Lidia Pradas - The Path of the Witch: Rituals and Practices for Discovering Which Witch You Are

Lidia Pradas

Contents

Chapter 1:
Shared Magick for All Paths

Chapter 2:
The Path of the Green Witch

Chapter 3:
The Path of the Kitchen Witch

Chapter 4:
The Path of the Wiccan Witch

Chapter 5:
The Path of the Cosmic Witch

Chapter 6:
The Path of the Elemental Witch

Chapter 7:
The Path of the Sea Witch

Chapter 8:
The Path of the Eclectic Witch

Chapter 9:
Other Paths and Some Advice

Introduction

My path in witchcraft started when I was a child. My mother taught me some of the basics about our energy and the energy all around ushow they affected everything, and how they could be influenced. As I grew up, I discovered that witchcraft is a broad and captivating topic. People throughout history have created different branches and traditions, depending on their location, interests, and personal experiences.

Ive always been passionate about learning and teaching the craft. In my previous book The Complete Grimoire and my online presence as Wiccan Tips, I focus on the shared points of witchcraft. This book was born out of a desire to help guide witches who feel a strong calling to a particular branch. It is a tool for any witch who is questioning their path and for anyone who wants to explore different paths before choosing one.

The book begins with a brief explanation of the basics of witchcraft. Then, I share essential information about seven popular types of witchcraft. All of the chapters are organized in a similar way to make it easy for you to compare each path and decide what draws you in. In each you will find the basics of the path, followed by a practical approach that allows you to try some of the most relevant rituals for that path. I close each chapter with a guided meditation to help you connect with the energy of that path.

The chapters about each path are independent, but many paths share common points and you will find notes in each that refer to other paths in this book. The final chapter details other paths you may choose to explore and gives some advice as you continue your journey.

Read the first chapter and familiarize yourself with the terms I use. If you already feel drawn to a path, then jump to the chapter that interests you. If you want to familiarize yourself with all of the paths before you experiment with what calls to you, read the book from start to finish.

To find your path, focus your craft on an aspect of it that attracts you the most. There arent paths that are better or stronger than othersthere are simply different ways to live witchcraft. The best path you can choose is the one that resonates with you.

T here are many witchcraft paths in the world and many differences between witches, depending on the beliefs they follow. But they all share something in common: magick. Magick creates subtle changes in the energy around us to obtain a desired result. This is an ancient practice that goes back to the first pagan beliefs.

Witchcraft is a practice, and witches arent tied to any religion, ethics, or belief system. Its also important to know that witchcraft and paganism arent the same, but they are often related and many witches adopt pagan and neopagan beliefs systems. Although each path specializes in a specific type of witchcraft, most traditions share some basic concepts and beliefs. This chapter introduces these to you and they will appear throughout the book as we explore different paths.

The Universe, Mother Earth, and the Five Elements

From the first animistic beliefs at the beginning of humankind, people have established spiritual relationships with the energy of everything that forms the universe, from the biggest and the farthest stars to the smallest and the closest stone.

Many cultures created their own religions to explain this energy and the natural occurrences on our planet. In this search for a universal truth, many found deities and other entities from different realms. If you are interested in a neopagan approach to witchcraft, begin with the chapter about Wiccan witchcraft on .

The universe is the matrix where our small planet is suspended, traveling across the immeasurable darkness. We are surrounded by celestial bodies, bigger and smaller than our Earth, each with its own energy. If you are interested in this energy, explore the chapter about cosmic witchcraft on .

In human history, people have asked about their place in the universe, and many have found the answer in their communion with Nature. Witches treasure this connection with Nature and regard it as the source of everything that is alive and the source of living energy. Because of this, taking care of the Earth is a priority for most witches. An environmentally conscious craft is vital to cultivate our relationship with the Earth and everything that is in it. If you are interested in Mother Earth, look to the chapters about green witchcraft on .

After centuries of studying Mother Earth, many cultures reached the same conclusion. Everything is made from a handful of simpler components, and they called them elements. Each element has particular properties and characteristics, playing an essential role in creating matter. Not all cultures agreed on the number and nature of these elements. Eastern witchcraft uses a system of four basic elements and a fifth one that links the rest:

Earth The element closer to the mundane realm. It is always in touch with reality and it rules fertility, patience, and stability. It is usually related to the North.

Water The element of the occult, the deep corners of our conscious and unconscious, and psychic powers. It is usually fluid and calm, but its strongly linked to feelings, so it can have emotional outbursts. Its usually related to the West.

Fire The element of passion, youth, and activity. It represents strength and risk. It can be warm and benevolent, but it can also get out of control and become destructive. Its usually linked to the South.