Is Paganism my path?

Question

I have been looking into Paganism for a while now and feel lost. Without a guide who is educated in all paths of Paganism. How will I ever find which ones which ones are genuinely commited to nature.

I have always had a connection with nature, animals and tranquility. I know there is something out there that I can embrace and share with others. I'm not a god worshiper, nor do I believe in the devil. I feel the power in nature and want to embrace it.

Maybe I dont need a "label" for what I feel, I just think that there maybe like-minded people that want to share this feeling?

Has anyone else felt this way?

Answer 1

I feel the SAME exact way right now.

So far what I've done is talked to my Pagan and Wiccan friends, and joined a group on MySpace to talk with others who feel the same and also to get acquainted with all aspects of Paganism. I haven't gotten it all figured out yet, but I feel I'm well on my way :-)

Here's the URL of the group I mentioned:
http://groups.myspace.com/Paganism

Answer 2

I feel that way everyday. I don't feel lost though. I don't have a label per say except maybe that of just Pagan. I have many books from different Pagan religions and simply choose what feels right to me. Your path in life will not be the exact same as anyone elses so it makes sense that store bought religion does not work for you.

A good place to start would be www.religioustolerance.com.

Answer 3

Rest assured that you are not alone.
I would suggest that you fully recognize the definition of Paganism (or lack thereof). Some say that it's a belief in the power of nature, as you've described it, while others define it as someone claiming a polytheistic faith. There are also those who think Pagans are devil worshippers, atheists, etc. or as someone else said, "It will make u empty inside." (eye roll) I've known far too many Pagans to buy any of those- for some, finding their faith is one of the most fulfilling things to ever happen to them.
Ultimately, your path is yours to find and ONLY yours. The below site has a lot of info that you might find useful. Good luck!

Answer 4

Since Paganism is an umbrella term for a bunch of different religions, it could take you years to research them all. Beliefnet.com has a set of Pagan forums where you might be able to ask questions and talk with Pagans already on the path:

http://www.beliefnet.com/boards/boards_main.AllCategories.asp?Category=53

As to how you'll find the ones who are genuinely committed... unfortunately that's a crap shoot. I can give you one link that will let you connect with other Pagans (mostly Wiccans) in your area, the Witches of the World section at Witchvox:

http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html

Pagans are generally very accepting of others, and if you choose not to "label" yourself, you'll probably find yourself just as welcome at Pagan events as if you were wearing a "Howdy! I'm a (insert religion here)!" button.

Many people describe finding the Pagan religion that suits them as "coming home". I truly hope that if and when you decide that the Pagan path is the right one for you, you experience that sense of belonging, excitement, and joy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I've been Wiccan for 13 years and teaching for about 5, so I can at least give you basic information on my own religion if you're curious.

Answer 5

Only you can truly decide if Pagan is your path. I made that choice, and chose Wicca. It is not an easy choice to make because it is a matter of faith. My advice would be to research every path available that you are aware of. Each have their own meanings. Shamanism is different from Heathenism which is different from Wicca. Try searching the internet, and I will also include a few links that could help you along your way.

Answer 6

No one can really answer your question. My advice is to just keep searching, reading, maybe talk to someone who has followed the Pagan path for a while. You will know when you find the "right" path, you'll just feel it. I went through the same thing and found that I don't need/want any labels. But actually I think they call that eccentric! :) Anyway, you don't have to choose one way anyway; do what feels right and don't get discouraged.

Answer 7

You may find your answers in what you said:

"I have always had a connection with nature, animals and tranquility. I know there is something out there that I can embrace and share with others. I'm not a god worshiper, nor do I believe in the devil. I feel the power in nature and want to embrace it."

Love the nature and other animals for reason that we all share the habitat together. We have a preference of things that are more comfortable to look at, to hear, and to feel. That's is why we love nature and good musics.

"Maybe I don't need a "label" for what I feel, I just think that there maybe like-minded people that want to share this feeling?"

Human put a label on thing so we can communicate, not that it needs a label to survive.

I hope this answer your questions.

Answer 8

Paganism or animism are the earliest forms of religion, where early humans derived their profound understanding of the world, the universe, and humanity through their perceptions of nature. I believe the more you are in touch with nature the more honest you are about yourself and humanity. I suggest reading or finding stuff by Joseph Campbell. He researched all the religions, mythologies, and origins stories of the world and found the universal meaning in them all.

For example, in many cultures that worshipped the sun (many of them were the earliest cultures), the general idea was that the sun was the great creating, causal, or mother-like force that brings all life into existence. The sun represents the eternal energy of life and consciousness. The sun, the mother's womb, and the sacrificial fire of different religions are all the same thing, the same creating, life transferring force.

Here watch this, it's really beautiful and it explains a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkXuuFkUvgE

Answer 9

you are a human who has been tamed by society, what you are feeling is your wild nature. That is normal as you go through the maturation process. Just put your life as your single highest value, and go from there. The right questions will follow the right start. Like what is the best way to take care of the human you are? I can tell you that suspending reason with any kind of faith does not support your, or anyone Else's well being.

Answer 10

I have felt that way for 15 years..Im 25 now.

I have been studying Paganism for about 10. Don't let people tell you that its devil worshiping and that you are going to go to hell. They are stupid and uneducated. Just do some more research, and learn the holidays..there are fun things you can do. If you ever want to talk you can email me at [e-mail]