I've recently started studying/practising Wicca, and was wondering who else out there is actively practising a non-Christian religion.

Buddhism here

How would you define 'actively practising'. My religion is solitary and consists only of a series of beliefs on which I try to base all my actions. I do not belong to any group or participate in any rituals. Aside from two of the cross-quarters I typically only acknowledge the holidays with quiet personal reflection, although I am trying to do a little something with the kids as they get older.

Wicca here, but not really active with it.

I'm Wiccan. :gwitch: Kitchen Witch actually. :stir: :D

I have heard of Wiccan, Can you tell me what that is? I know I may be old and wise, but I am always learning.

I have heard of Wiccan, Can you tell me what that is? I know I may be old and wise, but I am always learning.


Wicca is an offbranch of Paganism.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm (http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm) This is a good place for learning about it.

I try to follow some of the Buddist principals of how to treat people and patience, I also enjoy some of the wiccan principals of respect for nature and creating positive energies...with crystals and incense.

We are practicing Wiccans here. Most of the rituals we practice were passed down through my mom's side of the family. I think the classification that they used at the last convention I went to was "Italian Agricultural Paganism". Fancy title but it is just stuff my family has always done. I don't do the moon rituals as often as I would like and the Sabbats are split between me and the ex with the kids. My SO and I do a morning ritual to focus positive energy on our day.

How would you define 'actively practising'. My religion is solitary and consists only of a series of beliefs on which I try to base all my actions. I do not belong to any group or participate in any rituals. Aside from two of the cross-quarters I typically only acknowledge the holidays with quiet personal reflection, although I am trying to do a little something with the kids as they get older.

Living your religion counts as practising in my book - I think having and celebrating your beliefs through actions and daily living matter more than participating in rituals or throwing big parties for holidays. I know people who were brought up or baptised a certain religion, but have disregarded it - so they consider themselves a "non-practising" whatever.

Vedanta here -- one of the more philosophical branches of Hinduism. I'm in the Sri Ramakrishna tradition, initiated by a monk of that order. It's principle spiritual disciplines are meditation and mantra. I agree that actively practising means living out the principles, being aware of them and having them underlying, "coloring" all our actions and attitudes. I don't observe many of the days in the tradition, often because they just slip by unnoticed. I forget to check when they are. Once I asked for Shivaratri off, and my then boss was a little startled but said, "Sure, whatever. If you were Jewish, I would let you off for the high holy days." Vadantist in a Christian culture -- double holidays! The group I am associated with is in Washington DC, a long, long way from Louisiana, so I rarely have the benefit of their company and miss it sorely. It can be discouraging trying to remain focused and motivated without anyone around who shares one's views and values. I laugh and tell them I just have lousy location karma.

I'm interested to see several of you are Wiccans. I don't know much about it, but respect what I do. It sounds like a rich tradition. I once thought I would end up a Buddhist, but then fell in love with Ramakrishna, so ended up there. It's been quite a trek -- from Southern Baptist to Catholic nun to Vedanta. Life is truly full of surprises!

Born and raised Catholic, "converted" to Wicca after being introduced to it by my ex-husband at around 17 years old. I love it. I walk the "Kitchen Witch" path -- I keep saying, "What better life partner for a kitchen witch than a chef" to :smooch:. :laugh:

The witch is not only frugal, but in the kitchen....a lot! :gwitch:

Raised Catholic but no longer one....actually am agnostic and leaning closer to atheist but still searching. I don't believe in religion but I find Wicca, Buddhism and Paganism fascinating and are groups I want to explore.

I am a non-Christian. I am a practicing "Realist". I believe in that which science and facts support. I think the earth is about 6 billion years old, and that Darwin was right. I enjoy my life, and try to give of myself to others. I think the earth is just a great place to live, and I hope humankind doesn't screw it up to the point that it becomes uninhabitable. Even if a disaster like an asteroid or nuclear holocaust were to wipe out all life on this planet, I think eventually life would come back. It may take millions of years, but I think the planet would heal, and the whole thing would start over again. So whatever that makes me, those are my beliefs.

I studied Wicca years ago, but the truth is, I am just plain too LAZY to actually bother PRACTICING any religion at all, lol. I kept forgetting the sabbats and esbats until they upon me - as a solitary I guess I lacked sufficient self-discipline to pursue it actively.

I currently consider myself a nonpracticing neopagan ecofeminist with Anabaptist leanings, lol. Probably would fit right in with the Unitarians.

Add another kitchen witch to the fold :)

I dont practise any religion but am very interested in Wicca and would like to learn more

Raised Catholic but no longer one....actually am agnostic and leaning closer to atheist but still searching. I don't believe in religion but I find Wicca, Buddhism and Paganism fascinating and are groups I want to explore.

Similar here. I was actually raised in an Atheist household, "rebelled" a bit by trying out my friends' Christianity, and then ran back to Atheism as I have a wealth of problems with organized religion.

I am inspired by Buddha's teachings, though Buddhism isn't really a religion.

Acidcookie - your story sounds familiar to mine. Raised in an agnostic household, decided to rebel and become a christian, and later rebelled again and found my current path - solitary Wiccan.

My dH is catholic, born, raised, and still :) which leads to some interesting discussions in our house...lol

Acidcookie - your story sounds familiar to mine. Raised in an agnostic household, decided to rebel and become a christian, and later rebelled again and found my current path - solitary Wiccan.

Yes, rebelling with Christianity! Hehe. I am actually currently reading the Bible I've had since high school word for word, story by story until the end! I just need to know what this book actually says. And so far? It's kinda crazy.

I'm Jewish.

I was born & raised Catholic, but have always been interested in all religions...

