For centuries, witches have suffered under the weight of their negative reputation. The violent reception they would receive from their own neighbors was enough to make us wary of practicing our craft with others. Unfortunately, that solitude has also resulted in a lack of mentorship in our communities. Those two combined make it difficult to learn how to become a witch in the first place.
Of course, recent years have been much kinder to those who practice magick. We are now able to share knowledge amongst ourselves in informal and formal ways. Everyone can pick up random tidbits of information on different rituals and magickal traditions online. However, if you’re interested in learning more about the Wiccan beliefs, an online course like Wicca Academy is a great place to start!
Ultimately, learning from qualified mentors and an encouraging community will make you a much more confident magick practitioner than you would otherwise become. Additionally, it’ll give you a strong foundation of knowledge to build upon during your individual practice.
Still, embarking on such a journey can be challenging. Hopefully, the following guide on how to become a witch will shed some light on the road ahead!
Starting your Wiccan Path: What to Read First
Understanding Wicca
Also known as “The Old Religion” and “The Craft,” Wicca is a religion with its own practices, tenets, and beliefs rooted in pagan traditions. Just as in any religion, there are a variety of paths and types of Wicca, and people practice it according to their own beliefs and lifestyles. Wicca is based on a belief of the Goddess at the center of all life and creation. There are no holy books or prophets or intermediaries.
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The Wiccan Rede, or creed, is the central tenet that most Wiccans follow, which is: “If You Harm None, Do What You Will.” This creed values the harmony with which one should live their life, and as long as your actions do not hurt others or infringe upon their ability to live their lives, then proceed as you will. The threefold rule is also central to Wiccan beliefs, which is the idea that whatever you do will come back to you threefold. Wiccans take responsibility for their own actions. This is the belief that you have sole responsibility for your words and actions. Harmony with nature is a key aspect, as is the sacredness of all life. Wiccans recognize that people live in partnership with the earth and rely on the earth’s bounty to survive. Nature and life occur in a cycle, and people are very much part of that. Related to this is the belief in reincarnation in some form. Things in nature keep returning, whether it is sea water that returns as clouds or clouds that return as rain, and so on.
There are many different forms of Wicca. Many rituals and celebrations revolve around the cycles of the moon, such as the full moon and new moon, as well as the changing of the seasons. There can be, however, complications related to weather and safety, which means that Wiccans must often perform rituals inside. Some rituals are performed as a gathering of Wiccans in a circle surrounded by candles. There may be an altar at the candle placed at the north end of the circle. This circle creates a space for healing energy and Wiccans gather within the circle. During this circle gathering, there may be healing, divination, discussion or other nature-based activities.
Wicca is not anti-Christian, nor is it against any other religion. It is sometimes known as pre-Christian since many of its beliefs are rooted in pagan practices of honoring the earth, honoring life and creation, and honoring the Goddess. You also don’t need to dress or look a certain way or act a certain way to be a Wiccan. This religion does not use magic to curse people or cast hurtful spells. As a Wiccan, you need to be responsible for your relationship to and use of magick.
Wicca is polytheistic, meaning that its followers believe in multiple goddesses and gods. These goddesses and gods are not set apart from nature, nor do they possess superhuman powers. Rather, they are embodied in nature. There are over 200 gods and goddesses that Wiccans might follow, but you won’t just randomly choose one to be your matron or patron deity. One of these deities will become your matron or patron deity. While you certainly have a say in which god or goddess you follow, it will also present itself to you, so be open to learning about a lot of deities. Be sure to research the deities thoroughly so you know which ones might have characteristics, not to your liking. As you study and learn more about Wicca, you will begin to find associations and preferences within yourself. Writing down these observations will help you make connections and realizations about yourself.
Magick for Wiccans is spelled with a “k” at the end of the word to distinguish it from stage tricks. Most Wiccans believe that magick is a personal manifestation of energy that comes from within. It is not sorcery; rather, it is spiritual and can turn your dreams into reality through spell-casting. Practice meditation and visualization exercises to enhance concentration for using magick. In Wicca, the threefold law is the principle that whatever you do, it will be returned to you three times over. No matter if you do something good or bad, your actions will reverberate back to you. Following the threefold law and understanding that vengeful or vindictive actions will negatively affect you.
