Hey everybody!

[AidenWolf]

Hi everyone, My name is Aidenwolf, and I am al,most entirely new to Wicca and paganism. I have only read three of the Silver RavenWolf books and one by Edain McCoy. I have a basic, and almost rudimentary understanding, but I am somewhat afraid to journey further. Any suggestions to allay fear would be much appreciated.

1000 thanks to all
Aidenwolf

[Kaleesie]

If you don't mind me asking ( to help you) what is the reason(s) behind your fear? 

Blessed be

Kaleesie

[ThunderWolf]

I'd suggest more reading by other authors. RavenWolf tends to be quite over the top and not as realistic as one wanting to learn might like. She's a fun read! No doubt about that, but her ways of explaining the results of magickal applications are often more dramatic than in real life.

I've read criticisms of Edain McCoy online but can't quite remember what they were. Of course, I'm kind of biased in her favor simply because I met her at a witches ball and found her to be one of the nicest, most down to earth people you would ever want to meet.

As for what you might want to look into reading, there are some threads at this forum already established for book recommendations. Use the search function and you'll find a plethora of suggestions from other members past and present.

[SnowAngel]

I've read a little RavenWolf but no Edain McCoy.  I know RavenWolf can be a little 'over the top' at times, so I usually take her suggestions and opinions with a grain of salt, lol.

I'm not sure where your fear lies, but as Kaleesie said, if you give us a little background (if you're comfortable) about what you're nervous about, or at what point you began to get scared we may be able to help allay those fears.

Brightest Blessings
SnowAngel

[AidenWolf]

Well Snowangel, i came from an evangelical family, devout baptists, always thinking that everything else was wrong. then i met my best friend, who is the complete opposite of me in religious terms and he opened my eyes to other religions. The point where i get get scared/confused/fearful to keep going, is that i can't be open with my family, even though, after doing research, and proving to show it, thaty my family was in fact pagan before christian back in Germany. I live constantly on the defensive because of my family's ideas, always staying in the shadows. my girlfriend, bless her, is not only behind me on this, but interested as well. I have found something in Wicca that i didnt find anywhere else. I found where i belong. But no one in my family would understand that. Also if anyone knows a Coven network in Northern IL please let me know. any help is greatly appreciated.

Aidenwolf

[Ken Ra]

Any books by Stewart Farrar

[ThunderWolf]

Also if anyone knows a Coven network in Northern IL please let me know. any help is greatly appreciated.

Aidenwolf

For teens: http://www.witchvox.com/vn/gr/usil_gry.html (Though it's worth mentioning if you're under the age of majority any reputable coven will require parental consent before allowing you to take part.)

For adults: http://www.witchvox.com/vn/gr/usil_gra.html

[Kaleesie]

Fearful of parents finding out, or fearful of being pagan? I think that if you found a path( as you have mentioned, Wicca) that it's fearful of judgement of family.

That's actually not uncommon, if this is the case. I'm very proud of my spiritual path, but I have to remain in the broom closet, for fear of being kicked out of my home. ( i live with a baptist preacher and wife) ( my soon to be in laws)..and if my father found out, I would be disowned.
I of course am assuming this would be a fear you may have... ( if it is, I feel for you!)

If I'm incorrect, let us know.

I hope the best for you.

Blessed be
Kaleesie

[FireSong]

Definitely expand your author base.  You'll probably find, after some reading, that Silver RavenWolf is not the best source for information.  Especially when it comes to the history of the Craft.

Welcome to the path, and the forum.

[AidenWolf]

Kaleesie,
you defninitely share the same plight as i do. i would be thrown out on my butt. sadly my parents, i live with my dad because of family problems when i was young. so it did in a way impact me. im often worried that my dad will discover something of mine that he doesnt like and ill be out. but so far he has not. i just want to be abnle to be free in my religious ways.

[Cleaner]

TBH when you are living under a roof where someone else is paying the all bills no matter how old you are,you are pretty much under their thumb so to speak.It sounds like your Dad cares/loves you enough to try and guide you,(some are not so lucky).For most until you can support yourself and find a place to call your own you are under his house rules.I hope everything works out for the best for you and your Dad.








B.B.)O(
   Cleaner

[autumn1224]

aidenwolf, kaleesie
i am new to the religion and also struggle with the same problem of family. i just wanted to quickly ask, how do you deal with it?
oh and i didnt find any of the books that were mentioned unhelpful in anyway, i read them all and found them enlightening. the way i saw it is Silver RavenWolf just makes it a little more aware that there is caution to be taken with everything you do, atleast thats how i took it.
blessed be.

[ThunderWolf]

I don't think any of us mean to say there isn't good in the books by RavenWolf. I certainly don't anyway. It's just that there are much better authors out there from whom you can gain a much more balanced perspective. My personal recommendation would be anything by Christopher Penczak, but there are many others that are worthy of your time too. RavenWolf (IMO) is a good place to spark an interest for further study. However, she also leaves a great deal to be studied further.

[Kaleesie]

Autumn, VERY CAREFULLY. My stuff is literally in the closet.accept for some candles, that look like decor. ( with the exception of my jewelry, which I keep in my purse, until I leave the house, then I put my jewelry on) as for practicing, I'm glad I'm a insomniac, it comes in handy. I wait til everyone in the house is asleep ( except my fiancé, who knows and respects my religion) and practice at 3 or 4 in the morning.
I also hang out on the back porch..( there's a weeping willow back there I chat with).. And I talk to my Dieties aloud at that time... I know that talking to trees sounds funny, but I think that it helps me since I don't really have very much nature to commune with.

Blessed be
Kaleesie

[AidenWolf]

Kaleesie,

I dont have much of anything to work with, my dad hates anything against his religion, even though i have explained that christianity was borne from pagan/wiccan tradition. but he doesnt care. and Autumn, I usually use chants and the power of my words and spirit to work. My family is warriors, all through the bloodline, right to me.I am the only one to embrace his true roots. which takes what i have and amps it up some. but never give up hope, for that is the worst thing you can do to yourself.