Are Neo-pagans called to their beliefs or is it primarily a conscious effort?

Question

I was raised Catholic and attended Mass with my family until I was 17. I haven't attended with any regularity since and am now 24. As I've spent time away from the church, I have grown more and more disillusioned with the routine of the church and its doctrines. Throughout my life, I've had a strong love and respect for nature and have questioned many of the "fire and brimstone" aspects of Christianity.

I have also begun to feel more empty spiritually in recent years and have recently set about trying to find fulfillment. I am drawn repeatedly to facets of what is termed Neo-paganism. I have always felt drawn to Ireland and Celtic lore (not intended to be disrespectful). I have no known Irish heritage, although 25% of my heritage is unknown. Is it likely that I am being drawn to the Celtic path of paganism by forces out of my control, or just wishful thinking of a connection to Ireland? I know this sounds pretty weird, but I wanted to know if anyone can relate. Thank you in advance.

Thank you to everyone who has replied already.

I'd like to clarify a bit though. I didn't mean that people with Irish heritage are pagan or that Neo-paganism is a single religion...I brought the Irish/Celtic aspect into it because I have always had such an interest in Ireland that people constantly ask me if I'm Irish, to which I reply no. Of course, I've also been attracted to Celtic beliefs of a pagan influence. I wondered if it was an unconscious memory of possible ancestors or rather just my own belief system organizing itself. In short, I question if my interest in all things Celtic is finally manifesting itself to me in a grand way: my spiritual calling or if it's just another offshoot of my love of Ireland.

Either way, I do feel that I'm finally seeing my life path more clearly now than I ever have. I am quite genuine with my question and comments, and I thank everyone for being equally straight-forward and honest in your answers. I'm just a lost guy looking for truth :)

Answer 1

I was called to Neo-Paganism after a personal encounter with the Divine Feminine, but I've also known people who've entered it because it made sense for them intellectually and who have been very happy in the faith.

Keep in mind that there is no single religion called "Neo-Paganism" -- it's an umbrella term for a wide variety of religions.

Best of luck to you on your path. If you have any questions about Wicca specifically, please feel free to email me.

EDITED TO ADD: Here are a some links on Celtic Reconstructionism which you might find interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Reconstructionist_Paganism

http://www.ecauldron.com/reconcelt.php

http://www.imbas.org/

http://www.imbas.org/imbas/what_we_mean.html

http://www.paganachd.com/faq/

Answer 2

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Irish_Witchcraft
A lot of people are drawn to Irish Celtic and Druid studies, as well as Witchcraft. And if you feel as if you are being drawn, then you are whether it's conscious or not. The above Yahoo! Group can help. Also, Lora O'Brien's book called Irish Witchcraft From and Irish Witch. Have a look, do some research, and really get involved in the Pagan Community. It's Great.

Answer 3

I would say many people make a conscious effort to find a faith that they can resonate with but most who decide to become pagan do so because they are drawn to it. People want to know the spiritually uplifting side without all the fearful 'believe or suffer unimaginable pain and suffering' part of it.

As for the Celtic side of it, think about the areas that includes. That covers various tribes throughout Scotland and down into England as well. I won't even begin to guess your lineage but I'd definitely say there is a cultural upswing in an interest in old Irish and Scottish history lately, at least in my part of the USA. I also know the majority of my background comes out of central and northern Europe so it has always interested me. I haven't been digging in it as much as I'd like to but most likely will very soon. History is becoming a big part of my son's home schooling experience lately.

Answer 4

Listen to your heart in all aspects of your life.

We choose our spiritual path based on how we view life. Pagans see life as polytheistic. As many gods taking care of all our needs. This is the natural way of viewing life. Because the Abrahamic religions need to be taught, these are not natural, these are political.

The "hellfire and brimstone" aspect comes from a combination of egyptian and persian beliefs. It isn't natural to the ancient middle east, it was brought in via the trade routes. Pagans don't believe in hell. Or the devil, for that matter. Most of us believe in reincarnation. I have about 6 past life memories, and no one had to tell me I had them. I've known about them since I was little. And yes, I was raised Catholic, too.

The Catholic mass is extremely pagan, by the way. Fire, incense, water, bread? The elements of ancient pagandom! LOL......

Dump the guilt trips and go walk-about. There are more gods than found in Ireland, so read everything you can find. A good place to start is www.sacred-texts.com. Or just email me. The Aquarian can expound on anything! LoL.....

Answer 5

The gods call to those they want.

The Celtic gods, that might be a bit in your favor if you've got Celtic blood - the gods "adopted" the Celts, so to speak, and were viewed as "elder kin". That said, not everyone of Celtic descent is going to be called - nor is everyone who gets called going to be of Celtic descent. They adopt new folks when they feel it's right.

Some folks are predisposed towards Paganism due to personality and interests - but those folks still need to make some conscious effort to become Pagan if they weren't raised as such. However, most of those who do often describe making that choice as "coming home", so take from that what you will.

Answer 6

Well I was raised Pentecostal and am also a mixture of nationalities but, I do not gravitate to the pagan religion because of that.
I have been blessed/cursed with gifts/powers/abilities, what ever you call them, and I did not know how to be as I was. I mean I went to church because my mom took me when I was a kid but, I was torn between believing in the church ways and what was inside of me. Though I ,even now, believe in God, I did not think what I had was suppose to be associated with him.
For a long time I thought I must be "of the devil", but God let me know that did not have to be. I also try-ed to ignore what I have but, it "made' it's self known. I have since learned to allow it to be a part of my life while not ruling me.
Still I did not know what to consider myself when asked "that" question.
Paganism and Christianity , I feel, are not far from the same, really. If they are I am once again in the rift.

Answer 7

I always felt the same way you do.I am of Irish ancestry,my mothers family came from Ireland and they believed in the ways of Christianity and still practice some pagan ways,but I am drawn to the pagan ways,I don't feel comfortable about Christianity.I have also had dreams as a child about my past life,except the way you feel don't try to analyze it.

(Many blessings)

Answer 8

I feel that I was called to my path. I have always believed in magic and all my life there's always been one thing or other that had some reference to Wicca or witchcraft. No even a year ago I finally fell upon the religion of Wicca and researched it. It feels to me that I've always been Wiccan, it's just that only recently I've learned the term for what I believe. I feel that I've been pulled toward it all my life by forces I couldn't stop, so, I can relate. Blessed be my brother. )O(

Answer 9

There is a comment - "when the student is ready the teacher will appear"

My personal path was along those lines. Had called myself a "Generic Xian" for a number of years because of the mainstream churches. After searching I found about Wicca.

.

Answer 10

I dont think you can apply the question to just one religion..all religions have a mix of people who "feel called", or people who just feel as if they need to follow others. Sometimes it just feels natural. I dont think you can say any one religion, in this case neo-paganism, is one that applies to this question. I think that you could actually say, or ask.."Are people who join a religion.. called to their beliefs or is it primarily a conscious effort?" And the question is just as valid if not more so.