What kind of Pagan are YOU?

[Ben Trismegistus]

I'm curious about Pagan Sectarianism, and I'd like to poll this community to see where people stand. It seems to me that the majority of pagans I meet either consider themselves Wiccan or just generally Pagan (non-sectarian). However, there's a ton of other pagan varieties, and I know there are druids and norse pagans and all sorts of other people here.

So fill out the poll above and let me know which sect fits you the best. (I apologize in advance - I know I can't have remembered every sect possible, hence "Other".) Then tell me in this thread what led you to that particular sect, and why it fits your beliefs better than any other.

I'm interested to discover what beliefs we as pagans have in common, and where we differ. For instance, I've seen posts on this board that say that not all pagans are nature-based, and that not all pagans believe in the universality of deity. So what do you believe? The floor is open!

(Mods, I would've placed this thread under the General Pagan Talk section, but I couldn't find a subsection that seemed to fit.)

[I Luciferi]

Unlike most Satanists, I do consider myself a Pagan. I chose other, because I didnt know exactly where I fell in your options.

[Rainx]

I chose other because I could fit into more then one though I felt "general pagan" didn't cover it. I guess to me "general pagan" refers to someone who doesn't specifically work with certain paths or systems, or who works with many different ones in a mish-mash type of way, or who couldn't specifically point out which paths and systems they draw from.

I fall under ceremonial magician, wiccan, and egyptian pagan very specifically. "Thelemic Egyptian Wiccan" perhaps would've covered it. :)

Excellent poll, Ben, and welcome to our forum.

[Ben Trismegistus]

Originally posted by Lucifuge

Unlike most Satanists, I do consider myself a Pagan. I chose other, because I didnt know exactly where I fell in your options.

Oops - sorry buddy! Told you I'd forget something!

Thought I'd chime in and answer my own question. I'm middle-of-the-road Wiccan, modified Gardnerianism. My coven grew out of the Minoan Brotherhood/Sisterhood, one of the oldest pagan organizations in New York City.

I believe in a god & goddess, as the masculine and feminine aspects of an all-pervasive universal force, the archetypes of which have been worshipped by various cultures as numerous pantheons. Therefore, although I do believe that Hermes, Isis, Thor, Coyote, Quan Yin, Shiva, and Anansi are all (in a way) separate entities, I also believe that they are all equal parts of a single whole.

Other than that, the trappings are all middle-of-the-road Wiccan, the sort of thing you read in Cunningham or Curott.

Your beliefs may vary.

NEXT!

[Old Witch]

I'm an other because, well, I've been Pagan so long, I pick and choose among a lot of sects as it suits me........Hey, it works for me! I know a little bit about a lot of sects......A lot about a little bit of sects..........and am always looking to learn more......

[WitchJezebel]

Ditto what Old Witch said!

[MoonDust]

Eclectic wiccan.
Whatever suits.

[Psyche Ague]

I'm a Buddhist Pagan, so obviously I chose the Eastern Pagan option. However, I'm also a "tree-hugging Nature-lover," so I'd fit in that category, too. But that's just my personality. :D

(PS. I always used to think that "tree-hugging Nature-lover" was the same as Pagan. I'm so sad that I was wrong. :( Heh, regardless, that's still my definition of "Pagan" because that's how I define myself: a Daughter of Gaia, the Earth and thus, a Pagan.)

[mariemh]

I think I fall into the Other category. I am hereditary, taught by my mother and grandmother (while she was still alive). I really never gave any thoughts to categorizing myself as anything other than Witch.

[Lunacie]

Eclectic Wiccan here. Hey, someday it will be an "old tyme religion". :D

[PeleRising]

I am a witch... :D

[Haedis]

I chose 'other'.

Former Wiccan, new to chaos magick and philosophy but thats where I'm at right now. Using witchcraft/chaos styled magic that I make up as I go along. I just went through a major deconstruction of beliefs so I don't have any firm stances on my concept of "god" anymore.

[Pan]

I chose Nature-lovin' tree-hugger.. just because.

I'm my own breed of pagan.. with my religion getting under way. :D

[AmbivalentMirage]

I'm a Jewitch! ^.^

...I didn't see any options that resembled "jewitch", so I chose "other". I hope that's okay. ;)

[Medea]

Dianic Wiccan here.

[Armitage]

Animist Pagan and borderline Chaote....Though I'm not quite sure how to define my beliefs to myself most of the time, and even this seems very off.

[Tarbh Nathroch]

Although I’m not real hip on how it was worded. I choose nature loving tree hugger. I’ve always considered nature my religion. I always thought of mental and spiritual energies as a natural thing. I get all my strength and comfort from standing on the ground, being in water, watching animals and smelling (sometimes smoking) plants. Nothing drives home the existence of the divine more than my fellow life forms. Although I’ve been labeled an eclectic Wiccan the most by others.

[Annyka]

Originally posted by Old Witch

I know a little bit about a lot of sects......A lot about a little bit of sects..........and am always looking to learn more......

I'm always looking for a bit of sects :D






[sorry if this post is out of line - Please delete it if it is]

[Siarlas]

I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what to call myself! Not that I'm one for titles anyhows. And I have a tendency to pick and choose from anything and everything. Anyway, I choose Druid because come next year, I willing be studying for my Bardic grade in a Druid course.

[Faery-Wings]

I chose General Pagan. A pagan who has Wiccan influence, a bit. I guess I could have also chose Witch, as I am a Kitchen witch/folk witch sort. But I have a deep religious component to my work, that perhaps other "Witches" do not. Ah, semantics!

I am just "me." :)

[st0rm]

I'm a Asatruer

[Morrigana]

Wiccan with heavy Celtic leanings and though I don't consider myself Dianic, I work primarily with the Goddess.

[She-Arna]

I chose Other, because while I could consider myself a Druid or Celitc Pagan, I also consider myself a Shaman with lots of Celtic influence. I couldn't select both Shaman and Celtic, so I hit Other. :)

[Gently Gazing Eyes]

Ecclectic Wiccan :)

[AmbivalentMirage]

So much beautiful variety! :)

[Shawnti]

I'm a Radical Faerie (tee-hee-hee)

[Firedragoncat]

I guess my full "title" would be Electic Celtic Pagan Witch.
Is that possible?

[~ Monk ~]

I think my current title best describes me at this point: mongrel. For the sake of the poll I chose other.

I started out with Wicca, but as I read about other paths I saw a lot of myself in them and realized I couldn't call myself Wiccan. I find that a lot about Taoism speaks to me, and I've always had great respect for Native American beliefs but could never be a true follower as I'm not NA.

Shamanism has been very prominent for me lately, and I've been doing a lot more reading about Druidry as well.

So, Mongrel will do for now. :D

[Rainx]

Originally posted by Firedragoncat Is that possible?

There is a Celtic eclectic Wiccan coven in my area, so I'd say so.

[Azure]

Er - I really want to lean towards Recon, but there are too many weird variables for that. I work with Celtic and Greco-Roman (really, more Greek than Roman - I was raised there) deities and there are lots of similarities to Roman era Britain in what I do, but there is also a healthy dose of folklore and folk culture of the British Isles from the Middle Ages to the present involved. I am very strict about research.

I am not a Wiccan, although that was what I was when I was a teenager.

I guess I'm "Other" - there really isn't a category.

[Ben Trismegistus]

OK, Azure, you're now one of my favorite people on here, because you have a Get Fuzzy quote in your signature. Gotta love Bucky.

To everyone else: Thanks for all the great responses on this thread. It's really interesting to see all of the different sorts of pagans there are in the community, and it's wonderful that we can all get along and work together towards the same ends (no shades of Catholic/Protestant prejudice).

I hope that everyone knows that the point of this thread was not to separate us, but rather to celebrate the theological differences that make us a diverse and vital community.

