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For about a year now i've been looking up and trying to study wicca, i have tried afew spells that...(well didnt turn out the way i had hoped)...doesnt matter...but i've started to read this book by J.H Brennan....its called "Magik For beginner's"

I was wondering has anyone read this book, and if you have what do/did you think of it!? Did it help you with yur magik!?

Thanks guys!

do u know all the propper symbles and their meaning.

Well i think i know most of them...i am kinda new to the whole wicca...i've only started getting really into it over the last couple of months...but have been interested in it for a very long time!

If you need anyhelp go to spellsandmagic.com thats where i get my begining info from

www.sacred-texts.com was a big help to me....

I read a book of Silver Raven, and it's interesting. If it help you...

I have read the book, actually. And it has some excellent information in it. I really don’t trust his Hebrew pronunciations, though.

I also should mention that the book doesn’t focus on Wicca. Wicca is a very specific religion, and he covers a wider range of beliefs and practices. I would recommend it, for sure. When you finish, if you like that one, you should check out Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig.

And Dakini is right…that’s a great site.

there are quite some good books about wicca, i have read the way of wicca published by thorsions (forgot the author) and also the books of kate west are really good...

if you can find someone a teacher..I was a Gardenarian before I decided wicca/ wise craft wasn't what I was looking for...In large urban area's there are often metaphysical book stores that can led you to a teacher

It's good to read and learn stuff about Wicca or ANYTHING that concerns it.

I'm reading and learning more, myself.

No I have not read the book, but maybe others on here will be able to help you out.

i have a post in the... Members Articles ... titled ~WITCHCRAFT DICTIONARY~ which you may find helpfull.

cheers

Greetings i think the best books to read by the authors are: Scott Cunningham, Kate West, Raymond Buckland,

Scott Cunningham and Silver Ravenwolf were the authors I read...they simplify everything so that anyone can understand it.
But word to the wise...it is usually NOT a good idea to cast until you know as mcuh information as you can get your hands on...the law of three is simple, finite, and unforgiving...and it does not give leway for inexperience or "not knowing"...
Blessed be and be careful and remember always to "harm none"...

indeed, it took me some years before i was able to cast a circle... its better to wait and be sure then to rush into things, as you are dealing with energy so you must be careful

First of all, remember that Wicca or Witchcraft itself is not about doing magick. Wicca is about worshiping the Goddess and God. It is a religion like any other, Christianity, Catholicism etc. Witchcraft also is not all about magick. It is more about communing with nature and living your life naturally, using herbs, focusing and manipulating energy. If you don't know the basics, no spell is ever going to work. Just opening a book and doing a spell without any prior knowledge is, in my opnion, very dangerous. Especially if your intent has anything to do with anyone else. One of the main and basic rules of Wicca - An ye Harm None, do what ye will. This means that you do not do anything that imposes on anyone elses will. Another rule that goes along with that is, the Threefold Law. Whatever you put out there, comes back to you 3 times. If you put out good things, they will come back to you 3 times. If you put out bad things, they will come back to you 3 times. Do you really want something bad you have done to someone coming back to you 3 times worse. Karma...learn it. Wiccan Ethics...learn them.

Back to the subject - I have not read this book. But, and this is something I was taught and always tell my students, when you are reading anything: book, on the web or even just talking to people, take from it what feels comfortable to you. The thing about Wicca/Witchcraft/Paganism is that nothing is cut and dry. Its a very personal belief and if something doesn't feel comfortable to you then DON'T DO IT! If your not comfortable you are going to put bogus energy into it and it will either fail or have adverse results.

Another thing to remember; spells and rituals that you read in books or on the internet don't have to be done exactly like that. Again, comfort matters. If there is something in the spell or ritual that doesn't feel comfortable to you, you have every right to rework it to fit you. The best thing to do is to use pre-written spells and rituals as guidelines. All spells and rituals are much more powerful and effective when you do your own research and put your own energy into creating it.

Good luck on your journey. Blessed Be.

very wise words ravenwitch... i wished that i had a mentor myself but around here i had to learn things by myself and thus i had to see what was good for me and was not suitable....

Well put Raven, I couldn't have put it any better myself.

Thanks. Its something I feel very strongly about. I was very lucky to find people that I clicked with right off. I learned alot from them and was able to go on and continue to learn.

If anyone has any questions just send me a message.

