I have been a Christian all my life, but found that after many years, my heart isn't in it. i felt guilty for leaving Christianity, and was comfortable in Wicca, but after looking at Wicca online sites, and all the many terms, I feel so swamped with info, I am about to forget it all and just stay a no-religion person! When I was into Wicca, a solitary practitioner, I was happy, till a group of Christians came to my door and told me I was going to hell, then I reverted back to Christianity out of guilt. Well, I also didn't have the memory problems I do now, because of a bad thyroid, and so i am intimidated by all the terms, and symbols, I see on some of the sites. I started with Silver raven wolf's book, and that was all i did. I'm not young, I 'm 40, and in need of help on this. I do not want to be part of a coven, just want to familiarize myself with Wicca again. The reason I left Christianity is because the answers I got from the ?'s i asked, were not to my satisfaction.Help!!
2007-10-10 16:36:43 · 25 answers · asked by Dragonflygirl 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A good spiritual practice does require some discipline, but I don't think it requires exact replication of ritual. It is intention that matters more; ritual is just an outward manifestation of intention.
You seem worried about your memory but I would suggest that you forget about the fools who came to your door to scare you into believing they have Knowing that is any deeper or more real than your own internal Knowing. Good spiritual practice does not seek to make others doubt but to increase one's personal awareness of good and desire to do good for the world. The same reason you don't want to be part of coven is the same reason not to listen to preachers who travel in covens and canvass neighborhoods.
Next time they come to the door, just say you have a strong faith and will pray for them too, an thanks, good bye!
Blessed Be
2007-10-10 16:46:56 · answer #1 · answered by wawawebis 6 · 7⤊ 2⤋
You know what? If Wicca is what you want to practice, then don't let memory issues intimidate you. Part of why most Wiccans keep a magical journal is to help organize more information than they can remember.
Here are a few sites to get you started:
http://www.witchvox.com
http://www.twpt.com
http://www.davensjournal.com
http://www.rendingtheveil.com
http://www.spiralnature.com
http://www.thegreenwolf.com/links.html
As for books (if you're feeling really ambitious), here are my three of my favorites:
"21st Century Wicca" by Jennifer Hunter - the most grounded intro to Wicca I've found, not just the usual "stuff"
"Contemporary Paganism" by Graham Harvey - a basic overview of some of the more common neopagan religions
"The Four Powers: Magical Practice for Beginners of All Ages" by Nicholas Graham - takes an even broader view of neopaganism, ceremonial magic, shamanism, occultism, and others, and is a *really* good book for helping you to figure out where to take your path next
You can find other books reviewed at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com
2007-10-12 12:03:21 · answer #2 · answered by Lupa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many paths besides Wicca that you may find fulfilling. You should not be a Christian out of "guilt." That is the wrong reason to be any religion. Research other pagan paths to determine if Wicca is the right one for you. And don't let the memory thing get to you -- you just need to be comfortable and have a belief in what you're doing whether or not you remember the exact terminology. And no guilt! : )
2007-10-10 16:52:24 · answer #3 · answered by Goddess 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would say stop worrying about the labels and do what feels right. Get some new books (someone other than Ravenwolf) and seek out your path again. An athame works the same whether you can remember its called an athame. And if you find an athame doesn't work for you, then use something that does work for you. The end result may or may not be Wicca, but the goal here is to follow the spirituality that fits, right? You may find what you're practicing is still solidly Wiccan in form, or you may find you've gone off in a new direction. But the point is to find the direction that fits you, not to shape your direction to fit a word.
2007-10-11 05:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A person should not be any religion because of guilt. Id say follow what makes the most sense to you and where you feel the most comfortable. If its Wicca then go with Wicca, if its Christianity then go with that. I wish you well on your journey.
2007-10-10 18:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by Saturn554 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nobody knows everything about anything, especially a topic as broad as Wicca. If you really want to practise Wicca, you won't let a bad memory get in the way. The more you become actively involved, the more you will remember. And besides, you have a Book of Shadows to take notes in.
2007-10-10 16:45:27 · answer #6 · answered by rebekkah hot as the sun 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Help for you is out there. If your desire is to become a loved and important part of the community whether Christian or Wicca you will have to decide to sometimes sacrifice your wants for the good of other people. The reason I recommend Christianity is because He gave His life to prove He will do anything for your well being. No Wicca Deity to my knowledge ever did that. No one else ever died for me. I joined the Christians because I believe He will take care of me or help me when I need to suffer or sacrifice for the good of others, others like my family or my neighbor. I believe He has the power and the desire. I believe the Wicca Deity is easier for you to control to get what you want, but not what you need. So what do you want? Do you want control to get the things you want, or are you willing to let Christ be in control, and trust that He will do a better job of running our life than you or I could ever do? He will not possess you but only guide you through other people's words, and through ideas that pop in your head. Always, He guides you to do the best for the group. Good luck on your decision.
2007-10-10 17:41:31 · answer #7 · answered by Jeff M 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am almost 50! I started studying the various paths of Wicca in 94 and have followed my own path. It takes time and you don't need to fear memory loss (I have that problem too). Keep a pen and notebook handy and keep track of what works for you. I am Solitary, my main path contains aspects of Druid, Celtic and American Indian. I am also a first degree priestess of the Correllian faith (yet another path!) and hope to gain my second and third degree as time goes on. I am around if you need support. I was raised Catholic and had the same problems as you in that area. I don't talk about my faith, I now live it!
Blessed Be!
2007-10-10 17:11:34 · answer #8 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The website suggested by Hestia is an excellent start.
Then I recommend learning within a tradition, as it's easier to learn symbols and mythology in a system.
2007-10-11 00:55:43 · answer #9 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is multiple misconceptions,a million/2 truths and downright lies,coupled with the reality that such multiple practice distinctive varieties of Wicca and Paganism. that's truthful to declare that different religions tend to demonise the practioners and flicks do not help the two. eg. ''The Craft'' and ''The Wicker guy''.
2016-10-22 00:06:20 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