Wiccan or No?

[~*Mar C*~]

Okay. As some of you guys know, I've been reading about Wicca and witchcraft since I was in intermediate school. For those of you who DIDN'T know, well... Now you know. :)

I'm not sure if I actually want to be Wiccan. I'm not saying that I don't want to be PAGAN, I'm just saying I'm not to sure on the Wiccan thing. I'm really kind of confused about this. I've read about the differences between being Wiccan and being of different Pagan religions.

If someone (or more than one someone) has any knowledge about other Pagan paths, could you help me out? I'm still interested in different aspects of Wicca, but I don't think it's the EXACT path for me. At least, not right now.

If I've confused you guys in what I'm really looking for, let me know and I'll try and clarify. If not, I'm surprised, because while reading this over, I've successfully confused myself. :D

~ Jade

[Lucidia]

well.

i'm not wiccan. i don't follow any kind of even remotely organized path. Most of the people that study the things that I do are involved in some kind of "religion", but i'm not.

I have been studying energy, healing, and a host of other things like dreams and divination, for nearly 14 years.

If you don't feel comfortable on your current path, then stop and find something new to study.

Spirituality, is something that in my opinion, should flow. You shouldn't force yourself to follow a certain path... you should let yourself flow with the path and see where it takes you.

There are many other non-mainstream belief systems that might better suit your needs, should wicca not "float your boat" after all.

[Amethyst Rose]

I'm with Lucidia on this one.

I have been a practicing Eclectic Wiccan for nearly 5 years now. Being eclectic I've been able to pick and choose how I want to practice. Recently though, I've had a bit of an identity crisis. Wicca just didn't seem 100% right any more. That's why I'm now a Gwyddon student (thanks to Mairwen). I'm exploring to see just what fits me, cuz I couldn't force myself into the Wiccan mold anymore.

This is always an agrivating response, but..... do what is in your heart. If Wicca doesn't feel right, then it isn't.

Exploring your faith is fun, so enjoy the ride! :D

[~*Mar C*~]

Thanks you guys. I'm really interested in faeries, dreams, the moon, tarot cards, etc. etc. I'm still interested in what Wicca has to offer, I'm just not sure if it fits all my needs. Or, if I fit the needs of Wicca. Does that sound right? lol

~ Jade

[Rick]

...the Pagan/Heathen tree has many branches. Many folks run around, trying to climb onto all of them. I can't see that they accomplish much that way. I'm an Odinsman, myself (more commonly referred to as Asatru), a follower of the Old Gods of my Northern European Ancestors.

Don't get so caught up in labels. Just be who you are. Rather than trying to fit into a certain mold, look for one that fits you. Eliminate who/what you're not, & go from there. Start your search at your public libraray, or on your favorite search engine. Lotsa places to look, lotsa info to look at. We can all make suggestions, but you gotta do the work..

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Get crackin', Grasshopper...

[widukind]

Yeah, Rick's right, but if you wanna know what the label 'Druidism' means, there's a board on it, ask twig anything, I suppose he knows much more than I do, since I am only beginning.

Brightest Blessings!

Widukind

[clef0628]

I follow Shamanism myself, and would be happy to talk about it if you want. You can also be just a gerenal Pagan some people go that path.

[~*Mar C*~]

thanks guys. and Rick? i know i gotta find stuff out for myself. i was just asking for some general knowledge. so :P lol dun worry, i'm just messin! ;)

~ Jade MoonCat

[Nyxee]

Hehe, you want labels?? Ok, here goes... I am an eclectic Rationalist Neo-Pagan practicing Witchraft influenced by Dianic Wicca and Stregheria, with leanings towards Hellenic Reconstructionism. Ta-da.:D

I am eclectic because of the following things:

I am a Rationalist because I have a very scientific mind and am about as far removed from 'fluffy-bunniness' as you can get.

I am a Neo-Pagan because I am re-inventing and adapting the old pagan religions into something applicable in the modern age.

I am a Witch because I use magick in my life.

I am influenced by Dianic Wicca because I am something of a feminist and feel a stronger pull towards Goddess than God, although I do believe in necessary balance.

I am influenced by Stregheria because it is witchcraft that includes my devotion to the Goddess (Diana + Aradia) and I have Italian interests.

I am interested in Hellenic Reconstructionism because my name is Greek (Melissa), was used to describe the priestesses of Demeter (melissae), and I am interested in the Eleusian Mysteries.

