Can you not be ready for magick?

[Alvin24]

Hey, all.
I have a question that's been bothering for quite a while...
Is it possible for a Wiccan/Witch/Pagan to not feel ready to do spellcasting or magickal rituals?
I mean, I've been studying the ways of Wicca and witchcraft for about six months, and there have been a few times where I thought magick would have been really helpful, such as when there was a person living in my house who was really throwing off all this negative energy that really got me and my family down, I knew there were some spells in various books I had that could have helped to banish or lessen all that negative energy somewhat, but I didn't feel ready to use magick so we just kind of endured it until the person moved away.
Am I being foolish? I honestly think that I need lots more study, reflection, and need to self-dedicate/initiate myself into Wicca before I feel ready to use magick and perform rituals. Am I wrong? Is magick something you can just use, like any tool, and the requires no spiritual commitment on the caster's part?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Calen]

If that's your instinct, by all means go with it. You can learn a lot in six months, but it's still not that long a time. If you don't feel ready, it sounds like a very good idea to not try it yet.

[teishabee]

I like to think , that I can do other things before I start speellcrafting. Atfirst I choose to study for a year and a day and then practiced. But theres no right or wrong way.As long as you feel confident in your powers.

[Gede]

MM~
If you're not ready, you're not ready. Don't rush yourself into something which requires a great deal of motivation, energy and effort. Working with Magick is a serious partnership, but remember there is also a lot of light-hearted humour involved. Never allow pretention to overcome you. You sound like a very mature individual and when you are ready the experience will be well beyond worth waiting ;)

Namaste, Gede...

[sandra_the_green]

well if your not ready then i say just wait til you are, you can be wiccan and not perform magick, its all up to you

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

definately. Magick isn't something to be lept (sp?) into lightly. If you think you aren't ready, then you probably aren't. Best to wait until you ::know:: you are ready, and sure of yourself. And you don't have to have any religious comitment, or spirituality to practice magick. It ::is:: a tool...but like many other tools, you can get your self into trouble with it, and it does require training....just like a table saw for example. You don't (or probably shouldn't) walk upto it and just start cutting things w/ it w/out knowing what you are doing and how to operate it safely...the same w/ magick.

[The High Queen of Faerie]

one simple answer... yes. it is very possible not to be ready for magick.

[Toby Stimpson]

It's probably a good idea that you don't get into practice right now...when you start to weave the folds and manipulate energy...well, it can become a little dangerous for those who have no idea what they're doing. Oh what so many little fluffies dont know...*sobs at thought*...anyways, if you do want to start getting into practicing what I'd suggest is find someone who is more advanced than you to help you out and guide you. Like orientation into energy usage...there you go :).

Namaste

Tobias

[Ben Gruagach]

There are many Wiccans who do rituals and focus on worshipping and rarely ever do actual spellcasting. Doing spells is not a requirement to be Wiccan in any case -- do it if and when you feel you are ready. If you never feel it is something you want to do that is also perfectly fine and does not make you any less spiritual.

[paper_majic]

The fact that this was brought up is very important.
I used to think that spells were mandatory, and now, I've come to find they're more of a rite of passage. Kinda like, you grow up more in your Wicca faith when you finally do spellcast, but it's never been mandatory, and there are many other ways to worship & use the gifts of the Goddess. Find one that you're led to, and that will be what your 'calling' is- spell casting, or no.

[Strawberry Bounce]

Can you not be ready for magick?

Sure. I think you should ease yourself into it when the time is right.

[Grey]

Am I being foolish? I honestly think that I need lots more study, reflection, and need to self-dedicate/initiate myself into Wicca before I feel ready to use magick and perform rituals. Am I wrong? Is magick something you can just use, like any tool, and the requires no spiritual commitment on the caster's part?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Magic requires alot of spiritual commitment, though few seem to relise this. There is no such thing as a free lunch you know, and magic is the same as anything else in this regard. If you cast a spell theres karma for one, and theres the energy it takes to cast it, plus any sacrifice you ahve to make... not to mention unentended side effects... thats why alot of folks do divination first to make sure.

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

Is it possible for a Wiccan/Witch/Pagan to not feel ready to do spellcasting or magickal rituals?

Of course it is! I'll be the first to admit that when it came to the use of magick, I wasn't ready until about a year after I started studying Wicca. It took me some time to build up what I felt was the right amount/combination of knowledge and self-esteeem. That way I wasn't constantly doubting myself--doubt will kill magick faster than anything else in my experience.

Don't misunderstand me, I was nervous as all get out the first time I cast a circle, but I felt good about it. I didn't worry that I was making mistakes. I felt confident in my actions and my power.


I mean, I've been studying the ways of Wicca and witchcraft for about six months, and there have been a few times where I thought magick would have been really helpful, such as when there was a person living in my house who was really throwing off all this negative energy that really got me and my family down, I knew there were some spells in various books I had that could have helped to banish or lessen all that negative energy somewhat, but I didn't feel ready to use magick so we just kind of endured it until the person moved away.

If you're not ready, no book is going to make you ready. Only you can decide when is the right time for you to start working magick. I would not rush into anything that you don't feel prepared for.


Am I being foolish? I honestly think that I need lots more study, reflection, and need to self-dedicate/initiate myself into Wicca before I feel ready to use magick and perform rituals. Am I wrong? Is magick something you can just use, like any tool, and the requires no spiritual commitment on the caster's part?

As it has been pointed out, there are some who utilize Wicca solely as a spirituality rather than a magickal practice. There is nothing wrong with that.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[Strawberry Bounce]

doubt will kill magick faster than anything else in my experience.

So true.

[SylverStar]

It took me about 2yrs before I felt ready to do any spellwork or ritualwork...even though I knew I could. Go with your intuition...you'll know when you're ready.

[fay]

of course it is ok to not feel ready to cast spells. i personally dont cast that many spells, i think that im a lot more wiccan than witch (although the witch is definately there :nyah: ). if you dont feel ready then youre probably not. i think that when you are ready youll know. you may still be incredibly nervous but itll be different to not wanting to cast spells. its good that youre not just jumping in when you have doubts.
blessed be

[Kaylara]

One of the important things in the use of magick is confidence. Confidence in yourself, your knowledge, and your ability. Magick is being able to confidently move your will from yourself, into reality. It's realizing your influence in the world, and how to best effect it. If you don't feel that you're ready, then don't force yourself. Try some very small things. Learn a lot. You have plenty of time to become the Wicked Witch of the West. *Giggles*