This is an honest question so I 'd really would like some honest intuitive answers. I'm just wondering before anyone converts to these beliefs and religions do they actually put stock into it or do they switch because all of the hype or the friends talk you into and you feel cheated or tricked.
I know this can happen in any religion (ie:me and christianity). Another question just sparked my interest.
Also, I don't have anything against these religions. I know some background on it and I don't see anythingh that is neccessarily disagree with. I justam still searching, and although I should researching it on my own, I think asking the question is the first step and I rather do it here.
2006-10-02 06:27:42 · 26 answers · asked by boy_crazy_sasoun 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Within Wicca there is no choice but to put a lot of thought into it, Wicca is not a religion with laity as such it consists only of priests/priestesses, it is oath-bound and requires initiation into a coven with a direct line back to the founder of Wicca, Gerald Gardner or his coven, the New Forest Coven, in order to become Wicca. It requires a finding a coven who you can work well with, many people will go years finding a coven and many even move location to find a coven; they then go through a training period before initiation when they are sworn to oaths allowing them to learn the things set at the heart of Wicca.
Wicca does have significant fad value, as such many writers cash-in on this by telling people they can become Wicca simply by making it up as they go along, and calling themselves Wicca as long as they follow duel deity or cast spells. As a result of this there are a lot of people who come into Wicca for fad value alone and their behaviour is supported by others like them – as a side note, in order to become Wicca you also have to find your way through all of this misinformation and misrepresentation. The idea that you can pick up a book by Ravenwolf, Horne, Cunningham and start calling yourself Wicca is a common idea and it seems as though most people will call themselves Wicca after reading a few books rather than looking deep enough into the religion to realise you don't just become Wicca overnight. As such, these people do not put much stock or thought into this.
Paganism is another kettle of fish, because Paganism is so broad one can very well sink into Paganism without much thought as it does not require specific beliefs, practices or doctrines, just belief in either a pantheist or polytheist belief system [i.e. one god present in all, or the belief in many gods]. I'm sure there are many people who are Pagan without even knowing it, Paganism is not a religion but a set of beliefs, or beliefs outside of mainstream religious ideas.
2006-10-02 08:06:05 · answer #1 · answered by Kasha 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
From what I understand you're asking if I just became Wiccan because it seemed like the "cool" thing to do or did I actually make a decision based on other factors.. Please let me know if I got that wrong!
I read, studied, and read on other religions before I found my Path. The only thing I was really certain of was that Christianity wasn't for me, and not believing in anything wasn't for me either. So, I read about other religions. I wanted something that was earth-based because I have always been connected to the Earth and her wonder. I remembered a friend talking about Wicca (which at the time I thought was completely wrong because I was Christian and I was told it was evil and a cult and all this...and I was ignorant about the whole thing.) and decided to do some reading on it just to learnabout it... I really had no plans to "be" Wiccan, I just wanted to learn about it while I was learning about all those other religions...
When I was reading, more and more of the stuff I was reading described me completely! I was thrilled! I agree that you should research on your own, but asking questions is part of it!! :) Don't change your faith because everyone else says it's cool. Change your faith because you are not happy with ehat you're currently doing, how you feel, and because you want to. Read. Learn. Ask. That's the only way. Find what's right for you and don't let anyone talk you out of anything you feel is right!
Brightest Blessings! )O(
2006-10-02 06:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by If you build it, they will come. 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can only speak for myself. I will not comment on what appears to be occurring with the teens of today as many others have done so already. I have followed my religious path for over fifteen years and before I stepped onto the path that I follow I did a lot of searching. I tried Christianity and found to many lies and half truths hidden beneath the surface and I never really felt at home there. I studied several religions from around the world but never really settled in any where. Then I had a near death experience that changed my life. Shortly there after I was introduced to Irish Celtic Mythology. It was like finding home after being lost for what felt like an eternity. I did not really choose my religion the Gods and Goddesses that I serve chose me. I knew it was right for me from the start. How I practice my faith has changed as I grow in understanding and knowledge but the Gods and Goddess I worship are the same as they where at the time I set foot on my path. I'm a Celtic Reconstructionist and follow the Irish path that I personally call Sean ski, pronounced Shan hlee and meaning the old path or old way in old Irish.
2006-10-04 15:24:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are an atheist there is no factor in being Wiccan. Wicca is a faith. It revolves round gods. Pagan is a much more nebulous time period, however actually I miss out on out of your main points why you wish to be one. If you consider it'll supply you magical powers, you do not know what Paganism is. Mostly you simply instructed us you do not wish to be a Satanist. Which is pleasant, however no longer being a Satanist does not make you a Pagan or Wiccan. I consider you must determine what it's you truthfully wish and THEN search out a institution that addresses the ones wishes.
