Religion: And How it Has Changed My Life

After thinking about it, I thought Wicca hasn't really changed my life that much, at least not in concrete ways. I've always loved the Earth and thought of it as being beautiful and precious. I've always been fascinated at the beauty and mystery of the Moon and the starry sky. I've always found Nature to be healing in an all inclusive way that encompasses the physical, mental and spiritual realms. I've always believed that our minds have the power to accomplish amazing things. I've always thought that there is much more to this Universe than what we can see with our eyes and grasp with our minds.

I rejected my family's religion, Christianity, because despite many claims of it being filled with peace and love, I found their holy book to be filled with persecution and cruelty. I was certain that no single culture had a direct-line to the Divine, that there was no "One Truth". I became interested in natural remedies. I celebrated the seasons in my own simple manner. In many ways, I am as I always was, and yet discovering Paganism has brought major changes to my life.

When I realized that there was an actual religion whose beliefs so closely matched my own, I was filled with happiness and enthusiasm. I literally spent about a year and a half utterly consumed in learning all I could get my hands on: the lore, mythology, magick and ritual. It was fascinating, and all my spare time was devoted to gathering knowledge and attempting to incorporate what seemed true into my life. I know that I will always be learning and growing in my chosen philosophy, but it is more subtle now. I know the "basics" at a basic level. I am branching out, studying mythology to an even greater depth, using meditation and divination to know myself with ever greater understanding. I am certain that each individual's path will be unique, but I consider Wicca to be a path more concerned with who I truly am and how I connect with this Universe. These are wonderful concepts to ponder, but how has