Meet Taren S

We were lucky to catch up with Taren S recently and have shared our conversation below.

Taren, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome as a High Priestess and leader of a spiritual community is an ongoing journey. One key aspect is recognizing that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about guiding others while remaining open to learning. I remind myself that the House of Witchcraft is a space for shared experiences and growth, and being a leader doesn’t mean perfection—it means authenticity and dedication to the path.

Embracing my personal spiritual journey and trusting in the wisdom gained along the way has helped a lot. It’s easy to feel like you’re not “enough” when you’re constantly surrounded by new knowledge, but recognizing the value in what you do bring, and that the journey itself makes you more qualified, is empowering.

Also, connecting with others who walk a similar path and hearing their stories of doubt and growth has been incredibly grounding. Imposter syndrome tends to shrink when you realize it’s something many people experience, regardless of their role or experience. Finally, acknowledging and celebrating the small victories along the way builds confidence, slowly replacing self-doubt with assurance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The House of Witchcraft is a community built on the principles of connection, empowerment, and shared magical practice. It’s a space where witches can come together, not just to learn but to share their personal magical experiences, deepen their spiritual practice, and grow collectively. The house honors traditions while also welcoming the evolving nature of witchcraft. It’s about creating a safe and inclusive space where witches from various paths can connect with both ancient wisdom and modern practices, blending the two into something vibrant and alive.

Folk witchcraft refers to magical traditions and practices that arise from the common people—those that are deeply rooted in local customs, superstitions, and the natural world. Unlike ceremonial or high magic, which often requires formal training and elaborate rituals, folk witchcraft tends to be more practical, accessible, and focused on using the resources at hand. It might involve herb magic, working with spirits of the land, divination, protection spells, or healing rituals—often passed down through generations. Folk witches typically use what’s available in their environment, whether it’s kitchen ingredients, plants from their garden, or household objects, making their magic personal and adaptable.

I founded the House of Witchcraft because I wanted to create a space where these folk traditions could be celebrated and preserved while also evolving with the times. The idea was to build a community where witches could explore their path without rigid structures, embracing both the old ways and the new, and making magic accessible to everyone. It’s a reflection of my own journey with witchcraft—one that is deeply personal, rooted in nature, and ever-evolving. The House also emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming witches from all backgrounds and encouraging them to bring their own wisdom and experiences into the fold.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities and areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey as a High Priestess and founder of the House of Witchcraft were authenticity, curiosity, and grounding in tradition. Each played a pivotal role in shaping not only my personal practice but also the way I lead and engage with others in the magical community.

1. Authenticity
Being authentic in your magical path and leadership is essential. Early in my journey, I realized that trying to fit into someone else’s version of what a witch or leader should be only led to frustration and burnout. Owning who I am—my style of practice, my beliefs, and my unique voice—allowed me to connect with my magic more deeply. Authenticity also allowed me to form genuine relationships within the House of Witchcraft, as others could see and trust that I wasn’t pretending to be someone I’m not.

Advice:
For those early in their journey, I encourage you to embrace who you are and trust your intuition. Don’t feel pressured to follow someone else’s exact path. Witchcraft is deeply personal, so take the time to explore what resonates with you. Keep a journal to reflect on what practices feel aligned with your true self and which ones feel like you’re trying to “fit in.” Over time, you’ll develop a practice that is uniquely yours.

2. Curiosity
A sense of curiosity about the world, both seen and unseen, has always fueled my growth. Folk witchcraft, in particular, is all about learning from the world around you—plants, seasons, the moon, animals, ancestors—and understanding how those forces shape our magic. My willingness to constantly explore new ideas, ask questions, and learn from other witches and traditions helped me expand my knowledge and adapt my practice as I grew.

Advice:
Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond what’s familiar. Read widely, seek out conversations with other witches, and be open to learning from the land and the spirits around you. Magic is vast, and there’s always something new to discover. When you feel like you’re at the beginning of your journey, embrace that as a time for learning, experimentation, and discovery.

3. Grounding in Tradition
While curiosity helped me explore, being grounded in tradition provided stability. Folk witchcraft is rooted in centuries of knowledge passed down through generations, and understanding those roots gave me a strong foundation from which to grow. Learning about the history of magical practices, particularly the ones that resonated with me, helped me feel connected to something larger than myself.

