There are many things that you need to beware of when you start actively practicing the craft.
Never ever do anything that you dont feel comfortable with. This includes rituals, workings, spells and dances.
Never do anything you don't understand.
-Never invoke anything you've never heard of before. When invoking, make sure you fully understand what you are invoking.
BEING DRAWN TO WICCA
What should I do about a feeling a calling to the craft?
It is totally your decision as to whether you accept the calling or not. If you feel you have recieved this then I would recommend you dig deeper into your soul to find out the true nature of this calling.
Info for the Beginnner
Wicca is not a cult: Anyone who joins a Coven is fully free to leave whenever they so choose. No one is brainwashed, programmed or forced to break associations with their family or friends, and no one is forced to do anything against their will. No one is forced to dress in certain ways, give up anything, change their lifestyle, job or home, and no one is forced to think in ways they are not comfortable or happy with.
Wicca does not recruit new people: The Circle of witches is potentially open to all, but we don't "drag 'em in off the streets", we don't hand out leaflets or hold meetings designed to convert or brain wash people, and we turn away more than we let in.
There is no profit in Wicca: Some Covens collect funds to cover the cost of such items as candles, incenses, etc, but no one passes around a collection plate or holds rallies to raise money like the Christians do- no Wiccan will exhort your children to "dig deep for Jesus" or some pagan variation on that. Whatever money that any Wiccan has is generated by their own work, and not by stealing it from others by selling tickets to salvation.
Sex and drugs: Wiccan philosophy includes open attitudes to sexuality and recognises and respects the sexual symbolism implicit in nature based religions- much Wiccan ritual revolves around the interaction between the Goddess and her Consort the Horned God, but Wicca is not a promiscuous religion, way or philosophy. I have to disappoint those who are looking for orgies and satanic rites- we don't do that.
Wiccans do not use drugs in their rituals. Many Wiccans 'take a drink', and most festivals, rituals and Wiccan celebrations generally end with a feast that includes alcohol, but that is no different to any kind of ordinary party. Wine is consumed ritually within some Wiccan rituals- A chalice of wine is blessed and shared with all present. Those who cannot drink alcohol because they are driving or similar will share a chalice of consecrated fruit juice- it is the consecration and sharing which is ritually important, and not the substance. Some open Pagan celebrations do allow children to attend but those are under their parents supervision. Pagan parents don't want their children to be alcohol or drug abusers as much as you do.
The Decrees of Witchcraft
1) Never experiment or practice with magickal applications, symbols, or systems that you do not FULLY understand. If you do not know the full gambit of what you are doing, Do Not Do It. Retribution and causalities can be far reaching and abound in more ways than you can imagine.
2) Do not link money with your magick. It will effect the outcome and the caster. Reimbursement for supplies, time, and effort is acceptable but, never demanded.
3) Never use your skills and abilities to impress or fascinate someone. The God and Goddess do not need another arrogant buffoon. You will fail miserably.
4) Do not scare or threaten others with magickal intimidations or the like. We are Witches, not thugs. Remember the Law of Three.
5) Know that thoughts are things, and that which you create may and probably will manifest in this reality.
6) Never lie to yourself or others. This is the epitome of deceit. This becomes a circle of self-destruction.
7) All things that are -bad- in your life are most often the result of low self-esteem or negative self-think, not bad luck.
8) The power of a Witch grows in direct relation to his or her wisdom and capability.
9) Nothing can harm you or control you unless you allow it to and believe that it does.
10) Never use your abilities to harm another. However, you may defend yourself, and the ones you love, the best way you see fit.
11) Always do the best that you can do. No one is perfect but, we try to constantly improve ourselves and to evolve. Have faith. The God and Goddess will take care of you in the best possible manner.
12) As long as you adhere to what you believe in, do not worry about the ridicules of others. Ridicules are the result of fear, low self-esteem and self-doubt. Do not waste your time on such nonsense.
13) Regard property of another better than you would have them regard your own. Be respectful.
14) Do nothing that would endanger the Craft or someone of the Craft.
