The first thing that all beginners must know is that there is not one single doctrine about how magic works, as Lark would have you believe. Different sources give different explanations. The following webpage gives an overview of the contrasting doctrines of how magic works:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicandspellwork/f/HowMagicWorks.htm
I've started studying magick 2-3 months ago and I'm still learning basics.
I've been mostly learning and collecting information thus far, I haven't cast my circle yet, and haven't tried magick.
(Well, I have cast spells in the past, but I didn't know that I was casting and I have also healed, but I just considered that something that I can do).
Point is, if you aren't prepared to do magick, you shouldn't, as you have no idea what you're doing. Learn first if you are serious about it, and I'm sure people on here will take you more seriously as well.
Lydia, Lark is talking only about Wicca! As for learning, it never stops! I have been a witch, and studying the subject,for 75 years; and I learn something new just about every day!
All I have learnt about magic is that it is changing one or more things into something else. And there seems to be many ways of doing it! And it is almost impossible to describe it! I can demonstrate it; but writing about it? That, is far from easy!
First off don't start with spells, you won't know how to cast them, nor will you do it correctly.
Learn the basic's many say. So I will tell you to do that also. The basics are not a one day and night study. Please, it's more like a year. There is a studying pattern on the pagan path that issues the year and a day study. This is a time when Cerridwen was said to make her famous stew or soup which takes a year and a day. I suggest you learn the year and a day study, it tells you everthing from all the pantheons, path, spells, rituals, to magic, dreams, and tarot.
Email me for more. I will provide some links on the following though.
www.witchvox.com
www.neo-pagan.net
www.wicca.com
www.circlecanctuary. com
www.YouTube.com/tiptoechick
www.YouTube.com/akashawolf
www.YouTube.com/ spells of magic
I'm a new member seeking more information that will allow me to understand the basics of magic. Even though I've just started my research & tried different things like spells & meditation..I haven't seen anything "YET" but I physically feel different.
I suggest first connecting with the elements, and then learning visualisation. Also learn about energy's and the basic's like grounding, centering, and ect.
Also try reading some books, if your following a path like wicca? Anything Doreen Valentine, Scott Cunningham, and Raymond buckland are good,. Paganism? Ask around.
Have any questions? Mail me! Also ask lark I your interested in Wicca!