I want to get back into witch craft, how do I know the info I'm reading is the real thing?

Question

who do I know for a fact that the information I find on the internet or books is real and not just something someone wrote for fun.

Answer 1

This essay should help. It's an essay about the need to read pagan books and websites critically.
http://www.tangledmoon.org/critthink.htm

I'm not sure that what type of witch craft that you are interested in. Are you referring to ceremonial magic, Voodoo, folk magic, chaos magic, or the religion of Wicca? Each of these have their own structures, beliefs, and practices. If interested in the religion of Wicca, are you interested in traditional Wicca or Neo-Wicca? There is no one "real thing". Is your main goal to worship deities or practice magic? There are many different paths and each of them are valid for those who practice them. If you do a Google search on each of these terms, it may help you to narrow down exactly what you're looking for. Besides, it's a fun challenge to learn about different paths.

Answer 2

Even somethin someone wrote for fun can have value. It can ask questions that make you think and lead you into another line of thinking. Read a book, any book (stay away from Silver Ravenwolf, she is a nice person but it is really very fluffly), then write down what gives you questios, what makes you think, what you like, what you think is WAY OFF. Then read the bibliography, look at what the author used as a reference. Read those, write down the titles you want to read and head to the library. Use the search in the catalog and InterLibrary Loan as much as possible so you aren't buying books you later don't want. Once you find a book that you really feel good about, follow it. Read more from that author, and read the stuff in the Bibliography.
Witchcraft is ultimately a belief in ourselves, if you feel tht it is logical and right, go with it. Your ideas will change over time as your connection to the univere does and your ability to see and feel what is real and what isn't will grow.
You should connect with others not just for instruction but for fun. Any pagans are a good place to start. Even a pagan group at a college near your house can help you find someone or another group that you can really enjoy being with.

Answer 3

The more you read, the more you'll be able to say "Yes, someone else said this," and "No no no--this contradicts what at least three other authors have said." Highlight passages in your favorite books. Take notes. Remember that your own heart and your own ability to observe the world around you are your greatest strengths in learning witchcraft and magick.

I second the recommendations of Cunningham and Starhawk, in particular. I also like works by Marion Weinstien and Janet & Stuart Farrar. Even the fluffy-bunny works can have a few hidden gems; just make sure you're discerning as you read, and you should be fine.

If you live near a Unitarian Universalist church, you can check to see if they have an active CUUPS chapter (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) -- they often have book clubs, open circles, etc., and because they're attached to a church, they seem particularly non-threatening :-)

Answer 4

Firstly what do you mean by the real thing and what you mean by witch? You can certainly find plenty of books on becoming a witch some are good most are are just commercial pot boilers.
I turned to Wicca many years ago finding all main stream religions misogynistic, Wicca empowers women. Modern Wicca was founded by a man called Gerald Gardner who claimed to have been initiated into a hereditary coven sometime in the 1920s or 30s...I have my doubts. Though I no longer call myself a witch, it was the beginning for me of a long search, I would recommend anything By Starhawk. It is sane and forms a good foundation for practice that will serve you for a long time. however to answer your question the only answer I've found to that question is test it out if works for you stick with it, if it does not try something else.

Answer 5

definite they're authentic. even in spite of the undeniable fact that maximum human beings do not use the be conscious wizard,they use witch(both male and woman),it has an identical meaning. yet a tremendous variety of spells on the cyber web do not artwork and are faux. yet do not EVER try a spell once you first commence except you already know precisely whet your doing. Curses and hexes are authentic and they are EXTREMLEY risky, I say this all from adventure i'm 14 and tried to hex someone and it backfired. I knew without delay it did because I had solid a pair spells previously or maybe as ever they worked i might want to experience the potential leaving me,yet this time the potential got here to me,so be VERY careful! I also propose you study somewhat more effective till your serious.....

Answer 6

The same way you know if anything that has to do with religion is real. You FEEL it. If it's not ringing true, or you feel the need to stop reading, listen to that tiny voice called intuition. You'll find your path soon enough. God Bless

Answer 7

Khalin is pretty much on track. But I am guessing you were into solitary witchcraft as opposed to coven based. Your best bet is anything by Scott Cunningham. preferably "Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner". Raymond Buckland is also a pretty good source for factual information as well.
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Answer 8

If you are getting "back into" it, you should have some idea if what you are reading is bogus or not. If you were in it before, why did you leave? Doesn't make much sense to me.

Answer 9

To be honest you don't know. Most of it I would consider crap that isn't worth reading, its just an opinion of how you should do things.

Answer 10

You say you want to get 'back' into witchcraft. If you were into it before, you would know.

Post in religion, not mythology. Contact your former witchcraft practitioner acquaintances.