OK, speech over. :)

[AmbivalentMirage]

*puts his finger in a light socket* Now I'm an electric pagan! ;)

*runs away with his bad puns*

[Flaire-FireStar]

Originally posted by AmbivalentMirage

*puts his finger in a light socket* Now I'm an electric pagan! ;)

*runs away with his bad puns*

AMBI! :woah:

I'd say General.....

[AmbivalentMirage]

No fear! I'm not being self-abusive... just making an eclectic/electric pun. ;)

I hope I didn't offend anyone... :ack:

[cydira]

I abstained from voting.

While I'll say that I'm wiccan, that's just because my beliefs are legally protected under that status.

I'm leaning towards witch, but it's tricky to say so with so many different perspectives on that concept.

My bakground is a compilation of hereditary teachings from my mother, wiccan teachings from my aunt, a *ton* of research (on-going) into the Roman era Celtic peoples, focusing more on the British isles area, and a wide range of philosophical and theological info that I've been introduced to as a result of my liberal arts education.

For the most part, I'm comfortable around Christians of any sect. Mormans make me uneasy because some of their practices make me uncomfortable. Most Catholics I'm comfortable with, but when I start dealing with members of the Dominican order, I become closely gaurded in what I say. <shrugs> I get allong with most anybody and I try to be generally plesant. When people want to convert me, I look at them and say "Lead by example. You show me that you live by your religion's teachings and I'll think about it." Most of the people who've tried to convert me usually go away, muttering something about atheists. <shrugs>


Side note: My being gaurded around members of the Dominican order is fairly simple. The Inquisition has not been *officially* concluded by the Catholic church. When I hear of a papal bull stating that the Inquisition is overturned or declared concluded, I'll be a bit more comfortable around Dominicans. They were perhaps the largest powerhouse of Inquisitors that were present during that period. I look at history and then I keep my mouth shut on topics that's sure to get me in some form of trouble or to get the nuns that educated me in some form of trouble. <shrugs>

[AstraSkye]

I picked General Pagan, but realized I should have taken Other instead...

Agnostic Pagan with Wiccan (and LaVeyan) influences.

[FlamedLilly]

I dont' really know what I'd classify myself as of yet. But when I do I"m sure that you all will be the first to know.

[amberlaine]

Wiccan with Jewish tendencies :)

[Flaire-FireStar]

Originally posted by AmbivalentMirage

No fear! I'm not being self-abusive... just making an eclectic/electric pun. ;)

I hope I didn't offend anyone... :ack:

Nah! I wasn't expecting it! :T

((Ambi))

[Siarlas]

Originally posted by AmbivalentMirage
I hope I didn't offend anyone... :ack:

BAD JOKE DISCLAIMER: We recognize that religious humor can be risky. It is our hope that by laughing at ourselves (and others) we can make this subject more approachable. If you find any of these objectionable, we apologize. Many were posted on Beliefnet (http://www.beliefnet.com), some were passed along via email and others spotted on other websites. As with most jokes, the original authors are unknown -- but we thank them


No fear! I'm not being self-abusive... just making an eclectic/electric pun. ;)


That said, I'm afraid, I'm going to have to do this...

http://kayalanashome.ableinternet.com/smilies/knockknock.gif ;) :T

[*GrumpButt*]

I chose Witch, but i am really a combo (Combos yummmmmmm)
b/t Witch and hippy tree hugger.

Ha ha electric pagan, thats funny!

[Ben Trismegistus]

Originally posted by Kaya

BAD JOKE DISCLAIMER: We recognize that religious humor can be risky. It is our hope that by laughing at ourselves (and others) we can make this subject more approachable. If you find any of these objectionable, we apologize. Many were posted on Beliefnet (http://www.beliefnet.com), some were passed along via email and others spotted on other websites. As with most jokes, the original authors are unknown -- but we thank them


I'm of the opinion that any religion you can't laugh at isn't worth believing in. :lol:

[Old Witch]

Originally posted by Annyka

I'm always looking for a bit of sects :D






[sorry if this post is out of line - Please delete it if it is]

:eek: Just got around to this thread again!:lol:

[seeknow]

i replied Ceremonial magician even though i don't really see that path as a stand-alone religion, more like an approach to religion and faith. a system to work within.

oh and i found this in one of my folders:

-----BEGIN MAGIC CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 1.5
MOC/TA$ X+ PEG/GR/NO~ W N++ Dr A--->+++/*
a+>+++ C(---) G- QH++ 666+
------END MAGIC CODE BLOCK------

http://occult.sk4p.net/code/

[Eudaimonia]

YAAAAAAY! I'm not in the majority! :boing:

[AstraSkye]

Originally posted by AstraSkye

I picked General Pagan, but realized I should have taken Other instead...

Agnostic Pagan with Wiccan (and LaVeyan) influences.

May I please add that I'm solitary and eclectic? ;) :D

[Rae ShadowWolf]

I'm not sure where I fall. I consider myself a Witch, but not Wiccan. I do follow some of the Wiccan ideals though. I am also Celtic Reconstructionism. Does Eclectic Witch apply?

[SylverStar]

I choose tree hugger cause thats what my christian sister calls me :lol:
No seriously though I get my strength from the Earth and the Elementals not much of one for the Gods/Goddess but I do follow the Greek pantheon as a focus point.

[LadyOak]

I chose 'other'. A bit of this and a bit of that....

[Brenners]

Just a plain ol' witch here! I do however have an interest in Wicca and although I loosely follow it right now, I don't feel I personally know enough about it to call myself a Wiccan. It is my hope that someday I can though!

:reading:

[Mistiblue]

I am also a "Combo". I am Witch, Shaman, and Nature Loving Tree Hugger. :lol: :)

[Aine of the Fae]

I voted General Pagan as I draw from a wide variety of sources for my belief system.

[Adam Of Avalon]

I am a witch, first and foremost. I'm also an unofficial member of the Church Universal Eclectic Wicca. (Meaning I follow the teachings but don't actually belong.)

[BlueFlame]

Oooh Good poll! It says alot about the diversity of this community when in a poll with 12 choices, the seccond largest group is the "other" tehehe

I voted Wiccan. Recently I've been considering joining UEW too. They've got a nice system worked out for solitaries.

[WynterWynd]

Witch, not Wiccan :smile:

[Jenne]

Witch, not Wiccan. Solitary and eclectic, as I pick up a little here, a little there. I also consider myself a Kitchen (but not Hedge) Witch. But then, you can fit that into ecelctic, imo.

I have learned a little about a lot of sects. I am looking to learn more and more as time goes by, and I incorporate those lessons into my Path.

[Aldrick]

Druidic/Draconic practitioner

[CelestiaSynth]

I consider myself Wiccan :)

[Grey]

I chose other becuase while I do many things along the asautru tradition, I dont think I would be considered one. Ive also studied buddhism alot and much of what I do reflects that. A weird mix, the norse buddhist but it balances me out rather well.

[Equinox]

Hi Ben!

I guess as a subculture of 1, I couldn't get a whole category for "Pagan Humanist", so I checked General Pagan. I wonder if a lot of us won't accept anything without good evidence - that's the criteria I often use for being a humanist of any stripe.

Have a fun day!

-Equinox

[~ Monk ~]

It's interesting how things can change for you over time. Since I voted on this poll, Taoism has really become the primary focus of my path. Still, in terms of a label or category, General/Eclectic Pagan still fits me quite well.

For now. :D

[Crystal_Raye]

Eclectic here. Whatever feels right.

[Earth_kissed]

well I chose general pagan because I don't know anything about any other sects. maybe sombody could teach me????



ANYONE!!

[dreamweaver]

Basically I don't like to be categorized in any way.I chose Shamanism as it best describes my ways not my beliefs.I believe my signature says it all

[Jeleia]

Solitary Witch :)

[SolaghStagh]

I'm norse pagan, started off bending towards wicca and the celtic gods and goddesses. Then after several revealing dreams found my way to asatru ..... and i've never looked back.

