Pagan Journeys

Pagan Journeys => Beginner's Chat => Topic started by: Belmont2500 on May 09, 2012, 08:24:53 AM

Title: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 09, 2012, 08:24:53 AM
I've been realizing that although I've been practicing paganism for quite some time. I really haven't gotten anywhere in it, despite how much I've learned. I guess now I figured its time I got serious.


And yes, I made that foolish decision to ask Dragonspring for an apprenticeship when I could have easily posted a thread on the board.

Well I guess I should start from the beginning. Like Diniesaur, I'm 17 and have Aspergers Syndrome. I was born into a Christian family and went along with it for most of my early years and at times, commiting some acts against Nature in the process. When I was 13, I realized the error of my ways and of Christianity in general. Not only that but I recalled two instances of my life when I had strange dreams involving the Greek Earth goddess, Gaia. I cast down any and all aspects of it and attempted to find a new religion and lifestyle I didn't find out about Paganism until I was 15.

So here I am. Asking for guidence.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on May 09, 2012, 12:01:48 PM
What kinds of things do you do to practice?  It would be helpful to know which areas you would like guidance in.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on May 09, 2012, 02:18:48 PM
And also what you goal is. You say you haven't gotten anywhere. What is it that you want out of it?
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 09, 2012, 06:57:33 PM
What I practice? That's a bit hard to explain. I mostly practice meditation, clairvoyance and such. As for my goal, I guess I'm just searching for answers, perhaps about my place in this world and also to restore the balance of nature that was broken ages ago.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Tirya on May 09, 2012, 07:11:57 PM
What I practice? That's a bit hard to explain. I mostly practice meditation, clairvoyance and such. As for my goal, I wish to not only find out who I am but also to restore the balance of nature that was broken ages ago.

As far as goal-setting goes, that's really, really noble. But my suggestion would be to re-word it to "restore the balance of nature within myself". Focus on the things you can directly affect first - yourself. Then you can think about working on the rest of nature.

As the bumper sticker says, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 09, 2012, 07:33:06 PM
That's basically what I was getting at but If anything, my goal is redemption.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: BronwynWolf on May 09, 2012, 08:08:33 PM
Redemption for what? You're 17, and (I hope) not a mass murderer or serial rapist or something of that nature.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Ghost Wolf on May 10, 2012, 07:31:56 AM
Indeed, redemption for what? As Pagans, we do not believe in original sin, therefore, there is no need for redemption.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 10, 2012, 07:36:02 AM
Not. By. A. Longshot.

 Okay perhaps redemption isn't the proper term for what I was getting at. Its just very hard to explain and I have no desire to go into it, I'll leave it at that. But yes, its mostly to balance nature within myself. I'm just putting more nails in my coffin aren't I.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on May 10, 2012, 08:23:56 AM
Finding balance in ourself is a worthy goal for anyone.  I would point out that it is impossible to change the past - you need to learn to let the bad parts go so that the past doesn't have the power to shape your future.  Also, practicing clairvoyance is not really a spiritual practice unless you are using it to come closer to the Divine. 
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 10, 2012, 09:45:30 AM
I was in a way. But I rarely ever try Clairvoyance anymore. I mostly attempted it while doing shamanic journeys to try and find my animal totem(it really doesn't work and I was foolish enough to try it...three times). To be honest, when it comes to Pagan practices, I'm sort of lost. I've never took part in a ritual, I don't even have an altar set up(never had the time nor the materials).
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on May 10, 2012, 10:01:42 AM
You don't have to have an altar to practice paganism.  When I first started on this path, I did some simple things that helped me make my practice part of my life.  Every day, I would greet the Sun and reflect on what God energies I felt and needed.  And every night, I would greet the Moon and reflect on the same for the Goddess.  This helped me to slow down and see the wonder of nature and how the Divine affects me always.  Perhaps something like this would help you feel a deeper connection to the Divine.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on May 10, 2012, 06:33:35 PM
I am currently doing daily morning and evening devotions similar to what Dragonspring describes and I have found them to be quite helpful for connecting with the Divine and balancing. When you reflect on the energies of the God and Goddess as well as the elements, it soon becomes more obvious which energies are out of of balance within you. If you want to develop your own pagan practice, there are numerous Wicca 101 type books that describe basic ritual format, though it isn't really necessary to have all the tools and go through elaborate rituals to connect with the Divine. If you lack direction, you might want to try a book like Wicca A Year and A Day, that gives you different daily exercises to try.  http://books.google.com/books?id=M-1iuOBkQ_kC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false 

