Witch Girl answers:

Being a Wiccan is not inherited, but if your parents are Wiccan - you may find their beliefs worth following... Where you wander on your spiritual path is your choice...

It is thought that the force of the universe (some might say Nature) is divided into male and female manifestations. And to balance the acts of so many other religions, Wiccans tend to interact more with the Female or Goddess side of things. If you have spent time breathing with the trees - you may have a sense of how the force behind all feels... It is the force of life and of love...

Many years are spent in understanding how to interact with the Goddess, and in the mean time, we can ask the Goddess or the Universe to help with our survival and progress. Some of this asking maybe considered to be prayers, some of it maybe considered spells and some of it maybe considered learning how to hear and see what one needs to do on this Earth...

Witch Girl answers:

Wiccans follow what is called an earth-based religion. They believe in the polarity of male and female in the god and goddess and that they are manifest through nature. Their calendar of celebrations is known as the Wheel of the Year, and follows the moon and the sun (full moon celebrations, equinoxes and solstices).

It's a very peaceful path and one of responsibility. Most Wiccans believe in the law of three which states that whatever you put out, returns to you three-fold, and the main law is that of " if it harms none, do what you will".

May the blessings be...

Witch Girl answers:

First a Generalization, the overall label of Neo-Paganism is a blanket descriptive term for the many life affirming "Old World" Indigenous spiritualities and Wicca is one of the many faiths covered by this label.

Those attracted to this Path are usually strongly independent personalities and their personal preference to which label they use to describe the spirituality is just as independent. So usage of "Witch", "Pagan" & "Wiccan" come down to personal choice. For example, not all "Witches" (within the Neo-pagan context) are Wiccans, not all Wiccans feel conformable with the "Witch" label. While others prefer a generic "pagan" label to describe their Spirituality. And one maybe all three...

This recognizes that "Witch" has many other definitions depending on the context in which it is used. And I think, that witch and Wiccan are more interchangeable terms. Still, as one follows the Wiccan path and emulate what others have done before you - you may find that you prefer one "set of practices and thoughts" and adjust your label accordingly. Ultimately, you decide to call yourself what you will... perhaps, just so you can more easily share with others, who are seeking as you are.

The casting of spells can be done by anyone - irregardless of one's chosen label. It is a way of sending one's intent, kindly I would suggest, so that particular requests or goals are fulfilled by the Universe.

Witch Girl answers:

As a follower of Wicca, you are already aware that we don't believe in proselytizing, so anything you do, shouldn't be in any way a "being in their face" about your Spiritual Beliefs. That just adds fuel to their fire and makes for an uncomfortable living situation.

The intent of just about any ritual is to *connect* and make relationship. All of the 'trappings' of wands, cauldrons, robes (or none), etc., are just that, trappings. The most powerful tools you posses as a witch are your heart and mind.

If the weather's not too harsh, take a walk outside the evening/night of October 31–November 1, and find a quiet place to light a candle and perform your own ritual. Or perhaps you can find a quiet place at home. If you feel that even lighting a candle is too "inflammatory," in either case, for your housemates, then let it burn on another plane of existence.

Your celebration, honoring, and meditation can be as rich and fulfilling as you choose them to be - experienced on the outside or within or both...

Best Wishes and brightest blessings.

Witch Girl answers:

This website offers info on all open covens, etc., geographically...good luck: http://www.witchvox.com
Enter your country, county, city and see what comes up. Sometimes a local pagan store will also have info on local covens or even solitaires who are willing to be mentors.