~ SO YOU WANT TO BE A WITCH ~
TAKING THE FIRST STEPS ON A MAGICKAL PATH

I've come up with a few suggestions to help those who are interested in following a magical path. Those that are raised within a magical family may have others to guide them, but what about those of us that are 'muggle' born?

READ
I know, I know ... not terribly exciting is it? Want to hear something even more boring? Don't buy spell books.

Think about what it is that you are drawn to and read about those things. For example, do you love the idea of reading tea leaves and tarot cards? Then pick up a few books about divination. Do you want to heal and stir up some positive feelings? Perhaps you'd do well with aroma therapy or crystals. Some topics that may interest you are:

Each of these topics has direct connections to witchcrafting. Many so-called "grimoires", "book of shadows" and "spell books" give an overview of a lot of basic information but if you want a truly solid base of knowledge go straight for the goods. Spell books do have their place (I have just a few in my own library) but I use them as a guide to discovering your path not as gospel.

MERRY MEET
Don't be afraid of going to meetings, moots and gatherings. Many groups are happy to see new faces. Occult and New Age shops will often post events or groups on a bulletin board in the shop. The internet is a great place to meet like-minded people, Yahoo and MSN have a huge number of online message boards for witches, many of them region or age specific. Another great internet resource is WitchVox.com which has member and event listings by region/town/city. Once you start looking you'll find loads of people just like you to learn from or with.

One or two words of advice when meeting others ... call/email ahead when going to a moot or meeting. You'll likely be received a little warmer if people know that you're coming and you're serious enough to make the effort to contact them first. Never ever stay anywhere you feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or pressured to do anything. If you are going to meet someone off-line, meet them in a very public place. Be smart and safe above all else.

That said, I don't think that practicing alone or being a solitary witch is in any way bad or wrong. Some people will say that without a teacher you cannot properly learn. I say that experience, time, and practice are the best teachers. Can you initiate yourself as a High Priestess in the Wiccan tradition? No, just as you cannot ordain yourself a Roman Catholic priest. It is your faith and how you live your life that is important, not your title or rank.

JUST DO IT!
The truth is that practice may not make you perfect but it will definitely make you better. The more you do, the easier things will come to you, the stronger the magic you will create, the clearer your divinations and readings will be. To use a cooking analogy, what good is a cookbook if you're not going to make anything? Read, do, learn.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO TAKE CREATIVE LICENCE
There seems to be a reluctance by many 'new' witches to stray from the formulas given in books. I'll say it again, magic is like cooking, some people like a little more spice than others. I almost never follow a spell or recipe directly. I like to add my own flair. Besides I rarely have every item listed so I need to be resourceful!

Part of learning is making mistakes and masterpieces ... you'll have to add your own touches eventually if you're going to do either. As another witchy chick suggested "Just because you change things doesn't make it wrong, it makes it yours."

KEEP YOUR MONEY
Now, we make and sell some lovely magical items but I do not think anyone needs to empty his or her bank account to get a little magic brewing. Much of what you need to get started is right in your cupboard, or can be found outside. Bowls, spoons, jars, herbs, candles ... these will likely be your first tools. If you are drawn to something by all means begin your magical collection but don't feel that you have to spend a fortune to get started. Be resourceful and creative. You can make many of your own tools, some can be found at garage sales, or in thrift stores. Expensive tools will not make you a better spell caster, practice and patience will.

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT
Just because someone throws together a web page (or founds a coven, or self publishes a book) does not make them an expert. The best advice I can give you is to formulate your own ideas. There are many pagan paths, many magical traditions, and loads of resources out there. You'll quickly discover that there are often many answers to the simplest of questions. Gather as much information as you can and form your own opinions based on the facts that you've learned.

FINALLY... YOU'LL NEED SOME GRAINS OF SALT
On your magical path you will undoubtedly come across a few ... well, let's call them 'characters'. There are some people out there that do not have the best of intentions, that take themselves far too seriously or feel that they are somehow better than others. Don't let anyone make you feel small, unworthy, dumb, ashamed or bad in anyway. If you like a certain author or book don't feel bad when you see it on a list of books to avoid. If you mispronounce something don't throw in the towel... it's all a part of learning. Anyone who makes you feel bad or awkward about yourself or your beliefs should be avoided.

Embrace what moves you, follow the path that is shown to you and have faith in yourself. You'll do just fine :)