Feeling lost, Need help finding my path.

[Septima]

A few years ago I decided to become a Pagan after being a life long Methodist, I just decided I needed a change. Christianity just did not speak to me any longer. Over the past year, I've looked at a number of different religions including Buddhism, Hinudism and the Bahai faith but I kept on coming back to Paganism as it seemed more in tune with my belief system, but I'm completely lost. There is so many different paths within Paganism that I dont know where exactly I would fit in with the Pagan spectrum.

Over the last two years I have been reading quite a lot about Paganism in general, I must have borrowed out every book they had at my local library and also did a lot of research on the internet, but I am still unsure.

I don't want to just start my own branch and go from there because I need more structure than that, initially anyway. I've looked at Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, Norse and Hellenic reconstructionism but I dont resonate with reconstructionist paths though some beliefs and practices did appeal to me. I also looked into Thelema but I knew very quickly it was not for me. I am looking for for a spiritual practice than a religious one.

If it helps anyone to help me, these are some of my core beliefs:

*Every living thing has a soul.
*Reincarnation.
*I believe in many Gods and Goddesses.
*Karma.
*I'm very interested in Divination, particularly Oracle Cards and Runes.
*I believe in environmentalism and preserving the earth and it's environment.
*I wish to venerate my ancestors.
*Politically, I guess you could call me a Libertarian with Conservative leanings.

I must mention that I am not interested in practicing witchcraft or learning magic. It just does not appeal to me. I would rather remain solitary, at this stage I am not too comfortable worshiping in a group and would like to keep my spirituality private.

Could anybody give me some advice on what kind or path within Paganism may suit me best? I am feeling really lost.

[Chakabe]

A few years ago I decided to become a Pagan after being a life long Methodist, I just decided I needed a change. Christianity just did not speak to me any longer. Over the past year, I've looked at a number of different religions including Buddhism, Hinudism and the Bahai faith but I kept on coming back to Paganism as it seemed more in tune with my belief system, but I'm completely lost. There is so many different paths within Paganism that I dont know where exactly I would fit in with the Pagan spectrum.

No one can really help you pick a path. they can throw suggestions out there but I can point you to the link to the Pagan Primer on the old site since it goes over some of the various versions of the religion:
Primer if you will

All of this being said I know just where you are since I to am seeking information and what not. The best place by far that I know of for "Seeking" is found: Here

Check out the suggested reading tab. The Book "Wicca for beginners" is what I am currently using as my guide and so far I am throughly enjoying it. A review can be found in that section.

Lastly I have no idea if this helped but if so I'm glad if not then well I tried

[Chakabe]

....

Also I'm reaallllyyy sorry if that came off as being hardheaded. I was just reading it and I was like "Oh lord (And Lady) I might have been to rough.."

If that is the case I am extremely sorry.

[Septima]

Also I'm reaallllyyy sorry if that came off as being hardheaded. I was just reading it and I was like "Oh lord (And Lady) I might have been to rough.."

If that is the case I am extremely sorry.

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

[Chakabe]

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

I paged though it. from what I can tell its all in more or less what you feel. If you ever need some one to talk to.. I'm around

[sugarmagnolia]

No it's fine, you didn't come off hardheaded. I have actually read the Pagan Primer some weeks ago and it left me feeling even more lost. To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

Maybe you can post those questions?

[veggiewolf]

...To me, it actually didn't answer any questions that I had.

Please do post your questions - it is very likely that you'll get a meaningful response.

[Septima]

Please do post your questions - it is very likely that you'll get a meaningful response.

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

[SonofPan]

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

You know when I was going through a major hardship in my life and didn't know what was happening I just meditated in the Rocky Mountains (That is in Colorado USA for any that do not know) and believe it or not I found my own path. I respected nature, and love to play to my own fiddle and yes enjoy everything in life has to offer. At that time I only knew Christianity, Judaism, Muslim and Buddhist. So I met with a few druids, and like a few other people on here I suck at nature at least growing. My strengths are in personal relationships and people...not greenthumbing. Anyhow the best thing to do is remain open minded, I would like to know why magic can't be solitary. I mean I've been without a coven or circle for about 4 years...it has allowed me to practice personally and I believe made me closer to Pan. Anyhow I ramble a lot, but wanted to let you know if you ever wanted to bounce ideas or feelings off someone hit me up! I don't judge or bite (hard)...

[HeartShadow]

They were mostly about my spiritual beliefs as I stated in my first post, after looking through Pagan Primer, they didn't really seem to fit into any of the Pagan traditions. Which is what made me feel more lost.

The problem I have is that you listed things that, to me, don't fall into the "religious" category - like political leanings. And not things like - what does religion MEAN to you? These are the things you believe, but what do you want to DO with it? that kind of thing.