10 Easy Ideas for New Witches
Whether you’re secretly binge-reading witchy books under the covers or you’ve just set up your first altar next to your sock drawer (no judgment— I started mine on a section of my tiny bookshelf), this post is for you.
Witchcraft doesn’t have to be complicated! You don’t need a crystal ball, a cabinet full of herbs, or a room full of crystals. If you're feeling excited, nervous, or a bit of both, here are 10 simple and fun ideas to help you get started.
1. Create a Tiny Altar Space (Even If It’s on a Bookshelf)
No need for a huge, fancy setup. Clear a little space and add a candle, a crystal, and something meaningful to you, like a seashell from your favorite beach or a feather you found. Boom. Altar. Done.
In my early days when I had a roommate, I actually used an old cookie tin as my altar. I’d hide it under the bed if I needed to.
2. Light a Candle With Intention
That’s it. Just one candle. Pick a color that matches what you need (white for peace, green for growth, etc.). Light it. Say your intention out loud or in your head. Let it burn while you imagine your intention working its way out into the world.
My go-to when I don't have time to make my own? A tall jar candle from the Dollar Store.
3. Start a Moon Journal
Each new moon or full moon, write a few sentences about how you’re feeling and what you’re working on. Later, you can look back and spot patterns and progress.
I started one last year, and I was surprised at how consistent my energy flow was at the different phases!
4. Try a Salt Bowl for Protection
Grab a small dish, pour in some salt, and maybe add a bay leaf or clove. Keep it near your front door or under your bed. Salt is grounding and protective. Plus, it's already in your kitchen!
5. Practice a “Witchy Nature Walk”
Take a walk outside and notice what’s around you—the trees, the birds, the cracks in the sidewalk. This is grounding and magick. Nature is your spellbook, and it’s always there for you, ready to teach.
6. Make Moon Water
Fill a jar with water, place it under the full moon (even a windowsill works), and let it charge overnight. Use it to anoint candles, water your plants, or add to your bath.
7. Use Kitchen Herbs Like a Pro
Rosemary for protection, basil for luck, cinnamon for abundance... You’ve got a great witch’s cabinet already! Sprinkle with purpose next time you’re cooking. Stir clockwise to add energy, counterclockwise to banish.
8. Try a 3-Item Spell Jar
Grab a little jar or bottle and add three things: something for your intention, something grounding, and something personal. For example: cinnamon (abundance), salt (protection), and a piece of paper with your 'financial wish' written on it. Seal it up, place it on your altar, and let it do its thing.
9. Learn One Tarot or Oracle Card at a Time
Don’t overwhelm yourself like I did by trying to learn the whole deck at once. Pick one card a week. Leave it out, journal about it, notice when it pops up in your life. This also gives you a chance to really learn and understand the card and what in means to you and in your life.
10. Make a Sigil and Tuck It Somewhere Secret
Sigils are magical symbols you create from a sentence or wish. Write your desire (like “I am calm”), remove the vowels, organize the letters together into a design, and voilà—sigil! Draw it on paper, tuck it in your wallet, or scribble it in chalk on the sidewalk (yes, seriously).
When we were expecting Hurricane Milton here in Florida, I designed a protection sigils and put it on our cars, the house, and the the big oak trees surrounding us. We were very fortunate and had zero damage! I still have the design on my garage door because I used ColorStay lipstick. Oops.
Final Thoughts:
Don’t worry if it doesn’t feel “right” the first time. When I started, I overthought everything. Which way should I stand? What if I sound stupid? What if my candle is in the wrong spot on my altar? I'm sure you get it. But, the truth? Magic listens to your heart more than your technique.
Be kind to yourself. Start small. Keep your curiosity big.
Stay mystical, Friends!