Being A Witch

Witchcraft is fascinating, exhilarating. You're so looking forward to being a Witch. Except for one little thing . . .

How do you do it?

This section shows you what you need to know, and answers some of the most common questions Wicca beginners have about the basics of getting started.

If you're a beginner in Wicca, or even just curious about Witch Craft, there are some questions you are probably asking yourself -- questions like . . .

What is Wicca?
How do you know if Wicca is right for you?
What's the difference between being a Witch and being Wiccan?
What is The Wiccan Way?
Do you need a Coven?
How do you find other Witches?
How do you become a Witch?
Do you need a Magickal name?
What are the necessary ritual tools?
Do you need a Wiccan Alter?
Where do Wiccans Worship?
What are Witches Familiars and how do you get one?

These are good questions, all part of being a Witch. This section will guide you first through the process of becoming a Witch, and then through the things you need to know to practice Witchcraft.

At the surface level, being Wiccan is as simple as choosing to be one, or realising that Wicca's philosophy and practices work for you. And beyond that, there is living a Wiccan life.

Being a Witch,  is called practicing the Craft for a reason. The word derives from a Germanic word meaning strength.
A craft is something that involves making things by hand. It is a skilled profession. A craft implies artistry. And that's what being a Witch is. It's something you practice, thus gaining skills and strength - spiritual and personal empowerment.

Being Witch, is an artistic expression of being human.

Witchcraft involves the greatest craft there is: the creation of an exquisite soul . . . Yours!

Before you "sign up," you want to know whether being a Witch is really for you. How can you know?

My own opinion is that you would have known this from birth.  You instinctively know if you are Witch... or not.

You can get a pretty good idea if the Craft would suit you by talking with other Witches. If your friends are Witches, or people you have spirituality in common, it's likely that Wicca could work for you, too. Invite a Witch for coffee! Being with a Witch friend is the best way to test the waters. You can explore a little deeper by reading books and online material.

Be aware that there are many different flavours of Wicca. Some are quite rigid and dogmatic. Some are very loose and spontaneous. Some are hierarchical. Others are consciousness of sharing power equally. Some use high drama in their rituals. Others are more casual. And still others are little more than a social gathering for like-minded people. If one rubs you the wrong way, it's still possible that another will fit better with your personality. Reading various books and websites will help you figure out which is Witch.

At some point, you'll want to participate in a ritual. This is the core spiritual exercise of Wicca. You can do one on your own, if that's what you'd like. But I recommend participating in a group ritual - or five - to really get a feel for the possibilities of the practice. You may need to join more than one, in order to find a style that works for you. Being in a Witch gathering will clarify things quickly. If you are called to Witchcraft, you will likely know it after being in a few Witch rituals. The feeling of joyful homecoming can't be missed!

Some people use these terms interchangeably. Some people call themselves both Witches and Wiccans. Rather like "Christian" and "Catholic," or "Protestant" or whatever. Other people like to distinguish the two. There is a fine line that can be drawn. Because not all Witches are Wiccans.

The difference is when one practices magick, without the spiritual or religious context, one is a Witch.   Most Wiccans also practice magick, but within the philosophy of Wicca -- that is, within a spiritual framework. They may consider themselves Witches, as well as Wiccans.

Being Wiccan is more than just magick spells or incantations or something. It is...

• a spiritual path,
  
• a way of seeing the world,
  
• a style of living,
  
• a means of personal growth.
  

Generally, Covens are Wiccan ritual groups where the membership is fixed. Only those initiated into the group can attend the rituals, and attendance may be mandatory.  Each member generally practices on their own as well, coming together to celebrate the Moon and High Holy Days, as well as occasions like blessings and purifications.

Wiccans who work in such groups are likely to be very committed to the practice. They may have been formally trained and formally initiated into something like British Traditional Wicca.  Such groups are likely to be hierarchical, with degrees of initiation, High Priestesses and High Priests leading the group.  In most, new members may join from time to time. This usually involves some kind of initiation, particularly since those who pass on a "tradition" of Wicca tend to work in these closed groups. Those who place a high value on following a tradition often highly value initiations.
There can be rules about how many people can be in one group. Traditionally the number is set at 13, or sometimes 9. While not all groups insist on specific numbers, a small group is desirable.

