Paganism is an Experiential Spiritual Path. What that means is, you only learn and understand things on deeper levels by doing and experiencing them for yourself. Someone can teach everything they know about meditation, but you don't truly understand it until you "experience" it for yourself. The same can be said of almost all of the concepts within Pagan spirituality and practice. You don't know what ritual is like, until you've done it. You can learn everything about a deity, but you don't truly understand them until you've spent time creating a relationship with them. Getting to know them on a deeper level through ritual, meditation etc. Because of this experiential aspect of Paganism, two people could study and do all the exact same things and still end up with different understandings and experiences. There's a saying, "Ask twelve Pagans a question, and you'll get thirteen answers". This makes being Pagan a very personal and sacred thing to each person who walks it's path. Almost every Pagan that I have asked, "What was finding Paganism like for you?", the answers were always in the same thread: "It was like finally coming home." "It's just what i've always believed/felt, i just didn't know it was an actual thing." What does Paganism mean to you? How did you first learn about Paganism? Where are you on your path, and where would you like to go?

This quarter we will be reading Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland. Every Monday i will post the sections to be read for the week. Every Friday i will post a discussion thread. Since this book is divided into "Lessons", this week we will read Lessons 1 & 2. For those of you who do not have a copy, a PDF copy is available here while we are reading it for the Book Club. After, it will be moved to the Premium Member Library.

There's many stories about how Samhain began and how it developed into the Halloween kids know and love today. Jack-o-lanterns were originally made from turnips, Trick or Treating started as a way to give excess from your harvest to neighbors in need. Dressing up tricked the spirits that roamed free into thinking you were one of them, and left you alone. It's the Pagan New Year, and the night when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, spirits can walk among us, and we honor our passed Ancestors. It's also the last harvest before the dark half of the year. You can find more information about Samhain in the Classroom. What's your favorite thing about Samhain? Do you have any traditions that you like to do?

Welcome @Prima Jope to The Old School Paganism & Magic COmmunity! Take some time to look around and feel free to ask questions. When you're ready, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.

Welcome @Cicilia Hartley to The Old School Paganism & Magic Community. Please feel free to have a look around and ask questions. When you're ready, find a comfy chair and make yourself at home.