My First Contact with Paganism - Believe in a Belief

On this video I will share with you my first contact with paganism. However, my own experience isn't the main subject of this video. I shall use my own account as an example to express our own mental-approach towards the beliefs of others to avoid a condescending and cynical perspective in relation to other people's "supernatural" experiences.
In case you are wondering, the dolmen in this video is known by some neo-pagans and neo-druids as "The Temple of Monsters". Some sleep within and see before them the persons of this land. There's no perception of time. They all constantly flow in a cyclical manner.
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[@spd109]

Thank you for saying what a lot of us feel. Just saying the word pagan in public still unleashes harsh looks. Mention your believes in a work or social setting and suddenly, you're the person that needs a mental health check up for not being Christian. The one good thing about the internet is that it opens the doors and allows people to realize how many believe in the same ways. People can speak to others and go to sites like yours and realize that pagan beliefs are not only alive and well but are growing rapidly in their followers. Maybe one day, the light will shine upon those who live the old ways.

[@sandequation2653]

I agree completely. It feels amazing to know that the things I think and feel, which are at odds with culture all around me, are felt in such a similar way by others around the world.

[@teresafigueiredo]

Obrigado!

[@ArithHärger]

Hey! Eu é que agradeço! Muito obrigado :D

[@mjinba07]

This post goes up on my sister's birthday. She committed suicide this past year. Although I think I understand the major motivations for her decision and I'm not blaming her spiritual practices or experiences, I want to add another point to consider in your message here. The more we travel any road, the further it goes. The better we get at it, and the more we may end up experiencing. It's possible to drift so far into our unique spiritual experiences that, without proper grounding and support, one becomes too isolated. In modern societies it can be difficult - sometimes entirely impossible - to find stabile, sensible, well grounded, enduring understanding and support for pagan spiritual life. And while one's spiritual experiences are real, the further one drifts from what most people experience and believe, the more danger there is of isolation, misinterpretation, and alienation. For many, maybe even most people, it's important to welcome a rich spiritual life. Whether that's through conventional religion, paganism, or anything else. But take care to keep your feet grounded in the world and society we all share together. We were born here, at this time, and in these circumstances. This is what we're tasked with navigating in a healthy way.

[@ArithHärger]

I'm terribly sorry for your loss. Such events in our life, especially when we lose loves ones, open a deep wound in our spirit that will not fully heal. But at least it is possible to maintain relationship with the persons with whom we have created strong bonds, as hard as it may be, but not impossible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, in fact, what you said, reminds me of a book I've read recently: "Awakening the Soul" by Michael Meade. We are in a current state of our modern societies of a massive existential crisis, especially due to how information all around the world hit us everyday at any time and so quick, and so we feel closer to others' problems, misfortunes, sorrow and death. Now, we are not just dealing with our own problems, but also the problems of all and the general problems of the world. We are in a situation of soul and mental survival - surviving all the terrible things happening in the world at every moment and we get to know them on a daily basis, which puts us into a long-term state of depression. It's a sort of "collective trauma" we are experiencing, and a rapid flood of changes. As Michael Meade puts it, "We feel disoriented and disillusioned by daily conditions of life." But at the same time this is pushing us to be more spiritual and far more attentive to the natural world around us and the life in it, so we are in a process of awakening (or re-awakening) the human soul, or our deep spiritual senses, in order to survive. Not as an escapism, I think, but to strengthen our own existence as individuals but also as a collective group in order to minimise as much harm and damage as possible. So all is not lost. There's still hope.

[@mjinba07]

@@ArithHärger Thanks for your kind reply. My hope is that, to every extent possible, we remain grounded during our spiritual exploration and spiritual practices, and that we don't stray too far from the physical world, including the people and society, around us. Maybe that's more important than ever, given what you reference here. Isolation and loneliness are deadly for social creatures like us. In most western countries the response to the covid pandemic has made that worse. I only meant to encourage anyone whose spiritual practices are leading down a road of increasing separation, to be aware of it and consider pacing, support, and grounding. My sister chose to leave her life, as some do. It's not good, but there's no denying that we all have that choice and many, many people confront it at some point in their lives, at least once. Most choose to sort out their difficulties here, or at least they hang in there long enough to see the worst of the darkness pass. Thanks again for your sympathies. Edit: I hadn't said this directly, though I'd hoped to convey it in my comment: I do believe my sister's isolation around her spiritual experiences and practices contributed to her suicide. Not her paganism, or any other aspect of her spirituality, but the degree to which she allowed it to separate her from the world that most of us live in. That's why I so strongly urge everyone - everyone - to stay grounded, stay well connected with the physical world, stick with healthy support, pace yourself, and remember that it's possible to become unmoored. Once again, Arith, thank you for your kindness.

