Serving Community As a Closeted Witch

I believe all witches should help people. I think this is part of having a power. I don't think we should be like the Charmed Ones and putting the needs of others before our own all the time, but I do feel that witches are in a position to help people so that's what we should do. I feel that the community is an extension of home. I want my house to be as nice as possible so why would I want to live in a miserable place with high crime and pollution?

Being in the broom closet means I can actually serve my community without ego tripping me up. Nothing against public witches, but I think when you're in the spotlight people expect you to do amazing feats on the spot without any hard work. Often when people turn to magick to solve a problem their situation is dire. They don't want help so much as they want things to just go away. If the witch can't wave their wand and make it all better then people feel resentful. If somehow the witch does make the monster disappear then the person will return again and again, unwilling to do anything themselves. The witch becomes a crutch.

Here's how to work magick for the greatest good without having to deal with a steady stream of petty issues:

1. Become Nature orientated. This can be as simple as hanging bird feeders in your yard, planting a garden, or getting involved in a town tree planting program. The more nature that is in a community, the less violent it becomes.

2. Learn, and respect, the local spirits. These are the higher beings that can assist you. Visit cemeteries, the historical society, or historical/famous sites. Attune yourself to these energies. For example, if there is a large Chinese population in your town, ask Chinese dragons for protection. Calling in Celtic energies may create an energy flux that is at odds with the energy of your town.

3. Cast a protective circle around your town using a map of the area. Draw the circle directly on the map. You can also draw other symbols on the map, like dollar signs to improve the economy. Crop circle patterns are very healing (and I'll talk about them in another post) While you have the map, protect the waterways, parks, roads, civic buildings, and hospital. I have found the best way to do this is to ask for improvement/protection every full moon. This brings gradual but lasting change.

4. Pick up trash. Trash draws more trash. Clean places tend to stay clean.

5. Support local business. I hate Wal-Mart, I think it killed small town America. I don't like other big chain stores either. I realize these super stores are convenient, but they spell death for mom and pop stores. The environment fares no better. Wal-Mart generally cuts down 5 acres of trees, stays in the location less than 5 years, then moves a mere 5 miles down the road and cuts down all those trees.

6. Donate your old witchcraft books to your local library. The shelves in the library will indicate how tolerate your town is. If your books never make it then you best tread softly. If your old books do become available for check-out you are helping others witches who may be chomping at the bit for reading material. If your library won't add a spell book to its collection, try fantasy novels. Which leads us to #7:

7. Leave magick for others to find. I used to leave spells in my library's Harry Potter books. You can bless coins and leave them in public places. If your gas station has a 'leave a penny, take a penny' bin this is a great place to leave blessed coins designed to increase wealth. Also try leaving good luck charms on park benches.

8. Are there buildings that need restoring in your town? Take a picture and each day visualize the building becoming better. If you have artistic talent, you can draw the building in it's current state, then draw it in various states of repair.

9. Better the lives of the people. This one is a bit tricky, which is why I saved it for last. You don't really know what people need. You might think more money would help, but if they have a gambling problem they aren't going to pay bills. If you see someone is struggling to get by, it might be better to ask the Universe to bring the person what they need the most.