Unpopular witch opinion: Shadow work is the same as processing trauma and reflecting on yourself (metacognition). It's not exclusively witchy. Its honestly more like psychological processing
My pet peeve for the magickal community: people who use belief in twin flames or soul mates to justify not examining their very unhealthy, negative relationship because "we're meant to be 💘" "he/she/they're my other half" nah bro you're a full human soul all on your own!
I believe in twin flames BUT I completely agree with you. You don't have to deal with an abusive partner just because someone told you that you're twin flames. You deserve way better than that, also if the person is being awful to you then, maybe just maybe, he/she/they are not your twin flame at all.
My unpopular opinion: No one is a 'natural" witch or born a witch. People are intuitives, epmaths, psychics, whatever. But none of that makes one a witch. Witchcraft is a chosen path. It is a way of life.
I don’t think people are born a witch, however I think it might come more naturally and intrinsically to some people than it does for others. Like for example my logical brain wants to fight any divination effort I make with every fiber of my being (love divination though lol) but creating certain types of spells comes really easily to me.
@@xJadeWolfxx I just read the same claim on TH-cam last week, from a guy who claims that his wife is a "born witch", and that is the only kind of "real witch". 🙄 I think he's overlooking the "craft" part of witchcraft.
@@xJadeWolfxx having witches in one’s family doesn’t make one more of a witch. In my family. None of the witches were ALIVE when I was old enough to choose the path. Therefore I taught myself. Family should have nothing to do with it!
@@xJadeWolfxx Now assuming that idea were possible, where do those people think the first person in the bloodline came from?! Sooner or later one person in a family has to start out as a witch obviously lol that's why that idea makes ZERO SENSE!
Unpopular opinions: you don’t have to use any type of magical waters such as moon water. You don’t have to know astrology. You don’t need to know the “standard textbook” uses of an item. Use the item as you have associations with it. For example, I might use rosemary for love because that’s what it means to me. Edit: you can even find a cool stick from a family tree as a meaning for “family” regardless of the actual textbook properties
SO very much this!!!! I love your viewpoint here and agree completely. It’s so important to pay attention how things resonate with you personally, as opposed to how someone tells you they should. 💜💜💜
I have accepted that I will never fully understand astrology. It just never really caught my interest. I do love Moon Water, though. Gazing at the Moon always puts me right, no matter how difficult a day has been. If it was a good day, it just makes me feel even better. Moon Water has a special meaning for me.
I agree! My entire practice goes along the route of 'okay, let's research and cross reference everything' and then go 'oh wait, this thing means this to me so let's use that here' 😅
I also don´t use moon water. Yeah, I charge my crystals, jar spell and some items I plan to use, but Im not a water person. I also don´t vibe with moon that much.
My unpopular opinion is that you can have no tools at all and still be a witch. A lot of people think (especially with Tik Tok) that they need crystals, plants and all the juju but the truth is that none of this works unless you learn how to visualize and believe that you can actually accomplish anything. In fact, this is why I'm so against using tools until you learn how to meditate, visualize and manifest first, even if it's just a small thing. Once you grasp how you can use a cheat code in your mind, you can use tools the way Hearth told us in past videos: as props. With that being said, I also support the use of technologies in magick and the semi-recent tech witchcraft. Some people are against these practices using an app for Tarot, an illustration software to create sigils or even videogames to create poppets because they think that the only valid witchcraft is the one in which flashy tools are used. Pick any tools that you're comfortable with and might make it easy for you to create a cheat code for your mind or don't. In the end, you're free to choose either to use herbs and crystals or a tablet to create sigils and illustrations that channel your intention.
I couldn’t agree more. I just finished listening to Rebel Witch. I’ve been practicing 35+ and I kept pausing that book to take notes. There were so many great techie ideas, that I’ve gotta suggest that to those in this thread. There are some truly amazing witch educators right here on TH-cam (Hearth!) that I would suggest to anyone seeking. I’ve been reading witchy books for years, and you can learn all that witch 101 right here. There is no perfect baby witch book. You are being taught all that right here. So my unpopular opinions are that one on one, in person training isn’t necessary. There are great resources for witches now, and I’m delighted to see it become so popular.
Unpopular opinion: so many very young people are primarily learning about witchcraft from other very young people, and they're doing themselves a disservice by devaluing older practitioners and the wisdom they can share. It's not that older folks are always right or that the kids don't have valuable contributions to make - it's just that it creates a kind of echo chamber. People prioritize things heard on Tiktok or Instagram over input from others who have been practicing for decades. It's kind of weird to watch as someone in the middle.
I'm in the middle too and I wonder, do you think that the influence of older practitioner's and the traditions that have been taught and carried through centuries of time are fading now? I am not sure that I think so, although I do understand the danger of an echo chamber. I feel that Hearth is very good at incorporating knowledge that has come from older generations of magical practitioners while still being open and engaged with newer interpretations.
Speaking as a young person I think it's harder for us to find practioners who have been practicing for years to rely on for information. This is why most young people look to youtube, instagram, tiktok because that it was we know and have access too. Personally I prefer to get most of my information from books and I'm very active in the instagram community. I just recently have started watching youtube videos about witchcraft which mostly contain information I already know. I do have access to a small local metaphysical shop where I can go and ask questions but many young people simply don't have access to wiser teachers who have been practicing for decades. Also for me I feel very uncomfortable asking for help with my own personal journey and most of the classes I have gone to or information I have learned online is something I could have learned from a book.
As a child, I would figure out certain things and tell my mom about it and she encouraged me in stuff like visualization as well as a number of other things. I think that I taught her as much as she taught me at times, though I don't think she would ever classify the "spiritual" new-agey type stuff as witchcraft, though in retrospect, I think I have practiced far longer than I realized.
@Jay Since learning through videos is a good tool for you, I'd like to recommend Tilluan Penry's channel. She's a totally delightful crone who has decades of practice under her belt, and is really wise about the practice. Her videos are short, soothing, and easy to grasp. I'm really thankful to the other comment I read several months ago that directed me to her channel. I could cheerfully listen to her all day.
As someone who has always practiced as a solitary witch, I WISH I could find a good coven or a mentor. I’ve been kind of stuck learning on my own or via the internet. I definitely feel like I’m missing out some times.
Same. I've known a few witches "locally" (they've since moved - I'm the only one I know of here right now), but they are solitary as well. It's hard in parts of the bible-belt/deep south (US) as I think those of us who are here have been conditioned to assume we are alone, and then end up working alone - and it's certainly not easy to be "out".
I made flyers and put them up around town for a monthly witch meetup and met a wonderful longtime practitioner at the second meet! You'd be surprised at how many witches are looking to connect locally and just need someone else to take the initiative 🌻
I feel that I would be able to really benefit from an experienced mentor or coven. I'm having a tough time on my own. I remember bringing it up with a couple of online friends of mine who happen to be exploring the craft as well, and the response was essentially "This is your personal journey, not an organized religion. You _have_ to do it yourself, it won't be handed to you". Needless to say it's made me feel like wanting guidance is somehow wrong, even though I know that isn't the case.
MY UNPOPULAR OPINION: You don't have to believe in the paranormal, magical energy, otherworldly realms, spirits or any type of diety to do witchcraft. I use my practice for psychological benefits. Tarot, for example, is not a way of divination or future-gazing in my practice, however it is to unlock elements of my subconscious by using intuition and bringing forth what my instincts and subconscious are thinking about. I use spell work to aid me psychologically when I feel I have nothing else I can do in a situation and I have tried everything; the spell usually makes me feel a lot better, therefore enabling me to handle the situation better which further leads to my desired outcome. I use baneful magic on very rare occasion, and as I do not believe this will harm the other person, I only use it to release anger or sadness for myself for emotional healing. As a psychology student, I often get criticism from both the psychology community and the witchcraft community for this opinion but I can say for sure, that my practice has helped me heal and develop as a person and that the human brain really is more powerful than you think.
That’s a really good point, there are no prerequisite beliefs for witchcraft. I’m personally not sure on a lot of things regarding metaphysical reality, and tbh, my work doesn’t really require that I am. I do witchcraft because it works, that’s the only reason I need.
It's funny because I started my journey with witchcraft right as witchcraft started to become popular but I had no idea it had become a trend at the time. I feel like it has worked out as an advantage and disadvantage for me personally. Advantage because there are more shops, resources, and community around me. But also, because I'm so new to the practice I've definitely faced some negativity from some practitioners I've met because they're like "oh you're doing it because of a trend" it was all just weird timing I guess
Yes! I'm sorta similar. I've been interested since I was 13 and didn't really get into it until about 17. I've been practicing for almost 10 years and I've only come out recently bc I felt like it was time and I have a fear of people judging me bc I feel like they'll think I'm only a witch bc its a trend right now and in fact I started WAY before then. It kinda sucks, but at the same time you just need to brush them off.
Yeah same here, I didn't realise it had become a trend until I started practicing and researching. All the resources are great, as well as being able to be quite comfortably 'out' in this climate, but I also fear people will think I only got involved because it's a trend right now 😏
dude! same! i don't even own a tiktok and the time i tried to get instagram, i got hacked by a russian hacker that kept liking a ton of things i didn't want to have on my account. How I got more curious around the past couple years was for 3 reasons: -1st initial push was when dad died and i found a few witchcraft books and i am a culture nut, so i went straight for the celtic magic book, which immediately dispelled a lot of harmful stereotypes that my religious upbringing tried to brainwash me into thinking. -2nd push was when i kept having dreams of the same dude over 20 times over 2 years, which i found out was mundane, but felt otherworldly at the time, so was wondering what was going on. -Then the final push that made me take it super serious was when a good friend was having issues with a witchy ex that was unstable and abusing love magic, trying to force her into loving him, which it didn't work that way, but it was making her sick, would manipulate her dreams, etc, and he admitted to it when she found a pink candle and a photo of her around and he said he would stop, but he hasn't, thus I wanted to help her get some magic protection up as well as trying to get her to be more assertive and confident in her own power over herself because for some weird reason she felt like she deserved it too. but yeah, not because of a trendO.O
I too have been around for 45+ years. While I have never been in a coven, I have had some training and guidance along the way in Wicca etc. I am a big believer in what you now call shadow work. If someone has suffered trauma esp. if they a complex trauma survivor. It can be very hard to deal with some of issues related to that alone. I believe that some form of therapy can help if you can find someone who specializes in PTSD/Trauma. I don't waste my money on expensive items when you can make or adapt things around the home or via etsy.
My unpopular opinion is that the term “Baby Witch” can be infantilizing and off-putting to people starting their spiritual journeys. Baby witch may be a term that younger witches can identify with, but it can also preemptively put the idea in peoples’ heads that they know absolutely nothing about witchcraft. I know I personally started my spiritual journey a little later than most people, and I was very discouraged by the term baby witch.
I AGREE. I also hate the adjective "witchy" because it's diminutive. It feels like people are trying to make it cutesy or something. Like, I'm not witchy, honey, I'm a WITCH.
Agreed. I also find it weird that the term "baby" is used instead of "beginner", like we wouldn't say "baby volleyball player" or "baby artist"? So why do it here?
I agree with you so much. My biggest pet peeve is people calling their pets their familiars and then screaming at you saying you’re gatekeeping when you tell them they’re wrong 🤣 you can’t argue with facts!
I agree so much with this. Most of the time I like to check out magical communities on Reddit and sometimes I cringe when people call their pets their familiars when it's clear they have no idea what this means or the implications.
^this is the one. People do not understand that familiars are a witch's companion whose purpose is to provide protection, help uncover occult knowledge, and any other tasks that the witch has designated for them. What if someone were to send a hex your way and little Fluffy died because they took a magical hit for you???? If that would upset you, keep your pets and familiars separate.
I just tend to not say anything bc of the backlash you get when you say they're not a familiar. I'm usually quiet on fb groups bc I don't like to stir the pot 😅
Well... yeah kind of, but if you really look into the history of witchcraft you see that witches didn't actually have familiars at all. Animals living with witches and helping them in their work is a made up concept by witch hunters in the middle ages in order to prosecute women. Women with an additional nipple for example were said to feed their "familiars" on them. So In my (i guess unpopular) opinion: Familiars don't exist and therefore you can call your pet whatever you want.
My opinion on when any community gets mainstream: it's great that the tools for the community are becoming more available, but then the information in that community can get corrupted by the new people coming in. Perfect example of this, I used to play pokemon competitively. I put HOURS of work into IV breeding and EV training my pokemon for competitions and memorizing sets and spreads for every pokemon I used. I knew every pokemon's name, type, and best spreads for each generation (3 - 6) and I had a bunch of people come in and tell me that I'm wrong and you need these "candies" to evolve pokemon (basically, when pokemon go became popular) and they can't learn moves in their movesets ect. because they came in and were arrogantly ignorant. THAT'S what ruins a community and can make it turn toxic (and is what made me "grow out" of pokemon)
Shadow work is therapy but alone which I think should be done with a qualified therapist. Honestly everyone has a body and mind and needs care for both. You can work with a therapist and still do some processing alone to. Many times mental health counselors will give home work and that can be incorporated into ones practice of shadow work. ✨
Yes, absolutely. I think supporting small businesses is better for the ethical procurement of magical supplies, especially when it comes to stones, oils and incense. Trees like sandlewood and frankincense are already in danger because of how they grow and their popularity. Crystals are less regulated than precious stones. We have to be careful and respectful of our resources and their impacts.
My unpopular opinion: Not everything "means something". I am in some witchcraft communities on social media that will ask each other what EVERYTHING that happens to them means spiritually and assume it is some kind of sign or omen. I swear I have seen someone ask what it means that their cat is shedding, looking for a supernatural explanation. I can appreciate looking for supernatural things in a natural world, but it is very frustrating to have an online community clogged up with posts about what does it mean that they have to poo.
