Wicca: A year and A Day? I've heard of it, I just never considered that book to be of use. mostly because I'm just a standard Pagan with little influence from Wicca. I guess I'll try and get my hands on the book and see what it has to offer.
As for the whole power animal scenario. Well I never felt too bad about it. Besides, who said paganism was easy and I never really supported the whole "If you have an interest in an animal then its your spirit guide" idea(personally I think its quite crude). The idea of learning under a season shamanic practitioner is a great idea but seeing as there is heavy christian influence where I live(to the point that there aren't any New Age/Occult shops and that most people won't know what Paganism is aside from the 'devil worship' views).
For Devotions. I pretty much do the same thing, mostly by praying to both the god and goddess. As an end this post, I'll quote both prayers below:
"Blessed Gaia, mother of all, I honor you.
All-encompassing one, from chaos you arose;
you brought Ouranos into being, O Gaia,
to father your children, to make for them a home.
Mother you are to many, titans and monsters;
grandmother you are to Olympus' shining gods;
life-giver you are to all who dwell on the earth.
O Gaia, kind one, your gifts are without number--
the land on which we live, the food we eat, the air--
all the world's wonders--all of existence itself.
Revered goddess, for these things and more we thank you.
Gaia, source of all life, I praise and honor you."
"Glorious Pan I praise, dweller in the wilderness,
who roams through tangled woods, who walks the highest peaks
with step so light and sure. O Pan, goat-footed god,
splendid one, the lovely nymphs are your companions--
they follow you--they dance as you play your pipes.
Virility is your gift, and untamed passion,
O Pan; beasts and men alike receive your blessings.
Madness too can you give, sending us running
in fear and frenzy, blindly, no thought save escape.
Through you we see past civilization's sheer veil.
Through you we see revealed our nature and our strength.
O Pan, great Pan, I praise and honor you this day."