How To Do Witchcraft Step-by-Step

Wondering how to do witchcraft without just reading about it? My article will show you exactly what to do, in what order, and why it works, so you can start practicing real magic step-by-step at home. Then I’ll follow it up with a few frequently asked questions.

If you’re brand new and still learning the basics, start with my Witchcraft for Beginners guide and come back when you are ready. If you already feel the pull toward witchcraft and want to know more, read my article How to Become a Witch.

Step One. Decide What You Want to Change

Before you buy another candle, grab a crystal, or Google another spell, I want you to decide SPECIFICALLY what you want to change. Not someday. Not theories. What do you want to change right now?

Remember, witchcraft works best when you have a clear purpose. Avoid vague goals like “be happier” or “fix my life” because they don’t really give you anything to focus on.

Choose one specific thing you want to influence. Something small, realistic, and part of your daily life will work far better than a huge life-altering intention. This will help build your confidence as a beginner. I like to write mine down as an affirmation to start. I find this really helpful because it makes my intention simple and clear.

Step Two. Choose Spell Type and Symbolism

Now that you have one clear intention, you’ll want to turn it into a spell by using symbolism. This is where you get to include your personality, beliefs, and creativity into your witchcraft practice.

Begin by choosing your spell type and researching symbols connected to your spell’s intention. This can be colors, herbs, crystals, symbols, or any actions linked to what you want. I highly recommend keeping a list of symbolism ideas based on intentions in your grimoire or Wiccan Book of Shadows.

For example, if I were working a spell to protect my home, I’d first consider what type of spell I’d like to do. Personally, I’d do a candle magic spell because it’s one of my favorites. However, depending on your spell, some common choices include: Creating a Sigil, Spell Jar, Freezer Spell, Banishing Ritual, etc. Choose whatever ritual/spell works best for you.

Then, I research symbolism for protection magic, while keeping in mind I’ll be doing a candle spell. So I’d consider what type of protection candle I’d like to use and what color I want it to be. Then, I’d consider what Herbs for Protection, oils, and Protection Sigils or symbols I’d add to my candle. I created a Candle Magic YouTube series if you’d like to see step-by-step video tutorials.

Remember, you don’t need a ton of items or tools. Choose a few meaningful items that stand out to you and gather all your supplies.

Step Three. Prepare Yourself and Perform the Spell

Now that you have your intention, spell type, and all your supplies ready, it’s time to begin.

I always cleanse my space before starting spellwork. It helps me mentally prepare, freshen up my sacred space, and begin bringing in the energy I want to work with. You can do this with smoke, sound, visualization, or any method you prefer.

Now that your sacred space is ready, you’ll want to prepare yourself. Before starting any spellwork, I always recommend spiritually grounding and centering yourself. Then you’ll want to raise your vibration to match your intention.

Once those steps are completed, you’ll begin your spell as planned. Speak your intention out loud if it feels comfortable to you, or hold your intention clearly in your mind as you work.

Once you’re finished with your spell, consciously end it in your mind. It’s important to release your intention and not let it preoccupy your thoughts. You want the spell to leave your conscious mind.

Dispose of your materials properly, depending on your spell. This may include burying or throwing items away. Some spells will have you keep an item (like a necklace or spell jar), and that’s fine too. At this point, your work is done.

A Real Example You Can Do at Home Tonight

Now it’s time for a homework assignment! Haha, don’t worry, it’ll be a fun one because you’ll be doing real witchcraft! I’m going to show you how to create your own spell using the current moon phase.

Check the Current Moon Phase

Take a moment to look up what moon phase you’re currently in, and consider its meaning. If you need help understanding the spiritual meanings for each phase, head over to my Moon Magic guide, then come back here.

Choose an Intention that Matches the Moon Phase

Now choose your intention by using the current moon phase as your guide. Allow your intuition and creative mind to decide what intention you’d like to focus on.

For example, if it’s a New Moon, you might want to choose an intention around manifestation and fresh starts. Keep it simple, easy, and realistic for you to do today.

Create a Written Intention Spell

On a small piece of paper, write your intention in a sentence or two, matching the spiritual meaning of the current moon phase. Next, cleanse the space in the method of your choice, spiritually ground, and raise your vibration.

