Before we suggest any first steps to take on a path towards Witchcraft or Wicca, we'd like to comment on BECOMING a Witch or Wiccan.  Many seem to think there is something they must DO before they can be considered a true follower of an ancient path.  I personally believe that an initiation or ritual does not make someone a Wiccan any more than simply going to church or getting baptized makes someone a Christian.  These are actions that confirm and strengthen your belief, but in my humble opinion, it's what you BELIEVE in your heart that makes you a true follower of the path you choose. 
 
Individuals who come to our site and read about the Wiccan beliefs and practices, often share with us that they feel as if they've "come home" or finally found a name for what they've always believed.  If you know in your heart that the teachings of a path are true, and you've been living a life that embraces those beliefs, you are already ON that path, and we feel this makes you a brother or sister of the faith.  However, if you're not clear about what is being taught or whether the teachings are right for you, we suggest you take the time to research and learn more about them BEFORE taking any other steps. If you haven't read it yet, you'll find a great article written by Herne, about How to Become a Wiccan or Witch at: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/howto.htm
 
Actually, 4 out of 5 readers who emailed us their suggestions, said that the FIRST step is always READ, READ, READ!  There are many directions to wander, and the more you read, the more likely you'll be to find a special path that is perfect for YOU.  Books are an obvious place to start, but you can also find a wealth of information online.  There are hundreds of pages to read at wicca.com and if you manage to get through all of them, you can visit our message boards for information on virtually any topic you wish to explore.  http://wicca.com/forums 

As for suggested reading, three of our most popular titles for beginners are:  The Truth About Witchcraft Today, Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin, and Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham.  Any books by Cunningham are great for beginners as they are clearly written and cover the basics very well.  If you can't find these books at your local library or bookstore, you can get them ftom our online bookstore.
 
You may find the many rituals and practices confusing, because each book or article you read seems to tell you to do something different.  Which is right?  What's the best way for you to go?  Most often it's what feels right to you ... whatever you are comfortable doing.  The important thing to remember is that you are simply honoring the earth and celebrating the bond between yourself and the Divine spirit found in all things.  If your activities are not fun, and/or done with a joyful heart, you may want to make some changes.  We'll be writing more about rituals and celebrations in the next newsletter. 
 
The second most popular step suggested for a beginner was to start a journal or Book of Shadows. This is a wonderful tool for those new to Wicca or Witchcraft, as it can help you define your understanding of your new path and ultimately design a dedication/self-initiation ritual that is perfect for you.  There are no right or wrong entries, as you are just recording your thoughts and experiences.  Your journal can be a bound blank book or a simple 3-ring notebook, which ever you prefer. 

Finally, once you're certain that this is the lifestyle you wish to follow, you will undoubtedly wish to share a fellowship with others who are similar in mind and spirit. This is a natural desire that can lead to increased fun and learning.  Just remember that your primary guidance should always come from within.  Seeking a teacher can be beneficial, but the most important thing is to listen to your Little Voice, Gut Feeling, Spirit Twin, Guardian Angel, or whatever you choose to call it. Most of us have found that this inner voice is rarely wrong and you "WILL" know when someone or something is not right for you.   The link below will take you to an article with tips on how you can find a teacher and avoid being drawn into a group that's not right for you.  http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/teacher.htm 

Many young readers write us asking if there is a certain age they must reach before "becoming" Wiccan.  One email read "I'm 13 ... is it okay for me to learn Wicca now"?  Later that day, another asked "I've been Christian my whole life and I'm wondering if it's too late in life for me to change faiths?"  We get a great deal of email from individuals asking for guidance on when or how they can become Wiccan or be a Witch.  Is there a proper age to take up this path?  I don't believe that age matters. What's more important, is WHY a person is drawn to a specific path. 
 
Those who are drawn to these paths because they want to cast spells, control others or command the forces of nature, are seeking the old ways for all the wrong reasons. Most in this category are still in their teens or younger.  Our late webmaster Herne wrote "Simply put, it doesn't make sense for the novice to want to command the forces of nature and the universe when you don't fully comprehend or understand them. To do so, only invites total failure or worse if you are successful in casting a spell or opening a portal and letting some nasty out to follow you around." 
 
If you think you might be too old to change faiths, ask yourself if you're actually CHANGING faiths, or just finally embracing beliefs and practices you have always known to be true?  In his article, Herne continues to write that "Many find the philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature are the same as the one's they currently hold. They just didn't know there was a specific belief system that shared their views. If you've seen striking similarities between what you believe and what you've found in the old Earth-based religions, there are generally accepted ways to increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who wishes to learn more..."

