How to get into Wicca?

When you hear the term “Wicca”, your mind probably jumps to green witches, with a black cat, who casts spells. While the stories of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Harry Potter are entertaining, witchcraft has a far deeper history. Indeed, we can trace witches and magic back thousands of years.

Modern Wiccans embrace the rich history of their religion, its evolution, and how it integrates with the contemporary world. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn how to get into Wicca. 

What is Wicca?

Wicca is a modern Pagan religion, and in essence, the powers of witchcraft have scared people throughout time. However, Wicca is becoming more commonplace in modern times, still drawing upon ancient pagan beliefs and contemporary philosophies. 

Wiccans use the Wiccan Rede as a guide: "An' it harm none, do what ye will," or variations of it, and there are no central authorities. Instead, core principles and practices unify Wiccans, which stem from Shamanism's spiritual exercises.

To become Wiccan, you must begin by studying the beliefs and getting to grips with the tools of the trade.

How long has Wicca been around?

The history of witchcraft is a long and tragic one. People have practiced witchcraft since the dawn of time — typically met with antagonism. The Salem Witch Trials are just one example of our ancestors' misfortune. The Salem Witch Trials hunted those who called themselves witches as they feared they were associated with Satan. For centuries, this strong association of witches, Wiccans, and the devil have pervaded magic. 

The world hasn't always run from sorcery, though. The kitchen witch, for example, is a traditional Scandinavian poppet to ward off evil. And there is no connection between Wiccas and the devil. Wiccan practices and rituals existed long before the Christian concept of Hell.

“Wicca” is a relatively new branch of religion, beginning in the United Kingdom in the 1950s with Gerald Brousseau Gardner. His book, Witchcraft Today, explores magic, nature, and deities. 

What are Wiccan beliefs?

To get into Wicca, you need to learn Wiccan beliefs. Wiccan religious groups' lack of centralized authority means some variation from Wicca to Wicca. However, the general belief system is universal. Therefore, as you develop your Wicca practices, you can form your understanding of Wiccan beliefs.

Theology

You don't need to believe in a god to be a Wiccan. Many practicing Wiccans are atheists or agnostics. Some view deities as literal bodies, while others see them as symbolic. Even among those who believe in a god or goddess, there are pantheists (God is the universe), monotheists (one God believer), duotheistic (two Gods), and polytheists (belief in many gods). 

Generally speaking, Wiccan divinities are ancient, pre-Christian deities.

Afterlife

While belief in the afterlife differs, most Wiccans agree that the human spirit will survive after death. Gardner believed in reincarnation. However, each Wicca comes to their own conclusion as they develop their Wicca studies.

Magic and witchcraft

Most Wiccans believe in magic. Magic separates Wicca from paganism, and definitions of magic differ throughout the religion. Some see it as a form of spiritualism, using meditation and spiritual guides to practice.

Your interpretation of Wiccan beliefs will solidify as you learn more about rituals.

Common misconceptions

The biggest misconception surrounding Wiccas is that all witches are evil. As we've mentioned, adversity to witches and magic has existed for thousands of years. In modern times,  science fiction and fantasy have furthered this fear. Even shows that indicate witches are good — such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch — also suggest dark magic exists. 

Another misconstrued theory is that Wicca is an ancient religion. It's not. Growing out of the 1950s, it bases its practices on old beliefs, but the religion itself is relatively recent. The United States government only recognized it in 1986.

What is the difference between pagan and Wiccan?

Wiccans are a subgroup of paganism. Essentially, paganism is an umbrella term for many types of spirituality. Christianity used it to brand anyone worshipping "false gods," i.e., not the Christian God. Historically, a "pagan" was someone who worshipped more than one deity. For example, the Romans and Greeks were pagans. 

Today, paganism expresses itself in neopagan spiritual religions that worship pre-Christian gods and goddesses, of which Wicca is one. 

Another related term is "heathenism." Originally, heathens were anyone who didn't practice Christian, Muslim, or Jewish faiths. People similarly used it with negative connotations. In today's world, heathen religions put less of an emphasis on magic than Wicca.

