Feeling a little less witchy

[Arion]

I haven't been as passionate about Witchcraft as I have always been. I'm starting to get tired of all the talk of magic, spell work, energy, visualization and such, and I feel that all I really want is to worship the gods. I feel like I'm going in a more reconstructionist direction because I want to worship the Gods in a more traditional way and stray away from the typical Witchcraft God-forms. I've never really been a fan of triple gods/goddess based on age (youth-adult-elder). I don't see what the maturity of a god has to do with his or her characteristics. A maiden goddess might have certain similarities with a crone goddess or a mother goddess, it doesn't really matter what their maturity level is, does it? I feel like I'm becoming a harder polytheist, recognizing lots different gods instead of archetypes that represent stages in human life.

It's really confusing, because I've been studying Feri, and I love it and relate to it well, but I just don't know about all the meditations and exercizes, and if they actually make any difference. I'm starting to think spiritual work is a bunch of crap and that worshiping our gods is the only thing that really matters and makes a difference in our lives. Casting circles, calling quarters, honouring the elements, casting spells... it all just seems imaginary. Devotion to gods is the only thing that seems real.

[MysticWitch]

Its ok. I dont think its bad. :wave:

[OrionNeb87]

I definitely know where you're coming from. I felt the same way when I was Wiccan and felt better suited to a more reconstructionist path. :hugz:

[Crysiira]

I don't know, I'm feeling at the opposite end of that spectrum at the moment, feeling more into it than ever. Yet at the same time, I'm branching out into different things I haven't studied before and considering new ideas. I'm in a very very scholarly period right now, and I almost don't even know what to do with all the information coming in. So I can relate to your confusion, if nothing else....

[Semjaza]

I haven't been as passionate about Witchcraft as I have always been. I'm starting to get tired of all the talk of magic, spell work, energy, visualization and such, and I feel that all I really want is to worship the gods. I feel like I'm going in a more reconstructionist direction because I want to worship the Gods in a more traditional way and stray away from the typical Witchcraft God-forms.

I think you're pretty close to the state I'm in at the moment. I'm in 'study mode,' mostly reading history texts, rather than doing anything stereotypically 'witchy.' That and developing a relationship with my gods. No magic, spellwork, visualization, etc, just deep trance and devotion :) And trying to find out how the gods were worshipped historically.



It's really confusing, because I've been studying Feri, and I love it and relate to it well, but I just don't know about all the meditations and exercizes, and if they actually make any difference. I'm starting to think spiritual work is a bunch of crap and that worshiping our gods is the only thing that really matters and makes a difference in our lives. Casting circles, calling quarters, honouring the elements, casting spells... it all just seems imaginary. Devotion to gods is the only thing that seems real.

Not sure what you mean here... I would think devotion to the gods would be spiritual work, and the other things you list (circles, spells) would be magical work... But perhaps I'm being nit-picky :) I don't think all ritual and magic is meaningless, but then again I rarely perform ritual, and then only in honour of my gods or in order to reach them...

I'll stop here 'cause my brain has failed me (happens often, or perhaps I'm failing it...)

Cheers,

Semjaza
FFFF

[Arion]

Yeah, the confusion part is no fun at all.

Not sure what you mean here... I would think devotion to the gods would be spiritual work, and the other things you list (circles, spells) would be magical work... But perhaps I'm being nit-picky I don't think all ritual and magic is meaningless, but then again I rarely perform ritual, and then only in honour of my gods or in order to reach them...
You're probably right, I never know what labels go with what. I was thinking that devotion to the gods would be religious work, but maybe it's the same thing. I'm just bored of the magical aspects, and I'm not sure I really believe in them. Maybe it's just a phase and I'll go back to my witchy self after a while. I'm going to keep up with the exercizes I've been doing, but at the same time look into ancient Greek religious practices, and time will tell what I decide to do.

[jcldragon]

The Occult side of The Path brings you insight into how the Universe operates. The Devotional side of the Path shows you why. I think we need both.

[Novembers River]

There's nothing wrong with feeling this way.

I've never been a witch and have never regularly practiced witchcraft. My path is solely based on Goddess and honoring Her. I view all of the various Goddesses as aspects of the One Mother Goddess, which is who I worship and honor. I find that the various aspect Goddesses are important in others' paths and I can see how They are important in witchcraft, but because my personal path does not involve that I have had no need to incorporate specific Goddesses into my path.

