Another one that woke up with a sense of dread - actually multiple times in the night. The day was hard and eventful, a bombshell was dropped yesterday (not unexpected and not completely unwelcome - just been officially asked to take on proper caring duties for my parents rather than the unofficial half wanted half not wanted thing that was happening due to welfare need) and i am feeling very out of sorts. Self care really is needed and is something i need to put more priority on (simple things like not eating breakfast at 7pm at night as the first meal of the day when i have been up since 7am)
I dislike halloween as the atmosphere almost feels oppressive and heavy like it is clammering for more attention then i am willing, able or it is wise to give it. I find that it is a time for self care and protection work primarily.
I wouldn't enrole in a course. There are some good herbalism courses that are very detailed but you have to be very very very very careful and you are more likely to find an overview than an indepth and detailed course.
I agree start with what interests you and learn by following that path.
I started with visualisation and some very basic cleasning and protection work because it was what was needed. I tend to be scattered and that makes for bad mannifestations so i know that my basics need to be strong, i keep revisiting and most work i do is through grounding and shielding. I struggle with spirits and chose to not work with them for this reason, the results would be too unpredictable so it would be unwise.
The way i view magic as it is like driving.
Not every one is going to have the same experience taking the same road, not everyone is meant to take the same road
You wouldn't expect to start with a massive articulated lorry (high level), you would start with basics and hopefully perfect this and for most people this (lower level) is something that is perfect for their needs. Those that find they need the skills and expertise for driving a articulated lorry would then go on to develop those skills (high level magic) and apply this knowledge to their lives where it is appropriate.
Not using higher level magic does not make you less of a witch, and in some cases the witch is more powerful because the lower level magic that is practised and used has most relevance to their lives and circumstances and it is really perfected.
I have seen many beginner witch want to dive into the higher level stuff and it not work because they don't have the basics, or have results that teach them hard lessons; simply because they think that if you are not practising higher level magic it makes you less skilled.