Help! I'm new and I have questions

[Lola]

Hey there, I'm a newby to this online family and not-so-new to the business of witchcraft. I have dabbled and learned a bit in the past and for some weird reason left all by books on the shelf for a period of time. Well, they have always called me but I ignored them untill the other day, and thank the Goddess I finally listened!
Now, a few years older and wiser I have spend the last few days researching and reading and I have come to the conclusion that I need help and advice!
Here we go: witchcraft or wicca, coven or solitary, is there a way to go and a way to definately stay away from, and finally...I would like to hear other peoples start-up stories.
I know what I feel in my heart as far as the right way to go, but some input and advice would be really great.
Thanks for reading and all of you! Blessed Be!

[greenwitch]

Hey there, I'm a newby to this online family and not-so-new to the business of witchcraft. I have dabbled and learned a bit in the past and for some weird reason left all by books on the shelf for a period of time. Well, they have always called me but I ignored them untill the other day, and thank the Goddess I finally listened!
Now, a few years older and wiser I have spend the last few days researching and reading and I have come to the conclusion that I need help and advice!
Here we go: witchcraft or wicca, coven or solitary, is there a way to go and a way to definately stay away from, and finally...I would like to hear other peoples start-up stories.
I know what I feel in my heart as far as the right way to go, but some input and advice would be really great.
Thanks for reading and all of you! Blessed Be!


those things are entirely up to you!! I love working in groups but not in a binding coven, so if my friends and I decide to celebrate or work a spell together, then we do, otherwise I practice alone, to me it's more personal that way. But it depends on what you're comfortable with. as far as witchcraft or wicca, again, it depends on what you're comfortable doing or believing. Hell, you could be eclectic about it and just choose things from all sorts of religions and blend them together! I know lots of people who make their own religion for them to believe in. What you practice and what is better is all based on your own comfort and what you're willing to believe or not believe. I can't really tell you whats right and what's wrong, or what to stay away from,since thats all a matter of opinion. But like I said hun, it's what you feel comfy with!

[merlo]

Welcome Lola! If you hang around the clubhouse you'll get all the info you can possible process, as well as make some awesome friends. Take advantage of the different classes, or ask lotsa questions, and you'll be able to define your path! Once again, welcome to the clubhouse!

:thewave:

[Ravyn Sylverwyng]

I am a solitary practictioner myself, and prefer it that way. I do on occasion work with my sisters on a spell or ritual, but not that often. I feel better on my own and really don't think that I would enjoy a coven. And, while I may learn something from them, I just don't think that I would like being restricted to certain things. I enjoy being able to learn what I feel drawn to. I started learning with my sister, and I don't regret any of it. If I had a question, then she was able to help me and I could help her. It was a wonderful thing.

[LadyAutumnCat]

I'm a solitary. I tend to believe that my religion is just that, mine. I don't believe in strict rules or tenets, so I adopt what works for me. I think that this is what's best in my life. I recommend that you read all that you can and make an educated decision. Definitely look around the posts here, you'll learn a lot.

:welcome:

[BlueMoon13]

Hi Lola :thewave: You'll find a lot of the advice you've asked for discussed on the Paths, Gods and Goddess and other forums elsewhere on the site. Also, the Circle of Teaching section can help you with the some of the more practical aspects of witchcraft. Welcome, and good luck :fpraise: .

[Sun_and_Saturn]

Hey there, I'm a newby to this online family and not-so-new to the business of witchcraft. I have dabbled and learned a bit in the past and for some weird reason left all by books on the shelf for a period of time. Well, they have always called me but I ignored them untill the other day, and thank the Goddess I finally listened!
Now, a few years older and wiser I have spend the last few days researching and reading and I have come to the conclusion that I need help and advice!
Here we go: witchcraft or wicca, coven or solitary, is there a way to go and a way to definately stay away from, and finally...I would like to hear other peoples start-up stories.
I know what I feel in my heart as far as the right way to go, but some input and advice would be really great.
Thanks for reading and all of you! Blessed Be!


Hi Lola! Welcome! I didn't read the other responses, so I apologize if I am repeating anything. Witchcraft or Wicca, that is up to you. Personally, I take an eclectic approach to "religion". I consider myself to be an "eclectic witch in training", meaning, I am oriented toward witchcraft and I am always learning something new. However, that may not be the right path for you. I just suggest you keep an open mind.

Coven or solitary, both can have advantages and disadvantages. I like being a solitary, but sometimes I wish I could be in a coven setting, as a way of meeting with like-minded individuals and learning more from people who are more knowledgeable than me. I meet every so often with a group of local pagans at a coffee shop.

My best advice to you would be to keep an open mind and start with studying something that interests you(herbs, color magick, history, divination, etc) Get a notebook and start a journal/book of shadows. Write down things you want to learn, things you have learned, ideas and thoughts, dreams, ideals, beliefs that you have, and build on it from there. Best of luck to you!

[Fallen Angel]

I started solitary, joined a coven, ran it for a while then left for college. I am solitary again sort of. I'll work with a few friends or my students but not in a coven again for a while. Why? No real reason. Covens are great I had a load of fun and learnt a lot, but I'm more solitary. It's all personal preference.

Wicca Vs witchcraft...well I'm more of a theory person. I pray and do rituals and live a wiccan lifestyle. But spells...I don't do them unless I feel the need to. -shrugs- again a matter of personal choice.

Things to stay away from...doing something you don't want to. Wicca is a very personal thing, it's different for everyone so there are people who tell you to do it a certain way, but don't. Do it how you feel comfy. A true guide/teacher/helper understands this and will encourage it.

[Kudzu]

Here we go: witchcraft or wicca, coven or solitary, is there a way to go and a way to definately stay away from

Since there aren't very many Coven witches here on MW, I'd like to put in a plug for those of us who love the Coven way! A good Coven is a way to find your own little "family" and to serve the Gods in a powerful and meaningful way that doesn't feel anything like solitary work. However, I still feel that it is best to start out solitary until you know your belief system and the direction you wish to go. That way, your decisions won't be influenced too terribly much by others!

I would like to hear other peoples start-up stories.

How much time do you have to read? *lol* I guess I'll give you the short version with my experiences with solitary versus groups, since that seems to be your focus. I started out as a solitary, with just help from within my family, books, and mail order information. I was a member of Pagan organizations, but practiced by myself. When I went off to college, I founded a student group and began practicing in loose-knit eclectic groups. It was fun, but stressful because I was organizing and I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I fell gratefully back to solitary for a few years, and then got involved with several Traditional Covens. I made life-long friendships and had beautiful experiences unlike any I had ever had before. Currently I'm courting a Coven that I may swear an oath to later in life.

[CrystalmoonOceanstar]

I am a solitary practictioner myself, and prefer it that way. I do on occasion work with my sisters on a spell or ritual, but not that often. I feel better on my own and really don't think that I would enjoy a coven. And, while I may learn something from them, I just don't think that I would like being restricted to certain things. I enjoy being able to learn what I feel drawn to. I started learning with my sister, and I don't regret any of it. If I had a question, then she was able to help me and I could help her. It was a wonderful thing.

im kinda the same way... though i dont have sisters, anyways i like to be able to do things on my own terms and time. also i want to do spell and such with people i know really well. and know for a good amount of time. but that is just me.
:floating: :rotfl:

[Teresa]

There is no RIGHT or WRONG answer.You have to do what is right for You! I am not wiccan but I am pagan.I do cast spells and practice magic.Maybe take this time as solitary and do some searching as to what you believe and desire etc. :fpeace: