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Pagan
Welcome to Pagan, a thread to discuss all forms of Nature spirituality, the occult and paranormal, alternative spiritualities, psychic phenomena, Wicca, Shamanism, Animism, Eclecticism, and whatever else wanders through our minds.
Samhain has just passed, and Hallowtide--those three days of celebrating the Ancestors, both far removed and most recent--and now the Wheel of the Year turns forward. In Celtic culture this is the New Year, and what could be more appropriate than a new beginning at the start of a new year? Come in, sit down, get comfy--and let's talk. :) |
An introduction--Hello! I'm Cath, screen name Bit; I answer to both but prefer Cath.
I'm an Eclectic Pagan. My family has Christian roots that go back hundreds if not at least a thousand years; it was hard to buck that, but Christianity just didn't fit me. I couldn't force myself to accept it, yanno? I just could not believe it. And when I finally discovered a book called When God Was a Woman, by Merlin Stone, I was shocked, astonished that I could have not recognized myself for so many years: I have always been Pagan. I grew up Pagan, despite my family's indoctrination. I have always seen the living world around me and known its Spirit. My first steps into the world of acknowledged Paganism came through the Women's Spirituality Movement, through the Feminist Movement, and through books about both women's spirituality and Wicca, especially Dianne Stein's books and Starhawk's books. It took me a while, but I finally realized that although Wicca speaks deeply to me on many levels, I really don't feel comfortable in any one religion. I came to understand myself as an Eclectic Pagan, drawing what works for me from every spiritual source I could to craft a tradition, a way of life, that is intimately my own. Along the way, I explored the roots of Christianity and Judaism, the roots of Paganism, some Shamanic traditions, Buddhism, and even Humanism. I am amused to tell you that after all that exploring, a large part of my inspiration, ethics, and philosophies come from none of those, but from science fiction and fantasy novels. I guess that's where all the "like minds" migrated to, since there was no room for them in the established institutional traditions! As a Pagan Priestess, I work mostly with the Goddesses, but as an Eclectic Pagan, I pretty much speak to everyone and everything around me. I always seek to feel connected to the Land wherever I live, and to honor those who have lived here before me as well as those who share it with me now. My primary psychic skill is Empathy. It's been hard, growing up an Empath in a skeptical world, and I still struggle with believing in myself sometimes. So how about you? What kind of Path have you followed to get where you are today? What skills and talents have you wrestled with, what explorations have you made, to become who you are today? Who has inspired you along the way? Let's talk! |
When my sister was diagnosed with skin cancer, it took my breath away. She was the only one who I could talk too. I converted to organized religion (Roman Catholic) hoping that God would spare her life. She still died.
I have always been spiritual. Not into Wiccan, or Pagan. Just hoping and praying to God that my decisions and my responsibilites in life were the right ones for me. I know that you played a huge role in my top surgery nightmare, Cath. It is something that I will never forget. I think that we are all connected in some way or another. Life is a gift. We all have different gifts to share, and to hold out our hands and help each other. Some will, some won't. Some have different motives that are less than admirable. But like my Grandmother always said, the dirt always comes out in the wash. |
glad to be here, im an eclectic person but i truly believe in the goddess and all her forms. Im interested in all spirtuality but pagan and heathen is what is in my soul. hello to everyone
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{{{{{{{{{{{{{Andrew}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Hello and welcome! Andrew, darlin, it doesn't work to bargain with God when someone is sick, and I truly don't think He would hold you to the that conversion if you find it doesn't work for you. It's so hard to know what will help when someone we love is dying, and people tell us all kinds of things, "do this" or "do that," and if it doesn't work? They tell us WE didn't have enough faith. I say bullhockey. That's just absolute bunk. People die for all kinds of reasons, and sometimes it's because their bodies wear out. Sometimes it's because they give up. Sometimes it's because they're needed on the next part of their life journey. I personally believe in reincarnation... I mean HECK, if I cannot bear to waste a perfectly good paper bag, how could God bear to waste a perfectly good soul, right? So I believe that sometimes when people die young, it's because they have to be in place when it's time to be born again to their next set of parents. A friend of mine has a brand new granddaughter and she was in danger of H1N1 because her sisters caught it, so I prayed for her. Later I asked how she was and my friend said all three girls were fine, healthy again---and sent me pictures of the grandbaby. My father looked out of that baby's eyes and said hello to me. Nothing will ever shake my belief in reincarnation again; I have seen it for myself. So it might be that your sister, after some time spent with God, will be coming back for another turn at life. It might even be that you will be given a chance to know who and where she is. For now, she's safe with God and doesn't want you to worry--she sends her love and she's sorry for the pain you're enduring. |
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Someone once said to me, "I'm pagan to my toenails" and I've always thought that just about sums it up. ;) |
Cath,
I understand what you said. It just hurts my heart and soul - if that makes sense. She was such an amazing woman, and the one who I could talk too. So her death just devistated me. People say the worst things when it comes to death. I agree. I had someone tell me that I wasn't a good person, and that is why Jo got sick. She had to pay the price for my sins. Unbelieveable. That by far was the worst, most rotten thing ever.:( I too believe in reincarnation. I have witnessed it myself. When I had a seen a picture taken of a newborn nephew, my dead uncle was in the background. No mistaking it. The hair on the back of my head do stand right up just thinking about it. Something very strange happened recently at my home. I witnessed a black fog or cloud come out of no where. It traveled from my front lawn to my front porch then fast than anything I have seen, it went off my porch and disappeared. I have no clue as to what that was. Do you have any ideas? |
No Andrew, I don't know, but I'll ask Gryph. He should know.
