Being a Wiccan is not something you are born as or just wake up one
morning and decide to become. More often than not, you come across it
by accident unless you were raised that way. Many find that the
philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature, and the universal
creative energy are the same as the one's they currently hold. They
just didn't know there was a specific belief system that shared the
same views.

As Silver RavenWolf stated in her book To Ride A Silver Broomstick.
"The "Charge" comes to each of us in a different manner. It is that
moment in our lives when we feel the Magick of the Universe for the
very first time... coursing through us... and we know beyond all real
and imagined shadows that this calling to the mysteries is indeed
there. That it is truly there, and not a whimsical flight from
reality."

If you are one who has seen striking similarities between what you
believe and have found here, there are generally accepted ways to
increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the
same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who
wishes to learn more.

Read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you more about
the beliefs of Wicca and Witchcraft. Only by learning as much as you
can about the basic beliefs and tenets of Witchcraft can you decide if
the old ways are the right path for you.

So now you know the basics and you have decided this is something that
fits into your belief system. In a notebook or journal, begin writing
down some reasons why you think Witchcraft is your path. What does
being a Witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve and learn? What
do you fear about following this path? How do you see the Goddess and
God? What does the Divine mean to you? Be absolutely honest with
yourself here, this is a private book and nobody else will ever read
it. This notebook will eventually become your Book of Shadows. There
are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It's not a test, only
a way to help you define your path.

I haven't mentioned anything about spells or ritual yet, because you
need to complete the first two steps before you think about working
with magick. Magick is not hocus-pocus, it's not bending the natural
order of things to fit your needs. If that is what you are looking for,
you might as well be somewhere else. We Witches have had enough bad
press over the past few centuries and are working hard to turn those
misconceptions around. We certainly do not need people running around
claiming to put spells and hexes on people because they cannot face
reality or are not willing to work for what they want. Besides, if this
is the type of person you are, you probably do not need "anymore" bad
karma coming back than what you already have.

Magick is simply raising and channeling energy that is found in
yourself, in nature and in the Divine to achieve a desired result.
Before you begin working with magick, you need to understand what it
is, where it comes from and the ethics involved in magickal workings.
The main ethical tenet to remember is the main point of the Witches'
Rede: 'An it harm none.

You also need to understand the basic structure of rituals. Casting
circles, calling quarters, invoking the Goddess and God, raising and
directing energy, grounding and centering and closing the circle.

At this point you will need to do more reading. Read books, web pages
or anything else you can find about magick and spellwork. The suggested
reading section here offers some excellent resources that are
available. Once you understand the basic concepts, you can begin
casting your own spells and designing your own rituals.

Begin working with meditation and visualization exercises to increase
your concentration. The ability to focus and visualize will greatly
increase the power of your magick. Breathing exercises will help you
focus also, so spend time on them.

Now you can begin some basic spellwork. I'd suggest starting with a
full or new moon ritual, but of course you do whatever feels most
comfortable to you.

Of course you can use word-for-word spells or rituals found in books or
posted on web pages if they feel right. Generally those spells were
written for the writer, and should be used as guidelines when creating
your own rituals. At first though it can be difficult to come up with
your own and that is natural. In time you will find the words and
inspiration coming easily.

If everything still feels right, and if you still feel like Witchcraft
is the path for you after all this studying, now is the time to perform
a self-dedication ritual.

This ritual should be yours and yours alone. Design it however you want
to, and in a way that will be most meaningful to you. A dedication
ritual means exactly what it sounds like it means - you are dedicating
yourself to the Craft and telling yourself and the Divine that this is
the path you wish to pursue.

Mine was on the shore of a remote high cascade mountain lake here in
Oregon. The dancing light of the campfire in the trees, a full moon
reflecting off the glacial fed waters of the lake combined with the
energy of surrounding old growth covered mountains made it ideal for
me... Something completely different might be right for you.

At this time you can explore the option of joining a coven or a group
of some sort, if that is what you desire. Many choose to never join an
organized group and that is fine. A solitary Witch is just as much of a
Witch as a coven Witch. But even if you do not join a group, you might
want to consider finding other Witches to circle with occasionally.
It's always good to get other perspectives and hear other ideas.

Many covens require a year and a day of study before initiating new
members. This time frame gives you time to explore the religion and
decide if it is the right path for you. It also allows you to
experience one full rotation of the Wheel of the Year.

You can initiate yourself or you can find another Witch to initiate
you. Do not ever let anyone tell you that you have to be initiated by a
third-degree Witch in order to become a true Witch. Self-initiated
Witches are just as valid as those who were initiated into a coven or
by another Witch.

Most importantly, listen to your inner voice. It is usually very good
council and will not lead you astray. If something you read, hear or
are told does not feel right, then it usually isn't right for you.
After all, following the path that brings you closer to nature and the
Divine is the whole primise of following this path.

Whether you came here because you already follow the old path, or are
simply curious and wish to understand our ways. Blessed Be and may your
path be Bright!