Find your power

Magick is real.

Would reading that be enough for you to believe that magick exists in this world? Probably not.

People generally rely on sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch to determine whether something exists or not, but what about our sixth sense - our extrasensory perception?

Have you ever been thinking about someone and they call you on the phone? Have you ever had that gut feeling that something is about to happen? Do you ever feel overly sensitive or emotional for no apparent reason? Ever feel you’re being watched when you’re completely alone?

What is magickal power?

Magick is everything science and rational thinking can’t explain. It’s those strange coincidences; the synchronicities that appear to be perfect timing (or bad luck) or, in exceptional cases, the situations that can only be described as a miracle.

For many, childhoods are spent believing in things we cannot see. We are captivated by tales of fairies and folk magick, superheroes and aliens, monsters and ghosts. As we grow up, we soon discover that waving a magick wand will not physically transform us into a princess or fix a pair of broken glasses, and kissing a toad will not turn it into a prince. However, that doesn’t mean to say that things we can’t see aren’t real - take a moment to consider what defines a toad or a prince? Have you met someone who you weren’t very attracted to physically, but the more you get to know them, the deeper of a connection you felt? Maybe that toad turned into a prince after all, it just wasn’t as instant as ‘abracadabra’.

The things we can’t see are often powerful forces, such as in nature where we feel, rather than observe them. The only solid proof we have that these forces exist in this realm is the effect they have on other things. For example, I can’t see the wind, but I can feel it, and I can watch tree branches swaying as it moves past. I similarly can’t see electricity (with the exception of lightning strikes), but I can turn on my TV from the comfort of my sofa without even having to touch it.

Those unexplained situations I mentioned earlier most likely aren’t random coincidences or sheer good luck; they are the powers of a magickal force which you are feeling with your sixth sense, or witnessing the effects of.

Knowing this power exists allows us to tap into it. Like nature’s four elements, earth (fossil fuels), water, air (wind) and fire (sun) are used to generate electrical power, we can use the fifth element of spirit to generate magickal power.

The power of magick can change our consciousness, connecting us with all things in the universe. Using this force, we can gently nudge the energies around us to create change in the physical realm.

Creating magick starts with you. You are the generator. Rituals, altars, candles, herbs and crystals are the tools we witches use to engage our bodies, emotions, senses and spirit in the process of performing magick.

Your power is already in you; just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Ways to find your power

Spend time in nature

Witches naturally cherish the earth and focus their energy on nurturing and healing it. It is the source of all our earthly power, so protecting it and showing gratitude to it will enhance the connection you have with it.

Learn about the herbs around you and how they can heal your body, spirit, the earth and everything in it. Record your learnings in your book of shadows and use more herbs in your everyday life (always research herbs thoroughly before using them, and consult a licensed healthcare specialist for medical advice).
Feel the elements. Stand outside in the rain, walk barefoot, let the sun’s warm rays soak into your skin, dip your feet in the ocean and rivers and let the wind whip through your hair on a blustery day.
Stare at the moon for as long as you want to (read more about the magickal moon here).

While spending time in nature, take notes on how you feel. Does the sun make you feel more energised? Does the wind blow away all your troubles?

Notice how your body and mind react to nature. Where do you feel most connected to the earth? Where do you feel most inspired? Search for the places where you feel positive, strong and connected. These are the places where your own magickal powers will be most potent. For example, if you want to cast a money spell, you might find that standing bare foot outside is the perfect place to perform your ritual, where you can ground yourself and plant your seeds of manifestation, where your money will grow like the trees and flowers grow from the earth.

Think about how you can use this energy in your spell work – could the element of air help you remove stale energy? Could the element of water cleanse you of things you want to get rid of, so you are fresh and ready for new beginnings?

Meditate

Spell casting should only be performed when you are in a peaceful, relaxed state. If your mind is troubled or you are experiencing strong emotions, you will not get the results you are hoping for.

Meditation is a great way to empty your mind, release any negativity, ground you and connect your energy to that of the earth.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax your body, starting at your feet and working your way up to your crown.

Imagine your mind is a box. That box is crammed full to the brim of all the things you need to know for survival, and things you get pleasure from. It is also full of things you no longer want; memories that cause you pain; worry that prevents you from sleeping. There is literally no space left in the box for anything new.

Now imagine emptying the things you don’t want out of that box, one by one. Put all the unwanted memories, past traumas and fears into a big rubbish sack and throw it away. I throw mine into a huge hole in a temple on the sun, but you can dispose of it anywhere that feels right to you, as long as it ends up gone forever.

Once you have emptied your mind of all the things you no longer want or need to hold on to, notice how much lighter you feel.

Use meditation to empower you. Know that your thoughts are influencing your energy and carry that knowledge with you in your daily life.

Read more about preparing for meditation here.

Cast a spell

It can take years, decades, maybe even a lifetime to perfect your craft, but you’ll never experience the full power of magick until you immerse yourself in it.

Knowledge is key. If you don’t know what you’re doing, research as much as possible. Casting a spell is like cooking – without knowing how each ingredient tastes, or how to prepare them, you’ll struggle to make a successful meal! Read as many books as you can before performing your first spell.
Start small. Find a spell that has already been written by someone else and have a go at it, but I would recommend you don’t opt for anything elaborate. Trying to run before you can walk is not likely to give you the desired outcome.
Be patient. True magick isn’t instantaneous (most of the time). It begins with a thought, or a possibility, and can sometimes take a lifetime to manifest, but knowing it exists and is working in the background, will transform your perception of the world and the power within it.
Practice, practice, practice. I’ve rarely achieved success on my first attempt at something, but that’s no reason to give up. Similarly, don’t be disheartened by failed attempts. Remember the famous words of Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

Magick isn’t a hobby. You are not required to take weekly classes or to practice spell casting all day, every day to be a witch. Sometimes, simply taking a ritual cleansing shower or whispering your intentions into your morning cup of coffee is enough for the day, but you will probably find that you look at the world a little differently once you have found your power.