[Iris]

I'm always looking for a bit of sects :D

:lol:

Ah that made me chuckle. You deserve some karma for cheering me up on a generally dingy day. :)

Anyway - bah! It's so hard to categorise what I believe. Half the time I don't even really know how to define it to myself. The word 'Wiccan' doesn't really sit right, although I choose to follow the Rede because it just seems like common sense to me. There is an old saying; "What goes around comes around" and I choose not to deal out negative energy if I can help it. I would never curse or hex someone simply because it seems unfair to me, especially if they aren't pagan themselves and so can't even defend themselves. That seems too much like using magic in a way which is (in MY opinion) incorrect.

I mainly relate to Celtic or Norse deities, because as far as I know this is where my cultural roots lie, and besides the fact that I don't feel comfortable 'borrowing' from cultures which are alien to me (NB I'm not saying I think it is 'wrong' to do this, simply that it doesn't work for ME) the Celtic deities in particular seem to just...speak to me.

Also, I don't describe myself as a 'witch' because I feel that the word has very negative connotations, especially to people who don't know much about Paganism - I don't want to scare people off before they even get to know me! I do cast spells, but only occassionally, as need dictates, whenever I feel I need a little extra help with a problem.

I tend to shy away from ceremonial magic of any kind, because I just don't feel comfortable with it. I'm drawn to Drudism and can be found hanging around the Druid forum sometimes, also to Seax-Wicca which I've recently started looking into. I prefer to practise my religion in as simple a way as possible - grandeur just doesn't suit me.

If anyone wants to suggest what type of Pagan I am, they're welcome, because I don't have a bloody clue to be honest!

[Aidron]

I voted as just a witch.

I consider witchcraft itself more of an art or the practice of magick and not with built in ethics, morals, and religious beliefs.

Wicca on the other hand I would consider a combination of witchcraft with built in beliefs, ethics, and morals.

I prefer to keep myself open to all things, religiously and spiritually, so I learn about vairous religions and apply what suits me, whether it be satanic values, buddhist ones, wiccan, voodoo, so forth and so on.

So, eclectic witch sums me up best.

[JeweledNight]

I'm a Heinz 57 Pagan. I think that's an accurate label for "a little of everything"!

I am taking an online Wicca course, but not to "become" Wiccan, but to just expand my knowledge. I live at home with my parents and am a broke college senior, so I can't afford to (nor do I want to) plaster my bookshelves with books on the subject just yet. A little at a time.

That's why I know I am Pagan and love it - I can be Heinz 57 and it's ok! :D

[Kitari]

Hedgewitch!

Just like to add that I do not define hedgewitch as solitairy wiccan, rather as a practical solitairy witch who's skills range from shamanism, healing, divination, folk magic and all the old 'village witch' talents, I don't follow any moral rules or set beliefs. Its whatever works for me at the time ;)

[TheeHeks]

Hi all

I voted Other because I cant say. I call on Isis and Bast, in ritual, but am interested in Avalon and also in the Faery Realm. I want to learn more about the last.

Henny TheeHeks

[wildchild4006]

Sorry sisters and brothers....I have not taken the time to introduce myself either. I have no special name, I haven't taken the time to think about myself much...maybe someone can suggest who I am......lol.....but anyway...I am a cross between the Native American (Cherokee and Choctaw..a family of Cherokee) and Celtic Wiccan...I know this from my Indian family's side and something about a lady that was burnt outside of Boston...then named Charlestown, United States, I have heard the name Margaret Jones, but I also know that her Mother was burnt in another country, maybe Ireland or outskirts.....she had children that were raised by her Father at the time of her murder, she was a healer also.....but I think that I am closer to the eclectic breed, just not sure yet. I have a closeness with the totem spirit Wolf, and I am lucky to have 2 feline familiars in my presence, a mother and son team, very good companions, yet very much like myself..... I have studied and dug herbs for many years, and still learning, it is never-ending. What I don't learn from books and internet, is some kind of memories passed on...not sure how to describe them. They are full of emotion and knowledge, just don't know where they come from. I am what is known as a healer, am a great friend to nature and animals, have saved many. When younger, in my part of the country, being "witchy" was a bad thang!...Now it seems that we are all coming out too...hmmm? I live smack dab at the end of the bible belt, where I hear....thou shall not suffer a witch to live...", but I interpret this different than it is worded...since witches and healers were often mixed up and lumped into the category of all witches in the days of yore. I hurt none, and live by the creed and law of three. And I believe that there are dark and light forces, and it takes both to make a whole, it is as intended. What side you are drawn to is between you and the mother earth and father god. And I do believe that there is temptation in any heartfelt "religion". It is not for me to decide what side we do our best for in this life, only for me to say that I believe... and I will not harm none in my quest. I will try from my soul to learn and be true to my heart and god, and I will need the goddesses to smile upon me in my wanderings and soul searching, to teach me and lead me.

"Ignorance is Tolerated.....Tolerance is limited !!"

[AradiaSupernova]

Helanistic pagan :) Following the greek path :)

[Twig]

I put other. Reason, I am an Ordained minister in the truly cutting edge Neo-Druidic Path entitled The Forth Age of Druidry. Although I guess you could just call me a Druid. Heheheh :smoke:

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[CalliopeHellice]

I voted "Wiccan", although I think "Trad" and "Eclectic" should be separate choices, as both are vastly different paths.

I'm hoping to be training in the near future with a Trad coven...so I guess I sort of stand in "Solitary Traditional Wiccan", but I have Hellenic tendencies (Greek Wicca?)....

[banondraig]

i voted general pagan, because "other" just didn't sound right. started off greek/tree hugger, moved to wicca via "women who run with the wolves" and "the mists of avalon", now exploring druidry, asatru, discordian, and probably whatever strikes my fancy next. astrology has been a constant through pretty much all of this. i like to watch the dance of the stars, and would like to see the dance of the fae.

[Sparrow]

I picked "witch" because I practice magic but not any type of religion.

[PEBBLES]

Dianic Witch.

[Forgotten Past]

I voted for other because I honestly haven't found my "path".

I don't believe in any kind of God / Godess but I do believe in an "life force" of sorts which exists everywhere and can be "manipulated" when ever one wants.

I don't believe in rituals.

I believe in Tarot; candles; etc... but only a a tool to help tap the subconcious mind (which is, to me, the "gateway" to be able to do "magic")

I do believe in good and "evil" but no as seperate factions. To me they are one. I believe they are a part of each of us. (it is up to me wether I do good or "evil")

To me, all days are "holy" days as each day is special in its own way.

Anyone know what I am?

[luna rising]

I choose Witch. I dunno, I studied cermonial magick and the Kaballah for ten years, but just recently realized that I was on the wrong road for me.

I follow the Wiccan Rede (because I think that it's just good solid advice to live by in any path or religion), I base a lot of my spellcrafting on Wiccan ideals, but I also utilize much of my Kaballistic and Golden Dawn studies in my ceremonies, and especially when making talismans and amulets.
And I use an Enochian Tarot deck. I am a mutt!!

And Pebbles, you are right. Redheads TOTALLY have the most fun! ;)

[Rain Gnosis]

That's fitting since Wicca had it's basis in GD :)

[writitive]

I voted Wiccan, because it most closely matches my ideals. I do follow the Rede and other Laws (Return, etc). However, I'm not really into elaborate rituals or magic. I'm also still trying to come to grips the the idea of a goddess and god watching over me, but I'm getting there. Maybe I should be classified as an eclectic solitary agnostic Wiccan. I do also have Buddhist and Native American influences, and I'm always reading, trying to learn more, to open myself up to different paths.

[aefentid]

Vanatru

[Pesha]

Wiccan witch. Solitary by choice. And loving it!!

BB
DS.

[DixieWitch]

Eclectic Wiccan, just starting out "officially" on my path. Though I've been studying since I'm 16 (26 now) But nonetheless I consider myself Eclectic, taking from all areas of Wicca. Solitary also. And I worship Bast.

