Basically I am incredibly new to wicca and witchcraft. I got very interested in it because of a few books I got for general research of the Wiccan religion.
I have been eating these books up, becoming more invested in Wicca and witchcraft and feeling more of a connection than with any other kind of belief or practice.
I soon went online and found youtubers such as Harmony Nice, Owlvine Green and of course the lovely Witch of Wonderlust <3
The thing is, the main book I bought which really got my into witchcraft and want to start learning more about wicca is called “Wiccapedia“ by Shawn Robbins and Leanna Greenway. But today I found out this book, my main source of inspiration, is in fact full of misunformation and incorrect uses of certian words and is generally terrible, which I did not know since I am a complete novice.
So I am right now, just sitting on my bedroom floor with a false, half read book, kinda feeling deflated and like I lost all motivation. It sounds weird but it feels like a really big betrayal now I am really nervous to study any more, in fear it’s false and again going through putting a lot of passion into something only for it to be lies.
The other book I got called “The Wicca Handbook” seems okay, I did some research and no negativity to what I could find but I am still hesitant.
This really sucks because I finally found a path I really resonated with and this instance just kinda killed it for me.
I am kinda at a low point, this journey brought me out of a bad place but now I feel like I have been thrown back in ten fold.
I am sorry for how long this post is but I am just looking for some advice, guidance or anything really? I feel like I am overreacting but none the less, the feelings are still there.
Thank you for reading <3
I have a couple of questions prior to giving any form of opinions or advice.
Are you seeking to specifically follow the Wicca religion or are you more interested in practicing a variety of things associated with witchcraft in a more open sense?
What were some of the specific inconsistencies you found in regard to Wiccapedia?
I am still learning about it, the Wiccan religion seems to really resonate with me and I agree and find comfort in what I have learned so far. But before I say I am “Wiccan” I still want to research it more as it is all still very new to me.
When it comes to Wiccapedia I do not know what’s exactly wrong with it since I am still very new and can’t tell what is and isn’t correct as I simply don’t know either. I first started doubting the book when Wiccans on youtube were talking about the different Wiccan paths but none of them spoke about the “Agelic“ Wiccan path which was highly and mainly focused on in Wiccapedia. I did some research and found that their claim of “No one follows god/deses/deities anymore” to be completely false. Which only leads to me wonder what else could be wrong and having to believe when other more experinced people say it’s inacurate.
((sorry for misspelling or inconsistencies in my reply, it’s late and i’m not feeling very well <3))
@Emma Well first and foremost, I imagine the stress of this is playing a part in why you are feeling unwell so I hope that you begin to feel better soon.
The book itself does have a decent amount of information in it but I just went back and thumbed through to find the line you quoted and I can see where the problem is. The problem with this book is that they are claiming Wicca when in fact they are simply interchanging the term Wicca and witchcraft which is fundamentally incorrect.
My personal beliefs are that of Christian Magic (a bit of a conundrum in itself by common beliefs) where I have one central God and due to his gifts I am able to manifest extraordinary things into my life and utilize a number of various abilities to aid others. My beliefs are complete mixture of relationship based Christian faith and witchcraft/metaphysical (though if I were to claim any title it would be that of wizard, just out of a masculine preference). I do also believe in the existence of other powerful beings that have the titles of gods to other individuals.
The reason I point this out is because if I were to write a book, which I intend to do, on my approach to the world of magic and the metaphysical there would be clear references to my own personal beliefs. That is what is taking place within Wiccapedia as well, the authors are sharing their own beliefs and experiences from their personal craft. The only mistake they made was in claiming Wicca when they are practicing witchcraft without specifically following Wicca. There are a multitude of factors that could cause this mistake and I doubt that it was meant with any ill will initially. The information within the book regarding most of the individual topics is good so I would recommend finishing it, even if it's just to say that you've done so.
I would strongly encourage you to continue reading from other sources just to gather a full and overarching understanding of everything that's out there. Regardless of your path you can never have too much information. Meditate on what feels right for you because in the end you are the one in control and you hold the power over your own course.
Don't let the concern over what may or may not be "true" affect you and don't feel that you have to follow Wicca to practice your craft. If you feel doubts and if you feel like you're forcing yourself into it then maybe there is another path that aligns better with who you are and what you truly believe. Stay true to yourself, gain as much knowledge as you can from a variety of sources, and do what you can to stay calm in the process. The right path is the path you choose.
@Vandrhin Thank you so much for thi, you helped me a great deal with finding what I should do next and bringing some light on how I should see the book. I will continue to read it, keeping in mind of wicca/witchcraft and finish it. I will also continue to learn from other sources and see what path fits me. It was a truly dnl answer, thank you. <3
Hey! Sending you positive vibes <3 <3 Here are a few books that have helped me with by older and newer authors: Ellen Dugan has been the one to really help me a long this journey. Her books ranging from Natural Witchery to Elements of Witchcraft(this second one is for teenagers but it is great for anyone) gives you a lot of information. D.J. Conway has a HUGE amount of books and has been around for many years as well. The newer author that I have found to be great is Laura Tempest Zarkoff. Also Llwellyn publications has been around forever and there website has SO many authors and things to help you along your journey. Amazon. ThriftBooks, and library's will have so many of these books and more. Just go with what resonates and leave the rest. Happy learning to you!
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful reply, I will definitely check out and do as you suggested. Again, many thanks <3