How Witches Open the Door to a Higher Level of Practice

“What makes a real difference?” I asked in a conversation with a spiritual elder.

One word arose: “Listening.”

I realized that listening actually moves us, witches, to a higher level of practice.

Here are three insights.

Listen to what people near you are truly saying.

Someone tried to give me advice that I didn’t ask for. I disagreed with their assessment. But I listened to their words, ideas, and emotion.

My point is that listening, in this situation, does not mean agreement. You do not need to follow another person’s advice.

It’s more like a friend saying, “You might want to take a look at this.”

If you disagree with someone, it doesn’t mean that they are completely wrong.

Listening is a skill. And just like magick, you need to practice it to get better.

Here is an example of listening. A family member has a process. When someone says something that he does not relate to immediately, he says, “I’ll stir that in my soup.” He means that he will give the idea some thought and time. He is free to change his perception or approach later.

The effective witch listens to conversations because clues for uplifting your life can show up in such conversations.

Listen to the God and Goddess

“And ye shall be free from slavery….Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold: all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.” – The Goddess speaking in The Charge of the Goddess, written by Doreen Valiente

When listening to the God and Goddess, practice quieting your mind. A practice of meditation and prayer can help you.

We can look on being caught in negative thinking as a form of slavery. It helps to practice your own methods to shift out of negative thought patterns. Someone I know places her hand on her heart and tells herself: “I’m okay. I’m safe. I’m loved. God and Goddess love me.” She tells me that this helps her shift out of fearful thoughts. In a quieter state of mind, she talks with the God and Goddess.

Pay attention for the “Signs”

We can become good at spotting the signs from the Gods. Signs can come in many forms from unexpected appearances of certain animals to something that will make you stop and think. For example, many witches consider seeing an image of a white heron or the actual bird as a sign of the Goddess. It is a positive sign.

“I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart.” – The Goddess speaking in The Charge of the Goddess, written by Doreen Valiente

When you receive a positive sign, devote some time to think about it and meditate on it. Watch for any further signs.

May these insights support your path.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater