5Mistakes New Pagans Make – and How To Avoid Them

Posted on November 28, 2014 by ladyoftheabyss

5Mistakes New Pagans Make – and How To Avoid Them

For peoplenew to Pagan spirituality, there is often a sense of elation and joy – afterall, you’ve finally found that elusive sense of belonging that you’ve beenlooking for all this time! However, with that elation and joy sometimes comesbad decision-making rooted in enthusiasm. Here are a few common mistakes thatnew Pagans – and a few veterans – often make. Let’s take a look at what theyare, and how you can avoid these pitfalls and traps.

EveryoneIs Just Like Me And If They Aren’t, They Should Be

Blanket statements – no matter how well intentioned theymay be – are never a good idea. When you encounter a group of other Pagans,it’s important to remember that they’re probably not all going to be the sameflavor of Pagan as you. Not all Pagans are Wiccans, and therefore not everyonefollows, for example, the Wiccan Rede. Understand that for every person whoidentifies as Pagan, there is a different set of beliefs, practices, and worldexperience.

One well-known Pagan author has repeatedly come underfire for statements such as “Real Pagans don’t do this,” or “A true Pagan wouldnever do that.” Pagan paths are as varied as the people who follow them, andit’s not up to any of us to decide that one person’s brand of Paganism is lessvalid than anyone else’s.

Not all Pagans adhere to the law of threefold return, theWiccan Rede, the concept of “harm none,” or any of the other numerous mandatesthat are found in the many Pagan traditions.

I ReadOne Book, Now I’m Done

Did you read a really awesome book on modern Paganpractice? If you did, it probably covered important information such as thebasic magical tools, how to cast a circle, and the eight NeoPagan Sabbats.Great! That’s a terrific starting point.

Yes, I said starting point. As in, now you’ve got tolearn more.

Why? Well, because just like anything else, the more youlearn, the more you understand it. If you choose to read only one book on thesubject, then you have only that author’s point of view to go on – which meansyou’re truly selling yourself short.

Spiritual practice – for most folks – is a lifelongprocess of learning and growing. Don’t be lazy. Go out and learn more stuff.Not sure what to read? Check out the About Pagan/Wiccan reading lists.

ICan’t Find Information, Please Think for Me

Here at About Pagan/Wiccan, we get a lot of emails frompeople seeking information – and that’s fine, because this is an informationalsite, and we’re happy to help seekers out. However, the best way for us to helpyou is to show you HOW to find information, rather than spelling it all out foryou, word for word.

Remember the old adage about how if you give a man afish, he can eat for a day, but if you teach him how to catch his own fish,then he can eat for a lifetime? Apply that to learning. It’s one thing to say,“What are some good sources for information on the Greek gods?” and completelyanother to ask, “Please tell me every one of the Greek gods and goddesses andwhat they did and how people worshiped them and what should I put on my altarfor them.”

Because the first one is a good question – most veteranPagans are happy to answer it with some great suggestions. The second one…well, the answer is NO.

And yes, those are both real emails.

Think of spiritual growth as a personal challenge, ratherthan something that is handed to you on a platter.

I’m aTeenage High Priestess

Most people who have been part of the Pagan community forany length of time have encountered this phenomena: someone who is new enoughto Paganism that they’re still asking very basic questions, and yet whoproclaims themselves to be a leader or priestess of a group.

There’s NOTHING WRONG with being new. We were all new atone point. But don’t be in a hurry to claim knowledge you haven’t earned. It’soff-putting to more experienced folks, and worse, you could be responsible forthe spread of misinformation that you may have trouble correcting later.

When it’s time for you to be a teacher, you’ll know. Butin the meantime, be happy to play the role of student.

OtherReligions Suck!

Here at About Pagan/Wiccan, we get a lot of emails fromnew Pagans who are convinced that all their non-Pagan friends now hate them,and there’s often an eagerness to trash folks of other religions. While it’sgreat to be enthusiastic about your new-found belief system, it’s never okay todisparage other people for their beliefs. You may not agree with the principlesof Christianity, and you may have had an absolutely terrible experience withbeing a Christian before you found your Pagan faith. But that doesn’t mean it’sacceptable to tell other people their choice of religion is wrong.

Remember, you became a Pagan because it works for you.Other people are following the faith that works best for them – and it’s not upto you to change that.

Most Pagan faiths frown on trying to convert others, too.Don’t be pushy about getting others to join your new set of beliefs – it makesyou just as obnoxious as the people who try to convert us away from Paganism.

By Patti Wigington

Article foundon & owned by About.com