Have you read some of the stickied posts in the 'General Info' forum? These could be of use to you in answering where to start out, 'the basics', etc. Here's two of them:
There are plenty of simple spells you can try on the site, but the best spells are usually your own. Good areas to start would be exercises like grounding yourself & other miscellaneous energy work. Among the most easy to pick up spells for beginners would probably be the likes of protection spells, working with herbs, whatever you feel will come most naturally to you.
Thank you! I have been doing meditation for months now, though not strictly pertaining to witchcraft. I have been doing some work with psi balls and I find it very interesting.
Uh, Chakras? No! More like, Grounding, Centering, Meditation, and Energy raising. That is what you should be focusing on. Chakras are useful, but complicated to understand when first starting out.
I would also get in touch with the elements. Learn about nature, and try to connect with it. Try to visualize too. These things will create a solid ground for you to continue on your path.
You should really focus on what makes you happy or what fulfills you. I recommend always a lot study prior to spell casting so you have a full understanding of what you are doing. Remember spells can go bad if they aren't handled correctly! Look into paths that interest you, expand, and have confidence in yourself! No one is judging you and there is no one right way of doing anything. The more confident and stronger you feel about your craft the stronger the outcome x
Thank you to everyone! I have decided to hold off on spell casting for now and work on my research, meditation, and connection with nature before I get too ahead of myself. I want to go about this the right way instead of just diving straight into spells like I assume many on this site do. I have been reading Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. Is this appropriate? Any other book suggestions. I also have Silver RavenWolf's Solitary Witch book of shadows which I know to have a lot of useful information, but I am holding off on that for awhile.
Hey, Maggie!
You sound like a very intelligent woman. Absolutely do your research and start out slowly. It gives me hope to know there are people like you out there! Feel free to contact me along your path. Own your own destiny, girl!
Welcome :)
What I found works for me when spellcasting is meditation before and after spell casting. Before to get my mind focused on what I'm about to do, and after to take my mind off it. In my experience, getting too excited about the spell afterwards draws energy out of it, and weakens my results.
I would hold off on Ravenwolf for a while as she's doesn't have the best reputation. If your path is Wicca, Scott Cunningham is a good start. [Raymond Buckland is another] The Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar can also help you. Try to stick to one or two beginner books at first and branch out from there. Paganism is full of religions and paths it can get confusing starting out. Hense why you might read one book talking about casting a circle to begin in the North, and the next book says to start in the East. [For the record, go with what feels right to you] is there a specific subject you need help with right now?
