Fundamentals of Magic

Empowerment and transformation on the sorcerous path...

We live in a time of great blessings, but also many challenges. All of us can get overwhelmed by the state of our world, and the amount of information we take in - but many of those problems can be traced back to a separation from the natural world, and the unique inner powers of intuition and magic inside us. We know there are vibrant ways to reconnect fully with the web of life, instead of looking at it from afar, but it can be frustrating to try and find clear paths to follow.

North Wyldewood Tradition's Enter the Wyldewood - The Birch Path is an in-depth course that will lead you through the foundations of Wiccan magic and ritual – pulling together the skills and abilities that make Witchcraft a transformative, life-affirming path.

Step on the Path of Witchcraft, starting today

Enroll today

Tradition and Innovation

The Birch Path course facilitators, North Wyldewood Coven High Priestesses Denise and JoAnna, have over 25 years of teaching experience, guiding students on their journey with Wicca in a cohesive, step-by-step way. Take part in live, online rituals and events, a private discussion group, and live Q&A’s with High Priestesses Denise and JoAnna - all in an inclusive, supportive environment.

What our students say...

“The experience of learning with North Wyldewood was transformative for me. I came to classes when I was at a Crossroads in my spiritual path. After attending my first class, I knew I had found a place where I belonged. The teachers and students welcomed me and treated me with kindness and respect. I quickly forged new relationships and strong bonds with my fellow classmates. I felt I was in a safe place to learn and study about magic and to engage in my own spiritual path.”

Jake H.

“When I started my studies with North Wyldewood, I felt the spiritual awakening I have searched for all my life. Denise and JoAnna live and breathe the practices and beliefs they teach. In a time when there seems to always be another new guide for the beginner witch to buy, another YouTube video to watch, another Instagram coven to join, Enter the Wyldewood is the course for anyone who is serious about the study of the old ways and the celebration of the wheel of the year.”

Elana L.

“I remember I just couldn't wait for the next class, and the next class, and the next… The classes are not just for learning information, it is a place to exchange thoughts with other like-minded people in a safe space, appreciating each others' varying degrees of experience and knowledge, and with everyone on a quest to know more. I am happy to say it has changed my life for the better.”

Andi B.

  • Learn Anywhere

    Online access to over 30 modules of material - 9 months of coursework - including videos, handouts, audio, meditations, and more. Our coursework is easily available wherever you are! You'll have access to the coursework for a full year, so you can learn at your pace.

  • Ask Questions

    Online Q&A’s with High Priestesses JoAnna and Denise each month throughout your membership in the course. Attentive and friendly help is available throughout the course.

  • Wyldewood Community

    All Birch Path students also have 9 months of access to the Wyldewood Circle, a private online learning circle for magical folk, which includes monthly divination for members, ways to integrate magic into your daily life, lunar and solar calendar information, and much more. You can connect with fellow students, ask questions, and get guidance from Coven leaders.

  • Sabbat Rituals

    For those in the NYC area, you'll be able to take part in live, in-person Sabbat rituals, and take turns in a variety of ritual roles. For those in other parts of the world, online activities will help you develop your skills as you move through the course, and all students will have the chance to help plan elements of our celebrations.

  • A Year of Access

    As a student, you'll have full access to Birch Path course materials, including videos, handouts, meditations, and more for one full year.

  • Our Guarantee

    We believe strongly in the value of the Birch Path course. For anyone who is not satisfied and has completed at least 3 modules, we will offer a full refund within 30 days of beginning the course. 

