Everything You Need to Know About Wicca, from Best-Selling Wicca Author Lisa Chamberlain It is estimated that there are over 1 million practicing Wiccans around the world today. But what is it that has made these people turn their back on the formal, structured religions that encompass the majority of the Western world? In our modern, high-pressured world, many of us fail to take notice the sheer beauty of the natural world surrounding us. In many ways, this is a travesty: the world we live in today seems so completely distant from the one our ancestors lived in, a world where humans and nature were at one, their existence intertwined in the natural cycles of life. Wicca is a new way of life, a religion that takes you back to a more simple time, before the invention of the high-tech gadgetry we see all around us. You will learn to live and appreciate the natural world that surrounds you, celebrating the intricate changes in the seasons and everything they bring - from the bounties of the Summer harvest, to the cold and darkness of the Winter months, as Mother Nature rests in preparation for the next explosive cycle of life that Spring brings. Wicca is a re-incarnation of the very earliest religions, long pre-dating Christianity. Wiccans celebrate and share many of the same beliefs that these early people held, and try to embrace their way of life, all while remaining fully-functional in today's modern world. Getting Started as a Wiccan If you're sold on this new, exciting, peaceful way of life, that's great Good to have you on-board. Unfortunately, and despite this commitment, this is where many people get stumped. One of the biggest questions I hear would-be Wiccans ask: "how do I start practicing Wicca?" The truth is, there is no right answer. If you endeavour to learn as much as possible about this religion, follow the core principles (for example, the Threefold Law), and revere the natural world surrounding you, as far as I'm concerned, you're a Wiccan. If you're just starting out, I'm sure this vague answer is of little help to you That's why I set out to write this mini-series of books, titled Starting Your Journey. In this particular book, you'll learn everything you need to know about Wicca traditions - including solitary practitioners, eclectic witches, covens, and circles. The Main Wiccan Traditions Practicing magic isn't compulsory for Wiccans, however many people are inevitably attracted to the religion by the potential to positively change their lives for the better. As such, spellwork is one of the most discussed parts of being Wiccan. If you want to start practicing magic, it can help to join like-minded individuals. Both covens and circles can provide you with a sense of belonging by joining a small Wiccan community. As well as the social aspect, they are a great place to acquire knowledge, and many will mark the important Wiccan dates - the sabbats and esbats - with rituals and celebrations. In this book, we'll be looking at everything you need to know about covens and circles, including their history, their structures, and how to join one. Don't worry, though - not everyone wants to be part of a community, and that's perfectly fine, too. In this book, we'll be discussing all of your options, including a solitary path. We'll also look at the main Wiccan traditions: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, and Dianic, as well as a handful of less common traditions. You don't have to follow one of the traditions rigidly - and indeed, many Wiccan don't, choosing to become eclectic practitioners. If you need help finding your place within the Wiccan community, you're in the right place. Wicca: Finding Your Path will teach you everything you need to know about starting your own Wiccan journey, today