This page is always under construction. The answers given reflect the teachings and ethics of traditional Wicca. If you have a question which isn't answered here please write to us and we will include your question and an answer. The answers to many questions asked frequently by Wiccans and non-Wiccans can be found elsewhere on this website such as on our “What is Wicca?” page. This list includes some of the newer questions which have come up over the past couple of years during internet relay chat sessions (IRC) as well as questions we have been asked in person.
A. Yes it is very real. However, it is not what you see in the movies or on television. Please read the rest of this website to understand what witchcraft and Wicca are.
A. No one is born a witch. You may be born with some psychic ability or predisposition to studying and learning witchcraft, but no one is “born” a witch anymore than they are born a mathematician. You become a witch only with a lot of study and work. Most people who ask this question believe they have some sort of psychic ability or sensitivity. This is great and helpful, but should not be confused with witchcraft itself. You will also find that some traditional witches or Wiccans will not recognize you as a witch unless you have been initiated by another witch since this is the traditional way. This is a specific use of the word “witch” and is no more or less correct than other usages of the word. Many people have worked on their own and done a “self-dedication” ritual and declared themselves a witch. Either way, much study is required before you reach this point.
A. See the answer to the question above.
A. “Hereditary” witch does not mean literally that the witchcraft has been inherited as your eye color, or nose shape is. People who use this term generally mean they are part of a family which has handed down a tradition of witchcraft from one generation to another. Even in such families the craft must be studied and learned. It does not come automatically. This is also known as a “family tradition” of witchcraft.
A. There were no witches in Salem during the Salem “witch trials”. The poor folks condemned and put to death for “witchcraft” were Puritans who were the victims of superstition and hysteria.
A. Wicca is a religion. What you get out of it is relationship with the gods, goddesses and elements, and the knowledge that comes with studying them and all of nature. If you are looking only for “magic” and “power” you are focusing on the wrong things for becoming a witch or Wiccan. While you can come to understand magic after studying the religion, you must focus on increasing knowledge - not power.
A. No. Christianity is a religion which specifically forbids the practice of witchcraft, divination and the worship of any gods other than the Christian god. Wicca itself is a religion in which the ancient, pre-Christian gods and goddesses of paganism are acknowledged and/or worshiped. Sure you can be a Christian and use tarot cards, do spells and rituals and call yourself a witch if you want, but you can not be two religions at once (and have anyone take you seriously).
A. Many people become interested in Wicca because they think it is all about doing spells. It is much, much more than that. The framework of Wicca gives its followers an outline of how to live their entire lives. It includes worship or honoring of gods and goddesses in regularly scheduled ceremonies. It provides suggestions on how to cook and serve meals, how to raise and educate children, how to celebrate births, marriages, deaths and other rites of passage. It offers ideas to explore on what happens after death and between lifetimes. It helps a follower to understand how to handles the difficult moments in life as well as how to better enjoy the good moments. Wicca is much, much more than “magic”. In fact many experienced Wiccans will tell you that magic is only a very small part of their religion.
Q. Is Wicca a real religion?
A. Yes. While many people of other religions do not respect or recognize Wicca as a religion, there are many Wiccan churches, study groups, and other organizations in addition to the many small, private groups and individuals who practice Wicca alone. The United States military recognizes Wicca as a religion and has chosen to include Wicca in its Handbook for Chaplains.
A. Assuming that it is Wicca in which you are interested, you can begin by reading this entire website - a suggested study syllabus is found on the “Solitary Study” page. Also be sure to read the “Living Magically” page and immediately begin using the “Self Blessing” and “Food Blessing” suggestions which you will find there. It will also be helpful to read the information on the “Spells” page. There are no short cuts. Learning the craft takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work.
A. While psychic abilities may be interesting and helpful they do not mean you are a witch. Many people who are not witches have these abilities, and not all witches do.
A. First ask yourself why you want to join a coven. Not everyone who is Wiccan belongs to a coven. Joining a coven should not be the first thing you focus on when you begin to study Wicca. The important thing is to know enough about Wicca to be able to evaluate whether a group or coven you are thinking about joining is right for you. If you would like to talk to coven leaders you can ask at a metaphysical book store if there are any in your area, or check on The Witches Voice. If you talk to a coven leader be sure to ask plenty of questions. They should either be able to answer you immediately or have a logical explanation of why your question can not be answered. Expect them to ask you a lot of questions as well. If you are told that you are not right for the coven do not take it as a personal insult. Many covens work like families and all members must have compatible personalities. It is not merely a matter of how much you know or what your learning potential is. See our page on “Finding the right teacher or coven” for further information.
Q. How can I join Circle of the Moonlit Sea?
A. See the answer to the question above (“How can I join a coven?”) and our History page.
Q. What is initiation? Can I initiate myself?
A. Initiation is a ceremony or rite in which a seeker is brought into a group (coven, fraternity, sorority, etc.) by experienced members of the group (who, themselves had been initiated by other experienced members). So, no, it is not possible to initiate yourself. You may hear people use the term “Self Initiation” when what they probably mean is “Self Dedication” - a ceremony in which they introduced themselves to the gods and goddesses and declared themselves to be Wiccan. For further information please see our page on “Self Dedication and Initiation”.
