I'm New To Wicca...How Do I Get Started?

Answer:That's a question that comes up a lot, and unfortunately it's not a simple answer. It's not like you can just fill out an application and get your handy membership packet. Instead, there are several things you should think about doing. Read the complete article here: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/faq/f/GetStarted.htm

Thirteen Books Every Wiccan Should Read

The thirteen books are by no means all inclusive, but for anyone serious about following a Pagan path, these are recommended:http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/Starter_Kit.htm

CONTEMPORARY PAGANISM

Paganism today:
Paganism is a collection of diverse contemporary religions rooted in or inspired by indigenous traditions worldwide. Pagan religions are characterized by Earth–centered spirituality, belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy, polytheism, and immanent divinity. Pagans value diversity, good works, living lightly on the Earth, individual freedom, personal responsibility, community service, gender equity, and spiritual development.While the largest segment of the Pagan population is Caucasian, highly educated, and middle class, Pagans come from all walks of life. Most are avid readers with interests in ecology, creativity, and personal growth. Many work in scientific and computer–related disciplines. Since Paganism is not an organized movement, it is difficult to determine the number of practitioners. Estimates range from 100,000 to several million in the U.S. alone.Pagan religions may draw on ancient historical practices or be entirely new. In the case of the former, Pagans look to the beliefs, practices, gods, symbols, lands, music, and myths of a particular historical culture and adapt them for contemporary needs. Anachronistic elements, such as ritual violence, are rejected. Elements such as reverence for the natural world, honoring of the ancestors, and responsibility to the community are retained. Pagan religions which are not historically based take their inspiration from visionary, artistic, and libertarian traditions to create vibrant spiritual systems centered in Pagan values. Characteristics of Pagan faiths: Paganism as a movement grew out of the growing environmental awareness in the 1960s, though it encompasses some traditions from the Middle Ages and earlier. Consequently most Pagan religions are nature–centered. Pagans rethink the way in which we relate to the Earth. Rather than seek dominance over the environment, Pagans work to live as a part of Nature, finding a balance between the self, the biosphere, and society. Part of this rethinking goes along with the resurgence of Goddess–worship, which is widespread in the Pagan movement. Many Pagans look to the fertility Goddesses of old and find vibrant, dynamic models for ecological balance. The myriad Goddesses from the past also provide Pagans with a vision of powerful feminine divinity which is missing from other Western religions. Unlike many mainstream religious traditions, Pagans view Divinity as immanent rather than (or in addition to) transcendent. Rather than pray to some form “out there,” Pagans view all living things as sacred. Diversity is seen as an expression of the divine order. People are viewed as essentially good and holy, although still capable of acting unethically.Because of this, Pagans view the relationship with Divinity as a deeply personal calling. It is up to each individual to develop a relationship with Divinity as s/he defines it. Because of this, there is no institutionalization within Paganism. There is no single holy book, common creed, or hierarchy of religious representatives. Spiritual communion, even when in groups, is direct and immediate. Each congregation is autonomous, as is each individual within that congregation.While leaders are respected for their wisdom or service, there are no charismatic gurus within the movement.There is no one spokesperson for Pagans. All Pagans value choosing one’s own path and beliefs and consequently do not seek to convert others. Pagans self identify; there is no one body or rite which confers membership in the Pagan community. However, almost all Pagan organizations require members to abide by specific guidelines and principles. Pagan culture: This emphasis on personal exploration and development creates a highly dynamic culture of diverse people who share values of intellectual and spiritual freedom. Rather than conform to a specific set of beliefs or practices, Pagans participate in a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where people contribute and take away what resonates most deeply with them. Community is created through regular gatherings and festivals, numerous publications, and an extensive Internet presence. While specific ethics are discussed at length within the Pagan community, the most common summation is “If it harms none, do what you will.” This combines personal freedom with responsibility to the community. Pagan religions are dynamic, changing systems based on timeless values of faith, freedom, justice, honesty, responsibility, creativity, courage, and respect. Specific beliefs and practices vary as people adapt concepts to their particular needs. Pagans celebrate rituals to mark the Wheel of the Year, as well as life transitions such as marriage, moving, birth, or death. Some traditions celebrate rituals to commemorate specific historic events, while others celebrate natural transitions such as the first snowfall of the year or lunar phases. Pagan religions are a way of life, affecting choices from how we pray to where we shop. Pagans believe religions must change to meet the needs of people on an everyday basis, while connecting them to their most deeply held spiritual beliefs. While some Pagan religions can be quite esoteric, most Pagan beliefs and practices are rooted in everyday, natural experience. Some Pagan religions: Most American Pagans practice adaptions of ancient ethnic traditions, the most popular of which are Celtic, Greco–Roman, Native American, ancientEgyptian, Baltic, and Norse. Ásatrú: Norse Pagan religion based on the principles of courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance. Church of All Worlds: Promotes celebration and honoring of all life and the planet as a living, divine organism: Gaea. Druidism: Many varieties of Druidism are practiced, with varying emphasis on scholarly research into the original Druids, who were the priest/ess and judicial class of the ancient Celts. Witchcraft: Also known as Wicca or simply the Craft. Honoring of Goddess and God (some traditions honor the Goddess alone), use of magic, and healing, all within the context of “If it harm none, do what you will.” Pagan Witchcraft has nothing to do with and is antithetical to Satanism. Recommended reading: Drawing Down the Moon, Margot Adler People of the Earth: The New Pagans Speak Out, Ellen Evert Hopman The Truth about Neo-Paganism, Anodea Judith A History of Pagan Europe, Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick Positive Magic, Marion Weinstein

FAQ: Why Be Wiccan?

