WHAT ARE THE BEST FIRST STEPS FOR NEW WICCANS?
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
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
Posted by Kardia at 8/30/2009 6:41 AM 
Categories: Your Journey Down an Ancient Path, Wicca and Witchcraft Workshop
Categories: Your Journey Down an Ancient Path, Wicca and Witchcraft Workshop
I agree personally. I have several people asking me the same question.
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i have to agree with everything ive read here, im still pretty new to this but my fiance introduced the idea to me and i knew instantly that this was the path i was meant to follow! i have never felt more at peace with myself in my life than i do right now.
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I believe that if someone is searching its because they are being pulled and are going thru a Spiritual Awakening.
Each needs to gather what they feel is right for them,and teaching them to call and tell of incense as offering is first step needed.
I prefer to teach white candles only when getting started because " White is for the Light of Purity of Heart"
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Thankyou for sharing a nice post. well i read alot about wiccans.a friend of mine told me that black clothes and huge pentagrams are appropriate Wiccan dress.but unfortunately i never encountered any wiccan in Canada.
poquer
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i always felt things off people and when someone is going to call on the phone or when something is wrong with someone is this a gift would like acomment back . if u have any words for me .
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Hello & blessed be
I am new to the craft my self and am in the process of refining my path.I Have long thought that when things felt right, learning and seeing what you where after always went better. Life for me has been a stuggle spiritually.
In my youth being forced to church for doing or saying bad things never helped.
So following the wiccan path was a natural thing.it has just taken me awhile to get unlost.
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Each needs to gather what they feel is right for them,and teaching them to call and tell of incense as offering is first step needed.
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Hi,
I couldn't agree more with your post and think that its some fantastic advice for anybody who is either just starting out or who may want to know more about Wicca.
I'm relatively new to Wicca myself and the first thing I realised was that there isn't "one way" to do things and that its probably as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a journey to the Goddess.
I 'dabbled in' or 'toyed-with' the idea of Wicca as a teenager, and although I learnt a lot it was very stilted and not entirely accurate. I've since dedicated myself to doing some serious research and have committed myself to Wicca as a religion and a lifestyle rather than a fad if you know what I mean? It fits so strongly with my own belief system that its hard to ignore and i'm looking forward to meeting others who can comprehend what i'm going through.
Your advice about starting a journal or a book of shadows is something that i've heard from a lot of people who are more experienced and its one of the best pieces of advice I've had. I've actually started my journal as an online blog so that I can share my discoveries with others and hopefully learn more and debate as I go along.
Wish me luck!
Brightest blessings,
River
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I have recently found Wicca, previously I foullowed the Christian path, however I found I was only on said ath because I felt I had to be onit. And this, and other elements lead me to question my "faith" or whichever it was their "lord". After losing that faith, I felt hopelessly lost, but also that I was getting closer to me, since I did not truly beliveve. Now that I have found Wicca I, as you say, feel that I have "come home", or that I'm even closer to finding myself.
Throughout my life I have found "abilities" that at first frightened me, and I was afraid of pursuing further. My mother, has one of the abilities that I have, and possibly more, I just haven't asked her about it yet. She is perfectly fine with me changing to Wicca, and since I found it, I finally feel at peace with myself, and I know that I'm only just begining to discover myself.
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You speak well about having been forced into the confessional at church as a child. The purpose, for those unfamiliar with the Catholic church, was to confess one's sins [(venial)minor, or (mortal) major] and receive absolution (forgiveness) before being allowed to receive Holy Communion (the Body and Blood of Christ, in the form of a wafer) at Mass on Sundays and during the week. What confessing one's sins did, however, was to instill a sense of guilt that was supposed to be relieved by the recieval of absolution in the confession. Instead, however, a sense of shame remains with you forever.
The confession of sins is based upon the Ten Commandments, given to Moses at the top of Mt. Sinai, which are listed in the Bible in the Old Testament. They are a guidance for raising youth with a set of morals. Until the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, there was no Salvation from breakage of these commandments. How would you like to have that placed on your head?
How many times have you asked for the miracle that didn't happen? Do you really think it was because of something wrong done by you and you didn't deserve one? Do you think there are only so many miracles to go around and you need permission to deserve one? I stopped. I won't let any church lay any guilt traps on me for what I believe or what happens to me. These are now my decisions.
I like the shadow book idea - will start my own. I recommend doing one on computer for those computer-literate; you can edit your work. You won't misplace it, either.
Blessings & Peace to you all and have a great journey!
