Things to think on...

Now that I found someone else that practices Wicca I am just dying to talk with her about it. Her experiences, her beliefs, I have so many questions. With that thought in mind, I thought I might actually be able to give you, whoever happens to read this, some helpful advice... as far as getting started down the path, if that is what you choose.

There are numerous books that I go to, compare, review, annotate, etc. I thought I would share some of those here.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - Scott Cunningham

This book has been a HUGE resource for me. This is the first one I turn to if in doubt or I want to double check anything I plan to do. I am linking it from Amazon because this is honestly the best price I've seen. I got mine at Borders and paid $19.95, in addition, it gives you an idea of what to look for if you choose to buy it at a book store.

Earth, Air, Fire & Water - Scott Cunningham

Another excellent resource, this gives a bit more than the first book I linked... but that one is valuable for the basic start up information. There are two other books in this same line, a second to this and the first he wrote "Earth Magic" that I plan to add to my library as soon as I can afford them. Once again, this is priced significantly less than what I paid for mine at $14.95.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft - Raymond Buckland

This was the first book I picked up when I was entering the path, once again an excellent starter book. This is the book I confer with when something isn't clear in one of the Cunningham books, however, Buckland seems to lean towards the Gardenarian  side of the craft which is not so much the direction I favor. I still however strongly recommend this book to anyone looking to study or begin learning any Pagan based religion, it has a TON of useful information. Once again, I paid $19.99 for this book, it's significantly cheaper through Amazon.

I think I'll leave it at these three suggestions for now, I have additional books that I use, but none as frequently as these. Oh wait, one more that is more for learning the history and traditions practices around the world, the states and shows a general comparison. I would recommend one more book.

Drawing Down the Moon - Margot Adler

This book is FULL of very good information, I probably should refer to it more than I do, but it is also one of the most recent additions to my Pagan library. Again I paid $19.95 for this book from the store. I am thinking that my entire book wishlist would be at least $50 less if I buy them through Amazon. Lesson learned for me.

I sincerely hope you find this post informative and as valuable as it is meant to be. Especially if you're looking to get on the path or just study it for the knowledge. 

The beginning

I've had trouble with getting this blog started. Trying to figure out what to and what not to share. What is important, what is helpful to myself and others, what may be harmful to myself or others.

It is my belief that Paganism, or Wicca, should not be taken lightly. I believe that both religions need to be studied, guided, practiced... although to what end I do not know. I believe even with a lifetime of study, there is and will be more questions and answers. I believe that anyone, including myself, that intends to practice either Paganism or Wicca need to approach it with good faith, trust, and a sincere thirst for knowledge. There is certainly no shortage of information out there, in books, on the web and from others studying the path of choice.

I personally, was born into Paganism just under a year ago. Aside from my initiation, I've done no further ritual. I have read a lot, I have spoken to those I can and I have read even more. However, I feel that I am ready to start taking steps, even small steps, into further practice and involvement with my beliefs. These steps are what I would like to share with anyone who reads my blog, to whatever end.

I do feel the need to clarify, for anyone who questions the goals and purpose of the Pagan religions, there are several that can fall into the category, that we do not believe in the devil, nor do we believe in the same God as Christians do. For that matter, there are a wide range of Deities that those who practice the Pagan religion chose from. Some day I might expound on this subject more, I am not sure. But the one thing I find myself asked about most is Satin or the Devil, neither of which I even believe in.

Anyhow, feel free to interact with me how you would like to. You can "lurk" and simply read my blog. You can ask questions of me, you can even give me suggestions. I am open to all. Just know that my first and foremost belief and practice is "An it harm none".

As I mentioned before, I plan to take a small step further into the realm of Paganism today, I plan to cleans and consecrate my tools as well as set up and establish my altar. I believe that would be a great time to truly "begin" my blog as well as my Book of Shadows, which at this point is mearly through blogger and in a notebook. Someday though, I hope to further my collection of tools and books, allowing me a more traditional feel to the practice.

Blessed be!