New to Paganism--???

[JunkYard]

What is the basic belief of 'most' pagans?

About:

Nature, Love, reincarnation, and magick. What kind of values are important?

Also, how do you know if the pagan path is right for you?

Starting late in the game . . .

[Sephiroth]

What is the basic belief of 'most' pagans?

About:

Nature, Love, reincarnation, and magick. What kind of values are important?

Also, how do you know if the pagan path is right for you?

Starting late in the game . . .

first i would like to welcome you to the beleif of your ancestors. :achug: and with everything else like magick is kind of always seaping from you no matter where you are or what you do really.

love i would say have love for yourself and others around you with extreme profit from it. because what you do to others will always come back in one way or another.

reincarnation is a rebirth

nature hmmm thats a hard one for me i think nature is what you make of it really.

i feel my Pagan path is right for me because i have never felt more freedom from it than any other belief ever..

but im dark pagan im kinda the....... not the dark side of the force jedi crap, but more of the darker side of life interest me more than healing and other stuff like that...


there are thoughs who find comfort in the shadows,
who strive to comprehend the mysteries,
who find solace in a cold winters night,
who sing softly to the crone,
we are the dark pagans, children of the dark mother.

[JunkYard]

I've always been pulled towards the darker things in life also. I don't know, though? I'm sure there are many different people representing many different traditions of paganism on this forum. I hope to learn a little about all of them, and go the direction my heart takes me . . .

Maybe you can tell me more about your particular trad, and what you believe? Like, is magick an essential element to your practice, or is your trad more of a religious belief?

I'm more interested in a path, or religious practice, than magick, but I would like to learn about spells, and things like that also.

[AlleyCat]

You don't have to practice magic if you don't wish. It's not a pre-req or essential component I know a few people who have nothing to do with magic and call themselves pagan. The good thing about paganism you dont have to follow a tradition, just mix and match your beliefs to tailor what YOU believe, you don't have to conform to a path if you don't want to, Im currently writing a Book of Shadows that outlines my beliefs and views on a lot of things, as well as history, religion, magic etc all that jazz pretty much lol.

What do YOU believe?

[Fire's Shadow]

Specifically the things you asked about... I'd say this:

Nature... I feel it is a gem that should be protected. We are nature's caretakers, and we must make sure it is there for our children to admire and gain inspiration from as I have.

Love... hands down one of the most powerful forces in the universe. What can I say, it can be really bad, starting wars and stuff, but yet it is the greatest feeling in the whole damn world.

Reincarnation... not sure just yet.

Magick... the force that comes from within with the power to change things for the better... or worse. It's all your choice ;-)

What kind of values are important?
Values to help people and to love all are important to me (kinda rubbed off on me from christianity.) Anything that helps others or makes life easier for people is good here. I'm all for that; that stuff is where I place my values.

Also, how do you know if the pagan path is right for you?
Because your pagan path is chosen. It's not something you are told to follow, and not something to follow because it's the "only right way." You follow it because it's what our ancestors before us followed because it just feels right.

I'm kinda drunk... who am I kidding, I'm shit-faced, but I think I did an OK job of answering these questions on how I feel. K, thats all. g'bye

[Bix]

Nature
Is something that should be taken care of, but not so militantly that a whole slew of people have to suffer for it. I think we should learn more to live within nature as a symbiotic relationship instead of just trying to fence off our lives from it.

Love
It's nice. I'm not a romantic, so I'm kinda pessimistic about the whole love thing. Love is a great and wonderful feeling, and I hope everyone can experience it, but people need to realize that love alone doesn't pay the bills.

Reincarnation
I have a hard time believing that anything will live on past this life other than just other people's memories of you, but if there was an afterlife, reincarnation seems the most feasible to me.

Magick
Energy manipulation, plain and simple.

[Meadhbh]

Nature
Something that is wonderful and we need to value more than we do. Because it pretty much is the health of the planet. Lets face it if everything else goes so do we.
Love
I'm cynical on this subject. The ideal is a great one, don't get me wrong but I don't really feel comfortable with it, due to personal issues.
reincarnation
Works for me. I don't know if we're trying to prefect ourselves or what the goal is in the long run. I believe we do it experence different situations and learn to look at things differently.