When I first discovered alternative religions, paganism was mostly characterised by Wicca. That is, Wicca is the most readily available Pagan religion to the curious seeker due to the sheer amounts of resources out there. Through the years, I have ventured off that path a little, but like to label myself (not constrained by these labels as you can see). Hence the huge list at the top of the page. For more on my interests, my webpage is at http://www.mellee.pagan.net.nz

[Mairwen]

Well, I don't know that much about Wicca ~ just ask anybody on the board; they'll tell you that I'm always saying that! It's true! I've been recognizably Pagan for going-on 13 years now, and a Gwyddon for 9 years (next month, actually). My first contact with Wicca was through Circle Network; they were so helpful ~ sent me all this information on Paganism, Wicca, and so forth. While I was going through all this, a firend was letting me borrow books (mostly Scott Cunningham, whom I adore), but I felt something was missing. *sigh* When I found the Gwyddoniad, something clicked, and I've not studied nor looked elsewhere in all this time.

So what am I saying? What everyone else already said. You can be a Pagan and not be a Wiccan. It's like being a Christian and not going to the same church everyone else does. ;)

Can you tell I've not had coffee yet? 8O

[Rick]

Originally posted by ~*Mar C*~
thanks guys. and Rick? i know i gotta find stuff out for myself. i was just asking for some general knowledge. so :P lol dun worry, i'm just messin! ;)

~ Jade MoonCat

Stick yer tongue out at me, eh, Grasshopper? Where are my scissors? :D

[mol]

It all depends on you. In the end you will know what Path you are on...it might be inside the Wiccan path and it might not...that doesnt matter...as long as you know it is right for YOU.

[Dria El]

<puts her hands on her hips and stomps one foot on the ground>

Yeah! What they said!

:D

[bluecat]

Your path is your path, no matter where it takes you. This includes all faiths and beliefs. I know it sounds like a sort of cop-out to say that, but you have to live your life according to what you believe and not what someone else wants you to believe.

Blue

[idusty88]

It's not the label you need to be looking for; it's the feeling of contentment in your heart, the sense of peace from knowing you are capable of acting with compassion and integrity, the sense of accomplishment from learning and understanding more about reality, nature and your place and role in this universe. These are some of the prime objectives of any spiritual path.
Choosing a pagan path means you are pursuing these goals from the standpoint of an individual, as opposed to accepting a prepackaged dogma handed down from a church hierarchy. This means you are assuming personal responsibility for your spiritual growth; a very sound foundation upon which to build.
The option to be wiccan or not does not have to be made immediately. It's OK to spend time (even years) learning, growing, exploring before making a full commitment to a wiccan path or any other path.
Think of it like a connect-the-dots coloring picture. The dot-to-dot is your exploration and growth of knowledge and self and the colored areas are the labels. You'll need to connect some dots before you can color in the areas without making too many mistakes.

[~*Mar C*~]

thanks guys. you continue to give me great advice. and dun you DARE cut off my tongue. it's an essential part of me... i need it... for... stuff? like talking! lmao ;) and Nyxee, i'm cking out your page... as i type? (instead of as i speak lol)

~ Jade MoonCat
)O( ^_^

[Twig]

Greetings young Sister! I stumbled on this thread and after reading it over had to smile. [Thanks for the support Winukind, I always worry about doing the best job I can.]


Thanks you guys. I'm really interested in faeries, dreams, the moon, tarot cards, etc. etc. I'm still interested in what Wicca has to offer, I'm just not sure if it fits all my needs. Or, if I fit the needs of Wicca. Does that sound right? lol

A young man I knew[about your age] had the same interest and questions you do. he delved into many aspects of the pagan religion. He also studied many other religions but, kept coming back to the things that described the pagan path.

It is a common and BIG search as a teenager. To search For YOUR God[esses] and what you actually belive put us here is a long and, at times, frustrating search. Like the other kid above, you sound drawn to the things that describe the tools used by "pagans" but want to know how they fit together and what the "tools" are leading you toward.

[the following is MY opinion and noone elses!!]

:( I'm sorry but neither I or anyone here can answer this. As a teenager you are creating your deities or, your deities are molding you, depending on how you look at it. Your questions WILL be answered in the right time. Don't fret on if it's "wiccan" or not. Like the young man, you have a special place in this world and the next and, your path will show itself eventually. Just go with what feels right in your HEART and you won't be steered wrong. ;)

As for the young man? At 37 his spirit guide showed himself and said "It is TIME. Now GO." And I KNEW that the druid path was where I was meant to be. [But I was a late bloomer.] 80

What I'm saying is I understand what you are feeling. Have patience, you can't force what is happening to hurry up. Do what feels right and think of what is trying to show itself to you at every step. You will naturally chose what is right for you if you follow your heart.

The search will last the rest of your life. Your "Path" will be the way you search and pray to your deities. It will evolve as you grow. NEVER stop questioning!! The answers amaze me every time I find them out.

And as you have seen. there are many brains here to pick. I envy you having the internet at this time of your life, and this club. we are all here for you.

Peace,
Twig
:elf: