Called to service

[aranarose]

In many, if not most, Christian denominations, there is the idea that a person is called to a particular form of service to God. This may be by becoming a priest or other form of clergy, a lay counselor, a deacon, a musician, a writer, or any number of other things. My grandfather always said his calling was as church groundskeeper :) Somebody has to do it :lol:

The various pagan religions and paths are not nearly as organized, but there are various things that one might be called to. We are not all suited to do the same job; imagine the power struggles if we all tried to do the same things! The priesthood in many pagan traditions is such that all within that tradition are priests/priestesses, but in other traditions, there is a definite progression that one must follow in order to take that path.

So what callings do you see that a pagan might feel. I can think of a few:

Priest/Priestess
Counselor
Seer/Oracle
Organizer
Childcare
Groundskeeper (had to throw that in there :) )
Herbalist
Healer

I'm sure there are many, many more.

And I'm not saying that each of these is exclusive of the others. For instance, I feel a calling as an oracle and a counselor as well as priestess.

What place do you think the idea of a calling has in paganism? Do you think that people, once they've found a path that feels like home to them, should be encouraged to begin to seek their calling within that path? Have you felt such a calling in your life? If you have, how did you respond to it?

I respond to mine in fits and starts. There are times when I don't feel that I'm nearly good enough to be that, and so I don't. I stop reading, I stop helping, I stop studying. Other times, I'm so burned out with my life chaos that I simply can't help others in such a way. And now, recently, I've been exploring it more fully, deciding where I want to go, how it fits in my life, and setting goals related to it.

[Tanya]

absolutely I believe in callings....

there is a place we fit into the universal pattern and the sooner we find it and get in it, the happier andmore fullfilled we will be...

for me... I always knew I was a natural born healer, and I have a cool hand with animals...

I thought I was going to be a veternarian, but as i worked more with animals I realized there was a bigger mission for me... that I wasn't here to just heal injured creatures (though I still work with animals and find it deeply fullfilling)


I discovered my work as a healer as well as my ability to speak, teach and my friendly nature made me a good spokes person FOR NATURE,and heal Her.

so I'm a professional environmentalist.....

it took me a while to get there... a while to build the courage to take this path... which will not lead to power or fame or riches... but it gives me the best thing in the world for me... the belief when I lay my head down at night that the world might be a little better today for my having been in it.

there is also a calling to creation:
artists
and parents alike

I'm proud to be both... and they suit me very well...

[Lunacie]

Natural healer here... which naturally led to being a counselor and oracle. :uhhuhuh:

Priestess was not high on my list, so I was very shocked when I was asked to take over as leader/priestess for my little Grove.

I used to spend a lot of time on another forum and one of the posters there could be quite disapproving of anyone who didn't share her vision of "being called to service to the gods". I'm appreciating this thread with the idea that there are many ways to be of service. :thumbsup:

[childofbast]

I also believe in callings.

First and foremost, I also feel that I am called to be a spokesperson for nature, although I'm not a professional environmentalist. That would be amazing, though. I certainly honor those of you who have fully dedicated yourselves to serving the Earth Mother in such a way!

I also feel the call to be an artist, primarily in fabric arts. I believe that the mundane and spiritual are very much one in the same if one can only see it that way. Sewing, crochet, knitting, and such are all very meditative for me. And the art I create brings me and others a lot of joy.

However I do have a calling to be a Druid priestess one day. It will be a while off because I also have college... But my real dream and hope is to serve the Pagan community by leading rituals.

In regards to other callings, it made me think of the guilds within ADF. Along with an herbalist, liturgist, and oracle guild, there are also guilds for artists, dancers, brewers, and scholars.

~Melanie

[EvieLee]

I've found this thread fascinating as, in Dianic paths, I've found that anyone not fitting the role (or inclination) of priestess/teacher/rallier is seen as strange or lacking in some way. I'vve often struggled as feeling like I don't fit somehow or am wrong in some way because of this impression. I've taken comfort sometimes in remembering reading that Gerald Gardner (I think) once said that he thought Wicca might never really go anywhere because there were too many chiefs and not enough indians. But still, that niggling feeling is still there. I hope to one day find my calling like you all have. :)

[Philosophia]

I've found this thread fascinating as, in Dianic paths, I've found that anyone not fitting the role (or inclination) of priestess/teacher/rallier is seen as strange or lacking in some way. I'vve often struggled as feeling like I don't fit somehow or am wrong in some way because of this impression. I've taken comfort sometimes in remembering reading that Gerald Gardner (I think) once said that he thought Wicca might never really go anywhere because there were too many chiefs and not enough indians. But still, that niggling feeling is still there. I hope to one day find my calling like you all have. :)

I have to agree but there was a Dianic webpage that actually said a number of callings (i.e. priestess, healer, writer, etc.) and went beyond the usual priestess/teacher/rallier. I can't find it now but she said that she felt similar within the Dianic path.

How does a person know when they've been called?

[TheWomanMonster]

Interesting!

