Why I'm Kinda Glad To Be A Solitary

[paganmama999]

     I am trying to combine Norse Reconstructionism with Celtic Reconstructionism.  That's probably violating the first rule of Reconstructionism, but I don't care.   I try to reverence my ancestors, as both NR and CRs do.  I pray mainly to a few specific deities, but mainly call on Odin and Brigid.  I feel strongly about both of them.  I can do this because I am a solitary practitioner, but I am trying to get my children involved in small ways.  They carry things to the altar for me sometimes, and I've been telling them stories about both pantheons, aswell as stories about our own family.  I take this stuff very seriously, and I have to say, sometimes I am offended by others lack of respect, sometimes even from other pagans.  Some people just don't seem to take it seriously.  Like it's just a big game of D&D or something.  Like improper behaviour and lack of respect won't cost you anything.  It can come back to bite you.  I've seen this happen to more than one dabbler.  I also know that everyone's relationship with their patron deity isn't the same as everyone else's.  I try to keep this in mind.  But whenever people come to myhouse I expect them to respect me enough to hold their tongues, accept my hospitality, such as it is, and do things the way I do.  When I visit, I always go along with the host.  Don't most people?  I would participate in a Wiccan ritual if my host called on me to do it, even if I don't happen to do that sort of thing myself.  I'm open to it.  Sometimes, though, I really crave community.  Sometimes I wish I could meet someone with my beliefs, who practices the way I do.  Someone I could talk to about Reconstructionism and the problems we encounter in scholarship.  Someone who would know what I'm talking about.  But I can't just say "Okay. I'm going to be Wiccan again" just for the sake of community.  I can't do this.  I refuse.  I turned down this new path for a reason.  I feel someone wanted me on it.  There were too many signs.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm being tested.  I've heard  others speak of their patron deities testing them.  I suppose some gods might do this, particularly the ones who aren't impressed by light and love.   

     However, I guess everyone is solitary, really.  We are all locked in our bodies with our own individual beliefs that we can't often articulate to others.  Until we can all read each others minds and hearts and fully understand what motivates us all to do the things we do, I'm kinda glad to be a solitary.

[Momma_Halo]

Aug. 22, 2008 at 3:30 PM

Hey do what you feel like doing. I put many different cultures together.

[Mama_McD]

Aug. 22, 2008 at 7:39 PM

I know what you're talking about.  I'm Wiccan, but I definatley practice my own brand of Wicca, and that's why I've stuck with being a Solitary.  But sometimes you long for someone else who knows where you're coming from....

And yes, we're truly each on our own paths anyways, even those who practice as a group or follow certain guidelines.  And yet we desire "Community" ... perhaps this is how We're ALL tested... to learn how to teach others about our individual path without imposing on them, and to ourselves be more accepting and open to other's beliefs and practices....

You may be Solitary, but you're not alone!
Blessings!
~ Mama McD ~

[sagesmoon]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 1:35 PM

I too understand where you're coming from.  I have one Pagan friend who lives in the area, I've learned much from him.  But sometimes it would be nice to get togather w/others who feel like we do.  I love cafe mom because it's like a "community away from home"_

[seakla]

Aug. 27, 2008 at 4:01 PM

Heck, I throw in influences from Norse, Celtic, Greek, Gypsy, and whatever else sounds good. lol