Where should I start?

[EarthyMomma]

Okay I know I can and should just search the forums first. But honestly my online time is limited, I only get on in the mornings while my youngest sleeps and during nap time, or sometimes when hubby is home. And I also have business and other things to conduct during that time, so I don't have a lot of time to just sit & read lol

Soo, I thought I'd start a thread, and have y'all help me out a lil

Where should I start? reading, researching, learning

I was following the Wiccan path, (you can read more in my intro too about my situation) and I'd like to renew myself, I'd like to learn more, and actually become a "practicing" Pagan, my mind is not closed to the Wiccan path, so feel free to share info on others as well. But I mean I just want to know where to begin, where I can learn more and grow, with a busy schedule. And anything else you'd like to share! (note: I also still want my Catholic beliefs to be a part of my life, I don't believe in/agree with everything in the bible, but yes some of it, and my husband and children are also Catholic, my stepson calls himself Catholic Pagan however and I plan on teaching my son both paths as well)

Thanks

[Greybird]

The line between literary pagan and practicing pagan is an easy one to cross. To begin with:

1. Begin meditating regularly.
2. Get outside as often as humanly possible, even if it is just a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood.

Use the books to supplement those things, not the other way around, and you'll be off to a good start.

[Vigdisdotter]

I would say that the best place to start is with knowing yourself; your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. That way you will have a basis from which to work as you piece together what you want your path to involve :)

[ShadowStalker]

For online resources... definitely check out the NP FAQ and the Paths forum. There are a lot of extremely valuable resources in both.

Meditation is a simple way to start - and something you can learn to do even with limited amounts of free time. :)

Follow your instincts, commune with nature, get in touch with your inner self... you'll find the right path and direction for yourself. Good luck!

[Fiamma]

I would say that the best place to start is with knowing yourself; your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. That way you will have a basis from which to work as you piece together what you want your path to involve :)


Yes, definitely. It's easier to know what you believe and want to do and find something that matches that (or to put together your own) than it is to decide that a particular religion looks attractive and try to mold yourself into it.


What Catholic beliefs do you retain? What pagan beliefs do you want to include? Are you interested in a particular culture? There are some cultural Catholic-pagan syncretic religions.

What does your ideal personal religion involve?

[cheddarsox]

yup, yup, nodding to all the wise responses above.


Start by practicing what you believe. The rest will come.

cheddar

[Tigerlily]

To really get me in the groove, I like to light a candle or incense stick every day and so some praying (mine are usually in the form of thanking and asking for continued blessing).

[EarthyMomma]

Thanks everyone, yes finding time is my biggest obstacle right now LOL

[inkywitch]

Thanks everyone, yes finding time is my biggest obstacle right now LOL

I've been having a 'hard time finding time' for 9 years now. Finally you'll get sick of it and start making time. It's a process. Longer for others than some.

I made a post on my covenspace just today about my vow to work out of my book-pagan ways and actually become a practicing Pagan. You might be interested: http://inkywitch.covenspace.com/

I find meditation, and starting work basically with energy good places to start becoming active, as they are very good skill to build upon for most Pagans, regardless of what path they end up walking.

[cheddarsox]

Thanks everyone, yes finding time is my biggest obstacle right now LOL

A faith system is not something that is only practiced "outside" of the rest of our lives. It is not just "set aside" time, it is woven into the fabric of our lives.

I wonder if you just aren't seeing what you are already doing, or if you have an idea that it is "something else".

Do you have a place where things tend to collect? Special items, quotes, reading material, etc? You may already have an altar without realizing it.
Do you have music that puts you into a contemplative mood?

the fact that you are here discussing this, makes me think you have a faith, and some sort of loose practice, but want to make it more pronounced. Start right where you are, you don't need a new piece of cloth, just embroider the one that you are living.

