Everything Under the Moon

I feel the need to go back to Wicca. I would like to start over. Are there any tips for new beginners? I have done a lot of research in the past. Is there more to it then just honoring the gods of nature, rituals, spells, etc? I feel this old way is calling to me. The problem I have tho is I don't believe in gods or prayer. I do however view the gods as nature all around me. I would like to believe magick works because I believe words are powerful. I also believe in energy.

The only thing from keeping me from going forward is my parents. They are devout Christians and think Wicca is demonic. The only freedom I have to express myself is my journal which they do not read. So I could have a secret BoS. I really love altars and would love to set one up. I could have it spread out in my room so they don't realize it's my altar.

How should I begin my new path? Should I do a ritual or study more? I'm not sure how to do a full ritual.

My suggestion to you would be to read and reflect for a little while. Buy a journal and write your thoughts about what you just read... meditate and write about what you felt... pray and reflect on whatever guidence you feel like you received. Personally, I would avoid ritual for now, just until you feel a little more comfortable defining your beliefs, but everyone is different.
I know when starting out and looking for advice and being told "find what is right for you" is frustrating, but honestly it is all you can do sometimes.

As for an altar, when I was younger and living with my mom, I had the smallest, most discrete altar ever: On top of my dresser I had two decorative candle holders (one for the god and goddess) and between it I would keep a vase of flowers. I had a feather tied around the vase to represent air, the water in the vase for water, the flowers were always red roses for fire, and the flowers themselves were for earth. It was tiny, discrete, and simple, but it worked for me.

Good luck on your path

Smogie has some great thoughts. I completely agree with her advice to meditate and reflect. And her altar suggestion is great, too. I think BabyBear did a post on hidden altars somewhere around here? I'll look, as there might be some more ideas you hadn't considered.

I'll add that, for me, getting outside and connecting with nature is vital for my spirit.
: http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 27885.html
That was a nice easy search; it's stickied.

Thank you everyone.

Wicca, at least trad form, is orthopraxy, based on right practice.

Besides that there are some books:
The complete Illustrated encyclopedia to Witchcraft and Practical magic by Airey, and Greenwood.

Wicca: a guide for the solitary practioner, by Scott Cunningham.

Buckland's complete book of witchcraft.

You can always do rituals, outside if you can. I prefer them outside.

Buckland and Cunningham may have free pdfs somewhere.