Um,,, Hi

I'm interested in both. Are there books that yu recommend for beginning to learn the religion as a whole or would I need more of a mentor?

It is never too late to start practicing, but i recommend you do your research and find out as much as you can before doing spell work. Anybody can do magick, and as for the building of magickal energy, over time people do have more developed senses with magick. Magick is a skill, and the more you practice the better you get at it.

Learn as much as you can before doing spells. I highly recommend that you learn your basics. (type "basics" in the search bar to find an article or forum post about them if you are wondering what they are). I hope this helps you and i am glad to see your calm but enthusiastic (and open) attitude towards this.

Sincerely,
Scrupulous

And thank you for the link!

If you go to a book store im sure you will find books on witchcraft, and wicca. You also have the internet :P

Sincerely,
Scrupulous

For learning about Wicca there are plenty of free sites online..now a good book for beginners I believe would have to be Jukia Illes encyclopedia of 5,000 spells: the ultimate reference book for the magical arts.

Thank you! You guys have been so helpful! :-)

Your welcome =).

Your welcome! feel free to send me some mail if you have any questions! Or just ask on the forums here.

Sincerely,
Scrupulous

I suggest that you learn the history of wicca/ paganism (paganism is an umbrella term). And if your looking for good books I would recommend these authors: Scot Cunningham, Raymond Buckland.
Welcome to SOM :)

Totally agree that the Scott Cunningham books are a wonderful primer for someone just learning about the craft. Try his book "Wicca for the Solitary Practictioner." It'll teach you everything you need to know about the basics, then you can go deeper from there. I also really like Phyllis Curott. Try her book "Witchcrafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic."

Enjoy and blessed be.