The power of practicing with others this way is the level of intimacy and trust built between the Witches over time.  This requires consistency, getting to know the people and how they work. It also requires a small membership. Too many people makes a group cumbersome, and sub-groups tend to form -- which inhibits the communal energy. Provided there is a foundation of respect for all, such a spiritual community can be advantageous for those who go deeply into the soul.

Closed groups create a safe environment for authentic self-expression. As the members open their souls in ritual together, a deep intimacy forms and bonds the group.  And the most important benefit: with experience together, a group can learn to achieve greater results and deeper connection with the Divine. It’s always true that it’s easier to raise power and to connect spiritually within groups, and that’s as true in Wicca as any other religion.

Limitations

There are risks in having a closed group, though. One is becoming dogmatic. Everyone reinforces the accepted beliefs and set patterns. Lacking fresh views - or disdaining them - religious "ruts" can develop.

Another hazard is that they seem to set the stage for ego battles and personality cults. This is the downfall of the hierarchical system of the old Wicca. As people jostle for status and power, the group can become an arena for self-aggrandisement. (Which, by the way, is the opposite of spirituality.)

At the end of the day it is personal choice to seek out and join a Coven, but it is not a required status in learning and practicing your craft.

DO... Read as many books on the subject as you can-on History, Myths, Poetry, Psychology and Science as well as books on Witchcraft or Magick.

DO... Make yourself a research library. Take notes or highlight passages that particularly interest you. If you have a question on what is written, place a question mark next to that passage. You should enjoy what you read at this stage-the enjoyment will actually help you to retain what you read better than struggling through dusty tomes on alchemy (unless you happen to love alchemy, that is!).

DO... start a journal. You can even call it a "Book of Shadows" if you want to. (It can just be a loose leaf notebook, These are handy for creating different sections.) Write down both the things that you have found to be of interest and the things that you would like to know more about.

DO... Look at Nature. Witchcraft and most other Pagan paths are called "earth or nature based" religions. What is Nature saying to you? Bring home rocks, sticks, leaves or other things you find that attract your attention. Now ask yourself-WHY did you bring that home? Write it down.

DO... get organized. Concentration is an important skill in Magic. Disciplining yourself to make regular entries into a journal and writing things down will help you to develop concentration.

DO... learn to ask SPECIFIC questions of other Witches or Pagans when you need help. And ask yourself some questions, too. "What do I think Witchcraft is? What do I find here that has meaning for me?"

DO... tell the truth. Can seasoned Witches tell if someone is "full of it"? Yes, they can and rather quickly, too! Be honest about what you know and what you don't.

DO... spend time alone to think carefully about how you feel and what you want for yourself. Some people think at the onset that Witchcraft will allow them to change other people or circumstances. But YOU will be the one who changes as you explore this Path. Do you really WANT to change?


DON'T.. take it too fast. You have not made any commitments yet. You are doing research into a subject that interests you on a personal level. Jumping into a group situation at this point may hinder your development more than help it. You need to find out where YOU are going before you hit the trail with someone else.

DON'T... get discouraged. Sometimes it is very difficult to "go it alone." But the Craft is made up of individuals who bring something of value to the Path-as well as receive benefits from it. Many "old timers" have the "Grampa attitude". You know, the "When I was your age, I had to walk three miles to school every day...in the snow...with no boots...carrying my little sister...and a load of firewood..." Well, in a way that is true. It WAS much harder to be a Witch only a few decades ago. So be forgiving if they are not ready to hand you all their hand gathered "firewood" on a silver platter....you may have to walk a mile or two by yourself....in the snow...with no boots.....


DON'T... ask about joining a terraspace coven just yet. A coven is a close knit group working together. It is a difficult process to create an effective magickal unit. Most covens are not actively looking for new members, as each time a new person is added to the group, it takes time for the unit to re-adjust. There are some cyberspace "covens" that readily accept new members. If you look on it as a "training exercise", you could learn a few things. Ask around the Internet.


DON'T... be afraid because you are not part of a group. Many, many Witches find out after much trial and error that they actually PREFER to work alone. Traditionally the Witch WAS a loner...and many still are by choice. Often solitary Witches get together to talk and exchange information and then happily go back to their solitary practice. You CAN do a little bit of both.