I read a lot about Wiccan beliefs... I am very intrigued that women play such a primary role in this religion. Supposedly, Wicca is older than Christianity, and some believe that Christians created the idea of men being the dominant sex.

Wicca is also very strongly based on nature, right? I like that also... since the weather, the seasons, the beauty of the earth... it affects me very much.

I also recall reading that Wiccans are very accepting of Christians, but strict Christians aren't very accepting of Wiccans. :huh: That's too bad.

Sometimes I feel torn.

Supposedly, Wicca is older than Christianity, and some believe that Christians created the idea of men being the dominant sex.


Most non-Christian religions are older than Christianity, but when Christianity came about, it heavily "recruited" people of other faiths. I would not be surprised about the man-related finding either.


I also recall reading that Wiccans are very accepting of Christians, but strict Christians aren't very accepting of Wiccans. :huh:

Also not surprising.

Most non-Christian religions are older than Christianity, but when Christianity came about, it heavily "recruited" people of other faiths. I would not be surprised about the man-related finding either.



Also not surprising.


Judging by the post I read from you calling the Bible crazy, I would say you yourself are proving to be quite intolerant.

Buddhist here!

Judging by the post I read from you calling the Bible crazy, I would say you yourself are proving to be quite intolerant.

I am very open to my good Christian/Catholic/Jewish/Buddhist/Hindu/Mormon friends (those are all my friends I can think of right now) and even like learning about their religions. Unfortunately I've had plenty bad experiences growing up coming from some other people about my being raised without a God like being told I'm going to Hell, I'm a sinner, I should be saved. That is incredibly hurtful and unnecessary.

Anyhow, I am actively reading the Bible on my own to see what it says, and I have to say that some of the things I'm reading are very unexpected and confusing.

I didn't mean my posts to be so offensive or to come off sounding intolerant. Chalk it up to some bad experiences and also now my own personal attempt at understanding some things.

This post has got me really down :(

acidcookie - I read your post and assumed that you meant "crazy" in a good way. I don't think that the word "crazy" has to have negative connotations. Crazy can just mean radical or even just not what you were expecting. DH is currently reading the bible too.

And it's funny that we're ending up talking about tolerance - DH and I are kind of working on this issue right now since he's a Christian and very involved in our new church, and he's not really sure how they'd react if they knew I was Wiccan. It's something we've been talking a lot about lately. From my personal experience, I have a feeling that his church wouldn't "hate" me or not allow me to go to service, but that they'd probably try and convert me so that they would be able to "save" me (this is just a guess - we haven't actually told anyone at church yet). On the other hand, we had a non-Wiccan at our last full moon circle and they were given the opportunity to participate in just about everything we did, without necessarily making him feel like he should "join" (at least I hope not).

I had the same take on AcidCookie's post- not intolerant just a little amazed. Most of us never read the bible cover to cover. I was brought up Catholic and Wiccan and my family never cracked open a bible. The only things I knew were the stories we heard in CCD. It really is eye opening and thought provoking to read it cover to cover. Even though we aren't Christians, when we homeschooled we read it all the way through simply because of the way it ties in to the different art and literature references. I will admit it was totally different than I recalled from Sunday School.

acidcookie - I read your post and assumed that you meant "crazy" in a good way. I don't think that the word "crazy" has to have negative connotations. Crazy can just mean radical or even just not what you were expecting. DH is currently reading the bible too.

Right. I think the Bible is often a word-of-mouth experience and I wanted hands-on knowledge of it. The Bible is amazingly much more old testament than new, which is surprising in itself, and so much of what I've read so far is stuff I'd never heard about before. It's very different than expected, for sure.

Sara - My husband is Catholic, so I know what you mean about religious differences. His mother still doesn't know that I'm wiccan - it's just never come up, and it's not something I shout from the treetops. I'm not ashamed of who I am, but I'm not going to rock the boat, either. I"m sure she'll feel it's her duty to save my soul, and I'm just not ready for all that :)

I am from a long LONG line of Stregas (Italian Craftwomen) I don't use the word 'witch' very often, usually when all else fails and the person I am speakig to fails to grasp the concept that Sregas were the original mid-wifes, doctors, healers and all around WANTED in the villages for health and harvest... but, alas, things change... but, without going in to a history lesson... Yuppers, I am a Strega.

I am from a long LONG line of Stregas (Italian Craftwomen) I don't use the word 'witch' very often, usually when all else fails and the person I am speakig to fails to grasp the concept that Sregas were the original mid-wifes, doctors, healers and all around WANTED in the villages for health and harvest... but, alas, things change... but, without going in to a history lesson... Yuppers, I am a Strega.

I, for one, would love the history lesson, if you happen to have one prepared. Although, I'm having a bit of a struggle seeing your font.

I'm also curious about what it means to be a kitchen witch, as there seems to be so many. My attempts to google the term only resulted in commercial sites selling kitchen wares.

I'm a realist and a humanist but I have leanings toward christianity, wicca and buddhism...i wish my skepticism would let me choose one!

monkeywrangler - To me, at least, being a kitchen witch is incorporating my daily spiritual practice into my home, with the kitchen being the center of this energy. Food, drink, ritual - all combined together :). At my old apartment, this meant my altar was also in my kitchen...haven't quite found a home for it at the new house. In my study - this differs from witch to witch - focus is more on folk magic than on set - in -stone ritualistic behavior.

Hope that helps, sure others have more and different things to add.

Sandi

I found this this evening -anyone seen it before? I really enjoyed...

Can You Imagine?
(For the Child in All of Us)
by Robert F. Potts

Can you imagine a world without witches,
A world with all people the same?
Where the only known dragons are hiding in books,
And children are terribly tame?
A world without magic would be sad indeed.
I cannot imagine the pain
Of having a world where there's no Santa Claus,
Where wizards are searched for in vain.

