If not, you might want to back up a bit.
Do you know what kind of witch you are?
If not it's ok, but you might want to check out this list.
Do you know how to navigate the research you're about to start?
If not, definitely back up!
Still confused on what you should and shouldn't do?
Here's some tips!
Ok, now you can actually start your research.
Remember back in school, when you had to take notes on a given lecture? Well, sorry to give you flashbacks, but that's where we're headed.
Get out your notebook. A lot of your research notes can go into your Book of Shadows (if you wish to have such a thing, but it is not necessary if you don't want) in the future, but trust me when I say you want to just write them in a notebook for now. Once your notes are finalized, you can rewrite them in your Book of Shadows, so they are clean and legible and easy to follow. For now, chicken scratch and outline all you want.
Pen or pencil. Your preference really.
I recommend starting by writing everything you currently know about Paganism. You can word map if you want, sometimes that's easiest.
Once you're done, start a new page.
Look into the history of witchcraft.
What ancient cultures used witchcraft? What did their craft look like? What did they call witchcraft? What significant events happened during that time that effected Paganism and witchcraft? Expand on these events: what was the event about? How did they effect Paganism and witchcraft?
What myths and legends evolved around that time that relate to Paganism and witchcraft? What were the myths and legends about? Who was involved? What area were the myths and legends from? What cultures were they from? Are these myths and legends still relevant today or have they been debunked?
What myths and legends evolved around that time that relate to Paganism and witchcraft? What were the myths and legends about? Who was involved? What area were the myths and legends from? What cultures were they from? Are these myths and legends still relevant today or have they been debunked?
Slowly progress through time, taking notes along the way. If it seems important, write it down.
Modern witchcraft.
As you close in on modern times, look at different types of witchcraft.
Remember that list I wrote - if not, you can locate it here - you're welcome to use it as a starting point, but see if you can expand it. Are there other types? Are there other important things you should know about the ones listed?
Who are some famous Pagans and witches in modern times? Who are some famous Pagans and witches of times past? Is there a person you believe is a Pagan/witch? Why?
Deities
Research deities of different Pagan religions. Who are they? What do they look like? What are they associated with? How are they worshiped? What about them has changed from ancient times to modern times? Are they similar to other deities in that faith? Are they similar to other deities in other faiths? Draw them or attach an image of the deity to your notes.
Tools
Research tools that are commonly used in Pagan practices and witchcraft. What is the tool called? What does it look like? How is it used? Does it's use differ from ritual to ritual? Does it's use differ from culture to culture or religion to religion? Why is it used this way? Where did the use of the tool originate from? Draw the tool, or attach an image of the tool to your notes.
Nature
Research ways that nature impacts Paganism and witchcraft. How does the craft rely on nature? What is astrology? Herbalism? Grounding? Has the impact nature has on the craft changed over time? How can witches use nature without hurting nature? How can a witch give back to nature? How is nature used in spellwork?
Research commonly used herbs in witchcraft. What is the herb? What does it look like? How is it used? Is it poisonous? Does it react with other herbs/ingredients? Can it be ingested? What is it associated with and why is it used this way? Where is it from? Is it native to your area? Draw a picture of the herb, or attach an image of it to your notes.
Research grounding techniques. When should grounding be used? How can you tell when to use grounding? What does grounding accomplish?
Research minerals and stones. What is the stone called? What does it look like? How is it used? What is it associated with? Where can it be found? Does it need to be charged and/or cleansed? How do you charge and cleanse it? Draw a picture of the stone, or attach an image of it to your notes.
Research the moon, planets, and stars. What is the star called? Where is it located? How do you find it in the night sky? What is associated with the star? Is it included in a constellation and/or astrology? How can it be incorporated in the craft? What is the planet called? What does the planet look like? Where is it located? Can you see it with the naked eye? What is associated with the planet? What does "retrograde" mean and how does it affect the craft? How does retrograde effect people? What are the moon phases? How does the moon affect the craft? Does the affect change depending on the moon's phase? Draw photos of the stars, constellations, and planets, or include images of them in your notes.
Research color. What is associated with each color? How is it used? Can it be incorporated in spellwork? How does it affect spellwork? How does it affect mood? Include the color in your notes.
Spells
Research different types of spells. How do spells work? Can you assign labels to them? What is the difference between a spell, potion, curse, and hex? How have spells changed through time? What were common ingredients used in ancient spells? Can ingredients be substituted? How are spells depicted in the media? Has their depiction changed over time? When should you use spells?
Symbols
Research common symbols used in witchcraft. What is the symbol called? What does it represent? When is it used? Where did it originate? Can it be associated with other symbols? How is the symbol used? What are runes? What are sigils?
Divination
Research methods of divination. What is divination? How does divination work? What does divination accomplish? What is palmistry? What is scrying? What are tools used in divination? Tarot cards? Pendulums? Ouija boards? Crystal balls? Tea leaves? Draw the tools or include pictures of them in your notes.
Symbols
Research common symbols used in witchcraft. What is the symbol called? What does it represent? When is it used? Where did it originate? Can it be associated with other symbols? How is the symbol used? What are runes? What are sigils?
Divination
Research methods of divination. What is divination? How does divination work? What does divination accomplish? What is palmistry? What is scrying? What are tools used in divination? Tarot cards? Pendulums? Ouija boards? Crystal balls? Tea leaves? Draw the tools or include pictures of them in your notes.
Elements
Research the elements. What are the four elements? Is there a fifth? What is associated with the elements? How can they be represented in witchcraft? What element seems to call to you the most? The least?
Research the elements. What are the four elements? Is there a fifth? What is associated with the elements? How can they be represented in witchcraft? What element seems to call to you the most? The least?
Keep Going!
Don't stop here. You want as much information as you can find. Cross reference it as much as you can. Remember this is just a basic starting list. This is not the end of research.
Find a method of researching that works for you. Word mapping, color coating, diagrams, etc. It's up to you to put the effort into your craft.
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