If you're interested in taking a step back and simply getting to know your deity, I think that's great and you should go for it. Recon definitely sounds interesting.

Remember, down the road you can always turn back to witchcraft if ever you feel those energies tugging at your sleeve. I know at times even I am intrigued by the craft. One day I may give it a try myself.

[Sage Rainsong]

Hey many people feel the way that you do. Its perfectly fine. Maybe you should just pick a God/dess and build an altar to them. Just see what happens and let them lead you. Of course you need to do your research to see what they like a book called, A Book of Pagan Prayer by Ceisiwr Serith. It has really helped me with my connection to other beings. By the way you can PM me any time.

[CelticMoon11]

I can understand what you mean and sometimes get those thoughts as well. It's the relationship you wish to build that's important if they don't demand more than your devotion in means other than circle work then what's the problem? You could just be evolving along your spiritual path to where you want to be and where they want you to be. There are many different ways to worship those upstairs just talk and work with them no one elses beliefs or thoughts matter :)

[Harmony Aurore]

I haven't been as passionate about Witchcraft as I have always been. I'm starting to get tired of all the talk of magic, spell work, energy, visualization and such, and I feel that all I really want is to worship the gods. I feel like I'm going in a more reconstructionist direction because I want to worship the Gods in a more traditional way and stray away from the typical Witchcraft God-forms. I've never really been a fan of triple gods/goddess based on age (youth-adult-elder). I don't see what the maturity of a god has to do with his or her characteristics. A maiden goddess might have certain similarities with a crone goddess or a mother goddess, it doesn't really matter what their maturity level is, does it? I feel like I'm becoming a herder polytheist, recognizing lots different gods instead of archetypes that represent stages in human life.

It's really confusing, because I've been studying Feri, and I love it and relate to it well, but I just don't know about all the meditations and exercizes, and if they actually make any difference. I'm starting to think spiritual work is a bunch of crap and that worshiping our gods is the only thing that really matters and makes a difference in our lives. Casting circles, calling quarters, honouring the elements, casting spells... it all just seems imaginary. Devotion to gods is the only thing that seems real.


i agree with you 100%, that's exactly how I feel.

[~Elise~]

Keep in mind--also--you've been doing some very strong work in the exercises. When you are about to make a breakthrough in something--it can be scary to change. So, we find a way to not make that breakthrough and discount the work we've done.

Make sure that that is not the case with you.

Elise

[Arion]

Keep in mind--also--you've been doing some very strong work in the exercises. When you are about to make a breakthrough in something--it can be scary to change. So, we find a way to not make that breakthrough and discount the work we've done.

Make sure that that is not the case with you.

Elise
I never thought of that, but you make a good point. I fully intend to keep up with my Feri work though, because that is where my heart really lies I think. My interest in the Greek religious system might be more of a hobby than a spiritual choice, even though I work with the Gods of ancient Greece as well as acknowledging the Feri Gods.

Feri teachings have given me a whole new wonderful perspective on life, and I don't intend to give it up. It's just hard though, not having a teacher in all this to help me integrate the parts of Greek religion that I like into my Feri practices. I'm just extremely confused... as usual, lol.

I'm probably just bored of the magical aspects because they don't really mean a lot to me personally, but just because I'm not big on the whole magical ritual, doesn't mean I should give up a whole system. At least, I don't think so.

[jcldragon]

Feri teachings have given me a whole new wonderful perspective on life, and I don't intend to give it up. It's just hard though, not having a teacher in all this to help me integrate the parts of Greek religion that I like into my Feri practices. I'm just extremely confused... as usual, lol.

Of course, you have a Teacher in this... perhaps the best Teacher, other than the Universe itself. The Soul always Guides us to the things we need to learn, and returns us to things we've studied before, in order to pick up where we left off. Nothing is ever wasted or lost. The Soul resides in Eternity, and while the Ego is mortal, each of us holds a Divine Treasure within.

Devotional Practices show us the Universe outside of our mortal Egos. That is quite Liberating, because we are all much more than we generally imagine. Occult Practices open up the channels of Divine energies, so that the Universe can work through us. This is why we need both sides of the Equation. One shows us the what of the Universe, and the other shows us how. Taken together, Contemplation & Implementation lead to Realization.

[Arion]

Of course, you have a Teacher in this... perhaps the best Teacher, other than the Universe itself. The Soul always Guides us to the things we need to learn, and returns us to things we've studied before, in order to pick up where we left off. Nothing is ever wasted or lost. The Soul resides in Eternity, and while the Ego is mortal, each of us holds a Divine Treasure within.

