Where to Start

[Myst]

New to Wicca and Paganism or MW and wondering where to begin? Here's some ideas.

New Pagans, Druids, Theology & Philosophy - What is a Pagan? A Wiccan? A witch? Why? How about Shamans? Druids?

Theology & Philosophy - What are the core beliefs? What about karma? The Rede? Do you follow the Rede or believe in ThreeFold Law? Why or Why not? Do you believe in karma? Reincarnation? Spirit guides? What other religious beliefs do you incorporate into your beliefs?

History - What is the history of Paganism? Wicca? What about religions that have lent something to those beliefs? Native American religions? Historical pasts?

Gods & Goddesses - What deities do you like? What archetypes make sense to you? Do you see God in the form of a Lord and Lady, as All, as some named deity, or just as energy? What is the mythology behind your beliefs? What myths do you identify with?

Tarot and Divination - Do you believe you can see the future? Do you wonder what your dream last night meant? Do you like using tarot cards, runes, a crystal ball, a ouija board, tea leaves, etc.? Would you like to learn? Do you have a favourite tarot deck? Do you want a more in depth understanding of runes? Do you need help with a reading?

Magick & Rituals - What are the practices of a Wiccan? Witch? Other Pagan? Is this religion or path one that requires use of magic? One that you can use magic with if you want to? What tools could you use?

Astrology and The Green Rooml - Do you want to look into other practices that are associated with Paganism such as astrology or herbcraft? Wondering about a recipe for homemade soap? How about finding out what your birth chart says about you?

Some things to research in your search...

What is Paganism? Wicca? Witchcraft? Druidry?
History of Paganism/Wicca/Witchcraft/etc.
Karma and the Rede
Archetypes, Deities, Mythology, etc.
Literature & Resources
Herbcraft
Divination
Spirits, Angels, Animals, Dragons, and Fae Folk
Visualization and Meditation
Circle Casting and Closing
Tools of the Craft
Correspondences and Mind Keys

[Dria El]

Very good questions for someone to be askin' themselves! Might I be so bold as to 'STICK' it? Seems to me that more people should use this list as a starting point.

:)

[Myst]

That'd be great :)

[Dria El]

Awesome! Thanks!

:)

[mol]

Great list, Myst. Thanks.

[Myst]

Some threads you should read at MW to get started;

Help for New Pagans - http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8328
Some Cool Links for Newbies - http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6703

(here in New Pagans)

Recommended Reading List (Books Forum) - http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3733

Favourite Pagan Resources (Pagan Geek) - http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12511

and if you feel you need a spell,
Practical Rune Magic (Magick and Rituals) - http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12437

[mysticrain]

Funny when i read the things i should be asking myself i did that :) and my answers are yes to most:) i do wonder what my dreams mean, i do see furture for some people i can honsetly say i played with tarot cards a few times and it did turn to be true.. I don't want to rush into anything so i amtaking it all step by step.. Thanks for all the questions and idea's... Very new at this, but i am enjoying it:) Mystic Rain

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Myst,
Once again, thanking you for a helpful thread.

[Flar's Freyja]

Fantastic idea, Myst!

Great job! :thumbsup:

[mol]

Hah. Its even a good refresher. :p

[jamaesi]

Thanks for all the questins and links! It should be really helpful.

[torryn]

again, good list. thanks. :)

[Catwoman]

I think the best way to start is to buy a book (on Wicca, Witchcarft, etc.) from your local book store (usually under the "New Age" section) I'm new too and that's what I am doing.

[mysticrayne]

I can tell u I have been readng and reading .. i think one of the
Best Books I got is Wiccan Beliefs and Practices by Cantrell.. I keep gettling books and reading.. I think this is how I know I want to do it.. I keep reading and reading.. i enjoy everything I even read to my daughter.. Lila age 3 3/4 ( white dragon) She picked her name herself..But together we r learning.. :) and we r enjoying it..

[Sean]

Thanx alot for the list, it is helping my walk in more ways then I could ever imagine. Im to poor right now to buy books, so with a little web R&D and your list I have learned many things and increased my knowledge three fold. I cannot thank you enough.

-Sean

[wicca3000200020]

also make sure to say do not use your energy for evil.

[Gwion]

Here is a link to a thread in the book section that ought to be here:
What Ten Books would you give your Apprentice?

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21701

[Aviendha]

I think the person I like reading the most is Scott Cunningham. He is insightful and has a sense of humor that I like. He's very easy to read and understand.

[bluewindsong]

wow, i could spend all day all week exploring this board! There is SO Much here!!! i love the green fourm, and the goddess, and the ritual magick too. I can't wait to share personal rituals and get ides for others too...
:D
wonderful, so glad i found this site!
anyoen else frm the tucson area on the board??
bluewidnsong

[Sequoia]

Here is an excellent MW link I think everyone should check out - the MW Tour!

-->click here to take the tour<-- (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24463)

[Partly Cloudy]

I read "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk and "21st Centuary Wicca" by ... I forget, and some others, but I can't remember them all. I was looking for Scott Cunningham's books because they were in the bibliography and reading ideas thingos in several other books, but there weren't any in our library, but I'm still looking around in any bookshops I can find...

[Sequoia]

If you have ever or would consider buying books online, try Amazon.com and bn.com. You'd be much more likely to find the books there. :)

[Raevyn]

Originally posted by Partly Cloudy
"21st Centuary Wicca" by ...

Jennifer Hunter. My favourite Wiccan book and the first one I read.

[Partly Cloudy]

I liked it too :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Another helpful link for new members:

The MW Book of Shadows (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21667)

[Storm]

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