First let me begin by saying I would probably fall into the category of "novice" although I have explored wicca for well over ten years now, only recently taking a more serious interest in the craft. I am also what would be called a solitary practitioner, mainly because I prefer to be solitary and also due to the fact that I live in a rural area where witches are shall we say, in short supply.
The purpose of this post is to relate a recent experience I had. We have been under a drought in this area with very little rain and extremely hot temperatures. Two weeks ago as I was exploring this site, I came across a very simple spell to call rain. As I firmly believe the craft is to be used for good, not evil, I thought why the heck not try. If it rains great, if not, at least I tried.
I memorized the spell and the next afternoon as I was off work, I sat outside and focused on the clouds and spoke the spell. Uncannily, as I finished the fourth chanting the following happened. It got very still, close and hot, a few minutes later (approx 20 minutes) a breeze began, not a strong one, but a nice one, then the frogs began in the woods behind my house and the cicadas began calling. The breeze continued for around an hour and a half and then lo and behold it began to rain, a light, but blessed rain that lasted for around half an hour. Needless to say I was profuse with my thanks, yet at the same time I felt that the magic I cast was weak (call it instinct). Sort of like having a skill and trying to use it after a long time only to find you are now rusty. Also being analytical, I decided to try again the next time we had clouds in the area and somehow I felt that I should also wait a few days, as it wouldn't be exactly polite to beg the deities each day for rain.
My chance came again about a week later, as I was out walking in the evening I noticed faint clouds in the distance, so I decided to try again, this time as I rounded each corner of the neighborhood I chanted the spell again (under my breath of course, I can only imagine the reaction of the local rednecks if I had done it out loud). This time I felt the working was bit stronger, still not where it should be but better. The reaction was the same, it got still, close and hot, soon a breeze began blowing stronger this time, and then a very good downpour! Incidentally I should state that the weather bulletins only gave us a 10% chance of rain that day.
Still analytical, I decided third times the charm as they say. My third chance came today around 5pm. Once again I noticed clouds in the distance, and began the chant again. This time, I had barely finished the chant when it again became close and still, and then the most amazingly fresh breeze began, with rain following soon after and still continuing. I still feel the magic is not as strong as it should be, but all in all I am satisfied with my experiment.
I also welcome comments and or suggestions regarding this (reasonable comments and suggestions that is, I've noticed that some on here are under the impression this is a role-playing and game site) So to clear up any impressions, I do not role play and am not interested!