Path Questions

[2steps]

How do you find which path or which pieces of are best for you? There seems to be so many. what if something I beleive doesn't fit in anywhere. can I just make it part of my own path anyway?

[Lynleigh]

I started out by reading information on all the different paths I could find, this process was also very helpful for me to really find out what I beleive and why.

If you find things in certain paths that don't fit what you believe, I would keep looking. I had the same problem, I would find a path that would match a lot of what I believe, but then other things would be in opposition.

Currently, I think I've found a path I want to follow, so now I'm doing a lot more in depth research to see if that is something I want to dedicate myself to. Even if it's not, the journey is still very important.

I don't think there's anything wrong with creating your own path.

[mtpathy]

It just depends on the person really,some people need to study
books on different paths in order to see what they should believe.
others just study and practice what comes natural, then later on
down the road stumble across books that use those perticular
practices within there beliefs.

[Amelserru_halqu]

ok cliche answer, look. Now as that "look" isn't a very helpful answer I suggest reading some basic mythology from a couple of cultures and if one clicks for you run with it. Well that asumes you want to follow a pagan path, if you're looking for something else try eastern philosophy, western alchemy, and of course always check out their core beliefs and make sure they match up with yours. (otherwise what's the point?) You may also want to check out their retirement plans (AKA afterlife). Most importantly just listen to your heart. It knows the way it wants to go so listen and follow its song. If you happen to make a wrong turn well just call it an adventure and pick another path. You are going to have a blast finding your path especially since you don't have to listen to people say "Walk this way, Talk this way."

Happy trails

[2steps]

I have a rough idea of what I believe. I need to look more in depth into somethings I feel to be sure. After spending 10 years with me slowly opening and showing my pagan beliefs and ways my bf wants to be wiccan. He doesn't seem to understand that you can't just chose that and go with it, what if it doesn't fit your beliefs?
I am really interested in working with fae and also magic, runes and crystal healing. Since I was very small I have had a huge love and respect for the moon and felt as if everything had spirits, like in trees and the wind etc. Animals seem to like me, we have a sort of unspoken understanding, if that makes sense? I have never been able to share these things properly as my dad is a very private person and this sort of thing was never discussed, my mum would of told me not ot be stupid :( as she often did anyway

[Rae ShadowWolf]

The best thing to do is to read up on different paths and aspects. Keep an open mind and heart. You'll know when you come across something for you, because it will just click. You won't question it, you'll feel peace. At least that is how it worked for me.

And mixing paths, to find your own, nothing wrong with that. That's what being Eclectic is all about. ;)

[Theres]

How do you find which path or which pieces of are best for you? There seems to be so many. what if something I beleive doesn't fit in anywhere. can I just make it part of my own path anyway?

turn off the computer and meditate.

[Tranquility]

As Rae said, who says you have to follow a path? You can always mix and match, or simply make up for own for that matter, and call it the path of the heart (as my aunt says). I study a Druidic way as well as that of the Shaman, but I consider myself neither (for multiple reasons). They eventually, and in my mind ideally, become a way of life instead.

Also, some excellent (My favorite) advice given by Theres.

[Kalika]

How do you find which path or which pieces of are best for you? There seems to be so many. what if something I beleive doesn't fit in anywhere. can I just make it part of my own path anyway?

Yes. Many people do this, and this is why many people consider themselves "Eclectic" rather than just a straight-forward member of some religion or other.

You find which peices are right for you through time, patience, study and practice. Sometimes things will be right for a time... and then you'll be able to let them go and move on to the next peice. Some things will stay with you throughout your life, and you will build upon those.

There is no way to find them all right away, as each person is an individual... and their path is individual as well. Keep that in mind as you get frustrated or feel overwhelmed - its all a part of the learning process. :)

[LadyCanine]

Read, read, read and then read some more...lol

Always be open to knowledge and learning, let your heart lead you. Its what im doing and I couldnt be happier. It is also a good idea to meditate like Theres said. Just go with what you feel is right and dont think, 'o i have to stick with this' because you dont. :)

[Ben Gruagach]

There are some great resources that can help listed in this MysticWicks thread (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=113892).

I really like the Belief-O-Matic quiz. It asks you for your basic beliefs and then tells you which religions match that set of beliefs most closely.

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

How do you find which path or which pieces of are best for you? There seems to be so many. what if something I beleive doesn't fit in anywhere. can I just make it part of my own path anyway?

i just went with my instincts. I started out with wicca, but didn't limit myself to it. i researched anything that struck my fancy and eventually came across things that made me go "hey, i believe that too". Sure you can add your own beliefs to make your path your own...just take care when discussing withothers what you call yoursefl or you can get some confusion and debating. 'cause while tweaking a path or trad might be ok, change it too much and it ceases to be what it was and is instead something new, which is fine and great, just not what you origionally started out with ^_^

[Windsmith]

I echo what a lot of other people have said: keep looking. I studied and participated in ritual with Norse shamans, Dianic Pagans, and Alexandrian Wiccans before I found Reclaiming. There are so many paths you would need your entire life to explore them all, but as soon as you dive in, you begin a process of defining what you want from and have to offer to a tradition, and you'll likely find yourself gravitating toward one path or another (even if that path turns out to be one you create yourself).

I'd like to respectfully disagree, though, with a couple of the other posters here who suggest that you walk away from any path or tradition that has components that you don't like or don't feel comfortable with. Obviously, if your gut is screaming, "Run away! Run away!" you want to pay attention to that. But if what you're feeling is just a general sense of discomfort, I encourage you to spend some time examining that. If, in the end, you this truly is something that isn't right for you, then it's time to move on. But it might turn out that the discomfort you feel is some shadow issue you have that you need to work out for yourself. If the path feels right for you in every aspect but that one, chances are it is the path for you. By dealing with your inner blockage, you'll come to a deeper understanding of yourself and a truer connection to your path.

[Lioness Blackfire]

I agree with what people have mostly been saying: open yourself up - see what feels right and what doesn't. Studying specific subjects is one way and a very important one at that, but it's also helpful to just sort of browse. Find the "new age" or mythology section in a bookstore and walk along a shelf until you feel compelled to pick up a book.

The stage of finding yourself can last a very long time, but it's worth it. If you end up creating your own mish-mash of assorted beliefs, it's wonderful as long as it works for you (I've made an odd personal pantheon myself).

And I also like Theres's advice - meditate! It helps so many people so much.

Good luck!