re: You’ll Never Feel "Witchy Enough."
I got recced The Witch Of Wonderlust's You’ll Never Feel "Witchy Enough." video (around 19min). It made me think and none of my thoughts are organized or edited.
It tickled me that Olivia Graves acknowledged she's somewhat part of the socmed world of "witchy aesthethics" that heavily contributes to people feeling lesser than when it comes to their own witchcraft practices. If they don't have that specific tool or that pretty tarot deck or those vintage tea cups or big silvery rings and long dresses yada yada yada, then their own rituals and belief simply doesn't matter. If it's not beautiful, there is no energy and there is no magic.
One of the points Graves makes, and that I agree with, is that magic doesn't always feel like this huge thing. Not all rituals are big and elaborate, they can be created and exist through small moments during daily life. My favorite one is making a cup of tea and focusing on my intentions for the day. There are other small rituals that can be introduced to daily practice: opening windows and welcoming the fresh air, writing down something that's bothering you on a piece of paper and throwing it in the trash, walking through a park and saying hi to birds!
There's only a passing mention of a huge part of the "witchy aesthetic" being expensive as hell. I wish she had focused more on that point. I believe most people are aware that anything with an "aesthetic" thrown at the end of it is basically a consumerism tactic. That's not at all different when it comes to the witchcraft and occult community. (Don't even get me started on unethically sourced spell materials!!!) That, personally, is such an antithesis to what witchcraft is actually about: connecting with nature, causing the least amount of harm (unless deserved...), making use of what is already around you, etc etc. The focus on needing to own the "right" sort of tool or clothes or books or ingredients, which are usually always worth a lot of money, doesn't fit with that.
The most common imposter syndrome... element? aspect? brought up is the one that makes people wonder if they're where they need to be. Comparing ourselves to others in this way will never be a good thing. We all have our own time to exist and learn and explore. There is no set timeline for when to progress on your craft or start writing your grimoire or become part of a coven. Your path is your own!
"It's not about credentials. It should be about enriching your life."
Yes, Olivia Graves! Your practice shouldn't be making you feel bad about yourself. It should be fun and rewarding. It should bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment and wonder. It should bring you closer to yourself and your goals, not make you compare yourself to others and think you're not good enough. I promse, you are witchy enough.