In witchcraft, as in life, it is helpful to remember that no one practices entirely alone. Each person is part of a network of relationships—whether with friends, family, children, partners, parents, or colleagues. These are the people we choose to have in our lives, and their presence and influence often shape our experiences, sometimes because of affection, love, or simply shared circumstances.
The influence of others is significant. Every choice we make is affected, in some way, by those around us. Likewise, our actions and decisions can impact them. This interconnectedness does not disappear when you begin practicing magick. In fact, as you work with intention and manifestation, the relationship between your personal will and the collective energy of those close to you can become even more noticeable.
Many magickal traditions encourage developing four key qualities: to know (which means understanding and belief), to will (the focused desire to create change), to dare (the courage to act and accept transformation), and to be silent (the wisdom to keep your intentions private). Silence is often highlighted because sharing your goals too widely can invite interference—sometimes through skepticism, jealousy, or even well-meaning doubt. If your own belief is not yet strong, the doubts or negative energy of others can easily affect your efforts, often without anyone realizing it.
However, there are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes, reaching your goal requires the cooperation or agreement of another person. In these situations, open communication and mutual understanding are important. If you and another person are not truly in agreement—whether consciously or unconsciously—your efforts at manifestation may not succeed.
Consider a practical example. Imagine you are following the exercises in this guide and feel inspired by your progress. Suppose you live with someone—a spouse, partner, child, or parent—and you want to manifest a new sofa for your living room. Each day, you affirm your desire: “I want a new sofa in my living room.” You visualize, affirm, and believe, following all the recommended steps. Yet, after some time, nothing changes. The old sofa remains, and you may start to question whether your magick is working.
This situation is not unusual. It happened to me as well. After some frustration, I realized the reason the new sofa had not appeared was not due to a lack of effort or belief, but because my husband had not let go of the old one. While I was ready to move on, he was still attached to it. The sofa held comfort, familiarity, and memories: Sunday naps, morning coffee, playful moments with the dogs, and many evenings together. For him, it was more than just furniture; it was a source of comfort and stability.
Even though we had discussed getting a new sofa, we were not truly in agreement. His reluctance, even if unspoken, created a subtle resistance to change. The universe, in a sense, could not bring a new sofa while the old one still occupied both our living room and his thoughts. Only when I shifted my approach—focusing on reasons that mattered to him, like his comfort—did he become willing to let go. Once he released his attachment, a new sofa soon arrived.
This example shows that those we care about naturally influence us, and by extension, our desires and manifestations. This influence is a normal part of being human and living in community. It is neither positive nor negative in itself, but simply a reality of our connections.
Recognizing this dynamic can help you approach your magickal journey with more awareness and understanding. If your efforts at manifestation are not working, it may be useful to consider whether there are unspoken agreements, attachments, or resistances—either within yourself or among those close to you—that need attention. Sometimes, a conversation or a new perspective can make a difference.
For those interested in learning more, my book MindLight explores the many aspects of human interaction and thought, especially in partnerships. It looks at how, through everyday conversation and subtle agreements, we often shape our lives without realizing it. By becoming more mindful of these dynamics, you can strengthen both your magickal practice and your relationships, creating a more harmonious path forward.
