What does the terms "Wiccan" and Pagan" mean to you?

[sillycritter]

Lately I have become aware that I share the same values as that of Wiccans and Pagans, though I currently do not belong to either completely.

I embrace Nature, celebrate the Earth's cycles, the sun and the moon (especially full moon) in my heart and soul, pray to the Gods by candlelight, and believe that sage is an active agent in protection from

Comments

Hiya!

[petalla]

Sorry to intrude on your journal, I was just looking through member entries on the community. I felt a little compelled to comment on what you are asking about. These are my opinions that come from my own experiences. I don't expect everyone to agree on my words, but they are my thoughts. :D

I have followed quite a few paths in my life, and I've studied many more. At one time I considered myself to be Wiccan (and worked with random groups, and was in a few "covens"). I've walked the paths of different Pagan beliefs (Celtic, Afro-Cuban, Lakota...) as well as a Deist path. My beliefs now are more along the lines of acceptance and respect. I believe that all creeds hold some truth, and you've got to find where your own truths lie. Am I Pagan now? Well, it's a good as any label, so sure why not?

Nature is at the heart of most religions and creeds, though some have moved away from that simple basis. Wicca was a religious form created by the Gardners, and was a movement that screamed "back to nature". It was a bit of a "mix and match" in creation. A little was taken from what is known of Celtic Paganism, a little was taken from Kabbalah--and the Golden Dawn interpretation of Kaballah, and some was taken from writings of the Mystery Schools, and a smattering of other Pagan paths, Gods and Goddesses, and beliefs . Today, Wicca has grown so much, and there are many different sects of Wiccans--so if this is your choice, there are many paths within to choose from.

Paganism? Well, Wicca is a Pagan path. There are so called "pure" Pagan paths today, though they seem to mostly be seasoned with the thoughts of Gardenarian Wicca. Mostly these paths are Neo-Pagan paths, because much of the true faiths do not have a lot of "canon" to follow. Though, there are some exceptions.

My suggestion? Follow what you feel is right for you, and accept that your chosen path may lead you elsewhere. Many of these paths are very beautiful, and you can always pick what you like from any of these beliefs, and hold that close to your heart. That is one of the most beautiful things about Neo-Paganism.

Good luck! And Bright Blessings :D

Re: Hiya!

[petalla]

I think we've all done that :D.
I think the post was something along the lines of a short list of Pagan paths that most likely have no flavor of Wicca in them. I think I mentioned Native American tribal creeds, and The Church of the Native American (which in some cases has Christian flavoring), Afro-Cuban Diaspora Beliefs (Santeria, Candomble, Vudon...), Buddhist...
I think I also apologized for repeating things that were said on the sites that you posted. I had taken a look at them while I was posting the second part of the post.

Re: Hiya!

[petalla]

I said "most likely" because I do know some Pagans that chose to follow paths that are inspired by these religions, but add their own spicing of Wicca.