Solitary Practice
Beginners' Guidelines

Solitary practice has always been the very popular among seekers and experienced Crafters, or Trad Witches. It remains very popular today for several reasons. Many Crafters prefer to practice magic alone. Some Crafters live too far from other Crafters or they find a meeting with a Trad group to be inconvenient. Also, a solo seeker may be able to progress more rapidly without the distraction of a Trad group of other people being around.

Whatever the reason, many solitary practitioners find they have a more meaningful experience because they are alone. Many seekers find they can heal and grow at their own pace, which is sometimes faster than if they had joined a Trad. Also, many find they can focus on building their confidence, have the opportunity to work out personally meaningful rituals, and gain deeper insight into magic more quickly in a solo environment.

Following are beginners' guidelines for your journey along this time-honored solitary path:

1. Observe & Appreciate Nature

Perhaps the single most important thing you can do is to become closer connected with Nature. Go on walks in the park, walks into the woods (of course always remain safe when doing so). Notice the plant life, the trees! Become aware of the Moon cycles and follow the Moon. Go outside and look at the moon. Make Nature part of your life.

2. Learn Meditation

The key to magic is concentration and visualization. The key to gaining this is through Going Within. Therefore, it is very important to develop good meditation skills. All witches meditate, even if it was never called "meditation" until recently.

There are different techniques to pick from. It really doesn't matter which technique you select. Classes on meditation are available in many communities. For many people, learning meditation is a life-changing experience. See our Meditation section.

Meditation is critial to growth in magic. You must learn meditation techniques very well.

3. Be Realistic

Approach your solo practice in a smart way.

1. As anyone who has been successful in business will tell you, the key to success is simply not giving up. Those that stick around, succeed. So, don't give up and you will become a Traditional Crafter.

2. Listen to your little voice inside. It may take time but you will need to trust yourself enough to listen to your inner voice and learn to be introspective, more aware of all that is around you.

Be mindful that it takes time to become a Crafter. It doesn't happen overnight.

3. Keep a Journal to record your progress. This will help in gaining a perspective of your development.

4. Nature is very powerful and all those serious about The Craft will find find Nature to be a major source of spiritual renewal. So, make sure you go on that walk in the park, spend time out-of-doors at least several times a week.

After All...

When there's a will, the gods will provide a way.

Much more information on Traditional Witchcraft beliefs and practices, including a Self-Dedication Ritual is in the Full Course material in The Journey to Trad Witchcraft.

Solitary Practice Guidelines