First, you must sacrifice a virgin.

I’m kidding, of course!  If you’ve read up on Wicca and you’ve decided that it’s a belief system that you want to begin to follow, there are a few different ways you can go about “becoming” a Wiccan.

One of the great things about Wicca is it’s very much a belief system of individuality.  This wasn’t always the case, and you can find more information on the evolution of Wicca in “What Is Wicca“.

Flying Solo vs. Joining a Coven

So you’ve decided that you want to become a Wiccan.  The first decision you need to make is whether you want to practice your Craft by yourself (often referred to as “flying solo”) or if you want to join a local coven.  There are a lot of advantages to both decisions, and there is no one right answer.  Whatever you feel is best for your own spiritual growth is the correct decision.

I talk about the different aspects of solo and coven practice in Flying Solo vs. Flying In a Group, but let’s talk about the basics here.

Practicing Solo.  If you want to be a practicing Wiccan but you don’t want to join a coven (or if you live in a rural area that doesn’t have a big Wiccan/pagan presence), you can practice solo.  This is how I practice.  But how do you start?  Well, if you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a big first step in getting there.

When I made the decision to become Wiccan, I did what any self-respecting 21st century denizen would do – I consulted the oracle.  And by oracle, I of course mean Google.  But I was fortunate enough to have a very dear friend (who I consider my “Wiccan Mother”) who had practiced the Craft for many years.  I went to her for advice in addition to doing my own research and study.

I ordered several books (I have an ongoing list of great resources in Recommended Reading), the most helpful of which was Scott Cunningham’s book “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner”.  You can order it on Amazon by clicking this link: Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.

The book is an excellent resource for someone who is just starting out on the path to being Wiccan.  The book was originally written in the late 80s, but the fundamentals are essentially the same.  It gives a great high-level review of Wiccan theory and practice, and also includes rites & rituals from Cunningham’s own Book of Shadows.Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download

Practicing In A Coven.  If you think that practicing in a group of like-minded individuals is more your taste, then you should do a web search for local coven groups in your area.  Be forewarned, however, that some covens are “closed,” meaning they either aren’t accepting new initiates or you must be brought in by an existing member of the coven who knows you personally.

Practicing in a coven is much more closely related to how the Craft was practiced in ancient times.  This doesn’t mean, however, that practicing in a group is a “better” way of practicing.  Depending on the coven, the initiation rites and the overall functionality of the group will vary.

Some covens (especially those who have been established for many years, or who closely follow Gardnerian or Alexandrian practices) will require new initiates to spend a “year and a day” before they’re “officially” declared a member of the coven.  I will discuss the year and a day concept in a future article.

Both worlds.  One’s spirituality isn’t (or, at least, shouldn’t be) a static aspect of one’s life.  If you start down one path, that doesn’t mean you’re tied down to that path for the rest of your life.  So if you begin by flying solo, but later decide that you’d grow spiritually by seeking out a coven, then by all means, do so!

In the same vein, if you’re part of a coven but you think that you’re more suited to solitary practice, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, either!  When it comes right down to it, you have to do what will benefit you the most.

Self-Dedication

So you’ve decided that Wicca is for you.  You’ve begun doing research.  You’ve decided that you want to practice solo (at least for now).  The next thing you need to do is perform a self-dedication ritual.

You can visit the Spells & Rituals page which contains a couple of rituals that others have performed.  The best self-dedication ritual, however, is one that you create.  This can seem like a confusing and daunting task as a Wiccan neophyte.  Here’s a few points that may help you create your own ritual.

• Choose the setting.  Outdoors is most ideal, as it helps you tap into the energy of nature as you perform your ritual.  But if you cannot do it outdoors, then choose a place indoors that is quiet and where you will not be disturbed.
• Write down why you’re dedicating yourself.  You don’t have to go into great detail, but you should write down the general points of what led you to choose the Wiccan path.
• Meditate.  If you’re outdoors, choose a place where you can sit comfortably (up against a tree, on the shore of the beach, etc.) and quiet your mind.  Listen closely to the sounds of nature around you.  If you’re indoors, focus on the quiet.  Alternatively, you can search the Internet for nature sounds.  This will help tune your mind into nature and drown out any ambient noise.
• Recite an incantation or poem.  This can be something someone else has written, but I encourage you to write your own.  It doesn’t have to rhyme or have perfect iambic pentameter; just write from the heart.  Recite this while you meditate.
• Celebrate!  Feel the energy of the Universe and nature as you conclude your meditation.

In a later article, I’ll share with you my story of how I began on the Wiccan path.  But what I’ve shared here should get you well on your way to beginning your journey.  Until next time, Blessed Be!