Re: witches or warlocks By: Weatherwax / Knowledgeable
Post # 2 Dec 19, 2015
A few things, one, a lot of us here are Solitary and congregate here with other practitioners to discuss, or on other mediums.
A lot of people here also refuse to teach, mainly because we believe that you should find your way yourself, and most of our ways are highly specific to ourselves so you may not bet getting the 'best' education you want.
At the same time, a lot of us dislike teaching because we start people off only to have all the information thown back in our faces because it wasn't what someone wanted.
Also the website is populated by young members and some of them say outlandish things, claiming to be masters etc when they're still under their parents roof.
The best you can do is what everyone else did and learn it yourself.
There are a lot of Free Books on Sacred texts, Freebookspot, lists on Tumblr, Amazon etc. All good for the basics ideas and theories on Magic.
A few good books to read are,
Sorcerer Secrets by Jason Miller
Modern Magick by Donald Michael Graig
Spells and how they work by Janet Farrar
The next step would also be taking a look into Magical history, specifically to the region of magic you're looking into, say if you're reading up on the paths of the Norse heathens, also take a look into the History of those areas of which you're studying so you can get an idea oh how the practices could fit.
A final note to what you want, another reason a lot of us don't teach is because our paths might not fit you, I as a Traditional Witch won't teach someone because some of the material in the practice isn't for everyone. And in some cases you might find that path to be morally objective, so its about finding where you want to stand.
Group Magic however, that is debatable on how successful it is, yes a lot more people putting energy into something, but you can achieve similar results on your own.
You don't need to find a group, you can stick it out on your own, which is what a lot of us do and as mentioned above, congregate to share information to confirm what we already know.
However, Magic is not for everyone, everyone can learn it, but it doesn't mean everyone should. Don't feel disgruntled if you find out the path isn't really for you, find your passion, your way in the world.
Re: witches or warlocks By: Weatherwax / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Dec 19, 2015
Brysing, their profile states they're born in 1993, they're 22. But yes, in a lot of places, it is against the law to teach any form of Religious, Spiritual or Magical practice to a Minor.
You will find a general reluctance here to teach. After all, if what they teach you doesn't work, then it makes them look bad, and it is doubtful they will be able to show you where you went wrong by performing a decisive demonstration of their supernatural abilities that results in a clear-cut example of the desired outcome you failed to achieve when acting upon their advice.
Not to worry, however, because the beauty of the occult is that you can totally make this stuff up as you go along and no one can prove their way is any better than yours. This is what is meant by "finding your own path." I sure wish college was like that.
Re: witches or warlocks By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 6 Dec 19, 2015
One small correction here. The term "Warlock" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "waerlogha" which means "oath-breaker" or "traitor". In Wicca it is sometimes used to describe someone who has violated their oaths to their coven. But it is not a term used to describe oneself by someone who is knowledgeable about witchcraft or Wicca.
Hollywood has used the term "Warlock" to label male Witches, but the term Witch is used for both male and female practitioners of witchcraft.
While it is true that most here will not take someone as a student (In my opinion one cannot teach magic adequately on-line.) I think that many are more than willing to point you at good resources for learning or to answer specific questions you might have. I would suggest the following books as a good place to start:
"Spells and How They Work" by Janet and Stewart Farrar
Amazing,we all suggest Modern Magick no matter what path we follow
I truly believe it is the best beginner book of all time to get a general idea about true Magick.Also I love Jason Miller's low magick style,Once you have the lingo down,Crowley,Dion Fortune
Manly P Hall,Agrippa,and My Personal Favorite,Elphias Levi
Miller's books and Modern Magick should be read for the first year
Along with learning some form of Divination,I chose Tarot
Also Mastering Witchcraft Paul Huson,it's mostly Hoodoo practices that book mixed with old witch theories.Excellent primer
Personally I don't go by witch or Warlock but if I did id use
Warlock,I prefer setting myself apart from a word describing what is mostly thought of as a female.
I would teach,but only in person
And the student would have to have similar
Religious views so we don't bump heads
Only the basics,after one knows what to do they need to find their own way and go with what's right for them
Following Anothers system the whole way can slow one's personal progress.
