Examines Wiccan magic, rituals, traditions, and code of conductGet the scoop on this ancient spiritual pathWondering what it takes to be a Wiccan? This plain-English guide introduces you to the vibrant world of Wicca and the practices of Witchcraft, describing its ancient origins, dispelling stereotypes, and explaining Wiccan beliefs, ethics, rituals, and holidays. You'll see what it means to live as a contemporary Wiccan -- and how to worship alone or with a group.Discover how to* Worship alone or join a coven* Perform charms, blessings, and spells* Obtain necessary tools and supplies* Spot spiritual scams and inappropriate behavior* Explore a spiritual path guided by nature

Introduction 1Part I: Seeing the World through Wiccan Eyes: What WiccansBelieve 9Chapter 1: Believing That Everything's Connected 11Chapter 2: Believing in Deity 17Chapter 3: Believing in Magic: Where Science Meets the Craft25Chapter 4: Believing in Ethics, Responsibility, and PersonalRelationship with Deity 31Part II: Looking at the Past, Present, and Future: HowWiccans Live 39Chapter 5: Digging into the Past 41Chapter 6: Living Wiccan Today 61Chapter 7: Looking Back to the Future: The Rebirth of theGoddess 73Part III: Coming Home: How Wiccans Become Wiccans 85Chapter 8: Considering the Wiccan Path 87Chapter 9: Going Solo or Joining a Coven: Wiccan Options 95Chapter 10: Making Room for Everyone: Craft Traditions 107Part IV: Following the Sun and the Moon: How Wiccans Worship127Chapter 11: Setting Up an Altar and Choosing Tools 129Chapter 12: Designing and Performing Rituals: The Heart of Wicca151Chapter 13: Waxing and Waning with the Moon: The Esbats 183Chapter 14: Turning the Wheel of the Year: The Sabbats 195Part V: Practicing the Craft: What Wiccans Do 217Chapter 15: Making Magic Happen 219Chapter 16: Spellcasting: The Poetry of Wicca 231Chapter 17: Boosting Magic with Fire, Stones, and Herbs 241Chapter 18: Working with Trance and Dreams 261Chapter 19: Daring to Divine 283Chapter 20: Keeping a Book of Shadows, a Sacred Record 297Part VI: The Part of Tens 305Chapter 21: Ten Habits of Effective Wiccans 307Chapter 22: Ten Wiccan Principles of Behavior 313Chapter 23: Ten Warning Signs of a Scam or InappropriateBehavior 317Appendix A: Wicca FAQ 323Appendix B: Magical Properties of Colors, Herbs, and Stones343Index 349