Who I am.....

[Anonymous]

Well, ahem.....Sometimes its hard to start

I guess I should tell ya'll that I am 30 years old and am just starting to read about Wicca/Paganism/Witchcraft,ect...... I did not get interested because of a TV show or a movie or because I want to do spells.

I was raised Christian and while I DO belive in one Being, I dont really know if its God, or Allah, or a Goddess. So I have been reading about different religions mainly out of curiosity. But I have always been fasinated with how foods or herbs work. In reference to healing, nutrition, ect..... I am not looking to find the one RIGHT religion. I just want to learn more about this one to see if I connect with it. In fact, I really dont like the term religion at all. (I was traumatized by my Baptist upbringing.... :wink: ) I think of it as more of a way to live.

Having said that, I have never met (that I know of) a Wiccan,  Pagan, or witch. I am still not entirely clear on what the difference is between being a witch, a wiccan, a pagan, a druid, ect. I am currently reading, Wicca.... A guide for the solitary practitioner by Scott Cunningham. I hope to read every book that I can get my hands on.

What I do find in myself is the belief that there is one higher being. Whether its God, or nature or whatever, I dont know. I just feel it. I also have a strong affinity with nature and all animals. I want to find out all I can about herbs and plants and nature and how it all works in the "spiritual" sense.  I also belive in the power of the mind.

So I dont know if Wicca is more suited to me or is witchcraft? Or Paganism?? Right now I am just interested in learning all I can:)

So here I am. Excuse any blunders or mistakes. Because of where I live (SOUTHERN U.S) there aren't many people around me that I can discuss this subject with. In fact, if I were to actually bring this topic up, I would probably be looked at with horror and be warned that my soul is in danger....hehe. So this is why I am posting here.

I hope to talk to some of you soon. Thanks!!!

[Lark]

Hi there,

I thought I would help you with some recommendations on books and websites that you may find helpful in learning more about your path. I would begin by reading through the posts on this board..you may find they answer some of your questions. Then check out the rest of Branwen?s site, particularly the Library, for other sound information.

My two favorite books for new people are "A Witch Alone" by Marian Green, and "21st Century Wicca" by Jennifer Hunter. The first will help you understand traditional Witchcraft better, and the second is a wonderful overview of Wicca. I also highly recommend "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler, "Voices from the Circle" by Prudence Jones and Caitlin Matthews, "The Elements of Ritual" by Deborah Lipp and "Practical Pagan" by Dana Eilers.

Some websites that are full of useful and accurate information include the ones below:

The Witches' Voice: http://www.witchvox.com

The Witches's Sabbats: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/7280/index.html

Wicca for the Rest of Us: http://wicca.timerift.net/

Enyo's Workshop:
http://www.wargoddess.net

Annwn's Cauldron: http://www.annwnscauldron.com/ (this site has a wonderful on-line course) You can find the first lessons on the message board at http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/nav/start.asp?webtag=annwn1

As you read and study, I'm sure you will find yourself full of lots of questions. And that's where this board comes in handy. There are lots of folks here with years of experience in many different paths who will be more than happy to help you with those questions as you find the path that will be uniquely yours. So welcome again, and we look forward to seeing lots more of you

-Lark-

PS - I'm in Tennessee. Being Wiccan in the South isn't as bad as you might think.

[Jennie]

Here are some sources for contact lists for pagan groups here in the South, if you are interested in finding people you can talk with face to face:

http://www.witchvox.com

http://www.conjure.com/COG/groups.html

As with anyone whose contact infomation you acquire over the internet,  use your best judgement about any of these groups, and make you first few meetings with them in public places until you are quite certain that they are the sort of people you feel you can trust. Anyone can call himself or herself a High Priest/ess and try to collect followers!

There are actually quite a few gatherings in the South, mostly in the spring and fall.

I'd say that there's a good chance that a lot of the people you've met over the years were pagans who had the same reservations you do about mentioning the subject.

Bright blessings,
Jennie

[Anonymous]

Well thank ya'll for the info:) I really appreciate it. I have looked on Witchvox for local people and there arent any in my immediate area but I am not really concerned with that at the moment. I am a loner by nature and am content to read on my own right now. But it would be interesting to be able to meet someone to discuss all of this once I get a better view of things.

Since I am low on funds and cannot buy all the books I want, I am going to check out the library to see if they have any of the books that were mentioned. I doubt it since this is a small town and the library isnt that great, but I am gonna try.

And thank you all again for the websites. I will be looking at those today. I look forward to talking with ya'll again soon!!!