I want to be a Wiccan!

[DonovanJoseph]

hey MW, ive been a member for a while but ive never really been a "witch" or "wiccan" ive just had a really strong interest from the books ive flipped through...but now ive decided to dedicate myself to learning the craft! ...i just dont know what to do first :hehehehe: im a 15 yr old male and live in a Catholic household...but that wont hold me back! all i know is im ready to be a wiccan full on, i just need alot of help and stuff...so...what do i do first? then second, then thrid..etc...lol! i havent really read through a whole book completly, but from what ive read here, and what ive heard, and from watching Mad Mad House, this is what i want! so...can yall please help me??:)

in a book i flipped through it said witches usually have mentors and teachers and elders and stuff...anyone want to be my mentor/teacher thing?? :kooky: i would love that! to have someone actually experienced to teach me and guide me! i couldnt want something more than that...i would love it so much! :fpraiseyo

im looking forward to this experience more than you know...actually you probobly DO know since you've all been through this...and im motivated so ill be a great student i swear! :D

book recomendations would be great, websites, hints and tips...ANY knowledge you can give me would be most appreciated!

i feel like im a part of one big family here on MW and i love you all! thanks for bringing me into the light! your all so great!

B*B

-drew

[mol]

:) Your best teacher...is you.

[Nighthawk]

mol is right... as for books.. there is a thread here.. but one of the books mentioned that is good is Scott Cunningham's guide for solitary practitioners. Once done with that one, another will come to you..

[Sylvan]

Well, first you need to weigh the same as a duck... And you do have striped socks, don't you? :lol:
I kid.

Those books you never read all the way through? Read 'em. Look in the backs of them for the bibliography, and pick some new ones from there that sound interesting. Read those.

Don't feel like you *need* a teacher... You never know what kind of psycho you might end up with (you could get a saint too, but better to be careful..)...

[DonovanJoseph]

ok but the only books i have is Teen Witch by Ravenwolf and Witch: A Magical Journey by Fiona Horne, i think im going to go buy Cunninghams Wicca for the solitary practionor soon, and also Where to Park Your Broomstick by Lauren Manoy and Witchin' by Fiona...any other suggestions for more books or advice on these?? are they ok to read?? ((keep in mind im a guy so i dnt want to know how to turn ur ex bf into a toad if you know wut i mean, chick stuff in other words, lol :hehehehe: ))

So what your sayin is reading a couple books makes you a witch?? i mean is that ALL you have to do??

o and also i just bought a book called Elements of Witchcraft: Natural Magick for Teens by Ellen Dugan

B*B

-drew

[Nighthawk]

No, that is only a starting point. Reading is the beginning of learning. Application is the activity.

[Sylvan]

Cunningham is *EXCELLENT*. After "Wicca", pick up "Living Wicca". There are many othe books by him, all are excellent.
Don't let Ravenwolf or Horne trip you up- their way is *not* the only or best way, no matter what "Mama $ilver" says.
Trish Telesco is a great author, and Jane & Stewart Farrar are cornerstones..

No, reading a couple books does not make one a witch. It just educates you as to what witches may do. To be a witch, simply *be*. Read, learn, grow, meditate, understand, celebrate...

[Kyra Kismet]

May i suggest 'The Godess' by Catlin Matthews, and the fact that you have to be made out of wood (j/k)

[DonovanJoseph]

what exactly does make you an "official" witch??

[Nighthawk]

what exactly does make you an "official" witch??
do you want to do with it? I mean, there is the title thing and the practice thing... I am not a witch, really, but I know many and understand their thing...

[Kyra Kismet]

Some people belive that you cannot true tap your own power till you have had sex...nice rule, I like that one.......but I like many other think that it is in your mind, personally I don't like the term 'witch' but hey..each to thier own.

[Sylvan]

Sending in your dues on time and getting your certificate after a year and a day. :rolleyes:

[sugarcult]

I would like to recommend reading Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.. i am converting to Wiccan.. it is very informative.. and really fun to read ^-^

[dr_zeus440]

So what your sayin is reading a couple books makes you a witch?? i mean is that ALL you have to do??

short answer, no, long answer, hellllll no. you need to read alot of books (that said, books do not maketh the...non-descript magic user), and usually you'll spend about 2 years referring back to the after you've read them. also, there are classes that are running here at MW, check in the circle of teaching forum if you havent already, sign up to a couple that interest you (basics of spellcraft looks damn promising, imo :)). and you need to think, about yourself and your character and personality, and about other people and why they do what they do, and about life and nature and magic. imo, that will give you a good grounding in not only the basics, but also reality, always important for personal growth. if you think you can handle it, read the classics and try and glean some meaning and understanding of life from them, and do some basic exploratory work into philosopy, psychology, literature, and history. it might be considered unnecessary by a lot of people, but it develops mental qualities that are useful in magic use.

might as well point out now, what makes a witch is quite different to what makes a wiccan, and then it depends on what kind of wiccan you want to be. so you need to decide what path youre going to go down, or spend some time exploring several. again, there's a forum here at MW, the paths forum. some of the threads may not be complete, if so, and youre interested in a thread thats not informative enough, come back here and ask for links to sites on that specific tradition. check the books you have and the books your thinking of getting for some simple spells with positive effects that you think you can handle, then try them out, see what happens.

oh, and theres no need to go drastically changing your image just because your beliefs are changing. i would also recommend keeping quiet about your studies until you know enough to know what you are talking about. one day, you probably should tell your parents, but that day is also probably not today, not until you can explain to them what you think and believe without having to umm and ahh and generally leave everyone a bit confused :). resist the temptation to show off to other people as well. again, im not saying that you are going to, but its just worth keeping in mind.


what exactly does make you an "official" witch??

woah woah, steady on boy. dont try and drive a monster truck before you can say "mama". there is no one single definable thing that makes you an official witch (unless you want to follow an initiatory path, like gardnerian wicca, in which case, initiation will make you an official wiccan. or, if you find a traditional witch family and join it and they have a set out process, which is probably highly unlikely at best). besides, at 15, you would be having a lot more fun not being an "official witch" than being one. just be content with learning at the moment, let the labels come later. out of curiosity, why do you want to be an official witch anyway?

ok, i cant think of anything else right now, but ill edit the post if i do. good luck.

