Am I strange?

The Cauldron's server is expensive and requires monthly payments. Please become a Bronze, Silver or Gold Donor if you can. Donations are needed every month. Without member support, we can't afford the server.

Or donate directly via Paypal

This message board is The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's SMF Archive Board. It is closed to new memberships and to posting, but there are over 250,000 messages here that you can still search and read -- many full of interesting and useful information. (This board was open from February 2007 through June 2011).

Our new vBulletin discussion board is located at http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/ -- if you would like to participate in discussions like those you see here, please visit our new vBulletin message board, register an account and join in our discussions. We hope you will find the information in this message archive useful and will consider joining us on our new board.

[Davik]

It might sound strange but I first started looking into paganism because of dreams I had. Then I started to look into online articles and books. After that I found neo druid paganism the most interesting. I don't know where to start and I feel silly for looking into it, embarrassed maybe? Ummm...I don't care about telling mmy parents because they are always drunk but friends and my grandma might think its weird. Also my aunt and her husband are looking into adopting me and their moving away soon...their spiritual but it still seems weird of me to like what I like.

 

[LayedBack]

It might sound strange but I first started looking into paganism because of dreams I had. Then I started to look into online articles and books. After that I found neo druid paganism the most interesting. I don't know where to start and I feel silly for looking into it, embarrassed maybe? Ummm...I don't care about telling mmy parents because they are always drunk but friends and my grandma might think its weird. Also my aunt and her husband are looking into adopting me and their moving away soon...their spiritual but it still seems weird of me to like what I like.

 

No, of course you aren't strange! Us new pagans can have a hard time finding the right path. The only way to do this is to learn about every thing. They're many types of pagans, I'm sure many others will give you some good advice.

My suggestion is don't worry what others think about you. Follow what is in your heart. You will know when you are on the right path.

Good luck to you. 

[Star]

It might sound strange but I first started looking into paganism because of dreams I had. Then I started to look into online articles and books. After that I found neo druid paganism the most interesting. I don't know where to start and I feel silly for looking into it, embarrassed maybe?

Well, to answer your question in the thread subject--we're all a little strange in our own ways, I think.  (By "we", here, I mean "all human beings".)  In any case, I doubt you'll get many people here at a pagan forum telling you that you're strange because you're looking into a pagan religion.  

I think you might get better results from your questions if you could be a little more specific about what you're looking for or what you need help with.  For instance, you say you've looked into online articles and books, which sounds like a good starting place to me.  So I'm thinking maybe when you say you "don't know where to start", maybe you mean something different than I'm hearing when I read that.  What sort of resources do you feel like you need at this point?  Are you looking for more information, good books or sites, that kind of thing?  People to talk to and interact with offline?  Are there specific subjects you'd like to know more about?

Beyond that...  Nothing you've said here sounds out of the ordinary at all, really.  Is there anything specific about the process of investigating paganism that's making you feel silly and embarrassed?

[Davik]

Well, to answer your question in the thread subject--we're all a little strange in our own ways, I think.  (By "we", here, I mean "all human beings".)  In any case, I doubt you'll get many people here at a pagan forum telling you that you're strange because you're looking into a pagan religion.  

I think you might get better results from your questions if you could be a little more specific about what you're looking for or what you need help with.  For instance, you say you've looked into online articles and books, which sounds like a good starting place to me.  So I'm thinking maybe when you say you "don't know where to start", maybe you mean something different than I'm hearing when I read that.  What sort of resources do you feel like you need at this point?  Are you looking for more information, good books or sites, that kind of thing?  People to talk to and interact with offline?  Are there specific subjects you'd like to know more about?

Beyond that...  Nothing you've said here sounds out of the ordinary at all, really.  Is there anything specific about the process of investigating paganism that's making you feel silly and embarrassed?

Hmm..ok sorry for not being clear. Well, why it feels weird to me is partly because I never believed in anything before. My grandmas religious and she raised me mostly, had me baptized and been calling my home announgly lately to get me to go to this church. She got mad at me and called me selfish once for saying I don't believe in "god". I thought she was crazy for along time. But then I found paganism. I know their not the same but they both take faith.

Well, I read into druid pagan groups but there is none in my area and all the online groups for just that I found cost money and I can't pay. So I am just sort of alone starting off on this.

Is that still unclear?

[HeartShadow - Cutethulhu]

Hmm..ok sorry for not being clear. Well, why it feels weird to me is partly because I never believed in anything before. My grandmas religious and she raised me mostly, had me baptized and been calling my home announgly lately to get me to go to this church. She got mad at me and called me selfish once for saying I don't believe in "god". I thought she was crazy for along time. But then I found paganism. I know their not the same but they both take faith.

Well, I read into druid pagan groups but there is none in my area and all the online groups for just that I found cost money and I can't pay. So I am just sort of alone starting off on this.

