How to Become a Witch (36 page)

In cases like these, do what it takes now to keep yourself and your family safe, then discuss the situation with friends, elders, and legal counsel before you choose your next step. Use your divination and your magick. Do not take on a whole town, school system, or mob unless wisdom and honor demand it. If there is no other choice and you must confront injustice, then do it intelligently and find all the allies you can. The Craft has had enough martyrs.

Becoming a Witch isn’t a game. It’s about your whole life and how you will live for all the years ahead. It’s about your heart and mind and spirit, and even about your safety and survival. But it’s not just about you. It’s about the well-being of the people you love, and the community where you live, and the ancestors who lived and died so that you could be here and make these choices.

Choose wisely. In fact, we would ask a favor of you. If you decide you are a Witch and that you will be open about it, don’t tell the world for a year and a day. Learn everything you can about the Craft so that you may speak from knowledge. Cultivate your serenity and inner strength. Judge your words and actions before you speak or act, and then act and speak from love and kindness. Learn to see the magick all around you, so that curiosity and wonder are alive within you. Remember that you are holy and all people around you are sacred, and light the world with the radiance of the Goddess and God within you.

After that, if it seems wise, let the world know that you are a Witch. Then you will do honor to the Craft, the ancestors, and yourself.

Conclusion

The Path from This Place
Ever Learning, Ever Changing

M
any seek, a few may find,

Touching magick, wielding power,

That Witchcraft feeds the heart and mind,

I am a Witch at every hour.

Witchcraft: not what the movies and fantasy novels told us. Obviously no green skin, pointy hats, or soaring across the full moon on your broomstick. No miraculous magickal powers, no constant drama, certainly no evil-sorceress stuff and neither the shriveled, cackling hag nor the voluptuous, eternally sexy dark queen.

Just a lot of real people, walking a different path to Spirit that involves a lot of hard work. It’s not the One True Path, a title which has been claimed by a hundred other religions around the world. There is no one-size-fits-all spiritual truth, not for us little folks circling an average star in a corner of one ordinary galaxy out of millions. How arrogant to believe that our little minds could encompass the whole truth, God-Reality-the-Universe-and-Everything, when most of us can’t even do algebra.

There is no One True Path for all humanity. But there is one that is right for you, that fits your needs and understanding at this time in your life. It might be Witchcraft; it might not. Nobody can decide for you.

You probably do need something, you know. Some kind of religious or philosophical framework that gets you through life, some clear set of beliefs that enables you to play well with others and to like what you see in the mirror. All religions are attempts to provide that and also to give you a chance at reconnecting with what is real and true and good at the heart of things. Don’t we all have a sense of longing, a sense that somewhere everything is the way it should be? That there’s a haven, a sanctuary, in your mother’s lap or your lover’s arms, in heaven or paradise or Summerland, on a distant star or in a dream? And isn’t religion, each religion, just a knapsack of ideas and supplies to help you in your search for that place? And don’t we each travel a different road and need different things on that journey?

Choosing your path is a big deal. Choose wrong, and you’ll spin your wheels in theological mud, get lost on some dead end of conflict and confusion, or mistake the road for the destination.

If you choose Witchcraft, you are choosing a lifestyle, a fluid and evolving set of beliefs and a certain way of understanding and experiencing life. You are also choosing to ally yourself with a community of seekers, all gathered under one banner but each one unique. Some Witches are the finest, truest, best friends and sisters and brothers you could ever hope to walk with—and some are selfish, shallow, irritating creeps that take all the “fun” out of dysfunctional. In other words, they’re human. Just as human as anyone of any faith you might meet anywhere. But most of us, most of the time, are trying our best to become
better
people.

What is it about Witchcraft that calls to you? Is there something that whispers in your blood, some past-life heritage or ancestral voice that calls you back to the old ways when we were one with earth, blood kin to every creature that runs or flies or swims?

Is it the Goddess and knowing that a woman is so much more than a virgin, a sex kitten, or a bitch? A mighty affirmation that female
is
sacred, that the mysteries and body-knowing and birthing, creating, nurturing, sustaining, protecting ways of women are the prime and essential core of life. That you, girl, are
good
?

Is it the deep certainty that God, the male part of the Divine, is much, much more than either a nice man in a white robe or an evil-tempered tyrant in the sky? That God is and must be the quickening, bright, joyful dancer at the gates of dawn, the loving father and bold explorer and wise healer and a thousand other ways for men to be?

Is it simply this, that sacredness and the heart of creation are in the forests and seas and mountains, that nature is holy everywhere and always, and the books and temples and rules of men are a pale shadow of the power and grace of the earth?

Or is it still deeper and subtler, a sense that the world we see is only a fragment of All That Is, that there are realms and realities beyond this one—in the world of spirit, on the astral planes, in dimensions half-seen by mystics and magicians—that you must explore?