I have an it's a great way to get you started! Enjoy it!

look at my quote. the author of my qoute is a magnificant writer... He knows what he is talking about as welll

Silver's book is great for beginers. Just because it is really thick just means she's trying to cover all the bases she can think of. Good luck. Plus a lot of us have magical documentations in our journals.

Sam,What RavenWytch has said i know you know most of..if not all.
But what i will say to you as you start off is,do you want to be solitary or join a coven...remember to join a coven is by invitation only!!if you want to join one then you need to go to meets...i will say as a matter of course,BE CAREFULL IF YOU DO THIS.There are alot of chariatans out in this big wide world of ours!!!Look on the web for your local meet.I found mine that way.Its nice to talk to people there with the same beliefs.
Have you read any Keith Morgan...

TheBan has a point. If you decide to join a Coven, be careful. Most Covens will not initiate someone into their Coven immediately. Usually there is a period of getting to know each other and making sure you are comfortable (there's that word again) with each other. Most reputable Covens will not just do rituals or magick with just anyone.

Also remember that if anyone says that you HAVE to have sex with them in order to advance with their Coven probably shouldn't be trusted. Search your soul long and hard before you ever consider this. If you are not allowed to ask questions, there is a problem. (I know it sounds crazy but I have a friend that this happened to)

I can't say it enough, be comfortable. Listen to your little voice in your head. Intuition is your friend. I have failed to listen on several occasions and was sorry afterwards. I know that sometimes its hard to trust but it won't steer you wrong.

i don't think i've read that book in particular... but this is what i have to say on the matter.

when you first start studing Wicca you might hope for something other than exactly what the religion represents. it's hard to understand it, without having embraced it.

you've been into it for a year now, so your starting to realize more about how the "magik" works and such. and you know that while some spells can do absolutly nothing ... others can be more powerful than people would believe.

one thing to watch for, is some not so nice people have published books purposly including spells that do the speaker harm. sometimes, in the cases of old magic books from living people, they weren't aware that the writer had left out important peices of knowledge, to protect their spells.

Well said RavenWytch....Yes the best way to learn the craft the right way is to learn from a high priestess or priest..I was lucky to have meet a couple who live In Northern CA..Although I resigned from there coven we still speak from time to time I see them as my parents they see me as there son..The books are good tools for coming to understand craft better...But the disapline involved for true majik is gotten only what a teacher can give you..Being a Gardenairen was not easy but the disapline helped me in daily life

TheBan is absolutely right.

OH and Sam....if any covern askes for sex...Leave...

Merry Meet! Sam, I have read the book you mentioned, to me it is alright, but does not deal with what you are wanting to learn.

No one has mentioned, a very good source for getting the information that you want, and need. it is www.witchvox.com also known as the Witches Voice. You will enjoy looking through all the info.

A good book that I recomend for you to read is The Spiral Dance by Starhawk she is very good.

Best book for the solitary practioner is "Earth Magic" by Scott Cunningham.

He also wrote a book literally called "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner".

I practice with my daughter and my mother and we used to have my grandmother - all cardinal - all of the four elements.

My daughter is a Capricorn - Cardinal Earth

My grandmother was an Aires - Cardinal Fire

I am a Cancer - Cardinal Water

My mother is a Libra - Cardinal Air

My daughter and I hope she has a little Aires girl one day - we really miss my grandmother.

Read everything you can get your hands on is the best advice too...

Merry Meet!! yes I agree with you, on that book. And there is yet another book by Scott Cunningham, which is called Wicca, Living Wicca, The Complete Book of Incense, oils and Brews. They have taken all three books by him, and put them together in one, I have it as well as the others. It is great, gives you so much info, and he is good at explaining alot of things, as well as drawing to show you how do certain things.

well if u want to do magik come to im no wiccan im general zathor of the lower realms

Whether your Wiccan or not, you should always be wise and careful when you are doing magick.

k

i have read that book it was very helpful to me

This is going to sound crazy but the very first book that I ever read cover to cover and enjoyed (when I started studying) was...drumroll please... The Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. I know it sounds juvenile but it covers everything in generally without trying to sway you towards one tradition or another. I recommend it to anyone who is just starting.

