The only way to tell if Wicca is right for you is to try it. You'd do the same of any other religion, why not Wicca? Those of you lucky enough to be in an area where there are public gatherings or rituals can go and visit without any committment. There are, of course, books on the subject, but they can be very confusing. There are also online rituals, too, that can give you an anonymous, safe introduction.

Wicca, in most covens and by many solitaries, is taught Master to Apprentice. Usually there are three "degrees" of initiation. But there is also a dedicatory or novice stage where there is no pressure to do anything but learn at your own pace and the path of Wicca is left behind if student, teacher or both come to the conclusion this isn't right for you. The novice stage of training lasts a minimum of a year and a day. With some individuals it may be longer. I will outline the things that are generally taught so you know what to expect.

• Dedicatory Ritual. This is a Rite of Passage. This should include a statement of what is expected of both Student and Teacher as well as marking the milestone of your starting your training.

• Grounding and Centering. This comes in many forms, but there should be some instruction on how to tap energy from a source outside of yourself, how to calm and relax yourself, and become ready for the basic exercises.

• Visualization. This will be basic, but it is very important. It helps you in the creative aspect of Wicca and magical work.

• How to contact the Goddess and the God. This is a simple thing, but it gives you so much. More than just a course on Wiccan prayer methods and meditation methods, it should also teach you how to learn about Them from Them

• The Science of Wicca. This is not taught in all traditions, but many do encourage reading on your own of this subject. I myself think of it as necessary.

• An understanding of the Sacred Elements, tools, colors and symbols used in the Craft. This seems like a lot. It is. This should encompass the names, meaning and ritual use of these things. A Wiccan should be calling on the Elements within a couple of months of starting their training, and begin to be comfortable with the tools involved. Learning to cast a circle is also involved here, as is energy raising. May include information on trees, stones and herbs.

• The Seasons, their celebrations and meaning. This includes how to Honor the Goddess and God, the lore for each season and the rituals involved.

• Reading. All teachers have their favorite books to recommend. If they didn't I'd really wonder about them as a teacher.

• Wiccan Ethics and Philosophy. This should cover the Wiccan Rede and how it effects our approach to the world around us and our magical work as it relates to us and others.

• Ritual design. Not every tradition allows you to write rituals as they have a book of ceremonies they do not deviate from, but you should still be taught the basic elements that go into rituals. Some teachers will have you write and lead an entire ritual as a culmination of the novice phase.

• Introduction to divination methods. You will be shown several different types of divination and should be given a choice of two to study. Some traditions have one that is mandatory and one that is elective, others let you play and choose.

• An Introduction to a healing technique. Some use Reiki, or Therapeutic Touch, others talk about healing from a distance.

• Chants and music. Many traditions have favorite chants and many don't use music all that much. You should at least learn a few, if not how to create them.

• History of the Craft. This may take many forms, but should include the Burning Times (Inquisition) and Wicca's modern resurgence. Some have a history of their tradition and coven as well.

• Introduction into the local and/or national Wiccan community. In many traditions this is very important. As a solitary it may or may not be considered important.