Starting Point

[magical_moonlight]

I have thought of myself as Dianic for about two years now...but you see I seem to drift on and off the path...I feel bad for not being as divoted as I know I should be.

This time I want to keep on the path. Learn, and keep learning. My problem is that I don't know where to start. I *think* I am dianic because of the feminine side of it...but then again, I don't know...I've never really explored anything else.

What is the starting point? There is no 'bible' for wiccans...so where do I turn?

I aam sorry if I am sounding confused, but the truth is, I am. This has been playing on my mind for some time now.

Magical Moonlight

[Aidron]

I have thought of myself as Dianic for about two years now...but you see I seem to drift on and off the path...I feel bad for not being as divoted as I know I should be.

You can, and should, be only as devoted as your heart desires.


This time I want to keep on the path. Learn, and keep learning. My problem is that I don't know where to start. I *think* I am dianic because of the feminine side of it...but then again, I don't know...I've never really explored anything else.

What is the starting point? There is no 'bible' for wiccans...so where do I turn?

I aam sorry if I am sounding confused, but the truth is, I am. This has been playing on my mind for some time now.

Magical Moonlight

Try Google, search on here for other threads regarding Dianic Wiccan. If you find you are experiencing such difficulty remaining loyal to Dianic Wicca, however, I would suggest you explore other faiths since you may unconsciously be rejecting it for one reason or another.

[Meadhbh]

You might also try going back from the start of things. Its interesting how profound things that them simple now can be if you go back and reread/study them. Its also a good chance for you to map out what you believe and what you want to work on.

[CheshireEyes]

I am sure you will find whatever you seek here. Everyone is more than willing to help. Hope you enjoy your stay!:abanana: :fpeace: :fpipesmok :fpartyfav

[magical_moonlight]

Thank you everyone for your support and advice, it means so much to me.

I just don't know what to study first...and in what order. Is there a guide on how to start out in wiccan studies? I don't have a lot of money, so can't get books at present...I am relying on the net.

Magical Moonlight

[Philosophia]

*doing a little plug*

Theres a Dianic class in CoT that you may want to join...

(it'll be updated soon, I promise!)

[mtpathy]

you start at the begining,and where your at right now is just that..
i don't think you'r having a problem where to begin,it sounds to me like
you think theres a actual goal,and your stopping because you don't think
that your reaching that goal..
the problem is theres no goal or finish its the journey not the destination
that makes this worth while.

[Tim]

I have thought of myself as Dianic for about two years now...but you see I seem to drift on and off the path...I feel bad for not being as divoted as I know I should be.

This time I want to keep on the path. Learn, and keep learning. My problem is that I don't know where to start. I *think* I am dianic because of the feminine side of it...but then again, I don't know...I've never really explored anything else.

What is the starting point? There is no 'bible' for wiccans...so where do I turn?

I aam sorry if I am sounding confused, but the truth is, I am. This has been playing on my mind for some time now.

Magical Moonlight

Sometimes what a person "is" is different then what they think they should be... if you get what I'm saying. I normally tell people to start with what they actually believe and let that guide them... for example, if you believe in emanationism (that everything that exists flowed from a single source and is destined to return) as opposed to creationism (the belief that human beings, the world and the universe were intentionally created by a supreme being or deity) then learn everything you can about emanationism... read Pythagoras, Plato, Plotinus, and other philosophers... learn about Platonism, Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and others... as you study there will be things you agree with and those you don't... use that to guide your learning... you may never find a title that exactly fits... but you'll know what you believe, what you don't, and why.

[RainInanna]

I just don't know what to study first...and in what order. Is there a guide on how to start out in wiccan studies? I don't have a lot of money, so can't get books at present...I am relying on the net.

I have 2 suggestions

1. Check your local library, see what Wiccan books are available for borrowing
2. Check your local listings at http://www.witchvox.net/ and see if you can find Wiccans local to you to help guide you

While the internet has a lot of information available, it doesn't seem to have a lot of good "Wicca 101's". Usually you'll find sites are more of a hodge podge of useful ideas and it's up to you to put them together. You can do some Googling to find some of the info such as sabbat celebrations, and see if you can find info on casting circles, raising energy, grounding and centering, connecting with the gods, other rituals for esbats etc. You'll find the same info on the net, but I don't know of any website I'd really point to as a Wicca 101. So I couldn't really say "here's the place to start on the net and here's the sites you should study first".

Perhaps your best bet is the Pagan basics page at Witchvox - http://www.witchvox.com/_x.html?c=basics Also there are lots of FAQ's for newbies here in this forum, along with lessons going on for you to check out.

