For further clarification, what are the benefits to being an Pagan, Wicca, or Shaman?

Question

Peace and Love

Answer 1

Because it's a belief system that makes sense *to me* and helps me feel more at peace with myself and my place in the world.

It allows me to get closer to and more in tune with nature, provides a way to develop a personal connection to the Divine that surrounds us, and encourages me to think about my actions and the way that they impact the world around me, from something as mundane as "What energy company should I use to get my electricity?" to something more esoteric such as "What sort of prayer or spellwork can I and should I do in a given situation, and what are the ramifications not only to me, but to others?"

Answer 2

Benefits implies expecting something out of being a part of a certain religion. Like the promise that you'll go to heaven if you're a good Christian. Often, the less prevalent religions are highly misunderstood. Wicca nor Shamanism are Satanic in their purest form (Pagan is a general term for non-monotheistic religions). Many Pagan base their beliefs and practices on a connection to Nature, and a divinity within all living things.

Like any religion, they can be misinterpreted and followed in a completely different way than they were meant to. Many young people follow their idea of what Paganism is to rebel against popular belief. Teens rebelling is a natural part of growing up through asserting individualism.

There are many parallels between Christianity and Paganism, like the Christian "Golden Rule", "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Prior to that was the Wiccan belief of "Do as you will, but harm none". Harm none; that doesn't sound like a religion without benefits does it? One benefit being teaching our children tolerance and kindness to others.

Did you say these Pagan religions are bad? No. But I get a definite undertone by several questions you've been asking on here. I am not a believer in a particular dogma, but I think all religions share common beliefs and one is no better than the others. Read up on some of these and I think you'll understand better than anyone can tell you on here.

Answer 3

The benefits are...
Self-empowerment- You make your life. There is no one to blame and you don't get automatically forgiven. You have to work hard, you have to face the consequences of your actions and thus you end up learning more and becoming a stronger person.

The world is so beautiful- When you come to understand that all things are connected, when you look at a beautiful pear tree overladen with fruit and you think, "I am that tree, that tree is me, we are one in the same and we are all part of the whole world." How beautiful is that? Colors are brighter when you know this, the air feels cooler on your face and thunderstorms become a reason to dance barefoot on the grass. The sunrise is a celebration, the sunset a beautiful requieum and death is not a scary thing. It's just a sunset.

You know the Gods- The more you learn, the more you meditate and journey, the more you know the Gods, personally. They are all part of Nature. They aren't some strange alien thing up in the sky and out of reach, they are right here. They accept your offerings and give you blessings, they answer your prayers. Personally. They whisper to you in your dreams. You know their faces. It's a personal, intimate, loving relationship as deep and fulfilling as any on the material realm, except you don't have as many petty arguments.

Lessee... what else?
You get to hang out with really cool people. You aren't bound by the confines of modern fashion (thank goodness for Paganism in the '80s!) Fun things like gardening, camping, hiking, cooking, eating, drinking, dancing, creating art, making music and making love are acts of worship. (In the proper context, of course). Real things that help the world in a tangible way, like recycling, housing the homeless, healing the sick and volunteering to clean up the garbage at a local park, or help test the health of your local river are acts of worship pleasing to the Gods.

Answer 4

The benefits of following a pagan path are similar to any other faith. Relationship with ones deities, joining with others of a like mind, to understand the world around us and our place in it, guidelines to live by, and inner peace and fulfillment.

Answer 5

i'm a wiccan in training and as far as i know the benefits of being wiccan are you can help people and nature.You will be a wiser and more caring person.Plus,you can do spells to help heal and do potions.

Answer 6

the benefit is that it is the right path for me. it is the way I express my spirituality and my connectedness to the universe.

here is an essay you might enjoy
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/aboutpagan/iampagan.htm