Faery Fling or Faery Flop

[rantnraven]

Oh well.

Tried to make an impression but it was really nothing more then a few lost soles seeking adventure. I do hope Pagan Pride has more to offer - and I'm sure it will. I think next time I will just go to the zoo.

*shrugs*

RnR

[bluecat]

I have noticed a disturbing trend in the past few years of people who come and go through Paganism like the flavor of the month.

The good part about this is there have been quite a few very good folks seek out this path who ordinarily would not have made such a journey. We are enriched by their presence, and as for the others, hopefully they will carry away the knowledge of what we are about. Perhaps some will return someday with a renewed curiosity and vision.

Blue

[rantnraven]

This was kind of a new journey for me too. Passing out flier to promote this community. I volunteered and no one asked that I do it. I have always prided myself on the fact that as a Pagan I don't recruit. What I found funny is that I was not the only one handing out fliers and what not. I felt a little like I should be wearing a blue tie and riding a ten-speed.

I love this community and want to promote it but, I just felt, i dunno. I have always harped on the Mormons, 7DA's. It was just kind of weird. Although, in my heart I know there are people out there that have the idea, they just don't know where to turn.

I think I would feel worse if we were asking for donations or a sign up fee. And, OH YEAH, there was you share of those trying to save your soul. I hold nothing against them, I just fell kind of weird.

Blessings to you Brother. I hope one day to meet you. And the others.

RnR

[Mairwen]

I too have noticed te comings and goings. I blame that on movies, the media and TeenWitch (srw, of course). Paganism has become the "in thing" to do ~ and if you're not doing it, you're a looooser, baby. *grumble* And it is "those people" who are making the rest of us look bad ~ those of us who take what we're doing seriously ~~ it's the core of who we are.

These McPagans are a pains in the wazoo and make life miserable for those who are serious about their Craft work (remember the article Kaylara wrote in a recent newsletter?).

Just dressing Goth or reading ONE book doesn't make you a Pagan. It's the CORE of your soul. It's who and what you ARE.

Paganism is NOT A FAD.

[rantnraven]

I know I was not recruiting people while there but, I still don't know how to feel about it.

Is what I did bad? I think that is the question for me right now. I know there a lot of "broom-closet" pagans out there that have nowhere to turn - or at least think that. However, do we start recruiting? I recall when the calling struck me, I had to search for it and that sort of made it special. It didn't come looking for me. Instead, I had to hunt it down.

*shrugs*

I just don't know.

RnR

[bluecat]

Originally posted by rantnraven
I know I was not recruiting people while there but, I still don't know how to feel about it.

Is what I did bad? I think that is the question for me right now. I know there a lot of "broom-closet" pagans out there that have nowhere to turn - or at least think that. However, do we start recruiting? I recall when the calling struck me, I had to search for it and that sort of made it special. It didn't come looking for me. Instead, I had to hunt it down.

*shrugs*

I just don't know.

RnR

Nope, you went to a place where you expected to find like minds and they were not what was expected. Who knows, maybe one of your flyers will get into the hands of someone who is truly interested, it was not a waste and you were not recruiting, just some good ol' grass roots advertising.

Blue

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by bluecat


Nope, you went to a place where you expected to find like minds and they were not what was expected. Who knows, maybe one of your flyers will get into the hands of someone who is truly interested, it was not a waste and you were not recruiting, just some good ol' grass roots advertising.

Blue

Thanks, Blue.

Can I have some lemonade? Just feel like relaxing and taking my mind off of this. Pagan Pride day is coming up in September and I need to think about that for awhile.

Or, maybe, I should just stop thinking for a spell.

RnR

[bluecat]

Originally posted by rantnraven


Thanks, Blue.

Can I have some lemonade? Just feel like relaxing and taking my mind off of this. Pagan Pride day is coming up in September and I need to think about that for awhile.

Or, maybe, I should just stop thinking for a spell.

RnR

Sure, fresh lemonade, just for RnR, and the Sunday Funnies too!

Blue :D

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by bluecat


Sure, fresh lemonade, just for RnR, and the Sunday Funnies too!

Blue :D

You are too kind.

RnR

[Neek]

MM all.

As a 'newbie' I just want to put my 2 cents in.

I wasn't recruited and I didn't have to hunt it down. It just sort of developed (I think!). I have always had an interest in divination and so recently starting looking on the net for information. This is when I realised that the way I have been living my life for the last 10 years or so has actually been very much along the lines of paganism. (This is how I found you guys *hugs*). I am very much into nature and aware of my surroundings. I believe strongly in 'do unto others as you would have others do unto you'. So 'and harm none' sits very well me.

I've never worshipped a god/goddess but the more I read and learn, the more strongly I feel the goddess within me.

I cast my first circle last night, and asked the goddess to look after a good friend of mine who has cancer. She is undergoing treatment (Chemo & radiation) and that is not making her feel very well. (She hardly goes anywhere because she always feels so sick.) Anyway, I saw my friend today and she told me that today is one of the best days she has had since becoming sick. She actually felt like partying! :p She has no idea what I did last night.

