This blogpost was originally posted by The Moonlight Shop here.
If you’ve recently experienced a moment of clarity and become curious about Wicca, you might be wondering how to embark on this spiritual journey. It’s common to feel a bit confused and unsure of where to begin, even if your enthusiasm is strong. Becoming a Wiccan is not something that happens overnight.
Here’s a helpful guide for those who wish to transition into a committed Wiccan practice.
Discover Wicca
There’s quite a bit of reading involved in understanding Wicca. Fortunately, in today’s world, many online resources are available for learning. However, to deepen your knowledge, exploring books is often more beneficial. Numerous Wiccan texts can be found online, with Scott Cunningham and Raymond Buckland among the most recognized authors in this field.
Red Pentacle Spellbook Journal, The Goodly Spellbook and Cunningham’s Book of Shadows from the Moonlight Shop
Understand what Wicca is not
Do not enter the study of Wicca under the false belief that it involves plotting revenge against adversaries or casting curses on others. Wicca is certainly not about “me against the world.” In essence, Wicca teaches the interconnectedness of all things, urging practitioners to seek harmony with everything around them.
Learn about magick
Magick in Wicca differs from the type performed by entertainers or illusionists. It refers to the practice of harnessing energy to fulfill your intentions. Wiccans engage in magick to aid in emotional or mental healing or to cultivate positive outcomes. In Wicca, magick is a sacred act that helps manifest wishes and aspirations.
True Wiccans do not engage in curses, sorcery, or dark magick; they focus solely on light and benevolent magick. Wiccans tend to shy away from dark practices, adhering to the Wiccan rede and the concept of the threefold law.
While practicing magick, be aware that you may be open to external negative influences.
Take the time to study magick thoroughly as you prepare for your initial magickal working.
Adhere to the Wiccan Rede and Threefold Law
Wicca does not have strict commandments or laws. Instead, Wiccans follow the Wiccan Rede, which states, “An Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will,” and the Threefold Law. The Wiccan Rede encourages individuals to treat others as they wish to be treated. Wiccans believe that everything in existence serves a purpose and contains a fragment of the goddess, which is why they cannot embody the wickedness often attributed to them.
The Threefold Law is akin to the principle of karma. The energy that you send out will return three times over. There is no formal punishment for Wiccans who stray from these ideals; they self-regulate their conduct. This self-discipline makes Wiccans admirable individuals.
If you aspire to become a Wiccan, start embodying these principles in your daily life.
Select Your Deities
Wiccans do not subscribe to the belief in a singular, all-powerful God as seen in Christianity; instead, they embrace a pantheon of gods and goddesses. These divine figures are accessible to Wiccans, allowing for direct interactions as if they were friends.
Explore different deities from various pantheons such as Roman, Greek, or Norse cultures, and connect with those whose traits resonate with you and who may offer guidance on your spiritual journey.
Conduct Your First Ritual
Wiccans often hold rituals at their altars or outdoors to connect with Nature. Rituals serve a purpose, whether to fulfill a wish or to honor a Sabbat or moon phase. These rituals can be solitary or communal and often involve tools such as black and white candles, sea salt, spring water, and crystals. Additionally, you will need to learn how to create a protective circle before embarking on any ritual.
For instance, New Moon rituals symbolize fresh starts and may include writing down your hopes for the coming phase. Look for a New Moon ritual online to guide your first steps into this new spiritual experience.
Document Your Journey in a Book of Shadows
Just as Catholics cherish their Bible, Wiccans maintain a Book of Shadows. This sacred tome encompasses spells, rituals, correspondences, and records your development as a Wiccan. As you expand your understanding of Wicca and gain more experience, your insights and connections should be documented.
Reflecting on your journey through your Book of Shadows will surprise you with how much you have transformed and matured, which can be quite rewarding.
Pentacle BOS, Tree of Life BOS, and The Howling Wolves BOS from The Moonlight Shop
Observe Sabbats
Like their ancestors, Wiccans honor the cycles of the seasons. For Wiccans, changes in the seasons signify more than just shifts in wardrobes; they celebrate Nature, engage in thanksgiving rituals, and align their personal evolution with the seasonal changes. Embracing Wicca means being in harmony with Nature, so the transitions of the seasons are also times for personal transformation.
There are eight significant seasons, each with its own unique meaning. Yule, or Winter, signifies deep contemplation. Ostara, or Spring, represents growth and fertility. Pay attention to the seasons as they change and take time to ponder what each new season symbolizes for you.
Connect with Other Wiccans
In today’s world, finding a local coven can be challenging. However, Wiccan communities online are abundant and accessible. These online communities are often welcoming and friendly. This digital landscape has made it easier to connect with fellow Wiccans, especially if local groups are scarce. Take this chance to meet others on the same spiritual journey as you and share knowledge—it’s an enlightening experience! 🙂
Embrace the Pentacle
Just as Catholics have scapulars, Wiccans have the pentacle. Often misunderstood and feared by non-Wiccans, this symbol is instead a representation of love for Nature. The pentacle embodies goodness, white magick, light, and love, symbolizing the four cardinal directions and the Spirit. It also signifies Earth, Water, Air, the Spirit, and the Divine. Enclosed in a circle, it represents the unity of all elements and our connection to Nature.
Along with being a symbol of your beliefs, wearing a pentacle as a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or on clothing will protect you while warding off negative energy, a key principle in Wicca.
Now you have a list of 10 essential steps to take if you wish to truly embrace the identity of a Wiccan. 🙂
