Identifying with a particular Pagan Path

[sammiswine]

I am not particularly new to being a Pagan, but never identified myself as a witch or wiccan. I more closely identify with the shamanic path, which is similar but not the same.

I have found that most people who are like-minded, whether witch, wiccan or shamanistic or whatever, identify & practice either the Celtic, Druid, or Norse traditions.

Even though I'm an American, I'm also of Ukrainian Jewish descent & don't relate to Celtic or Western European traditions. Sorry, but they just don't resonate for me.

Here's my question:

Does anyone have any information or know of any good books or links about ancient practices of Babylonian, SUmerian, Ukrainian, or even Russian magick? I guess Middle Eastern and Baltic stuff just feels more familiar to me. Got any ideas?

ANy info would be appreciated.

[st0rm]

hmm.. is siberian shamanism close enugh to russian? u know russia is a big nation...

[sammiswine]

As for the quote, well it seems to be overused in this venue, but I believe there's a lot of both in the world- magick & bullshit. I've got a pretty sensitive nose (lol) for the latter and good instincts, including balance, pragmatism, and self-preservation for the former to be ok.

Regionally, I've got a lot more in common with Eastern Europeans than Western, so better to have too much info than not enough. I'll separate the wheat from the chaff as it suits me. . Seems to be a dearth of both practitioners and lit of Eastern Euro magick. Got to do what feels right, right?

I am fascinated by Siberian shamanism. Almost got the chance to meet an elder from Tuva, but he was in his 90s & he died before he could teach the class. Got any 411?

[st0rm]

read some books a while ago... *trying to remember the names* Im of baltic/russian/finnish orgin :) so i should know something bout that.... hmmm... one reason for easterneuropean magic not having "survived" is that in eastern europe u hunted "witches" more viguorosly (sp?) then in the rest of europe nad they still do... hmmm

[Mnemosyne]

So you are more interested in Eastern Europe pagan beliefs? I'm sorry, but I don't know much about the topic. Perhaps a member here can you help you out. MW member Emaleth is from Poland, I believe. She has brought up Baltic deities before. You should PM her and ask her more about her beliefs. She could probably offer you some good info. :)

[sammiswine]

Thanks for the suggestion, Mnemosyne. I did send a PM to Emaleth. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Have a nice day.

Hey, St0rm- they got a lot of us, but my grandmother used to do cupping and folk medicine in the Old Country before she got out. She had to dodge the Cossack's bullets to get to see people! Guess they didn't get all of us! As long as a few slip away, we're ok. If you think of those books, pls let me know.

[st0rm]

my mothers grandpa actually got tortured to death by the russians (cummunists) :( , but that was for another reason

[Raydreamer]

"The practical origins of many Western magical beliefs lie with the ancient Babylonian and Egyptian cultures. These cultures were pioneers of astrology and alchemy, and they also developed magical healing techniques." www.channel4.com/science/microsites/S/spellbinder/intro_t.shtml

http://classiclit.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%
2F%2Fpubpages.unh.edu%2F%7Ecbsiren%2Fassyrbabyl-faq.html

www.wildideas.net/temple/webrevs/mideast.html
www.geocities.com.SoHo/Lofts/2938/magic1intro.html

hope this helps!

[Sequoia]

ah, I wish I could help you! But I really have no information about this subject. . . :(

My mother's family is mostly german and irish, and my dad's is like 90% scottish hehe so. . . I identify more with celtic and norse than anything else. So far, anyway ;) Although. . . I also mostly nose around in my own way. But nope, havn't seen any of the kind of deities and such you're asking about :( my apologies

best wishes on finding the info, though!!

[sammiswine]

Thank you, Raydreamer, and the others. I looked into the sites you suggested & like the Temple one a lot. Lots of potential info of all kinds there. I actually read E.A. Wallis Budge's book when I was in grade school. Didn't know at the time that it was a seminal text, just saw it & wanted to know. Guess I was always on the same path!

May I return the kindness and suggest, if you haven't seen it yet, a new mag called newWitch, Not Your Mother's Broomstick. Everyone has their own preferences, but I just saw the first issue & it's got a sort of sassy but respectful tone & chock full of info and personal experiences. I liked it a lot.

I didn't know when I bought it, but a dear friend already had an ad in for artwork. Look for Sabrina's Lasting Impressions. She's got a website by the same name. Honest, I'm not an advert for her, but she is trying to do artwork full time, mostly Pagan subjects, but others as well, and I would like to see her succeed. She does beautiful pen & ink work. If you or someone you know has a need or desire for this, she's wonderful, as an artist & as a friend.

I wish all of you who are in similar endeavors much success too. I know how hard it is to stay true to your dream, but it's well worth it when it succeeds. So I make a wish for abundance in all good things and pass it on to you.

So mote it be.

[sammiswine]

Raydreamer, words cannot express my thankfulness. Looked into the Temple site further and got the answer to my seeking. If others are looking for the same answers I am, I highly recommend Qadash Kinahnu http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/2938/

Totally awesome! Has exactly what I was looking for and beautifully presented. Bless you! May that which you seek appear before you as this information has appeared before me.

So mote it be!

Many thanks! And to all who offered suggestions or just empathy.

[st0rm]

A book about seberian shamanism that ive read is called "the shamans circle".. but i couldnt really tell if it was bull or not :D