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Wicca vs. Witch vs. When you’re just beginning the study of Wicca, it can be easy to get tripped up by the terminology. First, the good news-if you use the terms “Wiccan”, “witch”, and “pagan” interchangeably, 99% of the time people will know what you’re talking about. Words are powerful, and words are magickal. This religion was developed by British occultist Gerald Gardner and is considered a distinct branch of witchcraft. This refers to anyone who practices any branch of witchcraft. This means that all Wiccans can also be considered witches. These are very minute and challenging distinctions to make. It can be hard to pin down any beliefs that all Wiccans share.
This statement, though it looks deceptively short and simple, actually contains deep philosophical and moral insight. This is because it takes into account how our actions can impact others. Witches and Wiccans love their independence. However, compassion for all forms of life on this planet informs our experience as witches, too. This is simply a belief that the energy we put into the world will come back to us threefold. It’s important not to get too hung up on the “three” portion of the Rule of Three, though. They are the archetypal (classic or traditional) representations of divine feminine and masculine energy.
When the moon is moving towards being full, this is known as the waxing moon. The Maiden is a young woman and is a symbol of purity and beauty. When the moon is full, it represents the Mother-the second face of the Triple Goddess. “Crone” is a term sometimes used to refer to a witch of advanced age. Some people may use it as an insult, but within Wicca, the elderly hold a position of importance. He is commonly depicted as having the antlers of a stag and represents harmony with nature and the power of the natural world. There are some people who like to claim that the Horned God is the Christian Devil. The Wiccan God has no ties to Christianity whatsoever-in fact, he predates the religion by centuries.
How to Become a Wise and Skillful Witch
The process of becoming a witch will vary from person to person. Even so, there are some decisions all baby witches must make. For one, you’ll have to decide what kind of witch you want to be.
Find Your Niche
Over time, many witches have fallen into solitary practice to avoid prosecution. But as we know, there’s strength in numbers. So the first decision you’ll want to make is whether you feel more comfortable practicing magick alone or with a coven. Most people are a mix of those styles since there are advantages to both.
Read also: The phrase "So Mote It Be"
Next up, you should figure out which beliefs speak to you. Some practitioners lean more toward certain kinds of paganism while others practice a more traditional form of Wicca. However, most people would be considered eclectic witches, mixing practices from different traditions to make a unique blend of beliefs. For example, Black witches have been known to weave hoodoo into their practice while Latin American witches may find elements of Brujeria more inspiring.
But really, the only way to choose a certain magickal tradition you want to work in is to study them all. Only then will you be able to see where your power really comes from. Cosmic witches draw energy from planetary movements, crystal witches use the power of gemstones, and green witches use plants to achieve their goals. No method is better or worse - it’s all a matter of finding what works for you.
Here is a summary of the different types of witches:
| Type of Witch | Source of Energy |
|---|---|
| Cosmic Witches | Planetary movements |
| Crystal Witches | Gemstones |
| Green Witches | Plants |
| Eclectic Witches | Mixing practices from different traditions |
This is simply a way to symbolize your intention to grow spiritually. This seeker ritual illustrates all three of these things, and I’ll be sure to point them out as we get to them. To begin with, you’ll need to collect a few items to use during the ritual. Within Wicca, they each represent different attributes. In addition to these four items, you’ll also need a candle-a white one, if possible. Don’t forget the matches or a lighter! Stand in the middle of that square (with the candle near your feet). All spirits of goodwill are welcome here to join me on my spiritual journey. Now, move to your object representing fire. Element of fire, giver of passion. Light the flame within my soul that I may always desire to seek the truth. (FYI-“So mote it be,” is a phrase you’ll see a lot in Wicca. Next, move to the air object. Element of air, giver of flight. Move me closer to the truth with your gentle winds. Element of earth, giver of wisdom. Plant the seeds of knowledge within my soul. Finally, move to the object representing water. Element of water, giver of purification. Cleanse my soul that I may be worthy to embrace the truth. Finally, return to the candle in the middle and light it. Divine spirit, accompany me on my journey. Show me the road towards truth that I may come to love all the wisdom of the Universe. My intention is set, my will is sealed. This is the path I have chosen.
You’ve discovered the basics, but there is so much more to learn about this exciting art! All of my spells are 100% original and are backed by my own personal experiences in the Wiccan world. Looking for more free information about witchcraft? With it, you’ll know what colors work best with different types of spells.
Learn About Magickal Symbolism
Once you dip your toes into the realm of magick, you’ll see that everything we do has a hidden meaning. Each Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year is a symbolic representation of a natural event. Every ritual is connected to the divine Moon Goddess or the Horned God in one way or another. Even the candles we burn have a deeper symbolic meaning that depends on their color.
