Curiosity

[Carmelo]

Ok, this is my first thread and it may be a little...strange. I'm just plain curious! My girlfriend is a witch and I am caught in a dilemma. What is it you might ask? Well, the dilemma is this...who or what am I? I ask this because I'm kind of on a soul-search.

First, let me tell you a bit about myself. I grew up in a strongly Catholic family who also happened to be very ritualistic. This is a latin family, if that gives you any hints. I would participate in seances, candle-burnings, and invocations of spirits...which led me to question a lot of issues in my own life. For one, I consider myself to be a vampire of sorts(though I've never really studied it), and I believe in God. I believe it's because of my upbringing! But I was still left perplexed because on the one hand, there was the spiritual/ritual family, on the other, the same family was teaching me about God. So, I ask...who or what am I?

Which leads me to come here. Besides my girlfriend, whom I am very much in love with, I have met other pagans, that I did not know existed, who have given me some insight on Paganism. Much to my surprise, a lot of my beliefs and Pagan beliefs run hand in hand. It was very interesting to say the least.

But, enough of my long-winded information...back to my question. Is it alright to believe in God yet want to study, and maybe eventually follow, Paganism? And, is there any way I could integrate them both? Any input would be very much appreciated while I try to find my own path in life because I really do not have a clue what path I am on...or where to start.

Thank you.

[Kaylara]

Well, I have to say that if you can integrate it, then do so. Catholicism has a bunch of hang ups about paganism, but integrates a lot of paganism into is worship. So, if you feel that it is ok to do so, then do it. I am full pagan, so I can't really be of too much help here.

Kaylara

[eaglewolf]

Welcome Carmelo! Welcome to the community...

Though this may not relate directly to your inquiry, there are a couple of threads here which discuss the integration of two simingly conflicting paths into one Path.

Christian/wiccan

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?threadid=884

Wiccan Goddess, Christian God

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?threadid=756

They may provide some of the insight you are looking for, and again, welcome!

~ew

[Yvonne Belisle]

I followed along the path you are walking for a long time. It is not a conflict at all even if sometimes it may seem to be. I have a very good friend who I'm trying to get on the boards that follows the same type of path. Her beliefs are a delicate blending of both religions. I will try to get her to look at this thread.

[Dragonmother]

Hee hee! Say that word to yourself- conn... TINNN... you-o-o.. ummm...
there ain't no black and white, in other words. YOu can certainly practice Paganism and believe in the god of your fathers. Who's to say you can't? (WEll, actually there are plenty of fundie pagans around, now that I think about it. But, religions are ALL about argument)
If your parents worry that you are leaving the Mother Church, or the Baptists down the street call you a fallen satan worshipping scumbag, or Goddess-worshipping pagans tell you Jehova is an obsolete relic of an outmoded patriarchal society, just hum your new mantra at them; "conn..TINN...you..umm... "
Okay. I am done being silly. sorry...

Seriously, , the answer to your question is yes, it is alright. Absolutely. You have a long path ahead of you, and neither you nor anyone else can tell you where your path will lead you. Paganism may turn out to be a path you don't want to take, or it may be perfect for you. Go ahead and explore it! you don't need to make any commitment yet. Knowledge is power!

[Carmelo]

Well, thanks for the replies to my question. The next one is how do I go about integration?

[bluecat]

After attending a few Catholic Masses, I decided long ago that hey were the biggest Pagans on the block, AND they are in serious DENIAL!

The leadership of the Catholic Church makes me almost as uncomfortable as a room full of Baptists ... almost mind you ...

BlueCat

[Carmelo]

Originally posted by bluecat
After attending a few Catholic Masses, I decided long ago that hey were the biggest Pagans on the block, AND they are in serious DENIAL!



BlueCat

This is very true. I came to realize this quite some time ago. But there were other paths I followed. Yet, I have this eerily nagging feeling that I was born into Paganism that happened to practice the answer to my question in a way.

What do you think? Anybody can answer this.

[bluecat]

You should follow your instincts and study ... for the first year I can't emphasize that enough for a new person ... and don't assume you are anything until you have studied very intently

[Carmelo]

I have to admit, study is not my best virtue...but, I believe I may have a good teacher beside me.

[bluecat]

It sounds that way to me also ...