This made me laugh. Honestly. It also peeves me when my best friend constantly searches big meanings about every single fucking dream, no matter how trivial it was. xD
THANK YOU !! I was a moderator in a huuuuge witchcraft group, and the countless posts to read and approve "Is this a sign?!", "What could that mean?!" made me QUIT. It was ridiculous.
Agreed. I tried joining a couple groups on FB because I thought i could learn something. And you're right. Everybody thinks everything means something. Also, people were always posting these huge issues they were having and asking people for spells to "fix" the situation. But, in many of the posts, people were not doing the mundane acts to help themselves. Honestly, it was like a huge pity party. One lady wanted a spell because her lawyer hadn't called her back in 6 weeks, but she only called him once. Ultimately, I just removed myself from the groups.
Something I have noticed in recent years is beginners calling themselves "baby witch". My unpopular opinion is that they are not respecting their paths and craft by calling themselves this way. You don't see medical students, law students or any other professionals calling themselves a baby doctor or a baby lawyer (and if you do you're not giving your profession a good image), so respect yourself as a beginner/student/novice and also respect the craft by using other terms such as beginner witch, witchcraft student, novice witch, etc. until you feel comfortable with calling yourself a witch. I know that after a while (even years) we could still feel like we still don't have all the knowledge and the power but that doesn't mean that we should reduce any merit to what we do or know by calling ourselves babies.
YASSSSS! I finally shed the last of my Christian teachings about 10 years ago but finally started listening and putting the pieces together that I've always been a witch but didn't know it. I started actually practicing 4 years ago and as a woman in my late 30's at the time "baby witch" did NOT appeal. But because I wasn't ready I didn't call myself a witch either. I was just a practicenor. I didn't feel I had earned the title out of respect for all those before me. In the end I decide I'm an Eclectic Witch. I love myself, I love my life. I finally feel like myself.....like when I was a child....free of everything that tries to influence you. I DEFINITELY don't and didn't feel like a BABY! lol 😆
It's so annoying. I assumed it was inspired by the goth scene calling young goths baby bats, which is kinda cute. But I'm an elder goth now and not going to be calling myself a 'baby' anything.
(disclamer, I mean for no disrespect in my reply, please tell me if i come off as rude!) So I am a more beginer witch (although I've been a spirit worker for longer), and i do call myself a "baby witch". But not to put myself down, but because I litterally, legally am a child. So I am fine with the term baby witch because it's kinda just a name, doesn't mean much. Just like babybat for a young goth, or baby punk and stuff. Does that make sense? I just call myself a baby witch because to some older practitioner I am a baby, but as I get older I will no longer use the title
The deity part is so important! No one has to believe that they are real beings in order to practice magic, but if you don't see them as real autonomous entities with their own will, don't work with them... Using them just as a corresponding item is both historically inaccurate and makes no sense in practice.
As one of those old people who practiced before the boom in witchcraft on social media, I'm of two minds. First, it's done amazing things, as you said, for approachability, information spread, and destygmatization. What truly concerns me, though, is the spreading of mis- or dangerous information along with really good advice, and great lessons. I loved, very much, the old tradition of practice being passed down from witch to 'apprentice'. I recieved amazing support one-on-one, and had all the time I needed for discussion, and questions that you don't have while commenting, or watching someone's live, especially the really popular ones. The bad part of this tradition handing-down, is a more closed community that feeds on its own prejudices and false narratives. These can utterly destroy that community, or breed suspicious, insular, us vs them attitudes.
Unpopular opinion: you can be whatever kind of witch you want and you don’t need to practice like anyone else. I would love all witches to live into this so we can all be magical and accept each other.
Unpopular witchcraft opinion practising darker magick and being willing to hex/curse dosent automatically make someone a "bad witch". Sometimes cursed and hexes can be necessary to teach a lesson Vs binding someone and having them never change/grow. Also another unpopular opinion not specifically witch craft related but idk about anyone else but as a witch I am sick and tired of these law of attraction practionerrs telling people yes you can use.the LoA to get your ex back and telling them how to do it when I know as a witch in general that would probably be the only.thing most witches whether they be left or right hand path can agree on
Unpopular opinion: being an atheist/agnostic witch. I’ve struggled so hard throughout the years to find a deity that felt right, that I connected with. I’ve always loved mythologies and folklore and ancient history, but there was just that lack of belief I guess. Even when I was Christian growing up I never connected to God. So it’s been 13-14 years of waiting, either sitting idle or actively searching for a deity, to no luck. And I discovered other witches like me, and I learned I could still practice witchcraft and not believe in or have a deity. It wasn’t essential(unlike when I was first learning and got into Wicca). I always thought I couldn’t do magic without a god or goddess. But lo and behold I feel stronger and more assured in myself than ever. I don’t feel like something is missing-because I’ve accepted there isn’t. And another unpopular opinion: while I still kind of believe in magic...I think a lot of things are just your own belief, and the law of attraction. Like placebos. When I’m driving and it’s storming hard, I reach for and hold onto a piece of malachite for dear life. I believe it’ll help me get home safe, so it’s a way to calm myself. And so I end up fine. Or I did an addiction spell a few months ago to help me out with my substance abuse, and it felt like overnight I no longer craved it. The mind is a powerful thing. But some things I can’t help but know magic was somehow involved. I did a banishing spell for a friend(with her permission) with an abusive stalking ex that was steadily increasing in horrible things he was doing to her for revenge. He showed up at her work, then her house, even though he lived hours away. The police finally showed up and she got a restraining order. It’s been a month and she hasn’t heard from him. So I think maybe what I did gave him an escalating push, and finally ended it. Who knows? I’m questioning things all the time and learning.
Probably be slammed for this but, not everyone needs to study or "learn" to be a witch. For some of us it's just who we've always been. I have never felt the need for tools or special spells or incantations, I just concentrate and focus on my intention when needed. I also don't work with deities, but I will sometimes ask the general universe if there is anyone or anything that would be willing to offer up no strings attached help. Usually I ask if I am very sick or having some kind of serious issue. And if there is no help I am ok with that. I think it's great that new people want to be witches or Pagans. But I don't care for the people that come in to be looky-loos and then dash off to post something negative when the trend passes. The same thing happened in the kink community when the Shades of Grey books/movies came out. It was a nightmare.
I get what you mean, and you don't have to do hard or big things to be a witch. You can simply just ask the universe a question or do some meditation like you said, so I agree!
I remember how I used to watch witchcraft tiktoks and dreamed about becoming a witch. But I didn't think my parents would be ok with it. Fast forward I have been a witch for 3+ months and not even thinking about stopping❤️
As a Witch of over 20 years, I had never even *heard* of "shadow work" until a few years ago and it seems like so many people in the witchcraft community really push this practice as a MUST to properly practice the Craft, which I find strange (and even dangerous). It comes from psychotherapy and really didn't have much to do with witchcraft until fairly recently (from what I can tell). Shadow work, to me, seems like something that should be done with your therapist. But that's just my opinion. *shrugs*
Totally agree. Everyone practices the craft differently. Forcing someone to do something they have no interest in cuz they feel strongly about it isnt cool at all.
I have to agree on the first opinion. It's great to see so many people interested in witchcraft. I think it definitely helps us dispel a significant amount of negative stereotypes. I've been practicing for almost 20 years, and seeing it become more socially acceptable has been wonderful.
I'm so glad you brought up the problem with people pushing for others to do shadow work. I've actually been thinking about this subject a lot, because I see shadow work being pushed all the time...and like, I live with a family member with severe depression, and the thought of them delving in shadow work, delving into past traumas and how they view themselves, etc. is actually pretty scary. Because I've seen how things can spiral out of control if you aren't equipped to process your thoughts/past experiences. It might work for some, but I definitely think people need to be more careful about suggesting it. I think if people have trouble processing things but want to maybe try something like shadow work...it could be more beneficial to seek out a mental health professional.
I think my biggest unpopular opinion is that beginners can do deity work. Saying only experienced witches can work with deity is ignoring people interested in paganism that don't necessarily want to use alot of witchcraft or any witchcraft in their spiritual life. Just approach respectfully and do your research.
Personally, I'm grateful for social media bringing more witch content out. I was beginning to practice as a teenager, and was attacked by my mom for doing so, and haven't had the courage to get back into it until now. Seeing all of the witches all over the world, has made me feel so much better about coming back at 29🖤
Great as always, Hearth! About treating deities as correspondences, I agree 100% and I also think the same with plants and crystals because they're spirits as well and they deserve our respect. So when choosing a herb for a spell, it's very important for me to have a relationship with the plant spirit as much as with goddesses and gods.
Lovely video like always, Hearth! I definitely agreed with you almost entirely on all your points. I have a few of my own unpopular/not talked about opinions: 1.) You do not need to incorporate new age beliefs/ systems into your witchcraft. 2.) You do not need to work with the moon in your practice if you choose not to. 3.) It is okay to miss Sabbats, it will come around again in a year. 4.) It is okay to be eclectic in your practice, just make sure you do your research and be respectful towards closed practices. 5.) There is no such thing as a type/ system of witchcraft that is only for beginners (I know there are people who say Green witchcraft or Wicca is for newbies who shift out eventually, but this is not the case.) 6.) Not exactly an unpopular opinion, but more so just a general opinion; Your craft is your craft. No one has a right to tell you what is wrong or right when it comes to magick. As long as something feels right for you, and if it works, I see no issue in continuing to do what you already have been. If it is not broken, why fix it. 7.) Never be afraid of going to witches who may be much older or younger than you. It does everyone some good to learn from people of the different ages. This goes for someone younger like me learning from older witches and also for someone older who may want to learn about witchcraft from a fresh set of eyes. All age groups can offer very valuable perspectives on magick. 8.) Trial and error is a part of the journey. Even with a tutor, you may fail a lot and that is entirely okay. Failure is a part of the process to really narrow down and figure out what works best for you. 9.) It is okay to take a break from practicing. If you are in a spot where you are just forcing yourself to practice just so that you are practicing, it is bad for your mental and spiritual health. Take a breather, it is entirely okay. 10.) You do not have to be vegan to be a spiritual person. All in all just remember: It is YOUR practice. And this means that it is okay to have your own opinions and way of doing things.
Semi-unpopular opinion: Spiritual practice of any kind comes ultimately from within, and from intuition....So if you have a sense of your connection to spiritual life and can work on that in ways that resonate with you, that is all you need.
All witchcraft is magic but not all magic is witchcraft and not every magician works with magic the same way as witches do. Also magic is universal and everyone has access to it and every religion and spiritual path has it and uses it just in different names and different ways
My unpopular opinions: - You don't have to follow an ancient witchcraft tradition if you don't resonate with any of them. The basic principles are mostly same in all traditions, and popculture magic is a thing. - Deity work is not required for advanced witchcraft, you can directly use the whole energy field of the Universe if it fits well into your believe system. - Man-made materials, such as "fake" crystals and plastic, are not do-not-use things. Their properties might be different from natural materials, but it doesn't make them less powerful, and exactly this difference may make them more suitable for particular spells. - Sabbats are not universal thing. It's basically an adaptation from Celtic and Norse paganism, and because of this they haven't existed in many traditions, so if you practice for example Slavic paganism or indigenous practices of your ancestors (if you're a POC) you don't need to worry about them. If you're not practicing traditional witchcraft at all, you don't need to worry about them either, because who knows, maybe you're a total nomad in heart, or a solely city person, and you don't feel connection to seasonal changes at all, or your practice is based on aliens from another planet that don't have the same seasons as Europe.
My unpopular opinion to an extent ties into your second point. I'm a a little concerned about the overall commodification of witchcraft in particular concerning environmental impact and labor rights. I get that people (especially when starting out) want to buy all those beautiful and mystical things and tools, but they disregard the impact that has on the earth they claim to love so much. I know I will lose many people with my next statement, but it needs to be said: Over the last years I noticed, that practitioners knowingly avoid any information about crystal mining because they don't want to deal with the fact, that most crystals we buy are sourced in disadvantaged countries under human rights violations and causing environmental harm. I get it. Crystals are beautiful and they help in your craft, but in my opinion me feeling a little better isn't worth literal child labor.
Im glad you shared your opinion of shadow work, i struggled for about a year to do shadow work and realized that ive actually been doing a lot of shadow work my whole life without thinking about it. Most shadow work ive done recently has been for past lives and my higherself needing some clarity.. i also struggle with depression so really ita just not something that benefits me to sit down and do
Great video. Regarding witchcraft becoming a trend, I'm constantly reminded of something I heard a Wiccan Elder say about twenty years on the topic: "The Craft will endure. The Craft will endure. Through all things, the Craft will endure." It's helped me remain pretty chill during the recurring cycles. You also mention the commercialization of witchcraft. I think my biggest thing about this is that people tend to forget that one colossal truth you mentioned: You don't need "things" to practice witchcraft. A gorgeous athame or lovingly crafted wands (my husband is starting to make the latter) can be nice, but aren't strictly necessary. And I worry that this gets lost and people start thinking they can't practice because they can't "afford" it. On the topic of formal training, I'd say another advantage is the personalized feedback loop. "Oh, you had this experience? Let's explore it." "That didn't work for you? Well, let's see what we can do to fine tune or fix it for you."
As much as I love this book I have to agree with you. I use this book as the base to know more about the herbs I plant but I also read many other texts to learn more (especially in Spanish since we have a very strong herbal tradition in Mexico) and finally I write about my findings and do an illustration on my Book of Shadows. Is great to have the information as a gate but we also need to put some extra work too.
