How did you do it?

[Blu Heather]

Okay...I'm really new to everything...but I'm really interested in paganism, et al. But since I am so new I don't know how to start. But I'm a smart girlie so I have found stuff on this site that will help me...like the links thread and the book lists...I even wrote a few books down to see if I can find them somewhere or buy them...;)

So I'm just curious...when you were new(or if you are new) how did you get started? What worked for you?

I sometimes find it easier to get a better footing on something after people share their experiences when they were like me :D I can be so codependent sometimes :rolleyes:

Tanks :smooch:

[MammaStar]

Well, for me. I got a few books and I knew a lady that ran a store nearby. We were always friendly, so I went to talk to her & she invited me to her grove. I went a couple of times & realized that I like working by myself for the most part and it went from there. I read constantly. Books, web sites, posts here.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Mithrea]

When I got interested in looking for myself (apart from my family), I worked in a book store. So I just kept checking out books until I read them all, then I started ordering new ones :) I'm a real book learner anyway. :D

[Myst]

I used search engines and read hundreds of websites, and bought lots of books. Still do :)

[shnen]

YUP, tons and tons of books, websites, whatever I could, and can get my hands on...

for a good meta search engine use http://www.dogpile.com
(it searches search engines) :)


Good Luck! Happy reading.

[Eeluna]

I'll echo everybody else--Read! Read! Read! Take lots of notes about what rings true to you, and when you're ready start integrating some of those things into your life. You can start slowly and only do what's comfortable. After a while things start to develop naturally. This will be an exciting time for you. Blessed Be.

[Wicce]

I went to websites and read absolutely everything I could. I didn't have any access to books until after I knew the basics, so the internet was my godsend!

I took lots of walks outside, and would just sit around in nature and think...and it really helped.

And I did what you're doing, got involved in the Pagan community online...people helped me so much!

:)

By the way, the words in your "location" line...Ferngully, The Last Rainforest, right?? I love that movie! :)

[cherrywind]

Well, I've always been very interested in different cultures/religions. It just so happened I started reading up on Paganism and without even meaning to find a religion I did :). From there on I read tons of books about many different paths. I was never a big one for websites because the actual good ones can be easily confused with the ones that are just total and utter nonsense.

[Blu Heather]

Thanks so much.

Its nice to see that what I'm doing is what everyone else pretty much did/does...lol There is just so much information out there I kept thinking that maybe I was doing everything the hard way. I'm going to try to pick up a few books I saw on the book list thread...and connect my search on websites.

Wicce its actually from The Land Before Time...:) but I love Ferngully too :D

[Lavender]

I grew up in a Christian family & my dad was an elder in his church. He had tons & tons of books on different religions that he encouraged me to read. That was what made me question our family's religion & started me on my search. A friend lent me Starhawk's Spiral Dance when I was 17. I found it fascinating but I wasn't ready for Wicca. From there, I read lots more books, asked even more questions. One thing I learn is that nothing you learn is ever wasted. My personal philosophy seems to be a combination of various things I've learnt in the past. Most of it centres on herbalism & earth spiritualism. Whatever that means. :D

As important as it is to read as much as you can, don't be afraid to ask questions too. It's surprising where you can find teachers and mentors.

[jelly.belly]

hey Smeather! :D

Well, I was always interested in paganism, I swear, I was born like that or something, and then i met someone else like me (a friend of mine) when we were like in kindergarden or first grade and we actually started looking for books. And we read everything we could about it, but then for a while, we stopped, I mean, she changed school (in like 5th grade) and we didn't talk for like a year, and i didn't read much about it, but when we started high school (in the same school) We started reading again. And, by then, I was pretty good with the internet, and so we don't talk as much as we use too, but i still read lots about it, it's the best teacher, believe me! And so, to finish my little life story, I say read lots Smeather, coz that's gonna help you to create your opinion on things and the community is just great! :) It really helps if you have questions! :)

edited to add:
My mom doesn't appreciate that I'm not very believing in what she believes in so I couldn't really buy book or go to the library for the books, so i didn't really tell her about the books i read and i couldn't bring them home, so the notes are really helpfull too! :D

[Blue Dolphin]

I am very new. I have not yet been dedicated. But I have found many books that help with learning the faith. I also am dating a 10 year practincing Pagan. That really makes things easier because I completely trust him and know that I am getting good information. So I guess it really helps to know someone you can trust.

[Jeleia]

I didn't have a lot of extra money when I first started out so I did a lot of searching on the internet. I think forums are the best way to learn, because its not just one persons opinion. :)

[wicca3000200020]

well i do not use anything like herbs or do any spells. I just use my natural ability.

[Blu Heather]

Hehe...jelly.belly, Sammi dear...I'm just greatful that I have you showing me the way all the time :p

Akasha...yeah I agree on the forum thing. I'm learning a lot just by going through the various forums and reading things. I'm not *as* confused as I was when I first got here so thats always good...lol

wicca3000200020 if its not too much trouble do you think you could elaborate on what you said a little more? When you say you use your natural ability...what do you mean? Tanks :D

[jelly.belly]

Smeather dear, yes, thank the Goddess! ;)

[wicca3000200020]

See my natural abilities are telling the future, controling time and the wheather, sence evil or good auora's, making the water cold or hot, i can feel what people are thinking and sometimes all i have to do is think it and it is done. Most of the time whoever the energies come out of my finger or hand. I can also control the intencity of my energy. I got them when i was in the 6th grade and my first energy was controling the wind and it gradually grew to what is listed above.http://bsmith20010.tripod.com/pod_icon

[mol]

I read lots of books and I just sat down and listened.

Yes, Listen.

I would go to the woods or some open field and just sit and listen for hours. Its amazing what you will learn.

Well, and then there is this place. I learn something new all the time.

[Blu Heather]

wicca3000200020- wow...thanks for explaining your natural abilities that sounds so cool :)

I love the woods...but none of the forest preserve that are close to me are quiet enough to just listen...all I'd hear were cars...lol I'll have to make a small trip one day and go to one of the bigger ones to listen...hehe :D

[wicca3000200020]

Yep and I just make it grow naturally and for me it just seems to work. :D Also all of my energies i use for good and not for evil. :sunny: I would never use it that way. :)

[jelly.belly]

Oooo!!! Heather, come to Canada, there are lots of places, lots of woods and stuff, there's even a small wood behind my school! :eek: Tho, we can hear cars there coz it's near a big road...

hehe! that would be cool! :D

[Emaleth]

When I first started reading about Paganism I read lots of websites. I didn't know if what I read was accurate, realiable knowledge or just something written by someone who thinks himself a great magician. But later in one book I read a good advice: "Read everything that you can find, the good stuff and the bad stuff, soon you'll learn how to recognize the good from the bad". And I did;) .

Of course I didn't learn everything from books. I've studied the Craft for 2 years, but most of what I learned I learned here, at MW during the last 6 months. This is the best place to learn and best teachers:) .

Blessed Be