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