I'm confused

[Rayzer]

So I'm just a little confused about a couple things. First how tall is an alter? Could I use the desk in my room as an alter or does it have to be shorter? Second how do you decide which dieties you want to worship? So I'm supposed to read everything for my year of study I understand that and I also understand that some peoples opinions are a tad biased but do I have to memorize everything I read word for word or how much do I have to memorize?

[misty]

You can use anything you want as an altar. There are no specified requirements. The same can be said about your faith. From reading your post, the feeling I get is that you are approaching your religion as a student studying for an exam. While this may be commended by some, I can't help but feel that you should relax and do whatever feels right to you. If you are meant to worship a deity, that deity will show him or herself to you. Until then, go with the flow. Continue reading, but don't approach it as homework that must be done. You will find yourself much happier and more peaceful.

[DianaStormDancer]

Hi love Im sure someone will jump down my throat for this as Im not big on traditionalists but let me tell you....your altar can be any size or shape you are comfortable with. Your dieties is your choice too do what feels right and comes naturally to you.

[Jenett]

First how tall is an alter? Could I use the desk in my room as an alter or does it have to be shorter?

A desk is fine. Mine is on top of a set of 3 foot tall mini-bookshelves (about 1 foot wide by 2 feet long or so) Some people prefer something set up on a coffee table or the floor.

Most of the issues with height are practical: are you going to want to be standing when using things on the altar, or sitting? What about risks of catching your hair or clothes on candles or knocking things over? (a lot easier to do when the altar is low off the ground unless you sit). Do you have concerns like small children or pets getting in the way (again, more likely with a lower altar)

At the same time, you want things to be at a height you can reach easily: I'm short (5') but someone taller could possibly use shelves on the wall, at least for some of their altar space. If I did that, I'd have a hard time seeing or moving items around easily.

Some traditions have preferences about the materials used for an altar (wood or natural materials in preferences to pressed board, for example), but most people I know are pretty practical about this and work with the furniture they have that fits in the space they want to use.

A number of people only set up an altar when they actually intend to do ritual: this gives you more flexibility, but you may still need to clear space for it. (Me, I figured if I was going to have to clear space for it anyway, I'd rather just leave it up all the time.)


Second how do you decide which dieties you want to worship?

Depends on a lot of factors. Some people get tapped on the shoulder by a specific deity, or feel strongly drawn to a specific culture or association. Others look at their interests and what they want to develop or cultures they're interested in, and develop relationships with deities based on that.

Judy Harrow's "Devoted to you" explores four different people's relationships and learning about four different deities: the model they use for the essays is a decent way to go about exploring. (the essays also suggest a lot of good resources for further learning about Celtic, Greek, and Egyptian deities.)

The group I work with has all dedicants (people working on their year and a day) research and write up a short paper about a deity a month. We work off a list of deities that are particularly relevant to the tradition (either ones the tradition works with regularly, or that are relevant in some other way). It's a good way to get familiar with a number of different stories and myths.

By the time in our curriculum where we specifically discuss being drawn to specific deities (about 6-7 months in) in class, people have a good model for learning more about them, exploring information, etc.


So I'm supposed to read everything for my year of study I understand that

First, don't worry about 'everything'. Even traditions with really high standards and lots of work don't make people read *everything* the first year.

The general goal of a year and a day training is to give you an overall grounding in what you're doing. These include things like celebrations, ritual structure, ethics, learning about different deities, basic energy work like grounding, centering, shielding, magical work, etc. The specifics vary from path to path in a number of cases. The main goal, however, is that you have plenty of information to help you make an informed decision about whether you want to make a long-term commitment to your path, and understand what that means.

My basic thumbnail guideline is that someone who's ready to commit should be able to describe what rituals they want to observe, some ideas of how they might do that without having to look things up, some general ideas of correspondences and how they work, and be able to set up ritual space and time, and then conduct ritual, and have some ideas of why they include each step beyond "I like it." Having some idea of where you'd like to explore deity relationships further, even if you haven't settled on a specific deity further, and being able to manage your own energy for magical use are also important factors if you're following Wicca or something related.

Chances are excellent that your goals nad methods may shift over time, or that you'll discover more layers to why your choices feel right or wrong. But having an idea what you intend to do and why that's important or meaningful has always struck me as a good place to start.


and I also understand that some peoples opinions are a tad biased but do I have to memorize everything I read word for word or how much do I have to memorize?