Re. finding your power animal, don't feel badly that it didn't work for you. A lot of folks on forums seem to believe that animals for which they feel an affinity are the equivalent of shamanic spirit guides, when usually this is not the case, so don't be disheartened if it seems like everyone knows their spirit guides except you. Also, not everyone is cut out for shamanic practice and it's advisable to learn under the direction of a seasoned shamanic practitioner who can give you pointers and address any concerns/issues that arise. There are certain methods that must be followed to get into the appropriate trance state that aren't easily learned from books alone. I also don't think most people naturally enter a shamanic trance state easily and it does take consistent practice and dedication.

Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 11, 2012, 06:08:33 PM
Wicca: A year and A Day? I've heard of it, I just never considered that book to be of use. mostly because I'm just a standard Pagan with little influence from Wicca. I guess I'll try and get my hands on the book and see what it has to offer.

As for the whole power animal scenario. Well I never felt too bad about it. Besides, who said paganism was easy and I never really supported the whole "If you have an interest in an animal then its your spirit guide" idea(personally I think its quite crude). The idea of learning under a season shamanic practitioner is a great idea but seeing as there is heavy christian influence where I live(to the point that there aren't any New Age/Occult shops and that most people won't know what Paganism is aside from the 'devil worship' views).

For Devotions. I pretty much do the same thing, mostly by praying to both the god and goddess. As an end this post,  I'll quote both prayers below:

"Blessed Gaia, mother of all, I honor you.
All-encompassing one, from chaos you arose;
you brought Ouranos into being, O Gaia,
to father your children, to make for them a home.
Mother you are to many, titans and monsters;
grandmother you are to Olympus' shining gods;
life-giver you are to all who dwell on the earth.
O Gaia, kind one, your gifts are without number--
the land on which we live, the food we eat, the air--
all the world's wonders--all of existence itself.
Revered goddess, for these things and more we thank you.
Gaia, source of all life, I praise and honor you."


"Glorious Pan I praise, dweller in the wilderness,
who roams through tangled woods, who walks the highest peaks
with step so light and sure. O Pan, goat-footed god,
splendid one, the lovely nymphs are your companions--
they follow you--they dance as you play your pipes.
Virility is your gift, and untamed passion,
O Pan; beasts and men alike receive your blessings.
Madness too can you give, sending us running
in fear and frenzy, blindly, no thought save escape.
Through you we see past civilization's sheer veil.
Through you we see revealed our nature and our strength.
O Pan, great Pan, I praise and honor you this day."
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Crystal Dragon on May 11, 2012, 07:15:02 PM
Wicca: A year and A Day? I've heard of it, I just never considered that book to be of use. mostly because I'm just a standard Pagan with little influence from Wicca. I guess I'll try and get my hands on the book and see what it has to offer.

How can you decide if a book is useful or not if you haven't read it?  One can gain knowledge from any book, even if it is just "wow, I don't want to do that".  ;)

BTW, could you please define what a "standard Pagan" is?  That's not a term I've heard used before and since paganism covers a wide variety of practices I'm curious as to what you think a "standard Pagan" is.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on May 11, 2012, 08:09:35 PM
Check the link to the book I provided. You can view quite a few pages on google books.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on May 11, 2012, 08:12:59 PM
Those are beautiful devotions.  Do you feel the presence of the Gods when you do them?  Mostly, in a solitary environment, I prefer to talk to the Gods directly rather than reciting something that is already prepared.  I thank them sincerely for what specific blessings they have shown me at that time and ask for their guidance and protection as I move forward in my path.  As for books, I do not follow the Faerie or Reclaiming Paths, but I found The Spiral Dance to be very helpful in the beginning of my journey.  It is important to read from many different perspectives IMO to know what really works for you.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 11, 2012, 08:38:36 PM
@Crystal Dragon: Okay, I doubt anything like a standard pagan existed, but the closest you'll get are Eclectics or Reconstructionists.  I am mostly a Greek reconstructionist myself. Even though my family bloodline is mostly Welsh, I always felt a connection to Ancient Greece and its gods and goddesses.

