The Once & Future Goddess, by Elinor W. Gadon http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
I just started reading this book and have already found a number of things to inspire me:
-Their followers (Hinduism & Buddhism) consider these paths as ways of life, embracing the whole, not a dimension of experience separate and apart from the ordinary. -speaking on the word religion
-All were responsible to each other and responsible for the ongoing rhythms of life, death, and rebirth-humankind, women equally with men, animal and plants, rocks and rivers, the planet earth and it's atmosphere. -in regards to religion prior to Western domination
-Our challenge as women and men in the late twentieth century is to open ourselves to other realities, to find other lenses through which to view human life, our relation to each other, and to the world around us.
These are things that have drawn me to study the pagan way of life.
Showing posts with label Week 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 1. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Short & Long Term Goals
*I want to become more in tune with nature.
*At this point I simply want to develop as a solitary practitioner, gaining experience from those I meet along the way. At a later time I will more than likely want to lead and teach as I am a teacher by profession.
*I wouldn't say that witchcraft conflicts with my other beliefs. I am a very open minded individual and believe that there are pieces of all cultures and religions that are worth studying and following. I tend to take what makes sense to me and add it to my belief system, rather than chose to follow one set of guidelines that others have mandated.
*I do not believe in the idea of a God/Goddess that is all powerful and as such something/someone that I should worship. Instead, I believe that all living things are connected and share there energy freely as needed. This is not to say that I don't believe in super natural entities that have knowledge far beyond our recognition. I do. It is simply that I respect and honor these individuals for the role they play in helping our civilization to advance and thrive.
*I don't believe in angels in the sense of biblical terms, but I do believe that there is some guiding power/force watching over us or working through us. I would definitely feel comfortable with nature essences and/or wise ancestors. I am intrigued by my family tree and often find myself caught up in researching my genealogy. I also believe that we ourselves hold the key to our own happiness and as such need to first look to ourselves for inspiration and strength.
*My gifts are wide and varied. I am a very creative individual and excel at almost everything I do. My biggest problem is that I tend to take on more that I have time for and end up abandoning projects for long periods of time. I will leave this question open to whatever craft calls to me along the way.
*At this time, I do not know if I can do anything to further the positive image of witchcraft. I am always working towards equality for all people by setting an example. Just found out that would me I am Egalitarian :)
*I am comfortable at the moment with the pagan friends I am connecting with via Facebook. I feel no need to join a cyber coven. Perhaps once I have established a routine, I would consider joining a forum.
*As I am a teacher, I would be happy to give a workshop on an area I have a strength in, once I feel I have something worth sharing.
*I would like to create a schedule that includes pagan study. This is an ongoing goal of mine.
*I do not believe that evil can be eradicated once and for all. I believe that it is a part of the necessary balance of life (Ying/Yang). Without the negative that evil produces, we would not be able to truly appreciate the positive and good that we enjoy. Life would simply be a set of endless routines.
*At this point I simply want to develop as a solitary practitioner, gaining experience from those I meet along the way. At a later time I will more than likely want to lead and teach as I am a teacher by profession.
*I wouldn't say that witchcraft conflicts with my other beliefs. I am a very open minded individual and believe that there are pieces of all cultures and religions that are worth studying and following. I tend to take what makes sense to me and add it to my belief system, rather than chose to follow one set of guidelines that others have mandated.
*I do not believe in the idea of a God/Goddess that is all powerful and as such something/someone that I should worship. Instead, I believe that all living things are connected and share there energy freely as needed. This is not to say that I don't believe in super natural entities that have knowledge far beyond our recognition. I do. It is simply that I respect and honor these individuals for the role they play in helping our civilization to advance and thrive.
*I don't believe in angels in the sense of biblical terms, but I do believe that there is some guiding power/force watching over us or working through us. I would definitely feel comfortable with nature essences and/or wise ancestors. I am intrigued by my family tree and often find myself caught up in researching my genealogy. I also believe that we ourselves hold the key to our own happiness and as such need to first look to ourselves for inspiration and strength.
*My gifts are wide and varied. I am a very creative individual and excel at almost everything I do. My biggest problem is that I tend to take on more that I have time for and end up abandoning projects for long periods of time. I will leave this question open to whatever craft calls to me along the way.
