(Part 2) Best products from r/Wicca

> In the mid-2000s, the big "issue" that most online wiccans seemed to focus on was whether certain beliefs or practices constituted a "serious" pagan as opposed to someone who was just faffing about. While I realize that attitudes have relaxed since then, I'd still like to do as much as I can to be as sincere as possible. What're some good ways to develop my belief and awareness? Should I just be reading as many books as I can?

u/Rvb321 did a really good post about this (the first comment in the thread). I'd also suggest reading Heart of Wicca by Ellen Cannon Reed, because she talks about the importance of tradition, but also that you can create your own traditions, depending on what works for you/your coven.

I think it's important to pay attention to what works for other people, and has worked for centuries (because there's usually a reason as to why it works, and you don't need to re-invent the wheel then), but also you must be flexible, because if something doesn't work for you, then it simply doesn't work. It's about achieving a balance, I think, and creating yourself a sort of "Unified Theory" of practice from the teachings you've gathered, i.e., picking bits that work for you, that all fit together (I'm saying this as a solitary though).

u/PhoenixTheReader also has a brilliant podcast where she reads some of the key Wiccan books, some of which are mentioned in u/Rvb321's post.

> Secondly, could you please recommend some good ways to interact with others in the local community aside from directly joining a coven? While I would love to find a coven, my current work often has me driving out-of-state on certain weekends, and I'd feel more than a little awkward having to miss Sabbats because I'm off in West Virginia fiddling with computers.

I'd suggest looking for "moots" in your area; it's not as formal as a coven meeting, where people from different paths get together and chat about a particular thing, usually. Some put on talks by more experienced practitioners, which is really good. There might be some on MeetUp, but I've found Facebook really useful for finding moots as well. Have a look for Pagan moots, as well as Wiccan. It gives you the freedom to learn, but also you can be flexible with your attendance. I'd also suggest joining WitchVox, so you can find more Wiccans/Pagans in your area who might be available to meet up with you. :)

Good luck!

Feel free to ask any more questions (I'm new to this but I might be able to point you in a general direction)!

For reliable sources:

High Magic's Aid by Gerald Gardner

Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland

1: Witchfather: A Life of Gerald Gardner: Into the Witch Cult by Philip Heselton

Lid off the Cauldron by Patrica Crowther

The Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton

Foundations of Practical Magic: An Introduction to Qabalistic, Magical and Meditative Techniques by Israel Regardie

A Witches' Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar

Witchcraft for Tomorrow by Doreen Valiente

Modern Magick: Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts by Donald Michael Kraig

Magical Power For Beginners: How to Raise & Send Energy for Spells That Work by Deborah Lipp

Fifty Years Of Wicca by Frederic Lamond

For essential materials,

-An athame

-A wand

-A pentacle

-A chalice

-Incense and censer

> Would I be considered a true Wiccan if I hid it from those around me?

Yes, you would be considered a "true Wiccan." Most Wiccans since the inception of Wicca kept secret the fact they were witches. It's only in very recent times that people are so forward about the fact that they're witches. I myself keep it pretty well hidden. Only those in my coven and my closest loved ones know that I'm Wiccan.

>When choosing a patron/matron do you pick from literally any gods/goddesses?

The concept of a patron/matron deity is relatively new to Wicca. Originally, the Goddess worshiped by the Witches was the Lunar Goddess of Fertility - often called Diana, Aradia, Hekate, Isis, the Queen of Elphame, etc. The original God worshiped by the Witches was the Horned God of Death and Resurrection - often called Pan, Cernunnos, Janicot, etc. However, in recent times, Wiccans (myself included) have begun working with all types of Pagan deities. So in short, yes, you can pick any god or goddess you feel a connection with.

> Can you celebrate the Wiccan holidays and still celebrate things like Christmas?

Yes, most Wiccans still celebrate cultural holidays such as Christmas.