Absolutely agree!! I bought the Herbal Correspondences Guide from Briana Blair and it was well worth the money for me. It's very straightforward and I absolutely love it.
I was just talking about this on hearth's server! the information in the encyclopedia is largely western-magick centric and doesnt encompass the diverse array of traditions the world has to offer. Especially asian and african traditions.
@@RebeDrawsStuff I've been looking for resources from Mexico, but so far I've only found few videos from la UNAM... could you recommend a fellow Mexican witch some books?
I am a baby witch from North America who hasn't started practicing yet, but I already have one unpopular opinion: *If I start doing candle magic, I will use gold for money instead of green.* This may be because I lived in Germany for 4 years and almost all their coins are gold. And TV shows and movies based in the time when paper money didn't exist yet had gold coins everywhere! After all of this I've just associated money with gold.
Whether or not I agree and why: 1) Agreed! People act like trends are a bad thing and can never be good. Obviously, doing something *only* for the trend is maybe a bit problematic, but witchcraft becoming a bigger thing means more people are aware of it and are being educated about it!! I was interested in witchcraft for a while, but was quite unsure whether I wanted to actually participate because I didn't really find many people who did practice, but once it picked up some speed and gained a bit of traction, I felt a lot more confident in practicing because I knew there was a community I could be part of. 2) Fully agreed. It's the same thing as companies changing their logo to include the rainbow flag during pride month, and then as soon as midnight July 1st hits, they take it down. If you don't mean it or believe in it, don't market it. It also takes away from smaller businesses that sell witchy supplies because they actually know what they all mean, like she said. 3) Yep yep yep. Deities are *divine beings,* you can't just say "you are gonna help me with my spell" willy nilly without actually putting some respect onto their name. And, as Hearth said, mixing deities without knowing the mythology behind them, ESPECIALLY when mixing pantheons, can go horrifically south. 4) YES. I think this is the one I most agree with out of all of these. *PLEASE* do not try Shadow Work if you are not in a headspace to process trauma, to process aspects of yourself that have been hidden away, and/or to process the past in general. While it can be very helpful in letting go and healing, it is by no means one-size-fits-all. No one will experience Shadow Work the same way as someone else, so don't think that just because people on socials are saying how it's wonderful and amazing that it will be that way for everyone. 5) I'm actually kind of 50/50 on this one. While yes, formal training does give the student a lot of headway on learning magick and cuts out a lot of the trial & error, I think part of the learning experience should be a bit of trail & error. In my opinion, you should be able to make mistakes and not be punished for them (not saying formal training will punish you for it, but it's not completely out of the picture, let's be honest), or at least without having that worry of "Oh heck, someone's watching me do this and I don't know how they respond to mistakes, if I screw this up I'm dead". Obviously, no one likes the feeling of messing up, and I'm not dismissing that. And having a guide or tutor can 100% have its benefits!!
I'm only beginning with candle magic, also trying to find my type of practice. Deity work is a no go. I'm only getting information from TH-cam or pinterest.
I was buying a spell book and the girl at the counter said "oh have you been watching a lot of Sabrina?" I just laughed and said "yeah." I didn't get mad because she wasn't meaning to be mean. It is a shame though that that's where her mind went immediately. I'm with you on the middle of the trend argument.
Omg your bloopers. I feel you so hard! My house is a house shaped jenga game. Why did I stack all of this? And now my cat is on the stack that is slowly tipping over.🤣
Hi Hearth, been practicing 45 years but a Pagan only 5 years. I love your behind the scene clutter. I always suspect posts that have the beautiful plant and crystal display in the background conceals the pile of laundry and stacks of paperwork in the corner..😆 Thanks for keeping it real
As a magickal shop owner, it warms my heart to hear your "unpopular" opinion about not supporting massive corporations capitalizing on magickal practitioners and supporting small and authentic magickal and ritual suppliers like myself. Thank you for sharing this!
I don’t know what I love more, the actual witchy content of the video, or the bloopers/extras at the end haha. I’m glad you talked about the messy side of your place because sometimes I beat myself up for how clean and organized people’s places look on here, when really it’s just a small part on camera that looks pristine. Also loved the manic-sounding ramblings lol. Glad you mentioned that some people should seek therapy while doing shadow work. I have PTSD and have thought about doing shadow work, but when I looked into some of the questions, I realized that I should definitely not be doing it all by myself. Loved your video (like always)
I LOVE the reels/behind the scenes at the end of the videos. Personally I am happy that witchcraft has gone mainstream for the time being. I have a Wiccan friend but I always felt like I would have to completely change religions to study witchcraft. Before mainstream, it was very difficult to find information about witchcraft, but now I have found you and so many other people/perspectives that give me confidence being able to step into my own craft.
I like how you jump topics so much in your “natural” self when your just being you. I do this all the time !!! And it’s neat seeing others do it It’s quite adorable and entertaining, makes me feel not alone haha. Absolutely love your videos! Unpopular option- I believe everyone has natural gifts, we are “tools” for spiritual work or witchcraft. Just over time some “lost” due to history and some kept studying through it. But now lots are waking up. I don’t believe one is stronger then the other I believe by studying and learning all we can enhance our gifts.
when i was first getting into witchcraft (about two or three years ago) i stumbled across a local witchcraft store in my neighborhood. about a year ago, i moved about an hour away from that area, and recently revisited friends in that area. i was crushed when i saw that the store had gone under. the owners were trained in witchcraft and herbology and genuinely cared about their customers craft. as a younger, poorer witch, i heavily relied on the knowlege of practitioners and to see them go under put a dent in my practice. i understand buying from larger companies, and i have done it myself, but if you purchase from "fast craft" stores, or non craft stores with witchcraft items (such as spencers or micheals) please, please purchase from a local store as well. i typically spend half (or less) of my budget at a larger company, and the other half at a local shop. but that is just me, so do what feels best for your craft. good health to you all.
Unpopular opinion : altars are highly overrated. I know it's THE thing people love to share on social media and I definitely enjoy seeing beautiful altars, but I feel like unless you really practice everyday, do a ton of spells and rituals or work with deities, they're not really that useful. I have a small one and honestly it kind of just feels like a storage space for my crystals and tarot decks etc lol, a shoebox or my nightstand could serve the same purpose... maybe it's just because I don't practice enough haha but yeah I don't really see the point in having a huge permanent space where you could just as easily pull some stuff out of a box and do your spell/ritual on the floor or something
me too! my room is really small. i cant have an altar bc it would take up too much space, and i do all my spellwork on the floor right in front of my dresser (i keep all my supplies in the drawer). so i feel like an altar is unnecessary and would be a chore for me lol.
Since a few days, I have a little altar in my room. Nothing special, literally just a small low table with a cloth from my great-grandmother on top and some objects that are important to me, or create a nice energy. I manly use it for tarot and I was completely fine practicing without it, so I absolutely agree with you. They aren't nessecary at all, I personally love having mine now to be more reminded of my crafts though. (Also I could never share him on social media, since I'm sociophobic like hell...)
I am the same way with random objects. The Dog of My Life, Cooper, just passed a couple weeks ago. I'm gutted -- but I'm also a slob. He kept me organized. He was completely unhappy if his space was out of sorts. He would meticulously put a toy in three of the corners of his favorite rug, and point his nose in the forth -- whichever corner was facing me. Sorry for over-sharing but I've been bursting to tell someone how truly special he really was. I will love him until the word no longer exists. Also sorry for comment spam (if you even see them from old videos) but I tend to binge watch channels and I feel rude not leaving a comment after someone's worked so hard to share their video. So...thanks for the video!
I am really glad it is popular since I have always dreamed about having a different belife, but never knew I had a place to feel comfortable. Only after I found it and now feel like things makes sence :)
My parents and great grandparents raised me in a "witchy way." I seen as a kid 25yrs ago that we were different than my friends family. Over the past 5 or so years I've learned "why" they did certain things. And I'm so thankful. 25yrs ago it was taught very difficult. I feel I have grown spiritually!!
Lol, I love that unlike a lot of youtubers who portray the super pretty perfect houses, I really appreciate you sharing your clutter habits with us outside of your recording space:) it gives a more human touch to the video, not that super clean people can't be human, but I feel like the amount of the super clean spaces shown on youtube channels have an air of a lack of realism, usually folks like the makeup tutorials, asmr, and influencers. Most people I know who wear makeup have is scattered all over the sink and aren't looking as good as new. Clutter happens, pets and kids don't help and that is life:) Things pile up no matter how much we try to keep things clean and that is okay:)
The deity thing for sure. I don't personally work with any right now but I think its just, ya know, courteous to get to know someone before asking for stuff. But to each their own. I worry about the local witchy businesses and though I know that some stuff can get pricey, I find homemade things have more power. Whether by your own hand or another. I'm half and half on the training. While I do agree that we'd all probably gain a lot from "formal" training, I can't forget the things I learned early in my practice and studying, to be mindful of who your teacher is and what they ask for as payment.
Absolutely agree about shadow work. I did a lot of that through therapy before becoming a witch. I had a moment when I started seeing it everywhere in the witchcraft community where I thought, "oh no...do I need to go through all of that again?" And I came to the conclusion that, no. I don't need to do shadow work again, just because it's labeled as "witchcraft." I've been there, I've processed it, I've moved on. Don't do anything that you don't feel you want or need to do.
I watch your channel quite a bit and although I don't comment, I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your content. Honestly speaking, we both have some similar opinions. #2: why would I spend money on something that was mass produced when a) it's probably illegally harvested or endangered, and b) the magic itself is in the making of the thing. #3: Treating deities and spirits like a gumball machine, were you put a quarter in and expect to get something out, is a good way to get fucked up. Deities and spirits don't play around. I think most people coming to witchcraft tend to have hurt from the Christian church and want to explore other religious options but can't let go of baggage. They think that worshipping and revering a goddess means kowtowing to them and that's definitely not the case. Spirits and deities have agency, which many people fail to realize or acknowledge. A spirit doesn't have to do anything for you, even if you give offerings. Lots of times your prayers and petitions go unanswered as a test from the spirits or divinity to gauge sincerity and seriousness. But people see that nothing is happening and immediately claim that deities and spirits aren't real because xyz didn't happen within the allotted timeframe. Also, think about it from this perspective: would you be willing to grant a favor to someone who talked to you sideways, made demands, maybe even insulted you? No? Then why do you expect spirits to?! #4 Shadow work came into witchcraft via writers who were also psychotherapists and psychologists and are based off of Jung's theories. I personally believe that this was done as a justification for making witchcraft seem none threatening to the public. promoting shadow work when you're not a licensed psychologist is irresponsible to me because like you said, having people try to unpack trauma alone can result in more trauma. Now here's for my own possibly controversial opinions: 1. Witchcraft is political. Think about in history the whos and whys of people getting accused of being witches (persecuted, ostracized, or executed). When you adopt the label of witch, you're taking on the history behind it. 2. Witchcraft is inherently transgressive; it's about the powerless obtaining power to give themselves a sense of control over their lives and surroundings. The uwuification of witchcraft (the love and light, shiny crystals, and capitalism of it all) is not what witchcraft is about. It's a neutral thing, how you intend to employ the energy and what you desire the outcome to be determines what kind of witchcraft you are doing. Creating a sachet bag to get a job or hexing your abusive ex are ways of working magic. And I absolutely abhor these conversations that denounce "black magic" (another term I don't like but I'll save that for another time) or harming others when that's part of witchcraft. It makes me want to scream! Witchcraft speaks to the part of society where they are unable to get redress for crimes committed against them, or are unseen, unheard, and unprotected. witchcraft is all about the people on the periphery. 3. If you want to learn about witchcraft, you should be reading books by historians, folklorists, and anthropologists. Why? Because for one thing, a lot of these New Age witchcraft books are filled with heavily plagiarized and appropriated content. Some are even written by ghost writers whose only purpose to make money off the witchcraft craze going on right now. Reading scholarly sources ensures that the information is accurate. 4. You need to have an understanding of the WHY you are doing something. Why do you cast a circle? Why are certain colors appropriate for a certain working? Why is magic spelled with a k by some? Why do you give offerings? 5. Formal education ensures that you're less likely to run into bullshit and bad history that's an unfortunate part of the witchcraft community. Like my previous point, many people are doing things but don't even understand why or the origins of a practice. 6. There needs to be more of an effort to push resources and information about non Western European witchcraft lead by BIPOC.
I love your comment about the benefits of being taught by another practioner when getting started! I didn't have that when I started six years ago at sixteen, and I think a one-on-one teacher would've been very helpful. I actually really love the idea of teaching someone myself some day. 🙂
(TW) I'm super late to this video but still wanted to comment bc finding my practice officially in 2017 saved my life...dramatic but, I truly was at the end of my line, and when I joined the community and found my way into everything, I regained a sense of hope that I'd previously lost, and I felt like I could take on the world again and have been in a much better headspace since. I'm glad it went mainstream because who knows if I would have even been here today to make this comment, and knowing that makes me thankful for everything that's happened, good or bad. I've learned a lot and have grown so much as a result. 🙏🏻
I agree with you with the witchcraft and popularity thing. The same thing happened with the movie The Craft in the 90's. Many of the new people stayed (like myself) and many also left and that's ok too. The way I look at it, at the very least those that left are not scared of witchcraft so it works to lessen the stigma.