~~Rowan

[Seabhac]

I'm me. :D

Well, if I were to nail myself down, I'd call myself a Celtic Witch/Shaman (witchdoctor?) with polytheistic leanings. Since that particular option wasn't in the poll, I went with "Other". :ballonsmi

Bright blessings,
Seabhac

[WingedTigerChild]

Unitarian Universalist, Eclectic Pagan, Nature-loving tree-hugger, all of those fit me. I'm all about what feels right to me and it is therefore impossible for me to feel 100% fulfilled in any organized, one-way religion or religious sect.

[mato]

I am native american, but I am not a 'shaman'. I'm also a nature loven tree huggen neo hippy.

[Nissala]

I voted other because I kinda follow whatever suits at the time...

[nomadicdragon]

I picked general because i'm not sure what I am.. i'm still studying and stumbling and finding my way through the muddled thoughts that are my beliefs :)

[Xentor]

I voted General Pagan. Although I have quite a clear view of what I believe, I haven't found one single pagan path that encompasses it. Thus, bits and pieces of my path can be found amongst most of them. If that isn't General than I don't know what is.

[LadyWillow]

I'm a solitary eclectic, so ya.

[Midnight Siren]

Solitary Witch :smile:

[FeatherGoblinglimmer]

I'd say i was a kitchen wich:)

[Kithling]

x

[redlady]

Hereditary witch here-what was good for Grammy is good enough for me. (I do prefer indoor plumbing to out houses though,and electricity to kerosene.....) lol!

[Imbrium]

I chose other because I am a searcher. Previously I had defined my life by Christianity, but when my very rigid viewpoints were challenged, they didn’t hold up. Everything I did and said had been biased towards my church’s doctrine, and my slanted ideals were keeping me from growing spiritually. I had hit a wall. After that, I realized that there are common threads running through all facets of life and religion. Some seem to be more useful than others, but none have shown me the complete truth. So I decided never to become too focused on only one religion again.

Still, I became extremely interested in Paganism and Wicca when I realized that ritual and magick were excellent tools for actively helping one along in life. It seems to me that the more help I have the better. At the moment I am figuring out which aspects of Paganism that I’m going to study in-depth, so that I don’t become too scattered.

Despite my bad experiences, I still hold on to a few Christian principles…”Seek and ye shall find…”

I hope so.

[jenn]

General for me-alittle bit of everything though... solitary too

[morrigen]

Ceremonial magician/wiccan/egyptian/celtic/instinctive.....ahh, hell, all of the above!!! :lol:

[Muireannach]

Celtic Reconstructionist at first, but then I realsied it wasn't for me, and I am a Satanist now.

[ajna]

Celtic pagan, with druid leanings (though I have stopped studying druidry as of late).

[FeatherGoblinglimmer]

Oh i love your sig Ajna, where did you get it?

[amberwolf]

I am a hedgewitch so chose witch as there wasnt any other option lol

[Marchosias]

I am the Satanic kind. :smoke:

[Seabreeze0197]

Hi all. Well, I chose general pagan because I don't follow any particular path, as of yet. Witch, yes. Celtic influences, yes. But, I have a problem with rituals, so, I guess just a general pagan witch with Celtic influences. :colorful:

[Kalika]

Witch. But, I also practice Goddess worship... not just magick. So.... spiritual witch. ;)

[Elfstone]

I like to think of myself as a Heathen (of the Norse variety). :)

[keystone]

Call me unenlightened.... My family name comes from the Cati tribe in Scotland so I'm sure ther should be some Celtic belief there, but my introduced bloodlines are Cherokee.

But the real twist comes from my non-traditional "christian" beliefs. Not Christian as in Christ-like, christian as in follower of the path of Christ. I like a lot of what he stood for. But the traditional church has twisted and perverted it into what they wanted the bible to say.

I guess the most important part of me is my eclectic spiritism. I guess that's what you would call it....

«shrug»

[blueiris]

i chose Witch...i guess i'd call myself an eccletic Witch with an interest in Egyptian, Celtic, and Greek pantheons (i'm still researching them) and an interest in Druidry.

edited to add: i've changed a bit, so now I would just call myself an eccletic Wiccan. not so much a witch anymore. I may be an eccletic Celtic Wiccan but I'm not sure as of yet!

[Vanessa TPD]

I've been raised Hindu, which is the religion with which I identify most. But really, in terms of my actual theological beliefs, I'm more of a cross between a Hindu, a generic Pagan, a Deist, and an agnostic.

[FaeFollower]

I'm holding off on voting because I haven't figured it out yet...someday. Then I'll vote. :D

[Calyx]

Since this got bumped up, thought I would answer it...
I picked "Witch". Although I am a nature loving tree hugger too. :lol:
Solitary hedge/kitchen witch, actually. :)

[White Rose]

I chose Witch, but unlike a lot of "Witches", I consider Witchcraft a religion, not just a practice. So I'm like a Pagan Witch with Wiccan/Jewish (hell, it's my BLOOD! :P)/Extreme Eclectic tendencies.

<333

[nighstar]

undecided on if i should pick "general pagan" "nature-loving tree-hugger" or "other" :lol:

[batty bat]

Guess i am a solitary Hedgewytch althought i do go along to groups from time to time, so i think that makes me an other.

[FaerieGothMommy]

I picked "Wiccan (Alexandrian, Gardnerian, Eclectic, etc.)" ...

I suppose i did fall into Eclectic before, but i am leaning towards Hedgewitch/green witchcraft right now. I think thats the sort of path i'll later fall into.

[FaerieGothMommy]

I consider Witchcraft a religion, not just a practice.

So do i, very much so!

[Heathen Dawn]

Both “general pagan” and “nature-loving tree hugger”; I chose the latter because I haven’t established a relationship with a God yet.

[stormyray]

Egyptian Pagan here !!!!!

[Antoninus]

I make a cocktail out of religion, a little of this, a little of that. A little bit borrowed from this branch of Paganism, a little from that branch. So I guess I dont really have an official title.

[Eowyn]

Im a Wiccan. Im a Eclectic Wiccan.. ;)

[Felidae]

I voted Witch because I'm not Wiccan, which would have led to Pagan, but I practice Magick, which some Pagan's don't, but I'm a strong supporter of the KISS theory, which rules out Ceremonial Magician...

So, just Witch.

[RhiannynWildseed]

Hmmm, witch is by itself, and ecletic is under the category of Wicca. Well, I would call myself an eclectic witch, but I have many wiccan beliefs. I figure if it works, use it!

:broomride

Rhiannyn

[mothwench]

hmm. i chose tree-hugger but i should have chosen other. or ben should have left multiple options... :p
i have pretty much equal parts of celtic, norse, wiccan and treehugger in me. :) thanks to whoever bumped this up. great poll! :D

[mudweed]

I just chose general pagan. Because I pick and choose from whatever fits into my personal theology. I'm pretty much a tree-hugger too, though, according to some people. So... I'm a me-pagan!

[Ravenna Angellin]

Hmmm, witch is by itself, and ecletic is under the category of Wicca. Well, I would call myself an eclectic witch, but I have many wiccan beliefs. I figure if it works, use it!

:broomride

Rhiannyn

See, now that's how I would really describe myself as well... tis a very complicated subject... but absolutely fun and interesting!

Ravenna

[Cerryl]

Me? right now, I consider myself to be the "Tree-Hugging Nature Freak"!

GO NATURE!!! rofl.

Seriously though, right now I am not at the right level spiritually to really discover the right Pagan path for myself, I have a lot of self-discovery to do before I can even think about that..

I do know I'm capable of quite a bit, I recently discovered I'm an empath, which is a major struggle..

