How has your pagan faith (gods/goddesses), helped you live a happy and healthy life? please read the details?

Question

also please list your pagan faith, and the details of it

Answer 1

I don't call it faith, because what I believe in is real and tangible. I have no need to have "faith" in anything when it comes to my religion. I call myself an anarchist pagan because I think for myself and don't allow anyone else's rules guide me. I choose my own path and trust my gut to tell me what's right for me. By following this path, I have peace of mind knowing that I can question anything and change my way of thinking if I find something more valid, or if someone shows me a better way. I'm open to others' ideas, but I am free to agree or not. I'm very much opposed to having to do things a certain way - that is limiting and controllling. I do things my own way. By the same token, I don't tell others how to follow their own paths. This is something we each have to do for ourselves. No one can hold your hand.

Answer 2

It's more a folkway then a religion. A way of life really. A lot comes second nature anymore and I feel at home with it.

It helps me lead a "happy life" becauase it makes me happy. I believe in the tenants and laws of the faith as well as the social ones. I enjoy the community and the people involved as well as the academic challenge.

On a person level it just "feels right". I felt like a little peice of my soul was slid into place.  

Answer 3

My I follow the path of the wise, the children of Diana. I am very happy, and as far as health goes, I would be dead if not for the Lady.

Answer 4

Certainly my religion has brought both peace and purpose

into my life. I follow the Great Mother Goddess who is known

by many names. For details about that, please see:

http://www.cybele2.com

One point I would like to make is that Pagan religion is not

a "feel good" business... It's not "all about us"... when we

become aware of deity, we generally feel an obligation to

serve, and just go where ever that takes us. Sometimes it's

not so healthy... remember all of the ancient Priestesses

and Priests who wer murdered for their beliefs. You can't

look at Pagan religion in terms of "what will this do for me",

although there are plenty of others that fill the bill there.

Jean

Answer 5

Asatru, Norse Heathen.

Lets divide this question in two:

How has it helped me lead a happy life:  By not being a pawn, not being a sucker, learning that bad things that happen create two options: buckle under and go all woe is me and hang myself, or pick myself up, dust myself off, and go out and kick @$$.  I'm a lot happier not wallowing in self pity.

A Healthy life:  I prefer to take a more naturalist approach to health. Unlike most modern medicine, "if you have something wrong, lets mask it" .... I prefer to find out WHY something is wrong.  Why do i have heartburn?  Well, instead of eating the same d**n foods, find out which it is that is giving it to me, and STOP EATING IT.  As part of my religious practices, I also an amateur herbalist.  Enough to know how to heal cuts nearly overnight, make my own alcohol extracts (YAY EVERLCEAR!) and how to cure a massive hangover, as well making digestive aids and relaxation teas.  It also means I absolutely refuse to take any prescription or over the counter drug.  My liver has a fun enough time dealing with the whisky I shove down my throat, it doesn't need mercury and other heavy metals polluting it as well.  However, I am also a living contradiction, and smoke regularly.  I guess another reason I don't take prescription drugs.  I do enough damage on my own!

Answer 6

When I was a Wiccan, I was unhappy, and I was surrounded by unhappy friends.

We all thought ourselves vastly superior to those patriarchal Christians.

Now I'm a Christian, and I'm very happy..and a lot more boring.

Not so much drama.

Answer 7

Most Pagans will probably tell you that spirituality is a private and personal thing, we are not a proselytizing people and feel no need to prove anything, justify ourselves, or convert anyone else.  All I can truthfully say is that my path has worked for me, I've had and have a good life, and I am content with where I am and secure in where I'm going, so what more would I need?

Pagans tend to be individualistic, there are no set denominations such as the Abrahamics have, and no dogma or doctrines that cannot be questioned except one, that humans are fallible and anyone, even the Priest, can be wrong.  Overviews of the various Neo-Pagan paths, particularly Wicca, are readily available if you're interested.  

Answer 8

As with any religion, I believe mine helps me to reach higher, to touch Divinity and become a better person from that touch. Everyone has struggles and challenges every single day, and I think that's the way it's supposed to be - challenges help us learn and grow, and my Pagan Patron Deities help me understand. But it's up to me to find happiness within those struggles, to try to stay positive and spiritual when I feel anything but. I believe I'm more challenged (but also more rewarded and self-empowered) because my religion makes me take responsibility and ownership at an extreme level. Wouldn't say it necessarily makes me happy (definitely makes me want to be a hermit sometimes!!!). I believe happiness is a deliberate decision, has nothing to do with your beliefs - has everything to do with being satisfied with who you are and what you have, and taking little moments to fly a kite, kiss the wind, smell a flower, or tickle a baby, y'know? Hugs and blessings! ~MorningStar

Answer 9

answer: I was depressed, suicidal and alcoholic by the time I left Christianity.  When I found paganism, I got sober overnight and began a long journey to find self esteem and balance.

I have it rough like other folks. I struggle with every day life, same as other folks.  I also find a balance from my religion.  It meets my desire for honor in my life and the gods don't demand much: just that I live honorably and remember to honor them.

Heathenism welcomes and encourages questions and research, honor, caring for others and self - exactly the religion I was made for.

Heathenism sings to my very nature.  

As part of a Reconstruction religion, it's exciting because we question everything and that's welcomed. New information is found every year that lends insight into the religion of our ancestors. Personal insight and experience also is welcome in the religion but is taken with "a grain of salt".

Everything is questioned until verified or it remains in a nebulous state in the religion.

My deities don't want me to grovel to them or turn the other cheek to an enemy. They want me to live honorably and always question, seeking knowledge and honor them, my family, my friends, my ancestors and my self.

Freedom, Tolerance, Boldness/Courage, Self Rule, Moderation, Steadfastness, Generosity/Hospitality, Truth, Equality/Justice, Family Responsibility/ Community, Honor, Strength, Troth/ Loyalty, Self Reliance, Wisdom

Answer 10

I was born a tree hugging feminist hippy; characteristics that did not mesh well into the structure of my incredibly christian family.

"Paganism" allows me to accept me for who I am, and to be proud of who I am. I do not have to kowtow to a man, stay at home and have children to be complete as a female. I'm not brainwashed by an old fairytale, I'm allowed to question my own beliefs. There is also the environmental side, which encourages respect for Mother Earth and all of the Goddess' creatures.

I walk my own path. My beliefs are my own.

Answer 11

I follow Jesus Christ the only true God.

Answer 12

I practice some forms of Santeria and Voodoo.  (Relax...it's not what you probably think)

My Orishas - Oshun, and her sisters Yemaya and Oya have helped me deal with the different "moods" that I go through.

Oshun is very s**y and seductive.  She guides me through relationships and helps me be comfortable and appreciative of my powerful, s**y side.

Yemaya, of the Ocean is very maternal and helps me nurture and care for those around me.

Oya taps into my raw energy when I need to take charge of something or if I'm angry.  Look out!

ASHE!!!

Answer 13

Sorry I don't believe in any god or goddess and have a very happy life .I am also very healthy and self educated far beyond most people with degrees .