Modern Paganism for Beginners: How to Start Your Spiritual Journey

Explore modern paganism with this beginner’s guide to starting your spiritual journey. Discover core beliefs, seasonal rituals and simple practices to connect with nature, honour ancient traditions and cultivate mindfulness.

Lorna x

Modern Paganism is a diverse and evolving spiritual path centered on nature, ancient traditions, and personal spirituality. Unlike organized religions with strict dogma, Paganism is an umbrella term for various spiritual paths that honour the cycles of the Earth, celestial bodies and deities or spirits.

If you’re new to Paganism and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of practices, don’t worry. We’ve been there, too! So, in this guide, we’ll take you through the fundamentals of Modern Paganism and provide actionable steps to begin your journey.

What is Modern Paganism?

Modern Paganism refers to contemporary spiritual movements inspired by ancient pre-Christian beliefs. We cannot know the original doctrine of many of these ancient belief systems, since the cultures that practiced them often had no written language or else were forbidden to commit their lore to writing. Our knowledge of these cultures usually comes to us via their enemies (such as the Romans).

Some of the most well-known Pagan paths include:

• Wicca – A structured, ritual-based path primarily focused on the Moon Goddess, the Wheel of the Year and spellwork.
• Druidism – A nature-based practice honouring the spirits of the land, trees and ancestral wisdom.
• Heathenry – A revival of Norse and Germanic spiritual traditions, honouring deities like Odin, Freyja and Thor.
• Eclectic Paganism – A mix-and-match approach where practitioners create a unique spiritual practice.

Despite these differences, most Pagan traditions share common values: a reverence for nature, a belief in the sacred and the importance of personal experience in spirituality.

Modern Paganism – Core Beliefs & Principles

A reverence for nature is central to most modern Pagan beliefs and is often seen as sacred and imbued with divine energy. Many Pagans honour the cycles of the seasons, the phases of the moon and the interconnectedness of all living things, celebrating these through rituals and festivals.

Though Modern Paganism is highly individualistic, many practitioners share similar foundational beliefs:

• Nature is Sacred – The Earth, sun, moon and natural cycles are honoured.
• Divinity is Personal – Some Pagans believe in many gods (polytheism), while others reject the idea of divine beings altogether and see divinity as simply an energy that permeates everything.
• Magic – Many Pagan paths include spellwork, divination or energy manipulation as a way to create change.
• The Wheel of the Year – Seasonal festivals (Sabbats) mark important agricultural and celestial events.
• Ethical Responsibility – The Wiccan Rede (“An it harm none, do what ye will”) and the concept of karma influence many Pagans’ moral choices.

How to Start Practicing Paganism

Starting a Pagan spiritual practice doesn’t require expensive tools or initiation. At its core, Paganism is a deeply personal and nature-based spiritual path that emphasises connection to the earth and living by the seasons.

Many people are drawn to Paganism because of its flexibility and accessibility—it allows individuals to craft a practice that resonates with their unique beliefs and experiences. Here are five simple steps to begin:

1. Learn & Research

Before committing to a path, take time to explore the diverse traditions within Paganism to discover what truly resonates with you. Paganism encompasses a wide range of practices, from Wicca and Druidry to Heathenry, Hellenism and eclectic approaches, each with its own unique rituals, deities, and philosophies.

Some recommended books for beginners include:

• Find your Soul Path by Emma Griffin (Wicca & Feminine Spirituality) Read our review here
• The Witch’s Way Home by Emma Griffin (Magic, Spells and Rituals)
• Paganism: Unlocking the Secrets of Druidism and Norse Spirituality by Silvia Hill (Beginners guide to Druid and Norse paganism)

2. Connect with Nature

Paganism is rooted in the natural world. Spend time outdoors, observe the changing seasons and develop a relationship with the elements.

Gardening (our favourite pass time) is a great way to understand the seasons. But you can also try:

• Meditating outside
• Walking barefoot on grass (earthing)
• Leaving small offerings to nature spirits

3. Observe the Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is an eightfold Wiccan festival cycle marking the solstices, equinoxes and Celtic fire festivals. It reflects nature’s cycles, honouring themes of birth, growth, death and rebirth.

Celebrated by Wiccans and modern pagans, the Wheel provides a spiritual connection to seasonal changes and consists of eight seasonal festivals:

• Samhain (Oct 31 – Nov 1) – Honours ancestors and marks the start of winter.
• Yule (Winter Solstice, Dec. 20th – 1st Jan.) – Celebrates the rebirth of the sun.
• Imbolc (Feb 1–2) – Celebrates the first signs of spring.
• Ostara (Spring Equinox, 19th–21st March) – When day and night are of equal length.
• Beltane (April 30 – May 1) – Celebrates fertility, fire and the coming of summer.
• Litha (Summer Solstice, 20th–22nd of June) – A time for honouring the Sun on the longest day of the year.
• Lughnasadh (Aug 1-2) – Festival of the grain harvest, linked to the god Lugh.
• Mabon (Autumn Equinox, 21st–24rd Sept.) – When day and night are again of equal length.

4. Set Up a Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space is a foundational aspect of many spiritual practices, including Paganism. It is a physical or energetic area set aside for connecting with the divine, honouring nature or engaging in rituals and meditation.

A sacred space serves as a sanctuary—a place where you can retreat from the distractions of daily life and focus on your spiritual intentions. It doesn’t need to be large or elaborate; even a small corner of a room, a windowsill or a spot in your garden can become sacred when imbued with meaning and purpose.

