I am not a born-again pagan.  I was born a pagan, and I have lived as a pagan for all of my life, and I will die a pagan.  Put a pentacle on my tombstone and I will be happy.  I am not a witch, nor a shaman, nor a guru of any kind.  I am a peasant among pagans, and danged proud of it!  I march to the beat of my own drum, and I give allegiance to no man's flag.  My allegiance, always, is to my friends and family.  If you are reading this, then you are a part of my family.

 

Three words, all from the Indus Valley:

 

Namaste:  "I bow to you."  In greeting, or in parting, this respectful word is used to strike an humble stance between respected friends.  It is the recognition that our expertise is in the knowledge that we have everything left to learn.

 

Om:  The sound and the song of the universe unfolding as it should.  Creation, destruction, and rebirth; the Being of Deity.  Between respected friends, it is the recognition of our rightful place.

 

Shanti:  "Peace."  Not the peace which is anti-war.  This peace is found down deep in that quiet pool which is the center of you, where the noise and irritation of the world cannot reach.  This is the center of your magick, and it is from here that you empower all of your good works.  Shanti is a salutation between respected friends, and it is said thrice.  "Shanti," loudly.  "Shanti," softly.  "Shanti," in a whisper.

 

No, I am not a Buddhist, nor anything like that.  But I love the meaning of those three little words.

 

Om.  Shanti, shanti, shanti.

 

This is my first experience at running a group. I have been a member of many and even assistant manager to some. To be honest I never even really thought about having my own group. My ego didn't need it and I had all the interaction I could ever want in the groups I am member of.  Well almost .....I do not have local people I can gather with in those groups. Thus the purpose for this one. I am a very social creature. I like to talk to people, have play dates with other mothers, go camping with other families, have backyard BBQs with friends, do group raft trips/hikes/picnics, and I love to share ideas, projects, and recipes. One thing missing in all this for me is someone to share my spiritual celebration. My family and some neighbors have begun to celebrate with me, and I know there are many more out there who are solitary like myself. I do not wish to start a coven....more like a circle of friends. I have longed to connect with others who share similar spirituality, but I have not advertised ....till now.

enjoying life, family, friends, and all that mother earth has to offer.

enjoying my son and watching him grow and learn.

enjoying my new start in the state of tenneesse, all though i miss all my friends dearly.

but most of all i miss the only person who truly understands me.

mary jo

happyness and god life to all

signingGaia

ginger

Am new to the rural lifestyle, a recent transplant from the big city.  While being closely connected to nature and exploring thebeauty of Oregon is an incredible experience, the lack of gatherings with like-minded folk has left a void in my spiritual path that I miss a great deal.    I am not a neo-pagan, I am more traditionally grounded in earth spirituality.  I am not a witch, I do not do spell castings, etc.     I am an educated, professional female, mid 40's...so not into college-aged gatherings with a lot of uninformed seekers playing with the Wiccan lifestyle.  My beliefs are solid and my path is set.  Am always looking for ways to learn more about spirituality and bringing Spirit into my life in a more meaningful way.  Would very much like to connect with others in the mountains, the valley and especially the coastal area.cu

My religious affiliations are wide and varied.  I claim non except for my own which I call the "Religion of One";  I was initiated into Protestant Christianity from birth.  I then moved to ancient philosophy.  I have dabbled in paganism; but would be more accurately described currently as Zoroastrian.  My wife and kids are spiritually gifted to a high degree.  I am the anchor, the philosopher.