Any Pagans Around Here?

[wudewassa]

Hello! I am moving to the area soon to be closer to my Sister. I am a California native, but I have been in Colorado for the last 12 years. I am looking for other Pagans for rituals and friendship and some drumming! I am out in the open, but I do respect privacy, so email me if you like! Peace & Blessings, wudewassa

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Im a Celt and a Libertarian. Careful announcing your Pagan ways... cos some people don't appreciate the alternate ways. My rituals involve my bow and arrow out in the open fields. :)

[Red Mule]

I can't claim to any pagan belief's, but appreciating diversity... welcome.

Although, I have enjoyed a good drumming session from time to time.

[wudewassa]

Careful announcing your Pagan ways... cos some people don't appreciate the alternate ways. I'll take that under advisement, however, like I said before I'm openly Pagan...Pagan and Proud. I'm not looking to harm just to drum, make new friends with like minded people and enjoy the foothills and the West Coast.

[Freeweelin]

I am a half breed. I believe in diversity yet many do not. Respect the beliefs of others if you want your beliefs respected too. Although many do not carry that belief.
Sometimes it is best to pray in private no matter to whom.
:wacko:

[wudewassa]

Well...I'll be there in a few weeks..... I guess for some: "There goes the neighborhood." Hehe

[Greg]

I've been to a few drumming ceremonies, mostly as memorials. Oakhurst could use more diversity. As you read through some of the threads you'll notice I am gay and so far anyway, I feel quite welcome in this forum. Welcome.

[wudewassa]

Thanks Greg. Perhaps you would like to join in on some future drumming, or could suggest a place to drum. I was thinking of the park in Mariposa, but there must be better places I dont know about yet.

[Greg]

I imagine parts of this trail would be a great place to drum. There could be a few people that might like it quiet but it probably would depend on when you go and where you drum.

Willow Creek Trail & Angel Falls
One of the most challenging trails is the Willow Creek Trail (22E03) which can be reached either by the North Shore Road next to the Falls Day Use parking area or from the Willow Creek parking area off of Road 274. The trail is two and seven tenths miles long, ending at the McLeod Flat Road and offers moderate to steep climb. The main attractions of this trail are Angel Falls and Devils Slide, two breathtaking water falls, and a variety of quiet spots and scenic views along the way.

-------- Bass Lake has a Native American Powwow sometimes and it's always a treat to hear the drums down by the lake at night.

Having lived in the SF Bay Area for 37 years I have gone to a very wide variety of cultural/ethnic/social gatherings. Stanford University has one of the largest Powwows on the West Coast. The Celtic festival in Pleasanton (and there is one in Mariposa as well (if it still is going) are really wonderful to go to. One Easter weekend a couple years ago I went to a Polish festival, A Native American Powwow, an Easter egg hunt put on by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a Street Party and concert all on the same weekend. I love both The City and the country.

[amazing_lady]

I'll take that under advisement, however, like I said before I'm openly Pagan...Pagan and Proud. I'm not looking to harm just to drum, make new friends with like minded people and enjoy the foothills and the West Coast.

If you do find a place to 'drum and meet friends' please let me know! We don't belong to any Pagan group or anything, but my husband, especially, is drawn to the Pagan ways of celebrating Nature! We, too, will be permanently relocating to the area, but are frequent visitors. We'd love to meet you! With all the different beliefs and churches in the area, hopefully there's still room for one more!

[Greg]

Have you heard of the group radical faeries?



They are a very large group, mostly gay tho I think (but probably mixed), as the name might suggest but I know past and current memebers of the group.

Christianity has its roots in paganism. Tho they may not like to admit it.

Much of Christianity (tho not all by any means) has become too obnoxious and powerful. When religious groups push for constitutional amendments to take away the rights of others', they have gone too far.

[BooBooBear]

My understanding of a Pagan belief is Witchcraft. Not sure where the drumming stuff comes in. I think of Drumming as being a Native American practice.

[wudewassa]

If you do find a place to 'drum and meet friends' please let me know! We don't belong to any Pagan group or anything, but my husband, especially, is drawn to the Pagan ways of celebrating Nature! We, too, will be permanently relocating to the area, but are frequent visitors. We'd love to meet you! Thank you! I will let you know!

[Red Mule]

Paganism means many different things to different people. Certainly a brief net search will show you that. But, for what it worth, I've studied religion and history at the university level and have my own take.

Some people would define paganism as any religious belief other than Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. However, not all practitioners of some other religions would agree. Buddhists, for example, might take serious exception to being called pagans. On the other hand, most of them would probably just smile. I can't begin to guess which way our new member defines paganism.

