OK - I have a weird question :-)

[JWill0ws]

Some background first:

I was born orthodox Jewish, raised primarily Conservative. For as long as I can remember, I never believed in the traditions and basic belief systems. When I was 16, I was taught the basic of the Kaballah, which opened a whole new world for me that I have explored to this day (on and off, that is).

Up to date, I have practiced/believed in what seems to be classified at new age. I have crystals/stones and know many of their properties. Studied under mentors such as a shaman, psychic, and my Rabbi. I have had inscence, candles, sage, sea salts, etc. for most of my teen and adult years. I have two Tarot decks and have done readings. However, I have not practiced magick (casting spells). This is why I am here. I want to learn more, understand more, because so much here and in the books I am reading hits home with me and what I have believed thus far.

Here is the question:

How can someone like myself who has a little knowledge - but considers herself a newbie - go about understanding wicca, the rede, the rituals, and the god and goddess?

I am reading up on it with two books I have. Some of it gets dry and repetitive for me - the rest can be a bit overwhelming with whom to call, when to perform, what to wear, etc. Thus far, I have always gone by guidance and my gut - from what I understand this is part of wicca - but one must be careful and educated also. I am not quite looking for an easy way to learn, because all important journeys aren't necessarily easy. However, I am looking for some guidance on books, research, etc. that could help me not get bogged down or too overwhelmed. In addition, I learn best just from interaction with people who are experienced :-)

I want to thank everyone, in advance for their help. In addition, I want to convey praise to all the posters here in the forums. Most are positive, informative, honest, and to the point. It is refreshing :-)

:-)

[Dark_Xen]

The book that helped me alot is the book of shadows by Silver Raven Wolf. It has loads of information on basically everything. I'm not very experienced, but I have done alot of spells, most with effects, even if they have gone wrong or back fired some how. What I do is cast circle first, then draw the God or Goddess (In my case Hades, because he is my patron God), into a special candle, and then tell them what I want. I put oil on the candle to correspond with what I desire, and then imagine a symbol that represents what I want, such as a pound sign for a money spell. I imagine it covering the planet, as if telling the whole world what I need. And then, I pour the wax onto a piece of paper, wrap it in a white ribbon, and bury it under a full moon. Then, I burn it in the special candle and imagine the ashes spread over the planet to enforce my will, and that's pretty much it. There are almost certainly easier and better ways to do spells than this, but I am new. When I first started, my technique was very different, but I find myself changing the ways I work constantly. I think of new ideas and ways to get my massage across. It just takes practice and a lot of will power, as well as imagination and belief in yourself.

[Demeter]

Which books are you reading? I've always recommended Scott Cunningham's Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner and Living Wicca for starters. They're not dry, and they'll give a decent grounding in the basics. They're not the most in-depth books around, but depth comes later; now what you need is an overview.

I think the most important thing is to jump in and do - get your hands dirty. Practice casting circles. Get yourself some basic tools and consecrate them - don't worry about having anything fancy or expensive, and don't wait until you have a complete set of every tool under the sun. Meditate on a candle flame. Sit down and have a long talk with a tree. You can only learn so much from books. The rest comes from doing.

[Rain Gnosis]

We have a Books forum. If you can't find it, let us know. If you can, go there, and look at the thread stuck near the top, the title is something like "Recommended Books" or "Recommended Reading", etc.

Therein are all the newbie books people recommend.

[MystIc_WolF]

You say you learn best from talking to people more experienced that you, this may sound a bit confusing, but I would recommend you take your own advice. Literally sit down and talk to the deities, whether through meditation or prayer, or simply sitting in your room and talking to them (which might make you appear insane to someone that isn't aware of what you are doing.). When I first started practicing I was absolutely obsessed with collecting all the tools and learning everything I could before doing anything that even came close to ritual, I still feel that way sometimes, but now since I've "gotten over" that feeling to a degree I've found my relationship with the God & Goddess is immeasureably deeper than before.

[grnpuffer]

I was born orthodox Jewish, raised primarily Conservative. For as long as I can remember, I never believed in the traditions and basic belief systems. When I was 16, I was taught the basic of the Kaballah, which opened a whole new world for me that I have explored to this day

Hi JWillows
A book you might really enjoy:
Barbara Koltuv's The book of Lilith.
It's one of my absolute favorite books that is about the primal power of the feminine. It was a book that I read a jillion times until my copy was dog-eared and in pieces. It stirred up something in my gut that I knew was the source of power (never mind how the culture of the time institutionalized male fear of feminine power). As you know, her stories date back to early Jewish History and before. Koltuv examines both the light and dark part of the feminine power. The writer touches on forms of ritual and magic from that period. The material may jingle your brain to remember that your background will provide an astonishingly powerful foundation to realize a craft tradition from your roots. I know several priestesses who were orthidox jews prior to comming to the craft (hey, starhawk is jewish, I think!). They all share an intensity and power that is uniquely beautiful and very jewish. I hope you find a way to discovery and embrace that beauty. We all look forward to seeing you shine!

