Posted by:
samwitch
(
)
Date: January 17, 2018 03:57PM
Merry meet and welcome!
For starters:
Patti Wigington of ThoughtCo is one of my favorite online guides:
https://www.thoughtco.com/intro-to-paganism-step-by-step-study-guide-4006913The Celtic Connection is also good:
https://www.wicca.com/An older but fun site you may enjoy:
http://www.paganprincesses.com/an-introduction-to-different-pagan-paths/There are many different spiritual paths, and Wicca is just one of them. There are no rules about how you have to practice, when, where, or with whom. I enjoy practicing as a solitary pagan, and have never felt the need to join a circle or coven.
"Witch" is not a negative word; neither is "coven." A coven is simply a group of people who practice their chosen pagan path together. A "witch" is someone who uses natural energies and their own intention to create positive change in themselves or their environment.
My recommended read: Witch Crafting by Phyllis Curott
The "goat-headed" deity is Baphomet and is not part of Wicca. You are correct about seasonal celebrations like Beltane, Samhain, and Yule, though. There are actually eight. Here's an image and explanation of the Wheel of the Year:
https://thehousegoddess.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/12-18-12-wheel-of-the-year/You'll notice that many Christian holidays come from pagan ones; this is a reason some of the seasonal symbols and decorations are the same. Appearing "blatantly pagan" is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you wish, it's easy to be discreet and still have lots of beautiful, seasonal decor that affirms your spirituality.
There are many different Wiccan traditions. You can choose whatever resonates with you or, like me and many others, create an eclectic practice all your own. You can do as much or little as you want at any given time. Local pagan stores are a great way to find like-minded people, or you can check Meetup.com for local groups and celebrations.