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For the past couple of months, I've been thinking about coming back to Wicca/Paganism. I use to practice all the time when I was younger, but now I can't stop thinking about it. I think now that I'm older, it's easier for me to understand. I want to share with you my thoughts and questions about Wicca/Paganism.

What I know:
- There are many traditions to follow, including the Solitary Path.
- Wicca and Paganism are polytheistic.
- Paganism is older (hundreds of years old). Wicca is younger (a few decades old).
- Wicca and Paganism have nothing to do with Christian religions and Satanism, which are completely different entities.
- There are laws and they should be upheld.
- There are Esbats and Sabbats that are celebrated.
- Astrology, numerology, trees/plants, animals, stones, colors and the four elements are all connected.

A bit about my past:
It's really stupid and cliche to say that Harry Potter opened my mind to it all. But it's true. I started to do research back in 1999-2000, just when I was able to start reading them. I gravitated towards wands instantly. Then I found the cauldrons and athames. It was a snowball effect.
I found some books and a few websites to help with research. Silver Ravenwolf's "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" was the first book I ever bought (the original!). I really wanted Ravenwolf's "Teen Witch Kit".

Anyhoo, it's been a few years since I got rid of my original Book of Shadows. I can't believe I literally threw it out. Like, in the trash threw it out. sweatdrop I didn't know that I was going to need it again. But, I'm back now and I claim this new period in my life a do-over.

I know, now, that I am completely novice in all of this. I just can't get away from what I already know about Wicca.

To me, Wicca and Paganism are very spiritual and organic. I believe that both make sense to me because there are four (well, five) main elements than make up everything on this earth. Everything has a map leading to something else -it's all connected. You can't find the connection they share in other religions.

What I want to know:
- How has Wicca and Paganism changed in the past 10-13 years?
- What is considered the "norm" nowadays?
- Are people more accepting of practicing Wicca and Paganism?
- Is it acceptable to call Wiccans and Pagans witches and/or wizards?
- What are some authors I should read up on? (I know the Internet might be a bigger source because of first-hand experience, etc.)
- How has the Internet changed the way Wiccans and Pagans practice? Has it improved or worsened the religion?
- Is practicing solitary still acceptable?
- How often does worship happen at home and in the coven?
- Do you have to follow a particular deity?
- I’ve been reading a lot about people not being Wiccan until they are initiated.
- What if you are Solitary? Is there even such thing as being a solitary witch anymore?
- Do you have to be initiated if you want to practice solitary?
- Is it okay to have a full time job and practice Wicca?

There are so many more questions I have. It's just hard for me to get answers in person since I don't know anyone. If I have more questions, I will ask. lol

If you are reading this, thank you for reading. 3nodding