Are you ready for Wicca?

These are a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding to commit yourself to the practice and study of Wicca & Witchcraft. This is not meant to detour you, just to maybe help you in your decision, studying Wicca is one of the very best things I have ever done, and I am proud of it, but it was also a little hard when I converted.

1) Are you ready? If the answer is yes, good, go on to the next.

2) What is your Religion or Spirituality now?

   This does matter, because chances are, your family or friends are also this religion/spirituality. Take sometime to think about how your relationship with them could change. It will, and it may not be for the best. You have to be prepared for this.

4) Why are you interested in Wicca and Witchcraft?

  What about it interests you most? Is it the magick, the spells, the God & Goddess? If you answered Magick & Spells, you might be in this for all the wrong reasons. Sure spells are fun, fascinating and powerful. They are also a gift that is not to be abused. If you said The God and Goddess, this is a definite good start. They are all that Wicca stands for. Without one the other could not exist, and there for neither could we.

3) Are you going to be open about your spirituality with family, friends, employers and aqaintances?

   If the answer is yes...brace yourself. You may wish at a later time that you hadn’t. Although being honest and open is usually the best way to do things, it’s not always. I’m not at all suggesting that you should lie, or hide this. What I am saying is think about it.

  Witchcraft is not the most excepted thing in the world, actually very far from it. There is a sort of fear of it, like a witch-fobia. Not everyone has it, but many people do. There are rumors and myths, the majority of which are far from true. People believe it not because they are trying to be mean, cruel or shallow, but because it is popular belief, and they haven’t been told or learned any different.  

  If you do decide to be open about it, tell one specific person first, someone you trust. This is your practice before telling the most important people in your life.Go to talk to this person when you are calm and relaxed. Make sure that it has also been a good day for them. Do it in private. Be sure to explain what it is, and more importantly, what it isn’t. Be sure that you have all the answers to any possible questions they may ask before you decide to tell them.

  Remember to be patient. Try to understand any points that they make before you try to state all of yours. If they do ‘flip out’, the best thing to do is get away from the situation. You may want to leave some information on it. Maybe the answers to some commonly asked questions, or a book about Wicca. Do not try to push it on them if they don’t want to talk about it anymore, leave it at that. After you have finished talking to them, leave them to think about it. Either they will except it, or they won’t. Try to stay positive no matter what happens.

   If they don’t except it, they never really did except you for the person you are. They excepted you the Lutheran, or you the atheist, whatever you may have been. You are better off and will know who genuinely loves you for you in the end. If they do except it, remember that they may not exactly like it, and if they don’t, they also won’t want to hear about it all the time. Some may completely except it and want to know everything about it, as it is new to them and sparks curiosity. I would suggest just telling them the bare facts first, then if their interest is still not lost, tell them the basics of the craft and go from there.

  If you have decided that you would rather not say anything to anyone, this is perfectly okay. It’s up to you. What do you want? You can always tell them at a later time when you are more comfortable with it, or you can stay in the ‘Broom Closet’ forever if you like.

4) Do you have children or are you yourself under 18?

  If you are under eighteen, learn all you can if you are truly interested and want this to be a part of your life, but it would maybe be best to hold off on announcing it to family, friends and teachers where it could make the life of a teenager a bit difficult. If you have children of your own think before you tell them in detail. If you have a child who openly tells about homelife at school it could be a bad idea to share this with him or her. Paganism & especially Witchcraft, is not excepted by alot of people, and sadly this is grounds enough for some people to accuse you of being a bad or unfit parent. Be careful!

5) Are you married?

  Telling my husband was difficult. He’s a Christian. At first he was wonderful and excepted it, but at a later time decided it was wrong and began to attack and criticize it.(Not me, but my spirituality, it still hurt) I can not explain it enough to him. I have told him about The Lord & The Lady, about Sabbats & rituals, but he doesn’t get it. The only advice I can give is be completely honest, or say nothing at all.

6) Do you think you need a guide or teacher?

  Be careful who you chose if you decide it is necessary. Not everyone has good intentions and lives by The Rede. A teacher should be someone who is very knowledgeable, trustworthy, patient & most of all honest. When seeking a teacher do not be afraid to ask for references, such as any Covens that they may have lead, and other people they have taught. Ask for names & phone numbers. If they are hesitant it’s likely that they are not legit references. If you do get references don’t look at it and take it as proof, call and check.

  If you have taken someone as a guide or teacher and they ask you for payment for their services such as sex, drugs, or something else that is illegal or doesn’t seem right, it isn’t. Most won’t ask for money, although some must as this is how they make a living. Don’t pay unreasonable prices. It’s not college, and you aren’t buying a car or a condo, you are paying for knowledge. If you are paying more than $100.00 weekly, you have been swindled big time weather you learned anything or not.

   Another option is Covens. Some will let you sit in to watch an open ritual. Also some will take in less-experienced members. It all depends on the Coven. When considering a Coven talk to the members. Ask questions about their tradition and practice to see if it fits your needs and beliefs. Also, try to talk to the High Priest or Priestess. (Make an appointment if neccasary, in some of the larger Coven’s you may have to) Ask about their beliefs and group practice. Ask how long the Have been the HP or P of this coven, and if they have ever lead another. Don’t be afraid of being ‘nosy’. This is a decision that will effect your life as well as theirs, and you should know full well what you are getting into.

Remember that you don’t NEED a teacher unless you feel that you do.

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