Reader Mail: Should I Be Pagan?

Being Pagan does not require you to give up your current belief system, it only enhances your way of thinking. If you are asking this question, you are already most likely living a Pagan lifestyle – I know I was – But of’course this is my opinion

I was thinking the same thing , and not choosing one over the other. I think as a Catholic ,I can have a broad view about God ,who and what God is. If Jesus died and re-materialized , for me that is a kind of energy field at work . There are so many things we don’t understand, I want to stay open to the possibilities, as long as they are positive and do no harm to anyone. A diamond has many facets .

I started having questions and issues with the way some of the ‘christians’ I was going to church with. I found the hypocrisy too much. I began my journey by reading everything I could find on different religions and their tenants. Like others have said paganism/wicca just clicked for me. It gave me a set of rules if you want to call it that, that I feel are more important to my spirituality. This is a very personal choice and unfortunately not one that is widely accepted. But it works for me and I know that I am a better more compassionate person for it.

I was raised in a strict Christian home but I knew I was different. I say to follow your heart and not some words written in a book. If you are truly a pagan then your heart will tell you so.

I was raised in a strict Christian home but I knew I was different. I say to follow your heart and not some words written in a book. If you are truly a pagan then your heart will tell you so.

If you’re not sure, you’re probably not ready — yet. Know that paganism is as much about your worldview as about rituals and beliefs. Keep reading, keep journaling about what you read. Read about as many pagan systems as you can. Also read about Christianity — see if you can identify what parts of it you like the most, and what parts you like the least. Eventually you might find something that just *clicks*.

Funny, she didn’t say BOO about Wicca, she asked about Paganism, and everything you advised applied only to Wicca.

There’s your answer to “do Wiccans recruit?” Yes, they recruit by presenting themselves as the default “brand” of Paganism.

Since this page is About Paganism/Wicca, many of the articles here apply to more than just the Wiccan flavor of Paganism. If you read the articles, rather than just the titles, you’ll see that everything contained in them is applicable to many Pagan paths.

While I could write every article twice, once for Wicca and once for all other forms of Paganism, I like to think my readers are smart enough to figure out that the information applies to more than just Wiccans. I stand by my reply, and if you’ve got additional suggestions that might help the person who wrote in, you’re welcome to add them.

patti

I definately get what Freeman Presson was trying to say. While it’s true that many of the articles on this site apply to Pagans in general, they’re still almost always focused on Wicca. It might seem like a small thing, but I experience the same thing in Pagan groups I frequent: The assumption is that Pagans are pretty much all Wiccans. I know people don’t mean anything by it, but sometimes it’s tough to be a minority within a minority.

Maybe if the articles are meant to be more general they should be titled things like “Do Pagans recruit?” and then readers wouldn’t have to figure out that it really means Pagans and not just Wiccans.

No. You shouldn’t. If you are still clinging to the old, you are not ready to embrace the new. Let go of your old religion first. Be religion free for a few years. Clear out the old. Then see what (if anything) comes to fill in the gap.

I agree. I spent several years as an agnostic after I left Christianity. I think I needed that time for closure before I could begin again.

Crystal Rose

several eastern and western religions have a “learning time” before sticking a label on myself i studied various religions and spirirtual paths. what i found in wicca, made a “click”. so i set a goal. im irish so i stuck with the “year and a day” to learn about myself, and what i can do for/with wicca.

its all about learning. and when you have learned about yourself, then you will find the path that “clicks” with you. be well

@beatrice….Nicely said!

I was raised Christian also. However I started having a hard time conforming to their beliefs. I knew in my heart what I thought was right and what I believed in. Then I found out all of my beliefs could be found in Wicca. It was very hard to let go of something I had been taught all my life was the only “right” way. But now that I have, I am enjoying being a spiritual person instead of feeling like it was something I HAD to do.

Study for at least a year and a day with others before initiation. I’m reading a great book now which may help you in your current understanding of circumstances called The Jesus Mysteries; Was Jesus A Pagan God.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1IW2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0609807986&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=05NGDE3X65WS62DQ2RD3

So the answer is yes. And the mysteries they talk about are well worth any pagans investigation. I do believe it possible to be a christian pagan when the occult/hidden meanings are revealed and enlightenment occurs.

What paganism did for me was help bring me into balance with a return of the veneration/adoration or worship of the divine feminine which is so lacking in the patriarchal religions of my recent ancestors. BB

That does indeed look to be a book worthy of reading. I checked out the product description, and it looks quite interesting. I had heard over the years that there were indeed aspects of Jesus’ beliefs that were taken from many religions of the times, including Isis worship. There is also speculations that he was raised (or at the very least) spent a portion of his life in Egypt.
Looks like interesting reading….thanks Quinoa, for the link.

I am a Christian/Pagan. I asked this same ? Is it right for me to have to give up my christian beliefs to be a Pagan/Wiccan… I was told by many YOU don’t have to “give up” your christian beliefs. And I haven’t…

The LORD JESUS CHRIST is still very much in my heart. After investigating the Pagan ways. I’m sure now there is more than just my christian (bible) beliefs. I strongly believe in the Elements of Five, “Do as Ye shall, Harm none”, GODS and GODDESSES for every living thing on earth.