[@huskerdonts]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your statement is true in my humble opinion and I believe any who stumble upon your comment will benefit from it. I wish someone had told me this 3 years ago. It took me a long time to understand this.

[@metoo3318]

This is very true what you state about the relation (or loosening relation) between spiritual experiences and keeping to be inside of everydays Society

[@jessicadumbrell5484]

I'm also very sorry to hear of your loss. And I agree with your sentiments. It's nowhere near the same but I lost a friend who dived so deep he couldn't find his way back. He too was very isolated. Again I'm sorry for the loss of your sister

[@Haegl]

Your message is beautiful, thank you

[@rayjay369time]

Very beautiful location for video. As well as subject expressed in video. I always enjoy your advice and shared experiences . Always useful and helpful👏 Thank you 🙂

[@KingaKucyk]

You're very intelligent, Arith. I'm glad I've found Your channel

[@ArithHärger]

And I'm happy you are here! Thank you very much! :D

[@KingaKucyk]

@@ArithHärger 🥂

[@gypsy1588]

Enjoyed this video. Very important content. Thank you for sharing.

[@333Eriana]

dear Arith-you've done it again. I love this. I so wish that more people would be a bit more open minded to be interested in life this way. These are the kinds of conversations i long for. I still spend alot of time with trees . I cannot say that i have always been open minded because i have reacted to other people's discrimination towards me; and therefore placed that on their believe system as well. I love you description of the room with the candle and the mirror. This is what i aim to bring myself to, when ever i feel i'm off centre personally. It's a camera view, an artist view. And from there we see new things.

[@ernamoller175]

Thank you as always for the wisdom you are sharing. Greetings from South Africa.

[@theGothicTopic]

Thank you for another valuable and thought provoking video! And wonderful guitar playing 🙏

[@teresafigueiredo]

❣

[@lalunasweet]

I am happy you have come to feel comfortable sharing your own story, experiences and challenges. You have such a bright mind and sharp intellect. Your personal experience is rare and engaging. Your consciousness is awakening to many✨ Whether you wish to be embraced publicly or not, the content you share entangles you within our own awareness and similar esoteric experiences. Such is the life of a teacher, educator or guide. Including friends. As you greet each lecture~ Hello dear friends❤ Intentionally or not you are included in the evolution of awareness, consciousness of each viewer. I appreciate your personal perspectives in a complex context of subjects you engage🎶 Thankyou✨ The story of your grandmother and the frogs glowing bones in the River; dance through my mind on a regular basis. Thank YOU✨

[@fernandaventuras]

Olá Arith! Gostei muito da introdução em Português! Saudações do Brasil 🇧🇷🇵🇹

[@luminousluxuries]

This really is such a great video and message. Our paths we take may vary in individuality but walking those paths with an open mind can really make our experience so much richer if we let it.

[@oakleaf9899]

Thanks for telling us this story! I bet I am not the only one who loves to hear about people's (your) personal experiences on these topics! Selfishly I'm gonna say I would love to see that more on your channel :) But you do the videos you like of course!

[@theodorachristodoulou345]

Your videos are very inspiring, thanks for sharing!

[@arcanaverte]

Thank you for this and for your honesty. This really hit home for me as someone who grew up with a pagan mother who was later diagnosed as schitzophrenic. I spent well over a decade trying to push down and refuse my own experiences lest they mean that I had inherited my mother’s mental illness. finally I am happy and open about my beliefs and experiences and with the knowledge that my mother’s path is not mine.

[@spikewillow4552]

Another great video brother wise words indeed & I very much liked the ending lol. Thank you for sharing

[@BDCF4130]

Once again, you've echoed many of the things I've thought and said as well. I think there is an important distinction between "belief", as it has come to be known, and ways of living or experiences. People question others about what they "believe" in order to classify others as either members of the in group or members of the out group and thus worthy of scorn or derision. But people who live in a certain traditional way or, follow certain traditional practices need not refer to or rely upon "belief", they simply take part in certain practices and have certain experiences--and for them, their experiences are as veridical as any other. Its the people who see themselves as intellectually or spiritually superior (reductive materialists and major organized religions for example) that believe they already have all the answers and are fit to judge others. Their arrogance and deep ignorance is on full display.

