How to Become a Witch

Aunt M.

Did you decide five minutes ago that you want to learn how to become a witch and don't know where to begin? Perfect. You’re in the right place. Hi, I’m Aunt M., a practicing witch with 30+ years of real-life experience. I created this podcast to help beginner witches cut through the misinformation, confusion, and gatekeeping that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to help you get a grounded, magical start in the craft. Welcome to the coven. We’re learning and growing together over here. Join the community: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/howtobecomeawitch/subscribe.

  1. 15 HR AGO

    Angel Magic for Beginner Witches

    In this episode, I’m diving deep into a topic that has been part of my personal witchcraft journey since I was sixteen. While many associate angels with religious dogma, I’m showing you how to approach them through a lens of nonreligious witchcraft. 00:00 – Intro & Personal Connection: M introduces angel magic and shares the story behind her 90s-style Chinese character tattoo. 00:46 – Early Influences: Growing up in a strict Irish Catholic environment and how those experiences shaped her understanding of protection and spirituality. 03:34 – What Are Angels?: M describes angels as “intelligent living flames” and explains why you don’t need a religious background to work with them. 04:02 – Angels vs. Spirit Guides: Exploring the task-oriented nature of angels compared to the softer, more nurturing energy of spirit guides. 04:59 – The Persistence of Reverence: How spirituality and magic can stay meaningful even as your personal practices evolve over time. 06:49 – The Role of Angels in Crisis: Why angels are like spiritual soldiers who step in when situations become dangerous or toxic. 08:18 – The Importance of Patience: Why you shouldn’t overwhelm angels with endless requests and why personal effort still matters. 11:11 – Setting Boundaries at the Start: Beginner advice on focusing your energy wisely, following the 90/10 rule, and avoiding irreversible mistakes. 13:03 – Myths & Safety Warnings: Addressing fears around demons and discussing cautionary stories involving Doreen Virtue and Kat Von D. 18:49 – Beginner-Friendly Connection: Safe and approachable ways to begin connecting with angels without fear. 21:37 – Preparing for Angel Work: Why cleansing your space and taking a ritual salt bath can help clear energy before spiritual work. 25:01 – Dealing with Chronic Pain: A brief tangent about how Bob’s Pickle Pops unexpectedly helped M manage physical pain. 27:36 – Introduction to Archangels: An overview of the major archangels and how to respectfully invoke them. 28:56 – The Importance of Respect: Why archangels should be approached with the same professionalism and respect you’d show a CEO or boss. 31:11 – The Four Archangels and Elements: Breaking down the directions, elements, and specialties connected to Uriel, Raphael, Michael, and Gabriel. 35:24 – Making the Petition: A step-by-step explanation of how to make a clear request and properly close a ritual circle. 38:23 – Practical Magic & Offerings: Why magic should be practical and the simple altar offerings or symbols you can use. 40:34 – Waiting for the Right Wave: Understanding that magic often works through timing and opportunity rather than instant results. 43:02 – Community Service vs. Manifestation: Why focusing on helping the collective can be more spiritually effective than only chasing personal desires. 45:18 – Closing & Resources: M recommends the book Ask Your Angels and encourages listeners to reach out with questions. Do I need to be religious to work with angels?Not at all. This episode focuses on nonreligious witchcraft. While these beings appear in many traditions, they are genderless, intelligent energies that any modern witch can work with, regardless of their background. What is the difference between an angel and a spirit guide?Think of spirit guides as your "hippie friends" who want to hold your hand and vibe with you. Angels are more like "Ivy League friends" who get things done. They are task-oriented and driven to complete specific asks. What are the four corners in angel magic? In traditional witchcraft and angel work, we honor the four directions: North (Uriel for grounding), East (Raphael for creativity), South (Michael for protection), and West (Gabriel for emotions). Ready to go beyond the light? If you’re looking to deepen your practice and explore the craft's heavier, more intense aspects, join the community. How has your perspective on working with "higher beings" changed as you've progressed in your craft? Leave me a comment!