This has totally reinforced my belief in a spiritual way of life and I want to learn more. I live on a small island with no access to bookstores so find it hard to go and buy books (although I'm on holiday next week and will be scrounging around all the 2nd hand bookshops ;)). So at the moment the internet is my sole source of information - I'm so glad I found this community!

Anyway as I said at the beginning, my 2cents worth, plus I just wanted to share!.

BB
Neek
:sunny:

[rantnraven]

I am glad your circle served you well. Welcome, again. It gives me cause to smile when all goes good within.

Sit upon the porch and have some lemonade. You certainly deserve it.

RnR

[Neek]

Thank you RnR

........ and mighty fine lemonade it is too!

Neek
:sunny:

[vocis noctis]

I can tell how I became interested in becoming a Pagan.

I always know I was different. Everyone at my school wasn't very deep into subjects: they all had a 'who cares?' opinion. So does my mum, who I live alone with. I was different from that. I read and wrote poetry, listen to different kinds of music, and just knew there was a certain path for me to walk (btw, is this what u guys mean by 'Path'?)
Anyway, I started to get into the occult a little. I met different kinds of people (later to be my friends (for a while)) with the same basic idea about life. They happened to be Goths. Now, I know the most people of you are probibly not a Goth, I am one myself. The black clothing has something romantic. I'm drifting off. Anyway, the most of my friends only were interested in Magick. They didn't care about backgrounds or stuff like that - no just the Magick. I on the other hand was more interested in the different stories on religions and very interested in being a pagan. Not for the Magick, but basically to know myself better. I'm a guy that will turn 17 in 9 days, I have very little experience with Paganism, the Wiccan lifestyle, and so on, but I do know this is the Path I have to walk. You are all so kind and helpfull, so I'm at the right place - I know that now.

Mark

[gunner]

Originally posted by Mairwen
I too have noticed te comings and goings. I blame that on movies, the media and TeenWitch (srw, of course). Paganism has become the "in thing" to do ~ and if you're not doing it, you're a looooser, baby. *grumble* And it is "those people" who are making the rest of us look bad ~ those of us who take what we're doing seriously ~~ it's the core of who we are.

These McPagans are a pains in the wazoo and make life miserable for those who are serious about their Craft work (remember the article Kaylara wrote in a recent newsletter?).

Just dressing Goth or reading ONE book doesn't make you a Pagan. It's the CORE of your soul. It's who and what you ARE.

Paganism is NOT A FAD.

THAT'S what i meant by "whoopee witches"!!,

[gunner]

yes vocis noctis, that is exactly what we mean by "paths" and there is no "one true path" as the christians would have you think. we are all seeking knowledge and my path is not necessarily yours nor anyone else's but the journey is the same. for some the journey is made in company, others journey alone in body though not necessarily in spirit. that is one thing this community does well, i think, give each other company on our separate journeys. we'll all give you our own blessing, mine is "mithras guide and guard you".
"gunner"

(and happy birthday!)

[MammaStar]

Also, being a "newbie" I'd like to add to the discussion.

I kind of new that the way I was raised (Catholic) wasn't quite right for me. My Mom is a very strong woman and always taught me to think for myself. I never agreed with the patriarchal ways of the Catholic church. I hate being told what I have to think and how to live my life. It's that stubborn streak in me that I have to thank both my parents for :).

I've always liked nature (thanks Dad) and the "fantasy" world (fairies, unicorns, etc.). When my son was born, I was struggling with the "religon issue". I baptised him because that's what was expected of me, but I didn't feel comfortable with it. I wanted him to grow up respecting others, people as well as nature. To be kind, thoughtful, etc. Also being a Deadhead, helped me explore different ways. Still, nothing felt quite right. Then, and as cheesy as this may sound, I saw that goofy movie "Practical Magic." Okay, stop groaning. After watching it I remembered a woman I met named Susan who was Wiccan. I went to see her the next day and talked to her about how I was feeling. She invited me to join her at her group's next circle (they don't call themselves a coven). In the meantime, she told me a few titles of books to get and to start educating myself to see if this was "my path." I had read Scott Cunninghams's book by the time for "The Grove" (it's what they called their gathering) came up. I took my best friend, Angel, with me too. It was at that circle that I knew I was home. During the circle I could feel a wall break down in front of me. I was so full of love and happiness that I started crying. It was the most amazing feeling. That was about 3 years ago, and I'm still (aren't we all) learning and finding my way. There are times, when I feel alone, and then I find a great place like this!
Okay, I'm done, for now. I hope I didn't bore you too much!

[Red Dragon]

Those who are chosen will find their way! You will notice that even in this community, the core slowly and steadily grows and remains, while others just pass through still searching. It is... All we can expect and those of us that remain can know we are home and among friends. As for the rest... It is not for us to question the ways of the gods. :)