In search of a new religion (ritual, Buddhism, beliefs, hell)

[Moonchild]

Being a greek myself I was raised as an Christian Orthodox, the ultimate religion in Greece. If you are anything else you are considered as a heretic-nothing more or less. Our religion here is like an identity, really close related to our ethnicity - and even 3 years before it was written on our identity card.
I never had a problem with that and even tried to be a "correct" Christian as our church demanded. Growing up though I felt like I didn't fit into Orthodox Christianity, the religion itself with its conventions filled me with regrets..On the other hand I felt a strong kind of a calling...I tried to ignore that feeling but it was impossible..I knew something about Wicca and thought that this was the right thing for me..I tried to get informed about this religion but the more I learned about itand started believing into it the more i had fearful thoughts, uneasy sleeping and strange visualizations, but I'm still not sure what was this all about. So, I stopped all this and together stopped my nighmares too. Today being 20 years old I keep considering myself as a Christian Orthodox but deep down I know i'm not..
Here in Greece I i wasn't able to find someone to instruct me yet..

I would like to hear your advice or opinions..And thanks for your time for reading my story.

[finalfrogo]

Allow me to be one of the first to welcome you to these forums.

Though I cannot personally connect with your story, my mother was raised Roman Catholic. She went to a Catholic high school, but in the end she understood that the religion wasn't for her.

Your nightmares are strange occurences. They remind me of my own experiences. I am currently shifting (dreadfully slowly) into spiritism. However, there appears to be some negative feedback from my body towards this... and as a result, I may have developed some sort of phobia for sickness. Perhaps physical disturbances are common when people initiate themselves into a different set of beliefs.

You should continue looking for an instructor. Perhaps some of the Wiccans on these forums can also educate you on certain topics, although it will not be the same as having a guide. Or maybe you should delve more into your desire to shift religions... what exactly, is your impetus for seeking a new religion, specifically Wicca? Another option available to you (and be glad that you have so many) is to look to a different religion than Wicca. The world has many to offer. What are you looking for?

[Feathers in Hair]

First off, hello and welcome, Moonchild! I love your avatar! (And please feel free to introduce yourself to the whole forums here! We're all friendly!)

I think it's important to honor the path that you've grown up in, even if it no longer fits you. If it makes you uncomfortable to study or think of following another path, it may simply be that it's not the path for you at this time. Perhaps you might explore many religions, before deciding on one?

Also, I hope I don't contradict my Wiccan friends in saying this, but I'd be wary of trying to find someone to 'instruct' you. It can create an unhealthy dynamic, and can be detrimental to your spiritual growth if not done correctly.

Editted because I forgot the link!

[Enigmata]

I agree with everything that Feathers said and I will add that those "fearful thoughts, uneasy sleeping and strange visualizations" may be a product of your subconscious mind. I will assume that orthodox Christians frown upon pagan religions. If you were raised with your religion as a kind of identity then it may be possible that your subconscious mind may be rebelling from what you want due to your upbringing. As Feathers has said, you might want to look into lots of other different types of religion before deciding on one. There are lots of wonderful religions out there. And if Wicca is what you really want then there are several options like looking into covens or learning on your own. Either way, enjoy your search because only great things can come from it. Feel free to ask questions and good luck.

[Freedomelf]

I was raised as a strict Roman Catholic, and at one time was in the convent studying to become a nun. I eventually left Christianity because there were so many different points of faith that left me unsatisfied. I studied Hindu, Buddhism, and several other religions. Then a few years ago, some friends of mine told me that they too, were struggling, and decided to start their own religion. I started getting afraid that they were becoming "weird", but when I actually saw what they wrote, I knew that it was exactly what I had believed all my life....that there is no one religion that has a monopoly on truth. All religions are a mixture of truth, legend, myth and uplifting stories. one must take what they can from religion, and simply follow a path of goodness.

Too many religions try to "control" their believers. The ultimate religion is one in which you are in control....not some "leader" or bishop or pope or anyone else.

That is what I am now, a Calyr Elf. I believe that there are many paths to heaven, and that no religion, including mine, is the "true" and only path. And no one can know exactly what God is. The only thing we can be sure of is that living a good life is what we are meant to do. Our consciences, our souls, and our very brains tell us this instinctively. Goodness is the goal, even if you are uncertain why that is true. I've finally found peace in uncertainty.

Of course, as I said, there are as many paths to Heaven as their are religions, and probably many, many more. To each his own. I wish you luck in finding your own true path.

[Moonchild]

At first I would like to thank you all for your time and answers...FeathersinHair you 're right I should have introduced myself first - but the truth is that I'm not in the position to have always everyday access to the internet so I thought it would be better to get straight up to my point..
I don't really know if Wicca is the right religion for me and of course I would like to get to know other religions too. It's just that I totally agree with some things I've read about Wicca and I can even remember myself since I was little "casting" my own spells without knowing or having read something relative before, like a natural thing...
Finalfrogo I find your explanation of my "nightmares" pretty reasonable - even though I did't want to believe that they stem from my shifting into something new because that scared me a little bit...
I 'll give it a try then again...I just can't ignore it anymore

[martha]

Moonchild, welcome. God I love this place! I am sure you will too. I agree with all of the above responses. They will not steer you in the wrong direction. Take your time, there is no need to hurry to find your path. If you get overwhelmed with info, just step back for a day or so to regroup your brain!

Freedomelf
If I were not a good catholic girl, I just might consider becoming a Calyr Elf! Very good principles. Blessings to you.

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by Moonchild

Finalfrogo I find your explanation of my "nightmares" pretty reasonable - even though I did't want to believe that they stem from my shifting into something new because that scared me a little bit...

Yes, I'm beginning to doubt such a conclusion myself. In other words: nevermind.

[Littledragon]

Hello moonchild
I too am changing at the moment, from Wicca to Magi. Since starting this I have noticed small ticks. Usually whaen I am meditating on something new I will have a small muscle twitch, or an involuntary vision. It only lasts for a second just enough to pull me back out of what I'm doing. This is annoying, but slowly going away. It is probably a result of the religious conditioning we all recieve. I recommend trying to push through it. It may take a while, and you will definately have to take a good look at yourself. You cant be someone you are not.
The best teacher I found when I was starting out as a Wiccan was books. Read as much as you can, just consider it all carefully. Find a couple of good books and see what works for you. Remember that Wicca is a very free religion, you can do pretty much what you want. It has been said that "there is as many forms of wicca as there are wiccans".
I hope this helps

Sweet water and light laughter
Littledragon