Devotional Practices show us the Universe outside of our mortal Egos. That is quite Liberating, because we are all much more than we generally imagine. Occult Practices open up the channels of Divine energies, so that the Universe can work through us. This is why we need both sides of the Equation. One shows us the what of the Universe, and the other shows us how. Taken together, Contemplation & Implementation lead to Realization.
Very true jcldragon. I guess I should just stop worrying about what label I fit under and let the Universe take me where it will.

Actually, I'm feeling a bit differently now. I realized again what a deep sense of spirituality Feri has, and lately I've been needing that spiritual outlet. I still don't know about spells and magical stuff like that, but the Witchcraft path is worth it because of the spiritual aspects of it, especially Feri. For me anyway. I was reading through some of the exercizes and I remembered the progress I've made because of them. Sometimes I forget these things.

It was Greek reconstructionism I was looking into, and it looks like a beautiful practice, but it doesn't really suit me ethically. Especially since some of the cardinal virtues are exactly the same as what we studied in my Catholic theology class last year in school (Prudence, Temperence, Fortitude, and Justice), not to mention trying to achieve "the good." Exactly like Catholicism, ick. That comes from Stoicism, I believe, so its not originally Catholic (... then again, what is? :p)

i still lean more towards Greek gods than the traditional god and goddess trinities, but that's not a big deal i don't think.

[jcldragon]

Life is the message that the Divine uses to speak to us, and it is always tailored for us as individuals. Each enters into Enlightenment in a unique way. Always seek to eliminate the artificial boundaries created by the Mind, then you will hear better. In the East they say that the Truth is a Jewel with an infinite number of facets, and there is always a new one turned towards the Light. Thus, the Truth is One, and each of us is seeing a different part of it.

Begin where you are. Go with what you've got, and proceed onwards. Realize the Truth within, and make it manefest in the world around you. Be Kind. Hold onto Compassion. Have Faith that you can figure things out, because that Faith will make it possible. Realize that you don't know everything. Accept the mistakes you make, and learn from them. Those hard Lessons are Blessings in disquise. They only come when there is no other way for us to learn. Insight is the way to learn from mistakes before you make them, so heed your Intuition when it speaks to you. That will open the Channel for the greatest Wisdom.

[Arion]

Wow jcldragon, you're deep tonight :p Good advice :)

[Rosana]

Having been in the same boat lately, I think that the most important truth ever said or written is: be yourself - it's the only real thing in spirituality. Glad you found your path.

[moonthatsheloves]

I think it's okay to do what feels right to you. I studied the more formal Wicca a long time ago. I am glad I did, but it was not "my path." I no longer call the quarters or cast "formal" circles. It is not the only way, that's for sure. It's nice to do what feels right to you. And it's okay if that changes from time to time. Maybe you are feeling content in your life right now and not needing to do spellwork and study magic. You are wanting a spiritual connection and that's it. That sounds great to me. :)

[Arion]

I think it's okay to do what feels right to you. I studied the more formal Wicca a long time ago. I am glad I did, but it was not "my path." I no longer call the quarters or cast "formal" circles. It is not the only way, that's for sure. It's nice to do what feels right to you. And it's okay if that changes from time to time. Maybe you are feeling content in your life right now and not needing to do spellwork and study magic. You are wanting a spiritual connection and that's it. That sounds great to me. :)
Thanks :)

The eclecticism of Witchcraft bothers me -- choosing a God from this culture, and another God from another culture, and so on, mixing and matching until you lose the context of the God/dess in his/her original pantheon. I'd prefer to work with one group of deities, and not try to keep up with the new roles of certain deities in a neo-Pagan context.

Another thing that I don't understand is "energy." What the heck is "energy" in a spiritual sense? I suck at casting circles and the whole projecting energy and visualization thing. I guess because I don't really believe in that type of energy. I don't like having an imaginary sphere that is supposed to be a barrier for my ritual, i can never tell where it would be, and I constantly worry I've stepped over it and disipated it. I stress out about whether or not I've actually raised "energy" and if I'm directing it properly. I have no idea what I'm doing.

[Lovehound]

Thanks :)

The eclecticism of Witchcraft bothers me -- choosing a God from this culture, and another God from another culture, and so on, mixing and matching until you lose the context of the God/dess in his/her original pantheon. I'd prefer to work with one group of deities, and not try to keep up with the new roles of certain deities in a neo-Pagan context.

