Old ways in a modern world

[Vagabond]

While I realize that most of the "more populated" paths have their own group on PM, I have noticed that some of our newer members are still unsure of their way. (Which is the reason they're here )

Many of us have managed to find a way to balance the old ways we follow with the realities of the modern world. But for many new to the Pagan world, this can be an often overwhelming task. While I realize that most of the path-specific groups have advice on this, there is little available for those new to "paganism".

So as moderator of Mystic Beginnings, I would like you all to think about what advice you can give (either for your specific path or general) to those who are having trouble figuring out how to fit the 2 together, Please post any advice to the discussion "Where to Start" on 'Beginnings'.

Thank you

May Your souls fly free

[Ladyblackrose_13@~]

Old Ways in a Modern world;

Some times it would be nice to have thoses days again.
As far as i feel about beginners trying to put some type of order in finding their path. They must 'want to be a Witch' in the 1st. place. Not knowing anything else.
I do have to say it's alot hard for a newbie to find the right info to start with. When i 1st. started out on my path, i was lucky enough to live one city from Salem, Mass. Yes, i did know Laurie Cabot & her daughters. They taught me alot of things,but; not everything.
Penny had told me of a book that would help with all of my answers no matter how foolish it may sound.
The book is: A Witch's Book Of Answers,by:
Eileen Holland & Cerelia/Author of The Wicca Handbook.
This book has more than 700 answers to offen-asked and out-of the ordinary questions. I have used this book more than once,which has helped me out alot.
I also believe that one should start out learning different Histories and Mythology as a base start. Look thru one, if it doesn't interest you; go to another. This is one area that we have plenty of ;Traditions.
Some trad's have strict codes that they go by. This might not be for you. But, there is a tradition that is Eclectic. This means that you can build your own Tradition from different Traditions of which you have an interest in.
I have to say that it's soooooooooo much harder for the young coming into Witchcraft as there is soooo much "Wrong Information" out there. The Internet/Books/Posts from Groups.
I think that if one has decided to choose the Craft Path, they will be able to sort out what they 'need & don't need.'
Please remember that the Craft is a wonderful path & you'll be sooo surprise just how much you will grow as a person!!
Just a little reminder; "Ask Lots of Question/Lots of Questions!! That's half of the battle. Trust me on this.
Also, keep in mind "That if You Ask 3 Witches a Question;
You'll Get 4 Answers" I truly Pray for All who choose the Craft,be Blessed By The Goddess"

Ladyblackrose_13 @~

[ShaamAnsu]

The "Beginning" in finding one's way.....is finding yourself. Begin at the beginning....with the earth mother. Just sit beside a tree, along a river bank, on a park bench, or just really look at things thru the window panes.

All the elements appear in Nature...from just observing.

Air....................the breeze blows softly and tickles the leaves, brings the singing of a bird
Fire..................the sun shines and warms everything
Water..............it rains and everything grows, you drink a glass of water
Earth...............that which supports you and sustains you, you walk on the earth

Just observe all the living things in nature...even a rock. Learn to listen and feel the energies around you, They flow together, but you can pick up subtle differences so you learn to recognize each one.

The earth mother is alive....her heart beats....align the beat of your heart to hers.....listen for the other heartbeats around you, in the energies.

This is your first lesson. Learn to recognize the energies and how everything is connected and flows together. Learn to Honor and Respect that which gives you Life.

[Blackbird]

Just to amend something above...not all believe in the said four elements above. The Celts didn't believe fire to be an element as it is a "creation." Also, the Chinese elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This is only one example of differences in belief in elements. Otherwise - your message is still intact.

Carry on... :)

[Gorm Sionnach]

Of course, the "earth mother" aspect is also something which will not apply to everyone either... And the sun is not really fire per se (it is actually a "nuclear furnace"), though I just really enjoy being nit picky.

Blackbird said:

Just to amend something above...not all believe in the said four elements above. The Celts didn't believe fire to be an element as it is a "creation." Also, the Chinese elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This is only one example of differences in belief in elements. Otherwise - your message is still intact.

Carry on... :)

[Gorm Sionnach]

I suppose I ought to address the actual topic at hand as well, I've been rather inactive as of late.