I’m glad that it became popular. As I don’t think I would have learned as much with where I am. I grateful as I have had certain beliefs that I felt alone in and didn’t have a name for it. Then I learned of witch craft and I’m like oh there you are this thing I have been partly doing my whole life but on my own semi lost. Now I’m able to learn and understand it’s deeper connections. So my life’s practice that I have been doing continues but in a new more open way. Which is certainly not a fad for me. Hugs to you Hearth for being embracing and giving us continual learning especially to us starting out in witchcraft. 💛
Hearth goes bonkers! 😂 when I heard her signing off and saw there was a quarter of video left I thought "yey, blooper reel!" . 😊 anyway, my unpopular witchcraft opinion is: "intention isn't everything!".
I don't mind the popularity because it has made a lot of information available to me as I'm starting my practice and I'm glad I was able to learn more otherwise I probably wouldn't be interested, let alone practising witchcraft. P.s. thank you so much for making your videos, they have helped me so much!
The social media boom has been fantastic for paganism and witchcraft. When I started, there was so little information for the solitary witch or occultist. Over the last year of surfing the new social media boom, I've determined that there's some names that I've been mispronouncing and certain concepts that I was approaching in the wrong way.
I think one reason that shadow work has become so "important" is because of the necessity for it. I do agree that it must be approached with prudence and skill, and not when someone tells you that it is time. that is for each person to come to on their own and in their own time. It is helpful to find a trustworthy person who can help the one who is going into the shadow, doing it alone can be too much to bear, and connecting with a skilled person who knows how to help specific issues is wise. We don't have to do the work alone, even though the healing comes from within. There are many approaches to shadow work, and many layers for potential healing, it can absolutely start small and go deeper over time. Shadow work does not have to be traumatic in and of its self, but it is vital to know the self and to outgrow the the things that block us mentally, emotionally and physically. so that the magic can come from intuition rather than impulse. This process takes time and is highly worth the effort when one is open and ready for it.
You are by far one of my favourite witches of the net to listen too. I was most turned around on the opinion of trending witchcraft and you are absolutely right and have changed my opinion too. If it was not trending I would still be in the shadows and afraid to be my true self like I have been for the past few years. Thank you
I agree that commercialized witchcraft is becoming a problem - especially where the sellers are NOT practitioners themselves. I also group people/influencers who charge money to "work with deity" into this category. I saw someone claim a priesthood to some cthonic god, but then charge people sums of money in classes to "work with" said deity. Deities and priesthoods, in my opinion, are NEVER to be capitalized on. If you claim to be a priest/ess of anything at all, you know that your bond with your powers is much more sacred than what money can buy. I also disagree with people who mix pantheons - it just is wrong on so many levels. To me, shadow work is a good thing to do BUT it is more like a psychological coping mechanism, not actual witchcraft. I also think formal training/initiation is super important. Great video!
Thanks for mentioning that you don't have to (or even shouldn't) do Shadow work when and if you aren't in the right head space or been through tough things recently. I was thinking of doing some Shadow work (my first time; I felt I was "called" to do that) to understand myself more, but since I've been struggling mentally and socially, I feel like it would have damaged me more than my daily over-thinking thoughts. I thought I was ready, but guess not. It's fine, though; I'll do my research about everything and try doing it when I'm mentally and spiritually ready to do it😇
everything u said 👌 perfection! the ending lol 😂 and your hair is naturally that wavy?! this is extremely unrelated lol - but check out the curly girl method [mostly just the styling/using styling product/only finger brushing after shower/plopping technique parts], u legit have SUPER wavy hair to start with - its not frizz! you just need product!! my sister has much looser waves [and more frizz] than yours and hers is now proper wavy/curly. 🖤🖤🖤and YES to the elf ears! do it! 😊
As someone that was trained in the craft by my father for years, I can relate to a lot of what you say. I am practicing solitary right now, because my father died a few years ago. I had to figure out on my own how to research what he didn't teach me because he died before we got there. I felt lost a lot because I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. Looking for a new mentor is something I don't really feel comfortable with, because I experienced that as a Family thing. And while I don't consider my training as complete, I am trying to teach my Wife at least some very foundational basics and I am looking forward to teaching my kids when they're old enough. I'm not really comfortable about teaching anyone outside the family. I got asked once, and the guy miserably failed at the simplest of basic stuff, stuff I could do as a 10 year old or before, and expected me to tell him how to teleport, didn't understand when I told him that's not how this is gonna work, and when he asked me for money and I said no, he insulted me and I haven't heard from him since. With Witchcraft becoming more popular, I am afraid that more people like that will show up...
Perhaps you would feel more comfortable if you found someone that also was taught traditionally in a family or such. That may not be an easy find, but if you put it out there it might happen. Kust a thought.
I always try to inform the individuals on SM what UPG and VG is. I try to help them distinguish what is an opinion vs book verified gnosis. I’m a Crone with a Virtual Coven on FB aimed to help individuals to teach them to think for themselves as a Witch Hearth. I wish more people could be like this. I’ve been a Witch for 46 years now.
I found the point about formal learning interesting! I've never even considered the possibility before, and it's something I might look into now! Thanks for the insight!
I like the one on one training. I even like the group training. For me I was unable to do that for a long time. I did listen and trust my instincts and allowed what I now believe are my guides and angels to guide me to teachers. Like in books and now on you tube. Which is how I found you. I did not go looking for witch craft videos. I believe that the universe or my guides and angels use my you tube feed as a way to communicate subtle options that I can accept or dismiss. I’ve watched your and one other. I do not go looking as that could invite a teacher I don’t want or need. One teacher that I paid kept telling me the same information after the third session. I decided she was then milking money from me. Still good info but the repeat is not what I was paying for. Though I will look up your shop as I like your way of thinking and your approach. Great video😊
The picking random Dieties is such a huge pet peeve for me. When I got into witchcraft all I saw was the popular trend things and after a while I found it felt weird. I did digging and found I really like traditional witchcraft. I'm Greek and I've always loved the Greek pantheon, so it was really natural for me to read about them and connect with some. Athena has always been connected to me because my name, Sophia, means wisdom in the Greek language. However, a lot of information that I agree with and found produced real results from an older witch online who showed me how to find the god(s) who were present at my birth. Since then I work with Kronos as my main "parent" who I pray to and try to be a person he would be proud of. He's definitely been mad at me before but never anything crazy, just small scoldings 😆 I do respect all the Gods/Goddesses in Greek pantheon and sometimes honor them in chants or other workings but Kronos and Athena always have their own prayers or offerings with Kronos having the most significant one.
Burgundy is a very witchy color in my opinion! I love it. It looks good on literally anyone and I love Harry Potter. I have IBS and so most pants don't fit me right unless they're stretchy 🤷♀️so it's leisure or dresses for me. I don't get how people can "relax" in jeans but maybe if I ever get my health in order I'll understand 🤷♀️ I have to wear jeans for work but other than that jeans are for dressing up with a cute shirt and that's maybe twice a year. Everyone asks why I wear dresses all the time, say I'm over dressed but to me, jeans are over dressed and unnecessary 🙃can't have anything constrictive around my tummy. P.s. I would think the face is "deal with it" combined with a shrug 🤷♀️
My unpopular opinion is that tarot deck's don't need to be treated with such reverence. Don't get me wrong, I love and respect all my decks, but the sheer amount of policing I see online is ridiculous - people criticizing how people handle their decks, store them, use them, etc. I also think the tradition of being gifted your first tarot deck is neat, but it's not accessible for a lot of witches, especially those who have to keep their practice under wraps. There's also a lot of rigid enforcement of what the cards mean, and I see a lot of inexperienced witches afraid to step outside the mainstream interpretations. Your own interpretations of the cards will always be more meaningful and helpful to you than anything a book can say!
I love tarot decks! I'm trying to get a lot better at using them and at first I had been really fixated on the specific meaning of ever card, without interpreting much into them on my own. But thankfully I started to see them a lot more open and focus more on the feeling and message a card gives me personally. I also love to combine that in Decks that have somewhat different meanings for the cards than the common ones.
I don't mind it being more open. But I still feel strange telling people I'm a Witch. So I generally don't. I also use what I can from nature. She is a wonderful provider.
Thank you! I do get tired of constantly hearing about shadow work in such a way that makes it sound like the be all end all of witchcraft. My experience with my former strict fundamentalist Christian faith was brutal. I was surrounded by fear based everything. People were so bullied into divorce and remarriage being a sin that they were trying to live celebrate. These same people were literally becoming suicidal! I came to the witchy/pagan path because it's not beating me over the head with dogma and making me feel dark scary feelings. I don't need shadow work bringing up that darkness right now, if ever.
One of my biggest unpopular opinions is you don’t have to be an intermediate or advanced practitioner to work with deities (a bit controversial I know), let me explain why. I had a very difficult transition when I decided I wanted to follow my path. I was raised in an extremely Christian household and had a difficult time with overcoming the programming associated with that. I had a goddess come to me within the first few months and really gave me structure and reassurance when I needed it. I personally don’t do much spell work so most of my practice is around worship to my deities but I think some practitioners really benefit from the help a deity can give you. And as many witches and pagans come from Christian backgrounds having someone to worship helps the transition along. I think you should know the power deities have but we shouldn’t treat them as holier than thou bc then we can’t have those deep personal relationships with them.
Its interesting to hear you talk about training as I've done nearly everything solitary.. i ask family and friends questions here and there if im stumped but for the most part ive learned all of my craft naturally. I usually find a topic that peaks my interest, do some very minimal research, and within a week i usually understand everything i need to know about it just from thought and asking my guides to give me clues
As usual, I agree with you across the board. In some areas (like mine) there are so very few opportunities for formal training, and I think (some) practitioners who *had* to teach themselves everything get somehow offended whenever someone mentions the merits of formal training. I am and have always been a solitary, but that's only because I live in rural Oklahoma. What I wouldn't have given, fifteen years ago, for proper training from someone who'd been at this for far longer than I had. My daughter has an advantage I wish I'd had. (And your beginner witch videos are a massively helpful supplement, btw. Thank you for this channel.)
So on the first point: about our practices/traditions just being a popular trend or whatever... I could understand how some practitioners would be more-so concerned about those who merely come in and dabble, you know? And maybe they don’t comprehend the intent behind putting energy out there. Energy we don’t need or want. That’s sort of how I see it. Witchcraft is a spiritual path and a way of life, and yes, I’ve seen some newcomers who don’t take it seriously enough and that leads to mistakes or negative outcomes.
I never knew people worked with deities by choosing basically from a list.. if i ever work with a deity outside of my circle, they usually come to me. If i need help with something specific i usually do a bit of research on my own deities to see if one of them has a specialty for my task, or i just ask "hey, can anyone assist me with this?" And typically one shows up (usually Beezlebub by default as he enjoys having something to do and usually is the leat busy of my guides)
the additional pressure of doing shadow work is that I've read material that says doing shadow work makes your magick more potent & boosts success so you're someone who is in an unsafe place physically, mentally, emotionally, ect and you think undertaking that will boost my power & results and I desperately need my wishes to work and it's an appealing thing but you can do more harm then good to yourself if your doing it wrong or in an unsafe space like you said. For solitary craft I'd actually like a place to go to meet other witches to practice with like a witchcraft & holistic center that brings people together but also allow for separation Edit: another unpopular opinion: there are male witches & the term witch is unisex, for some reason people do not know this very well. Many men died as witches too.
I absolutely LOVE your videos and your solid stance on Witchcraft. I have many tools, but I'm not yet practicing. I'm reading or at least trying to find the time to read. I feel this has been my calling for many years. I really KNOW that I'm a witch and am hoping to find the time to finally practice. I have always said, "I'm spiritual". I've always been drawn to the moon...it's like a magnet to me!!!! I love nature, everything there is to it. I found you a few months ago, when I was doing research on Witchcraft and instantly became a fan. I look forward to seeing your new videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your awesome personality. I appreciate you 🥰
Unpopular witch opinion: Shadow work is the same as processing trauma and reflecting on yourself (metacognition). It's not exclusively witchy. Its honestly more like psychological processing
My pet peeve for the magickal community: people who use belief in twin flames or soul mates to justify not examining their very unhealthy, negative relationship because "we're meant to be 💘" "he/she/they're my other half" nah bro you're a full human soul all on your own!
Yes yes yes that icks me out. I’m sure there’s twin flames/soul mates out there, but they really have to prove it!!!
I believe in twin flames BUT I completely agree with you. You don't have to deal with an abusive partner just because someone told you that you're twin flames.
You deserve way better than that, also if the person is being awful to you then, maybe just maybe, he/she/they are not your twin flame at all.
AGREE again lol,
I agree completely. I don't need someone to complete me. I'm fucking fabulous on my own thank you very much.
Also people using this to put down perfectly happy pollyamourous people? no thanks.
My unpopular opinion: No one is a 'natural" witch or born a witch. People are intuitives, epmaths, psychics, whatever. But none of that makes one a witch. Witchcraft is a chosen path. It is a way of life.
I don’t think people are born a witch, however I think it might come more naturally and intrinsically to some people than it does for others. Like for example my logical brain wants to fight any divination effort I make with every fiber of my being (love divination though lol) but creating certain types of spells comes really easily to me.
I've seen people claim you've got to have a family history of being a witch to be a witch. That was so harmful to others it wasn't even funny.
@@xJadeWolfxx I just read the same claim on TH-cam last week, from a guy who claims that his wife is a "born witch", and that is the only kind of "real witch". 🙄 I think he's overlooking the "craft" part of witchcraft.
@@xJadeWolfxx having witches in one’s family doesn’t make one more of a witch. In my family. None of the witches were ALIVE when I was old enough to choose the path. Therefore I taught myself. Family should have nothing to do with it!
@@xJadeWolfxx Now assuming that idea were possible, where do those people think the first person in the bloodline came from?! Sooner or later one person in a family has to start out as a witch obviously lol that's why that idea makes ZERO SENSE!