My calling is on more of a personal level I guess...
I find that I work as a counselor for those that need it.
Help them to make the decisions that deep down they've already made.
I can do this no matter where I am.

I wonder what my Husband's calling is...

[~Elise~]

I always said I would NEVER lead a group...yeah, we all see how well THAT worked out. Once I quit fighting the calling, easy peasy. I wasn't that fish swimming upstream against the current anymore.

7 years later here I am...lots of trials and tribulations, but for the most part, I wouldn't trade 'em. There are a few I would, though!

Elise

[Dark_Tezcatlipoca]

My calling is the royal office of Queen of Fairies and Dinosaurs.

[Heart of All]

I feel called as an oracle. I'm pretty good at that for the little bit of time I've spent working on it. Now I just need to find the time to actually work on it...

But that said, my true calling is as a dancer/choreographer. I'm not sure always exactly how that serves the gods/the All, but it's starting to find it's way out through my work. I'm about to start on a major project relating to my religious beliefs. Maybe somehow that can help people find their own truth, which is really all I could ever ask out of my art.

[Tanya]

all creative activities are inately pro-creation and therefore serve creation

[Solya]

Very interesting topic! I have given the whole idea of callings a lot of thought in the past, because in my teenage years I felt drawn to various studies and it took a while for me to determine what I was truly being called to do. I originally wanted to be a translator, so I could help people communicate better with one another. I also speculated with myself about becoming an archeologist or anthropologist, so I could tell people about their history and research human nature in various settings. I have also always felt an attraction to being an artist whose paintings and writings would inspire others.

I am still all of those people, deep down. I love to help people communicate with one another, love to talk about the history and nature of the human race and I still paint and write in order to give people new visions. Yet I have found my calling in a different area... namely in the healer business that is focused on childcare... and I combine all of my previous desires within this job, so children I guide will be confronted with not only themselves but also with their environment and with means to expression during the healing process they go through. I also feel called to teach others about the methods I use, though, so probably I have an inclination towards the teaching profession as well.

Within my pagan path, I am largely focused on various types of healing. I love elaborate rituals, too, because they are a form of art. I love to learn about different languages and cultures that are in some way or form connected to a pagan path, because they help put things into perspective. I think I am being called to take care of the children within this world, yes, but I am also being called to help others in any way that I can. It's, in essence, a life of 'servitude' to the human race. And that suits me just fine.

[cheddarsox]

I've felt called as long as I can remember. Even as a very small child. My calling is primarily as "voice". Repeatedly in my life, I am the person who says what others cannot or do not. Sometimes people can't find the words, and I am able to know what they are trying to say, and find the words for them. Often I am the one who says what others are afraid to say. I am often the writer of ritual and prayer as well.

I am also instigator. I get people together, get them doing something, get them to stop talking about it and start taking action. I am not a procrastinator, I am a doer.

I am an artist too, which is another manifestation of voice...putting things into a form which makes it accessible to others.

[aranarose]

What do you like to do in life? Are you an artist? A writer? Do you read the cards or Runes? What do you want to do for a living? How can you incorporate that into your pagan life? How can that help those in the pagan community?

My calling is such that I can do it both for a living and as a part of my pagan path. I suspect that the same could be said for most callings. Some it might be more difficult than others, but I think it can still be done.

I think that, in many ways, Christianity and the established church makes it much easier to make a living by following your calling, especially for those that have been called to the priesthood/ministry. As much as people might make fun of the church for soliciting donations from members, it serves the practical purpose of paying for the building and the salaries of those working at the church, allowing them to concentrate on that as a job and calling, instead of dividing their time between a full-time job and their calling as part of the church.

I'm not saying that we should start demanding our members pay, but what I am saying is that we need to find a way to make a living while serving our calling. Find a career that we enjoy that is related to our calling. Tanya is an excellent example of this.

What pushes you? What are you great at? What did you major in in college? What did you dream of being as a child? What do you do now? Does it make you happy? What does make you happy?

[Lunacie]

I've found this thread fascinating as, in Dianic paths, I've found that anyone not fitting the role (or inclination) of priestess/teacher/rallier is seen as strange or lacking in some way. I'vve often struggled as feeling like I don't fit somehow or am wrong in some way because of this impression. I've taken comfort sometimes in remembering reading that Gerald Gardner (I think) once said that he thought Wicca might never really go anywhere because there were too many chiefs and not enough indians. But still, that niggling feeling is still there. I hope to one day find my calling like you all have. :)

The way I see Wicca as working best is that most of us are simply priest or priestess to a congregation of one. That means we don't look to some holy authority to tell us what to believe and what rules to follow. We are supposed to take responsibility for our own studies and our own actions. That's a first level degree.

At second level we are helping the group leader (high priest/ess) to organize things. And at every level we are helping those who study and practice with us to learn more - even if just by asking questions. The best teachers don't just answer those questions, they show the student how to find the answers on their own. Not what most people think of as a "teacher" these days, eh?

