Finding my spiritual path

[Lunar Raven]

Hi everyone.

Recently (very recently) I have come to the conclusion that my life isnt as good as it could be. Actually, it sucks. I feel empty, and I know that I'm missing something. I believe that I am totally out of touch spiritually, and I feel that it is something I need and want. Infact, I have never been religious, because I have never agreed to the mainstreem religions. Christianity is definitely not for me...for various reasons. I have been brainstorming, and briefly looking into different religions. I believe that the best path for me would be paganism (or wicca). If I am correct, wicca is a form of paganism? Is paganism a religion all of itself? I see all these forms of paganism , but not just 'paganism'. I really know nothing about these religions, except that they are very nature based...and I believe that this is perfect for me. I have always felt that nature was the ultimate power, and that we should respect and cherish it.

Anyway, I don't even know where to start! How did you find your spiritual path? Can you help me? Any suggestions? Thanks!

If you can link me to important information for studying I'd be greatful. Also, sorry if I didn't post this in the right section, I tried!

-Lunar Raven

[arianrhods_daughter]

It depends on what you feel is important to you. Paganism is a term for lots of different religions. What do you believe in? You dont have to chose a set religion, eclectic-pagan beliefs are very common now. Do you have any patron deities? What do you feel is important? Maybe meditate on your beliefs a bit and write a list of main ideals you hold and/or believe abt the universe and go from there?

Other than that READ look through the posts here there is a wealth of imformation and feel free to ask any and all questions :) or PM if u like

Arianrhods Daughter

[Lunar Raven]

Hi, thank you for your post. I have been reading a lot today, since it is my day off. Wicca seems very 'me'..but I have yet to really compare very many other religions.

I have not had a chance to truly brainstorm my thoughts yet...however, for some quick info....


--I have never believed that only humans have souls. I believe that animals, and nature all have a soul of their own.

--I love nature..I feel most at ease outdoors, especially on a clear night.

--I have always believed that their is not just one ultimate god, but most likely several gods and godesses.

--I believe that magick exists and is very powerful and should be used only in positive ways.

--Most importantly, if I decide to go into a religion, I want it to be one based on respect. Respect for all living creatures, and one that is not based on strict rules that confine you into being someone you're not. I also despise the way some religions use scare tactics in order to make you 'behave' the way they want you to.

Just some quick thoughts, and once again thanks for the reply ;).

[Crimson Mage]

You already have your religion, you just explained it in your post.
What is unique about paganism is that there is no "set of rules" that applies, or that have to be followed. Thats not to say there arent specific Paths that might suit you (I'd say take a long look at some if the Native American Paths or Celtic traditions -- seems like on the surface you might find others with whom you have a common bond) but even if you do not find a specific Path that suits you, create your own based on the things youve posted here.

[arianrhods_daughter]

Yes you don't have to follow a specific tradition. There are a lot of 'eclectic wiccans/pagans' around who do not conform to a path but still hold very wiccan or pagan views about their religious beliefs its upto you whether or not you'd like to snuggle up in a prewritten religion or create your own as you go along. My advise is DONT SETTLE FOR A RELIGION if its not what you are looking for, dont force yourself to follow it, your beliefs and your spirituality are whats important not a predetermined set of beliefs :) Im studying celtic mysticism and druidry, they are very earth based, but its not for everyone.

Let us know how you go and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask :)

Arianrhods Daughter

[The Lady]

I won't repeat all that the previous posters stated, however, I would like to add (or emphasize) that your path is a personal one and another person cannot tell you what it is, YOU have to search for it.

I agree with one of the posters, Druidry might be an option to research because of your affinity to nature.

Please remember that your path will take years to develop and in some instances to find; take your time and be patient.

[Mouse]

You can never read too much! Read everything, includeing fiction. Question everything you believe, know why you believe it. Look at all information without judgeing it, at least until you fully understand it. Try and view things from other people's perspectives, rather than just your own. Spend ten minutes outside barefooted everyday, don't think! Just be. Listen and feel. Learn about yourself, know yourself completely, you don't have to like yourself, nor justify your actions, but knowing yourself, your bloodlines and what works with you is very important.

This is my completely random advice! I hope you have a good day, and find the path you seek.
~Miri

[Lunar Raven]

Thanks everyone, very helpful :).