You definitely don't need to memorise everything (and definitely not every random book you read.)

However, you may find that memorising specific things is very helpful. In a number of groups or traditions, some common things memorised are:

* repeated ritual texts (for example, if the circle casting uses the same words every time, memorising those words. Also things like quarter calls, banishing, etc.)

* Some people like to memorise specific invocations or invitations. Other people prefer to come up with them on the spot, or write them out in advance and work off of notes. Each has some stylistic pluses and minuses.

* specific texts, like the Charge of the Goddess or some other common texts.

* words for songs or chants you use regularly in ritual.

Some people memorise all of their ritual scripts. Other people keep a copy handy if the wording matters, or improv it. (However, reading off a script and keeping the energy flowing is not an easy skill to learn: when working on your own, you're probably better off improving or memorising or using only very short notes.)

The group I work with does work off scripts, but tries to avoid needing them except for longer stretches of text (like "Here's what this moon is about, and what we're doing this evening." explanations. Or things like guided meditations, obviously, where someone reading it while everyone else is following is not distracting if it's read.)

I'd focus, if you choose to memorise, on the stuff you use most often (this will probably also be easy to memorise.) Once you have that down, branch off into things that will be useful (chants or spoken reminders that might help you if you're having a hard day at work or school, for example, that you could repeat in your head.) Then work on the longer stuff, like the Charge, if you wish.

[Rayzer]

Ok thanks. I should probably make a trip to the all wiccan bookstore in Seattle.

[Agaliha]

Ok thanks. I should probably make a trip to the all wiccan bookstore in Seattle.


First we're almost neighbors, I live near Tacoma :)

Second, the internet is a great place for all the info you need. I don't see the reason to spend tons of money (one book can be 15+$) on books when it's there in the internet free of charge.
Some sites are really great, others not so. The key is reading, reasarch and asking yourself "does this make sense? does this feel right to me?"

[Rayzer]

First we're almost neighbors, I live near Tacoma :)

Second, the internet is a great place for all the info you need. I don't see the reason to spend tons of money (one book can be 15+$) on books when it's there in the internet free of charge.
Some sites are really great, others not so. The key is reading, reasarch and asking yourself "does this make sense? does this feel right to me?"
I just want to go to the bookstore to see whether they have any of the books I was reccomended. Oh and I just want to look around there as I've never been. It's like next door to a GLBTQ bookstore also so I was gonna look in both just to say I've been there.

[Rayzer]

Is this list enough books to get me started on my year of study or do I need more?

[Agaliha]

I know a great place for finding those books. The library.
I don't know about King county's (I'm in Pierce), but I do know they carry Pagan/Wiccan/Witchcraft books. Pierce Co. Library system has about 85 (many with multiple copies) and they are willing to order more if one should be needed.

Here's the link to Seattle/King county library's website:
http://www.spl.lib.wa.us/ (http://www.spl.lib.wa.us/)
You can search for books there
For example "Pagan" brings up: 136 titles
(I do almost all of my searching and puting books on hold online)
But, man, I am SOOO jealous-- you have the new huge pretty library in Seattle. When I go visit my sister I am so going there. I love libraries (is going to be a librarian too).
My local one, though nice, is small...so I try to go to the bigger ones.

[RubyRose]

Is this list enough books to get me started on my year of study or do I need more?

Wow! That's quite a list.

I wouldn't say you'd need half of those books. Actually the best place to visit would be your local library, and make use of the internet.

The first book I brought happened to be The Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. While some may not recommend it, it got be started and definitely got me thinking.

Ofcourse at the time of purchasing that book, I'd already made my decision that Wicca was where I wanted to begin. And looking at your list of books, it seems as though you're looking at this from a very broad prospective. Not that I'm saying that's a bad thing, its not. Its just you don't want to be buying books, that you'll pick up once, and never look at again.

[Jenett]

Also try searching your library catalog for 'witchcraft' - it'll pull up the books on historical witch trials, as well, but it's the main subject heading for most Wicca-related books.

As far as books vs. internet: these sources teach you different things. There are relatively few places online that provide a thorough, detailed, progressive way to work through material. Books often have more space to do that, and the books that get recommended by many people are worth looking at.