So at third level, the priestess/teacher/rallier is training their own replacements so they can enjoy their retirement. And they are training all those people to do many different things. They don't have to be proficient in them all themsevles, they just have to be able to direct the students to find the answers and encourage them to practice, practice, practice.

[Moonlight's Daughter]

I also believe I am called. I am a crystal healer. (healing with them not healing them lol) I have always been called, now that I look back-loved them as a child and now more fully developing my gifts.

I believe everyone is called. Not everyone answers that call. Free will and all.

I also believe this is a road I have travelled before, in one or more past lives.

[childofbast]

I feel called as an oracle. I'm pretty good at that for the little bit of time I've spent working on it. Now I just need to find the time to actually work on it...

But that said, my true calling is as a dancer/choreographer. I'm not sure always exactly how that serves the gods/the All, but it's starting to find it's way out through my work. I'm about to start on a major project relating to my religious beliefs. Maybe somehow that can help people find their own truth, which is really all I could ever ask out of my art.


As I've been saying, I think anything you do with spirit/Gods/nature/altruism in mind can be a sacred calling. Dance is, in my opinion, one of the most intense ways to connect to deity. I think it's awesome that you're a dancer!

~Melanie

[alwaysfallingup]

I feel that I've been called. I think that my calling is "Nurturing." It's maybe not one that gets a lot of recognition, but it's what I've always felt I need to do. All of my gifts seem to circle around this (for instance, when I read Tarot for someone, I generally seem to find deep hurts and wounds within them and then offer comfort and reassurance as well as a way to move forward). I want to nurture children, I want to nurture those I see hurting, I want to nurture dreams, I want to nurture gifts, I want to nurture opportunities. For me, this is a creative act because it allows something to feel loved, to heal and then move forward. It's a generative way of being.

Right now, I'm serving as priestess for my coven, but I don't see myself doing this forever. It's something that I'm doing now because the opportunity presented itself. I enjoy the time I spend doing the work, but I don't think it's truly a calling of mine, so I foresee a time down the road a short ways when I pass the torch and move on to the work that I feel more called to do.

[aranarose]

I feel that I've been called. I think that my calling is "Nurturing." It's maybe not one that gets a lot of recognition, but it's what I've always felt I need to do. All of my gifts seem to circle around this (for instance, when I read Tarot for someone, I generally seem to find deep hurts and wounds within them and then offer comfort and reassurance as well as a way to move forward). I want to nurture children, I want to nurture those I see hurting, I want to nurture dreams, I want to nurture gifts, I want to nurture opportunities. For me, this is a creative act because it allows something to feel loved, to heal and then move forward. It's a generative way of being.

Right now, I'm serving as priestess for my coven, but I don't see myself doing this forever. It's something that I'm doing now because the opportunity presented itself. I enjoy the time I spend doing the work, but I don't think it's truly a calling of mine, so I foresee a time down the road a short ways when I pass the torch and move on to the work that I feel more called to do.

I think being priestess, even temporarily, fits very nicely with your call of "Nurturing." You are nurturing the coven to something more for the next person to take the lead.

[EvieLee]

The way I see Wicca as working best is that most of us are simply priest or priestess to a congregation of one. That means we don't look to some holy authority to tell us what to believe and what rules to follow. We are supposed to take responsibility for our own studies and our own actions. That's a first level degree.

Oops, sorry I wasn't specific enough. When refering to the priestessing role, I was refering to a community based one of event facilitator. I'm a firm believer of the "personal priestess", or else I would personally feel rather lost and directionless.

[Hunger]

Madman, poet, jester (traditional sense), teacher, prophet, storyteller.

I don't truly know anything so I teach by opposition, inflaming someone to force them to think deeper on what they believe. I avoid being overly metaphorical here but in rl my habit is to speak in riddle or metaphor unless otherwise compelled. Stories are my soul, my blood, my bones, and through them I see not only the past but the future.

[cheddarsox]

I don't think free will comes much into play when it comes to callings...seems like no matter what...if the Universe/gods/powers have an agenda for you...you will end up doing it.

That story of Jonah in the Bible comes to mind...run if you want...won't do any good.

So maybe "calling" is just a gentle way of putting it, in actuality it is more like an assignment. But I do find it easier to accept and do my job than to run or fight it. Seems like I get more choices when I say "yes" than "no"...but free will? Not in my experience. No isn't really an option.

Anyone else have that experience?

[aranarose]

I don't think free will comes much into play when it comes to callings...seems like no matter what...if the Universe/gods/powers have an agenda for you...you will end up doing it.

That story of Jonah in the Bible comes to mind...run if you want...won't do any good.

So maybe "calling" is just a gentle way of putting it, in actuality it is more like an assignment. But I do find it easier to accept and do my job than to run or fight it. Seems like I get more choices when I say "yes" than "no"...but free will? Not in my experience. No isn't really an option.

Anyone else have that experience?

