steward's blog: "steward's Introduction to Witchcraft"

That's silly fancy language. We're human. And we have spirits. The two are connected, but just because our spirits / souls / whatever are near-perfect doesn't erase our humanity, which is quite imperfect. We get sick, in the body and mind. (Some say in the soul... but, at worst, it's either a mind-sickness or a refusal to listen to our personal spirit.) 

The Craft (and other practices, such as Reiki) can help ameliorate some of that... but it's not just, as Severus Snape would put it, "silly wand waving." First you need to learn how to access the power of Witchcraft (some access it innately, but often in a way that doesn't last too long), and then build it up - just like any other endeavor (such as how to get the Fubar crown :) .) 

The Apple meditation I mentioned in the first post of this blog is a fairly fast introduction for noticeable results - or at least it worked for me. YMMV. 

I have been talking with numerous friends on here about Witchcraft, and about basic information on the practice of the Craft. Unfortunately I do not have the time nor the energy at the moment to take on formal students.

So, instead, I have three recommended books, one recommended recording, and a recommendation about immersion into a Witchcraft sacred space, as well as some notes about other resources.

Books/recordings:

1. Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment by Laurie Cabot (book)
   Apple Meditation by Laurie Cabot (recording)
   
   I like these because they can very easily move you into a space where you can see HOLY SHIT, THIS STUFF REALLY WORKS in a demonstrable manner. The book is on Amazon, as well as Ms. Cabot's own site at http://www.theofficialwitchshoppe.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61_62&products_id=3803 ; I have only found the meditation available these days from her site at http://www.theofficialwitchshoppe.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=61_71&zenid=d4f67a43e34d248114e89171fd511ee7 .
   
   
2. The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition by Starhawk
   This is primarily a book of magical exercises, if you will. I find it a rather boring and tedious tome, but on the other broom, it's the best primary source for Witchcraft basics that I know. (Disclaimer: I have been an organizer and a teacher at Reclaiming Tradition WitchCamps.) Available on Amazon and at most book stores, whether general in nature or New Age specifically.
   
   
3. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland
   This book provides a guide to Witchcraft that in some ways provides a counter-balance to the philosophies of the first two books. I place it last because it is not at a very basic level. However, once you have read through, and practiced at least some of the exercises from the first two books, it should be easy to understand.