Thoughts on Learning Witchcraft

 

Recently in an online Pagan, Witchcraft and Wicca group a member had posted how happy she was at completing an online study program for Wicca.  Which is a huge accomplishment to complete any educational program.  Unfortunately, in any online group there are negative people who will find the worst in most anything posted.

Many of those in this group were saying that it was a scam and you can't get a "degree" in Wicca. In addition they critiqued the credentials of the teachers and creators of the program. The sad part is that, here is someone just starting out with the practice.  What struck me as sad was the amount of the occult community that were negatively saying you shouldn't study online classes.

What I find sad about the negative criticism that was instead of encouraging learning it was a deterrent to learning online.  Not only that many prestigious witches in the Occult community teach online classes and have schools in which you can learn and grow within the craft.  

The negative criticism can cast doubts to those new to the craft.  As a community we should be encouraging learning, knowledge, growth and wisdom.  We should be embracing and encouraging growth and education within the occult community.

It was just three centuries ago that the Salem Witch Trials took place (1692-1693).  Less than a century ago that Wicca was introduced by Gerald Gardner. It is much easier in the 21st century to find more that are in the occult community than it was even just fifty years ago.  

What I found to be disappointing is that the criticism that you can't get a degree in Wicca.  Most Wiccan groups actually do offer degrees. These are the years of study within the Wiccan Group, Coven or School. There are also Witchcraft Schools to learn the basics and beginning witchcraft.

With so many prestigious teachers like Christopher Penzack, Devin Hunter, and many more, who all teach online why deter a new prospect by telling them that online learning is a scam. It was the generalization that all online learning is a scam that was sad considering that not everything in life is fake and a scam.

However, most schools will tell you the credentials of the teachers and outline their programs. If this isn't present send a message to the school to get that information.  There are many well versed witchcraft teachers in the occult community that teach online. When starting out, online sometimes is the easiest way to find the occult community.  

The best way to start out is to find books, classes, and occult shoppes.  The majority of the community will welcome you with open arms and help you find your pathway. If you join an online group and see that there is a lot of negativity (like the group that inspired me to write this blog). It might not be the best group to follow. There are many online chat groups in the occult community that will guide you and help you along on your spiritual pathway and craft.