Feeling lost, Need help finding my path.

[Septima]

A few years ago I decided to become a Pagan after being a life long Methodist, I just decided I needed a change. Christianity just did not speak to me any longer. Over the past year, I've looked at a number of different religions including Buddhism, Hinudism and the Bahai faith but I kept on coming back to Paganism as it seemed more in tune with my belief system, but I'm completely lost. There is so many different paths within Paganism that I dont know where exactly I would fit in with the Pagan spectrum.

Over the last two years I have been reading quite a lot about Paganism in general, I must have borrowed out every book they had at my local library and also did a lot of research on the internet, but I am still unsure.

I don't want to just start my own branch and go from there because I need more structure than that, initially anyway. I've looked at Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, Norse and Hellenic reconstructionism but I dont resonate with reconstructionist paths though some beliefs and practices did appeal to me. I also looked into Thelema but I knew very quickly it was not for me. I am looking for for a spiritual practice than a religious one.

If it helps anyone to help me, these are some of my core beliefs:

*Every living thing has a soul.
*Reincarnation.
*I believe in many Gods and Goddesses.
*Karma.
*I'm very interested in Divination, particularly Oracle Cards and Runes.
*I believe in environmentalism and preserving the earth and it's environment.
*I wish to venerate my ancestors.
*Politically, I guess you could call me a Libertarian with Conservative leanings.

I must mention that I am not interested in practicing witchcraft or learning magic. It just does not appeal to me. I would rather remain solitary, at this stage I am not too comfortable worshiping in a group and would like to keep my spirituality private.

Could anybody give me some advice on what kind or path within Paganism may suit me best? I am feeling really lost.

[Chakabe]

A few years ago I decided to become a Pagan after being a life long Methodist, I just decided I needed a change. Christianity just did not speak to me any longer. Over the past year, I've looked at a number of different religions including Buddhism, Hinudism and the Bahai faith but I kept on coming back to Paganism as it seemed more in tune with my belief system, but I'm completely lost. There is so many different paths within Paganism that I dont know where exactly I would fit in with the Pagan spectrum.

 
No one can really help you pick a path. they can throw suggestions out there but I can point you to the link to the Pagan Primer on the old site since it goes over some of the various versions of the religion:
Primer if you will

All of this being said I know just where you are since I to am seeking information and what not. The best place by far that I know of for "Seeking" is found: Here

Check out the suggested reading tab. The Book "Wicca for beginners" is what I am currently using as my guide and so far I am throughly enjoying it.  A review can be found in that section.

Lastly I have no idea if this helped but if so I'm glad if not then well I tried

[Chakabe]

....

 
Also I'm reaallllyyy sorry if that came off as being hardheaded. I was just reading it and I was like "Oh lord (And Lady) I might have been to rough.."

If that is the case I am extremely sorry.

[Septima]

Also I'm reaallllyyy sorry if that came off as being hardheaded. I was just reading it and I was like "Oh lord (And Lady) I might have been to rough.."

If that is the case I am extremely sorry.

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

[Chakabe]

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

 
I paged though it. from what I can tell its all in more or less what you feel. If you ever need some one to talk to.. I'm around

[sugarmagnolia]

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

 
Maybe you can post those questions?

[veggiewolf]

...To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

Please do post your questions - it is very likely that you'll get a meaningful response.

[Septima]

Please do post your questions - it is very likely that you'll get a meaningful response.

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

[SonofPan]

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

You know when I was going through a major hardship in my life and didn't know what was happening I just meditated in the Rocky Mountains (That is in Colorado USA for any that do not know) and believe it or not I found my own path. I respected nature, and love to play to my own fiddle and yes enjoy everything in life has to offer. At that time I only knew Christianity, Judaism, Muslim and Buddhist. So I met with a few druids, and like a few other people on here I suck at nature at least growing. My strengths are in personal relationships and people...not greenthumbing. Anyhow the best thing to do is remain open minded, I would like to know why magic can't be solitary. I mean I've been without a coven or circle for about 4 years...it has allowed me to practice personally and I believe made me closer to Pan. Anyhow I ramble a lot, but wanted to let you know if you ever wanted to bounce ideas or feelings off someone hit me up! I don't judge or bite (hard)...:

[HeartShadow]

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

 
The problem I have is that you listed things that, to me, don't fall into the "religious" category - like political leanings.  And not things like - what does religion MEAN to you?  These are the things you believe, but what do you want to DO with it?  that kind of thing.