Can you imagine a world without spells,
That science and businesses run?
And think of the sadness a unicorn feels
When he no longer plays in the sun
Can you imagine a world without witches,
No elves, and no magical pools?
And can you imagine how dull it would be
If all that we had were the schools?

I cannot imagine a world without witches,
A world with no magical wand.
A world without beauty, or even a dream,
Or a wood sprite of whom to be fond
They say I should grow up and be more mature,
Like a normal adult ought to do.
But I'd rather, at night, go to dance with a witch,
And I'll bet that you feel that way, too.

And....(promise I'm done now, folks) :)

For all the posters who are looking for more information - I've found this to be a decent start.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

:cheer4: Go me! :lol:

I was about to type out an entire history lesson for the member who inquired about it... but... goddess love the internet... remember to take everything with a grain of salt, no one knows what everyone is doing in the privacy of their broomclosets...

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stregheria

Similar here. I was actually raised in an Atheist household, "rebelled" a bit by trying out my friends' Christianity, and then ran back to Atheism as I have a wealth of problems with organized religion.

I am inspired by Buddha's teachings, though Buddhism isn't really a religion.


I'm interested why you do not consider Buddhism a religion Acidcookie? I was raised Buddhist and Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, being exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

A widely cited, but spurious quotation attributed to Albert Einstein --
"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity"

I'm finding it very interesting to hear everyone speak of their different relgious backgrounds and wanted to hear more on this thought.

I'm interested why you do not consider Buddhism a religion Acidcookie? I was raised Buddhist and Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, being exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

Well, you answered your question, here:

"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity"

I guess I don't see it as a religion because to me a religion centers around a God or focuses on worship and moral rules with punishment. Buddhism seems to be more of a lifestyle, and that is what I find great about it. It is not driven by worship to a higher power really, just respect for one who is showing you a good way to live, and you try to live that life.

I finally had ENOUGH of trying to "pretend"-- a few years ago when life forced several complete changes.. I decided well ....Now or Never--

New Job, New friends, new home... and OUT of the Broom Closet--- I am a hit and miss Solitary Wiccan.. But then again I used to be a Hit and miss Babtist.. LOL

Seriously-- I was so surprise when the people I was sure would be holding marshmellos at my "burning" turned out to have Pagan ways also...

Blessed Be
:grouphug2

Well, you answered your question, here:



I guess I don't see it as a religion because to me a religion centers around a God or focuses on worship and moral rules with punishment. Buddhism seems to be more of a lifestyle, and that is what I find great about it. It is not driven by worship to a higher power really, just respect for one who is showing you a good way to live, and you try to live that life.

I have to stand by acidcookie on this one. I have taken a few courses in world religions and been to Indian on a religious "search". As of yet I have not declaired a religion and most likely never will.

I tried Wicca, and then became eclectic, but finally settled on pantheism, because it's the most earth based of the group. I'm still eclectic, because I just like to follow my own path, but the tenets of pantheism just appeal to me.

If I could get Sundays off at work, I'd probably attend the local Unitarian Universalist church, but having to be at work at 1:30 sort of knocks that out of the park.

I'm also curious about what it means to be a kitchen witch, as there seems to be so many. My attempts to google the term only resulted in commercial sites selling kitchen wares.

Kitchen witchery (or cottage or hedge witchery depending on who you talk to) is really based on home and family. Usually dealing a lot with herbs and cooking. She/he deals a lot with the more natural side of things, not so much of the fancy stuff. They like to keep peace and harmony within their family and often use protection spells.

Something similar is a Green Witch.


Pregnancy ate my brain so that's really it in a nut shell.

On another board (and our blogs) a number of us were talking about the issue of public v. private practice with families. It seems no matter where I am or what group I attempt to practice with there seems to be a loose cannon that just seems to put a damper on everything. Has anyone else run into this? The last group we visited, there were at least two seriously off center individuals that really caused me concern. My son related that the one individual threatened him and that was the end of our visiting with them. It is sad to have only a person or two that we can share the big holidays with and don't have that community.

Lady V.
I have a question about Strega. My Fathers family is from sicily, I grew up in a italian neighborhood.
I remember my grandmother putting out bowls of milk, honey and wheat grains on the halloween night. My grandmother also had several other rituals she would do. Unfortuately my father really could not remember what they were, bur they were centered around food, types of food and the times and dates these foods were eaten But they were centered around the catholic holidays, as they were catholic. I was wondering if the rituals my grandmother practiced were Strega rituals that were incorporated in catholic holidays?
Also there were women in my neighborhood who could do what they called the "evil eye". They would cast out spells. People would call them if they were having a run of bad luck, headaches, or sickness. Or they thought someone has given them the "evil eye" The would say some sort of prayer do a ritual with olive oil, and then have you spit in the sign of the cross. It did work. When I was a teen I suffered from a migrane for over a week. My mother called the lady accross the street, she did the "evil eye" thing. within a hour the headache was gone. Mind over Matter????????? These women could also cast spells. The 'evil eye" ritual could only be passed down from mother to daughter. My mother could not do it. My father has said his mother could, but she didnt pass it down, I asked my aunts, but they said they had no interest in the superstition.

I am a non-Christian. I am a practicing "Realist". I believe in that which science and facts support. I think the earth is about 6 billion years old, and that Darwin was right. I enjoy my life, and try to give of myself to others. I think the earth is just a great place to live, and I hope humankind doesn't screw it up to the point that it becomes uninhabitable. Even if a disaster like an asteroid or nuclear holocaust were to wipe out all life on this planet, I think eventually life would come back. It may take millions of years, but I think the planet would heal, and the whole thing would start over again. So whatever that makes me, those are my beliefs.

