How do I know what's right when there is so much conflicting information on witchcraf

I mean A LOT; so much that I feel I am just going around in circles and my thoughts are becoming jumbled. As soon as I learn one thing, I read another source that tells me it's wrong...Or I see lots of conflicting terms. What advice do you have?

*Where should I truly begin...?

*What topics should I start with?

I would like to be an eclectic and definitely solitary, but before I begin, I would still like to learn about the ancient and traditional witchcraft and other practices...And anything else that you think is good/important to learn about. But even after all of this reading and research, I still feel like I am at zero and going backwards Lil. Help! Thanks
Thanks everybody. @Khnopff7 Don't be obnoxious. You have no clue what you're talking about. & I'm not technically a beginner. I have been studying and reading for over 10 years (unfortunately, not continuously until the last 3 or so), and interested in it since I was a VERY young child. And I am very serious about it and know it's not some sort of magical brick road...S/C is not even the most important part for me...It's important to me for another reason, hence why I ask a lot of questions and want to learn and get the most from it. If I had any delusions about it, I would rush into it. But I have come to sort of a stalemate because as soon as I learn one thing someone else doesn't just say it's a difference in their opinion, they say it's completely wrong...I know everyone practices differently and I know about SRW and how true practitioners feel about her Lil. But I feel I should stop and gather my thoughts and start from zero. I am also well-aware you never stop learning. If you kn

Dose Murdering Virgins and sacrificing their blood to the Devil sound like it is right to you? Murder is extremely bad Kamma and is in our Noble Eight Fold Path.
http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html

A) You could join us on Everythingunderthemoon.net/forum if you need good information. There are many people who are more than glad to help you along your path
B) Start with research! There is so much conflicting information simply because everyone practices differently, Witchcraft is one of those practices that don't really have rules, just guidelines.
C) I started reading up on correspondences, the Wheel of the Year, and Goddesses and Gods.
D) What kind of beliefs do you want to add to your practice? Eclectic is a mix of many beliefs to form your practice.
E) What form of traditional? Gardnerian is traditional Wicca, I think its a good place for starters (but I think that path requires a Coven)
F) Mix and mingle beliefs that stick with you. If someone tells you something, and you agree with it, then add it to your practice!

Sorry if this isn't the best answer, I'm really not all here right now.

You need to sift through things while just following the Wicca Reed if that's what you are doing. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I think you are talking about spells. Make your own. Keep a book. It all has to do with the intent. There is no black or white just positive and negative. There are so many branches and so many ways to do it that it can be confusing.

Take it slow..it takes years.

there really is no starting point. witchcraft is very personal. It all revolves around the person. My best advice I could give is start with something you like or find interesting. a specific topic. perhaps energy work, healing, astral travel, what ever the case may be. then learn about it.

when there are conflicting idea's from people then pick what you feel is the right method and use it. there is no right way or wrong way. there is your way, and the way that works best for YOU. So experiment and have fun. don't let others tell you what works and what do sent. find out for yourself what works and use it. good luck.

You have some very good information on here....but if it was me...I would say the most magical and awesome person is Jesus.

Frankly, the Internet is a suck place to be searching for your spirituality... There is a lot of information on many different things, and yes, Witchcraft is a rather vague thing. There is also a lot of misinformation out there simply because it is a very misunderstood subject.

Wilcox.com is a good place to read what other Pagans are saying and writing. Also, I'd suggest where I started reading: "Wicca, A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham.

Really though, if you're truly serious about this, find a Coven or a High Priest/Priestess to study under and apprentice with. They can teach you properly hands-on, and prepare you for a Solitary path.

Good luck!

First off, you're making a basic mistake most beginners in any field make, they try to predict the future when they know nothing about the present.

There is nothing wrong with starting off with an idea. Its like going to college and thinking you are going to be a doctor. The problem is, maybe you like your archeology class more and find out you HATE biology, especially frog dissecting. Those two things should, immediately, tell you that your initial plans and ideas about becoming a doctor might not be what you actually want to do.

To be a solitary witch doesn't just mean practicing by yourself, it means having a need to discover things by yourself, even if you don't know what. A solitary practices alone because they want to, because the comfort and security of their own thoughts and opinions sustain them in their endeavor. A solitary who practices alone, but who spends all their time entertaining, fantasizing, wishing about being a part of a group-based circle isn't a solitary witch. Practicing alone and being alone are two different paths altogether.

Back to your original question: its kind of like asking me what foods you like as it is asking someone else where to begin. If part of you doesn't trust yourself to know where to begin, how then do you know to trust yourself to accept where someone else tells you to begin? Do you think someone on Yahoo answers has a mystical tome of absolute knowledge and power laying under their bed, waiting for someone like you to ask your question? I have a bridge in Alaska to sell you too.

No person practices magi ck/witchcraft for the same reason or in the same way. They don't worship the same gods, necessarily, they don't believe in the same myths, they don't follow the same rituals, they might not even use the natural elements in the same way. Does sandalwood incense correspond to money or friendship, is agate good for healing or banishing? And don't get me started on who is more effective as an author? Find a board and drop the name SilverRavenWolf but make sure you do it with fire-retardant clothes on.

A novice with a sword can be beaten by a master with a feather. Which weapon is more powerful?

You somehow think witchcraft is this magical brick road, always leading forward. What happens if the path spirals and swirls, whips back upon itself? Are you walking the path or your idea of the path?