Wiccans or pagans?

Question

How long have you been Wiccan or Pagan, and why did you choose that path? (if you weren't born Wiccan)

Answer 1

I've been Wiccan for well over 20 years, and I believe I am Wiccan because of the Wiccans I met and learned from. My gods put my feet on the path, though.

Answer 2

I've considered myself a pagan for only a few years. Although I knew several Wiccans in college, a lot of it seemed fluffy to me.

Some years ago, however, I saw a History Channel show on the pagan origins of Christmas. The deep and sublime meanings behind the symbols really resonated with me, and I was impressed - and I enjoyed Christmas more that year than I had in ages. After that, I got real interested in the other holidays, and found a great site that explained the meanings of the 8 pagan holidays and how they celebrate different phases of the life cycle in turn.

It made a very profound, harmonious sense to me and I was enthralled. Now I celebrate them, though rather quietly. As an expression of this I started wearing pentacles and when we were trying for children I cast fertility spells on myself, and found I had a talent for certain types of spellcasting.

So although my spiritual philosophy is basically Taoist, I've decided I'm Pagan enough to claim association. But I follow my own path and do things my own way - I can't do otherwise.

Answer 3

Pagan, 7 years of practice. I chose eclectic Paganism after studying quite a bit of Wicca. I was around 12 when I stumbled on the occult section of the used book store. I picked up Spiraldance, and the rest is history. I went through a few fits and starts of studying, I talked with other people in the various paths. And I did a self-initiation about 4 years ago.

As for why, well at first because it was so different to hear about a female-empowering religion. Later, because the symmetry and balance it added to my life really made me mature and helped shape who I am now. I can't imagine not having that part of me.

Answer 4

I have been Wiccan for 2 years now. (A very short time but I am enjoying the learning) I have however held these beliefs for many years(approx 7 years) but was not sure which faith was the right one for me. After a lot of reading and research I found Wicca about 3 years ago. I studied it for one year before I decided that it was definitely for me. Then I spent another year before I was ready for any rituals. I have still done very few and hope that with another year of study I will feel even more comfortable, but I hope to learn more for my whole life.
I honestly believe I was meant to be on this path. I feel strongly that I have followed this path in a previous life, and that should I be reincarnated I will follow this path again. The rituals I have performed and the connections I have made were just far to natural for this to have been my first time. I can honestly say I have never been happier or more comfortable with myself than I am now.

Answer 5

I've been a pagan for about 10 years, but began to question the faith in which I was raised (Catholicism) more than 20 years ago. There are a number of concepts that bothered me, but probably the most important is that God is separate from us. This didn't feel right to me, even at a very young age.

I studied and practiced Buddhism and then Wicca before settling into a more eclectic pagan path which is probably best described as animism. I'm also a monist, which means that I believe that all gods are aspects of one god.

Answer 6

I grew up with metaphysical beliefs and spirits and deities. I've never really known anything else. My path has changed some as I've gotten older but my core beliefs are still the same. Where once my deities mostly had titles, now many have names. I've always celebrated the turning of the year. I've always believed in reincarnation. I've always given offerings of love to my deities and spirits who watch over me. I can't imagine any other way. Naturally, my path has become more defined as my relationships with my gods deepen, but I've never made any major changes. As I grow, my rites and reasons adjust but my love and trust for my gods will stay strong. My core beliefs have never wavered. The reason that I follow the path that I'm on is because that is the path that best allows me to develop a deeper connection with my deities. Isn't that the main purpose of most religions?
I'll turn 42 next week.

Answer 7

Wiccan.
My path is just beginning.
I was raised, even educated, Catholic. But recent years have had me feeling empty spiritually.
Then the craziest thing happened; I purchased a book by a rocknroller and his account of discovering Wicca and its beliefs blew me away. I had never heard of Wicca. But it hit me like a ton of bricks! I felt whole and at peace, once I found this path I took it and have no second thoughts.
I have lived on a 5 acre wooded lot for over 10 years and I have always felt more at peace in these woods as compared to a church. More appreciative of what I have been given. And have found solutions to my life's problems, now I know why.
And now it has a spiritual, religion too.

Answer 8

About 18 years now. I started Wicca with an insatiable interest in holistic and alternative healing methods. My path branched off in so many areas of ancient religions and healing, that I answer to many different labels nowdays.
Actually, it was a 60 Minutes report (in the 80s) about a healer in San Fransisco who was working with AIDS patients. All of her patients went into remission and 2 had ended up testing negative after being in her care exclusively for several years.
The medical society would not officially document her work because they could not explain it!
Several years after seeing that, I went to cater a large festival at a pagan camp one summer and never looked back! ; )

Answer 9

I've been a Celtic Pagan for about 10 years.Chose it because I knew I believed in something but not Christianity like my mother so I looked into loads of religions and this just felt true to me.

Answer 10

I was raised Presbyterian but by the age of 12 I already was disgusted by the lack of answers I got from our clergy and the lack of respect to women in general within the church structure. I turned to Wicca about 10 or so years ago and haven't looked back nor regret my choice.