Goal #2: Know your Craft
To be fair, Cunningham wrote these when most people were still under the misconception that Wicca and Witchcraft were synonymous. We know for a fact now that they're not (if you're interested you can learn more about the difference in the article Wicca and Witchcraft- Which is Witch, What’s What?).
But the advice holds true, both for Wicca and Witchcraft (and particularly those like myself, who practice both). If you want to be Wiccan (or a Witch), it's not enough to read one book or watch a few Youtube videos, print out a few online spells, and switch your profile to some gothic medieval chick holding a glowing crystal.
It requires a great deal of study and regular practice. It's not an instantaneous thing; true conversion is a process that takes years. The beliefs and practices take time to really seep in and become part of you, become second nature.
This is especially good advice for this generation-- pre-1990s, you pretty much HAD to go searching for other Wiccans/Witches to learn. There was just so little information available, and it was hard to find because it was not in any mainstream sources. So people pretty much made a choice-- either think about being Wiccan/a Witch, or get out and find people to help you become Wiccan/a Witch.
Now-adays, you are overwhelmed by information. There are tons of books, websites, blogs, magazines, social media groups, Youtube videos (many of them self taught people teaching you to be self taught, so there is little accountability or consistency), etc.-- this generation's problem is not finding information, but wading through the massive amounts. Your challenge is learning to discipline yourself in focused study after having grown up with shorter attention spans due to living in a society of instant gratification. You also have a much bigger job in learning to separate the 'wheat from the chaff'.
My Tip for You Today: Learn to know your Craft (Wicca and/or Witchcraft).
Set yourself on a more structured course of study. While there's for spontaneity and following instincts, it should not dominate your efforts to learn Wicca/Witchcraft. True proficiency is learned from more serious, regimented study and practice (particularly of the basics: repetitive ritual, a meditation regime, etc.-- you know; the boring stuff).
One great way to learn more about your religion/craft is to join some kind of classes or workshops, or to find someone with more experience and more reputable training to take you under their wing.
Another good way is to check your sources and find the most reputable ones-- if you're not an avid reader, it's a good time to compile a reading list and set goals for yourself (one book per month, for example). Take notes as you read, re-read and look up external references and sources.
Even more importantly, practice makes perfect. It's not enough to hold sporadic rituals or cast occasional spells that you found online. You need to start drawing these things into your everyday routine. To live spiritually, and magically.
How well do you know Wicca/Witchcraft?
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