The Importance of Confidence in Spell Casting

Confidence is something one must have If one wishes to work with the unseen forces that we call magic. Even if one doesn’t believe in the Gods/Goddesses and spirits, one still has to look and realize how big and murky ones own mind is.

So, what you need is confidence. The problem is that every newcomer to the craft refuses to do the ground work necessary to take them up each level. That means one wants to run before one can walk and before one can walk one has to crawl and stumble a lot. That is the most difficult thing a newbie has to deal with.....stumbling!

Somehow in the Mc Wiccan teachings (I hear the outcries of some loud and clear) there is a notion that the craft has to be done perfect or else there is hell to pay! Believe me when I say that is crap! I have made my fair share (and then some) mistakes in my magical workings have stumbled, burnt my fingers and even had some potions......well, let’s just say they didn’t turn out to well. Yet I’m still here, still kicking so to speak and able to talk about it. So, how did I get here? Confidence and with the help of the spirits. But... I gained it slowly but surely.

There comes a time when one has to put the books aside and start doing. Reading books can give you the basics but every author has his/her own opinion about what constitutes making magic e.g. colors, candles, potion recipes, chants, and even ethic and moral concepts. When you read ten different authors you will most likely get double that many theories. (I think I quoted April here because I remember she said something like that in one of the forums)

I say it again, folks, you need confidence not so much knowledge. You need to step back and examine your own BOS or Grimoires. Is it complete? No, of course not.... it will never be complete because it’s a work in progress.

So, get of your lazy butts and stop using the same old argument “I don’t want to make a mistake!” and DO SOMETHING! You will never learn if you don’t try. Knowledge comes with experience. So what if you make a mistake? Learn from it! Write it in your BOS and go back and figure out what went wrong. Try until it works! You gain confidence by making mistakes and trying to correct them. It is your own accomplishment when “the light bulb” goes off and you have figured out what went wrong in the first place.

Most beginners and the little more advanced practitioners always skip ver the basic metaphysical practices and go straight for the deep, ark spells. You all know I’m telling the truth here... And then they wonder why something goes wrong.... They fail because of what? Because they know nothing of how to work the metaphysics and their confidence level is low. They might tell themselves that they are perfectly able to do it but they lie to themselves. That doesn’t work because your subconscious knows better.

Now, if you had spent some time working at the basics, you would not only have the knowledge of how to unlock the magic but more importantly you have the confidence THAT IT WILL WORK. Do you get it now? Confidence combined with knowledge will get you somewhere in magic and sorcery. You can’t rely on anyone other than yourself to bring it all together.

I guess I have been preaching enough now and have most likely stepped on a few toes. So, I just want to leave you all with these last words... The only way a true crafter ever gets wisdom is from the practice itself, not sitting and reading! Having a good reference library is important but in truth your BOS or Grimoires work as well

Just remember that your confidence is what makes you a successful crafter! Work on it, develop it, and most importantly, ENJOY it.

Peace, Romana

I'm seeing 'confidence' but I think I'm hearing 'practice.' Yes, confidence is often achieved through practice. However, I have met many who had great confidence, but little or no practical experience (this applies to many subjects). One could argue that their confidence bordered on arrogance (brought on by a measure of ignorance).

Okay, I'm working on the metaphysical basics - I have too, there is little opportunity in my reality for practice. I've read many books. While the answer may be spread over many forums and blogs, what do you recommend as a process?

WHAT DO I RECOMMENED? TRY A FEW SPELLS! START OFF WITH SOMETHING SIMPLE LIKE A PROTECTION SPELL ETC. AND GRADUALLY WORK YOUR WAY UP.
OH, YOU ARE RIGHT, THERE ARE THOSE WHO KNOW EVERTHING AND HAVEN'T DONE NOTHING BUT READ BOOKS. LIKE THE SAYING GOES: IT IS PRACTICE THAT MAKES PERFECT.

PEACE, ROMANA

this speaks to honestly.... THANK YOU for telling me to get off my butt. i have been reading books for a whole year but i have never cast a circle in my life, ever!!! i know i have the knowledge but i havent done anything practical much at all because i think that i dont have the confidence or that i am just not mentally prepared for it for some reason.... every time i think of casting a circle, some thing comes to my mind and tells me that i am not completly ready yet.... but i also cant turn away from the fact that i have been reading books on witchraft for a whole year!!!!

can any one tell whats happeing here!!???

I think your just scared. As romana said you need confidence. You may be scared because you have been reading books and finding knowledge about it for a year now. But now it's time for you to do the practical side. And you may be scared because its a next step, a step your not familiar with. But ask yourself why are you scared? What is stopping you?

Hope that helps

THAT'S WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT! BOOKS ARE GREAT FOR THE BASICS BUT THE HANDS ON PRACTICE MAKES YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO BE. AND SO WHAT IF IT DOESN'T TURN OUT AS IT SHOULD HAVE? MOST EVERYTHING CAN BE REVERSED. SO, DON'T BE SCARED AND TRY, GET YOUR FEET WET ETC