[Dextra]

Originally posted by Carmelo
I have to admit, study is not my best virtue...but, I believe I may have a good teacher beside me.

Thank you sweetie.

By the way, Carmelo's my boyfriend. He is a very cool guy and has lots of interesting views. I told him he'd fit in just fine. :D

[bluecat]

Well, now I know Carmelo is in good hands ...

[lynx]

I am also very new to all of this. I have however learned that there are the truths that are known only to yourself. Truths that can not be taught nor study. They are either there or they are not. For you, they seem to be. But, be warned, what you know and what is may cause a large amount of confusion.

Many know what they must and must not do. Some just don't listen. So.... Listen....Listen to the winds of change....

Religion is just a simple name for what one believes. Use that to your truths. With that, no one can go wrong. These words may seem as riddles, but in time with understanding from those who know and love you, you too will see.

The wise man said just find your place in the eye of the storm. Seek the roses along the way, just beware of the thorns.

This saying holds many truths. Seek them out and you will learn that there is no really name for what we all are. We are but mear children of which our god or goddess watches over. She or he, will help you if you only ask. Ask and ye shall receive.

From what I know, Pagans and Wiccans are only different by the gender of their god or goddess. That so far is truths. The rest you must seek and learn. You can, just like all of us. :)

Sorry it got a little long. Hope you're all awake. WAKE UP!! HEE HEE ;-p

Just in case you're not. HEE HEE :D

Lynx

[bluecat]

And there are also those of us who have no Gods or Goddesses ...

[Red Dragon]

I haven't read every reply, so someone may have already covered this... :p Ok,ok, I'm tired and it's late. ;)

God is simply one version or name for the creator. I think we all believe in a creator or power. As for myself I believe that there is a creator who is both male and female, and although both, is also neither. You must remember that we seem to need to break the creator into manageable size as it's so vast as to be incomprehensible. thus each faith will tend to perceive it's deity in their own way, yet it is the same force we all deal with. So to answer your question, Yes you can study and follow paganism and still believe in God! Just remember you aren't abandoning God, simply a rather restrictive guilt enforced doctrine. So relax, have fun be free. :)

[lynx]

That's the truth, Red Dragon.

There is a being, be it man, woman, critter, or not at all.

Something like that...HEEHEE :D

We all know, deep within. That to me, is all that has ever been known.

Lynx })i({

[richardcranium]

I for one do not understand how the two can be intergrated. That does not mean you can't do it. I know in my heart that I am pagan and that is that. As for you, YOU and only YOU can choose your path. As you read the "christian/wiccans" post that eaglewolf pointed out do not be discouraged by what I have said. I belive that I can only learn if I ask questions. By asking some of the questions that I have asked in this community I feel that I understand my path better. For this I must thank the community itself and also mol for bringing this site to my attention.

[Dextra]

Originally posted by bluecat
Well, now I know Carmelo is in good hands ...

Thanks for the vote of confidence! :D

[Carmelo]

Originally posted by Red Dragon


God is simply one version or name for the creator. I think we all believe in a creator or power. As for myself I believe that there is a creator who is both male and female, and although both, is also neither

You know, this quote got me to thinking. In the beginning of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, when God was going to create the world, He said "Let us make blah blah blah". Here's what I was thinking...

Christians will tell you that God was talking to the Trinity (Jesus and the Holy Ghost making being the other two of the Trinity), right? So how can they say there is only one when he talked to many to create the world we now live in? Who's to say He wasn't talking to His Goddess who would be His wife. After all, we have two different genders in every species...why COULDN'T there be more than one involved in the creation? Let's face it, creation and overseeing are very tough tasks to handle...without help.

Thanks for making me think!

[Mariposa De La Luna]

Originally posted by Carmelo




Thanks for making me think!

That's it you have to think for yourself!!!!

I know where you are coming from. I am a recovering Catholic of Mexican heritage. I remember those odd practices of my grandmother and burning candles and such. What you have to do is let go of what the priests and company have told you. Open your mind.Listen to the core beliefs like "love thy neighbor" and the golden rule. The bible doesn't say Jesus said " You are going to hell if you don't do what I say." Remember too the bible wasn't written by Jesus himself or I'm sure we would have a much different book. Make your own Mass. The priest is not neccessary to commune with God.
You don't have to tell your family right away that you don't believe the same as them. I'm still in the broom closet with my family but I know I will come out when I'm ready and I am comfortable with it.
There are alot of questions when you first start but that is the way of learning. Ask and you shall recieve. You aren't the only newbie and you are not alone. :)

[amberlaine]

That bit about God saying "let us make man in our image" is not very well understood in english, but if you are able to look at it from a jewsih perspective, it makes a little more sense.

