Before You Light the First Candle: Why I Send Seekers to the Universal Laws and the Seven Hermetic Principles First

Over the last two decades, I’ve had the privilege of walking this path as a Hoodoo practitioner. And almost as long as I’ve been practicing, I’ve been getting the same question: “How do I become a practitioner? and how do I become a witch?” These two titles aren’t interchangeable,however, let’s address the questions at hand.

These are beautiful questions. It shows a stirring in the soul, a recognition of power, and a desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. People usually expect me to recommend a specific candle, a rare herb, or a powerful psalm to memorize.

But after 20+ years, my first recommendation is never about the "tools of the trade."

My first recommendation is always the same: Go study the Universal Laws and the Seven Hermetic Principles.

Why? Because Hoodoo, Conjure, Rootwork, witchcraft, and any effective spiritual practice are not about what you do—they are about how you move within the current of what already is.

Before you learn to dress a candle, work a root,or attempt to conjure you must understand the nature of Energy. Before you write a petition, you must understand the rhythm of Vibration. Before you can influence a situation, you must understand the Principle of Polarity—how to shift from hate to love, or from lack to abundance.

The Seven Hermetic Principles (derived from The Kybalion) are the operating manual for the universe. They explain:

· The Law of Mentalism: All is mind. Your spiritual work begins and ends with your consciousness.
· The Law of Correspondence: As above, so below. Your ancestor work on Earth mirrors the divine realms.
· The Law of Vibration: Nothing rests; everything moves. This is why we raise energy, sing, and drum.
· The Law of Polarity: Everything has its pairs of opposites. This teaches us how to transmute energy.
· The Law of Rhythm: The pendulum swing. It teaches us patience during the ebb and flow of our work.
· The Law of Cause and Effect: Every action has a reaction. Karma isn't punishment; it's a boomerang.
· The Law of Gender: Gender is in all things. It’s the creative force behind manifestation.

If you try to build a house without understanding the laws of physics, it will crumble. If you try to practice hoodoo or rootwork without understanding the laws of the universe, your foundation will be shaky.

You cannot effectively move energy in your favor if you do not respect how energy naturally flows.

So, to the one who is asking where to start: Start with the invisible. Study the principles. Meditate on them. Watch them play out in your daily life. Once you understand that you are working with the universe, rather than just in it, the herbs, the roots, and the spirits will have a clear channel to work through.

The magic isn't in the jar. It's in the hands that know how to build it according to the laws of creation.

Blessings,
Qandisa