If you've read my profile, you'll know that I am a big newbie and haven't a clue about lots of things and haven't a clue what to do/where to start etc. so please do excuse me if I waffle and seem to talk utter nonsense.

Where I'm at now: - I've always been interested in paganism/wicca and seem to be drawn to it.

I don't think some of the things I do are 'pagan like' whatever that may be! For one thing I've recently been drawn into reading about angels. Do angels have a place under the pagan umbrella? What about medium ship? What is the pagan view of this or is there none?

I sincerely think we should all honour our planet and look after it and be as one with it. I love nature, I love working in it, growing it, walking in it, sitting and just 'being' in it.

I am currently studying books about crystals (of which I now own some of) and about the chakras, and psychic intuition.

I'm also doing reiki 1 and have been attuned and practise healing on family.

I feel like there is so much more 'out there'
So much more I could be seeing and doing and people to meet, places to go. But where, where do I start???

As before, sorry for the waffle!

Right - start by trusting yourself.

Now - you will need to put some effort in for yourself here but it isn't difficult.

Step 1
hop just one step back on this forum and scan down all the threads in which we newcomers have asked all sorts of variations of the same question.

Step 2 trust yourself and your reaction to what you read.

Step 3 Get stuck in and keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep asking us questions but don't commit to anything for a while.

Step 4 Listen to yourself Listen 5 times more than you worry "doing it right!"

Step 5 Listen [you didn't listen to yourself long enough ]

Step 6 Trust yourself and whatever is slowly growing inside your mind - then check it against common sense and ask/read some more. Do not pay money except for books that seem important to you - even then borrow before you buy [or ask here]

Step 7 LOOK OUT FOR THE HUGGERS! We're all at it!

edited to add - stop apologising - we've all been where you are and some of us are still there - its nothing to apologise for.

Excellent advice given.

Think about what interests you - mythology, herbalism, folklore etc, and start with that. Don't expect to know everything - ever. So don't be despondent at how much there is out there. Start small and focus on your own path. Your own path is your own path, personal and unique, no matter what route it takes you down.

Oh - and enjoy the journey

Good advice, and I'd like to add:

Step 8 If you follow all those steps and find out what you believe contradicts most of the top posters here... RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!

LOL

Charming

Perhaps the best lesson from all the responses is: make up your own mind.

You might like to check out the book: Working with Angels, Fairies and Nature Spirits by William Bloom.

I think this is poor advice as it implies that you will not be welcome if your views differ from those of others. Linked to this though I would advise you not to take it to heart if someone disagrees with you or challenges a belief. Being challenged, especially when new and uncertain, can feel as though you are being attacked, but really it can be a wonderful way of being made to think about your beliefs and assumptions.

There are pagans who will challenge some of the things you say you are interested in, but if I were you I would listen to what they have to say, think about it then make up your own mind.

Moonsmith's advice was excellent really as the most important thing is that you walk a path which feels true to you.

And above all enjoy the journey and continue to question question question.

Mike

Thanks all for your advice and book recommendation.
I shall trust my own instincts and go for what 'feels right'
Thinair - I will be ordering that book. Looks good.
xxxx

I felt like this for a little while... But I feel strangely settled now. I think that for me Paganism is going to be lifelong path and it feels totally natural to me and I feel at ease with it, which means that I'm not worried about learning being a continuous thing. I like that in 20 years time I'll still be learning. I don't want to get to a point where I know everything.

The only advice I can give is this... But I know that it may not fit you as it does me.

Being here is a good start, methinks. Maybe you could also try to find a moot near you? I think being in the company of other pagans is something that might aid your learning and growth. Also, maybe write down things that you know you believe... sometimes having something written down makes it easier to comprehend. Lastly, read. Be open minded, but not too much. Books can give you an extra something, but you need to remember that the author has opinions of her/his own, and it being in print doesn't mean her/his thoughts and beliefs are any less valid than yours.


I hope you start to feel at peace with your journey.

Implies?

New to a forum does not necessarily equate new to paganism.

So far, the advice is sound... awaiting evidence to the contrary.

hi Welcome! I know there are soo many wonderful subjects and things to explore!
Why I love this path.. Listen to your gut.. when you're at a store.. ask yourself.. what book do I want/ need... and listen to yourself.. you'll be guided.
Learn Protection!! How to keep yourself safe.. white light , other things.
If Angels are your thing, then start w/ studying that.. ( i know nothing! Lol)

you'll find sooo many different people, w/ various interests, some connet or not..
We're all here to learn, share and be part of a community.

Study, study, and more study. Find out what wicca is all about and the difference btwn that and paganism.. (thats a huge debate there, lol)..

Wander back thru some old posts.. and you'll get a lot of ?'s answered..

Ask questions, but do your own work too`

you're on the start of a wonderful, fun ,interesting journey.. relax and enjoy the ride~

Implies or not......... its poor advice. And if you read the first post and profile you will see that the poster describes herself as relatively new to Paganism, not just the forum. Before interacting on a thread like this I try to actually read what the poster has posted, and their profile which is a good way of learning about them and things like how new they are to Paganism.

I think most of the advice has been good except for the bit you offered which, as I said, is poor..... in my opinion, because it is based on a negative impression you hold rather than the reality of the site for most people. Of course you are entitled to say what you want, but I am entitled to disagree.

Mike

I'd just add - don't let the word 'path' make you think you need only go in one direction. Both 'path' and 'journey' suggest starting at point 'A' and ending at point 'B'. Speaking as someone who has been Pagan for nearly 30 years, I'd say I don't truly have a 'path' - I experience a range of areas of Pagan interest, practice certain forms most of the time, but certainly haven't gone from 'A' to 'B' at all

Oh sorry, thought you was replying to me.

No sweat

Mike

I'm really enjoying Cassandra Easons A Year and a Day in Magick: A Complete Week-by-week Course to a Lifetime in Magick. I know some people think she's a bit fluffy but I think its a great starter book.

Echo'ing what has already been said, read, read, read and ask, ask, ask.