So until some other things come clearer, I'll be a happy hippie tree hugger! lol

[Mab]

Is there such a thing as a genetic Irish witch? If there is, that would be me. My heritage is primarily Irish/English. I discovered that I had special "gifts" at a rather early age, and they have become increasingly stronger as I have grown older. They have become much stronger, as well, since beginning my studies in druidism & the craft. Basically, I decided about 6-8 months ago to really research & try to explain the premonitions & visions I got & why I got them. So, I checked a ton of books out of the library & read & read & found that Celtic witchcraft, not Wicca, not really full Druidism, but generic ancient Celtic craft explained a lot about me--things just really "clicked". So, here I am, an non-affiliated Irish witch. :)

[Jeremy Westenn]

* Blink In! *

I put myself under Wiccan (Though i'm NOT Gardnerish, Alexandrian, etc.) though I am what I call my own breed of the religion. I don't really fully follow the Rede and so forth but I do follow and worship the Goddess & God, and The One.

A lot of Wiccans would say that I am not a "true" Wiccan. I'll decide what makes me Wiccan though!

Nice poll though!

Blessed Be....
)O(

* Blink Out! *

- Jeremy Westenn

[Amarys]

I'm a Witch trained by one of the 100. "Unto every generation, there shall be 100 Teachers." Ours is a monotheistic, matriarchal, naturalist religion. According to my Teacher our traditions go back in direct line for thousands of years. My main areas of training have been healing and traditions. I had been initiated first to be a healer and walked along that path for five years before I was reinitiated as High Priestess. As I originally learned out traditions, I follow the blue and yellow disciplines.
Our version of the rede is the One Law: "In that it harm none; then, 'Do as thou wilt' shall be the whole of the law." Although there is a subtle difference in the wording, much of our training goes into learning exactly what the One Law means in order to emulate it.

Sorry for being so long winded. I tend to be some what isolated in my traditions (not exclusive, nor intolerant). By the by, can someone define "People" for me as this is a term that I have just encounter especially on this board.

Blessed be,

[argento_occhi]

i'm egyptian/kemetic pagan, that's the title i find fits me the best.
bright blessings
argento_occhi

[Mau]

I voted Witch (not Wiccan, just witch)...I was conflicted though, as I am an Italian witch..but the word strega now strikes an off chord with me (tyvm Mr. Raven GrimASSi) :grrrrr:

[banondraig]

!!!
wow, what happened there? i've always heard good things about him, not arguing, just curious.

[aftershocked]

I voted egyptian/kemetic pagan.. although I can be rather discordian in my views :floating:

[redthewitch75]

I am not sure how I would classify myself...I just call myself a Witch. But I guess specifically with Wiccan and Norse Pagan and Celtic Pgan leanings. Does that make sense?Feh!

[lauren]

I'm still new to everything so I shallnt classify myself.

[Enchanted Echoes]

Eclectic Pagan... and psychic

[Tzhebee]

General Pagan, I guess. Eclectic would be more accurate. I guess I've always viewed my beliefs along the same lines as an Alcoholics Annonymous meeting: Take with you that which works and leave everything else behind.

At least that's my definition of eclectic.

[arctic splash]

I'll go with nature-loving tree-hugger, but I wouldn't exactly put it in those words!

[ravenmyst]

just like it says, eclectic solitaire, although I do the UU thing now

[BlueTicona]

one sentence:
"Always willing to help a friend."

:kooky:
blue

[BlueTicona]

OHH..just realized there was a poll involved sry lol...

Well, I try to be a druid but daily life always seems to catch up with me :(

blue

[ravenmyst]

I went with just witch although could have gone general pagan on the poll I missed before first anwer

[sarabethv]

Kind of hard to explain.

Witch, born, not Wiccan.

Taoist, I used to tell people Zen, but then this guy, who became a very close friend called me on it cause I was using it just because most people don't know what Tao is.

While these two may not seem to fit, they actually do quite well.

Works for me! :uhhuhuh:

[SilentDreams]

I picked "Other" but I re-read the poll and realized I should've picked "General Pagan" sorry... :awilly:

[Doodlebug]

I voted Other. Here is what I am:

Agnostic Liberal Paganized New Age Bisexual Christian ;) :bug:

[6th Angel]

Witch (not Wiccan, just Witch)
And I´m looking into Strega, so far just researching.

I keep shifting between beliefs every few months, so I have decided to stick to what I know so far and what I´m good at (Witchcraft) and once I find something else that suits me, then I can start looking for a specific name to my belief....But maybe I´ll stay with a non specific for ever. :rolleyes: I like being just a Witch! :D

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

Avalonian/Arthurian Pagan and Witch.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[greenwitch]

I didnt really know where I fit cuz I come from a large variety.... on my father's side my great grandmother was a Strega, so I know a lot about that through heritage.... reading her journals and stuff... and then on my mother's side her mother was norse pagan.... I remember listening to her stories and things.... so I have a lot through my heritage and then just what I've picked up along the way.... I celebrate the Goddess more than the God.... I tend to lean more towards female divinities I guess... I'm not necessarily wiccan, I call myself a Witch... but I'm selective of what I do/believe.... I dunno I'm just mixed up lol

[The High Queen of Faerie]

i'm a hellenic wiccan.

[Earthy]

I have no idea!!!!
Just pagan with a mix of tree hugger i guess :lol:

[Hærfest Leah]

I'm not sure what I am anymore, I'm reading about everything to find my place. So for now I'm just going to say witch.

[fay]

wow! i was halfway through reading this thread before i realised how old it was :nyah: silly fay!

well, to answer ben's question, im a wiccan plain and simple, solitary.

im actually surprised that wiccan is the one with the most votes, i would have thought it would be general pagan or other. i see so many people that tailor make their paths and i think that that is great, im just lucky enough to have one that already exists :nyah:
blessed be

[Pure Ahimsa]

Eclectic Pagan.

[Kaija]

Nocturnal/Celtic/Necromantic Witch who is also a Pagan ... (I qualify for several of the listed catagories, but.. don't completely fit any)

[Windsmith]

Reclaiming-tradition witch. (http://www.reclaiming.org) We grew out of the Anderson Feri tradition, an ecstatic Pagan tradition (as opposed to Wicca, generally considered a fertility tradition). We are a consensus-based, non-hierarchical tradition believing in the immanence of the Divine in the cycles of nature and our lives; our own selves as our ultimate spiritual authority; balance in worship & practice (need not be represented by gender polarity); organic, ecstatic, participatory ritual; & the connection between social activism and spiritual belief.

So, there you have it: socialist tree-huggers + magic. :hrmm:

[TaysatWesir]

Egyptian pagan (Kemetic)

[Phoenyxfyre]

:fpeek: AmerIndian, Wiccan, Celt, & some Christian views I took likin ta. Mmmm, & anthin else that I find interestin or fits in my Life Path. _pounce_

[Sekushi Cho]

I don't quite know what I am. My rituals do tend to rely on the night and darkness. I like to use blood and perhaps a touch of Vodun every now and again. I don't go as far as animal sacrifices, though. Human, maybe. But no animal.

[Sekushi Cho]

Nocturnal/Celtic/Necromantic Witch who is also a Pagan ... (I qualify for several of the listed catagories, but.. don't completely fit any)... or I could have just said this... *Hugs person* Sorry, babe. I'm stealing your identity.

[Aeres_Stormcrow]

I chose just Witch, but I usually consider myself a Norse Witch.

[serenarian]

Does being a confused Pagan count? ;)

[Semele]

Necromancy rules.

[Ninjakitten]

Christian in belief (depending on which Christian you ask, hehe), but the pagan practices I incorporate so far are Wiccan, and I want to explore more of my cultural heritages and see what rings true to my spirit, which means I'm an uber-mutt in practice. Dang Geminis can't make up their dang minds :) I called myself a non-Wiccan witch for this because I only incorporate some practices and attitudes that Wiccans do, and don't incorporate anything else yet. Eclectic (Christian... witch... thing) might be the end result of what I become, though. I just see so much that resonates as true to my spirit in so many practices. I am looking into my Cherokee and Sioux heritages, my Scottish heritage, my Irish heritage, and even some of my German/Norse heritage to see what my spirit resonates with and pray for Divine guidance on it. So far, so good (but still so new in practice).

