There has always been a fascination with witchcraft, yet there are a lot of misperceptions about what it is and what practitioners do. One of the biggest misperceptions is that witches work in conjunction with the devil. There have been many incidents in history and unfortunately even in current times, in which people have been persecuted because they were believed to practice witchcraft. If the crops went bad in a particular year, it was believed to be because of a witch. If a plague affected a city, it was thought that a witch had cast a spell. People were looking for something to blame, and too many times they chose ‘witches’ to be their scapegoat of choice. There have even been a number of episodes in history in which massive witch hunts have led to the execution of countless people believed to be practicing witchcraft. Many people who today feel a connection to a metaphysical lifestyle are souls that have reincarnated after being persecuted as a witch.
While people associate witchcraft with magic and sorcery, there is so much more to it. Followers of witchcraft are in fact followers of Wicca, which is a modern pagan religion. There are many Wiccan traditions, each with their own structure, rituals and beliefs. It is also possible to be a witch without adhering to any tradition. Typically believers worship the mother goddess and the horned god. Believers also know that the various goddesses have different strengths and powers that you can call on when you need them. The practice of ritual magic is a big part of the Wiccan tradition, and there is much that can be learned from more experienced witches about how to incorporate witchcraft into your day to day life.
Because of the fears many in the general public have about witchcraft, it’s not unusual for practicing witches to keep their religion to themselves. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that you already know someone who practices witchcraft but does so in the private of their homes. Since many practicing witches shroud their practice in secrecy, it can be difficult to learn how to become a witch if you find yourself drawn to this religion. Luckily, there’s no shortage of books that can help you to not only learn more about the reality of modern-day witchcraft, but that can help you get started practicing rituals and using witchcraft to improve your life. Here are two that can give you much of the beginner’s knowledge that you need.
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft is one of the most widely recommended books for students of witchcraft. It’s basically a step-by-step course in how to become a witch. It talks about beliefs, rituals, history and even the lore surrounding witchcraft. It also provides instructions for you so you can learn how to do spells, practice divination, work with herbs, heal yourself and others and even learn how to channel. Most people who practice witchcraft have this book in their collection or have read it at some point in their spiritual journey. If you know another student of witchcraft, this book makes the perfect gift. Whether you buy it or check it out of the library, every serious student of witchcraft should soak in the knowledge that this book presents.
To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft is a modern-day classic about what it is to be a witch today. Written by Silver RavenWolf, this book has already sold more than 300,000 copies, and it’s particularly helpful for any witch who will be practicing as a solitary practitioner. Maybe you don’t want to belong to a coven, or you don’t know enough people to create a coven with. Either way, Silver RavenWolf tells you about the joys of being a solitary practitioner, as well as gives you the steps to take to create your own magical rituals. She describes her own experience with Witchcraft and she breaks the beliefs and rituals down in an easy to understand way. If you’re going to be practicing alone, this book is a must-read.
Once you start practicing witchcraft, there will be tools that you’ll need for rituals. Finding Witchcraft Supplies can be difficult if you don’t know where to look, but there are places online that specialize in selling them. Click here to access Witchcraft Supplies.