Unpopular opinions: you don’t have to use any type of magical waters such as moon water.
You don’t have to know astrology.
You don’t need to know the “standard textbook” uses of an item. Use the item as you have associations with it. For example, I might use rosemary for love because that’s what it means to me.
Edit: you can even find a cool stick from a family tree as a meaning for “family” regardless of the actual textbook properties
Ginger for the intention of calming inflamed relationships, because ginger's mundane use is for soothing physical inflammation.
SO very much this!!!! I love your viewpoint here and agree completely. It’s so important to pay attention how things resonate with you personally, as opposed to how someone tells you they should. 💜💜💜
I have accepted that I will never fully understand astrology. It just never really caught my interest.
I do love Moon Water, though. Gazing at the Moon always puts me right, no matter how difficult a day has been. If it was a good day, it just makes me feel even better. Moon Water has a special meaning for me.
I agree! My entire practice goes along the route of 'okay, let's research and cross reference everything' and then go 'oh wait, this thing means this to me so let's use that here' 😅
I also don´t use moon water. Yeah, I charge my crystals, jar spell and some items I plan to use, but Im not a water person. I also don´t vibe with moon that much.
Unpopular opinion: You don't need to work with deities or even believe in them.
Is that unpopular? Eek .
My unpopular opinion is that you can have no tools at all and still be a witch.
A lot of people think (especially with Tik Tok) that they need crystals, plants and all the juju but the truth is that none of this works unless you learn how to visualize and believe that you can actually accomplish anything.
In fact, this is why I'm so against using tools until you learn how to meditate, visualize and manifest first, even if it's just a small thing. Once you grasp how you can use a cheat code in your mind, you can use tools the way Hearth told us in past videos: as props.
With that being said, I also support the use of technologies in magick and the semi-recent tech witchcraft. Some people are against these practices using an app for Tarot, an illustration software to create sigils or even videogames to create poppets because they think that the only valid witchcraft is the one in which flashy tools are used.
Pick any tools that you're comfortable with and might make it easy for you to create a cheat code for your mind or don't.
In the end, you're free to choose either to use herbs and crystals or a tablet to create sigils and illustrations that channel your intention.
Well said!!!
You said exactly what I was thinking!!!
I don't think you need to know how to meditate to do magick successfully
I’m only starting out and I’m lost where to begin. What do you recommend?
I couldn’t agree more. I just finished listening to Rebel Witch. I’ve been practicing 35+ and I kept pausing that book to take notes. There were so many great techie ideas, that I’ve gotta suggest that to those in this thread.
There are some truly amazing witch educators right here on TH-cam (Hearth!) that I would suggest to anyone seeking. I’ve been reading witchy books for years, and you can learn all that witch 101 right here. There is no perfect baby witch book. You are being taught all that right here. So my unpopular opinions are that one on one, in person training isn’t necessary. There are great resources for witches now, and I’m delighted to see it become so popular.
Unpopular opinion: so many very young people are primarily learning about witchcraft from other very young people, and they're doing themselves a disservice by devaluing older practitioners and the wisdom they can share. It's not that older folks are always right or that the kids don't have valuable contributions to make - it's just that it creates a kind of echo chamber. People prioritize things heard on Tiktok or Instagram over input from others who have been practicing for decades. It's kind of weird to watch as someone in the middle.
I'm in the middle too and I wonder, do you think that the influence of older practitioner's and the traditions that have been taught and carried through centuries of time are fading now? I am not sure that I think so, although I do understand the danger of an echo chamber. I feel that Hearth is very good at incorporating knowledge that has come from older generations of magical practitioners while still being open and engaged with newer interpretations.
Sadly, there are no people around me that I can learn from. Specifically older practioners
Speaking as a young person I think it's harder for us to find practioners who have been practicing for years to rely on for information. This is why most young people look to youtube, instagram, tiktok because that it was we know and have access too. Personally I prefer to get most of my information from books and I'm very active in the instagram community. I just recently have started watching youtube videos about witchcraft which mostly contain information I already know. I do have access to a small local metaphysical shop where I can go and ask questions but many young people simply don't have access to wiser teachers who have been practicing for decades.
Also for me I feel very uncomfortable asking for help with my own personal journey and most of the classes I have gone to or information I have learned online is something I could have learned from a book.
As a child, I would figure out certain things and tell my mom about it and she encouraged me in stuff like visualization as well as a number of other things. I think that I taught her as much as she taught me at times, though I don't think she would ever classify the "spiritual" new-agey type stuff as witchcraft, though in retrospect, I think I have practiced far longer than I realized.
@Jay Since learning through videos is a good tool for you, I'd like to recommend Tilluan Penry's channel. She's a totally delightful crone who has decades of practice under her belt, and is really wise about the practice. Her videos are short, soothing, and easy to grasp. I'm really thankful to the other comment I read several months ago that directed me to her channel. I could cheerfully listen to her all day.
As someone who has always practiced as a solitary witch, I WISH I could find a good coven or a mentor. I’ve been kind of stuck learning on my own or via the internet. I definitely feel like I’m missing out some times.
Same. I've known a few witches "locally" (they've since moved - I'm the only one I know of here right now), but they are solitary as well. It's hard in parts of the bible-belt/deep south (US) as I think those of us who are here have been conditioned to assume we are alone, and then end up working alone - and it's certainly not easy to be "out".
I made flyers and put them up around town for a monthly witch meetup and met a wonderful longtime practitioner at the second meet! You'd be surprised at how many witches are looking to connect locally and just need someone else to take the initiative 🌻
Same!
Same
I feel that I would be able to really benefit from an experienced mentor or coven. I'm having a tough time on my own. I remember bringing it up with a couple of online friends of mine who happen to be exploring the craft as well, and the response was essentially "This is your personal journey, not an organized religion. You _have_ to do it yourself, it won't be handed to you".
Needless to say it's made me feel like wanting guidance is somehow wrong, even though I know that isn't the case.
MY UNPOPULAR OPINION: You don't have to believe in the paranormal, magical energy, otherworldly realms, spirits or any type of diety to do witchcraft. I use my practice for psychological benefits. Tarot, for example, is not a way of divination or future-gazing in my practice, however it is to unlock elements of my subconscious by using intuition and bringing forth what my instincts and subconscious are thinking about. I use spell work to aid me psychologically when I feel I have nothing else I can do in a situation and I have tried everything; the spell usually makes me feel a lot better, therefore enabling me to handle the situation better which further leads to my desired outcome. I use baneful magic on very rare occasion, and as I do not believe this will harm the other person, I only use it to release anger or sadness for myself for emotional healing. As a psychology student, I often get criticism from both the psychology community and the witchcraft community for this opinion but I can say for sure, that my practice has helped me heal and develop as a person and that the human brain really is more powerful than you think.
Love this
That’s a really good point, there are no prerequisite beliefs for witchcraft. I’m personally not sure on a lot of things regarding metaphysical reality, and tbh, my work doesn’t really require that I am. I do witchcraft because it works, that’s the only reason I need.
It's funny because I started my journey with witchcraft right as witchcraft started to become popular but I had no idea it had become a trend at the time. I feel like it has worked out as an advantage and disadvantage for me personally. Advantage because there are more shops, resources, and community around me. But also, because I'm so new to the practice I've definitely faced some negativity from some practitioners I've met because they're like "oh you're doing it because of a trend" it was all just weird timing I guess
Yes! I'm sorta similar. I've been interested since I was 13 and didn't really get into it until about 17. I've been practicing for almost 10 years and I've only come out recently bc I felt like it was time and I have a fear of people judging me bc I feel like they'll think I'm only a witch bc its a trend right now and in fact I started WAY before then. It kinda sucks, but at the same time you just need to brush them off.
This, I didn't know, I just felt drawn to finally begin to practice.
Yeah same here, I didn't realise it had become a trend until I started practicing and researching. All the resources are great, as well as being able to be quite comfortably 'out' in this climate, but I also fear people will think I only got involved because it's a trend right now 😏
I’m so sick of the gatekeeping.
dude! same! i don't even own a tiktok and the time i tried to get instagram, i got hacked by a russian hacker that kept liking a ton of things i didn't want to have on my account.
How I got more curious around the past couple years was for 3 reasons:
-1st initial push was when dad died and i found a few witchcraft books and i am a culture nut, so i went straight for the celtic magic book, which immediately dispelled a lot of harmful stereotypes that my religious upbringing tried to brainwash me into thinking.
-2nd push was when i kept having dreams of the same dude over 20 times over 2 years, which i found out was mundane, but felt otherworldly at the time, so was wondering what was going on.
-Then the final push that made me take it super serious was when a good friend was having issues with a witchy ex that was unstable and abusing love magic, trying to force her into loving him, which it didn't work that way, but it was making her sick, would manipulate her dreams, etc, and he admitted to it when she found a pink candle and a photo of her around and he said he would stop, but he hasn't, thus I wanted to help her get some magic protection up as well as trying to get her to be more assertive and confident in her own power over herself because for some weird reason she felt like she deserved it too.
but yeah, not because of a trendO.O
I've been practicing >40 years and agree with pretty much everything said. Very informative.
nice to see someone out there 40+! ❤️
Same here BB :)
Me too for 46 years, I’m a Crone that help teaches now.
I too have been around for 45+ years. While I have never been in a coven, I have had some training and guidance along the way in Wicca etc. I am a big believer in what you now call shadow work. If someone has suffered trauma esp. if they a complex trauma survivor. It can be very hard to deal with some of issues related to that alone. I believe that some form of therapy can help if you can find someone who specializes in PTSD/Trauma. I don't waste my money on expensive items when you can make or adapt things around the home or via etsy.
Wow! Great for you!
My unpopular opinion is that the term “Baby Witch” can be infantilizing and off-putting to people starting their spiritual journeys. Baby witch may be a term that younger witches can identify with, but it can also preemptively put the idea in peoples’ heads that they know absolutely nothing about witchcraft.
I know I personally started my spiritual journey a little later than most people, and I was very discouraged by the term baby witch.
Agreed! 100%. Also started my journey later on life. “Baby witch” is over-used and insulting.
I AGREE. I also hate the adjective "witchy" because it's diminutive. It feels like people are trying to make it cutesy or something. Like, I'm not witchy, honey, I'm a WITCH.
Oh yeah i hate it as well
Agreed. I also find it weird that the term "baby" is used instead of "beginner", like we wouldn't say "baby volleyball player" or "baby artist"? So why do it here?
The term "baby witch" makes me want to throttle someone. Call yourself a novice. Have some damn self respect.
I agree with you so much. My biggest pet peeve is people calling their pets their familiars and then screaming at you saying you’re gatekeeping when you tell them they’re wrong 🤣 you can’t argue with facts!
I agree so much with this.
Most of the time I like to check out magical communities on Reddit and sometimes I cringe when people call their pets their familiars when it's clear they have no idea what this means or the implications.
^this is the one. People do not understand that familiars are a witch's companion whose purpose is to provide protection, help uncover occult knowledge, and any other tasks that the witch has designated for them. What if someone were to send a hex your way and little Fluffy died because they took a magical hit for you???? If that would upset you, keep your pets and familiars separate.
I just tend to not say anything bc of the backlash you get when you say they're not a familiar. I'm usually quiet on fb groups bc I don't like to stir the pot 😅
Well... yeah kind of, but if you really look into the history of witchcraft you see that witches didn't actually have familiars at all. Animals living with witches and helping them in their work is a made up concept by witch hunters in the middle ages in order to prosecute women. Women with an additional nipple for example were said to feed their "familiars" on them. So In my (i guess unpopular) opinion: Familiars don't exist and therefore you can call your pet whatever you want.
@@auntiep9325 Thank you, I wasn't even sure what a familiar is. Now I notice how many people throw this term around.
My opinion on when any community gets mainstream: it's great that the tools for the community are becoming more available, but then the information in that community can get corrupted by the new people coming in. Perfect example of this, I used to play pokemon competitively. I put HOURS of work into IV breeding and EV training my pokemon for competitions and memorizing sets and spreads for every pokemon I used. I knew every pokemon's name, type, and best spreads for each generation (3 - 6) and I had a bunch of people come in and tell me that I'm wrong and you need these "candies" to evolve pokemon (basically, when pokemon go became popular) and they can't learn moves in their movesets ect. because they came in and were arrogantly ignorant. THAT'S what ruins a community and can make it turn toxic (and is what made me "grow out" of pokemon)
I'm sorry that happened *hugs*
- from a fellow pokemon lover
Shadow work is therapy but alone which I think should be done with a qualified therapist. Honestly everyone has a body and mind and needs care for both. You can work with a therapist and still do some processing alone to. Many times mental health counselors will give home work and that can be incorporated into ones practice of shadow work. ✨
Yes, absolutely. I think supporting small businesses is better for the ethical procurement of magical supplies, especially when it comes to stones, oils and incense. Trees like sandlewood and frankincense are already in danger because of how they grow and their popularity. Crystals are less regulated than precious stones. We have to be careful and respectful of our resources and their impacts.
My unpopular opinion: Not everything "means something". I am in some witchcraft communities on social media that will ask each other what EVERYTHING that happens to them means spiritually and assume it is some kind of sign or omen. I swear I have seen someone ask what it means that their cat is shedding, looking for a supernatural explanation. I can appreciate looking for supernatural things in a natural world, but it is very frustrating to have an online community clogged up with posts about what does it mean that they have to poo.
This made me laugh. Honestly. It also peeves me when my best friend constantly searches big meanings about every single fucking dream, no matter how trivial it was. xD
I see this too, and I'm also of the opinion that if something means something then you'll know without having to ask others for their confirmation.