Read read read. When I started my journey four years ago, I started finding books on witchy topics that resonated with me: cat magic, herb magic, native American deities, Egyptology, Elder Futhark runes, general books on Wicca and witchcraft, etc. I also hit the Internet to learn more about the goddess aspect, Hindu gods, chakras, and spirit guides. I added each bit of knowledge that jumped out at me to a notebook that evolved into my first book of shadows. I made connections between ideas and formed a path that resonates well with me, but I’m constantly changing, just like nature.

Two books I would suggest off hand are The Goddess is in the Details and Everyday Witchcraft, both by Deborah Blake.

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=the+goddess+is+in+the+details&sprefix=the+goddess+i&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13

The very first book that set me on my path, however, was a good staple on any witch’s shelf, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I’ve heard mixed reviews on Cunningham from various witches, but the truth to me is that he’s just a little more traditional, and most of the rituals in his book on Magical Herbalism don’t have to be taken so literally.

https://smile.amazon.com/Cunninghams-Encyclopedia-Magical-Llewellyns-Sourcebook/dp/0875421229/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=encyclopedia+of+magical+herbs&qid=1558376960&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://smile.amazon.com/Magical-Herbalism-Secret-Llewellyns-Practical/dp/0875421202/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=Cunningham+herbal+magic&qid=1558377220&s=gateway&sr=8-2

As far as Tarot goes, the best advice I ever got from another practitioner is to throw away the rule book. Divining tools are meant to distract the left brain so that the right brain and third eye can open to the universal consciousness. Don’t always just read by the textbook definition of a card, but also by what you “see” and feel, and by its placement in the pattern. Some people (like me) are only able to read well for others, so if you’re not feeling it reading for yourself, practice on willing friends and strangers. Maybe avoid family right now. That can open some dark doors.

I went on way too long, but I’ve done so much research and continue to learn. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have if you want to message me. Merrily met and Blessed be.

Greetings friend :) That absolutely, without a doubt is Selenite. Do not submerge it in water however as it will dissolve in any liquid. Selenite is a purifying crystal which cleanses itself and other crystals in its field. I place Selenite with all of my other crystals and jewelry so that they are fresh and clean (Bonus: I also have little sticks of Selenite in every room in my house because of its cleaning properties). To answer your questions about cyrstals, they can be used for many different things. I use them for healing. Here are some links to web-pages and videos that describe how to use crystals for healing:

1. https://hibiscusmooncrystalacademy.com/crystals-every-day/
   
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvzqXTfMAl4
   
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llP_ait76_I&t=290s
   
   ​
   
   Here is a link to a healing crystal kit with 7 chakra stones, as well as a link to a purifying smudge kit. I can vouch for both of these products as I have purchased both of them. They are lovely, inexpensive, and must-haves that just do pure, and good things when entering into ones life. I recommend them for any and everyone:
   
   
4. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SLMR8N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
5. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Z1RVRB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   ​
   
   Cheers, friend :)

Hi, I'm pretty new to the Wiccan Community too, but I got very good basic book for witchcraft. Even it's not Wiccan specific you should take a look at it.I own the german version (yep german baby Wicca here ;), but I'm pretty sure the original Book is as good as the transaleted one ;)

The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Sky Alexander( https://www.amazon.de/Modern-Guide-Witchcraft-Complete-Witches/dp/1440580022 )

There is a pdf version too so you don't have to wait ;D

Good luck with your research and pls let me know if you can recommend a Wiccan specific book, haven't found a good one yet.

My first piece of advice is to completely divorce in your mind the tarot and the runes. They are two completely different systems. The tarot were developed by Ceremonial Magicians in the late Victorian Age, and the runes are an ancient symbol set used by an ancient culture as a language and magical symbols. In fact the runes are a whole system of magic.

To really get started with runes you have to read up on each one and the history behind each. Divining with them is as simple as grabbing a few and scattering them and reading their meanings but you'll need to background about each letter for that to work. Here are a few sources that I like for runes.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jordsvin/Runes/Rune%20Of%20The%20Month/Index.htm - Ignore how this site looks. because it hasn't been updated in a while but each article on the runes is very well written by a couple who know the runes very well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1578633257/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1459023490&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=rune+divination&dpPl=1&dpID=51eexi1vgZL&ref=plSrch - A great book on the whole system of magic that the runes are. I really like this one as it doesn't try and "culture wash" the runes. Instead she frames each meaning historically so you can get a better understanding of why things are as they are.

http://www.amazon.com/Rune-Poem-Jim-Paul/dp/0811811360 - This book is a translation of the original Norse poems that the runes are mentioned in. It doesn't offer much in the way of interpretation so you are meant to take your own from it. It gives you a reference point to think about when meditating on the runes.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

You have a tiny fraction of the bases covered, but you're better off than many people. Some people only read Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide and call it a day.

