Pagan

[JustLovelyJenn]

Originally Posted by Gemme

I am neither Pagan nor Wiccan, but follow my own way, taking pieces from both as well as other religions and ways I've come across. I find more understanding and tolerance in the Pagan and Wiccan communities and so I always tend to gravitate to folks who have some connection to either, if not both. I love the dialogue that is going on here.

For myself, Karma is as real as I am. I'm one of those people that when I do something that I know is 'below me' or just not right, I feel the repercussions very quickly. I've been known to joke that Karma not only has my address, but has me locked in on GPS no matter how fast I go.

I've learned to look within a bit more and not wish negative of another and to be more in general and it's helped with my perceived Karmic backlash.

Doing a little bit more instead of reacting has helped too.

The consequences to negatives actions/thoughts/etc seems to come to me far swifter than positive actions/thoughts/etc. Maybe that is just my perception or maybe I am just not able to see the teeny tiny ripples that come back to me some days. I'd like to think of it that way, instead of thinking that I'm only on Karma's 'naughty list'.

I think that often we tie as many labels to spirituality as we do to sexual orientation and gender and so many other things. This shouldn't be necessary. Your spirituality, your belief, does not have to or need to follow anyone elses. Even within more organized religions you will find a variety of individual thoughts and beliefs.

I would not call myself Pagan, or Wiccan, or even Druid (though this is strongly tied into it). My beliefs have been gleaned from all of these, as well as Native American, Buddhist, and so many others. I am spiritual, committed, and I believe very strongly, but my belief is my own.

As far as karma is concerned. It is often easier to see the negative responses to our actions then the positive. It is so easy to take the good things for granted. A thank you, a smile, or simply a day where nothing goes wrong can be that karmic return. Never the less, it is always good to keep karma in mind. I have seen the results of such things in my own life. Karma has always made its presence very known to me, it reminds me often to keep on track and do what I know is right.