Advice for getting back into the craft?

[threefoldcosmic]

I had chosen to not practice the craft until I turned 18 so that I would be able to give my all without fear from parental disapproval. That being said, it is almost my birthday and I have begun studying the craft so that I can gain more knowledge which is something I unfortunately neglected to do. I was a new witch when I stopped practicing so I still have much to learn. Any advice on how I can become stronger as I transition back into a very prominent spiritual life?

[SnowCat]

Take it slow, pay attention to what interests you or calls to you, remember to breathe.

Snow

[October]

I'm just getting back into my practice as well.

I think one main thing to remember is to ease in slowly. Take a little at a time, and don't beat yourself up if you don't do everything perfectly or even as well as you used to. Remember it's all personal and you are always changing. Enjoy the journey

[Imperious]

Personally, I'd just start again. If you left the Craft behind, you're probably a different person now when compared to the person you were.

[evil ed]

Go slow,observe, and ask questions. Is there a Pagan's Night Out in your area, or a Pagan's Pride day? (check Witchvox).

"It is better it ask the right questions, than to know all the answers."
James Thurber

[lunamoth]

Witchcraft is highly experiential by nature. The more you practice the more you learn. That being said i would start with some simple spells, learning to ground and center and direct your energy. Meditating will also help get you in the proper mindset. Take it slow and have fun

[blue_moon]

I'm just returning as well - but I have a few of my old research books / bos to get back into it easily.

When I decided to reactivate my inner self I started to read on the internet - I personally researched protection spells - picked up a notebook and wrote down what I found.

[Jenny Crow]

Just a few suggestions - Get some good books and learn about the Sabbats and what they are about so you can celebrate them. Meditate. Learn and understand about the elements and elementals. Practice casting a circle. Understand the correspondences and start to practice spellwork.

[SpiritTalker]

Build skills like focusing, grounding, centering, projecting power and shielding by practicing them daily - have a do-able but brief daily routine of practices ; greet the Sol & Gaia, and the four winds Boreas, Eurus, Notos, Zephyrus – NESW

[Corbin]

You could try to spend some time recalling the exact circumstances (reminisce if you like) that brought you into the craft in the first place. And how you felt, and what made you feel it...

... And then find the thread which is drawing you back.

We all have different reasons we became intimate with the craft in the same way (when or if it occurs) we all have different reasons when we take a step back from it.

Expectations can spoil the brew, relax into it and let it happen. Take the time to be still and observant.

[Panthera]

I think in witchcraft it's important to think about what's sacred to us. We often talk about rituals that are oriented towards a specific goal, but rarely about the cult side as well. Certainly there are witches who completely occult this aspect and they have the right. But where is the respect towards the energies that we use. I recently discovered that apparently some people claiming to be witches had claimed to have cursed the moon and wanted to do the same with the sun. WTF.

[Corbin]

Yeah I read that too but frankly took it as spoiled bait - something that doesn't smell right and something baiting a reaction.

I shouldn't worry. Only a lunatic would try to curse the moon.