The First Steps in Changing Your Faith
The First Steps
If you’re considering changing your faith— not just to Paganism, but to any faith— you must feel that you’re moving toward something. If you feel you’re running to get away from something or someone, then the time isn’t right. And don’t do it out of anger.
Don’t become a Witch because your dad is so conservative and you think he doesn’t understand you, so you feel that by becoming a Witch you’ll shock the hell out of him. Don’t change your faith just to prove something to someone else. This new path should be about you and only you.
Also, never, ever feel that Paganism is better than any other way. Don’t let anyone think that you feel their religion is wrong. If you do, you’ll alienate people you’ve always loved.
Next, read. Read anything you can about Paganism, Wicca, Witchcraft, and mysticism. There are wonderful sources online as well as books. Check out authors such as Raymond Buckland, Scott Cunningham, Marion Weinstein, and Doreen Valiente. Read about Native Americans and mystical orders such as the Whirling Dervishes, too. Try to include authors from races and cultures different from your own.
The amount of reading material available today to someone new to the Old Religion is so much greater than what I had. Do you know what was the first book about Witchcraft that I bought? It was a Dell twenty-five-cent paperback titled Everyday Witchcraft that I purchased in a grocery store checkout line when I was in college! I’m not kidding. Oh sure, it was just a “pop” witchy sort of book, but I had nowhere else to turn.
If you have a mentor who can guide you when needed, you’re fortunate. However, like the reader I mentioned, many of us don’t, so books will help fill that void.
About the Author
James Kambos is a solitary. He enjoys researching the folk magic traditions of Appalachia, where he lives. He has a degree in history and geography from Ohio University.
Llewellyn’s 2016 Witches’ Companion: An Almanac for Contemporary Living
Witches Of The Craft® 