Discovering the Craft By Thea (A member of the witch community)

When we were asked to tell Grace our ideas on things that might help those seeking the Craft, I felt like a bit of hypocrite telling others when I am only a beginner myself! But, since I am experiencing it for the first time too, maybe I do have something to say. I have always been into nature and as a child it seemed natural that there was 'something' about the world, a spirit in everything. I used to stand and tell the wind to blow and when it did I saw it as logical that I had caused it. When our class learnt about the Greek and Hindu Gods inYear4, I was fascinated. All I had ever known was the Christian God who we had sung about it assembly, who was always a 'He'. Were there really female Gods? Did anyone believe in them anymore? I carried this interest into my early teens, fascinated by anything to do with magick and learnt about more and more exciting, colourful Gods. My parents welcomed this interest, they are not religious in anyway themselves, and brought me books about Paganism and Wicca. I tried everything without thinking, getting right in there and doing it. Of course, none of my magick was effective but I think I needed to experiment before I could sit back and begin to sort out my beliefs. Then, a few months ago, my mum brought me a book called "Witch, A Magickal Journey" by Fiona Horne. It was a brilliant colourful book and I read it in a couple of days. It taught me the theology behind magick and ritual but also encouraged me to get out there and do it! Practice makes perfect! So, here I am, with about four books on the go as I write, devouring every bit of knowledge I can get my little paws on. I've done some rituals and I feel I finally understand about the Goddess and the God. I thought there was such a thing as a "Good" and "Bad" witch, but now I see that magick is neutral, it is how you use it that effects it's outcome. To help anyone reading this who needs advice when beginning the path of the Witch, I've included what has helped me:1) The Internet- well, if you're reading this you are there already! AsIdon't know any fellow witches in my little town, the Internet is my sole link to those who share my beliefs.2) I am lucky in that my parents support me and basically let me do as I will. If you are not so lucky, I think the best thing to do is to inform them about your beliefs, calmly and give them enough information from books Internet etc so they understand the religion. Perhaps print off some essays from the teen section at Witches Voice about Prejudice so that they can see that you are not a member of a scary cult and that other teenagers share your beliefs.3) Do it! Don't ever be put off from doing a spell or ritual because, you haven't got the 'right' stuff. Make up your own spells, they work much better because they are personal to you. The magick is not inside any crystals or incense; it's inside YOU so if you believe in what you are doing, other things are just a bonus to help get you in the right frame of mind.4) Find everything and anything you can about Witchcraft, Paganism and Wicca. There is no need to label yourself with a religion; you have all the time in the world to choose what you believe. Just make sure you are informed so you can sort out the decent info from the rubbish. Always be open-minded and don't say, "I am a Witch- that's it" because you may change your mind! Rest assured that everyone finds their path in the end, let the Goddess guide you and she will show you what's right. Good Luck, I hope I have helped! Blessed Be.