I’m losing hope and nothing is working

Witchcraft
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Unsure if I should have tagged this as Witchcraft or Ask The Community…

Going to post this here because it’s been a while and because Reddit is pretty mean whenever I post lol.

So, I’m Wiccan ( no closed practices ) but it feels like nothing works anymore. It’s waxing crescent moon for me where I live and I see the moon being associated with prosperity. So, I tried to go further with spells instead of just talking to a mirror. Nonetheless, it feels like nothing works anymore. Witchcraft made my life happier and healthier, but now? School grades are making me anxious, I’m with an addiction that I can’t seem to quit ( would rather not go in details ). I’m losing hope, losing faith and it is making me so frustrated.

Any help?

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hey… i’m really sorry you’re going through all that. you’re a human first, witch second — and humans get tired. when life gets heavy, magic can feel quiet, but that doesn’t mean you lost it. you still seem like a good soul who’s just overwhelmed right now.

go easy on yourself. do tiny things instead of big rituals — light a candle, breathe, ground. and please don’t try to handle the hard stuff alone. talk to someone you trust, even a little bit. you deserve support in the real world too.

you’re not losing your path. you’re just exhausted.(maybe, i dunno 4 sure, just yappin smth helpful) the stars aren’t going anywhere :sparkles:

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I would have to agree with Ivy, simplify if things aren’t working. You’ve got a lot on your plate

if you have school, and stay off Reddit and other toxic media! I don’t know all your circumstances.

Addiction just adds to your problems, seek help for that, if you can. Journal your progress.

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Wacky Wednesday DaughterofLilith,

We all hit a “dry-spell” (pun not intended, but reading it again, maybe it is a truth). Anyway, back on topic, we have a stagnant phase in everything we do, not just our craft. Think back to your first love, the high, then the stagnant phase. New job, excitement when you start, then stagnation sets in. You see where I am going?

So, like Ivy said, slow down a bit, ground yourself, and find your “magick” in little everyday ways.

1–When you throw things away, brush your teeth, or bathe, chant and send your worries away as you take out the garbage, spit your mouthwash, bathe the day away. I do this when I am washing the dishes (I’m old school, I do them by hand). I “wash” away whatever is troubling me at that time/moment.

2–I say a quick “prayer” when I go to sleep. (God/dess of choice, I use the Lakota for Moon, Hanwi)

Hanwi, of the night,

keep me in your arms so tight,

let me wake to see the morning light.

3–Simple grounding, as needed step outside, walk in grass, hug a tree, talk to a tree, smell and talk to the flowers. Just a few minutes, give thanks to Mother Earth, (again, your god/dess of choice).

These are just 3 simple ways to help get you started easier, but still active.
I also make daily sun and moon water, giving thanks when I place it in the window, and giving thanks again, when I take it down to drink it. Again, DAILY.
These are that simple. Still keeps you connected.:smiley: Hope this helps out, sweetheart.

Lady Gene :phoenix:

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Sounds like you know exactly what to do. Accept it, allow your inside to connect with your outside. Write anytime you can, whatever comes out. Doesn’t have to make sense right now; just write what comes until you feel done. Keep it all together. Sending you strength. You can do this.

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There’s a lot of really good advice here already, so I will add something very simple.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly suggest watching Kiki’s Delivery Service. It’s kind of an old anime, but it’s all about what you’re going through.

Cheers. :lotus:

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Merry Meet DaughterofLilith

I hope you are in a better place now (I haven’t been here for a short while). Lots of good suggestions already. Two that spoke to me are the idea of grounding and centering and having a prayer/mantra that is special to you, that you connect with. I have certain mantras I have developed over the years, and I never fail to follow certain morning and evening routines (relative to prayer/meditation) no matter what mood I am in. Sometimes they are more of a celebration of a day well lived and sometimes they are a desperate plea for help from the universe. Either way, the discipline of just doing it has a positive impact on my mental/psychologic/spiritual health. Brightest Blessings!

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I am sorry that you are facing all of this. I can say that it would be safe to assume that the root of this issue is directly tied into the addiction issue. When in turn the addiction issue is in turn affecting your grades/ Youve developed anxiety in trying to manage everything, so it seems as if it is a chore to practice. This is reflective of carrying low energy. If we do not identify the source- ROOT of the issue to where our spirit self is deteriorating, then we struggle to find a place of peace. I am sure there are many resources in your area to get to the root of the issue here. I also bel;ieve that everything will work out wonderfully for you. Blessed Be

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I hear you. I am in a similar place. I can’t motivate you because I can’t help myself - But- I have an addiction too; maybe we can help each other, so please let me know - I am losing faith and hope as well… But I came to these posts tonight, and feel motivated to return to my path… You are on the way since you made the post. - there is hope- do not give in to depression.

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I wish I could help but I’m struggling with my mental health too. School at this point for me is just a cause of anxiety and stress, when it feels like your drowning just try to ground yourself back to the earth. Sometimes the best thing you can do in your practice is take a break to reflect and I feel that may help you. Wishing you strength and love, foxglove

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When I am at my lowest, I strive to identify what is most important to me, and why. Often the why turns out to be based on externals and I cannot base my self-worth or joy on externals. I strive to eliminate emotion from the equation and focus on what thought patterns I need to change to affect a positive outcome for the situation (usually a mental health crisis). I have essentially eliminated social media from my life, for me it is highly toxic and the last thing I need is a flood of negativity when I am already drowning. Whether I want to accept it or not, the only person who can change how I handle life is me. People who don’t experience a mental health issue are simply unable (and too often unwilling) to appreciate how difficult it may be for me to implement changes that I need, even when I want to. I put my deepest darkest feelings into poetry and that is my way of expressing my depression/anxiety/thoughts of self-harm with a more positive twist.