Is that still unclear?

If I understand you .. faith jumped out of nowhere and grabbed you, and you're finding it weird and wondering if it's just you or if it really IS weird?

Faith does that sometimes.  It's weird, but it's not OMG what's wrong with you weird .. normal weird, I guess?  It happens that way sometimes.

Congradulations for finding the calling of your heart.  It's an amazing thing.

[Davik]

If I understand you .. faith jumped out of nowhere and grabbed you, and you're finding it weird and wondering if it's just you or if it really IS weird?

Faith does that sometimes.  It's weird, but it's not OMG what's wrong with you weird .. normal weird, I guess?  It happens that way sometimes.

Congradulations for finding the calling of your heart.  It's an amazing thing.

Yeah, thats sort of right. It came first from a recurring dream. Thanks for the support.

[Star]

Well, I read into druid pagan groups but there is none in my area and all the online groups for just that I found cost money and I can't pay. So I am just sort of alone starting off on this.

Well, and...  Looking at your profile I suspect you might run into some trouble with being considered too young to join a lot of groups anyway.  (Which, I know, feels really unfair.  But there it is.)  So my next question to you is, since a joining a group seems to be out of the question for now, why do you want to join a group?  Is this a need you could fill in some other way until you can join one, maybe?

For example, if you're looking for instruction--we do have people here who are involved in Druidry, and while I doubt most of them are up for being teachers (for you or anyone else), I would guess they might be willing to answer questions and discuss the subject with you.  Same goes if you're looking to just sort of talk to like-minded people.  If you have a question or something you'd like to discuss, start a thread and see what people say.  

If what you're looking for is a way to participate in religious ritual, I'm not sure what to suggest, as I'm not familiar enough with that particular sort of paganism to say whether it's something you could do alone or not.  If this is what you're looking for, perhaps you could start a thread on that subject and see if people have any suggestions.  

[Davik]

Well, and...  Looking at your profile I suspect you might run into some trouble with being considered too young to join a lot of groups anyway.  (Which, I know, feels really unfair.  But there it is.)  So my next question to you is, since a joining a group seems to be out of the question for now, why do you want to join a group?  Is this a need you could fill in some other way until you can join one, maybe?

For example, if you're looking for instruction--we do have people here who are involved in Druidry, and while I doubt most of them are up for being teachers (for you or anyone else), I would guess they might be willing to answer questions and discuss the subject with you.  Same goes if you're looking to just sort of talk to like-minded people.  If you have a question or something you'd like to discuss, start a thread and see what people say.  

If what you're looking for is a way to participate in religious ritual, I'm not sure what to suggest, as I'm not familiar enough with that particular sort of paganism to say whether it's something you could do alone or not.  If this is what you're looking for, perhaps you could start a thread on that subject and see if people have any suggestions.  

Well, I read about a group of neo druids that have ranks, and teach/learn many subjects. I thought that I'd like to try that out but like I said theres no option for that. I can ask questions on here though...I know.

Also its my birthday soon - in june.

[Caomi_Brannon]

Hey the Davik.

Neo-Druidism, hm. That's a might big bite to take at first. Druidism is one of the more difficult paths because it takes a lot of work. Druids were known to be scholars and people who were highly esteemed. I'm not saying its not right for you, and if it is, congrats, you have more follow through than I do.

My advice to you: Don't worry about what other people think of you. They may have your intentions at heart, but really, only you can decide what is write for you. If you stumble across a site that requires money for you to learn, steer clear from it. In fact, a lot of people won't take on students under the age of 18. It's just an ethical thing. I used to require a parental permission slip until people started faking too many of those and I got chewed out by parents often.  Oh, and read, read, read. I found Celtic Myth & Magic: Harnessing the Power of the gods and goddesses by edain mccoy to be very helpful. You might be able to get your hands on a copy from the library. But read up on Celtic myths and legends, and whatever you can find on Druidism. Your local branch of the library is totally your friend.

Good luck!

Well, I read about a group of neo druids that have ranks, and teach/learn many subjects. I thought that I'd like to try that out but like I said theres no option for that. I can ask questions on here though...I know.

Ehhh, I just get a "Oh dear gods" feeling from this. I advise staying away from ANYTHING like this. There are a lot of fluffy bunnies running around claiming to be Druids. I put part of the blame on Discovery Kids' Truth or Scare that compared all modern witches to ancient Druids. That channel has since been banned in my household. Be very careful who you learn from. Forums such as ours is a good way to learn because you can ask questions and get varying viewpoints on the topic, and not just the viewpoint of one specific group. Tread very carefully.

[Davik]

Hey the Davik.

