I studied anything and everything I could get my grubby hands on
. Basically to not only get a good understanding of the base of the religion, but the practice of it as well. To learn a bit of everything so you know for certain that it is the right path for you. The Sabbats, Esbats, the knowledge of the divinatory meaning behind certain symbols and much more. To know not only what kind of rituals are best suited to specific times of the month and the year, but why they are. To understand not only the traditions and rituals you might partake in on a Sabbat, but the history of it that explains the why.
I didn't have any schedule that I kept to. I read and studied as the Wheel turned. That is to say, I studied things appropriate for full moon rituals when nearing the full moon. Same for New moons and each of the Sabbats. That's another reason that the year of study it appropriate. For the Wheel of the Year and all that it entails and brings to you are best studied and practiced as it turns. No good just reading something if you don't put it into action and see if you feel the spirituality of it as well as understand the writings.
I don't recommend trying to learn absolutely everything, as that is impossible. Everyone seems to find their own little niche as they go and will spend more time studying their own particular "flavors", that is to say, things like different forms of divination, healing, whether they favor herbs or stones and so much more. That will be done before and after initiation and for the rest of your life.