A. I do not know where this rumour started, but no that is not true. Quite the opposite. If a witch or Wiccan is oathbound at all in regard to teaching, it is to NOT teach anyone they do not feel fully qualified to handle the information properly. If anyone knows the book where this rumor appears please drop us a line and let us know.
A. Yes. Using magic is not like baking a cake. It doesn't matter if you believe a cake recipe will work or not. If you follow the recipe you will get a cake. If you don't believe whole-heartedly that magic works it won't. Please read our page on Spells for further information.
A. Witches can do anything that any ordinary person does, but they also pay very close attention to the world around them. Witches know that the more they pay attention to everything, the more they will learn. Witches are not supernatural beings, the are just natural beings who try to understand all that is possible within the laws of nature.
A. No. Wicca is for men and women. Just as the gods and goddesses are of equal importance to us, so are we to Them. While there are some forms of Wicca that may focus more on one or the other, and some covens which have only men or only women, most Wiccan traditions and practice involves achieving a balance in male/female energy.
Q. I have seen websites and ads which say they teach Wicca and magic for a fee. Is this a good way to learn?
A. While it is acceptable for a Wiccan who is teaching classes in person to accept a donation which covers the cost of classroom rental and study material no ethical, traditionally trained and initiated Wiccan charges for the teaching itself. Traditional Wicca and magic are never taught for money or through correspondence courses. One-on-one training is essential. If you see offers for teaching or initiation which does not require you to meet with the instructors in person be highly skeptical.
A. How long is a piece of string? The answer will depend on whether you are working with a coven or by yourself. A coven generally has a set time frame and/or number of assignments which must be completed before a dedication or initiation ceremony will take place. If you are working alone you might want to chose a step-by-step book to work from such as, “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham. However you begin your studies you can expect learning the craft to be a life-long pursuit. We never learn all there is to know.
A. Yes. Wicca does not begin with the casting of spells. It is important to know where the power to do magic comes from, and how to control it and use it safely before attempting to do magic. Read our page on “spells” for a further explanation.
A. Its really a website, and they will really take your money. However, the ethical rules of Wicca do not allow “selling” of spells or magic. Anyone stupid enough to fall for this scam deserves to lose their money.
A. Most teachers of Wicca will not take students under the age of 18. They may make exceptions for children of their adult students. There is no age limit on study however, but we never recommend anyone pursue study of Wicca or anything else without their parent's knowledge and approval.
A. No. Gerald Gardner brought witchcraft and Wicca to the attention of the public and helped create an atmosphere in which many people have found it safe to publicly practice Wicca. However, this does not mean that you, in your own particular circumstances, can or should tell anyone or everyone about your new-found religion. Please read our page on “Public Awareness in Wicca”.
A. A better way of wording that question would have been, “Where can I buy the books and supplies I need for studying Wicca?” You can look for metaphysical book stores under “Books” in your telephone directory or shop online. A couple of the on-line stores we recommend are: Azure Green for all types of books and supplies, and White Light Pentacles which does not have books but a very nice line of jewelry and other decorative items. Both stores have catalogs which they can mail to you.
A. You do not need a new name to begin studying and practicing Wicca, but many people find it helpful and enjoyable.Your magical or craft name should be something which describes you or inspires you to become a better person. If you are interested in herbs you might consider choosing the name of a healing herb. You could choose the name of an animal, or any combination of words or names. Many people choose names from their favorite books of mythology or fantasy. What you should not choose is the name of any of the major god or goddess. This is considered to be in bad taste.
A. No. “Warlock” is a word most likely Norse in origin and means either “traitor” or “spirit binding song” depending on which Norse word it may actually have come from. (There is some disagreement on this) Either way it has never meant “male witch”. Witches are witches, male or female.
A. Magic doesn't really come in “colors”. These are really rather outdated terms not used by Wiccans. But what people usually mean when they say “white magic” is magic which is used to help yourself and others, and what they mean by “black magic” is magic that is used to manipulate, control or harm others. Rather than think of magic in terms of good or bad, think of magic as a tool - a tool which can be used to help or harm, but remember that Wiccans may only use magic to help - otherwise they lose the privilege of calling themselves Wiccan.
A. Wiccans do not (or should not) do manipulative magic. Most people who ask about love spells want to do a spell to make a particular person love them. That is manipulative. Every person who has ever done such a spell has regretted it. The only safe “love spell” is one which helps make you a more lovable person and perhaps brings you in contact with someone who is right for you and for whom you are also right. And before you think about doing any spells read this page.
A. If you even have to ask those questions you have been watching too many movie and television versions of “witchcraft”. Hollywood needs flashy tricks to sell movies. Do not confuse anything you see in the movies with the reality of witchcraft or Wicca.
