The Basics of Wicca and the Wiccan Beliefs: Section Navigation

Information and Advice for Novices
What is Wicca?
An overview of Wicca
Frequently asked questions
The Wiccan Rede
Wiccan Ethical Beliefs
The life of a Wiccan
Various paths of the Wiccan Faith

Information and Advice for Novices

This article is written for all the novices and those who are just starting out in the craft. It is for the young or old, inexperienced or just curious. Many of you are serious about becoming Witches or already have a little experience with witchcraft. Many people come to me and ask me questions right off the silver screen. And some come to me just to ask questions to dispel the myths of generations of here-say. First let me say that I am not a wrinkled old woman with a hunched back and a wart in the middle of my nose. If you were to meet me on the street, you may never realize that I am a witch. You may have your reserved ideas about what I should be.

The things that I do not do:
I do not worship satan.
I do not sacrifice children to some dark god in the hopes of flying.
I am not evil.
I do not ride a broomstick.
I do not worship satan!
Many questions come right out of the movies. Don't get me wrong, I love a good tale of old about the evil witch that seduces the young girl with a shiny apple. She was much too cocky to begin with. WitchCraft is more of a way of life than a religion. Though there are those that would argue the point with me.

Let me point out that Magick is a very appealing idea, especially to the young. It is the mythical draw to power. They are drawn to the ability to become rich or beautiful or loved.

The most popular things that I am asked for is love and money. If I could turn ever request for the ability to gain money or love into money, I would myself be rich. But if that were the case, you would think that all witches would be fighting Bill Gates for a home. But that is not the way that things are.

The study of Witchcraft requires time and dedication. There are no easy spells out there to get what you want out of life.

When I am asked for a spell of love, usually by a male, I have the perfect spell in mind.

First you obtain sugar in the form of candy
The you use a sweet flower of roses, usually by the dozen
You do feed the soul with poetry and the mind with conversation
You embrace your desire and hold your parnter close
And use the ancient ritual of the dance to draw her in
The final part of the spell is the chant itself
I suggest the chant "I love you"

Works most of the time.

Now when I will tell someone this "spell", they will usually look at me as if I have grown a second head. But if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. To do a spell, you need to focus your mind. And that is exactly what this "ritual does"

What is Witchcraft?

Witchcraft is a way of life that is based on reverence for the Earth and all its inhabitants and the ability and responsibility to harness the forces of the Universe for one's own ends and for others. It is spiritual and magickal, but it is also a part of the mundane world in which we live. A true Witch follows the path of witchcraft every day, in every act and thought. Many times, those that are not witches will even teach their children small spells because their parents did the same without ever knowing it. Remember .... Rain ... Rain... Go away...Little.....etc.

I do need to point out that there is a fundamental difference between Wicca and Witchcraft. It is a common misconception that all Witches and Wiccans are the same thing. And many times, this will be true. However, though many Wiccans practice the Craft of the Wise (witchcraft), and call themselves "Witches", there are some very basic differences.

Wicca is a modern practice that started wtih Gerald Gardner in the 1930s. It has been combined with a varity of mystical traditions, European Folk lifestyles (Celtic) and the actual practice of Witchcraft.

Witchcraft as a whole looks to traditions, history, arts and sciences for its' base and builds from there. In different areas of this website, you will find information on many different paths and many different traditions. How do you find out which one is for you? I would suggest you get out a crystal ball, toss some salt over your shoulder, throw a black cat through a mirror while standing under a ladder and then say "bloody Mary" three times while staring into the shards.

Or you could just read all the information and use the greatest gift you have. The ability to choose.