Place appropriate reading material beside your bed, in your bathroom, in your tote that you take to work.
Light that candle during dinner, or even while you shower or bathe.
Blow on the sparks that are already lit in your life, some will 'catch', and soon you will be warmed by the glow of a healthy practice.

I say this because often when people feel they need to set aside a whole big chunk of time and energy for a whopping life change...they get overwhelmed, the task looks impossible and they don't make the change. But when we make the change organically, make the decisions moment by moment, we get to the goal.

It's like ants moving a pile of grain. They just move the bits one at a time, and get the job done. (I've been observing ants doing just this all week)

I also know that sometimes, making a commitment to a big change can be invigorating as well. You'll know when the time is right.

Personally, I'd start with the altar. Set aside a sacred space, right in your living space, where you will see it every day. It will call to mind your intention.

cheddar

[Silverfangs]

The line between literary pagan and practicing pagan is an easy one to cross. To begin with:

1. Begin meditating regularly.
2. Get outside as often as humanly possible, even if it is just a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood.

Use the books to supplement those things, not the other way around, and you'll be off to a good start.

Two simple advices that mean a lot. If your problem is lack of time, try mixing your path with your regular life, because they are unseparable. Unfortunatelly only now I am realising what these two things really mean.

Praying and meditating, analysing the world around, is much more important than reading books about paganism... 'cause books can be important, but don't have all the answers. Sometimes the most complex question can be answered by simple ways...


Peace, and good luck in your journey! _cloud9_

[EarthyMomma]

Thanks for all your insight everyone :) Haven't been on here in a while as things just keep getting busier! lol

I never thought of it that way, that I'm already "practicing" in many of my daily doings. :) That thought helps me relax about it all a little :)

[~ lowlinora ~]

A faith system is not something that is only practiced "outside" of the rest of our lives. It is not just "set aside" time, it is woven into the fabric of our lives.

I wonder if you just aren't seeing what you are already doing, or if you have an idea that it is "something else".

Place appropriate reading material beside your bed, in your bathroom, in your tote that you take to work.
Light that candle during dinner, or even while you shower or bathe.
Blow on the sparks that are already lit in your life, some will 'catch', and soon you will be warmed by the glow of a healthy practice.

I say this because often when people feel they need to set aside a whole big chunk of time and energy for a whopping life change...they get overwhelmed, the task looks impossible and they don't make the change. But when we make the change organically, make the decisions moment by moment, we get to the goal.



cheddar

Although your advice was intended for EarthyMomma, it was helpful and made me think....I have been waiting for the time to come so Icould pursue my interests, and realised that the time has always been here. Thank You.

[Nitefalle]

Hey EarthyMomma, you might also check out the Christian Witches forum in the Paths section. They might give you some inspiration, as well as others to speak to of a like mind.

[LadyCelt]

i think it depends on the person. I think considering why you are drawn to this may be good to think of first. Why are you drawn to a certain culture, holiday, deity, concept?

[fireswimmer]

Thanks everyone, yes finding time is my biggest obstacle right now LOL

I know that I am reading this well after you started the thread but this is a point I woud like to comment on. Time is always going to seem to fill itself but actually a lot of that filling is with the choices that you make.

Being spiritual is not a burden of time, it is often a way of thinking. You mention that you get on line during nap time. Being spiritual can be taking the children out for a walk and truly APPRECIATING the world around you. No extra time just some focus.

As you eat thinking about the nourishment and sending a thank you out to the universe for it. You can insert any name for universe that you would like. No extra time, again just a focus.

You can walk through life being busy and reacting or you can be busy and focused. Your choice.

Fireswimmer

[RainInanna]

1. Begin meditating regularly.
2. Get outside as often as humanly possible, even if it is just a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood.

Agreed. You can meditate after the kids are in bed, and start off even with 5-10 minutes. You can also do devotionals (prayers), grounding and centering, and chakra work, as these are all valuable practices and take little time.

I also need to remind myself to substitute online time with getting outside :lol: