Re-learning the Earthy Ways

[Rin Daemoko]

It was nearly a decade ago that I began on the path of Earth-based spiritualities. I began with Wicca, then later dropped it after I found that I didn't click with it (or vice versa). I spent quite some time as an agnostic Witch before converting to Buddhism two and a half years ago.

I was reading a book on Zen Buddhism (Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings of D.T. Suzuki) when something I came across clicked. I had a satori experience, and through this satori experience, I changed. "It's literally all Buddha," I thought. "It's all God," it's all nature. I thought back to what I had learned of the basics of Wicca, and I found myself with a completely knew perspective on the idea of the Divine, of myself, of the cycle of death and rebirth, of, well, everything.

It's all alive. It's really all alive.

For this very reason, I want to re-examine Earth-based spiritualities. Unfortunately, I can't relate to most of what they have to teach since they (and when I mean "they" I mean the ones that I have come across, personally) rely quite a bit on assumptions about the self, nature, and the universe that I simply cannot accept as being true. (Which is why I can never return to Wicca.) One of the major ones being the idea of the soul and of reincarnation.

I'm really not sure how to go about this. All of the maps of the Pagan territory that have been drawn aren't suited for me (or so I think). I don't think of the Divine in the same way that most people do (by this, I mean that most people can at least put their ideas into words, but I cannot). They can afford to say that "this is this" or "that is that," whereas I cannot.

The more I delve into what this satori has opened for me, the more I find myself thinking that I can't possibly go ahead in modern, western civilization. Where one's life is spent earning a wage to survive, and planning the rest of your life around that. Where human-made laws seek to violate nature (and I don't mean de-forestation, I mean the laws that state one cannot just go and build a house and begin farming wherever they choose to because according to human-made laws, that land "belongs" to someone. Which is utter nonsense, if you ask me. Land does not "belong" to people, in my opinion).

I digress.

What I'm looking for are insights or methods that I could use, or places I could look, things that I could do, to further explore this. Free from accepted doctrines about this, that, and the other thing. I mean ... how did the pagans become pagans in the first place? They discovered these things for themselves, right? How did they do it? How can I do it? Perhaps I should just sit.

[XanderAmon]

Congratulations on your epiphany :)

If by first pagans you mean first first, I'd imagine they formed their system of beliefs out of their lifestyle, their environment, and what 'evidence' they took to be of Divinity. As for the first "modern" pagans, I believe they got their way out of a combination of historical research and intuition, forming a combination of the old ways with the present times and feelings.

That being said. If what you wish to do is build your own path (which is what it sounds like), there are two ways that I can see: go by the oldest way, and simply follow your intuition about the Divine and meticulously study your inner beliefs, OR... take the other way, and study as much of the "accepted doctrines" and different paths as you can, and take note of what resonates the strongest with you. Or some combination of the two.

I'm on a similar mission of self: none of the "Paths" I've come across really appeal to me, so I'm doing as much research as I can and picking and choosing what I feel the most. Currently I'm reading Nancy Watson's Practical Solitary Magic, which I'm finding to be a great book because as the title states, it sets one's magical practice at a very personal level.

Good luck and Blessed Be. :)

[RainInanna]

I do think you should just sit. Outside.

As you mention, "they discovered these things for themselves". I have to remind myself that Pagans in the past lived in a different environment, with different needs and expectations. Their gods and rituals were created to reflect their needs. When we aren't motivated by the need to survive what motivates us, and by being so motivated, what inspires us? When we don't have to do a ritual to ensure the sun rises, the crops yield much, or to keep our home safe from intruders, just what do we do ritual for? When we have no reason to believe worshipping the gods is necessary to our survival, we make worship a secondary need that is only fulfilled when we have the time and energy. So I suggest making the time and putting forth the energy.