[@ThatWitchesRealm]

Awesome video! I experienced similar anger issues growing up with Christianity as well. I felt peace in the woods as a child and not at church. I did everything in the woods down to reading and even sometimes napping 😂 I see everything from a different perspective now and I feel so happy working with Paganism and Witchcraft🖤💫🤍

[@ArithHärger]

Many of us has a past we are either ashamed of, or we want to forget as it created trauma we are still struggling to comprehend and survive past it. Perhaps we shall never fully heal from such past events, but we can always change the narrative and strive to evolve ;) good luck out there and may you continue to thrive!

[@leonardogomes7165]

@@ArithHärger exatamente.... mas é muito difícil meu amigo 👍🏻

[@Fomalhaut_Antares]

When I was a boy by holderlin

[@anatitan5546]

Arith, Awesome work . Your videos make it to my region and is always deeply fulfilling and is the best I can do to listen to your short films on YT. ALOT of people are still binded to these outskirts of Christianity and do what they want for the paycheck. Let's see what happens. Transmission sent from Mt.Rose,NV. 12.13am 5.5.22

[@timhennessey7778]

@@anatitan5546 agree 100pct

[@leonardofaedo707]

Obrigado Arith, mais um excelente video. Fraterno abraço

[@lalunasweet]

I deeply appreciate your contribution. Education, awareness, experience and historical content is so important for personal perspectives in life. Thankyou sincerely in ALL YOU contribute✨

[@DevonExplorer]

Your village sounded like one of those in folk-horror stories where nasty things happen because it's part of a tradition! I'm so pleased that it turned into something magical. Riveting video as always, Arith, and I love the prehistoric setting...and your guitar playing. Fabulous! :)

[@SpiderStratagemVI]

This was such a great video. As all your videos provide an abundance of pagan knowledge (i include many beliefs in that term) but this really resonated because it was your personal account. The way you told this story of your account really made my imagination wander. Thank you for this story!

[@teresafigueiredo]

❣

[@amandanjax90]

You are so skilled at guitar playing! Thank you for this video and sharing your experience with us. It truly is amazing when you go on the pagan path with an open mind, make the journey much more magical. ❤️

[@lalunasweet]

Countless skills✨

[@KellyLouiseBrown]

awesome guitar skills :)

[@morriganwitch]

Acceptance and tolerance is sorely needed in this age xxx thank you for this xxx

[@melissabrentford8260]

Couldn't agree more! Congratulations Mr. Arith, it's people like you that the world needs!

[@bobbyfluffynoodle]

Oh yea …live in LA or NYC and you will start praying for intolerance There’s a lot of people who don’t believe In tolerance and they don’t like you

[@agentredfox]

Thank you for pointing out that everyone can have different experiences in different ways but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or wasn’t very real to the experiencer.

[@mihajlogeneralovic6504]

Truth to be said this is the best video I ever saw on the theme of reality of paganism and experiencing other spiritual fenomena, I think it truly does explain in plain words as much as it possibly can, awesome job man.

[@wadehampton1737]

Well said......and a very mature, thoughtful way of contemplating the supernatural, (or our perception of what we think of as supernatural). Worth my time.....thank you!

[@mstorandelli]

Really well done. Every single thing has it's own personal reality. When science and mysticism don't clash but merge well, there is a deep objective understanding and appreciation of the infinite diversity of subjective perception and experience. Thank you Arith!

[@kpheathen9370]

Great video brother keep up the great work.

[@susankovacs8678]

Thank you for sharing your experience. A good message. You are truly a teacher. From my experiences I have learned to “stay open” not just open mind, but more importantly to drop down to my heart area. By staying open hearted I remain “sensing” or “feeling”. It becomes a vibrational experience. Sure the rational mind has its 2 cents worth, but I get to choose to believe what works for me. Blessed Be🧙‍♀️

[@andyn3532]

If only we could all have such endlessly open thoughts as you do mate lovely touch at the end there 🤘

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

We can all have endlessly open thoughts :)

[@ArithHärger]

We all have the capactiy to have endlessly open thoughts, but some people just choose not to. That's the way things are. People's choices are their own and we can't force them out of them. Only they have to make the choice from within when they feel it's time to achieve personal evolution.