Believe as you will & Be as you will……..

Blessings )O( MM
Grim/Bob

If you are not ready to leave your Christian upbringing behind you, chances are you are not ready to convert to any of the Pagan paths…but that does not mean that perhaps you should explore more before finally deciding/committing yourself.

Continue to thoughtfully research the various paths, see and “feel” for the one that calls to you the most. weigh it’s aspects in accordance to what you feel in your heart.

Perhaps, even find someone, a teacher or perhaps even someone you know who has been practicing for some time, and ask to learn from them. Become a student of the path you choose. And once you have learned, maybe then you will be ready to commit yourself fully.

:0)

I agree with Laura, if you are asking if it’s the right decision then it’s probably not right (at least not right, right now). Faith and religion are very big thing in people’s lives and changing from one religion to another is a very big change. As with all important decisions, it’s always best to have answers to your questions and listen to your heart. It will tell you when it’s ready to change (if you change at all). I remember when I found Wicca, I actually cried because it was as if a light had been turned on in the black hole where my previous faith lived. I knew it was right for me. Good luck with whatever faith you follow!

Ok I have to chime in and say there is NO let me repeat NO way you can be Pagan and retain your Christian faith and you don’t have to be Wicca to be pagan, witchcraft has nothing to do with being pagan. Put the Wicca books away and study mythology and find a pantheon that you relate to, maybe start with your ancestors. Being an ordained Baptist minister to an elder witch, to now a Norse gothi, there are great divides between the three. But it is a very personal decision not to be made lightly or half hearted.

Well for me it was slightly different. I was born Jewish and even became an Orthodox Jew for a while. Today I realize that Wicca was always my path but at the begiining I was combining the two and considered my self a Jewitch. You might also consider doing something similiar. If Christianity still appeals to you and so does Paganism combine the two. I know there are books about it out there. You may just discover something you were lacking this way. But in the meantime do not go all into something until you are ready. Any religious path is not something to take lightly. You have to feel right with what you are doing before committing to it. Good luck, whoever you are and Blessed be!

“Jewitch”. I love that! Lol.

Just because someone is questioning doesn’t mean they aren’t on the path to being Pagan. Many (most) of us were raised in the Christian faith. Sometimes, its hard to completely throw it all away. I was raised southern Baptist—most of it never worked for me–I was from a pretty young age questioning much of what I was being taught. Finding paganism as a spiritual path started with Wicca–but Wicca has too many rules and elaborate rituals for me. However, it did make it easier for me to explore ideas and beliefs I had long had. Even today, after being a practicing pagan/witch for a good many years, there are parts of Christianity that I like and parts of some Pagan beliefs I don’t like. I am essentially an eclectic pagan I would supppose–I particularly like the idea of Jesus , also the Golden Rule (sorry but I do for those who feel this is wrong). I really, really don’t like the idea of what “God” is like–all the male domination and many of the things “God” supports in the Bible sound like a psychopath’s behavior. The new “All Love” God promoted these days doesn’t exist in the Bible. So, still feeling good about some of the tenets of Christianity doesn’t stop me from being pagan. I embrace bits and pieces from many different belief systems, more Pagan than anything, but still….so, perhaps the writer isn’t quite ready to declare him/herself full-blown Pagan but is getting there.

Westlin

To be honest, Pagan is totally cool! You determine your own path. Here on in is the problem. You have to study, learn, and determine what YOU believe and not what others tell you. Once you know, explore and find out. The bad news is you are going to make mistakes and I ask you not to let that shake you. I’ve done some doosies! Provided you choose to go Pagan, you have a friend in me. I am at dgrowski@q.com. I am Darkenwulf and choose to help you, if you wish, my friend. Goddess Bless,

I was raised Catholic, went to a very strict Catholic school – mean nuns, abusive priest – the whole shebang. While I loved the ritual, candles, prayers, I figured out “they” were feeding me a load of crap around the age of 11. Too many inconsistencies… I won’t get into all of that but the point is -you either believe jesus christ is your savior or you do not. You are either a christian or you are not. In my case, at age 11, I would go out amongst the 100 year old oaks on the land surrounding my school and sit under them, worshiping them, basking in their tangible life force. I would lay “presents” at the base of the oaks. I didn’t even know what the heck I was doing. I just knew it felt right. I say to this reader – you need to look within. Meditate, find some time to find where your spiritual self truly lives. Do not rush it.

I agree with Patti. It’s YOUR choice, and your commitment.

No secret that the Quest is not an intellectual shopping spree. It involves all your cells,all your tendons and sinews, your heart both physical and astral, your highest facility and intuition.

