How can I find where I fit in best in witchcraft?

QUESTION - Ok so, I have been interested in the idea of witchcraft for quite a while now and have been researching many different types. However I am struggling to decide where I would fit in best. Also can witchcraft be dangerous? And how do I find a coven/the right coven? I am open to all the different takes and ideas on witchcraft and as there is so many it is hard to decide on just one. 

ANSWER - I think it is very positive that you are researching different ways to practise the craft. However I would caution against trying to pigeon hole yourself into a single category of witchcraft. The danger is that in trying to conform to being a specific type of witch you may overlook the natural abilities and interests you have in other areas. Rather than look at different types of witchcraft and try to fit yourself into one, focus more on yourself as an individual and get some hands on practical experience. Many witches have a broad range of talents and practises that are hard to fit into a neatly labelled category and it is this very individuality and understanding of who they are as a person that makes them successful in the craft they practise. I’d go so far as to say that most of the witches I know would shun the whole idea of being labelled. Where you fit in best is your own little niche in the world of the craft and looking inward rather than outward will help you find this niche the soonest.

In terms of whether witchcraft can be dangerous, well yes it can. Not dangerous in the Disney sense of spells creating havoc but in the sense that it changes you as a person. There is an old saying that power corrupts and I’ve seen the evidence for this in a lot of people who follow a craft path. There is a danger of changing yourself for the worse, developing arrogance as your spells start to work and using what you know as a witch to tread over the feelings of other people. My own view is that a witch needs to learn humility as fast as she learns her craft because if she doesn’t she might not like what she sees in the mirror after a while.

Yes there are other less psychological dangers associated with witchcraft. Generally though the dramatic stuff you read about is very rare. Theoretically someone who doesn’t know what they are doing could use for example a summoning to attract an undesirable but the reason it is rare is because anybody with enough ability to actually get any results probably also has the ability to deal with the results they get. As with anything start off slow and build up.  A sound understanding of the basics of your craft will help mitigate any problems or things that might go wrong. It will also give you a lot more credibility as a witch. I’d be pretty scornful of a witch who wittered on about her prowess with the Lemegeton but who has to ask advice about how to perform a basic mind changing working. It is also the low level, easy to perform workings that will have the most use in your day to day life. A good understanding and a foundation of experience in this area is invaluable to any witch.

In terms of covens they are totally optional. Many witches practise solitary, some through choice and some through necessity due to lack of like minded folk in their locality. Choosing a coven is all about finding a group of people who are a natural fit with your own beliefs. Beware of anyone who wants you to change and adapt to fit their own views (though polite co-operation as with any group will be necessary). The other issue with covens is that they can be run for the ego of one or two select members rather than for the benefit of the whole. My suggestion is you get to know a potential coven very well before committing and only join when you are happy the group is right for you. A good way to meet other witches is local moots and you can find these through Witchvox. 

Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/The-Witch-144509755

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