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

@@ArithHärger Sometimes all it takes are a few experiences like the ones you outlined in this video :)

[@basquait2704]

love that thumbnail💪 Lord Vader

[@G529-l3v]

During my life I have experienced two very vivid...visions.. years apart. Both I have been unpacking & unravelling ever since. I have tried to rationalise these experiences...maybe they happened to teach me something..I like to think that is the case. I actually have tried to interpret one in art. Good video...thank you.

[@adrianocorrea999]

Adorei a explanação!!! Muito boa parabéns!!! A magia brasileira chamada de Kimbanda tem muito dos elementos célticos da península ibérica.

[@aquelaana1692]

Me remeteu às nossas festas juninas, circos e comemorações natalinas. Aqui no Brasil temos muitas comemorações em dias santos que giram em torno de fogo, guerra, máscaras, oferendas. Te ouvir dando este depoimento como experiência pagã foi sensacional para compreender minhas experiências também.

[@The_chokester]

That first part in portuguese 👌👌👌thank you for valueing my language/culture

[@ArithHärger]

Something is coming, soon, that you may be happy about :P hehehe.

[@fernandoafonso5663]

@@ArithHärger Can't wait!!

[@leonardogomes7165]

Hello, my dear friend. How are you? I saw at 17:37 23:49 and 30:38 you *said it all* Thank you from the heart for reporting and even venting about it and at least the prejudice that people promote and that unfortunately I have been suffering from it, as you already know and I shared it with you! It's a lot of suffering, at least, after years of experiences like yours, today I'm labeled as schizophrenic, Asperger's, borderline and psychopath....😪 Thank you from the heart!🙏👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💯 *PAGANISM SAVED ME FROM THIS ADAMIC WORLD AND AT LEAST HYPOCRITE!* 🙏🙏🙏🌻🌙🐺🔥 *WE HAVE OUR PERSONAL GIFTS, EXPERIENCES AND THE MAIN: WE ARE GODS AND CAN REALLY CREAT OUR OR CHANGE THE REALITY🔥🔥🔥🌻🌙🐺* Stay in peace and health Hugs Leonardo from Soure Island of Marajo Pará Brazil

[@ArithHärger]

Hello my friend, how have you been doing? Thank you very much for your feedback and I'm very happy to read that you have enjoyed this video. I do hope life continues to bring you happiness, and I wish you strenght of mind and spirit so you may continue to thrive. Be well, friend.

[@leonardogomes7165]

@@ArithHärger nada bem, mas vamos seguindo, meu amigo de vibração. Espero que esteja bem? Como vão os vegetais, cogumelos e meditação? Muita luz, força e paz! Grande abraço marajoara

[@michelevalent-gastroterapi4360]

It is possible to see the brain not as the foundation of life, but rather as a mediating organ. Your phenomenological approach reminded me of Thomas Fuchs ‘Ecology of the brain’ in which the human body is seen as a collective, a living being which uses the brain to mediate interactions, both within the human body and between the human body and its environment. Within this framework, the mind is seen not as a product of the brain but as an activity of the living being; So maybe there are experiences and memories held by other parts of our mind, not mediated by the brain but nonetheless felt as real. Parabéns pelo português!

[@joshuafischlin4734]

Thank you for sharing that story at the beginning... something about it sparks a deep longing. I love the feminine joy of paganism... a celebration of life and beauty and completeness... and freedom, free from judgement and constraining moral laws, just the pure flow of personality and nature. The image of dancing around a fire is truly beautiful. Thank you 🙏

[@denyse6666]

you put it very well ! no one should make you doubt your belief it is personal to you and what others think is not important .... as to people being thought of as mad for their experience , what is mad ? if you look at the ones we are meant to judge our sanity by , the ones that run our countries and lay down the laws of our world , they are as mad as hatters ! so hold dear to what you believe no matter what , for to you it is important and will form your life ....

[@ArithHärger]

Absolutely my dear friend. "Normal" is often measured by what is socially accepted by the collective, and it has been like this, unfortunately, for thousands of years, leading to prejudice, segregation and death. We should have changed this narrative a long time ago. Acceptance and knowledge of what is different is one step forward for the good of humanity and the life of this earth. Be well my friend

[@fireinateacup89]

It seems important to have a clear definition of "reality" and "experience" in order to approach these ideas as accurately as possible. I think that personal interpretation and individual perspective (which may be my definition of "experience") is as important as it is perceived to be by the person, but the truth of the actual situation or event may be something else altogether, which is why I think it's dangerous to equate experience and reality as the same. It's often very easy to misread a situation, even if we do not project an alternate truth onto it. Mixing fact with fantasy can result in poor decisions and unintentional harm. I think I understand what you're saying about experience being valid to the experience-r, and that it's important to be open to new knowledge and alternative ideas, and of course I agree. I just think it's important to use critical thinking when it comes to interpreting experience. The truth of what is actually occuring in a situation, cannot be up to individual whim...that goes against the entire concept of truth itself. Would you agree with that?

