Help Needed

[Starbaby]

Hello everyone, I have a problem, I am new to Paganism,(sort of) I have been reading and studying for almost 2 years now, but feel like I know so little about everything. I have read quite a few books on the subject and been to many many websites. I even went so far as to join a Pagan College online, but left because I didn't feel like I was learning anything.

My only resource right now is the Net, I work all the time and the library here has NO books available, when I went and asked, the lady looked at me like I had horns or something, along the same lines with the only bookstore that we have. We had a New Age shop here for about a week and the city counsel ran her out of town.

Does anyone know of any GOOD educational sites that I can go to? Besides this one of course. I also am having trouble choosing a path right now, I guess I feel like I am stuck in a rut. Now, with my husband choosing to be a Pagan, he supported me always but just recently became interested. He is asking questions and I have no answers.

Here is a little bit of info on me. People come to me with their problems, even on the Internet. I am a member of Witchvox, and so far, 3 people have emailed me with problems or questions to help them. My great grandmother used to tell me that I was a witch and would heal people, ( I was very little when she told me this) Also, a neighbor told me the same and I didn't even know her. So therefore, I seem to be drawn towards Shamanism. Am I babbling? I'm sorry. This has been bothering me for sometime now, and when I sat down to type this, it just all came out.

If anyone has any guidance for me, please let me thank you in advance.:flowers:

[babygrl35]

Hey there, I know exactly how u feel cuz I'm the same way: reading & studying it 4 a long time but still feel new. That's why I joined here 2 see if I could find people 2 help me. So yeah, just 2 let u know, ur not alone;)

[Starbaby]

Hey there, I know exactly how u feel cuz I'm the same way: reading & studying it 4 a long time but still feel new. That's why I joined here 2 see if I could find people 2 help me. So yeah, just 2 let u know, ur not alone;)

Thank you. Maybe you and I can learn together.:huddle:

[*Rain*]

Decide what it is in particular that you want to learn about and practice and then research that topic in isolation. You can do as many searches on witchcraft as you like but you will keep getting the same info over and over again. Decide on the aspects you want to look at such as herbs, meditation, individual aspects of divination, magic etc and run searches for that info and learn about that in depth. Start noting the moon phases, the weather, things happening around you in nature. If you recognise the Sabbats start coming up with your own way of celebrating them. Not necessarily having rituals as such but by doing something special or making something in particular to eat. It will soon become a way of life. Just reading is no use, you need to practice what you learn, whatever that ends up being. You will not find the definite manual for your beliefs on the internet or in books, just start integrating different practices into your daily life and it will soon become second nature.

[Ladyvi]

that is soo neat that you and your mate are searching. search and find the answers together. and a suggestion .. learn to agree to disagree. you will have exchange of ideas. anyway . small towns are so like that. i came from texas. where announcing your pagan is a good way to get hurt. im in penn now with a wonderful mate and we are fairly happy.

as far as education. the search alone is about the best education. i dont trust any of those witch teaching sites. sorry.

shamanism is a good base start where i started and spring boarded from. if you have a healing gift then may i recommend reiki. there are tons of sights for reiki. concidering where you are at. finding a reiki master may mean a fairly good drive. good luck. hugs and kisses.

[equinox2]

Hi-

Each of us can choose very different paths and still be Pagan – thus allowing us to find a path that fits us. For you husband, if he is a little hesitant in believing in spells and gods, he may be interested in Naturalistic Paganism (www.naturalpagan.org).
For both of you, it is important to remember what Rain said, that living your religion is the best way to go.

Here are some ideas. Go to the wheel diagram at the bottom of this page:
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~leta/TREATISE/TJPSUM/wyear/wyearhome.htm and click on each of the little blue or red circles. They have some things we do in my family. :heartthro We’ve added some others, like baking bread by hand on Lammas (Aug 1) and making candles on Imbolc (Feb2). Those haven’t been added to the webpage yet.

May the universe nurture you!

[Starbaby]

that is soo neat that you and your mate are searching. search and find the answers together. and a suggestion .. learn to agree to disagree. you will have exchange of ideas. anyway . small towns are so like that. i came from texas. where announcing your pagan is a good way to get hurt. im in penn now with a wonderful mate and we are fairly happy.

as far as education. the search alone is about the best education. i dont trust any of those witch teaching sites. sorry.

shamanism is a good base start where i started and spring boarded from. if you have a healing gift then may i recommend reiki. there are tons of sights for reiki. concidering where you are at. finding a reiki master may mean a fairly good drive. good luck. hugs and kisses.

Thank you so much for your advice. Everyone. It is neat that he is interested, but I think that maybe his path will be different from mine. He is leaning more towards the Celtic ways, which is part of his heritage. I have read a little about reiki, but will do more studying.
Thanks again

[MorningDove030202]

My favorite educational sites online for free are:

www.maidenmoon.com <--Wicca 101 text

http://mothersmagic.net/blessedways/materials.html <--Wicca 101/102 text


I'm also a student at www.witchschool.com and I can say that I like the first degree class alot, and I enjoy having a mentor. It costs about $25/year. I recomend the essay tests if you do pay for the class. I would be happy to answere your questions about witchschool, if you are interested.

Dove

[MoonIsis]

Decide what it is in particular that you want to learn about and practice and then research that topic in isolation. You can do as many searches on witchcraft as you like but you will keep getting the same info over and over again. Decide on the aspects you want to look at such as herbs, meditation, individual aspects of divination, magic etc and run searches for that info and learn about that in depth. Start noting the moon phases, the weather, things happening around you in nature. If you recognise the Sabbats start coming up with your own way of celebrating them. Not necessarily having rituals as such but by doing something special or making something in particular to eat. It will soon become a way of life. Just reading is no use, you need to practice what you learn, whatever that ends up being. You will not find the definite manual for your beliefs on the internet or in books, just start integrating different practices into your daily life and it will soon become second nature.

Yes, this is a very good way to get in touch with yourself. I am always looking at the moon. :)

For the longest time now I've been making my own candles for special holidays or just an occasion. I like using scented oils scent them for the purpose I give the candle. I also just think it is a great way to get together with friends on a holiday and celebrate a sabbat.

I also like making incense burners and incense and sharing it with friends. :hearthear

[sincerebliss]

You were in the SAME exact spot I was. I was researching for approx. 2 yrs. I have read a few books, joined the Pagan College and then left, and became a member of Witchvox. After all that I felt I had sooo much more to learn. My library has very limited books on Paganism also. I thought Wicca was the religion for me but instead I am looking up other religions like Buddhism for more perspective. I felt something was still missing ..so I'm still on my search. I have a few sites you might want to check out:
www.Wiccaforums.com
www.pagannation.com
http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/moon_calendar.asp
www.religioustolerance.org (sure you heard of this one)
http://www.paganlibrary.com/
http://www.paganpath.com
http://www.earthspirit.com
http://www.joellessacredgrove.com