    44 min
  2. 15 MAY

    How to Astral Project as a Beginner Witch

    In this episode, I give you the exact formula for lucid dreaming and the basics of astral projection. We discuss the ins and outs of dream journeys, interacting with deities and ancestors, and safety protocols for astral travel.  We also explore anchors to the physical world, including the Ojibwe dream catchers and how to ground after your dream journey.  FAQs How do you trigger a lucid dream? Mild indigestion, a designated day to sleep in, light physical activity (not naked time), and a cooling blanket are all ways to help initiate lucid dreaming.  What is the belt method? The belt method is when you wear something to anchor you to the physical world, such as tying a ribbon around your waist before you fall asleep. For more details, listen to the full episode.   What are Akashic records? The Akashic records are the documents that verify your past lives. They can be accessed via your subconscious, but you may not always remember them.  0:00 – Intro & Personal Update: Aunt M opens the episode and shares a personal update. 00:36 – Recap of Dream Magic Basics: A quick refresher on herbs, crystals, and intention-setting from the last episode. 01:40 – The Formula for Lucid Dreaming: M explains her personal lucid dreaming method, including mild indigestion and exercise between sleep cycles. 05:43 – Boundaries in the Dream World: Why consent matters in dreams and the importance of knowing you can say “no” to entities or even relatives. 06:33 – The Feeling of Lucid Dreaming: Describing the strange clarity and sense of “newness” that comes with lucid dreams. 07:13 – Setting Ground Rules: Creating personal boundaries around who or what you allow yourself to interact with while dreaming. 08:39 – Using Symbols for Reality Checks: How unusual actions, like smoking indoors, can help you realize you’re dreaming. 10:32 – Chronic Nightmares & Recurring Dreams: Exploring why certain dreams repeat, plus M shares a vivid recurring dream from her own life. 13:03 – Dream Catchers: Discussing the Ojibwe origins of dream catchers and why it’s important to buy them authentically from Indigenous creators. 15:42 – Advanced Dream Work: Asking to dream with deities or spirit guides and exploring places beyond the physical world. 19:43 – Akashic Records & Past Lives: A brief conversation about universal records, past lives, and the emotional feeling tied to those memories. 21:09 – The Deep Sense of Peace: M talks about her favorite part of dream magic and her struggle to consistently reach that level of peace. 23:35 – Introduction to Astral Projection: Essential warnings and cautions before attempting astral projection. 23:49 – Safety & Precautions: Why astral projection should be avoided during traumatic periods, plus protective tools like amethyst, sleep jars, and belts. 27:36 – Achieving Astral Projection: A step-by-step explanation of separating from the physical body and observing it. 29:02 – Floating & Exploration: How to slowly move beyond your room and begin exploring other realms or periods of time. 30:31 – Returning to the Body: Listening for the “call” back to the physical world and how to safely reintegrate. 31:16 – Post-Projection Care: Grounding techniques to ease the jittery feeling that can happen after a session. 32:49 – Closing Thoughts: M invites listeners to share their experiences through email and join the subscriber community. If you want to take the next step in your spiritual journey, join the coven to gain access to subscriber-only episodes, tailored ritual advice, and a community with the most fabulous fellow beginner witches.

    39 min
  3. 8 MAY

    Are You a Witch?

    Are you a witch? In this episode, I’m answering the question I get most often: "Am I meant to be a witch?" I’ve been practicing witchery since 1987. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need permission to start your journey. I’ll show you how to navigate the world of magic without getting discouraged by gatekeeping or "generations-old" snobbery. We discuss everything from reading tarot cards to why I believe in a "90% practical, 10% magic" lifestyle. Whether you are curious about shadow work, looking for budget-friendly rituals, or just need a grounding tool like an Epsom salt bath, this episode is your invitation to embrace your innate gifts and start practicing on your own terms. How do I know if I’m ready to start practicing witchcraft? If you feel drawn to the craft, whether you’re obsessed with herbs, cauldrons, or just have a deep curiosity, that is your sign. You don’t need three doves and a raven to appear; your interest is all the permission you need to begin. Why do you focus on "practical" witchcraft? I believe magic should be your competitive advantage, not your entire personality. I teach you to handle the 90% of life that is mundane with accountability and logic, using that extra 10% of witchcraft to give you the edge you need. What are your favorite budget-friendly grounding tools? You don’t need expensive crystals to be a witch. I recommend simple, effective methods like saltwater baths, sitting with your spine against a tree in the park, listening to low gongs, or simply spending time with a pet. [00:00] – Am I meant to be a witch? (Spoiler: Yes). [01:21] – My stance on gatekeeping and "bloodline" witches. [04:05] – Why you shouldn't make witchcraft an addiction or your whole identity. [07:13] – Dealing with the gatekeepers of the magic world. [09:18] – The "Ex-Factor": How to tell if you’re truly drawn to witchery. [11:08] – My Epsom salt protection ritual (and addressing the critics). [15:15] – Why blowing out a birthday candle makes you a witch. [22:28] – Why I recommend therapy and accountability over just shadow work. [30:40] – Why I don’t teach heavy, culturally specific magic traditions. [33:43] – Building a community as a form of rebellion against the patriarchy. Want to go beyond the basics? Join the community for exclusive subscriber-only episodes where I teach the "darker" stuff, including revenge and advanced energy work.

