Helpful Tips for New Pagans

The pagan path can be full of fun and excitement and bring one in unity with the earth and the goddess; however, there are many misconceptions that young pagans hold true. Young pagans need to take the time to examine their motives for joining in on the ancient path. They also need to carefully examine their sources of information and have great wisdom when choosing a coven or a teacher.

It is very important that you examine your motives for becoming pagan. There are many lies out there that cause beginners to enter into paganism with a distorted view of what the pagan path really is. Becoming a pagan does not mean that you'll be able to manifest millions of dollars nor does it mean that you'll be able to cast death on whomever you wish. It is important to know that magick is only part of paganism, the other part involves worship and communion with the goddess and nature. It is also important to realize what magick really is. Magick is not power nor is it control. Magick is energy, at the basis of all things is magick. Magick is everything you can see, touch, taste, smell, and everything else that you can't sense. Magick is much like a tool that we use, it is life-force.

Now that you have considered your reasoning behind joining the pagan path you must find information and instruction in pagan teachings. It is difficult these days to find good books that instruct young pagans. Many things written today are nothing more that an author's attempt to make a few dollars. There are some basic rules that can help you weed out the good books from the bad ones. Any book that tells you that you must do something a certain way is not worth the purchase. Spells and rituals can always be tailored to the practitioner and there is no "right" nor "wrong" way of working a spell or ritual. If a book tells you that you will be able to talk to dragons and call up spirits whenever you want it is also not worth the purchase. Spirits may be called up at certain times and under certain conditions; however, they cannot be summoned whenever you want them. It is also important to note that the internet is full of wonderful information interwoven with garbage. If you just remember to use your head then it will not be difficult to separate the good information from the bad information.

When you have done enough personal research it may be time to find a coven or a teacher. Many pagans hold to the ancient maxim "when the student is ready, the teacher will come." This is very true; however, safety must be considered when choosing covens and teachers. Before you start with a coven or teacher, test them. Any wise teacher will not mind you asking them to answer a few questions to prove themselves. If they show some hesitation or irritation then let that be a warning sign to you. When choosing a coven it is also important to consider the coven's traditions. If a coven performs rituals skyclad and that makes you uncomfortable then don't join that coven. Also, consider what magickal tradition the coven ascribes to. If the coven is mostly Alexandrian wiccans yet you prefer the teachings of the druids then you might want to consider another coven. Above all, remember to use common sense, and if something makes you uncomfortable then discuss it with the coven or teacher, if they do not address the matter in the way you'd like then leave them.

Remember that you will only receive out of paganism what you put into it. The path is lined with study and meditation. Through study you will find your way to oneness with the goddess and the world. I hope that the information provided will serve as a guide down that path.