15) Do not do something that will bring about conflict with the law of the land. Do mind your beliefs, the beliefs and laws of your Coven, and the beliefs and laws of your Clan - above all others.
16) Witches may teach to others outside of the Craft if: The environment is safe to all, The teacher is knowledgeable and responsible, The student is willing and sincere, The information is already available to the general public-no secrets, and The information Harms None.
17) Perform all magick within the circle. This is especially true for beginners. Only those of great experience and ability may work outside of the circle.
18) Do Nothing to bring Shame to yourself, your coven, and your clan. We, as Witches, have a responsibility that others only speak about but, never fully practice. Each of us is a direct representative of our religion and the Craft, as a whole.
19) Always be proud of who and what you are. Know that you are among the elite and of something far greater than most will ever know. Be proud, be compassionate, and be kind, for you can afford to be.
20) Never shed blood in circle . The God and Goddess do not want us to waste their creations and their children in such a manner. All things are of the God and Goddess. Respect theirs and ours. Killing is for defense and survival -only.
21) Always remember that the God and Goddess are with us. They will provide and protect us. We are never alone. As such, be mindful and remember.
22) Always keep the laws, the Rede, and the rules of the coven and clan. They are written for a purpose and not to fill space on the paper. Keep the laws and they will keep you.
23) Always follow your beliefs diligently, for they are who you are, and they define you for all to see.
24) Do not cast spells while sick, ill, or under the influence of drugs or heavy medication. The results can and probably be extremely baneful. Always be in complete control of yourself.
25) Do not let anyone tell you that what you believe in - the Craft- is wrong, evil, or bad. This is a trick to persuade you to be a puppet of another.
26) Always keep an open mind to the ways and beliefs of others. We are all here to learn and grow together. Keep yourself and your beliefs but, learn from and about others. The higher mind is a diversified mind.
27) Do not mock the way of others. For they may know something you may not -and you might not realize it ...yet.
Why do Wiccans and Witches Wear a Pentacle?
A pentacle is worn because it represents one of our beliefs, our unity with nature. So by wearing it you must realize you're proclaiming your unity with nature. The pentangle basically depicts four five elements, earth, air, fire, water, and the fifth element akasha, which is you and the universe. This is the symbol of life. The pentagram, encompassed by a circle, shows how all living things are created, controlled and destroyed by Divinity.
HOW TO GET STARTED
The first step of this is to gather information- to read voraciously, to sweep the Internet for material, to attend conferences, gatherings, Pagan fairs and other similar events, and to meet with and talk with as many Witches of all kinds and ways as possible. Do not limit yourself to what type of craft you pratice, find the right path for you. The greatest gift a witch can have is knowledge. It will unlock and open so many doors for you.
Then you will want to make yourself a witches book, known as
A Book Of Shadows
This should include herbal recipes, spells and a list of your witches rules. It should be made out of good quality paper
Treat it with the utmost respect and do not damage it.
Always keep a calendar with moon cycles on.
Learn the Basics of Wicca and it's History
Familiarise yourself with worship.
Get to know the basic Gods and Goddesses and different incantations of the Lord and Lady.
Familiarise yourself with basics such as sabbats, creation myths, esbats, traditions, moon phases and the like.
Learn how to meditate.
Keep a dream journey.
Next, incorporate Wiccan laws into your life. Write a copy of these on your Book of Shadows.
Familiarize yourself with the four strands of Wicca: Worship: The Lord and Lady as the main deities, Mother Nature and different Gods and Goddesses. Healing: This usually is through wortcunning which is the use of herbs. Magick: This the casting of spells. You can find these in books, on websites and in this community. Divination: This is telekinesis, telepathy and clairvoyancy
The most powerful step when getting started is to…�?name yourself a Witch. This is a major and extremely powerful act in its own right. Whether you ever join with other Witches or whether you stay entirely solitary in your Craft, whether you are ever initiated or not, from this point on you will be a Witch. You may not initially be a very expert or experienced Witch, but you will be a Witch until and unless you decide otherwise.
From here you will grow in experience, deepen your connections to power, deepen your connections to the Goddess and Horned God of the Craft, and expand all that you do so that it enriches and empowers your life.
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