Try learning to hunt and growing your own food even if it's only on weekends. Spend your spare time in nature, observing it around you. Go camping, learn about the constellations, work on a farm, grow herbs and use them to cook nutritious meals, start hiking, go bird-watching, volunteer to do environmental clean-up and helping in animal shelters. Give to wildlife conservation groups, join your local naturalist club, learn about the flora and fauna and animals resident in your area.

I think the only thing you *can* do is decide what is divine and than immerse yourself in it. Anything else (tools, ritual, laws, books) are just distractions. If nature is sacred, than do anything possible to interact with it.

[Cindlady2]

When I was young I spent as much time alone in the wood, by the river or anywhere else I could be in nature! Nature taught me my very first Pagan beliefs! I learned to look on it as my religion even though I didn't have a name for it. I tried to credit "God" for what I saw, what I understood. But it just didn't fit with the 'dribble' I was getting in Sunday School. The more time I spent immersed in nature the more I learned, the more I learned , the more I did, the more I did, the stronger I felt about it, the stronger I felt, the more I immersed myself! I created my own path!

And I strongly agree that we should live more by the laws of nature, however, we must live in a world created, destroyed, ruled by man, a 'man' that dose not look at the world the same as us, a man that that thinks he 'owns' the world... rather than being a part of it!

If you like I could send you a copy of an email I wrote to someone else who wanted to know how I 'talk' to trees.

Another thing you could do is just pick a small (3-4ft. sq.) interesting spot in a woods, park, or even a hedged area and just sit and watch. Look at every plant, every insect. every stone. Watch as long as you can, try to imagine what it would be like to be each, try to feel the energy of everything there. If your in the right state of mind (which I think you could be) it's an amazing thing!

Good luck in finding your path!

[cheddarsox]

You might want to check out the naturalistic pagan thread on the "Paths" forum here. Equinox has a website with more info/rituals on naturalistic pantheism that sounds like something you might want to take a look at. It may not fit you perfectly but it will offer encouragement when you see that there are others who are thinking and living along the same lines as you.

I'm a pantheist myself, who is working on fleshing out the religious experience and daily practice for pans who want more than a philosophy.

cheddar

[Benvarry]

I agree with what people here have said. Drawing your own conclusions from the natural world will give you the strongest foundation for your personal beliefs, whether or not they fit into an organized religion. I consider myself a pantheist and a slowly-budding naturalist... and it works for me.

Pantheism and naturalism are probably what would make the most sense to you, too. It sounds like we have a lot of ideas in common. :)

[Rin Daemoko]

Thank you kindly, everyone, for your wonderful advice and words of encouragement. I truly appreciate your posts here.

Have any of you ever felt afraid that because of this path, you may end up becoming one of those crazy super-hippies that we sometimes hear about in the news? I'm a bit concerned with this - that I may take things too far simply because I think I'm doing the correct thing, but in reality I'm deluding myself into false righteousness (dirty word, I know).

I suppose this is where my studies of Buddhism will come in especially helpful, in particular the doctrine on the Middle Path (that one should never have too little or too much of anything - that moderation is the most fruitful path).

I would love to learn to grow my own food and live off the land, but a thousand questions flood my mind, and they're all silly ones because they're questions generated by a self who has strong attachments to artifice and civilization (which are not themselves bad things - it's the attachment that causes me concern). Such as where could I live like this? How long cold I do it before my yearning for human interaction drives me back to the cities? Are there people already living like this, and how willing are they to accept new people into their community (and how would such a transition take place)?

I honestly can't see myself living happily in the heart of civilization. It's all too hedonistic and distracted and conflicted, in my opinion. Perhaps I should learn why I think that of civilization, get to the root causes of my dislike of it, and understand how best to resolve this.

As you can tell, I'm absolutely paradigm-shifting here.

[Jolantru]

Perhaps, there's no other person except for yourself who knows the real answer. It's alright to question self and have moments of doubt - that's what makes us human and mortal. We are all used to the creature comforts and our own comfort zones. Going outside it, outside the box, is a frightening experience.