As far as witchcraft, although it was frowned on by the Christian church, most medieval Christians believed in it. And certainly, witchcraft was practiced by some Pagans. Even today, many people believe in one form of magic or another. Astrology, probably being the best known. Gambler's usually believe in Luck. Magic and Miracles aren't really that different from a scientific perspective.

Before I rattle on too much, paganism and witchcraft are like apples and oranges. Two different things, but not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[Greg]

BooBooBear:

Native Americans were considered pagan and that is where the drumming comes from:

I found this:

Paganism – What are some pagan systems and religions?


American pagans practice a variety of forms of traditions, but the most popular are Celtic, Greco-Roman, Native American, ancient Egyptian, and Norse.
Kabbalah: During the Middle Ages, this Jewish mystical and magical system developed.
Shamanism: This tradition is practiced by the Native American cultures. Drumming is the technique used, and in traditional societies, the shaman travels to the spirit realm to gain information regarding the community’s needs like healing or spiritual growth.
Egyptian: This is very popular today, and involves complex spiritual and magical systems centering on death and rebirth. It developed in ancient Egypt when priestesses and priests became known for their level of knowledge and skill in magical arts.
Druidism: The original Druids were priestesses and part of the judicial class of the ancient Celts.
Discordianism: This began as a Buddhist practice with the main idea being “existence is orderly chaos.” Meditative procedures, confusion and enlightenment, chaos and order, pain and pleasure are revealed as inseparable parts of a total vision of reality.

[Red Mule]

Certainly, native American cultures used drums. And, they are also classified as Pagan.

However, if I may dip into my own mixed heritage bag, just about every Old World culture used drums for various reasons at different times. The Scots, for example used huge war drums that (along with the bagpipes) sent shivers down their enemies backs. They also used their drums for religious purposes prior to the coming of the Christians. Pretty much as all Celts did. And African drums probably predate every other culture's. Especially if you believe, as I do, that all humans are derived from Africa.

I have participated in drum circles and can confirm they are just FUN, if there is no other reason. Drumming is something we can share with others, with or without musical talent, or I wouldn't have been there. If anyone also chooses to use drumming with their individual religious beliefs, I can't see this is much different from the religious singing most of us are familiar with.

[BooBooBear]

BooBooBear:

Native Americans were considered pagan and that is where the drumming comes from:

I found this:

Paganism – What are some pagan systems and religions?


American pagans practice a variety of forms of traditions, but the most popular are Celtic, Greco-Roman, Native American, ancient Egyptian, and Norse.
Kabbalah: During the Middle Ages, this Jewish mystical and magical system developed.
Shamanism: This tradition is practiced by the Native American cultures. Drumming is the technique used, and in traditional societies, the shaman travels to the spirit realm to gain information regarding the community’s needs like healing or spiritual growth.
Egyptian: This is very popular today, and involves complex spiritual and magical systems centering on death and rebirth. It developed in ancient Egypt when priestesses and priests became known for their level of knowledge and skill in magical arts.
Druidism: The original Druids were priestesses and part of the judicial class of the ancient Celts.
Discordianism: This began as a Buddhist practice with the main idea being “existence is orderly chaos.” Meditative procedures, confusion and enlightenment, chaos and order, pain and pleasure are revealed as inseparable parts of a total vision of reality.

Thank you Greg. That was very interesting. I love when I learn something new every day!!

[Greg]

BooBooBear: Thanks. That is what is so nice about these forums, we all learn things from each other.
____________________
Something I found lacking in Christianity that I have been apart of in the distant past is there doesn’t seem to be a direct connection with the environment or "earth, wind and fire" sort of connection. Paganism and some other beliefs seem more inclined to have that deep environmental connection or cycle of life connection. I find that connection to be really indicative of a more holistic and less strictly human (or self centered) spirituality for lack of a better way to put it. That "oneness in nature" I find appealing. Christianity pretty much ended for me when I found out I was gay and Christianity doesn't like gay people.
_______________________

Of course I have not really studied seriously any religion or spitual path ... those are just my impressions.

[Red Mule]

Greg,

I like the way you equated the environment, Mother Earth, and religious belief. Well put!

[amazing_lady]

Yes, Greg, very well put! My belief is that most religions/philosophies/and cultures before Christianity were more in tune with the essance of Life. Organized religions tend to control life. The 'early' peoples of the planet had a better understanding of Life. I think that's why areas like Oakhurst and the surrounding communities appeal to many of us. I was born and raised Catholic, but left it behind when I realized that asking questions was pretty much forbidden, and we were expected to be a herd of sheep. No offense to those who are strong believers, there's room for all of us in the Afterlife!

[dancingqueen]

AL I am not sure how old you are but there have been many, many changes in the Catholic Church since Vatican II. We ask plenty of questions and do not stop until they are answered and we certainly are not lead around like a herd of sheep.