One of the most important things for beginners is support, and that's most readily available through your local astronomy club. There's a lot to learn in amateur astronomy, and while you don't have to learn it all at once, it is important that you start right. Until then, the text of the slides and the list of references may be useful to you. People sometimes confuse Astronomy and Astrology. They do have common roots, but here's one example of how Astrology hasn't kept up with our understanding of the universe.
Most beginners look forward to trying astrophotography.
Astronomy Magazine 's guide for new astronomers is also worth a look. Please come in and browse. Light Pollution I'd rather see star light than street lights. If you would too, don't fight light pollution the wrong way. Contact IDA, the International Dark Sky Association .