Seeking

[Ariel]

Hi All,

I've just been reading all the wonderful posts here since I joined. Geuss I'm a little shy about jumping
in when I'm not sure how deep it may be. I have been seeking my way for some time now, never
sure just which path I may find or if it is even a path I should take. But after reading all the messages
on this site and contemplating what you folk speak of and about, I find much to draw me to the Way.
My "Faith" in the mainstream "building church" has waned much in the recent past. Being told that
it's His way and to just except that is not a comfort. I have always been drawn to the ideas and tenant
of a faith based in believing that all things are connected, that maybe as in my case some comfort can be found in the idea that with all things being related and connected to each other. I can't believe anymore that things happen and the only reason is that it's his will. I want it to have a meaning. I should be able to look at things that occur see a branching of these actions that say "yes, it happened and it has meaning, a new Life will come from the one just lost". Ah, how I can ramble. I hope that I'm making sense.

Ariel

[mol]

My question for you is what questions you have? This Community is at your disposal...we are here to Learn together and to help each other.

You sound as though you are right to the edge of your Path but are afraid to step on it.

All i can say to that is dispense fear. Fear is trickery and there is no reason for it. Step onto your Path and breathe the air as you never have...you will feel it.

[Ariel]

Ah Questions about my quest.

I guess my first one would be how does following this Path give comfort to one. I realize for each the answer can be different and that finding it can and will be a personel journey, but hearing about others quest can tell me alot. Are there Gods and Goddess to look to for this or is it found in the mere act of delving in all the Gods/Goddess? Can it be found in the mere fact that the circle of Life never ends or that it brings all things around to a new beginning?

Just for starters Eh. Ariel

[mol]

Originally posted by Ariel
Ah Questions about my quest.

I guess my first one would be how does following this Path give comfort to one.

Lets break down one question at a time...for starters...there is no 'This Path.' There is MY Path and YOUR Path and everyone else's Path's. We each have one. And that is probably what you are searching for right now.

Or do you think you have found it?

Answer this first...then we can move on down the road...

[rantnraven]

Mol,

I earnestly agree with you here - Your/My path completely applies.

Ariel, That which you seek is already known to you. As a child, I was raised Southern Baptist - recovering now, I'm glad to say but I knew all along that that was not the path for me - even at the ripe old-age of seven.

Pagan, Christian, none of that matters. Follow your heart - for THAT is the TRUE path.

May your path, however, be true and correct.

Blessed Be,
Thoma

[Moondragon]

Hello,
If it helps almost everyone who is pagan tody has been at you point some time or another. It is very hard to decide that everyones path around you may not be yours and grow diffrently from the rest.

What I can tell you that the best thing you can ever do is be true to thy self. Believe in yourself. and do not believe you are foolish for taking the path less traveled. Remember most pagans believe that all religions are like a spider web all leading to th center which represents enlightemnet. So no decision is wrong.

Here is a self knowledge test I find helps alot of people who come to this point. If you want you can fill it out and we can discuss it if not I would sugest at least going through it.

1a. Describe what a you metal image of a pagan is. Describe want you think magic is.This will help me figure out where you are at, at this point.

1b. What do you hope to get out of beign a pagan? What do you hope to get out of practicing magic?

2a. It is often helpful to examine our feelings and attitudes toward a topic that we are interested in. What is your feeling about Paganism?

2 . Examine your impressions, preconceptions, biases, ebtc. How have your reactions changed regarding it throughout your life?

3. Examine your present beliefs about reincarnation. Do you have any past-life memories?

4. One Saturday morning you see a program on TV depicting witches as worshiper of Satan, what do you do and how do you feel?

5. Someone important to you finds your book of shadows and assumes you are a devil worshipper. what do you say to them? How do you react if they do not believe you do you continue on your chosen path?

6. What are you deep reasons for wanting to practice?

7. Can you discipline yourself to follow through on your goals?

8. Have you a balanced life physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually? What do you think you can do to make it balanced or maintain your balance?