As you continue your studies, you’ll find that many of those meanings transcend Wicca. You’re probably already familiar with some of them. But if you run into symbols or sigils you don’t understand during your studies, make sure to write them down.
After all, that’s what your grimoire, or Book of Shadows, is for. As you develop your craft, you’ll start adding all sorts of recipes, spell chants, and rituals in there, too.
To begin your book of shadows, I recommend a dedication page. Write down today’s date and a short statement about your intention. Others break theirs up into different sections-one area for spells, one area for gods and goddesses, etc.
Set Up Your Altar
Most witches find that having an altar helps them work on their craft more regularly. The items you decide to put on it will help you focus your energy towards achieving your goals. But the process of putting an altar together can also be just a fun way to express yourself.
Ultimately, your witchy activities are a great creative outlet as well. After all, magick requires your active and enthusiastic participation. Different spells may call upon you to make certain items from scratch, such as jewelry, herb pouches, or even wands.
Make a Wand or a Besom
Most novice Wiccans don’t think that wands have a practical purpose, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Both wands and besoms - which are essentially small decorative brooms - can be used during spellwork. The right item can help you hone your craft and direct your energy toward achieving your goals.
You can get both wands and besoms in specialized stores or through online retailers. Because of the unique nature of these props, they are usually handmade. But that also means that you can easily make your own. That kind of crafting will be an unavoidable part of your transformation into a fully-fledged witch.
Grow Your Own Herbs
Once you start conducting rituals, you’ll see that working with herbs is a crucial component of many magickal traditions. Usually, people just buy dried ingredients to keep in their pantry and take out as needed. However, if you want to have more control over the quality of your herbs, you can also start gardening.
Even if you don’t have a garden, planters should work just as well for the kinds of herbs you might want to grow. Just imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once your witch’s garden starts to thrive. It can almost be a physical manifestation of your growing spiritual powers!
Try Your Hand at Spellcasting
Ultimately, witchcraft is supposed to be a tool you can use to improve your life. Depending on the kind of magickal tradition you decide to work with, you may also use it to pay your respects to a variety of supernatural entities or even the spirits of your ancestors. Either way, the quality of your craft will depend on the way you wield your magick.
With that being said, you’re probably aware that spellcasting is one of the most crucial steps you can take toward becoming a true witch. That’s where many novice witches start showing their hesitation. But really, there’s no need to be nervous.
If you don’t think you can pull off a more complicated spell, start with the basics. Most jar spells only require you to mix certain ingredients in a small container while chanting a spell. At most, you might have to recharge the spell every once in a while. But other than that, it should be able to hold its own.
Alternatively, you might want to try a cleansing spell to get rid of any negative energy that might have attached itself to your home or even your body. While you’re at it, you can also learn how to wield protective magick to shield yourself and your loved ones. In that case, you might benefit from learning about your familiar, who should protect and guide you.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in working with spirits, there are other spells you can try. Tarot and other divination techniques are a good way to get through to your deceased loved ones. Once your power increases, you could also hold séances with other coven members. But by that point, you certainly won’t be looking for tips on becoming a witch - you’ll already be one!
Joining the Wiccan Community
You can find them online in discussion groups and other forums, or you might find them in your local community. It’s likely that you will be able to find Wiccans more easily in a larger city, but that does not mean that smaller communities do not have their fair share of Wiccans. Depending on the perceived tolerance of your community, Wiccans might not be very publicly vocal about their beliefs. Talk with Wiccans about what they believe, how they practice, how they got started, and so on.
This ceremony will formalize your personal relationship with Wicca and share your devotion to your deities. Collect symbols that signify a balance of nature. These objects will represent fire, water, air, and earth. It is fine to use objects that are readily available, such as a candle for fire, a glass of water for water, and so on. Walk or swing your arm around in a clockwise manner three times. Make a statement about why you want to follow Wicca. Attest that you will follow the Rede (“If You Harm None, Do What You Will.”).
Most covens and other formal gatherings require that you have studied Wicca for a year and a day before you are considered knowledgeable or serious enough to join the group. Find a coven in your local community if one exists, and introduce yourself to the group. Some covens have closed membership and do not accept new members. It is not necessary to join a coven to practice Wicca. Like any religion, Wicca can be an individual activity or it can be practiced in a group setting. You may not have an adequate community in your local area, or perhaps you have tried to be in a group setting and it hasn’t worked out. Practicing as a solitary Wiccan can be lonely, but it can also be liberating. You can remain as true to yourself as you allow yourself to be.