More importantly than what you read, I think, is what you do to start out. You can learn about the sabbats but then do actually celebrate them. Design a ritual for the full moons and do it. Study your local flora and fauna and spend some time in nature to get an idea of how the seasons flow in Wicca. Start casting circles, grounding and centering regularly, and doing devotionals to the gods. Make your own tools such as a wand, if you fancy using one.

There are lots of guides on how to start in Wicca - generally they are books or people who have more experience. But don't let your inability to find one or the other stop you from practicing Wicca, because in the end it's not your guide that makes Wicca a living, meaningful spirituality to you.

[teishabee]

People often ignore the one resource they have. Mw.

When I first started my aim was to read all through Mw. I did this from the Archive page.


http://www.mysticwicks.com/archive/index.php

Then I wud look throught the topics that interested me.

I have to admit that I never read the whole of MW, I think that would take me till my old age but I gained alot of knowlegde through reading past posts.

[mystic_zoe]

i agree with everything that has been said! maybe try looking at other paths which you may have a slight interest in? you may be drifting on and off your current path because it doesnt cover all of your interests? so maybe try looking at range of paths that interest you rather than limiting yourself to just one..
also, google is your friend! lol and wikipedia is as well!! just keeping looking! you are bound to find what you are searching for!!

xx
Zoé

[Tim]

i agree with everything that has been said! maybe try looking at other paths which you may have a slight interest in? you may be drifting on and off your current path because it doesnt cover all of your interests?

Exactly... it should not be assumed that Wicca is the best path... many people start there because it's so prevalent... but one must believe what they believe because they believe it, not because it's popular.

[teishabee]

I do admit its hard, I mean there must be paths I dont know about but It just keeps me going and constantly searching till I find home.

Or sommit like that:cutie:

[magical_moonlight]

Thank you EVERYONE for your replies. I am so thankful for them. At the moment I am bursting with excitement! I just want to read everything, and learn it alllll :D.

[sybba_leigh]

is dianic wicca the same thing as avalon? or is avalon just a group of women who practice dianic wicca? my friend is reading a fictional book about witchcraft called "avalon." how can you trust something named after a fairytale?

[Philosophia]

is dianic wicca the same thing as avalon? or is avalon just a group of women who practice dianic wicca? my friend is reading a fictional book about witchcraft called "avalon." how can you trust something named after a fairytale?

Dianic Wicca and Avalon are not the same, and just because something is named after a so-called "fairy tale" doesn't make it invalid.

[sybba_leigh]

Dianic Wicca and Avalon are not the same, and just because something is named after a so-called "fairy tale" doesn't make it invalid.

i just think that naming a religion or coven or whatever after a fairytale makes you look fluffy and like you beleive things happen like they happen in the fairytale.

[teishabee]

sciencetology anyone?

[RainInanna]

I don't see why that should bother you, most forms of Paganism draw on ancient tales and mythologies for inspiration. Do you say Pagans who draw on Celtic, Kemetic, Hellenic, and Nordic myths are stupid?

There are several groups who use the name Avalon. For example, Avalon Witchcamp is a workshop festival based on Reclaiming that has been going on since '98.

[Tranquility]

How about the best source of all? The wild? The book of nature has no beginning and no end.. there is no limit to the amount of knowledge one can amass. My recommendation is to find inspiration from listening to the wind play with the tree tops, watching the sun rise and breaking through the trees, or meditating under a waterfall at dusk. These things are where real inspiration and wisdom come, not from books. Don't get me wrong, I love books, and read as much as I can. But when you get down to it, books are usually just regurgitated information and/or opinions. Experience nature first hand, so that you can be the writer of your book. Good luck in your search!

[Tranquility]

Also, don't worry if you keep going on and off your path. Lots of us do that (at least I do). Sometimes it's an indication that we need to focus on the immediately reality, right now, because we haven't been living in the moment enough. It's a sign to simply take a break, and focus on just living life. I've gone through a few of these phases, and plan to go through many more. I'll be extremely interested and super motivated one month, and the next i'll feel bored and uninterested. It's normal. :)

[Vigdisdotter]

This time I want to keep on the path.

Okay. Why? And why do you keep "drifting"?


My problem is that I don't know where to start.

Start with what you want out of your path. Then go onto what you path MEANS, what's it's beliefs are and what it's practices are. Does is sound all good, or is there something about any of it that is bugging you?


I *think* I am dianic because of the feminine side of it...but then again, I don't know...I've never really explored anything else.

Why not?


What is the starting point? There is no 'bible' for wiccans...so where do I turn?

Like I said above, you turn inward. You have to understand yourself first before you can look at what's outside you.