    45 min
  4. 1 MAY

    May for Beginner Witches

    May could be the best month for beginner witches. We have Beltane and so much sunshine. We talk about how strawberries, stinging nettles, and thyme can be used in seasonal spells. Learn how to incorporate pink and red into your daily aesthetic. We also get into how toxic TikTok, witchcraft addiction, and ancestral traditions.  Tune in to discover the 10% rule and so much more!  What are the best magical activities to do in May? May is your “stop thinking, start moving” month. Take real action on what you planned all winter. Don’t burn yourself out doing it. Balance the push with intentional rest. Keep it simple: eat strawberries to ground, use thyme to amplify your energy, and work with dandelions at every stage to visualize your manifestations from seed to release. How do I use herbs for boundary setting? Start with stinging nettle,  your no-nonsense boundary herb. Put it in a jar, tie it with a red or pink ribbon, and let it sit where you’ll see it. It’s not just symbolic; it’s a daily reminder. Stop overgiving, stop explaining, and start protecting your peace at all costs.  Is daily magic necessary for a witch? No! It shouldn’t be. Magic is your final 10%, not your whole strategy. Do the real-world work first. If you’re reaching for magic every day, you have replaced one addiction with another.  How can I avoid spiritual appropriation in my practice? If it’s not your lineage, don’t treat it like a trend. Practices like Santería and Hoodoo carry real history and weight. They’re NOT aesthetic add-ons. Respect what you don’t understand, and be wary of anyone selling access to cultures that aren’t theirs to teach. Join the community: https://linktr.ee/howtobecomeawitch

    32 min
  5. 24 APR

    How Beginner Witches Can Celebrate Beltane

    Beltane, or Bealtaine, is the celebration of the transition between winter and summer. Since the time of the Druids, it marked when farmers would bring their cattle to the summer pastures. There would be bonfires, maypoles, and thoughts of fertility. Also known as Spring Halloween, Beltane is the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. The veil is thin, and you can feel the power of change.  Become your very own May Queen and call upon your Green Man if you have been pushing men away for personal or professional reasons. You’ll learn the basics of fire festival rituals, simmer pots, and what not to do during the Flower Moon so you can protect, invigorate, and manifest.  How can I use fire during Beltane?  Beltane is a fire festival. To incorporate fire in your celebrations, you can simply walk through two tealights or enjoy s’mores over a bonfire. Start making your own traditions and honor this abundant and protective element.  Can I burn what no longer serves me on May Day?  No! Stop releasing on the full moon. This year, the fire festival and the Flower Moon match up. Just celebrate how far you have come!  What can I put in my Beltane simmer pot?  For any simmer pot, put whatever fruit is in season along with herbs of your choosing. Use salt, cinnamon, and sugar as your base. Try throwing in a few strawberries, raspberries, basil, a squeeze of lemon, and some local flowers.  Ready to take your craft to the next level? Join the community for just $2.99 a month! Subscribers get deep-dive access to: Specific Beltane Spells: Learn the step-by-step rituals I only share with the community. Darker Magic & Advanced Techniques: Explore the shadows and the light with practiced guidance. Personal Connection: Have your questions answered and join a supportive community of fellow beginner witches.  Questions? Reach out at howtobecomeawitchpodcast@gmail.com.

