How To Be A Good Witch

Halloween is just around the corner. Ghosts, goblins, scantily clad nurses and, yes, even witches are coming out of the woodwork. One of my best friends, who just happens to be a five-year-old little boy, was recently showing off his witch costume to me, replete with pointy hat, long silver locks, fabulous cape and broomstick.

He’s so unabashedly excited to be a witch.

It got me thinking. Because, for many of us, something happens as we get older.

The good witch gets replaced by the bad witch. We begin to do everything we can to avoid the role of witch.

And that realization made me a little sad. I want to get back to the excitement of being of witch, damnit!

So, here are my tips for how to be a good witch:

Believe in yourself.
Historically, witches have gotten a bum rap. If you don’t believe in who you are, it’s that much harder to walk the gauntlet with your head up.
Don’t worry about fitting in.
When was the last time you heard about a witches’ tupperware party? Point is, being a witch requires a certain willingness to embrace non-conformity.
Use sparkles liberally.
It really doesn’t matter how, exactly, or where you use them, just go to your local art supply store or Walmart or preschool classroom and get yourself some sparkles! Grab some fun stickers and sequins while you’re at it. And take 15 minutes to create something! You don’t have to keep what you make… though why not take some of your refrigerator’s real estate for some proof of magic, huh?
Follow your intuition.
All sources I’ve checked (thank you, Google) indicate that you kinda have to be paying attention to your gut to realize you’re a witch. Most folks aren’t as lucky as Harry Potter and don’t get some beautifully scripted invitation to their fate delivered by an owl to their doorstep. So. Pay attention to that quiet, sweet inner voice that nudges you toward what you are meant to do and meant to be. Please note, this voice is VERY DIFFERENT from that loud, nagging, ridicule-filled voice (or voices) in your head; that voice should be melted away for good.
Look for ways to help people.
Cause that’s what good witches do.
Get a familiar.
I’d suggest a cat. Trust me, you get used to eating cat hair. It actually contains protein, I swear. But if you want a dog or an owl or a turtle, do your thing. Just as long as you feel simpatico, the relationship should work. And it’s as close to unconditional love as we humans get.
Budget for the occasional (or frequent) facial.
Good witches and warts, acne, etc. don’t seem to go hand-in-hand so make the space in your life for some pampering. If you’ve never splurged on a facial, add it to your holiday wish list or skip a few lattes and book one pronto. I promise you will not regret the move, it will help you claim your good witch status and… you deserve it!
Embrace love.
Because that’s the best part of being a good witch. And the best part of being alive.