Yes! I am always saying this to myself when on social media.
THANK YOU !! I was a moderator in a huuuuge witchcraft group, and the countless posts to read and approve "Is this a sign?!", "What could that mean?!" made me QUIT. It was ridiculous.
Agreed. I tried joining a couple groups on FB because I thought i could learn something. And you're right. Everybody thinks everything means something. Also, people were always posting these huge issues they were having and asking people for spells to "fix" the situation. But, in many of the posts, people were not doing the mundane acts to help themselves. Honestly, it was like a huge pity party. One lady wanted a spell because her lawyer hadn't called her back in 6 weeks, but she only called him once. Ultimately, I just removed myself from the groups.
Something I have noticed in recent years is beginners calling themselves "baby witch".
My unpopular opinion is that they are not respecting their paths and craft by calling themselves this way.
You don't see medical students, law students or any other professionals calling themselves a baby doctor or a baby lawyer (and if you do you're not giving your profession a good image), so respect yourself as a beginner/student/novice and also respect the craft by using other terms such as beginner witch, witchcraft student, novice witch, etc. until you feel comfortable with calling yourself a witch.
I know that after a while (even years) we could still feel like we still don't have all the knowledge and the power but that doesn't mean that we should reduce any merit to what we do or know by calling ourselves babies.
YASSSSS! I finally shed the last of my Christian teachings about 10 years ago but finally started listening and putting the pieces together that I've always been a witch but didn't know it. I started actually practicing 4 years ago and as a woman in my late 30's at the time "baby witch" did NOT appeal. But because I wasn't ready I didn't call myself a witch either. I was just a practicenor. I didn't feel I had earned the title out of respect for all those before me. In the end I decide I'm an Eclectic Witch. I love myself, I love my life. I finally feel like myself.....like when I was a child....free of everything that tries to influence you. I DEFINITELY don't and didn't feel like a BABY! lol 😆
It's so annoying. I assumed it was inspired by the goth scene calling young goths baby bats, which is kinda cute. But I'm an elder goth now and not going to be calling myself a 'baby' anything.
Thank you for this I have been very down on myself, because I'm new
(disclamer, I mean for no disrespect in my reply, please tell me if i come off as rude!) So I am a more beginer witch (although I've been a spirit worker for longer), and i do call myself a "baby witch". But not to put myself down, but because I litterally, legally am a child. So I am fine with the term baby witch because it's kinda just a name, doesn't mean much. Just like babybat for a young goth, or baby punk and stuff. Does that make sense? I just call myself a baby witch because to some older practitioner I am a baby, but as I get older I will no longer use the title
Novice has a Catholic connotation.connection
A Novice is a girl who has entered a Convent...
The deity part is so important! No one has to believe that they are real beings in order to practice magic, but if you don't see them as real autonomous entities with their own will, don't work with them... Using them just as a corresponding item is both historically inaccurate and makes no sense in practice.
As one of those old people who practiced before the boom in witchcraft on social media, I'm of two minds. First, it's done amazing things, as you said, for approachability, information spread, and destygmatization. What truly concerns me, though, is the spreading of mis- or dangerous information along with really good advice, and great lessons.
I loved, very much, the old tradition of practice being passed down from witch to 'apprentice'. I recieved amazing support one-on-one, and had all the time I needed for discussion, and questions that you don't have while commenting, or watching someone's live, especially the really popular ones.
The bad part of this tradition handing-down, is a more closed community that feeds on its own prejudices and false narratives. These can utterly destroy that community, or breed suspicious, insular, us vs them attitudes.
Unpopular opinion: you can be whatever kind of witch you want and you don’t need to practice like anyone else. I would love all witches to live into this so we can all be magical and accept each other.
Unpopular witchcraft opinion practising darker magick and being willing to hex/curse dosent automatically make someone a "bad witch". Sometimes cursed and hexes can be necessary to teach a lesson Vs binding someone and having them never change/grow.
Also another unpopular opinion not specifically witch craft related but idk about anyone else but as a witch I am sick and tired of these law of attraction practionerrs telling people yes you can use.the LoA to get your ex back and telling them how to do it when I know as a witch in general that would probably be the only.thing most witches whether they be left or right hand path can agree on
Unpopular opinion: being an atheist/agnostic witch. I’ve struggled so hard throughout the years to find a deity that felt right, that I connected with. I’ve always loved mythologies and folklore and ancient history, but there was just that lack of belief I guess. Even when I was Christian growing up I never connected to God. So it’s been 13-14 years of waiting, either sitting idle or actively searching for a deity, to no luck. And I discovered other witches like me, and I learned I could still practice witchcraft and not believe in or have a deity. It wasn’t essential(unlike when I was first learning and got into Wicca). I always thought I couldn’t do magic without a god or goddess. But lo and behold I feel stronger and more assured in myself than ever. I don’t feel like something is missing-because I’ve accepted there isn’t.
And another unpopular opinion: while I still kind of believe in magic...I think a lot of things are just your own belief, and the law of attraction. Like placebos. When I’m driving and it’s storming hard, I reach for and hold onto a piece of malachite for dear life. I believe it’ll help me get home safe, so it’s a way to calm myself. And so I end up fine. Or I did an addiction spell a few months ago to help me out with my substance abuse, and it felt like overnight I no longer craved it. The mind is a powerful thing. But some things I can’t help but know magic was somehow involved. I did a banishing spell for a friend(with her permission) with an abusive stalking ex that was steadily increasing in horrible things he was doing to her for revenge. He showed up at her work, then her house, even though he lived hours away. The police finally showed up and she got a restraining order. It’s been a month and she hasn’t heard from him. So I think maybe what I did gave him an escalating push, and finally ended it.
Who knows? I’m questioning things all the time and learning.
i totally agree
Probably be slammed for this but, not everyone needs to study or "learn" to be a witch. For some of us it's just who we've always been. I have never felt the need for tools or special spells or incantations, I just concentrate and focus on my intention when needed. I also don't work with deities, but I will sometimes ask the general universe if there is anyone or anything that would be willing to offer up no strings attached help. Usually I ask if I am very sick or having some kind of serious issue. And if there is no help I am ok with that. I think it's great that new people want to be witches or Pagans. But I don't care for the people that come in to be looky-loos and then dash off to post something negative when the trend passes. The same thing happened in the kink community when the Shades of Grey books/movies came out. It was a nightmare.
I get what you mean, and you don't have to do hard or big things to be a witch. You can simply just ask the universe a question or do some meditation like you said, so I agree!
I remember how I used to watch witchcraft tiktoks and dreamed about becoming a witch. But I didn't think my parents would be ok with it. Fast forward I have been a witch for 3+ months and not even thinking about stopping❤️
The only thing I don't agree with is that you DIDNT COVER WHAT BRAND THAT EYESHADOW IS FROM? Absolutely stunning, I NEED to know, please!!
As a Witch of over 20 years, I had never even *heard* of "shadow work" until a few years ago and it seems like so many people in the witchcraft community really push this practice as a MUST to properly practice the Craft, which I find strange (and even dangerous). It comes from psychotherapy and really didn't have much to do with witchcraft until fairly recently (from what I can tell). Shadow work, to me, seems like something that should be done with your therapist. But that's just my opinion. *shrugs*
Totally agree. Everyone practices the craft differently. Forcing someone to do something they have no interest in cuz they feel strongly about it isnt cool at all.
I have to agree on the first opinion. It's great to see so many people interested in witchcraft. I think it definitely helps us dispel a significant amount of negative stereotypes. I've been practicing for almost 20 years, and seeing it become more socially acceptable has been wonderful.
I'm so glad you brought up the problem with people pushing for others to do shadow work. I've actually been thinking about this subject a lot, because I see shadow work being pushed all the time...and like, I live with a family member with severe depression, and the thought of them delving in shadow work, delving into past traumas and how they view themselves, etc. is actually pretty scary. Because I've seen how things can spiral out of control if you aren't equipped to process your thoughts/past experiences. It might work for some, but I definitely think people need to be more careful about suggesting it.
I think if people have trouble processing things but want to maybe try something like shadow work...it could be more beneficial to seek out a mental health professional.
I think my biggest unpopular opinion is that beginners can do deity work. Saying only experienced witches can work with deity is ignoring people interested in paganism that don't necessarily want to use alot of witchcraft or any witchcraft in their spiritual life. Just approach respectfully and do your research.
Or the people who come to witchcraft through deity worship. They do exist.
Personally, I'm grateful for social media bringing more witch content out. I was beginning to practice as a teenager, and was attacked by my mom for doing so, and haven't had the courage to get back into it until now. Seeing all of the witches all over the world, has made me feel so much better about coming back at 29🖤
Love your eyeshadow!
Great as always, Hearth! About treating deities as correspondences, I agree 100% and I also think the same with plants and crystals because they're spirits as well and they deserve our respect. So when choosing a herb for a spell, it's very important for me to have a relationship with the plant spirit as much as with goddesses and gods.
Lovely video like always, Hearth! I definitely agreed with you almost entirely on all your points.
I have a few of my own unpopular/not talked about opinions:
1.) You do not need to incorporate new age beliefs/ systems into your witchcraft.
2.) You do not need to work with the moon in your practice if you choose not to.
3.) It is okay to miss Sabbats, it will come around again in a year.
4.) It is okay to be eclectic in your practice, just make sure you do your research and be respectful towards closed practices.
5.) There is no such thing as a type/ system of witchcraft that is only for beginners (I know there are people who say Green witchcraft or Wicca is for newbies who shift out eventually, but this is not the case.)
6.) Not exactly an unpopular opinion, but more so just a general opinion; Your craft is your craft. No one has a right to tell you what is wrong or right when it comes to magick. As long as something feels right for you, and if it works, I see no issue in continuing to do what you already have been. If it is not broken, why fix it.
7.) Never be afraid of going to witches who may be much older or younger than you. It does everyone some good to learn from people of the different ages. This goes for someone younger like me learning from older witches and also for someone older who may want to learn about witchcraft from a fresh set of eyes. All age groups can offer very valuable perspectives on magick.
8.) Trial and error is a part of the journey. Even with a tutor, you may fail a lot and that is entirely okay. Failure is a part of the process to really narrow down and figure out what works best for you.
9.) It is okay to take a break from practicing. If you are in a spot where you are just forcing yourself to practice just so that you are practicing, it is bad for your mental and spiritual health. Take a breather, it is entirely okay.
10.) You do not have to be vegan to be a spiritual person.
All in all just remember: It is YOUR practice. And this means that it is okay to have your own opinions and way of doing things.
Semi-unpopular opinion: Spiritual practice of any kind comes ultimately from within, and from intuition....So if you have a sense of your connection to spiritual life and can work on that in ways that resonate with you, that is all you need.
All witchcraft is magic but not all magic is witchcraft and not every magician works with magic the same way as witches do. Also magic is universal and everyone has access to it and every religion and spiritual path has it and uses it just in different names and different ways
My unpopular opinions:
- You don't have to follow an ancient witchcraft tradition if you don't resonate with any of them. The basic principles are mostly same in all traditions, and popculture magic is a thing.
- Deity work is not required for advanced witchcraft, you can directly use the whole energy field of the Universe if it fits well into your believe system.
- Man-made materials, such as "fake" crystals and plastic, are not do-not-use things. Their properties might be different from natural materials, but it doesn't make them less powerful, and exactly this difference may make them more suitable for particular spells.
- Sabbats are not universal thing. It's basically an adaptation from Celtic and Norse paganism, and because of this they haven't existed in many traditions, so if you practice for example Slavic paganism or indigenous practices of your ancestors (if you're a POC) you don't need to worry about them. If you're not practicing traditional witchcraft at all, you don't need to worry about them either, because who knows, maybe you're a total nomad in heart, or a solely city person, and you don't feel connection to seasonal changes at all, or your practice is based on aliens from another planet that don't have the same seasons as Europe.
My unpopular opinion to an extent ties into your second point. I'm a a little concerned about the overall commodification of witchcraft in particular concerning environmental impact and labor rights. I get that people (especially when starting out) want to buy all those beautiful and mystical things and tools, but they disregard the impact that has on the earth they claim to love so much. I know I will lose many people with my next statement, but it needs to be said: Over the last years I noticed, that practitioners knowingly avoid any information about crystal mining because they don't want to deal with the fact, that most crystals we buy are sourced in disadvantaged countries under human rights violations and causing environmental harm. I get it. Crystals are beautiful and they help in your craft, but in my opinion me feeling a little better isn't worth literal child labor.
My unpopular opinion is that you do not have to be vegan or vegetarian to be a witch or have a worth while practice.
Im glad you shared your opinion of shadow work, i struggled for about a year to do shadow work and realized that ive actually been doing a lot of shadow work my whole life without thinking about it. Most shadow work ive done recently has been for past lives and my higherself needing some clarity.. i also struggle with depression so really ita just not something that benefits me to sit down and do
Great video. Regarding witchcraft becoming a trend, I'm constantly reminded of something I heard a Wiccan Elder say about twenty years on the topic: "The Craft will endure. The Craft will endure. Through all things, the Craft will endure." It's helped me remain pretty chill during the recurring cycles.
You also mention the commercialization of witchcraft. I think my biggest thing about this is that people tend to forget that one colossal truth you mentioned: You don't need "things" to practice witchcraft. A gorgeous athame or lovingly crafted wands (my husband is starting to make the latter) can be nice, but aren't strictly necessary. And I worry that this gets lost and people start thinking they can't practice because they can't "afford" it.