I very much believe the same. I was in a pentacostal church for 20 yrs with my ex husband. Ugh...

I believe a person's beliefs are their own, not something to condemn others with. (ok I won't get on a soap box lol)

I am a Mother Earth, tree hugging, nature loving Pagan.
We are teaching my daughter about Mother Earth, The Summer Land etc.
But we will also teach her about any other religion she wants to know about and let her decide when she gets older.

I'm not quite sure what I am anymore. I practiced Wicca in my 30's and over the past decade have become more of a Universalist. I believe Deity exists but is defined by the individual. Everything is part of Deity and Deity exists in everything. *shrugs*

I am not good at rituals of any kind which makes practicing any religion difficult for me even though I consider myself a very spiritual person. I still lean towards the old ways and relate well to the cycle of the seasons more than anything else. And all religions hold beliefs that I have incorporated into my belief system.

If there is a label for what I am I would very much appreciate knowing it. I do know I am a pagan of some sort.

Oh, and oddly enough, I found an outlet for my musical needs by playing in a Methodist Hand Bell Choir (for the past 16years). Then never cared if I wore my Pentagram or not and have been very accepting of me rather than what my jewelry may have implied. I'm not ready to join their church but they allowed me to be married in the original chapel by a Cherokee Medicine Woman/Ordained Minister with a handtying ceremony. May the Gods Bless them all.

Ceashels

solitary kitchen witch here.brought in when i was 13 with my "sister".i like very simple celebrations. so simple most people have no idea my beliefs.it is hard with my husbands family because there cathlic and b.i.l ismormon i think. they always push things and i am patient but let me tell you they know the line now.they are a bit nicer about it because i told them they were insulting me. if i had to be respectful of them they needed to of me.they still arent always thats why i do not regularrly do "holidays" with them.i have noticed a diffrence in the gifts my sons get than those of the other kids.mybe it is me but i dont think so.
anyway i practice sometimes with a coven for the major sabbaths. other wise it is just me. my sons like to come up with there own rituals. it is nice to sit back and watch them especially rising energy.

I'd like to follow a religion. I'd really like to. But I can't.

I can't follow rules that were not of my own making and are designed to channel behaviour into a set range of socially acceptable responses. Isn't that what your conscience is for, when taking one's behaviour back to first principles? (I think first principles are a wonderful method of problem solving) What is a conscience, I wonder? Where does it stem from? Interesting......hmm

I have personal Faith which is not that of any religion, because it is unique to me. It gives me comfort and permits me to live life at peace with myself. For a lot of people, that means I follow a religion. But it doesn't have a name, which seems to trouble them.

Have a look at the definition of "religion" in the dictionary. I just spent a few minutes reading Wikipedia's definition and in no part does it refer to the word "God". Here's a little snippet:

A religion is a set of beliefs and practices generally held by a human community, involving adherence to codified beliefs and rituals and study of ancestral or cultural traditions, writings, history, and mythology, as well as personal faith and mystic experience. The term "religion" refers to both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group rituals and communication stemming from shared conviction.

I have no problem with any religion. I respect every individual's beliefs, just as long as they don't try to impose those beliefs on me.

This has been an interesting thread and I've enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing!

I call myself Pagan/Wiccan. I don't really "practice" a religion, I just try to live my life following my beliefs.

I'm a closeted Pagan of some sort . I cant quite be catagorized , I speak of god and gods blessings much like a christian , but i think everything is god , so a pagan here often mistaken for christian zealot and abused for being such. In all honesty i love everyone who needs to be loved and live a pretty positive and balanced life. My spirituality is core to my well being , but never a religion.

I consider myself a Christian (practicing), but have always had a curiosity, or great interest in what i now know is wicca, mother earth, nature,etc. I believe in Christ, and his saving grace, but I also believe in more earth based things also. Nature loving, good spells, kitchen witchery allof these things are so interesting to me. But only the good, and it sounds as if allof you who have posted are "good" wiccans. I realise that I am making myself sound wishy washy, but I can't help it.

I also wonder or have leanings towards agnosticsm. Do you think I am wrong for having these differing opinions?

Thanks,
Sheri

it sounds as if allof you who have posted are "good" wiccans.

If you scroll back some, I am a Strega, not a Wiccan, but I wanted to reply to this. :gwitch:

As someone who lives minutes from Salem, MA... I hear it all the time. "Oh, I am a good witch" or "I am not evil, I don't do black majick"... And after I control myself and resist the urge to beat with their hubcap sized Pentacles...

There is no such thing as a good witch... or a bad witch... no white or black witches...

It's a major misconception, and... understandable too. There are more 'wanna-bes' running around here than I can count. Kinderbats and Gothbabies. All saying they are the great-great-great-great-grandchild of so-and-so and they come from a long line of Wiccans that can be traced to the Salem Witch Trials. Humph!

:read: Wicca is NOT that old, it was actually a CREATED sect. If paganism was a garden of vegetables... Wicca would be a salad, a little of this, a little of that.

Okay, now that I got off my soapbox, I remember why I wanted to write.

There are no good or bad 'witches' just as there are no good or bad Christians. There are bad people. Everyone has the ability to do both positive and negative things. Everything we do in life is like a pebble being thrown in the puddle. Even if you toss it gently with the best of intentions, you start a ripple. Its how that ripple effects others that is judged and makes us 'good or bad'

You know , I tried wicca , but it just seemed to ritualized for me and i kept thinking , what god in their right mind would want you to get so bored , i tired christianity and wondered what god would really want you to live in fear , and then i looked at nature , wich dosnt really punish you unless you scare or hurt something (bugs and sankes) , i like jesus yeah , seemed a cool dude , but In my opinion is aa about as proven as the lost city of atlantis (wich by the way i am not talking about santarini , but i like atlantis too) I just know that i feel right keeping certain stones about , i like celebrating the season changes , i like danceing by moonlight and i love feeling happy , i love helping others. To mr all is deity and all deities , pantheons ect are just the same being loving us , just dressed in whatever we are comfortable with. A tree god for one who likes tree , a water god for people who love water , a indian god for an indian , its all the same god (god being a neuter word meaning neither male nor femalemale) , i just do what feels right and what makes me happy because thats why we were meade in my opinon , just to be happy , who would want their children to live unhappily.? Am i the only one like that ?

