Starting Out

[Serpent]

I feel an urge to learn more about paganism and to find out if its right for me. I've always been drawn to a more natural, spiritual, way of life. I've been interested in paganism since highschool. I have a few pagan friends but none that I talk to on a regular basis (pretty much just Facebook hellos here and there). My husband is still converting to Judaism and he has assured me that my interest in paganism doesn't bother him in the slightest. I was a bit hesitant to voice much of an interest as from what I've heard, Judaism as a religion is very anti-paganism.

I really want to learn more and start getting a feel for where I want to go with this. There are so many pagan paths, it is hard to find the one that fits me. What would be a good first step?

I currently do not have a relationship with any particular diety, though I do lean towards both a god and goddess figure. What is a good way to begin having that relationship? I've thought about meditation, but I've never really done that before. I've tried, but my mind is easily distracted.

I plan on doing a lot of reading and hopefully participating in many discussions here as I grow into this path.

[Shine]

I really want to learn more and start getting a feel for where I want to go with this. There are so many pagan paths, it is hard to find the one that fits me. What would be a good first step?

I currently do not have a relationship with any particular diety, though I do lean towards both a god and goddess figure. What is a good way to begin having that relationship? I've thought about meditation, but I've never really done that before. I've tried, but my mind is easily distracted.

I plan on doing a lot of reading and hopefully participating in many discussions here as I grow into this path.

 
I'm pretty green as well (only been on my path for about a year/year and a half now), but I'll tell you what's helped me.

Read voraciously, as you plan on doing. And take it slow. The gods have been around a LONG time. They aren't going anywhere. No need to rush into anything.

You won't necessarily have a relationship with a deity, nor do you have to have one. If by "god and goddess figure", you mean THE Goddess and THE God, without a specific name or form, then some form of Wicca might be good to look into. I'm a reconstructionist, so I can't help you there.

If you mean a specific god or goddess, then your direction will vary, but it would be good in both cases to start reading about different mythologies to see if any names or stories resonate with you.

Don't be discouraged, either, if it takes a long time.

Once you find a deity you're interested in (or you think takes an interest in you), you can set up some daily devotions to that deity to see if you get a reaction good, bad, or indifferent. If you get a reaction along the lines of "GO AWAY", which is possible, I suggest not pushing the issue. If you get a good reaction, then you might look into culturally-specific ways to honor that deity.

For example, when Bast led me to worship her, I started off by reading the Book of the Dead with her. Sounds odd, but it worked. Later, I set up a real shrine, started doing libations and food offerings. I've moved onto nightly devotions (and worship another god, too--Anpu [Gr: Anubis]) and other things.

Worship builds on itself, from what I've seen so far. You start small and, if things work out, you add some stuff. It's taken me a year and a half to get this far. I imagine others have a different time frame, though.

I've never been good at meditation, either. I don't think it's entirely necessary for any pagan path. Can't hurt to try to pick it up if that's what you want.

[PlaceboArtist]

I feel an urge to learn more about paganism and to find out if its right for me. I've always been drawn to a more natural, spiritual, way of life. I've been interested in paganism since highschool. I have a few pagan friends but none that I talk to on a regular basis (pretty much just Facebook hellos here and there). My husband is still converting to Judaism and he has assured me that my interest in paganism doesn't bother him in the slightest. I was a bit hesitant to voice much of an interest as from what I've heard, Judaism as a religion is very anti-paganism.

I really want to learn more and start getting a feel for where I want to go with this. There are so many pagan paths, it is hard to find the one that fits me. What would be a good first step?

I currently do not have a relationship with any particular diety, though I do lean towards both a god and goddess figure. What is a good way to begin having that relationship? I've thought about meditation, but I've never really done that before. I've tried, but my mind is easily distracted.

I plan on doing a lot of reading and hopefully participating in many discussions here as I grow into this path.

Welcome! *gives cookie*

AFAIK, Judaism is less anti-Pagan than many denominations of Christianity. I think that comes from the fact that Christians have a specific teaching to convert and 'save' other people, whereas Jews believe that the Covenant they have with God is for them as a people, and while converts are accepted they have to approach and ask for themselves.

A good first step is always to read. Loads. Once you're ready to start actually practising, start simple and work up to full rituals, if that's what you want.

I'm very easily distracted as well, and I find that meditation is easier if I find one thing to focus on (e.g. breathing) rather than attempting to empty my mind completely, as that just allows loads of other things to rush in and fill it up again. But as well as meditation, if you want to find patron deities, pay attention to dreams, and any signs you see. You will probably only get small clues and have to piece them together.

[veggiewolf]

...For example, when Bast led me to worship her, I started off by reading the Book of the Dead with her. Sounds odd, but it worked...

Just out of curiosity, which version?

[MoonCrone]

I feel an urge to learn more about paganism and to find out if its right for me. I've always been drawn to a more natural, spiritual, way of life. I've been interested in paganism since highschool. I have a few pagan friends but none that I talk to on a regular basis (pretty much just Facebook hellos here and there). My husband is still converting to Judaism and he has assured me that my interest in paganism doesn't bother him in the slightest. I was a bit hesitant to voice much of an interest as from what I've heard, Judaism as a religion is very anti-paganism.

I really want to learn more and start getting a feel for where I want to go with this. There are so many pagan paths, it is hard to find the one that fits me. What would be a good first step?

I currently do not have a relationship with any particular diety, though I do lean towards both a god and goddess figure. What is a good way to begin having that relationship? I've thought about meditation, but I've never really done that before. I've tried, but my mind is easily distracted.

I plan on doing a lot of reading and hopefully participating in many discussions here as I grow into this path.

Hello, and welcome to the Cauldron.
I think you have found a good place to learn.
I am a Pagan who married into a Jewish family, and I've had no problems, in fact, quite the opposite, they have been very accepting and supportive.
I hope you find what you are looking for.

MoonCrone

[Shine]

Just out of curiosity, which version?

 
Faulkner's.

[veggiewolf]

Faulkner's.

The translated texts I have are mostly Faulkner as well.

What made you decide to choose Going Forth By Day as opposed to another set of writings?

[Shine]

The translated texts I have are mostly Faulkner as well.

What made you decide to choose Going Forth By Day as opposed to another set of writings?

 
Faulkner's definitely one of my favorites.

I didn't have anything else available and didn't know what was available. Being drawn to Kemeticism was a huge surprise for me, so I was caught off-guard.

[veggiewolf]

Faulkner's definitely one of my favorites.

I didn't have anything else available and didn't know what was available. Being drawn to Kemeticism was a huge surprise for me, so I was caught off-guard.

I'm always interested in why people do what they do.  Thanks!