On the topic of formal training, I'd say another advantage is the personalized feedback loop. "Oh, you had this experience? Let's explore it." "That didn't work for you? Well, let's see what we can do to fine tune or fix it for you."
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs could be better illustrated and have more information. I found it a little disappointing.
As much as I love this book I have to agree with you.
I use this book as the base to know more about the herbs I plant but I also read many other texts to learn more (especially in Spanish since we have a very strong herbal tradition in Mexico) and finally I write about my findings and do an illustration on my Book of Shadows.
Is great to have the information as a gate but we also need to put some extra work too.
Absolutely agree!! I bought the Herbal Correspondences Guide from Briana Blair and it was well worth the money for me. It's very straightforward and I absolutely love it.
I agree, it is lacking in information.
I was just talking about this on hearth's server! the information in the encyclopedia is largely western-magick centric and doesnt encompass the diverse array of traditions the world has to offer. Especially asian and african traditions.
@@RebeDrawsStuff I've been looking for resources from Mexico, but so far I've only found few videos from la UNAM... could you recommend a fellow Mexican witch some books?
I am a baby witch from North America who hasn't started practicing yet, but I already have one unpopular opinion: *If I start doing candle magic, I will use gold for money instead of green.*
This may be because I lived in Germany for 4 years and almost all their coins are gold. And TV shows and movies based in the time when paper money didn't exist yet had gold coins everywhere! After all of this I've just associated money with gold.
Gold = The Gold reserve
I would use all four corresponding colors for money ( Gold, Silver,Copper & Green).. in my practice
OMG THE ENDING SCENES ARE JUST AMAZINGGGGG I AM LIVING FOR THEM
Whether or not I agree and why:
1) Agreed! People act like trends are a bad thing and can never be good. Obviously, doing something *only* for the trend is maybe a bit problematic, but witchcraft becoming a bigger thing means more people are aware of it and are being educated about it!! I was interested in witchcraft for a while, but was quite unsure whether I wanted to actually participate because I didn't really find many people who did practice, but once it picked up some speed and gained a bit of traction, I felt a lot more confident in practicing because I knew there was a community I could be part of.
2) Fully agreed. It's the same thing as companies changing their logo to include the rainbow flag during pride month, and then as soon as midnight July 1st hits, they take it down. If you don't mean it or believe in it, don't market it. It also takes away from smaller businesses that sell witchy supplies because they actually know what they all mean, like she said.
3) Yep yep yep. Deities are *divine beings,* you can't just say "you are gonna help me with my spell" willy nilly without actually putting some respect onto their name. And, as Hearth said, mixing deities without knowing the mythology behind them, ESPECIALLY when mixing pantheons, can go horrifically south.
4) YES. I think this is the one I most agree with out of all of these. *PLEASE* do not try Shadow Work if you are not in a headspace to process trauma, to process aspects of yourself that have been hidden away, and/or to process the past in general. While it can be very helpful in letting go and healing, it is by no means one-size-fits-all. No one will experience Shadow Work the same way as someone else, so don't think that just because people on socials are saying how it's wonderful and amazing that it will be that way for everyone.
5) I'm actually kind of 50/50 on this one. While yes, formal training does give the student a lot of headway on learning magick and cuts out a lot of the trial & error, I think part of the learning experience should be a bit of trail & error. In my opinion, you should be able to make mistakes and not be punished for them (not saying formal training will punish you for it, but it's not completely out of the picture, let's be honest), or at least without having that worry of "Oh heck, someone's watching me do this and I don't know how they respond to mistakes, if I screw this up I'm dead". Obviously, no one likes the feeling of messing up, and I'm not dismissing that. And having a guide or tutor can 100% have its benefits!!
Another ace witch. Hello fellow ace.
@@RiverAldavya :o hello fellow ace witch!
I'm only beginning with candle magic, also trying to find my type of practice. Deity work is a no go. I'm only getting information from TH-cam or pinterest.
I was buying a spell book and the girl at the counter said "oh have you been watching a lot of Sabrina?" I just laughed and said "yeah." I didn't get mad because she wasn't meaning to be mean. It is a shame though that that's where her mind went immediately. I'm with you on the middle of the trend argument.
Omg your bloopers. I feel you so hard! My house is a house shaped jenga game. Why did I stack all of this? And now my cat is on the stack that is slowly tipping over.🤣
Hi Hearth, been practicing 45 years but a Pagan only 5 years. I love your behind the scene clutter. I always suspect posts that have the beautiful plant and crystal display in the background conceals the pile of laundry and stacks of paperwork in the corner..😆
Thanks for keeping it real
As a magickal shop owner, it warms my heart to hear your "unpopular" opinion about not supporting massive corporations capitalizing on magickal practitioners and supporting small and authentic magickal and ritual suppliers like myself. Thank you for sharing this!
I don’t know what I love more, the actual witchy content of the video, or the bloopers/extras at the end haha. I’m glad you talked about the messy side of your place because sometimes I beat myself up for how clean and organized people’s places look on here, when really it’s just a small part on camera that looks pristine. Also loved the manic-sounding ramblings lol. Glad you mentioned that some people should seek therapy while doing shadow work. I have PTSD and have thought about doing shadow work, but when I looked into some of the questions, I realized that I should definitely not be doing it all by myself. Loved your video (like always)
I LOVE the reels/behind the scenes at the end of the videos. Personally I am happy that witchcraft has gone mainstream for the time being. I have a Wiccan friend but I always felt like I would have to completely change religions to study witchcraft. Before mainstream, it was very difficult to find information about witchcraft, but now I have found you and so many other people/perspectives that give me confidence being able to step into my own craft.
LOVE your eyeshadow!!!
I like how you jump topics so much in your “natural” self when your just being you. I do this all the time !!! And it’s neat seeing others do it It’s quite adorable and entertaining, makes me feel not alone haha. Absolutely love your videos!
Unpopular option- I believe everyone has natural gifts, we are “tools” for spiritual work or witchcraft. Just over time some “lost” due to history and some kept studying through it. But now lots are waking up. I don’t believe one is stronger then the other I believe by studying and learning all we can enhance our gifts.
when i was first getting into witchcraft (about two or three years ago) i stumbled across a local witchcraft store in my neighborhood. about a year ago, i moved about an hour away from that area, and recently revisited friends in that area. i was crushed when i saw that the store had gone under. the owners were trained in witchcraft and herbology and genuinely cared about their customers craft. as a younger, poorer witch, i heavily relied on the knowlege of practitioners and to see them go under put a dent in my practice. i understand buying from larger companies, and i have done it myself, but if you purchase from "fast craft" stores, or non craft stores with witchcraft items (such as spencers or micheals) please, please purchase from a local store as well. i typically spend half (or less) of my budget at a larger company, and the other half at a local shop. but that is just me, so do what feels best for your craft. good health to you all.
Unpopular opinion : altars are highly overrated. I know it's THE thing people love to share on social media and I definitely enjoy seeing beautiful altars, but I feel like unless you really practice everyday, do a ton of spells and rituals or work with deities, they're not really that useful. I have a small one and honestly it kind of just feels like a storage space for my crystals and tarot decks etc lol, a shoebox or my nightstand could serve the same purpose... maybe it's just because I don't practice enough haha but yeah I don't really see the point in having a huge permanent space where you could just as easily pull some stuff out of a box and do your spell/ritual on the floor or something
me too! my room is really small. i cant have an altar bc it would take up too much space, and i do all my spellwork on the floor right in front of my dresser (i keep all my supplies in the drawer). so i feel like an altar is unnecessary and would be a chore for me lol.
Since a few days, I have a little altar in my room.
Nothing special, literally just a small low table with a cloth from my great-grandmother on top and some objects that are important to me, or create a nice energy.
I manly use it for tarot and I was completely fine practicing without it, so I absolutely agree with you.
They aren't nessecary at all, I personally love having mine now to be more reminded of my crafts though.
(Also I could never share him on social media, since I'm sociophobic like hell...)
I am the same way with random objects. The Dog of My Life, Cooper, just passed a couple weeks ago. I'm gutted -- but I'm also a slob. He kept me organized. He was completely unhappy if his space was out of sorts. He would meticulously put a toy in three of the corners of his favorite rug, and point his nose in the forth -- whichever corner was facing me. Sorry for over-sharing but I've been bursting to tell someone how truly special he really was. I will love him until the word no longer exists.
Also sorry for comment spam (if you even see them from old videos) but I tend to binge watch channels and I feel rude not leaving a comment after someone's worked so hard to share their video. So...thanks for the video!
I am really glad it is popular since I have always dreamed about having a different belife, but never knew I had a place to feel comfortable. Only after I found it and now feel like things makes sence :)
My parents and great grandparents raised me in a "witchy way." I seen as a kid 25yrs ago that we were different than my friends family. Over the past 5 or so years I've learned "why" they did certain things. And I'm so thankful. 25yrs ago it was taught very difficult. I feel I have grown spiritually!!
Lol, I love that unlike a lot of youtubers who portray the super pretty perfect houses, I really appreciate you sharing your clutter habits with us outside of your recording space:) it gives a more human touch to the video, not that super clean people can't be human, but I feel like the amount of the super clean spaces shown on youtube channels have an air of a lack of realism, usually folks like the makeup tutorials, asmr, and influencers. Most people I know who wear makeup have is scattered all over the sink and aren't looking as good as new. Clutter happens, pets and kids don't help and that is life:) Things pile up no matter how much we try to keep things clean and that is okay:)
We shouldn't forget that in ancient times magic WAS mainstream. Occultism being popular is not really new, it's a comeback of how things were.
Great point!
Great point!
Thiss
The deity thing for sure. I don't personally work with any right now but I think its just, ya know, courteous to get to know someone before asking for stuff. But to each their own.
I worry about the local witchy businesses and though I know that some stuff can get pricey, I find homemade things have more power. Whether by your own hand or another.
I'm half and half on the training. While I do agree that we'd all probably gain a lot from "formal" training, I can't forget the things I learned early in my practice and studying, to be mindful of who your teacher is and what they ask for as payment.
Absolutely agree about shadow work. I did a lot of that through therapy before becoming a witch. I had a moment when I started seeing it everywhere in the witchcraft community where I thought, "oh no...do I need to go through all of that again?" And I came to the conclusion that, no. I don't need to do shadow work again, just because it's labeled as "witchcraft." I've been there, I've processed it, I've moved on. Don't do anything that you don't feel you want or need to do.
I watch your channel quite a bit and although I don't comment, I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your content. Honestly speaking, we both have some similar opinions. #2: why would I spend money on something that was mass produced when a) it's probably illegally harvested or endangered, and b) the magic itself is in the making of the thing. #3: Treating deities and spirits like a gumball machine, were you put a quarter in and expect to get something out, is a good way to get fucked up. Deities and spirits don't play around. I think most people coming to witchcraft tend to have hurt from the Christian church and want to explore other religious options but can't let go of baggage. They think that worshipping and revering a goddess means kowtowing to them and that's definitely not the case. Spirits and deities have agency, which many people fail to realize or acknowledge. A spirit doesn't have to do anything for you, even if you give offerings. Lots of times your prayers and petitions go unanswered as a test from the spirits or divinity to gauge sincerity and seriousness. But people see that nothing is happening and immediately claim that deities and spirits aren't real because xyz didn't happen within the allotted timeframe. Also, think about it from this perspective: would you be willing to grant a favor to someone who talked to you sideways, made demands, maybe even insulted you? No? Then why do you expect spirits to?! #4 Shadow work came into witchcraft via writers who were also psychotherapists and psychologists and are based off of Jung's theories. I personally believe that this was done as a justification for making witchcraft seem none threatening to the public. promoting shadow work when you're not a licensed psychologist is irresponsible to me because like you said, having people try to unpack trauma alone can result in more trauma.
Now here's for my own possibly controversial opinions:
1. Witchcraft is political. Think about in history the whos and whys of people getting accused of being witches (persecuted, ostracized, or executed). When you adopt the label of witch, you're taking on the history behind it.
2. Witchcraft is inherently transgressive; it's about the powerless obtaining power to give themselves a sense of control over their lives and surroundings. The uwuification of witchcraft (the love and light, shiny crystals, and capitalism of it all) is not what witchcraft is about. It's a neutral thing, how you intend to employ the energy and what you desire the outcome to be determines what kind of witchcraft you are doing. Creating a sachet bag to get a job or hexing your abusive ex are ways of working magic. And I absolutely abhor these conversations that denounce "black magic" (another term I don't like but I'll save that for another time) or harming others when that's part of witchcraft. It makes me want to scream! Witchcraft speaks to the part of society where they are unable to get redress for crimes committed against them, or are unseen, unheard, and unprotected. witchcraft is all about the people on the periphery.
3. If you want to learn about witchcraft, you should be reading books by historians, folklorists, and anthropologists. Why? Because for one thing, a lot of these New Age witchcraft books are filled with heavily plagiarized and appropriated content. Some are even written by ghost writers whose only purpose to make money off the witchcraft craze going on right now. Reading scholarly sources ensures that the information is accurate.
4. You need to have an understanding of the WHY you are doing something. Why do you cast a circle? Why are certain colors appropriate for a certain working? Why is magic spelled with a k by some? Why do you give offerings?
5. Formal education ensures that you're less likely to run into bullshit and bad history that's an unfortunate part of the witchcraft community. Like my previous point, many people are doing things but don't even understand why or the origins of a practice.
6. There needs to be more of an effort to push resources and information about non Western European witchcraft lead by BIPOC.
