(Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic) https://zalbarath666.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/cunningham-scott-encyclopedia-of-crystal-gem-and-metal-magic.pdf
Re: Tips for a beginner? By: sweetfemme / Beginner
Post # 3 Jul 07, 2019
These are things I would suggest you consider, but you do not have to follow it. Take what you like and leave the rest.
-Do not spend a large portion of your pay check on magick items. You can collect what you need as you go and with time.
-Understand your intentions when it comes to spells. I know we get eager to do the fun stuff (spell casting), so make sure you set a clear intention with spells.
-YouTube is a great place to learn, lots of witches with channels including myself.
-Pinterest has a great moon phase diagram that also explains the meaning of each one. I have a book that goes deeper into the phases. You can coordinate your magickal work with the phases if you wish, however it is not always necessary/practical. We all get in a pinch at times!
-Explore a little bit and get a taste of different things you can potentially do- that's why I like YouTube. You can learn about being a sea witch, a hearth witch, green witch, the wheel of the year for Pagans, different deities if you are looking to build a relationship with one. Information on scrying, tarot, and other techniques to assist you on your journey.
I wish you the best of luck, you can drop me a line any time if you have any questions.
Definitely research as to what you'd like to practice. Magick can be awesome but dangerous, and there can be a lot more to it than it seems. But don't let that overwhelm you - it is totally worth it, as long as you read up on it!
Also, look into what familiar you have. Go on a walk, and see what crosses your path the most, while keeping an open mind... or, you can meditate and let it come to you in the mind. I know some people who have found it by scrying by looking at tea leaves, looking at clouds, or even looking at a crystal ball. A familiar will help keep you grounded and safe, and assist you in your magick through subtle ways.
If you would like to do elemental magick, I recommend figuring out what element calls to you the most. That element will connect with you the most. However, even though you connect with one element doesn't mean you can't work with the other ones, too!
Look into what kinds of crystals can help you in your spells! Each crystal stands for something, so if you want to perform a spell or a charm, definitely incorporate crystals into it.
When making a wand or a staff, look into what kind of wood would suit you best. Different kinds of wood stand for different things, and give off different general energies. They definitely help in spellcasting and for directing energy.
Look into other spells, but also make your own! The spells you make will be stronger than any other.
I hope this helps!
Good luck to you! As you stand at the beginning of your journey I also have a few tips for you!
- Start off doing what you are comfortable with. The moment you begin to feel uncomfortable will be the time to stop whatever it is and reconsider your actions and processes.
- Always have a clear-cut reason for doing what you wish to perform (a spell, ritual, etc.) before attempting it. If you have no better reason than "I want to cast something just because", chances are it will backfire or fail altogether. ( In my experience, the fastest way to destroy self confidence is to act hastily and without reason!)
- Apply common sense. This one, I feel, is self explanatory.
- Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. This includes not expecting to be able to develop skills in the physical world that are contrary to science. You can't fly unaided by technology. You can't change or alter your DNA in order to become non-human. Etc.
- Never forget to try and have fun/enjoy yourself! Magic should never become a chore you hate doing!
Know yourself. Keep a journal and write daily. Also read read read and practice even more than you read. Even if its just meditation for 10 minutes. Dont let others influence you and your practice more than yourself. blessings and good luck.
Re: Tips for a beginner? By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 9 Feb 05, 2020
Hi Pierre, That might be true if one believes in the concept of a Guardian Angel or in angels at all. Remember that not all of the people who post to this site follow one of the religions that acknowledges the existence of angelic beings. But if one does, then your suggestion is a good one.
I would get one trusted book, read it cover to cover, then go forth and gather more knowledge [my first book was Raymond Bucklands Wicca for Life. I stuck to the book like gospel for my year and a day, then I formed my own path once I felt confident in my footing] I would also get some free knowledge from youtube [this site also has many articles to help you] there are also some great podcasts to listen to. I would also start meditating and journalling. This will help you better understand yourself, but also define your morals and path. Once your year and a day are over [I'm just throwing that term out there, essentially once you're done with "the basics"] I recommend figuring out how to bring your magickal life into your mundane life and live your path. [The Goddess is in The Details by Deborah Blake is amazingly helpful] Anyway, I'll list a few YouTubers and podcasts I enjoy.
YouTube:
TipToeChick [she sadly died two years ago, but she was the first Pagan Youtuber I saw and I still love her work]
TheLadyGraveDancer [she's quit YouTube, but she has so many videos to watch. She is active on Facebook if you wish to seek her out]
HearthWitch [yes, our sites very own HearthWitch]
Misanthropy's Magic Corner [another of our sites knowledgable members has a channel]
Magickians [Anais is amazing, I love her energy. her videos are fun, informative, and short]
TheWhiteWitchParlor [positive vibe, a lot of list videos]
Kelly-Ann Maddox [she's a tort reader, but she has a lot of self-love and self-growth stuff you might enjoy]
Podcasts:
3 Pagans and a Cat [a family of witches each on a different path, they are hilarious and informative]
Millennial Pagan Podcast [fun and informative, bit more of a news show vibe. also, if you're in/near Phoenix, they have a list of pagan community events at the end of their episodes]
The Witch Wave [the host has this amazing voice, spends the first 15-20 minutes musing and answers a question, then interviews a member of the Pagan community]
Fat Feminist Witch [exactly what the title says. she has various subjects and topics, but it's through a feminist witch lenz]
Hex Rated [this one is more adult, but that's kind of why I like it. It's a group of Pagan friends from Texas chatting about witchcraft. There is 18+ content like swearing but nothing too extreme in my opinion]
also, if you want/need books on the subject, two things you can do is check your library [thats how I got most of my information in my early years] or another option [slightly dishonest but every witch I've spoken with has done it at least once] spend a day in a book store like Chapters [or Barns and Nobel if you're American] and read the books in the new age section.