2016-08-29 09:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
MM~
I have some news for the people who don't think Wicca or Paganism is real...it's not just a bunch of teenagers looking to rebel. Pagan's are everywhere. Real people who are just like you, only, perhaps a bit more open minded.
Pagan Pride Days are happening all around you, even as i type this.
www.paganpride.org
For those who are seriously seeking a path and have NO clue where to start or which path to follow...i highly recommend checking out the family of Unitarian Universalist Churches at www.uua.org. There's a link to "find a congregation near you" in the left-hand column. These churches believe in the individuality of each person and as such, also believe that each person's spiritual path is an individual journey not to be mandated by any one denomination. Go, check them out, you will learn about many paths and then can decide what is best for you.
BB
~Suz~
2006-10-02 06:55:42 · answer #5 · answered by scattered_gemini 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Actually I feel cheated and tricked for hearing about Christianity when I was young as being the true religion. I would want my child to be exposed to all spiritualities or none at all so she could develop her own beliefs.
I did explore Nichiren Buddhism through the SGI USA and practiced for over a year. I was influenced by the other practitioners. I really regret doing that, and maybe it was just timing, but my luck turned really bad around the time I started chanting and didn't change until I stopped.
I am very into metaphysics and I am a solitary novice of the Yoruba spirituality now and it feels extremely right. I began to practice the Yoruba spirituality came across a book that really changed my attitudes about life. That is when I started moving away form Nichiren Buddhism.
As far as influence, all people practice organized spirituality due to some persons influence. It actually is very brave for people to reject mainstream religion. If you decide to turn away from your beliefs right now I guarantee you would be ostracized, ridiculed, constantly told that you are wrong and are going to be punished. My favorite is, "Oh, you will come back."
I feel very fortunate to have the exposure, fortitude and opportunities to explore different spiritualities. Through all my difficulties I have not turned to Christianity and know it is not for me.
2006-10-02 06:44:51 · answer #6 · answered by Laughing Libra 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, there are alot of Solitary Pagans out there. Many stay solitary and in the broom closet, don't associate with other Pagans for about fivish years or so or longer. Don't tell their families, just study, research, finally, they are sure, they feel confident, they come out. It's a tough decision to be a public Pagan, especially if you have a family. You open yourself up to ridicule. It takes time, and most people take alot of time making this decision.
Others join Pagan groups. For the most part you must be 18 to join, you must study a variety of religions, not just the one you are joining and you must study for at least a year before you are initiated.
Honestly, I think Pagans put alot more thought into this stuff than some other groups I can think of.
2006-10-02 09:55:53 · answer #7 · answered by kaplah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Four years ago, when I was in fifth grade, I considered becoming a Wiccan, but never had much thought about it. The question struck me again around the middle of eigth grade, about half a year ago.
I have been studying for six months, and I am hardly ready. Becoming Wiccan is more then doing spells and learning to meditate. You have to learn names of Gods and Goddesses, realms, spirits, lean how to call, summon, and invite watchtowers, angels and farmiliars. There is so much to learn in this religon, which is also complicated in ways. I strongly suggest reading several (not one, but many) on the religon, surfing it on the web. learning and studying as much as you can know.
After you have gotton most of it down, you can begin to pratice ritual, learn about the Estabats and Sabbats (holidays), and celebrate. Learn to concentrate.
Becoming a Wiccan is very serious, and the desicion must not be taken lightly. Please, read many books and read up articles on the internet, and take it from there. You will soon learn if it is right for you.
Good luck.
2006-10-02 06:36:59 · answer #8 · answered by Snow White Queen 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I spent many years of my life searching for answers. I knew that there was a higher power to call to, but I was certainly not impressed by any organized religion. When I looked into Wicca, something just called to me. When I started practicing, it turned my life around. Many people both whom claim to be Wiccan and not, are interested in the "spells" that are cast. A "spell" is no different than a prayer, it is just in the way that you ask.
I feel, and most Wiccans feel that if you have a conduit to the Supreme Architect, then you are blessed, no matter what you call it.
2006-10-02 06:36:05 · answer #9 · answered by wizard8100@sbcglobal.net 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just like all religions: Some put some thought into it, others jump right in. You are right to say you should research it on your own, but as long as you don't neglect that research there is nothing wrong with chatting about it too.
Do your research and some soul searching before you decide. This will likely take years. But what is great about being human is that if you take the time to search for the truth your heart will guide you to it.
2006-10-02 06:33:24 · answer #10 · answered by DidoDeeDee 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would think a lot. I studied quite a bit about different religions before deciding on Christianity and wicca and paganism were part of my studies. I have a cousin and a friend who are both witches and both put in a lot of thought about the situation before becoming part of the wiccan faith.
I really think it's stupid to have faith in a belief system you haven't studied. You may not know everything about the religion, but you should know more than just the basics before committing your life to any faith.
2006-10-02 06:32:34 · answer #11 · answered by T 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