Doing your first spells as a new witch can be daunting. However, when you think about it, if you ever made a wish on a birthday candle or a shooting star, or touched wood for good luck, then you have already done a spell.
Often, new witches are scared to do their first spell because they are afraid they might do something wrong and that this might have negative consequences. New witches wait to do even a beginner spell, thinking they need to know ‘everything’ about witchcraft before they begin. This isn’t true. Just like learning anything, we start where we are and build our knowledge and experience gradually. Think of it like learning to walk or learning a new language, you may fall at first or stumble over your words, but you get better each time you try.
This is why I often tell new witches to do their first beginner spell as soon as possible, otherwise the fear of starting just becomes a bigger and bigger hurdle. Of course, the choice of spells for beginners is important. It’s best not to start off with complicated spells, dark magic or magic that may have consequences for others. Leave these until you have more knowledge and experience and have developed a set of values and ethics around your own practice. Start with small and simple spells like the spells for beginners in this post.
Each of these beginner spells are simple and safe. The worst thing that will happen if you do something wrong is that the spell won’t work or will not be as powerful as you hoped. However, though they are simple they are really quite powerful. They will set you off on your witchcraft path and help you to begin to understand how to create magic and what it can do for your life.
Magical Mindset
The most important aspect of successful spell work is your mindset and intentions. Think of your intention as the compass guiding your magical energy. When planning your spell, take a moment to really think about what you want to achieve. Be clear about your goal, but don’t worry too much about exactly how it will happen. Magic often works in surprising ways! Sometimes we focus so much on expecting results to appear in one specific form that we miss the way the universe has actually answered our request.
Your belief is what transforms a simple action into magic. If you’re constantly thinking “this probably won’t work” while casting your spell, you’re actually creating resistance to your own magic. Don’t worry if you don’t have 100% faith at first—even approaching your spell with curiosity like “I wonder if this might work” is a good starting point for beginners.
Creating a magical mindset also means being present and mindful during your spellwork. Just like when you make a birthday wish, that moment of focus and clarity before blowing out the candles is powerful. Try to approach your spells with that same sense of wonder and possibility. Clear your mind of everyday worries and really connect with what you’re doing. This doesn’t need to be complicated—even taking three deep breaths before beginning can help shift your mind from everyday thinking to magical thinking. Remember, magic isn’t about being perfect; it’s about bringing your authentic self and intentions to your practice.
So, let’s get on to some spells for beginners.
Preparation
To prepare for your beginner spells it’s wise to do a short ritual to cleanse yourself and your space to remove any negative energy. You may also want to ground and centre yourself before you begin.
The following spells for beginners are very safe and do not require protection spells beforehand. However, if you are concerned that your spells might have negative consequences, or expose you to unwanted energies, try doing a protection spell first.
Three Spells for Beginners
The following spells for beginners will help you get started with sensing energy as well as introducing you to the basics of candle magic and making spell bags
Awakening Magical Perception Ritual
This simple ritual helps new witches become more sensitive to the magical energies all around us. It’s perfect for beginners who want to develop their magical senses and start experiencing energy firsthand. If you do not have a crystal, use a stone picked up from a walk or in your garden.
What You Need
- A clear quartz crystal (or any crystal you’re drawn to)
- A quiet place where you won’t be disturbed
- A comfortable place to sit
- 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time
- Optional: a white candle
What To Do
Find a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably without interruptions. If you’re using a candle, light it and take a moment to watch the flame, letting your everyday thoughts settle.
Hold your crystal in your dominant hand (the hand you write with) and close your eyes. Take three deep breaths, imagining that with each inhale, you’re drawing in clear, bright energy, and with each exhale, you’re releasing any tension or doubt.
Now focus your attention on the crystal in your hand. Without looking at it, try to feel its weight, temperature and texture. After a minute or so, see if you can sense anything beyond the physical—perhaps a subtle tingling, warmth, coolness, or pulsing. There’s no right or wrong way to experience this.
Imagine that the crystal is slowly activating your ability to sense magical energy. Visualise this ability as a soft light spreading from the crystal into your hand, up your arm, and eventually filling your entire body.
When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes. Look around the room with fresh eyes, as if seeing everything for the first time. Notice if anything looks different or if you sense any energy you didn’t notice before. Thank the crystal for its help and carry it with you for the rest of the day to continue enhancing your magical awareness.
Nature Connection Spell
This gentle ritual helps new witches form a deeper connection with the natural world and its inherent magic. It’s a wonderful way to begin recognising the magical energies flowing through all living things.