To read the rest of this article, click the first link below or copy and paste it into your browser.  At the end of the  article you'll find a link to an index with many pages of information about Wicca and Witchcraft paths.  The second link below will take you to an area containing other articles written by Herne.  Many of our regular visitors are already familiar with these writings, but if you are new to the site, or have not yet been to this area, we think you'll enjoy the thoughts Herne left behind for us. 
 
http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/howto.htm
http://wicca.com/celtic/ramble/ramble0.htm

The Book of Shadows (or BOS) is a spell book and magical diary or journal of a Witch or Wiccan.  Some are passed down through Covens or from one individual to another, but today, solitary practitioners compose most.  Your BOS can be a three-ring notebook
or a bound blank book, whatever works best for you.  You'll record celebrations, ritual activities, spells and their results this book. 

As you explore your path and discover what works best for you, your book will grow.  You'll be preserving the details of your communication with the Divine, and creating a chronicle of your journey ... your own personal grimoire. 

If you'd like additional help creating your own BOS, we recommend you read Wicca A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham or Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink by Susan Pesznecker.  In either of these books, you can find the essential knowledge you need for creating and blessing your own book of shadows.  Both titles are available in Nature's Insight Bookstore

Whenever I'm asked if magic is real, I feel the need to determine what is meant by "magic."  More often than not, those who ask are referring to the magic they've seen in Harry Potter or Charmed ... the type where magic words and a magic wand or amulet give a person the power to fly or transform someone into something outrageous.  While words and objects can certainly have power, for the most part, it's the user giving these things their power, and not the other way around.

There is real magic in everything around you, and you already have within you the ability to create a magical life for yourself.  Wands, amulets, and especially words, are simply used to help you focus your thoughts. One of the best definitions of magic I found, was in "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn" by Douglas Monroe.  The training of the WILL seemed to be the very heart of Merlyn's teachings.  He tells his young student "The true definition of Magic, little one, does not center around spells or incantations, or the mysterious waving of arms... no.  As is recorded in the Blue Book of our forefathers, true Magic is 'The art and science of changing states of mind at will.'  And as we have learned by experience, action follows thought."

The bottom line is that YOU make it happen.  Use tools such as relaxing sounds and music, fragrance or aromatherapy, and candles, stones, pendants or even wands, to help you focus your thoughts.  But always remember, these are ONLY tools, and not the true source of magic.  Real magic is all in your head! 

There have been Christians, Wiccans and Witches expressing their concern that any attempts to blend these paths could result in an eclectic mish-mash, or a watered down version of the original that would leave followers wandering with no clear direction or destination.  If you are happy with the path you are on, and comfortable with the direction you are going, then following in the footsteps of others and holding tight to the old traditions may work best for you.  But if your current path does not feel right to you and your heart is telling you there is more to discover, you should consider exploring other Divine teachings without fear that this is wrong.

 

Honestly, I agree with the statement that a Christian Witch is neither a real Christian (as defined by today's church) or a true Witch (as defined by the old traditions).  Perhaps a more accurate label for those on this path would be a Religious Mutt, as this title better reflects the practice of blending and the idea that one is not a purebred.  

 

In the animal world a good breeder works hard to develop the unique qualities of a breed and keep the line pure.  For them it can be frustrating when others crossbreed and introduce traits that change the look and personality of something they've worked hard to preserve.  So I do understand the concern, but at the same time I see a real need in our world for this new breed of religion. 

 

Our inbox is full of e-mail from individuals who are frustrated by the total separation of these paths.  Below are a few examples from today's mail:

 

***...my problem is convincing my husband there is more than one way to believe.  He is a christian and to him nothing else exists.  He does not have an open mind at all.  To get him to understand is a losing battle for me.

***I come from a Christian background and the few (Pagans) I have been able to talk to have had a very judgmental view on Christianity which upsets me.  I'd like to learn more about the Old Ways without cruel commentary on Christianity, as I still hold many Christian beliefs dearly to my heart.  

***I am catholic and I am not ready to leave the church and I am trying to figure out how to balance both. 

***It is words of wisdom like yours which will truly lead our world to peace; for lack of tolerance for other religions has been the biggest factor for violence throughout time.

I have no desire to pollute the current religions or traditions for those who are happy walking those paths.  But there is a definite need to blaze a new trail that will allow those coming from the Christian path to let go of their fear and feel free to explore the beautiful traditions of Wicca or Witchcraft.  I also believe that educating Christians about the original teachings of their religion will help them relax and be more tolerant or accepting of those who choose to walk another path.  THIS is my true goal.  Peace and health be with you all.

