The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

I know there are Wiccans on this site, So all i really want to ask you is how you practice Wicca?
Ive read that it involves casting circles, invoking things and moving energy and such, but i cant really see a...beginning. How do you start practicing?
What i could do with is some book recommendations, even websites.

Please dont give me any links to sites that can point out what wicca is but cant tell you where start - thered be no point. And honestly, i dont care if anyone thinks they had a "gift" or have always known they were a witch.
This is an exploration thing and i'd be greatful for an indepth introduction in HOW to explore the subject in detail.

Thanks in advance :)

I am not wiccan but, was curious also. So, I bought the book, "Wicca for Beginners" by Thea Sabin. Now, this religion does nothing for me personally but, to each their own.

I find in order to get to truth, one must seek it for themselves. On VR, you may just get a mix of beliefs and never get to what you are seeking.

i know it's a bit in depth , but i found this book " The Practice of Celtic Wisdom : Druid Magic" by Maya Magee sutton Ph.D. and Nicholos R. Mann was very helpful it gives you quite a few helpful starting tips and great historical references

No offense, but the practice of Wicca is a personal choice and should not be questioned based on another individuals way of life.

If I were the inquisitor, I would try the practice and see as to why it would be as thus, and therefore gain a better understanding as to why certain individuals would choose the path.

Ah also, before you start getting into wicca, don't go thinking that it's an ancient craft that predates christianity. Wicca is very modern, it has only been around since the 1970s-ish. If you're really keen, study Paganism to get a better idea of what witchcraft actually is.
Personally, I don't think it is necessary to study it anyway, once you realise what the whole... idea of witchcraft and spell-casting is based on. Unlike what some people on here may tell you that it is about manipulating magical energies and such, that is rubbish. It is more like a belief in the human spirit, and using spell casting as a way to really believe that you can influence what is around you.
I personally think it's wiser not to associate yourself with any faiths or religions.

Very well stated... The studies are just that, a personal metaphore for understanding the self and to build personal confidence by confiding in certain tools of the practice as well as proper association of those tools in conjunction with personal belief.

Once the individual gains that positive perspective retained from the practice, then they could realize the potential of their "gift(s)."

Gifts as in compassion, equality and harmony with all things. Thus is the way of the true practitioner.

Well explained soulshroude :)

"No offense, but the practice of Wicca is a personal choice and should not be questioned based on another individuals way of life.

If I were the inquisitor, I would try the practice and see as to why it would be as thus, and therefore gain a better understanding as to why certain individuals would choose the path."

I am merely questioning HOW i start down the path. Thought people on here could give me some recommendations a book or website.
I get that its all personal choice, but if i just decided to set a building on fire that wouldnt exactly be classed as wicca would it? XD

I would have offered a book link, but you specified that you did not wish to be provided with such.

A book that could start you off would be: To Ride a Silverbroom Stick by Silver Ravenwolf.

She explains the basic details as well as how to perform certain tasks to aid in everyday life. I will not go into detail.

ok this is my faith and my husbands faith handed down through our families so it is a little older then the 1970's as it was stated by someone else .if you truly wish to learn get Scott Cunningham's WICCA: A GUIDE FOR THE SOLITARY PRACTITIONER or Ray Bucklands BUCKLAND'S COMPLETE BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT this is a good place to start , you might also look in to finding a teacher to help you along the way . Either way good luck in your quest ,I hope this has helped some .

I agree with ladySnowStrixx if you want to learn more get Scott Cunningham's WICCA: A GUIDE FOR THE SOLITARY PRACTITIONER.

This was the first book that i read on Wicca. I also agree to find a teacher is a very good move. My High Preistess just also happens to be one of my best friends for the past 24 years, and i have learned so much from her.

Ok there is a common misconception that reappears in the forum every so often.

First of all the term Witchcraft (which to most people is Wicca) is a MODERN term describing Pagan pre christain beliefs. Modern in relation to the beliefs of most wiches and Pagans that I know who believe in a primal system which is dualistic, as opposed to being pantheonistic, or monotheistic.

However the term witchcraft has been used as earlly as 7th century when the first missionaries came to British shores and used the term 'Wicce'

I have found that most UK Witches describe themselves as being Wicca, belonging to the old religion (before christianity) which most people assosiate with Witchcraft.

In my area witches are all pagans and I'm sure it's the same of my brothers and sisters in Wales Scotland, Ireland, however not all Pagans are Witches. The Witch is the one who has responsibility to raise the power, and is also in a position of power (ie) A wise one, or leader of a group.

