Does anyone know how I can start to learn about the Wicca faith?

Question

I really don't want any encyclopedia stuff that just defines it, i am looking for something to help me start practicing it.

Answer 1

Tons of great info
http://www.witchvox.com/_x.html?c=basics
Traditional Wicca
http://www.newwiccanchurch.net/articles/btwfaq.htm
Traditional Witchcraft
http://www.shadowdrake.com/HSDwitchFAQ.html
Neo Wicca
http://www.witches-tutorial.com/paths/neowicca.html
Well worth the read
http://wicca.timerift.net/
Solitary Study
http://bluemoonwicca.org/solitary.html

Hope these are of some help to you.

Blessings )O(

Answer 2

First I have a couple of questions for you to really ponder.
1. Why do you want to be Wiccan (witch)?
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 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 3

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

The following are some reccomended reading:
The Witches Bible by Janet and Stuart Farrar
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Brosseau Gardner
Witchcraft Today by Gerald B. Gardner
Witchcraft for Tomorrow by Doreen Valiente
Wicca by Vivianne Crowley

Answer 4

www.witchvox.com is the best website to find out stuff about all Occult paths

Scott Cunningham wrote some wonderful Wicca books, and most are not very expensive and are sold in all major bookstores (Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc).

Wicca is a specific religion that places more emphasis on spirituality than the magic part. So if you're in the bookstore and see a book by, for example, Aleister Crowley, realize that it's about magic but not Wicca, and probably not what you're looking for.

Answer 5

Hello, I am always happy to help. Read my profile. When I got started, I read a lot of books and you have to weed out what's trash and get to know the real authors... Scott Cunningham, Ray Buckland, and D.J. Conway are the best in my Book of Shadows... Are you going solitare or with a Coven? I'm a solitary Wiccan and it's okay...I still like to chat with others at wiccanplace.com and you can go to wicca.com to know more. Beliefnet.com under earth-based religions will tell you all you need to know, but practice makes the best Wiccan. Even though there is hundereds of books, websites, and movies (mostly fictional), as long as you have the basic Wiccan Rede down, you can practice anyway you want!! It gives peace and freedom of religion in a whole new age way.
If you need any more answers, you can email me...Good luck and Blessed Be! ~Amethyst Moon

Answer 6

If you're looking to do some reading, I'd recommend "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, and "The Triumph of the Moon" by Ronald Hutton. I advise you to stay away from anything by Silver Ravenwolf, for reasons outlined in the following essay:

http://wicca.timerift.net/ravenwolf.shtml

If you're looking for Wiccan services in your area, I highly recommend the Witches of the World section at Witchvox:

http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html

Just use the pull-down menus on the left to find individuals, groups, shops, and events in your area.

EDITED TO ADD: Regarding the recommendation for the Yvonne and Gavin Frost School of Wicca... Their attitudes about the deflowering of pubescent girls in a ritual context have some Wiccans up in arms. And that's only the tip of the iceberg.

http://st09.startlogic.com/~pendrago/goodwitch.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_and_School_of_Wicca

Bottom line: they are not in any way representative of mainstream Wicca, and I personally find many of their philosophies revolting in the extreme. And yes, I've actually read interviews with them. This has only reinforced my opinion.

Answer 7

Asking about which author is a good one for study on Wicca is like asking someone to outline Paganism. i found Silver Ravenwolf to be an person-friendly examine, yet she likes to pass on the historic previous. at the same time as i began attending to understand more suitable about my cutting-edge religious course, i actually began with Wicca and Witchcraft for Dummies and then went to Buckland's finished e book of Witchcraft. I believe the fellow who reported the Witches Bible finished by Janet Farrar and Stewart Farrar, notwithstanding it does examine like a textbook. I do advise Scott Cunningham besides. different posters have reported that they reported that they examine as a lot as conceivable and then settle on what they're going to use and are available across a community team or metaphysical keep. I do believe them thoroughly on both factors. reading about Wicca is one aspect, that's yet another to journey it with others. human beings in this religious course would nicely be an exceedingly good source besides. note: i began out Christian earlier i found Wicca.

Answer 8

Look for a shop in your area. Look in the local white pages or whitepages.com for New Age or occult bookstores and shops. They usually have a large variety of books and supplies needed to get started. Also, there will usually be a bulletin board to help you find people of a like mind.

Some of the most helpful books that I have are by Janet and Stewart Farrar.

Answer 9

I love Beliefnet.com. I haven't used it for researching Wicca, but I learned a lot about Judaism, and they have popular forums where you could ask a lot of specific questions. Here's a link!
http://www.beliefnet.com/bnetsearcher/searchsite.aspx?q=wicca&Image1.x=0&Image1.y=0

Answer 10

Step one. Got cash? say 40$? If yes go to local book store to new age section. look for Angela Ly De or Scott Cunningham as authors.

IF no... search your area for a local coven, and find a way to meet with one member of them ( preferably the head) in a one on one in a public place. take em out to lunch or something. to feel them out. if it feels wrong... RUN.