Callings in Dianicism/Goddess Worship

[EvieLee]

Following an interesting thread (http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=194149) in the new Advanced Paganism forum on callings in Paganism, I was hoping we could carry this discussion over here to avoid hijacking the original thread.

I mentioned my impressions on how, in Dianic paths especially, there seems to be a tendency towards Priestessing/Teaching/Rallying/Warrior personalities and roles - the facilitators of ritual, organisations and action. I've felt that being one not suited to these roles, I often seem to be looked down upon or met with an attitude of being ungratful for the efforts of the foremothers.

I for one haven't found my calling yet - I'm no healer, am only a dabbler in divination and am not the most social of creatures - but find this idea intriguing.

Any thoughts?

[Mithrea]

There was a time when I thought that I was being called to teach. Now I think those visions were just grandiose hallucinations. All of my attempts to teach have failed miserably and I've found I don't like it very much. I try just to teach by example now. It's a much more solitary form of teaching and it suits me better.

I don't know if it's a calling really, but the one and only thing I'm really good at is poetry. I'm a jane of all trades, master of one. :weirdsmil I do write very often about the Goddess and my path, but I'm not sure how/why it would be a calling. Maybe I'm being dense though.

I would never look down on anyone for not fitting into an expected role. If you don't feel something is right for you, then it's not right for you. My number one life rule is BE WHAT YOU ARE. If you aren't a warrior, then don't try to be one. I think trying to be something you aren't is a waste of the gifts you do have. :)

I think another question might be: How do we discover our calling?

[aranarose]

There was a time when I thought that I was being called to teach. Now I think those visions were just grandiose hallucinations. All of my attempts to teach have failed miserably and I've found I don't like it very much. I try just to teach by example now. It's a much more solitary form of teaching and it suits me better.

I don't know if it's a calling really, but the one and only thing I'm really good at is poetry. I'm a jane of all trades, master of one. :weirdsmil I do write very often about the Goddess and my path, but I'm not sure how/why it would be a calling. Maybe I'm being dense though.

I would never look down on anyone for not fitting into an expected role. If you don't feel something is right for you, then it's not right for you. My number one life rule is BE WHAT YOU ARE. If you aren't a warrior, then don't try to be one. I think trying to be something you aren't is a waste of the gifts you do have. :)

I think another question might be: How do we discover our calling?

Of COURSE poetry is a calling! It's a creative expression of emotion that can inspire and move others in service to the Goddess!

[EvieLee]

Sorry for my neglect of this thread I started and then neglected. I've started using the "New Posts" function and easily forget old threads like this one. Bad habit.

Mithrea, I would consider writing a calling too, in all its variations (poetry, novels, rituals, etc). I suppose we can make anything a calling, so long as we feel that special something when we do it. Perhaps it's just a matter of waiting until we find it.

[Sage]

Ummm, well I don't feel a calling pre se (just yet anyway) but I have a strong feeling that I might be a healer at some point in my life, in all forms not just physical. But at the moment I do feel called to go internal, for much needed self discovery and healing. I don't think this is a stage ever completed in life, but I feel its the most important at this point in my journey.

Mithrea, have you posted any of your poetry here at MW? I do agree with AR about this being a calling :)

Sage

[RainInanna]

I've been hoping over time I'd come up with a great, inspiring response to this question, but I really haven't, to be honest.



I mentioned my impressions on how, in Dianic paths especially, there seems to be a tendency towards Priestessing/Teaching/Rallying/Warrior personalities and roles - the facilitators of ritual, organisations and action.

I suppose this is because women who are naturally Warriors often find women centered spirituality is a good place from which to battle, and a good reason *to* battle, if that makes sense. I suspect though that they were Warriors first, as part of their natural personality.

I'm surprised you feel looked down on for not being a leader. Who looks down on you? I guess to me, I would've thought those who are called to leaders are because they know there are those who want to be guided by them. If we were all leaders, none of us would have time to follow, no?

As to my calling? So far my path has been intensely independent - yes, it is really all about me. I'm doing so much work on my self - my growth, my goals, my career, my family - the idea of being called at all scares the hell out of me. I don't feel ready or able to facilitate for others, when I can barely facilitate myself somedays!

[EvieLee]

I suppose this is because women who are naturally Warriors often find women centered spirituality is a good place from which to battle, and a good reason *to* battle, if that makes sense. I suspect though that they were Warriors first, as part of their natural personality.

Very good point. Especially when considering the generation of Dianics and Goddess Worshippers who came to their paths through the feminist movement.


I'm surprised you feel looked down on for not being a leader. Who looks down on you? I guess to me, I would've thought those who are called to leaders are because they know there are those who want to be guided by them. If we were all leaders, none of us would have time to follow, no?

It was initially a general impression that I picked up while reading some of the older literature (ie Budapest, Starhawk, etc) - that because I wasn't as forward and "activist-like" and wanting to step up and Priestess my own coven that I wasn't fitting the Dianic mold somehow. I ignored it as being before my time, hoping that the situation would have "grown up" by now", and ventured onto certain author's net presences, but found similar attitudes online too (not here of course!) and ended up abandoning the attempt. It makes sense to me too that there are those born to lead and those born to follow, but obviously others want the traditions set up differently.

As to my calling? So far my path has been intensely independent - yes, it is really all about me. I'm doing so much work on my self - my growth, my goals, my career, my family - the idea of being called at all scares the hell out of me. I don't feel ready or able to facilitate for others, when I can barely facilitate myself somedays![/quote]

I have to say ditto on this one, and that's probably why we have yet to find a calling. For me, my spirituality is an intensely personal experience. Maybe in the future I will venture outside of myself and will have the opportunity of finding a calling, but right now it doesn't seem likely.

[Philosophia]

I'm not a very good teacher, healer, but I am empathetic (which might mean nothing 8O).

If I had a calling, it'll probably have something to do with my love of the written word. Writing, reading, collecting books, etc. seems to be where my path tends to lead towards so maybe that is what it is.

[Philosophia]

*bump* Anybody else?