A circle is a loose gathering of people who might only meet periodically, but they gain support from each other. A coven is a more formal gathering of people, and they are often closed to outsiders. One of the earliest actions that Wiccans should do is take an oath of secrecy. This covers three areas: protection of identity, protection of rituals, and protection of the mysteries of the craft. Wiccans should not assume that other Wiccans have announced publicly that they follow the religion; many remain secretive because of potential discrimination and harassment, or for other personal reasons. Wiccans should keep rituals secret and protected in order to maintain trust and ensure that people can be vulnerable within a trusted group and space. Protecting the mysteries of the craft respects the complexities and fragilities of Wicca as a religious practice. This idea emphasizes freedom to act as you see fit so long as your actions do not harm others. Tied to the Rede is the threefold law, or the idea that whatever you do will come back to you threefold.
Integrating Wicca into Daily Life
Bring Wiccan beliefs into your daily life by reflecting on your religious path regularly. These ideals can be celebrated and integrated into everyday life through meditation, increased time with family, and engaging with the environment. Many everyday Wicca practices just take a few minutes, such as breathing and centering exercises, meditating for 10-15 minutes, or giving thanks for a meal. You might also perform a brief ritual of devotion to one of your deities, speaking to them about problems you’re having or giving thanks for blessings in your life.
There are 8 holidays, or Sabbats, that are typically celebrated by Wiccans throughout the year, with the Wiccan new year being celebrated on October 31. These holidays can be celebrated in a number of ways, but they tend to include some acknowledgement and celebration of nature and family or community. Esbats are the celebrations based on a lunar cycle. Some Wiccans celebrate waning, waxing and full moon but there are some that celebrate only full moons.
A Book of Shadows is an integral part of being a Wiccan and is a record of your practice as a Wiccan. This book can follow a number of templates and no two books are the same. They are deeply personal and a person can tailor their book to their own experiences. As you practice more and grow more comfortable with how Wicca fits into your life, you can become part of a wider Wiccan community. This does not, however, mean that you should try to recruit other people to become Wiccans. Although some people might tell you so, the (vast) majority of pagans believe that you don't have to be a descendant of Wiccan or a witch in order to be one. Wicca is spiritual path and you decide what you believe in. Witchcraft is - as the name says - craft. Some people practise witchcraft and practise makes perfect, as they say. In order to be Wiccan, you don't have to practise witchcraft. They are two separate things. Do those spells to become a witch really work? No spell will make you become a witch, but following this process and being initiated into a coven will achieve your goal. Start off by learning each corner of Wicca. Learn what Wicca is, when the holidays are, what they mean, etc. Wicca is not just for women, despite its emphasis on the feminine. Plenty of men are Wiccans as well. Learning and adapting to a new religion is not an overnight decision and it takes time to fully understand beliefs and practices. Many Wiccans have taken much longer - four or five years - before fully becoming Wiccan, and even then, some feel that this timeline is short. The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you.
If you are thinking of becoming a Wiccan, you must be careful with what you say. You do not want to start false rumours about the religion because you believed misinformation. Before becoming Wiccan, you MUST find a reliable information source. Wiccans often face discrimination and harassment, often based on the misplaced assumption that Wiccans worship Satan and that Wicca is anti-Christian. Many Wiccans choose to keep their faith preference private because of discrimination and harassment. Many people are put off by Wicca, mostly because of a failure to understand what it actually is. Be ready to talk with family and friends about your choice to become Wiccan. NEVER threaten to curse people just because you're Wiccan.
Final Steps
Another way to learn more is to connect with other Wiccans in your local community. You can talk to them about how they got started, and you’ll be able to develop a supportive community to lean on as you become a Wiccan. Once you’re more familiar with Wicca, you’ll need to choose a god or goddess to become your matron or patron deity. Eventually, after a year and a day of studying Wicca, you can find a coven welcoming new members and ask if you can join. If you’d rather practice alone, you are free to do that too. The path of Wicca is one filled with excitement, mystery, and wonder.
Stepping into your power as a witch doesn’t come without a cost. Unfortunately, many people still hold prejudices against magick practitioners. Remember, the Satanic panic of the 1980s had everyone convinced that witches were in league with the Devil! So even though the witch trials ended centuries ago, the negative sentiments toward magick practitioners live on.
Luckily, there is a way to avoid people’s judgment. It all boils down to sticking together and educating people about the essence of witchcraft. As it happens, the Wicca Academy can provide you with a community of practitioners eager to share their skills. So, if you ever find yourself wanting to feel more in control of your destiny, we’ll gladly teach you how to tap into your unused potential!