Neo-Druidism, hm. That's a might big bite to take at first. Druidism is one of the more difficult paths because it takes a lot of work. Druids were known to be scholars and people who were highly esteemed. I'm not saying its not right for you, and if it is, congrats, you have more follow through than I do.

My advice to you: Don't worry about what other people think of you. They may have your intentions at heart, but really, only you can decide what is write for you. If you stumble across a site that requires money for you to learn, steer clear from it. In fact, a lot of people won't take on students under the age of 18. It's just an ethical thing. I used to require a parental permission slip until people started faking too many of those and I got chewed out by parents often.  Oh, and read, read, read. I found Celtic Myth & Magic: Harnessing the Power of the gods and goddesses by edain mccoy to be very helpful. You might be able to get your hands on a copy from the library. But read up on Celtic myths and legends, and whatever you can find on Druidism. Your local branch of the library is totally your friend.

Good luck!

Ehhh, I just get a "Oh dear gods" feeling from this. I advise staying away from ANYTHING like this. There are a lot of fluffy bunnies running around claiming to be Druids. I put part of the blame on Discovery Kids' Truth or Scare that compared all modern witches to ancient Druids. That channel has since been banned in my household. Be very careful who you learn from. Forums such as ours is a good way to learn because you can ask questions and get varying viewpoints on the topic, and not just the viewpoint of one specific group. Tread very carefully.

Maybe I will try the library..we have one in town but its kind of far away.

You think a group would be bad to learn from? Thanks for the warning, then. I just saw it and thought it would be a good way to get started. 

[Marilyn (ABSENTMINDED)]

You think a group would be bad to learn from?

Groups are not automatically bad.  You might have trouble finding one to accept you just now because of your age, but many groves have courses online for free, at least the beginner courses.

If by ranks you mean Bards, Ovates, and Druids, those are not hierarchical ranks so much as different branches of study.  I'm not sure of the exact differences, since druidry isn't my path, but there is a lot of structure out there if that is what you are looking for.

You won't be able to take their courses, but if you want an overview and a lot of discussions to read, you might check into the OBOD website.  There are others, too - I just can't call their names to mind at present.

Absent

[alleyesonazarath]

If you're crazy, then there is no hope for me... 

Druidism IS a high thing to live up to. I'm looking into a variation of that path, and it does require a lot of hard work. If you're willing to put yourself in it for the long haul (aka, measuring your progress by years, as opposed to weeks), then you already have the attitude you need to start it. Take slow steps, and you'll get there. The trick is to not burn out if you get half way there.

It seems you're in some interesting times in your life right now. If it's any help, my spiritual path has helped me come out of some pretty miserable and trying circumstances. I nearly lost everything when I started having flashbacks and ptsd like symptoms when I discovered I was sexually abused as a child. The tedious and complicated (and often confusing) spiritual path I was on drove me crazy at times, but it helped me get out of that part of my life and on my feet again.

I offer that as friendly advice for you to keep pursuing whatever spiritual path you get on, once you decide which path is best for you. Don't worry about all the answers appearing at once, they wont. But if you're on the right path, you'll know. 

[Aster Breo]

Davik,

As others have said, it's perfectly normal to be confused about spirituality, both because you're young and because you're just beginning on this path. The best thing to do is to keep reading and to keep asking questions on forums like this one until you have the ability to pursue your interests face-to-face.

I'd like to give you some concrete resources to check out:

1. This forum has loads of resources for you to read.  Look at the top of the screen and click on "Pagan Features".  In particular, I'd strongly recommend that you read our Teens and Paganism FAQ and the Pagan Primer.  While they don't focus exclusively on neoDruidism, they will give you a lot of good information about paganism in general, which is really important for you to understand, and they do talk a bit about Druidism. 

2.  There are some reputable neoDruidry organizations that have excellent websites.  Even if you can't actually join them now, you can use the resources they have online.  Here's a list of Druidry organizations, with some explanation about the different types.  I'm not sure if all of these organizations still exist, but it's a good place to start.

Also, be sure to check out these specific groups, which are well-known and (I believe) reasonably reputable:
Ár nDraíocht Féin
The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD)
Henge of Keltira

3. You might also check our (and other) resources on Celtic Reconstructionism (CR).  It's not the same as Druidry, but it is closely related and relies on many of the same sorts of historical and mythological sources that Druidry does.

In addition, TC (The Cauldron -- this forum) has a Special Interest Group (SIG) on Celtic Polytheism.  Again, not exactly the same thing as Druidry, but you'll learn a lot.  Check out the threads here.

Here are a couple of other excellent resources on CR:
CR FAQ -- includes a good section on Druidry
Imbas -- lots of good articles
Deioukara -- includes an FAQ and a newly reactivated forum where you can post questions

Finally, I have to disagree with Caomi and warn you away from anything written by Edain McCoy, who is notorious for very bad history.

I hope these links help you.

