I don't know what to make of it, but some friends of mine, who are pagan, seem to think that I am not devout enough. Due to being on different spiritual paths, I have declined participation in certain rituals, but they do not seem to accept my reason. (I would never insult them by declining an invitation to a handfasting or naming ceremony, but my beliefs do not include using or manipulating the power of nature in any way, and theirs do.) Advice?
2006-07-23 04:29:44 · 9 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Tell them to get beyond their Christian brainwashing. You have.
Manipulation, or using energy, is for magicians, not the laity. Being pagan is an outlook; you see life as a living entity that you are sharing space with, you see multiple gods. Being pagan has nothing to do with working spells and whatever, anymore than all Christians are able to take their turn at the pulpit. Some are priests, some are not.
The training of pagans is about training priests. You just listen to the gods in your own way. And find new friends.
2006-07-23 04:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by ninusharra 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are wise; I must agree that manipulating the power of nature is a tricky thing- who is to say what is best? I am Wiccan, and I am devout in my thinking and mindfulness (to a certain degree; I get a little down on myself when I miss a full moon.) You sound a little like me- everything Zen? I think so. If you manipulate said powers to do *whatever* then you are abusing the Powers.
These pagan friends of yours, would they work negativity? I work only in Light and Love. Perhaps surround yourself with pagans who are like-minded. Paths are what they are for a reason. Maybe they need their destructive path to get some karmic lessons.
Brightest Blessings.
2006-07-23 11:39:26 · answer #2 · answered by Lauralanthalasa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like in other beliefs some Pagan think theirs is the only way. I declined joining a local coven because of the assertions that is was run the way they are supposed to be instead of the way people here run their.
Most pagans are pretty tolerant though and these are exceptions - don't let them bother you and walk the path that is best for you.
2006-07-23 13:30:19 · answer #3 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Pagan is a BROAD term... But they shouldn't be trying to force their way of believing onto you. It's the same thing as Christians or other religions trying to stuff their beliefs down your throat.
If you don't believe in manipulating the power of nature, they shouldn't judge you for it. That's like saying "My spiritual path is better than yours, because you're not doing exactly as I am." It's not fair to you at all.
2006-07-23 11:34:18 · answer #4 · answered by Pixie-elf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell these people you chose Paganism because it is not a forcful religion. There is no point in believing in something that must be forced upon you, and paganism is about finding your own way.
2006-07-23 11:36:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you aren't a magician. If you aren't a ritual person, can you help it? It doesn't mean you aren't devout. It doesn't mean you don't love the Pagan deities.
2006-07-23 11:32:44 · answer #6 · answered by Kali 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes... even pagans dont accept people who think differently from them.
2006-07-23 11:35:59 · answer #7 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Action speaks louder that words....you might need to re-evaluate what kind of impression you may be leaving behind you.
2006-07-23 11:35:04 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How odd ... I've never heard of such before ...
2006-07-23 12:00:26 · answer #9 · answered by Arkangyle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