If anyone has time look thru my Journal, i live the ways of Pagans and Wiccans.
I have everything fro casting spells and so much more in ti. I live the real life thing .
Im evena Ordained Minister and can perform Wiccan and pagan etc.. ceremonty legally :)

Frankly I'm an intuitive eclectic witch. I have a personal irritation with Ray Buckland and have always found Silver Ravenwolf's books to be cheesy. (I've read her fiction and think that it's just as cheesy. Do I own the books? Of course.) Unfortunately not many libraries have information on the subject of Witchcraft and Wicca.

My best advice to you is one that you've probably read in every book. "An ye harm none, do what thou wilt."

Use your intuition when it comes to Wicca. Take what you like, omit what you do not like. You may find yourself an eclectic pagan like myself.

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestion's...I'm going to look at everything and TheBan...if anyone does ask for sex...i'll point them in the way of KingsCross and tell them the ladies of the night there will help themin that dept...thanks for the heads up! :o )

I read books by Silverravenwolf. The one that helps the most would be "Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the new generation" This has EVERYTHING you want to know within it.

Silver Ravenwolf*

I personally dont know anything about Wicca, but there are alot of people on this site that may be able to help you.

actually have not seen that one....I do have several other books on wicca and magic...but more for information not for study..

Thanks damagedRose..i'll have a look for that one!

With anything, don't take just one author as gospel. Open yourself up to different sources and go with what is right for you. Be true to yourself. Gathering the items for altars, ie. books, athames, candles and things of such. Doesn't make you Wiccan. Everyone is different and not everyone learns the same, nor does one practice work the same for different individuals. So be true to yourself and go forward.

BLESSED BE!!

very good description ravenwytch, but i believe that the 3 fold rule is a belief taught by wiccans to try and get them to understand karma or deter them from doing harm, i dont believe that it is a rule of witchcraft itself, i do what i want to do which i would describe as ritual chaos magick, and some of it seems similar to wicca and witchcraft, which i use for personal gain and happines, and i have had many desireable achievements

So you don't believe in retribution Raz?

I live wicca and Pagan beliefs more to Pagan. If you read my Journal it tell its all :)

In staying with the topic another option (but you would need to google it because it's been a couple of years since I took them) There are online course's ranging from Wicca 101 to history, herbalism and so forth, and a lot of them are free or at a low cost on a yearly basis that allows you to take as many classes as you like.

no i do not believe in retribution, there is no way to explain how it could happen

yes looks like u got a hell of shit load of advice i dont know what to say but maybe try reading the book of shadows as well i have it

i have not read this book, but i would suggest reading a book of shadows. there are tons out there. most of them are pretty good. i would have to say if the book is not over 250 pages then i wouldn't get it. it is all up to you though.

Allow me to reccommend a book that has been quite inspirational for me. "Nocturnal Witchcraft" by Kostantinos
or the sister book "Gothic Grimore" same author. It is wonderful, and is aimed more toward people who allign themselves better with the night and darkness.

Wicca is not only about spells.The spells are just an option.

Anyway books and stuff online(sites that aren't fake) can be helpful but you are the only one who can make the magic work.Spells are better if you are the one who writes them.But then if you are interested only in spells then that is witchcraft not Wicca.

Wiccans again and with Pagans are not all Christians.

RavenWytch

Im sorry I totally disagree there are many good books out there to buy. :)
Im agnostic and im part both

(SwtEternity)...sorry what was that you said about not all pagans are christians!

You cannot be a christian and a Pagan!!

SwtEternity

I think you may have misunderstood me. I never said that there weren't any good books out there. I have book cases full of books but in the end it all comes down to you. The books can't do the magick for you. They are a tool just like anything else. I can stand or sit anywhere and perform a circle or magick and it doesn't require a book.

And Theban, you are right. You cannot be Christian and a Pagan. The definition of pa·gan ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pgn)
n.
One who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, especially a worshiper of a polytheistic religion.
One who has no religion.
A non-Christian.
A hedonist.
A Neo-Pagan

Ummm, true Christians aren't pagan but I have heard of christain witches before..I knew a few on another site before I decided I was just a spiritual rather then any religion

You are correct Mikhail. I also know Christian Witches. But, again, being a witch doesn't necessarily mean you are pagan.

To Ride A SilverBroom Stick

The thing I liked most about this book was that she wrote what happened when her intent wasn't clear with a spell and it went to heck and the consequences she had to deal with.

