 How To Become Pagan By Lady
SpringWolf
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- Introduction:
 Neo-Paganism (Pagan
Metaphysics) is the fastest growing religion in the US according
to a 2001 Census survey. Many people are becoming disillusioned
by mainstream religions. Between internal strife, controversies,
and war in the name of "God"; a lot of people are looking
for a spiritual path that is more at peace and in-tune with the
natural world around them.
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- This search has turned many to New Age interests and Pagan
Metaphysics. But what is Pagan Metaphysics?
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- Many beginners confuse the translation of the word pagan
with it's meaning. Pagan translates to "country dweller",
but that's not the definition of the word. It's just the translation
from the Latin word Paganus.
- Pagan means any religion that does not follow the doctrines
based on Abrahamic teachings. These include Judaism, Christianity
and Islamic faiths. These religions share a common history, and
are therefore lumped together as non-pagan.
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- Many people add Buddhism and Hinduism to that list; but it's
highly inaccurate. Both of these do not share the historical
correlation and put forth different views as a belief system.
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- As a label, Pagan is a huge category of religions that would
include Witchcraft, Shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American
beliefs and so on.
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- neo-Paganism is slowly becoming known as Pagan Metaphysics
because the basis of our beliefs are Metaphysical in nature.
Pagan Metaphysics is a religion of respect and honor. Recognizing
and believing that all things, seen and unseen throughout the
divine universe are interconnected.
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- There are many labels for Pagan Metaphysics, neo-paganism,
Witchcraft and Shamanism are the most common. There are many
denominations of Paganism, what we call traditions. The most
known tradition is Wicca. But it's important to note that not
all practitioners of Pagan Metaphysics are Wiccan. Think of it
this way; Wicca is to neo-Paganism what Baptist is to Christianity.
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- If you have an interest in this spiritual path, how do you
get started?
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- Gather Together:
- A Desire to study and research.
Courage to look within yourself.
A Commitment to work and practice.
 Step 1:
- What Do You Believe:
Whither you're interested in Pagan Metaphysics or some other
spiritual path, you should have an idea of what you believe now.
Putting your beliefs into writing instead of just talking about
them, helps you define the connection between your beliefs, understand
what you believe, and identify what you might not understand
or where there are gaps and conflicts. Check the Additional Resources
below for a link to a detailed description of this Assignment.
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- Step 2:
- Read everything! The more you read, the more you'll be able
to distinguish what is good source material from what is not.
 With the advent of the internet,
many students of neo-Paganism have tossed up a website and claimed
to be experts. There is a great deal of mis-information on the
internet, so don't believe everything you find online. Most educational
sites will list the resources of their work or provide a bibliography.
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- Read And Research:
Don't take one persons word or teachings as the only truth or
as the only way on this or any spiritual path. No one person
has all the answers for you. Only you know what rings true within
your own heart and soul. The important thing is to read many
views on a topic before you decide what is right for your beliefs
and spiritual path.
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- Step 3:
- Meditation, Energy & Action:
Practicing what you believe and research is only part of the
process. Behind the rituals, holidays, pomp and circumstance
are spiritual beliefs that will change your life if you adhere
to your beliefs and practice. Meditation is the key to many of
the practices of Pagan Metaphysics.
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- How you express yourself, think of yourself, the perceptions
you hold of your life, and those around you are all important
to your path. This is the energy you create and how you express
it.
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- Your actions also impact your spiritual path. The positive
intent of your workings, putting into practice what you believe
instead of just giving it lip service. This is the act of Walking
your Talk. Check the Additional Resources below for a link to
a detailed description of Meditation, Energy and Action.
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- For More Information:
- · First
Assignment - What You Believe Now
- · Meditation,
Energy & Action
- · Frequently
Asked Questions
- · Pagan's
Path - Education Network
- · Spring's Haven
Education Center
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- Additional Tips:
- · Learn To Meditate and set up a regular meditation
schedule.
- · Read more than just books on Paganism. Read historical
resources, and anthropological accounts.
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- Be Careful:
- · Don't believe everything you read. If you find one
person saying something and cannot find another legitimate resource
to support the finding, then discard it and move on.
- · Remember that although you might be interested in
Paganism, all religions have value and deserve respect. Just
because you don't believe as others do, does not mean your beliefs
are the right ones, or the only ones.
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