9. Do you fear the unknown? The non- physical? If so why?

10. Have you had psychic experiences? If yes, please describe.

11. How sympathetic are you towards others?

12. Can you temper your beliefs so you do not offend others.

13. Do friends use you?

14. Do you take responsibility for your actions?

15. Have you let go of your past hurts?

16. Have you ever manipulated others?

18. Does special moments in nature effect you? Name a few?

19. Do you believe a Supreme Power created everything here on earth?

20. Do moonphases effect your moods?

21. Do certain seasons appeal to you more than others? Which?

22. Do you have precognitive dreams?

23. Have you ever had a near- death expirence? If yes explain.

24. Do you have an affinity with animals? Can you communicate with them some way?

25. Do you consider yourself liberal, moderate or conservative? Why?


Hope this helps if you want to talk you can e-mail me at Moondragon1522@aol.com

[Moondragon]

no just trying to help

[Ariel]

Mol,

Yes I do believe I am looking down my Path. And yes I will venture the first step, I honestly think I've already taken it coming here and asking these questions. The vision I have of my Path is lined with many things. As of now to me the most important is that I find my way back to the Mother(Earth). Having always felt most at peace when I'm in the presence of Her creations.

Ariel

[Nighthawk]

Mol,

Yes I do believe I am looking down my Path. And yes I will venture the first step, I honestly think I've already taken it coming here and asking these questions. The vision I have of my Path is lined with many things. As of now to me the most important is that I find my way back to the Mother(Earth). Having always felt most at peace when I'm in the presence of Her creations.

Ariel

Come, enjoy everyone's thoughts and friendship. You do not have to make any huge decisions right now. If it feels right to be here, then continue. I too had many questions, still do. But, in time..... Please enjoy and share.....Good day

[Alexandra Asinine]

Ah Questions about my quest. I guess my first one would be how does following this Path give comfort to one.

Specific questions, like this one, are good things. :) Following my Path gives comfort to me, in part, because of what you have already mentioned. The God and Goddess that I serve, and the cycles of things are comforting. I have gone through many struggles with several life-threatening illnesses, and it has been my spiritual dicipline and my relationship with my deities that has seen me through. I cannot thank them more for the miracles they have wrought in my life. I hope your Path brings you joy. As has been mentioned, there are many Paths to follow or forge anew. Feel free to ask questions of any of us about our own personal choices.

[danielle]

The 'path', sp to speak, that I chose is a little contreversial but its right for me, which I think is the most important thing. I'm actually ecletic but most of my inclinations are toward dark paganism. It's not a traditional route to take but its one that works for me, since it accepts my bad sides and helps me to come to terms with them. I've suffered with depression since a young age so, in a bizarre way, accepting that not everything is perfect has comforted me no end.

As everyone has already said, you have to find the way that works for you, you night even find that it's not Paganism at all that you're looking for. Heck, nobody really ever finds the thing that will give them enlightenment, do they?! But it's great that you've chosen it as a place to start looking.

The best thing to do is just read about the different options available to you and take the one that your heart first draws you to. There's a lot that can be said for trusting your instincts. Thats my opinion.

blessed be
D xxxxxxxxxx

[Mau]

Oh this looks like a fun thread ;) :lol:
I know what you mean about jsut accepting that it's 'His way' Ariel. That never cut it for me either. Since I have left Catholicism and started venturing down my own path ..I have actually found the answers to all the 'whys' I always asked. Funny how being here re-sparked my interest in Astrology which ultimately led to SO much understanding about the hows and whys of my life. There is so much more to life, the world, and the universe at large than the boxed in beliefs of some religions. It is very freeing to finally find connections and understand certain things. I wish you the best on your path..don't be afraid to find and follow it...it's yours.

[DixieWitch]

Although I have no insight to offer, i just wanted to say that everytime I read a thread such as this, I realzie what a wonderful site this is! I've yet to find another place where people are so willing to help and offer advice and such! To Ariel--my you have teh Lady and Lord by your side as you step into your own path.