A pagan friend of mine recently announced he was now a Christian.  He had seemed so happy following his pagan path that I couldn't help but wonder why he made this choice.  But I quickly realized that it really didn't matter.  He was still the wise and tolerant man that I had known for years.  My friend was open-minded enough to allow others to walk their own path without judgment, and I realized he would be a wonderful influence on other Christians!  This could be very beneficial in promoting religious peace. 

I believe the Divine calls each of us to a place in life where we can best help others.  Who are we to question another's path?  We all enjoy getting together with others who think and feel the way we do, and becoming a member of a specific religion or group can provide us with that.  We just nee to remember there is no right or wrong religion.  People and not God created the religions and traditions we follow today.  So feel free to follow the path you are most comfortable on or explore several paths if you like. The Divine is within us and will teach us and guide us through that quiet little voice that speaks to our hearts.  This holds true no matter what religion we choose to be part of, or even if we belong to no religion at all. Enjoy your journey!

If you walk a Pagan path, sooner or later you'll be told by a Christian friend or family member that practicing Witchcraft or magic will "condemn you to Hell." Christians feel this way because they THINK it's what their Bible teaches. Most will quote the following infamous scripture that appears to support this belief: "Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live" (Exodus 22:18). Obviously, in the original Hebrew language this word did not mean 'witch'. It actually referred to someone who used poisonous herbs to harm others. In Greek, this same word is translated as 'pharmacopeia'- someone who cast curses, and provided people with poisonous herbs to harm others. Today, we might call that person a drug dealer, and a more accurate modern translation might read 'Thou shalt not suffer a drug dealer to live'. The passage was NOT intended to condemn people who used herbs and magic to help others.  So, unless you are dealing in poisonous herbs or drugs with the intent to cause harm, this scripture really does not apply to YOU! Other passages that appear to condemn Witchcraft are also just victim of poor translation or interpretation. ALL of them refer to specific actions that cause harm in some way.  For example, in the scriptures people were told to avoid fortunetellers.  This was because most of them were fakes who gave false prophecy for money.  THAT action was being condemned.  The advice was never ment to denounce prophecy, but rather to encourage people to live in the NOW and place their focus on their current situation rather than worry about future and/or past events. Throughout the scriptures it is very clear that prophecy is considered a Divine gift.  If you have this gift, you are blessed, not cursed. Finally, as most already know, the title Magi or Magician originally meant 'wise-one' and was actually a position that commanded great respect.  If you are helping others and making the world around you a better place, you deserve that same respect.  Don't let anyone convince you your actions are condemned by the Divine.

You thought you found the perfect spell.  It seemed to sum up exactly what you wanted to accomplish.  You followed it to the letter and thought you did everything right ... but nothing happened ... or worse yet ... it backfired and your situation is even worse now.  What went wrong? Did you use the wrong words, light the wrong color candle or was it just a bad day to cast a spell?  The answer may be - NONE OF THE ABOVE! 

We often receive email from readers who are afraid to even attempt a spell.  One reader recently wrote "Even after reading books on Wicca, I still hesitate to do a simple spell or ritual for fear I could do something horribly wrong without realizing it."  Another wrote "I don't want to hurt anyone, and am afraid to just experiment with spells on my own." Below are a few tips that should help ease these fears and increase the success level of any spell you do.

Most people put a great deal of importance on the words used in a spell.  However, with so many different languages and all the ways we have to express ourselves, would the Divine truly be concerned with the specific wording used?  Is there really a need to speak the exact same words that someone else did?  A successful spell is actually based less on the words we write or speak, and more on the thoughts and feelings that those words generate.  When words inspire intense feelings within us, they become very powerful.  Whether we are casting a spell, or just quietly asking for assistance, how we FEEL when we send our thoughts forth can greatly influence the results.  It's important to use words that help us visualize what we want and how we will feel when we've experienced the outcome.  The stronger our feelings are and the more often we send them out, the greater and faster the response is likely to be.  This reaction is also referred to as the Law of Three and/or the Law of Attraction. 

Unfortunately, this Law of Attraction can also work against us. For example, according to the bestselling book The Secret, if we just ask for more money or better health, we are actually saying to the Universe, "I am broke" or "I am not well" and I don't have what I want or need."  Instead of hearing our verbal request for what we want, the Universe is tuned in to our feelings, which in these examples could result in even MORE lack or challenges being drawn into our life! 

