Being a witch means using all the tools on your table
Participating in ritual helps to tap into a very deep, ancient part of us. We’ve been carrying them out since long before we’ve been recording history. There is a real power behind rituals, words, food, and sex. These are the oldest vestiges of humanity, the very roots of how we exist as creatures.
The Germanic root word spel refers to talk, storytelling, gossip, or a sermon. The word gospel (which translates to “good tale'') also derives from spel. This is the basis for the word spell that we use to describe a magical act and where it gets the sense of enchantment and power. Words are linked to the divine. Words hold power. When we choose our words, we must be aware of the power they hold. Words are tools that we send out to do our work, for better or worse. Use conscious awareness of your words and where your mind wanders, call it back to attention and keep it sharp. Being extremely precise with your choice of words is of the utmost importance. Just as the mind that strays works against your focused spellcraft, running aimlessly at the mouth keeps us heading away from precise speech, therefore preventing clear communication, and thereby destroying any chance of real understanding. How can god hear us if we don’t really hear ourselves?
The same kind of intentions that go into our choice of words go into our energy when we are cooking a meal; kitchen witches know this well. That same power is held in our thoughts as we spend intimate time alone or with a partner, that’s why there is a whole area of study for sex magic (we will get into that later). The power we use to complain about our problems over a smoke or drink can amplify them. That’s one of the earliest lessons I remember hearing from the Road Man (a Native American medicine man) who ran the sweat lodges I attended when I was younger.
When working toward a goal, I use astrology, tarot,and spellcasting, as well as practical wisdom, hard data, psychology, mythology, the trusted advice of a friend, prayer, or anything else that I know holds truth. I believe in using everything I have at my disposal to make my life exactly how I’d like it to be. Think of this as an extension of As above, so below. The right information can come from any place, knowledge knows no boundary. You can’t discount it just because it came from some place you don’t see value in. Discernment is still very important, especially in this day and age of misinformation and disinformation. But you must use all the tools and keep an open mind if you want to progress as a practitioner.
I heard someone say once that people will beg god for a cake, and when the flour, butter, sugar, milk, leavening, and an oven appear, they throw up their hands and walk away. Don’t block or decline your own blessings just because it comes in an unexpected form. Adjust your perception and be creative to piece the puzzle together. Be willing to get your hands dirty, to be resourceful, to keep an open mind, and to do the work.