Don't worry, I'm learning too. All I can learn. I haven't read that book, but now I'm greatly interested. I have been checking out a few books but one thing a more experienced Wiccan told me is that not every book is the same and each one has different information. You have to decide what is true and what isn't. But hey, let me go get the book and I'll get back to you on it.

I commend everyone on their search. The journey may be long but the end is worth the struggle. There are several people around that I'm sure would be more than happen to answer questions as well.

this is very intreging...

When I was getting into it I read a book by one Silver Ravenwolf, I can't recall the title as I gave it to my friend for his birthday years ago.. But Silver puts out a lot of books for the beginer that you might find interesting.

I have read several books including Ravenwolf's book.. I was most interested in the history of Wicca and read the Gardner text and Crowelys text as well

CHRISTIAN WITCHES.....IS AN INSULT!!
I am sorry...because this upsets me when i here of this...if they would take a step back and think of what they call them selves.....if they would just think about all the Pagans who suffered because of what they believed in!!
However,each to there own!!!!If this is what they wish to believe...then so be it!!!...to me though it seems little more than people who just dont understand!!

Well, to be perfectly frank, Christianity stemmed from Paganism. All of the Christian hollidays originated from Pagan holidays. Tree decorating for example at "Christmas" was originally a Pagan tradition. And not only that Christmas itself came from Yule. It is supposed to be in celebration of the christs b-day? Researchers and historians have found that christ was actually born in MARCH not December.
So in essence christians are copycat Pagans.

Goddess is correct, as to your spell casting, I sincerely HOPE you have REAd more then just this one book and jumped into casting spells without knowing what the final outcome may be. Remember , WHAT ever you do, comes back to you 3 fold... dabbling in magickal practices and not knowing how to control them is a silly and flat out stupid thing.

i have heard of electic wicca which actually have two religions (correct me pls if i am wrong here)

I am personally a wiccan, thus that my only religon and frankly i think that its quite impossible to have two religons.. you know thats very cofusing.... but what are your views on this?

Hello, and nice fourm i feel you should exsperment on your owen with things.. try candle wax and try feeling engergy all you have do is tough or lay your hands over a persons hands hold them if you will.... then just see what you feel from them....

No I haven't but keep reading, knowledge is power

LIKE IT HAS BEEN STATED ALREADY DONT JUST STICK TO ONE AUTHOR BUT EXPAND YOUR READINGS TO MANY DIFFEREWNT AND KNOW IN YOUR MIND IF YOU WANT TO BE SOLITARY OR PART OF A COVEN

I do not know if this has been said already, but imo, the best way to learn about anything is through experience and word of mouth. Your spell didn't work? Try try again... but remember, not all results are what you want.. that is a big thing I have learned in life in general, the results are there, but nto always what it is you expect them to be. Also, finding a teacher or coven will probably prove more helpful than to read a myrid of books, however, books are an excellent source of information, you cannot learn life out of a book :D personally, I have never once, ever, read a book on witchcraft, on the basis that I was born into wicca/shamanism. anytime you need help, with anything, feel free to message me, I will be glad to help :D

Godess i know where christianity came from,and yes you are correct...did you not read what i had put?.....was the answer directed at my comment...for it said nothing of my belief...this is not just mine but many others!!
Rowiel...you are correct,it would be to confusing to have two religions.
The Editor of the DEOSIL DANCE once said of Christian witches...."If these people new how stupid such a concept sounds,they may well come out with a cock and ball story of jesus being the Sun God,but it does not work and they know it!"

Actually Goddess...Christians are not copycats of Paganism in all aspects. They adopted their holidays to be close to Pagan holidays in order to make the transition from Paganism to Christianity easier for them. They thought that if they had holidays similar to those of Pagans that the Pagans wouldn't have any issues with converting to Christianity. Of course now days, Christians would never admit to that.

As far as Christian Witches, I live with a professed one and I honestly think that she says she's Christian just because she is afraid to let it go. She doesn't "practice" Christianity at all.

I love wicca and I dont care what anyone says, and Its my religion!!!

I don't know if they've already posted.. but i talk to someone who practises Wicca as it runs through their family, apparently it takes years to practise?
Unfortunatly though, i don't know too much about it.
There must be loads of books on it, if you search right places on the internet, or people on here will be of some help, i'm certain

Sorry i drifted from the subject..

