How to not be a wanna be?

[BaileyKatG]

I am new to Wicca and the before I started following it I didn't really know much about it until one day I started looking up Wiccan beliefs and found that a lot of it was stuff that I already followed and believed in. I started reading more and it felt like something just clicked, I never really seemed to fit into any other religion. What I really want to know is how do I prevent my self from being just another wanna be witch that just wants to call herself a Wiccan?

[Witch13]

I think that the difference between a real witch and a "wannabe" is that a real witch follows the ways of a witch and changes! You get to see a whole new world, you become wiser even a little!
Believe in yourself, and be yourself!

[Lily Cantodea]

There's always going to be someone out there who thinks you're a wannabe/poseur; it's going to be like that in any group. This religion's taken quite a hit in the past few years from people who have come in claiming to be witches, when all they want to do is use magick for harmful/stupid purposes, or who have started going around claiming they're witches to gain some prestige or to look cool.

Practice and study this religion. Don't worry about what other people think.

[Starwitch Stone]

Just don't go around preaching to other new witches, telling them to follow the three-fold law and stuff like that. Those kinds of witches are often looked at as being immature.

It sounds like you're already a genuine witch. As long as you act mature, it's unlikely anyone will harass you. If you want to establish yourself as an authority on witchcraft, you could make educational videos or write articles about the topic. (If you do that and want to post them on my site, PM me.)

Bright Blessings,
StarWitch

[Witch13]

Well actually the only one who can really tell is you.
As for the preaching, i do that from time to time..i mean if you want to be a witch you must take the whole pachage not just the flashy wagadak dak!

[shadowx]

I think the key is not to follow the rules.

What i think separates a wannabe from a "real" witch, is someone that questions what they are told. So for example fairies, i dont believe in fairies, they dont fit in anywhere. I know some people here do and thats up to them, but i think i am right in saying that most of the people here questioned it when they read a book that said "fairies are real"

Anyone that just thught "YES!!!! I love fairies and always wanted them to be real, this guy that wrote this book is a genius and i should clearly follow all of his future advice " Id a.) a moron, and b.) a wannabe.

Someone that thought "Is he sure... I mean it's a little weird, maybe i will research this further, or "I will think on this further" Then fair enough.

[Witch13]

I wouldnt say the key is not to follow the rules, but to know the rules and what follows if you dont follow them, i am not talking about supernatural karma but the ethical part of the story and knowing that to choose your way.
AAAw its hard to put my thoughts down in words :S

[shadowx]

by rules i mean the structured teachings of pagan religions. anyone that blindly follows and believes is a fool and generally wrong. The ones that question, analyse and doubt what they hear until proven otherwise are more reliable and intelligent IMHO.

There are no rules outside of morals.

[ValentineHeart]

....i don't feel like reading what their saying and i like to be part of the conversation.

But not be a wana-be is not to be fake. be yourself to an extent of doing what's right. Not being a "witch" for magic. Doing it because it feels right...

Is that right?

[Kaimira]

hi,

being a witch is within your heart, knowing your self that you believe within you self is most important. forget what people say about the rules that they place on you. I am wiccan but i am a witch too. I don't commit to the total rules of the wicca faith, i take bits and peaces that is important to me. I like to have the freedom to do what i wish, i am also considered a new witch but i learn every day.

[Earth Ritual]

what's wrong with being a wannabe? i'd take a wannabe witch over a fundamentalist christian any day. everybody's gotta start somewhere.

[Witch13]

Being a witch means you get to choose things for yourself, you form your own path!! You keep and toss stuff

[BaileyKatG]

Thanks for all of the advice. It just drives me insane when people try to be something they aren't so that's what I'm trying to avoid.[/quote]

[Lily Cantodea]

Thanks for all of the advice. It just drives me insane when people try to be something they aren't so that's what I'm trying to avoid.

[/quote]

Well if you're not trying to be something you aren't, you have nothing to worry about.

[BaileyKatG]

I know, I just had a moment of uncertainty but it's passed.