How to Become a Witch by Amber K.

blanket or a gentle, cool breeze, whichever feels good at this moment. Imagine a wise young woman leading you into a field of fresh flowers to dance for joy under the golden sun and the blue sky. Then imagine a loving, gentle mother cradling you in her arms and rocking you to sleep like a small child. Allow yourself to drift. Finally, imagine a wise old grandmother, with the ages in her face and compassion in her eyes, telling you just what you need to hear as advice for your journey to become a Witch. Write her words in your Book of Shadows.
    Take another deep breath, and move your awareness to the God. What does the masculine energy of the universe feel like? What men do you know who are strong and inspiring? Do you connect with the masculine divine as an individual god (Zeus, Pan, Cernunnos, Odin) or as the all-pervasive God? Imagine a bold, strong youth leading you into a forest to share the secrets that he has learned through his wanderings. Then imagine a young warrior showing you how to use a bow and arrow, like magick, to hit your target. Imagine a kind father who speaks of the joy of fatherhood and family. And finally, imagine a wise old sage who answers your most important question about magick. Write their gifts in your Book of Shadows.
    Living as a Witch in the World: Where and when do you feel most in touch with spirit? When do you feel awe, peace, connection, belonging, and joy? If it’s a place you can go to in person, go there at least once a month to renew your spirit. If you can’t go there in person, take the trip in your imagination. Feel whatever feelings come up, and take the opportunity to ask your intuition for guidance. Always write your thoughts in your Book of Shadows.
    Elemental Symbols And Your Personal Altar
    Almost every Witch has an altar. It can be elaborate or simple, but it will probably become the focal point of your daily practice, as explained later in chapter 6. Choose a place for your altar: in the center of a room, along one wall (traditionally either the east or north), in a closet or drawer, or on a shelf. Find a quiet span of time to set up your altar. You may choose to use just one altar cloth all the time or change it with the seasons. A basic Witch’s altar usually includes the following items:
Symbols of Goddess and God or a statue or picture of one’s patron deity
Two candlesticks with candles, called “lamps of art”
An air symbol, usually in the east (such as an incense burner or a feather)
A fire symbol, usually in the south (such as a red candle)
A water symbol, usually in the west (such as a seashell or bit of driftwood)
An earth symbol, usually in the north (such as a stone or crystal)
Small dishes or bowls holding salt and water
A fire-making tool (wooden matches will do)
Your ritual tools: pentacle, wand, chalice, and athame (see chapter 4)
Working tools such as tarot cards, runes, essential oils, herbs, etc., that you may need for a particular magickal working (we’ll get to these later in the book)
And, in our tradition, a coyote (see chapter 8)
    As you gather objects to represent the elements on your altar, pass each one through incense smoke and sprinkle it with saltwater to cleanse it before placing it on the altar with reverence. The objects on your altar may be changed whenever you like; your altar should be a living thing, used often and reflecting your growth as a Witch.
    Once your altar is set up, sit before it and do the following exercise:
    Five Elements Breath: Breathing rhythmically and slowly, visualize white clouds in a vast, sunlit blue sky, and inhale the refreshing power of air. Exhale all tension and any negative thoughts.
    Now visualize the shimmering heat and white sands of a hot desert, and inhale the exhilarating power of fire. Exhale all tension and tiredness.
    Next, visualize the rolling green waves of a wide sea, and inhale the rejuvenating power of water. Exhale all tension and any emotions you don’t need.
    Now visualize great, rocky