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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