Dam my Grammar is poor, I noticed that I never actually gave any information that you wanted! Lol, sorry about that.

The reason why is because I find it impossible to do so, as there are so many different sets of beliefs where magic and the practice of magic and rituals are concerned. What YOU need to do is to find what path you choose to follow...

For example:

Modern Wicca

Family Wicca

Dianic Wicca

Gardnerian Wicca

There are more which I haven't listed, good luck in your search.

I would suggest starting in a library and reading up on the subject.
It isn't about incantations alone, it is learning to utilize the elements of nature around you through your mind of matter in theory.
You can spend countless hours reading, writing and performing all the Rites you want with no results at all if your mind is closed.
To me it is no different than going to church, going through all the motions of a service and walking away the same as when you entered. No point or pointless.
The objectivity of Wicca is there are no set rules, no wrongs or rights, you can freely choose from any practices world wide and instill them for your very own. It's what works for you.
Like setting your own workable personnal religion. Freedom of choice, freedom of practice, freedom of beliefs.

i agree .... anything from Scott Cunningham .. and Sliver Raven-Wolfe... Buckland's book is also great....

and as for websites

here is on .... www.wicca.com


hope this helps on your search.. if it sounds good to you .. then by all means find a teacher...

Blessed Be

But pagan can't encompass wicca most wiccans i have met and i have met a good few usually have only one or two deities like the the Lord and Lady. Pagan is a broader term that encompasses the faiths of old like Gaelic, Norse, Grecian, Roman, Egyptian, etc. Which is all polytheistic and old.

Now not saying Some wiccans are not old in faith cause just because they can out of the broom closet in the 1970's does not mean it was not there before but in silence.

Ok I personally am a pagan. Who, bases most of my belifes and such on wicca. I have been a practicing/studying pagan for about 10 years.
Anyway,
A book that I suggest to anyone and everyone interested in wicca/paganism. Would be
Philosphy of wicca by Amber Laine Fisher.
It covers alot of the basics of wicca/paganism. Along with a few other religons in a down to earth way.

Lady Snow Strixx and I have been practicing most of our lives.

I do have a mentorship with introductory pages if you are interested.

May I suggest you attend an open ritual if you look at witchvox.com and search by your area in the blogs you will find usually when the next full Moon ritual is to be held or the next holiday is to be celebrated I know that that are some that do indeed hold open rituals to the public, and with Pagan Pride day coming up you would be able to attend that with a donation of canned goods as we do give back to the community.

Too put it simply... Pagan is the belief, Wicca is the practice at times of that belief.

You don't have to be Pagan to practice Wicca, and some Wiccan are not Pagan.

The best way to start in wicca is getting books and reading and deciding on what ways fit you best and that you are comfortable with.

I find that Wicca has far too many rules. I do not believe that the deities are not that picky about the candle color or the insense.

No offense, but the practice of Wicca is a personal choice and should not be questioned based on another individuals way of life.


if u wanna know more about wicca , go online.

1. google.com
2. neopagan.com
3. wicca.com

or go to the library and ask the librarian to help you find books on wicca and witchcraft.

go to the local bookstore and see if u find any wicca and witchcraft books.

in the future, whether u choose to follow the wiccan path or not i wish u the best of luck.

~Blessed Be~

Well as stated by many above there are many different approaches you can take, granted I am a Witch but I am not Wiccan, although I do have many friends that are, it was just not the "right" path for me. But yes you have been given many great ideas on how to start about, I also might suggest doing some meditation on what it is that you seek to obtain.

Theres lots of different traditions of Paganism, and its best to follow your own faith, and be eclectic. You can't beleive in what other people tell you to beleive. You must think for yourself, and follow your own path, because there's lots of different paths to take. You must know yourself and be creative and try and create your own ideas and beliefs when practicing magick, just be yourself. Try and do a bit research into all different aspects of paganism and spiritualism, and see what suits you.

I just started Wicca about 2 year ago, and I go to Pagan meetups to discuss different aspects into paganism. I am interested in Celtic wicca and paganism and I feel drawn to the Egyptians and aspects of the Kabbalah.

I would also recommend, "Wicca For One, The Path of Solitary Witchcraft", By Raymond Buckland. And "The Wiccan Handbook", By Eileen Holland.

These first two paragraphs are for SOME of the people who've posted before hand.

Well, I read through a few of the posts on here and first off, I'd like to say that the original postee asked for references. The majority of people posted crap about what a person should or shouldn't do based on their beliefs. Read the instructions people. Haha. Wow. They taught that in like Kindergarden where I grew up.