[Kalika]

What is the basic belief of 'most' pagans?

About:

Nature, Love, reincarnation, and magick. What kind of values are important?

Also, how do you know if the pagan path is right for you?

Starting late in the game . . .


There isn't one for 'most' pagans. We're all pretty different. :) Paganism itself is a pretty broad and general term.

The values that are important are those that are important to YOU personally. For me, its respect, integrity, honesty.

You explore, learn, and discover in order to figure out if this is the right path for you. Nobody but you can (or should!) determine that. Your chosen path should be one that you enjoy and respect, and that brings you happiness and restores your faith.

;)

Welcome, by the way.

[JunkYard]

Paganism is a 'very' broad term, I see. (Nothing set in stone) So many different paths . . .

Even so, the more I read about the differing paths, I can see that my beleif system is compatable with many of them. Which is good to find out!

I think I'm more ecclectic at the moment than anything, but I also seem to fit in quite nicely with some of the wiccan trads.

More reading, searching, and self discovery is in order. What's in a label, anyway?

The goal seems to be more about finding one's self, I think? I'll find my path eventually . . .

I'm a bit of a lurker, btw. I'm having a wonderful time in my search endeavors, though.

Can I ask another question?

What do I need to know about myself in order to participate in the newbie adoption program? I think I want to take a more hands on approach . . .

Thanks!

[RoseKitten]

Paganism is a 'very' broad term, I see. (Nothing set in stone) So many different paths . . .

Even so, the more I read about the differing paths, I can see that my beleif system is compatable with many of them. Which is good to find out!

It will take time to find what works for you. I personally take a little of this, and a little of that ^_^

I think I'm more ecclectic at the moment than anything, but I also seem to fit in quite nicely with some of the wiccan trads.


Wicca in itself is a very broad term :rolleyes: Use what you will, and I hope it works for you (that's what soul searching is about, right?)

More reading, searching, and self discovery is in order. What's in a label, anyway?

All that's in a lable is what people assume to know about you (that's what I've found anyways)

The goal seems to be more about finding one's self, I think? I'll find my path eventually . . .

Find yourself... you'll always be there, even if you don't know where you are. As far as finding your path, you're already on it... :achug:

I'm a bit of a lurker, btw. I'm having a wonderful time in my search endeavors, though.

There's nothing wrong with lurking! ^_^ We need the lurkers so we can poke fun at them... *coughs* But, we'd never do that to anyone... *coughs*


Can I ask another question?

What do I need to know about myself in order to participate in the newbie adoption program? I think I want to take a more hands on approach . . .

I know Kalika (gods I hope that's how you spell it.. don't throw things please!) is busy, but you should PM her. I'd be happy to help you out along your way, and point you in the right directions. As far as what you need to know about yourself, you just need to know what you're interested in possibly learning about (Druidry, Wicca, Magic, etc.)

[LadyCelt]

hi and welcome.


i feel it dpends on teh path and faith and beliefs of each person. there are many types of paganism

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

What is the basic belief of 'most' pagans?

About:

Nature, Love, reincarnation, and magick. What kind of values are important?

Also, how do you know if the pagan path is right for you?

Starting late in the game . . .

well here's my view on those things....

nature: it is part of the divine, and as such should be treated that way. it can be a wonderful teacher, as well as that which sustains us. it is powerful as well...for these things it should be repected and treated with respect and honor.

love: there is no greater force than love, it can over come death. love in all its form is a thing to be celebrated

magick: magick is all around us. it is energy given direction, intent. it is a tool to accomplish things, as such it is neither good nor evil, it simply does as the caster directs (tho not necessarily in the manner the caster had intended).

values: values are objective. but many pagans value independence, honor, integrity, love, compassion, truth, justice, nature & the environment. they also realize that there is more to the world than love and light, and darker aspects are not necessarily evil things, and that balance is very important.

how do you know if you are pagan? you know. it is something in your soul. if you are to be pagan you will simply know you are, it will feel right.