[RhiannynWildseed]

To quote one of my favorite authors, D.J. Conway, she states,

"You have thought long and hard about the principles of Wicca and have decided to dedicate yourself to this spiritual path. This is what makes you a Witch."

Now, while I do agree with this statement, I also disagree. Understand that to be Wiccan does not necessarily mean you are a Witch. It's kind of like the saying "A Wiccan is a Pagan, but a Pagan doesn't have to be a Wiccan." Witchcraft is actually the art and performance of the Craft, while Wicca is the actual religion. And it is a religion first and foremost. Magick is just one of the tools of the trade.

But being a 'witch' is a personal choice. There is no point after you have read ten or twenty books where you say "Ok, that's it. Now I'm a witch." It doesn't work that way. The path of the Craft is a neverending search for knowledge that you can hopefully transform into wisdom. There is always more out there to learn. (I hope you like studying.)

As far as books, two good ones I know of and suggest often are D.J. Conway's Wicca: The Complete Craft which breaks topics down very well for easy comprehension, and Christopher Penczak's The Inner Temple of Witchcraft which focuses on learning the Craft by starting on inner change within yourself. Both very good reads. One thing you are going to have to learn to deal with ,though, is many authors will have differing views on how you need to do things. It may get to a point where you're ready to scream your head off shouting "Which one is right!!!" Truth is, they all are. :wtf: "Huh?" you say? That doesn't sound like it makes much sense, does it, but it's true. Every way is right for someone, just maybe not for you. You have to figure out what ways work for you and use them.

One other thing you may want to check into is the Online Pagan College. (http://www.pagancollege.com) It's completely free, but totally serious. The instructors are real people that take teaching their subjects very seriously. They demand respectful behavior at all times and commitment to your choosen course. But they are very good.

Hopefully you're not scared away by all this, lol. But if you are truly commited to the path of the Witch, I don't think you will be.

Brightest Blessings,
Rhiannyn

[DonovanJoseph]

out of curiosity, why do you want to be an official witch anyway?

its not that i do, its just that i want to know what exactly makes you a witch, like can u just proclaim yourself a witch if you think you know enough and practice enough or what? thats all, like when do i know when im a real witch.

[RhiannynWildseed]

You may get to a point where you think you know enough, but trust me, like I said before, the learning never ends. There's always more out there to learn. My husband has been a witch for over 20 years, and he's still learning more and more everyday.

Rhiannyn

[The Shadowy Dawn]

what type of witchcraft have you chosen to study? Kitchen Witchcraft (which is in no way a "chick thing"), Green magick, Shamanism. then what type of Wicca do you want to do? Alexandrian, Gardnerian, Eclectic, Celtic Wicca. then there are the reconstructionists, Hellenic reconstructionists, Druid, ect...

i sujest you pick up a few books on meditation, and try some yoga. find your patron god and goddess.

you have to know your path before you can walk it.

[DonovanJoseph]

heh...whoa that sounds like alot! but im excited, not distressed! first off, i dnt know anything really about the different paths of wicca...couldnt i just be an eclectic...it seems to suit me better than a set way of rules ya no? :)

[Avalon]

Some people belive that you cannot true tap your own power till you have had sex...nice rule, I like that one.......but I like many other think that it is in your mind, personally I don't like the term 'witch' but hey..each to thier own.
I'm in trouble then, because I've been a witch for 10 years and I'm still a virgin. :wtf:

[sincerebliss]

Okay first of all...you need to help yourself most of the way. Even if you have a teacher you may have someone to guide you, but you need to be the real teacher. Second of all..you need to read plenty of books and you may need a little longer to think about this. If you want to be a wiccan..you would be a believer in the god and the goddess, but you can just hurry up and change your beliefs and say i believe in that because thats the "only" way to be a wiccan. No, ...to me it seems that your soo excited that you don't know what to do with yourself..lol I think you need to think about this longer and decide if this is really for you. It's a way of life, not a game you can play and just put the pieces in storage. I was just as excited as you! You know..it's not all it is made out to be. It's not like what you see on T.V....it's nothing like that. All i can tell you is that you need to read..read..read..eat, breathe, and sleep in those books!..lol (i need to start pushing myself to be more knowledgable on it also!!!)