Advice:
Find a balance between exploring new ideas and grounding yourself in foundational knowledge. Learn about the traditions that call to you—whether it’s your own ancestral practices or something that draws your interest. Understanding where these practices come from can deepen your connection to your magic and give you confidence. However, don’t be afraid to make it your own and adapt traditions to fit your modern life and personal path.

Final Thoughts
For those early in their journey, the best advice I can give is to be patient with yourself. Growth in witchcraft, like any spiritual practice, takes time. You don’t need to know everything right away or have it all figured out. Surround yourself with a supportive community if you can, but remember that your practice is yours alone. Trust your instincts, follow what calls to you, and enjoy the unfolding of your magical path.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, which happens more often than people might think for a High Priestess, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me reset, ground myself, and regain clarity. Being a leader, spiritual guide, and managing the everyday aspects of life can be a lot, so having reliable tools to navigate that overwhelm is essential.

1. Grounding Practices
Grounding is my go-to when I feel overwhelmed. It’s simple, effective, and immediately brings me back to the present. I often go outside and place my hands on the earth, focusing on connecting with the energy of the land beneath me. If I can’t get outside, I’ll sit quietly and focus on my breath, imagining roots growing from my feet into the earth. It helps me release any chaotic energy I’m holding and bring myself back to center.

Advice:
In moments of overwhelm, take just five minutes to focus on your breath or connect with the earth, whether that’s through a quick walk in nature or even just standing barefoot in your living space. Visualization exercises can also help—imagine all your stress and anxiety flowing out of you into the earth.

2. Setting Boundaries
Overwhelm often comes from not setting or maintaining boundaries. As a High Priestess, I’ve learned that saying yes to everything—rituals, meetings, events—leads to burnout. I’ve become comfortable with setting boundaries, even in spiritual practice. It’s okay to say no or to reschedule when you need time to recharge.

Advice:
Learn to honor your limits and give yourself permission to say no. Create a boundary between your magical/spiritual practice and daily life when needed. Protect your energy by taking time for self-care and solitude, even if that means stepping away from the responsibilities of leadership or your craft temporarily.

3. Simplifying Rituals
When I’m overwhelmed, I simplify my magical practice. While I love elaborate rituals, they can feel like just another task when life is too busy. During these times, I rely on simple, grounding rituals—lighting a candle, offering a quick prayer, or brewing a cup of herbal tea with intention. These small acts are powerful and don’t require the energy or preparation of larger rituals.

Advice:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t force yourself into complicated rituals. Simplify! Light a candle, say a quick affirmation, or connect with a single crystal. These small acts can still hold a lot of power and help you realign with your spiritual self without adding more pressure.

4. Journaling
Writing is one of my favorite ways to process emotions and regain clarity. When I’m overwhelmed, I sit down and journal—sometimes I just write down what’s on my mind, and other times I do a stream-of-consciousness exercise to let out whatever thoughts and feelings are swirling inside me. Writing it out helps me see things from a different perspective and often gives me insight into what’s really causing the overwhelm.

Advice:
Keep a journal dedicated to your spiritual practice and emotions. When you’re feeling stressed, write freely without editing. Don’t worry about structure—just get your thoughts out on paper. Reflecting on these entries later can provide clarity and help you spot patterns in your emotions or triggers for overwhelm.

5. Connect with Community
Sometimes when I’m overwhelmed, I try to retreat into myself and handle everything alone. But I’ve learned that connecting with my community—whether that’s other witches in the House of Witchcraft or trusted friends—can be incredibly grounding. Even just talking things out with someone else reminds me that I’m not in this alone and that it’s okay to lean on others for support.

Advice:
Reach out to someone in your spiritual community or personal circle when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You don’t have to bear everything alone. Even a short conversation with someone who understands can make a world of difference and remind you that it’s okay to ask for help or take a break.

Final Thoughts
Overwhelm is a part of life, and it’s something we all face, no matter how far along we are in our journey. The key is finding what works for you and giving yourself the grace to take a step back when needed. Whether it’s grounding, simplifying your practice, or connecting with others, remember that you have the tools to navigate it—you just need to use them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://houseofwitchcraft.com
• Instagram: house of witchcraft
• Facebook: house of witchcraft
• Youtube: house of witchcraft

Image Credits

all images are property of Taren S