where can i learn witchcraft?

Answer 1

First I have a couple of questions for you to really ponder.
1. Why do you want to practice witchcraft?
2. What lead you to this path?
3. What do you expect to gain from it?

If your answer to ANY of these questions is "power", forget it.

READ!!! Find out which denomination you would prefer. You may find your answer in, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.

I would not bother with any type of initiation or gathering of ritual tools until you find which path you are going to follow. I have a closet full of items but then, I have been practicing for a very long time. My particular path essentially needs only a Staff, Dirk (athame) and a Keek-Stane (or crystal ball). Other tools can be acquired as needed.

I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion", and have been for many, many years. Being a "Witch" is nothing like what is portrayed in movies or on Television. There is nothing flashy about it. we are fairly simple people with "abilities" that everyone has, ours are just honed and utilized. Lots of research and practice. There is a lot to learn when you are dealing with herbal, mineral and candle magick.
I read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other tools for divination but would NEVER charge anyone for anything I do! Besides, I do not do "readings" or "cast spells" for others on demand. That sounds more like a con game to me!
Now as for what I did to start, well, it seemed to come naturally to me, (my mother was a witch and my great grandmother was the daughter of a Comanche medicine man) and I believe this is not my first life (nor the last) as a witch. I have always had a deep respect for nature and have an innate ability to communicate with animals. When I was very young my parents encouraged me to learn about all religions, so I did. And I encourage you to do the same to find your true path. Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones, there are some I would avoid (Ravenwolf). I prefer Scott Cunningham. If you can connect with other practitioners that would also be a good way to learn. One question you must ask yourself is are you looking for the structured system of a Coven or would you prefer the life as a "Solitary"? Buckland has some very good books outlining both. But my favorite book is still "Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitoner". It is a good place to start (or affirm).
You were wise to ask this in M & F as opposed to R & S because that is where most of the "fundies" hang out. You are probably aware that you also have to have a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO), and would rather turn a blind eye to the world around them. Some will even admit that they think we should be burned at the stake! Ignorance knows no bounds.
If you are very young, expect ridicule and really stupid requests to do "Magic" like they do on TV or in movies. It is not going to make you cool. Expect people to tell you that you are going to Hell. You will probably lose friends. Just being honest with you.
I hope you find the answers you were looking for.
BB
)O(

Answer 2

There are many places you can learn witchcraft.

And there are many forms of witchcraft.

There have been some wonderful recommendations made already.

I'd suggest also being aware that, as with everything, different individuals or magickal communities will have different interpretations of The Craft and how it 'should' be practiced.

It's worth being aware too that Wicca and Witchcraft do not necessarily go hand in hand.

You can be Wiccan and not practice Witchcraft. And you can practice witchcraft in many forms.

In fact more religions and cultures have some form of witchcraft within them. Even Christianity.

The witchcraft I believe in is the craft that comes from an open hearted, loving place and works with the energies of the universe.

It is very much about conscious creation and using a variety of tools - most of them internal - to bring to fruition what you divine.

Always respecting the others right to free will, so not looking to manipulate others to behave in different ways.

You have been offered some fabulous suggestions already of where. Reading is indeed important.

And I'd also add that rather than focus on picking the 'right way' to learn the craft - trust your own instincts - as whatever choice you make will be right in some way.

In fact this is one of the fundamentals with The Craft - it is about focusing on what we do want and trusting that it will happen. And resisting any urge to fear, worry or hope - as all of those emotions mean our focus is actually on what we don't want or have.

So trust that the right answer will present itself to you.

Check out the sources suggested below.

And remember that what I and my community believe is 'real witchcraft' is that which comes from an open hearted, true, loving place.

I've also included a link below that will take you to more information on how to learn witchcraft, as I and some of my respected fellows offer a course on witchcraft.

Again - trust what feels right to YOU. As Buddha (just to throw in something different here :-) ) says:

"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."