I also wonder or have leanings towards agnosticsm. Do you think I am wrong for having these differing opinions?

Not one bit. I have had my interests lead me from one aspect of religion to another for the past 3 decades. I have settled on a blend of paganism that is based on nature but draws from a wide variety of belief systems.

I think that everyone finds their own spiritual path and that leads them closer to the <insert name of preferred Deity here> that they believe in. Spirituality and the belief in Deities help us explain why we are here and our purpose in life. And our beliefs are formed by what we already know and experience. We have to make sense out of it somehow and we each develop our own explainations and truths. So I don't think you are wrong at all.
Keep walking your spiritual path.

Ceashels

There are no good or bad 'witches' just as there are no good or bad Christians. There are bad people. Everyone has the ability to do both positive and negative things. Everything we do in life is like a pebble being thrown in the puddle. Even if you toss it gently with the best of intentions, you start a ripple. Its how that ripple effects others that is judged and makes us 'good or bad'

I just wanted to say that I really like what you wrote here. :)

I also wonder or have leanings towards agnosticsm. Do you think I am wrong for having these differing opinions?

Thanks,
Sheri


I also would say that I think every ones path to spirituality is there own journey and as you grow and change you may question things differently then you did before. With out questions we would never truly figure out who we are as people and spirituality can be a small part or a large part of us. And for some it is a life long search but sometimes you can learn more from the journey then the ending. If that makes sense.
I am pagan but still learning lots I love the journey!

Just wanted to send out Beltane wishes to everyone. We don't pin it down to one specific day in our family, but kind of take a week to do the things we want to do. For example, yesterday was spent buying and re-potting the herbs for our patio. Many blessings!

i am also a buddhist-and as far as religion is concerned, to me religion is having faith in something beyond yourself, as in the teachings of the Buddha.to me buddhism is my religion, I have faith in darmha....

patty

I'm Atheist ~ does that count :D

I'm Atheist ~ does that count :D

I thought y'all were called 'secular humanists' these days?

I'm Christian, but my church is so liberal that most would call me a heathen. Does that count? :P

I thought y'all were called 'secular humanists' these days?

You probably weren't being totally serious, but I do want to clarify this from my own stance. Atheist is simply a term for someone who doesn't believe in gods. Secular Humanism is more of a way of viewing life and how we can lead good, moral lives without necessarily having religion in the equation. One could be an atheist but not have much of a stake in secular humanism, though they often go hand in hand. The key to me is a sense of identity. I am an atheist by definition in that I don't believe in a higher power. But I don't necessarily identify myself that way, and would, if I had to label myself, consider myself a secular humanist.

You probably weren't being totally serious, but I do want to clarify this from my own stance. Atheist is simply a term for someone who doesn't believe in gods. Secular Humanism is more of a way of viewing life and how we can lead good, moral lives without necessarily having religion in the equation. One could be an atheist but not have much of a stake in secular humanism, though they often go hand in hand. The key to me is a sense of identity. I am an atheist by definition in that I don't believe in a higher power. But I don't necessarily identify myself that way, and would, if I had to label myself, consider myself a secular humanist.

:yeah:


:tay:

I was baptized a Presbyterian when I was a young child. Then, I was sent to a Lutheran Parochial school and baptized a Lutheran. Then when I married my first husband, I was baptized a Catholic. I do not follow any of those "religions". My husband has gone back to his Jehovah Witness beliefs. I used to enjoy the holidays, but now, I find it stressful and I have an incredible amount of hostility towards him for that. We don't celebrate holidays at all. He doesn't because of his beliefs and I don't because it's just too much of a hassle for me. I am extremely suspicious of "organized religions" and born again Christians. The people I have met seem to have been of the "we have to browbeat you to death to save you" mentality. That is an observation of the people I have run into. I have literally been cornered by the occasional rabid, bible-waving/beating nut. No offense to anyone intended. I seem to run into the extremists. I have recently been looking into Buddhism and the Hare Krishna movement. I am of various minds about the "religious" question. I am confused, tired, fed up with the hypocrites I run into, and I am continually searching for some kind of peace in my soul. Again...no offense intended. I just seem to run into the extremists. I'm open to suggestions. I even looked into Zoroastrianism once.

[QUOTE=acidcookie;722588]You probably weren't being totally serious, [QUOTE]
You're right, I was being a smart a@@. I was gonna say "misanthrope" but I thought I'd go for the positive teasing. :P

But I do appreciate you pointing out the difference! Perhaps the agnostics will jump in momentarily?

I consider myself Taoist, but I also study Ifa/Orisa (a traditional African spirituality) from time to time. Basically, I'm a simple person, doing the best that I can, trying not to worry too much about things that I do not nor cannot know at this time (easier said than done quite often though).

thats me i guess, im agnostic. was raised in a baptist home/church but as i got older i realized that most of the so called christians and church goers that i knew were also hypocrits. (no offense to anyone, as i said christians that I KNEW) also i realized that i didn't neccessarily belive what was being taught, i was just going along cuz that was expected of me. so now im just me, being the best me i know how to be.

