Witches We Love: Kirsten

We are delighted to share new perspectives and faces with you, and every Wednesday we feature a short interview with one of our favorite witches from the community. This week it is our pleasure to introduce Kirsten, aka: @onebosswitch .

You might have read her article last week about how to combat anxiety with witchcraft, if not, go check it out! Her perspective on things is so refreshing and practical. She says what needs to be said without being harsh. We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to get to know her and her practice a bit better, so we wanted to share this with you!

Scroll down to read the full interview, and help us give her a warm welcome. We know you will love her as much as we do!

Tell us about your practice and how you came across your path? 

I have always been fascinated with spiritual practices. As a little one and in my teen years, that tended to draw me towards the Christian church, because that was what was available to me at the time. But I realised their practice wasn’t right for me, and I started to research and learn about witchcraft, Wicca and spirituality from about the age of 16. 

I don’t consider myself Wiccan now – I have a pretty relaxed and eclectic practice. I use a lot of meditation, essential oil work, and read a lot about herbalism (even though I live in an apartment with only enough sunlight to just about keep one cactus alive!). I spend a lot of time making curiosities and altar-based items as well as oils, because I find it incredibly grounding and relaxing.

What are some of the influences in your craft? (Alt. Question: what are you currently learning about in your practice?)

I practice Tarot and other forms of divination, and I communicate with a generic ‘Goddess’ in the most part – by which I mean, all goddesses/Mother Earth/divine feminine energies. If I had to choose one deity with whom I really feel a connection, I would say Hecate, although I’m pretty fond of Brigid, too.

As I said before, I’m hugely into meditation, which kind of came about because of my anxiety. While I believe in working with doctors and medication where necessary, I have personally found immense peace and relief in meditation work. I like to meditate as soon as I cast my circle, for example, and after any spell work. 

I love learning from and about other witches and practitioners from different parts of the world, although I am strong in the belief that we should not take or claim cultural practices that are not our own. 

If I’m feeling tired and like I don’t have the energy for the more intense spellwork that I love to do, I will take a ritual bath. I mix my own formula of salts, herbs, florals and essential oils depending on my intentions and needs, and I whisper those intentions and say hello to the Mother Goddess as I prepare the bath. Oh, and sometimes I use moon water in there, too! 

What advice would you give to your younger self, or a baby witch? (Alt. Question: Do you practice with deity, if so, how did you begin your relationship?)

I suppose that my main advice would be not to shy away from your craft. There was a long period of time where my day job / corporate kind of lifestyle took me away from my practice, and it wasn’t until I realised there was an emptiness there that I reconnected with it. Whether or not you’re in the broom closet, treat yourself with kindness and love by practising. You can do it without any tools or herbs, and without an altar. But allow yourself that deeper connection and LEARN everything you can. There is a whole, amazing community and world of witchcraft out there.