Wicca for Beginners
Some beginners hear about Wicca and then look for a coven, any coven, that will accept them.
Big mistake.
Don’t do it!
Learn about being a witch first. Decide if it’s right for you.
Then you can choose a coven, if that’s what you really want to do. (But you don’t have to.)
Start with books. Not just any books, but books about witchcraft and Wicca… books that have been around for a long time and have earned respect.
Scott Cunningham’s book is a good overview. It’s my favorite, and a favorite of the Witch Wicca staff.
Read this book before you try (or buy) anything else.
I mean it. It’s way too easy to drop a small fortune (that you can’t really afford) on books that confuse you so much, you decide that you’re not a witch, Wicca isn’t for you, and the whole thing is a scam.
Don’t go there. Really. Start with one, very good book. This is the one to get:
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 her husband, 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.
Start with Scott Cunningham’s book. That’s my best recommendation, and the safest, smartest way to learn about witchcraft and Wicca.
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Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft – review
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft is one of the most complete and reliable books for Witches. It is a full guide and workbook, taking an aspiring Witch from self-initiation through the equivalent of a third-degree Gardnerian.
- Ideal for Witches with some knowledge of Wicca and the Craft
- Light on beliefs but an abundance of practical advice, rituals, etc.
- One of the top three books for any Witch’s bookshelf
If you’ve considered joining a coven, this book will give you a good idea of what to expect as an initiate. While many covens aren’t as Gardnerian as this book, Buckland provides important history and insights. Most of the advice and rituals in this classic book are among the foundations of more modern practices.
If you’ve decided to become a solitary Witch, Buckland’s book will guide you through self-initiation and the most important practices and rituals. Most new Witches will need at least a year to complete this workbook, and many who are serious will extend their studies for many years.
First, I recommend Cunningham’s Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner for anyone who is new to Witchcraft. It’s not perfect, but it’s a very good starting point. I also suggest the Farrars’ Witches’ Bible as a companion to the Buckland workbook.
However, if you’ve already learned about Witchcraft and have decided to try it — or related earth-based spiritual beliefs and practices — Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft may be the only book you’ll need for a long time.
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