Being a Wiccan is not something you are born as or just wake up one morning and decide to become. More often than not, you come across it by accident unless you were raised that way. Many find that the philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature, and the universal creative energy are the same as the one’s they currently hold. They just didn’t know there was a specific belief system that shared the same views.

The “Charge” comes to each of us in a different manner. It is that moment in our lives when we feel the Magick of the Universe for the very first time…coursing through us…and we know beyond all real and imagined shadows that this calling to the mysteries is indeed there. That it is truly there, and not a whimsical flight from reality. If you are one who has seen striking similarities between what you believe and have found here there are generally accepted ways to increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who wishes to learn more.

Read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you more about the beliefs of Wicca and Witchcraft. Only by learning as much as you can about the basic beliefs and tenets of Witchcraft can you decide if the old ways are the right path for you.

So now you know the basics and you have decided this is something that fits into your belief system. In a notebook or journal, begin writing down some reasons why you think Witchcraft is your path. What does being a Witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve and learn? What do you fear about following this path? How do you see the Goddess and God? What does the Divine mean to you? Be absolutely honest with yourself here, this is a private book and nobody else will ever read it. This notebook will eventually become your Book of Shadows. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It’s not a test, only a way to help you define your path.

I haven’t mentioned anything about spells or ritual yet, because you need to complete the first two steps before you think about working with magic. Magic is not hocus-pocus, it’s not bending the natural order of things to fit your needs. If that is what you are looking for, you might as well be somewhere else. We Witches have had enough bad press over the past few centuries and are working hard to turn those misconceptions around. We certainly do not need people running around claiming to put spells and hexes on people because they cannot face reality or are not willing to work for what they want. Besides, if this is the type of person you are, you probably do not need “anymore” bad karma coning back than what you already have.

Magic is simply raising and channelling energy that is found in yourself, in nature and in the Divine to achieve a desired result. Before you begin working with magick, you need to understand what it is, where it comes from and the ethics involved in magickal workings. The main ethical tenet to remember is the main point of the Witches Rede: “And it harm none”.

You also need to understand the basic structure of rituals. Casting circles, calling quarters, invoking the Goddess and God, raising and directing energy, grounding and centring and closing the circle.

At this point you will need to do more reading. Read books, web pages or anything else you can find about magic and spellwork. Once you understand the basic concepts, you can begin to think about casting your own spells and designing your own rituals. But, if you have any questions – now really is the time to ask – remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question!

Begin working with meditation and visualisation exercises to increase your concentration. The ability to focus and visualise will greatly increase the power of your magic. Breathing exercises will help you focus also, so spend time on them.

Now you can begin some basic spellwork. I’d suggest starting with a full or new moon ritual, but of course you do whatever feels most comfortable to you. Of course you can use word-for-word spells or rituals found in books or posted on web pages if they feel right. Generally those spells were written as guidelines and should be used as such, when creating your own rituals. At first though it can be difficult to come up with your own and that is natural. In time you will find the words and inspiration coming easily. If everything still feels right, and if you still feel like witchcraft is the path for you after all this studying, now is the time to perform a self-dedication ritual.

This ritual should be yours and yours alone. Design it however you want to, and in a way that will be most meaningful to you. A dedication ritual means exactly what it sounds like it means – you are dedicating yourself to the Craft and telling yourself and the Divine that this is the path you wish to pursue. Mine was in the fast flowing waters of the river Tavy in Devon one summer evening, a full moon reflecting off the waters of the river combined with the energy of surrounding old growth covered mountains made it ideal for me…Something completely different might be right for you.

At this time you can explore the option of joining a coven or a group of some sort, if that is what you desire. Many choose to never join an organised group and this is fine. A solitary Witch is just as much a Witch as a coven Witch. I sought out an Alexandrian coven where I was duly taught and initiated into the Alexandrian branch of the craft. But even if you do not join a group, you might want to consider finding other Witches to circle with occasionally. It’s always good to get other perspectives and hear other ideas.

Many covens require a year and a day of study before initiating new members. This time frame gives you time to explore the religion and decide if it is the right path for you. It also allows you to experience one full rotation of the Wheel of the Year.

You can initiate yourself or you can find another Witch to initiate you. Do not ever let anyone tell you that you have to be initiated by a third-degree Witch in order to become a true Witch. Self-initiated Witches are just as valid as those who were initiated into a coven or by another Witch. Most importantly, listen to your inner voice. It is usually very good council and will not lead you astray. If something you read, hear or are told does not feel right, then it usually isn’t right for you. After all, following the path that brings you closer to nature and the Divine is the whole premise of the following this path.