Basic Bitchcraft: Why Beginner Witchcraft Isn’t Basic at All

So, you’ve picked up your first tarot deck, lit a candle on the full moon, or maybe just whispered a little intention into your morning coffee. Welcome, baby broom—you’ve officially entered the world of witchcraft. And let’s get one thing straight right now: there’s nothing basic about that.

At Empowered Souls, we hear the phrase “I'm a Witch” thrown around a lot—usually in that self-deprecating, giggly way, like “Oh I’m not a real witch or anything, I just like crystals and moon water.” But here’s the truth: every witch starts somewhere, and if you’re showing up for your intuition, your energy, and your sacred weirdness, you’re already further along the path than most people ever dare to go.

Let’s unpack why beginner magic can be just as powerful (if done carefully and with purpose) than all the ancient grimoires and ceremonial robes in the world—and how to begin walking a more traditional path when you're ready.

1. Beginner Magic is Raw Magic

There’s a certain unfiltered magic that comes from being a beginner. You haven’t layered on expectations, traditions, or Instagram-perfect altars. You’re just here, showing up with curiosity, wonder, and maybe a little fear (that’s okay too). That’s raw power—and it’s honestly beautiful.

New witches often experience strong intuitive surges: dreams that speak, signs that feel, synchronicities that feel impossible to ignore. That’s because you’re opening the door, and spirit notices when a new light flickers on.

So when you stir intention into your tea or write your first spell in your notebook—even if it’s clumsy, messy, or rhyming only sometimes—you’re connecting with your magic in its most honest form.

2. Witchy Style Doesn’t Make the Witch (But It's Fun)

It’s easy to get caught up in the witchy aesthetic—and hey, we’re not knocking it. That moon-phase tapestry? Gorgeous. That rose quartz? Totally vibing. But witchcraft isn’t about what you buy—it’s about what you believe and what you do with intention.

You can cast just as effective a spell with a spoon, a stone from the sidewalk, and your breath as you can with an ornate wand and imported herbs. That’s not to say you shouldn’t limit yourself if you don't have more than basic tools—just don’t let the lack of them stop you.

Want to level up your tools as you go? Great. Want to keep things minimal and sacred with what you already have? Also great. Either way, always remember: your energy is the real magic—everything else is an amplifier.

3. Baby Brooms Often Ask the Best Questions

Here’s a secret seasoned witches sometimes forget: the best insights often come from the newest minds. When you're just starting out, you ask the questions that shake the foundations. Questions like:

• “Why do we cast circles?”

• “Can I do this spell if I don’t know my ancestry?”

• “What if I mess it up?”

These are excellent questions—because they’re honest. And they open the door to true learning, rather than just repeating what others have done.

Asking questions doesn’t make you less of a witch. It makes you an engaged one. So ask away. Research. Get messy. Experiment. Make your own meaning. The Craft is called a “practice” for a reason—you get better with time, repetition, and reflection.

4. So You Want to Get Into Traditional Witchcraft?

Feeling the call for something deeper? You’re not alone. Many witches begin with casual, intuitive magic and eventually feel a pull toward more traditional roots—old customs, cultural practices, or structured ritual. There’s no rush, but when you’re ready, here’s where to start:

Learn the Roots of the Craft

Witchcraft has many lineages. You might resonate with:

• Celtic Druidry (nature worship and seasonal rites)

• Italian Stregheria (ancestral folk magic)

• Hearthcraft (kitchen and home-based traditions)

• British Traditional Witchcraft (Wicca and beyond)

• Hoodoo, Brujería, or Indigenous traditions (these are generally closed practices, as they are tied to specific cultures, and are approached with respect and cultural context)

Spend time learning the history and cultural context of these traditions. You don’t need to commit—just explore what feels aligned.

Embrace the Wheel of the Year

The Sabbats (seasonal festivals) are a fantastic entry into traditional rhythm. Celebrate Samhain (witch’s new year), Beltane (fertility and fire), and the Solstices. These festivals ground you in natural cycles, which is the heartbeat of traditional witchcraft.

Understand Ritual Structure

Most traditional rituals follow a rhythm:

• Ground and center

• Cleanse the space and self

• Cast a circle or sacred space

• Call in elements, spirits, or deities

• Do the magical working

• Release the energy and close the circle

You don’t have to follow this every time, but learning this framework gives you structure to build upon. It creates intentional flow—which can boost your confidence and clarity.

Study Ethics and Spiritual Responsibility, and Practice Both

Traditional paths often emphasize spiritual responsibility, especially when working with spirits, ancestors, or deities. Learn about offerings, respectful communication, and consent in spirit work. Magic is energy—it’s important to handle it with awareness.

Be Discerning, Not Distrusting

There are amazing teachers and toxic ones. Be wary of anyone who demands blind devotion, large sums of money for “secret knowledge,” or discourages questioning. The right teacher empowers you—not controls you.

Your curiosity is sacred. Let it lead you toward depth, not dogma.

5. Every High Priestess Was Once a Baby Witch

Yes—even the confident, crystal-drenched, ritual-dancing witch you follow online once stood nervously in her kitchen, whispering to a tealight. Every single witch starts at the beginning.

You don’t need to wait until you know everything to practice. You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You just need to show up—open-hearted, curious, and willing to learn.

At Empowered Souls, our Basic Bitchcraft classes are designed to celebrate that beginning stage, not shame it. We cover the foundations with a wink, a smudge stick, and a safe space to ask all the questions. Think of it like witch school—but with more herbs and fewer naps (unless it’s a nap spell, which we fully support).

Are You Ready to Own Your Magic, Baby Broom!?!

If you’ve ever felt silly, fake, or “not witchy enough,” just know: that’s shadow talk. You’re allowed to be new. You’re allowed to forget which moon is which. You’re allowed to call in your ancestors even if you haven’t traced your lineage. You’re allowed to claim your space here. Just be true, ethical and respectful to the craft and that which it honors.

Basic Bitchcraft? Maybe. But don’t let the name fool you. The work you're doing is sacred, even when it looks like scribbling spells in a notebook or whispering affirmations over your latte.

This is your path. Own it with sass, sparkle, and a solid sprinkle of sacred rebellion.