Being a newbie

Isn't easy in the craft.  Most people when they are new to the Craft become giddy with excitement and can't learn enough.  They read constantly, purchase all their tools to have a ritual and do their first spell all within the first 5 minutes of deciding that this is their path.

If I could talk to each and every one of you for 5 minutes this is the advice I'd give you:

1. Find a mentor or group to work with.  It doesn't have to be a coven just yet.  It could be a trusted friend who is already walking this path, or it could be a study group of people with similar interests.  Outside influences can give you perspective and force you out of that "I'm new to all this" bubble that insulates new folks from the realities of the Craft.  Working with someone else also develops discipline and focus within yourself.

2. Don't buy anything just yet, especially your ritual tools.  Yeah I know...the athames on the website are simply  gorgeous and you MUST have it now!!  Your ritual tools are extensions of you and your energy.  If you have no energetic connection with your tool, you may as well not be using one.  The best way to get your tools is to wait, learn to work with your personal energy and the absolute perfect tool will come to you.

3. Craft people are avid readers but they are not avid Doers.  Part of learning in the Craft is mostly doing stuff.  I can promise that you will screw things up but I also promise that the likelihood of you starting the Apocalypse is slim and none.  So practice making energy balls, turning them colors; work with herbs even if its trying a new recipe for a Sabbat or Esbat.  Read it, Do it, Share it.

4. Understand that the Craft is about balance.  If you think that the Craft is all rainbows and unicorns, please reconsider if this is the path for you.  Where there is light, there is darkness.  Where there is the Walker of Light, there is the Walker of the Shadows.  One cannot exist separate of the other and both must be integrated into your path.

5. The Craft isn't Hollywood.  It is a serious and valid religious path for millions.  The stuff you see on TV is designed to create an image in your head...an unrealistic image of the power that is involved when working your faith.  You won't be able to pin people against the wall with a thought, you won't be able to send the Lord of Darkness back to Hell with a few candles and Latin-esque words...you can however, improve your corner of the world by sending out positive energy, being kind to people and tending to the physical earth around you in some way.

I'm sure that there are more but these are my top 5 things that I would share with the new folks.  Slow and Steady win the race!!