new wiccan

[Kat]

i am worried about getting too involved and getting more than i am equipped to handle. like spirits making themselves known in my home and well things like that. i am not sure how to handle or approach that. i also live with my parents still so i'm also still hiding my new conversion to paganism. should i even be worried about stuff like that?

[Jenett]

I can understand the worries, but one thing to keep in mind is that to a great extent, you have a lot of control over it.

Now, some people, on starting to explore Wicca or other forms of Neo-Paganism (or things dealing with esoteric or psychic subjects in general), do find they start having odd experiences. However, there are things you can do to help that.

One is to start by learning basic grounding, centering, and shielding techniques, and using them regularly. You're much less likely to have lots of problems if you have some basic skills that will help you take a step back and look at the situation more clearly.

Having people you can run an issue by (in places like this) can also help, as long as you think they'll give you reasonable advice. (Folks here will, I'm pretty sure, but I've also seen discussion forums where such concerns can be fed in not-so-fun ways)

The other part is - don't do stuff you don't understand, and haven't examined from every angle. Especially, don't invoke (or invite, or otherwise call) anything until you've done some research about it, understand *what* you're calling, and *why* you're doing it. And, of course, until you know how to have it go away when you're done. This includes things like the quarter guardians.

(Simply talking to deities isn't inviting or invoking them, by the way - it's not asking them to come be present. The equivalent of a phone call or email, rather than having them come round to visit.)

That's something that can probably wait for a bit, though - get comfortable with other aspects first, and by the time you've done that, you'll be in a better position to do the next bits of work.

[MammaStar]

I know I'm going to sound repetitive, but I can't stress the importance of not messing around with things until you have a firm understanding of the wherefors and howto's.

Try these threads to help you on your way:

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8328

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12840

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3733

[Aviendha]

Lighting incense for protection and banishing can help. And I doudt your parents would even raise an eye brow. Also, candles are great to. And they are a normal tool that wiccans use, plus they're pretty. HA! Different colors do different things. But like Janett said, read and do a lot of research before you go doing things. Always remember..."Be careful of what you wish for!" Maybe find a few candle magic books...like Practical Candleburning Rituals by Raymond Buckland. I haven't read this book yet, but it was reacommended by my wiccan teaher. Hope I helped!
Blessed be

[Kat]

thanx, i guess i just needed reasurrance that i wasn't doing something harmful. my mom is always telling me not to open doors... very ominously and it just rattled me. i am definitely not going to stop walking my new found path though. thanx for the link too