I encourage you to not abandon your study of the Kaballah and to consider other traditions, such as the hermetic form. While I was comming up inthe ranks in the craft (coven based), i also studied the kaballah/qabalah. It was an exquisit marriage. I learned about power from the craft and structure, focus and disclipline from from the qabalah: in other words force and form. Either disclipline was incomplete without the other. Combined, I discovered personal growth that was both thrilling and unexpected. You've mentioned that you are interested in the tarot. You might want to check out www.bota.org. They offer the best course on esoteric tarot on the planet- based on the qabalah. While the course isn't specifically about ritual and magic, I've learned more about how to do magic and construct rituals and how to meditate by experimenting with information provided in the course.

Meanwhile, try to find yourself a good teacher. Despite what some folks claim, there are important things that cannot be learned from books but are passed along in a healthy mentoring relationship (just as the spirit of the kaballah must be recieved). Take your time finding a good teacher - talk with others who have studied with them if you can. Get to know a potential teacher by taking public classes with them first (check with local metaphysical shops and see who is teaching)

Best wishes on your journey
G

[DebLipp]

Jwill0ws, don't worry so much. :) Really! Don't just trust yourself, trust the gods. They're not going to punish you for trying and not getting it just so the first time out.

The recommended reading thread is a good idea. I don't usually go around telling everyone to read my book, because I dunno, I feel its a little too egotistic, but in this case I'll make an exception. There are things in my book that I think respond to exactly the questions you're asking. You've already read some basic texts and you have a lot of occult training, so you don't need to start at square one. (There's a purchase link on my website.)

The thing is, at some point you're going to have to just jump in if you plan on working solitary. I have to tell you, I never even did a single solitary ritual until after I'd found a group. I was so focused on wanting a group or a teacher that it was never something I wanted. Then again, there was much less information about doing ritual in my day, and without a teacher it was a lot harder to improvise.

But if you choose to work solitary, you'll never have a day when stepping over the threshhold into actually doing won't feel like a mighty big step. As they say on TV, JUST DO IT.

Trust the gods. Offer up your imperfect ritual with love in your heart.

Here is a quote from the closing of a puja (a home-based Hindu worship ceremony). I use this in all of my pujas, it fills my heart with love just to say it:

Om! I know nothing of mantras. I do not perform good conduct. I have no devotion, Oh Supreme Goddess. But Oh my Goddess, please accept the worship I offer.

See? You're not alone. :)

[cleopatra_njh]

I'm new and was wondering how you get all the pretty pictures by your name! it's kinda a weird question....

[Cerulean]

To Willows,

I also like Scott Cunningham's book for the solo practioner, a book by Z. Budapest about holidays and celebrations (can't remember it) and Spiral Dance(?). Sorry, I'm not at home. These books aren't dry and boring. You seem to be on the right track. I posted a thread called "don't worry about supplies" and I also posted a reply on "ritch witch" in which I tell new pagans what I wish I had known twenty years ago. When I was a young pagan you kept running into books that had you buying all these colored, scented, sculptured candles, a different one for each desire or day of the week. You don't need it.

You seem to have a good instinct. I'm sure you'll find your way.

I'm a Jewish/Pagan too.

As for the person who wants to know how to post a picture, someone that knows more than me will come along soon.

[Dark_Xen]

To get the picture by your name, go to Profile, at the top of the screen, and click "Avatar". Then, you just select the picture you like and it'll come up in your posts.

[JWill0ws]

Thanks to all the great suggestions!!

I may very well purchase your book, Deb - once I get some extra cash. Also, thanks for the words of comfort. I have been looking for someone or somebodies to talk with or take classes, etc. However, I live in, how shall I say, a pretty rural town when it comes right down to it. The pagans I know here, thus far, work solitary. Though friendly enough, I have yet to feel comfortable enough to ask the questions I ask here. I know of no groups, at this point. (I will say, it was easier when I was younger and in school to find avenues to search than it is now). However, I am going to a pagan/mystical store tonight for a reading - so it will give me a chance to check out what they have available. I hear many good things about this store, so I am a bit excited.

I am still going to research the Kaballah. However, I have always been attracted to the craft and mystical ways for as long as I remember. I would feel remiss if I didn't continue this journey also :-)

Cerulean - thanks for the personal input. I am learning more and more that Jews are looking into the Pagan path. In one aspect, it surprises me - and another it envigorates me. It is nice to know that there are others like me who question the blind traditions our culture often follows. Though I continue to identify with the Jewish culture and the trials and tribulations we have all gone through, the religion has never "sat" right with me. It is nice to see you in here.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted and assisted me thus far :-)

:colorful:

[Kalika]

Books that I have found helpful are Living Wicca and Earth, Air, Fire, and Water by Scott Cunningham.

There are also alot of great sites on the web... try a search engine such a Dogpile or Ask Jeeves, and you will find a great list of links.

Good luck in your search.

Blessed Be.