-What is Witchcraft?-

To start with it is NOT devil worship or the black arts. 'Occult' covers many forms of religions that do not fall under the conventional religious beliefs. Driudism, Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca, etc are all different and follow different paths. They are however, very compatable and to believe in Wicca does not mean you cannot follow for example, Pagan ways. At the basis of all these occult religions is the love and care for our Earth and fellow man. Not always easy in this modern age, but it does provide you with a sense of understanding others and ones-self.

-Is it really a religion?-

Well Yes and No. There are no real hard and fast rules, accept not to harm any living creature, human or yourself. In some ways it is about regimenting your thought process' to give the best of yourself. The list of Deities to invoke is endless; spells are not hard structural things that need to be followed exactly and you can encompass as much or as little of it as you like. Some may disagree and say that true Witches need to be part of a Coven. It is not so - Covens are there for those who wish to share the experience with others and create a community. Solitary Witchcraft is now becoming more popular. I have spoken to many people who have encountered the 'wrong sort' of witches - those who try to use power over people.

WARNING

It is often the case that people will turn to new and interesting hobbies/religions/beliefs at times when they may be vunerable. Please keep your wits about you when being involved with new people. Some, but certainly not all may try to influence and manipulate people who are not on their guard. Also, there is a great interest in Teen Witches. Again please be careful when trusting people over the internet or meeting new people for the first time. If you are at all unsure, then study the subject either by yourself or with one or two close friends and learn the real meaning of Witchraft. It is only about power over yourself and your actions and should NEVER be used in such a way against others and/or against their will.

Please remember the Golden Rules:

1) Never lay yourself at anothers mercy - even if times are hard. You will learn to have the power over yourself to change you and your life without others intervention.

2) Never do anything you feel uncomfortable with. There are no hard and fast rules in Witchcraft, do things at your own pace and that you feel happy doing.

3) Be careful of dabbling - it can be dangerous if you are not aware of what you are doing. Witchraft is a long study and should be learnt carefully - do not delve deeper than you feel happy with. If you are happy just enjoying nature and celebrating the Sabbats, but have no wish to learn to spell-casting, then do not feel pressurised to do so.

4) Make your own choices based on knowledge you learn along the way. Keep a Book of Shadows - we'll discuss later - for your experiences.

5) Whatever you do unto others returns to you threefold - good and bad. It really does!

If you remember these Golden Rules, it will enhance your experience of Witchcraft rather than leave you with a sour taste in your mouth as those who have been caught out often experience.

I hope this hasn't put you off looking any further. Please join me on a new and varied journey. A journey where you will learn about yourself and others and learn how to enhance your life. A journey which sometimes makes you think long and hard about yourself and asks many questions of the traveller. It can be a tough journey - but nothing good ever came to us easily!

Blessed Be!

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