recovering pagans

[aquinnah]

anybody out there in a Twelve-step fellowship? Luckily in my area we have a few pagans in the rooms, but I know not everyone is that fortunate. Anyone interested e-mail me at celticgardens@earthlink.net

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by aquinnah
anybody out there in a Twelve-step fellowship? Luckily in my area we have a few pagans in the rooms, but I know not everyone is that fortunate. Anyone interested e-mail me at celticgardens@earthlink.net

Are you refering to 12-step like AA/CA/NA??

I have been to a few but haven't found the right one yet.

Let me know.

RnR

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by bluecat
Rcovering from Paganism??? what is the deal here?

I think Aquinnah is referring to recovery from substance abuse. Just given the fact that the 12-step program was mentioned, this is what I gather. It doesn't refer to recovering from Paganism.

And I think I can relate - as a recovering alcoholic. Though AA/CA/NA confess to not being Christian (and the Big Book is mostly Atheist, for that matter), most meetings have somewhat of a Christian behavior. Sometimes, at the end of a meeting, they hold hands in a circle and say the "Lord Prayer". I tend to step out at that point.

Not that I am against it, I step out for respect as to not be the "Broken link" in their chain.

That's all she meant, I think.

RnR

[aquinnah]

Yes - I meant recovering from the disease of addiction. Luckily where I live, and in my fellowship, most meetings end with the Serenity Prayer and many times I am not the only one beginning with the words "Goddess, grant me...". My fear of Bible-thumpers in the rooms kept me from getting clean for a long time and it nearly cost me my life. I moved to this island out of a treatment center some years ago and met pagans in both AA and NA meetings right off the bat. There's another recovering addict in my circle as well, so I'm not the only one having cakes and sparkling fruit juice if you know what I mean. I am grateful that she kept me alive long enough let the miracle happen. I was a pagan before, but never really explored or experienced my religion like I have done these past few years. I am slowly filling the spiritual void left by years of active using and abusing. I am excited to be going to my first Pagan festival (Rites of Spring) and was happy to see that they have 12-step meetings during the festival. We are everywhere....

In perfect trust that Her will is better than mine,
Aquinnah

[bluecat]

I am not a member of such a program or I would gladly offer what I could.

What I can offer is support and friendship and the glass of Lemonade. :cool:

[Mariposa De La Luna]

Good for you! I think it is very important to work on our problems and bad habits to better embrace Paganism. I did not have the same problems, or belong to a 12 step program, like you but did work on a weight issue and depression. Like you though, after I got to a point where I could see a big difference, I have experieneced Paganism like never before and am more spiritual and developing spiritually unlike anything I've ever felt before. Its great to be young and Pagan! I couldn't say that 4 years ago. Love and light to you in your quest for bettering yourself.

[rantnraven]

Wanted to point out that addiction is a desease. Be it Alcohol. Meth. Coke, even over-eating. Another part of addiction is the indivuals around us that become - as they say - Co-Dependent. Recovery for both not easy. I have been recovering for some time now.

Good for you Aquinnah. Stay sober and I am glad that 12 step has helped you. 12 step is not for everyone and it is especially difficult if you are Pagan. I am in So. California but sometimes I feel like I live on the "Bible Belt". I have resited the Serenity Prayer and start it the same as you stated. The "Lords Prayer" is a bit different and, as I stated, I just bow out.

Thanks again, Blue for the friendship and the lemonade.

RnR

[Acie]

I tried to attend the meetings and follow the 12 steps but it wasn't for me. I found much more success with dealing with my addiction on my own with a few friends. I was clean for five years with great success but recently gave myself back to my "demons", chronic depression combined with other problems. I have now reclaimed my life and started over. It will be hard but worth it. I know I can do it on my own.......

I'm not saying that you should do it alone. If a 12 Step program works for you then that is what you should do. If you need some encouragement or just need a listener, I am here.

While on this subject, a lil' positive thought and lil' positive energy that anyone would like to release into the universe to assist me would be greatly appreciated.....

[bluecat]

I am and have been many times in the past "Clinically Addicted" to narcotic maintenance drugs. The worst thing about this is they often just stop the drugs without any real help. Oh, yes, they usually taper it off, but often there is a need for outside help. As far as my present clinical addiction is concerned I cannot stop because the drug is part of a "cocktail" that keeps me breathing and the damage to my lungs is irreversable, so the drug is permanent. Also I am not a good trasnplant candidate.

