What was your most enlightening pagan experience?
486046
For me it was my initiation after studying to be a witch.  For obvious reasons I can't go into details but it was like being in the arms of a loving and caring mother that held no judgements against me.  It is difficult to fully describe the emotions, both physically, emotionally and spiritually that I experienced.
1086514
As a child the chandelier used to swing from side to side, and the radio would turn on by itself in the middle of the night.\n\nOne time on a camping trip I was walking back from the bathrooms at that moment right between day and night and I saw someone walk across the front of the site and stop behind a tree. So I figure one of the people is going to jump out and try to surprise me, so I pull out my flashlight, walk up to the tree, turn on the light, and there's no one there.\n\nOne time I was alone in a house, and I felt a presence. I looked at a mobile hanging motionless, and said, "If there is anyone else here, make the mobile spin." The next moment, the mobile began to spin.\n\nOne time I was driving into Ponca State Park to set up a large camping gathering, and the sides of the road were lined with spirits. All standing there, clearly visible to everyone, calmly welcoming us back.\n\nOn another camping trip, we felt a spirit near the bon-fire. We had a ring of 40 tiki-torches around the bonfire. It was a still and windless night, but all the tiki flames near the spirit bent in. One of the people in the circle had a fancy camera. After the campout she went to get the film developed, and all the photos from before the visitor turned out, but after that all the film was blank. She took the camera in to be repaired. The repairman asked if she'd been in a nuclear power plant. All the innards were fried from electromagnetism\n\nMy grandmother died while my niece was in utero. After my niece was born, she would look up at areas where no one was standing, and laugh and giggle. We all knew that she was looking at gramma, so we never showed her any pictures. Finally, at about a year old, she could speak, and my sister showed her the family photo album. My niece picked out her photo and said, "That's Old Gramma."\n\nI do spiritual healing with singing bowls. I play the bowl in someone's hand, and feel the vibrations as they extend through the person, and can tell them where the vibrations are and what they're doing.\n\nI used to work with a Reiki master who could tell people many details about their lives while we were doing our energy work. Very specific things\n\nOne time on a camping trip, we created a psychic link which allowed us to keep tabs on each other without needing those family band radios.\n\nOne time, while engaging in on-line activities, a witch and I played a game of "where am I touching you" and we were able to correctly identify where and how the other person was touching from thousands of miles apart over IM\n\nFor a while, a friend and I maintained a karmic connection, and sometimes I would smell something, and call her up, and it was exactly what she was smelling.\n"Did you just make cookies?"\n"Was the dog just breathing in your face?"\n"Did you just disinfect something?"\n\nOften times when I'm driving, I'll see someone walking who doesn't look as several cars go past, and I'll look at the person, and they'll turn to look as I approach. Whereas people with the person (the ones I wasn't looking at) don't turn.
24628
The best feeling I ever experienced was on an evening out with my loved one. We were watching a movie about dancing that really touched her because she had always dreamt of being a dancer and had to stop learning. I was just sitting beside her and I was sharing every single emotion she was feeling watching that movie. I was so deeply connected to her in that moment I can hardly tell how it feels like to feel what your loved one feels. That unity is absolutely the best feeling I've ever experienced and the happiest moment of my life so far.\n\n(don't forget to select the best answer ;-) )
488187
http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/index.htm\n\nthere are tons of free books on the internet, that you can read off site & even download.  Also check out amazon.com used books often you can find used books between 3-5 bucks.  Try the library, and see if your local new age shop has a reading room or if they know of a pagan reading room in your area.  Local covens also offer libraries to there outer court members, so even if you are not in the coven proper you have acesss to reading materials.  Good luck to you!
90852
I feel like someone has to represent a pagan/neo-pagan/wiccan voice, since we're so left out of the ususal discourse.  There are a lot of weird myths about witchcraft on yahoo answers that I try to answer, I like to think I'm educating people about something they may know nothing about.  Some people are looking for a path, and I would like them to know that Neo-paganism is real and open to them, even if they don't choose it.\n\nAlso, I feel really good about where I am spiritually, so I like to take advantage of that and pass a little on to others.  \n\nI also, on occasion, like to play poke the fundie.  I know it's kinda rude, but damn, there are some crazy people here, and sometimes it is fun to antagonize them and sit back and laugh.
640322
I was raised Roman Catholic, but I hated it. I was dragged to church, and forced to go to catholic school. I sat in religion class, thinking that God didn't exist and that religion was brainwashing.My school was very sheltered from the rest of the world, and they didn't really let us associate with other schools, cultures or religions. I barely knew that other people existed. \n\nWhen I reached Grade 9, I went to a public high school, and I was amazed to find out about other cultures and religions. I did research, talked to people, and eventually turned back to my native American pagan roots. I started taking part in full moon ceremonies, and other pagan celebrations, sac rid fires, pow wows,drumming circles,naming ceremionies and stuff. Eventuially this lead me to Wicca, which I practiced for a few years, which lead me back towards paganism. \nI left these behind last year. I was always interested in Christianity, but as a religion, not as truth.\nI went to a Christian bible study with my parents. I remember being in the car saying " wow this is just going to be some stupid Christian propaganda". We turned the corner, and headed to the church. When we left the church, I said the prayer to ask Jesus into my heart into my heart for the first time ever.I felt the need, not out of fear of hell, but out of love for my creator. Out of LOVE for JESUS. I realised that GOD loves me.\n\nI went home and was so confused. How could my stubborn opinions be changed in a few hours? How could my beleifs be altered?What was going on with me! I needed answers.\nI felt to so alive, but had so many questions.I was so hyper, so awake, so amazed. I went on the computer and started searching. I found this website and talked to someone who helped clairfy what happened.
718291
:) Isn't it great to see how much Christianity is Pagan?\n\nDon't forget the Holy Water (Water), Candles (Fire), Incense (Air), and Eucharist (Earth) used at Catholic Masses. Oh, lookie there, all the Alchemical Elements that have always been used by Pagans!\n\nAlso, the entire Rainbow means God's keeping a promise... Hera had a Winged Goddess go across the sky with a bowl and dump out the contents -- a rainbow -- whenever the Gods kept a promise with the people.\n\nDon't forget Osiris, who came back from the dead.\n\nHell was named after Hel, the Norse Goddess of the Underworld.\n\nSatan was created based on how Pan was supposed to look.\n\nJesus was "born" on December 25th... around the time of Yule/Saturnalia, thus making it easier for Pagans to convert. However, based on Astrology, they said Jesus would be an Aries, meaning he was born sometime in April... around the middle.\n\n"Easter". Funny, spelt just like Ester, the Goddess whom is celebrated on Ostara, about March 23rd. Which is about when EASTER is celebrated.\n\n:3 Heehee. Silly Christians. Your stories are for Pagans!\n\nNote: Paganism first came about in 10000 BCE, and Zoroastrianism (first monotheistic religion) came about in 5000 BCE.\n\nTo davlynark: Your Jehovah wasn't even around at that time. Pick up a history book. You learn about the people from the Ice Age. They were Pagan. You keep learning about Pagans, too, for such a long time. Think for a change, won't you?\n\n- 16 yo Pagan
873017
Marko F,\nYes. I have had at least one of those. It was before I became Christian, and I was above my body for a few seconds, I could see/sense my body a foot or two below my spiritual body. \n\nYou know, some people might come to some other conclusion, but what it did for me, after I found out what the f' it was, was that there was no longer any doubt for me that there was a spirit living in me, my spirit.\n\nSo without that major block (for some) out of the way, I could then attempt to find out what it all meant. If there was more to life than what we could normally see, how much more was out there, and was there a purpose to it all, or and order to it all?\n\nYears later I became convinced that IF the Bible was true, I could pray a prayer and recieve an acceptance from God, who would otherwise be against me. And so I tried it when I was alone, and that was a VERY eventful thing! I don't know if I was in my body or not, but I ended up in a place where things were different than the dark bedroom that I was in. And there were others there too. I think that it was heaven, and it was a large enough place, I couldn't see God, but the peace was perfect, and the others were doing whatever they set out to do (I think that it didn't have anything to do with me.) I was there to witness heaven, but I don't know why, though I certainly am thankful for it. Who wouldn't be? lol\n\nI had flying dreams too. They were more like the type of flying that is portrayed in Peter Pan. Where the trees below were at arms reach at times, and there were others with me, not that I knew them. I also don't know where we were going.\n\nBut I am so glad to have been a part of those experiences. \n\nI hope that helped you.
665220
One time on a camping trip, a witch and I created a psychic link which allowed us to keep tabs on each other without needing those family band radios.\n\nPersonally, I do spiritual healing with singing bowls. I play the bowl in someone's hand, and feel the vibrations as they extend through the person, and can tell them where the vibrations are and what they're doing.\n\nI used to work with a Reiki master who could tell people many details about their lives while we were doing our energy work. Very specific things\n\nI have never heard anyone say, "I really shouldn't have trusted my gut instincts."
1172827
When I converted I did a lot of peyote.\n\nThe shaman blessed me and the sacrament.