Then read your intention slowly and hold the paper while focusing on what you want to create or release. When you’re ready, fold the paper and place it somewhere it can sit beneath the moonlight overnight undisturbed.

In the morning, place the paper somewhere meaningful or bury it on your property if you’re trying to attract something or grow an intention. Destroy the paper if you’re releasing or banishing something. I usually burn it or tear it into tiny pieces and throw it away. Then let the intention go from your mind and allow the magic to do its work.

Record Your Spell

Remember to record your spell in a grimoire or journal. Write down the date, moon phase, spell intention, what steps you took, and how you felt. This will be very useful for you to reference later and to keep track of your spells and how successful they are. Congratulations, your spell (and homework assignment) is complete!

How Tools and Crystals Fit In

Crystals and other witchcraft tools are very helpful, but aren’t required to practice witchcraft. They help you focus, direct your spiritual energy, or even stay grounded.

I like to choose a crystal whose spiritual intentions align with the spell I’m doing. By using it in this way, it’s not doing the spell for you, but rather assisting you with additional symbolic strength.

Tools become a distraction when you feel like you need them in order to practice witchcraft. Please don’t feel like you need to wait to buy the perfect crystal, candle, or tool before practicing. Tools are meant to support your practice, not replace it.

Can You Do Witchcraft on Someone Else

Yes, you can do witchcraft on someone else, but with a few caveats. Consent is an important factor, specifically in spells meant to influence or control someone against their will.

It’s very difficult to do if you’re trying to change someone’s behavior or decisions without their cooperation. For example, maybe you want your best friend to leave a relationship you know isn’t good for them, so you attempt a cord-cutting ritual for them. However, your friend is not interested in leaving, so those cords will simply reattach, and your spell will not have a lasting effect.

Magic works best when everyone involved is aligned with the outcome. Without that shared intention, you’re pushing against someone else’s will, which rarely leads to lasting results.

However, doing a healing spell, protection work, or luck for some can be really helpful and kind as long as you’re respectful. If someone asks you to do a spell for them, even better, and I recommend using a taglock to help strengthen your spellwork.

How To Tell If Witchcraft Is Being Done on You

Let’s start with the honest answer: someone is probably not doing witchcraft on you. Most people do not have the skills, focus, or motivation to successfully influence someone else through magic. Even if they did, the majority of people are far too busy thinking about themselves. To quote Alexis Rose from Schitt’s Creek, “Nobody cares…Trust me, people aren’t thinking about you the way that you’re thinking about you.”

That being said, it’s still reasonable to pause and consider the possibility. Here are a few signs worth paying attention to so you aren’t dismissing your intuition:

• Someone has explicitly told you they are doing spellwork involving you
• You experience a long streak of bad luck that feels unusually persistent and out of character for you
• Someone has a clear motive and history of acting on grievances magically
• Feeling emotionally or energetically drained or uneasy after interactions with certain people
• You find ritual materials placed deliberately in your space
• Your personal items were requested under false pretenses
• You’re confusing conflict with magic

When I feel like something is wrong, I like to start simple. I start by grounding myself with a meditation, then I cleanse my energy and space spiritually and physically. An egg cleanse can be a helpful option as well. I also like to add regular protection rituals and spells into my practice as basic maintenance.

When in doubt, return to your own energy, strengthen your boundaries, and know in your heart you are far more resilient than you think.

Common Mistakes When Doing Witchcraft

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is copying spells from social media or random websites (obviously not this one, lol) without understanding what they’re doing or why it works.

Witchcraft isn’t about following random instructions; instead, it’s about intention, symbolism, and regular practice. When you skip steps like grounding, raising your vibration, or understanding why you’re doing something, the spell doesn’t work. However, that doesn’t mean magic isn’t real.

Another common mistake is only attempting huge, life-altering spells, like winning the lottery or instantly changing someone else’s behavior, but these things only happen in movies.

It’s very important to build your skills and confidence in your own abilities. A lot of people don’t track what they try, what works, or how they feel after. So it’s almost impossible to repeat successful magic or challenge yourself.

Witchcraft is a lifetime practice, not a random one-off spell. I highly encourage you to start small, stay consistent, learn from your experiences, and refine what works for you over time. That’s how you do witchcraft with real magic.

I hope you found this article about how to do witchcraft helpful! Sending you lots of love, and remember, as always…