Well, I was raised Catholic but started studying Wicca on my own at 11. I practiced and got really good in my late teens and early twenties and then I got pregnant and had children and just felt so disconnected from magic. I didn't practice. I want to feel connected to it again. I feel very incomplete without it. Can some of you witches give me advice on how to get my umf back? I don't even feel connected to nature anymore and I used to be very connected to it. It really makes me sad.

I don't have any suggestions...

I myself am looking into Wicca/paganism, but need some direction. Do any of you have suggestions for where to start? Reading suggestions? I'm interested in being a solitary practitioner.
TIA

I enjoyed reading back over this thread. I like to call myself a "Secular Scientist" (I made that one up!) if anyone asks my "religion", because here in the bible belt, saying you are an atheist just freaks people out. They then ask if I "worship the devil", and I have to try and explain that I don't believe in devils any more than I believe in gods. The "Church of Reality" ;)

I can't help but suggest a visit to moontide.net for a little wiccan and pagan learning. The site hasn't been updated in ages (BAD webmistress, bad!), but it's still full of lots of good and interesting information. There's an excellent section that describes a town's reaction to a Wiccan's attempt to get a Yule symbol placed on their Public Square (since there was a Christian and Jewish symbol, and it breaks Constitutional law not allowing a third faith...complicated law, but very interesting). The articles about that are in the section "Past History", and it's a good lesson in tolerance, or the lack of tolerance, at it turned out. I'd welcome any comments, should anyone decide to check out moontide.net.

hi everyeone!

Ive been practicing buddhism for about three years, but recently have been drawn back to paganism, wicca and shamanism that I used to practice as a younger woman,I see that so many here also practice nature based religions, i feel im a spiritualist journeying on paths that get narrower sometimes other times widen to take more in.....I have always read tarot and used other divination methods no matter what faith I may call myself and really feel drawn back to earth religions now....

Patty

Any of you Wiccans or kitchen/cottage witches know of a good forum to chat on?

The last time I went to church it was baptist. I haven't been for about 5 years. I stopped going for many reasons that had nothing to do with the teachings, but the people. Too many klicks, too many people just using it to give the appearance to others just how "with it" they are, that they are the perfect parents. Also the same few people are doing ALL of the volunteering while other people won't get off their duffs to help out. So much for unity and fellowship.

I feel alittle put off by this experience, so now I am just hanging out at my house on Sundays. I still consider myself a believer, just not a practicing baptist. I guess at this point in my life I just know where I belong. I think people ruin alot about religion because of their attitudes.

I enjoyed reading back over this thread. I like to call myself a "Secular Scientist" (I made that one up!) if anyone asks my "religion", because here in the bible belt, saying you are an atheist just freaks people out. They then ask if I "worship the devil", and I have to try and explain that I don't believe in devils any more than I believe in gods. The "Church of Reality" ;)

:lol:

Love it! I'll have to borrow that sometime.

I'd agree, sometimes people look at you like you have two heads - they can't grasp the idea of not believing something they do.....

I am an odd Pagan. I believe in a single creator. I don't believe the creator had to spill blood to save us. I lean toward masculine dieties. I believe that without Paganism, Christianity as we know it would not exist as a matter of fact I think it is more or less Pagan, (don't tell them that at the Cauldron they get offended). I don't believe in the threefold law. Even so, I believe a price will be paid if you do harm to innocent people, maybe even if you harm the guilty. I try herbal healing before going to the doctor, now more than ever, I simply don't trust western medicine for anything more than traumatic injuries. It is hard right now cause my daughter is sick. I have to ask myself if it is viral or bacterial and even though it is acting viral it could be bacterial. Lucky for me I found a garlic treatment on another thread and started garlic therapy on her and thankfully it seems to be working. Also, it seems that I am recovering from my illness and I doubt that this would be possible with western medicine. I also believe that frugal living is part of being spiritually responsible.

I believe much as you do. I am not a Christian, but I do believe in a single God. I think I posted on this thread awhile back about my beliefs. I'm a pantheist.

I'm thinking that garlic therapy was something I posted. If it is viral, garlic will actually help with that too. I'm a big proponent of garlic. I, too, don't go to a doctor unless I absolutely cannot make myself well, which all of a sudden seems to be more often.

Getting old is hard, but you just do what you can do.

I'd agree, sometimes people look at you like you have two heads - they can't grasp the idea of not believing something they do.....

It's called "brainwashing". They are so indoctrinated into their religion, that they cannot open their minds to anything else.

Well, another chapter in the Saga of Sarah being sick. She informed me late last night that it was her tooth that hurt. Whole new ball game well sort of I am still pushing the garlic for it's anti bacterial qualities, I still don't want to put her on anti-biotics. The swelling where the infection is finally going down, her fever is going down. I treated her tooth pain. If she had told me when her tooth hurt I could have had this under control in a matter of days instead of it taking a week. I still feel bad for her, I just don't know why she didn't tell me about her tooth.

Pagan here. I am an ecclectic witch. I use mine in my everyday life. I am a solitary by choice. I was a member of a coven, but decided that that wasn't the choice for me.

I just wanted to make a off the wall unresearched remark. I have read, heard or dreamed that almost anyone qualified or not can make a entry into wikipedia? this was in reference to the definition of religion.

I am a spiritualist; For definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism

Denny, that is true. But, independent studies show that Wiki is nearly as accurate as any other source. Most people don't set out to be misleading, that is my theory anyway. Plus, I think they have staff that regularly check for accuracy and they remove/edit inaccurate information. Everything I have spot, cross referenced seems to have been accurate. The only article I ever read at Wikipedia that was unreadable was one on a book by Anne Bronte, I can't remember the title of the book, but that was some seriously bad writing.

