Where do I start to become a witch?

QUESTION - I am 30 years old and have always been interested in magick. I am from a very conservative christian background that always felt different from my family. Due to this I have no one to seek information or ask how to start my journey. I did read Barbs intro and I do relate to her path. I would consider myself an eclectic spiritual witch. Can you please direct me on good books or courses for starting out?


ANSWER - Thank you for reading my intro and its nice to hear that you can relate also. witchcraft/spirituality has always been something I have been drawn to myself from a very young age and as a grew up I spent many hours researching online or reading books about all the different types of paths there are out there (the list is endless).

In regards to starting out, I wouldn't really say there is any set way as to how you should start out, as magick is personal to each of us, so all I would suggest is pretty much what I did.....research on google (google is amazing for finding things out) all the different things involved. I literally typed in things like ' how to write spells', 'how to perform spells', 'the basics of being a witch', ' witchcraft for beginners'. Anything I could think of or that I heard of I typed it in. I also went out and bought as many books on witchcraft, Paganism, Spirituality and occultism as I could get my hands on. I even went to my local library and found that they surprisingly stocked quite a few spiritual books. (ebay is also a really good source for either brand new or second hand books on all sorts of different subjects). I found that when I had first started to really get into witchcraft, I was a little overwhelmed as to where to begin. especially with the books as there are literally thousands out there that all claim to be for beginners or people interested in becoming a witch.

I found books by authors such as 'Silver RavenWolf', 'Silja', 'Raymond Buckland' and 'Kate West', were all very easy to read and follow. plus all the things they wrote about were actually already things that I related to or felt that could be parts of my life (the rituals/spells/practices etc). I also spoke to as many people as I could, either in person or online. I met lots of lovely people in witchcraft shops too, who always made me feel so welcomed and didn't make me feel inferior or anything for not knowing much about it all. Witchy people always understand that we all start somewhere and that we all have to learn in our own ways and at our own paces. they will always help you out or point you in the right direction if they cant help you themselves. (one of the many things I love about the witchcraft community both online and in my local community). I have also found over time that there are lots of different groups/pages on Facebook (I myself have one I personally run) that are really helpful with lots of information on and they also have ways for you to connect with other like minded people (Facebook has fast become one of my favorite ways of interacting with people and sharing information etc) the internet is easily one of the simplest and fastest ways to find out information and also the most convenient as we can use it on our phones, tablets or laptops and while we are out and about (commuting to work etc). I spend a lot of time researching on the internet now, almost as much as I did when I first got really interested in witchcraft, and I found some really useful webpages.

Here are some of the webpages I have used and still use that I find really useful, as some of them also have online courses for free etc that you can study for further information:

www.molochsorcery.com (information aswell as 20 online lessons for free)
www.thewitchescollective.com (needs an account creating for this one)
www.silvermooncrow.com (seven lessons)
www.magicka-school.com
www.witchesofthecraft.com
www.witccalessons.wordpress.com (download avalonia lessons pdf for free...I have this and its really good!)
www.themagicalcircle.net (online lessons but have to create an account)

As I mentioned, when we are starting out on our paths, it can be very overwhelming and sometimes can feel like an information overload! I have always found that whilst researching or reading books about witchcraft it helps to have a notebook and pen handy to jot down topics that interest me or things that I would like to research further. All I can suggest is read read read...and nosy online as much as you can!

You will also find that as you go along you will probably mix and match all the different parts of witchcraft paths etc to make something that is perfect for you and your life. but also...dont forget to have some fun! its not supposed to be all stuffy and boring! Magick is fun and exciting! 

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best on finding your way in this magickal world of ours! if you need any further information or would like to talk about anything else then please dont hesitate to contact me.

Bright Blessings!

Barb x

Image ​https://www.deviantart.com/art/spell-673328250

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