I was raised finding fairies in the forest, putting aloe on my burns, celebrating the change of seasons, drinking chamomile tea for my tummy aches, and finding blessings when I need them. I led a more openly magical adolescence and now a subtle natural parenting, personally spiritual adulthood. Although as my baby grows, I yearn to teach him more about the earth and her magical ways, the universe, gods and goddesses, spirits in the trees, the power of the elements, etc....
I haven't posted rules, since I try not to be to strict, ignorant, etc., but I will not tolerate any negative comments belittling or bashing of others (not that I expect them with our members, but you never know who may choose to join...)
Please introduce yourself upon joining the group, tell us what you feel comfortable with regarding your background, children, etc.
)* MM, MP, MMA *(
Baby blessings,
Jill
Baby blessings,
Jill
Merry Meet
Thank you for starting this group. I really did want to start bringing the kids into my practices. I think I do already, but have to be carefull I don't talk to much about Paganism infront of the 6 yo. It would not be a good thing if neighbors or classmates find out about our/my religion. ( small Texas town with small minded people)
We have always been Earth conscientious as a family so nothing much there has changed, we do the best we can. I do teach the kids (boys 6 & 2) what each celebration is about. Example Yule, I told the story of the Holly King and The Oak King, a story, just like Jesus. Right now the spiritual part of Paganism is personal, when the kids get older they can choose what religion they would like to follow, so to help them make an educated decision when they grow up ( as opposed to telling them this is what you will be) I try my best to foster religious tolerance for all people and all religions. That is just part of being Pagan ( In my opinion, of course :)
The only "dogma" we have in our house is we don't believe that the Devil or Hell exists.
I am such a Solitary, but I am considering joining the Pagan Parents in my area for get togethers, but I just undecided about that. I might start going my local UU church, they have a Pagan group there, but I just haven't made that first step.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all.
Love & Light
Melissa
Quoting FishingMama:when the kids get older they can choose what religion they would like to follow, so to help them make an educated decision when they grow up ( as opposed to telling them this is what you will be) I try my best to foster religious tolerance for all people and all religions.
That's exactly what I've been doing! My parents did that with me too- my mama was raised natural minded (spiritual, nature respecting tree hugging) Jewish and dad catholic but very spiritual. My mom actually bought me Drawing Down the Moon in highschool. My cousin got me a book for my Blessingway about God and how different religions have different higher powers. It's a great intro for kids and open to everything- I really like it.
What I've been doing is looking more to the historical point of view of the holidays and although my son is just a toddler, I have been preparing to introduce things that way. My husband is really into history, and he works for NOAA so he supports the nature side too. It's been great so far, celebrating solstices and equinoxes subtly but still pointing out the importance.
I wanted to start this group since all the natural parenting and AP groups I'm finding seem to have a strong christian conservative air to them.
Thanks again for joining :)
-Jill
We also love to play with the elements and when we go on walks outside I try to point out the trees and the moon and talk a bit about their significance....
Glad to have you!
Baby blessings,
Jill
What I've been doing is looking more to the historical point of view of the holidays and although my son is just a toddler, I have been preparing to introduce things that way. I agree totally,looking at it Historically (for me anyway) will remove my urge to "debate Christianity*" in front of the kids, I won't have to, the kids will see it for themselves when they get older, and I am just facinated by history and especially religious History, and expecially especially ( lol) pagan History. ( * I don't have an issue with Christians, just some of their doctrines views and morals, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be Pagan lol, just had to put that friendly little disclaimer in, ya'll know where I'm coming from)
My husband is really into history, and he works for NOAA I don't know what NOAA is so he supports the nature side too. It's been great so far, celebrating solstices and equinoxes subtly but still pointing out the importance. DH is a non practicing Christian, he's fine with everything, and really really trys to have conversations with me, it's going good.
I wanted to start this group since all the natural parenting and AP groups I'm finding seem to have a strong christian conservative air to them. Yes I agree, and some go to the other extreem like you really suck if you aren't 100% Organic, recycling, green, vegan...everything needs balance...my opinion only of course
. I really believe any effort is honouring the Earth, I don't use chemicals in my garden, because 1 we eat the veggies and herbs and 2 it's just really bad for the enviroment, but I don't recycle all that I should, want to, haven't yet.Each year I do fit in more and more natural and Earth wise ways, for the planet and my family.
Thanks again for joining :)
-Jill
NOAA- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration- it's the greener side of gov't... My husband said that in a meeting the other day when it started to rain, everyone got up from the table and wnet to the window to watch the storm. Pretty cool.
blessings to all- have a great week!!!
-Jill
I'm Jillian. I have a 6 year old DD, Rhavenn, and a 3 year old DS, Breckin. My husband is a recovering Catholic. I was raised with spirituality, not religion. Although, when I started to feel left out at school, I tried the Lutheran church, but realized it wasn't for me when the pastor told our class that we had to memorize the Apostle's Creed. My only though was WHY? I've been lucky enough to be in a family that is supportive and a community that has many pagans...even if they don't officially call themselves pagan...lol. Stephanie, I'm sure you can relate! Anyway, we celebrate Yule very openly. We're working on some other sabbats, but I'm definitely more spiritual than religious, so we try not to be too "strict" about what we "should" be practicing and celebrating. Last year we had another familly come over and do an Imbolc "ritual" for kids. But we didn't do it until the end of March...lol.
Thanks for starting this group!
Jillian, Wife to Curtis, Mother to Rhavenn & Breckin, Due May 17
Change your family's life by creating a healthy home at www.midwestgreenliving.com
Easter/Ostara
- mamajill
on Jan. 31, 2008 at 4:20 PM