The Ramblings and Wanderings

It can be tough when you are new to paganism to figure where you belong. Human beings all want to belong; it’s in our genetic makeup. The best advice I can give you is; do not rush in one religion or Tradition right away. Take some time to learn what is out there, try different things out, read books and websites on different Paths before you commit. If you really want to be a witch, pagan or heathen, you will be for the rest of your life, so there is no need to rush into one Path in the first year.

As for having to reconcile your own beliefs and such to “fit in” with other groups…you do not have to! Paganism is NOT about conformity, it’s about finding what is right for you. Some are more rigid, like Asatru, but if they don’t fit, then they don’t fit. Your path, be it Wicca, Asatru, Druidry, eclectic or a personal spirituality should fit you, not you fitting into it.

There are many different religions, traditions, paths etc under the Pagan umbrella, most people manage to find what fits them, if not, then they forge their own, and be trail blazers. Heck, there are traditions that are all about doing your own thing! Even those of us who walk a more trail blazing and solitary path, like myself, get together and do group stuff sometimes, so you are never truly alone.
The best way to start is to get as clear of an idea of what you do feel and believe and start looking around to see what is closest to that.
Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers. You do not need write an essay for each one, it can be a few words for each. You do not have to have an answer for all of them, and many things do change over the years.

What do I think happens to us when we die?

What kind of gods and goddesses do I want to honor?

Do I want to be on a path that is just a little or a lot to do with nature?

Do I want to follow something similar to my own ancestors?

Do I want to practice in a group all of the time, some of the time, only once in a while, almost never?

Am I interested in studying magick, or do I want to stick more to spiritual stuff?

Do I like something that is more simple, or complex?

Formal or informal?

Involves lots of study and learning, or something more user friendly?

Do I enjoy research and gathering info, or do I like to have most knowledge handed to me?

Do I like to lean on others to lead me, or do I like to strike out on my own, or a little of both?

Do things like meditation worry or even frighten me, or spark an interest?

How do I picture myself conversing with the gods, do I pray, sing and dance, chant, whisper quietly, compose poetry, holler at the tops of my lungs, making and giving them gifts, etc?

What is my favorite element, fire, air, water or earth?

Do I feel men and women are equal and the same, different but of equal value, that men are higher than women, or women higher than men?

Do I want a leader to be male or female or does it not matter to me?

What are the basic ethics and morals I feel I should live by?

What about nature draws me, animals, trees, weather, the ocean, etc?

Do I like to be told how to do things, or to figure it out on my own?

Keep your list of answers handy, and when you are reading up on the different religions, Traditions and Paths out there, compare their practices and beliefs with your list. This can really help you find the right fit. Do not despair if it takes time, you are already walking on your Path, you just do not have a name for it yet!

Juniper