@Earthmuffin: I'll be sure to take a look.

@Dragonspring: Thanks and I do feel their presence occasionally, mostly when praying or meditating but sometimes when I so much as sleep. I do talk to them directly as well, but it doesn't hurt to have something prepared in case you want to greet your gods with an epic speech.I may get Spiral Dance or Solitary Witch, actually I plan on getting quite a few books:

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews

A Pagan Ritual Prayer Book by Ceisiwr Serith

The Way Of The Horned God: A Young Man's Guide To Modern Paganism by Dancing Rabbit

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Paganism by Carl McColman


 
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 12, 2012, 09:41:05 PM
I just had to mention this. A few minutes ago while cooking, a scorpion appeared and then ran for the hills when he/she noticed me. Now there isn't anything strange about that only that its not common to see scorpions that much where I live and even rarer to see one inside my house and so it got me thinking if the reason it was there was just mere conscidence or was it an omen? Hell, for all I know that scorpion could've been my totem animal and I just sent him/her packing  :duh:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on May 13, 2012, 12:56:55 AM
Probably not your totem. Could have been a sign though.... only you can know for sure.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Crystal Dragon on May 13, 2012, 04:55:49 AM
Probably not your totem. Could have been a sign though.... only you can know for sure.

 :yeahthat:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on May 13, 2012, 08:00:16 PM
Exactly as I thought.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 13, 2012, 07:41:11 PM
Recently, I've been meditating at the beach not far from home and have been studying alot of the pagan practices like Tartarus. But it still doesn't feel like I'm getting anywhere or learning more about myself. I know Paganism is supposed to be taken slow, but for me its seems to be going unnaturally slow. I changed my craft name to one that fit me better(My previous one didn't fit me at all, it just sounded cool). I've still had no luck what-so-ever on getting in contact with my spirit animal and I rarely have the time or materials to do a room-cleansing ritual.

Maybe I'm not cut out for this, as the saying goes: "Its hard to fill a cup that's already full"

I don't know what I'll do next, but I swear to my gods that I won't be going back the way I came and become a Christian Fundimentalist.

Or by some miracle, I'll continue along this path despite all my difficulties, who knows.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on June 14, 2012, 12:18:19 AM
I thought you had a dream about your spirit animal or am I thinking of someone else?

Re. room cleansing, if you have something loud to bang together like pots and pans, that will work, or you can clap your hands loudly. Salt water sprinkled around will also work.

If you want to know yourself better, draw a circle and write down all the words and adjectives that describe you inside it and everything you can think of that is not you outside of it. This exercise can be challenging and you may discover some things about yourself in the process.

Honestly, I think you put too much pressure on yourself to "make progress" whatever that means to you. I say that not as a criticism but something for you to think about that I hope might help.

Blessings, EM
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: RedheadedAries on June 14, 2012, 06:23:05 AM
I agree with EM that you are putting too much pressure on yourself.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on June 14, 2012, 07:54:39 AM
I would have to agree as well.  I am not sure what you expect as far as growth, but it is a slow process.  In my experience there are dry spells where you don't feel like you are getting anywhere and then there is a sudden spurt of progress.  What is important is to keep learning. 
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on June 14, 2012, 09:39:26 AM
I would have to agree as well.  I am not sure what you expect as far as growth, but it is a slow process.  In my experience there are dry spells where you don't feel like you are getting anywhere and then there is a sudden spurt of progress.  What is important is to keep learning.
:yeahthat:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 14, 2012, 12:11:00 PM
I thought you had a dream about your spirit animal or am I thinking of someone else?

At the time it seemed that way, I have a habit of being quite the skeptic and am under the impression that said dream wasn't the case.

I don't know about using pots and pans, I prefer to keep things quiet. But I don't have anything against giving it a shot.

Still, I have my doubts.

Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on June 14, 2012, 12:52:37 PM
Doubts about what?  I would say that most people have doubts.  In fact, there is nothing wrong with a little healthy skepticism on this path.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 20, 2012, 05:01:33 PM
I'm not sure how to answer that, but about the doubts, I can't really explain them. They're just feelings I have from time to time when doing anything concerning my path.

