Beginning Witchcraft: A Basic Primer

If you are reading this, you are either curious about the contemporary practice of witchcraft, or you are interested in becoming a practitioner yourself. This article aims to introduce readers to the most basic tenets and ideas of witchcraft. It is not a historical essay, it is not a brochure for Wicca or any other neo-pagan religion, and it is most certainly not attempting to convert anyone.

Most modern witches who are not involved in Wicca (as that is a very different beast from the practice of witchcraft itself) pick and choose from a variety of sources. Many choose to incorporate elements of practices they are interested in, as the craft tends to be more rewarding for those who find their own path.

The below is advice that I have formulated from my personal experience as a young woman steeped in my mother's deeply spiritual (yet atheist!) beliefs about nature and the world, as well as some of the most basic ideas of spell-casting, rituals, and reverence of the universe.

A witch is a practitioner of magic. Period. Male or female, new to the craft or a long-runner. It's hard to describe what a witch is; inevitably, you must define the term yourself.

The term "witch" can apply to a person of any creed who practices witchcraft. (More information on various religions and their views on witchcraft is below.) The core of the practice is in the reverence of nature, the belief in elements and spirits, and a deep respect for all kinds of life. This is seen in Wicca's Goddess and God, deities that represent female and male energy, as well as life and death and love.

However, you don't need to believe in the Goddess and God, or any deity at all. One practice that is both like and unlike witchcraft is Chaos Magick, which uses belief as a tool for working their craft. Do what feels right and the rest will follow.

There is an intimidating amount of labels in the pagan, magic-using community: for example, the word "magic" itself. Is there a "k" at the end, or what?

Another source of confusion is the jumble of terms used to describe practitioners of magic(k). Even the most eager initiate stands a fair chance of being intimidated by all the solitary eclectic witches, all the denominations of Wicca (Gardnerian! Alexandrian! Tameran!), and, of course, the kitchen, hedge, and green witches.

No one should be cowed out of pursuing something that interests them! Below, we will be laying out some of the most basic ideas in the witching community, as well as listing some resources that will probably be of some use to you in your journey.

It doesn't matter whether you're loving the idea of Tameran Wicca (Ancient Egyptian gods are awesome!) or wondering where your atheism or agnosticism fits into all this. (It's definitely possible to be an atheist witch.) Everything here will help you in some way on this crucial first step.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Anyone who tells you that you can't go into witchcraft without an expensive kit, shiny baubles, and your own jewel-encrusted altar is trying to sell you something. Everything you need is inside you.

Sure, having your own ceremonial and elemental-related stuff is nice, but I'm pretty sure the divines will love you even if you're using a cardboard box as your altar.

Here's the trick. Magic needs belief to happen. It just won't work if you don't think what you're doing will make any difference. You can have the best, most eloquent invocation of all the deities ever worshiped on this planet, and you can wear your best robes and use your fanciest incense, but it won't mean squat to the universe unless you mean it with every fiber in your body.

I have absolutely nothing against stocking your altar with beautiful things. The whole point of this is to tell you that you don't have to spend a dime on supplies when all you really need is your belief and your intent.

The most wonderful thing about witchcraft is the spiritual freedom it grants. If you choose to pursue the craft, you will undoubtedly meet men and women of all creeds, from Buddhist to atheist to Christian.

If you are of a religion that doesn't think highly of witchcraft, you will eventually have to reconcile your beliefs. The one Christian witch I know treats her magic as a gift from God, and uses it as such. (Interestingly, the King James Bible is the reason for the "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" line, which was changed by the translators to accommodate James I's paranoia about witches. Originally, it was "Thou shalt not suffer a poisoner to live.")

Remember, you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. Witchcraft isn't for everyone, after all, just like any other faith. Follow your heart, and always be willing to learn!

If you do not choose to follow the Wiccan tradition, these won't be of too much use to you, but even eclectic witches can take away some inspiration from the Wiccan Rede.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

The Three-Fold Law is a Wiccan law. It states that whatever energy will release will come back to you with three times as much power. However, there are many ways of interpreting this. Some choose to take it completely literally, while others see a deeper level of symbolism and metaphor to the Rede and the Three-Fold Law.

Witchcraft is a rewarding spiritual path by itself, even without being combined with religion. Though it is not to be taken lightly, it should not be exclusive or secretive, and more and more people are beginning to realize this and write down their experiences to share with newcomers.

As you have probably noticed, witchcraft focuses on balance, harmony with nature, and responsible use of energy. Your powers are a gift and should never be used with abandon. While not all people hold to the Three-Fold Law, every action is worth considering. Of course, this is true everywhere, but especially so when working with these kinds of forces.

The links below will lead you to some basic guides to ritual magic. It's always best to start small. Remember, belief is the most crucial part - you can't get anywhere without it.

Be safe, and blessed be!