For me in ‘81, working in a shop where both atheists and I were snubbed by smug and incompetent Mormons, the clue came through the FIRST WALPURGIS NIGHT of Felix Mendelssohn. On the ramparts Christians slaughter Druids, who seek to maintain and ancient and reverent tradition. How does the High Priest respond?
“As the flame bursts clear through smoke,
Thus purify our faith!
And though they steal the ancient ways,
Who can steal Eternal Light?”

That did it for me! I’ve been Pagan ever since, after liberal Christianity, Sokka Gakai and Agni Yoga–all of which I honor and respect! Having worked with covens and solitary, I consider Wicca a close friend but never a boundary.

Thanks,
Allan

I didn’t become a Pagan. I had a series of realizations that made me aware that I am a Pagan. If you become aware that your beliefs align with Paganism, you’ll simply realize that you are one. If and when that day comes, you’ll know.

Ave Dear Writer, Tasia:
DW: With the glut of computing, we are starting to think within the confines of whatever program we use; be it IE 7.X, gMail, iPadd. We can even order pizza over the internet now. We are losing critical thinking, that there are more questions that need be asked then the program allows for. And questions that, concerning etiquette and ethics, should not be asked by anyone, much less a machine. Faith is not something that can be figured out via scan-tron bubbles, or binary decisions via coin toss. Take a Cultural Antropology class, not a Comparative Religion class; CA teaches them all, CR teaches the big eight. That is where you start. Where you end up… only the gods know.

Tasia: Beautifully said. The perspective of it threw me off. That we are Pagans, not becoming Pagans; and our past upbringing is the “mental junk mail” preventing us from happiness, contentment and truly living because we are trying to be what we already are. Or an extremist sterotype version of it, instead of finding our own Golden Mean.
-Rafe

You might check out a couple of books written by women who have successfully blended their Christian faith with Wiccan/Pagan practice. This is one I’m reading now and really like:

http://www.amazon.com/Path-Christian-Witch-Adelina-Clair/dp/073871982X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295976152&sr=8-1

“Dance of the Dissident Daughter” is also an amazing book.

I agree with the others, though – ultimately it’s your decision. However I don’t think it always has to be an either/or situation. Blending the traditions, though, will take a whole lot more strength and resilience on your part, because there will be those on both “sides” who don’t accept that it’s possible to mix the two.

I agree that you might want to check this book out as well:

http://www.amazon.com/ChristoPaganism-Inclusive-Path-Joyce-Higginbotham/dp/0738714674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295977188&sr=8-1

The book referenced above, The Path of a Christian Witch, is also a really good read.

I wish you luck on your spiritual journey. You don’t have to be defined by just one religious identity. Take what you like, leave what you don’t. And just so you know, there ALOT of Christian Pagans out there.

if you have to ask, then no you are not ready. I never questioned my transistion

Can’t one be both Pagan and Christian? Look into the life of Jesus, and tell me he was not Pagan? I agree, a lot of teachings in the Christian church, I do not go along with. How far has Christianity gotten away from the teachings of Jesus, who lived a simple life, caring for others? I respect Jesus as a great prophet. I also love my simple, Pagan lifestyle. My grandmother was a witch and a member of a southern baptist church. She planted her gardens by the signs of the moon. She grew healing herbs and celebrated the changes of the seasons by going out at night to spend time reflecting, in the pasture, where a big old oak tree grew. She was from a Celtic background and she taught me many things about life. Some of her neighbors thought she was strange, but she was the one they called when someone was sick or having a difficult birthing. She was a Christian and a Pagan.

Also JJ, I really enjoyed yr reply, and the story of yr gramma.

I don’t believe that one can be both Christian and Wiccan (or Pagan). For the simple reason that Paganism goes against everything that Christian’s have ever been taught. I have been struggling with this for the last 7 yrs and the only thing that I can come up with is that if I struggle that much with the question, then Paganism isn’t for me. If you choose a certain path then you need to believe it 100%. There are too many subjects that contradict themselves when coupled with the two completely diff paths. Im not downgrading anyone whom chooses to make this decision, however I can tell you from experience that all that I have been taught and learned from Christianity will NEVER mix with Paganism. You will ALWAYS wonder about “where will I go when I die” or “what happens if the Bible is true.” You will never be able to shake these questions. I have tried to be Pagan for sometime now and I just can’t. I can’t seem to combine the two. I have tried to teach my kids about Paganism and because I brought them up as Christians now I have completely confused them. They don’t know what to think. Dear God, what have I done. Please!!!! If you grew up as a Christian then don’t stray from that. You will never forgive yourself and If you believer that the Bible is right the God will never forgive you either. You will be left behind. No disrespect to anyone about their decision I just want to clarify, Christian to Christian, Im on the other side of this decision and I hope that you take my research into consideration. Stay Christian.

I hope that you find peace and blessing on your path. But please be careful throwing around words like never. All I ever found on a Christian path was guilt and grief. There was never a moment of happiness for me on that path because I was stumbling around where I never belonged. I know that the Goddess is real because now I know what real love is. No one can ever know what another’s true path is. I suspect that when you get to Heaven and I get to Summerland, we’ll find that we’re next door neighbors. Blessed be.