Anyways, Wicca actually started in the early 40's if anyone has ever read History of Wicca. Just type that in google and you'll find out everything you need to know. It didn't hit America until the late 70's. And Paganism is not a religion of any kind nor is it a specific. Paganism is the belief in Nature gods and the practice of Nature worship. Paganism was the first group of religions known on Earth. It makes sense because when all you know is that the river gives you water, the sun gives you light and warmth, and the trees give you food, you tend to consider them sacred of sorts. Paganism is a term for a GROUP of religions. Wicca is just a part of said groups.

Now, done with that. Try pretty much anything by Cunningham, Scott. I read all of his works. He has plenty of encyclopedia's for later use and two very good starting books. "Wicca: A Beginners Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" and "Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" The reason I like Cunningham the best is because unlike Ravenwolf and others he doesn't lean toward one preference or the other. He keeps Wicca to a basic and lets you believe what you want from there. After I read those I started on "The Philosophy of Wicca" by Amber Laine Fisher. She explains a LOT in the book about what being Wiccan is all about. REMEMBER: Being a witch and being Wiccan are two separate things. You can be Wiccan and not be a Witch but a Witch has to be Wiccan, or at least close to Wiccan. Druids don't practice magick so choose wisely which path you prefer.

Bucklands book of complete witchcraft is almost like an early version of an "Idiots guide to witchcraft," and is a good place to start, but I think it is essencially "gardener" based.

Most cities have nondenomination pagan gatherings at solstice, and or equinox as well as at other times of year, and should be reasonably well advertised in a store that caters to pagans. If a store advertises that they have craftspeople that will custom make ceremonial garb and implements... that is probably an authentic store not just catering to fluffbunny witches, and would be a good place to gather information and contacts.

Becouse this is the basic question of all human being how do I find faith ? I commend you on trying to explore other religions I personally choose to follow the wiccan path but my path in it is very old being handed down from my great great great granmother , for you i would advise to start reading
Scott Cunningham
Raymong Buckland
if your are a yunger person Silver Raven Wolf she great for the teens

good luck on your serch for faith it can be ans awsome experince and

Blessed Be

The most important thing is to find your own path.

Wicca and Paganism have been sensationalised over the years by those who do not understand the beliefs of followers of the paths.

A good website for those in the early stages of exploring a path is http://www.avalonia.co.uk/

I digress a little here, but I remember that when I was young my local paper (always a sensationalist rag) was always publishing stories about Alex Sanders (the founder of the Alexandrian Tradition) who lived in the Old Town here.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I started my exploration when I was finding my true self in another way. But, remember - there is no right way and no wrong way. Just find what is right for you.

You can and should read some beginner books. Go to the library and get them. You really don't want to get and keep some of these. Just read some and keep a mental note on how you feel about them. The bookshops are loaded with them now. Take a peek when you can. Don't buy them!!!!

They will mean almost nothing to you until you get to meet people that practice. So, next, look for open circle groups. They are around now and some will advertise at the main holidays. Sept 22 coming up, then Oct 31. Check the new-age shops and college clipboards around town. Witches as a rule don't advertise but some do hold open circles that are renamed for the general public.

Yes, any book by Scott and "uncle Bucky' will help. Even the "To ride books" by Raven silverwolf" are helpful to read but are not Wicca. "Spiral Dance" by Starhawk is a keeper once you get down to the real stuff that we use in ritual.

I believe, you can get any information you want from anyone, but in the end it's up to you how you practice your faith.

I too have books on Wicca and Witchcraft which is good to give you a start, but knowledge taken out of books alone is not enough, it's your own experience, feelings and observation that counts, what spells work for the author of a book, doesn't mean that it will work for you, so it's best to put your own intentions in your work.

Sometimes it is difficult to discuss "Religon" with others. There has been a lot of good info here, and many good books also. After reading some of these books, you will figure out what "practice" is best, as there are many branches!

Billy makes a good point about borrowing books. There are a lot of books that people buy and discard after realizing it does not suit them well.

One book, that I usually find quite fun to read is
teh witches almanac. It is like a farmers almanac, but it has quaint spells and stories... it usually comes out in January, even though the Wiccan new year does not really start until spring. It's cheap (about the price of a calander) and you don't have to read it cover to cover. There is often articals from some of teh authors mentioned in this thread, so you might get a bit of an Idea if you'd like their books.

I think a good place to start would be at your local occult shop Talk to some practitioners also Richard Blackwood Has written some very good books on the practice of Wicca and has written them for beginners in the study of Wicca. Just remember it is a religious practice and use caution and be honest with those you speak to about your intentions they way be more open to talking with you. Blessed Be and good luck.