Loonette wrote:scan wrote:I cannot say for sure what Loonette's personal Pagan belief system is, as we both have very unique views, but both consider ourselves active Pagans. I can say we both honor the seasons, respect Mother Nature, and both think there is indeed a God
Actually, you hit it pretty close for me as well. I wouldn't say our beliefs are very unique to each other's - maybe slightly though. I'm a believer in reincarnation and the power of karma. But not in the stereotypical way that gets ridiculed in our pop culture.
I enjoy celebrating the eight sabbats of the Pagan season wheel - they are in direct coincidence with the earth's yearly cycle of nature, something that cannot be debated by man because it just "is" and always has been. Most people are only familiar with Winter Solstice, Samhain (Halloween) and sometimes Summer Solstice. Ostara (Spring Equinox) is typically overshadowed by Easter celebrations. The two solstices and two equinoxes of the year are actually considered "minor" sabbats. The four major sabbats fall alternately in between those (with Beltane being my absolute favorite of the major sabbats).
I also believe that we are designed to "wonder" about God, but that we will never truly know an exact answer. What fun would that be? - we'd have no more purpose if we knew it all. So I never declare that I know what's right as a belief system for all - I just know what feels right to me. The only thing I don't like about any person in any walk of life is if they are a poser. Hypocrites are rated about the lowest on my personal respect-o-meter.
Using the term "Pagan" is pretty general for me personally. I really have custom built a belief system for myself based on my gleanings from information I receive regarding all sorts of religions. If a religion is preaching what is essentially nothing more than man-made rules to keep people under control, it just doesn't register as something that can work for me. The main tenet of the Pagan/Wiccan faith is...
an it harm none, do what thou will Sounds good to me.
I think that anyone who has a personal attachment to a winter holiday should feel open to express that joy. This thread was started, as I had stated, because those of us involved in a minority faith don't always stand up to share that joy. It does seem that a couple of folks took it as yet another attempt by a non-Christian to bash down the Christmas holiday. Gummi using an f-bomb in my thread was certainly not appreciated - I wouldn't consider an attitude in alignment with the spirit of the holidays, but I guess that's his style. I truly was just trying to wish those who cared a "Happy Solstice". I really have nothing against Christian celebrations - they're just as meaningful (hopefully) to a Christian as my celebrations are to me.
Cheers,
Loonette