I've never understood why there is such a disconnect between the modern and the historic, one intrinsically leads to the other. Traditionalism is not something which is central to Paganism in general, though it can be in specific. Tradition, in most cases, becomes important when it is the specific tradition one belongs to or follows, which of course can only occur after one begins to belong to a tradition.

Finding a tradition is a matter of understanding what it is you believe, how those beliefs mesh with existing tradition beliefs, and how much you need/ are willing to adjust the first to fit the later. Many will find that there is a ready label, structure and community for beliefs they already hold, and so have little actual adjustment to do. Others may find that they were unsure about something, and a tradition they are exploring offers an explanation./ framework which resonates with them. Others still may compare, decide that this tradition is too in-congruent with their current beliefs, and look elsewhere.

Some are fortunate enough to find an existing tradition which suits them, others will remain seekers, while other still will forge their own path; the character of the individual and what they want out of their spirituality/ religious experience, i.e. what are then "in it for" are central to finding out what is going to be the right fit for that individual in regards to tradition.

[ShaamAnsu]

I realize that there are other interpretations of the elements depending on belief systems. I was just giving this from the point of view from the path I walk....lol.

In essence, each of us have individual paths, and have to look for the things that fit us best.

Still, getting in touch with nature does bring you closer to your roots. Your grounding. And, this in itself can offer many unrealized concepts for a person.

Blackbird said:

Just to amend something above...not all believe in the said four elements above. The Celts didn't believe fire to be an element as it is a "creation." Also, the Chinese elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This is only one example of differences in belief in elements. Otherwise - your message is still intact.
Carry on... :)

[Vagabond]

From my personal experience there can also be confusion between what we "think we know we believe" and what we "know we believe" - the difference in my case was what I grew up with - and what I discovered for myself.

Often the hardest part of knowing yourself is letting go of who you think you are.

[ShaamAnsu]

Often the hardest part of knowing yourself is letting go of who you think you are.

Excellent.

[Moonsmith]

I often find that the hardest thing to discover is truly what is yours and what is another's. We start our lives living under the influence of our parents, our siblings, our friends, family, teachers, societies and so forth where we are told and guided and coached into understanding and accepting what is expected of us. When one is Sensitive to energies of all kinds, this can become overwhelming and one can lose oneself in this morass of other peoples agendas.

One "goes along, to get along..."

So as a newly minted neo-pagan, many are still embroiled in this quagmire and it may take a goodly while to work one's way out. Some never do.

So, I always advise people begin as soon as they may, work towards divining what is truly theirs and what is some one else's. Emotions, senses, opinions, desires, dislikes,....everything. Become your own person if you are not already. Many new pagans start out as brash reactionary individuals. To me, this is fine. This is normal. After all one is deprogramming oneself from the societal 'norm', just like any dysfunctional cult member will go through.

So, ask yourself, What do you like? Why?
What do you dislike? Why?
What do you truly believe in? Why?
What do you not believe in? Why?

You can go on and on and you will find inspiration everywhere and you will find challenge everywhere. Never, ever expect to be perfect at it no matter how long you are at it. Change is a constant, along with growth and evolution. Yours. You are a work in progress. Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to delude you. You are in control of you, and no one else is.

When you are ready, workable pathways will present themselves. Remember, there is no perfect path. But there are workable ones. If it works for you, great. If it doesn't, try something else. Look at your genetic history. Start there does anything resonate? If no, then look elsewhere. But keep looking. No path has it perfect. At best, each has only pieces of a greater truth. Find the right pieces for you and it will work for you.

But we are not all the same. So different pieces will work for different people. Don't get hung up in what you think you should be doing. But once you have made a selection, don't give up until you are certain about it. It may be conceivable that you return to it later in life. Always keep your doors open and well guarded...

[Lady Anastasia]

Don't you love it when recons walk into a topic and make it way more complicated? (j/k... Please don't kill me BB)

Excellent discussion topic!

I'd like to see some of the newer members and our not so new, but very quiet members responding to this topic. You guys are usually the ones with questions, and points of view that we don't hear, it would be great to get your insight in this topic!

[ShaamAnsu]

I agree LaLa....

Newer members are still trying to let go of what they have known....and are trying to open themselves up to discover what else is out there.

It takes awhile to divest yourself of your old clothes that are considered 'proper' in society. It takes a bit to find your own special style and have it feel comfortable.