I know next to nothing....

[Irisis Cada-Merrell]

I've read one and a half books, and one of them was the size of The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, but I still feel completely clueless. Maybe it's because I'm not sure what a witch is supposed to know. Loads and loads, or just basics? Or just what they'll need?
I have a basic knowledge of ritual, deities (sp?), etc., but I can't help thinking I'm missing something.
Any suggestions?
Or am I being vague again...? =)

[[ravenwing]]

Youre being pretty vague actually - if you dont mind my bluntness.

What I would do in your situation is this - make yourself of list of the things that you are attracted to or find interesting. Take that list and begin to research it item by item, finding out as much as you can on each subject. not always easy, but it is necessary. Add to it and delete from it as you go so that you end up with some sort of a list of "prerequisites" that a particular Path has to meet in order for you to truly become a member of it. Try and match that list up with the various Paths you come across. If you find one that does it for you -- there ya go! If not, you can always align yourself with what you consider to be the next best thing, or simply practice your faith as a solitary.

[wiccan_butterfly]

answer these:

well what was the book called?
why did you get it? was it a recomendation, or suggestion, or where you pulled to it?
what do you think that you still need your answers on?
and is there any other ways that you can think of to help you know more?

[Irisis Cada-Merrell]

I thought I was being off. I'm sorry, I lose my thread a lot.
Okay..... the questions....

1) um.... The Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft... don't laugh!!
2) I picked it because it was simply written. And I'm an idiot.
3) The info was brief sometimes- I still need to know a bit more on dragons, angels and separate pantheons. (sp?)
4) Yes, by talking to people who know what they're talking about. There are no witches in my area besides my friend, who knows less than me!! I think that's why I came in search of a message board.

Hmm..... yes. When you pt all that together, I think it will help. Thank you!!1one

[wiccan_butterfly]

I thought I was being off. I'm sorry, I lose my thread a lot.
Okay..... the questions....

1) um.... The Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft... don't laugh!!
2) I picked it because it was simply written. And I'm an idiot.
3) The info was brief sometimes- I still need to know a bit more on dragons, angels and separate pantheons. (sp?)
4) Yes, by talking to people who know what they're talking about. There are no witches in my area besides my friend, who knows less than me!! I think that's why I came in search of a message board.

Hmm..... yes. When you pt all that together, I think it will help. Thank you!!1one

well

1. its a great source, i get those kind of books for other stuff as well, like gardening, and candles.
2. your not an idiot, its just you thought that would probably be the best suggestion, and read.
3. ooo, well i guess as long as you find a subject, or something intresting.
4. okay, well as long as you can find some people to talk with. yea, well i have barely came across some myself, but you will, have you tryed www.witchvox.com ?, its really great, and you can find more than people in your area, well thats not good, then why dont you both just have like a major magick study suggestion, and quiz eachother, and try and as much as you can.

[Raven451]

Witchcraft for Idiots was the second book on the subject I read..Wicca by Scott Cunninham was the first and then a bunch of others..Just think about all the things that interest you like the person before said..For me it was Stones and Crystals,Astrology,Mythology,The Tarot,my Ouija,Spirits and the paranormal,psychics,Rituals,Wicca,Paganism,Herbalism&Gardening..I've read books here and there on all those things..I posted to another member about where to start as far as books..or at least what books I've read..I'm on Doreen Valiente atm..Witchcraft for Tomorrow..I was looking for the "path" or "tradition" of Wicca that I wanted to follow and I just recently realized that there is no "tradition" I want to follow..I just am a Witch who practices Witchcraft ..The Old religion..Thats it..nothing against all the other traditions out there , I've just decided they are not for me ..anyway I ramble..lol..here is the post that I made a few weeks back..hope it helps you..

Read Read and Read more ... just as everyone has stated..Scott Cunningham,Raymond Buckland,Gerald Gardner,Doreen Valiente,Vivianne Crowley,Raven Grimassi, those are just a few authors...The idiots guide to wicca and witchcraft is good..Exploring the Pagan Path..anything about any of the Mythologys ..Edain Mccoy is good..Circle of Isis is a good book if you are interested in Egyptian mythology..Embracing the moon is a good book...Maiden Mother and Crone by DJ Conway ..Bud Blossom and Leaf is a great book on herbalism and gardening and crafts...The elements of Ritual is a good so far..Wicca a year and a day is supposed to be good..I have the book but haven't actually started it..That book gives you hands on exercises to do day by day ..There is one by Scott Cunningham called the Magickal Household that is good as well as Herbs,Incense and Brews..Anything on Crystals,Gems,Stones ..Anything on Astrology ...Tarot and Different forms of Divination if you like as well...Whew..that is a lot of reading,...lol

Good Luck

Bright Blessings,

Lori

[Elem]

Just bear in mind that a witch isn't 'supposed' to know a certain number of facts, or truths, or deities / rituals, etc...

'Accepting' a religion as your path in life isn't like deciding to go learn about how a TV works, or how to put together a shelf. There'll never be a point that you can sit back and say "Aha! I'm done reading everything on this subject, and I know it all off by heart! So.. I'm done!".

Religion, and spirituality, are things that grow with you throughout your life. Don't rush - Just take it at your own pace . Nobody's expecting you to know everything.. Besides which, let's face it, the Internet is just as good as any Hitchhiker's Guide haha. Almost infinite knowledge, opinions and 'facts' at your fingertips.. What more could you want .

If you don't know something - Just Google it, and do some reading on it. It's what I've done for years.. And before then, I'd go find a book about it, or look it up in an encyclopaedia. As I say - nobody expects you to know everything.. And you never <b>will</b> know everything.. You'll just keep on learning, and developing.

Good luck .

Elem

[Irisis Cada-Merrell]

Thanks, everyone; I can't beleive you made my silly post make sense!! I thought it'd been deleted at first, and I wouldn'nt have blamed whoever did it.

Problem.
My internet access is restricted and anything wicca is classed as 'occult'.

[WolfWitch]

Going to second Elem here on this one. Knowing the rights and methods doesn't do anything if you don't believe it. With out the faith backing it up, it's all just hand waving and candles. This is a lesson I tend to forget myself some days. I get caught up in trying to figure out how to get the wand wood I want that I forget why I chose to get a wand in the first place. It's similar to when I was trying to mold myself to the catholic faith. All ritual and no beliefe. It's a hollow feeling that can't be filled till you simply make a leep of faith. Either to or away from where you are.

My advice. Take a day. Does not matter which one, just any day you have nothing to do. Go somewhere private and relax, Close your eyes and just breathe. Try to think of nothing at all, just let the sound of nothing around you fill you untill youloose yourself in the silence. Don't consintrate on it or try to feel when it happens or you'r defeating the purpous. Just clear your head and think of nothing. It's hard but just let go.

What you seek will find you when you are ready.

Good luck young sister. I wish you all the luck of Pan in your quest.

Blessed be.

WW.