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i am new to this and need help could u give me some suggestoins at nathano24@yahoo.com i realy need some help here!!!
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Hello, i am new to this, so please excuse any incorrect terms i might use. I read the part about how people post things like how they feel they have "Come home" well, that is pretty much how i feel. For the past few years i have been leaning heavily towards loving and respecting nature and wanting to live in harmony with it... i never had a name for my beliefs until a few days ago when I decided to research something my mother said a few months ago. My mother was complaining about how a young Wiccan girl attends the school she works at, and since that young girl is relatively sickly, and my mother works in the health office, they see each other quite often.
My mother had said that Wiccans were Devil Worshippers. My mother is Christian. I knew my mother was, and is VERY biased and opinionated, and i am always open to learn new things,(i remembered that because i was on Myspace and i was changing my religion status, which, one of the options was Wicca) so the day before yesterday, i did some research, and i found a few websites which explained some things, about how they (now "We" since i have followed what my heart holds to be true) are pretty much believers of what i believe, and not what the common misconceptions say. So i say this: I am who i am, and I am Wiccan, and I am proud. I have always been unsure of myself, but now i am not. This feels right, much more so than anything i have ever felt.
On another note, Thank you for helping me start in my new path. This information is invaluable.
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I've always been interested in Wicca though I was raised Catholic. The more I read, the more I feel connected. I recently told my mother how I thought that this path seemed to be more for me and she told me I needed to follow my heart.
Thank you for this post, it gives a nice introduction for someone like me who has merely begun the journey
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wow, i am also catholic but i have always been interested in wicca, i no it sounds kinda stupid but i am really considering changing but im only 13 and im not sure how to learn much, can anyone help
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First off I am old school Wicca. My family has practiced the art of Wicca for over 600 years. It is the form of Wicca that was introduced to Sicily from Irish/Celtic backing. I also have some journals from a lot of ancestors dating back over 340 years as a backing to what I believe. Can any self proclaimed American Wiccans trace their records or belief system back beyond 1850? I highly doubt it.
So being from a Wicca bloodline, I can tell you that to be a true Wiccan you need not follow the ramblings of any self proclaimed Wiccan that has not grown up Wicca or has not studied the ancient texts.
This Gardner fella,for example, from what I have read of his stuff, is a very loving and passionate person but is WRONG about what Wicca really is. I know that I will be detested by a lot of you who believe in his teachings but I also will not hide what I was taught.
In true Wicca there is no chanting, spell work, or envoking of spirits. There is only prayer (only to the Creator God). I say the Creator God because the concept of a Goddess is a pegan and not a Wiccan belief and was only mentioned by Mr. Gardner to appease all the feminine Wiccans, knowing that at the time of his writings, equal rights was just coming into its place in America. Second there is love for all life. It is true that we respect nature and all things created, but we do not worship them or give homage to them. We only pay homage to the Creator God.
Now I am not trying to detour you from searching out all aspects of Wicca that is out there but beware not to sacrifice your soul for a pegan concept of a beautiful religion. Just be careful to follow your heart as to what you believe and practice when it comes to Wicca. And make sure to do your research.
I also want to add that no matter what path of Wicca you chose, take time to respect and honor what you decide. Also be loyal to your beliefs and you will get the most out of them, weather it be true Wicca or the Americanized version aka Whitchcraft, Peganism, or Occultism.
So I will hold vestige and pray for you to make a decision that best suits your need. Just remember that no matter what you decide, only you can save or destroy your soul.
Blessed be to all!
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I am not going to stand in judgement of you or anyone else. However, I do believe you're a little "off" on some of your statements. First: The term "wicca" didn;t come about until the 20th century. So the idea that it was a practiced "religion" for 600 years (or even 200 years for that matter) is incorrect. If you do in fact have family journals that reffer to some sort of practices that resemble Wiccan teachings I assure you that the term "wicca" does not appear unless it is within the 20th century. In regards to Gerald Gardner and trying to appease the feminist movement-- I don't think that was his goal at all. I believe he was trying to introduce a modern day revival of belief and respect for the sacred feminine. We should all know at this point that Wicca and most modern Pagan "religions" are a compilation of ancient pre-christian beliefs and rituals. The same as Christianity, Catholisism, Judaism, Muslim etc. We ALL borrow from eachother and have for millenia. I don't think this puts any of us in danger of burning in the pits of hell. If that were the case I guess we're ALL in for a hot ride.
Anyhow, that's my two cents.
Blessed be to EVERYONE. Godess love us all.
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