The Witches’ Pyramid: A Beginner’s Guide to the Pillars of Magic

The Witches’ Pyramid, also known as the Four Powers of the Magus, is a concept in witchcraft that outlines the four essential qualities a witch must develop to practice effective magic. Think of it as the foundation or the building blocks of magical work. Each part of the pyramid represents a key aspect of how witches approach their craft. These pillars are:

1. To Know
2. To Will
3. To Dare
4. To Keep Silent

By understanding and practicing these four pillars, witches can harness their magical power with wisdom, clarity, and purpose. Let’s break down each one in simple terms so that beginners can get a clear picture of what they mean.

To Know (Noscere)

"To Know" is all about learning and gaining knowledge. Before a witch can cast a spell or perform a ritual, they need to understand what they’re doing. This knowledge can come from studying books, learning from other witches, or observing the world around them.

As a witch, it’s important to always stay curious and keep learning. Read about different types of spells, learn about herbs, study the moon phases, or explore the meaning of different magical tools. The more you know, the more effective your magic will be.

Start a magical journal or Book of Shadows where you can write down everything you learn. Attend workshops, take online courses, or join groups where you can discuss and learn from others. Even observing nature and its cycles is a way of learning!

To Will (Velle)

"To Will" is about focusing your intention and using your inner strength to make magic happen. Willpower is like the engine that drives your magic forward. Without will, even the most carefully planned spell won’t have the energy it needs to work.

You need to be clear on what you want. When casting a spell, you need to focus on your goal with all your energy. This means getting rid of distractions and doubts so that your will can flow freely toward your intention.

Practice meditation to help you clear your mind and strengthen your focus. Before starting a spell, spend some time visualising what you want to happen. Imagine it in as much detail as possible—how it feels, looks, sounds—and put all your energy behind it.

To Dare (Audere)

"To Dare" is the courage to take action. Magic doesn’t work without daring to actually do something. This pillar is about being bold, taking risks, and having the confidence to act on your knowledge and intention.

Sometimes, casting a spell or working magic can feel scary. You might worry about whether it will work or whether you’re doing it right. "To Dare" means stepping past those fears and doubts, trusting yourself, and taking action.

Start small—try simple spells and work your way up to more complex ones as your confidence grows. Remember, the key is to trust in your abilities. When you perform a spell, dare to believe that it will work. Confidence is a magical tool of its own.

To Keep Silent (Tacere)

"To Keep Silent" is about understanding when to stay quiet and keep your magical work private. Not everything in magic should be shared. Silence protects the energy of your spells and allows them to manifest without interference from others.

Once you’ve cast a spell, resist the urge to talk about it with everyone. Sharing too much can weaken the power of the magic. It’s also important to listen more and observe—much of the wisdom in witchcraft comes through quiet reflection and tuning into the world around you.

Keep your magical work to yourself, or share it only with trusted individuals. Listen to your inner voice and the signs that come to you in silence. Practicing meditation or just spending quiet time in nature can help you develop this quality.

How the Witches’ Pyramid Works Together

These four pillars—To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Keep Silent—aren’t separate; they work together. For example:

You need knowledge (To Know) to figure out what kind of spell to perform and how to do it.

You need willpower (To Will) to focus on making that spell work.

You need the courage (To Dare) to actually cast the spell.

And, you need the wisdom to keep silent (To Keep Silent) so that your spell has time and space to manifest without interference.

By developing all four of these qualities, you’ll be able to practice magic more effectively and with greater confidence.

The Modern Addition: To Go (Ire)

In modern witchcraft, some witches also add a fifth pillar: To Go (Ire). This is the idea of taking action in the real world to make your magic happen. Magic alone isn’t enough—you need to back it up with practical steps. For example, if you cast a spell for a new job, you also need to apply for jobs, go to interviews, and take concrete action toward your goal.

Magic is about co-creating with the universe, not just waiting for things to happen. Once you’ve cast your spell, take practical steps to help it along.

After every spell, ask yourself: "What steps can I take in the real world to help this manifest?" Then follow through with those actions.

The Witches’ Pyramid provides a simple but powerful guide for beginners in witchcraft. By focusing on these four pillars—To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Keep Silent—you can develop the skills and mindset needed to practice effective magic. Remember, magic isn’t just about casting spells—it’s about learning, focusing your will, having the courage to act, and knowing when to keep things private.

As you grow in your practice, these principles will help you navigate the magical world with confidence, wisdom, and strength. And, as you become more experienced, you’ll see how each pillar supports and enhances the others, creating a balanced and powerful magical practice.