You really ought to learn of the history of religious witchcraft in the 20th century, the many layers of symbolism and tradition in Gardnerian and Alexandrian witchcraft of the 50s and 60s, then the spread and change of the newly arrived Pagan and witchcraft scene of the 70s and 80s in America, which leads to Dianic Wicca, Eclectic Wicca, and finally the form presented in Scott Cunningham's books and most, if not all books published in the past ten years (and continuously) by Llewellyn.

Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler: https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Down-Moon-Witches-Goddess-Worshippers/dp/0143038192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469827845&sr=8-1&keywords=drawing+down+the+moon

Then eventually learn of the history not of the religious traditions of witchcraft which have caught on by many, but the figure of the witch as a religious follower (as opposed to an evil baby-killer, a Halloween decoration, or something dreamed up in the minds of the Catholic church with no foundation in actual religion).

Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland: https://www.amazon.com/Aradia-Gospel-Witches-Charles-Godfrey/dp/0982432356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828055&sr=8-1&keywords=aradia

Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath by Carlo Ginzburg: https://www.amazon.com/Ecstasies-Deciphering-Witches-Carlo-Ginzburg/dp/0226296938/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828085&sr=8-4&keywords=carlo+ginzburg

The Witch Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Murray: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Cult-Western-Europe/dp/1515244024/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828141&sr=8-2&keywords=witch+cult+western+europe

and then, in a timeline-fashion,

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner: https://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Today-Gerald-Gardner/dp/0806525932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828213&sr=8-1&keywords=witchcraft+today

Then learn how religious witchcraft, as presented by Gerald Gardner and his covens, was and is practiced, the meaning behind the practices, and why the meanings matter.

A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Bible-Complete-Handbook/dp/0919345921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828310&sr=8-1&keywords=witches+bible

Also inserted in this section might easily be Buckland's Book of Witchcraft, but I don't personally recommend that book as it does stray from Gardnerian tradition in many respects, sometimes changing whole chunks of traditional texts to a more Pagan or celtic format, and conveniently brushes over the use and symbolism of an important tool, the scourge, in witchcraft. But there are many good pieces of knowledge in that book.

Its also important to read up on influential figures in the Craft movement, and their thoughts, opinions, and reasonings behind their beliefs.

Firechild by Maxine Sanders: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Child-Magic-Maxine-Sanders/dp/1869928784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828518&sr=8-1&keywords=maxine+sanders

King of the Witches by June Johns: https://www.amazon.com/King-Witches-World-Alex-Sanders/dp/B000NT7OYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828547&sr=8-1&keywords=king+witches+june

And there's so much more, probably more books than anyone could ever read and find all of.

And one of the best sources of knowledge of the Craft is an experienced High Priest(ess) within a coven that knows their stuff. Much of witchcraft's knowledge comes from its mysteries, which must be experienced to understand.

Good luck on your journey.

Usually, for every magickal endeavor you want to make incense for, there is a household correspondence that you can use to make it. We wouldn't be Witches if we weren't crafty, right?

Some texts that will help you find correspondences (If you can't buy them yourself, you can always browse them at a bookstore and take notes. Places like Barnes and Nobles carries these kinds of books. They are worth buying secretly and sneaking home, imho.) :

• Cunningham's Magickal Herbs
  
  
• Cunningham's Incense, Oils, and Brews
  
  
• Cunningham's Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise
  
  and while you're at it, for extra sneakyness:
  
  
• Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen
  
  There are other books out there about herbalism, but Cunningham's books are simple and effective primers to get you started down the road towards Herbalism. Just remember, there is WAY more advanced stuff out there, and if you care to learn it, you can.
  
