So, I've been reading a ton of books, and watching a ton of videos, and I believe I have found a path.
I felt very drawn to the Shamanic Wicca path, as I myself, from a young child have had many experiences with spirits, and I am very interested in the spirit realm, and the other practices as far as Shamanism go. I've found I feel very drawn to Morrígan. I also, decided to meditate last night and find out my spirit's guides name, and the first name that popped into my head was Gaia.

-Thus, I feel fairly content with this path that I've sort of begun here, but have no idea what to do next. I can't even begin to imagine where I go from here on out. I am interested in witchcraft, and would like to start beginning on spells, and rituals.
Although I've been studying a whole couple weeks, I still feel a little disoriented and confused, considering there's so much to know. I'd like to even begin on my book of Shadows, but so far I just have the Wiccan Rede, my Introduction, and a couple meditation entries.
I'm a little lost in this sea of knowledge, and a helping hand would be greatly appreciated.
--Also, forgive me, I have not introduced myself. My name is Yvonne, but I go by Eva, as a sort of nickname I have picked up along the years of people who can't pronounce/spell my name. I am currently 20 years old and I work as a waitress. So far not in school, because I am very content with the wage I am making (especially with tips, whew), and I am not sure what I'd want to study for the rest of my life.
 Part of me is very artistic and I love to sketch, another part of me adores animals and would love to work with them, but if I ever became a vet, I could never bear to put down animals, and that's why I avoid it. It hurts me to see them in pain, and I feel a connection so strongly with animals, that I feel their pain as my own. I care a little less about people, and I mean that completely unoffensively, I just have noticed how broken this world has become, and how screwed up alot of people are. I do care about people, however, I am very empathetic. And perhaps I'd like to pursue a therapist career, a degree in psychology.
But, we shall see, where life takes me. I look forward to conversing with you all, cheers

Haven't been here in AGES!!! I'm surprised I remembered my password.  Not sure if anyone will remember me, other than Firesong and the old Crow. 

Interesting, thought provoking replies... if it's a simple conflict, devoid of physical harm, I tend to rely on the fact that unskillful thoughts and actions invariably result in negative results; if the act constitutes a clear and present danger going forward, to me, or my family, I use whatever means are at my dislosal. For me, witchcraft is no different than any other resource. Curses and bindings are a last resort, just as using a physical weapon should be.  A curse can be worded to an appeal to a particular divine force to alow the perpetraton to experience that which they have sewn and all the necessary consequences that follow.

I've always thought of it more of an exchange of energy than payment, payment for services rendered is reasonable, but if you're in Canada, you'd better be able to demonstrate you're not pretending....

I think can be anything that helps you focus it in your mind...

Normally my sigils are more simple but you have given me somethings to think about. I will definitely be trying new techniques thank you oldghost

You can do it in form of animals like a Egyptian cartouche with the different animals spelling the words . You can put things like her zodiac sign in , inset with different pieces of enamel or even small crystal shards . A lot of sigils are two sided with one side being the ( wish, pray ) to who she calls on with the other side being ( hope , dream ) she wishes to happen or the spell of protection etc..

Thank you Alchymist! And that is an interesting thought, they are very similar   

Greetings Branwen,

I'd say it's an excellent idea to make art from a sigil - or to make a sigil in the form of art. If nothing else, to create an image from the squiggle that most sigils seem to take the form of, makes it easier to remember and easier to visualise, which is what sigil magic is all about. Myself, I tend to do this with every sigil I create.

As an aside - I wonder if the words "sigil" and "squiggle" come from the same root, in Latin or Greek or something??. . . Just a thought . . . .

Blessed Be,

Alchymist

So I have a question here, I have a friend who has been going through a really hard time lately. I have been thingking about making a Sigil for her out of a sentance she makes for herself (I feel it is very important I get the right idea and intent). I was thinking about making it in my printmaking class. Would it be wrong to make an art peice out of a Sigil? Should I be more modest about it? To me art is about creating meaning and provoking thought and  ideas and creating interaction. I thought this would pair well with a Sigil. Please enlighten me with your perspective