A New Path

I am a Pagan.
I come from a pretty diverse spiritual background and so, I feel Paganism best encompasses that diversity.

I have people in my life from many different religious and spiritual backgrounds and I love it, it’s amazing. When a person is strong in their own beliefs there is no need to convince anyone else of that. Their path is "Their" path, not necessarily "The" path. Since they know where they stand, they can share in another persons spiritual celebration knowing it’s simply a sharing of spirit. It’s kind of like learning a new language or visiting another country. English may be your first language but you don’t suddenly become Hispanic by learning Spanish and you don’t become Italian by visiting Italy. It’s a wonderful thing to learn the way others celebrate their faiths and to find the similarities to what your core system of beliefs are, it doesn’t have to be a threat.
To me, anyone who believes in a positive way of living and who treats others with kindness, consideration and respect is on the same path as I am whatever they decide to label it.

I grew up in a Catholic family who also practiced “Espiritismo” which is Spanish for Spiritualism. Through family and friends I was exposed to different paths of Christianity, Santeria, Judaism, Buddhism and Wicca. Until about a month ago I was part of a spiritual group that was quite eclectic. Members came from many different spiritual paths and we were able to merge the different belief systems with a Progressive magical path. I know, it’s a pretty vague and loose description and I am choosing, at least for now, to keep it that way. It has nothing to do with secrecy or embarrassment concerning my involvement; it is out of consideration for the present group members. Of course I can’t completely avoid mentioning the group either since I write so personally on here and the group has been such a huge part of my spiritual and social life for the past several years. I can only do my best to find a balance between privacy and honesty.

Much of who I am right now in my life and many of the changes I am making are due to my role in and what I learned as a part of that group. My time with them will always be a valued part of my life. And, I will treasure and carry the lessons, the experiences and the people with me wherever I go.

That being said… I realized a few weeks ago that I needed to make some personal changes and becoming a Solitary Practitioner was one of them. It was not an easy choice but for months I kept finding myself at the same place, at a crossroads with paths leading in different directions of learning.

Guiding me toward a Solitary journey were my experiences meeting new people, many who followed a different path or a variation of what my path has been; students, teachers and elders who not only shared their wisdom with me but also listened to my thoughts and answered my many questions. I had that feeling I get when I’m in a huge library or bookstore. When there are just so many books to read, you wish you could just let them seep into you. I wanted to learn everything I could from each person I met, let their knowledge wash over me and seep into my spirit. It sounds a bit hokey and New-Agey but it wasn’t just my mind waking up, it was my very spirit.

So, regardless of my hesitation, I knew that I had to take a chance and see what’s waiting for me ahead. I’m nervous yet I’m also looking forward to it.

A "soon to come post"... Being a Solitary

Blessed Be      )O(