I am really at a loss here. I have been enjoying the Pagan/Wiccan way of life for some time now but still have yet to find a deity that is suited to me. How can I do this? Is it a matter of timing? Do they need to remain a secret? How will I know when I have been chosen? How did you find your Deities???
Please don't take Offense but don't tell me about God, Jesus, or the Holy Ghost, Been there , done that, it didn't work for me.
I also have "been there and done that", with the same lack of results. To be valid, a religion should have visible, measurable results from practicing it. I always had a problem with "do this, and after you die you will see the results". It always seemed to me that the authority figure saying this had an inherent conflict of interest......
As a long time practicing Buddhist, I can honestly say that I don't have a deity. The "Mystic Law of the universe" is not something we personify. The closest we come to a deity is the Buddha that is potential inside of all human beings. A Buddha is an enlightened human being, not a deity. The Buddha nature is something I activate inside myself through my daily practice. The results are very tangible and visible in my life. While these are my beliefs, I certainly don't begrudge anyone else THEIR beliefs.
--------------------
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." Carl Sagan
I guess it is for some. Personally I don't see how it could be.
QUOTE
Do they need to remain a secret?
I think that all depends on how you personally feel about it. Do you feel it is appropriate for your deity to remain secret for your practices to be effective?
QUOTE
How will I know when I have been chosen?
Believe me, you will know. It will become a part of you, and you will begin to see evidence of this around you.
QUOTE
How did you find your Deities???
They were just there. Some were by hearing the name and feeing a "tug". Others have been there for as long as I can remember.
Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss in further detail.
I know nothing of anything realted to wicca and really any religon for that matter although I was brought up Catholic. But I believe as a life lesson: If you wait for something to happen it may never happen. If you want something go find it. How? I have no idea but I am guessing getting there will be half the fun.
Do you feel it is appropriate for your deity to remain secret for your practices to be effective?
Again another point of confusion of what I have "heard". Several Wiccans I have talked to have said that in order to increase your true power that your deities should remain a secret. This bothers me cause I have never been ashamed to share what knowledge or Deity information and how they have helped me at anytime.
If you wait for something to happen it may never happen. If you want something go find it. How? I have no idea but I am guessing getting there will be half the fun.
you have some very good points. and I agree with the "Go Find It" but that is just the type of person I am.
As a long time practicing Buddhist, I can honestly say that I don't have a deity. The "Mystic Law of the universe" is not something we personify. The closest we come to a deity is the Buddha that is potential inside of all human beings. A Buddha is an enlightened human being, not a deity. The Buddha nature is something I activate inside myself through my daily practice. The results are very tangible and visible in my life. While these are my beliefs, I certainly don't begrudge anyone else THEIR beliefs.
QUOTE (Angel Whitefang (Rider) @ Jan 23 2004, 01:48 PM)
How can I find out more about Buddhism (sp?)
You can PM me, or try the book "The Buddha in the Mirror" for basics. I don't want to push my philosophy on everyone, so PM'ing is best. I will be happy to answer any questions I can.
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)