What You Need
- A small bag for collecting items
- Access to an outdoor space ( a wild space, a city park or your garden)
- A piece of cloth or handkerchief
- String of thread
- A quiet spot to sit outdoors
- Optional: a journal and pen
What To Do
Go to your chosen outdoor location. Stand still for a moment with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, imagining roots growing from your feet deep into the earth. Feel yourself becoming part of the natural world around you.
With mindful attention, walk slowly through the area. Collect 4-5 small natural items that call to you—perhaps a unique leaf, a small stone, a fallen flower petal, a twig, or a seed. As you pick up each item, silently ask permission and thank the earth for its gift.
Once you’ve gathered your items, find a comfortable spot to sit. Arrange your found objects in a small circle in front of you. This circle represents the endless cycle of nature’s magic.
Place your hands over the circle without touching the items. Close your eyes and focus on sensing any energy coming from your collected treasures. These natural items still carry the energy of the elements that created them.
When you feel ready, place your items in the bag or the centre of your cloth and gather the corners to create a small bundle and tie it with the string. As you tie, set the intention that this charm will help you notice and connect with natural magic in your everyday life.
Take your completed nature bundle home and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily, like on your altar, windowsill, or desk. Each time you look at it, remember the connection you felt to the natural energies and try to recreate that awareness, even if you’re indoors.
Alternative For Housebound Witches
If you’re unable to go outdoors, you can adapt this spell using a houseplant or herbs from your kitchen. Sit comfortably near your plant and spend time observing it closely—notice the unique patterns in the leaves, the way it grows toward light, the texture of its soil.
Gently touch the leaves (if it’s safe to do so) and try to sense the life energy flowing through the plant. Collect a fallen leaf, a small pinch of soil, and perhaps a drop of water from when you last watered it and put this in a bowl. You can put this bowl on your altar or on a windowsill to remind you of the connection you have made.
Another alternative is to collect nature items from around your home, such as crystals, feathers, herbs, or items made of natural materials such as clay or wood. Place these items on your cloth and continue with the spell as described above.
You can also place a crystal or stone with your plant items to represent the earth element. Even indoors, you’re still connected to the natural world, and these variations will help you tap into that connection wherever you are.
Small Victory Candle Spell
This practical beginner spell helps you manifest a specific, achievable goal in your life. It’s perfect for building confidence in your magical abilities by seeing tangible results from your spellwork.
What You Need
- A yellow or green candle (a tealight, spell candle or birthday candle works fine)
- A small piece of paper and pen
- Olive oil or any cooking oil you have
- A nail, pin, or toothpick for carving
- A fire-safe candle holder
- Matches or a lighter
- Optional: dried basil, cinnamon, or mint
What To Do
Begin by thinking about a specific, achievable goal you’d like to accomplish in the near future. This could be doing well on a test, having a good conversation with someone, finding something you’ve lost, or any other small victory. Make sure it’s something realistic that could happen within the next week or two.
Write your goal clearly on the small piece of paper. Be specific but brief—a single sentence works best. Fold the paper three times toward you to draw the energy toward yourself.
Take your candle and use the nail or pin to carefully carve a symbol that represents your goal into the wax. This could be a simple arrow pointing up for improvement, a star for success, or any symbol that makes sense to you. If using a candle that’s too small to carve, you can simply draw the symbol on the candle holder or on a piece of paper you then tuck under the candle holder.
Put a few drops of olive oil on your fingertips and rub it onto the candle from the ends to the middle. As you do this, say something like: “With this oil, I charge this candle to bring success to my goal.” If you have any of the optional herbs, you can sprinkle a small pinch onto the oil-anointed candle.
Place your folded intention paper underneath your candle holder, then light the candle and focus on the flame. Visualise your goal as if it has already happened—see yourself succeeding, feel the satisfaction and joy of accomplishment. Be as detailed as possible in your visualisation.
Let the candle burn completely (if it’s safe to do so) or for at least 15 minutes. If you need to put the candle out, use a candle snuffer or spoon rather than blowing it out, which can symbolically “blow away” your intention. You can relight the candle for the same spell on subsequent days until it burns completely.
After your spell is complete, carry on with your day with confidence, knowing that you’ve set your intention and that magic is already working to help you achieve your small victory.
Remember, these spells for beginners are just the starting point of your magical journey. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your own unique magical style and intuition. So don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today, trust the process, and watch as the magic that has always been within you begins to unfold.
I hope you have enjoyed these spells for beginners. If you want to know more about witchcraft, sign up for my free email course today! You can also check out the witchcraft basics section and the apartment spells section for more spells for beginners.
Blessed be
Eva