Witchcraft?

Question

Witchcraft?
I really want to get into witchcraft. It's not a fad, it's something i have wated for ages and i truly believe i am cut out for it. However, i need some tips/links. Please???

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. Most things that may be mentioned are not necessary in all denominations. I have much more than most, 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).
As you have probably noticed, 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

You'll see there are a lot of viewpoints expressed here. They range from, "Don't do it at all", to "Heck, go connect with the first coven you can find and go for it".

My only suggestion is, err in favor of caution. A surprising number of people can be found trafficing pagan bookstores, who have read a book, learned enough to get themselves into trouble, and figure that's enough.

Frankly, I'd say a person would be better off [my perspective only] studying alone, trying a few things carefully, studying some more, and eventually, if you are drawn to do so, scouting the groups near you [AFTER you know enough to be able to decide whether they know what they're about].

One fairly low-common-denominator: the instant you hear someone discussing 'love spells', 'revenge', or anything else attempting to manipulate the choices of others should be a barometer as to whether they honestly believe 'no harm'. Anything you do to change the choices of others is black. And anyone who practices black is probably worthy of the word, 'beware'.

It might be worth keeping in mind that what you do, and the mistakes you make on your own, you bear the responsibility for. And when you practice in a group, you get to share the consequences for what the entire group does, whether you 'approved', or were merely passive.

I don't intend any disrespect for anyone when I say, there are a LOT more people out there practicing craft than there are people practicing it who understand and respect what they are doing.

You'll see, and hear it said many times, "It's all intent."

Intent doesn't have much to do with energy work. The forces you are working with are subtle, by their own nature. The need for [probably self-] training isn't 'learning how to manipulate energy'. That's the simple part. The tough part is learning to do it while acknowledging all the ways you can leave a hole for it to slip through, and doing the best you can to plug those holes before you ever turn anything unexpected loose.

Answer 3

Witchcraft(Black Magic) will attract to you a very bad Karma the next life. Witchcraft is earnest punished than suicide. It is against the Holy Spirit.

Magic(that can be White or Black, depending on what purpose you have,what instruments you use and how you make the prayer) is the manipulation of energies in nature.

Black Magic: Voodoo, Witchcraft, curses, Sorcery,....
White Magic: Shamanism, Teurgy, ...

White Magic uses: Normal cross,sanctified instruments, candle put in a normal position when lit, praying to Holy Spirit or Masters of Medicine, normal pentagram, etc.


Black Magic uses: all of the above but INVERTED.

Inverted Pentagram:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Inverted_Pentagram_circumscribed.svg/2000px-Inverted_Pentagram_circumscribed.svg.png

Inverted cross: http://i1.cpcache.com/product_zoom/264652497/inverted_cross_dog_tshirt.jpg?height=250&width=250&padToSquare=true

Inverted candle:
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121114214745/sonic/images/9/93/Inverted_Candle.png


Do not try something even if someone tells you it's white magic what he wants to teach you, because he might use black magic and trick you, it's risky. I am in an esoteric school and gained some experience that is why I know now what is good or bad.

Answer 4

Witchcraft or Wicca?

There are many forms of Witchcraft, so i can only help you if you give me some specifics you are looking for.

I would suggest reading "Buckland's Complete book of Witchcraft" By Raymond Buckland.
I havent read the whole thing yet but it seems very Informative, and everyone i have asked says it is a great book to start out with :)

you should be able to order it from your local Library.

Answer 5

Any particular form of Witchcraft get your attention or are you aiming more towards a general practice?


I would be curious as to why you think you are cut out for it.

Answer 6

You have to understand the difference between science and witchcraft. Note that the German word for science is essentially "witchcraft" because of the similarity between witchcraft and science. In science and technology we use formulas, procedures, and rules to have an effect on our environment. Just like witches would use spells and potions. The difference is that science assumes and depends on the fact that anyone could repeat the experiment at any time and get the same result. Witchcraft depends on the relationship with spirits, demons and powers to accomplish the work of the magical procedure--particularly spirits, demons and powers that are made to obey through the force of will of the caster or through bargaining with the spirit. Magic is very much about the magician. For example, if you were to discover the formula for a potion that if you drank it would make you invisible for an hour and you could publish that formula and anyone who followed your instructions could have the same result then you would have a science experiment not magic.

Note that since the "Magic" doesn't work unless the caster is somehow a "Magician" any failure to make magic work is your fault, not that of whatever spell was in the book or scroll that you bought. Count on being ripped off by the unscrupulous.

Magic is a form of idolatry. There is no distinction between making a god, spirit or "power" and making a god, spirit or "power'" do something. Which is diametricly opposite worshiping and humbly petitioning your Creator.

To get an idea of how witchcraft can affect your personality and view of life, I suggest you read "The Magician's Nephew", by C. S. Lewis. This is more than a childrens book.

Answer 7

http://www.witchvox.com is a great resource, especially their local listings.

For a bit of history: http://www.hermetics.org/ebooks.html (You'll need to click the Wicca/Witchcraft link. The information is a bit dated, but it's good to know where Wicca came from.)

And there is a list of books on WitchVox, too. You should try and see if you can find a few of them in your library...

Answer 8

The best site on witchcraft! http://usminc.org/Wicca/wicca.html

Answer 9

To me you can't practice witchcraft authentically without a religious link, though I know some do. I think you need some basis in the gods and a knowledge of how your work affects yourself and others, and you need to have a foundation from which to work. If your aren't honoring the gods in your daily life, they aren't likely to help you if you want to start casting spells out of the blue. Witchvox is a good site (as already mentioned) but I think you should seek out pagans and wiccans in your area who can answer your questions and give you some guidance.

Answer 10

I am curious as to why you want to "get into Witchcraft". Sounds like you think it is trendy or cool. I will take you at your word that you are a seeker and provide you with a few links...

http://www.shadowdrake.com/
http://www.traditionalwitchcraft.net/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TraditionalWitchcraft/