As for my personal guide, well by now it has become laughably obvious that its a fox, I just want to confirm it so that instead of thinking "My personal guide might be *insert animal name here*". I will think "My personal guide is *insert animal name here*".

Other then that I'm not sure what more I can say for now.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: vordan on June 20, 2012, 10:07:28 PM
Even with doubts you have to ask yourself, do you want to lead a life filled with poetry, mystery and metaphor where all things are possible? That is not just the pagan path but the path of all spirituality. A universe where all things are explained away and where everything fits in a box that is the rationalists path. Are you a straight road person or a rejoicer in the crooked, twisty and uncertain. If the spiral path is for you then in the end the doubts do not matter. That is just my own take on doubts for I get plenty of them despite all that I have seen and experienced.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 21, 2012, 10:04:58 PM
I think the answer to that is quite clear: The former.

What would life be without any mystery, uncertainty or poetic majesty. If everything was explained already, things would become very bland, very fast. I've no intention of being a rationalist by any means, I'm just a bit of a skeptic is all.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on June 21, 2012, 10:33:51 PM
As for my personal guide, well by now it has become laughably obvious that its a fox, I just want to confirm it so that instead of thinking "My personal guide might be *insert animal name here*". I will think "My personal guide is *insert animal name here*".
If you just accept Fox as your guide and honor him (or her), he'll be more likely to present himself to give you that confirmation. On the other hand, you can ask Fox for confirmation but that also requires a little leap of faith.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 22, 2012, 01:26:31 PM
True words of wisdom, m'lady.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 24, 2012, 07:37:58 PM
While my first idea was finding a fox conservation group and donating to them, are their other methods of honoring spirit guides such as Fox? I know of a few ways but can't seem to recall most of them.


For that I feel like a fool  :brickwall:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on June 25, 2012, 10:03:45 AM
Sure. Write a poem or carve or find an image or something that represents Fox to you and carry it with you. But the best way is to meditate and ask Fox how he wishes to be honored. I have found most of my guides wish only to be thought of and consulted often.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on June 25, 2012, 11:16:56 AM
I try meditation a lot, but the catch is I never know if I got answers or if I do know, I feel as if I forced said answers or the answers are quite cryptic, while I usually don't prefer a linear answer, a cryptic one can seem overkill at times.

Also, I will admit I'm a :censored: poet, I attempted a poem last night and I couldn't get anywhere near finishing it.

Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on June 25, 2012, 05:34:31 PM
I have spent a lot of time fighting the same sorts of thoughts re. answers/signs during meditative states. I find if I just let go of all that over-thinking, it works best. Now if I ask a question, I will make a mental note of the sensations, thoughts, feelings and impulses that come to mind but I don't let my brain take it any further than that. I write down all the info. gathered that way and then sit back and interpret it with an open mind. If I let my mind run with the info. and color the interpretation when I first get it, not only can I botch the interpretation totally but I can easily convince myself that I made it all up. I think the more experiences you have with the receipt of info. that can't be easily explained away as coincidence and the more times you have follow up confirmation from your guides or higher self, the less you will feel you may have forced the answers. There will probably still be cryptic answers or signs. But sometimes those unravel later down the road. Keeping a journal on the results of your meditation will allow you to understand that when it happens.

As an example of what I am talking about, when I first started doing shamanic journeys I doubted the images that appeared to me A LOT. I had several sessions where a bison would come come to dance (at the time I only had a rattle to work with) and it seemed significant like it wanted me to know something and I asked what I could do to honor him without getting a clear answer.  At the same time I was skeptical that it wasn't mind just making up this bison and it was really frustrating not knowing why the bison was there. I was writing everything down in my journal though. Time went on and the bison showed less and less and finally was no longer coming. Life got busy as it does, and I rather forgot that the bison had even danced with me. But then it came time to get a hand drum a year or so later, and after much searching online for the right drum, I settled on buying a kit to string my own. The kits were really reasonably priced and bison was one of the choices for the hide. Most places only had deer or elk skin as choices. I ordered the bison on impulse and it wasn't until later on that I read back in my journal and remembered my dances with bison and struggle to understand what he wanted me to know. I believe he was telling me that I would honor him by getting a bison hide drum.