Scott Cunningham is definitely a good author if you are beginning because he does make things simple and easy to understand. He also lists some cool herb and rune facts in his Solitary Practitioner.

well i can deffenatly say that theres a difference between wicca and doing spells. though if you want to actually understand wicca, i suggest also reserching on pegans and druids too. druids and pagans are the more ancient beliefs and wicca is a more updated (for a use of words) beleifs of it. i dont know if this it making and sence to you though either.

In my opinion, Cunningham is very rude to his readers. That's just an opinion. Do not let it stop you from reading his books though. Learn what you can on a lot of levels.

I think what you perceive as rudeness is his way of getting the point across that you should always think about what you are doing before you do it. That Wicca isn't something to take lightly. Which is always a good lesson to learn.

By no means do i claim to be wicca, however i can tell u that spells that u try, depend on the energy that u put into them. Such as if u buy something from the store to use in a spell the spell wont be as powerful as if u went out and found the item putting ur energy toward the search. If u find something pre-built then it wont be as affective as creating the object yourself. Anything u want to do with magik u should begin with your self and putting more of ur energy into it, and believe with all your heart and soul that what you are doing is what is right and will work. If you have any doubts, the results wont be favorable.

My personal knowledge of Wicca is limited, but I must offer the advise of not to rush into things such as the arcane and esoteric arts, for one must truly learn and learn again (memorize protective chants and barriers; for they protect you from the original jerks such as demons or just bored malignant spirits that have nothing better to do than to mess with mortal psyche and sometimes even physically) and always seek out elders in your practices; they shall prove instrumental in your quest.

Magicks are things that one does NOT dabble in- if they believe that magicks can be just a weekend pursuit, then they are soley mistaken- if one wants to become serious and more than just barely adept, or even an apprentice, one must spend their lives reading texts and writings, and then take "field trips" if you will, to the magickal epicentres of the world- some of them are in the Old World, some are in the the New.



To the high priests and priestesses or anyone who may view my particular comment of how they are apprenti, I apologize, but I also would be comparing those individuals to people such as Abramelin the Mage, and Mr. Aleister Crowley, more prominent figures in occult circles.

I myself have not read that book, but if you are really seriious about getting into Wicca I suggest picking up a copy of Scott Cunningham's "The Solitairy Practioner's Guide to Wicca"...or something like that. I don't have the book on hand but the title is close enough to how I mentioned it here, lol. Good luck on your journey!

I've been studying Wicca for almost 4 years and if you want, i can send you a list of books and authors that are really good to start with. Also, there is a site called witchschool.com that you can actually take courses at. most of them are free (ie. beginner courses). I'm taking courses there myself and they really are helping me with my studies.

I live Pagan and Wiccan most of my life. When using spells it depend on how much energy your putting into it. If its Blabk magic your wanting beware! It comes back to you 10 times. I have sites and spells in my on my site and Journal as well. Be careful of what you wish for thou =)

I think that it would be hard to have two religions. But not so hard to have say two diff spritualities working at the same time. For example many spiritualities have the same basic principles. Most have some form of be nice, don't kill ppl. ect.

kool i no a few spells.

No, I haven't read that, but theres a book I have been reading that is really helpful, especially to the ideas of elements within rituals and wicca itself which I found very enlightening.

I'm not at home at the moment, but when I go back I shall send you the title and author if you like.

Whatever u do, just dont mistake Wicca religion or as a way to practice magic as that is not all wicca is about, and remember any spell u cast, it comes back to u. If u put out negative u will not look forward to what happens.

Although I've never read that particular book, I have read many that may help. I have one book called The Only Wiccan Spellbook You'll Ever Need, which has spells for almost any aspect of life you can think of: love, health, money, happiness, buisness, creativity, spells for the home, and spells to help the Gods and Goddesses grant your wishes. You can find it at Barnes and Noble, or perhaps try www.llewellyn.com...there you can sign up for a catalog that they will send you, which contains books, tarot cards, amulets, jewelery, and other tools of the trade. I hope you enjoy your journey down the Wiccan path. It can be quite exciting!

i have read that book and it did not have any suggestions that helped me. i would suggest to you that you go to your local wicca store and ask one of the workers for help. if you dont have a wicca store then try your library

I know very little about Wicca, but thank you all for the information. I will enjoy reading all of those books.

RavynWitch, In essence is that not what I said. Perhaps you went into a bit more detail, but I do agree with you.

Good way to start

sorry never heard of it

Never read the book but I have read a lot of interesting ones.

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