Expressing your thoughts and feelings is in my humble opinion a very good step toward overcoming your challenges. Write poetry, short stories, a novel, or share in a safe place like here. The point is to get those feelings out where many times just the act of sharing them will help you see things differently. Never forget that you are made of star dust and the power of the universe is within you. Learn to harness that energy and you may be amazed. Brightest Blessings!

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HI

Go back to the beginning and start again thinking how wonderful your journey was when you started on this path, think about what was good, what inspired you, what made your heart and your mind sing. Recapture the joy you had and reset.

Hope it all works out, Just believe in yourself for you are dynamic and beautiful.

Blessings

el hombre bruja

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when your favorite music artist takes a hiatus, does that mean they’re no longer a musician? or when they produce a bad song, are they no longer a musician then? that music artist still has all their talent, they’re just taking a break, or it wasn’t their best work. every single person has had times when they feel theyre not good at their craft. I’ve been an artist my entire life, but I’ve had RLLY bad artblock recently, so i havent liked anything I’ve made. that doesn’t mean I’m not still an artist, it just means I need to take it slower. (sorry if that makes no sense)

I’ve also noticed, at least with my magick, (I don’t do any wiccan practices), it tends to mimic my emotional state. for example, I go thru long depressions eps (weeks, months), and I’ve noticed my magick tends to be weaker than when I feel more stable. vice versa, when I put effort into taking care of myself, my magick gets stronger as well. about a year ago, I was struggling pretty bad with my own addiction, and I noticed that when I made the active choice to take care of myself, appreciate myself and the effort I put in everyday, and give myself the rest I need, my magick reacted positively. basically, imo, magick is a product of our energy and intention. if we don’t even have the energy to take care of ourselves, how will we have the energy required for casting?

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Words of wisdom. Brightest Blessings!

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Terrific Tuesday Morgue,

You are so right!! Yes, when I am feeling low, my magick does suffer. It is very hard, but a witch, must do something every day. Even as little as lighting a candle. Lighting incense. Nothing else, sit outside a moment. Keep the craft going no matter how you feel. Yup, I know it is hard. Even times I could not get out of bed, I said supplications in my mind. (Prayer is not just for mainstream religions. What are our chants and rituals if not a form or prayer?)

Lady Gene :candle: :phoenix:

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Well said Morgue Doll,

As both an artist and a practitioner, that is so true. I think what makes it distressing for some is the expectation that their development can only occur in a straight line. Life is full of unexpected changes, and an occult/spiritual practice of any kind is no different.

It’s part of the nature of growth that we go through down times. Not only that, but pacing out our practice, especially as beginners, is essential to avoiding burnout.

When anyone approaches the teachers of my tradition with problems like this, they always say “good.” Because for as long as you continue practicing on any level, any change is still good. It’s part of the process. Like Lady Gene said, even if it’s just lighting incense every day, or keeping a vase of flowers on your altar, sometimes that’s all it takes.

Cheers.

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This sounds really frustrating. I respect your desire not to go into detail on a public forum and that makes perfect sense to me.

You don’t have to comment on it here, however, I wonder if this possibly contributes to the challenges with your practice? I know some things can mess with focused attention/concentration, etc.. However depending on what the issue is, I know people indicate this has enhanced their practice so it could be something completely different.

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Tantalizing Tuesday,

Jenny, I never thought of that approach…does the “addiction” in ways hinder your practice?

In no way pointing fingers, thinking out loud to myself…when I am in my funk.,..usually after a fallback, sliiiiide, (those who know, know), it is hard to pick yourself up…BUT…I think I figured “the beauty of the program” we are magickal, we know what is possible and how things connect.

Unfortunately, that does make us responsible. In no less way than to our ownself. Never give up! If you are feeling low, that’s OKAY!! It happens, but at the very least, you have the ability to be magickal within yourself!!! and no-one has the ability to stifle that!!!

Remember:

  • I am Powerful
  • I am Strong
  • I am Unique
  • I Belong!!!

Don’t forget that, Baby, Sweetheart, just showing my age-bracket.

Lady Gene :phoenix:

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I’m just aware that what starts out as something we do for enjoyment can sometimes become an all encompassing, full-time job. How do we focus on any other aspect of ourselves when this can become our whole world?

I think we are magical and can overcome just about anything. But sometimes I know I get impatient and want to overcome everything, all at once, immediately. That I usually cannot do.

Learning to be gracious and patient with ourselves is one of the hardest lessons but I think ultimately one of the most important.

Be kind to yourself! :heart:

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I think there’s a distinction to make between addiction and a mental disorder/neurodivergence too.

We should never be hard on ourselves for our struggles.

What it really highlights is the need to be the opposite - to be more kind and patient with ourselves, and to craft a practice around those needs. :lotus: :white_heart: