Where do you get most of your ideas from?

[Prima]

Because paganism doesn't have set doctrines, I'm just wondering where most of you get your ideas from...

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

The suck it and see works well for me, +many years of living

Terry
___________________
Blessed are the gentle, they shall inherit the land

 

[kreeden]

Pretty much all of the above , although I'm a little leary of " accepted leaders in the field ".

 

[Druidus]

All, except, as Kreeden says, the leaders in Paganism field. I don't believe in higher Druids. Sure, wiser, more knowledgeable and deserving of respect Druids, but not of higher ranks. That's part of why I dislike OBOD.

Most of what I do is experimentation, especially with meditation.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Usually from meditation. Sometimes from books.
I don't see how anyone could pick the generally accepted leaders option.

 

[Master Vigil]

Well, experience of course. But as with everyting else, my ideas do change. And I also study other people's experiences as well. But mostly, the spirits are pretty good teachers.

 

[kreeden]

Usually from meditation. Sometimes from books.
I don't see how anyone could pick the generally accepted leaders option.

Well , who writes the books ? But I agree . It is easier to take what you want from a book , and leave the rest .

Sorry , but I just had to keep everyone honest ...

 

[Isabella Lecour]

I voted for all the choices. I know "accepted leaders of the feild of Paganism" just might be an unpopular choice, but there is no way for me to deny the influence that they have had on me, either postivetly or negatively. The "Pagan" books; often from self proclaimed leaders or they become leaders because of the books,as a source are often conversial enought to cause thought. The process of causing thought is what I look for when I am searching and reaching for more ideas.

 

[kreeden]

If we were honest , we all would have to say that some leader or the other has had some influence upon us Isabella . That is assuming that none of us have been living in a fish tank or something .

 

[Darkdale]

Because paganism doesn't have set doctrines, I'm just wondering where most of you get your ideas from...

Books, Myths & Experimentation.

 

[Granny Beth]

If we were honest , we all would have to say that some leader or the other has had some influence upon us Isabella . That is assuming that none of us have been living in a fish tank or something .

What "leaders" are we talking about here? The Pagan Federation are generally held to be the official face of paganism but I can't think of any individuals I would call a 'leader' of my faith. Have you got anyone specific in mind or are you talking about influential figures?

 

[kreeden]

Hiya Beth . No , I'm just using the term in a very general way . Teacher , leader , or anyone we get ideas from . WE all choose our leaders , and choose if we follow them or not or how far we do follow .

Pagan Federation eh ? Sounds ... political .

 

[Myst]

I get mine from meditation and messages from my spirit guides, books and personal expereinces.

The Pagan Federation scares me lol. have no idea how they work but have heard their names a few times...just sounds like something far off of paganism itself. (my personal opinion)

BTW hey all, new here

 

[Feathers in Hair]

I see it as working to remind myself of what I've forgotten.

 

[sapphire]

i clicked my mouse and voted: "Examination of my personal experiences"
although there are times when i'll need to do research on a spell, or trying out something new, only then will i take a visit to the bookstore, to find whatever i'm looking for.:flower2:

 

[cardero]

Muses, definately muses.

 

[MaddLlama]

A lot of experimentation and evaluation. Pretty much everything on the list except the experiences of others, and leaders in the field. =) My beliefs constantly change, sometimes on a weekly basis.

 

[FantasyDream]

I get my most of my ideas from books and personal experiences. Other people's experiences may also affect me.

 

[tavthe]

While its true that a lot of the leaders in the field do write the books, sometimes you find names on the bookshelves from out in left field. Sometimes books are written by people in completely different fields.

So my choices were: books; examination; myths; experimentation. However though I did not choose 'researching other's experiences' or 'constant change' I realize I am always changing - though I feared that the option might lend itself to a state where one is in chronic change (which could be considered a negative attribute to one's development). I do take note of other people's experiences but not to the same degree as I spend analysing my own.

As for your leaders in the field, I don't trust their opinions based on their status. I do so if I feel a connection with them, or see any potential in what they have to say. Llewellyn has published material for a very long time, and I can honestly say I may agree with what the subject matter proposes perhaps a fraction of the time. But I read them regardless because it helps me develop an understanding of the concepts and style of writing that I find most conducive to my own studies and interests, and which I'd rather toss into the trash heap.

But it also depends on what we're looking for. Some people are content with material based on life experience, whereas others are dissatisfied unless they are looking at well researched academic work. Which is why I like to extend my radius of readable material to an interdisciplinary array of interpretation as well as academia.

 

[Zoness]

I selected all choices. To clarify on the "generally accepted leaders" point, the extent there is reading books published by those far more knowledgeable than I, I don't believe there to be a strict hierarchy in place, because Paganism is too diverse anyways.