Another thing that I don't understand is "energy." What the heck is "energy" in a spiritual sense? I suck at casting circles and the whole projecting energy and visualization thing. I guess because I don't really believe in that type of energy. I don't like having an imaginary sphere that is supposed to be a barrier for my ritual, i can never tell where it would be, and I constantly worry I've stepped over it and disipated it. I stress out about whether or not I've actually raised "energy" and if I'm directing it properly. I have no idea what I'm doing.

I don't have the words to describe the energy thing, unfortunately. But with regards to casting circles - you don't have to do that.

I've done a lot of blots as an Asatruar, and we don't cast circles. We do a "hallowing" which simply is like marking your territory in the name of the Gods, but it's not the same thing at all as a circle casting. It's not a protective field. All the earth is holy already, so doing a hallowing just draws the attention of the Divine to what you're doing right there, right then.

So don't worry about circle casting.

It's not even necessary, really. Esp. not if you have real faith in the Gods.

I'll really have to think about the energy thing. I hate to think of you hanging out there with no information, feeling lost.

[Lovehound]

I'm such a flake; I forgot to address this:

"It's really confusing, because I've been studying Feri, and I love it and relate to it well, but I just don't know about all the meditations and exercizes, and if they actually make any difference. I'm starting to think spiritual work is a bunch of crap and that worshiping our gods is the only thing that really matters and makes a difference in our lives. Casting circles, calling quarters, honouring the elements, casting spells... it all just seems imaginary. Devotion to gods is the only thing that seems real."

To some degree I say you are correct. It is the only thing that is real.

I think you should REALLY look up Fowler's Stages of Faith Development. Here's a little information to go on:

http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/html/fowler.htm

You might recognize yourself and some of your peers on that scale he devised. People really seem to go through this when they are really alive and open to change and personal transformation.

But I'd say that it's not that spiritual work is a bunch of crap. Bear in mind that the word "spiritual" means "things that inspire." That's never crap. It comes from a Latin word "spiritus" that means "breath" and think of this:

AIR is the single most essential element to life. Three minutes without air and a human being is brain-dead. Oxygen is vitally necessary.

FIRE is the next element that is most essential to continuation of life; I don't remember how many minutes it takes in a situation of extreme cold for hypothermia to set in and endanger life, but it's almost as quick as suffocation.

I think WATER is the next element that we need most essentially to continue life - you know, dehydration?

And then comes EARTH - food. Think of how long Mohandas Gandhi fasted but did not die. He went for weeks without food (because he knew the proper way to fast) and survived.

So "spirit" or "breath of life" is not crap at all - life depends on it. Be aware of how these words are defined; it makes all the difference in the world.

But going through a period of iconoclasm (that is, ditching the symbolic outer manifestations such as calling quarters, etc) is not unusual. Sometimes people do come around to a much deeper understanding and appreciation of these things for having gone on hiatus from it and not done these things for a while. If it happens, great. If not, what have you learned from it that you can teach other people?

As far as meditations and metaphysical exercises go - I've never been good at that either. Most of it, I believe, is metaphorical anyway. I wouldn't stress over it. Not worth it. Don't waste your time and energy.

Hrm. There's something of an answer to the energy thing, right there. Energy involves focus - the focus of one's attention or consciousness or awareness. That may need some mental chewing on.....interesting....

[OnyxStar]

Casting circles, meditation, worshipping gods... its all the same. It's all energy, no matter how symbolic it is.
Sometimes I feel pressured to be reading tarot, meditating, and running around naked (lol), like if you don't do something magickal everyday, you're being lazy and a hypocrit. So now i have a policy: if I'm deeply upset, or feel teh need to connect to Spirit, I'll do whatever I feel like, regardless of the moon phase. I'm sure someday I'll want to practice on esbats, but right now my schedule is just too random and stressful.

[aluokaloo]

hey theres nothing wrong with that after all the craft isn't just about spell casting, sometimes that path can be about simply enjoying the beauty of a sunset, or the magic of a peaceful river setting, or giving thanks to your Gods each day. I worship my Gods alot more then I do spells and magick work. Both are important

[Arion]

:bumpsmili
bumpity bump.

I'm pretty much feeling exactly the same as I was when I started this thread months ago, so I thought I'd resurrect it.

