For Those Interested In or New to Witchcraft, Wicca and/or Paganism

Some of what is contained in this message is my opinions and beliefs. I am never speaking for the whole only me.

Adaptation of original post by Lunar Flame (1998)
"I have heard many people saying, 'I need a spell for this, I need a spell for that' I have heard them want to be a witch because of not knowing the power or wanting it. I don't mean to say that your...well...ignorant..but mis-using something like this is serious stuff! Be careful and understand what your doing before you do it!"

Let me direct you to a wonderful web site that has great information for those who are new to the Witch path or want to know more about Wiccan Witchcraft.

Since, for me, Witchcraft is a lifestyle choice not a spiritual belief system (even an atheist can be a witch). My spiritual beliefs come in the Paganism that I follow... not the Witchcraft. Men and women of any age, race, spiritual path can be a witch. So, if you are wondering if you can be Christian and be a witch- I say yes. What does YOUR heart or soul say?

Witchcraft is an earth-based/centred, scientific and magickal way of life or lifestyle. The belief in Divinity in any form is not needed nor required. Let me explain a little more....

On the topic of magick, spells and/or spellcasting:

"Spells are the 'extra helping hand' to get something done, favours we ask from the unseen world around us. The 'helping hand' can't do much good for us if we aren't doing anything ourselves to reach our goals. I tend to think that the 'extra help' only comes through if we prove that we are serious by doing everything we can by mundane means to get what we want or need. Why should the spirits or the Lady and Lord help us by doing our work for us if we're not serious enough to do our part? In my opinion, spellcasting is dangerous when people choose to use it in place of mundane action. I think spells should only ever be performed in addition to mundane action. For example, if I wanted to help someone heal, I might perform some healing spells in addition to making sure that regular medical attention was sought, and the ill person was getting lots of rest and eating properly. It really bothers me whenever I hear about someone who seeks only 'alternative' (magickal) healing and abandons mundane medical attention and plain common sense. We seem to get stories in the newspaper every few years about some negligent parents who allow a child to die while going through "magickal healing" methods instead of regular medical attention, where the regular medical attention would have saved the child. A spell to get a job can't work if I don't send my resume in for advertised positions. A spell to heal a rift with my sweetheart can't work if I won't talk with him. A spell for world peace isn't much help if we still pick up guns and go to war with our neighbors."
Ben Gruagach < gruagach@earthling.net > (Fri, 16 May 1997)

Walk to the shops instead of driving the car. Eat breads, cereals, fruits, etc... a true witch (IMHO) will always look for mundane (real life) ways to solve a problem BEFORE seeking a magickal solution.

The books I like to recommend people to read ..

Spiral Dance by Starhawk
I have found some of the exercises within this book invaluable as have others. The information within the book comes from a Dianic Wicca tradition. However, in the latest edition Starhawk has added at the back where her views have changed/expanded/grown. Men are quite welcome to read this book even though it has a feminist slant in some parts.

Witchcraft Today Book Series by Chas S Clifton
There are four books in this series. Each book has a theme which the articles by various American Pagans follow. At the end of each article is a recommended reading list or bibliography if you would like further information on an article's subject.
Book 1: Modern Craft Movement, Book 2: Modern Rites of Passage, Book 3: Witchcraft and Shamanism, Book 4: Living Between Two Worlds.

A Witches' Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar
Whilst expensive it is well worth its weight in the information that is within it! It is a big book as it incorporates two books in this one book as well as a Glossary, Appendix and Bibliography. The information within is from a Traditional Alexandrian tradition.. so you are getting a glance at Traditional Wicca.

Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia by Lynne Hume
Even though it says in Australia, like the American books listed above, it has invaluable information. I have asked other Pagans who have read this book of their opinion... so far all have raved about the book and gotten something out of it.

How To Be A Real Witch by Deborah Gray
A great book to compliment what the beginner/neophyte is already learning. Unlike Sprial Dance this is not a Wicca-specific book and instead covers a more eclectic form of Witchcraft. Deborah dispels alot of the misinformation that is contained within many modern-day 'Wicca for Beginners' books. A great addition to the bookshelf and I look forward to the time when this book also becomes a classic.

If you cannot afford or borrow these books, doing the following simple things can help prepare you to work with a coven/group:

After reading all this you have a feeling that you won't have time for all this: TIME MANAGEMENT. Learn how to manage your time effectively so then you CAN make time for yourself.

I am to be contacted through sseashell@animail.net

Many Blessings to you on your journey.
SunsetSeashell

Newbie Information
I would recommend to those new to the Internet to visit the following to sites:

Teenagers and Minors
Please feel free to bookmark the following sites:

Paganism and Wicca FAQs

Networking Sites
Put your name and details at these sites so you can meet others of a like mind..
REMEMBER! If you plan to meet someone who you've had net-communication with in real life.. do so at a public place like a cafe, pool hall, shopping centre, etc.

For discussion lists for Pagans, Wiccans and Witches (Australia and World-wide) of any age and experience (even those who have none!)

Christian Paganism, Witchcraft and Mysticism
Come to your own conclusions as to whether or not Christianity and Paganism and/or Witchcraft can be combined into a viable spiritual path. These are links that I have always referred to those who are Christian and have an interest in persuing a Christian path along with Paganism and/or Witchcraft.

You may also try a search on any major search engine (such as Google) using any of the following search terms in any combination: " Christian Witch Pagan Mystic Esoteric "

• if you have a weak or damaged aura from trauma or substance abuse
• if you feel mentally confused or have an altered state of consciousness as a result of drinking or drugs
• if your intent is to do harm to someone through manipulation of another's will or any another harmful acts.

And remember:

• never work outside the protection of a well cast magic circle
• magic does not work instantaneously.

     Don't wait expectantly for your spell's purpose to manifest. Instead, maintain your trust, and
     remain positive and responsive to the forces of the universe, which will be working with you.