REAL newbie

[Hazel_Moon]

I am so new it's not even funny. A lot of new people on here say "oh i've done some spells and stuff". I'm like "dude! i bought a book!" Everything on here looks like another language and a lot of people who have tried to explain things to me use words that i don't even know what they mean. I've deciphered a few posts but that's about it. OK so it's like this. I'm one of those educationally handicapped people who don't learn from reading the bool but by seeing it. The prob is that all the Coven's near my home won't let you come unless you belong to the Coven. To be in the Coven you have to go through a year and a days intensive training which is all good and fine with me and i'd love to attend but i'm already a full-time college student and i also have a family to take care of. I don't know how i'm supposed to get by without having some sort of examples to show me what i've read and convert it to English. I've been beating around the bush on getting started for years and i really don't want to put it off for much longer. I don't know what to do and really need some help. Please remember that i'm bran spankin new and a lot of the stuff might need to be in lamens terms. Thanks so much.

(i'm not really stupid but i just need a shove in the right direction)

[Djiril]

Will comics help?
http://ohmygods.timerift.net/
Ok, it's not that educational but it is fun!

[shnen]

All you need to do is ask! or search :)

Welcome to MW and I hope you find all the answers you need :)

:wave:

[Jenett]

Unfortunately, a lot of Pagan material is very strongly book based (at least to start with: you usually need either book understanding or someone teaching you in person to get the practical side of it going.)

The solution, though, is pretty simple. Ask lots of questions. If people use words that don't make sense to you, ask more questions.

Also, find a book that has a good thorough glossary, and see if that helps. (I'd recommend either Rosemary Guiley's "Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft" or Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels' "Essential Wicca" both of which do pretty straightforward and thorough definitions.)

Start with one question, and then work on from there - Neo-Paganism (like most subjects) has its own terminology and language, and that can be confusing for a lot of people (not just you). Some of it is also, however, to do with looking at things from a specific perspective - and once you get more used to the perspective, things may start making more sense.

However, since no one can get inside your head to figure out your confusions with any kind of accuracy, and since you don't have access to people in person, you're going to need to take a lot of responsibility for asking questions about what you're interested in.

[Faery-Wings]

Hi there and welcome to MW!

Compared to some other sites I have been too, this one is great for using plain language. If you don't undertsand, people here will be more than happy to explain further.

Also I would recommend getting Cunningham's Wicca Guide for the Solitary Practicioner . It is written in a real easy to read style.

Good luck on your journey.

[Psyche Ague]

Hello and welcome! :wave:

I'm going to have to agree with chryssi. Cunningham is a great way to start. His books are easy to read, explain everything, and are entertaining. He's written a ton of great books. That's how I started.

But never underestimate the power of being outside and feeling the religion for yourself...

Trees and animals are your best friends!

[Flar's Freyja]

:wave: Merry Meet and Welcome Home!

As others have said, Scott Cunningham is wonderful and although a lot of people do not like her, I like Silver RavenWolf. To Ride A Silver Broomstick was the first book that I read and I learned from it. Scott Cunningham's two books on Wicca for the Solitary Practioner were the ones I read next.

However - if I'd known about it, the first book I WOULD have read would have been True Magick by Amber K. It's still a $5 book, short, sweet and to the point with all of the critical information you need.

Books can give you ideas, and I'm like you - I learn most by actually doing. So, when you see something you might like to try, go ahead and try it - after all, if you're solitary, no one but the gods are watching and you can give them a good giggle! When I did my self-initiation, I had the book by my side to refer to it, and it was dang hard to read by candlelight! :lol:

I found that when I wasn't sure what I was doing, it worked anyway because what really makes the magick is your intent.

We have lots of good stuff in the Magick and Rituals forum, so come on over and visit and ask questions.

[Silverlotus]

I haven't been reading this forum long, but I can say everyone seems very friendly and willing to help out. So, ask questions. It doesn't matter if you think they may be to "beginner" or whatever. There could be several other people who are to afraid to ask the same question, and you'd be helping them out too. :)

When it comes to learning by doing, try out what is in the books. If you don't have all the tools or what-have-you, don't worry! IMHO, what it comes down to is your feelings and intention. Do what feels right. If having a chat with the Lord and Lady while sitting outside watching the snow fall seems a better idea to you then a huge ritual, do it! :) And have fun.

[st0rm]

everything is pretty much said already so I'll stick with a simple Welcome...

[Emaleth]

Welcome:wave:

I agree with what other people wrote. I will only add that all of us have been where you are now, so just take your time and try to learn as much as you can:) .

Blessed Be

[Pan]

Welcome!

My first book was "Teen Witch" by Silver Ravenwolf. She does use a lot of simple language, and it's fun to read. If I hadn't understood it, I probably would have stopped reading about it. :)

Cunningham is a good one to start with, though he can be a little dry, imo.

Asking questions will get you far in this Path. Don't just accept something because a book says to. Ask questions if you don't understand. :D