Even the legal and health maintaining addictions are bad though, but sometimes it just happens. I really believe in the "Lemonade" thing. I have made a lot of Lemonade in my life and will continue to do so as long as I am able and life hands me lemons. You are given the lemons for a reason, what you make of them is up to you.

Blue :cool:

[BrightStar]

Hi all!
Selena Fox at The Circle Sanctuary has a thesis on 12 step paganism.She's published a 12 steps for Pagans.I think there's a short version and a 60 page thesis she has for sale.
http://circlesanctuary.org/
It might be helpful for those who can't deal with all that Christianity at meetings.
Peace and love
Rain BrightStar

[rantnraven]

There is more to loosing an addiction the just quitting! There are thing (triggers) to look out for - depending on your drug of choice. Be it Alcohol, Meth, Pot, Whatever!!! The "Triggers" differ from one to the next. It is entirely possible to get sober but, this might require a Life Change. Too often someone quits using but retains that same life style and, enevidably, revert back to using.

12 step can help but, a total change is what is needed. Granted, 12 step isn't for everyone but, the rule of thumb is, 90 meetings in 90 days. That should help.

AA/CA/NA all are free of charge.

RnR

[gunner]

in courtesty to recovering friends perhaps i might be more careful about offerring that "cyberbooze" bottle around. lemonade all round at bluecat's porch.

[bluecat]

Originally posted by gunner
in courtesty to recovering friends perhaps i might be more careful about offerring that "cyberbooze" bottle around. lemonade all round at bluecat's porch.

Thanks gunner ... :cool: Good point.

[rantnraven]

By not offering the Cyber-booze, one would have toconsider the Cyber-Coka and Cyber-meth.

Your gesture is surely appreciated.

Lemonade -no Vodka - for me please. Though I was always a Rum guy myself.

Thank you for your thoughts.

RnR

[aquinnah]

Thanks for the Selena Fox link, BrightStar, and thanks to everyone for replying. As for the offer of lemonade - I always bring a bottle of sparkling cider for the cakes and ale following our rituals, so I'll just pop some in Bluecat's refridgerator for us sober folks, too. I quit using a thousand times - sometimes it was one substance, but not others, sometimes I swore off everything. But I could'nt stay stopped alone. I have found the path laid out in my 12-step fellowship, along with the friendships I have made there, has helped me. I know what saved my life during some of the worst times I had (car accidents, suicide attempts, dangerous situations, etc.) was a power greater than myself. I use this power more than anything to stay clean. That I can go 1 hour, or 1 day, or now actual years without picking up a drink or drug is a miracle. I can now worship the Goddess in all her manifestations and bring that energy into my work, my relationships, my 12-step groups, and my home. I have d to take medication in my recovery, too, Bluecat, including some very close to my drug of choice. I really screwed with my head - the voice I used to listen to that propelled me to take drugs day in and day out suddenly rose up again after a long period of silence. I made it through, though, by telling people where I was at and praying for the obsession to use to stay away. It's a beautiful spring day and I am going outside to my garden with my Kwan Yin statue, some flowers, and thanks for her healing and compassion.

[moonmari]

Hi Rant, Isee how old this thread is but I wanted to reply anyway. I also belong to a 12 step group. I am one of the few non christians. We only have three meetings a day...all the same people. Any way, I love my group, so far the few that know I'm not christian have been supportive, but I keep it pretty well hidden. One thing I have noticed latley is that another pagan girl in the group has changed the Lord's Prayer to suite her beliefs.
Give us this day our daily strength .....etc. I am going to sit down and re-write it for myself also so I don't have to tune out for the closing prayer.

[Flar's Freyja]

I recently jumped all over someone on a list for making fun of a new pagan 12 step group in our area. I think she read the message wrong and thought that it was for people recovering from paganism :(

I think this is great. Traditional AA is Christian-oriented and always will be. It is also patriarchal, which is why the Women In Sobriety groups were established years ago. These programs have saved many lives and I'm glad to see the effort to meet all needs.

[moonmari]

Sending you that energy and love!

MoonMari

[moonmari]

I've never heard of Women In Sobriety Groups. That's terrific! Currently a very small group here {5} have begun to gather to practice the 12 steps in the Native American tradition. It rocks! That beleif system is so paralell to most "Old Religion" It feels very comfortable and sacred.

Blessings! MoonMari