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Beginning Witchcraft

Learn to crawl before you try to run.

One of the first things I’m usually asked by someone who is not a Witch is, “Why are you a Witch?” That is followed closely with, “How do I become a Witch?”

And of course, there's the perpetual question, What is Witchcraft? 

 I can help you to find your Path, but only you can walk it.  Witchcraft is a personal journey that only you can take.  You are unique and special, there is no one else like you.  That means you have abilities and desires that no one else does.

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Most people get confused because every book seems to describe the same concept a different way. Each of these books describes that particular author's way of doing things. Here you will find your own unique form of Witchcraft. That is how you walk your Path.

This may sound intimidating, but if you read what is here, and throughout CyberWitchcraft, you will learn what it takes to be a Witch.  It takes time, and it takes effort, but nothing worth having comes easily.


Introductions Are In Order

Any introduction or discussion of Witchcraft is going to use words that you may not be familiar with. Throughout this site, links in green will pop up a glossary of terms in a new window. Please set your browser to accept pop ups from this site. I give you my word as a Witch, that I will not pop up unrelated windows, such as ads for porn.

As with anything else you want to learn, the best place to start is at the beginning. The basic beliefs of Witchcraft are fairly simple. It's like reciting the Golden Rule.  It's understanding the meaning behind the words that takes time.

There are buzzwords and phrases every Witch knows.  They include the Three-fold Law, and The Wiccan Rede but understanding what those words mean is much more important than knowing the words themselves.  

Anyone can wear the symbols of Witchcraft without knowing the meanings behind them, but for the person who understands the meanings, they are extremely powerful.  Understanding the symbols allows you to direct your magick much quicker and easier.

There's more to being a Witch than simply calling yourself a Witch.  A lot more.  Being a Witch is the ability to make changes in your life.  Are you looking for money, love, happiness?  Through Witchcraft you can have all of the things you most desire.  Witchcraft allows you to change the very fabric of reality, if you understand how.

The Basics

Before you can cast your first Circle, or chant your first spell, you need to have an understanding of tools that are used, and how to consecrate those tools.  Some of these tools are not as obvious as a knife.  They include things like an altar, robes, and salt. 

Once you have cast the Circle, and created your Sacred Space, you call to the Quarters or Elements, to protect that space. These Guardians are powerful, and must be properly controlled if you hope to use them in ritual.

Properly casting your Circle for the first time is where you find out that you really do have the power to change reality.  A Cast Circle is a place that is not a place, and a time that is not a time.  It is an odd feeling knowing that the world outside still exists, but not being able to sense it.  

Now you can invoke the Gods, and ask them to join you. Unlike the Quarters, you cannot command the Gods, you simply invite them.  As Witches, we talk to our Gods, and listen to them, on a regular basis.

Most who are new to Witchcraft, think that hearing voices is a sign of insanity, but really, what good is a God that never answers your prayers?  In reality, you are simply communicating with that part of yourself that has the power to change your life.

Once your Circle is complete, and your Temple erected, you begin the Working. I capitalize the word because your Working is the entire purpose for the ritual. This is where you celebrate the holiday, or cast your magick. It is called a Working because it is just that, work.

This can be a celebrational working such as a Sabbat, or the magickal Working of an Esbat.

After completing whatever ritual Working you need, it's time to relax with cakes and ale.  If done correctly, the Working will have depleted your energy significantly. 

By sitting down with food and drink (alcoholic or not) you can ground and center yourself, replenish your energy, and begin the journey back to the real world.

The last step in returning to the here and now, is opening the Circle. You thank the Gods for their presence, dismiss the Quarters, and cut the Circle. The Circle is now open, but remains unbroken. While the ritual is now over, it remains with you.

As you practice your Craft more, you will find that there are times when you need a ritual. You will feel it. For the same reasons some people find comfort in going to church, you will find that ritual can comfort and soothe you.

When it's done right, you come out of ritual more alert, and refreshed than when you started. You feel a power that is indescribable.  You have talked to your Gods and listened to their wisdom. You have reconnected with the Divine within you, and confirmed that you can deal with whatever life decides to throw at you.

What Questions Do You Have About Witchcraft?

You've come to this site looking for answers. I know you have questions.

Here is where you can ask your questions, and get answers from anyone who has an answer. Think of this as an interactive FAQ.

If you have questions, ask. If you have answers, share.

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