Crystal Rose

I think part of the confusion stems from people having differing definitions of the word Pagan. If you define it as a spirituality rooted in nature, or the earth, etc, then I suppose one could incorporate it into a Christian framework somehow, although I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know how that would work.

If you’re like me, and you define Paganism as a polytheistic religious structure, then I don’t see how one could be Christian as well, since Christianity is by its very definition a monotheistic path.

Shelley – it sounds like you’ve figured out what works best for you. However, there are definitely ex-Christians who have no trouble transitioning into a Pagan belief structure. I really think it depends on the individual, and what their personal needs in a spiritual path happen to be.

patti

Growing up in the roman catholic church I realized that christianity has pagan DNA at an early age. I read the bible without anyone to “explain it” for me. I was wanting to be a nun. Science opened up more into paganism than any church or religious book possible for me. When you look at science and the world around, you will find that there is more than you thought possible. Just think of what a kid outside with fieldglasses can find out about magic.

I am as I always have been an always will be.
A kid exploring the universe
Blessed Be

Personally I find that those answers of a resounding “NO” remind me a bit of some Christians who would have you believe that if you don’t follow their particular brand of belief, you are destined for the fiery pits of hell. That is their belief, and I respect that as such. BUT…that does NOT make it truth for all. The one thing that I have found most through looking to Paganism is that I am finding my own beliefs, and building a structure in which to fully step onto my own path. The idea of “either/or” does not sit well with me. One definition of Christian is “Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.” As I see it, Jesus embodied the feminine divinity. we could all benefit from striving to be more Christ like, and that is the savior within….the divine with in…the Goddess within. For me they are all one and the same. For me, I found that Jesus was a man, an incredibly enlightened man for the times, but a man. For me, in Paganism, I am finding that through the Goddess, we are all connected through the Earth. And that the teachings of Jesus help me to further that connection. For some, Jesus and God go hand in hand. For some, including Jesus into paganism is not possible. For me, it has been essential and brought me closer to the Goddess. An excellent book that helped me see Jesus more clearly is “Jesus, the Son of Man“, by Kahlil Gibran. For me, Paganism is an ever evolving path in which the possibilities are endless. I hope your path takes you to more magical and beautiful places than you’ve ever imagined.

As the Pagan/Wiccan/Witchcraft path is a highly personal one, I see no problem with investigation, in fact I highly encourage it. “Seek and ye shall find; knock and the door shall be opened.” Yes, I was rasied christian, too. I learned very, very early that christianity didn’t have all the answers and scorned because I asked the questions. I searched for over 20 years, finally coming back to my Grandmother’s “secret” faith and studied on my own. I was ready. I understand that many individuals aren’t ready to go completely into a pagan path.

My advice, if anyone is interested, continue to read, there’s tons of info out there. You don’t have to read books, read info on line. You’ll soon be able to seperate the “garbage” from the “good” information. We each see our path differently. Though personally I don’t understand the christian pagan mix thing, it’s not for me to say you must leave your old religion behind. I don’t understand the mix myself BUT I do know that what I learned as a child stays with me to this day (I’m laughing in the face of 60). I alone must choose my path, as must everyone.

Continue to read, seek and learn. If you decide not to become pagan, at least you will know when someone else is spreading “mis-information” about pagans and wiccans.

My experience is similar to all of those who have responded, except in one area. I began practicing Paganism in my 20’s, but emersed myself in Catholicism in my 30’s-40’s (I wasn’t brought up in any religion in my childhood). By my mid 40’s I realized that I was on the wrong path and needed to get back to my roots…where I belonged all this time. I am a closet Pagan to family while only a few friends know.

So how does this pertain to you dear reader? We all take a different path to the truth. No one’s path is better or worse then the other, only unique. You don’t leave your past experience or knowledge behind. You bring it with you to help you achieve what you are here for.

There are many people like you looking and there are many people like us (all of those as well as others) who have gone through what you have. Take it one step at a time, but the choice comes solely (soul-ly) from you. Blessed be.

You need not CHOOSE what to be; you are simply WHO you are. When you study pagan interests, think about how YOURS fits in to whatever belief systems you have to be studying. I don’t feel that there is a need for anyone to be absolutely ONE thing/interest/religion/belief or another. What you do and how you believe and worship is a very unique way to be for you…honor thyself.

All I can tell you is go with your heart and spirit. There are many paths and you need to find your own. I was raised Catholic with 12 years of Catholic education under my belt. But I chose to question what I was taught and learned on my own. So many of the Christian concepts just did not make any sense to me. The transition for me was easy once I realized where my heart was. So, become a seeker, learn to meditate and go inward into yourself and you will find your answers. That is where they lie waiting for you to find them.

