New to magic(k), and I haven't a clue what to look for. ^^;

[SonarP]

D: Yep, that's right. After seeing a couple of conversations over Gaia about witchcraft and magic, I want to know what exactly I am to look for in regards to magick. I'm not exactly familiar with Penzcak...a friend of mine suggested that I read his book The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft, and I've heard of his other books...but as for figuring out which is truth and which is lies...well...is it something I have to have extensive information from anthropology?  

[Kalyani Srijoi]

Well, a knowledge of anthropology is always nice.

What sort of magic are you drawn to? Like, when you think of magic, casting a spell or performing a ritual, what is it like, in your mind? That will give us an idea of what sort of tradition you're looking for, and we can tell you the best places to get information on it.  

[saint dreya]

SonarP

D: Yep, that's right. After seeing a couple of conversations over Gaia about witchcraft and magic, I want to know what exactly I am to look for in regards to magick.

check out Crowley, specifically to find out how that particular spelling of the word came about and what its significance is.

are you interested in magic in general, or is there a specific culture you are drawn to as well? do you like the spontaneous spell idea with few tools, or more drawn out and ceremonial? do you already proscribe to a certain religious calling/theology? do you want specific structure, or a smorgasboard?  

[SonarP]

I'm looking for books that follow a shamanic ( neutral I'm not saying I can be a shaman) path for the most part. I'd also like to know where "mewlings" can be able to practice the basics. Does that help?  

[SonarP]

Also, I'm looking for books more or less geared towards African culture, or Native American culture. I've got some of the books that, if I remember correctly, Nuri and/or Pelta directed me to, on a list to get wherever I can.  

[PurpleDragonsGems]

SonarP

Also, I'm looking for books more or less geared towards African culture, or Native American culture. I've got some of the books that, if I remember correctly, Nuri and/or Pelta directed me to, on a list to get wherever I can.

Which African or Native American culture?  

[SonarP]

For Native American, I would prefer Blackfoot or Cherokee. For African, I would like any sources that can be found from the southern tip.  

[queertastrophy]

SonarP

For Native American, I would prefer Blackfoot or Cherokee. For African, I would like any sources that can be found from the southern tip.

Do you have any ties to those cultures, be they by blood, or other means?

I'm not sure how it is for African tribes, but I know (if I remember reading correctly, that is) that many Native American paths are closed or semi-closed, meaning that you, yourself, have to be integrated into the culture in order to practice that faith (i.e. by growing up within it). As an example: I have Cherokee ancestry in my family, on my mother's side (from my great-grandmother, I believe (haven't looked at the family tree in quite a while)). However, I am in no way, whatsoever, part of the Cherokee culture, or any of the subcultures therein.

Just be careful when searching for the faith that you feel you can fit into, and be extra sensitive to the fact that you might not be accepted into it because you lack the blood or culture ties.

Hope I helped in some way.  

[PurpleDragonsGems]

Mmmm, my ancestry includes Abaneki and Seminole. My mother was part of the Abaneki tribe when she was young (long story). I have a book on West African Sprituality, although I don't know the accountablity of the authors. I have no clue from what part of Africa my family ancesters hail from. I guess I could look, but honestly, I'm not all that intrested, I've always been more intrested in our Native American heritage (though my father's brother, a black history profeser, wishes otherwise). Sence my family name is Dutch, it could be South African.....eh, maybe I will look it up xd .  

[SonarP]

I'm in the same boat as BlueRoseTorn. I'm not within the society, but some blood trickled its way down into my family. sweatdrop  

[jaden kendam]

SonarP

I'm in the same boat as BlueRoseTorn. I'm not within the society, but some blood trickled its way down into my family. sweatdrop

Which means to actually learn what they practice and not the fluff they give the "white devil", you might want to learn what it would take to be considered a part of them. You can get adopted by the tribe and/or take a 600$ blood test.