[DonovanJoseph]

also, for the pick a patron god/goddess....its so hard b/c i feel so emotionally and spiritually connected to all of them...and i also believe that they are all different views on one BIG being...i dnt really know how to explain it. its like, to me, every single god and goddess are just different views the greatest power, spirit i guess i should call it; they're all different manifestations of spirit, now i DO believe they exist and they are all seperate, but at the same time the same....hmm...am i making sense?? i hope so :lol:

[DonovanJoseph]

you may need a little longer to think about this. If you want to be a wiccan..you would be a believer in the god and the goddess, but you can just hurry up and change your beliefs and say i believe in that because thats the "only" way to be a wiccan. No, ...to me it seems that your soo excited that you don't know what to do with yourself..lol I think you need to think about this longer and decide if this is really for you. It's a way of life, not a game you can play and just put the pieces in storage. I was just as excited as you! You know..it's not all it is made out to be. It's not like what you see on T.V....it's nothing like that. All i can tell you is that you need to read..read..read..eat, breathe, and sleep in those books!..lol (i need to start pushing myself to be more knowledgable on it also!!!)

i dnt think i need any longer because ive thought about it for about 2 1/2 years, im pretty sure of it and always have been, its just been a matter of time and commitment and now that i am ready for as well. the funny thing about changing my beliefs is i dnt realy have to, i mean i know ive been raised a catholic all my life, but just b/c they told me something doesnt mean i believed it, in fact once i started flipping through books and reading here i found that most all of my beliefs are like wiccan beliefs and i believe alot of what wiccans believe...lol, hope that makes sense! :hehehehe: i AM excited but not b/c im changing my religion to one that may seem glamours to some, but b/c i feel like ill be more complete when i become a wiccan, and i know i need to read hard and im excited about it! its like waiting for santa to come christmas eve (yea im 15 and have a 13 yr old sis and we still do santa! :lol: ) except BIGGER! im drawn to wicca in a way i cant explain. anyway, i hope that clears some things up, i know im being very vauge but im sick at home rite now and its hard to stare at the comp for a long time! hope this helps!

[The Shadowy Dawn]

I'm in trouble then, because I've been a witch for 10 years and I'm still a virgin. :wtf:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Faeawyn]

Why don't you go to the path's section and read all the different paths. Maybe one of those will appeal to you. :) You definitely don't have to be Wiccan to be a witch....and you definitely can be eclectic. But go read....I appreciate your enthusiasm....but slow down, take a breath and take it one step at a time :)

[DonovanJoseph]

I appreciate your enthusiasm....but slow down, take a breath and take it one step at a time :)

haha, sry, im just so excited i cant get it all out! lol :hehehehe: *breath*

[Nighthawk]

Most paths take awhile, and sometimes get stale, then something happens and you are revived. Just takes some time, my friend.

[Pesha]

As I was scrolling in the different sections I noticed this thread. First I would like to recommend a book to you. It is Wicca for the Solitary Practioner. By Scott Cunningham. This is a very easy and through book if you are looking into Wicca/witchcraft for yourself. There are many traditions in the Craft. So you can be easily confused sometimes. This particular book puts alot of knowledge at your finger tips in a very enjoyable and easy way to read. It will be an excellent guide book and one I always recommend to people who are serching for their pathways. Anyway, give the book a look see. Any of the major book stores online and in RL carry this book.

BB
DS.

[WolfWonderess]

My advice:

Slow down! :lol:

Personally, before I tried to become part of a religion, and even before I started learning about a religion, I would take a step back and do some self exploration, first. Find out EXACTLY what you believe. Know yourself thoroughly. Then, after you get a good grasp on what you believe, start browsing around the different paths to find the one that speaks to you, the one that's your match! And, of you can't find one that matches you, or if it all feels too constraining, you can always be eclectic. ^_~

[RhiannynWildseed]

Magickb0i, welcome to my world, lol. My husband and I both are witches, though not Wiccan. We are, what we like to call "eclectic witches with Wiccan leanings." Like I said, not Wiccan, but believe in a lot of the Wiccan philosophies. Being eclectic actually seems to be a very popular choice these days, at least it seems to me. My husband and I recently began an eclectic pagan church. He runs a yahoo chatroom for it. We have some pretty interesting conversations in there. We talk about many paths and their beliefs.

And hey, guess what? We believe that all the gods and goddesses throughout time immortal are just different facets of the Universal Deity, or what I choose to call Divinity. So yes, you can be eclectic, and yes, you can choose to view all the deities as a single source.

But you are going to hear over and over and over again "KNOW THYSELF." That's actually the first of the Thirteen Goals of a Witch. I can't agree with that one more.

Rhiannyn

[HuntinOwl]

what exactly does make you an "official" witch??
“What exactly does make you an "official" witch?” That’s is a hard question. Why are there coven? When did the first witch ‘become a witch’?

Well to be a Witch one must understand what the responsibilities are, and to be responsible for your actions. Your truths and understanding, comes not just from books but from the feelings from ‘within’ your intuition otherwise known as your higher self. Why do you want to be a Witch? Is it the power? Revenge? Or is it that you want to be different? Are you tried of your everyday life and need excitement? WHY I’m I asking these questions? It is because you need to make sure your not going through a ‘phase‘. When you talk to most Witches you’ll see a common denominator. They have more then a hundred plus books, on ever aspect of magick systems, divinatory systems and spiritualism, They are self-committed, that is to say that there is no-one is going deter them, no matter how much badgering they get.

So to reiterate, “What exactly does make you an "official" witch?” I would have to say “Self-confidence, Self-belief, Self-assurance, Self-determination, Self-commitment and above all Self-initiation.

As Mol said “You are Your best teacher“, It is you that will know what you want to study, and when your are ready to be Self-initiated.

