Ah yes... the worship of Jolly ol' Saint Nick.
I wouldn't follow it myself... but I like the idea!

I am intrigued! Where do I sign?!

I didn't brush you aside! Heh.
I just didn't have anything to say in response.
But... for the fun of it... I am German and Irish. I am more Irish than anything else.

While studying the occult and metaphysics some 4 years ago, I ran across Satanism.
I eventually picked up the Satanic Bible from Anton LaVey, and I was instantly hooked on the philosophy.
I followed the philosophy for a few years, and then moved on.

Satanism, not to be confused with Luciferianism, is a belief in the carnal self. Satanism isn't a belief in a Satan or Devil.
In fact, a lot of Satanists believe in no deity once so ever.

Satanism deals with how we all work, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
It deals with harsh rules that would train you to be the better person.

I do believe, however, that Anton was a bit too egotistical, and a lot of people who follow his teachings are blindsided.

Are there any Satanists out there who can comment?
I'd love to hear from you.

Also, Luciferianism is the belief in the Devil.
I don't want any ignorant Christian coming on here to bash.

Well said.
Yes, I do agree that a lot of Christians aren't really getting the true message in the bible. A lot of them take it to a new extreme. This can also be said for a lot of other religions.
Take for example, and I am not bashing all of you, Wiccans.
A lot of younger teens are finding their way into Wicca.
That is well and good but a lot of these teens think they can only read one book and know all that there is to know.

As with the bible or any other book you may read, it won't teach you everything, and you won't know it all.
True experience is through those who live their beliefs every day without having to try and make an impact on someone else.
It doesn't matter if you are a Satanist or a Christian.

If you have not read my other post, I do study witchcraft and I also follow no religion.
With that out of the way....

We need tolerance when it comes to religion.
I could easily sit here and bash the Christian groups who are out there telling me that I am wrong, but it's not just Christians; it's a lot of other belief systems as well.

It doesn't matter what faith you may or may not follow because there is going to be some other religion out there that is going to try and get you to convert.

Isn't religion (a basic view) about tolerance and love?
When did it have to come down to "I must save this person and/or this person is on the wrong path so I must save him/her!"

Don't we all have a right to think differently?
Don't we all have a right to religious freedom?
Being that we do, why do people continue to throw their bull**** down out throat?
Is it for the greater good or is it just because they're trying to inflate their ego?

We need to be tolerant of others religions, and we need to be tolerant of each other.

If we do not find a better way to live on this earth, religion will always find a way into our lives, whether we like it or not.

Note: This is soely for those who want to know more or who wish to talk to me.

If you would like to talk with me about Witchcraft, please feel free to message me. I would continue talking to you all on this forum but it would fill up fast.

Please direct any questions to me in the form of a message to my email.

-Russ

Nah. I don't think that's completely true.
Covens, in my view, can be just a group of friends who study a certain form of magic or mixed forms. The friends also incorporate the magic into the group.

Some covens do follow a certain path, yes, and I can see why some covens are like organized religions, but a lot of covens are just groups of like minded individuals who may or may not enjoy doing magic together.

Never cared for Ravenwolf personally.
A lot of my reading in the past was on subject of Celtic Paganism, being that I am mostly Irish. I also did basic readings on Earth Magic and the history of magic itself.

I do not read books on the subject that often anymore.
Why? I like my own system.

Mossop...

Witchcraft is a religion, indeed.
But I am not a religious follower nor am I someone who worships or even applies the religion into my daily life. I simply work in magic while having my own beliefs and idea.

Nothing is taboo anymore it seems.
Witchcraft has been a popular and controversial thing for a very long time. The only real problem now is that people will take such a good system and make it into whatever they feel is necessary just so people will get the wrong idea.

Spidercmb...

I completely understand where you are coming from.
When I said I won't tolerate someone who thinks their way is the only, I was meaning that I won't tolerate someone who will try and tell me their way is the only while putting down my belief.

I have no problem with any religion or any belief.
The only problems that come with religion are the people who follow said religion. And there are a lot of good Christians out there. My family is predominately Christian, and they are all good people. However, it's when these "good people" suddenly decide to throw their belief at you that it becomes a problem.

Thanks for your post, by the way.
If you'd like to chat, let me know.

Hello, devilwasanangel.

If you are interested in learning more about a Pagan path or witchcraft in general, there are tons of sites and one good forum site that I am a member of that can really help you.
I can also help out as much as I possibly can.
I typically don't read too many books on the subject since a lot of the books are for "fluffs."

I can, however, share with you some experiences I've had and also share with you knowledge through my own studies.

If you are still interested, and this goes for anyone else as well, let me know. I'd be happy to help.

Peace,


-Russ

Greetings everyone.

I have been studying witchcraft for 7 years now. I've been using magic for the last 3 years.
My journey has been a wild one. Met a lot of interesting people, learned a lot of really weird things, and I've seen my share of the good and bad.
Being a witch isn't always the easiest thing for me, mostly because of how others may view the subject.
It's never hard making friends but I never introduce them to the witch in me. A lot of people frown on it.
Mind you, I am not religious nor do I follow a religion.
I celebrate seasons and I do have a strong connection with nature but I am not one to worship.

I guess what I am trying to do is see how many others are out there who share the same beliefs/ideas and someone who would just like to have an intelligent conversation about the subject.

Note: I won't tolerate anyone who wishes to "convert" me or someone who thinks their way is the only.

I seek out intelligent conversation with anybody about the subject of witchcraft. And, perhaps, make a friend.

Take care.

-Russ