All things Pagan. A Druid's guide.

Originally posted by Mara5683

Originally posted by Druid42
reply to post by Mara5683

 

Hi Mara, thanks for stopping by. You are another wise soul, so I look forward to your contributions.

Since you are Irish, and I'm being silly, but do you have red hair?

YES!!!!!

Go figure. I am 75% German, and 25% Irish. My great-great (something) grandfather immigrated from Ireland with his family, and fought in the Revolutionary War in the USA. We have a book about 2 inches thick that lists all the genealogy. I've done a BIT of research on the matter, and have realized a link to the McCleod's in Ireland. Nothing is definite, but I could provide more information on the matter. Genealogy is a fascinating subject.

On a side note, as well, being silly, do you have that fiery temper attributed to your hair? Just curious.

Originally posted by cetaphobic
reply to post by Druid42

 

Yes. A FAQ, full of questions many Christians or even Pagans may be interested in reading. I can get some started tonight, and we can all work on it in this thread tomorrow. Sound fair? It should be a group project for all of us.

Yes. I will default to the direction you have in mind, and will contribute accordingly. THAT was the ORIGINAL purpose of this thread, to educate others about Paganism. I do believe it will evolve into a group project, each adding their own tid-bits of knowledge. Thanks for stepping up to the plate. It's your turn at bat. Knock our socks off, as I know you can.

Originally posted by Mara5683
Druid

Could you go into scrying a bit more, please?
I'm interested to hear how you do it properly.
And also do you protect first?

x Mara

Scrying is a transcendental state in which you peer into a medium, and see images, after a period of relaxation and focusing. Always have the candle BEHIND you, and start in a dark room.

It works like this:

The room is dark, save a single candle behind you. You stare at the scrying surface, and let your mind wander, (OMG! Much like Open's ill-conceived method!) and the flickering of the candlelight will let you see images in the scrying surface.

Before you scry, have a clear mind, and a question you want to see answered. It's much like runes.

If you want to get into hardcore scrying, like Nostradamus, and want to see years into the future, and write quatrains from what you see, that is possible too. Practice the easy stuff first.

Personally, I scry a few weeks ahead. It works in nicely with my dreams.

Feel free to ask anymore questions. We'll have a FAQ soon, I believe.

As far as protection goes, it's a one way viewing. Be careful to clear out negative thoughts, but to answer your question, your scrying medium is a one way view. You MAY see things trying to get through your scry, but they can't, and won't, unless you are trying to summon them at the same time, which is not recommended. They are blocked, until you complete a summoning ritual. I don't recommend scrying and summoning at the same time.

With that, I will take my leave from you now, and head off to slumberland.
Peace to all.

Merry Meet, Everybody!

I'm another doing-my-own-thing loner. I was raised as an "Easter and Christmas" church-goer, as a child, but became disenchanted with Christianity because most of it didn't make sense to me. In fact, it was downright contradictory in the morals it preached! In college I split my minor between Psychology and Comparative Religious Studies and what I learned only re-emphasized that conclusion.

I initially focused my interest on Wicca. I learned everything I could and read as much as I could. I devoured "The Spiral Dance" and every other book on Wicca that was available at the time. I ended up kind of mentally dividing the available material into two categories of a) junk in the vein of newspaper horoscopes, and b) actual useful information. I likewise soon determined that my local Pagan groups were made up of similar subsets. I found that I loved the drumming and the rituals, but there was way too much drama going on amongst the various little groups of people. As with Christianity, I felt no compuction to show up and hang out with people regularly, just for the sake of doing so.

Some things I felt drawn to, and others not. I now practice very informally, and I'm more involved in dream-work and shamanistic dreaming. I have a small altar in my bedroom which has a lovely autumn colored quilted cloth on top, along with a open topped glass containing sea salt and my tarot cards. I bring out other items according to what I feel at the time (stones I have picked up, smooth twigs, etc). My athame is in my drawer in a nice leather sheath, I rarely bring it out these days, but it makes me feel happy. I am a very "feely" person - I love textures and the shape and heft of my athame are just perfect for me. I think the last time I used it was about two years ago when there was a very negative influence affecting my household, an accusation involving a family member, and I needed to clear the house. My occasional psychic encounters have involved feeling things (feeling touches, pushes, etc) rather than seeing or hearing things. I have, however, learned a lot of great ways to focus energy in the past few years, and those are mostly visualization techniques, which I have found to be very effective. I feel the earth most strongly when I am hiking, and don't like to be engaged in conversation at those times.

