The first thing you must do before you get serious about any religion is to read and learn more about it. Another thing I suggest is to talk to people. If you don’t know anyone in person that is Wiccan or Pagan, visit chat groups or message boards on the Internet. These are great because you can check back to see if people have responded, instead of being stuck in a chat room.

You need to talk with other people. Find Buddhist temples, Hindu Temples, and even churches, etc. that you don’t belong to and talk with the leaders. Tell them that you’re interested in their religion and go through the usual questions. Ask them their beliefs, what they think of the afterlife, what is required of their followers, and their opinions on various religions. You may include Wicca as one of those religions you mention. Don’t say you are Wiccan, just indicate that you re trying to find what’s right for you. Essentially, that’s what you’re doing. It is mentioned in “What Witches Do” (Farrar) that many people begin on the Wiccan path, but eventually turn to Buddhism. So, it is very possible that you will find that something else appeals to you more.

For people who were raised in the Church and don’t agree with it, try a Unitarian Universalist church when you talk to someone. Christianity may appeal to you in a different form. There’s nothing wrong with that. Most Pagans would tell you that they were glad that you thought of Paganism as an option, and at least now you’re more educated about what we believe.