Where to Start with Witchcraft: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting your journey into witchcraft can feel magical, exciting—and completely overwhelming. With so many books, tools, paths, and practices out there, it’s hard to know where to begin (or even if it’s right for you). This gentle guide is here to help you take your first steps with confidence, clarity, and curiosity.

First things first: What is Witchcraft?

Witchcraft is a personal, spiritual, and often nature-based practice rooted in intention and connection. For some, it’s deeply spiritual or religious (like Wicca); for others, it’s more intuitive and folk-based. There’s no single “right” way to practice witchcraft—your path is yours to explore and shape.

How to know if Witchcraft is right for you

If you feel drawn to:

• Nature and the cycles of the moon and seasons
• Rituals, symbolism, and personal empowerment
• Exploring energy, intuition, or ancestral traditions
• Creating meaning and magic in everyday life

…then witchcraft might resonate with you. You don’t have to commit to a label right away—curiosity is enough to start.

Where to begin: Practical first steps

1. Start with reading and research

Look into different traditions: Wicca, green witchcraft, hedge witchery, folk magic, kitchen witchcraft, etc. Keep what resonates—leave what doesn’t. A few beginner-friendly books:

• Witchery by Juliet Diaz
• The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
• Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
• My gentle start to witchcraft - you can download it for free via the pop up on this page.

2. Connect with nature

Witchcraft is deeply tied to the natural world. Go for mindful walks, observe the moon phases, or create a seasonal altar. These small rituals connect you to the earth’s rhythm.

3. Start a Book of Shadows or Journal

Write down your thoughts, dreams, signs, and what you’re learning. This will become a personal grimoire of your magical journey.

4. Explore tools - but only if you want to

Candles, crystals, tarot cards, herbs, incense—these are beautiful, supportive tools, but they’re not essential to get started. Your intuition and energy are the most important tools you have.

5. Try a simple ritual or spell

Start with something small, like:

• Lighting a candle with an intention
• Cleansing your space with smoke or sound
• Making moon water during the full moon

Be patient with yourself

Witchcraft is a lifelong path of learning and unlearning. It’s okay to go slow, to ask questions, and to change your mind. Your magic doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Trust yourself.

You don’t need all the answers to begin. Follow your curiosity, keep learning, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.

If you want to know more about witchcraft I've written a free guide, there should be a little pop up somewhere on this page where you can download it.