Some beginners hear about Wicca and then look for a coven, any coven, that will accept them.

Big mistake.

Learn first.  Start with books.  Not just any books, but books that have been around for a long time and have earned respect.

Scott Cunningham’s book is a good overview.  Read it before you try (or buy) anything else.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Read it two or three times.  Try what he says.

What to read next?  Every Wiccan will tell you something different.  You can leap into self-initiation and dedicated study with Buckland’s book, already reviewed here.

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

The information is good, but the it’s written like a textbook.  If that’s what you want, it’s one of the best in the field.

Like many who follow a Goddess path, I like Starhawk’s classic, Spiral Dance.

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess by Starhawk

It’s rich in history and style, and not as dry as Buckland’s book.

Spiral Dance is still a thick book  full of information.  It’s used as a textbook for some religion classes.  For a real sense of Wicca as a religion and a lifestyle, Spiral Dance is a good choice.

A Witches’ Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook by Janet Farrar and Stewart Farrar.

Janet and Stewart Farrar represent some of the most powerful voices in 20th century Wicca, especially in the U.K.  Their books still offer unique, intimate views of Wiccan beliefs and practices.

Stewart is gone now, but Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone carry on the traditions in Ireland.   If you like A Witches’ Bible, you’ll enjoy other books written or co-authored by Janet, especially Spells and How They Work.

Open Circles

After you’ve learned the basics, attend a few open circles.  See if your local Unitarian Universalist church has a CUUPS (Pagans) group.  Ask at local stores that specialize in Wiccan books and supplies.   Check regional Pagan and New Age publications.

When you find an open circle, take a friend with you.  99% of open circles are great, but if you feel uncomfortable at any Wiccan or Pagan event, leave immediately.  Don’t stay long enough to be polite.  You don’t need an excuse to leave.  Just leave.

After you’ve been to a few different circles, you’ll know some of your options.  Then, it’s time to read more, especially books that describe particular traditions.

Read More

My favorite authors include Laurie Cabot, especially her books, Power of the Witch and The Witch in Every Woman.  Also, almost any book by Christopher Penczak is good, and I’d start with The Inner Temple of Witchcraft.

Keep reading.  Meet more Wiccans.  Go to more open circles.  Ask about covens and compare them with being a solitary.

Also, almost everyone reads Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits.  It’s a wild tour of the roots of magick, including Wicca and many other practices.

You can also learn a lot online but remember that anyone can claim anything.  The “Wiccan” who’s sharing his or her information may be a 10 year old fan of Charmed or a 72 year old who just likes to see people skyclad.

Real books and real practitioners are more reliable.