In some ways, deciding on a Spiritual Path is like working on a project; an idea or compulsion sparks research into it and its feasibility. Quite often, this research opens up several avenues to look further into.
After research, you are left with options -- but which to pursue further?
There are many views and options on how to follow a spiritual path, once you have chosen the one you feel for the most. Many are dependent on personal preference, some on accessibility or sheer ease. With Paganism/Wicca/Witchcraft, there are several options:
Books: In this age of computer technology, these may not be the most popular choice for all. The first book you pick up is not likely to answer all your questions or give you all the Information you need. There are also many books in publication today that can be said to be "riding the popularity wave". It is a recorded fact that interest in Paganism and its branches has increased over the past decade, with the help of the media. But due to this media effect, there are some books that take a rather "fluffy" or archetypal approach. “How To Turn Your Boyfriend Into A Toad And Other Spells” was one I came across in my local bookstore. If research has been done, then it would be known that this book seems to be going by stereotypes rather than more factual information.
Internet: The Internet, both a blessing and a curse. It is only thanks to the Internet that you are reading this -- but, as with books, there is a large amount of inaccurate, unreliable or speculative information to be found by typing "Witchcraft" into a search engine. Again, research can help -- if there are any terms or points that grab your attention, search for them in particular rather than "witchcraft" in general. An example: my early research highlighted the Pagan festivals of the year, and I was interested in the origins of the names. I searched for "Oestara" online, and was given a link to (amongst others) The Pagan Federation. Very few of my results from that search seemed irrelevant or the result of media hype. Common sense and careful wording can find a wealth of useful information on the World Wide Web.
With both these sources, it is always prudent to remember that information may be opinion or belief only for that author. It would be unwise to take the first thing you read as the gospel truth. Collating information on the same subject from different sources is far more likely to give you an idea of the depth of the subject, and the range of views on it.
Other practitioners: A resource not always accessible. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Wicca by a good friend of mine, who I was able to go to with my queries and ideas. Over the years, I have also been lucky enough to meet other Wiccans, who I have been able to share ideas and Experiences with. It is an enlightening way to share and develop ideas, as well as finding new friends that share an interest. However -- once again, I must suggest caution. Announcing to the world that you are a Pagan/Wiccan/Witch etc looking for another Pagan/Wiccan/Witch etc to share ideas with may bring in unwanted attention. Many books have lists of useful contacts in the index, as do many reputable websites.
If information is taken with a pinch of salt and a dose of common sense, then it is more than possible to find answers to questions and interesting facts, history and useful knowledge.
Downloadable books (free):
John Seymour - Irish Witchcraft And DemonologyMichael Ford - Luciferian Witchcraft An Introduction
Elizabeth Reis - Revelation Witchcraft And The Danger Of Knowing God Secrets