Blessings

Answer 3

As others have mentioned you can go to www.witchvox.com for information about Wicca and witchcraft, but I would recommend first you read "The Truth About Witchcraft Today" by Scott Cunningham to see if this is the path you wish to follow and also get understand the very basics of what Wicca is. Then if still interested I would recommend you read "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" also by Scott Cunningham as this will give you a lot of the basic information about Wicca and how we work. I know there are also some of us that don't mind emails asking for more information as well.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 4

Witchcraft is the "Craft of the Wise" , First may I suggest that you take a look at the Witchvox site as wannabeahippy and someone else suggested.. Also the books that were mentioned as these will give you a clear understanding about the Craft as they were written with the novice in mind..Also remember that being a Wiccan is not just about spells and Witchcraft, it's about honouring the Gods and Goddess'.. Honouring the ancestors, staying focused and remaining true to yourself... It's a way of life.... And it harm none, do what ye will... Love and Light.. Blessed Be... )O(

Answer 5

If you want to learn the pagan or wiccian religons I suggest you study all you can about the different types there are, get a couple of book on begining witchcraft. Stay away from any books that talk about 'white' or 'good' magic, because in those religions all witchcraft is good. After you've studied for a while, you should go to someone who is in witchcraft and ask them if you can study under them. It's a long process. I'd go here to start: http://www.witchvox.com/

Answer 6

Witchcraft has no bibles or sacred scripture, nor prophets or divine writings. There is no set creed or dogma, only guidelines. Witchcraft knowledge can come from books and other people but Witchcraft wisdom can only come from contemplation, experience, the heart and listening. The individuals input is vital and autonomy is encouraged so that the Witch may discover what is right for them (Moura 2002). Witches will attempt to follow their own path. This is the one which their heart, mind and marrow has guided them too.

Answer 7

It is as simple has going to a book store. I like to recommend "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham. I am a little biased though because his books were the first books I read on the subject. I have been practicing folk magic ever since. I dont practice wicca though. You can weed out the parts about the religion if you want to. have fun and dont make it such a big task and you will learn in no time.

Oh yeah you can also try witchschool.com. they offer a basic course in the Correlian tradition for free and a couple other things. I liked it and it gives you the basics to start in the craft.

Answer 8

I agree with a lot of the responses posted here. I always suggest to people who ask how to learn about witchcraft, is to Read. Read, read, read, read, READ!!! Learn all you can to see if it really is for you. It is a craft, not a religion, as many would tell you. But you can honor deities (gods) if you so choose. The internet is a great resource for information on this, but take it all with a grain of salt. Some information can be contradicting, and say you "HAVE" to do this or that in order to be a witch, but this is not true. You do not "HAVE" to do anything, especially something that makes you uncomfortable. It'll be your path, so choose to do what you will, but remember, all actions that you do, will come back, good or bad.

All this said, good luck

Answer 9

I suppose when you changed the phrase "notion" with the synonymous phrase "speculation" you would not have a difficulty. Unless you are entirely unthinking, it is inconceivable not to have already got a preconceived recommendations approximately what you are going to be taught. There's not anything incorrect with already having ideals, you can not now not have them... Anyhow because the outcome of finding out you be taught when you had been both proper, incorrect, or slightly each on your ideals. Let's take some thing realistic as an illustration. The Earth actions across the Sun. My Preconceived Hypothesis: From revel in I can watch the solar transfer around the sky. The Earth feels love it's beautiful nonetheless. So possible most effective finish that the Sun is the person who's truthfully relocating. ^The above is nevertheless fallacious. The argument in opposition to the above is that whilst you do the maths it is plenty less difficult for the Earth and planets to be circling the Sun and now not the whole lot circling the Earth. Also we will research Venus and observe how the darkish part of Venus alterations (see as Venus is going across the solar specific materials of it are lit up displaying that it is relocating across the Sun). And why it feels just like the Earth isn't relocating is defined considering that we're correctly "relocating with" the Earth. ===== As a part observe I disagree with the individual who mentioned "ideals generally tend to get in the way in which". That's now not actual, correctly, so much clinical data are truthfully "ideals" earlier than they are validated. You have a notion, you cross out and end up that notion. Copernicus believed the Heliocentric mannequin, he went out and proved it.

Answer 10

Read, read, read. Authors like Scott Cunningham and Raymond Buckland are the best for a beginner. Be educated on the basics before trying to contact a Coven. Blessed Be.