You should not start out with "spell casting", you should start from the beginning, this means start with reading. What magick is, how to use it, centering and grounding,...ect.
As Power said, reading and studying is always a good way to start. ^.^ Books on the philosophy, practices and theory of different pagan religions are great for a beginner, and usually have a couple of rituals or at least incantations to get your feet wet. A great author to start with is Scott Cunningham.
I wonder why so many members point to Scott Cunningham for new starters? Cunningham wrote around fifty books, mainly on solitary practise; and influenced by such as Buckland,Raven Grimassi, and Donald Kraig.
I have read a few of Cunningham's books, and they are very well written. But he wrote a lot in a very short life! He was only 36 when he died! And his books were of his opinions; and fair enough.But why start with Cunningham? Why not start with the original? The writings of Gardner,Valiente,Sanders?
Ignoring the original is like studying Christianity by ignoring the Bible, or Islam by ignoring the Koran!
Read Cunningham, by all means, but read the others first!
The best thing to do as a beginner is research on the history of Wicca followed by Meditation to locate your spirit watcher that way they can show you spells and how to properly used them. Before Meditation i would burn some Frankincense right before and during because the Frankincense helps you Focus during Mediation and helps purify you before going into a deep Meditation. The best way to make a wand. Best tree types I had luck with was Mistletoe and Elm. Elm is more connected to the Earth Goddess and Mistletoe is more connected with Healing. Just varies on what type of wood you want for your wand. Before cutting one i would do research on uses of each type. Some people may think you may look like a fool on this next part but it shows respect to some gods and goddesses is if you ask the tree before cutting a branch. By doing that shows you have respect for Nature and Mother Earth.
Kane, you're resurrecting a years-dead thread to ask what is nearly constantly answered on this board.
An excellent place to start is the pinned threads under the General I fo section of this forum. Starting Out and The Basics Explained are two good threads for a brief idea. Another thread to peruse is called something like "My Advice for Newbies."
Also do a search for articles here about meditation, visualization, and energy manipulation. Those three things are core to many traditions.
Lark will often post titles of four really good books, though there are many other good options out there. Off hand I remember three of the titles:
Before You Cast a Spell
Spells and How They Work
Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig.
Depending on which tradition you decide to follow, there are many other great resources out therw as welln
Welcome to SoM and a wonderful practice! Know thy self, and help us get to know you. Consider introducing yourself in another thread!
