I'm looking for some help on Wicca.?

Question

I've never ever been a fan of Christianity and I believe that Wicca is the way of life for me. I have some books, but I don't have any practical experience, as such.

I guess you could say that I'm looking for somebody who can possibly direct me as to what the best books are, if they know of any local contacts I can speak to who would be willing to help a total novice?

I know this sounds like an advert but searching on the internet leads me to so many American websites - not a great help when I live in Lancashire!

Anyway, if anybody can help me, in any way, it really would be appreciated. Thankyou. =]

To everybody who answered honestly and fairly, I thank you so much. You've given me so much to work on. Thankyou. =]

I'm not going to acknowledge the person who mentioned Satan.

Thankyou so much again.

Answer 1

There are a whole heap of books on magic and spells and all that sort of thing, but I don't think it is the best way to approach wicca, or celtic tradition or much of anything.

The old bardic traditions which gave rise to wicca were inspired by works of history and fiction, the retelling of old tales.

If you are in Lancashire England you have a great place to start which is by reading the books of Alan Garner, who lived and wrote about Alderley Edge.

For ideas behind ritual magic, Cabalism and naming, there are few better inroads than the Earthsea series by Ursula Le Guin who covers some incredibly deep concepts of light and shadow in very readable story form. Written for kids but most enjoyable to adults.

On the more spiritual quest around runes and divination, take a look at Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates, Superb work.

You can find local groups easily enough on witchvox.com, and a number good british sources exist online including very old friends at britwitch.com.

Good hunting.

Answer 2

I'm Wiccan and there is a great book I have called "The Witches Handbook" (I think!) by Kate West. It's not too old, they might have it in Waterstones or online - It goes into all the Sabbats and the wheel of the year, which is really interesting. Also the rituals and the meanings behind everything which is a great start as then you can do your own thing and not just copy rituals just because a book told you to. It's the best book I have read on Wicca and it's great. There's also a magazine I get called Spirit and Destiny which you might find interesting, the new one is out tomorrow and they have a section at the back written by their resident Witch full of spells and remedies etc as well as a meaning behind the craft. Good luck! )o(

Answer 3

I suggest reading a wide spectrum from authors such as these:
Scott Cunningham
D. J. Conway
Patricia Telesco
Margot Adler
Silver Ravenwolf
Raymond Buckland
Ted Andrews
Migene Gonzalez-Wippler
Sandra Kynes

Take all you read with a grain of salt, since religion is really all about opinion, not proveable facts. You certainly won't agree with all you read, but at least it will give you some idea of the many different viewpoints out there and will hopefully help you form your own.

Answer 4

It depends on whether you mean Wicca as it has come to be practiced now-a-days, or Wicca as it was founded to be.

If what you are looking for is Neo-Wicca, there are a lot of books out there that will teach you "feel good" Wicca

If what you want is the Oath-bound, Initiated, Coven training, that is something you will have to search for. Traditional Wiccans don't advertise, or troll for students. If this is what you are looking for try the site below

Answer 5

Where to look really depends on what kind of Wicca is for you.

http://www.witchvox.com/xtrads.html is a list of over 65 traditions of Wicca and paths of Paganism. Using the page to narrow down your search may help.

Just be aware that the user submitted profiles may contain lies and distortions-not all groups are equal

Answer 6

morning---not sure that books are a good way to go on this one-and i am an avid reader--would really suggest getting to know some other people who practice wicca and learning from them----i dont find there wicca any more real then other religions but do find them to be as a whole very friendly and kind people who make it a point to do no harm-------not a bad way to live one life is it-------enjoy the day

Answer 7

A short net search netted this information:
Cloven Hoof

A new networking group based in Preston, Lancashire. Offers; monthly meetings, socials, outings, outdoor/full moons, moot/rituals. Discussions and workshops, exploring all aspects of nature based religion., Bi-monthly newsletter ú1 a year, inc. postage (or 6 first class stamps). Everyone welcome.

For further info phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]
West Yorkshire, HX7 5NP

I don't know how up to date this group is or even if it still exists, but you can look on this page: http://www.tylwythteg.com/ukpagan.html which is where I found it. Good luck!

Answer 8

since you're new to paganism, you should know that there are many paths out there, not just wicca - although wicca is probably the most easily accessible for information. either way, try these sites

http://witchvox.com/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/

you can also go to the yahoo meetup groups and find one in your area

a good book is wicca for the solitary practicioner by scott cunningham. stay away from anything by silver ravenwolf though

Answer 9

I've got a reading list, somewhere... Here!

http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1156551

That should help you a bit. Good luck! You should be able to find local contacts at Witchvox, or your local Pagan store.

Answer 10

Check out independent and new-age bookstores.
My wife practices Wicca and one of her favorite books is entitled "green Wicca".
Good luck in your search.