[@josephwarra5043]

"Everyone should believe in something, I believe that I will have another drink." -- MR

[@Harpianyx]

Thanks for sharing your memory, your thoughts and your belief, and also for helping a lot of people feel less alone in their belief, me included. 😌🤘🏻

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

As I see it, consciousness is a gift capable of giving to you what you want. If you want to believe in fairies, then for you, fairies exist. If you want a certain opportunity, the universe will put that opportunity in your way. If you want a personal relationship with a "god/goddess," an animal, a human, a tree, then nothing prevents you from bringing that about. When it comes to fashioning our personal realities, we are all gods.

[@cjcj9808]

Yes. The way you are living your life is strictly masturbation.

[@ArithHärger]

That's very well put my friend.

[@wadehampton1737]

I came to that conclusion a few years ago myself. You either make your own world...or you live in someone else's.

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

@@wadehampton1737 100 percent agree :)

[@333Eriana]

fabulous

[@danielag.ishikawa]

melhor introduçao! 'não podemos fazer esperar o destino' SIMM!

[@suegreenan906]

I loved this…please folks, feel comfortable stepping out of the cage of monitored thinking….perception is everything, learn to filter experiences through your own mind, not someone else’s…..

[@sevenis9712]

Always the teacher,philosopher, shaman,archeologist,passionate, intellectual and super sexy!

[@shanehiggs1779]

I see what you did there. Thanks for that!

[@tietajavaskimaan296]

Good video 10/10!

[@dianalunanuova]

Hi! Of your whole story, the only thing that makes me roll my eyes is that such a small child like you could go around alone, all day and part of the night, without an adult bothering to keep an eye on him. 😅 This video should be seen by "friends" people, in whom we make the enormous mistake of confiding and they reply bluntly "Oh, really? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt because you're the one telling me, if it had been another person I would have thought that she's crazy." Well, thank you... I guess...🙄 Thank you for this video and all the others, your work is greatly appreciated. 💚

[@getstakerized]

Love the message and the ambience of these videos!

[@bridgetkorns8174]

Loved it. When deciding to depart on the journey of learning and studying the Runes I had a very moving dream with a very Odin like figure. As a Mystic that has studied many other forms of divination and spirituality the Runes felt like a homecoming of sorts. I find those experiences enriching but when I share them with others I don't expect them to believe it.

[@danielmanogillasheras9955]

Once I was running a very tough race, and I was beginning to feel very tired, and I was feeling like I was starting to give up the rest of my forces. Reaching to my pure force of will, I started releasing “Thor” with my breath as I was running, and despite my tireness, I was able to grab a strength from pure rage and fury. I sprinted like hell the last 400 meters and I reached my objective, and made a good mark. I believe in the gods not because I think there is a guy with a hammer up there, or because I believe in magic. I think the gods are embodiments of our inner virtues and defects, but furthermore, they are ideals that we can pursue but we will never be able to achieve in their perfection. They are examples of the great things we can achieve, and the great darkness from within us, which we must avoid. I believe in our spirits and the strength we can gather from the act of believing in something beyond our physical bodies. To conclude, I think that if the gods are real, then all the gods are, and all the beliefs are one, and all gods are one, and all virtues and ways to being a decent and good human being are one, divided into many similar messages that translates different to each of us. For a christian and a pagan, things such as justice and generosity are the same if they are pure and carried with an honourable heart. Best regards from Spain, brothers and sisters.

[@markedis5902]

You have told this story before but a long time ago. Also you told the story of the toad bone ritual. It interests me that paganism developed in many isolated countries in a way that could be called convergent evolution over many millions of years since early hominids. It developed, and most of the gods can be likened to those of the other isolated countries. So what is correct? Millions of years of evolution? or a fallacy invented in Rome 2000 years ago to try and stop the cults of Mithras and Diana . I must admit that I have little time for Gardinarianism as he borrowed too much from the Freemasons but I tend to follow the old religion, which evolved and was refined over a very long time

[@MonicaBodirsky]

One of the best explanations of confirmation bias I've ever heard! Thank you for sharing your personal experiences. :)

[@dragorsi]

Agreed. I experienced enough to know I have no idea about a lot of things and I don't even need to have any idea about most. Acceptance is important.