[Ninjakitten]

Necromancy rules.


Something about Hello Kitty as an avatar doesn't scream "Necromancy" to me :)

[Sekushi Cho]

Something about Hello Kitty as an avatar doesn't scream "Necromancy" to me :)It screams "mislead gothic" to me... but I could be wrong...

[ap Dafydd]

I voted for Celtic though I'm not really either a Drude or a CR/CT (probably closer to CT if you pushed me).

Influenced by Celtic roots. Influenced also by folklore and custom, as well as by the way of the cunning man.

gwyn eich byd

Ffred

[Phoenyxfyre]

Dang Geminis can't make up their dang minds :)
:fpeek: Yep, my prob too.
I'm always findin somethin new that I like & figure out how ta incorporate inta my beliefs. *shrugs* Workin so far. :nyah:

[nocturnalgoddess]

I am just myself, solitary witch, following my own path
and learning everyday. I haven't found a *category*
that fits me, so I shall remain just myself.

[Rhianna813]

I chose General Pagan. I have been studying Paganism in one form or another for 12 years or so. I do incorporate many Wiccan styled atributes to my rituals, especially if they are public or involve friends. I have no problem being apart of Wiccan celebrations or rituals. At home I am more of a Hearth Witch and who likes to see the magic in everyday events. No formal this-n-that needed to be sacred!

My personal beliefs that The Powers That Be or my Higher Power is a genderless something or other. But that people have chosen to relate to this power through deities, both male and female. We are spiritual beings no matter what we call our path and even if we never chose one. For me Paganism and studying preChristian cultures and Goddess worship has brought me in touch with my spiritual side. It has affirmed my personal power and the power of Women in our world.

Rhianna

[Catiana]

Eclectic Wiccan

[Penthesilea]

My practice is a mixture of Wiccan and Hellenic Pagan for want of more definite terms. I mix in other practices as well. :dancy:

[Mistress_Ravenshadow]

I'm a witch

[SphinYote]

Primarily a skeptical agnostic.

I'm one of those people who feels like they need tangible proof to believe something, but I'm not sure if I'd recognize or believe tangible proof either. I'm a constant doubter in everything.

Including my own doubts. Which in a roundabout way makes me into a kind of believer...in everything. Maybe. :D

Anyway, you get the picture. But I'm also curious and interested in everything, regardless of it's spiritual ramifications. Observint the social phemomena is quite interesting too, watching how people's beliefs play out in day to day life, their ethical systems, how they act on it. That's one of the reasons I'm drawn here, to watch the interplay and dialogues between so many peope from so many different systems of belief, pagan and otherwise.

I don't disbelieve in the spiritual side of things, the effectiveness of rituals and energywork, I participate in it myself, at a solitary level. However I do sometimes wonder if there IS an effect, if my own skepticism interferes with it at times....

In some respects I can almost envy people who are firm in their faith, even thouse I would consider fundamentalists. I haven't been able to find that, and sometimes I envy that certainty of belief, even if I do consider it under some circumstances (fundamentalism of any spirituality or religion) very misplaced. I wish I had that certainty, it gives people a confidence, something to hold on to. Yet, I value my ability to think things out for myself too much. I always feel like faith...perhaps trust, has too much potential to entrap. That's my problem though, something I need to work out for myself.

So my path: The path of doubt that in a convoluted way leads to belief or at least suspension of disbelief. Fun :D

[merlo]

Path still unfolding. Leaning towards Qabalahesq nature freak.

[Luminessence]

I'm a ceremonial magician. Not everything I do comes strictly from ceremonial magic, but for the most part it's where a lot of my basic philosophy and beliefs come from. (Or where my basic beliefs fit, rather... I didn't get my beliefs from there, I just sort of saw that they matched...)


I'm interested to discover what beliefs we as pagans have in common, and where we differ. For instance, I've seen posts on this board that say that not all pagans are nature-based, and that not all pagans believe in the universality of deity.

My beliefs aren't nature-based, which is why I often wonder whether I actually qualify as a pagan or not. It depends on how you define pagan, really.

I do, however, believe in the universality of deity - I'm a panentheist.

[Aquarian_Moon]

I'm definitely becoming Wiccan, but because I've only been studying and learning things for slightly less than 1 year, and my solitary rituals are always mishy mashy, I voted for General Pagan.

[Strega Del Vento]

Hmmmm.. Guess what I picked? :lol:

There's only 2 of us here? Woah.

[HorseCrow]

Pagan witch... and if I'm to add detail/description, I add green, kitchen, hedge, cottage ;)

[Dave the Druid]

Ben,

I've read your comments with great interest over time. Didn't you pidgeon hole the Durids just a bit?

Cymru Druid here

Be the Awen

[johenn123]

the kind that eats babies, JK i dunno yet

[Khuinaset]

I put 'Egyptian'...although I'm an Egyptian Wiccan, the Egyptian part of my practice is just as strong/important as the Wiccan part.

[Dove]

I'm an other because, well, I've been Pagan so long, I pick and choose among a lot of sects as it suits me........Hey, it works for me! I know a little bit about a lot of sects......A lot about a little bit of sects..........and am always looking to learn more......This pretty much echos my own walk in life.
Thanks Old Witch for verbalizing it for me :cheers:

[Karma Chameleon]

Norse Pagan.

[Soul Device]

Since I'm extremely new to this and still trying to figure everything out; the very closest thing I can say I am is a nature loving tree-hugger, although I don't really take it quite that far.

When I lived in the country for so long I truly felt attuned to it: the woods. I really miss them.

[XanderAmon]

I would've voted Nature-Loving Tree Hugger, except I'm trying to learn more about the Celtic faith. With some notes of ecclecticism. Whee!

[Nucleous]

Nature lovin' Pantheist,tree hugger here! Though I do consider myself to follow some Native ways, I didn't say Shaman because I think that title is somewhat nebulous and encompasses more of the Faerie trads. that native ones! :flowers:

[abrakus]

Celtic pagan

[Kailen]

I chose other because I believe in the light in general. My faith is in the light and not in a god as it is with many pagans. I feel that gods etc are representations of the light that is in everything. I felt general pagan didn't apply, general pagan could be taken as I believe in gods and place my faith in them etc. That is not to say I believe that there are not gods, gods are a representation of the light. I believe that in believing in a god or gods, you are basicly believing in a representation of light, a representation that is easier to come to grips with, a channel through which you are able to interact with the light. A way of simplifying. Just a different way of doing the same thing. Neither is wrong, they are, at the base of it all, one and the same.

Not sure if all that made sense...

[daughtersleep]

Pantheistic tree-hugging nature-loving psuedo-eclectic and indecisive, with a Christian childhood not really shaken off and a love of the Tao.
(May translate as confused, but at peace with it.)

[peggarty]

I voted general pagan. I'm mostly Wiccan, but it's my own version. I sort of amke things up as I go along!! Which is fine, it usually works.. However, I have found that when I've said what I've done, then someone will actually say to me that I did it right. So, how did I know what to do? Where did this knowledge come from? I think I'm a 'natural'.

[WinterTree]

For the moment, nature loving tree-hugger, though I am very drawn to Norse spirituality and deities.

[treefae]

general pagan i grew up with a mix if native american,celtic,witchcraft so i'll forever be in different directions because i love them all

[Calen]

I was going to put 'general Pagan', but my focus is really more on Nature than on worship. A lot of my interaction with the Divine comes from being out in it. Nature-loving tree-hugger it is!

[BlueTicona]

I'm one of those that know what i believe...but haven't really "put it all down" if you know what i mean.

I have the set of ideas/values and such from a past life and not really sure what this means for me...

OHH...sorry to get off topic but i'm going to create a new post on that LOL.

