Magick is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It is an ancient, shifting current, deeply personal and intimately tied to the essence of the practitioner.

Sovereignty in magick is paramount – your path is yours alone to walk. No one else can dictate the spells you weave or the forces you align with. Learning to trust your own instincts, and your own rhythms, is the key to unlocking true power.

Just as each soul vibrates with its own unique energy, some magickal paths will call to you like an old friend, while others may feel foreign, stifling, or even chaotic.

If you’ve been struggling, if your spells seem to slip through your fingers like sand, it may not be a lack of ability but rather a misalignment between you and the type of magick you are practicing.

Magick should feel like an extension of your will, a natural flow rather than a forced action. If something feels “off,” it’s time to listen. Here are ten warning signs that the magick you’re working with might not be right for you—along with ways to realign, reclaim, and redefine your craft.

1. Your spells never work, no matter how hard you try

You follow every step meticulously, gather all the right ingredients, and pour your energy into the spell…. but nothing happens. If your magic consistently fails despite your best efforts, it may be a sign that the system or style you’re using isn’t compatible with you and what you need.

Fix: Experiment with different magical traditions, energy work, or visualization techniques. Sometimes, a different style of spellcasting – such as sigil magic instead of candle spells – can make all the difference.

2. You feel drained or unwell after spellwork

Working magick should leave you feeling empowered and connected, not exhausted, anxious, or physically unwell. If every spell drains you to the point of burnout, you may be forcing a method that isn’t in harmony with your natural energy flow.

Fix: Pay attention to your body and energy levels. Consider grounding techniques, protection magick, or switching to gentler forms of spellwork like kitchen witchery or meditation-based magick.

3. You’re constantly doubting or second-guessing yourself

Doubt is normal in any spiritual practice, but if you always feel unsure about your magick or lack confidence in your spells, it may indicate a deeper disconnect.

Fix: Work on strengthening your intuition through divination, meditation, or journaling. Sometimes, stepping away from external influences and following your own instincts can help rebuild trust in your magick.

4. Your intentions feel forced or inauthentic

If you’re doing spells that don’t feel right or setting intentions that don’t resonate with you, your energy won’t flow properly. For example, if you’re casting love spells but don’t truly believe in them, the magick will likely fizzle.

Fix: Focus on what genuinely excites and inspires you. Align your spellwork with your true desires, not what you think you “should” be practicing.

5. You experience frequent magical backfires

When your spells seem to misfire or bring unexpected consequences, it may be a sign that you’re practising the wrong kind of magick or casting with unclear intentions.

Fix: Be precise with your wording, intentions, and emotions. Cleanse your space, use divination to check for potential outcomes, and consider working with protection magick before casting.

6. You have no passion for learning more

A true magickal path should spark curiosity and excitement! If reading about or practising your chosen form of magic feels like a chore, it may not be the right path for you.

Fix: Explore other traditions or magical styles. Try folk magic, hedge witchery, chaos magic, or even elemental magic to see what excites you.

7. You struggle to connect with deities, spirits, or ancestors

If you’re trying to work with specific spirits or deities and feel no response, it could mean that the tradition isn’t aligned with your personal energy or spiritual background.

Fix: Instead of forcing connections, stay open, and follow signs and synchronicities to the Spirits who naturally align with you. Reconsider allies you may have previously dismissed, or look into ancestral magic that aligns with your heritage.

8. You’re only doing it because someone told you to

Maybe you’re practicing ceremonial magic because a teacher said it was the “best” way, or you’re following a certain path just because it’s trendy. If your heart isn’t in it, your magic will lack power.

Fix: Take time to explore magic that calls to you personally. Read widely, try different practices, and trust your instincts about what feels right.

9. You ignore your intuition and personal pulls

If you’re drawn to moon magic but keep forcing yourself to practice astrology-based spells instead, you may be ignoring your natural magical inclinations.

Fix: Follow what sparks joy and curiosity. Your intuition is one of your greatest magical tools- trust it!

10. Your life seems to be getting worse, not better

Magic should improve your life, not cause chaos, misfortune, or emotional distress. If things have been going downhill since you started practicing a certain type of magic, it’s time to reassess.

Fix: Cleanse yourself and your space. Take a break from magic if needed and evaluate where things may be going wrong. It could be a sign that your magical path needs realignment.

Finding the right type of magic is a journey of self-discovery, and also of building up sovereignty in a world that often wants to take it from us.

If you resonate with any of these signs, don’t be discouraged – there are many paths to explore. Trust your intuition, dont’ be afraid to experiment with different styles of magick, and give yourself permission to evolve as a witch or practitioner.

Your magic should feel empowering, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. So keep your attention firmly on your own inner compass, and you won’t go wrong.