[@catiabonifazi52]

Grazie

[@RayFaircloth]

I've rewatched some of your videos and heard you say something about English ancestry and paganism so I decided to mention two books with a listing of tons of reference material: An Encyclopedia of Fairies by, Katherine Briggs & Celtic Myth & Religion by, Sharon Paice MacLeod. Your viewers may also like these and they're a great starting point for learning local folk beliefs in England (AEoF) and Celtic beliefs (CM&R).

[@Rodrigo-xe9ij]

Entrada incrível!!

[@anniesue4456]

When I became a fully mature adult and found that I was challenged to describe the differences between the God of my understanding and the God of my experience. ... well that exploration took 3 years and the pain of allowing myself to let go of Christianity .... well when I surrendered and embraced Paganism my life changed I will never live with abuse ever again! My spiritual experiences are joyful today ... no longer focused on self sacrifice, guilt, fear he'll etc!

[@arthur_lv]

Que bom ouvir a minha língua materna sobre um tópico que me é tão importante.

[@vivianp5962]

Interesting

[@virginiatrott9888]

What a wonderful video on tolerance..thank you .

[@Tipi_Dan]

I have been engaging "suspension of disbelief" during everyday life for well over 40 years. I see a lot more that way.

[@stephenjones7090]

Thank you Arith...

[@pseudonimo7844]

I didn't know about the beggining of this video and I got surprised to hear my native language, portuguese, you spoke well.

[@My_Alchemical_Romance]

Truly beautiful body of work here on your channel, Arith. Might you ever be able to do a video on something like “self initiation” for those of us not near any esoteric groups…? Small town problems…. But I’d definitely like to, like you said- *EXPERIENCE*. Plz let me kno. Very much serious. Thanks in advance.

[@Laderfear]

I experienced demons or Djinn at age 5 before I ever knew anything of religious beliefs. Actually my brother and I experienced this at the same time, he was 3 1/2 at the time. My brother also talked to beings no one else could see. Ive had supernatural experiences my entire life. I believe this encounter with other worldly beings opened me up to this reality. because of this encounter, I have spent a lifetime searching for esoteric knowledge.

[@Danielle-qu4fg]

I enjoyed this video very much, thank you.

[@stephaniewilson5284]

I feel see hear and if they want smell the Unseen or otherworlders beings they say it was because I was dying going to died. It sent me on unimaginable unbelievable journey. Talking about it with people can be difficult unless the Unseen give proof of themselves happened twice since 2012. It is difficult not being able to share my journey without dealing with skeptics judgment perhaps you Arith have given those people the tools to be more compassionate and open minded.

[@ForrestAnna]

At the university, my anthropology professor would give us exercises of sites to evaluate. It was interesting to look for clues on what may have occurred there thousands of years ago. I think he too was trying to get his students to open their minds to possibilities. We live today in a very narrow framework of consciousness. It is convenient for us as we take care of daily responsibilities. It is not until we open up to see what is even around us to see the magic in it all.

[@passingthrough4392]

I respect you,

[@Agapanthah]

Thank you so much. You are appreciated.

[@gendor5199]

If I were to guess what was true or not of the tale, I would probably have to start from the idea that as a child things are not always clear, and I think the imagined people dancing in the woods were either shadows cast or imagined, but I do also believe that an experience matter more depending on how we ourselves interpret it, but I hold to skepticism being a good thing as well.

[@angelofloveiam51]

Love u arith I think your great I learn so much from you your great to look at and learn from .I wish u happy lammas lughnassad om Shanti om blessed b

[@TheInfernalGrinder]

My first contacts with paganism? My Mother's tales about Greek Gods and Roman Emperors. In northern Carpatians (in Poland we called it Bieszczady). I was realized that the world is not as simple as it has been presented to us (I was 5 or 6 years old).

[@ericanderson4436]

I love how so many people are too eager to dismiss any supernatural experience of another, yet readily accept far more outlandish claims of supernatural events because an authority figure told them about the event

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Interesting thoughts, thanks for sharing. I still cannot help but wonder why we did not (yet) manage to properly demonstrate the supernatural though. I mean if it was objectively there, it must be possible to demonstrate it. Take this example: John Doe is at the beach and looks at the horizon. It does not seem curved but totally flat. At that moment, from his experience, the Earth truly seems flat. But trying to demonstrate a flat planet does not work - simply because it is a sphere. So yeah, what'd be your reply to that?

