Begin Here & Now

When I first began what I once called my "witch journey," I felt regret about not having started sooner. I wondered, "What might my life had been like if I had known then what I know now?" I saw such wisdom, grace, and love in others who had walked a similar path but had done so earlier.

But in the years since, the regret has softened into surrender to the recognition that there is no good, better, or best time to begin moving into a more loving, accepting, and expanding being. In fact, the idea of "beginning" does not fully apply to the spiral path.

What is the spiral path? It is one that has left the linear ways of being. Wanderers of the spiral path step away from ideas of clear beginnings and endings and allow them to blend together. These wanderers know that there is nowhere to go but in and out and back again. The spiral path simultaneously brings one deeper into themselves and wider into the world, always exchanging treasures on the way.

On the spiral path there is no place for a check-list of accomplishment, no ladders to ascend; there is only home: in the world and in the self. One does not begin on the spiral path, but rather find themselves on it. There is no start or end to a spiral, and so one must always begin exactly where they are. Here. Now. Always in the middle. There is no way to be behind. Only trusting you are exactly where you are meant to be.




As a wanderer of the spiral path, my journey is easier to follow if it is understood not as a story with an easily defined opening chapter, a conflict and climax, and resolution, but rather an ever-widening concentric circle that simultaneously folds back on itself. I often repeat themes, curiosities, and discoveries and share them in real time. In the middle of it. So for those looking for an easy persona to pin down, it will be impossible to find here. I embody multitudes.

If you feel called to the spiral path, welcome. If you feel called to any of what I've shared: deconstructing mormonism, moving toward feminism, witchcraft, embracing ancient wisdom ways, animist beliefs and earth and ancestor based spirituality, welcome. Your wandering heart is no stranger here.


Words you should know

witch: a traditional word for a woman who practices the ancient wisdom ways
ancient wisdom ways: earth-based spiritualities honoring wholeness, community, interdependence, and presence
language: a method of creation and communication
ecofeminism: a framework of understanding how the oppression of the earth is intimately linked with the oppression of women


How to begin

Many of those new to witchcraft and wandering often reach out and ask, where should I begin? Again, I am reminded that there is no place to begin but here, now, and in the middle. But some of these suggestions may help you find your way.

Start Small
  • Think about what you feel called to try. Maybe its a full moon meditation, a foray into crystals, an herbalism course, or making your own besom.
  • Whatever it is, give yourself permission to try just one small thing once.
  • Notice how it feels in your body. This might be a new experience, especially if you are unaccustomed to sitting with the wisdom of your flesh. Try to remain open, curious, and trusting.

Notice Patterns
  • After you've tried this one new thing a handful of times, you'll notice your confidence and interest grow, wane, or focus.
  • This is information you can use to either further your exploration or give yourself permission to abandon it and try something else.
  • If abandoning is the right answer, there is no shame in that. Don't write it or you completely off. It could be that its just not the right season or right way for you, and you may return to it later.
  • If you feel invigorated and your interest further kindled, deepen your exploration by reading a book on the topic (hint: check out my reading guide), attending a class, or reaching out to someone knowledgeable in that area.

Where to find classes and information:
  • Pinterest
  • Patreon
  • Coursera
  • Teachable
  • Google Search
  • Podcasts
  • Library
  • Your local new age/pagan shop
  • Bibliographies in the back of your witchy books

Cautions

This is meant to be a general guide, but there are cautions. Do not engage in closed practices such as hoodoo. Closed practices are off-limits to the general public for safety of its practitioners and to preserve the purity of the practice. You must be invited and initiated into a closed practice by someone with the authority to do so.

Additionally, if a practice is Indigenous to a place and people who have experienced oppression and you, your teacher, or your teacher's lineage are not a part of that community, do not engage. This is especially important if you hold white privilege. There are many spiritual practices that are seen as trendy and are widely available (such as smudging with white sage and palo santo, practicing yoga, ayahuasca ceremony, and Native American shamanism) but have been violently appropriated from their cultures of origin. The Indigenous community has asked for these practices to immediately stop in efforts to protect their land, culture, and plant communities.


Embrace Freedom and Patience

It is not unusual to feel fear, shame, skepticism, or suspicion when trying something new. Its to be expected! Patience and reassurance are priceless gifts, ones you are able to give yourself. Remember that your body is wise, you can trust yourself, and no one knows yourself and your experiences like you do.


Welcome to the spiral path. It is an honor to walk beside you.
 
© Channing B. Parker. Design by FCD.