I won't say we have NO free will when it comes to our calling, but I do think it is limited. I've found that when I'm resisting my calling, my life goes to hell in a handbasket, and it's only when I start to accept it that things start to get back on track. Like the Universe has lined everything up in my life for me to do that particular thing, which means that's the easiest path to follow, and I have to do a whole lot of extra work to follow any other path.

[MonSno_LeeDra]

I’ve been giving this a lot of though and pondering over it for a few days now. Truth be told I’d have to say my calling is what ever is required at a given moment in time. It is the way I respond to any given situation and the best option to use in that situation. While I may want to be one thing I must realize I am all things to all people and that will always be my calling.

For instance at this moment in time my calling is the artist and using my ability to convey my meaning via the written word. No other thing really matters until this facet and action is completed. Yet my callings also call for me to be dynamic in their usage for the calling needed may change in a moments notice.

While I may favor one thing above another and chose to place myself in situations which have a greater probability of that outcome, it does not make my other callings any less significant or less important. Yet the callings I chose to move to and experience are no more important than the callings I will utilize at any given time as the need arises.

Yes, I recognize that their will always be those things that give me greater pleasure and a sense of importance. Their will always be those things I would choose to do over things I’d much rather avoid. Lets face it there are times we must be the killer but also times for us to be a healer. There are points where I must be the A-hole that slaps vice the shoulder to cry upon and ease your pain or discomfort.

We many times want to chose that which makes us feel better or seem more important I think. Yet, those choices may not really be the best for us or what challenges us the most, only those things that make us feel good. Many times I think we become conditioned to think this or that is the best or most rewarding thing so we want it to be our selected Calling.

NO, I do not think one can have a primary calling only a choice of making one more important than another in their selection. Yet, I think Spirit will use us in the manner best fitted to serve that purpose, regardless of whether we may want to do so or even enjoy doing so.

[childofbast]

I'm not sure what I think of in terms of free will and callings. I think I'm more inclined to say that we have a little bit of leeway, but I tend to believe that there aren't any coincidences and that you'll end up doing what you were meant to do in the end.

~Melanie

[BlackLili]

I am not teacher...I don't presume to know enough or have the wisdom.
I am not a priestess...often times those who have the desire to lead are not the people I consider worth following.
I am not a healer...I have caused more pain in this life than alleviated it.
I am not a counselor...the only advice I have to give is to learn from my mistakes.
I am not a creator...I procrastinate and slack my way through life, doing as little as possible to get by comfortably.

I follow the path I have because in spite of that, I have been "called." Called in a way that many people don't entirely appreciate, because it gives so very little choice.

I was given the option to follow my path, or die.

Now, this leaves room for free will, since I had a choice. "Follow me or I will kill you," was my choice.

The problem is, I've never been quite sure who "me" really is.

I've narrowed it down somewhat - God or Bondye, they're supposed to be the same, right? - And I've only heard of two other people who have been called the way I have. The wording is almost exact, which is a bit freaky, but it doesn't really clear up Who has called me.

Last summer, when I first felt my call, I found a website when I went looking for information on Voodoo. The part that stood out to me was the bit about a local houngan and how he was called to his service. (http://www.jesus21.com/writers/lambert/voodoo.html)


Guilliame, the houngon here, is almost middle aged, a condition that not everyone in Haiti can aspire to. He's been a houngon for 12 years. He runs a factory that makes Voudou flags, marvelous sequined cloths done with colorful depictions of the Voudou legends, much like stained glass windows....
The gods spoke to Guilliame in a dream. They said, and he quoted, "Follow me. If you don't, I'll kill you."

He told his parents, both of whom were doctrinaire Protestants, that he was going to renounce Jesus and follow the gods of Voudou. They were not happy. Indeed, how many doctrinaire Protestants can you think of that would be? His mother wept, his father smacked him with the Bible, and Guilliame was genuinely torn. But, with the clear, Cartesian logic of Francophones everywhere, he figured it out. The Protestant gods threatened vague tales of some abstract paradise and eternal fire. Their ministers were mild-mannered white guys, more like golf pros than fiery demons. The Voudou gods, on the other hand, came right to his house and snarled orders at him, and told him straight out that if he didn't obey, they'd whack him right where he stood.
Nolo contondre.



Cut and dried, right? It would seem that the message for me would be clear from then on.



But no.



No, I had to keep researching.



And then I found out something - that the lwa of Voudou are not the only ones who recruit in this manner.



Around last August, just a month or two after finding the first link, I found the blog of a Christian missionary girl, (http://seekinghim07.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html) who reports some incredible and amazing feats and miracles in some very remote regions of the world. It wasn't her "Raa-Raa, I love God!" approach that drew me in though - it was another story about being called.