AERO

[SafeInTheWingsOfIsis]

I'd say I'm an Egyptian Pagan and I kinda have like a Wiccan foundation. That's what I was taught when I was younger but my views have grown, widened, and changed a little. I don't know. haha

[Sage Rainsong]

hmmm well umm I am an animistic witch who leans more towards polytheism. I guess thats the best label I can come up with.

[peggarty]

I'm very eclectic in my beliefs. I borrow bits from all over the place and make things up on instinct.

[Cylentt]

Other here... a touch of Christo and Celtic with a helping of Kitchen.... and a little of this, and little of that.... too much out there to be tied truly to one.

[FlyingBear]

Earth Witch here.

:tub:

[Gypsy flower]

I do gypsy majik

[azrael1989]

I am pretty much a nature loving tree hugger with a bit of kitchen mixed in.

[Kalandriel]

I chose general pagan, though I lean more towards wicca, I am still discovering my path.

[xstarE_nitex]

I am a electic pagan, kinda lean a lil bit more towards being a kitchen witch :abanana:

[Auroro]

I am a General Pagan. I hold no strict beliefs. I hold beliefs in such things as the spirit of the eart, animism, psi, and etcetera, though I do not practice witchcraft... it wasn't right for me, so I abandoned it.
______
Auroro.

ETA: Oh yes, sorry, I forgot to mention Shamanism as well... a large benifactor.

[Xirian]

Right now I'm studying Stergoneria Italiana. I hope to forever be studying my path, but that is what I am studying currently and have been for quite some time.

[DragonFan]

i'm just a new ager pagan because i am still learning about this stuff and my magical path is dragons

[Renny]

I put Norse pagan, but I'm not Asatru. Maybe I should have put general, I didn't see that it was an option. Oh well. I'm a bit wiccan and a bit new age. I don't like to box myself into a religion so I just call myself a norse pagan.

[Evendusk]

I chose Other since I wasnt sure. (Keyboard is acting up, time to get a new one. :ack:)
Im an agnostic with earth centered beliefs but worship anything doesnt feel right to me. Still finding my way.

[peggarty]

What kind of Pagan am I? Er, well, a fed up one right now. I feel my work is a little lacking at the moment. I'm going to a Moot tomorrow night though, I might see if I can get some energy from a couple of people.

[Know Your Rights]

I said other, cause general didn't seem to cover it... I'd say I'd fall a little more under Celtic and Shaman with a bit of others thrown in.

[Cyzarine]

I said gereral pagan because I am eclectic.

[Salanthos]

I put down shamanistic because although I am not a native amrican, I like and beleive much of that faith. I'm also tree-hugging, asiatic(started as hindu), with a seasoning of everything else I know of - every religion and philosophy (so far) has resonance in me. odd, a bit

[Hærfest Leah]

I chose Asatru but thats also refered to as Heathen not Pagan.

[Airin]

i'm a Eclectic/Traditional Wiccan. Which is a slight oxymoron (maybe just to me?) but I draw things from both paths.

[wyrdmage]

I put "Other" because you didn't seem to have a category for Wizard. Is there so few of us out there? Maybe just in this forum..._violin_

[Juniper138]

I had to put "Other" so I shall clairify; Iam a Hedgewitch and Celtic Shaman, I do use borrow from ecletic Scotts/Irish Wiccan Traditions, however. Whoooo, thats a mouthfull.

[Gnoblod]

Other: Celto-Germanic heathen.

[Mad Jasmine]

I picked general pagan as I'm not belonging to those others. I've been pagan since I was at school and felt curious about learning myths and legends. The gods really appealed to me, I wondered who they were and where they came from and why people stopped worshipping them when they used to back then. Therefor I started believing in the old gods. I always felt intune with nature and I read books on various belief systems that apeal to me but I don't select one to belong to. I've done some magic charms and healing, meditation and I'd like to do certain magical yoga. I believe that as I grow up I learn more.

[Christo Pagan]

I chose "Other". Like my screen name, I am a Christo Pagan (or Christian Pagan), as most of my beliefs are a mix of Christianity, Neopaganism, and Gnosticism.

[Vitkyng]

I chose general pagan because I seem to fit more than one category. I follow a Northern Tradition path but am not Asatru.. I do classify myself as a witch but not wiccan, and I do explore shamanic (seidr) traditions.

Guess I just refuse to be pigeon-holed.
_wiz_

[Whitewolf]

I was raised Jewish but I believe in every God and Goddess. That would make me a polytheist, I think. Eventually I got interested in Wicca but I decided it wasn't for me. Last year I started following the path of Shamanism. Ok, I know that it isn't really a religion. My beliefs are in the Earth Spirit, Gaia, plus I believe in animism. I have a strong connection to the Egyptian Gods, especially Set and Anubis. Also I'm fascinated by the Goddess Bast. I have particular interest in the Norse Gods and Goddesses. So I'd consider myself a polytheist with some shamanic tendencies leaning towards the Egyptian/Norse Pantheon. As for what kind of pagan I am I have absolutely no idea [a confused one,maybe?:lol: ]. I guess I'd consider myself a general pagan. Sorry for ramblin' on and on. I'll shut up now.


-Jessica [aka Whitewolf]

[BeigeAllen]

Okay, here is one you probably do not get very often.

I am Roma from the Magyari kumpa'nia. In simple English - I was born and raised in a "Gypsy" caravan. I hate the word Gypsy, I am not a dirty tomb robbing Egyptian panhandler. I don't steal babies. I do not like Raymond Buckland, his writings are the most misrepresentational crap of what my people are like and insult us greatly in the garbage they perpetuate.

I was trained along with the other children in our kumpa'nia who were chosen to be Tebe (sort of like a shaman, hard to explain the differences in English though). Out of 100 kids who started training when I did, only five of us completed training and passed our trials.

I served as a boyashitsa for 5 years until I received my calling from the Sabidi (sort of like the Fates). Then I chose the boyashitsa to serve in my place and went out into the world. Though this is not commonly done among our people, it is also not unheard of. Our earliest tales are of the Calling that split the Rom into natsiya (nations) and sent many of us on a very long journey through the world and time. Part of my calling is to serve the spiritual needs of other Magyari who have left the warmth of the kumpa'nia to go out into the world of the Gaje. I help them with counselling and spiritual needs. I also collect information from them to go into the online archives we have been compiling of all the lore and histories I and others like me collect from our Roma kin who have forgotten their way home.

[DaughterofIsis]

I voted Egyptian Pagan, but I'm also eclectic and currently trying to study Egyptian Witchcraft

[Philosophia]

I am a Dianic witch, with green and ceremonial leanings.

[Aleia Darkchild]

I'm sure i have already replied about a yearago as FeatherGoblinglimmer but, i shall do so again. I think if i had to give it a label i would be an eclectic heathen pagan with wiccan leanings.I would probably be shot by hardcore heathens.

[LostSheep]

As usual, I' think I'd have to tick the 'Other' box. I've been finding my way around, finding out what's best for me, and while I think I've decided that Wicca speaks to me the most, I don't know enough about it yet to feel that I can actually call myself a Wiccan, even less decide which path I want to follow within that, so for now I think I should say 'finding out'.

[sidhe]

I checked other, because while I am a Thelemite, and do use ceremonial magick, I'm more concerned with the religious aspects of Thelema (Gnostic Mass, etc.) than the magickal. Though, the magickal are in a way essential to the religious. But I view Thelema more as a separate branch of paganism than a branch of ceremonial magick.

[Fire's Shadow]

I marked other.

Mainly because I prefer to think that I'm a thinking pagan with a side order of sarcasm and fries.

[Infinite Grey]

It's against my religion to tell :yayah:

[Sionnach le Fey]

Nature-loving tree-hugging witch :)

[Meabh23]

I am Wiccan.

In general, I hope I am a good Pagan. Sometimes I wonder if I get it all wrong.

