Merry Meet!
I am gearing up to vend at the Southern MN Pagan Pride. I’ve been reflecting on my journey as a pagan. What paganism is. How I was drawn to it. And also, It’s current role in my life these days.
What is Paganism?
Paganism is a spiritual belief system honoring Gaia mother earth, and any or all deities, elementals, and other spirits and beings associated with her. Most pagans strive to work with pre-christian beliefs and practices. Many specialize in the traditions of particular cultures, such as Druidry and Wicca associated with the Celts, and Kemetic associated with the ancient Egyptians. Some pagans are very traditionalist, and others can be quite eclectic (adopting practices from various traditions and/or religions).
How I Came To Practice It
Here’s the roundabout way I was drawn to paganism. Since I was about 9 years old, I’ve been interested in the paranormal, metaphysical, and the unexplained. I started dabbling with Tarot cards, dowsing, and other forms of divination when I was about 13. That’s when I also became quite enamored with Celtic music, and history of the Middle Ages. I remember yearning to connect with God, even though I hadn’t been raised to be religious. I explored Christianity for a few years. I put away my Tarot cards and metaphysical books. And then in college, I met some shiny happy pagans, and was drawn to delve into them again. My friends’ way of connecting with the spirits of all around them, really resonated with me. I loved that they valued intuition. Feeling, seeing, and moving energy. And honoring the divine masculine and feminine. I read about paganism for over a year, and participated in rituals with my dear friend. I had always connected with the priestess archetype, and the pagan journey was just what I needed. So that’s how I was drawn to paganism. In 2006, I performed my self initiation in my dorm room. It was a very serious ceremony for me, dedicating myself to the divine. At the time, I didn’t know which specific God or Goddess resonated with me, so I didn’t specify. I remember setting up my circle, and altar, and getting creative since I couldn’t use candles. I signified God and Goddess with my shampoo and conditioner bottles. Good times, good times. At the time, I was also curious about Hinduism, so I incorporated aspects of it into my pagan practice.
I would like to note, that I do respect Christianity and Christians. I do work with Angels, with Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, St. Christopher, St. Joseph, Jesus, and especially with St. Lucy. But I was also called to work with Divine beings recognized in other spiritual traditions as well. And just think, now I am working with Star Beings. I really didn’t see that coming all those years ago!
My Pagan Life
These days, I don’t really think of myself as a witch any more, but I am a shaman (shamans are considered pagans). As a shaman, I walk with one foot in the physical, one foot in the spiritual, doing my work in service to God/Goddess/Divine. I continue to learn and use information and practices from the Druids, Avalon, and other cultures and traditions. While my focus is mostly druidic shamanism, I think of myself as very eclectic. I work with a variety of deities, ascended masters, elementals, muses, spirit guides, and animal totems that are recognized by various pagan groups. Plus, I am learning about ancient connections to Star Beings, as I connect to them myself. I live in prayer, with candles, crystals, herbs, feathers and wands. Ethics are a really big thing for me, such as honoring others’ free will, and harming none. Paganism gifted me a lot of tools for energy clearing and spiritual protection that I still use and recommend to others. Paganism has taught me to consciously and intentionally work with the phases of the moon and seasons (rather than fight against them).
One of the most important things that I read way back when, that still has a strong bearing on my practice, was wisdom from Lakota medicine man Frank Fools Crow. He emphasized the importance of being a “hollow bone” for energy from spirit to come through. In order to be a hollow bone, one must heal oneself. It inspired me to consistently strive to do my self work. As I do my self work, I am able to better assist others. I have learned, spirituality isn’t so much about worshiping a higher power that is “somewhere out there” (though there is no harm in honoring it). It’s about seeing that divine spark within self and others. And spirituality (such as the pagan traditions and other faiths and belief systems) provides us with tools to help us to learn and feel this. Our souls choose to incarnate here to learn and experience so many things. Often they choose some pretty challenging opportunities for advancement, and our spiritual tools are there to help us heal and thrive, and level up. As we level up, we help others do so as well. Paganism has assisted me (and continues to guide me) through some amazing transformations, and deepened my knowledge and wisdom on how the universe works.
Southern MN Pagan Pride
Next weekend, I look forward to the opportunity to do my work, and to celebrate my pagan journey. The Southern MN Pagan Pride will be held at the McGowan Farm (outside of Mankato, MN), August 2-4. Please visit the facebook event for more information.
Or here for ticket information.
I will have a booth to provide intuitive readings, dream interpretation, and reiki.
Blessed be )O(
