Finding Your Way In Paganism

[lightstorm]

Hello everyone! I've been reading through the threads on this forum and I find them very interesting. I'd like to start researching Paganism more seriously, and possibly adopt some of the beliefs, but I don't know where to start. How do you find the beliefs that suit you? It seems like there's a lot of different groups like Druids, Wiccans, etc, and I don't know where to begin with it all. I'm afraid to start down one path only to find that another is better for me personally. How do you find the right one when there are so many to choose from?

 

[Rainbow Mage]

If you want to learn more about Kemetic religion, the religion of ancient Egypt

www.kemet.org (Kemetic Orthodoxy's website)

www.wepwawet.org (A Kemetic Wiki)

www.kemetonline.org (Per-Ankh's website)

 

[Guitar's Cry]

Hello everyone! I've been reading through the threads on this forum and I find them very interesting. I'd like to start researching Paganism more seriously, and possibly adopt some of the beliefs, but I don't know where to start. How do you find the beliefs that suit you? It seems like there's a lot of different groups like Druids, Wiccans, etc, and I don't know where to begin with it all. I'm afraid to start down one path only to find that another is better for me personally. How do you find the right one when there are so many to choose from?

Well, it seems like you've already started. Talking with people, reading up on it, and meditating on your own personal beliefs are the only real way to try this stuff out.

Neo-paganism is such a broad movement that it's hard to define at times. Try perusing the New Age section of your local bookstore (or better yet, the library): you'll find a bewildering array of books about Wicca, Shamanism, Druidism, Spiritualism, etc., but by simply flipping through them you can get a sense of what feels best. Hint: don't go for anything that promises to contain secret spells or the ultimate knowledge of the universe. Scott Cunningham is a good one to start with, and the Idiot's Guide series has some great ones for those who want to try it.

Us RF pagans are pretty open to questions, so feel free to ask.

 

[Ravishing Witch]

When exploring the world of Paganism, myself, I read everything I could get my hands on. Some good books include: "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler- this one gives an in-depth look at the different forms of Paganism, and "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver Ravenwolf. If you would rather get info right this moment, then just pop "Paganism" into any search engine to come up with a cornucopia of different views and types.

 

[Noaidi]

Lightstorm
A good place to start is with your ancestry or where you are from. Often, the ways chosen by those before you will come through because they are to do with the land you are from and your culture.

 

[lightstorm]

Thank you for your responses everyone! I think I might hit up a bookstore and see what I can find there. Looking things up online always makes me nervous because it's so hard to tell the difference between the sincere believers and the quacks. I might give it a shot though.

My ancestry is complicated. I'm part Native American, but I have no information on the tribe or anything. Other than that I'm mostly German, with a bit of Irish and other things mixed in. I do love Ireland though and felt very at home when I went there recently so I might start there.

Thanks guys!

 

[Noaidi]

If you feel at home in Ireland, try researching Druidism. I'm not Irish, but I'm the next best thing across the Irish Sea!

Slainte.

 

[Guitar's Cry]

My ancestry is complicated. I'm part Native American, but I have no information on the tribe or anything. Other than that I'm mostly German, with a bit of Irish and other things mixed in. I do love Ireland though and felt very at home when I went there recently so I might start there.

And remember, it's perfectly okay to be eclectic. Use what works. It doesn't make sense to stick to one tradition if only some of that tradition fits, in my opinion.

 

[enchanted_one1975]

Whatever you do, don't rush into a label. Just do what feels right and ask us if you get stumped along the way.

 

[lightstorm]

I read a bit on Druidism back in the day and found it to be pretty interesting. At that point in my life I wasn't ready spiritually to commit to anything though. I'll start my new search there and now that I'm ready hopefully it'll go better.

Don't worry, I'm very careful about what I believe. I'm analytical by nature so it usually takes me awhile to accept new ideas. I rarely jump blindly into things. Paganism feels right though. It always has, even when I didn't believe in anything. It's always been very appealing to me for some reason. I'm excited to finally give in to my gut feeling on this. If I feel uneasy about something I'll be sure to come here and try to figure it out. You all see very knowledgeable

Thanks for the help!

 

[TheBotanicalDolly]

First thing to do is search for a list of all the Pagan religions, and read up on the general beliefs of each one. Not forgetting witchcraft of course, as there are many paths under this name as well.

It could take you a while to figure out where you belong, or maybe you will come to realise you are eclectic. Just take your time, read lots, ask questions etc. I know it seems scary to begin with, but you will get there.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Some people in this thread have pointed out something good. One's ancestry. One's ancestry doesn't always determine their path though, I'm obviously of no relation to the ancient Egyptians. Like others have said, just go with what works for you.

 

[The Neo Nerd]

Hi LS,

May i ask two questions, the answers may help us point you in the right direction.

1. In what form do you see the "greater power"?

2. How do you see yourself "manipulating" said greater power?

-Q

 

[lightstorm]

1. In what form do you see the "greater power"?

Hm, it's kind of hard to say. I think there is one "supreme being" and then all of the other gods function below that being. I see the other gods as a more focused route to the "greater power". They help us with the things they are the god of. I think they're more personal than what I see as God. For me we're a part of God, He's the energy that flows through everything. I think He has a "personality" too though, otherwise He wouldn't be able to express love.

2. How do you see yourself "manipulating" said greater power?

Good question. I'm not totally sure. I don't think God interferes with us. That's what the other gods are for. I don't really want to "manipulate" them or God. Asking for blessings or guidance is mainly what I see myself doing.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

What you believe sounds like Hinduism, light. Maybe you should study Hinduism more. What you said about lesser gods sounds like the devas, while what you said about God in all sounds like Brahman.

 

[Gentoo]

Hello everyone! I've been reading through the threads on this forum and I find them very interesting. I'd like to start researching Paganism more seriously, and possibly adopt some of the beliefs, but I don't know where to start. How do you find the beliefs that suit you? It seems like there's a lot of different groups like Druids, Wiccans, etc, and I don't know where to begin with it all. I'm afraid to start down one path only to find that another is better for me personally. How do you find the right one when there are so many to choose from?

Why? Sometimes the only way to know if something fits is to try it on.

To answer the over-all question, read anything and everything you can find that triggers some interest

 

[The Neo Nerd]

What you believe sounds like Hinduism, light. Maybe you should study Hinduism more. What you said about lesser gods sounds like the devas, while what you said about God in all sounds like Brahman.

Yep sounds like it.

-Q

 

[lightstorm]

Andys, your input is neither helpful nor considerate. If I wanted to be an atheist, I still would be. I've walked that path and it's one that led me to cruelty and personal horrors that I'm still dealing with. I've dabbled in philosophy here and there, and I know a lot about reality. I study physics in college, so trust me, I know all about the world and universe we live in. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't be so condescending and just assume that I know nothing of life or reality. Your way isn't the only one and if I wanted to be looked down upon I would've posted somewhere else. This part of the forum is to discuss a certain religion, not try to make everyone believe that religion is just "hocus pocus". If you want to argue against it, go to the debate area.

Anyway, Hinduism has the belief that reality is an illusion, correct? I read about it a bit with some other religions awhile ago and they've gotten all mixed up in my mind by now lol.

Also, thank you to everyone that has given me helpful, respectful advice. I appreciate it

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Hinduism doesn't have a belief that reality is an illusion, just that the spiritual reality is more real because it's not subjective, while the physical existence is less real because it's based on subjective ideas of the human mind. The same basically in Buddhism.

 

[lightstorm]

Ooooh. That makes a lot more sense! I never understood that part because the word illusion was used but not explained. I just figured it was meant in the usual way. Thanks for the clarification!