[Caomi_Brannon]

You think a group would be bad to learn from? Thanks for the warning, then. I just saw it and thought it would be a good way to get started. 

Groups are not inherently bad. It's just a general rule that if you have to pay to learn something, watch out. Most neo-Druids believe that knowledge is free. In most of the more structured organizations I've come across, its actually a moral violation to charge to teach someone parts of your faith. Just be careful, and fully research anything before you commit to it.

[Davik]

Davik,

As others have said, it's perfectly normal to be confused about spirituality, both because you're young and because you're just beginning on this path. The best thing to do is to keep reading and to keep asking questions on forums like this one until you have the ability to pursue your interests face-to-face.

I'd like to give you some concrete resources to check out:

1. This forum has loads of resources for you to read.  Look at the top of the screen and click on "Pagan Features".  In particular, I'd strongly recommend that you read our Teens and Paganism FAQ and the Pagan Primer.  While they don't focus exclusively on neoDruidism, they will give you a lot of good information about paganism in general, which is really important for you to understand, and they do talk a bit about Druidism. 

2.  There are some reputable neoDruidry organizations that have excellent websites.  Even if you can't actually join them now, you can use the resources they have online.  Here's a list of Druidry organizations, with some explanation about the different types.  I'm not sure if all of these organizations still exist, but it's a good place to start.

Also, be sure to check out these specific groups, which are well-known and (I believe) reasonably reputable:
Ár nDraíocht Féin
The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD)
Henge of Keltira

3. You might also check our (and other) resources on Celtic Reconstructionism (CR).  It's not the same as Druidry, but it is closely related and relies on many of the same sorts of historical and mythological sources that Druidry does.

In addition, TC (The Cauldron -- this forum) has a Special Interest Group (SIG) on Celtic Polytheism.  Again, not exactly the same thing as Druidry, but you'll learn a lot.  Check out the threads here.

Here are a couple of other excellent resources on CR:
CR FAQ -- includes a good section on Druidry
Imbas -- lots of good articles
Deioukara -- includes an FAQ and a newly reactivated forum where you can post questions

Finally, I have to disagree with Caomi and warn you away from anything written by Edain McCoy, who is notorious for very bad history.

I hope these links help you.

Thanks for all the pointers! I will read when I can focus.    I have to take breaks between reading stuff. You really helped a lot.

Thanks to everyone else too. I am not ready to choose really or dedicate myself to a certain way yet because its all too much to handle still but I'll do stuff slowly...

[Tags:]

Jump to: Please select a destination: ----------------------------- About The Cauldron ----------------------------- => Rules and Regulations => Cauldron Announcements ===> Volunteers Needed: Site Assistants and Projects => Introductions => Board Questions, Suggestions, and Feedback => Chat and CauldronMUX Support => Test Board ----------------------------- Religion and Philosophy ----------------------------- => Paganism For Beginners => Books and Other Resources => Pagan Religions => Pagan Spirituality => Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology => Worship and Ritual => Holidays and Festivals => History and Religion => Faith in Everyday Life => Philosophy and Metaphysics => Non-Pagan Religions and Interfaith Discussions => Miscellaneous Religious Discussions ----------------------------- Magic and the Occult ----------------------------- => Magic and the Occult for Beginners => Witchcraft, Hoodoo, and Folk Magic => The Western Magical Tradition => Chaos Magic => Lodges and Other Magic Organizations => Miscellaneous Magical Discussions ----------------------------- Special Interest Groups & Special Discussions ----------------------------- => Special Topic Discussions => Chavi Memorial Chronic Illness SIG => General SIGS ===> College Pagans SIG ===> Cooking SIG ===> Divination SIG ===> Home and Garden SIG ===> Pagan Parents SIG ===> Teen Pagans SIG => Religious SIGS ===> Asatru and Heathenry SIG ===> Cauldron Cill ===> FlameKeeping SIG ===> Hazel and Oak: A Celtic Polytheism SIG ===> Neo-Druidry SIG ===> Reformed Kemeticism SIG ===> Ta Hiera Hellenic Polytheism SIG => Book/Media Discussion Boards ===> Academic Book Discussions ===> Pagan Religion Book Discussions ===> Magick Book Discussions ===> Fiction Book Discussions ===> DVD/Video Discussions ----------------------------- Life, the Universe, and Everything Else ----------------------------- => Pagan Announcements => Prayer and Energy Requests => News and Politics ===> Religious News ===> Non-Religious News ===> Political Discussions => Social Discussion Boards ===> Art, Poetry and Writing ===> Books ===> Computers and the Internet ===> Crafts and Hobbies ===> Family Life ===> Gaming ===> Health and Medicine ===> Humor and Quizzes ===> Music, Television, and Film ===> Pets ===> Science and Technology ===> Sports and Recreation