself safe.
Spells only work when you do the work. If you want courage, you have to craft the spell to create it. I think that’s one reason so many people turn to organized religion. With a prayer, they can find the courage they need because some ethereal being gave it to them. In witchcraft, you’re creating it within yourself. Sure, I feel like sometimes I’m getting guidance from the All Mother, and sometimes I feel like she gives me what my soul is lacking, but at the end of the day, she makes me walk my own path.
This is why the act of putting a spell together matters. When you’re in a hole or depressed or can’t find a way out, sitting and wishing and thinking is easy. Getting up and setting your mind to find an ingredient you have on hand that represents protection is harder. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing you’ll do that day. Finding the next ingredient in your pantry for courage is the second hardest.
Let’s be real. When you’re depressed and low and in a hole, getting out of bed is hard. So, yes. The act of getting up, putting on your pants, going to the kitchen, actively creating a spell that will give you the power to propel yourself forward is hard, it’s important…
And it’s powerful.
Witchcraft is a lot of things to a lot of people. I, personally, think it’s one of the most self-love acts you can perform.