The thing is that we can all argue ourselves into pretzels and end up becoming overwrought because of it. Yet, to actually do something about it takes tremendous energy and strength from our part. I think what you can do is to start small. Plant small herbs where you live. You don't need to have flashy and big gardens. Start small and start from there. You may never know what the universe has in store for you.

Good luck on your path,
Jolantru

[cheddarsox]

I understand your hesitations. But it is doable!

My husband is a professor, and I work at the library and teach home school students science. We rent a house and 3 acres and have small stock and a veggie garden. So...it is very much the moderate path, a little of both worlds, and while we have jobs, they are very much the kind that helps us feel the connectedness. All work is part of the connectedness, but sometimes some jobs make it harder to stay aware of the fact. I've had a few that made me feel "removed" from the heart of things.

Do what you can, where you can. Keep your eyes open. You never know when an opportunity to move more deeply into your path will show itself. Many small moves toward your goal are just as productive as one large leap.

No matter where you live, or what you do, there are good things to cultivate...people's souls and spirits if there aren't any fields handy. No matter how removed we may feel, all of us live off the earth!

blessings,

cheddar

[Gen]

I relate to a lot of what you write here. I've never left Paganism, per se, but lately I've often found the living spiritual tradition of Buddhism to be more spiritually nourishing.

People complain that there are only Wicca 101 books to be found in bookstores; I would go one step further and say that it's difficult to find fellow practitioners who are beyond Wicca 101. I'm not saying such people don't exist, but the lack of an unbroken, formal, living tradition, to say nothing of a clergy, keeps too many magical practitioners operating at a basic level. We do not have enough spiritual elders prodding us on to the next level -- of course, the only way to solve this is by becoming those spiritual elders ourselves, both for each other and for the next generation.

But the problem of integrating what I know from Buddhism with what I know from Paganism into a coherent (and, admittedly, very personal tradition) is something I've been struggling with also. I'd love to talk more about it, whether in this thread or by private message.

[Ron]

Many congradulations upon your epiphany. Keep going and you'll have one a day.

The case for Earth-based spirituality is grounded in biology. The Nitrogen Cycle. (Where does Nitrogen on Earth come from?) The importance of glucose. ATP. ADP. AMP. Evolution (Punctuated equilibrium). Ecology.

Look these up, if you aren't already familiar with them.

I think you'll find that the Earth and its inhabitants are quite "whole". Which then builds the case for pantheism.

[equinox2]

Cheddarsox beat me to it.
Here is the link to the Naturalistic Pagan thread:
http://www.paganforums.org/showthread.php?t=57102

Yep, it sounds like you may have arrived at a naturalistic path. In addition to the links in my .sig, you may be inspired by the website www.thegreatstory.org, and especially the book nonzero, by robert wright.

We are the universe evolved to look back on itself in awe. Live that awe. Blessed be-

[Rin Daemoko]

Thank you kindly for those links! I am very grateful for your assistance and words of encouragement! I will certainly explore that which you have pointed out to me!

[MorningDove030202]

I recomend a book for you..... After the Ecstacy, The Laundry. I didn't read it, but my hubbie did, and it was recomended by my friend's high priest.

As far as Wicca goes, my local trad doesn't require a belief in reincarnation, but it is the most common after life concept within that tradition.

Dove

[Hærfest Leah]

I do think you should just sit. Outside.

As you mention, "they discovered these things for themselves". I have to remind myself that Pagans in the past lived in a different environment, with different needs and expectations. Their gods and rituals were created to reflect their needs. When we aren't motivated by the need to survive what motivates us, and by being so motivated, what inspires us? When we don't have to do a ritual to ensure the sun rises, the crops yield much, or to keep our home safe from intruders, just what do we do ritual for? When we have no reason to believe worshipping the gods is necessary to our survival, we make worship a secondary need that is only fulfilled when we have the time and energy. So I suggest making the time and putting forth the energy.

