Basics of Wicca & Paganism
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide to Paganism / Wicca
Want to learn about the basic principles and concepts of Wiccan and modern Paganism? Here's where you'll find information about gods and goddesses, beliefs, recommended reading material, beginner's information on Tarot, candle magic, and more.
- Take an Online Class!
- What Do Wiccans Believe?
- Beginner's Guides
- The Gods and Goddesses
- Pagan/Wiccan Library
- Important People to Know
- Pagan/Wiccan FAQs
- Using Tarot Cards
- Ogham Staves, Runes, and Ouija Boards
- Magical Theory
Take an Online Class!
This is a collection of online classes available through the Pagan/Wiccan website. In addition to our Intro to Wicca class, the Seven-Day Sabbats will be added as they are ready. Feel free to sign up for one, or take them all!
- Introduction to Wicca
- Introduction to Tarot
- Samhain Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- Yule Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- Imbolc Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- Ostara Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- Beltane Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- Litha Seven-Day Sabbat Class
- How to Unsubscribe From a Class or Newsletter
- Help! I'm Missing a Lesson!
What Do Wiccans Believe?
What are some of the guiding princples of Wicca? Read more here to find out what exactly it is that Wiccans and Pagans actually believe in.
- Myths and Misconceptions
- Wiccan Traditions
- Pagan Traditions
- Gods and Goddesses
- What's the Difference Between Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism?
- Basic Principles and Concepts of Wicca
- Ten Things You Should Know About Wicca
- The Threefold Law, or The Rule of Three
- Magical Ethics
- How Do Wiccans Know What's Right or Wrong?
- Power Animals, Totem Animals, and Spirit Animals
Beginner's Guides
You've discovered Wicca might be the right path for you, but now what do you do? Read on for information about the basics of candle magic, Tarot, and altar tools.
The Gods and Goddesses
In most forms of Wicca and Paganism, part of the process of spiritual growth involves interaction with the gods. But how, exactly, do you go about this? Well, you can make offerings, send them prayers, and make sure you honor them in a respectful manner. It's also important to get to know the gods of your particular tradition.
- Working With Deities
- The Role of Prayer in Wicca & Paganism
- The Concept of Appropriate Worship
- Making Offerings to the Gods
- FAQ: Do Wiccans and Pagans Believe in God?
- Mother Goddesses
- The Archetype of Maiden/Mother/Crone
- Celtic Deities
- Egyptian Deities
- Greek Deities
- Norse Deities
- Roman Deities
- Discussion Forums: Deities and Other Beings
Pagan/Wiccan Library
Wondering what you need to read, and which authors are worth checking out? Be sure to look here for book reviews, sacred texts, author interviews and profiles, and information on which books every Pagan or Wiccan should have on their reading list.
- Pagan/Wiccan Glossary
- Beginner's Reading List
- How to Create a Daily Plan of Study
- What Makes a Book Worth Reading?
- Ten Authors You Should Know
- Author Interviews
- Start Your Own Pagan/Wiccan Study Group
- The Wiccan Rede
- Discussion Forum: Books and Other Resources
Important People to Know
Meet some of the people who are profiled and mentioned regularly on this website. Some are authors, others are historical figures, and a few more are scholars. Learn who they are, and why they matter to people studying Wicca and Pagan religions.
- Who Was Dorothy Clutterbuck?
- Gerald Brousseau Gardner,Founder of Modern Wicca
- Rebecca Nurse and the Salem Trials
- Bridget Bishop, First to Hang in Salem
- Robert Burns, Scottish Poet
- Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey
- Sir James Frazer, Folklorist
- Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, 1486-1535
- Author Scott Cunningham, 1956 - 1993
- Raymond Buckland Interview
- Dorothy Morrison Interview
- Ellen Dugan Interview
- Sirona Knight Interview
- Dana D. Eilers Interview
Pagan/Wiccan FAQs
Wondering about initiation, and whether you need it? Concerned about whether you might go to hell? Got questions about what exactly Wiccans do in private, and if they have to be naked to do it? Well, you're in the right place! Here's where we'll answer some of the most popular Frequently Asked Questions about Wicca and Paganism!
- Why Do People Become Wiccan?
- How Can I Get Started in Wicca?
- I Bought All My Supplies - Now What Do I Do?
- Do I Have to Get Initiated to be a Real Wiccan?
- My Parents Don't Want Me to Be Wiccan - Can't I Just Lie?
- Can I Still Go to Church With My Family?
- Why is There So Much Secrecy in Wicca?
- Do Wiccans Believe in God?
- Do Wiccans and Pagans Worship Satan? What About Sex Orgies?
- Do I Have to Practice Naked to Be Wiccan?
Using Tarot Cards
Tarot is one of the best known forms of divination, and it can be done in many ways. Learn about how to read the cards, what to do if a reading fails, the Major Arcana, and reviews of popular decks.
- Introduction to Tarot
- Learn the Cards and Their Meanings
- Preparing for a Tarot Reading
- How to Interpret Tarot Cards
- Selecting a Tarot Deck
- Keeping Your Tarot Cards Safe
- When Tarot Readings Fail
- The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread
- The Pentagram Tarot Spread
- The Romany Tarot Spread
- Sew a Tarot Card Bag
- Review: The Whimsical Tarot Deck
- Review: The Lord of the Rings Tarot Deck
- Review: The Jane Austen Tarot Kit (Deck and Book)
Ogham Staves, Runes, and Ouija Boards
In addition to the Tarot, there are a number of other forms of divination. Learn about the Celtic Ogham, Norse Runes, Ouija boards, and more.
Magical Theory
Many Wiccans and Pagans use magic as part of ritual or incorporate into their daily lives. Here are some of the basics you'll need to know about spellwork, magic, and how to put it all together.
