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Should I become a pagan?

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posted on May, 26 2015 @ 04:05 PM
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originally posted by: AutumnWitch657
a reply to: JUhrman

They didn't give any impressions of what Wicca is. They are who they are and look like everybody. It's you who have this image locked in your brain. That image is all inclusive of how you view the entire institution. So be it. I've dealt with narrow minds before.
I'm actually not wiccan by tradition. I'm Strega. Now you can conjure up images of fat italian ladies dressed in black.


My brother is just a short guy, he's not fat and he doesn't dress strangely. In fact, he works for the State of Indiana Department of Family Services, he represents the state. He is very professional.



posted on May, 26 2015 @ 04:35 PM
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a reply to: CB328




So, who has good advice for me?


Try everything. To know anything about a perspective, one must live them. Treat them like stepping stones to your own perspective.



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 12:32 AM
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a reply to: CB328

Ok speaking as a pagan for close to 30 years now (since my mid teens), paganism is not just about the natural world. Many of the paths inside that umbrella term are nature focused, but not all.

So ask yourself this.

Am I in it for self enlightenment or do I want to be part of a community. Because that would direct you in two different directions.

Many pagan paths are about the self. Gardner's rede "Do as thou wilt, an it harm none" is a very selfish (not in a bad way) philosophy of life. I say this not as an insult to Wiccans. But rather it is a self focused actualization. Its about YOU getting what YOU want out of existence, as long as it harms no one. Of course harming no one is impossible in the long run, thankfully rede means "guide line" not "law"

Those who follow the path of heathenism (and folks this is not just those who like the Scandinavian and Germanic gods, it includes many Celtic paths too), are about being part of a community, so in these paths your ideas are about what is best for a community of your choice. Your family, your tuath (people in Irish), your tribe. Some take it a bit far, and go the Volkish (German for Folk) path, and get all Racialist and Racist about it. They can kiss my axe


So research the paths, and I don't just mean grab a book/down load a book/read a wiki on it, I actually mean look at what interests you. Does one culutre call out Several, none? Do gods need to be part of it, if not? That is also ok.

If you have an questions message me if you like. Just don't be set on "pagan is XYZ"

Slan agat



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 01:17 AM
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originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: JUhrman

There is NOTHING WRONG with spiritual "shopping".
And the OP asked a "should I" question, and did not make an "I'm going to" or "I want to" declaration.



There is something wrong if you believe the only thing that matters regarding spirituality is what label you slap on your face.

I'm interested in all spiritual traditions and religions because they all have different pieces of the puzzle. I just don't understand the need of OP to choose a new label when still in search of meaning.

You don't need to call yourself a "neopagan" to have values like respect of femininity or nature.

Labels are just a way to fit easier into a social group. But at the same time you also close other doors because you will be judged because of that label and also will try to conform to it.

What is more important? What you do with your life or how you call yourself?
edit on 27-5-2015 by JUhrman because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 01:21 AM
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originally posted by: AutumnWitch657
a reply to: JUhrman

PS That really doesn't have the slightest to do with real Wicca or their beliefs when it mentions Satan. Totally not a part of any wiccan tradition. Another Hugh mistake .


Why do you think I said "neopagans" and "wicca" are umbrella terms covering both genuinely spiritual people and little snowflakes who think they are super cool as a witch while acting nothing like one should?

The acts are more important than how you call yourself.



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 07:09 AM
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1. There's no such thing as an "atheist"
2. You're already a pagan.

"We all lead lives of quiet desperation"

Good luck, you're gonna need it.





a reply to: CB328



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 09:48 AM
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a reply to: WarminIndy

That's nice. Why is it important to this thread what your brother looks like?



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 12:28 PM
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originally posted by: AutumnWitch657
a reply to: WarminIndy

That's nice. Why is it important to this thread what your brother looks like?


I was replying to the guy who thinks all Wiccans or Pagans are fat ladies. I was just showing that no, they aren't.

My brother is definitely not a fat lady.



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 03:25 PM
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a reply to: Ignatian

Neighbour you are 100% wrong about there is no such thing as an atheist. It is a a nice bit if dogma you are espousing there



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 09:43 PM
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a reply to: WarminIndy

Oh, well you replied to me lol.



posted on May, 27 2015 @ 11:53 PM
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a reply to: CB328


I feel like I am missing a lot as far as having community and people to talk about religion/philosophy/spirituality, etc.

You might want to wait until after you move. Get a feel for your new neighborhood. Coffee shops, pubs, sometimes bookstores, parks, block parties. Talk to people see what they're into. Go with what feels natural for the area.



posted on May, 28 2015 @ 12:05 AM
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Okay, guys and gals, ladies and gentlemen.
This has been loads of fun - but the OP ditched right after making the thread.
So - I'm done.

I hope that for readers and members some of what has been added to this thread is helpful if you've had the same questions.



posted on Jun, 20 2015 @ 06:36 PM
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a reply to: AutumnWitch657
Well, the term "pagan" is way too broad to say "this is what we believe". I'm guessing, based on your description, that you a type of Wiccan. We may also be dealing with a barrier as to the term "worship". I assure you, Wicca is the worship of worldly things. Otherwise you would be a steward of the creator, not the creation. If the creator lived in all things, then why would said creator need a steward to tend to itself? It would be its own steward.



posted on Jun, 24 2015 @ 07:14 AM
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a reply to: CB328

If you're considering becoming a follower of paganism, don't be surprised if you encounter disapproval or, worse still, outright hostility at some point. Sadly paganism has become associated with evil and Satanic worship by many Judeo-Christian/Abrahamic belief systems. I'm an atheist myself, but I like to research religion in my spare time. Everywhere I look, paganism has been given a lot of bad press. It's only recently started to become more popular. Hopefully you have supportive friends and family and it won't be much of a problem. Good luck to you, in any case!

PS. You don't necessarily need to become part of a religious community to discuss spirituality and/or philosophy - what do you think we're here for?




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