[Kaylara]

If you talk to 10 pagans, you'll get 200 different answers back on each question. ;) The only real thing that is similar with most pagans, is that they call themselves pagan. ;)

[Kalika]

I know Kalika (gods I hope that's how you spell it.. don't throw things please!) is busy, but you should PM her. I'd be happy to help you out along your way, and point you in the right directions. As far as what you need to know about yourself, you just need to know what you're interested in possibly learning about (Druidry, Wicca, Magic, etc.)


:yourock:

Is my name *really* that difficult? ;)

I got your PM JunkYard... I'm a little slow going this time around, but I'm working on it!

[aislin_ryann]

My only advice to you is to learn as much as you can. Every pagan is different. ;)

[JunkYard]

Thanks for the reply's everyone. They're appreciated!

I think the dark aspects of life can be just as beautiful as the light, and I plan on embracing both these aspects of paganism. Although, the path I'm most interested in may be considered fluff bunny stuff, which is o.k. I can be somewhat eclectic!

I also don't think it's so important for the trad to be ancient. I plan on reading some of Raymond Bucklands books soon. Thus far, his traditions seems to suit me the best. Well, at least from what I know about the seax wiccan trad.

I could use some help on my journey, though. ;)

[RoseKitten]

:yourock:

Is my name *really* that difficult? ;)

I got your PM JunkYard... I'm a little slow going this time around, but I'm working on it!

LoL, it's not difficult... I'm just really bad with names and spelling _inabox_

[RoseKitten]

Thanks for the reply's everyone. They're appreciated!

I think the dark aspects of life can be just as beautiful as the light, and I plan on embracing both these aspects of paganism. Although, the path I'm most interested in may be considered fluff bunny stuff, which is o.k. I can be somewhat eclectic!

I also don't think it's so important for the trad to be ancient. I plan on reading some of Raymond Bucklands books soon. Thus far, his traditions seems to suit me the best. Well, at least from what I know about the seax wiccan trad.

I could use some help on my journey, though. ;)

*giggles* What's your definition of "fluff bunny"? I consider Craven Fluff *cough* I'm mean $ilver Rave Cuff (or something...) to be "fluff" because she doesn't stick with common definitions and such. She's just a little off, to me. The only things I really find "fluffy" are the people who say "I'm a white witch, so I'm good at everything... I'm going to go cast a circle, but you just watch, 'cause I'm a white witch and blah blah blah" ^_^

[JunkYard]

*giggles* What's your definition of "fluff bunny"? I consider Craven Fluff *cough* I'm mean $ilver Rave Cuff (or something...) to be "fluff" because she doesn't stick with common definitions and such. She's just a little off, to me. The only things I really find "fluffy" are the people who say "I'm a white witch, so I'm good at everything... I'm going to go cast a circle, but you just watch, 'cause I'm a white witch and blah blah blah"

I have no clue what a 'fluff bunny' is. I've just heard that term so many times, and it seems to pertain to some of the wiccan trads. Have you ever read that article: "Why Wiccans Suck" I read that a couple of years ago, and I'm afraid that, I myself, may be a bit 'fluffy', haha!

Maybe, I shouldn't use that term until I understand what it means . . .

[RoseKitten]

I have no clue what a 'fluff bunny' is. I've just heard that term so many times, and it seems to pertain to some of the wiccan trads. Have you ever read that article: "Why Wiccans Suck" I read that a couple of years ago, and I'm afraid that, I myself, may be a bit 'fluffy', haha!

Maybe, I shouldn't use that term until I understand what it means . . .