I never thought of myself as being so left-brained but I do find I really have to let it go and just be open to the experience and keep exercising that right-brain muscle by doing stuff, like singing, dancing, writing poetry, talking to the plants, and all those things that normally make me a feel a bit uncomfortable and a little crazy. You just have to let your hair down. ;)
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 13, 2012, 09:26:08 PM
Its been awhile since I've posted. After spending much of my time on my Year and a day study, meditations and such. The results and Karma remain unchanged, I don't feel I've gained any wisdom or that any of my questions were answered. I'm the impression that both the divine and spirits don't look at me kindly. I certainly cannot blame them as I've always been one who deserved to be loathed.

 
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Crystal Dragon on July 13, 2012, 10:55:38 PM
.... I certainly cannot blame them as I've always been one who deserved to be loathed.

This is more likely the issue.  Until you can learn to love yourself you will continue to run into dead ends.  We each make our own future and by constantly being "down" on yourself, you are manifesting a lack of answers because you feel you don't deserve them.

It seems to me that you first need to explore the root of your feelings (by whatever means) and look more kindly on yourself and your life.  Then you can begin to explore what answers may await you.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on July 15, 2012, 04:05:15 PM
.... I certainly cannot blame them as I've always been one who deserved to be loathed.

This is more likely the issue.  Until you can learn to love yourself you will continue to run into dead ends.  We each make our own future and by constantly being "down" on yourself, you are manifesting a lack of answers because you feel you don't deserve them.

It seems to me that you first need to explore the root of your feelings (by whatever means) and look more kindly on yourself and your life.  Then you can begin to explore what answers may await you.
:yeahthat:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 15, 2012, 08:40:43 PM
Believe me, I've tried. But I tend to cause more harm than good without realizing it.  But its not like I plan to stop trying, its just that sometimes my attempts seem to be in vain. It isn't like I expect it to be easy, because I don't. I apologize for my rambling.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on July 17, 2012, 05:45:49 PM
I agree with CD. I think working on improving your self-esteem would be beneficial. I also wonder what your expectations are for the answers you are seeking? Are you just not feeling sure of the answers you get or feel like you aren't getting any answer to your questions? How do you know your karma remains unchanged?
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 17, 2012, 08:50:58 PM
I agree with CD. I think working on improving your self-esteem would be beneficial. I also wonder what your expectations are for the answers you are seeking? Are you just not feeling sure of the answers you get or feel like you aren't getting any answer to your questions? How do you know your karma remains unchanged?

I haven't any expectations. Also, I have been working on improving my self-esteem since that post.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on July 17, 2012, 09:09:21 PM
That's great you are working on it already. :)  I only asked about your expectations because I wish to try to help if I could and have difficulty understanding exactly what you see the problem as. But it sounds like you are doing fine.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 18, 2012, 10:33:22 PM
I guess you could say that. My totem still hasn't appeared yet, I admit I was expecting him to hint at his presence when I was working on my self-esteem but as usual, I still have more to learn and its not like I'm gonna put that off.

I also am beginning to suspect that the Black Widow Spider totem that showed up in a dream months earlier was only a temporary guide. After all I was cutting school alot at that point and she just came to tell me that should get up and go on my feet instead of my knees(when I came to school the following day, guess what(or who) I drew in art class) . Today I am still grateful for that and that one clue by four Fox gave me in another dream two days later.

 I guess one could say its a kind of magick.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on July 18, 2012, 10:42:52 PM
I practice core shamanism and in that practice, insects and arachnids are never guardian spirits but are, as you say, only temporary guides or helpers.

And yes, I find that magic is often subtle and easily overlooked when the mind is preoccupied or judgmental. Sounds like you are on the right track.

Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 18, 2012, 11:29:34 PM
True, I know that my guardian spirit is most likely Fox(as I mentioned before) but I haven't met him yet and I rarely sense his presence(which could be because I like in an area where no foxes roam, speaking of which, I'm leaving for a trip to Denver, Colorado next week which will is fox country, so I'll have to try and pay attention to everything).

Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on July 19, 2012, 12:25:15 AM
Have a good trip!
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on July 19, 2012, 02:25:29 PM
Thanks. I will try to document it in my blog(Also, if you use Skype and have a bit of free time, that could work too. Of course I could always record a few audio journals). I recently recieved Catriona Macgregor's book Partnering With Nature earlier and it mentioned many ways of connecting with trees which I found interesting.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on August 15, 2012, 09:22:20 AM
I have returned. But for whatever reason, it seems like I have fallen back to square one. I tried outdoor meditation yesterday(or at least tried to) but it doesn't seem to have done much. It just feels like I've lost any form of progress I had made.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on August 15, 2012, 02:46:02 PM
I think we all have days like that, no matter how experienced. Your body and mind goes through cycles and you will have days when your mind is scattered or you feel off-balance. Tomorrow is another day and maybe you will feel differently.  ()
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: dragonspring on August 15, 2012, 06:13:33 PM
I still think that you are approaching these exercising with some expectation.  Try doing something fun that involves the outdoors and I think you may have a different result.  I go hiking because I love it, sometimes, I have spiritual experiences while doing so.  Besides, I don't thing that developing spiritually is a linear process.  Everything you learn or experience along the way is valuable, even if it doesn't appear so at the time.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on August 21, 2012, 01:42:11 PM
Maybe so. I've signed up for a few courses at Witch School International, so hopefully those will help.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on August 21, 2012, 02:34:29 PM
You have a place here if you want one Belmont. Only you can tell if this is the appropriate path for you. Having said that, I think is important to recognize that seeking becomes finding when you let go of the seeking to some extent. Whenever I let go of a need to control the results and the outcome that is when I make the most progress and find the most contentment.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: BronwynWolf on August 21, 2012, 05:04:39 PM
You have a place here if you want one Belmont. Only you can tell if this is the appropriate path for you. Having said that, I think is important to recognize that seeking becomes finding when you let go of the seeking to some extent. Whenever I let go of a need to control the results and the outcome that is when I make the most progress and find the most contentment.
:yeahthat:
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Tirya on August 21, 2012, 05:47:21 PM
Kind of building off EM's post - when you let go of the preconceptions you have about "how things should be" you sometimes will find that "how things are" is a lot more interesting and valuable. Maybe focus less on the signs you *think* should be there, and look at the messages in the ones that are with you in the moment. It may be that that's a lesson that needs to be learned before you can go on to the rest of what you're looking for.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on August 22, 2012, 08:56:33 AM
I've tried letting go many times, then again maybe I didn't try hard enough.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: earthmuffin on August 22, 2012, 09:56:03 AM
On the contrary, I think you are trying too hard.  ()
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: BronwynWolf on August 22, 2012, 01:15:09 PM
On the contrary, I think you are trying too hard.

Yeah that!
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on August 27, 2012, 09:09:27 PM
I still think that you are approaching these exercising with some expectation.  Try doing something fun that involves the outdoors and I think you may have a different result.  I go hiking because I love it, sometimes, I have spiritual experiences while doing so.  Besides, I don't think that developing spiritually is a linear process.  Everything you learn or experience along the way is valuable, even if it doesn't appear so at the time.

Thank you. I'll try and remember that. I can't hike much since I live on an island, but I enjoy it too.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on October 10, 2012, 07:41:08 AM
Two nights ago, something odd happened.

While I was asleep. I felt Paresthesia(AKA the pins and needles feeling) that I would usually get while meditating, as well as a pull and my body temperature dropped. I know these are the first stages of Astral Projection, are they not? I really wnated to see where it would take me and what I would experiance. But with my inexperiance, it wasn't a good idea so I reluctantly awoke, cutting off any sense of AP that was happening. I was astounded and recorded it in my journel shortly afterword.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: BronwynWolf on October 10, 2012, 03:49:43 PM
To the best of my knowledge, I have never had a body temp drop during AP. Of course, I have never been monitored, so I may be wrong. I usually don't feel any pull when leaving my body, either...only when it is time for me to return to it. Since I am the one choosing to leave the physical, I normally feel a floating, dis-located sense of self.
Title: Re: Its time I got somewhere.
Post by: Belmont2500 on October 18, 2012, 05:27:32 PM
From what I've read, a drop in body temp. is common when Astral Projecting.

Here's a video with some info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms_1fCp-ruw&feature=plcp