Pagan

[Venus007]

I have been a solitary pagan for about 20 years, I am thinking about finding a group to share the celebrations with. I am afraid since last time I did this (about 10 years ago) it turned out to be an adventure in drama and weirdness with a dash of tedium and megalomania thrown in for good measure.

Do y'all practice as solitaries or in a group and can you give any advice for finding a good, sane, well grounded group of people to share with?

[foxyshaman]

Venus007;

I can certainly identify with what you said, I have practiced in groups and led groups for many years. I think the key to joining a group is to go more than once. I am not sure how long you were with a group, but it takes a bit to get into the groove.

The other option is starting your own. I did and it lasted for 14 years I stepped down this year and two other members stepped up to lead. It takes a lot of dedication and time, but it was a very fruitful experience.

What type of paganism do you practice??

[Venus007]

Originally Posted by foxyshaman

What type of paganism do you practice??

I am eclectic, not Wiccan. It is sort of complicated to define. The tools that work for me are trance, drumming, sweats, herb craft, some representational magic, dance, orgastic ritual, really whatever works to tap into and move the energy and intention or to alter the consciousness to "see". I am Swedish and Irish and I try to draw on my ancestral connection to Celtic and Heathen but it is really at the most basic level about whatever moves the energy and resonates with me. I am pledged to no specific deity as I am an atheist and view the Gods and Goddesses as representations and facets of the life force.

[foxyshaman]

That sounds pretty eclectic. I have never contemplated the word atheist, so thanks for your definition.

Sounds like we use some of the same tools. I drum and trance and use some 'magic' and have delved into sacred sexuality for quite a few years. I define my practice as shamanism. My parents are from the Netherlands (I am adopted so I don't know much more than that) but it is very difficult to find 'pagan' information unless you speak Dutch and I don't. I really resonate with the Seidhr practices, and Joiking (glossolalia). I have studied medicine wheels for almost 15 years and find that they are never ending in their complexity and applicability to life... on this side of the veil or the other.

What type of group are you looking for?

[Venus007]

I am looking for a group to just partake in ritual with and perhaps to do group energy work with. Honestly I am not exactly sure. I am just wanting new thought and interaction with other like minded people in real time. Before I moved to Texas I had a group that I occasionally went to sweats with and really enjoyed that but now that I am here I am unconnected. I think I am feeling a little lonely.

[Bit]

{{{{{{{{{{{{Venus}}}}}}}}}}}} I hear you on the loneliness. Have you checked Yahoo groups to see what's in your area? Here's a start. http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=pagan+Texas&sort=relevance

Also, Witchvox maintains a list of area groups. Here's the main page. http://www.witchvox.com/index_mov.html On the lefthand side there is a dropdown menu that will let you choose your state and will then take you to a listing of groups and people.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}} Hon, I know someone who is Dutch. Would you like me to ask her about resources?

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Bit

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{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}} Hon, I know someone who is Dutch. Would you like me to ask her about resources?

{{{{{{{{{{{{SUNSHINE}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

That would be lovely. I am always looking.

Right now I am looking for stories about the elements for my shamanic camp. There will be four clans..air earth fire water... and I am going to give examples of the energetic connection through story... and then some exercises.

One of the exercises I do at camp is a blind fold walk, which is pretty fun... and funny to watch... but this year I am changing it up a bit. Just as an exercise to trust your clan mates.

Then there will be a ritual on Saturday night and then more work on Sunday. If your friend has stories that would be great... and if they are not in line with what I am researching for right now... well hell I am sure I will love them anyway.

It is kinda hard to find specific stories about the elements, moreso you find stories about beings who brought the 'elements' or awoke the 'elements'. So... I am looking in the kids section of the library... they have the best resources. I have found some funky and fun stories in there over the years.

I love my wilderness camp... but <wiping brow> I am such an over acheiver!!! One day that will end...right??

Venus07 google is good like Bit suggested but so is Meetup.com. You may be surprised with what you find. I also like witchvox and have been known to toss an ad or two on there over the years... which reminds me I should probably do that today for the camp... <wanders away absent mindedly>

[Soft*Silver]

Omg...amen...same experience!

Originally Posted by Venus007

I have been a solitary pagan for about 20 years, I am thinking about finding a group to share the celebrations with. I am afraid since last time I did this (about 10 years ago) it turned out to be an adventure in drama and weirdness with a dash of tedium and megalomania thrown in for good measure.
Do y'all practice as solitaries or in a group and can you give any advice for finding a good, sane, well grounded group of people to share with?

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by softness

Omg...amen...same experience!

So what has been your experience, both of you. What made it so? I especially like the word megalomania... it made me giggle...

[Bit]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}} have you found this Dutch resource before, darlin? http://www.silvercircle.org/

My friend tells me that even though the website is in Dutch--I could *almost* read it!--Morgana is British. Maybe you could write to her, and she would know where the resources are?

Ah, Merlin writes in English also. http://www.silvercircle.org/merlinsarchive/cunningfolk.htm

http://www.silvercircle.org/mk_history.htm This is the story of the Moon Calendar they publish.

Here is some history for the Silver Circle. http://www.silvercircle.org/sci_grimassi.htm

Hope this helps!

Your wilderness camp sounds amazing. I haven't found any stories about the elements. I sure would love it if you would share whatever stories you find with us!

I did rewrite the Kore myth for Samhain, if you'd like that.

Bright Blessings, oh overacheiver!

Sunshine

[Venus007]

Hey there friends, I am really busy with work right now but I will be responding in a couple days. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you and your lovely willingness to help me. Smooches until the weekend

[BarbaraRyan]

Happy Lammas/Lughnassadh!

[Nat]

Update on Isaac Bonewits

Yesterday, Phaedra Bonewits announced on Facebook that her husband, noted Pagan author and theologian Isaac Bonewits, was nearing the end of his battle with cancer.

“Just wanted to address the rumors that Isaac is back in the hospital. He is at home as he had wished, but he is nearing the end. His brothers and sisters are on their way to say goodbye. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”