I've read thru lots of books on religions in the past 10 years or so. But one author that was the most informative of anything I read was an orator (if that is the right word) from the late 1800's named Robert Green Ingersoll. He wrote 2 essays that I found on the web titled "The Gods" and "The Ghosts", and those 2 essays were such eye-openers and made more sense about the cruelty and injustice of what Christianity and its beliefs and practices are in particular and religion in general, than anything else that I read. He points out the absurdity and cruelty of the concept of eternal damnation, of condemning unbaptized babies to burn in hell, of original sin, and many other topics.I don't know if it is still out there as it was about 9 years ago that I found it but maybe you can google it to find it. Reading those essays I would think one would find it difficult to still believe. One of his thoughts is that all religion is man made, meaning that all dogmas and rituals are thought up by someone or some group, usually some self-promoting and self-important individual, who claims god told him to do it, or that god gave him the instructions, or that he is god's messenger and that only he/she can here those words,thereby making his/her thoughts holy. My thoughts, your thoughts, the Pope's, the Dalai Lamas, whoever, all thoughts are just as valid, or invalid as the others. Somewhere in his writings he points out that some ancient religions practiced human sacrifice and cannibalism; crucifixion is human sacrifice, eating bread and drinking wine as flesh and blood is representative of cannibalism. If you find his essays, they are interesting reading but remember they were written in the late 1800's. Dar-T

But one author that was the most informative of anything I read was an orator (if that is the right word) from the late 1800's named Robert Green Ingersoll. He wrote 2 essays that I found on the web titled "The Gods" and "The Ghosts", and those 2 essays were such eye-openers and made more sense about the cruelty and injustice of what Christianity and its beliefs and practices are in particular and religion in general, than anything else that I read.

I will do some research and try to find these. I am always interested in reading anything about theology. Thank you!

I have no idea what I would call myself. I believe that everyone worships the same god they just do it how it makes them feel comfortable. All the gods seem to be the same just differ in appearances and names. I respect all beliefs.

I'd like to follow a religion. I'd really like to. But I can't.

I can't follow rules that were not of my own making and are designed to channel behaviour into a set range of socially acceptable responses. Isn't that what your conscience is for, when taking one's behaviour back to first principles? (I think first principles are a wonderful method of problem solving) What is a conscience, I wonder? Where does it stem from? Interesting......hmm

I have personal Faith which is not that of any religion, because it is unique to me. It gives me comfort and permits me to live life at peace with myself. For a lot of people, that means I follow a religion. But it doesn't have a name, which seems to trouble them.

I have no problem with any religion. I respect every individual's beliefs, just as long as they don't try to impose those beliefs on me.

This has been an interesting thread and I've enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing!

:yeah:

I think being a ministers daughter jaded me. It gave me a view into "church" that others didn't get to see. I got to see the backstage view of it all, and it lost its mystery for me.

It's funny, though...my favorite college courses were those dealing with theology and history of religion. I love the whole studying of the different beliefs, etc.

More than anything, I feel most at peace and connected with...whatever when I'm experiencing nature. Perhaps there is a "naturalist" religion and that would best describe me. :bfly:

just jumping in again-

I had been practicing Buddhism went back to catholocism, now cant leave behind my Buddhist path and am sort of well doing both now.I guess they call it interfaith,spiritual a la carte.....or maybe im confused LOL-

patty

I'll add my response again since it's been awhile since I've added anything on this one. Still Jewish! Haha.......Fairly observant mostly Conservative Jew.

I was raised Catholic and am now an atheist. There is no such thing as "Atheism" in my book- it's not religion but lack thereof. I cringe when people point to atheists as if they shared characteristics the way religionists do, because the very best part of not having religion is not being part of a group.

Wow..how did I miss this thread?? There are an amazing amount of "us" :hocus: out there.

This was/is one of my biggest problems moving from a midwest college town to the "Bible Belt" I live is fear that my children will "slip up" and let their friends in on our "secret". :gwitch: It pains me greatly, that I feel uncomfortable letting others know that we as a family do not have the same belief system as 99.99999% of the population here do. There is ALWAYS the question of "Which church do you attend?" or "How bout y'all coming to worship with us this Sunday?" and I skirt around the question, instead of fessing up....I HATE this about me, but I don't want to start a witch trial in my little town, or alienate my children..so I follow my solitary path, the old religion.

We as a family practice together, we celebrate the Wheel and observe sabbats, but we can no longer be open about it like we used to, and I miss that terribly, but it is so wonderful to know that I belong to this forum, and I have sisters that are just an IM away..LOL I do continue to wear Pagan symbols ( My wedding band says "Harm None" with pentacles on either side..DH had the custom made..gotta love him) and I get the occasional comment, but my religion is a defining point of who I am as a person. If I didn't have to worry about the safety and well-being of my children, I would not have a problem stating the facts to those that ask. And yes they have been exposed to other beliefs..ie..Christianity(sp) and my DD's Father (not her Dad) is Muslim, so I am not forcing them to chosewhat to believe in, they just don't understand why there is no Goddess in Christianity?? and why we celebrate Yule/Christmas...LOL.

Wow I'm rambling on..So sorry, but this thread made my day :thanx: glad to know there are alot of us out there in FVland! :grouphug2

Merry Meet and Merry Part....
Phyllis

I'm Wiccan...I've been Solitary for years but now I'm starting to feel that "something" is missing. I'm leaning towards maybe finding a coven to be a part of. Those of you who practice...how did you go about finding your covens? I'm finding it very difficult to do.

Have a beautiful day!

Blessed Be,
Kaitlan

I'm a practicing Muslim.

My hubby is a practicing Catholic -

I'm a Witch - and am Empath -

The kids are being brought up being exposed to everything!!!:curtain:

Triddine

I'm an agnostic pagan-leaning type philosophically guided by existentialism (and more into upbeat Kant than one of weepy Camus).