*At this time, I do not know if I can do anything to further the positive image of witchcraft. I am always working towards equality for all people by setting an example. Just found out that would me I am Egalitarian :)
*I am comfortable at the moment with the pagan friends I am connecting with via Facebook. I feel no need to join a cyber coven. Perhaps once I have established a routine, I would consider joining a forum.
*As I am a teacher, I would be happy to give a workshop on an area I have a strength in, once I feel I have something worth sharing.
*I would like to create a schedule that includes pagan study. This is an ongoing goal of mine.
*I do not believe that evil can be eradicated once and for all. I believe that it is a part of the necessary balance of life (Ying/Yang). Without the negative that evil produces, we would not be able to truly appreciate the positive and good that we enjoy. Life would simply be a set of endless routines.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Exploring the Wiccan Rede
Practical Assignment-Week 1
Exploring the Wiccan Rede
What matters to me?
Rule #1: If it harms no one, do what you will.
Ex. It is not our job to judge others, nor to try and make others do as we wish. Instead we should lead by example and try to effect peoples' actions in a positive way. The exception is when influencing and raising children. There should be a natural consequence to help them see how their actions affect others and to help them right any wrongs. When there is not a natural consequence or they are too young to participate, a time out or cooling off period should be implemented. This rule also applies to the natural world around us. The exception being any potentially harmful plant or creature that is within our living space. If possible, relocate the danger, but if this is not possible destruction of the danger is necessary to ensure safety.
Rule #2: What you send out returns threefold.
Ex. Having a background in Christianity, this would be the Golden Rule-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It also seems to encompass the idea of Karma. If you do good things, good things will come to you. You can not live your life worrying about what will happen to other people. Simply do good for yourself and others and have faith that those who chose to do otherwise will get what is coming. This is not to say that you should stand idly by, rather you should always seek to better your surroundings.
Rule #3: Enough for your needs and a little more.
Ex. referring again back to my background in Christianity, this reminds me of the idea of prayer. Why can't every ones' prayer be answered? Just because you want something, doesn't mean that it is something you need. In this sense, you should be striving to meet your needs and live comfortable. If you are concerned about your basic needs, you will not be about to work towards helping those around you. Once you are comfortable you can then work to help others do the same.
Rule #4: Keep the balance.
Ex. this is somewhat included in my explanation of rule number three. When ever you are able, you should always give back what you can. Sometimes it can be as simple as a smile or a hello. Other times it need be money or time and effort. If you expect to live comfortably, then you need to be continuing to help others reach this position as well. If we work together as a community and take care of each other, we can all live a comfortable life.
Exploring the Wiccan Rede
What matters to me?
Rule #1: If it harms no one, do what you will.
Ex. It is not our job to judge others, nor to try and make others do as we wish. Instead we should lead by example and try to effect peoples' actions in a positive way. The exception is when influencing and raising children. There should be a natural consequence to help them see how their actions affect others and to help them right any wrongs. When there is not a natural consequence or they are too young to participate, a time out or cooling off period should be implemented. This rule also applies to the natural world around us. The exception being any potentially harmful plant or creature that is within our living space. If possible, relocate the danger, but if this is not possible destruction of the danger is necessary to ensure safety.
Rule #2: What you send out returns threefold.
Ex. Having a background in Christianity, this would be the Golden Rule-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It also seems to encompass the idea of Karma. If you do good things, good things will come to you. You can not live your life worrying about what will happen to other people. Simply do good for yourself and others and have faith that those who chose to do otherwise will get what is coming. This is not to say that you should stand idly by, rather you should always seek to better your surroundings.
Rule #3: Enough for your needs and a little more.
Ex. referring again back to my background in Christianity, this reminds me of the idea of prayer. Why can't every ones' prayer be answered? Just because you want something, doesn't mean that it is something you need. In this sense, you should be striving to meet your needs and live comfortable. If you are concerned about your basic needs, you will not be about to work towards helping those around you. Once you are comfortable you can then work to help others do the same.
Rule #4: Keep the balance.
Ex. this is somewhat included in my explanation of rule number three. When ever you are able, you should always give back what you can. Sometimes it can be as simple as a smile or a hello. Other times it need be money or time and effort. If you expect to live comfortably, then you need to be continuing to help others reach this position as well. If we work together as a community and take care of each other, we can all live a comfortable life.
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