What are the different areas of study in old religion wicca?

Question

I met someone today who can take me in as a student to learn all of this, but first I must decide which areas I would like to focus on. I know there's herbal and medicinal, but what are the others?

Answer 1

Merry Meet Lizbeth,

There is much to learn about the Craft, and especially Wicca. First you need to look at which type of Wiccan you want to be, Traditional or non-Traditional, Eclectic or General. As an example: Gardnerian or Dianic is Traditional, Discordia is non-traditional, and Eclectic uses bits and pieces of every system possible and General is basically Wicca without any leanings at all.

Once you have decided to be or follow one of the above mentioned types, then its time to seek out a Mentor. I suggest you look to Witchvox.com. It is a world wide resource to aid those seeking for fellowship and knowledge. It also has links to potential people near you that can possibly help you in your walk in the Craft. But be cautious when looking for a group or individual to learn from, there are hazards in the world. Try to find an established group, and possibly a legitimate organization that has gotten their Tax Exemption.

Also if you can, get your hands on Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin and/or The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan. Both of these books are very good reading and both will give you some deeper insight to the Craft and how it relates to you. If you like something more on the eclectic side, I suggest any Scott Cunningham book; they are all very well done.

I hope this helps out some.

Blessed Be

Nyjh

Answer 2

answer: find a different teacher.  Wicca isn't an old religion.  It dates to 1954.  There is no evidence of "unbroken" lineage dating back to the cave.  

Herbal and medicinal isn't Wicca - those are fields of study of interest to a lot of pagans, Wiccans and witches but that's not what Wicca is.

Wicca is a religion: a celebration of life, the gods/goddesses and the holidays, the cycle of the year.  

If your teacher hasn't pointed any of that out - find a new teacher

To Explore Wicca/paganism

1) Ignore the fundies saying you’ll go to h**l and are opening yourself up to demons. We don’t believe in either.

2) Get the book: Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham (Amazon.com used books is a great resource)

3) Avoid Silver Ravenwolf, DJ Conway and most Llewellyn books

4) Do NOT pay for lessons over the internet.  You can’t ask for references.  Do NOT give out personal information to anyone over the internet.  Get a PO Box.  

5) www.witchvox.com  www.wicca.timerift.net

6) Learn and keep learning about various paths in paganism.

7)  get the book: "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margo Adler (an older book that's a little dated, especially concerning Asatru but a good resource) - it gives an overview on a lot of pagan traditions.  (thanks Hunter)

Answer 3

This "teacher" is using a buzzword to represent random practices that have nothing to do with Wicca.

Wicca is a religion.  It is not old.  The "old religion" that these Wiccans claim to descend from has been an academic joke for 40 years.  Completely discredited.  Never supported by evidence.  Studied by hundreds of historians.

Herbal and medicinal what? Herbal Wicca?  Medicinal Wicca?  Those are nonsense terms.  Wicca is a religion.  Herbal Wicca makes no more sense than Herbal Christianity.

Are you meaning herbalism?  Are you meaning herbal magic?  (they aren't the same thing)  Does "medicinal" mean "healing magic"?  OR do you mean something synonymous with herbalism?  Seriously, I do not know what you're asking about, but none of my guesses have anything to do with Wicca.

Answer 4

Excellently said, Vlad!

Seriously, read his answer AGAIN.

Answer 5

Herbal magick

Ceremonial magick

Folk magick

Sigil magick

Astral Projection

Divination

Tarot, Runes etc...

Answer 6

Please check out http://fiveelement.proboards76.com/ for some ideas. This is the site that MY instructor has set up to show us the different subjects that she teaches.

Answer 7

I hate to say it, but Vlad has a vaild point. No teacher that you aquire should ask you to choose what "areas" you want to learn in and only teach you that. Before you go into learning herbalism and other things of that nature  you really need to focus on the Basics! Learn the historys, Lores, and of course what Wicca is all about. Hopefully you will check out the site that Nyjh gave and you can find a true mentor in the Craft and you will grow the way you are supposed to and not be stiffled by the bull that some people want to give out.

In light and love,

Kelly