| re as many explanations of Paganism as there are | | | | beliefs so you really understand what they are and |
| Pagans but one good description I’ve found is | | | | discover why you want to follow the Pagan path. |
| from the Ohio Chapter Pagan Unity Campaign. They | | | | It is important you clarify things for yourself before |
| say that Paganism may be loosely defined as any | | | | trying to join a group. Once you have answered these |
| of a group of positive, life-affirming, earth-honoring | | | | questions, you need to explore the various groups |
| faiths usually based in ancient beliefs." | | | | within Paganism to determine which group - Wicca, |
| To go slightly further into the dangerous territory of | | | | Druidry, Shamanism, Witchcraft, Asatru, Heathenry, |
| describing beliefs, we can include animism -the belief | | | | Hedgewitchcraft, even Hinduism, among so many |
| that all life, animate or inanimate, has a spirit or soul. | | | | others - you wish to attach yourself to. |
| Pagans have a deep reverence for the earth and | | | | Once you have looked into your own heart, gained |
| every creature that inhabits the earth, believing that the | | | | greater knowledge of yourself and found your |
| divine resides in all things. Many believe in multiple gods | | | | connection with the natural world around you, you can |
| and goddesses (polytheist) but since Paganism is such | | | | look to join others. In America, to find a group of |
| an individualistic religion, you’ll find polytheists | | | | like-minded people talk to people in new age or pagan |
| (many), monotheists (one) and even atheists (none)! | | | | bookstores, check their bulletin boards. Many books |
| Even if the variety of beliefs within Paganism is | | | | and periodicals give information on how you can find |
| manifold, one thing that you can be sure of is that they | | | | contacts in your area. Check out online groups, but be |
| are NOT devil worshippers. Abby Willowroot says it | | | | wary - there are many unsavory characters out there. |
| beautifully, when answering the question of are | | | | Alternatively an updated guide to pagan groups is now |
| Pagans devil worshippers? Most Devil worshipping | | | | available by mail-order from the Circle Network, based |
| groups are not Pagan, because they are centered on | | | | in Wisconsin. |
| a Judeo-Christian supernatural being, namely Satan. | | | | If you are in Great Britain, some of these and other |
| These devil worshippers are a sect of Christianity, | | | | ways can led to you finding like-minded people. Look |
| even though Christianity does not want to claim | | | | for moots - these are advertised, regular |
| them. | | | | gatherings usually held in pubs or perhaps the |
| The Occult is also different from Paganism, although | | | | organizers’ homes. There is usually a contact |
| Pagans and members of any other religion can deal | | | | number, so phone the organizer before the event and |
| with the Occult. Wikipedia defines The word occult | | | | get enough information before hand so you know |
| comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, | | | | what to expect. |
| hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden". | | | | You can also check out egoups on Yahoo, other |
| But for many people involved with the occult, they are | | | | web-based forums, Pagan conferences or camps and |
| simply studying a deeper spiritual reality than that which | | | | ritual that are open to the public and of course, |
| we can see with our human powers of reason and | | | | contacts obtainable through the Pagan Federation and |
| the physical sciences with which we measure and | | | | other reputable Pagan organizations. |
| quantify things. | | | | However I do suggest a certain modicum of caution - |
| How Do I Become A Pagan? | | | | although pubs and the web are public places, you must |
| When a person comes to the conclusion that the | | | | trust your intuition; don’t share more than you |
| things they have always believed in now need a name | | | | are comfortable revealing. Please keep in mind not |
| different from that which their family or their | | | | everyone is honest. |
| community has given, they may want to somehow | | | | Although it may be frustrating, don’t be in too |
| become a Pagan. Here the dilema begins. | | | | big a hurry to find a group or even a spiritual teacher. |
| Paganism is a very individual and personal journey of | | | | Many Pagans will follow a solitary path to greater |
| spiritual discovery and Pagans generally do not seek | | | | enlightenment, perhaps for a lifetime. It can even be |
| converts, nor do they feel a duty to share or guide the | | | | said that a time of studying on your own is far better |
| novice into the faith as many conventional | | | | because you will find what works for you without the |
| religions do. Finding a path to like-minded people can be | | | | potential confusion or pressure others’ beliefs |
| difficult and will be different for each locality in which | | | | may provide. Knowing your own beliefs and the basics |
| you may live. The agreed starting point is to first gain | | | | of rituals will show any group you may wish to join, |
| knowledge. | | | | that you are willing to learn and serious. It is also a |
| Find out if you are truly in sympathy with Pagan beliefs, | | | | good idea to have explored what you want from the |
| are you committed to living in harmony with the Earth | | | | group you join. Will you be able or willing to meet their |
| and caring for and honoring all of her creatures? Will | | | | expectations, etc.? |
| you strengthen your understanding of your role in the | | | | You may find that because Pagans are still so much in |
| whole scheme of things, no longer taking for granted all | | | | the minority, your spiritual path will continue to be a |
| that the Earth offers you? By reading the books and | | | | solitary one because there aren’t any folk living |
| periodicals available and looking at websites that | | | | near you to physically guide or share Pagan rituals |
| explain Pagan beliefs, you can explore your own | | | | with. |