I'm starting with wicca (research), because it's always interested me...and seems fitting. I agree though that I shouldn't place myself into a religion just for the sake of doing so, when I can simply be a free spirit and form my own type of belief system. However if I can find one that truly suits my beliefs, then that's all for the better (being I would be able to relate with people who are also familiar with the religion). My second research will be druidry, thank you very much for the suggestion.

Needless to say I've been having some interesting reads today. I like reading, so that's a good thing ;). I know that this will be a long learning process, but I feel good that I'm actually taking the time to try and discover myself spiritually. It's something I've never done before. These forums seem great so I'll be sticking around.

[Bix]

What I'd just suggest to you is to just read anything that interests you spiritually. Also, just take some time to sit down, get in a calm state of mind, and just write down everything you believe. It helps to just get your thoughts on paper sometimes.

[arianrhods_daughter]

There is also the option of Celtic Wicca, Hedge Witchcraft (very nature based and herbal) Kitchen Witchcraft (some people say its just another name for Hedge Witchcraft but I don't) and about a million other paths I cant really comment on because my knowledge of them is limited. But a lot of pagan beliefs are very nature based! :)

Subjects like divination, healing etc can fit into all religions, for example Im learning to be a druid, Im a local reiki healer and do tarot readings for people, so even though Ive found a tradition it can still be very mixed and matched...

Most people recommend Scott Cunninghams books about wicca, I havent really read them I have more his correspondence books and found them to be quite useful.

Not sure what else I can recommend really, like I said before you can email or PM me if you've any other queries at any time :) good luck!!

[Rin Daemoko]

I most certainly agree with the advice regarding not settling for a religion. That being said, I do believe that training in a religion can be of benefit, since it can provide you with a firm foundation and context around which you can frame your spiritual development. At any point, you can leave the religion with what you have gained in terms of conventional and ultimate wisdom, practices and vows.

It's similar to going to school, or rather a university. It is a structured environment with accepted codes of conduct and courses to be taught. You go, and you learn, and you apply yourself. Through this process, you change. At any time, you can leave the university and take what you have learned with you and adapt it for your own lifestyle and personal nuances. Or you could stay and graduate, then go on to post-graduate studies, then on to a Ph.D., et cetera.

Wicca is most certainly something of value to look into because it is so widely-known, and there is a lot of material out there for you to study. There are also dozens of covens you could seek entrance to for training and education. At the same time, there are other pagan traditions out there, such as OBOD seed groups. These are also worth investigating.

In any religion, you're going to find some things you like and some things you don't like, and those are all part of the package. The important thing is to learn what you like and why you like it, but also to learn what you don't like and why you don't like it. By exploring these things, you really get to the heart of what it means to "know thyself." It's a kind of knowledge that is beyond the profane descriptors of "pagan" or "feminist" or "mysanthropist," it's more like satori or gnosis.

The Middle Path, is what I'm getting at here. Not to allow yourself to become completely absorbed by one religion or another, but also not to be so disassociated from religions as to have little or no foundation upon which to grow spiritually. At least, that's my opinion.

[Misteria]

What do you believe being mixed into Wicca, druid, and celtic. I tend to leand toward herbs and candle making. I think writing ones own spells is the way togo. However I too have never been able to weed through all the Sub names. I have been simply Pagan and others ask me for a sub name but I really don't know where I fit in.

[Novembers River]

There's been great advice in this thread. I just wanted to add my own tid-bit about taking your time.

I first discovered paganism (through Wicca books) at the age of 16. As it is with most of us, Wicca touched something inside of me that had been lacking through Catholicism. I never looked back and headed down the pagan path.

However, I'm almost 30 now and have only recently finally found my true spirituality. It took me about 12 years to discover what was right for me. I tried a lot of paths within paganism and have enjoyed learning from all of them, but in the end I've formed my own spirituality that doesn't necessarily conform to any tradition.

My point in all this is to take your time. Take years if you must like I did. I tried to force myself into a few traditions (meaning I took up the practice too quickly) and found myself only disappointed because it wasn't "me". I learned though, I learned so much and did find my path just as you will. And trust me, even when you do find your path you never stop learning!

Enjoy yourself. Whichever way you go, this is life changing.