[DonovanJoseph]

Why do you want to be a Witch? Is it the power? Revenge? Or is it that you want to be different? Are you tried of your everyday life and need excitement? WHY I’m I asking these questions? It is because you need to make sure your not going through a ‘phase‘.

actually Owl its none of those and i hope to be a witch those dont have to be your motives because they dont seem too positive to me, and witchcraft to me seems like an extremely positive path...or i guess wicca does. the reason i want to become a wiccan i cannot explain. its like im drawn to it, and it drawn to me. its just an amazing feeling and i cant wait to fully submerge myself into the craft. im poistive of one thing, this is NOT a phase! that i can assure the world, and its not the power, i have no revenge to get, and i dont need to be different to prove anything to anyone or myself, plus my lifes filled with enough excitement! lol! its because i feel like its the right religion for me and its my destiny or fate to become a wiccan. i cannot really explain why, it just is what it is, and im ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. ive never wanted something more in my life and i think this will fufill the emptiness in my spirituality that ive had lately. anyway, i hope you can understand im not just some naieve teenager trying to make some social statement to be rebellious, im doing what i think will complete a major part of my lifes journey! hope that doesnt sound too cheesy! i just cant get it out in words! lol!

B*B

-drew

[true sadness]

the reason i want to become a wiccan i cannot explain. its like im drawn to it, and it drawn to me. its just an amazing feeling and i cant wait to fully submerge myself into the craft. im poistive of one thing, this is NOT a phase! that i can assure the world, and its not the power, i have no revenge to get, and i dont need to be different to prove anything to anyone or myself, plus my lifes filled with enough excitement! lol! its because i feel like its the right religion for me and its my destiny or fate to become a wiccan.

I completely understand how you feel, (I think we all do, actually).
Discovering the perfect religion for yourself is very inspiring and enlightening. I have some tips from someone who was forced to loose her bunny fluff from the very beginning (that's me):

1) Read. Read. And oh yeah, read. There is a book by Edain McCoy called Sabbats, read it.

2) Don't believe everything you read. Books are good for opening your mind, learning, and helping to shape your beliefs. Don't ever take a piece of literature as absolute truth.

3) Be confident & unshaking in your beliefs. There may be hard times ahead (stigma, moments of self doubt, etc).

4) Follow the 13 goals of a witch. It's very sound advice.

5) Start a book of shadows. Don't start out by writing spells though (wait a while on that, get to know your gods personally first.), if you're wiccan, go ahead and put the wiccan rede in it, decorate it, etc. It is very therapuetic and helps you as a learning tool. If you write it, you remember it. (it's good to add moonphases, herb uses, the wheel of the year, candle color associations, how to ground, center, quarter, create and banish a circle, etc).

6) Don't conciously try to find your patron/matron god/dess. Learn about them all and the one that most identifies with you will call you, just as your religion called you.

7) Don't think that you have to have a group to learn and teach you things. I learned the hard way, sometimes it's better to be solitary.

8) Also follow your first instinct. Always.

9) Read.

[Mab]

My advice:

Slow down! :lol:

Personally, before I tried to become part of a religion, and even before I started learning about a religion, I would take a step back and do some self exploration, first. Find out EXACTLY what you believe. Know yourself thoroughly. Then, after you get a good grasp on what you believe, start browsing around the different paths to find the one that speaks to you, the one that's your match! And, of you can't find one that matches you, or if it all feels too constraining, you can always be eclectic. ^_~

Excellent advice here, hon. Stop. DEEP BREATH. Why are you so excited? You seem to be sooooooo excited you're worried about what to DO & not exactly what you BELIEVE. First, define yourself & who you are & what you believe. What is it that you believe? Why do you believe it? What's the rush into all the doing? You mentioned you "flipped through" some books. Why didn't you actually READ them? Don't want to put a damper on you or sound like I'm scolding, but ya gotta crawl before you can run. Read those books (though, IMO Silver & Fiona DEFINITELY shouldn't be taken as absolute gospel--and don't believe oh....80% of what you saw on Mad Mad House...really...it's just a tv show, check the thread here on THAT one!)

Read a LOT. Take some classes. Do lots of soul searching. And don't worry about choosing a patron god/goddess...when you're ready for one, he/she will contact you. Nothing wrong with being an eclectic...whatever works for you. But know that is works for you & why it works for you, not just b/c it's what somebody else told you.

That said, Merry Meet & good luck to you! You've got a good start asking all these questions. Keep asking more!

[Kitfox]

Slow down hyper boy! :)

You're a mile a minute aren't you? Glad to welcome you into the Wiccan family!

Wanted to make a little clarification! Do you want to be a Wiccan or a Witch? Remember all Wiccans are witches but not all Witches are Wiccans! They are two distinctly different things.

I recommend some Cunnigham and some Telsco. They are both great writers. Also a great book focused on teen's that I absolutely adore is "Elements of Witchcraft" by Ellen Dugan. It's a wonderful book geared towards teens but isn't silly like Ravenwolf or overly glamourous like Horne.

I would caution you about the two afore mentioned. They tend to be a little sensationlist and Mad Mad House/ Horne is a prime example.

I recommend a way I started in Wicca. I sat down and wrote down what I believed in, minus religion, minus influence to the best of my abilities. I then fit those concepts into Wicca and used that to create my own rituals.

Being eclectic, as fun as it sounds, isn't always easy. Don't be afraid to do stuff wrong. You may find certain aspects appealing while others leave you cold. For example, when I first got started, I used to try to do spells. Now, I don't at all for the most part. Specfic spellwork isn't my kinda thing but I've embraced creating rituals and working with tarot cards. Find your thing and work with it but never be afraid to explore!

Feel free to PM me anytime! I'm a 17 year old Wiccan who would love to help you in any way with any question!