    30 min
  6. 10 APR

    Debt-Free Magic Tips for Beginner Witches

    In this episode of the "How to Become a Witch" podcast, I explore the concept of "psychic debt" in witchcraft and how practitioners can ensure their magic remains debt-free. Using my personal experience with long-term financial stability and a history of avoiding actual debt, I draw a parallel between financial responsibility and spiritual energy. I emphasize the importance of hard work, community-centered manifestation, and avoiding the karmic pitfalls of shortcuts in one's witchcraft practice. I advise focusing on nature magic, building genuine relationships, and being patient to achieve a sustainable and powerful practice in modern witchcraft. 1. What is "psychic debt," and how can I avoid it in my practice? Psychic debt refers to the karmic or spiritual "cost" incurred when practitioners use shortcuts, intense magic, or ask for favors from powerful entities without a willingness to provide an equal exchange of devotion or energy. To avoid this, focus on doing 90% of the work yourself through personal effort and using magic only for the final 10% advantage. Working with nature and smaller, non-deity entities can also minimize significant spiritual debt. 2. How can being part of a community improve my magic? Aunt M advocates for focusing on community and human connection rather than solely on manifestation. By building a network of genuine relationships, you can manifest your needs through mutual support and favors, which grounds your practice and reduces the need for "expensive" magical interventions that could lead to spiritual debt. 3. Why is it important to have interests outside of witchcraft? Over-identifying as a "powerful witch" can lead to desperation to maintain an image, which can negatively affect your magic and community standing. Having a balanced life with diverse interests like sports, animals, or hobbies ensures that your practice remains a part of your life rather than your entire identity, allowing for more stable and authentic magical work. Ready to take the next step in your practice? https://linktr.ee/howtobecomeawitch

    35 min
  7. 3 APR

    What Isn’t Flower Magic?

    Have you ever walked through a field of flowers and felt an immediate vibrational shift? If so, then this episode is for you. I’m going to show you how to use a variety of blooms to protect, manifest, and charm the universe.  Summary  Are you still in the broom closet? We all were at one point, so don’t worry. Flowers are the perfect introduction to magic while still flying under the radar. I’ve used flowers as a way to discreetly practice magic while working at a religious school. I’m going to show you how you can use filler flowers like dandelions and carnations, which are usually tossed aside even though they are some of the most powerful botanicals for magic use.  Carnations are used for ancestor work, dandelions for resilience, and hyacinths for attracting nontoxic male energy. I’ll show you how to make powerful flowers like these ones into teas, baths, and bouquets. Our focus in this episode is on nonreligious witchcraft, so you can practice under the radar while navigating life’s difficulties, looking for love, or starting a new job.  FAQs Do I need to be “out” to be a true witch?  Absolutely not. Most witches have been in the broom closet since the beginning of civilization. You do not need to use traditional witchcraft aesthetics unless you really want to. Spirituality is as public or private as you want it to be.  What are some common flowers for protection and ancestor work?  We love carnations. These filler flowers are for protection while communing with the ancestors. Dandelions are also powerfully protective and provide a focal point for resilience.  What is no-debt magic?  Modern witchcraft, especially the junk of TikTok, has you believing you can call upon any deity or entity without paying a price. You need to be mindful of incurring spiritual debt anytime you use magic. Instead, focus on the power of nature for almost free magic.  Nurturing your private or public witch means finding your source of truth in nonreligious witchcraft and in nature. A cup of tea, a hot bath, and a gorgeous bouquet can get you started on building your community and manifesting what you want. Modern witchcraft can be free, fun, and powerful.  Carnations: Used for protection and connecting with ancestors. Dandelions: Associated with the cycle of life, resilience, protection, and used as a source of strength or an anchor during hard times. Hot-pink roses: Specifically used for self-love. Lavender: Utilized for sleep, calming, and protection. Chamomile: Used to calm the practitioner so that luck can find them. Hibiscus: Often used in love spells and for perceived spiritual support during PMS. Sunflowers: Used to provide good energy when feeling rundown or depleted. Hyacinths: Used to attract nontoxic male energy, specifically a partner who is a protector and provider. Calendula: Used for legal problems, such as divorces or custody disputes. Snapdragons: Used for negotiations. Chrysanthemums (mums): Used for protection of the home against untoward energy. Baby’s breath: Used to represent and attract longevity in relationships. #modernwitchcraft #personalwitchcraft #practicingwitch #nonreligiouswitchcraft #modernwitch #traditionalwitchcraft #witchesspirituality

    43 min

About

Did you decide five minutes ago that you want to learn how to become a witch and don't know where to begin? Perfect. You’re in the right place. Hi, I’m Aunt M., a practicing witch with 30+ years of real-life experience. I created this podcast to help beginner witches cut through the misinformation, confusion, and gatekeeping that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to help you get a grounded, magical start in the craft. Welcome to the coven. We’re learning and growing together over here. Join the community: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/howtobecomeawitch/subscribe.

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