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome - from High Priestesses Denise and JoAnna

    2. Introduction to the North Wyldewood Tradition's ritual structure

    3. Birch Path House Rules PDF

    1. Module Video: Altars, Shrines, and a Witches' Tools

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Module 2 Creative Assignment: Design Your Ideal Altar

    1. Module Video: Sacred Spaces and Casting Circle

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Homework Assignment: Create an Air Altar

    3. North Wyldewood Tradition - Tree Grounding Meditation

    4. Tree Grounding Homework Assignment

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Module Video: The Element of Air

    2. Air Elemental Meditation

    3. Air Elemental Connection Activities

    4. Air Element Book of Shadows Pages

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Module Video: Basics of Incense Crafting

    2. NWC BoS Element of Air Incense Recipes

    3. NWC BoS Blank Incense Recipe Page

    1. Module Video: Wand Making

    2. Wand Wood Reference Sheet

About this course

  • $479.00
  • 46 lessons
  • 8 hours of video content

Your Course Instructors

JoAnna Farrer

High Priestess and co-founder

Co-High Priestess of the North Wyldewood Coven and co-founder of the Tradition, JoAnna is a graduate of the Juilliard School and a professional violinist. She discovered Wicca at age 12, and practiced as a solitary throughout her childhood. She is an original member of the North Wyldewood Coven, formed in 2003. She hosts the Coffee and Divination podcast, and is a practicing seer, specializing in a form of oracular divination inspired by the divinatory trance traditions of ancient Greece. She also leads the teaching of Ancestral work within the North Wyldewood Tradition. She practices permaculture, and combines her deep love of ecology and gardening with Pagan animism, and lives in northern VT with her husband and their many farm animals, including eight cats, three goats, twelve chickens, a snake, a mouse, and a beloved farm dog.

Denise Cruci

High Priestess and co-founder

Co-High Priestess Denise Cruci formed the North Wyldewood Coven in 2003, and is a co-founder of the North Wyldewood Tradition. Outside of the Coven, but complimentary to her practice as a Witch, Denise has served as The Troth steward for the NYC area. After attending a Harafnar workshop, Denise and friends formed Bjornsal, performing spae at festivals and private events for several years. She was part of a NYC based Theodish group for almost 10 years, acting as their spaekona (Seeress) and, at some rituals, channeling Freya, her patron deity. Her spiritual focus is spae/seidhr; journey work; honoring the Ancestors and nature spirits/spirits of place; and love magic. She is a teacher, new small business owner, and Brooklyn native, who lives with her boyfriend and their pit bull, The Duchess.

Learning the Language of Wicca

We know what it’s like to feel a little lost, or disconnected from our inner purpose and connection to the web of life. Co-teachers Denise and JoAnna have decades of teaching experience, helping students form deep and precious relationships with the natural world, using the foundations of Wiccan magical practice to create positive, lasting changes in their lives. The Birch Path offers a clear, comprehensive course of study for creating effective rituals, practicing spellcraft, and casting circles and sacred space. We help students connect with the four Elements, the Ancestors, and the Gods, as well as with animistic, Earth-honoring ways of being, and the internal, intuitive senses which help us live heart-centered, authentic lives. 

Steps along the Path...

As a Birch Path student, you'll join an evolving community of witches and magicians, with access to support and guidance from Coven members with decades of experience.

  • Community Support: As a Birch Path student, you'll take part in monthly Q&A's, and be able to speak with Elders in the Coven as you work through the course, and also have access to the private course Facebook group for discussion with fellow students.

  • As part of the course, you'll learn through 30+ modules (with additional modules beginning in August, 2024,) complete guided journey meditations and creative magical projects, join our optional Facebook private group, and participate in rituals. ​

  • Engage with Magic: With the fundamental Wiccan skills taught in this course, you'll deepen your connection to the web of life around you, craft your own set of ritual tools, and uncover new truths about the direction of your life - all in a healthy, supportive environment.

  • Wyldewood Circle membership: Starting September 1st, 2024, all Birch Path students will also be admitted to the Wyldewood Circle, the private Coven-run learning community, where you'll receive bonus monthly divination, exercises, and more.

Our Guarantee

If you're not satisfied with the course, or find that it's not right for you, as long as you've completed at least one full module and make your request within your first 30 days in the course, we will be happy to grant a full refund. Simply send us an email to request a refund within your first 30 days, and we'll happily refund your fees. ​ Please note that we are also committed to making our courses accessible, and have a limited number of scholarship spots available for our Courses. (Contact us at [email protected] to request a scholarship application.)