One other thing - I've long had a fascination with the Merlin legends and have read many variations of the story, histories of the legend, and studies of the ancient sites that could be related to the tales.

Looking forward to the development of the FAQs.

Gwynnhwyfar

Originally posted by Druid42
reply to post by MESSAGEFROMTHESTARS

 

Why do we scare you? Is it because we can live our lives without fractal geometry, energy grids, or scale invariances?

Is it because we don't need fictional books like the Torah or Quran?

Perhaps it's because we choose to live our lives without the NEED for direction, and we are comfortable making our own decisions. Perhaps it's because we choose for ourselves what is best for us, and that we don't rely upon anyone else telling us what we SHOULD do.

Perhaps it's because we can FEEL the connection to Mother Earth, and we don't need anything else to replace that?

Ahhhh there it is, the part that actually does scare me....
You can spend all the time in the world denouncing such things as the Torah or the Qu'ran, but everything you are denouncing is based upon what?
You say, 'works of fiction', I say epic literature outlining paths through human psychology, evolution of conscious awareness and communications...

Do I NEED these books? No. Actually, I would prefer that they were never written, for the very reason you feel justified in what you have said.

As far as, sacred geometry, non-linear fractals, scale invariances and a whole list of other topics, only help to gain a better understanding of the world in which I live in. If I were to never come across the literature, or those topics, I would probably be stuck in a 'Sheeple' type ideology, in which is based on ignorance and other peoples interputations of the texts..

Having said all this, I feel that we are more similar than different in our understanding of the world around us, I just choose to cary myself in a different light. One that illuminates all doctrines and covenants, which is truly the most difficult ideology to obtain.

Your cool, I wasn't attempting to demonize your beliefs, or place you amongst others, for you are an individual with the freedoms to do so, and you are at liberty to express these understandings. All I was merely trying to attempt to do(and failed miserably, apparently) was open your eyes to a new way of comprehending the world in which surrounds us by not allowing the seclusion of any of what these works of history have to offer.

peace and love'

reply to post by Druid42

I wish people would do some research, and think for themselves. My forte is Neolithic and Bronze Age lore. It's a real eye opener when you look at it as a starting point into what people believe in today. The so called people of the book and their patriarchal leaders have slaughtered more human beings than all the wars put together.

Most of the Neolithic World was about Goddess worship and fertility. Then came the Aryan invasions from the Caucus and they brought their patriarchal system with them, forcing it upon those they conquered.

I'm enjoying your thread my friend. A good and informative read.

Unfortunately I'm grieving our friends TNT and Avatar, so my thoughts are a bit disordered right now. I hope to contribute a bit in a little while.

reply to post by Druid42


Only one answer to Mother Earth worship

Rom_1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Worshiping the Creation and not the Creator is the biggest problem...

reply to post by theindependentjournal


At least, you are educated enough not to flame....

Thanks for the verse, but please understand that Pagans like to see the Creator in all things. The Creator is all around us, not in some remote location smiling a malevolent smile at us.

reply to post by gwynnhwyfar


Hi gwyn, glad you could make it!

Thanks for the contribution. It's nice to know you have found your path, as many others here have.

reply to post by boomerdude


Hi boom, thanks for joining. I sent you a u2u.
Peace.

Originally posted by theindependentjournal
reply to post by Druid42

 

Only one answer to Mother Earth worship

Rom_1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Worshiping the Creation and not the Creator is the biggest problem...

Mother Earth, Gaia is a loving, generous, Soul. All her elements also give freely. We, as a society, have become like a massive blanket of army ants. Forever moving forward, consuming without thought everything in it's path, leaving a swath of barren wounds, depleted of life giving energy. Yet, she still keeps providing, as a good Mother.

To me, being Pagan, is making that choice to remove myself from the mass of mindless army ants. To be "aware" of the gifts, and blessings I receive, and to give thanks back. It's keeping positive energy in constant motion. Positive energy is a way to heal the wounds in Mother Earth. The Creation, and the Creator, are one in the same.

Des

Originally posted by Destinyone
reply to post by karen61057

 

Agreed...then we are Sisters...are we not.

There was never a time when we were not. Now we have met.

reply to post by Druid42


That would be my vote I guess.


LETS CELEBRATE !!!

reply to post by Druid42

In regards to protection.
Your personal power is yours alone. It should not be subjected to"probing" by wandering spirits or entities. Most pagans naturally keep a protective shield up. This can be accomplished by simply keeping your aura in mind. That outer part is your shield.
There is also the casting of a circle for ritual but that depends on your tradition. Not all pagans cast circles. Most however do something to erect a shield of sorts.
Note: Most Christians do not feel a need to protect their souls during prayer. Prayer is the same kind of opening to the ether as any pagan ritual. And Christians seem always to be plagued by demons ! Deliverance churches cast demons out all the time. If only they would protect themselves before hand they would not need to cast these creatures out because they would never gain entry in the first place.