Q. Somebody put a spell on me! What do I do?!?!
A. Ignore it and relax. People can worry themselves sick over so-called spells cast by so-called witches. The chance of a real witch actually putting a spell on you is less likely than your chance of winning the lottery.
A. Ouija boards are games manufactured by Milton Bradley. They are not intended for use as a divination tool. The only purpose they serve is to give kids a tool for scaring each other. No serious Wiccan uses one.
A. You saw “The Craft”, didn't you? That question actually makes no sense. What “spirit” are you talking about? Are you talking about the spirit of a god or goddess? The spirit of a deceased person? The spirit of an animal? There is no “The Spirit”, and the pagan gods aren't usually referred to as spirits anyway, but as gods.
A. Invocation is a very mis-used word in Wicca. Invocation, in witchcraft, means inviting a god or goddess to enter your body (inviting them in)and speak and act through you. It is something that is generally done only by very experienced Wiccans and witches. It is not recommended for beginners and not recommended as something you would do alone. What is done more often is to invite the god or goddess into your circle or into your presence, which is “evocation” or calling forth of a god or goddess or elemental.
A. Again, you've been watching “The Craft” haven't you? A circle has no corners. Try and find one. Squares have corners. Circles don't. However, a circle can be divided into four quarters, and the word “quarter” is used to designate where Air, Fire, Water and Earth appear in a circle. And to answer the question which you are trying to ask: No. There are many Wiccans who always work alone and are have no difficulty at all accomplishing what they need to do.
A. Does a toothbrush really work? If you can understand the analogy you will have your answer. See the “Spells” page for further information.
A. Your first step can be to look for a metaphysical book store in your area. It will be listed under “Books” in the yellow pages of your telephone directory. Look for a store with a name that sounds right and sells things such as incense, crystals and tarot cards. Some such stores will cater to new agers more than Wiccans but it is still a place to start. Metaphysical book stores may be run by Wiccans and may offer classes in Wicca and/or open Circles which you can attend. They may also have information on pagan gatherings which are another great way to meet like-minded people. A great website which provides listings of stores, groups and individual pagans is “The Witches Voice”.
A. If you become part of a Wiccan tradition which has a Book of Shadows you will eventually be told how to make a book of shadows. If you are working on your own you will still be constructing your own book. You can buy a blank book in an office supply store of book store, or make your own book from scratch. You can find instructions on how to make books in the library. What you put in the book of shadows is up to you. Some people use it as a journal and keep track of every bit of their progress in the craft. Others just put all the rituals and spells they do in there. Some write in their native language, and others write in runes. You can illustrate it with drawings you make of your altar, the gods, herbs, or anything else you like.
A. First of all “increasing power” isn't a goal in Wicca. What you want to be increasing is your knowledge. We are surrounded by energy. Get to know the Elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth) and understand how their energy works, and read everything you can on the subjects of Wicca and the mythology of the gods which most interest you. See our page on “Living Magically”.
A. First, you ask the gods what you can do for Them. The gods are not there to serve us, but to teach us. Get to know them. Develop a relationship and They will let you know what is possible.
A. Since there are thousands of pagan gods and goddesses finding the ones that you feel most comfortable with can take some time. Some of the easier ones to get to know are the Earth, Moon and Sun which are known by many different names in different cultures. Further suggestions for getting to know the gods can be found in “Introduction to the Gods” and in “Meeting the Gods” in Class 7 of our Introduction to Wicca lessons.
A. Of course not. A better question might be, “Where did the idea of witches flying on brooms come from?” One possibility is that it comes from ancient fertility rites being observed where farmers would straddle a pole or broom handle and jump around in their fields after planting. The idea was the higher you jumped the higher the plants would grow. Another possibility is that it is pure fantasy. It is known that in the middle ages people were “taught” all sorts of nonsense regarding what witches could do and they actually came to believe these things to be true.
A. Are you asking me personally if I dance in the woods? Or are you asking do witches dance in the woods? I have included this question just as an example because a lot of people assume (incorrectly) that all witches or Wiccans do the same things and believe the same way, so they assume when they ask a question like this, and receive an answer that it applies to all witches. Personally, I don't do much dancing anywhere because I have a bad knee. But yes, some witches like dancing a lot and will dance anywhere including the woods. Be sure to word your questions correctly to receive the answers you need.
A. If you want to maintain or build a good relationship with your parents, keeping secrets is not the way to do it. We do not encourage anyone under 18 to study Wicca without consulting their parents. This is not because there is anything wrong or bad about Wicca. It is because it is never a good idea to keep from your parents something which is important to you. If your parents are dead set against you studying Wicca then put it off until you are 18. We have designed our “What is Wicca?” page to help explain Wicca to parents and friends.
A. For further information on Wicca see our “What is Wicca” page and the rest of this website, or e-mail your questions and they will be answered promptly.