You can still walk away from Witchcraft. There are many excellent spiritual paths and ways of life that can help you grow, enjoy life, and progress toward your destiny. You might be very happy giving your heart to one of the mainstream faiths…or casting aside religion and turning to rational, humanist values…or seeking contentment in your family and career, looking no further than the good things immediately in front of you.

If not—if the moonlight calls you, and you can hear the panpipes and see the flames of the sabbat bonfire dancing—we’ll be waiting in the forest, in a circle near the old oak tree.

Appendix A

Recommended Reading

We have designated the following books as “classics” because of their effect on the Wicca/Witchcraft movement in the past several decades.

Thirteen Classics of
Witchcraft and Wicca

Aradia, or, The Gospel of the Witches
by Charles G. Leland (New Page Books, 2003)

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland (Llewellyn, 1986)

Diary of a Witch
by Sybil Leek (Prentice-Hall, 1968)

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
by Margot Adler (revised and updated; Penguin, 2006)

The God of the Witches
by Margaret Murray (NuVision, 2009)

Grimoire of Lady Sheba
by Lady Sheba (Llewellyn, 2001)

The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries
by Zsuzsanna Emese Budapest (Susan B. Anthony Coven No. 1, 1979)

The Meaning of Witchcraft
by Gerald Gardner (Weiser, 2004)

A New Wiccan Book of the Law
by Lady Galadriel (Moonstone Publications, 1992)

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess
by Starhawk (
20th anniversary edition;
HarperOne, 1999)

Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente (Robert Hale, 1993)

Witchcraft Today
by Gerald Gardner (Citadel, 2004)

The Witches’ Way
by Janet Farrar and Stewart Farrar (Phoenix Publishing, 1984)

Nine Witchcraft and Wicca Books
for Beginners

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft
by Denise Zimmerman and
Katherine Gleason (Alpha, 2006)

Exploring Wicca
by Lady Sabrina (New Page, 2006)

The Mystic Foundation: Understanding and Exploring the Magical Universe
by Christopher Penczak (Llewellyn, 2006; not specifically Wiccan but the foundations of our magick)

Positive Magick: Ancient Metaphysical Techniques for Modern Lives
by Marion Weinstein (revised edition; Career Press, 2008)

True Magick: A Beginner’s Guide
by Amber K (fifteenth anniversary edition; Llewellyn, 2006)

The Truth About Witchcraft Today
by Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn, 2002)

21st Century Wicca: A Young Witch’s Guide to Living the Magical Life
by Jennifer Hunter (Citadel, 2000)

Wicca and Witchcraft for Dummies
by Diane Smith (For Dummies, 2005)

Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice
by Thea Sabin (Llewellyn, 2006)

Seven Books for Solitary Witches

Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn, 2002)

Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own
by Arin Murphy-Hiscock (Provenance, 2005)

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver RavenWolf (Llewellyn, 2003)

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn, 1989)

The Wiccan Path: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Rae Beth (Crossing Press, 1995)

The Wiccan Way: Magical Spirituality for the Solitary Pagan
by Rae Beth (Phoenix, 2002)

A Witch Alone: Thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic
(new edition) by Marian Green (Thorsons, 2002)

More Worthwhile Books
on Wicca and Witchcraft

Cabot, Laurie, and Tom Cowan

Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
(Delta, 1990)

Campanelli, Pauline, and Dan Campanelli

Ancient Ways: Reclaiming Pagan Traditions
(Llewellyn, 1991)

Circles, Groves & Sanctuaries
(Llewellyn, 1992)

Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life
(Llewellyn, 1989)

Crowley, Vivianne

Wicca: A Comprehensive Guide to the Old Religion in the Modern World, new edition
(Element Books Ltd., 2003)

Cummer, Veronica

Sorgitzak: Old Forest Craft
(Pendraig, 2008)

Cunningham, Scott

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Curott, Phyllis

Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman’s Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the
Magic of the Goddess
(Broadway, 1999)

Witch Crafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic
(Thorsons, 2002)

Farrar, Janet, and Stewart Farrar

Eight Sabbats for Witches
(Phoenix, 1983)

A Witches’ Bible: The Complete Witches’ Handbook
(Phoenix Publishing, 1992)

The Witches’ God: Lord of the Dance
(Phoenix, 1989)

The Witches’ Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity
(Phoenix, 1987)

Farrar, Stewart

What Witches Do
(Robert Hale, 2010)

Fitch, Ed

A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism, and Magick
(Llewellyn, 1996)

Magical Rites from the Crystal Well
(Llewellyn, 1984)