I heard some amazing stories of medicals that God has performed through these pastors we were with. This pastor and his wife The Donweckies (no clue how it s spelled) have seen the Lord raise 8 people from the dead between them. Due to their prayers....
They told us stories of a crazy man being restored to sanity and now pastor that on of the church we went to. So much more to even begin to type. People coming back from the dead and saying not to follow the witch doctors but to listen to this man who talks about the bible. Other stories of people being visited by the Lord and given and ultimatum of following Him or deal with the consequences (actually was said follow me or I will kill you). The guy is now a pastor. ;)



She was in Africa at the time she heard that story, and I have a feeling that the culture there is much closer to what one would find in Haiti, than the culture one would find here in the US.



It doesn't make sense why I, a privileged suburban-raised white girl, would get the same kind of call as these guys who live in desperate conditions without sometimes the basest requirements for life. But there it is. I know what I heard, and I'm still as torn as can be.




But if I don't at least try to follow...the Gods will kill me.

[DandelionDame]

Instead of just lurking, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences here - this is absolutely fascinating.

BlackLili, your post sent chills up my spine - I hope that you find your answers soon.

I'm fairly sure I'm called to something that I just haven't figured out yet - I think I know WHO, I just don't know WHAT exactly. The reason I'm fairly sure is that I've been so driven in research and work of a spiritual nature for years, that it doesn't feel like it can all just be me being obsessive. I guess only time will tell.

Thanks again to everyone - please keep posting your experiences! Don't let me inadvertently kill this thread too!

[childofbast]

I respect that you have your own path, Blacklily, but personally, if any entity told me to follow them or die, I don't think I would trust them.

Heck, we all die one day anyway. The Gods who have called to me don't threaten me, and I wouldn't follow them if they did. Part of why I turned from Christianity was the whole fear aspect. As I said, we all die, so threats of death are just redundant as far as I'm concerned.

But I do hope that you find the answers you're seeking.

~Melanie

[KellyP]

I will admit that I have never been called to any clear purpose by what I might consider deities. Being a perpetual skeptic I have resigned my worship of the spirits of the world to be a one-sided exercise and that the rewards for my piety are internal.

With that said, I know there is a place for me in the world of paganism: I am the pious supporter. Through my labors and my willingness to support others through work and financial assistance the pagan world (and the world at large) is a better place. As a man approaching his middle years, I have become comfortable knowing that this will be my legacy: "He was always around when we needed something."

So perhaps my "calling" is Provider.

[Moonlight's Daughter]

I respect that you have your own path, Blacklily, but personally, if any entity told me to follow them or die, I don't think I would trust them.

Heck, we all die one day anyway. The Gods who have called to me don't threaten me, and I wouldn't follow them if they did. Part of why I turned from Christianity was the whole fear aspect. As I said, we all die, so threats of death are just redundant as far as I'm concerned.

But I do hope that you find the answers you're seeking.

~Melanie

I agree. Maybe they didnt mean a physical death? That is the first thing that came to my mind.

[aranarose]

I respect that you have your own path, Blacklily, but personally, if any entity told me to follow them or die, I don't think I would trust them.

Heck, we all die one day anyway. The Gods who have called to me don't threaten me, and I wouldn't follow them if they did. Part of why I turned from Christianity was the whole fear aspect. As I said, we all die, so threats of death are just redundant as far as I'm concerned.

But I do hope that you find the answers you're seeking.

~Melanie


I agree. Maybe they didnt mean a physical death? That is the first thing that came to my mind.

The Lwa are not gods. In Vodou (in all its various spellings) there is one great God, and the Lwa are powerful spirits. You serve them, they help you. They are not nice and fluffy beings. They are VERY demanding, and they will CHOOSE a person, and if that person does not respond, they will make their life miserable in various ways.

However, they will not choose a person who is not ready or who cannot handle the call.

I've been called by a Lwa. She never threatened death, though at times I might have happily chosen death over the path that's been set out before me :weirdsmil

I cannot speak for Blacklili, but I doubt she chose the way she did because she feared death. Anyone who chooses to walk this particular path cannot afford to fear death. Death is a part of life, and it is to be honored. Vodou is in some ways a necromantic path, celebrating the dead who have passed before us. In many views, the Lwa were once humans, just like you and me, who grew in power during life, and through the service to them by hundreds and thousands of followers have gotten even stronger as spirits.

Death, in many ways, would be the easier path to choose. The Lwa demand service and offerings, but they pay that back generously, more generously, and more tangibly then any other "gods" or "spirits" than I have ever before encountered.

No, I doubt that Blacklili's calling was metaphorical. I believe it probably was a literal, "You follow me or I will kill you," by a spirit, Lwa, or deity who knew that it was her path, who chose her for what she could offer him as much as for what he could offer her.

In this path, it's a symbiotic relationship. It's a shared calling. You do for them, they will do a whole lot for you.

[DandelionDame]

I will admit that I have never been called to any clear purpose by what I might consider deities. Being a perpetual skeptic I have resigned my worship of the spirits of the world to be a one-sided exercise and that the rewards for my piety are internal.

With that said, I know there is a place for me in the world of paganism: I am the pious supporter. Through my labors and my willingness to support others through work and financial assistance the pagan world (and the world at large) is a better place. As a man approaching his middle years, I have become comfortable knowing that this will be my legacy: "He was always around when we needed something."