[Carla O'Harris]

I'm into having a direct, unmediated, mystical relationship to the planet and to the untapped potential and intelligence within us all, and I think sometimes that all the many "gods" are just so much D&D-like distraction to keep us from having such an unmediated relationship. Some people say the problem with monotheism is that there is only one god ; maybe the problem is that there is one god too many! Devotion to "the gods" -- if the gods are serving this planet and serving the potential that can be -- makes some sense to me, so long as one is not looking at the finger that is pointing at the moon.

[Silver Crow2]

If magic is all about tapping into the power of your subconcisous (or unconcious) mind to bring about the results desired by your concious mind.......

Then you need the amount of ritual, the number/gender/type of dieties, the little tools, visualizations, sea salt/rock salt/Morton's table salt/ cheesewiz necessary to open up and accomplish that.

For me, I knew I had a successful ritual, if the top of my head (7th chakra) and third eye area (6th chakra) were throbbing at the end. Didin't always happen.

I went back to some childhood experiences, met a few people on a shamanic path, and now...I just journey. Better and more reliable (FOR ME), and it is often more of a LEARNING experience for me (in other words, it isn't just about my intent for me). Very little ritual involved....but still some.

Point is, what is the important, what is RIGHT, is what unleashes YOUR alpha brain wave power.

I hope that makes sense.

[Silver Crow2]

Keep in mind--also--you've been doing some very strong work in the exercises. When you are about to make a breakthrough in something--it can be scary to change. So, we find a way to not make that breakthrough and discount the work we've done.

Make sure that that is not the case with you.

Elise

This is very profound - I think every professional counselor out there would say this is where people drop out of counseling.

This is where people drop out of "religion", "spirituality", and probably the gym as well.

[WiccanGoddess]

I think every professional counselor out there would say this is where people drop out of counseling

Every, now? Now, that's quite generalized. Perhaps it would be better in saying 'most' or the 'majority'.

[Windsmith]

It's really confusing, because I've been studying Feri, and I love it and relate to it well, but I just don't know about all the meditations and exercizes, and if they actually make any difference. I'm starting to think spiritual work is a bunch of crap and that worshiping our gods is the only thing that really matters and makes a difference in our lives. Casting circles, calling quarters, honouring the elements, casting spells... it all just seems imaginary. Devotion to gods is the only thing that seems real.Whether the meditations and exercises are "a bunch of crap" depends on what you think their intended outcome is. Now, maybe in Feri they're taken more literally than in Reclaiming, but I've long felt that the purpose of the exercises and suchwhat is to open us up more, to bring more creativity and attention to whatever our practice is. Just like you work on scales and arpeggios when you study music, you work on meditations and exercises when you study Feri. For you, the sole purpose of the spiritual work may be to teach you how your devotion best serves your gods. And I would call that one amazing purpose!

[sylvrena]

i can understand where you are coming from.. i have been on the pagan path for over 7 years now.. over a year and a half ago, ileft the coven i was in.. because i didnt connect to it anymore, it all felt like a show people were putting on rather than a spiritual connection.. then i just didnt do any magic...

then i ended a bad relationship.. met a man online.. moved to hawaii , got married and started my life over.. big changes... at first i tried to bring him into my path.. we found a group that was very eclectic.. too eclectic.. one extreme to another, the energy didnt flow.. so we left it,, and havent practiced since last samhain..

well yesterday we went down to the beach and i asked him if he wanted to rededicate himself to the god and goddess and we did a simple little ceremony on the beach.. we arent going to do any formal rituals and castings.. we are just going to honor nature more.. honor ourselves and the God and Goddess in simple ways..

we lit a little fir pine wand my friend gave to me, annointed ourselves with peppermint oil for a renewed spirit and beginning and blessed each other with the water from the ocean.. we sat their a did some deep breathing and then gave an offering to the sea and said our gratitudes.. then we went home and well had some amazing sex haha.. i know TMI...but i felt more connected to the goddess and god in those few hours then i did all year

i think its all about honoring the way that is most natural to you! we dont need the trappings.. but i love oils and incense.. the water is from the sea, it was all a way to bring the elements into our lives naturally.. we didnt cast a circle or anything fancy.. there were other people on the beach in the distance.. but we felt safe and it was so simple we didnt bring attention to ourselves

that was better than calling quaters, dressing up in robes, raising an energy cone and all that hooplah..

it was just connecting to the earth and thats all we need. is to keep it simple or do what works for you..not what others may handfeed to you