[opal rivernymph]

I too have found it difficult finding my own path.  I have spent hours reading websites, books and magazines and much of it has either not helped or just confuzed me more.  I like to ask why or how or what when i learn things.  you cant do that with a book like you can with a person!  i shall just continue to stumble blindly along, hoping to find my way.  I hope that you too get the answers you are looking for x

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Could anybody give me some advice on what kind or path within Paganism may suit me best? I am feeling really lost.

 
I may not be able to give you the specific answer you are looking for, but perhaps I can help you feel a little less lost. =)

First off, I haven't found my path either. I've been studying and learning and blah blah blah for five years now. I can't completely dedicate myself to one 'leg' of paganism. It's all a crazy mess inside me. So trust me, you aren't the only one lost out there. =) There's plenty of us you can vent to and share the journey with.

Some advice I can offer is to ask the God or Goddess (whoever they are to you) for help. Meditate and pray for guidance. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs. Keep a dream journal or something. See if you don't find a pattern, and let it lead you.

As a note, just keep in mind that a path like ours is always changing. It seems like once we get too comfortable with something, the powers that be decide to change it up. But such change is a powerful learning tool. Next time you feel lost, just step back. Try to roll with the punches. =) We aren't given more than we can handle. =)

[ikshahar]

I like to ask why or how or what when i learn things.  you cant do that with a book like you can with a person!  i shall just continue to stumble blindly along, hoping to find my way.  I hope that you too get the answers you are looking for x

 
the wise know they no nothing. the most adept are merely running at an idle. perhaps what we seek is a simple faith. i know i chose this path, and reflection upon any other faith i've put behind me

[SkySamuelle]

A few years ago I decided to become a Pagan after being a life long Methodist, I just decided I needed a change. Christianity just did not speak to me any longer. Over the past year, I've looked at a number of different religions including Buddhism, Hinudism and the Bahai faith but I kept on coming back to Paganism as it seemed more in tune with my belief system, but I'm completely lost. There is so many different paths within Paganism that I dont know where exactly I would fit in with the Pagan spectrum.

Over the last two years I have been reading quite a lot about Paganism in general, I must have borrowed out every book they had at my local library and also did a lot of research on the internet, but I am still unsure.

I don't want to just start my own branch and go from there because I need more structure than that, initially anyway. I've looked at Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, Norse and Hellenic reconstructionism but I dont resonate with reconstructionist paths though some beliefs and practices did appeal to me. I also looked into Thelema but I knew very quickly it was not for me. I am looking for for a spiritual practice than a religious one.

If it helps anyone to help me, these are some of my core beliefs:

*Every living thing has a soul.
*Reincarnation.
*I believe in many Gods and Goddesses.
*Karma.
*I'm very interested in Divination, particularly Oracle Cards and Runes.
*I believe in environmentalism and preserving the earth and it's environment.
*I wish to venerate my ancestors.
*Politically, I guess you could call me a Libertarian with Conservative leanings.

I must mention that I am not interested in practicing witchcraft or learning magic. It just does not appeal to me. I would rather remain solitary, at this stage I am not too comfortable worshiping in a group and would like to keep my spirituality private.

Could anybody give me some advice on what kind or path within Paganism may suit me best? I am feeling really lost.

 
I can only say that i used to have a lot of your same 'leanings' and I found myself at home with the Starhawk branch of Reclaiming as starting point. It suited to me far better than classic wicca. Maybe you might give 'The Spiral Dance' by said author a read and see if anything in it appeals you.

When you say you are not  interested in witchcraft, do you mean you are not interested in a coven practice or that you are not interested in witchcraft as a whole, even as a solitary?

If so maybe you might be more at home with Shamanism... althought you are not forced to embrace a specific tradition as whole, just like you don't need being a reconstructionist in order to worship a certain pantheon.

All depends on what you want to do with your beliefs.

[Septima]

I can only say that i used to have a lot of your same 'leanings' and I found myself at home with the Starhawk branch of Reclaiming as starting point. It suited to me far better than classic wicca. Maybe you might give 'The Spiral Dance' by said author a read and see if anything in it appeals you.

When you say you are not  interested in witchcraft, do you mean you are not interested in a coven practice or that you are not interested in witchcraft as a whole, even as a solitary?

If so maybe you might be more at home with Shamanism... althought you are not forced to embrace a specific tradition as whole, just like you don't need being a reconstructionist in order to worship a certain pantheon.

All depends on what you want to do with your beliefs.

Hi SkySamuelle, I am not interested in practicing Withcraft at all, whether in a coven/group or solitary. It just does not resonate with me.