I really admire those of you whom are able to choose the Pagan path with no convictions from your former Christian life. I truly wish that I could make that decision. I have had a struggle in my heart for about 7-8 yrs now and it drives me crazy. I so wish that I could be pagan for it makes me smile to think that I can make my own path with no lingering regrets. However, I just can’t unlearn what has been bread into me. I guess that I will have to just give up on trying to be pagan. For those of you whom are pagan, kudos to you!!! And may you find peace and love in all that you do. Please send your prayers to the gods and goddess that I can make up my mind once and for all and not regret my decision. I am knocking on the door of 37 and just feel so confused!!! Never thought that I would say that, life seemed so simple before I started searching other paths. I guess that’s what the Bible warns us about, if in fact you follow the Bible. I guess I always have and always will. So looks like I have made up my mind, I’m just fighting it because I have experienced what it is like to be pagan. I just can’t continue the path. I do agree that it’s a decision that people need to make in and of themselves. It’s unique and very personal revelation. good luck to all whom have this fight within themselves.

I really admire those of you whom are able to choose the Pagan path with no convictions from your former Christian life. I truly wish that I could make that decision. I have had a struggle in my heart for about 7-8 yrs now and it drives me crazy. I so wish that I could be pagan for it makes me smile to think that I can make my own path with no lingering regrets. However, I just can’t unlearn what has been bread into me. I guess that I will have to just give up on trying to be pagan. For those of you whom are pagan, kudos to you!!! And may you find peace and love in all that you do. Please send your prayers to the gods and goddess that I can make up my mind once and for all and not regret my decision. I am knocking on the door of 37 and just feel so confused!!! Never thought that I would say that, life seemed so simple before I started searching other paths. I guess that’s what the Bible warns us about, if in fact you follow the Bible. I guess I always have and always will. So looks like I have made up my mind, I’m just fighting it because I have experienced what it is like to be pagan. I just can’t continue the path. I do agree that it’s a decision that people need to make in and of themselves. It’s unique and very personal revelation. good luck to all whom have this fight within themselves.

There’s one thing that my Pagan grandmother told me, and my strict-Christian father repeats it whenever people ask why he doesn’t go to church or pray, and I too say it when people ask why I don’t follow any particular tradition of any particular religion at all (except my own, which I have no intention of ever publishing or putting a price tag on, it’s too personal), and the one thing is this: “Nature is my Church. I need no manmade structure that illustrates the beauty of my faith in my God, I need no scheduled time to honor and worship my God. Nature, the creation of my God is all the Church I need, and there is no time that I do not honor and worship my God.” Your faith and religion is between yourself and your God, and if you can intuit ways to bring that faith and religion into your day-to-day routine and show your children the beauty that is your relationship with your God, then you are truly blessed and wise.
A tip for bringing your personal relationship with your God into your open family life: be confident, comfortable, and comforted in your relationship with your God. If you try to put your God into your family’s life when He is not yet entirely into your life, you will be miserable, and your children will see that misery, and will be miserable too, and may one day grow apart from your God, or actively resent your God, mistakenly believing that He is the root cause of your discomfort. Be comfortable in your own skin that your God gave you, and that comfort and peace will shine from within you and touch everyone and everything around you. The best way to teach is not to actively teach, but live what you wish to teach your children, and only actively teach when they ask questions. If they don’t understand your answers, they’ll keep asking. *g*
Bright blessings. E-mail me if y’want. ^_^
~Me

It is all up to you. As a young Pagan myself, it took me nearly a decade before I felt comfortable calling myself a Pagan (I started my studies at 16 and dedicated myself to the path at 25). To maybe help you along, first determine what your values are. This may help you out a lot when deciding to walk the Pagan path. You can also to an intention ritual, stating your intent to study the path for a year and a day and learn all you can about the Pagan path. To repeat what I mentioned earlier, in the end, it is up to you.
Blessed be whatever the path you choose!

Aquariona Wintermoon, the Northern Tradition Pagan

Being Pagan, means you are not following the teachings of “The Church”. I found “The Church” and its dogma being so dominant, it was suffocating all possible creativity. So I stepped away from “The Church” and its dogma, and began walking my own path. I still look to the words of Jesus as mind blowing, they are ideals we could and should hold in our minds and hearts whereas the Rede encompasses these ideals.

But…beyond that, The Church has lost another follower. I was following blindly, just as The Church would want us to be. The Church forced people to be Christians or burn in hell. The Inquisition and Burning Times are perfect examples of the forced grimmacing of guilt and regret….so now step away from “The Church” and see the truth of those gelded monstrosities that sits in Rome, and all over the world. The churches are gathering steam in building bigger and greater monuments to their beliefs, and yet, millions go without shelter and food. Word would have it that ecological mindedness is the work of the devil. Rubbish!

Believe as you wish to believe, that’s your right, under the tenement of the First Amendment – Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Persecution of Religion. If you are drawn to the pagan path, come along and see if you feel comfortable in your own skin.

Be the person you want to be – may you always have the freedom to be yourself.

I don’t think you’re ready. This is just IMO of course but if you’re asking perfect strangers if you should take the plunge, then I think you have more soul searching and study to do. This doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some things you’ve learned into your life now. Try them out and see if they agree with you and your life style. But keep in mind worthy things will require some sacrifices (on your part) and you must be certain this is what you need and nothing else will do..