1144203
I don't know any group that reads more than Pagans! \n\nThere's a book called Wise Woman... er something about the Child Bearing Year, by Susun Weed that she might like.\nOr Circle Round by Starhawk (I am not a personal fan of this because it doesn't relate to my tradition in the slightest, but alot of people I know rave about it)\nA subscription to Blessed Bee Magazine might be nice. That's a Pagan parenting magazine.\n\nPregnancy is a very special time in a Pagan woman's life as she gets to serve as a vessel of creation, the image of the Goddess incarnate, a living celebration of Her gift to women of the power of creation. Anything that will help her commemorate or celebrate this time will be wonderful as well as anything to pamper her to honor the Goddess in herself, especially in a natural, organic or aromatherapeutic way.\nMotherlove gift basket here might be appreciated http://store.kidbean.com/2000013.html\n\nMeditation or nature sound CDs are nice for the labor room too. If she's into it. Not all Pagans are that far out. Stay away from the Goth and Hot Topic stuff too, though someone suggested it, contrary to popular belief, the majority of Pagans are, in fact, not into the Goth scene. Granted, quite a few are, but if you assume she is, she'll probably just be offended. Wouldn't you be offended if someone bought you a Pilgrim outfit cause they heard you were Christian?\n\nIf you want to go for candles, or candle holders, as so many other folks are suggesting (and it's true we can never have too many) some symbolic shapes relating to pregnancy, fertility and having a healthy baby are the cauldron, a Goddess image with a pregnant belly, of course, anything involving the union of male and female, wells, fruiting trees, any sort of fruit, rabbits, eggs, birds. Mother and child images are also very nice and you can find lots of them. I personally get weepy over these.\n\nYour first poster is ignorant. Most Pagans already own Bibles and have read them cover to cover multiple times.
634075
A recent experience:  April 8, 2006, my nieces' birthday at a restaurant in New Jersey.  While eating a family dinner at the restaurant where my niece works, I felt a bump on my leg from under the table.  Thinking that it was one of her children, I asked him to stop.  I spoke loud enough for the whole table to hear and received many looks and retorts that he was sitting at the other end of the table.  I felt it again on my left leg and then on my right.  There was no one nor anything visible under the table, I asked my niece if the place was haunted, she said "Yes!"  I found out later that many people have had similar experiences.  I was thinking of asking "Ghost Hunters" to check it out, but I don't think the owner would go for it.\n\nIf you want to hear a lot more, and they are very weird, e-mail me.  I've been thru various and sundry spiritual quests.  They've taken me to the depths of "hell" and, gratefully, to a very deep and profond belief in God.
380525
Its opened my eyes about alot actually.  I see how people react to religion. I have learned alot about different religions and understand them a little better.  It has given me links to read more on them and I have and I feel that has given me a better perspective on them.  I havent converted to anything as I am happy being the little witch but it has given me more of an appreciation for it.  It has given me thought on my own faith. And has even given me a little guidance along the way.\nI thoroughly enjoy this section best.  There is too much to learn and understand.  I enjoy learning about religions and societies (ancient and modern) so this place has been perfect for me!
242966
I've been told more times than I can count that because I am Wiccan I am worshiping Satan and going to hell.  I had a person I worked with once they found out I was Wiccan spent every time we had to deal with each other trying to convert me and tell me I was wrong and it was false.  This person went so far as to send their pastor in to talk to me and try to convert me.  It didn't work I told them bluntly I was happy with my religion.  After open circle one night several of us had a car load of what we call 'attack Christians' follow us home and sermonize us the whole way over a loud speaker from our car!  Things got so bad for us when we held open circle we had to get a restraining order because of protesters who shouted the worst things you can imagine!
1073978
our family is having a cookout today (summer solstice) kids & hubby & me played in the pool, and had typical american summer fun, this friday is our groups  Litha ritual,( i am 2nd in command of a non- tradtional group that teaches & explores many facets of paganism including heathenry, wicca, native american spirituality, core shamanism and psychic development) I am not officiating this time but I am invoking Brigid as per the request of the HP, looks like we are going to have a drum circle & a potluck dinner after the ritual...I havent read through the ritual yet so i don't know what my co-hort has planned...I like surprises!
284131
sleepy....I chose not to be a sheep long ago.\nIs paganism ol' tyme enough for you?
1023241
my favorite way to experience God is through a thunderstorm.. seeing that awesome power manifested in lightning and ground shaking thunder is so sweet.. sometimes just quieting my mind and listening to the nature around me and watching the breeze when i'm outside really make me feel at peace.. give it a shot :)\n\np.s. also quieting your thoughts when you pray to Him.. not letting your other thoughts distract you as you commune with Him.. that really makes a difference in my opinion