Also remember that what resources will help you will depend on what your goals are: you may want to make changes if you're hoping to someday find a coven (even if that's not an immediate goal). The way some authors (both online and offline) present material may make that harder for you down the road. Likewise, if you want to focus on a particular kind of practice, or a specific pantheon of deities, or whatever else, you would want sources that helped with that.

[Rayzer]

Wow! That's quite a list.
So In other words you're saying I deffinitely have enough books on that list to get me started right?

[EDIT]: So how do I get one of those nifty banners?

[Rayzer]

But, man, I am SOOO jealous-- you have the new huge pretty library in Seattle
You mean the Central Library? I need to go also. Maybe we could meet there?

[Agaliha]

You mean the Central Library? I need to go also. Maybe we could meet there?

Is the Central one in the downtown area and is HUGE? If so than yes, the Central library. It was on te news and everything...it's got a bizillion levels and tons of art and cool stuff.
As far as meeting...
I don't drive (got a phobia--seriously) and I live pretty far away from Seattle-- it takes about 1 hout to 1 hour and 40 mins to get there depending on traffic-- my dad (the only driver in the fam) only goes up there every now and then. So us meeting there or anywhere probably won't happen...


So how do I get one of those nifty banners?
Well I make my own with ImageReady and Photoshop, but there is a banner depot thread in the Arts area. You can request one there.

[fangedeshana]

So In other words you're saying I deffinitely have enough books on that list to get me started right?

In addition too books (you dont have to spend a fortune, a lot of newbie books just regurgitate the same information as eachother), I'd check out the internet (I left you links in you other post, the one before this). Also check out www.witchvox.com (www.witchvox.com) for the essays. I found the personal essays on all the different topics there great help when I was learning.

Also, you don't HAVE to spend a year and a day studying (unless you are in a Coven that requires you to). Study until you think you are ready to begin practice - a good sign is that you can hold a intellegent coveration about your beliefs without faltering very much or having to look things up.

I've been studying for 7 years now, and I haven't done anything but meditation and guide work. Now I feel ready to pursue more, I'm unable to because of restictions (privacy, room to move, and peace and quiet)

Good luck in your studies, and ask as many questions as you like! :)

[DixieWitch]

A quickie on the altar question, since all the other stuff seems to be answered!! I remember reading somewhere that someone had an altar in an empty drawer on their dresser. When they used it, they opened it up and then closed it when not in use. Just be sure no candles or incense it burner!! My last altar was on the kitchen counter top in the corner.I knew it was an altar and so did my hubby, but no one else did!! Just remember--it's all about you!! What do you want your altar to look like and feel like? Do you want just a candle and a cone of incense on a small table? Or a table that takes up 1/2 a wall covered in stuff that represent you? As I've been told countless times--I don't think the dieties care what you use or how you present it. They just care that you are there!!

[Rayzer]

First we're almost neighbors, I live near Tacoma :)

Second, the internet is a great place for all the info you need. I don't see the reason to spend tons of money (one book can be 15+$) on books when it's there in the internet free of charge.
Some sites are really great, others not so. The key is reading, reasarch and asking yourself "does this make sense? does this feel right to me?"
May I add that I wanted to purchase the books because I was going to highlight stuff in them? And I don't want to waste paper and ink printing stuff from websites.

[Rayzer]

Is the Central one in the downtown area and is HUGE? If so than yes, the Central library. It was on te news and everything...it's got a bizillion levels and tons of art and cool stuff.
As far as meeting...
I don't drive (got a phobia--seriously) and I live pretty far away from Seattle-- it takes about 1 hout to 1 hour and 40 mins to get there depending on traffic-- my dad (the only driver in the fam) only goes up there every now and then. So us meeting there or anywhere probably won't happen...


Well I make my own with ImageReady and Photoshop, but there is a banner depot thread in the Arts area. You can request one there.
I was referring to when you come visit your sister

[Flar's Freyja]

Here's a thread with answers to these and more questions, includiing a recommended reading list:

The Mystic Wicks Book of Shadows (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=21667)

I also believe that some members here are doing a book exchange/swap. I think the thread's in the Books forum.

[wolf]

Is this list enough books to get me started on my year of study or do I need more?

I would suggest 1, 22, & 23 to start.

Don't buy a fancy "Book of Shadows" blank book for your book of shadows.

Nice journals are easily found in places like the Dollar Store. Some of those BOS's with the silver embossed pentagram on the front run upwards of $20, which is ridiculous for a blank book ... I don't care how pretty it is!!

