Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

[Satu]

Okay, this bears a quick explanation. After about two and a half years or so on my current path, I realized it wasn't working. So I've pushed everything into the this-has-gotta-go abyss to start fresh. And by "start fresh", I mean "approach paganism as if I'm a complete newcomer".

That said, what are some basic things someone in my position should learn and what might be a good order to learn them in? I'm talking stuff that will make a good non-denominational foundation for most kinds of paths a person might take. Well, as much as it's possible to guess that.

So far, I've got

1. Self-knowledge (ie: know yourself, your limits, etc)
2. Centering
3. Grounding
4. Shielding
5. Meditation
6. Discernment (which I've already asked about here, for reference: http://www.paganforum.com/showthread...75-Discernment)
7. Basic magical ability/knowledge (herbs, stones, techniques, etc)
8. Divination of varying types like runes, tarot, pendulums, scrying, etc

Do you think things like "journey work" would be a good addition, or is that too specialized? Is there anything you'd add?

Thanks for your time. If I sound like a silly newb, that's 'cause I am now.

[Gleb]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

I would add your knowledge about various branches of paganism. Best of luck in your journey

[InspiringRaine]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

I would think that Journey Work would be pretty specialized, so I wouldn't include it unless the new direction your heading could possibly include it down the road.

[thalassa]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

I think this sort of depends on what you are looking for--are you looking for direct excastic experiences with deity, inner peace, lots of magic, connection with the world around you?

[Satu]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

Wah, I keep checking this thread, then forgetting to come back to it. D: Thanks to everybody who's responded so far.

I think this sort of depends on what you are looking for--are you looking for direct excastic experiences with deity, inner peace, lots of magic, connection with the world around you?

Anyway, my interests are primarily deity-centered. I do the devotional polytheist thing. Or I will, once I get on my feet.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

IMHO - do no. 1 on your list, and everything else will follow from that.

It is also the most difficult achievement possible for us humans. If you can actually accomplish that, you will become like a god.

(Corbin waits to be struck down by lightning, but it doesn't happen)

[Satu]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

IMHO - do no. 1 on your list, and everything else will follow from that.

It is also the most difficult achievement possible for us humans. If you can actually accomplish that, you will become like a god.

(Corbin waits to be struck down by lightning, but it doesn't happen)

Knowing yourself is a life-long process, I guess; it's not something you pick up in a few afternoons.

Perhaps the gods themselves put this limitation on us. Can't have too much competition, eh?

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Starting Fresh: What to Learn?

Knowing yourself is a life-long process, I guess; it's not something you pick up in a few afternoons.

Perhaps the gods themselves put this limitation on us. Can't have too much competition, eh?

Yuppers! They are jealous, like insecure adolescents, or very, very bad parents.