To avoid this we should make sure we are visualizing and feeling what it's like to already HAVE what we are asking for.  Most spiritual paths teach that whatever we ask for, if we truly believe it's possible and can experience the feeling of already having it, we WILL receive it.  If we want to improve our finances, health or relationships, we can best accomplish this by sending thoughts and feelings of thanks to the Universe for what it is helping us achieve.  We can rest assured the Divine is reading our feelings and the Universe is hard at work drawing these things to us! 

Below are a few other positive tips we received from our readers:

~I have found that when I do protection spells for those I feel passionate about, they tend to just keep going indefinitely.  Others only last for a few minutes, probably because I didn't have any deep feelings about it one way or the other.  (This is a good example of how much your feelings can influence a spell.)

~Visualization helps a lot.  If you can clearly see the outcome you want, it infuses the spell with your passion and lends a direction, sort of like following a map.  (This sends a clear picture to the Universe too!)

~ It's a good idea to always include the phrase "may this spell harm none and the end be for the highest good of all concerned.

CAN YOU AFFORD TO PRACTICE MAGIC?
The following email excerpt expresses a common concern of those who are just starting out: “I am very low on cash and cannot afford the proper tools … "I feel that my financial status holds me back from fulfilling my destiny of becoming a true Wiccan.”

Below are comments from just a few of the many emails we received in response to this topic:

“Regarding the cost of tools, I purchase my candles at either the dollar store or the thrift store. My athame is an old knife. My goddess figure is made of sculpy (a clay you can shape and then bake in your oven at home). My goblet is an old wine glass. My wand is made from a piece of copper pipe, a crystal my boyfriend gave me, and some pieces of fake leather, all glued together with superglue. … I doubt I have $10 invested. It doesn't really matter what you use. The fact that it is blessed and the manner with which you use it is what's important.”

“I need no wand when my index finger serves the purpose just as well. … For me, intent is the main thing and costs me nothing”

“I would say to any of your readers struggling with not having the funds to buy manufactured magick tools that I have used make-shift supplies with better success than I ever got from something made by another person. I feel that when you literally put energy into making something, that energy stays with the object.”

“Being a 'poor' witch is not just a fun challenge, but opens the mind and creativity, and that is what being a witch is all about - intent - and there is not much you need that you cannot find around you, or that cannot be substituted by something equally effective”.

“Tools can add more excitement or allure to your ritual/spell. And this could make the experience more enchanting. But the most important thing to remember - YOU are the most important tool!”

You might want to think about your magical tools the same way you think about your clothing. Putting on new designer clothes can make you FEEL better about yourself and boost your confidence as you head out into the world. The clothing you choose to wear might even help you get a new job or catch the attention of someone special. What you wear CAN actually influence the outcome of the events in your life. But does that make your clothes magical? Are you powerless to create the life you want if you don’t have expensive clothes? Yes, the right clothes can help, but it’s what’s inside that REALLY makes things happen.

If you don’t have money to buy the tools you want, make the best of what you have. Be creative and find new ways to make old things work. If you can’t buy books, check them out from a library or log on to the Internet for endless hours of reading. I believe the richest, most powerful witches in this world are not the ones with the most money or the best tools … the richest ones are those who can allow the Divine magic to flow through their lives without any tools at all!

“The true definition of magic… does not center around spells or incantations, or the mysterious waving of arms… As it is recorded in the Blue Book of our forefathers, true Magic is ‘The art and science of changing states of mind at will.’ And as we have learned by experience, action follows thought.” From The 21 Lessons of Merlyn, A study in Druid Magic & Lore by Douglas Monroe:

 

After every article we do on a Sabbat or holiday, we receive emails from all around the globe asking us what the proper time is to celebrate the event in their part of the world. Think of it this way ... the old traditions and rituals were simply intended to help our ancestors stay in tune with nature's cycles. They lived close to the earth, observing its subtle changes, and it was the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons of the earth that determined their activity. Every sabbat or holiday marked a time of change, and a shift in energy that had a physical, mental and spiritual effect on their lives.

Keeping in tune with nature's cycles may sound a bit complicated, but it's not. The bottom line is to celebrate the change in seasons and enjoy whatever activity is appropriate for the current time of year in YOUR part of the world. And don't make your rituals too complicated. They should be fun, a true expression of celebration and thankfulness for what is to come.

And last, but not least, if you miss the exact day or time that the holiday is normally celebrated, it's not the end of the world. What's MOST important is to celebrate when you can. Whenever you stop to observe nature's cycles, and take part in an activity that honors the changes in the seasons around you, you'll find that the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and life becomes more magical. Strive continually to balance your life with the rhythms of the natural world and see what happens!