I've at times used a three ring binder for a BOS because you can take pages in and out more easily, as well as organize things much more easily. You can even type stuff out on your computer if your handwriting isn't as nice as you would like for archiving!

Witchcraft on a budget (or under your parent's noses, which is often much the same thing) isn't as difficult as many people think.

[Agaliha]

May I add that I wanted to purchase the books because I was going to highlight stuff in them? And I don't want to waste paper and ink printing stuff from websites.


Well, if you feel the need to buy (all) those books, go for it. Everyone is just saying it'll cost a fortune...and the internet, library and such are just as good as far as resources go.
Before I buy any book--Pagan or not-- I read what people have to say about them, like on Amazon or something...some books are just not worth it.
I personally write everything and copy/take notes on whatever info I feel important. Or I print (4 to a page to save ink and paper-- so 20 pages is really 80) info that I know I want or helps me. Plus I'm weird and love the very act or writing, so it doesnt bother me.
I've rarely felt the need to buy a book for the info because I can get it in so many other places--and the library caries them all. And plus, it's the author's beliefs and opinions and not necessarly mine. If there was a book about Hindu-Paganism then I might just buy it, but there isn't :(
The important thing is doing what you want to do, what you can do ($ wise, etc) and what you feel you need to do.



I was referring to when you come visit your sister

Again, I don't drive-- she does-- so I can't assume anything or make plans ahead of time. Sorry :)

[Rayzer]

Well, if you feel the need to buy (all) those books, go for it. Everyone is just saying it'll cost a fortune...and the internet, library and such are just as good as far as resources go.
Wasn't gonna buy them all at once. I have them on my wish list for birthdays and christmas and stuff.

[Agaliha]

Wasn't gonna buy them all at once. I have them on my wish list for birthdays and christmas and stuff.

Then there you go :)

[Rayzer]

But still I'd like my own copy so I can highlight stuff. Don't wanna desecrate a library book. But I could hand write some notes from the lib books I guess.

[fangedeshana]

But still I'd like my own copy so I can highlight stuff. Don't wanna desecrate a library book. But I could hand write some notes from the lib books I guess.

Handwriting out notes is a very good idea - You'll remember a lot more of what you read if you take hand written notes. :D

[Agaliha]

Handwriting out notes is a very good idea - You'll remember a lot more of what you read if you take hand written notes.


Yup! Doing both increases the memory of whatever you're researching. It uses both halves of the brain and therefore creates stronger links :)

[Rayzer]

I'd probably take my highlighted notes and handwrite them out too. But anyways I've got a question on spells.How long do they generally last?

[Childof_theMorrigan]

I haven't read all on that list but of the ones I have... I would suggest:

#1 and 3,

14 I bought for my husband but I know he hasn't read it
15 is great


4 and 5 on page 2

Spiral dance on page 2 is one of my favs
anything by Valiente and Gardner is worth knowing for knowledge sake

Magickal Herbalism my high priestess also recommends though i haven't read it

Drawing Down the Moon is a dry read but important

12 wild swans is phenomenal

21 lessons of merlyn is a great fun read but not very factual so take what you can from the 'ideas' and not so much based on research

#5 on page 5

a covenmate with a young son swears by Circle Round

Covencraft is another one of my favs... for high priest/ess in training

May I also recommend a few I didn't notice on the list

The Witches Bible by the Farrars
The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan
Earth Power by Scott Cunningham

anything by SilverRavenWolf be wary of... it's kind of fluffy but her first one, To Ride A Silver Broomstick was my first book and it's something of a workbook so it wasn't too bad

[Childof_theMorrigan]

something I forgot to add..there's a list of recommended reading at the end of each chapter of To Ride A Silver Broomstick... many of the recommendations are worth a look

[fangedeshana]

I'd probably take my highlighted notes and handwrite them out too. But anyways I've got a question on spells.How long do they generally last?

Spells can last as long as a few seconds to centuries - it depends on how mcuh energy you put into them. And of course, if you don't put enough energy into them, they can also be a total flop and not work in any noticable way at all. It's all up to the caster's ability to raise and direct energy/will.

And as fo how much energy is 'enough', there isnt a certain set ammount, depends on how against the "natural flow" of things you spell goes, and how badly you want the help of magic (ie: if your will is strong, you've already raised more energy for the spell than if you were just messing about).