Quotes on How to be Pagan

The following quote was helpful to me when I began exploring my feelings about spirituality and Paganism. Despite feeling drawn to the earth, I thought I was too "practical" and "modern" to be Pagan. That I felt this way about myself is really quite funny, as one of my friends pointed out that I am always finding some excuse to dress up in medieval costume and taking the deaths of my houseplants personally. I was a theatre major, what can I say? Anyway, the quote:

"You look into your heart and begin asking yourself questions about what is sacred. The essence of Paganism is within you, many of the answers are there. Start with remembering to be grateful to the Earth for sustaining your life and giving you food."

I realized that in my heart my faith was based in the earth, but I wasn't sure where to go from there. The options are limitless, as described below:

"You can gaze at the night sky and feel the power of the Moon, and get to know Her phases .......You can learn about herbs, and the environment .......You can practice sewing, so when you can have ritual clothes, you will be able to create beautiful ones .......You can look at National Geographics at the Library and learn about Pagan societies and beliefs around the world .......You can go to museums and see ancient Goddess & God figures .......You can study about Native American customs ....... You can pick up litter as a way to be a Pagan honoring Mother Earth .......You can meditate .......You can collect pictures of Nature .......You can soak in a tub and do a private ritual in your mind, as you bless the water for its life giving essence .......You can notice if the plants or animals around you need food or water .......You can thank the Earth for each bit of food you eat.......You can learn to recognize what Nature is saying by listening."

This extensive list was helpful because it was freeing. There were so many ways  I could practice being Pagan. I already did several of them on my own anyway! I cared for plants and animals, practiced active gratitude, and believed a connection existed between all things. I remember feeling relieved and thinking that maybe this Pagan thing was going to work out after all...

*These quotes and more can be found here.