How to start Wicca?

Learning about modern witchcraft and Wiccan tradition is not all it takes to become a Wicca. As with any religion, you need to explore your Wicca spirituality. The best way to start is to take an online course. Here, you can express your beliefs in a creative and safe space. Learn how to practice magic and calve out your Wiccan path. 

Know the risks

Although we debunked the myth that Wicca has anything to do with black magic or satanism, there are still risks. Despite the mainstream fascination with witchcraft, witchcraft persecution remains widespread, and the common misconception that “witches” work with the devil is still prevalent today.

Accordingly, Wiccans are encouraged to call themselves "Wiccans" instead of "witches" to avoid abuse. While you should be proud of your new religion, take care when sharing with others who may be skeptical of your faith. 

Choose your path

While focusing on becoming a Wicca, there are many other types of witchcraft to consider. 

• Ceremonial witches are those who conduct practical magic. Following the book to the letter, they expertly execute ceremonies and rituals.

• Solitary witches are those who choose to practice their religion on their own. 

• Eclecticism refers to Wiccans who mix traditional religious beliefs with rituals from other religions. 

If you're still eager to get into Wicca, consider finding a Wiccan coven who shares your beliefs.

Study Wicca 

Finally, it will help if you learn everything you can about Wicca. Either buy a beginner book (such as Lisa Chamberlain's Wicca for Beginners) or enroll in an online course. 

Once you know the basics, decide where you want to begin. Get yourself a spellbook or a deck of tarot cards and start practicing. You might need to invest in some supplies, such as candles, oils, roots, herbs for rituals, potion ingredients, cauldrons, and a crystal ball for those interested in developing their psychic abilities.

Familiarize yourself with your new supplies. If you want guidance on getting started, join a local coven. There are thousands across the globe; you're sure to find one that aligns with your beliefs.

Learn the language

Here is a list of terms you should familiarize yourself with:

• Initiation: Beginner witches might have to follow certain rites before joining a coven. Some other pagan religions might require initiations to earn positions of power, such as a priestess or coven leader.

• The Book of Shadows: Every Wiccan has their own personal Book of Shadows. It's like a textbook of everything you need to complete spells, potions, and rituals. As you develop your Wiccan practices, start building your Book of Shadows.

• Summer Solstice: A significant holiday for Wiccans and other pagans. Certain times of the year hold more power than others.

• Familiar: A spirit in the form of an animal. They assist witches throughout their practices.

• Seance: A ritual used to contact the souls of the dead; this usually also requires the assistance of a medium.

• Alter: A private, sacred space dedicated to magic. Each Wiccan has a personal alter. However, there are a few standard religious and ritual items it should hold.

The rise of WitchTok

Like all things these days, modern witchcraft has found its home on TikTok. Known as "WitchTok," the phenomenon covers everyone from practicing witches to influencers. While making religions more accessible for everyone, WitchTok risks simplifying and appropriating its foundations. 

The best way to get into Wicca is to learn the rich culture and history behind the ancient rituals. Thorough study and understanding of the practices will prove your respect for the marginalized communities many of these rituals stem from. 

How to become a Wiccan

Anyone can call themselves a Wiccan. However, learning and practicing the ancient rituals is the only way to truly become Wiccan. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner witch—everyone has to start somewhere. 

To ensure that you gain a thorough understanding of this controversial religion (controversial when done disrespectfully, that is), take a course.

Can anyone become a Wiccan? 

Yes. As mentioned, anyone who feels a spiritual urge and connects with Wiccan practices can become one. It doesn't matter your nationality, age, or status in life. As long as you learn about the ancient rituals that inspired modern-day Wicca respectfully, you deserve to call yourself Wiccan.

What are some Wiccan courses I can take?

Sign up for Courses for Success' Wicca Online Certificate Course to learn everything about Wicca. It offers a practical guide on Wicca for beginners. Learn everything you need to about using Wicca, spiritual practices for body, mind, and spirit, and creating spells and rituals. 

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