Divergent Witchcraft is About to Be Born

Witchcraft is empowering. You are empowered to connect to yourself, the Creator, and the elements without another to guide you. You are your own priestess or priest; you are your own best guide. Witchcraft is about the personal growth of the soul. Witchcraft is naturally inclusive. For years, people who are considered “other” or on the fringes have been drawn to the openness of witchcraft. Anyone from any background, ethnicity, or gender can call themselves a witch. In an effort to make witchcraft even more approachable and inclusive, there are modifications and suggestions in this book for people who identify as divergent.

I have read a lot of self-help books—this is not to brag but more of an admission. For a long time, I believed I was broken and needed fixing. I did not come to terms with being neurodivergent until my son was diagnosed with ADHD. Neurodivergent is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “having or relating to a disorder or condition (such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder) that impacts the way the brain processes information: exhibiting or characteristicof variations in typical neurological development.” I would add that people who identify as Highly Sensitive also exhibit what could be labeled as neurodivergence. In this book, it doesn’t matter if you have an official diagnosis or not. If you feel other in some way, then this inclusive guide to witchcraft is for you.

If you don’t identify as neurodivergent or divergent, you may be surprised at how helpful some of the modifications and suggestions in this book may be. In this book, the term divergent includes anyone who feels other than typical or has been “othered”in society regardless of an official medical diagnosis. Truth be told, I believe there is no such thing as “normal.” Social conditioning and social norms have molded much of what has been considered an appropriate way to act, learn, or be a human. As we empower our own intuition and inner voice, we begin to shed social constructs the way a snake sheds its skin. True empowerment comes when you begin to trust yourself.

I invite you to be interactive with this book. I not only invite you to underline, highlight, take notes, and doodle in it, but also encourage you to try the exercises provided. This book is living magic from me to you. The more you participate, the more healing will. The exercises are best done with an open mind. Even if the exercise doesn’t seem like something you need currently, or it’s something you have already done, I encourage you to give it a try anyway.You will find sections marked as notes in this book. Consider these sections like flashcards or quick references that give you the information you will need to use often. I’ve included spells in some of the chapters—you don't have to use or try all of them.. You will also find journal prompts throughout the book. You may want to keep a notepad or journal nearby while reading so that you can answer these questions. But you can also answer them through voice notes or another feature on your phone. I ask that you don’t skip the prompts—take a moment to answer the questions provided. Don’t just read them and think of an answer; take the time to write your answers down. Trust me—writing is part of this journey.

I call the Creator by many different names. I encourage you to find what works for you to speak to the Divine. I know many come with baggage concerning the term God, and I understand that fully. If you don’t have a term yet, try out different versions until one feels right for you. Here are some ideas: the Great Creator, the Cosmic Creator, the Lord and Lady, Goddess and God, the Universe, the Cosmic Heart, the Cosmic Womb, Mother and Father, Grandfather and Grandmother, Mother Earth and Father Sky, or try a particular name of a goddess or god.

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This book was written from my heart to yours. This is my own practice. I have blended witchcraft with many other aspects of spirituality. I have been a practicing witch for over three decades now and currently lead my own online coven called Our Coven. My own witchcraft education began with Wicca as a foundation. Then, as I learned more about Paganism, folk magic, brujeria, and shamanism, it really became quite a blend of different practices. I have also pulled from Buddhism, esoteric philosophies, metaphysics, and mysticism. I am truly a lifelong learner. I also feel that as witches we have the freedom to blend many ideas and practices, making our spirituality our own. By the end of this book, you will be able to create your own spells with confidence, understand how to connect with the moon’s cycles regardless of gender, and gain an understanding of how to connect with the four elements. Witchcraft is transformational. It can be healing to the soul and spirit. It can offer a path of rewilding to find your true center again.

Journal Prompts

• What has been your spiritual journey so far? Draw a large spiral and mark points on the spiral as if it is a map of your own hero’s journey.

• List five times when your intuition was right.

• What does intuition feel like in your body?

Excerpt from Divergent WitchcraftWritten byJenny C. BellAdapted, and reprinted with permission from Weiser Books, Divergent Witchcraft writtenby Jenny C. Bell available wherever books and ebooks are sold or directly from the publisher atwww.redwheelweiser.comor 800-423-7087.

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AND Good News: An audiobook is coming soon from Simon Maverick!