Originally posted by theindependentjournal
reply to post by Druid42

 

Only one answer to Mother Earth worship

Rom_1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Worshiping the Creation and not the Creator is the biggest problem...

We do not worship the creation. We see the glory of the Creator in all that has been created. We look upon those things and are reminded of the greatness that has put us here. Do you not see the hand of God in a golden sunset? Do you not know the love of the creator when faced with the perfect balance of life and sustainability. How much of this world is perfect for our existence ? Did the Creator not put his very essence into everything he touched ? Would that essence not still resonate within that creation ? Pooh on your theory. We LOVE the Creator and celebrate his creations !

Originally posted by boymonkey74
I got a question for you all even if it sounds a little silly.
You can get drunk if your a wicca can't you?
Iam English so its in my genes to have a beer every now and then.
I love mead

edit on 1-11-2011 by boymonkey74 because: (no reason given)

Does getting drunk hurt anyone? I would say as long as you do not hurt anyone, drive an automobile, or puke in your neighbor's laundry basket, go ahead. Wicca does not forbid many things, and we are very free and open about sex too, something Christians are obsessed with, it seems. If you look back in history, you will find that the whole reason humans sat down and began to farm was so they could grow hops. Drink a cold one for me!

reply to post by Druid42

Yes. I will default to the direction you have in mind, and will contribute accordingly. THAT was the ORIGINAL purpose of this thread, to educate others about Paganism. I do believe it will evolve into a group project, each adding their own tid-bits of knowledge. Thanks for stepping up to the plate. It's your turn at bat. Knock our socks off, as I know you can.

Thank you. I know that I, and it seems many others in here, applaud your efforts here. In light of recent threads, it is time people were educated about our ways. I am happy to contribute anything I can, and will do so if asked. As has been said, Wiccans are not about converting, or saving souls, we have our ways and that is all. If one wishes to become a Wiccan, there is much work to do, and one must do the work on their own. Unless fully educated on your new religion, and what it entails, you will have to remain in the "broom closet" for all time. Also, most people who study the Craft of the Wise start thinking they know all about Magick, and begin spellcasting right away. Big mistake, friends. My very first High Magick spell cost me dearly, and taught me an important lesson. Don't go off half cocked!

By the way, I didn't come to Wiccan by accident, I was guided to it by family and friends. One day, perhaps very soon, we all will be required to stand as one to fight off the Forces of Darkness. I am hoping the Christian Folk will be able to join us. We aren't that much different, you know. Wicca is not for the lazy person, the one who hates to read. I must have read 1000 books on Wicca, Spellcasting, Tools, different traditions of the Craft, and Spiritualism and Psychic working before I could even call myself a Wiccan. There are oaths to be taken. One must begin to see the True World Reality, that Light and Darkness define each other, and each has a part to play in the scheme of things. Also one must be able to see the Duality of the Divine Source, and find that source within themselves.

It is good to be in such good company!

Originally posted by theindependentjournal
reply to post by Druid42

 

Only one answer to Mother Earth worship

Rom_1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Worshiping the Creation and not the Creator is the biggest problem...

First off, Christians "Worship," not Wiccans. "Worship" means "Work," root word meaning, and we SEE the Divine in Everything of Nature, Rock, Tree, Bush, and even Dirt. We see each creature, no matter how big, or small, and a creation of the Divine Source, something to be respected, and honored, even in Death.
We just do not see the Divine Source residing in one man, or in any so called God who it out there in space somewhere. We are all God, together. Jesus told us that, but people do not listen. The Hebrew word translated "gods" is Elohim. This is the masculine plural form of the root word El, denoting strength and power. What is interesting about this word is that it does not always refer to the one true God, and is not even always translated "god." It is also attributed to angels (Psalm 8:5), and human judges (Exodus 21:6). It is translated as "mighty" in reference to a Human Prince (Genesis 23:6), Thunder (Exodus 9:28), Great in reference to Rachel's competition with Leah for children (Genesis 30:8).

As I have just demonstrated, the word does not always imply Deity, whether it be false or true, but can refer to different offices, peoples, or concepts. It is more like a Job Description.

I just realized you only have a limited amount of time to edit an OP, so if we're doing a Pagan FAQ we should all work on it in here and then start a new thread for the finished product.