[Maric]

The way I learn more everyday is to listen to what we love the most, the Earth. Go out and feel, smell, and listen to what is being said from her. Once you look past the concrete and metal citys, there remains one thing, our Mother Earth. Mentors and Books are a great way to learn, but learning from your own feelings and senses are more personal. Do what you feel is right and listen to yourself. Have an open mind about everthing everbody says and take what you want. Everbody here has awsome advise but in the end, do what you feel.

[Brinclhof]

Magicb0i,

I agree with what everyone has been saying that you need to slow down, catch your breath and do some soul searching. It is my belief that unless you are on a path or a member of a group that requires a particular initiation right that you personally will know when you are officially a witch. When you are talking with some one and they find out you are a witch then they will probably ask you what that means, and what you believe. Until you can answer that question intelligently and in a heart felt way then you probably aren't one.

For every person this definition will be different. I am a christian and if you ask me what that means I can tell you . But at the same time I am evaluating my religion and am exploring a new path. I am working on incorporating magic and christianity. If you ask me a year from now what my religion is I may still say I'm a christian, I may say I'm a Christian pagan, or I may say that I am a pagan. A lot will depend on what I feel in my heart, soul, and head. But in order to say I am one thing or another I will have done enough research and soul searching know know what that means to me so I can explain it to some one. Not necessarily try to convert them but at least give them a symblance of understanding of my religious path.

So what does it take to be an official witch. I think only you can answer that question, and when you can you will know.

I hope this makes some sense to you or others who may be reading this thread.

[DonovanJoseph]

Do you want to be a Wiccan or a Witch? Remember all Wiccans are witches but not all Witches are Wiccans! They are two distinctly different things.

a wiccan....and ill slow down! promise! im just so anxious to learn i cant get enough out of my head lol! sry if i come off desperate to learn the path...im just so excited...but i promise ill slow down! this weekend im going out to buy a few books so here are the ones i will have in my "wiccan library" so far! please comment on them!

1. Teen Witch- silver
2. Witch a magical journey- fiona
3. Elements of Witchcraft- dugan
4. wicca- cunningham
5. to ride a silver broomstick- silver
6. teen bos- telesco
7. witchin'- fiona
8. witchcraft and alternative path- ann moura
9. where to park your broomstick- laruen manoy
10. sabbats- mccoy

those are them....i know i want to buy more i just need to get the moolah! lol! any other suggestions?

What about Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows- moura??

[pixiedust_3]

I, personally, started with dream recall and astral projection. Meditation is always important before you start with magick. But it is really your own path to follow. And like everyone else said - you are your best teacher.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

As far as books go, different people are going to recommend different authors. Some people swear by Silver RavenWolf and Cunningham. Personally I'm not a fan of either, but if you must go with one of them, definitely go with Cunningham. I really liked Ann Moura's books. Book 3 in the Green Witchcraft series catches many as a repeat of book one, but I should point out that the third book is meant to be an actual lesson book, using books 1 and 2 as texts. Two must reads for any Wiccan are Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon and Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. Also highly recommended are Raymond Buckland and Janet & Stewart Farrar. I've also heard that Deb Lipp is a very good author. A book that I read and highly recommend on the history of Wicca is Lilith McLelland's Out of the Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca. A good book on the principles of solitary magic is Practical Solitary Magic by Nancy Wilson. It was my first book strictly dealing with magic (and only come to think of it) and has a soft place in my heart. But it really delves deeply into the subject, coming at it from at many levels: mental, emotional, spiritual, and scientific. You should keep in mind that this is coming from a non-Wiccan, so what I consider good may not be considered so by Wiccans.

[Maeglin Ancalime]

Well if nothing else magickb0i, you have a wonderous Avatar :D
Good luck to you is all i can give you, im not the most knowledgeable still learnin me self...hehehehehehe :hehehehe:

[Cielamara]

Awwww. :)
Nothing wrong with being hyper, ladies and gentlemen. He's young and truthfully, who isn't happier to see a hyper teenager than a moody sullen one?
Magicboi, I'm all for telling you to read, read, read. And to listen, listen listen, and ask questions, questions, questions. But also, I don't see what's wrong with exploring your beliefs through small magic, and through simply gathering. Go look for wood for a wand. Research the wood, and the element to which wood pertains--and the element to which wands pertain. (Earth and Air respectively.) Research your astrological data, and feel the pull of elements within you. (You'll feel it. If you've always felt tugged toward a certain element, you'll probably find out why if you do a birthchart.) Research the Tarot, and stones, and candles. The act of researching that which you love, and the act of searching for things you feel necessary, is, for me at least, an excellent lesson on centering. Magic comes very easily when you're in the mindframe you'll develop that will aid you in intuitively picking out "good" stuff. Which is why I almost always do my rituals after I've been crystal-shopping or book-shopping or something, or after I've been reading.
What kind of small magic can you do? Tarot readings. Crystal meditations. Visualization exercises. Small stuff that goes so far. Even simple requests using candles or incense. Whenever I need something, or wish to simply send forth energy, I like to light some incense and say a little incantation, like this one that I did when I wanted to dream a certain dream:

Goddess bright, Goddess white,
Take my hand and lead me to the light
clear my eyes, clear my mind
send me the dream I seek to find.
As I will, so mote it be,
three times three.