  For more immediate help regarding making incense, A video about Herbalism from Cunningham: [Herb Magick] (http://youtu.be/Mn6B2m1pLoE). The video may not have an extensive correspondence list, but it'll get you down the road.
  
  PLEASE DON'T POISON YOURSELF.

Not specifically Wiccan but potentially some form of witchcraft. Wicca is a pagan religion that employs witchcraft in its rituals whereas "witchcraft" is a category and as a whole pertains to various types of folk magic (thus, Wicca is just one form, there are other types of witchcraft). Most of what is encountered in the US is Neopagan witchcraft, which is mostly derived from European folk magic. However, (outside of Neopaganism) there is also Afro-American Hoodoo (rootwork, conjuring) which sometimes calls for burying objects as well. Depending on your location, there could be a stronger likelihood of the latter.

When it comes to Neopaganism, basically you have individuals who pursue some traditional style of spellcasting (either utilizing traditional methods or drawing inspiration from them) while others create spells with symbolism they've created. However, a difficulty with pinpointing what something buried could be is that the largest segment of Neopaganism is Eclectic, i.e., practitioners who develop highly individualized systems that draw on various sources in addition to personal innovations.

So, you're not necessarily going to be able to look at something and determine what the person who placed it there practiced or what they intended. There can be general indications. E.g., anything with a poppet (doll) would indicate it's a spell either for or against a person, discerning which can potentially be puzzled out by what else is with it.

In terms of identifying magical use and lore regarding herbs, the best book (IMO) on it would be The Master Book of Herbalism Paperback by Paul Beyerl

Scott Cunningham was a prolific writer and while there is debate over his books regarding Wicca, he was well regarded for his knowledge in herbalism and magic. His books are an easy read, such as:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs & Book of Incense Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham


Catherine Yrodwode is well regarded in the practice of Hoodoo, she runs the luckymojo.com website and has authored various books, here's a link to one of her online articles:

Laying Down Tricks & Disposing of Ritual Remnants in the Hoodoo Tradition - Catherine Yronwode


These just scratch the surface and there plenty of other sources others might cite, but these will give you a sense of direction.

A. Determine whether or not there is in fact a spirit or a past life memory or whether your spirit self is travelling to other planes/worlds/dimensions wtc.
B. If there is determine what they need. Then to the best of your ability do what needs to be done to do that.
C. Like any other ritual call your corners, cast your circle and ask for the Lady and Lord to join for the purpose of helping her spirit to cross.
*If you are psychic and have the ability to communicate with your guides/angels for help in directing you in what needs to be done ritually for this specific spirit and when directed say/do release said spirit through the veil.
**If you are not psychicay awakened do C. and then ask for either the Lady and Lord or archangel Michael to take the spirit through the veil and protect the spirit until it reaches the otherworld/summerlands etc.

I often use prayers that are suitable to the spirit's situation from The Pagan Book of Living and Dying. http://www.amazon.com/The-Pagan-Book-Living-Dying/dp/0062515160

The book that I found most useful is Freya Aswynn's Northern Mysteries and Magick.

A great source is also Diana Paxson's Taking Up the Runes.

Love your set. Enjoy your journey!

Edit: You may also find this site useful.

My favorite herb book is The Compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl. Cunningham's is really good, too, but Beyerl goes into a lot more detail about the herbal properties and the lore behind them.

For crystals, this is the book I recommend with five stars. In addition to fabulous descriptions of crystal properties, the sheer number of crystals and stones she talks about is unparalleled in any book I've yet to see. The only downside is that it doesn't have any photos but if you have access to google that isn't too much of a set back.

Good luck with your studies!

The Goodly Spellbook is a good one because it talks about magical theory, not just the spells. I have Judika Iiles' Encyclopedia of Spells, though I don't use it often, it's a good starting point.

I just recently purchased a correspondence book. It's pretty interesting, though I haven't had much need of it just yet. Something like this might help you write your own spells. IME those work much better.

I'm sorry for your loss and hope you find some peace for yourself after the funeral.