Much like paganism neo or not Gnostic Christianity was very eclectic. I like the distinction made between The Church and Christianity. They are NOT the same which is easily understood when the exoteric and esoteric teachings of the Bible/Christianity are differentiated and realized. Rome couldn’t deal with the esoteric revelations so they literalized the teachings and turned a MYTH into a history giving their power grab more validity. Jesus is no less a myth than Horus and in fact they are nearly identical. They are the SUN personified. Mithra anyone? The true heretics are the ones who turned a myth into a man and fabricated events in order to legitimize their power. Hence the term I like to describe them as The Dark Sorcerers of Rome. Funny how they reinvented themselves out of their enemies writings indoctrinating and literalizing myth as history.
Rome has done this again and again.
Oh Constantine, what have you done? Conglomerated everything.
Remember that all religion is rooted in Astrotheology/nature worship and the bible is full of astrology if read allegorically. I used to be so full of vilifying the bible and Christians alike until I understood the warping that had occured all in order to cement control over people.
Now I could really care less because it is not conducive to conscious evolution which is what paganism does for me.
Just because I do not believe in the divine mission or even the historic reality of Jesus the Nazarene it remains never the less true that no exemple of human virtue is worthier of imitation and no fate that ever befell a good man teaches more impressive lessons. BB

@ Rick,
Occult Christianity (Gnostics) was indeed pagan. Monotheistic or not. The division came when Rome declared war on Paganism. Though I have to agree with you to some degree. Once on an enlightened Pagan path the dogma of the Churches literalist Christianity sheds like a snakes skin. BB

If you have to make a choice by someone elses

decision, 1} Then you are open to any form of

manipulation that comes along. 2} You may not know

anything about what you choose to follow

If one has to ask this question, it may be qwise

to ask yourself if you are willing to count the cost

of what you want to pursue.

If you can not deal with yourself, how will you deal

with the unseen? Personal opinion.

I was brought up in a very eclectic way. My mother and stepfather (who is the only father I can remember) were both brought up as Christians. But I suppose they must have both decided that Christianity was not right for them, because they were both Atheists (at least my mother was – I’m not exactly sure about my stepfather). My mother knew in her heart that their were no deities, but she wanted so badly to believe in something, so she chose the Gaian path. So I was brought up as a Gaian/Atheist.
(continued in next entry)

But then the day came when we moved, and the closest school was a part of the Catholic School System. When we had religion class (a class which I had never heard of) I was deeply surprised that the only religion that we learned about was Catholicism/Christianity. I was also supposed to know the date of Christmas (December 25), but I kept on guessing December 21 and December 22, the usual dates of Yule (even though my family didn’t celebrate Yule – I suppose that since I didn’t know the date of Christmas my subconscious was dredging up the dates I did guess from the memory of a past life). It was a nightmare. And to make matters worse, there was a church next to the school.
But in the church, I simply prayed to Gaia, thanking the Christian God for allowing me to pray to her afterwards.
But when I did start listening to the stuff the priest was saying, I started finding all the inconsistencies in Christianity. To name a few:
1. One moment, Jesus was the only son of God, the next moment, we are all children of God;
2. God loves everyone, but anyone who doesn’t follow him is doomed to Hell (not to mention the Great Flood he sent to Earth to kill everyone and everything);
3. You should never sin, but if you’re Christian all your sins will be forgiven and you’re welcome in Heaven.
And those are only a few that I’ve noticed. Also I disliked the whole patriarchal aspect of it (my family has always been matriarchal).
(Fast-forward >>>)
So, anyway, now I’m eclectic Wiccan with a little bit of Gaian thrown in (I’m also a witch). But in my heart, I’ve always been Pagan.
(continued in next entry)

Anyway, enough about me.
If you’re ready to let your old religion go and let your new religion in, go for it! And (according to British psychic Heidi Sawyer) 2011 is a good year to do it.
But if you’re not ready quite yet, that’s okay to. Just take your time. But remember that both religions will always be there for you, so if you choose one and decide it’s not right, go to the other religion or begin your search anew.
But one thing I don’t get is your wording: “Please tell me that I’m making the right choice if I become Pagan.”
It sounds like you’ve already made your decision and you’re just waiting for confirmation. But you will not get it from other people. Only you can confirm it.
So tonight, just before you go to sleep, ask whatever deities you think you might want to follow, including the Christian God, if you’re making the right decision in becoming Pagan. It could take a few nights, even weeks maybe, before you get an answer, but I’m sure if you keep yourself open and don’t despair, your answer will come. It could be the actual deities answering you or simply your subconscious, but it will be the right answer.

Blessed Be, Ever )O(

You can be pagan and still believe in Christ, My first spiritual experience was at a catholic retreat With Christ. It was the first time I truly understood what the difference was between “religion and “spirituality”. Most people choose the deities they are drawn to, I myself started on path with Christ which ultimately led me to the Goddess Kali. I have a friend who embraces the Celtic Gods but still also believes in Christ. I believe that we are drawn to certain Gods because they have specific attributes that we need in our lives, don’t think about it too much, go where you are led by your heart. Your intensions are whats most important!

