I have gotten multiple questions about how one starts practice in the Craft, and while I have readily answered those questions, I feel that giving those seeking a place of reference is in order.
First of all, The Craft used to be a very secretive religion, but it is thanks to authors like Scott Cunningham and Raymond Buckland, that Solitary Practitioners have the ability to flourish. When you first start your studies, you will find very many different points of view, and very many different types of opinions on practically everything you come across. What I strongly advise when you are first starting out, (and this may come across as offensive); please use your critical thinking skills. What I mean by this is don’t believe every piece of Wicca or Pagan literature you come across, because there are a fair amount of hacks out there.
Now you’re probably wondering: “Well, what do I look for?”
First of all, familiarize yourself very closely with the Wiccan Rede. Typically, anything that goes against the rede within a practice that someone is touting is usually a good indicator. Another is if this particular person is demanding that their way is the best or even the only way. Once you begin to notice these things, you’ll pretty easily be able to sift the good from the bad.
(NOTE: You may not follow the Rede, but a typical rule of thumb is don’t hurt anybody or anything).
I know, you’re probably getting the idea that you shouldn’t read these books. Actually, I by all means encourage it! Besides, if you don’t read the bad, how are you really and truly going to be able to distinguish the good? Knowledge is power, and it couldn’t be more true in this case. (The only reason I’m able to distinguish things quite easily is because I’ve had the ways of Rhetoric beaten into my brain for the past five years).
Another question I’m often asked is about where one should ‘start’, and if it isn’t apparent already, read, read, read! As for what to read, anything by Scott Cunningham is a definite, and pretty much almost anything by just about anyone at:
I certainly hope this helps anyone who happens to be seeking!
Blessed Be!
