Clarifying My Beliefs
1) What Traditions/Beliefs influenced your path and your life?
I am often at a bit of a loss at to which spiritual traditions to base my practice around, and this often leaves me confused at sabbats, etc. I think I would like to try what I once read as a suggestion to ‘newbies’, and that was to study the traditions and beliefs of your own heritage and land. I live in the British Isles, England to be more specific. I am sure there are Gods and Goddesses of England, Herne the Hunter springing immediately to mind. Though I am sure there are more. I would like to learn more about which Gods and Goddesses were worshipped on my land years ago, and what their traditions were, and what their beliefs were, as to spirits of the land, landwights, Undines, Water Spirits, etc. As you are likely to identify with them most easily, and maybe learn about the deities and beliefs of another land when visiting that. E.g Native American Beliefs when you visit America. So that would probably be a good place to start. English Mythology and Folklore.
2) Do you use magic and spells in your practice/path?
I have used very little magic/spells in my practice so far, though I have spent much time pouring over spell books and magical meanings of items and colours, and best times to cast certain spells depending on the moon phases and intent of the spells. I’ve also learnt that it’s important to take action in the mundane world to help bring your spell into fruition, not just rely on your intent alone.
Spellwork is something that I would like to incorporate into my path, but I would want to make sure I would be doing the spell for the right reasons, and that it wouldn’t be something that I could easily take care of in the mundane world alone.
3) How do you Connect to Your Inner Goddess?
I have read that the divine exists in all things, plants, stones, nature, all animals and humans. There is some of both goddess and god inside us all. So to connect with your inner goddess is to connect with something that lies within us. I find it a comfort to know that the Goddess is within us, hence always with us, and whenever we need courage or strength to help us get through something, when we ask the goddess to help us with this, all we need do is look within us, and we shall find what we need there. I have found that very comforting in times of need. What you seek is there all along.
4) Lastly, what is your favourite time of year/Sabbat? How do you celebrate?
I have not been very successful in celebrating the sabbats so far, always struggling to understand at what stage the God and Goddess are at in their journey through the year, as I have read conflicting information, only to later realise that I am delving into different paths, and they each are slightly different. The best advice I have had is to focus on the time of year and what is happening in nature, that will give you the best cue of what to do. I read someone’s interpretation of Imbolc is that it is Springtime, a time to wash away the cobwebs and get ready for the warmer brighter season to come. (Hence the time of the God), a perfect time to clear out the clutter and have a good spring clean of your life. This can be in a physical sense (as I have done), or a mental or spiritual sense. Another example is the summer solstice, a time for going out in the sun, enjoying yourself and having fun. The best way to celebrate the Horned God. I love the summer sun, and shining through my window this afternoon it reminds me of the summer and makes me feel good. This may be simple ways of thinking of the sabbats, but it helps me to get the general feel for them, and helps me to acknowledge them as I learn more about the goddess and god.