This is a post I made some time ago in my previous coven. I would like to share it here :)
I wanted to make this post, because I have so often seen people entering the field, so keen to learn magicks and skills, but built on a foundation that is not firm. This foundation is made of the things that I would call the primary basics.
When we are inspired and ready to take flight, our basic foundations must be in order first.Some may scoff at these, but they are vital if we are to avoid becoming ill, overwhelmed or exhausted.
First, I would like to clarify that many of us view magick as an act of will. That is, an act of the mind. The mind and consciousness are, in my view, products of the brain. The brain is an organ of the body, which leads me to the vital subject of Nutrition. Eating well and avoiding poisins are essential to our mental well-being, and therefore essential to our magickal practice. Also, over indulgance in alcohol, tobacco or other chemicals will affect our practice.
The next subject may make a few groan, heh, - it is how our relationship with our environment affects our practice. We are familiar with the phrase 'tidy house, tidy mind', but do we really behave as if we understand it? When we are surrounded by dirt and clutter, we are distracted and uncomfortable. On the premise 'as without, so within', the act of cleaning is good for our minds, helps us have control over our immediate environment, and shows respect and grattitude for the environment we enjoy. Sweeping mindfully is as much a magickal practice as speaking with spirits.
Finally, before we enter practice, we must ensure that we are on top of our own psychology. That is, to be aware of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities and have them in check. That is not to say that people with mental health problems can't practice, they can. It is knowing ourselves and our nature, what is good and bad for us psychologically, and taking personal responsibility for those. If we feel needy, for example, we can say so, instead of acting it out manipulatively. Elimination of destructive habits will stand us in good stead.