Of course, I've a very strong affinity with Air--so strong that when I'm in a bad mood, the sky has been known to cry for me. That helps. :)
Truthfully, all my Gemini rambles come down to this--start with the elements. Learn about them. I think that they will help you find that which they want. Bright blessings, darling boy. :)

[Kitfox]

I like the hyper! Ya don't see many hyper Wiccans! At least I tend to think of us as fairly low key, though perhaps very loud with the right people. I think it's funny!

(Actually every time I think about you, magicboi, I get this funny image of a panting puppy! :lol: )

Your list of books sound like mine from when I was newly Wiccan! I was inspired by this thread to find my first BOS/journal and read through it...boy, was I a dork!

Thanks for inspiring the look back, magicboi!

[DonovanJoseph]

Awwww. :)
Nothing wrong with being hyper, ladies and gentlemen. He's young and truthfully, who isn't happier to see a hyper teenager than a moody sullen one?


I like the hyper! Ya don't see many hyper Wiccans! At least I tend to think of us as fairly low key, though perhaps very loud with the right people. I think it's funny!

(Actually every time I think about you, magicboi, I get this funny image of a panting puppy! :lol: )
im glad being hyper is ok! lol! im just really inspired and enthrilled about starting this! lol! thanks for the support and advice everyone! its been REALLY helpful!


I was inspired by this thread to find my first BOS/journal and read through it...boy, was I a dork!

Thanks for inspiring the look back, magicboi

*sigh* i tend to inspire quite a few :smile: jk! lol! isnt it fun to look back at old things and be like...whoa, what WAS i thinking?! lol!

[blueangel]

I am glad to hear how excited you are. I feel the same way but I feel guilty for being so happy and thrilled. There is not enough hyper-activity in adults, if you ask me.

[DianaStormDancer]

what exactly does make you an "official" witch??

Listening to your heart and seeing all with the eyes of your soul......

Use books as guidelines, but ALWAYS listen to what is inside you...it's all there for the taking love just listen closely, reaffirm yourself to nature and the forces of the universe, and do what FEELs right to you......Love and Light....)O( Storm )O(

[MoonLightWanderer]

Have you looked into the Circle of teaching here at MW you should take a couple of classes even if ur not sure u want to take that path atleast this way u'll have sum knowledge on the subject right now i'm taking a class on wicca taught by rubyrose(many thanks to her) and i'm learning alot also go to wiccanet.net and they have a live chat and are all very friendly ask questions and it will come to you

[Taliesyn]

you know, It is gerat to see somebody so excited about Wicca-
And the book lists are great. Please read Cunningham and all the others- I was told to readthe good books and the Bad books, then make up my own mind. I think the best teachers are the spirits of nature. go outside, sit with a tree, and still your mind. after a while- maybe a day, maybe a year- the tree will let you know some things.

Good Luck

[Karmendi]

Some people belive that you cannot true tap your own power till you have had sex...nice rule, I like that one.......but I like many other think that it is in your mind, personally I don't like the term 'witch' but hey..each to thier own.

Being a 15 year old female in a lutherian house I understand the "thirst for knowledge". Your intuition is your best guide and no you don't have to have sex to be a witch/wiccan/whatever else you want to call it. Maybe if you are really serious about it and after your research a dedication NOT AN INTIATION, not just yet.

[frigga]

If you are looking for that teacher who will open all the doors for you and show you the way you will be greatly disappointed. You are the one who opens your own doors and reveils the mysteries to yourself, no one can do that for you. Many new Wiccans believe, as you said , someone will lead them to "the way" and show you the true path, not so. This is because main stream religions teach us that we find god through another who has been "deemed" worthy . Educate yourself, read whatever tickles your fancy and absorb it! Learn all that you can so you can make your own decisions about things and follow the path that you feel echos your hearts longings.

Many books out there are " How to" books, they lay the frame work for you to expand on, nothing is written in stone. You journey through this religion is like an art, you will hear and learn many techniques, but only practice and application will make you a master.

Personal favorites that I have read: Anything by Cunningham (Duh!), Out of the Shadows: Myths and truths of Wicca, by Lilith McClelund, The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers, and any of the great myths of the world, they hold more knowledge than you know!!

God luck and remember, you know the answers already, it's a matter of finding where they're hidden within yourself!!!

Oh! And yes, take some of the classes offered here! The really are quite fun and informative.

[starshadow]

Let me start by saying, I don't consider myself "Wiccan" I have read many texts on the Wiccan Path and I do perform Magic. I don't like classifying myself, but I guess I would be an Eclectic Witch. I keep my ceremonies and circles very simple and solitary. I also grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, so I had all the fancy ritual I needed for a lifetime.

I would have to agree with what many of these folks have said. Find a good Pagan or Metaphysical Bookstore in your area and read ALOT! But...

"Beware of The Fluffy Bunny"

I read a good book back in the 90's it's "When, Why...If" by Robin Wood. I've read a few books on ethics, but this one is very good. It has some exercises at the end of the chapters. Make sure to read the whole book... including the introduction! Ethics isn't a bad place to start your studies.

You should also read "Natural Magic" by Doreen Valiente. It will give you another angle to The Craft that feels a bit less ceremonial. Simple magic with simple tools. Good material for your initial connection to The Lady and The Lord. Cunningham's "Solitary Practiioner" is a good starting point for practicing Wicca. It gives you many of the basics.

Margot Adler' "Drawing Down The Moon" is a tough read, but gives a good overview of the history and development of Wicca in the 20th century.

Other authors to look for are:

Carlos Castaneda
Hermann Hesse
Janet & Stewart Farrar
Ann Moura

I wish you well in your journey.

