Day 1 of the Pagan and Witchy Challenge: What’s your Witchy Background?
Some of you have already read about my background on this blog, but here’s a quick recap:
I was raised as a fundamentalist Southern Baptist. My whole world was ruled by black and white thinking controlled by a terrible and harsh ruler in the sky. We moved around a lot, but my mother and her husband always found the most restrictive environment that was possible. Every aspect of my life was ruled by control and fear. Any questioning or attempt at having one’s own opinion was quickly overruled and beaten down (literally). There is little wonder that I questioned and then completely abandoned this way of life.
I went on a spiritual quest that lasted well over a decade. I’ve read most of the major texts from the major religions out there, and some of the minor ones. I realized that all of the stories repeat themselves, and no religion stands on its own. They all basically boil down to the few same principles with a few main stories told with different names for the characters. I also realized that I’ve missed a lot of things in my life. In fact, we all have. I continuously strive to get back to nature and to feel more comfortable on this Earth.
So for now I guess you could call me a Pagan. I tried Wicca a few years ago for over a year-and-a-day, and while it’s the path that I resonate with the most, I don’t know that I necessarily think of myself as Wiccan. The major reason is that I don’t feel the need to cast circles and call corners. But then, if you’ve read some of Scott Cunningham’s work, he said that those things aren’t really necessary. If you feel more comfortable and powerful with the ritual, that’s fine. I just tend to feel that we can use energy all the time.
I stick mostly with candle magic these days. It’s something I started spontaneously doing when I was about 12 years old, and it’s the thing that has always been natural for me. That and Tarot cards. Those have been the only things consistent throughout my life.
It’s been a long journey, and I’ve struggled with it a lot. But these days I’m pretty comfortable where I’m at. I still refer to the Wheel of the Year with the Christian names just because it’s easier in general. Maybe I’ll change that. Who’s up for Samhain?
So that’s my story. What’s yours?
Comments
7 responses to “Witchy Background”
I was raised Lutheran, even attending parochial school for 9 years. My mom was open-minded about the psychic world and so was my late grandma. I don’t practice my religion any more, but I suppose in our household now, we’re a bit of everything that is positive. Hubby and I love Eastern traditions, as well as Native American teachings, mixed with modern spiritual concepts. We don’t consider ourselves Pagan or Wiccan, but we love to honor the change of the seasons and honor Mother Nature. We’re very earthy that way. Halloween is our favorite holiday, even more than Christmas–heehee! So, I suppose we’re suburban pagans that like to dabble in a bit of everything. I suppose if I had to choose a religion, I’d pick Hinduism, since the deities really appeal to me…heehee!
P.S. I cook with magical intention, so perhaps, I’m a bit of a kitchen witch or green witch. Friends always call me about what herbs to take or which essential oils to use, etc. I can do this now, without worries of being burned at the stake in this life…ahh, what a relief! 🙂
That sounds like me a lot, Lisa. A little of this, a little of that. I’m just choosing a label now because it seems a little easier to communicate with people about how I feel. But I still don’t know about the label thing.
For much less reason than yours, I guess I’ve kinda been on the same journey without quite reaching the same end. I love candles but don’t know candle magic. I love and value nature as if it were the embodiment of the green man himself or Gia or Mother Nature. In fact I’ve writing a book that embodies much of this though in a totally fictional format. Think D&D
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I have considered myself Pagan for about 5 years now but it’s been a slow learning curve for me since I don’t really have anyone close to learn from and most of what I know comes from books, podcasts and blogs. : ) Right now I’m trying to learn for myself while finding ways to involving my almost three year old daughter as well because I want to make sure she has a choice in the matter instead of having a religious or a spiritual path plopped down in front of her like it was for me. ; )
Really glad I found your blog through the blog challenge and I look forward to reading more from you! : )
Thanks, Sara! I don’t know if you know, but Unitarian Universalist Congregations have CUUPS (for Pagans) as well as creative curriculum for children that explores many major religions as well as philosophies such as humanism. Maybe when your daughter is older you might consider letting her learn about everything and making up her own mind? I love the UU church and went there for about 14 years. They have tons of great info for Pagans. Either way, Best Wishes on your journey! I can’t wait to read your blog! 🙂
Amethyst, your question really got me thinking. I don’t subscribe to any particular religion anymore although I was raised Anglican. I do think there is a big difference between being spiritual and religious. I find myself still on my own journey to explore where my connections ultimately lie, although I find I connect most with those concepts that worth with nature rather than above it.
I too have never heard of candle magic. I hope you write more about that in your posts…you’ve made me curious.
Keep well
Thanks, Bonnie. Have fun on your journey. I’ll try to remember to throw in some more candle magic here and there.