I am so sorry that people say such horrid things when a person is hurting and so vulnerable!! Jo died because it was time--not for any other reason. You know she's going to be watching over you for a while, right? I think when people die those of us who are left behind ARE devastated, because they leave such a huge hole in our lives, yanno? Death is a healing thing for the person who experiences it... but for the rest of us, it's a ripping apart, and we have to somehow rebuild ourselves into a new person so that we can continue on. We're never the same again. We might be stronger; we might be more compassionate; we might be wiser... but we are never the same again. Jo will be with you as you heal your ragged edges and rebuild. Her love will sustain you. |
Yes, I know Jo is around me. I can feel her presence. No matter how sad I get on some days, I still get up, get dressed, and go on. But life is so different without Jo.
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Just a spirit traveling through. The color was due to the porthole it was using. |
Let me ask this question because I am Christian and not Wiccan or Pagan, what happens when a Wiccan or Pagan curses me and casts "spells" on me?
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I believe this statement would apply to said "curse"..at least, in Most "branches" of Wicca/Paganism
An it harm none, do what ye will Harm" is defined as "physical or mental damage" and to this we can add "psychic damage" as well. To inflict harm on another is simply not a thing that a Witch would do. Aside from the obvious karmic repercussions, Witches have a deep and abiding knowledge of the workings of the Universe. The image of a witch dressed in flowing robe running around "zapping" people or casting random spells across the countryside is a fictitious one. All spells that Witches actually perform are directed to a very specific end, developed after much thought and should always end with the phrase "for the good of all and the harm of none". An example can be given here in the working of love spells. To manipulate a person into a relationship in which they have shown no interest developing is to try to negate that person' s right to free will. To cast a spell "to make so and so fall in love with me" shows not a spirit of love but an insensitivity to another's feelings. But Witches do cast love spells. don't they? Yes, they do.. The first love spell a Witch should cast should be for her/himself. Self esteem is essential in correct magical working. To bring a complete and balanced person into a relationship, is indeed to give a precious gift to another. To be capable of receiving love, we must be able to truly give love.. WitchVox Hope that helps a little.... |
Thanks for the details. Personally, I think it was a scare tactic used by someone off kilter.
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Real Pagans and Witches--yanno, the ones who actually know how?--don't curse ANYBODY. The backlash hurts too badly. I would imagine that if someone says to you that they are a witch and are going to curse you--that just boggles my mind that anyone could be so stupid! but okay, I guess it might happen--it means they are a pretender who knows nothing of actual witchcraft and energy work.... cuz anyone who DOES know also knows that what you send out comes back to you, EVERY time. That's one of the laws of energy work, like the law of gravity is one of the laws of physics, and it applies to everyone of every faith or religion. What you send out, comes back to you. (Don't be praying that other people get punished, okay? That will backfire on you--cuz what you send out comes back to you.) So, if you are unfortunate to come across one of these witchcraft-pretenders and they say they're going to do anything, just say a prayer and ask God to protect you. He will, guaranteed. |
Rook, Bit thanks for saying what you have. Those were my first reactions as well.
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wow interesting conversation, I was just having this exact conversation a couople of days ago with a friend of mine who is a priestess of bastet. The energy that you put forth comes back at you and if your irresponsible and foolish with it the universe will not care. i truly believe that you do reap what you sow.
