 When beginning your studies in Wicca, Druidry, Paganism, Shamanism or Witchcraft the first is often the hardest. Deciding to make the change, often is more impacting than just deciding you don‘t want to go to church anymore, it a lifestyle and whether you realize it now or not, even if you stay in the proverbial broom closet, it’s a decision that will effect your relationships with others.
You must be prepared for the inevitable question of, “why?”
And trust me, that simple syllable is not always as easy to answer as it is to ask, and it is the first thing you will be asked. 
Next is the ready assumption that you are out at night dressed all in black killing and mutilating pets. Not as common as it was ten years ago, but still a potential problem. You will need to be able to explain “What” you believe and “How” you practice.
“Where” is often a personal decision, and the answer often varies by whether or not you are staying in the closet, you might have a permanent temple, an altar in the corner of your living room or a portable altar that you take down and set up when you need to.
“When” is also a personal decision, to you honor the seasonal holidays but no lunar ones? Or do your practices follow the moon while the seasons are embraced but not in the religious aspect. I have been asked how I could follow a religion with no organization behind meetings, no weekly congregation to which I always answer ‘With Joy.’
Finally we come to the selfish part the step is determining what you want to gain from your path. Now this might sound a little self serving, you may think ‘gain from religion?’ and that is exactly the case, most of us are discontent with our old, previous or even current paths because it feels stale, and we want to move forward. But forward can go in a lot of different directions.
Do you smile when you think of the Witch brewing potions? Do you want to blend ritual incense? Do you like the idea of mixing oils? Do you like to Garden? Do you love to cook?
Does the idea of sacred objects imbued with power appeal to you? Metal work? Candle making? Sewing? Astrology?
Is it just the ancient wisdom and connections to the world around you? Are you a Teacher?
Learning about your family heritage, the mythology and legends, the idea of drawing strength out of the past does that fascinate you? Dragons? Faeries?
There are as many different kinds of Pagan as there are people. Who are you?
Setting goals, being motivated, and knowing what you want are critical no matter what path you choose to fallow, and zealots aren’t fun at any party, going forward with your studies in Wicca 101 there are two important things to remember.
Focus on the Positive.
Learn from your Mistakes.
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