Ask Phoenix: How to Become a Witch


Q: Since I first learned about wicca and magic and all that about
spiritualism I have been wanted to become a witch. I have made a small
book of shadows and I perform some small time rituals. But I never had
any comunication with any real wicca other than reading stuff on the
net. I only wonder what am I supposed to do to gain power and knowledge
to become a stronger witch.

–Lucas

A: The first thing that any witch
comes to realize is that practicing Wicca involves transformation of
the self. The quest for power and knowledge becomes the quest for power
over one’s actions and knowledge of one’s inner self, both dark and
light.

This isn’t to say that you
shouldn’t look for others to help you on your path. Places on the
Internet, like this web site, offer possible meeting places for
intellectual and magickal conversation and exchange. Other websites,
such as The Witch’s Voice can also assist you in your search.

Unless you live in a very small,
secluded town or one that’s quite rigidly conservative, chances are you
can find other Pagans and Wiccans in your area. The first place to
check is a metaphysical bookstore or supply shop. Also, check to see if
there are any Unitarian Universalist churches. UUs are usually
open to pagan faiths and there may just be a Covenant of
Unitarian-Universalist Pagans group near you. College towns also
usually have a few pagans and may even have a student group.

If there do happen to be these
types of resources, don’t automatically approach anyone you see there
and ask them if they’re a witch. Many are “in the broom closet” or are
wary of groupies who’ve seen The Craft one too many times. Hang
out in these places, get to know the people who run the shop or are
members of the church. Perhaps ask them if there are any goddess or
earth spirituality groups in town. Above all else, be careful. Coming out in the open about your beliefs as a witch can possibly draw unsavory individuals to you.

If you’re under the age of 18,
there are additional considerations because of your legal status as a
minor under parental care. As difficult as it may seem, obey your
parents wishes when it comes to spirituality, even if they forbid you
to pursue wicca under their roof. Learning to honor their wishes will
make you a better witch in the long run. Try to find other ways to
learn from them in areas that will benefit your knowledge in the craft
— perhaps your father is an excellent gardener and can guide you to
attune to the cycles of the land or your mother is naturally intuitive
and can aid you in trusting your instincts. Showing elders that you
respect their beliefs, even though you may not agree with them, is a
sign of maturity that will earn their trust in your beliefs and
activities.

One of the best ways to become a better witch is to do.
Depending on how long you’ve been learning about Wicca, you may or may
not have already integrated deity and magic into your daily life. Write
a devotional to your patron god or goddess (or to the Lord and Lady in
general) and recite it every morning when you wake up or before you go
to bed at night. Work on your altar, changing it to reflect the turning
wheel of the year. Work on understanding each element. Research an
unfamiliar pantheon. Meditate every day, if you can, or at least once a
week. Observe how the Wiccan Rede, “An it harm none, do what thou
wilt”, can be applied to everyday life. Do research into the history of
Wicca and how the various traditions came about. Experiment with
different methods of divination and see which one speaks to you.

As you find new things to learn
and practice, be ever attentive to your personal moral take on what
you’re learning. Develop a strong set of ethics and allow these to be
your foundation in any work you do.

Wicca is a religion and it can
permeate every aspect of your life, if you wish it. There are almost
infinite ways to practice and learn if you are open to them. As the
Charge of the Goddess says, “if that which you seek you find not
within, you will surely never find it without.”


Phoenix is a Wiccan living in
East Central Illinois, where there’s a surprisingly strong Pagan
community for such a small town. She’s ever inspired by the diverse,
wonderful individuals in town and in the circle she works with.


1999 Phoenix and Spiritualitea. Do not reprint without permission

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