The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum

Hello to everyone!

I've been learning about Wicca, but I've been using the book To Ride A Silver Broomstick by, Silver RavenWolf. I've had a lot of mixed feelings on her views. I want to learn so badly about this religion or practice but I feel like I'm being misleaded. I would really like some light to be shed on what Wicca really is. Thank you

Thank you for your reply. I'm still shaky on terms. I'm not even sure is Wicca is something I want to get into. I really like paganism but like Wicca or any witchcraft I know very little about it. Maybe I should change me question to what is Paganism?

My introductory text to Wicca was Wicca: A Guide for Solitary Practitioners by Scott Cunningham. I'm not sure how "good" it is because, as I said, I don't practice anymore and never really clicked with Wicca anyway. I have heard Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin recommended by other members of TC.

That's the million dollar question, isn't it? "Paganism" gets used in a lot of ways too. At its core, it's an umbrella term for many different structured religious paths (like Wicca, some forms of religious witchcraft, and Druidry) as well as more personalized or eclectic paths that individuals create for themselves.

Something to keep in mind is that individual practitioners may have a narrower view of what "Paganism" is (and often that definition matches their own tradition). So for example, you'll see some forms of Wicca and Goddess-centered spirituality touted as all of Paganism instead of part of the Pagan umbrella. This can make for some confusing conversations, especially as you're just starting to explore what all this is and what it means for you.

Here on TC we define a Pagan as someone who is not Abrahamic - that is, is not a member of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or their monotheistic offshoots - and who also self-identifies as Pagan. This last bit is important. "Paganism" isn't a really useful term when talking about specific beliefs and practices because just about anything can be Pagan. Which can be both frustrating and liberating, often at the same time.

Now, over my Pagan "career" I've done everything from eclectic Wicca with an actual coven, interfaith Pagan college campus groups, Druidry, a smattering of eclectic European polytheism, and a brief foray into heathenry. (Side note: heathenry, or heathenism, is sometimes considered Pagan and sometimes not depending on who you ask. The moral of the story is to always ask for definitions when you engage with someone in conversation!)

Currently I consider myself primarily a devotee of the Celtic goddess Brighid. Most of my Pagan work right now is building a devotional lifestyle around Brighid and Her work, maintaining a relationship with Her, writing about Her, and poking at Clann Bhride, the devotional path I and a few others created as a resource for other Brighid devotees. I'm also exploring Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) practices and slowly building a relationship with my ancestors.

All of these experiences and practices I consider part of my Pagan life. So you can see, there's a lot that Paganism can be for you depending on what you want and what you feel drawn toward.

One last note: with few exceptions, many Pagan paths have no qualms with practitioners  also being members of other traditions. That's how I was able to both belong to a Wiccan coven and be a member of a Druid group at the same time, even though they used different ritual structures and had completely different ways of thinking about deity. Even if you're not sure what you believe right now, there's no rush to find the one single perfect fit. Take your time to explore, ask questions, take notes, and experiment when you feel ready.

Thanks for your reply and I did go to your page. I found it useful, and while some of your essays I did read didn't dive into too much detail I still have a much better understanding on Paganism, Wicca and other religious witchcraft.

Hello to everyone!

I've been learning about Wicca, but I've been using the book To Ride A Silver Broomstick by, Silver RavenWolf. I've had a lot of mixed feelings on her views. I want to learn so badly about this religion or practice but I feel like I'm being misleaded. I would really like some light to be shed on what Wicca really is. Thank you