How Do You Explain Paganism?

I have a lot of mixed feelings toward organized religion - some of which stem from childhood and some of which are a result of my observations and experiences as an adult. I appreciate all religions and the good they bring to people who follow them - the sense of community and faith and genuine good work that churches, religious groups and devout individuals do every day- but I am also acutely aware of the hypocrisy, strife and hatred that religion brings out in certain people and groups.

Even now, I have a hard time labeling myself as any specific ‘religion’. I have a keen interest in Paganism, but I wouldn’t say I am a Pagan. I mostly identify first as myself, second as a woman, third as a mother, and so on. I could never figure out why we feel the need to label people based on the way they believe in God (or Goddess). Why must we all be put into certain boxes?

But even though I view patriarchal religions with a tinge of suspicion, I have never lost the desire to connect with a higher spiritual power. I tried going to church for a while and felt like a duck out of water. I had no feelings of closeness or peace. I was mostly uncomfortable and kind of bored.

After my father died a decade ago, I spent a lot of time being angry at God. Not just for my father’s premature death from cancer, but at the total absence in my heart of any kind of comfort or solace. The only time I felt any kind of spiritual relief was when I was outside. When I took a walk by myself next to the river near my house, I would finally feel a peace settle over me.

And that is in part what brought me to explore Pagan beliefs and customs.

I love the weaving of nature and the seasons into my life. I know that winter is a time of rest for me, both physically and emotionally. Spring is an awakening and I find myself invigorated to work on household projects, or start new initiatives at my day job. Summer is busy and slow at the same time. I try to get outside as much as possible because in New England nice weather is fleeting. Autumn is my favorite - the end of the Wheel of the Year and a time that I take stock and start thinking about the new year ahead.

I believe that even though many of us are far removed from living by seasons, like they did in ancient times, the seasons can still help guide and direct us to better things.

So, I may not be a text book Pagan practitioner (what does that even look like?) but I think I do well enough.

What about you? How did you discover the Wheel of the Year and the Pagan sabbats? How do you follow these beliefs and rituals in your own life? And do you even feel like you aren’t pagan-enough? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

How Are You Celebrating Imbolc?

Can you believe it’s already the middle of January? While I usually don’t mind the cold weather, this year I find myself longing for spring and sunshine and flowers more than usual.

That said, I’m determined to make the best of the winter and take some time to celebrate Imbolc, which is arguably one of the least known Pagan holidays. #yulegetsallthelove

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I’m planning on a pretty low-key Imbolc celebration. In fact, I think it’s just going to be me, some candles, my journal and quiet corner of my house. And maybe (which means I definitely will have) some sweet baked treats to mark the occasion.

One of the best parts of following an Pagan spiritual path, in my humble opinion, is that there are so many different ways to celebrate. You can do it up with a fully decorated altar and rituals or keep it simple with some candlelight and quiet meditation on the year ahead.

I want to use Imbolc as a opportunity to really slooowww dooowwwn and think about what I want to accomplish, and more importantly, how I want to feel in 2020.

How about you? What are you planning for Imbolc? How will you celebrate? I’d love to hear about it!

Give me a shout out on Instagram and share how you’re celebrating Imbolc in 2020!