Corresponding with the Earth’s position relative to the Sun, they include the Solstices, the Equinoxes, and the four cross-quarter days that fall in between these solar points. To do this, you might want to decide what type of witch you are first as this influences what sort of coven you might like to join. Obviously we’re not coming from a very spiritual place if we’re wishing to work magic that would bring negative results to another person, period. Historical witch hunts and trials, which involved the persecution of people accused of practicing witchcraft, date back to the late Middle Ages and early Modern period.

Wicca herself uses symbols of other religions in her rituals such as the Yin and Yang and the Egyptian cross. Participating in witchcraft for beginners’ local or online community of like-minded practitioners offers valuable support, knowledge-sharing, and a sense of belonging. There are rumors that the true author behind Gerald Gardner’s writings would have been the English magician Aleister Crowley. This book is where you will keep everything you learn in your practice and is very important and personal. New spells and new approaches to magical manifestation arise all the time, as those who are willing to practice and experiment find new ways of harnessing the natural energies that make up all of creation.You’ll also get access to a library of video courses, guided rituals, sabbats, meditations, and more!

In Stonehenge, we find another example of a Neopagan religion where non-Christian festivals are held. Delving into the history, traditions, and practices of witchcraft for beginners provides a solid basis that enriches and empowers your enchanting journey. The connection of Wiccans with nature is therefore very strong, found represented throughout their beliefs and the characteristics of their deities. Magical oils are a staple component of ritual and magical practice for many Wiccans, who use them to anoint their ritual tools, crystals, talismans and amulets, and even their own bodies. I have read around 10 books and have been focusing on divination, spell and ritual design, and spirit work.Positive Intentions: When performing spells, rituals, or any magical work, The Ethics of Witchcraft emphasize the importance of positive intentions. Crystal magic is a delightful way to become acquainted with some of Nature’s most beautiful and mysterious creations.

If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Going back to the first step of knowing the risks, The Penguin Book of Witches, written by Katherine Howe, a descendant of some of Salem’s accused witches, is a helpful guide to witch-related history (and tragedy), dating back to the 1600s. Increasingly, they’ve been popping up all over the place, from pop culture—see: Luca Guadagnino’s remake of the horror film Suspiria, Netflix’s remake of Sabrina the Teenage Witch—to the runways of Fashion Week (Celine and Burberry were just two of the seemingly dozens of brands that served up witchy vibes this past season alone). Have you thought about tying back long hair and avoiding wearing loose, flowy clothing when you’re working with candles?This is the point where you really start diving deep into whatever it is that you want to focus on in your craft. Covens are a great place to begin Wicca because it makes passing down long traditions of knowledge and spells easy.