We see this statement a lot in the witchcraft world:

“All you need is intention!”

This can come across as unhelpful and dismissive to newer witches. Especially if you struggle or have no idea how to focus your “intention”.

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means…

Let’s define intention: “A course of action that a person decides to follow.”

Now let’s define willpower: “The unwavering strength of will to carry out one’s wishes.”

Revisiting the definition of intention it becomes clear that what is meant is actually willpower.

Think about the phrases “to be intentional” or to “act intentionally”.

Think about the phrases “force of will” or “will it into action”.

We all have differently levels of ability. For some, the practice of witchcraft comes easily, effortlessly, and naturally. For others it requires more work and effort. This is where being intentional comes into play.

By acting intentionally we are able to affect our willpower.

We all have willpower. For some it can be very strong or not so much. But it can be strengthened by being intentional with our actions. Some people have incredible willpower. This is why magick and spellwork may come so easily for them.

This means that intentions are actually very important in witchcraft. Especially if you have trouble focusing your willpower.

Acting intentionally can mean anything from choosing the right components for a spell, using tools and correspondences, to deciding the right time to perform magick.

By acting intentionally, we can strengthen our willpower in order to perform powerful magick.

What does this mean for a witch?

It means that you need willpower potentially backed up by intentions to perform magick.

For those that struggle with willpower or need to bolster or strengthen their willpower, intentions become a very important component to magick and spellwork.

It’s ok to need act intentionally to help you focus your willpower by getting help from herbs, candles, correspondences, crystals and anything else that will help you focus your willpower to perform magick.

Needing help or needing to act intentionally is ok and doesn’t negate your power as a witch.

Acting intentionally doesn’t need to cost money. You can use things you already own such as herbs from your kitchen or garden or practice what we call Terroir Witchcraft.

→Click here to read more about Terroir Witchcraft.←

I truly believe that intentions are super important when casting spells but I see intention as very different from willpower. Intentions are tools you use to bolster your willpower. Carefully chosen intentions can help you so much when you need to strengthen your willpower.

So, if you’re feeling like you’re not a good enough witch and you need help focusing your willpower, remember all you need are help from your chosen intentions!

~Rachael