Thank you Mel for the thread! I think everyone has done an ace job at keeping judgement to a minimum

I'm Pagan. What I mean by this is that I believe in a higher power which inhabits all of us and to which we return when we 'die'. I believe this higher power not only inhabits humans, but all life forms - it's what makes it 'life'. I revere nature and treat all natural things as sacred.

I believe that we choose to come 'earthbound' to learn lessons to evolve (and to help others to evolve). When we have a baby - I believe that 'spark' or 'soul' has chosen us as it can learn the most from us or it can teach us the most. I feel very blessed every day that my son chose me.

My mother was catholic (as is the rest of her family) and my Dad was a non-practicing C of E. I was baptised catholic at birth (or close to), but it never 'rang true' for me. My parents never forced religion on us - but encouraged us to decide for ourselves what we believed in.

It was only after my Mother's passing that I really started to understand what my beliefs are. I believe too that my Mother helped me come to this understanding and that some of the 'information' I have - came from her.

I dabbled in the Lutheran faith for a short time after my Mother's death as my DH's business partner is a church elder there (and is very fervent!). He and I have some very interesting discussions and I think sometimes we're both suprised by how often we agree! However we both have VERY strong ethics that meet (for the most part).

I don't do ritual (except as prayer or meditation) - but would if I had the time and opportunity! Ritual is almost the same to a Pagan as going to Mass is for a Catholic. Except I run my own 'service'!

I believe in ghosts, reincarnation, karma and the law of threefold (what you do returns to you - times by three; good and bad). I also believe that all faith is true - so long as you harm none. The Gods and Goddesses don't mind by which name you call them!

Thank you Mel for giving us all the chance to discuss this and get a deeper perception of our 'online friends'. I thought I knew most of the Pagans on BB, but I see from this thread that there are more than I thought!

I could have written this verbatim! lol

I began following this path at an early age - by that I mean this path in search of my true self. I was raised as a Christian, went to a C of E school and for a long time tried very hard to believe in that God... I yearned to have the faith I saw in others and thought if I practiced (the faith) hard enough or believed it enough, I would find it (sort of fake it til you make I think! lol)
But it just never sat right with me and as I grew into my mid teens I discovered a world of other theosophies and began looking in to them...and sort of falling in to them, as I met new people, moved outside of my traditional circles and finally after I finished school and moved out of home.

The illness and subsequent death of my mother a couple of years ago really helped me define who I was and these values I have held for many years in a way I had never expected, and continues to everyday. I also believe that my resolution in those beliefs helped my mum to finally understand me, and through that, herself and the End, in a more profound way than she had though possible. There was a shift in her mood, her eyes and her demeanour that still fills me with immense joy when I think of it...

Anyway, I am a Druidic apprentice on hold...meaning I currently am teacherless and on a bit of a solo mission presently, and am finding it really fulfilling and challenging.
I find myself becoming more confortable with voicing my beliefs and my opinions of situations borne out of those beliefs...despite one of the prime 'lessons' I was first taught was one of secrecy and protection of the knowledge.
I practice ritual and celebrate Sabbats when I can and in any way I can at the time, usually through small solo rituals - DH is not of entirely the same persuasion as me, and at the moment I am enjoying the spiritual space and solitude. It is peaceful here alone for now.
I intend to raise Charlotte in line with many of my beliefs, but have no desire to force her into anything...having said that, I would be lying if I said I would be happy if she found her way into a Christian faith.

I have no qualms with anyone practicing whatever faith they find suitable, save those that encroach upon others, have huge issues with people feeling the right to push the beliefs upon me but who turn their backs and refuse to learn about mine, I take issue with people pitying me (as certain paths do) for my choice, or ridiculing me based on their own faith.

I love intelligent and embracing discussions on theosophy whenever and wherever I can and relish a chance to have these conversations with people of learning, honesty and truth. I have the honour of having several friends who hold high rank in Masonary and as such have had some access to awesome teachings, and resources, and challenges.