Items to include in your sacred space might be:

• Altar: A central focal point for your sacred space, an altar can hold items like candles, crystals, statues of deities or symbols of the elements (earth, air, fire, water). It can also feature seasonal decorations, such as flowers, leaves or acorns, to reflect the cycles of nature.
• Natural Elements: Incorporate items from nature, such as stones, shells, feathers or plants, to ground your space in the energy of the earth.
• Sacred Tools: If you use tools like a wand, athame, chalice or witch bells, these can be placed on your altar or nearby.
• Personal Items: Include objects that hold personal significance, such as photos, jewellery or handwritten prayers to infuse the space with your unique energy.

Triple Moon Altar Table

Witchcraft for Beginners Altar Starter Pack

Book of Shadows (200 pages)

Brass Witch Bells for Protection

5. Explore Magic & Divination

Not all Pagans practice magic, but if you’re interested, it can be a meaningful and empowering addition to your spiritual practice. Magic in a Pagan context is often seen as a way of working with natural energies and intention to create change or manifest desires.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or dramatic—simple, everyday acts can be deeply magical when approached with mindfulness and purpose. Here are some accessible and beginner-friendly practices to try:

1. Tarot Magic:
   Tarot cards are not only a tool for divination but can also be used in magical practices to focus intention, manifest desires and deepen your connection to your inner wisdom.
2. Candle Magic:
   Candle magic is one of the simplest and most versatile forms of magic. Choose a candle in a colour that corresponds to your intention (e.g., green for abundance, red for passion, white for purification). Carve a word or symbol into the candle that represents your goal then light it while focusing on your intention. As the candle burns, visualise your desire coming to fruition.
3. Herbal Magic:
   Herbs have been used for centuries in magical practices for their energetic properties. You can create sachets, teas or incense blends using herbs that align with your intentions. For example, lavender for peace, rosemary for protection or cinnamon for prosperity.
4. Sigil Magic:
   Sigils are symbols created to represent a specific intention. Write down a desire (e.g., “I am confident”), remove the vowels and repeating letters then creatively combine the remaining letters into a unique design. Charge the sigil by focusing on it during meditation, then burn it to release its energy.
5. Moon Magic:
   The phases of the moon are deeply tied to magical practices. Perform simple rituals during the new moon to set intentions or during the full moon to release what no longer serves you. For example, write down a wish during the new moon and bury it in the earth, or charge a glass of water under the full moon to drink for clarity and renewal.
6. Journaling:
   Magic doesn’t always require physical tools. Journaling about your desires, fears or goals can be a powerful way to clarify your intentions.

When practicing magic, remember that your intention is the most important ingredient. Approach your work with respect, focus and a clear mind. It’s also important to consider ethics—many Pagans follow the Wiccan Rede (“An it harm none, do what ye will”) or similar principles to ensure their magic is aligned with positive and responsible intentions.

Beginner-Friendly Pagan Rituals

Pagan rituals are sacred acts of connection, often designed to honour the cycles of nature, celebrate the divine or mark significant life events. These rituals can be as simple as lighting a candle and offering gratitude or as elaborate as a full moon ceremony with invocations, chants and offerings.

At their heart, Pagan rituals are about creating a bridge between the mundane and the sacred, allowing practitioners to align themselves with the rhythms of the earth and the energies of the universe. Here are a few simple examples:

• Daily Grounding & Centering – Stand barefoot on the ground and visualise roots extending from your feet into the earth.
• Full Moon Ritual – Set intentions or charge an object under the moonlight.
• Basic Protection Spell – Carry a small pouch of salt and rosemary for spiritual protection.
• Offering & Gratitude Practice – Leave a small offering of flowers, herbs or food in nature as a token of thanks.

Essential Tools & Books for Beginners

If you want to start building a Pagan practice, here are some must-have tools:

Set of 12 Black ‘Protection’ Spell Candles

Tarot Cards with Guide Book – Requiem Arcana

Book of Shadows (200 pages)

Raw Crystals (500g) – Smoky Quartz

How we practice Paganism

Chickens, gardening and talking with bees

Our particular brand of spirituality is known as Eclectic Paganism which, for us, means venerating nature and living a simple and sustainable lifestyle. We are thankful every day for the bounties our vegetable garden, 5 chickens and beehive bring us, as we live by the seasons, honouring the Wheel of the Year and the sabbats therein.

A practice we’ve quite recently introduced to our earthy Pagan lifestyle is talking to our bees.. “Talking with Bees” is an ancient Pagan tradition that involves sharing news, seeking blessings or maintaining harmony with nature by communicating with them as sentient beings.

In Pagan spirituality, bees are associated with wisdom. They are also seen as messengers that can travel between our world and the spirit realm. Talking to our bees is our way of showing our respect for the vital role they play in both the ecosystem and the spiritual world.

Modern Paganism – Conclusion

In a world where the lives of so many of us are ruled by work. Where weekends and holidays feel like the only time we can be ourselves, a Pagan lifestyle offers a different rhythm that helps us realign ourselves with nature’s cycles.

Embarking on a Pagan path is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. There’s no right or wrong way to practice—only what resonates with you. Whether you choose to embrace magic, honour deities or simply connect with nature in its purest form, the path is yours to shape. Take your time, explore different traditions and trust your intuition to guide you. Paganism can be as mystical or as grounded as you need it to be. What matters most is finding what feels authentic and meaningful to you.