I wanted to gain some input on when to start with using magic spells and rituals when the time comes

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Hi. A few weeks ago I my had became interested in paganism particularly Wicca as a means to better understand myself. Most of my life I was an athiest for a number of reasons the biggest being the prospect of developing a set of moral principles based on principles instead of spiritual blackmail be it reward or damnation in the afterlife.

Several weeks ago bought a copy of Thea Sabins Wicca for beginners to get started.

Lately my reading of said book has been slow since I lately have been relaying on YouTube videos to examine and further understand what im getting into. I have been trying to learn the details at a snails pace which is said to be the best way to do so.

However while I understand that learning spells amoung other things is something im supposed to wait on, I wanted to learn where to start on grounding myself into the current moment along with when I should start using candles and incense to experiment with my mind.

I seem to describe my desire to resort to wicca as a desire to better understand myself and maybe even understand what troubles me in life. Since the smell and feel of certain candles could influence my mind I wanted to know your two cents. When I should start using candles and incense.

Currently I think the main source of own personal mental struggle is how my body has been influencing the mind. I think overcoming that should be the first step.

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Hello Saga,

While traditional Wicca may require lengthy study before spellcasting is “approved,” most eclectic and pagan practices don’t have such strictures. A lot of us are intuitive witches which allows us to employ candles, incense, and other tools with freedom although the tacit understanding is always “do no harm.”

I encourage you to follow your intuition and remember that fear will inhibit your ability to feel or use that sense. If you feel that there are blocks in your path then, yes, work on the impediments. It is your energy, your will, and your intention that are primary energies used in practicing witchcraft. You don’t have to have perfected any of these energies – you just need to work on them consistently. Witchcraft is the art of becoming whole in yourself and in the world, and it is an ongoing journey.

You may wish to read other books than the one you mentioned. There’s a list here: Pagan Books for beginners - #22 by RedNorcal and a video here that may help to ease some of your concerns about when to do what.

Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.

~ Red

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Super Samhain SaganotSaga,

I think you can start right away. At the minimum, take some salt and pour a circle around you on the ground (outside preferably), saying, see my feet, on the ground, here I am, keep me sound!

If you don’t have any deities yet, that is okay. Just talk to the cosmos, ground, elements, whatever direction/way you feel called to ground. Meditate a minute on how you can stay focused on the day (grounded). I like to use incense with my circle because the smoke rises to the air, and I like to use a small candle to call to sun and “action/movement” element. I use water for the emotion side. So all 4 corners are there…incense for air, candle for fire, water for water, and your altar/feet on the ground for earth. You are speaking into the air, and it is rising to the spirit. Therefore, you have made your first circle and spell.

I agree with RedNorcal there is no reason for a specific ritual. [I like to say, magick is not what you see in the movies…“hop on your left foot, repeat this 3 times, as you stare into the flame”]…that is just the movies. Witchcraft is a practice, you are always practicing and do not have to wait for perfection to get started.

The starter books I recommend are:

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner—Scott Cunningham

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft-called “Buckland’s Big Blue”—Raymond Buckland

A Witches Bible: The Complete Witches’ Handbook–Janet & Stewart Farrar

I listed these in order of difficulty. Scott is a very easy read. Buckland is a little more in-depth, but acts as a workbook with exercises at the end of each chapter. The Farrar’s, have written a very in-depth on the rituals of Wicca. If you are very interested in Wicca, I would read this one. I prefer the solitary route, so I use this as a general reference guide to Wicca. I am not Wiccan but an eclectic witch. I do not care for the rigidity of Wicca itself. Reminds me of the Catholics. In fact, look at how much the Catholics have absorbed Paganism.

Well, I hope this helps you out. Looking forward to seeing more of you here in our pack.:wolf:

Lady Gene :candle:

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Thanks for the input. I assume id have to shut the door to my bedroom to my cat, Rin. She constantly likes to sit on my lap whether in bed or at a computer. I assume her doing that would interrupt the ritual. However I fear if I shut yhe door my cat may start meowing through it which is also an interruption. I just took a picture of her laying on top of me while I am in bed, but site won’t let me.

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Sensational Samhain,

Why would you need to close the door? Your cat is more than welcome during your circle/spell/meditation unless it really bothers you. Your cat may help you focus. I do not block my dog from anything that I am doing. Occasionally, she comes and looks, more often, she sees that I am “busy” and politely leaves me alone. I know cats seem to love laps and legs. Maybe that will give you just the levity you need sometimes.

Lady Gene :candle:

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