Official Pagan Thread!

[akpeeps]

Thanks so much for starting this thread. I've finally read through all 32 pages. Right now I'm just starting my journey and trying to find my place. I'm headed out later to see if I can find some of the books that have been mentioned and start learning all I can about Paganism. I've looked things up on the internet but the amount of info out there is overwhelming.
We weren't raised in the church so to speak and were never baptized. Growing up, I would go to church with friends but just never felt comfortable or felt like it was the right fit for me. Over the years when life happened and felt overwhelming, I'd look at going back to church thinking maybe I just hadn't found the right one. I've tried several denominations and felt very out of place in all of them. I realized I was completely frustrated with all the hypocrasy I encountered. It wasn't until last year when a co-worker and I were talking about our beliefs at lunch one day, that she confided in me that she had starting studying Paganism and had chosen the Wiccan path. She's been studying with a priestess in the local coven for over a year. I had noticed that she had been wearing a necklace with the Goddess symbol for some time but didn't know if I should broach the subject. She said that she's never been more happy and felt more at peace with herself and the world around her.
It wasn't until we started having out conversations that she pointed out to me that my beliefs and what I identify the most strongly with are the Pagan beliefs. I've always felt "connected", I don't know if that's the right word, maybe identified is better, most strongly with the Native American, Celtic, and ancient Egyptian beliefs. I don't know yet which path I'll follow, maybe a specific path isn't for me. I do know I have lots to learn.

 

[Kanchii]

Awesome, akpeeps, and welcome to the thread! Keep us updated on your journey! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[debilorrah]

akpeeps, I am a Christian and I too am fed up with organized religion. I believe that Jesus died for me, so why do I have to NOT associated with people that don't fit their bill? It's always made me kinda nuts. I believe what I believe, and part of that includes the Commandments. Love others as you do yourself. Hard sometimes when you meet someone that is irritating as all get out, but nonetheless, I am commanded to love not judge.

Ken wants to try a new church tomorrow. Christians pray for me, others send good vibes. Ugh.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
EEEEEEEEEEEEW! Hope ya'll find a place where you are able to find people of like minds and beliefs.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Hi Akpeeps! Enjoy the journey of finding the right path. For some of us there is no "one" path. We take what we need from here and there until were are comfortable with where we are. There is only but one rule that most pagans follow. "An it harm none, do what ye will." Basicly stated, do what you need to do as long as you bring no harm to anyone or anything.

Brightest Blessing

 

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:
Have you ever considered the Unitarian Universalist church? (or something like that). They considered christian, but you are really allowed to believe whatever you want. Kinda like non-denominational, but even more general. (So I have heard...my mom was telling me about it).

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
EEEEEEEEEEEEW! Hope ya'll find a place where you are able to find people of like minds and beliefs.

Cindi for me it is not about finding like minded people, it is about finding people of my faith with open minds. Very rare in the Christian faith. The passage at the end of Matthew that tells us to go amongst the people and share our faith, means just what I am doing right now. However, most think it means "recruiting" people. I am not about that. I am about acceptance, as long as it doesnt include animal or human sacrifice. That is where I draw the line. Me speaking of my faith fulfills that requirement in my book. I would rather have friends that would sit next to me in jail hugging me, than ones that turn their back because I screwed up.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Have you ever considered the Unitarian Universalist church? (or something like that). They considered christian, but you are really allowed to believe whatever you want. Kinda like non-denominational, but even more general. (So I have heard...my mom was telling me about it).

Actually, it is more Ken that is on a search for a place of worship than me. So I will go along. And I will loudly share my opinions too!

 

[akpeeps]

Quote:
I agree with you, I don't fit any one bill so have just considered myself agnostic. I'm dealing with someone at work that is just driving everyone nuts at the moment. Simply put, as devote as he is supposed to be, the old saying do as I say, not as I do applies.

Good vibes coming your way.

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
EEEEEEEEEEEEW! Hope ya'll find a place where you are able to find people of like minds and beliefs.

Cindi for me it is not about finding like minded people, it is about finding people of my faith with open minds. Very rare in the Christian faith. The passage at the end of Matthew that tells us to go amongst the people and share our faith, means just what I am doing right now. However, most think it means "recruiting" people. I am not about that. I am about acceptance, as long as it doesnt include animal or human sacrifice. That is where I draw the line. Me speaking of my faith fulfills that requirement in my book. I would rather have friends that would sit next to me in jail hugging me, than ones that turn their back because I screwed up.

Debs, good friends will go to jail with you.. true friends will help you stash the bodies.

'nuff said