I stopped in to ask that anyone that feels up to it, send my lovely kitty diego all of your prayers and light, he needs it. My kitty is 4 1/2 and a couple of months ago was diagnosed with restrictive cardiac myeopathy. Its a very rare and hes on a couple of meds but lately i can tell that i think hes getting tired. I am trying to steel myself for his passing and this kitty has saved my life in more ways than one. He came into my life for a reason and ive been so lucky to have such a great companion. I am going to be heartbroken when he passes but i know that its coming and there is nothing else the vet can do for him, so while i sit here bawling my eyes out watching him struggle to breathe, im also letting him know that im here for him and its ok for him to go.... im so sad about it but i know that i cant do anything but love him until its time for him to leave... |
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thank you Gryph so much I appreciate all the help : )
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Mitmo01, I will say my prayers for your furchild. I know how you feel.
ox, Andrew |
Cath,
I'm so grateful that you have formed this haven for us to gather, who share a common spiritual difference from the monotheistic, patriarchal order. I'm a lot more like you than I thought, as I'm a free-spiritual believer and child of the goddess. Mine is a matriarchal belief structure, as I'm tied to nature and nurture. I don't ascribe to a particular form of paganism, but it's probably more closely tied to Wicca. Mine is a blend of wiccan practices, tied in with Native American influences, as well. I am an empath, and have known this to be true since childhood. I also feel called as a healer, and have spent several years in the process of learning to shield myself, while at the same time, sharing healing touch with others. In the beginning, I was often left injured, ill or emotionally and physically drained, when I would do healing, but I've developed a greater knowledge of how to prepare myself, prior to sharing this gift. I am a solitary practitioner, and as my love will be joining my living space beginning tomorrow, I hope shi will continue to appreciate, understand and respect my practices, when I feel compelled to perform ritual. I believe that it will be a non-issue, as shi is a believer in Native American spirituality, too. OK, I've said enough for this post, and I look forward to hearing from others out there as well. WT |
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You are right on track with this statement. Any practicing Wiccan (if that's how they consider themselves) knows that one never sends out to others, what they do not want to reap themselves, because of the Rule of Three. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_Three_(Wiccan) WT |
{{{{{{{{{{{{Mitmo}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Oh my heart aches for you! What a difficult thing for you and your Diego both! We'll keep him in our thoughts, darlin.
White Tigress, hello and thank you for joining us! I enjoyed your post. Honestly, I find that people who follow the Native American ways do tend to be understanding of the work a healer does. Tis late and I need to go offline. Good night to everyone!! Blessings for peace, healing, and harmony on us all. |
Hey y'all. Wiccan here.
I'm going to go against the flow and say that casting a hex or a curse does not invalidate your realness any more than leading a life of complete and utter spiritual fluff does. (NOTE: I do not think bit was invalidating me! I need to clarify that. This is a thought I've heard expressed before in a less ... kind manner. But bit is correct...witches do not go around randomly throwing curses. That's a Christian myth used to scare people.) I have cast curses as well as hexes and also bindings. There is a difference. I would do it again in heartbeat if the situation were the same. Several people here have pointed out that it comes back on the caster. It does but not always in the same way. In fact, rarely in the same way. The Law of Threefold (Lo3) (not Three, but Threefold--that's important) is one of the few fundamentals of Wiccan spirituality. When I teach this part of Wicca, I have my students take a piece of paper and fold it three times. Then I ask them to count the layers. That is the amount of return you can expect. For good and bad alike. Drop a rock in to a bucket and count the ripples. When you stir up something, that is what happens. I have stirred my share of ripples up. I also teach my students that we are not Lords of Karma. We are not the judges of our fellow man. To pass judgment on another is to see what we often dislike in our own mirrors. I'm glad to be here. My views on my religion (Wicca) are my own. I do not expect to change anyone's mind but I do hope for intelligent discourse and fun camaraderie. |
Thank you all for teaching me about your beliefs. I am learning a lot here.
I do not understand Karma in all honesty. I thought Karma was something bad, but it is not. It can be good. Am I right in that? So what is paying back a debt in Karma? Isn't that = to throwing a stone and watching the water ripple? |
{{{{{{{{{{{Arwen}}}}}}}}}}}} I've done my share of bindings as well, but only when someone needed some serious protection.
Thank you for the edit on your post; when I first read it, I did think that you felt invalidated and quite honestly, I could see where my post might very well come across as invalidating! I truly did not mean to do so. ~~~~~~~~ Andrew, most people in this country misunderstand Karma and I am not sure I grasp the concept well enough to explain the way Eastern peoples (Buddhists, Hindus, etc) use it... BUT... I can tell you how we are commonly using it in the US. Here in this country, when most people say "Karma," they mean "consequences." And it is very true that consequences can be either negative or positive, just as the original actions were. I think ripples in a pond would be a good analogy, especially since once the ripples reach the edge, they start back in the other direction and pretty soon there are ripples going out from the center AND ripples coming back INTO the center, crossing each other and affecting each other. That pretty much is how our actions affect our lives, I think, and that would be why it's so important to be sure that what we send out is positive, so that what comes back is positive. |
Hail and Hello
Poppin' in for a minute... <waves hello>
I am looking forward to participating in the conversations. I practice shamanism and have for almost two decades. I believe that everything is alive and all things have a place in the world. I experience the worlds as all connected. I believe we live in a multiverse and not a universe. I think all people should be free to practice whatever they want, free from discrimination, judgment and oh yeah the biggie... no threat of death. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a place that allows me the freedom to be who I am. Must get back to work before the pile of paper on my desk becomes a landslide... |
{{{{{{{{{{{foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}} Wooohoooo!! You're here!! *rubs hands together gleefully* I fully intend to talk your ear off... um, so to speak. :rolleyes: Today I have other obligations but I'll be back!
