please no rude comments or snide remarks, Thank You!
Ive been looking into the Pagan Religion. Im interested in converting to a different religion, and ive been looking into Paganism. It sounds like it may suit me very well. Are there any suggestions? If i do decide to become Pagan, how might i determine what branch to go into? thank you
2007-10-20 16:12:48 · 31 answers · asked by Ashe 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Go to the book store, and study.
Go with what feels right to you. You do not need to make a committment to any specific branch/title. Follow what interests you.
2007-10-20 16:18:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Ok firstly, Paganism is NOT a religion per se, it is a way of life that hosts many Pagan Religions, however there is nothing to stop you being an Agnostic Pagan or even an Atheist Pagan (rare but possible)
Some Pagan Religions are:
Witchraft - Traditional
Witchcraft - Wicca
Druidism
Freemasons (not many like to admit it ..lol)
Shamans and Shamankans (male & female)
In fact I do believe that there is an Anglican Bishop in England who follows a Pagan path
Basically the Pagan Path is one where you try and live your life in harmony with nature, use but not abuse .. Air Fire Earth and Water. You understand that everything on this earth is aware, Plants as well as animals, so to eat plants is the same as eating animals, whish is why most Pagans are not vegetarians.
There is no rush to join any religion at first, walk the Pagan Path, look around you and then decide which specific path you would like to try.
Generally as well Pagans are Polytheists, that is they revere the Female deity as well as the Male deity
Which ones ?? there are HUNDREDS to choose from
2007-10-20 23:25:22 · answer #2 · answered by Master U 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been pagan for a very short time now, only about five to six years officially. I have claimed to be Wiccan before, then I was more specific calling myself Correllian (a branch of Wicca). As of late, the past year about, some people within the pagan community challenged me on some of my beliefs that they did not share and did not see as Wiccan. That made me wonder what I was doing, and I found my answer quickly. Today I study everything, I practice as I wish, whatever is right for me. I claim to follow no religion but my own, I will only say I am pagan. All the religions under paganism? They matter not to me, I am only me, not a label. My personal advice is, study everything and find what is right for you - even if you need to create it.
2007-10-21 19:04:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well first change that religion to plural form. Pagan is an umbrella term for a wide variety of religions that are not of the Abrahamic faiths or an Eastern philopophy. There are many, many different "branches" of Paganism. It really depends on what you are interested in. I would just go and research the different types (Wicca, Hellenism, Norse Spirituality/Asatru, Heathenry of other various sorts, etc) and just go with what interests you and what your heart tells you is the right way. It might take awhile but if you're serious you will find what suits you.
2007-10-20 23:40:42 · answer #4 · answered by Abriel 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Basically, there is no need to 'covert'. A person merely sees and interacts with the world around them. Isn't the SPIRIT everywhere, in EVERTHING?!?
From a Biblical Laws of god stand point, Deuteronomy 13. A person really shouldn't go looking for an OTHER god. An OTHER god is defined as a god form that you personally have not known or one unknown to your fore fathers, or in a matriarchal view the gods of your mothers.
Which would be a place to start, look at your own genelogy (family line). What countries did your ancestors, those of your blood come from. What would have been the religious views of your mothers mothers or your fathers fathers.
For the 'right' tradition or path, just bring out what is within you. If need be create your own. If it FEELS 'right'--DO IT! If it FEELS 'wrong' or 'ickie' then DON"T DO IT! hehehee why make it difficult.
Pagan comes from the Latin word 'Pagani' which just means peasant. Essentially its the religious philosophies of 'farmers', which is why its about nature and working with cylces of the earth. Hehehee many of the pagani holidays are connected with planting/weeding/harvesting. Such activities were MAJOR chores back in the day with out electricity or machinery to do the work for ya, so when the peasants would finish---they would have a party. Hehehee which in some of the traditions is EVERY month. Pagans definately know how to PARTAH!!
2007-10-20 23:27:32 · answer #5 · answered by Lion Jester 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The term 'paganism' is a blanket description but there are separate religions that qualify... I've seen Wicca mentioned. I'd also look into Buddhism, Taoism...they seem almost more philosophy-I'd study Greek philosophy a lot but I'm more accepting of nature worship than a particular set of deities.