If you cant make up your mind in the beggining, then mix them. Choose what you believe in in both of them and make up your own christiapagan group.
If you are worried about your parents or friends you shouldn’t be. They should accept it, if they are true friends. But you dont have to tell your friends, unless you want to.

Friend, you are not the first to ask that. Nor are you the last. My advice to you is quiet your mind. Find that moment of stillness through meditation. Then put out a call to the Gods and Goddesses. Ask them whose path you should follow. Ask them to send signs to which path is yours. Then start reading, exploring and questioning. However, always keep an open mind. Always be on the look out for signs. Soon it will become obvious where you belong.

I think it’s fair that you ask, That you ask, means that you see value in the place that you come from. it may also mean that you think that Christianity’s Right and Wrong ideas might be valid, and you have some residual “doubts”.

Christianity does come with the idea that it itself is the only way.

Maybe you want to just drop the label for a while, and pray to whoever fills your heart. you’ll soon see that you start settling into your own flavour of beliefs, and once it’s shaped, you can try and see which party frock fits it. how about that?

there is a great book you may want to check out. The Path of a Christian Witch, by Adelina St. Clair. It might help you find a path that works for you.

There is a book that I haven’t yet read; but have a friend that did and says it’s a great book! Try it out! It’s called The Christian Witch!

You may want to add meta-christianity to your list of things to research. You may like it.

Hope this advice helps. When the time is right, you’ll know if you made the right decision. Spend time with both religions. It’s a “knowing” for the lack of a better word. I was raised Christian and in a Southern Baptist church. It never “felt” right. No matter how much I longed to be a part of something, but it was never that feeling of belonging.

I wanted to be a part of something that didn’t have so many rules of don’ts more than do’s. But main thing, when I did convert, I felt a drawing. A sense of knowing that was where I belonged. It teaches the one thing I’ve always needed, self control. I’ve been on a split path for a number of years now and don’t follow an exact path. I do what “feels” right.

Embrace Life…. the rest will fall into place. I feel everyone is over-thinking things here. Stop for a moment… Listen carefully… not necessarily to any sound but more-so to your own thoughts. They will guide you in the right direction. We can offer suggestions on how to do that but ultimately, you path will lead you right where you should be. The fact that you reached out to inquire about this is a message to you from your higher self that you are seeking guidance but that will come from within.

If I were to make a suggestion for you… it would be to learn how to meditate and become one with yourself. Only you can make the decisions necessary to continue on your path. We all stray from time to time and it may take a lifetime (or several of them) to learn the lessons we need to learn in order to move forward.

Live each day to the fullest and learn to listen to your thoughts, all your answers are right there. It’s not easy to do at first but don’t give up…. your right where you need to be now and will only continue to learn and grow… right along with the rest of us

I will only say that you have to do what is best for you. I was raised Greek Orthodox- with Baptist and Catholic Schools mixed in. I found that the older I got the more I questioned. I read up a lot, and also lived near Salem, MA, and met a lot of Wiccans and so I got a lot of great information. Many people may not agree, but I combine both Christianity and Wicca. I don’t see anything wrong with that, but some people do. I was raised with my relatives doing “evil eye” rituals, so what is that if not leftover Magick from days long gone? Good luck!

Someone said being pagan enhances the way of thinking? Thats a pretty unfair statement. For the questioner, not being sure is fine, people make decisions without being sure all the time. If you need someone else to tell you the best choice then your doing it for the wrong reasons.

You will change before you decide to change, the decision will be more like realisation.

The seeker should read “The Heart of Wicca” by Ellen Cannon Reed. This can help him figure out if Wicca specifically is for him. It may help him decide about Paganism, in general.

I’ve made this journey myself, and it took me a long time to shake off the fear that Christianity had instilled in me of all things pagan. Eventually though I realised that I didn’t have to ‘choose’ to be one or the other; I could blend the best of both according to what fits with my own understanding of how things are. I realised that the story of Jesus the God mirrors that of so many pagan sacrificial sun/son gods that we’re all believing in different versions of the same story. These days I am a priestess of the Lady and Lord but I have a statue of Jesus the man in my sacred space to remind me of his wise and loving teachings, which you can get to once you strip away all the stuff that the church added to his message in order to shore up their own power. My advice to anyone in this situation is not to panic, not to rush, accept that it can take several years to become clear as to what you believe, and even then know that it can still change. Don’t feel you have to nail your colours to any religious mast, but celebrate your spirituality in any way which feels right for you. And do not let other people frighten you or try to force you into accepting their dogmas, whether they are Christian or pagan. I’m from the UK and up until the witchhunts it was the most natural thing in the world for people here to blend their old pagan ways with newer Christian ones, it still survives in many of our folk customs, and there is no reason why modern spiritual people cannot do the same.