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Nice to see you here! |
*jumps up and down and does a very exuberant happy dance*
I found it, I found it. I knew Bit couldn't be here and there NOT be a pagan thread. Me so happy. Thank you, thank you Bit. |
So, in another spot I was starting to talk about using a pendulum. Her name is Gladys and she is Peacock Ore for the holding stone and Citrine for the pointer. I have had a couple others over the years and they work really well for me. Better in most cases then using cards. I use a protective devise called Mirror box and that works really well. In cases of real need I will ask my Ancestors if I can push a person's karma, but its only in a major case of some one doing serious harm to several people. |
I am neither Pagan nor Wiccan, but follow my own way, taking pieces from both as well as other religions and ways I've come across. I find more understanding and tolerance in the Pagan and Wiccan communities and so I always tend to gravitate to folks who have some connection to either, if not both. I love the dialogue that is going on here. :)
For myself, Karma is as real as I am. I'm one of those people that when I do something that I know is 'below me' or just not right, I feel the repercussions very quickly. I've been known to joke that Karma not only has my address, but has me locked in on GPS :scooter: no matter how fast I go. :bolt: I've learned to look within a bit more and not wish negative of another and to be more :ohm: in general and it's helped with my perceived Karmic backlash. Doing a little bit more :deepthoughts: instead of reacting has helped too. The consequences to negatives actions/thoughts/etc seems to come to me far swifter than positive actions/thoughts/etc. Maybe that is just my perception or maybe I am just not able to see the teeny tiny ripples that come back to me some days. I'd like to think of it that way, instead of thinking that I'm only on Karma's 'naughty list'. |
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I would not call myself Pagan, or Wiccan, or even Druid (though this is strongly tied into it). My beliefs have been gleaned from all of these, as well as Native American, Buddhist, and so many others. I am spiritual, committed, and I believe very strongly, but my belief is my own. As far as karma is concerned. It is often easier to see the negative responses to our actions then the positive. It is so easy to take the good things for granted. A thank you, a smile, or simply a day where nothing goes wrong can be that karmic return. Never the less, it is always good to keep karma in mind. I have seen the results of such things in my own life. Karma has always made its presence very known to me, it reminds me often to keep on track and do what I know is right. |
My beloved Diego passed away on friday and he was truly loved beyond belief..
he had restrictive cardiac myeopathy and had a heart attack on the way to the vet... the night before him and i were alone together and i whispered to him that it was ok to go and i loved him so much...to not hang on for me...and the next day i think he chose to pass.. thank you for all of your help and i believe he will always be with me just like all of my other furbabies that have passed, he is in a better place |
Mitmo,
Sorry to hear about Diego. Yep, he will always be with you in some form or another. Since I believe in reincarnation, I do suspect he will give you grieving time and then find another body to come back and be with you physically. Cath agrees with me on that. |
I believe in reincarnation as well and i know we will meet again and be together, he was such a special soul
ty both for your thoughts and works |
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Mitmo01,
I am very sorry for your loss. Andrew |
{{{{{{{{{{{{{Mitmo}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Diego's watching over you, love. He'll be back--he's one of the souls you travel with. You've had him in your life before, you'll have him again. I know the pain of losing him is not an easy thing to bear, but remember, all you lost was his temporary body. He'll guard you and guide you until it's time for him to put on another body, and then he'll come play and live and love with you again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hello, {{{{{{{{{{{{{Mike and Jenn and Gemme}}}}}}}}}}}}} Welcome, welcome! So very wonderful to see you all here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am all bouncy and happydancing today---guess what??!!!! After FIFTEEN years, Gypsy has released another CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.wlpssp.com/retaildetailpa..._nation_cd.htm I am SO EXCITED!! Been looking for this music since the day after I bought her first tape, lo these many years ago! And here she's finally given me what I was searching for all that time ago. :clap: |
:candle: :candle: :candle: :candle: :candle: Hello, everyone. I've come to ask for energy and/or prayers for friends... the two-legged (I'll call her Raven) is in deep grief; her familiar, a 14 year-old tuxedo cat named Megosh, is in renal failure. Megosh is in immense pain and is close to death; her kidneys have shut down now. She's ready to go and just wants this one last weekend with Raven. Then she'll be ready to let go and see her beloved brothers and sisters on the Other Side. If you have anything to send for pain relief, it would be such a blessing. We're trying to keep it down below a dull roar, but it's intractable and you know how it is for cats, there just aren't any pain meds, especially as the body shuts down. Thank you so very much. :heartbeat: |
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