Intuitive Healing and the Authentic Witch: Finding Your Practice Amid Life's Chaos
The concept of witchcraft and spirituality has evolved significantly over the years, but one thing remains constant: the power lies within us. In a recent conversation with Alyssa Barlow of Blyssfull Magick on the Your Average Witch podcast, we delved into what it truly means to embrace your inner power as a witch in today's challenging world.
Alyssa identifies as an intuitive healer, psychic medium, Reiki master, and tarot reader, but beyond these titles, she emphasizes that her core mission is helping people find the power within themselves. In a spiritual community often dominated by consumerism—where people feel pressured to buy the next crystal, take the next course, or attend the next workshop—Alyssa offers a refreshing perspective. She firmly believes that we all possess innate ancient wisdom that can help us heal, and her practice focuses on helping people reconnect with this inner knowledge through simple, daily actions.
One of the most interesting aspects of our conversation revolved around the concept of worship versus devotion in spiritual practices. Both Alyssa and I expressed discomfort with the term "worship," as it implies giving away your power to an external entity. Instead, Alyssa prefers terms like "honoring" or "devotion," which allow for a more balanced relationship where personal sovereignty remains intact. This perspective aligns with the core of her practice: finding and retaining personal power rather than surrendering it to deities or external forces. It's a transactional relationship based on mutual respect rather than subservience.
For many witches, particularly those balancing family responsibilities, consistent practice can feel impossible. Alyssa, a mother with another child on the way, shared candidly about the reality of maintaining a spiritual practice amid the chaos of everyday life. Rather than adhering to elaborate rituals, she focuses on small, meaningful actions like bath rituals, energy clearing, and crystal cleansing. Her approach embraces what she calls the "consistency of inconsistency"—recognizing that devotion to self can take many forms and doesn't need to follow a rigid schedule or framework. This perspective challenges the notion that one must constantly perform elaborate rituals to be a "real witch."
Perhaps one of the most impactful parts of our discussion centered on spiritual bypassing—a topic Alyssa feels isn't discussed enough in magical communities. Spiritual bypassing occurs when people use spiritual beliefs to avoid dealing with difficult emotions or situations. Alyssa emphasized that spirituality isn't all "love and light" but requires embracing both darkness and light to achieve balance. She critiqued toxic positivity in spiritual spaces, particularly the idea that everything happens for a reason or that negative experiences are somehow "attracted" into one's life. This perspective can be deeply harmful, especially in cases of tragedy or loss.
Community building emerged as another crucial aspect of spiritual practice, especially in uncertain times. Alyssa shared how she creates safe spaces through monthly Reiki shares, Instagram live sessions, and plans for community service through Reiki for the homeless and at women's shelters. These efforts reflect her commitment to making healing accessible while creating networks of support that extend beyond digital connections.
Throughout our conversation, Alyssa's authenticity shone through, particularly when discussing her influences. From Carl Jung's integration of psychology and spirituality to her deep connection with Gaia, her perspectives are grounded in both intellectual understanding and intuitive wisdom. Most touchingly, she credited her mother as a major influence, sharing stories that illustrated how her mother's natural intuition and compassion shaped her own path as a healer.
For those interested in developing their own spiritual practice, Alyssa recommends starting small and finding what feels authentic. Whether it's sprinkling cinnamon on the first of the month for abundance, taking a ritual bath, or simply connecting with nature in a local spot, these consistent small acts can be more powerful than elaborate but inconsistent rituals. In a world that often demands perfection, embracing the "consistency of inconsistency" might be the most powerful magic of all.
