Overwhelmed and new

[shyanne]

Greetings everyone. I am very new to this and find it very interesting. I want to learn more but I feel a little overwhelmed with it all. What is a good beginners guide" as it were to slowly/clearly explain the foundations of witchcraft/wicca? Is there any books that are good for this? Also..i have heard that it's not really possible to make small changes to your body with spells, etc. Is that true? I was just curious lol

[Heartsong]

Hi shyanne,

I always recommend Scott Cunningham's "Living Wicca" and Thea Sabin's "Wicca for Beginners" if you're looking for a kind of Wicca/Witchcraft 101 type of book. Both of them are excellent authors and have tons of great, helpful information in all of their books.

As far as small changes go, in my experience, you can cast a spell, but it's usually either to alter perception (a glamour, such as making others think that your eyes have changed color, although I've never tried it and I'm skeptical that it works) or it's a way to empower yourself to make that change (like losing a couple of pounds).

[shyanne]

Hi shyanne,

I always recommend Scott Cunningham's "Living Wicca" and Thea Sabin's "Wicca for Beginners" if you're looking for a kind of Wicca/Witchcraft 101 type of book. Both of them are excellent authors and have tons of great, helpful information in all of their books.

As far as small changes go, in my experience, you can cast a spell, but it's usually either to alter perception (a glamour, such as making others think that your eyes have changed color, although I've never tried it and I'm skeptical that it works) or it's a way to empower yourself to make that change (like losing a couple of pounds).

ah i see..that's not what i want. Don't get me wrong I'm genuinely interested in Wiccan beliefs as a religion. But I'm a mtf trans going through hormones and I was sort of hoping there'd be a spell to either help my breasts grow bigger or to get rid of body hair, etc.

[random417]

I would say that working with feminine energies, getting in touch with divine feminine aspects within and without would help by itself. Nothing will replace things like hormones, but spell work that helps you align to your new... (I'm not sure the proper way to phrase this, not meaning to offend or anything) identity/ body would almost certainly help the process along. I'm hardly an expert, but that's what I think anyway

[shyanne]

I would say that working with feminine energies, getting in touch with divine feminine aspects within and without would help by itself. Nothing will replace things like hormones, but spell work that helps you align to your new... (I'm not sure the proper way to phrase this, not meaning to offend or anything) identity/ body would almost certainly help the process along. I'm hardly an expert, but that's what I think anyway

*nods* I understand but as im still new I don't really know how to do any of that..i mean i think i know what my deity is..but im not entirely sure yet.

[Lillady]

I recommend "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner", by Scott Cunningham and "To Ride a SIlver Broomstick", by Silver Ravenwolf. Even after twenty years of practicing I still refer back to both of these books often as they are simply and easy to understand. If you have any other questions feel free to ask we are all here to help one another in our spiritual journey. Blessed Be.

[TwilightDancer]

I recommend "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner", by Scott Cunningham and "To Ride a SIlver Broomstick", by Silver Ravenwolf. Even after twenty years of practicing I still refer back to both of these books often as they are simply and easy to understand. If you have any other questions feel free to ask we are all here to help one another in our spiritual journey. Blessed Be.

That's funny, I was going to recommend those very same books. "To ride a silver broomstick" is the first book in a three book series by Silver Ravenwolf, the entire series is a pretty good read. and if you like Scott Cunningham's book there is also a follow up book on that as well you might like.
One more book I would recommend is Raymond Buclkand's complete book of witchcraft. It's layout is a workbook style that makes it easy to remember the lessons.

Great minds think alike Lillady!

Blessed Be

[shyanne]

I have boughten Guide for the solitary practitioner by Cunningham and Buckland's complete book as well. I unfortunately (don't) know of any wiccans or witches around where I live, so I don't have anyone to apprentice under.. So..for help writing spells or where i get a book of spells that isn't fake..? I know amazon sells some but how do I determine what is real and what is fake? Also I'm not sure where to ask..but where/how do i find out if there are any other practitioners in my vicinity? (Western New York?) Also (cause I haven't read the books I got yet) What can I use for a altar? Sorry for all the questions..v.v

[Siona]

So..for help writing spells or where i get a book of spells that isn't fake..? I know amazon sells some but how do I determine what is real and what is fake?

Spells aren't really real or fake like that. Basically, a spell is done by raising energy and focusing it toward a goal. The words said, props used, and so on, they're there to help us get into the proper frame of mind, they can help us raise energy, and they help keep us focused on our goal. This is why it's best to create your own spells, because you can include the things that really speak to you.

Also (cause I haven't read the books I got yet) What can I use for a altar? Sorry for all the questions..v.v

There are lots of different types of altars, and it depends a bit on what you plan to do with it... but altars are commonly set up on tables, dressers, on top of bookshelves, on windowsills, fireplace mantles, really any sort of flat space. Altars can also be constructed in cabinets, set up outside, and even things like a stang (a forked staff) can be used as an altar. I suggest checking out the 'altar pictures' section of the forum for some ideas.

I know Cunningham's book goes into more detail on both subjects, so you might find those sections of his book helpful.

[TwilightDancer]

What can I use for a altar?

Altars don't have to be fancy or elaborate. In fact my "Altar" is a desk. I use the shelves for my crystals and candles, the drawers are for my incense. I have a Ganesh mirror and a glass blown swan bowl that sits on top. My desk set-up is perfect for me because I like to keep it organized.




Blessed Be

[shyanne]

Spells aren't really real or fake like that. Basically, a spell is done by raising energy and focusing it toward a goal. The words said, props used, and so on, they're there to help us get into the proper frame of mind, they can help us raise energy, and they help keep us focused on our goal. This is why it's best to create your own spells, because you can include the things that really speak to you.

Now when I write out a spell..like does it have to rhyme? or be in poetic prose? or can it say anything as long as it's focussed?

[Siona]

Now when I write out a spell..like does it have to rhyme? or be in poetic prose? or can it say anything as long as it's focussed?

You can say anything, or even say nothing. It's possible to do a spell without any words. Some people like to rhyme because they feel it helps them to build energy, others like their spells to sound more poetic, or be a particular style, because it gets them into the right frame of mind. Try out a few styles, and see what works best for you.

[Lillady]

Now when I write out a spell..like does it have to rhyme? or be in poetic prose? or can it say anything as long as it's focussed?

As long as it is focused and your mind is on the intent of it you are fine. I know there are many out there who make them rhyme or are sing song like but it is not a must. So do your spells and/or chants the way you intend them for. Nothing wrong with that at all