I love your comment about the benefits of being taught by another practioner when getting started! I didn't have that when I started six years ago at sixteen, and I think a one-on-one teacher would've been very helpful. I actually really love the idea of teaching someone myself some day. 🙂
(TW) I'm super late to this video but still wanted to comment bc finding my practice officially in 2017 saved my life...dramatic but, I truly was at the end of my line, and when I joined the community and found my way into everything, I regained a sense of hope that I'd previously lost, and I felt like I could take on the world again and have been in a much better headspace since. I'm glad it went mainstream because who knows if I would have even been here today to make this comment, and knowing that makes me thankful for everything that's happened, good or bad. I've learned a lot and have grown so much as a result. 🙏🏻
This is probably one of my favorite comment sections EVER. Thanks Hearth for starting such a wonderful conversation ♥
I agree with you with the witchcraft and popularity thing. The same thing happened with the movie The Craft in the 90's. Many of the new people stayed (like myself) and many also left and that's ok too. The way I look at it, at the very least those that left are not scared of witchcraft so it works to lessen the stigma.
I’m glad that it became popular. As I don’t think I would have learned as much with where I am. I grateful as I have had certain beliefs that I felt alone in and didn’t have a name for it. Then I learned of witch craft and I’m like oh there you are this thing I have been partly doing my whole life but on my own semi lost. Now I’m able to learn and understand it’s deeper connections. So my life’s practice that I have been doing continues but in a new more open way. Which is certainly not a fad for me. Hugs to you Hearth for being embracing and giving us continual learning especially to us starting out in witchcraft. 💛
Hearth goes bonkers! 😂 when I heard her signing off and saw there was a quarter of video left I thought "yey, blooper reel!" . 😊 anyway, my unpopular witchcraft opinion is: "intention isn't everything!".
I don't mind the popularity because it has made a lot of information available to me as I'm starting my practice and I'm glad I was able to learn more otherwise I probably wouldn't be interested, let alone practising witchcraft. P.s. thank you so much for making your videos, they have helped me so much!
I'm not a witch, nor do I practice Magick. However, I am learning a lot about these unpopular Witchcraft opinions. Wonderful!
The social media boom has been fantastic for paganism and witchcraft. When I started, there was so little information for the solitary witch or occultist. Over the last year of surfing the new social media boom, I've determined that there's some names that I've been mispronouncing and certain concepts that I was approaching in the wrong way.
I think one reason that shadow work has become so "important" is because of the necessity for it.
I do agree that it must be approached with prudence and skill, and not when someone tells you that it is time. that is for each person to come to on their own and in their own time. It is helpful to find a trustworthy person who can help the one who is going into the shadow, doing it alone can be too much to bear, and connecting with a skilled person who knows how to help specific issues is wise. We don't have to do the work alone, even though the healing comes from within. There are many approaches to shadow work, and many layers for potential healing, it can absolutely start small and go deeper over time.
Shadow work does not have to be traumatic in and of its self, but it is vital to know the self and to outgrow the the things that block us mentally, emotionally and physically. so that the magic can come from intuition rather than impulse. This process takes time and is highly worth the effort when one is open and ready for it.
You are by far one of my favourite witches of the net to listen too. I was most turned around on the opinion of trending witchcraft and you are absolutely right and have changed my opinion too. If it was not trending I would still be in the shadows and afraid to be my true self like I have been for the past few years. Thank you
I LOVE your eyeshadow
I agree that commercialized witchcraft is becoming a problem - especially where the sellers are NOT practitioners themselves. I also group people/influencers who charge money to "work with deity" into this category. I saw someone claim a priesthood to some cthonic god, but then charge people sums of money in classes to "work with" said deity. Deities and priesthoods, in my opinion, are NEVER to be capitalized on. If you claim to be a priest/ess of anything at all, you know that your bond with your powers is much more sacred than what money can buy. I also disagree with people who mix pantheons - it just is wrong on so many levels.
To me, shadow work is a good thing to do BUT it is more like a psychological coping mechanism, not actual witchcraft. I also think formal training/initiation is super important.
Great video!
Thanks for mentioning that you don't have to (or even shouldn't) do Shadow work when and if you aren't in the right head space or been through tough things recently. I was thinking of doing some Shadow work (my first time; I felt I was "called" to do that) to understand myself more, but since I've been struggling mentally and socially, I feel like it would have damaged me more than my daily over-thinking thoughts. I thought I was ready, but guess not. It's fine, though; I'll do my research about everything and try doing it when I'm mentally and spiritually ready to do it😇
everything u said 👌 perfection! the ending lol 😂 and your hair is naturally that wavy?! this is extremely unrelated lol - but check out the curly girl method [mostly just the styling/using styling product/only finger brushing after shower/plopping technique parts], u legit have SUPER wavy hair to start with - its not frizz! you just need product!! my sister has much looser waves [and more frizz] than yours and hers is now proper wavy/curly.
🖤🖤🖤and YES to the elf ears! do it! 😊
As someone that was trained in the craft by my father for years, I can relate to a lot of what you say.
I am practicing solitary right now, because my father died a few years ago. I had to figure out on my own how to research what he didn't teach me because he died before we got there. I felt lost a lot because I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. Looking for a new mentor is something I don't really feel comfortable with, because I experienced that as a Family thing.
And while I don't consider my training as complete, I am trying to teach my Wife at least some very foundational basics and I am looking forward to teaching my kids when they're old enough.
I'm not really comfortable about teaching anyone outside the family. I got asked once, and the guy miserably failed at the simplest of basic stuff, stuff I could do as a 10 year old or before, and expected me to tell him how to teleport, didn't understand when I told him that's not how this is gonna work, and when he asked me for money and I said no, he insulted me and I haven't heard from him since. With Witchcraft becoming more popular, I am afraid that more people like that will show up...
Perhaps you would feel more comfortable if you found someone that also was taught traditionally in a family or such. That may not be an easy find, but if you put it out there it might happen. Kust a thought.
I always try to inform the individuals on SM what UPG and VG is. I try to help them distinguish what is an opinion vs book verified gnosis. I’m a Crone with a Virtual Coven on FB aimed to help individuals to teach them to think for themselves as a Witch Hearth. I wish more people could be like this. I’ve been a Witch for 46 years now.
Been practicing for almost 20 years here and I agree with you too. Also come for the video, stay for the out takes.
For your end conversation about being out at 2pm. The song does go "Only mad dogs and Englishman out in the midday sun".
I found the point about formal learning interesting! I've never even considered the possibility before, and it's something I might look into now! Thanks for the insight!
I like the one on one training. I even like the group training. For me I was unable to do that for a long time. I did listen and trust my instincts and allowed what I now believe are my guides and angels to guide me to teachers. Like in books and now on you tube. Which is how I found you. I did not go looking for witch craft videos. I believe that the universe or my guides and angels use my you tube feed as a way to communicate subtle options that I can accept or dismiss. I’ve watched your and one other. I do not go looking as that could invite a teacher I don’t want or need.
One teacher that I paid kept telling me the same information after the third session. I decided she was then milking money from me. Still good info but the repeat is not what I was paying for. Though I will look up your shop as I like your way of thinking and your approach. Great video😊
The picking random Dieties is such a huge pet peeve for me. When I got into witchcraft all I saw was the popular trend things and after a while I found it felt weird. I did digging and found I really like traditional witchcraft. I'm Greek and I've always loved the Greek pantheon, so it was really natural for me to read about them and connect with some. Athena has always been connected to me because my name, Sophia, means wisdom in the Greek language. However, a lot of information that I agree with and found produced real results from an older witch online who showed me how to find the god(s) who were present at my birth. Since then I work with Kronos as my main "parent" who I pray to and try to be a person he would be proud of. He's definitely been mad at me before but never anything crazy, just small scoldings 😆
I do respect all the Gods/Goddesses in Greek pantheon and sometimes honor them in chants or other workings but Kronos and Athena always have their own prayers or offerings with Kronos having the most significant one.
Burgundy is a very witchy color in my opinion! I love it. It looks good on literally anyone and I love Harry Potter. I have IBS and so most pants don't fit me right unless they're stretchy 🤷♀️so it's leisure or dresses for me. I don't get how people can "relax" in jeans but maybe if I ever get my health in order I'll understand 🤷♀️ I have to wear jeans for work but other than that jeans are for dressing up with a cute shirt and that's maybe twice a year. Everyone asks why I wear dresses all the time, say I'm over dressed but to me, jeans are over dressed and unnecessary 🙃can't have anything constrictive around my tummy.
P.s. I would think the face is "deal with it" combined with a shrug 🤷♀️
My unpopular opinion is that tarot deck's don't need to be treated with such reverence. Don't get me wrong, I love and respect all my decks, but the sheer amount of policing I see online is ridiculous - people criticizing how people handle their decks, store them, use them, etc. I also think the tradition of being gifted your first tarot deck is neat, but it's not accessible for a lot of witches, especially those who have to keep their practice under wraps.
There's also a lot of rigid enforcement of what the cards mean, and I see a lot of inexperienced witches afraid to step outside the mainstream interpretations. Your own interpretations of the cards will always be more meaningful and helpful to you than anything a book can say!
I love tarot decks!
I'm trying to get a lot better at using them and at first I had been really fixated on the specific meaning of ever card, without interpreting much into them on my own.
But thankfully I started to see them a lot more open and focus more on the feeling and message a card gives me personally.
I also love to combine that in Decks that have somewhat different meanings for the cards than the common ones.
Absolutely agree with all of your unpopular opinions, really enjoyed listening to this, especially the cling film reveal :) Thank you for posting.
I don't mind it being more open. But I still feel strange telling people I'm a Witch. So I generally don't.
I also use what I can from nature. She is a wonderful provider.
Thank you! I do get tired of constantly hearing about shadow work in such a way that makes it sound like the be all end all of witchcraft. My experience with my former strict fundamentalist Christian faith was brutal. I was surrounded by fear based everything. People were so bullied into divorce and remarriage being a sin that they were trying to live celebrate. These same people were literally becoming suicidal! I came to the witchy/pagan path because it's not beating me over the head with dogma and making me feel dark scary feelings. I don't need shadow work bringing up that darkness right now, if ever.
One of my biggest unpopular opinions is you don’t have to be an intermediate or advanced practitioner to work with deities (a bit controversial I know), let me explain why. I had a very difficult transition when I decided I wanted to follow my path. I was raised in an extremely Christian household and had a difficult time with overcoming the programming associated with that. I had a goddess come to me within the first few months and really gave me structure and reassurance when I needed it. I personally don’t do much spell work so most of my practice is around worship to my deities but I think some practitioners really benefit from the help a deity can give you. And as many witches and pagans come from Christian backgrounds having someone to worship helps the transition along. I think you should know the power deities have but we shouldn’t treat them as holier than thou bc then we can’t have those deep personal relationships with them.
I love your eyeshadow, your channel, your outfit and your content! You’re awesome and I hope you’ve had a great day so far 🌱☀️💕
Its interesting to hear you talk about training as I've done nearly everything solitary.. i ask family and friends questions here and there if im stumped but for the most part ive learned all of my craft naturally. I usually find a topic that peaks my interest, do some very minimal research, and within a week i usually understand everything i need to know about it just from thought and asking my guides to give me clues
As usual, I agree with you across the board. In some areas (like mine) there are so very few opportunities for formal training, and I think (some) practitioners who *had* to teach themselves everything get somehow offended whenever someone mentions the merits of formal training. I am and have always been a solitary, but that's only because I live in rural Oklahoma. What I wouldn't have given, fifteen years ago, for proper training from someone who'd been at this for far longer than I had. My daughter has an advantage I wish I'd had. (And your beginner witch videos are a massively helpful supplement, btw. Thank you for this channel.)
I honestly love you when you ramble. Also with the frizzy hair, I'd go for a Bellatrix vibe
So on the first point: about our practices/traditions just being a popular trend or whatever... I could understand how some practitioners would be more-so concerned about those who merely come in and dabble, you know? And maybe they don’t comprehend the intent behind putting energy out there. Energy we don’t need or want. That’s sort of how I see it. Witchcraft is a spiritual path and a way of life, and yes, I’ve seen some newcomers who don’t take it seriously enough and that leads to mistakes or negative outcomes.
I never knew people worked with deities by choosing basically from a list.. if i ever work with a deity outside of my circle, they usually come to me. If i need help with something specific i usually do a bit of research on my own deities to see if one of them has a specialty for my task, or i just ask "hey, can anyone assist me with this?" And typically one shows up (usually Beezlebub by default as he enjoys having something to do and usually is the leat busy of my guides)
the additional pressure of doing shadow work is that I've read material that says doing shadow work makes your magick more potent & boosts success so you're someone who is in an unsafe place physically, mentally, emotionally, ect and you think undertaking that will boost my power & results and I desperately need my wishes to work and it's an appealing thing but you can do more harm then good to yourself if your doing it wrong or in an unsafe space like you said.
For solitary craft I'd actually like a place to go to meet other witches to practice with like a witchcraft & holistic center that brings people together but also allow for separation
Edit: another unpopular opinion: there are male witches & the term witch is unisex, for some reason people do not know this very well. Many men died as witches too.
Love this video, and I cannot argue with anything you expressed. I'm Trad trained, 35 years practicing, degreed HPS. Thank you for this video!
I absolutely LOVE your videos and your solid stance on Witchcraft. I have many tools, but I'm not yet practicing. I'm reading or at least trying to find the time to read. I feel this has been my calling for many years. I really KNOW that I'm a witch and am hoping to find the time to finally practice. I have always said, "I'm spiritual". I've always been drawn to the moon...it's like a magnet to me!!!! I love nature, everything there is to it. I found you a few months ago, when I was doing research on Witchcraft and instantly became a fan. I look forward to seeing your new videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your awesome personality. I appreciate you 🥰