it depends on the path, but i think everyone starts with meditation. i started out studying Wicca, so i first learned the history, then the tools and holidays, then it got into the practice. the first thing i started with was meditation. granted you'll also need to learn charging, shielding, chakra's and grounding. but baby steps, start by clearing your mind for a minute.
read some articles as well as some books to gain some insight so you don't start down a path you later regret.
in my book of shadows I have a section titled basics and i have it set up so that after learning each task it helps build on the next. right now its
1) meditation/visualization
2)grounding
3)Chakras & auras
4)energy manipulation
5)Guides (Spirit animal etc.)
this helped me learn how to focuses and direct my energy before I casted any spells
I agree with both of the above. Take it in, really learn and understand. You will be glad you did. Then you will enjoy your magickal life. May you find what you seek. Blessed Be...
It's good to know what chakras, auras, and spirits, are, but those are not a part of everyone's path. I think the first step would be deciding if you believe if all of this is Esoteric or psychological/cultural in nature. Then expose yourself to what paths are out there and delve deeper into studying what interests you most. Understand how things work on at least a basic level, try some things out, and talk to people who are knowledgeable in the areas you wish to study and/or practice.
Your best friends along any path will be your intuition, research (cross referencing material and verifying sources), common sense, and experience.
Also,try not to get overwhelmed. Take it slow. When I first started, I tried to jump in and learn everything at once. Some thinge I was interseted in made no sence to me at first, but i just skipped it and focused on other things and came back a few months better. I guess you will only fully understand some things when your mind is ready.
A lot of people like to start out with what ever feels comfortable to them and it depends on what you like or interested in. Magic has a varity of paths. The occult has been around for a very long time. But you can learn about the history of magick and the occult where it came from and what it all means. Occutt History is one of my favorite subjects.
But for magick it really does depend on what your looking for, theres Wicca, Paganism, Satanism, Shamanism and other types of paths as well. But therees traditional witchcraft that people like to practice. You dont have to have one set path you can have many or study all kinds.
But most people do just start out with the basics of magick such as:
Mediation
Grounding/Centering
Visualization
Colors
Days of the Week
Tools
Moon Phases
Herbs (Usually not included but you can if you like)
Circle Casting
The Basics of magick varies, everyone has their own ways of studying and learning them. But like i said go with what you feel is right and comfortable to you.