So perhaps my "calling" is Provider.

What an amazing post - this is so, so cool, and so right on, from what I know of you. From my experience, there aren't nearly enough supports or Providers in the Pagan community, and that's why it sometimes feels so profoundly unrewarding to get involved with a group. It is such an important role, I'd even say crucial.

The really disruptive people I've met tend to act like they're leaders whose group just hasn't emerged yet; instead of being patient and kind (as a good leader would be, imho), they're confrontational and look for flaws in everything. Not that I've personally come across those types, oh no! :smileroll

So, thanks for being there when people need something. :yourock:

[HetHert]

I've been called to my path and so far that has led me to be a jack-of-all-trades in the craft.

[aranarose]

I've been called to my path and so far that has led me to be a jack-of-all-trades in the craft.

I think that sometimes people forget that we do need to have a few of those around. Maybe it's the calling of "Substitute," someone who can fill a position in a pinch, quickly learn what needs to be done until the full-time person comes back or fills in, and then is able to move onto the next slot that temporarily needs to be filled.

[Teresa]

Strangers come up to me and tell me their life stories. People confide in me about unusual things. I guess my calling is "Listener".

I have been a healer and seer as long as I can remember.

My passions are creating all forms of art , cooking with healthy infusions for others and helping people along the way.

I consider myself a regular person here to do my part in this life, I do not need recognition or any special titles. If I only inspire or help one person then my purpose has been served.

[Zephyrstorm]

I'm definitely called, but struggling with narrowing down the specifics. This is a fantastic thread.

I continually find myself in leadership situations, in moments where I have information that needs to be imparted, or when others can't or won't speak up so I speak for them with their permission.
I don't want to be any of that though. I just want a nice little cabin in the woods, my animals, my art, and my family.

I guess I'll just keep walking where-ever this is headed and we'll see one day. ;)

[HetHert]

I think that sometimes people forget that we do need to have a few of those around. Maybe it's the calling of "Substitute," someone who can fill a position in a pinch, quickly learn what needs to be done until the full-time person comes back or fills in, and then is able to move onto the next slot that temporarily needs to be filled.

So far it seems to have opened me up to all the possibilities really. Yeah substitute is a good one, at least until I really figure it out eh? :uhhuhuh:

[patch]

I got called to this path. I asked and someone answered.

No particular role though. I think in hellenic polytheism roles are decided more by the community that the gods, but that isn't always the case. :)

[BlackLili]

I respect that you have your own path, Blacklily, but personally, if any entity told me to follow them or die, I don't think I would trust them.

Heck, we all die one day anyway. The Gods who have called to me don't threaten me, and I wouldn't follow them if they did. Part of why I turned from Christianity was the whole fear aspect. As I said, we all die, so threats of death are just redundant as far as I'm concerned.

But I do hope that you find the answers you're seeking.

~Melanie

...And that's why you and I haven't been called in the same way.

Death is a part of life. The entities that I believe exist have no problems killing, just the same as how they can heal.

Do you really think that a God who heals also does not kill?

Any God - any of them - who you go to in your hour of need, in the dark hours every person has to endure in this life, the ones you ask for help - those deities are not just genies, there to grant wishes.

If one is to truly believe in the power of their Gods, you have to accept the fact that they can kill you, as easily as they can raise you from the dead. Weird shit happens in this life. People wake up from life support after they've been declared dead for hours, and sometimes healthy people are struck down dead where they stand.

No, my calling was not a metaphor. Nor was it a "threat" as threats imply the potentiality of not following through. I was given a choice in terms of a statement of fact.

I might not know the Name of the deity I follow, but like any good programmer, I understand the necessary techniques and paths I must use to commune with Them. It's like finding that elusive "Celestial Harmony" - the music of the spheres - the "hum" that runs through certain energies and emotions. I know when I am in Their presence, and I know when I have pleased and disappointed Them. Just because I don't know a proper Name to give them doesn't matter a whole ton to me - because thus far, it doesn't seem to matter to Them, either.

Maybe that's the point for me. Hindus teach that "all gods are one god," Voudousants believe that the lwa are all extensions of Bondye who is God above all, even Catholics believe that the saints communicate with their God in the role of messengers and penitents. Maybe for me, the point is that in spite of all the packaging, its all one path. Just many angles to view it from.


I have no problem with my deity demanding work and sacrifice - even if I had no intention of following before, I certainly do now. Which, ultimately, I believe was the point.

[David19]

I'd say I've been called to the Sumerian Religion, to the worship and service of Ereshkigal, etc. I, personally, don't see myself as a Priest, I think Priests and Priestesses should truly be called, like in Judaism with Rabbi's, in Catholicism (and other Christian traditions) with Priests, Nuns, Monks, etc, Buddhism and Buddhist Priests, Monks, Nuns, etc, etc. I think that to be a Priest or Priestess of any religion or any God is something you have to truly be called for, and I also think it includes a lot more than just worshipping and serving the God (or Gods), and practicing the religion, I personally just want to worship and serve Ereshkigal, the rest of the Sumerian Gods, practice the religion properly, etc, but I know some people, who, IMO, are Priests of the Sumerian religion, or, at least, have been called to it, the owner of the Temple of Sumer (http://www.templeofsumer.org/), for one person, and some others.