You might find a prayer you like here. Alternatively there is a book called the pagan book of living and dying which has some good information in it.

Failing that sometimes the best prayers are just heartfelt words, so a eulogy from a child trying to honour their parent would I have no doubt make your mother proud.

Religion isn't about logic. It's about how it makes people feel. Some people have faith, or they have a religious experience that makes all the illogical stuff make much more sense. It's not something you're going to be able to fully understand unless you experience it yourself. Wicca is largely experiential - it's about doing it and feeling it, it's not about knowing the theology. Frankly, Wicca includes a lot of "woo" stuff that isn't 100% logical and doesn't line up with how the majority of people perceive reality.

As an agnostic, I accept that I don't have faith, and so I am never going to be able to fully understand the religious beliefs of people that truly have faith.

Have you read any books on this stuff? I don't mean spell books or Wicca 101. You might like reading some of the more dry, academic books about the evolution of neopaganism, like the Triumph of the Moon by Hutton.

I love your dreams. They both seem very feminine to me. I think you might find a more general pagan approach helpful. The symbolism carries on through out all beliefs in slightly different ways but similar core understanding. There's a book I find really helpful, it might be a bit much for a novice but then again it might be helpful too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0738732532/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527082760&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=correspondences&dpPl=1&dpID=51-FRJV-cGL&ref=plSrch

I started with Runes about 30 years ago, unfortunately with the inaccurate Blume. I've thankfully moved on to better materials!

Two books I would recommend by the most respected authors in these:

Taking Up the Runes:

https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Up-Runes-Complete-Divination-ebook/dp/B0070YFQFS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25193ECRZP0F0&keywords=taking+up+the+runes&qid=1571599080&sprefix=Your+Book+of+Shadows%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1

And if you are at all interested, Ogam:

https://www.amazon.com/Ogam-Weaving-Erynn-Rowan-Laurie/dp/1905713029/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ogham&qid=1571599122&sr=8-3

Also, Scott Cunningham's The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews is a great resource for figuring out what oils will work best for you and ideas on how to use them. :)

Woudn't be my first choice, but a pretty good read.
(Probably my first choice would be: http://www.amazon.com/Master-Book-Herbalism-Paul-Beyerl/dp/0919345530)

The arms of the Goddess encircle thee, greenwand. The arms of the God are open and welcoming. Hail and welcome, seeker of the old ways. Ask your questions, and you will find them answered.

Allow me to explain one or two of the principles of magic, and bear with me, this takes up an entire chapter in The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, which I highly recommend you purchase as the first piece of your library. And let me say before I start, I was there. I came to Wicca because I too wanted to regain my spirituality.

So here's the principle you're kind of hinting at for yourself. The Principle of Vibration. Everything vibrates, because everything is made of atoms. What we understand in Wicca/Witchcraft is that these vibrations are unique and that they can be read. Your brain, being made of atoms, knows its pattern of vibration. When that vibration changes, you can tell. It's the feeling in the pit of your stomach and things like that. The vibration changes because of wave interference from other sources of vibration. (Amazing how this stuff is actually grounded in science, idnit? The only thing that's hard for science to grasp is how we can know our own vibrations and read others). A vibration that interferes with yours too much is the idea behind people who "clash" and can't seem to get along. Objects vibrate too and can be read, but I think this post has gone on long enough. I'll let you ask a question or two for a while.

Al

I recommend Barbara Walker's book. Old but good.

The book you are looking for is Hutton's Triumph of the Moon.

Taking Up the Runes

I am sorry for your loss, if you need any support PM me, I am here.

The best advice I can give you right now is let everyone know that the coven will go on and the cycle will continue as it always has. Next you need to deal with the emotional loss, (the pagan book of living and dying)[http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Book-Living-Dying-Meditations/dp/0062515160] can give you ideas for a rit in the group but I suspect you've been in long enough you could write a rit standing on your head. Long term you need to look at who to start training as a high priestess, look for someone who felt the loss, let it hurt, then moved on and started taking a leadership role naturally, without trying to supplant you, she will most likely be your best bet.