lost

[merlins_shadow]

I have followed the druidic path for quite some many years now. Lately, for the past few months, I feel as though I am starting to loose my faith, for lack of better way to say it. I am unsure how to hold onto what I once belived. I also do not understand why this is happening. There is no cause, or reason for it. Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you

[Sid]

Are you doubting your faith? That can lead to an eventual change to another religion. Possibly depression? that can make so one do anything. Or maybe just a phase in life, like middle age, or senility( not to imply anything to your age, as i dont know it).

[Sid]

Should have mentioned that a similar thing happened when I started to doubt christianity. not to bash it, but i just couldnt believe in it anymore,and the end result was that i lost my faith in it, became depressed, and then found druidism.

[merlins_shadow]

One reson for this, I think, is that there is no one else who belives, or practices that I know. I have been quite alone in my beliefs. I know no one else who practices anymore, and maybe that has something to do with it perhaps. Maybe I am just being silly, and it is only a phase...

[Siarlas]

Give yourself time Merlin. Like you said, it's posisble that it's just a 'phase'. I know it's not easy when you seem to be the only one around your area who has anything even remotely close to your beliefs. Trust me... I'm in the same position. But how.... hmmm.. right word.... active? umm.. something like that... how much do you do? Does it seem like your doing things by rote? What about new reading material? Or even reading up on more belief systems? Maybe Druidry was suitable at the time, but people change. Have you considered looking into other similar systems? Geez I hate that word... but my brain won't come up with anything else... anyhows... yeah... give yourself time and don't be so hard on yourself.

[merlins_shadow]

I cant find any suitable material, and yes, I have looked into the aspect that I have changed over time, but that is not it. At least I dont think it is...I still have my beliefs, I still know what I feel. It seems I practice things less and less...there is no one around to speak with about these sorts of things. I am surrounded by those of very different faiths, and views. I feel very alone in my life's journey, and path of belief. Reading material seems difficult to come by, no book store carries anything either i like, or dont already have. I really dont care for ordering from the internet either...I think that my faltering, for lack of better word, in my beliefs, is slowing down. It could be a phase...only time will tell me i suppose...but I am lost, and do not know...

[Siarlas]

ugh... I'm so p'd... I had typed out this whole thingy, then my comp went kaput.
So here's what I was basically trying to say.

I believe that you're doubting yourself. Not everyone has the time or the inclination to 'practice'. I don't.
Don't just pass it off as a phase. Work yourself through it.
Reading material doesn't start and end at the bookshops. I own very little in the way of books in regard to what I've been studying. Most of the stuff I've read, I've printed out from the net.
And if you want someone to talk to, feel free to email me.

That's something like a summary of what I previously typed.

[Mita]

Is this the first time? The reason I ask is I personally have spells where I--for a lack of a better phrase-- loose intrest. ( of the theologically ) This may be for a couple of days or maybe a couple weeks. But it always comes back, which tells me that I'm walking the right path for me! Also, these spells can be remedied fairly well by taking a walk in the nearby timber. However, on the Psychological view point. Are you currently going through a rough spot in life or be under stress? If so, this may be the cause. Or, looking at the time of year, Christmas is coming up. My advice, just let it set for awhile and not worry about it. Force yourself to see the nature in things around you. Chances are, you are being overwhelmed with something and your mind needs some me time!
Blessed be!

[Nect]

Hi Merlins Shadows!

I'd start by asking myself a few questions:

Why am I 'losing' my faith?
Is there a or a few particular aspect(s) that I just cannot digest? If yes, what are they? What qualities about these aspects am I most uncomfortable with? Perhaps writing down in a journal your own answers to these would help. Then research to see if you misinterpreted the 'indigestible' material - that after in-depth study, they start to make sense again. If this isn't so, highlight them, perhaps we can discuss them here. :)

Do I really know about all other religions? Perhaps Druidism isn't what works best for you (it may be, but only you would know), perhaps you haven't yet encountered the path that you would now like to pursue. Again, some research may help to clear some confusion.

Am I not so much as losing my faith as I am starting to feel lonely? Is a religious network what I feel is so lacking in my practice? Do I feel not all to comfortable because, even when I have questions or musings, I have no audience to post to nor receive feedback from? If this is the case, perhaps you can consider joining some Druidic organizations such as the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (membership is USD 300 per year for the materials they send you, there are mailing lists, and there may be a Grove in your area where you can meet up with others who are on the same page. They hold workshops and perform group rituals, too, on the Druidic holidays. You can find them at www.druidry.org), An rDraiocht Fein (USD 30 per year for membership, also holds workshops like OBOD, but take a slightly different approach to Druidism - they are more fact-oriented. So it's really up to you to decide what's more your type. You can find them at www.adf.org), and if you *really* want to study Druidism like you would a university major, try Bandarach College of Druids (www.bandarach.org/College.htm) - courses are free (but you'll be encouraged to buy the texts because the nature of the courses rely on scholarly stuff) but they don't meet in person, the community is all online.

Or it may just be a phase, as you said. Whatever it is, I hope you'll be over it soon! :D

Nect

[merlins_shadow]

thanks for all of the help everyone. I do agree with maybe a little of everyone. Yes, the past few months have been rather stressful. On top of that, the holidays have been a big pain this year. And yes, the issue of lonliness is a big factor. I simply have yet to meet any other druids ever. This is a path I have walked alone for quite some time now. I have never met too many others who follow a path even similar to mine. I think those factors have a lot that could contribute to it all. I am just going to give it time, I think that is all I can really do...

[merlins_shadow]

Tis a great day for me!!! I meditated, and asked for some light in my path. The next day after this, I ran into someone that can help!!!!This person I met, she is frineds with other fellow druids, so I wont be alone and feeling so confused now. Anyways, thank you all for your help, advice, and replys.

thank you

[Tranquility]

The goddess and god are always with you merlin, whether your in a state of confusion or loss, they are always willing to help you...
Im glad to hear that your feeling much better now ... I am much younger than most here, but i think that it may have contributed to the fact that you were alone... Everyone in my family contradicts my beliefs, the only ones who respect it are my dad, mom, and younger brother, they understand what i have wanted all my life... And my aunt is closely attracted to the same beliefs.. she is very spiritual and maybe shes who i took it from, even though i don't see her too often.. she speaks with nature too, studied wicca, and shamanism.. she is someone i really look up to...... My own cousins that are my age even think im "wierd" or it bugs them the whole time we see them, just because im a different religion... Cope with it, and eventually you'll get there...
Congratulations!