I don't typically engage in any sort of ritual, but, my beliefs about responsibility toward one another and the earth guide my day to day life.

modern orthodox jew here - started out as a southern baptist and through a myriad of trial and error/discomfort have found this to be the most satisfying. i really feel for all of you in the "bible belt". I only hope I can bring my daughter up to be tolerant of others and have the self-assurance to not give in to all of her family in the baptist group.

Great thread! I don't jive with organized religion - to me, it's a social construct about power and control and not at all about spirituality. Eastern philosophies of metaphysics ring most true to me, although what I also see are the commonalities across religions - so-called "mystics" of all stripes have had what boils down to essentially the same basic realizations. It's that truth - the "way" - that's most important to me. For me, how to find and follow the "way" is best taught through the Asian religious traditions; as I see it, attempts to twist them into a power grab have deformed the teachings less than in, say, Christianity. I have taken refuge vows as a Buddhist, and I go to my local Buddhist center to do Buddhist things, but I also visit a Hindu temple and study Taoism as well. Essentially, I am a non-dualist, and I have known it since I was a very small child. I believe in a higher something, but not in a personal god or gods. Asian wisdom traditions also teach the importance of simplicity, love, kindness, service to community, and protecting all life since we are part of a great web of interdependence. I have a regular meditation practice, which is taught and valued as the path to realization and freedom from suffering. Truth is where you find it, and I have no problem seeing Jesus on the same level as the Buddha in terms of being a great spiritual leader, an avatar. A lot of Buddhists and Hindus feel the same, and include a picture of Jesus on their shrines along with pictures of their gods and gurus.

My beliefs also have a lot to do with how I was raised. My parents both believe in a higher power, but essentially raised me in an agnostic household. We didn't go to church, instead I was taught the virtues of kindness, equality, social service, social justice, and colorblindness. I've experimented with other things in the past, but I've finally found my groove.

I'm Wiccan...I've been Solitary for years but now I'm starting to feel that "something" is missing. I'm leaning towards maybe finding a coven to be a part of. Those of you who practice...how did you go about finding your covens? I'm finding it very difficult to do.

Right now, I'm solitary, too. However, I have had the option of joining a coven in the past. The easiest way to go about this, in my opinion, is to meet more pagan friends. Go celebrate sabbats with other wiccans. It's pretty much just networking. Keep making friends, and once those friends trust you, things just go from there. The coven that I've been thinking about joining - the high priestess is a friend of a friend's mother...see how that works? It's just networking.

However, for right now, I'm happy being solitary. That way things are done the way that I feel, the way that my energy finds suitable. I can be as casual or as formal as I want. I'm enjoying my solitary practice. Anyways, I hope I helped you out a bit.

This is an interesting thread. I'm curious though. How many do Christmas, Easter, etc. with their kids? I guess I just wonder if you practice various religions and beliefs, do you embrace these Christian celebrations with family and friends?
Just curious - can you all enlighten me?

i guess it depends on how you celebrate them. yule logs, holly and decorating trees are all pre christian rituals. as for easter, some say it got its name from the goddess Eostre who represents spring and fertility. and what better symbolizes fertility then eggs and rabbits?

I am a pagan pantheist. I do not worship the gods as literal beings, rather as anthropomorphic symbols of the forces of nature and the nature of man.

I do not celebrate Christian Christmas or Easter. However, I do celebrate secular Christmas and Easter.

when I go I`m baptist. that is how I was raised. and yes the BiBle is confuseing for me also. I don`t go all the time.

Just found this thread so I thought I'd just jump in.


I was raised or tried to be raised Christian

My mom was raised Buddhist (she is from Thailand)

My First Husband was Mormon

My current husband is Atheist

I have been pagan/witch since the age of 17. Started in the dianic tradition but now consider myself to be of a Natural Green Witch with Buddhist aspects.

My son was raised to be exposed to a multitude of religions and with an open mind to make his own decision. He studied druidism for awhile and now is leaning towards a more Nordic Pantheon. He is 20.

Although I do not practice a specific religion I have taken some guidance from Budhism and Taoism. I believe in the universe and in my guides. I often seek added advice from my cards and crystal pendulum.

I don't claim or practice any specific religion. All that I am is the love that resides in my heart. I believe in a divine order... sometimes I call it God, sometimes I refer to it as the Universe, but those are simply names to help my human mind wrap around a feeling in my heart of certainty that I am loved and am able to love others and feel such emotions as compassion and empathy.

To put a label on it detracts from the experiences I have had and so I prefer to keep my spiritual life private while I place my trust in the divine order of life. I believe we live in a world of duality that allows the divine order to operate in our lives.

I have definately have inspirations, feelings and even words spoken to my heart that are all the proof I need. I prefer to rely on my own experience but I also maintain respect for all religions and see it as a personal choice we all make according to what feels 'right" for us.

I believe that Love is the same thing as God and yet I understand that God is in everything in totality. I don't pretent to know all the answers, in fact I know very few. I just know that love is truth and all else is illusion.

So that is summation of my beliefs :-) Btw, I do pray as a way of focusing and envisioning the wholeness and healing and love that is availalbe. So when I say I'm praying for you, I mean I'm seeing you whole, healthy and loved.

I believe all we need is already within us. We can choose love, or we can choose fear. My daily prayer is to choose love and seek wisdom in all matters.... sometimes that means waiting till I receice some sense or feeling of which direction or choice.

Interesting thread.

I grew up in a very conservative sect of Christianity that is very cult-like in many aspects.

I managed to get out a few years ago, and now I am exploring my own spirituality. I love getting to know different people and hearing about their own spiritual journeys.

Can one be said to actively practice atheism?