A witchcraft/herbalism learning method that is AuDHD compatible

[Axis]

I managed to develop a learning method for the Tarot that used images and tagging and associations and was able to get to a professional level with Tarot.

i've been trying to do the same with rituals and other witchcraft things and herbalism but somehow I can't mentally "get in". Maybe because it always involves reading long lists of steps, and dry, complicated, abstract explanations. With a 12 step ritual my brain will usually space out at bullet no. 6. If I haven't already given up in the intro text.

Is there someone here who learned rituals or recipes who also has AuDHD and can maybe tell me how they managed to remember the steps or make it through dry explanations? My Tarot method of visual associations is not working here.

Thanks for any tips!

 

[Chodbaxofyw]

Have ADHD. Might be autistic but not sure. I take meds, but I skip them on ritual days, because I think they interfere with how I feel and channel energy. I personally simplify rituals when possible, unless the instructions state clearly that the ritual steps cannot be altered. I skip a lot of explanations and build my own magical worldviews so that I can decide how to alter the ritual. Sometimes if the instructions go way too lengthy (happens in some grimoiric traditions) I might turn away from the tradition in general. I know I'll miss out a lot of valuable things, but if my brain can't stick to it, I won't be able to learn anything at all!
Learning and practicing is not easy for AuDHDers, so don't push yourself too hard. Hope things go well for you.

 

[Axis]

Have ADHD. Might be autistic but not sure. I take meds, but I skip them on ritual days, because I think they interfere with how I feel and channel energy. I personally simplify rituals when possible, unless the instructions state clearly that the ritual steps cannot be altered. I skip a lot of explanations and build my own magical worldviews so that I can decide how to alter the ritual. Sometimes if the instructions go way too lengthy (happens in some grimoiric traditions) I might turn away from the tradition in general. I know I'll miss out a lot of valuable things, but if my brain can't stick to it, I won't be able to learn anything at all!
Learning and practicing is not easy for AuDHDers, so don't push yourself too hard. Hope things go well for you.

Thank you so much for your kind words.

It great to know - in a cringy way - that others also have the same problems.

Never took any meds out of a hunch that it would interfere with the energy and I pay the price in a pile of broken life pieces I stumble into each day. It's super interesting to hear that assess the issue with the energy similarly. That would confirm my suspicion.

Will keep on trying to find a method that works for AuDHD.

 

[Yazata]

Maybe this thread is useful:

Magicians with ADHD: a thread

Quite a few people with ADHD on the forums, and I always end up commenting on it in other threads. Maybe we could have a thread just for this topic? Some prompts: How does this make magic/mysticism/etc harder for you? On the other hand, what strengths does ADHD bring? David Shoemaker says the...

wizardforums.com

 

[saber]

I'm definitely in your position too, and I have a recommendation!
For herbalism, I'm a big fan of Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, it's basically just a big encyclopedia of herbs indexed by use cases so you don't have to memorize all the associations yourself. You can just look it up easily.

It also gives some easy methods in the introduction of the book on how to use the herbs in spells, and I have followed them to great effectiveness! Also, some herbs will have special ways that people use them written in their descriptions, so you can just follow those instructions.

 

[anabela]

same here. i guess the best advice i can offer is that it's easiest to not force it. sometimes you're really into something, other times you're just not, that's okay. in theory there's something to be said about discipline leading to growth, and there's infinite gray area to operate within there, but at the end of the day if you're not into a hobby this very moment, try again later. stuff that truly resonates with you will survive your skips and pauses. journaling has helped me, too, if you're into that. a grimoire of sorts. and just taking it all little by little. it's been overwhelming trying to operate in the lines of what's "correct" when this is often such a highly individual practice. i don't really know how to explain it but maybe trying to see the meaning or purpose of things can stick easier than the technicalities of how someone does something and trying to follow that to a t. it might also be worth asking yourself if you feel pressured to do xyz or know xyz versus fostering a healthy curiosity and being kind to yourself as you explore