Any Pagans out there?

[Romeo]

I'm interested in people's different beliefs (unlike some people on this site). I like to have an open mind and always like to more more. I don't know much about Paganism except that they revere nature and believe in pre-Christian gods/goddesses. If there are any Pagans out there, do you believe in gods and/or goddesses? Who or what are they? What do you think happens after we die? Do you have particular ethics or morals to live by?

[taperface]

Romeo - I am Wiccan. Many Pagans adhere to our way of life, but prefer to use the term "Pagan" as it sounds more acceptable. There are, in fact, only slight differences in our beliefs. I follow The Old Path, which means that we cherish our family and friends, first and foremost. We follow the Rede, which basically means "An so it harms none". We believe in nature, and that nature has a cure for all ills, and we are tolerant of all beliefs which don't involve hurting our fellow man. Too many people think of Wicca as Satanism, which is untrue. Our path is inborn & cannot be learnt from books.

[taperface]

Blessings Nissa - You are obviously a true witch through bloodline, as myself. I haven't much time for those who spout off about "good reading material". The author is just writing from a personal point of view, and out to make money. True Wiccans don't charge for their services or make money out of people - i.e. for giving Tarot readings. I would challenge anybody who professes to be "well read" to produce evidence of a working spell. Watch them crawl into the woodwork!

[Whickerman]

Hi all

Taperface - just wanted to say 'welcome' to the forum.

I do disagree about finding some help in books though - for many they will have no exposure to the old religion and no way of finding it except through their studies, and that's a valid form of education. (Although there's nothing like human contact in that regard, sometimes needs must.)

[taperface]

Thank you for your comments Whickerman & for welcoming me to the site. In theory - no pun intended - you have a point with regard to reading material perhaps being the only introduction for those wishing to follow the old ways. However, there ARE plenty of Wiccans around, who would be prepared to teach those with little or no prior knowledge of the subject. What I was trying to emphasize really, is that being of the bloodline certainly helps with regard to practising the craft & getting results. As Wicca isn't a cult, all of us have our ways of learning, so there's no right or wrong...(to be continued...)

[taperface]

However, without a great deal of study, I find that most books only outline the author's particular expression of the art, and becomes pretty meaningless. Despite that, I defer. For some people, this may be the only way that they can get a basic idea. Thanks for making me think on this one! Blessings.