Walking With The Wind

I haven't practiced Paganism or Wicca in many years.  I have been walking against the wind- against the pull of my inner self for far too long.  I originally gravitated towards this earth centric peaceful religion because of its focus on personal growth; oneness with nature; and respect for all peoples.  The rituals and holidays were interesting (and surprisingly familiar as Christianity took most the imagery for their main holidays of Easter and Christmas directly from the Pre-Christian cultures when they rose to power in the early 2nd century)

I found that living in the Pacific Northwest imbued in me a deep respect for nature and the beauty of the natural world.  To be a 16 year old lost kid and suddenly be told there's a religion centered around the care and beauty of the earth;  well let's just say I was very happy.

I studied anything and everything from basic candle rituals and mediations to very fringe theories by long dead pre-Christian philosophers ;  from basic/ advance ritual work to Herbal correspondences and Energy healing.

Long story short; due to social pressures and without formal training or someone to answer questions and practice with, I slowly burnt out.

I still feel calmed by nature. I still feel connected to something deeper.  I just no longer prescribe to a "religious title". 

Lately though I've been missing the solitude and self reliance practicing paganism gave me.  I miss touching that deep spiritual self and letting it shine.  I miss riding the wave of energy as it crests over me when the rituals work.  I miss that feeling of walking WITH the wind.

So I welcome you to this blog and ask your indulgence as we learn (or relearn) to walk with the wind.

Blessed Be 

Exercise 6: Paganism

Unlike the monotheistic Abrahamic religions, paganism is polytheistic, believing in many Gods and Goddess's and crossing many ancient cultures at one point or another. ( including Roman,Celts, and ancient Egyptians to name a few)

The word "pagan" is from the Latin "Pagani" meaning dwellers in the country. Similarly the term "Heathen" while being viewed in today's culture as an "evil" person it simply comes from meaning, "dwellers of the Heath."

The practices and beliefs of pagans can vary and can include:1) moon festivals known as Esbats; 2) 4 main seasonal festivals known as Sabbats ( and where most of today's mainstream Christian holidays get their symbolism).3) prayers to the sun and moon spirits for guidance or healing, and 4) many seemingly endless rituals and beliefs.

I myself have studied "wicca" ( also known as neo- paganism) for many years and have found a great deal of peace of mind from it's teachings of being one with nature and the natural world. The one thing I have consistently found is that here could be an infinite amount of versions applied to such a term, because while being a religion it can also be simply viewed as a way of life.

Sources:
1) "The witch book" by Raymond Buckley
2) My 9 years of study and practice. ( since 2003)