Hi I am new, as you can see from my info, and I am wondering if any of ou could answer a few questions for me.

How and when did you become?
How did you know this was "right"?
What does it mean to you all?
Do I have to "change"?
I don't even know where to start but I believe this is what i have to do. If anyone could give me some pointers, advice, tips, anything I would appreciate it. Did anyone else feel this confused?

I don't mean to p**s anyone off with these questions and some people may think that I have no knowledge at all but, hopefully you will be able to help me.

Sorry to take up your time.

Cxx

Hi, and welcome to the site

Not sure whether answering your first few questions would be appropriate here because I don't really think that's what you're asking. If I've read it right, you're looking for guidance for you, rather than a personal testimonial from each one of us?

It can be very confusing - I know there are times when I get bogged down because there's just so damn much to know! Where to start?

My own view is that Paganism is one of those subjects where looking at the bigger picture can be daunting and you're actually better just looking at what's right in front of you.

So you believe this is what you have to do? Why? What is it that's drawn you to this (and I take it by this you mean Paganism?). Is it local folklore? Myths and legends of a particular place? Even Charmed or Buffy?! Because I think that's your starting point. Considering what it is that has really piqued your interest and starting to read about it and find out more. And read, and read some more! And, the more you read, the more you'll find that there are some bits that interest you more than others, and the more you'll find yourself wanting to find out more about whatever it is.

As well, if you're able to, get outside and "feel" what's going on - if you're doing this already, then I apologise for possibly sounding pompous, but you'd be amazed how many people venture into Paganism and are just looking for a quick fix and don't take the time to do what is surely the very core of an earth-based belief system: make the effort to actually get out and revere the earth.

Weatherwitch has started a wonderful thread in this Forum about the Lands Own Magic which, if you have a read at that, could be some ideas about what some people find magical about nature - give you something to think about.

What else? Um, read the posts on this forum - there's a real wealth of knowledge here to be tapped into. Don't be afraid to ask questions - no-body is born knowing everything and everyone's still learning - and always will really.

Good luck, and I look forward to reading your posts.

Right, shifted this to General Paganism cos it seems more suited to here.

For my part, I've always been pagan but I worked out that I was about 18 months ago. How did I know? I'm not at all sure it's helpful to say 'I just did' but it's true. What it means to me is a massive question that I may return to but WOW! and as for do you have to change? No, not in the slightest, although as you progress you might find you do, as you grow into yourself.

There are lots of bits of advice on starting out here and in Starters Orders, have a look but the best advice I was given was 'Trust yourself'.

Thank you so much I will read that thread, I do have books here but not sure whether it is all 'jumpig on the band-wagon' media crap.

If that makes sense.

If you're looking at your books, you could try The books forum - there is a whole lot of threads about different books. You could look at what other people say. The other thing is to read them and if what they say sounds dodge, don't listen to it

How and when did you become?

I can't really pinpoint this. It was like Aiden_Cub said. The path finds you. It took me a lot longer to realise I guess that I was different, that I wasn't Xtian or Buddist but Pagan. I didn't really come out of the broom closet with some friends, they treated me like there never was one. With others, they don't ask I don't tell

How did you know this was "right"?

I get asked the same sort of question about being married I really can't give much better answer than you do. When I do something right I feel karmically good. Like yesterday, I jumped out of the car to stop the lady driving her car in front of us to hand her the keys she left in her boot. Granted when I got back in the car I felt like an idiot. I mean I did just get out of the car in the middle of nowhere, but I kind of felt good about it. My good deed down. I didn't question why I did it, I just did.

What does it mean to you all?

I'm still learning that. So far, be open minded

Do I have to "change"?

No. But I did anyway. I was a very angry person, I've had a very difficult upbringing. Thanks to like minded friends and meditation etc I have changed. A little less angry. Also I find now I am not so willing to pick a flower just cos I think it's pretty without thinking two things. If it stays where it is others can appreciate the beauty and that I'm hurting the plant if I take something from it without permission.

I don't even know where to start but I believe this is what i have to do. If anyone could give me some pointers, advice, tips, anything I would appreciate it. Did anyone else feel this confused?

Yes. Biggest problem I had was starting. You wonder where to start what to do. Don't. Just start. Pick a point and go from there, the rest will follow. As for books, as Faith meantions, read books and if it sounds wrong to you don't pay any heed to it. But be aware, some things work for you that don't for others and visa versa.