I left university in 2011, but I still study. As a witch, constant learning is important for self-development. Witches (and arguably anyone else out there teaching themselves new things) have unique concerns with regards to learning. Here, I’m providing my ten favorite tips for self-guided learning!
Be selective!
I like to research no more than two topics at a time, three occasionally, but that’s really pushing it! Some folks are no doubt going to be multitasking mavens. In my experience, though, taking on too many topics at once can be a major problem for newbie witches! I struggled with it for many years.
Magick is so interesting that it can be hard not to just dive into everything at once. It’s good to resist that urge and focus on only a few topics, particularly related topics. For example, your main focus for a certain period of time might be divination, and within that, Tarot, scrying, and runes. Keep it simple and connected!
Limit your sources!
I try to read no more than three books simultaneously, because it allows me to focus on each one without getting mixed up or overwhelmed. Your ideal number of books to read at once will vary, but try to keep it small!
It’s also, of course, helpful if you focus on books that share subject matter. If you’re keeping detailed notes, be sure to refer to where the information you record is coming from. This will make returning to the same resources easier over time.
Set goals!
These can be reading goals (“I will read five books this month”), writing goals (“I will have written an essay about Lunar Astrology by this time next month,”) or something more abstract.
Witches are good at being vague and understanding gray areas – that’s one of our strengths, but I’ve found that specific, measurable goals work best for self-guided study.
Find buddies to help!
Friends and other self-guided learners can be helpful for holding you accountable and nagging you. This can be as simple as telling your friends your plans and then giving them permission to gently prod you towards them.
It can be as complex as book clubs, covens, and study groups! Either way, friends can be colleagues, and colleagues can help you stay accountable.
Read Critically!
You need to vet your sources much more carefully than an average academic. Witchcraft books are rife with misinformation, especially older books. Don’t believe something simply because it’s published in a book!
Compare the books you read, and, most importantly, compare them with scholarly historical and anthropological texts. The latter are, of course, not without their own problems, but worth looking at.
Have a project!
Find something tangible to do as you learn. It can be helpful, even if it’s something totally private! If you’re (for example) studying astrology, you might make a project of interpreting your own natal chart as you go. If you’re learning Tarot, regular daily draws can fill this role. Use your imagination and find a way to stay engaged!
Take notes!
It really helps! I’m a bullet journal fan, but that isn’t for everyone. Some folks like to highlight and makes notes in what they’re reading. Others might find it best to rewrite what they’ve learned in their own language.
Still others might use a tape recorder to capture their thoughts. Note-taking is as individual as witchcraft itself, but highly recommended. See my article series on grimoires and how they can help, too!
Time yourself!
Setting timers and studying in short bursts can be helpful, too! I often ask my Alexa to time me for thirty minutes of reading/research, followed by a short break. I do the same thing when writing or working on other forms of research.
Do original research!
Don’t just believe an author because he or she says a technique works in magick! Try it yourself. Experiment actively with your Craft and keep your own records. This allows you to learn in a hands-on fashion. Who knows? You may discover something nobody else has! Be an innovator!
Buckle down!
Realize that even though you get to choose what you study, it won’t always be fun. After all, practicing magick is often referred to as the Great Work. Work is involved. It’s rewarding, but not always completely fun. Stick with it. It’s worth it, and you’re worthy of it!
You can do it!
I hope these tips are helpful for witches embarking on self-guided studies of the Craft and related topics. These ideas work well for me, but we’re all individuals! If you have your own tips, please do share!
Studyblr itself is a wealth of resources for studying techniques, and I really wish more non-standard students would participate in it. Even if someone isn’t assigning you a letter grade, you’re still learning, and that is important!
If you, too, are a studyblr aficionado focused on witchcraft, magick, or divination, feel free to message me! I’m always interested in making new friends!
my-many-muse-rp-blog 