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- Nov 6, 2006
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I was having a discussion the other day with a friend of mine and the subject of religion came up in our conversation.
I don't hide the fact that I'm a witch, but I don't shout it from the rooftops, either.
My friend was interested in all of the different pagan paths out there. She wanted to know where she should start and if there was a "set" way to do things.
My answer was YES and NO.
Let me explain ~ there are certain rituals and processes that go hand-in-hand with paganism. Each path might have a designated way of doing something based in the tradition of that pathway.
But there is no "ONE WAY IS THE ONLY WAY" when it comes to your belief system structure.
You need to find what calls to you, what sings in your blood, what combination embodies your beliefs.
This has actually come up frequently in discussions and on other forums.
The beauty of being a pagan is that you walk the seeking path. It's a journey of enlightenment and knowledge.
The pagan faith is rather like a fabulous buffet that features cuisine from around the world. There are many paths: traditional, new age, fusion, old school, new school,old world, new world, and combinations of all of the above.
Even the traditional pathways have been reconstructed from oral history, written history, trial and error.
For the fledgling seeker or even the solitary practitioner this can be daunting. You are afraid to make mistakes, look like a fool.
Here's my advice that translates well even for daily living:
Don't be afraid to explore. If someone makes you feel bad for asking questions, questioning why it is "done" only that way, criticizes your choices....that's toxic. Walk away.
Keep looking until you get answers.
Just because someone identifies as a pagan, that doesn't mean they aren't an arse as well! hahaha.
There are amazing resources available for newbie and established pagans. Hopefully this particular forum is one of those!
I never want any participant here to feel embarrassed to ask questions, share experiences, join in discussions, or feel any form of ick. This forum is an ecclectic melting pot of awesome!
Everyone is welcome here.
And my friend? She's happily exploring her roots and the traditions that seem to call to her the most!
So there it is then.
I really look forward to meeting new pagans and joining in the discussions here!
Merry Meet.
I don't hide the fact that I'm a witch, but I don't shout it from the rooftops, either.
My friend was interested in all of the different pagan paths out there. She wanted to know where she should start and if there was a "set" way to do things.
My answer was YES and NO.
Let me explain ~ there are certain rituals and processes that go hand-in-hand with paganism. Each path might have a designated way of doing something based in the tradition of that pathway.
But there is no "ONE WAY IS THE ONLY WAY" when it comes to your belief system structure.
You need to find what calls to you, what sings in your blood, what combination embodies your beliefs.
This has actually come up frequently in discussions and on other forums.
The beauty of being a pagan is that you walk the seeking path. It's a journey of enlightenment and knowledge.
The pagan faith is rather like a fabulous buffet that features cuisine from around the world. There are many paths: traditional, new age, fusion, old school, new school,old world, new world, and combinations of all of the above.
Even the traditional pathways have been reconstructed from oral history, written history, trial and error.
For the fledgling seeker or even the solitary practitioner this can be daunting. You are afraid to make mistakes, look like a fool.
Here's my advice that translates well even for daily living:
Don't be afraid to explore. If someone makes you feel bad for asking questions, questioning why it is "done" only that way, criticizes your choices....that's toxic. Walk away.
Keep looking until you get answers.
Just because someone identifies as a pagan, that doesn't mean they aren't an arse as well! hahaha.
There are amazing resources available for newbie and established pagans. Hopefully this particular forum is one of those!
I never want any participant here to feel embarrassed to ask questions, share experiences, join in discussions, or feel any form of ick. This forum is an ecclectic melting pot of awesome!
Everyone is welcome here.
And my friend? She's happily exploring her roots and the traditions that seem to call to her the most!
So there it is then.
I really look forward to meeting new pagans and joining in the discussions here!
Merry Meet.