That's the same attitude I take, in many respects, and is incredible to hear the sentiments I share so skilfully articulated.
I just started going to Nature Spirit (the earth-centered group on grounds) and have found myself to be disappointed and uncomfortable. As you said, I dislike participating in casting circles as much as I dislike participating in the Eucharist. I feel the same and when they "call the directions" at the inception of each meeting and send them on their way at the end, I am uncomfortable. I'm not wiccan. I don't call the corners. And, I feel, the elements are with me always. I don't have the authority to call them or send them away, nor would I want to.
And you spoke my sentiments again later, I am constantly aware of the give and take around me, of the flow and the way everything is interconnected, hence my ability to take in a walk in the woods as a spiritual salve. I never feel happier than when i'm hiking in the woods or laying on the grass and basking in the sun. I don't need rituals or to call the spirits or anything like that. I just let the wonder of the world sweep me into itself and fill me with comfort and joy.
After accepting my pagan heart, I thought, "How am I going to fit the world and my moral beliefs into this?" Having spent so much time as a Christian, trying to fit things together and make them work for me, I was incredibly uptight about that.
But now, I am a great deal more open and hold my beliefs and let others have theirs. I don't feel at all in conflict with anyone (unless they try to tell me that i'm wrong) and the moral and religious creeds of others don't bother me. My beliefs may not seem to fit so well into the modern world, but for me, it just calls for greater flexibility and an acceptance that wisdom and understanding will come with time. And sometimes, even time will not reveal everything.
Anyways, I just wanted to say that what you wrote really struck a resonant chord in me and I appreciated your words. :)
My sentiments exactly ;o)
I just started going to Nature Spirit (the earth-centered group on grounds) and have found myself to be disappointed and uncomfortable. As you said, I dislike participating in casting circles as much as I dislike participating in the Eucharist. I feel the same and when they "call the directions" at the inception of each meeting and send them on their way at the end, I am uncomfortable. I'm not wiccan. I don't call the corners. And, I feel, the elements are with me always. I don't have the authority to call them or send them away, nor would I want to.
And you spoke my sentiments again later, I am constantly aware of the give and take around me, of the flow and the way everything is interconnected, hence my ability to take in a walk in the woods as a spiritual salve. I never feel happier than when i'm hiking in the woods or laying on the grass and basking in the sun. I don't need rituals or to call the spirits or anything like that. I just let the wonder of the world sweep me into itself and fill me with comfort and joy.
After accepting my pagan heart, I thought, "How am I going to fit the world and my moral beliefs into this?" Having spent so much time as a Christian, trying to fit things together and make them work for me, I was incredibly uptight about that.
But now, I am a great deal more open and hold my beliefs and let others have theirs. I don't feel at all in conflict with anyone (unless they try to tell me that i'm wrong) and the moral and religious creeds of others don't bother me. My beliefs may not seem to fit so well into the modern world, but for me, it just calls for greater flexibility and an acceptance that wisdom and understanding will come with time. And sometimes, even time will not reveal everything.
Anyways, I just wanted to say that what you wrote really struck a resonant chord in me and I appreciated your words. :)