The 13 Goals of a Witch
as written by Scott Cunningham in "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner"

Know Yourself:

It is very important that you know who you are in order to practice the Craft. Sometimes we think we do know ourselves, but in truth we don't. Most of the time we have an image of who we think we are or how others think we are instead of really being ourselves. It is not easy to be ourselves deep inside and create an outer shell that we show to the world. Therefore, you must look deep down within yourself. Start exploring yourself anew. Yes, even look into your dark side. See yourself for who you truly are, and embrace yourself for the person you have become.

Know Your Craft:

Learn all you can about the Craft. There are pleanty of books, good and bad, on the topic. Read as much as you can. Meditate about what you have to read. No witch is an expert on all aspects of witchcraft. Some are good herb healers, and others prefer gems. There are those who are excellent tarot readers, and those who prefer runes. If you are interested in a specific topic, study it seriously and become and expert in that feild. Practice your Craft. Keep a Book Of Shadows in which you keep a thorough record of your witchy activities.

Learn:

Read...read...read! The more you read the more you learn. I personally find everything about witchcraft interesting which makes it easier for me to read alot about it. Ask questions. Broaden your horizens by learning from other pagans and wiccan. You will be amazed how much you can learn from others through their enriching experiences. Being a witch is a neverending learning experience. You never stop learning. If you do, you become stale. This doesn't apply only to your religion; this applies to your life. Enrich your life. Get a new hobby. Visit new places. Study something you really like. Meet new people. Your life will be more exciting!! And believe it or not you will have a better understanding of the world around.

Have Patience:

Patience is a virtue every witch and pagan must have, and it is the hardest to achieve. First practice having patience with yourself, then you will be able to be patient with others.

Apply Knowledge with Wisdom:

Knowledge is a very powerful tool. The more you learn, the more knowledgeable you will become. Therefore, use your better judgement when you do your magical works. Remember that the Wiccan Rede says "Do as you will but harm none."

Achieve Balance:

Lead a well-balanced life. Don't let one part of your life take over your whole life. Let's face it, for most of us, our jobs practically take 95% of our time. That is unhealthy. Take time to do things you like. Set time to enjoy activities with your family and friends. Don't overdo things.

Keep Your Words in Good Order:

Speak clearly as you express yourself. Measure your words. Speak truthfully always, except when what you speak may lead to great harm. Do not lie. Do not gossip or speak ill of others. Look inside yourself and see if you are the right person to be badmouthing someone. Critisism is okay, but one thing is a constructive critic and another is bashing. Never speak in anger. You will say things you will regret later. Take a time-out if necessary.

Keep Your Thoughts in Good Order:

Keep your thoughts clear. Express your ideas and opinions but always keep an open mind. Keep away negitive thoughts that might depress you. But be careful of what you think about others. Don't be hasty to judhe a person, or you might be misjudging the person and being unfair.

Celebrate Life:

Life is beautiful!! Life is the most precious gift from the Goddess to her children so enjoy it. Go out and witness the miracles around you for there is life wherever you look. Take a walk through a park and enjoy nature's beauty. Maybe plant a tree. Watch a sunset. Bask in the morning sun. Join a group and help clean forests and protect animals. Recycle. But most important, be happy and thankful to know that you are alive.

Attune with the Cycles of the Earth:

Seasons bring change to both nature and people. Become attune with them. Celebrate the Sabbats. Do activities to help you out in becoming attune with the seasons, like decorating your place and/or altar according to the Sabbats. Take a stroll through a park and observe nature as it changes from one season to another.

Keep Yourself Healthy:

Eat right and excersise your body regularly. You should have all three daily meals, drop eating between meals, and reduce the fat in your meals. Drink a lot of water and take vitamins. Avoid the yo-yo diets. This isn't about being a health freak, it is about achieving a balance. Excersis keeps your body healthy and strong. Exercising should be fun. DOn't run 2 miles unless you want to. There are other exercises you can do like yoga or power walking. Both are very effective! Stop smoking and drinking!

Meditate:

Find a quiet place where you can't be disturbed and take at least 10-15 minutes every day to meditate. You can either do this when you wake in the mornings or before you go to sleep. Clear your mind of any negitive thoughts and fill it with positive ones. Find inner peace. If you meditate in the afternoons. or in the evenings, use your meditation time to recharge you energies.

Honor the Goddess and God:

Always remember to honor the Goddess on the Esbat. Maybe create a little altar for the Goddess and her cohort, the God. Then light candles or insence for them. Thank them for all the good things in your life (and ever for the not-so-good ones!)

SLIVER BRANCH GRAPHICS