[@Karen-tq6fb]

Beautiful I listen to classical music n opera usually ( as well as other genres). But I love the classical guitar n Spanish guitar music

[@jodiezammit333]

In the candle/mirror/empty room analogy, maybe whoever arranged that space, simply needed to magnify the light, with the mirror.

[@electroniquesheep5316]

I knew I was Pagan after the neighborhood ravens flew in to help me lift a vampire curse with Odin’s shadow raven flying overhead several times. It was a phenomenal experience. I love them so much!

[@Pixie3p14]

This is very interesting to consider when I think back to the fundamentalist pentecostal church I left. They were big on spiritual experiences, and part of what made me leave was realising that several leaders and influential people in the church were lying about their experiences. It got me wondering how you might tell the difference between someone simply having an experience and interpreting it in their own way, and outright lying. For me perhaps the difference is that in many pagan practices, the focus is on individual experience and practice, whereas in that church, those experiences (such as visions, prophecies, words of knowledge etc) were intended to control other people's behaviour. Because these people (mainly men) were leaders, these were seen as messages from god that we should all pay attention to and live by, yet I knew some of them to be outright made up. Perhaps in pagan religions, it doesn't matter as much (I still think honesty is important!) because I am not going to change my life according to a vision that someone else had? If they have an experience it is for them, whereas for example we were expected to make decisions or even change the whole direction the church was going based on these messages. I would love to know what anyone else thinks.

[@sophia.ursula]

Thanks for sharing! I am curious- where is the village that you grew up in? I hope it’s not prying… I’m fascinated by different places in the world.

[@jodiezammit333]

I find it fascinating that when exploring the purpose of archeological sites, archeologists often want to describe remnants of buildings as a temple. I wonder if the purpose of such buildings were not more mundane. Why do we always jump to the conclusion that a building had some sort of ritual purpose? What if in future Millenia, an abattoir is discovered. What would we think of the description that it was used for ritual animal sacrifice, as opposed to the real purpose; a place where herd animals are killed, and the meat processed and distributed for mass human consumption.

[@expandingknowledge8269]

I suppose I identify with the term animism. Since my youth I have been drawn towards collecting stones, rocks, and even building small Stonehenge type structures from the granite on my land. Nature seems to captivate my senses and thoughts continually. I am 65 now almost 66. All my years attending Christian Church's of one sort or another, encouraged me to research and actually study our incredible world we live in. Can't say that God's and Goddesses exist, or any Supernatural being for that matter. The mythology of the fall of Sophia has always fascinated me, as perhaps the basis of my belief structure. I will continue to focus on our beautiful earth, and all it's splendid wonder. 🗿 🌎

[@L.I.M.E.LighTnTwilightTarot]

First that came to mind as you've explained "it" is objective, subjective, with the later (at least in my opinion) to be all inclusive. Scientifically, their position being that of the 5 If it, cannot be quantified, it doesn't exist. This one belief, and exclusion to that which is not, is the reason every equation they write will always leave them short of the ALL. Thank you for this reality check and the possibilities of, IT

[@MrDizzyvonclutch]

I remember your story about your gramma, which was really cool. Made me wonder if you ate related to Kim Bendix Peterson. lol Had to ask!

[@AG-ug3lb]

Yes, other people's spiritual experiences (in any religious context) are real, at least to them and should be approached with respect and not dismissed as false or mental.

[@grundius5081]

Your guitar skills improve every time i see them

[@MichelleWade1973]

This video is mind-expanding as always. I am curious though about the encounter with the animals. You described such deep empathy for them and I know a lot of "faerie tales" have an unusual animal encounter at the beginning. Do you consider that experience the opening of the gate for your later experience? Or do you view it more as the psychological/emotional reaction to a new experience for a child?

[@ChristyWilkinson]

Being fleshbound puts such limits on our perceptions. We are to spirits as earthworms are to us. Earthworms have their own special fleshbound limits, lacking some of the material perceptive organs that we have, and we, being fleshbound, are constrained by the very material and our perceptual limits too.

[@rebeccalamb3228]

What a pleasure!

[@jvbdb1000]

Do you recommend any book? I want to learn about norse religion but i don't know where to start.

