Beginners Guide to Witchcraft

Wicca/Paganism & Witchcraft

        You might have heard of the religions, Wicca and Paganism. These are two very popular religions that use witchcraft in their worship. That USE  Witchcraft in their worship. People, as in beginner witches seem to get confused about witchcraft and then Wicca and paganism. Heres a passage from an article I wrote on Wicca & Christianity. 

        "The Wiccan religion is based around the Earth and astrology. In this religion, there are many Gods and Goddesses, Sabbath Days and Holidays. Only .3% of the American population identify as Wiccan and claim to practice witchcraft. In comparison with Christianity, the Wiccan religion is empowered with prayers, songs, and miracles. Also similar to the Christain religion, Wiccan Witches do not associate with the man-made Christain "Devil". Many people that practice this religion associate astrology into their practices. Such as the moon phases, planets, zodiac signs, and earth energy. Like your typical Hollywood witch, the majority of Wiccans use cauldrons, crystal, herbs and yes wear black hats. Occasionally you might find a little black cat. Like the Christain religion believes in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, some Wiccans believe in Gods and Goddess. Some work with Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, or Norse God and Goddesses. They summon the energies they work with to help guide them in their spells, rituals, or just in their day to day life. Most Wiccans also use colors as apart of their day to day workings. In the Witches' perspective, every color has a meaning, just as every herb has a meaning as well. Although Christian say that Wiccans work for the devil, there are some witches, on the other hand, that do work with negative energies. The Wiccan religion however does not. The Wiccan religion, alike to the 10 Commandments of Christianity, as an oath called the Wiccan Rede. That consists of the saying "Do what ye will and harm none," which in translation is, alike to Christianity, treat others the way you want to be treated. Whatever one sends out, they get back times three."

        Now that you have an idea of what Wicca is, here comes the part about witchcraft. There are thousands of different types of witchcraft, but I'm here talking about the lighter kind of magick. Over the years of my practice, I no longer call myself Wiccan because I didn't want to feel limited, by the rules of the Wiccan religion. I felt freer when I just started calling myself a witch, and saying I practice witchcraft other than saying that, "I'm Wiccan," and explaining to people that,  "Oh, this religion is practiced through witchcraft." It's just too much to say...ugh!

        I suggest for a start, reading "The Illustrated Guide to Wicca"  by Alieen Grist and Tony Grist. This book goes through what Wicca is, the gods and goddesses, rituals, sabbaths (holidays) in the religion, elements, and coven magick. Check it out!