Wicca, Celtic, faith, pagan

I am Welsh and have studied paganism for a long time but eventually became a Zen practitioner for the last 30 years or so - it is very similar to Druidy but not identical. I would say to you, that everything we do produced karma. Karma is just the law of cause and effect and is neutral. Do good and be honest in what you do and you will create good karma. Do bad and you create bad karma. I tend to look to my intuition and meditate a lot on what is appropriate for the betterment of others if I am confused about what to do next. The betterment of others it the betterment of self, because in Zen we aspire to realise that we are all one. Find your true self, and this is not always an easy process and take advice from what you "see". In my opinion we are all subject to the law of evolution and move towards a higher state of consciousness.

Well, what would you like to know? Or, what would you like help finding? I'm always open to discuss anything to do with religion, and paganism in general. Wicca is a newer religion, founded by Gardner, that bases it's practices, rituals, etc. on a wide variety of ancient belief systems, and then adds a bit of a modern twist. I believe that, many moons ago, Scott Cunningham wrote a book entitled "The Truth About Wicca". The book gives a sweet, short, and to the point look at the belief system, so that may be worth taking a look at. There is much to be found on the internet, just make sure you're going to a reputable site (as opposed to a site with an agenda to convert you or spread rumors of the "horror" of the spirituality). From what I've read, that you've written, It seems to me that you are most interested in pursueing the spirituality of Celtic Paganism. You can always decide that it doesn't work for you, but I would suggest that you start by looking for information on that specific belief system (since it does seem that you feel it would be the one to best suit you). Let's see, what else... Paganism has a very broad definition. As a result, you will find so much information on so many different ways to be pagan. Keep in mind, there is no right way. There is no wrong way. Everyone is pagan in a different way. Most pagans really have just two things in common: a polytheistic belief system, and an earth based spirituality. Some pagans, however, don't even have those things in common. Yet, we are all pagan, and we have all found what works for us (Many could only find it through many years of vigorous searching). So, don't let anyone tell you that you aren't doing something the way that you should. Just figure out what works for you.

If you are interested in things that are particularly Celtic, I urge you to read some history. Don't just read the modern "pagan" books out there and take them as your guidelines. Many of the things that are billed as "Celtic" aren't in these books have nothing to do with ancient Celtic traditions, and are often Wiccan, which isn't necessarily the same thing. If you're just interested in Paganism in general, or in Wicca, the best things I can tell you is to cross-reference. Don't just choose one author and believe everything they say. There are a lot of pagan books out there these days, and many of them have good information in them, but there are also some people who just don't know what they're talking about. What's even better is finding real people who are Pagan to talk to, both online and offline. Obviously that's what you're doing here, but it's good to also find offline mentors, because while we might give you advice or information, we can't actually show you things, or know enough about you to tailor our teachings toward your personal needs.

well, first off, despite what the books tell you, Wicca is an initiatory tradition, requiring initiation into a lineaged coven before you can use the title. but that's not a criticism of you, just of the books that go around using the terms Wicca and Witchcraft as if they mean the same thing, which they don't. sounds to me like you are probably a Pagan. and to me that's better than being Wiccan any day. there's quite a few of us on this site. a good book to read to find out about the history of Paganism is The Triumph of the Moon by Prof. Ronald Hutton, who is an excellent Historian. another good tip is to avoid most things published by Llewellen, and especially to avoid $ilver Rav£nwolf. in fact, if you suspect that the name of the author probably isn't on their birth certificate, avoid it. there's no need to have an airy fairy made up name to be a Pagan Author.

All of the advice given is excellent advice. I will add a couple of things. If you are looking at Wicca and are solitary in nature, check out Saex Wiccan, in traditional Gardnerian Wiccan you must be initiated before you really get a chance to see what you are getting into, the vow of secrecy due to the views of the 'normal world'. In Saex Wicca there is not veil of secrecy, and in fact you can be self initiated into the path. Check out books by Buckner, his tradition is a movement of the Gardnerian Wiccan to a more Modern American Wiccan. At least that is my opinion. Also the web site http://www.witchvox.com is a good source of info and links to places online about Wicca.