[@m1a1tanker85]

Not religious. Can’t fathom it. Won’t get on my knees for anyone or thing. I am my own god. Religion was made to control its people. I am free. I’m Chaotic Good. Don’t need someone to tell me what to do. I do believe there could be other humanoids in the universe, maybe some here now.

[@Frownlandia]

There is definitely a strain of hubris masquerading as rationalism in our society. Individualism in the age of stated enlightenment values that often don't carry substance just means that so many people take their perspective and hang a frame around it and call it objectivity. You can definitely go the other way, but I feel that understanding your finitude means acknowledging you don't get to fully know that you are right and someone else is wrong.

[@patfrench8046]

With certain plants and fungi, anything imaginable is possible.

[@ArithHärger]

As a Vegan I can attest to that, as I run on plants and fungi hehehe :P

[@Gaming_Biker]

I do agree your account in your early years sounds fantastical, but if it's your truth, then that's all that matters to me. I grew up in a semi-loose Christian household here in the States, no misogyny, but racism & narcissism were fairly present; the latter I was not aware of what it was called or that it was bad, just that it didn't seem right. Although, I've always thought racism was stupid & only the small minded participated in it. I had believed in Christianity all the way to my deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, I was 22yrs old at the time, while I was enlisted in the USMC. I had always felt like it was a one-way street, never had any contact w/ the Christian god, Jesus' spirit, or anything else of that faith like many many others had claimed they had. Christianity always felt empty & restrictive to me & also included hypocritical teachings within its own text & most pointedly the Churches or congregations that I had been a part of. So, I renounced the faith & dabbled between atheism & looking around the world for signs of anything else I may have missed before. Ultimately, coming to your channel, Arith, doing my own research, hearing other people's testimonies regarding their own beliefs & paths, I came to believe in the Norse & Celtic Pantheons. It's interesting since before I even read or heard it was something people claimed to experience, I had been visited by a strong masculine god of an older time period in my dreams, his face hidden. He made artistic nature, analytical skills, strength, & attention to detail known as prized skills to him amongst others & a feeling of "come find me" was all intertwined in said dream. Later after doing some research into both pantheons again, I ran over the name Ogma & my body felt as if it hummed w/ such resonance & a fulfilling call indicating this was the name of the deity I was looking for, I had found him & felt as if I had found a long lost friend. Since then, I have been doing my best to honor myself, my life, & the gods w/ guidance from Ogma & a few other gods that help because they're my friends. To be clear & before someone claims something incorrect about me, I don't worship them like Christians do to their god. I do things that would honor their presence & myself, like create, design, problem solve, & live life walking beside them. I also joined a motorcycle association to help USA Veterans since we have a surprising number that have been given up on by society & our govt. It's helped me on my path to recovery from both my childhood mental abuse & the trauma I gained from being a firefighter on military CASEVAC duties & from being mortared while deployed. I don't intend to bring down other people's beliefs or religious practices either, since I try to live by the Golden Rule which supersedes all belief systems & is found worldwide across many different cultures, but the before mentioned Christian influence is necessary to include in my recounting as it contributed to my scarred mentality & helped lead me to finding my current path of solace in in paganism. Thank you for what you have contributed to the pagan community & humanity in general. It's helped me at least, for what that's worth.

[@melissabrentford8260]

Obrigado!

[@ArithHärger]

Eu é que agradeço! Muito obrigado pelo apoio! ^^

[@wesleysale1052]

About one in ten will have somekind of an event in their life; that makes it clear that there are a lot of subjective things in the world around us. Ted Holiday recounted something that happened to him when very young, it was night and the house was silent. Some noise woke him up and looking to the doorway into the hall he saw a very large fox standing there on it's hind legs: wearing a top hat. It watched him for several seconds and then disappeared. The memory of that event stayed with him and was responsible for many more events over his lifetime. As Ted said in his book "The Goblin Universe", these events seem to be deliberately designed to find sensitives; and drive the rest us mad, trying to figure out WTF is going on. :) Objectivity and the scientific method fall flat on their face when trying to explain these things.

[@cjcj9808]

No such thing as subjective. Sry.

[@mjinba07]

I'm always very cautious when it comes to any "spiritual" experience that starts with waking from sleep or occurs when one is close to sleep. Chances are too good that, however real it feels, it's entirely self generated as a product of one's own imagination. That isn't to say that any message gathered from the experience is invalid, only that it says nothing about the spiritual world, as it were, and everything about one's own psyche.

[@cjcj9808]

@@mjinba07 yes. The gross body can never express the subtle body