From Patti's Paganism/Wicca Blog
I got an interesting email the other day, and wanted to share it with you. I believe the writer really is trying hard to understand, but is laboring under the Dominant Religion Lens Factor, so I took the time to answer her question. She asks, "I'm not Wiccan, and I'm trying to understand why people are leaving Christianity to follow Wicca. What is it that makes people turn their backs on a God of love and peace to worship Wiccan gods?"While I could have just said, "We became Wiccan for the fabulous potluck dinners," I truly think it's important to address the question, and here's why. The writer appears to be under the misconception that Wiccans are simply people who got disgruntled with Christianity, and that's just not the case. It has nothing to do with who has cooler gods. Read on for my response to her: Why Do People Become Wiccan?

SAMPLE WEDDING VOWS

The following samples of wedding vows may be used as is or modified to suit your taste.
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I come here today, (name), to join my life to yours before this company.In their presence I pledge to be true to you, to respect you,and to grow with you through the years.Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come;no matter what we may encounter together,I vow here that this love will be my only love.I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today, (name), I join my life to yours, not merely as your (husband/wife),but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant.Let me be the shoulder you lean on,the rock on which you rest,the companion of your life.With you I will walk my path from this day forward.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Name), with free and unconstrained soul, I give you all I am and all I am to become.Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love,for the rest of my life.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~What have I to give you, (name)? The promise to take you as my only love from this day forward,to stand by your side, to listen when you speak,to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own.Take this ring, and be my (husband/wife)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~As freely, (name), as God has given me life,I join my life with yours.Wherever you go, I will go;whatever you face, I will face.For good or ill, in happiness or sadness,come riches or poverty,I take you as my (husband/wife), and will give myself to no other. Love has given us wings, and our journey begins today,(Name), wherever the wind may carry me,I will stay by your side as your (husband/wife),Take this ring as a sign of my love.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Where there has been cold,you have brought warmth;where my life was dark,you have brought light.(Name), I pledge before this assembled companyto be your (husband/wife) from this day forward.Let us make of our two lives, one life,and let us always honor and respect each other. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Name), our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together.I enter this marriage with you knowing that the true magic of loveis not to avoid changes, but to navigate them successfully.Let us commit to the miracle of making each day work - together.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Whatever lies ahead, good or bad, we will face together.Distance may test us for a time, and time may trie us.But if we look to each other first, we will always see a friend.(Name), look to me for all the days to come;today I take my place as your (husband/wife).~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~On this day, (month, day, year), I, (name), join myself to you (name),before this company.May our days be long, and may they be seasoned with love, understanding and respect.

INVISIBLE GIVING CIRCLE

There's an invisible giving circle in the universe. As soon as one gift leaves your arms, another enters. How sweet it is!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Pagan community needs you. We need your vision, your strength, your hope, your joy. We stand on the shoulders of giants. We breathe the gifts of the Gods. Each one of us can give back to our community. Here are some suggestions for ways you can make a difference:
* Make a commitment to the Pagan community. In ritual space, meditate on what it means to be Pagan and who your spiritual teachers have been. How have those who have gone before made your present path possible? Ask your Gods for guidance that you may be transformed through love, service, and respect. Make a commitment to the community, whether it's to your worship group, an organization, or a particular cause.
* Participate in Pagan culture. Subscribe to Pagan magazines. Join Pagan organizations, whether worship- or activism-oriented. Donate to a Pagan community or scholarship fund to support your fellow Pagans in need. Put your gifts and skills to the service of the Pagan community.
* Support Pagan leaders. Pay administrators for services rendered. Recognize work well done. Offer encouragement and support, not just suggestions for how it could be done better. Develop leadership within yourself. Work magic for Pagans in need and encourage other Pagans to do the same.
* Participate in the Pagan economy. Support Pagan business, not just the stores but also the Pagans who offer services or goods for barter or cash on an informal basis.
* No more Witch wars! Commit yourself to responsible conflict resolution. If you have a conflict with someone, try one-on-one discussion. If that is unsuccessful, seek out an impartial mediator. Do not take the problem to the larger public. Take responsibility for your conflicts and develop your ability to resolve them.
* Commit to attending at least one Pagan festival, conference, or other gathering per year. Explore what it means to be Pagan, not just in the safety and privacy of your ritual space, but in the living, breathing world that is contemporary Paganism.
* Come out, come out, wherever you are! Redeem the ashes of those who have gone before and claim your birthright of freedom. You will find strength you did not know you had. Your relationship with the Gods will grow tremendously. You will gain self-respect and pride in your people.
* Participate in interfaith dialogue and networking opportunities. Pagan views on the environment, sexuality, and childrearing are all needed in the public sphere. Your organization can join with other faiths to sponsor a public forum on any of these issues. Encourage respect and dialogue among all faiths.
* Share your vision of what it means to be Pagan, and where you want the movement to go in the next twenty, fifty, or one hundred years. Set aside ritual time to visualize our healthy future. Clearly visualize the world you want to live in. Breathe life into this vision. Call on your Gods to assist in its manifestation. In so doing, you give birth to your own potential.
Get up, get active! You can make a difference.