Your opinion on Top 10 Things New Pagans need to know.

[MaddLlama]

1. Christians are not the enemy, nor are they out to destroy your life. There's a lot you can learn from these people.
2. Reading a few books does not a witch, Wiccan or Pagan make. It takes a lot of study and practice
3. You don't need to spend a ton of money on ritual tools - it's better to make them youself if you must have them, but they are not necessary
4. There is no seperation between your "Pagan" life and your "mundane" life. It's not something you do, it's something you are. Let it permeate your whole life.
5. Don't worry about having a Patron, spirit guide or animal right away - let them come to you, and be patient. This isn't a contest.
6. There's nothing wrong with eclecticism, but keep it under control.
7. Listen to those who have been on the path for longer - some have good advice to give. But be careful, if someone's information doesn't sound right, then don't take everything at face value.
8. Choose your authors and internet sources carefully - anyone can get a website and say whatever they want. And, most New Age publishers don't care if the information is right, only if it makes money.
9. When studying mythology it may be tempting to buy the mythology books in the Metaphysical section, but you must also read historical sources,
10. Spells of your own design are much more effective than ones written by others. Take the time to learn how to construct and cast a spell before you dive head first into spellcraft with the big book of witchy mojo.  

[Tahpenes]

Sorry to resurrect a long-dead thread, but I definitely have a number one thing that I wish new pagans would learn quickly:

Magic does not need to be an integral part of your religious life; you don't even need to do magic.

whee

That's probably the biggest and most widespread misunderstanding I've come across.