Other than that, I do feel like I want to help people, like with psychological help, and other help, etc, but that's more what I want to do for a job (no idea, what I want to do, yet).

[Atheos]

I'd say I've been called to the Sumerian Religion, to the worship and service of Ereshkigal, etc. I, personally, don't see myself as a Priest, I think Priests and Priestesses should truly be called, like in Judaism with Rabbi's, in Catholicism (and other Christian traditions) with Priests, Nuns, Monks, etc, Buddhism and Buddhist Priests, Monks, Nuns, etc, etc. I think that to be a Priest or Priestess of any religion or any God is something you have to truly be called for, and I also think it includes a lot more than just worshipping and serving the God (or Gods), and practicing the religion, I personally just want to worship and serve Ereshkigal, the rest of the Sumerian Gods, practice the religion properly, etc, but I know some people, who, IMO, are Priests of the Sumerian religion,
Have you offered an animal in sacrifice yet?

[Ladybug1258]

In many, if not most, Christian denominations, there is the idea that a person is called to a particular form of service to God. This may be by becoming a priest or other form of clergy, a lay counselor, a deacon, a musician, a writer, or any number of other things. My grandfather always said his calling was as church groundskeeper :) Somebody has to do it :lol:

The various pagan religions and paths are not nearly as organized, but there are various things that one might be called to. We are not all suited to do the same job; imagine the power struggles if we all tried to do the same things! The priesthood in many pagan traditions is such that all within that tradition are priests/priestesses, but in other traditions, there is a definite progression that one must follow in order to take that path.

So what callings do you see that a pagan might feel. I can think of a few:

Priest/Priestess
Counselor
Seer/Oracle
Organizer
Childcare
Groundskeeper (had to throw that in there :) )
Herbalist
Healer

I'm sure there are many, many more.

And I'm not saying that each of these is exclusive of the others. For instance, I feel a calling as an oracle and a counselor as well as priestess.

What place do you think the idea of a calling has in paganism? Do you think that people, once they've found a path that feels like home to them, should be encouraged to begin to seek their calling within that path? Have you felt such a calling in your life? If you have, how did you respond to it?

I respond to mine in fits and starts. There are times when I don't feel that I'm nearly good enough to be that, and so I don't. I stop reading, I stop helping, I stop studying. Other times, I'm so burned out with my life chaos that I simply can't help others in such a way. And now, recently, I've been exploring it more fully, deciding where I want to go, how it fits in my life, and setting goals related to it.

Mine appears to be just two: counselor and herbalist

[Childof_theMorrigan]

I have felt called for the last 6 years.. to eventually 'have my own coven' so to speak.. I don't like to use those words but I don't know any other way to explain it..

My closest girl friend and I pretty much 'run' the one we're in now.. it's sort of just happened that way. We don't have a high priest or high priestess, we got rid of the hierarchy a couple years ago.. we decided that those who are called would step up and fill each role within the coven as needed. My friend and I have jointly seemed to have taken on the high priestess role.

I would not have imagined 6 years ago that we would do this, but we work SO well together. I see good things in our future.

Personally, I have been called to the social work and counseling area and recently finished my bachelors in social work. I see, in my future, the chance to help not only the general public but those who are called to pagan ways.. and helping them to use their faith to navigate those bumps in life.

I had a GREAT counselor for a while, who was not only a clinical social worker but a pagan and elder in the community. He was amazing and did amazing things for me. I could only hope to follow in those general footsteps.

[childofbast]

...And that's why you and I haven't been called in the same way.

Death is a part of life. The entities that I believe exist have no problems killing, just the same as how they can heal.

Do you really think that a God who heals also does not kill?

Any God - any of them - who you go to in your hour of need, in the dark hours every person has to endure in this life, the ones you ask for help - those deities are not just genies, there to grant wishes.

If one is to truly believe in the power of their Gods, you have to accept the fact that they can kill you, as easily as they can raise you from the dead. Weird shit happens in this life. People wake up from life support after they've been declared dead for hours, and sometimes healthy people are struck down dead where they stand.

No, my calling was not a metaphor. Nor was it a "threat" as threats imply the potentiality of not following through. I was given a choice in terms of a statement of fact.

I might not know the Name of the deity I follow, but like any good programmer, I understand the necessary techniques and paths I must use to commune with Them. It's like finding that elusive "Celestial Harmony" - the music of the spheres - the "hum" that runs through certain energies and emotions. I know when I am in Their presence, and I know when I have pleased and disappointed Them. Just because I don't know a proper Name to give them doesn't matter a whole ton to me - because thus far, it doesn't seem to matter to Them, either.

