Afternoon Everyone from the allergy ridden state of Tennessee,
                                         
                         I just have some thoughts running through my mind at the moment. (I don't think they are anything pressing but feel free to put in your comments)    My friend Krita and I are wanting to get back into practicing the "arts"  This is all well and good but I feel at a loss as to where to start.  Krita has been raise a pagan. I on the other hand stumbled upon it.

She's said several times that when she was small she had a good amount of... "power" (That's the only thing I can think to call it) and she's thinking it's time to start practicing again (Just a feeling she has. Kinda of like something's bubbling to the surface)  I'd love to join her, but I just don't know if I would be of any help. I'm by no means saying I'm not worth it, just I'm not sure what I'd be able to contribute.

My mother and aunts have both said that I use to talk to people that weren't there when I was small. (I don't really remember it. For all I know I could have just been off in my own little world) and that I am/was able to feel when members of my family were around such as my maternal grandmother and my Aunt Vicki both of whom have passed on.  Do I have a connection with those that have passed on?  Or am I just thinking I do?


This is just an odd side note that popped into my mind, My mother is very very antsy about me practicing. It makes her nervous due to the fact one of her close friends ended up getting in with the wrong crowd (that were supposedly witches) and died because of it.  Yet, she seems to feel like being able to communicate or sense spirits is normal.  She was able to do it, until recently, and was able to tell when her mother and father were around.

My Daddy on the other hand is just eh about everything. Being a retired police captain he's use to seeing facts, figures and hard evidence as all he needs. He does believe that there is something greater out there but doesn't really bother to give it much definition.

In amongst all this rambling, I guess I'm wanting everyone's opinion on if this is the path for me. I know none of you can tell me outright and that's understandable.

I'm also wondering if this is all in my head. I've gone to two different churches (with the boyfriend) and both have left me feeling slightly ill and with a headache. The ill feeling is like something hasn't settled with my stomach. But that's beside the point.


I apologize for the insane amount of rambling, but if anyone has any thoughts on the matter feel free to let me know.  Also,  L.E. if this is in the wrong place feel free to move it.


Thanks All!


Bramble

Bramble, sweetie, your path is yours to find.  Mine took me nearly all my life to this point.  I have only been "full time" at this for the last couple of years, but had piddled with it here and there through my youth.  My personal path has been a tough one to find, and it has taken a lot of twists and turns.  Some people find their path easier than others do, some of us find ours through trial and error and a lot of heartbreak and doubt in between.  The only person who can tell if this is the right path for you is...you.  (I know that sounds like a Disney movie!) My word of advice is to study, study, study.  Study it from the outside point of view first...the point of view of the "observer".  Then, take a closer look at the things that you think may interest you and go from there.  
Start from what you already know and then do some research.  What are your major interests in the craft.  Druidism? Wicca? Voudoun? Native American Shamanism?  There are so many branches and beliefs (hence the vast majority of us being eclectic   ) that you will never be at a loss for material.  I think LE has a reading list on here somewhere, but, if not, browse through her book table and see some of the items she has in there, any one of which is good readin'!  Go into the BOS and peruse the lessons and see what you can find.  I have not had a physical (aka human) mentor, myself, since I was 23, and only for a short time.  The rest of the information I have gleaned from my own research and self-examination.   The biggest thing that I have done for myself was to question WHAT I believe and Which path I WANTED to follow.  
...alright, I guess that was a little off-topic...sorry   Have no doubts in yourself, dear.  We all have power, just some people never choose to utilize it and it lies dormant throughout their lives.  Some people have learned to tune it like a fine instrument.  It all depends on the amount of time you put into it.  Like anything else, power is in your knowledge and your maintenance of that knowledge.  The path isn't just about power or magick.  Most of the time it is simply learning to be in tune with the cycles of nature and the God/ess and paying attention to the messages we are given.
And...don't worry about Mom and Dad.  There will always be people with apprehension over your "studies", but they will ease up a bit when they see that you are not drinking blood and killing cats.  Besides, you're a big girl and your choice of belief is up to you!
If I have gone waaay off base, just let me know.

Thank you Sea! �*huge hugs* �I think that's what I needed. �^_____^ �*gives a big piece of thank you chocolate cake*  And No you aren't going off base so no worries.  I thought of something last night before I went to bed. The feeling I have right now as far as religion in general is "back burner" I know that's normal for anyone. So maybe, even though I would like to start practicing again, other things have to be taken care of first?  It's a thought at least.


*hugs and thank you*

Bramble

Bramble
Remember, an open mind, willing to learn, belief in yourself. All things take time. Some seem to take forever.
And first and foremost, your path in religion, life is your own! I know this is no help at all now, but keep it in mind.

Wish I could help more.

Blessings
Sundown

Thank you Sun!  *hugs*... Maybe I need to go to the beach?  lol.