Peace and Blessings
Starshadow

[DonovanJoseph]

:fpraiseyo thanks so much everybody! your help has..well, helped alot! i would sign up for the classes but i think its to late :geez: . all my asignments and stuff will be WAY late lol. plus the teachers have enough to put up with im sure i dont want to put them through a new student that they'd have to start over with...thanks again everybody! so far my studies are going great! im keeping a spiral filled with notes im taking on the books im reading which is super handy whenever i have to go back and find something. im about to that Wicca by cunningham and then living wicca after that!

B*B
-drew

[HuntinOwl]

Being a 15 year old female in a lutherian house I understand the "thirst for knowledge". Your intuition is your best guide and no you don't have to have sex to be a witch/wiccan/whatever else you want to call it. Maybe if you are really serious about it and after your research a dedication NOT AN INTIATION, not just yet.
I know I said Intiation make you a witch. But the Dedication for year is the method of becomming an Intiate. When you dedicate you life for the year you make promise( noun:A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future) to the God/dess commit yourself and study, contemplate and come to self-understand of what witch/wicca/paganism is about in order to make your life commitment> 1yr <> 13moon. After this period of time if you did you studying and researching you should be able to figure out if this is for you. (But he has already said this was and did the research)So Intiation is how you become
a witch.:bouncingb

[Nighthawk]

Good stuff, thank you, Huntin owl..
and Mag..umm..Donovan, I would welcome you... just have to catch up

[Mindasue]

Hello everyone, I've been interested in studying Paganism/Wicca since I was about 10 years old. And now that I'm 19, I was wondering if it was too late to start studying and learning the craft. I was also wondering if Solitary Witch by Silver Ravenwolf was a good book to start on....any more suggestions?

[RhiannynWildseed]

Hello everyone, I've been interested in studying Paganism/Wicca since I was about 10 years old. And now that I'm 19, I was wondering if it was too late to start studying and learning the craft. I was also wondering if Solitary Witch by Silver Ravenwolf was a good book to start on....any more suggestions?

I don't know what others will say, but I personally don't like anything of Silver's. She contradicts herself in too many of her books. And I don't agree with much of her advice. A good essay about that can be found here: http://wicca.timerift.net/ravenwolf.html

A very good author that I enjoy is Christopher Penczak. He has a series of books called the "Temple of Witchcraft" series. It's going to be five books designed to start at the very beginning with working on the self then progressing to circles and spellwork and even some shamanic practice. There are three books of the series out so far. These are:

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0738702765/qid=1130965481/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-2299418-4086233?v=glance&s=books)
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0738705314/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/103-2299418-4086233?v=glance&s=books)
The Shamanic Temple of Witchcraft (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0738707678/qid=1130965571/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-2299418-4086233?v=glance&s=books)

I believe the fourth book, who's release date is unknown at this time, is going to be called "The Temple of High Witchcraft" or something like that. It's in the third book. I'll have to look it up.

But a lot of people are liking Penczak's work. I've heard his books described as absolute gold, lol.

[Mindasue]

Thank you so much for your refferrence, I'll have to look into buying the books.

[RoseKitten]

Hello everyone, I've been interested in studying Paganism/Wicca since I was about 10 years old. And now that I'm 19, I was wondering if it was too late to start studying and learning the craft. I was also wondering if Solitary Witch by Silver Ravenwolf was a good book to start on....any more suggestions?

Do read $ilver ravenfluff... too... bad. LoL... she interchanges words a lot, and the words aren't interchangeable. It's never to late to start learning either ^_^ I'd suggest just floating around some of the forums, and when you've got questions, just ask around. One of the best tools of learning IMO is hearing what other people have done wrong... Also, do a lot of research online, and remember, just because a "witch" or a "wiccan" is defined as something one place, does not mean it will be that way for YOU. The great thing about magic, is that it's not a srict thing, you do what you want, and follow what fells right in your heart.

[Jaime]

I've been surrounded by a Christian upbringing for most of my life and lately I've been getting into Wicca too... we all can be newbie Pagans together.:-P

Something that really appeals to me in Wicca is that it there's a large amount of freedom... not a lot is written for you and you have to kind of figure out what the religion really means to you. Anyone want to elaborate on this or tell me if I'm being misled?

[RoseKitten]

IMO Wicca is as diverse as Christianity in a sense. Everyone has their own opinions. But, basically, *** I think*** Wicca is: harm none, do what you want (but don't harm anyone/thing), follow the god(s)/goddess(es), ummm... *thinking* According to some Wicca=Witchcraft (that's a lie _tsk_ )... hmm... the rest I think is a sort of fill in the blank... *shrugs* Search the internet ^_^

[laserhazel]

Blessed be.....!!!! Witchcraft is so much fun...


Except when it gets scary.

[Dawa Lhamo]

According to some Wicca=Witchcraft (that's a lie _tsk_ )... *sigh* Not everytime that someone says something that's untrue are they necessarily lying.

It was quite common until recently for the two words to be used interchangeably.

And it's difficult to walk up to an Elder (in the true sense of the word) who's been practicing 30+ years, and tell him that he's got it wrong; He should say Wicca instead of Witchcraft, even though that's what HE was taught over 30 years ago. You see what I'm saying?

Now, that doesn't mean we ought not be careful and diligent now. Just that we shouldn't accuse everyone who calls Wicca as Witchcraft of being liars.