Yeah... I enjoyed WWS a lot... ^_^ There are a number of people who consider Wicca fluff, just because a lot of it doesn't add up... like how in Christianity there are so many sects and subsects and such, it just seems fluffy. :lol:

[JunkYard]

Yeah... I enjoyed WWS a lot... ^_^ There are a number of people who consider Wicca fluff, just because a lot of it doesn't add up... like how in Christianity there are so many sects and subsects and such, it just seems fluffy. :lol:

Do you consider wicca to be less viable then, lets say, traditional witchcraft? I think all paths have merit, RoseKitten. I'm anxious to find one thats right for me, be it a wiccan path, or a more traditional one.

One thing that I am very confused about are the many gods, or dieties involved. I think this will be a battle for me, because I already have set beliefs about what I view god to be. I'm not sure I'll fit in with any one particular tradition when it comes to dieties./sigh

Btw, do you view Raymond Buckmans (Is that his name?) stuff to be fluff? I really need to read his books, and judge for myself, I guess.

Also, is there any books you would recommend?

[RoseKitten]

Do you consider wicca to be less viable then, lets say, traditional witchcraft? I think all paths have merit, RoseKitten. I'm anxious to find one thats right for me, be it a wiccan path, or a more traditional one.

No, I don't consider Wiccan in and of itself less viable, just like Christianity, it's the weird ones that make it seem fluffy. The ones that preach all this goodness, and then don't do it, but claim to be the best in the world 'cause they're whatever blah thing and that's makes them better. (I have met a lot of beginning Wiccans like this, and I'm not Wicca bashing, as I've said on other threads, all my bashing comes from first hand experience, and is not the end all of my opinion.)

Also, I personally don't consider witchcraft a religion, as there a few if any rules to it. Also, there's no specific diety, or even a specific kind of deity. *shrugs* To me magic is like any other craft, it's something you learn, practice, do. A religion to me is more like you learn, you apply, you are.

And I wasn't trying to take merit away from any religion, just merely saying that some Wiccans are just as fluffy as the Christians I have met. Where fluff = the above blah I referred to.

One thing that I am very confused about are the many gods, or dieties involved. I think this will be a battle for me, because I already have set beliefs about what I view god to be. I'm not sure I'll fit in with any one particular tradition when it comes to dieties./sigh


If you know what you believe of what god is, then follow that. Just because you're pagan, doesn't mean you have to change your belief.

I personally believe that whatever higher power is out there, is not watching above us from the summerlands/heaven/whatever, but instead it is in nature (rocks, trees, rivers, animals, etc.) and also in all humans.

Btw, do you view Raymond Buckmans (Is that his name?) stuff to be fluff? I really need to read his books, and judge for myself, I guess.


I have never read his stuff, so I couldn't tell you. Fluff to me is saying you're one thing, and doing another. 1 way to tell if something is fluff is by how much they use the right words, or if they interchange words. For the most part, the modern books shouldn't interchange wicca and witchcraft, simply because they aren't really the same thing (yes yes, I know there are elders that think otherwise, good for them :P But, IMO unless the one writing the book is an elder/trained by an elder, they shouldn't interchange the words. Also, by simple definition, the two aren't close.)

Also, is there any books you would recommend?

cunningham is alright from what I've read of it, he has a lot of good references and such. His books are great for finding out what stuff and symbols mean what. But, I've not read a lot of books, simply becuase a lot of my learning has been personal, or on forums such as this, just trying to find something that fits. I kind of make it up as I go though :shhhh:

[morningstar2651]

Hmmm...you might be interested in listening to the first podcast (http://www.aberdeenmoot.org.uk/spellcast/SpellCast-1.mp3) of the Aberdeen Pagan Moot (http://www.aberdeenmoot.org.uk/?redirect=1).

The very first SpellCast introduces the Aberdeen Moot and touches on the subjects of Nature, Deity, festivals, Rituals and Magic. It's about 1 hour and 15 minutes long, so you might want to wait until you have a good amount of free time to listen to it. There is no definitive or authoritative answer on what you have to believe to be Pagan.

[beachj]

Hey There,
I'm new to Paganism so I figured this would be a good place to start. Well I dont know crap so Um I don't know what to ask.
I'm kinda bored sitting on my ass at work. Well ya.
-Me