Try learning to hunt and growing your own food even if it's only on weekends. Spend your spare time in nature, observing it around you. Go camping, learn about the constellations, work on a farm, grow herbs and use them to cook nutritious meals, start hiking, go bird-watching, volunteer to do environmental clean-up and helping in animal shelters. Give to wildlife conservation groups, join your local naturalist club, learn about the flora and fauna and animals resident in your area.

I think the only thing you *can* do is decide what is divine and than immerse yourself in it. Anything else (tools, ritual, laws, books) are just distractions. If nature is sacred, than do anything possible to interact with it.

I'm really enjoying this thread, everything you said here has hit home for me. I've been thinking the same thing that you wrote in the 1st paragraph that we don't have to perform rituals like our ancestors did.

[Hærfest Leah]

I do think you should just sit. Outside.

As you mention, "they discovered these things for themselves". I have to remind myself that Pagans in the past lived in a different environment, with different needs and expectations. Their gods and rituals were created to reflect their needs. When we aren't motivated by the need to survive what motivates us, and by being so motivated, what inspires us? When we don't have to do a ritual to ensure the sun rises, the crops yield much, or to keep our home safe from intruders, just what do we do ritual for? When we have no reason to believe worshipping the gods is necessary to our survival, we make worship a secondary need that is only fulfilled when we have the time and energy. So I suggest making the time and putting forth the energy.

Try learning to hunt and growing your own food even if it's only on weekends. Spend your spare time in nature, observing it around you. Go camping, learn about the constellations, work on a farm, grow herbs and use them to cook nutritious meals, start hiking, go bird-watching, volunteer to do environmental clean-up and helping in animal shelters. Give to wildlife conservation groups, join your local naturalist club, learn about the flora and fauna and animals resident in your area.

I think the only thing you *can* do is decide what is divine and than immerse yourself in it. Anything else (tools, ritual, laws, books) are just distractions. If nature is sacred, than do anything possible to interact with it.

I'm really enjoying this thread, everything you said here has hit home for me. I've been thinking the same thing that you wrote in the 1st paragraph that we don't have to perform rituals like our ancestors did. I'm going to check out that naturalistic thread also.

[Rin Daemoko]

I'm really enjoying this thread, everything you said here has hit home for me. I've been thinking the same thing that you wrote in the 1st paragraph that we don't have to perform rituals like our ancestors did. I'm going to check out that naturalistic thread also.
★ I'm also really enjoying the words of encouragement, insights and resources that are being posted here. I am so grateful that these things have come my way.

[Tranquility]

Listen.

[cinatus]

Thank you kindly, everyone, for your wonderful advice and words of encouragement. I truly appreciate your posts here.

Have any of you ever felt afraid that because of this path, you may end up becoming one of those crazy super-hippies that we sometimes hear about in the news? I'm a bit concerned with this - that I may take things too far simply because I think I'm doing the correct thing, but in reality I'm deluding myself into false righteousness (dirty word, I know).

I suppose this is where my studies of Buddhism will come in especially helpful, in particular the doctrine on the Middle Path (that one should never have too little or too much of anything - that moderation is the most fruitful path).

I would love to learn to grow my own food and live off the land, but a thousand questions flood my mind, and they're all silly ones because they're questions generated by a self who has strong attachments to artifice and civilization (which are not themselves bad things - it's the attachment that causes me concern). Such as where could I live like this? How long cold I do it before my yearning for human interaction drives me back to the cities? Are there people already living like this, and how willing are they to accept new people into their community (and how would such a transition take place)?

I honestly can't see myself living happily in the heart of civilization. It's all too hedonistic and distracted and conflicted, in my opinion. Perhaps I should learn why I think that of civilization, get to the root causes of my dislike of it, and understand how best to resolve this.

As you can tell, I'm absolutely paradigm-shifting here.
There are things called intentional communities where people live like they did long ago. Kinda farming and stuff like that and appreciate nature and celebrate the seasons and live like people were supposed to. Just google for it.