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, “Just what is a Witch?”

Witchcraft is a personal journey I can show you where the Path is, or what it looks like, but only you can walk it.  Once you understand the basics, it's up to you to figure out what works best for you.  This is confusing to those who are new to the Craft.

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 that I will not pop up unrelated windows, such as ads or porn.

The basic beliefs of Witchcraft are fairly simple to state. It's like reciting the Golden Rule.  Unfortunately, it's understanding the meaning behind the words that most who call themselves Witches have such a hard time with.

There are buzzwords and phrases every Witch knows.  They include The Wiccan Rede but really...what do those eight words mean? Just as many wear the symbols of Witchcraft without knowing the meanings behind them.  

After you have gotten to this point in Witchcraft, you start to learn that there's more to being a Witch than simply calling yourself a Witch.

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.

Now you can invoke the Gods, and ask them to join you. Unlike the Quarters, you cannot command the Gods, you simply invite them.

Once your Circle is complete, 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 a 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 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.

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.

Click below to see questions from other visitors to this page...

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