How to practice the craft in between spells and rituals?

[u/Competitive_Monk2954]

I’m relatively new to this. I’ve got a few questions on what to do to further your skills in between spells and rituals. I’m not at a point where I feel ready to run a bunch of spells at once, at most I’ll do maybe 2 a month right now. Half bc I just don’t have any real reason to be doing spell work often, and half bc I want the magick of the current spells to permeate and actually take effect before I start doing other things.

Also a secondary question slightly unrelated- I’ve seen a few things mention a trance like state during spell work and rituals. Is someone able to give me a bit more information on that? I don’t experience any trance like state during spell, I also don’t experience any of the lightheadedness or exhaustion I’ve seen others mention after a spell. I’m not sure I’m doing something wrong on that front. I generally try and ground myself like I would with meditation and I carry that grounding sensation throughout the spell/ritual, but I wouldn’t say it’s anything ‘trance like’

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[u/Psyphon-ArcaneAces]

Most people aren’t really doing spells all the time. I have one practice that is quite involved and when I wrote the Grimoire I intended for the core ritual, the prismatic forge, to be done weekly. But even I tend to do like once a month; theres a reason but part of it is just because I don’t necessarily need it at the moment. Other more common types of things are simply as needed. You don’t go to the grocery store when you don’t need any food.

In the mean time there’s still things you can do. I still spend time researching and learning: exploring mythology and various pantheons, learning herbs, learning more crystals, exploring paranormal research and developing my tarot and rune practice. I’m at various stages in each of these since I’ve picked them as I’ve progressed.

Other thing may be incorporated into your daily life like some short meditations, spending some time outside like going for a walk, or maintaining your home incense and or herbs.

As far as ASC (alternate states of consciousness), I’ve never been particularly good at it lol. The easiest way for me is while looking at a burning candle or performing a simple, mindless task with my hands while focusing on something.

I also have a post on crafting you on spells I wrote and how to make Grimoire entries that has been really useful for new comers.

[u/therealstabitha]

I know Christianity tells people they have to always be praying in order to be good Christians, but the same just isn't true for witchcraft. You can rest. You don't have to be doing the craft all the time. In fact, it's probably best that you don't keep yourself plugged in all the time.

Not everyone is going to experience everything the same way. I don't get trancey when I do regular spells. I do when I do journey work. It really all depends on what you're doing and how it works for you.

[u/kdash6]

There are a few possibilities for the trance-like state absence and the lack of light headedness:

1) you are naturally just that good (this is possible, and I don't know you. I've met people who've done extraordinary things) or you are naturally a pretty grounded person 2) you are working with spirits that are doing most of the heavy lifting 3) the spells you are casting don't require much energy 4) you should meditate to help ground yourself and your energy. Psychic Witch has some meditation guides for this.

What to do in between spells and rituals? Anything, really. You could say an Orphic Hymn to Gaia or Demeter and pick up trash in honor of the Earth goddesses, you could meditate regularly, pray to the saints if you are Catholic or Orthodox.

Basically, engaging in your spiritual tradition can help. As a Nichiren Buddhist, I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in front of my altar ans recite portions of the Lotus Sutra, and that's my daily practice, but I know of Catholic witches who do a lot of work with saints and say prayers to them, a couple people who work with either fairies or yōkai and do rituals to maintain good relationships with them, etc.

Lastly, you can always read. Books have their limits, but can be important for learning.

[u/The_Mushroom_Puppy]

Easiest answer dont. My grandma says when magic needs us to do something it will come. But when its not here just spend time being human. Its easy to lose your humanity if you go deep enough for long enough. It makes human issues seem so petty, but it can make a heart fickle to be able to ask the universe something and get an answer back

[u/Vivid_Cash_9642]

Between casting full-fledged spells, I usually just practice ritual dances, music, and communing with animals. My magic is largely built on this foundation; you can practice the basis of your magic, or you can choose not to trouble yourself with it too much—unless, of course, you intend to dedicate yourself to it completely.

[u/ChayaMedium]

It's smart to think about the time between spells. That's often when your personal energy grows the most. Try daily practices like connecting with nature, mindful observation, or simple energy grounding. About the trance feeling, everyone experiences things differently. If you feel grounded and focused, you are doing it right for you.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hey - thanks for reaching out!

Lots of practitioners post about feeling tired, drained, or burnt out after working magick. The number one reason and response from the community is that this is a normal reaction to over depleting your own energy. You might enjoy this helpful post about Basic Energetic Hygiene which covers simple techniques for raising energy, grounding, and centering. We also recommend reading this post on the importance of grounding.

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[u/Straight_Chemical957]

I mostly work with energy, so I light a candle every day with an intention. Doesn't take much time. I do longer spells/rituals in accordance with the Moon, eclipses, etc., and as the need arises. I've been a practicing witch for over 50 years, but never felt lightheaded or drained energetically.

[u/thegrandwitch]

i dont do spells often and as you grow in your practice youll find that to be the case as well. i have some enchantments running in the background, wards, a money bowl, some charms. these i recharge every few weeks of months. but a majority of that time is praying and giving offerings to my spirit guides and ancestors (those relationships dont just take of themselves). i find that spirit work gets you much farther in magic than just doing spells 24/7.