Maybe that's the point for me. Hindus teach that "all gods are one god," Voudousants believe that the lwa are all extensions of Bondye who is God above all, even Catholics believe that the saints communicate with their God in the role of messengers and penitents. Maybe for me, the point is that in spite of all the packaging, its all one path. Just many angles to view it from.


I have no problem with my deity demanding work and sacrifice - even if I had no intention of following before, I certainly do now. Which, ultimately, I believe was the point.


As I said, I respect your path. But I just wanted to clarify that I did say I realize all things die. I'm not ignorant of that fact and have faced death on my own or through others several times in my life. On my path, death isn't to be feared simply because it is a part of life. The spirits/Gods that I follow also demand work and sacrifice, but they are different than the spirits/God that you follow. We are just called to different paths with different cultural mindsets.

I thank you for the opportunity to learn more about your path and Voudoun in general. It's not something I know much about. My reply was simply my first reaction in the mindset of my path: in my path, that simply wouldn't make sense, at least to me and how I understand my Irish hearth culture. But for you and on your path, it does, and has probably helped you to think of death in a different way. So I say kudos to the lessons you have learned and I thank you for helping me to think more on it.

I hadn't meant to insult you, so I hope no harm was done. :)

~Melanie

[taai]

i am an advocate and fighter. i am a warrior. it is my calling to search out injustice and fight it. i protect children and our elders. i protect the sick. i answer corruption. i give words to those who do not have the strength or courage to speak.

yes, i believe we have no choice in this, because there are many times i wish i was not the way i was-- it would be an easier life for me. not that i would have it any other way.

i make a living doing this-- i work with kids in foster care. if i wasn't doing that, i don't know what i would be doing, but i'm sure i would be up to no good, lol, and a real thorn in the side of whoever was in the way of the ones i represent.

ha, so it goes.

we all have our purpose.

[RainInanna]

I'm called to be a facilitator but I'm being dragged to it kicking and screaming. There are two reasons. One is that I know there is so much personal development I need to do and I don't feel ready or qualified to lead others. I tend to go "oh? people think I know what I'm talking about? eek, don't listen to me!". The second reason is fear of what doors may fly open if I expose myself to the things that are coming. That also keeps doors closed that I would rather have open - I'm not able to yet sense or experience everything I would like to because I'm afraid to experience all of it. I know the ancestors and energies are "just behind that door" but I know opening my eyes to some things will open me to others, and I'm terrified of being in chaos and depression again. I did enough years in that kind of stuff even without the sight, I don't really want to open myself to it again. I also have a lot of anxiety over mundane things and am working to get my self in a more balanced state on the shallower levels before I dive deep.

So yes I think we can have a choice about being called. I don't know that the choice is left forever though, I get the impression that eventually you are forced into it, even if it takes decades (I've been at it over a decade so far).

[thought_on_a_wind]

What place do you think the idea of a calling has in paganism?

I suppose it depends upon the circle, trad, and what cultural influences there are... what would make sense for a somewhat organized Wiccan circle would make a lot less sense to someone influenced by Taoist principles. Although I'll have to digress the slightest, I do believe there are certain callings unrelated to religion of any kind.


Do you think that people, once they've found a path that feels like home to them, should be encouraged to begin to seek their calling within that path?

I feel it should come naturally, they should acclimate to the atmosphere, learn a few things until they know exactly where they stand...


Have you felt such a calling in your life?

"Felt" several in my christian phase... I got burnt out as a result, and since have strived to avoid actively searching for one because I'm learning new 'tings everyday 'bout myself and the world around me.


If you have, how did you respond to it?

I'll leave this one un-answered, because there was a time when I "thought" I'd found my calling... (read: delusion)

[Garm]

I don't get called

I get pushed

Pretty damn annoying

[patch]

I don't get called

I get pushed

Pretty damn annoying
Heh, I can relate. But it stopped being annoying for me when I realised that I ended up where I wanted to be all along.

[thought_on_a_wind]

Heh, I can relate. But it stopped being annoying for me when I realised that I ended up where I wanted to be all along.
That's a really cool point of view :D

[Fiamma]

Priest/Priestess



Haven't read the entire thread, but I haven't seen a note so far...though I have seen a number of comments about priesthood and leading...

I would differentiate between priest and clergy. In the last year or so, I've had quite a few conversations about this, having begun training to serve as a member of the clergy, then realizing that I was wrong, there are certain things that I believed I should be doing, some of which can be part of the clergy "job description", but other things that were all wrong- the administration aspects, counseling, performing funerals....

[RainInanna]

I would differentiate between priest and clergy. In the last year or so, I've had quite a few conversations about this, having begun training to serve as a member of the clergy, then realizing that I was wrong, there are certain things that I believed I should be doing, some of which can be part of the clergy "job description", but other things that were all wrong- the administration aspects, counseling, performing funerals....

You might want to look at the thread on priesthood & clergy - http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=194783