There are many suggestions for a beginner Wicca and you are probably finding the array of conflicting information on the subject confusing. A number of books and online resources claim to provide “the right” information on Wiccan principles and beliefs.
If you are exploring the Wiccan practice it is helpful to start by understanding what Wicca is and isn’t. When you have this information you will be able to evaluate any resource or suggestions for a beginner Wicca to determine whether if fits in with traditional Wiccan practice.
Suggestions for a beginner Wicca – What Witchcraft Is and Isn’t
1) Witchcraft or Wicca is essentially a spiritual belief system and suggestions for a beginner Wicca should make this clear. It supports the free thought and will of a human being. It also encourages learning in all its forms and gaining increased understanding of the earth and nature. This is because all living things are seen as divine.
2) One of the cornerstones of Wicca is to accept responsibility for behavior and choices. This means that “other” forces are not blamed for our mistakes or weaknesses. Suggestions for a beginner Wicca should make this very clear.
3) Wiccans acknowledge natural cycles, lunar phases and the seasons. This means that such occasions are used to celebrate the spirituality of a Wicca. They are also opportunities to worship God and Goddess. During these times the Wicca works with the divine to attain harmony in the world. Stay away from suggestions for a beginner Wicca that suggests that you see yourself as God-like, the idea is a mutual relationship and not supplication or superiority to the Gods.
4) Wiccas do spells and these are for healing, love, harmony, wisdom and creativity. Potions may be to heal ailments for humans and animals. The earth is seen as a healing store that provides what is needed to make the mind and body whole. Orthodox medicine is used when needed so avoid suggestions for a beginner Wicca that refute scientific medicine completely.
5) Wiccas believe that the One, Goddess and God are to be found within all things – for example the natural world. This means that a Wicca has tremendous responsibility for the earth and all life. This includes things seen and unseen. Life is honored and respected so stay away from suggestions for a beginner Wicca that promote harm or manipulation of people or any other living thing.
6) Wiccas do not believe that theirs is the only religion that is the true spirituality, in fact they are against any form of belief system that promptes itself as the “one” way to practice. This has its roots in the many years of persecution witches have endured. Wiccans are tolerant of other religious practices so avoid suggestions for a beginner Wicca that insult or negate other faiths. These are accepted as long as they do no harm.
7) Wicca is not a cult and has nothing to do with devil or demon worship! To a Wicca Satan is tied to Christian beliefs. They do not recognize him as a tempter or as a being with power to cause them to do evil. Wiccans take responsibility for their own actions. Stay far away from any suggestions for a beginner Wicca that condones any recognition of Satan. Animal sacrifice is NOT part of the Wiccan belief system.
Wiccans hold important the “Law of Three” or Three-fold Law which states “that whatever we send out into our world shall return to us three fold either good or bane. So doing harm is never condoned. Stay away from any suggestions for a beginner Wicca that encourage using magic for evil or harmful purposes.