calling all pagan mamas....

[green_momma2007]

I was going to post in the august pagan thread, but I'm not really a pagan so i think a separate post is in order.
I grew up in a pentecostal church, but right now I'm not a practicing Christian. However, I feel drawn to paganism, but it's kind of daunting finding info on the internet. Yet I'm not looking into joining a covent (did I get that right?) because I don't like going to services, etc. I just want something I can practice on my own as I see fit.
What can you all tell me about being a pagan? From what I gather it's very earth based. But I just don't know where to start. Coming from an evangelical background where you become Christian because you supposedly receive a revelation from God, it just feels strange to be researching a religion. How did you all start your journey? Did it feel awkward at first? Thanks so much!

[gun]

You are welcome in the monthly thread!! Come on over!!

I was raised in an atheist home, but I always felt there was more to it than that. I first stumbled across paganism in my early 20's and it felt RIGHT to me. There are many different types of pagans out there. Don't feel that covens are the only way!

[jocelyndale]

There are sooooo many different flavors of paganism. It's an umbrella term for countless religions. You may find one specific religion appeals to you, you may find that you like to craft your own path and choose your own deities. You may choose to respect natural elements in your world and skip formal deities altogether. You might want to look into your own heritage and see if something (or someone) speaks to you. It's really totally up to you.

If you want a formal group and enjoy going to a regular gathering, you could see if your local Unitarian congregation has a CUUPS group and start attending their meetings (may be called circle, may be called something else).

[singin_angel]

I discovered paganism while I was in high school (Catholic). I tried to talk to my friend about it but she freaked out, which in turn scared me and I went back to trying to fit in to the RC faith. In university I started out hanging out in the Catholic Chaplancy, but it got too intense for me and I saw how much I didn't fit in. I met a friend who identified as pagan and I met others (we have pub moots around here, you can check those out). I also studied with a coven for some time but as I learned more about my faith and myself, I knew it wasn't for me (at least that coven).

Now I'm coming from a Canadian perspective here, but there may be similarities in what events/gatherings happen

Pub moots - meetings in pubs for pagans just to hang out, meet others, and talk amoungst themselves

Mugs - same as a pub moot but it is in a coffee shop

Pagan pride day - has workshops, open ritual, other pagan themed activities, even for kiddies

Witchvox - is an online source where pagans may list themselves, groups, or events for your area, there are also articles to read if they interest you

The best place to start with research would be the library, there are tons of books out there and if you start with a general 101 book you can get some ideas of what feels right for you. Also, I have to say that joining us to chat in the monthly pagan threads, you will see what some of us are up to in our sprituality and see if it fits what you feel drawn to or get ideas of how to change things to make them meaningful.

Paganism really does embrace each person finding their own spiritual path. Similar to Christianity, we strive to do no harm. As long as you follow that and you feel fulfilled, then you are doing great.

Lastly, I would also have to say that there are some great discussions and ideas in the pagan summer camp threads - if you have time, they are a great read!

[CariOfOz]

Please do pop over to our monthly thread : Referring to your post, you said it's weird to be researching a religion because with Christianity you get a revelation rom God... keep in mind this may be just such a revelation There must be something about paganism that is drawing you, so my suggestion is to talk to pagans (that'd be us hehehe), get some recommendations for a good book or two of basic information (scott cunninghams Wicca: a guide for the solitary practioner is always a good start, even though I'm not Wiccan exactly I still like it , and see where it leads you. Ask questions! We were all starting out at some point so you'll usually be well received :

Most of us on the pagan family thread are solitary btw, although I think there are a few that are coven based maybe.

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Keep in mind that covens are not going to be the same a a Christian church with a different god. Although there are usually one or two or more people who organize a ritual the point is for everyone to experience and interpret their spirituality for themselves not for one preacher to tell you about the spiritual.

[kittywitty]

Paganism has SUCH huge variety that it'd be hard to give you a clear view of what "pagans" are. It's always akward moving between religions. I would look around on beliefnet to figure out different types of paganism that you are interested in (and other religions!).

Then maybe pick up a book from the library or amazon like Christopher Penczak's Inner Temple if you are interested in Wicca which gives a 101 and beyond look at different faiths and the basis of a lot of beliefs. Or if you are interested in Druidry, there is the Druidry Handbook, or Buddhism of course there are tons of books-I like Lama Surya Das.

I would start reading the monthly thread or the Pagan Summer Camp threads to get an idea of what some of us on here belief. Or there are a number of excellent pagan blogs out there. Like The Wild Hunt.

[wombatclay]

I was raised in a very strict Catholic home... when I first started exploring Paganism I remember being very nervous. Some books gave me the heebie jeebies, I'd wonder if I was doing something "wrong" just by exploring other religions, I worried about what family/friends would say, etc.

If you're not comfortable with the thought of going to the library (or bookstore) for a pagan book, and not sure which book would appeal anyway, there are some resources here at mdc.

This is a huge longe resource list... book reviews mostly, but also some music, websites, blogs, movies, things for kids, and other stuff.

Over the past few years there have been "pagan summer camps" hosted by different mdc mamas. Each week focused on a topic or discussion, provided crafts and information, and gives a neat look into different ways of being pagan (all without leaving your computer). The 2007 Camp focused on the elements, the 2008 Camp focused on building pagan elements into daily life. The 2009 Camp is a bit more eclectic and is still happening!