How to Practice Wicca

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in nature-based religions and spiritual traditions. These religions promote a principle of individual responsibility and growth while incorporating a connection and respect for nature. Among the most popular of these nature-based traditions is Wicca. Wicca is recognized as a religion by the US government and military. Many Wiccans have fought for years for such recognition and have finally received it and the rights that go with it. Wicca is Norse in origin, from the Anglo-Saxon times dating to roughly the eighth century. Wicca comes from the Old English word wicce, meaning wise woman, shaman or priestess. There are many traditions that rest under the umbrella name of Wicca. To pursue Wicca, you must practice self responsibility. Wiccans incorporate elements of magic in order to promote change within themselves and their environment. Wicca is a nature-centered faith.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook
• Internet Access
• Books on Wicca

Preparation

1. Consider your choice to practice Wicca with great care. Most traditions ask that before making a commitment to the Wiccan faith that an individual studies and practices for a year and a day before being formally initiated. If you are seeking to practice as a solitary Wiccan, you can conduct a self-initiation ceremony. If you are seeking to join a coven, then the initiation ceremony will be conducted by the coven.

2. Use only reputable sources when you first start studying Wicca. It is simple enough to weed out the genuine sources from the fake ones. Developing one's intuition is one of the most important aspects. Odds are, if you are considering this spiritual path, you were led to it by your heart. Many describe the feeling of discovering this faith and beginning the practice as a feeling of "coming home."

3. Keep a journal of your thoughts and observations. Take notes on all you read and study. Organize your notes and cross-reference them for easier access down the road. Develop a network with those of a like mind. There are numerous resources online. Check them out. You will be surprised at all you will find.

Guidelines for Practice

4. Be conscious and aware. Always adhere to the Law of Three: Remember that all energy you generate, you send out to the environment around you. A simple thought is enough to affect the world around you. The use of such energy intensifies when applied to physical actions (such as spell work and healing). Never approach a spell work or form of divination with malicious intent, anger or any other negative energy. Everything you send out will come back threefold. Meaning, those energies you send out will find their way back to you with three times the intensity as what you sent out. Nature will mirror back to you whatever you send out to others.

5. Stay healthy. Conserve your energy. Never attempt spell work or divination, if you are ill or have recently been ill. You need your energy to make yourself better. The Lady and Lord will understand if you miss celebrating one of the holy days. Your health and well-being is important.

6. Study Wicca traditions. Wicca is a very eclectic faith. There are numerous traditions and variations. Follow your heart and intuition to choose the pantheon or divinity with whom you feel most connected to. Study the different traditions and spend some time with each to see which suits you best. Remember that you are not tied to just one. If you later find that a particular spell, or working, draws you to a new divinity, follow your intuition.

7. Speak the truth. Do not perpetuate misconceptions about Wicca. Those who follow Wicca do all they can to dispel society's misconceptions about it. Wiccans generally do not advertise their faith. When asked, Wiccans do their best to educate those who ask to let them know the true nature of their beliefs. Avoid blatant attempts to draw you into an argument or religious debate. Such incidents are not productive.

8. Live well by incorporating your faith in your life. Wicca penentrates all aspects of life. Wiccans honor nature by celebrating the change in seasons and respecting the environment and all living creatures. For example, winter solstice is celebrated as is spring and summer solstices: all clear examples of living in tune with the cycles of nature.

9. Practice Wicca by acquiring basic tools. It is not necessary to go out and spend a lot of money on tools and supplies. Many tools can be found around the house or many of them you can make yourself. The basics that you may need when first starting out are candles, candle holders, matches, drinking glass (or goblet), and items representing each of the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). Many of the introductory Wicca books have detailed information on how to use these tools for your own Wicca practice.

10. Be responsible if you choose to practice Wiccan spell work or other Wiccan rituals. The spell work can become so powerful and effective, it could be called "magic."Magic is not supernatural. Magic is really natural law in action: cause and effect. People send out intentions to individuals and the environment and perhaps see their intentions manifest. Practicing Wiccans understand that magic is a matter of directing their energy and intentions in a very specific way to others or the environment to bring about a certain result or to ask for nature's support. People new to Wicca might join a coven to help them grow and be mentored by others who have practiced Wicca responsibly and are willing to offer guidance.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a journal for all your studies, spell work and dreams. Wicca is about living with and respecting the rhythms of nature. Study and practice Wicca by reading reputable books and meeting with others who practice Wicca.
• If you choose to remain on your own, follow your intuition. Wicca is a faith that is designed to mature through a lifetime of respectful practice.
• Remember the Law of Threes. Do not abuse your Wicca faith and the "powers" it gives you. Do not associate with others who use their Wicca faith in an abusive way.

Resources

• ReligiousTolerance.org
• Wicca Resources
• Llewellyn Wicca Resources

[judy052598]

on 7/12/2009 I really like the fact how you stress out " Remember The Laws of three!". It is true people don't understand if there wasn't so much negativity none of these would be happening. Is the force of Nature! Thank you that was very self-explanatory for me I been looking for initiate myself, but it just taking so long. Because I am thinking about! [e-mail]

[amberdusk]

on 5/17/2009 Great article!