Tough question... (ritual, tradition, America, myth, experience)

[Feathers in Hair]

Okay, I've got a tough question. (Well, not really, that tough, more one that I'm struggling with.)

In pagan traditions, do you normally research from written knowledge, or from the heart?

The reason I post this in here, as opposed to the Native American thread, is that I'm thinking of trying to write an article for "SageWoman", a magazine here in the States that publishes pieces on (usually pagan) womans' spirituality. I thought I'd write about my connection with this animal from early childhood, but the difficulty there is that the animal is mythical, and it can be challenging to describe your spiritual journey in terms of a creature that doesn't appear to exist in this universe.

I don't know whether I should turn to texts that say 'this is how this critter behaves, mythologically,' or simply state 'this is how this spirit feels inside me.'

Which one would you pick?

[LadyRavven]

I would say go with feeling Often didn't Natives go on Dream questing just for this purpose? I would not doubt that often thier "animals" didnt not choose to conform to "mans" whims of how animals should behave :P I think the spirit will choose to act as it does for its benifit and yours...I would present it AS IT IS...to do other wise to me seems to be a breech of the bond you share with it. It has given you a special bond, it deserves to have that bond reperesented the way it is if you choose to bring it to this plane IMO.

[Feathers in Hair]

Thank you, LadyRavven! Your insight is very much appreciated, especially about creatures not choosing to conform to man's whims. How true that is!

[Quoth The Raven]

It's your spirit, Feathers...represent it as feels best to you, not as Joe Bloggs in the middle ages or whenever said it should be.

[LadyRavven]

Anytime I just open my big mouth :P I think that is my Ravven squawking..lol I just gave you the same anwers i would have given myself. as for mans whims, I think "man" as a race tries too hard to place his imprint on things that know how to live and be just fine on thier own. My cat for instance, he knows how to run the house without me..lol My garden actually grows Better if i leave it to its own devices, and my daughter...she is like rare and barely contained vine...she will continue to grow as she should, as she needs to, as long as she is given the room to do so The connection I feel with my totems being half native american born and raised are like extensions of my family. They walk this Path called life with me every step every day, hard days and good, and should try like i do with my family and the rest of the "human" spirits I come in contact with to show them that i appeciate the time they take to walk so that I never have to journey alone

[Feathers in Hair]

"Joe Bloggs", heheee. I like the idea of a medieval blogger.

And when Raven squawks, Raven usually speaks wisdom, I've found. (Unless they're trying to play a trick on you.)

[Rex]

FIH why can't you do both, give experience from yourself and Joe Blogg and relate it.

[Prima]

Both! The thing is that although it may feel a certain way within you, most creatures/deities/beings - even humans! - have different aspects. That's especially important in pagan religions. To get the full scope, research and say "these are all of the creature's aspects...and this is how it is for ME!" Paganism is a lovely balance of self and others

[Feathers in Hair]

Thanks, Rex and Prima! (Welcome, Prima! Glad to have you here!) I really like the idea of combining the two, too, so that'll probably be the way I go.