Galenorn, Yasmine

Embracing the Moon: A Witch’s Guide to Rituals, Spellcraft and Shadow Work
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Green, Marian

The Elements of Natural Magic
(Element Books, 1997)

The Gentle Arts of Natural Magic
(Thoth, 1998)

Natural Witchcraft: The Timeless Arts and Crafts of the Country Witch
(Thorsons, 2002)

Practical Techniques of Modern Magic
(Thoth, 1993)

White Magic
(Southwater, 2005)

Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic
(Thorsons, 2003)

Grey Cat

Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing Skills & Knowledge
(Ecw Press, 2002)

Grimassi, Raven

Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft
(Llewellyn, 2000)

Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft
(Llewellyn, 2003)

Wiccan Magick: Inner Teachings of the Craft
(Llewellyn, 2002)

The Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins & Teachings
(Llewellyn, 2002)

The Witches’ Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Guiley, Rosemary Ellen

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca
(Checkmark, 2008)

Harrow, Judy

Devoted To You: Honoring Deity in Wiccan Practice
(Citadel, 2003)

Wicca Covens: How to Start and Organize Your Own (Citadel, 2000)

Holland, Eileen

The Wicca Handbook
(Weiser, 2008)

Hutton, Ronald

The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
(Oxford University Press, 2001)

Illes, Judika

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A–Z for the Entire Magical World
(Thorsons Element, 2005)

Jade

To Know: A Guide to Women’s Magic and Spirituality
(Delphi, 1991)

K, Amber

Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Moonrise: Welcome to Dianic Wicca (Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess, 1992)

K, Azrael Arynn, and Amber K

RitualCraft: Creating Rites for Transformation and Celebration
(Llewellyn, 2006)

Klein, Kenny

The Flowering Rod: Men and Their Role in Paganism
(Megalithica, 2009)

Leek, Sybil

The Complete Art of Witchcraft: Penetrating the Secrets of White Magic
(Signet, 1973)

McColman, Carl

When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Coworkers
(Career Press, 2008)

Morrison, Dorothy

The Craft: A Witch’s Book of Shadows
(Llewellyn, 2001)

Moura, Ann

Green Magic: The Sacred Connection to Nature
(Llewellyn, 2002)

Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore and Herb Craft (Llewellyn, 2002)

Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows (Llewellyn, 2003)

Murray, Margaret

The Witch-cult in Western Europe
(Book Jungle, 2010)

Penczak, Christopher

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
(Llewellyn, 2002)

The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume One: The Descent of the Goddess (Llewellyn, 2008)

The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume Two: The Journey of the God (Llewellyn, 2009)

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals (Llewellyn, 2004)

The Temple of High Witchcraft: Ceremonies, Spheres and the Witches’ Qabalah (Llewellyn, 2007)

The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft: Shadows, Spirits, and the Healing Journey
(Llewellyn, 2005)

Polson, Willow, and M. Macha Nightmare

The Veil’s Edge: Exploring the Boundaries of Magic
(Citadel Press, 2003)

Rabinovitch, Shelley

with Meredith Macdonald:
An Ye Harm None: Magical Morality and Modern Ethics
(Citadel, 2004)

with James Lewis:
The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neopaganism
(Citadel, 2004)

Sheba, Lady

The Grimoire of Lady Sheba
(Llewellyn, 2001)

Sylvan, Dianne

The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition
(Llewellyn, 2003)

Telesco, Patricia

Which Witch Is Which? A Concise Guide to Wiccan and Neo-Pagan Paths and Traditions
(New Page Books, 2004)

Your Book of Shadows: How to Write Your Own Magical Spells (Citadel, 2000)

Valiente, Doreen

An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present
(Phoenix, 1988)

Natural Magic (Robert Hale, 1999)

The Rebirth of Witchcraft (Robert Hale, 2008)

Witchcraft for Tomorrow (Robert Hale, 1988)

Weinstein, Marion

Earth Magic: A Book of Shadows for Positive Witches
(revised edition; Career Press, 2008)

Positive Magick: Ancient Metaphysical Techniques for Modern Lives (revised edition; Career Press, 2008)

Wood, Robin

When, Why, If...An Ethics Workbook
(Robin Wood Enterprises, 1997)

…and the Sabbat series from Llewellyn Publications

Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth
by Dorothy Morrison (2000)

Candlemas: Feast of Flames
by Amber K and Azrael Arynn K (2001)

Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring
by Edain McCoy (2002)

Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore & Celebration
by Raven Grimassi (2001)

Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice
by Anna Franklin (2002)

Lammas: Celebrating the Fruits of the First Harvest
by Anna Franklin and Paul Mason (2001)

Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon
by Ellen Dugan (2005)

Halloween: Customs, Recipes & Spells
by Silver Ravenwolf (1999)