So You Want To Be Wiccan

In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey that estimated 0.4% of Americans identify as being part of a pagan or Wiccan religion. That is around 1 million people. Neopaganism, as it is sometimes called, has flourished in the past 20-30 years.

But what is Neopaganism really?

Neopaganism, also known as Contemporary or Modern Paganism, is a practice of using old thoughts, beliefs, and practices and bringing them into a modern use and perspective. Modern-day Paganism also has many different sects with different beliefs and followings. Some of the bigger sects of Wicca and Paganism are:

-Alexandrian Wicca

-Dianic Wicca

-Seax Wicca

-Gardnerian Wicca

-Norse Wicca

-Druidic Paganism

-Church of All Worlds Neopaganism

-Solitary Paganism/Wicca

There are many, many more sects but those are the big groups you hear about the most. One thing to keep in mind is while Wicca is a major part of the Neopagan movement, not all Neopagans are a part of Wicca.

So where do you start if you want to get into Wicca? Research.

So much of the religion is just a lot of research. Start with looking up and learning the eight holiday Sabbats (Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain) and the thirteen Esbats (every full moon of the year) of the pagan calendar. Also, research the many different sects. See what calls to you and there is nothing wrong with being a solitary practitioner. Many of us start out as or currently are solitary practitioners for many reasons such as a lack of local covens, not finding a sect you agree or connect with, or even because you can focus on your craft more by yourself. If you have a local coven see if you can reach out and get someone to explain specifics for you and maybe even answer some questions.

Remember to be respectful of anyone you try to contact and respect their craft to religion, even if you do not connect or agree with it yourself. The rule of three is probably the only commandment like rule there is in Wicca. The rule of three is that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, will be returned to that person three times.

Also, look into buying these common beginner books for Wicca:

-Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

-Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf

-To Stir a Magick Cauldron by Silver Ravenwolf

-To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver Ravenwolf

-Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

-Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft by Raven Grimassi

-Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy and Practice by Thea Sabin

-Get books on meanings for herbs, flowers, and crystals

-Some books on any pantheon of Gods and Goddesses that appeal or call to you.

-Most Any Beginner Book from Llewellyn Worldwide Publishers

These are just a few good ways to start you down the right path. You aren’t going to start out doing spells every other day or going to big rituals, or at least you shouldn’t until you know the basics enough to be safe. It is going to take a true determination and want to learn more to make it farther down the path of paganism and Wicca. It is not all spells, candles, and crystals. It is a religion that requires true dedication and constantly learning more to better yourself and your craft. There is also no shame if you find that Wicca and or Paganism isn’t for you. Not all religions are suited to all people, it is one of the many reasons we have so many religions to begin with.

Your journey is just beginning.

Good Luck and Blessed Be.