I agree that too is your choice. If you don’t mind, I also have a book to suggest It’s a book by Corinda Davis Meyers, and the link is .http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/theres-trolls-under-them-there-bridges/18179799?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Only you will know if becoming Pagan is right for you. You have all the tools one could have, its simply up to you to decide if you want to stay with the Christians, then go fully into the Christian Path, absorb and sustain yourself as a Christian.

But if you decide you want to become Pagan, you will know in your heart and mind and soul, that you are already Pagan, you simply have to announce it to yourself and then slowly on your own, announce it to those around you. Then you can absorb and sustain yourself as a Pagan.

Only you can decide if you are Christian or Pagan. I have Christian roots, I like Jesus, just not the Christians. I don’t approve of the “Fear Mongering” I see with the Christian “believers”.

I am Pagan and I like all pagans, because I’ve yet to meet a mean hateful pagan. All I’ve met so far, are so full of love for their fellowman, its incredible. Being a pagan with all this wonderful love, from and for my fellowman, sustains and fulfills my needs.

I am Pagan, because I choose to be! Maybe one day, you will know what sustains you.

I was also raised in the christian faith but even in my teens before receiving my first communion I was lucky enough to have an open minded pastor that told the confirmation class to read the bible as the novel it was intended. I did receive sacrements and continue in the lutheran faith til my early 20’s. I am now 51 and spent over 20 yrs reading and finding my way. I have been walking my wiccian path for 7 yrs now. I just this year took my wiccian name and have been accepted by my family as following my wiccian path. It’s OK to question and read, that’s part of what we are supposed to do to grow. You will know “in your heart and soul” when you find your way and what path that may be.
Blessings, love and lite.
S0lvengel

For people looking for a path, I have the thought that religions, perhaps including wicca, which encourage such seeking, then expect you to live the path you select. On the flip side,if you seek, then you need to live according to whatever you might have a glimmer of as a sort of a seeking goal. My claim here is that the way you get to “see” yourself, including your path, is by acting on the “outside”, on that tentative goal. Forgive the separation games here. Among Christians, this argument tends to contradict “justification” in its several forms. As such, it might be fun to think about.

thank you for your ear.

If you have to ask then you are not ready to move into such a different, and at times, difficult, religion.

I have had this question asked before, my answer has been, what are you missing from your current religion? Because whatever is missing is most likely in you, and this is going to follow you.

Paganism can be a difficult road to travel, and is not accepted fully even today. Think very carefully before stating or leaving behind your current religion.

When you are ready to move on take with you the best of your old religion. Also remember that just because you are leaving Christianity behind, those morals and values are just as valid as they were before.

Since the attraction of becoming Pagan for many people is to be able to practice magic, you might want to explore Christian magical systems, such as Hoodoo. If you are of a Catholic background, there are several Afro-diasporic systems open to you, such as Santeria or Vodou.

For me there was never a question. I always loved Jesus, and still pray to him today – and even to the saints, though never a Catholic. But I felt the presence of other deities in the world around me and could not help exploring them, learning about them, becoming acquainted with them, worshiping them. I self-identify as eclectic Pagan, but don’t understand how that must cut me off from someone or something that could help make me a better person and improve my life.

Some of the writers here are right in that the Pagan path is not easy. If you are out of the closet (or are outed, the way I was) life could become very hard for you. Be sure how deep the water is before you make that jump.

I believe this person asked abt becoming Pagan, not Wiccan. So perhaps other reading material would be more appropriate. Might I suggest you spend some time communing w/t nature. carve out some time to meditate, perhaps even create an altar to yr ancestors and ask for their guidance. You will know in yr heart when you begin to see a path that resonates with you.

2 things…
1st- I was raised Catholic, and started researching this path over 2 years ago. Honestly, I’m STILL not 100% sure. I still have the same questions I had coming into this, but I know eventually my confusion will clear, if it hasn’t already. I say this because the only way to describe what I feel is “fear” of turning my back on something that my mind is telling me I shouldn’t, when my heart is saying different…if that makes any sense..? I’ve met sooo many amazing, nurturing women on this journey that have tried to give me the same advice…to follow my heart. Yet every Sabbat that passes, I have every intention of doing something..anything…to “jump in”, but when it comes to the day…I can’t seem to act on that.
..I’ll get there eventually…
2nd- To Patti…thank you SO much for taking the time to put an OBSCENE amount of information at the click of a button! I can only imagine how much of your own life you’ve sacrificed to help people like me feel at home. I was going strong, clicking away day after day for a long time (I don’t have as much free time now), and I feel like I still haven’t even scratched the surface..LOL!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart…I know if I hadn’t found this, I would’ve given in to my fear a LONG time ago…

I am exploring Paganism and living more and more in a Pagan way with a Pagan set of values every day, but I don’t think most people wake up one morning and say, that’s it today I am going to completely obliterate all trace of my former life and religion to become a this or a that… I think this is especially true of becoming Paganism, it’s more a way of life and of being than a religion for me. The best thing I can say is if you realise one day that you are thinking, feeling and behaving more like a Pagan than not, then you probably are one.