I have been studying witchcraft for over 20 years and I have never cast a spell. Nothing other than the usual "old wives tale" type of stuff, handed down through families. I don't believe in deities, so there is no one for me to invoke, summon, or however that works. My question is, can I be a witch if I never cast a spell? Most of this interest was borne out of a search for answers to why my dreams have always been so vivid and why some of them were prophetic. I'm nothing special. I have no powers. I have no way of conjuring up a dream. They just happen. I simply don't know what I'm supposed to be doing. Please help?
You can be a Witch and not believe in spells or deities. Witchcraft is a craft, not a religion. It is combined with spirituality but does not require it. Witchcraft is about understanding the natural cycles, the natural world around you, and finding balance within yourself. Magik is an energy which brings natural change. I have heard Atheist Witches claim Magik is watching your child grow, how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, or how we find inspiration for new technology. If you take time to appreciate a sunset, go for a nature walk, meditate to clear your mind, observe the changing seasons, and are grateful for the natural world, you are a Witch.
Regarding your dreams, you can do dream work. You can try herbal teas which relax and induce dreams. Keep a dream journal. This will help you remember and study your dreams, but can also make your dreams more vivid. Take time throughout the day to note when you are awake and how you know you are. Then, you should take note of how you can tell you are in a dream. Many people do not look at their hands, but if they do, their hands look like something out of an AI artwork. I have been told mirrors are another dream issue for people. Once you know what a dream is, you can begin to control and shape them. I would not recommend lucid dreaming every night, as this disrupts your sleep cycles and can result in less restful sleep, however, you can seek answers from your subconscious once you learn to control the dreams. Lastly, I am told you can tell your mind what to dream about before bed. I do not do much dream work, so I have not tested this myself, but many people say it is possible with enough practice. You might be interested in the works of Carl Jung. His work is still influential in psychoanalysis but also shadow work. Shadow work is huge with Witches and it does not require any deity or Magik. It is about looking at those hidden aspects of your subconscious, healing from the trauma, and learning to live with those parts of ourselves. He believed dreams have a spiritual meaning, but is also a way for our subconscious to communicate with us.
Hello, wow 20 years is certainly impressive. I'm surprised you never attempted to practice yourself, but no worries.
I will perhaps disagree slightly with Tadashi, myself having a different perspective and spiritual background/path. "Witchcraft" is, by definition, a practice. In the same way, one could study painting and art for decades but never truly be a painter until they pick up the brush. I do not believe someone can be a "witch" or a "wizard" or whatever terms you'd like to use without at least having some kind of magical practice, it's kind of the whole point. Now some *Religions* have witchcraft or magic as a practice such as Wicca or certain pagan faiths, but magic is also a practice separate from religion. Now as for what "magic" is to you could be up for debate, I myself like to take a practical approach. Oh and you don't need to believe in or worship a certain deity.
Regardless, are you interested in beginning practice? There are many great sources and helpful things online nowadays that can get you started. I always would recommend the basics, meditation, visualization, etc. But I'm sure you know that anyway. Also never tell yourself "I am not special" or "I have no powers," This is certainly not true, every human being with a conscious brain and willful spirit has some supernatural ability, you just need to train it. As for your dreams, I believe Tadashi gave very good advice on that matter.
Something that I have learnt along my way that i thought I would share with you.
You dont need an alter to be a witch. You dont need all the herbs and crystals or books to be a witch. All you need is what's inside you. Your intent is your greatest tool you will ever need. That's the true power of witchcraft.
And I do have to make mention that I really admire the conventional approach should I say that you have adopted in regards to witchcraft. Keeping it honest and keeping it real. I know everyone has their own views and opinions on witchcraft and spell casting and magick, which I respect, however witchcraft is such a vast topic and its filled with endless preferences to the practitioner, and i always feel, and will always advise, do what makes you happy.
As Tadashi so beautifully pointed out the simplicity in our craft, like just observing the seasons, or walks on the beach, which by the way, i love, it's this simplicity that defines being a witch an absolute one with creation and elements and nature. And for me, this simplicity spells out elegance.
And in response to ' you don't know what you suppose to be doing '
I would just like to share my sentiments.
You are doing things right, the path is choosing you. Only you will know your next step. So what if you didn't cast a spell as yet, that does not make you any less of a witch. Because it sure doesn't make you any less of a blessed soul.
Believe in yourself, believe in your path and believe in your choices. Your intent is your tool and guide.