For my own part, I try to be diligent, but I was raised Wiccan and we just called it the Craft or Witchcraft. I probably heard the word "Wicca" a handful of times before high school. I wouldn't call my parents or covenmates liars... perhaps uninformed of the distinctions, but then again, those distinctions have only really been made clear in the last 10 years...
Wicca is: harm none, do what you want (but don't harm anyone/thing)From "An ye harm none, do what thou wilt"... Some take wilt not to be a simple "want" but more like True Will. And there is much debate over whether it really means "don't harm anyone/thing".... read as it is, it is saying that you can feel free to do those things that harm no one (perhaps with the caveat that they are in accordance with Will.), but it does NOT say anything about those actions that DO cause harm. There is no ACTUAL bit in there anywhere that says "don't do this"...

I like to think of it as: If it doesn't cause harm, then you're pretty much free to do what you will, but if it does cause harm, then you should be careful and act responsibly, keeping in mind the harm you are causing. And since there's hardly any action that doesn't harm *something*, then most all actions should be undertaken with awareness and responsibility.

But the phrase itself comes from Doreen Valiente and however one chooses to interpret it, it is usually accepted (or at least acknowledged) by the majority of Wiccans.
follow the god(s)/goddess(es) This gets pretty hairy, here. There isn't really any doctrine of theology that defines Wicca.

Personally, I think the best definitions of Wicca focus on practice. You might hear it called an orthopraxy rather than an orthodoxy. Meaning that the defining connection is practice, not doctrine. We are Wiccan because we act like Wiccans, not because we believe like Wiccans. This, of course, isn't absolute, but it helps solve some of the problems you'll find that arise when one tries to pin down even one universal Wiccan doctrine. ^_^

And as you can probably see, even simple lists of doctrine can generate complex controversies. ^_^

Now, as far as:
Something that really appeals to me in Wicca is that it there's a large amount of freedom... not a lot is written for you and you have to kind of figure out what the religion really means to you. Anyone want to elaborate on this or tell me if I'm being misled?This is generally true. Not having a lot of doctine or dogma (rigidly structured beliefs), gives us the chance to discover our own meanings. And typically, you'll find that there is a great amount of emphasis placed on the individual, as far as personal responsibility for everything one does, and as far as personal spiritual progress... You have to take the steps yourself; Wicca doesn't really spoon-feed you.

However, it is not a "do it yourself" kind of religion either. While a great many diverse things can be incorporated into Wiccan practice, these things, by themselves, are not inherently Wiccan. For example, I could incorporate elements from a Hindu puja into my Wiccan ritual, such that my libation involves bedecking my deities with flowers and pouring milk or water over them. But the puja itself isn't Wiccan. And if I only did pujas, then I'd be better off calling myself Hindu than Wiccan. Am I making sense?

But yes, personally, I find that there is a large amount of freedom in Wicca that I don't think I'd find in many other religions.

Good luck!

Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[laserhazel]

The rede is like a book on morality.

That's interesting that you say a person would say that it should be done this way or that way, it's sort of like trying to forge a holy order by maintaining integrity towards a little belief like using the term "wicca" instead of witchcraft. Maybe the elder was simply pointing out an error in context??

But that really wasn't the point, you (Dawa Lhamo) were simply pointing out the fact that people with years of experience in Wiccan Arts are flaky and aloof...just kidding, that they are much like Kung-Fu teachers. Years of focus on particular things does provide a greater sense of understanding.

Perhaps the elder is only focused on Witchcraft and not on VooDoo or even that they were just not tuned into the new witch at a common level and were even caught off guard and had nothing polite to say, because they were smitten and embarrassed??

[Dawa Lhamo]

The rede is like a book on morality.

That's interesting that you say a person would say that it should be done this way or that way, it's sort of like trying to forge a holy order by maintaining integrity towards a little belief like using the term "wicca" instead of witchcraft. Maybe the elder was simply pointing out an error in context??

But that really wasn't the point, you (Dawa Lhamo) were simply pointing out the fact that people with years of experience in Wiccan Arts are flaky and aloof...just kidding, that they are much like Kung-Fu teachers. Years of focus on particular things does provide a greater sense of understanding.

Perhaps the elder is only focused on Witchcraft and not on VooDoo or even that they were just not tuned into the new witch at a common level and were even caught off guard and had nothing polite to say, because they were smitten and embarrassed??I'm sorry, I don't understand what you are referring to at all. I mean, I know at least part of this is in response to my hypothetical situation of telling an elder that he's "saying it wrong", but could you clarify?

Thanks!
Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[Mindasue]

Thank you all so much for clarifying alot for me. And yes, I will continue to read Silver "Ravenfluff". (lol) Wow this whole being new stuff is getting kinda complicated....I can only read and study when my boss's stepson is either sleeping or not at home....but one question. Should this be like a read and apply sort of thing? Or should I just keep reading, and the application comes afterward? I kinda feel like I'm in my own little world here _inabox_ .

[raminda]

Thank you all so much for clarifying alot for me. And yes, I will continue to read Silver "Ravenfluff". (lol) Wow this whole being new stuff is getting kinda complicated....I can only read and study when my boss's stepson is either sleeping or not at home....but one question. Should this be like a read and apply sort of thing? Or should I just keep reading, and the application comes afterward? I kinda feel like I'm in my own little world here _inabox_ .

I read for nearly 3 years before I decided to start "applying". I just didn't believe it would be right to jump into a religion with both feet until I felt like it was time, so I waited. Plus I wanted to know a lot before I started calling myself Pagan or even considering telling anybody what it was I learned each day.

I guess just play it by how you feel, if you feel like you should be reading and applying all at once, do it. If not, wait it out.