[Drake Montague]

I worship the Asa Gods, and a few others. Thor is My patron, and Cerridwen is my matron.

:cheers:

[Negruperla]

I chose General Pagan (non sectarian)

but I'm not sure if that includes Greek Pantheon...

I believe in G.P. :ringaroun

[Tarbh Nathroch]

"other" lazy

[fangedeshana]

I chose other...

I'm somewhat a nature loving, tree hugging shaman... at heart. My situation makes me more of a nature respecting urban witch. I don't really have a name for what I follow, so I'm going with Eclectic Pagan - I do consider myself Pagan.

[WarriorZhanna]

Mine is really messed up...
I'd say I'm a Magician/Mage.
But I feel strongly connected to Gaia, and Earth. I love the woods and my favourite tree is Oak. So I am very interested in Druidry, but I've never used/done anything "druidic" in my rituals. Then, I'm a nature loving girl in general, and I know who my animal totems are, and I use lots of Shamanic techniques in my rituals.
I've always been so fascinated by Ancient-Egypt, so for a while I've considered myself a Kemetic Pagan, but then again I am not sure, because it is not enough for me of just worshipping the Egyptian Pantheon and do ceremonial magick. But I do consider Isis my matron. My patron is either Zeus or Ra, both have always helped me. Then, I love some of the Greek mythology too, and I like Eastern stuff. I read about Taoism and Zen Buddhism, etc. I have the symbol of yin-yang, and I have a pentacle, and an Ankh. Then I have a Triskelion.
I always use saltwater and usually cast a circle when I start a ritual. Then I believe in all Gods and Goddesses of every pantheon, I believe in mythology too. So in that case, I'm a polytheist and animist as I believe in all sorts of things like werewolves, shape-shifting, etc.
I also love the Norse path because I lived in Sweden. Then I like Slavic Paganism too because of my roots.
So I dunno what kind of pagan I am. I guess I'm just pagan. lol. Or maybe just young and confused and haven't found my path yet. So I keep on searching and trying to see which ones suit me best.
I guess it would actually be something like: Animistic/Polytheistic/Shamanic Kemetic Thelemic Pagan/Magician. lol.
*sigh* this was a long post. lol. I'll shut up now.

[peggarty]

Just reading the above post, I find it reassuring to know that some one else is as mixed up as I am!

I'm also quite attracted to Eastern Spirituality, especially some of the many thoughts on reincarnation. I read up on Taoism once, and while some parts worked for me, other parts didn't. Likewise with Hinduism. As for actual Pagan paths, I wouldn't call myself Wiccan, but most of the Pagan books I've read are Wiccan. I also have some leanings towards Christianity. What's wrong with people following the teachings of a guy who basically just wanted everyone to get along and love each other? (Although I can't stand fundamentalists of any faith, and I don't believe in the ideal that the only way to Heaven (or where ever) is through Jesus, and ultimately God). I just think Jesus was probably a decent guy, and some of his teachings were pretty cool.

I don't think it necessary to find one particular path and insist on sticking to it. This may work for some people, but I prefer a somewhat more ecclectic path. I 'borrow' bits from all over the place. I try things out, then, later, I find myself reading up on the subject only to find out that my 'experimental' spell working was actually the 'right way' all along! Strange. Wonder if anyone else does this?

My favourite tree is also the Oak - I'm lucky enough to have 3 of them growing in my garden too!!

[debnmike]

I'm an other because, well, I've been Pagan so long, I pick and choose among a lot of sects as it suits me........Hey, it works for me! I know a little bit about a lot of sects......A lot about a little bit of sects..........and am always looking to learn more......
Granted, we haven't read this entire thread (it's waaaaay long!), but this seems to sum it up for us.

Mike and I don't consider ourselves "Christians" anymore...we believe in God (not the Goddess, though). We think Jesus must've been a pretty cool guy (the water-to-wine thing shows he knew how to have a good time), but he isn't a deity for us.

We are more nature oriented, and use natural elements to connect with God as we know Him. We believed in the Wiccan Rede (but we aren't Wiccan) before we ever heard of it (basically, do stuff without hurting other people). To us, that's just common sense---not necessarily a religious aspect as opposed to a human one.

We both struggled for a long time with the Catholic dogma---that God was constantly pissed because we did something "wrong". It seemed like a set up, really....that God purposely made us imperfect, then gave us 10 "rules" to follow and will banish us to hell for being too imperfect to follow said "rules". We had a hard time believing He's spend that kind of energy to make us and send us all away......just seemed stupid.

So, back to the initial question---what are we? Labels don't work for us, as we've come to a point where we don't need one. We believe in 1 God (by any name), and try to be good people and worship Him the best way we can.

I still don't answer when the Jehova's Witnesses come to the door.....:)

DebnMike

[Gwydion000]

Brythonic and Gallic Pagan here. I study and try to create my beliefs based on the historical Continental Celts of Roman Gaul and Brittain during the 1st Century BC. I am a bit weary of the later Welsh and Irish mythology since it was written several centuries after Christianity had its foothold on Europe, and was written/modified by Christians, so, I just give those a big "?" My main focus is archeological and historical references.

I know the term "Celt" is a sensitive one, so I won't usually call myself that even though I'm of Celtic descent, though I don't live in a Celtic culture, belong to a clan or tribe, or have a Celtic language, etc...I usually just say I'm a Brythonic and Gallic Polytheist so that the real ethnic "Celts" know what I mean.

From experience, I feel it is offensive to them if I go along saying I'm "Celtic" all the time. So I'm not "Celtic" I just worship various Celtic deities. Why? Because I'm deeply attracted to them, their people, and their land :)

[Malcolm]

What kind of pagan am I?

Probably the worst example of a pagan out there. I'm extrememly lax in celebrating holidays...and all that stuff.

[maudlin]

im more of an eclectic wiccan than anything else really.

[Whitewolf]

I am a polytheist and a pagan. I believe in every God/Goddess. Although I have a very strong connection with the Egyptian pantheon [especially Set, Anubis, and Sekmet]. Also I have a strong connection to Gaia [Mother Earth]. A lot of my beliefs lean towards Shamanism and animism. I refuse to call myself a Shaman though because I'm not. So if I had to label myself I'd say I'm a polytheistic pagan with shamanic tendencies leaning towards the Egyptian pantheon. Or maybe I should just say that I'm Ecclectic because that's short and simple. Also a confused Pagan is how I'd label myself.


edit: Oops. I just realized I already replied to this topic, but I thought what the heck. It wouldn't hurt to add to some things .

[AletheiaRivers]

I voted "tree hugging." I don't follow a particular path, although I am currently investigating Druidry.

[Grimr]

Hellenic Polytheist.

My practices are best considered shamanic.


I am into many forms of divination and other various rites.


I am deeply ritualistic and I am very much into cermonial ways of practicing my beliefs.

[Grimr]

Dianic Wiccan here.

I have heard that Dianic Wicca is a very close connection to the Godess Diana or Artemis.

Is this true?

Also is it true that only women are allowed to be in this sect?

[Citana]

I am sort of in agreement with what much of the thread seems to state is that many people fall into or at least take from many categories. I myself feel connected to hinduism, yet I have net delved into it enough to call myself hindu. I have studied wicca for many years, and practice along those general lines, but I also have a strong affinity with Aphrodite as well. Eclectic witch is what I have heardthat best describes myself, but I am always learning and growing, so as time moves forward, so do I, and as the path may change, I will follow what feel right to me. Yet the God and Goddess will and have always been strong in my heart and in my motives, even if not always in practice.

[bshore]

Although I voted on this pole over a year ago, seeing it again makes me want to re-affirm my tree-hugging dirt worshiper status.

Have you hugged a tree today? Did it hug you back?

[Amythyst]

According to a few of the more conservative neighbors, a scary one.

[Faux Sloatman]

Hi, I'm a Pumpkinite.:awilly: :awilly: