Wicca is a religion with its own practices, tenets, and beliefs that are based on pagan traditions.People practice Wicca according to their own beliefs and lifestyles, just like any other religion.It can take a long time to become a Wiccan, but it can be rewarding and satisfying to follow.
Step 1: Wiccan beliefs can be learned.
Wicca is based on the belief that the Goddess is at the center of everything.There is a general sense in Wicca to believe in balance in the universe, as some versions of Wicca weigh goddesses and gods equally.There are no holy books.Wiccans have direct access to the Goddess and the Divine, and they live in each person.The central tenet of the Wiccan Rede is: "If you harm none, do what you will." This creed values the harmony with which one should live their life, and as long as their actions do not hurt others.Wiccan beliefs include the idea that whatever you do will come back to you threefold.This can happen in a positive or negative way.Wiccans take responsibility for their actions.You have sole responsibility for your words and actions according to this belief.One of the best ways to take responsibility is to make amends to those you have mistreated, because you alone determine how you act and react to outside forces.The sacredness of all life is a key aspect.People live in partnership with the earth and rely on the bounty to survive.People are part of the cycle of life and nature.There is a belief in reincarnation.Nature keeps returning, whether it is sea water that returns as clouds or clouds that return as rain.Death is a part of the cycle of nature and influences how Wiccans view it.Wicca has many different forms.According to Circle Sanctuary, there are many different types of Wiccan traditions or paths.
Step 2: Wiccans perform rituals.
Wiccans like to celebrate outdoors and perform rituals there.The changing of the seasons, as well as the full moon and new moon, are part of many rituals and celebrations.Wiccans must often perform rituals inside due to the weather and safety issues.Wiccans perform rituals in a circle surrounded by candles.There is an altar at the north end of the circle.Wiccans gather in the circle to receive healing energy.There may be healing, divination, discussion or other nature-based activities during this circle gathering.Before the circle is dissolved and the ritual ends, many ceremonies and rituals include eating and drinking.
Step 3: Wicca is not what you think it is.
Wicca is not anti-Christian or against any other religion.Many of its beliefs are related to pagan practices of honoring the earth, life and creation, and the Goddess.You don't need to act a certain way to be a Wiccan.There is no official look or behavior that defines all Wiccans.
Step 4: Understand Wicca's ethics.
This religion does not use magic to hurt people.Wiccans need to be responsible for their relationship to and use of magick.If you live in harmony with the earth, you will be a successful Wiccan.
Step 5: Wicca can be fully understood if you read books and other resources.
To self-study Wicca, you need to read and research about the religion.Ellen Cannon Reed's "The Heart of Wicca" is one of the most influential books about Wicca.You can get a solid understanding of Wicca with the introductory and advanced texts.
Step 6: You can build relationships with your deities.
Wicca followers believe in multiple gods and goddesses.The goddesses and gods are not different from nature.They are embodied in nature.Roman, Norse, Hindu and Celtic roots are some of the sources of these deities.Wiccans follow over 200 gods and goddesses, but they won't just randomly choose one to be their matron or patron deity.One of these deities will be your matron or patron deity.While you have a say in which god or goddess you follow, it will also present itself to you, so be open to learning about a lot of deities.It's a good idea to research the deities thoroughly so you know which ones have characteristics you don't like.
Step 7: You can keep track of your journey in a journal.
You will find associations and preferences as you learn more about Wicca.Writing down your observations will help you understand yourself.When you become a Wiccan, this journal will become your Book of Shadows.
Step 8: Understand what magick is and how to use it.
The Wiccan religion uses Magick to raise and channel energy for a purpose.Magick for Wiccans is spelled with a "k" at the end of the word to differentiate it from stage tricks.Wiccans believe that magick is a reflection of energy that comes from within.It is spiritual and can turn your dreams into reality through spell-casting.You will need to learn how to make magick safe and protected by considering possible consequences of certain requests or spells, as well as understanding the ramifications of using magicK to obtain certain things.Concentration can be improved by practicing meditation and visualization exercises.You can meditate without interruption if you make a quiet space for yourself.
Step 9: Practice the threefold law.
The principle of the threefold law is that whatever you do, it will be returned to you three times over.No matter what you do, your actions will stay with you.Understanding that revenge will negatively affect you is part of the threefold law.The threefold principle can be used to be aware and appreciative of your blessings.