The word for "god" as referenced in the book of Genesis during the story of creation is "Elohim", whichin Hewbre is a plural word. From my understaning, it does not imply that there were more than one God, but rather that God was multifaceted, and that God encompassed everything.

In Qabala, it is believed that before God created anything, God filled the Void. In order for God to create, God had to hollow out space, thus removing himself, from space in order ot fill it with something else. The first thing God filled the Void with was mirror images of himself that were fractured, each piece having its own specific purpose and function. These pieces, called the sephirot, are the multiple images of God. These are the "we" that Genesis refers to.

[Carmelo]

Yeah, I've been thinking a lot lately which is something I don't do very often. I've come up with this...I have had such an immense exposure to religions that I am left confused.

It seems to me that every one of them are shouting for the same thing, but going about it in their own way. That can be all right, yet still so wrong. It's alright for us to search in our own way, but to damn others along the way just because they don't believe in the same way is so wrong. However, my confusion comes from being exposed to all these religions too fast and, some, for the wrong reasons. For a while, I was the little sheep that followed the dude with the big stick...until I saw another one had a bigger stick. Feels to me like I'm finally beginning to understand my individuality because my true individual self is kicking its way out.

I, finally, want to be what I want to be...to worship the way I want to. I thank you all for helping me out. Heh heh, I think I was Pagan and didn't know it.:D

[mol]

Originally posted by Carmelo

I, finally, want to be what I want to be...to worship the way I want to. I thank you all for helping me out. Heh heh, I think I was Pagan and didn't know it.:D

:D

You knew it. You just didnt want to admit it. :p

[Dextra]

Originally posted by Carmelo


I, finally, want to be what I want to be...to worship the way I want to. I thank you all for helping me out. Heh heh, I think I was Pagan and didn't know it.:D

:D I knew it all along! :D

[Silverwitch]

Originally posted by Carmelo
Yeah, I've been thinking a lot lately which is something I don't do very often. I've come up with this...I have had such an immense exposure to religions that I am left confused.

It seems to me that every one of them are shouting for the same thing, but going about it in their own way. That can be all right, yet still so wrong. It's alright for us to search in our own way, but to damn others along the way just because they don't believe in the same way is so wrong. However, my confusion comes from being exposed to all these religions too fast and, some, for the wrong reasons. For a while, I was the little sheep that followed the dude with the big stick...until I saw another one had a bigger stick. Feels to me like I'm finally beginning to understand my individuality because my true individual self is kicking its way out.

I, finally, want to be what I want to be...to worship the way I want to. I thank you all for helping me out. Heh heh, I think I was Pagan and didn't know it.:D

Philosophical note coming up! "All roads lead to Rome"
ie everyone has their own path, even those who stick together under one banner, and all those paths lead to the Source.

You often find that because people have such difficulty in taking in God/Goddess/I am/the Big Cheese, they break it down into little chunks to represent elements of the Godhead. Hence The Gods and Goddess' representing differing aspects of the Whole. A bit like the many facets on a diamond. At least that's the way i interpret it and manage to get a handle on it.

[Carmelo]

You guys have made me feel so enlightened about myself. If any of you were here, I just feel I would have to hug you all. I've done quite a bit of thinking on my life and what I want it to become...peaceful and attuned. I have a lot of anger in my heart and I want to find some way to enlighten my self. Yet, I want to be attuned to what goes on around me spiritually. I feel that the only way I will attain this is to question and learn. I'm not a highly intelligent person, but I am a learned man of my own actions and surrounding environment. I know I will learn here. You all have provided me with a vast amount of the collective intelligence that is certainly out there.

Thank you and bless you all

[Joshua]

The way I see it (and I may be drifting off topic here), I'm a Witch the way somebody else is a Lutheran or an orthodox Jew or a sunni Muslim.

So what are you? As long as you're looking, you'll find an answer.

[WandererInGray]

*grins* Whoa! Dead thread ressurection! :D