on and off, year after year. I just can't stay focused, what with work, university stuff, planning my future: i don't have TIME to dry herbs, carve candle runes or perform the sabbats/esbats.
What should i do? If i keep coming back to it surely that means it's right? But if i go away doesn't that mean its wrong?
I'm getting so tired of this. Anybody else felt this way?
2006-10-24 00:20:08 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a neo-pagan but not a Wiccan. I hope you won't mind me answering.
My religion is my way of life. It isn't something separate from everything else. It is the way that I see things and the silent prayer that I automatically say when I see a beautiful tree, flower blooming or a bird flying overhead. It is the humble feeling that I experience during thunderstorms as I say a prayer to my storm deity. It is the short trip to a local river where I give my offerings to the river goddess there.
I work 12.5 hour shifts plus I have a 3-hour roundtrip commute. That doesn't seem to leave much time. But I use half of my commute time each way to sing praises to my deities every day. That is "our time". On my breaks I go outside and briefly look for the moon (I work nights). When I take a shower, I also do a quick spiritual purifying---it only takes a few minutes more. My altar is near to my front door---how can I not stop for a moment every day to say thank you? I have much to be grateful for.
These are just some of my daily rituals. It's just what I do every day. I see my relationships with my deities in a similar way to my relationships with other people. Communication is very important. How can I expect my best friend to still be my best friend if I don't make an effort to talk with her on a regular basis? How long will she be my friend if I only talk with her when I need something? I view my connections with my deities the same way. Keeping the line of communication open is very important to me. If I can keep the lines of communication open to my friends, then surely I can find a little time for my deities who are much more important in my life. Yes, it takes a little discipline and a bit of ingenuity when there isn't much time---but it can be done and it's well worth it.
2006-10-26 09:06:09 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm at university, I have a long distance relationship, I've got to work to pay the bills...yup I know where you're coming from! The way I balance my faith is to take the night of the new moon, meditate on the month, the things I have experienced that month, the things I could do better next month and so on. I take that night to read and add to my Book of Shadows as well as try out new techniques with spell-casting, herbs and crystals.
I pray each night before I go to sleep, so even if I haven't done anything specifically witchy during the day, I acknowledge the Lord and Lady every day and keep asking them to watch over me.
Wicca/Witchcraft is all about making it work for you. If it doesn't work right now, just take a step away from it, but don't feel guilty for doing that. A relationship with nature, the Lord and Lady and the elements is just as stressful as any human relationship can be and from time to time you need to take a step back and evaluate where the path is taking you.
If you are part of a Coven, you could talk to your High Priestess or High Priest about your feelings and they should be able to give you advice on whether they think this is something you could work through or whether it's a sign that it's a time to lay aside your Wiccan path for a while and walk by yourself.
Bright Blessings! I hope you find what you're looking for!
2006-10-24 09:17:42 · answer #2 · answered by deccaboo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. I did that for a couple of years. What with a family, work... hell, those 2 alone make it difficult to even have 10 minutes alone without hearing "moooom!!!" or "I need this by 3pm" *sigh* I strayed from the rituals, etc and due to how busy I was and all of the wild information that was being published about Wicca, I ended up just calling myself a Pagan for several years. Of course, I came back to it... it is right for me to be here. So, now, I do what I can to observe the sabbats/esbats and fit in whatever I can into my scheduel along with setting aside time for myself each night... even if it is only 20 minutes.
You just have to work with what you have... even small things will help you stay on track with it. Some things only take a couple of minutes to do and will help you to remain focused on your work as well as your religion.
I can't tell you if it's right or wrong. That is something you must decide for yourself. But if this is where you are going to stay, just do the little things while you are focusing on your work and university. Get up 10 minutes earlier than you normally do and use that time for meditation. It helps. *smile*
2006-10-24 08:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by riverstorm13 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
University huh? If you're in School, it may make things harder, but if you keep coming back, there is something in it for you. BTW, no one is saying you have to dry you own herbs etc to work magick. There are plenty of people who use store bought. And if you use smaller candles for spells, like Birthday candles.
As for Sabbats and Esbats, remember, "all acts of love and pleasure are my Rituals." Go out on a date, go to a Movie, do something you enjoy with friends. Eat a favorite meal. No one said it had to be a big production.
Have some fun! If it's not fun, WHY DO IT? :)
2006-10-24 13:02:49 · answer #4 · answered by AmyB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I practice a very loose version of the craft. I just respect nature and others, and thank the Lord and Lady everyday for all the beauty I see.
When I came over here, it was difficult without my circle, and being ritualistic didn't really ring true for me anymore. I believe in the basics of wicca, I follow the rede in my everyday life, and I am respectful of the Lady and all her finery.
All in all, I think that this is what truly matters.
2006-10-24 07:30:48 · answer #5 · answered by Disgruntled Biscuit 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I find Wicca very eclectic..
It is a life path we adhere to as best we can, not a demamnding religion promising eternal damnation if we don't stick to the regime.
Everyone has there own way of giving thanks to the earth etc, whether it is casting your circle in the woods or sitting on your bed meditating..
If you are comfortable with this way of life, stick with it, if not then find something more suitable to your circumstances.
Good Luck
2006-10-24 07:30:17 · answer #6 · answered by KJA 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like most religion...well wicca's not, is it.
It's practical. It's there if you need it and when you don't just be mindful of it.
If you don't need it you will drift away, it doesn't require you to pray 5 times a day does it.
So chill, use it when you can.
2006-10-24 07:24:37 · answer #7 · answered by speedball182 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To me wicca fits in around my life, not the other way around. as long as you stick with 'An if it harm none do as ye will' i don't see that you can go far wrong. think about it when you can but don't let it get in the way of your life. let it fit in when it can and stop worrying, it'll take all the enjoyment out of what you do do!
2006-10-24 07:24:03 · answer #8 · answered by Andromeda Newton™ 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
as long as you still beilve and live by the 3 fold law and follow the rede you are still wiccan
2006-10-27 06:45:18 · answer #9 · answered by wiccan_jedi_master 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have no understanding of wicca but from what I've read if you are worshiping God's gifts, (the good earth, food, water life, etc, then you are celebrating God whether you know it or not. There are many ways to express devotion and thanks, your way is just one of them.
2006-10-24 09:36:40 · answer #10 · answered by June smiles 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