I need help...

[Fiera_Rayne]

If there is anyone in the columbus, Ohio area who would be willing to teach me more indepth about Paganism I would be most appreciative. I have been studying on my own for the better part of 5 years and can't seem to catch the right guidelines. In every book I purchase or read they seem to have something different to say. If anyone would be willing to help please reply.

Sincerely,
Fiera Rayne

[Cindlady2]

Take what you have read and fallow what makes most sense to YOU! Most pagan paths do not have step by step instructions, nor do they have a 'bible' telling you how to think and feel. Wicca may come the closest, but even they have divisions.
You must keep exploring until you find something that makes sense to you. Look at different paths. Read the forums here on Paths, Gods and Goddesses, etc. Don't feel bad if at first it doesn't make sense, the more you read the more you'll understand.
Paganism is a subjective thing. You must figure out what you need from it before you find the right path.

Hope this helped a bit,
Good Luck! and Bright Blessings!
Y

[jcldragon]

You can read all you want to, and you really should, but in the end, you have to figure everything out yourself. None of it really means anything, until you do that.

[Jenett]

While I agree with the other people answering that you need to take time to figure out what you're looking for, I want to point out that there *are* times when working with other people is important or even necessary.

Some traditions or paths are taught only person to person. If you want to learn these, you need to find someone who teaches that path. (I've heard the "I've tried learning from books, and it didn't work" from people who later realised they were being called strongly to one of those paths.)

There's also the fact that some techniques require multiple people. That doesn't make those techniques or methods the only possible approach - but it does mean that if you prefer those, you're going to want people to work with. Again, sometimes people are looking for this without realising exactly why for a while (because there's not a lot of good parallels in mainstream society for this kind of religious or spiritual work.)

The last - and most important point - is that not everyone learns the same way. Some people learn much better by talking (in person, not online) and actually hearing information. Others learn best by doing, but want some feedback on what they're doing at the same time. (Hard to do if you're not working with someone.)

Fiera Rayne - the first place I'd suggest you check out is http://witchvox.com - select Ohio in the drop down box at the left, and check out any groups or events that sound interesting to you.

You may want to check out, in particular, any Pagan Pride days you can get to, and any local networking events (coffee nights, etc.) These can be a good way to meet people in your community and see if there's someone (or a group) that you'd like to work closely with.

It may take time - and you may have some hard choices (feeling drawn to something that is a significant distance or otherwise logistically challenging for you. It can also be tempting to end up somewhere that you know isn't right, just because it's there (and this can get you into trouble). That's why doing a lot of introspection and looking at what you're interested in, why, and what you're willing to do to get it is a good idea to keep coming back to.

Good luck!