As to BetyAnne's argument, yes, the Xian religion has been around a while but the ancient Egyptian religion was around even longer. It lasted about 3,000 years until the Hellenistic period took over b/c of the Romans. When Constantine came into power, he decided to promote Xianity b/c it was a monotheistic religion and he wanted to be the lone ruler. Until his reign, Roman territory was under multiple (up to 4) rule. Why it's stuck around would be an opinion, but I read that some Greek philosopher said Xianity was a religion for people in a hurry. And, as technology advances, most people are 'in a hurry'.
The phrase 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you' came from Plato's teachings. In fact, I've heard a lot of Xianity is similar to Plato. Not a lot of people have time to research and/or study a religion. I doubt 'the truth' would be contradictory to what we can experience (individuals do not spontaneously create w/o any kind of motivation) and the one source we have is supposed to be metaphorical in some cases but literal in others.
2007-10-20 23:57:32 · answer #6 · answered by strpenta 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should pick up some books on Paganism, Witchcraft, and Wicca. "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk is a great book, and both "Wicca" and "Living Wicca" by Scott Cunningham have good basic information. "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler is another book with a history of Neo-Pagan religions.
Determining what 'branch' of Paganism you go into is all out researching within and without. There is only so much you can learn from books and other people. Observing nature and the world around you, as well as meditating and learning about the world within you, are the best ways to find your path.
2007-10-20 23:17:56 · answer #7 · answered by Steph Gas 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I started the same journey two years ago and am still finding my place in Paganism. I started out studying basic Paganism, then read about and studied Egyptian Paganism, Druidry, Viking Paganism and Celtic Paganism. I am currently learning more about Wicca and have begun to set up a process of practicing Kitchen Witchery. Really, Paganism is largely about the journey, and there are so many options within the Pagan practice and belief. Start with some basic books about Paganism, learn about the sabbats (religious holidays) and the different types of Paganism. This is a good site for books: http://wicca.llewellyn.com/ Their "Witchy Update" will also help you learn about Paganism, they send regular emails about it. Also, I found it helpful to join a Pagan group online. My group has since broken up, or I would invite you. Search Yahoo Groups and other social sites to find a good group. And if you find one that you like, maybe consider dropping me a line and telling me about it. ;) And feel free to email me with any questions you might have. I'm still learning myself, but maybe I can also help you get started.
2007-10-20 23:25:37 · answer #8 · answered by Maggie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hun, it ain't a matter of converting. The word pagan coverse many many different areas. Wiccans, witchs, budists, anyone who isn't christian, is pagan with the exceptions of the athiests.
It is really what you believe. I myself was raised christian but I am wiccan. I have always known this in my heart though. I didn't wake up one day and think, christianity is boring, wheres the local coven. Maybe they will make a convert out of me.
If you truly are interested you need to find some pagans to talk to. I like to go to talk city. Under religion and spirituality I chat in the room Mystic Gateway. There are some really great pagans in there that you can talk to about this.
Blessed Be,
Nightshadetn
2007-10-20 23:35:57 · answer #9 · answered by nightshadetn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pagan is a collective term. There are many different paths or disciplines. I would suggest looking into yourself and asking yourself what you actually believe. Then read as much as you can.
Wicca has been a part of my main belief system even when I was growing up Catholic. I just didn't know what it was called or why my view differed so from my relatives.
Be true to yourself and what is in your heart. Your path is already there. You just have to find the trail head marker sometimes.
2007-10-22 20:45:52 · answer #10 · answered by gypsyhawk5552004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reading and research are all good, but don't forget to tend your spirituality along the way, and to get to know what you believe. It is not about finding something out there, but nurturing what is already "in there".
Something inside you is blooming, and causing you to move in this direction. Don't wait till you find "the right path" etc. Right now, today, live in honor of what you know is true...and let the details fall into place as you go.
sometimes newcomers hold back because they don't know all the details, don't have experience, but the important thing behind the faiths that we call pagan is authenticity, it is practicing what is genuine inside you.
You have an exciting journey ahead of you!
I like the pagan forums Mysticwicks, they are pretty friendly, have people of all paths, and are a great place to learn and share
2007-10-21 08:09:28 · answer #11 · answered by eiere 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