Step 10: Talk to other Wiccans.
They can be found online in discussion groups or in your local community.It is likely that you will be able to find Wiccans more easily in a larger city, but that does not mean that smaller communities do not have their fair share.Wiccans might not be very vocal about their beliefs in your community.Talk with Wiccans about their beliefs, practices, and beginnings.These conversations will help you develop a supportive community and give you greater understanding of the faith.
Step 11: There should be a self-dedication ceremony.
You will share your devotion to your deities with this ceremony.Many suggestions can be found online for simple and complex ceremonies.One way to signify a balance of nature is to collect symbols.There are objects that represent fire, water, air, and earth.It's fine to use objects that are readily available, such as a candle for fire, a glass of water for water, and so on.In a circle around you, place the water in the west, earth in north, air in east and fire in south.In a clockwise manner, walk or swing your arm.If you want to make your dedication, close the circle and say, "Thrice I cast this circle round, sacred is this holy ground."It's a good idea to make a statement about why you want to follow Wicca.Determine if you will follow the Rede.You can open the circle back up by walking or waving.
Step 12: After a year of study, join a coven.
Most covens and other formal gatherings require that you have studied Wicca for a year before you are considered knowledgeable or serious enough to join the group.Introduce yourself to the group if there is a coven in your area.Some covens do not accept new members.Others are more accepting of new members.It's not necessary to join a coven to practice Wicca.Wicca can be practiced individually or in a group setting.You may not have an adequate community in your area, or you may have tried to be in a group setting and it hasn't worked out.Being a solitary Wiccan can be lonely, but it can also be freeing.As long as you allow yourself to be, you can stay true to yourself.A circle is a group of people who only meet occasionally, but they get support from each other.A coven is usually closed to outsiders and is a more formal gathering of people.They demand trust and respect, but can be subject to egos.
Step 13: Take an oath of confidentiality.
Wiccans should take an oath of secrecy when they are young.The three areas covered are identity, rituals and mysteries of the craft.Many Wiccans remain secretive because of discrimination or personal reasons, so they should not be assumed to follow the religion.Wiccans should keep rituals secret and protected in order to maintain trust and ensure that people can be vulnerable within a trusted group and space.Wicca is a religious practice and the mysteries of the craft are important.Wicca is a practice that requires respect for the mysteries and inexplicable occurrences.
Step 14: Follow the Wiccan Rede.
The Rede, creed or approach is "if you harm none, do what you will." This idea emphasizes freedom to act as you see fit so long as your actions do not harm others.The idea that whatever you do will come back to you threefold is tied to the Rede.Positive and harmony are emphasized by these principles.
Step 15: It's a good idea to spend some time in meditation or devotion every day.
Reflecting on your religious path regularly will bring Wiccan beliefs into your daily life.Wicca has strong beliefs in creative freedom, spiritual self-empowerment, divine feminine, family bonding, and a connection to nature.These ideals can be celebrated through meditation, increased time with family, and engaging with the environment.Many everyday Wicca practices can be done in a few minutes, such as breathing and centering exercises, meditating, and giving thanks for a meal.You could perform a ritual of devotion to one of your deities, speaking to them about problems you are having or giving thanks for blessings in your life.Building an altar to one of your deities, creating art or writing that reflects your religious beliefs, or taking a long walk or hike in a natural setting are other practices that can take more time.
Step 16: Wiccan holidays are celebrated.
The Wiccan new year is celebrated on October 31, which is one of the 8 holidays that are typically celebrated by Wiccans.These holidays can be celebrated in a number of ways, but they usually include some acknowledgement and celebration of nature and family.The celebrations are based on a lunar cycle.There are some Wiccans who only celebrate full moons.The seasons include: Samhain (end of summer), Yule, Imbolc, Beltane, and Litha.
Step 17: The Book of Shadows can be developed.
A book of shadows is a record of your practice as a Wiccan.No two books are the same and this book can follow a number of templates.A person can tailor their book to their own experiences.A page with the Wiccan Rede is one of the elements that most books have.
Step 18: You should grow your Wicca community.
You can become part of a wider Wiccan community as you practice more and grow more comfortable with Wicca.You shouldn't try to recruit other people to become Wiccans.The religion frowns on proselytizing or trying to convert people.You can be a leader in the Wicca community.