Paganism is a Struggle! Let's Talk About It

[@douglasmcgregor5511]

This is bringing back memories. I was interrogated by an ex housemate for this and for “communicating with the dead”. She was an evangelical christian. She even cut off the internet account so that I wouldn’t do this stuff. As I write I am studying to be a web developer so in the light that’s why I need the internet. Often wondered if I have been a witch in a past life. Also, understanding narcissism helps with all this.

[@mickie4632]

Discovered paganism through Wicca as a teen, now I’m almost 30 and practicing hoodoo like my ancestors ❤️

[@kirstencorby8465]

A valid path, similar to many. LOL Wicca is the gateway drug. :)

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I’ve been a Pagan a long time. In the beginning I talked to everyone I could find. I read every book I could find, both new and ancient. And went to lots of ceremonies of all kinds. What I learned was that Paganism is extremely individual. There is no one to ask what you should do, or when you should do it, other than the one in the mirror. Go directly to the source to get your information. Not the source material, but the source Herself or Himself. Build it from the ground up and understand there will be very few, if any who can share your path with you. Paganism is too personal for that. Rather, look for those you can listen to and share with as equals, while you each travel your separate paths. You are looking for friends, not leaders. This is completely different from what most have been taught, but as I see it, it’s the only sustainable way.🤗🐝❤️

[@everdream816]

Wow, this really embodies the feeling of being a Pagan to me! I’m just now kind of arriving at this place where I’m starting to realize what you’re describing in your comment-I love what you said about ‘going to the source’ and ‘looking for friends not leaders.’ This is something I’m just starting to do more of currently. Thanks so much for sharing and for putting the feeling down in words! 😊

[@janpenaluna5639]

Thank you. 🕷️

[@megantrish8450]

This was perfect, thank you for sharing.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@megantrish8450 You’re most welcome🐝❤️🤗

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@everdream816 You’re most welcome🐝❤️🤗

[@pagangamer87]

My dad saw my altar and asked, "Are you a witch now?" and even though he pulled a face and jokingly cringed... I think he just leaves me to it. My mum, she's more open-minded to it. My nan doesn't understand it as she's stuck in the 60's, but her sister is more open-minded and moved with the times more.

[@deewagner4817]

It breaks my heart to hear about so many accounts of Pagans enduring everything from microaggressions, to outright job loss and family abandonment at the hands of self-professed Christians. My Pagan friends are the gentlest, sweetest, and most creative people I know. Similar goodness and positivity shines through Scarlet's videos and in the comments, despite all the hardships Pagans and Witches endure.

[@thegardenmuse2398]

I told my kids the statue of Hecate on my dresser/alter was the Statue of Liberty LOL!

[@kirstencorby8465]

I'm 56 years old and I still struggle with "the stuff." I'm really tying to cut back -- use herbs that are in the kitchen, dress my own spell candles, concentrate on energy work, petitions. Minimalist magic. Hey! That sounds like a book title ...**makes notes**

[@trevorhanson6295]

I think one of the biggest frustrations I have regarding my Paganism is the fact that I constantly feel like I have to translate what I'm saying and how I feel situations should be approached so I don't have to worry about people assuming that I'm either a Satanist, have some moral defect for not being Christian, or having people just assume I'm a nut job because I don't fall into the "normal patterns". I also get frustrated with atheist for similar reasons, having to translate things in a way where they don't get crazy ideas about what it is I'm talking about. 😕

[@linzfae2210]

For me the struggle of being pagan is the day to day interactions. I am not anti other religions but it’s lonely and frustrating when everywhere I go its all Christian all the time. My bosses are Christian and run the business around their beliefs, my chiropractor is Christian (he is a friend and I have appointments on the regular because of my physical labor job) and does the same, my family, my in-laws, and my friends. Everyone is nice but I definitely feel as if I can’t discuss my beliefs or say anything when I’m expressing a “normal daily issue” and the response I get is always “well pray to Jesus/God.” 🤦🏻‍♀️ OR Like what another person brought up, the few pagans I have met their entire identity is political. I hate politics, honestly. May sound “stupid” but I just wish I could just have a chat over some tea and talk about our plans for solstice or trade recipes. Yes, I just like the simple things in life.

[@velvetandverain]

No, I agree. Talking about politics is fine, but some people are definitely absorbed in making it their entire identity and sole topic of conversation.

[@kirstencorby8465]

Sounds like you might find working in a coven fruitful. Have you tried that?

[@kirstencorby8465]

Or a circle or grove or however you choose to call it. Circle work is very different from solitary work.

[@outdoorgurl2474]

Yes! You just perfectly explained what I go through on a daily basis. It's frustrating to be around mostly Christians who are free to constantly express their religious beliefs, feelings, wear their religious talismans and blast their music. Where I, on the other hand, can't even wear my pentacle necklace for fear of retaliation. One day I hope to muster up the courage to just say, "Screw It!" and openly practice my beliefs but now is definitely not the time 😂 So, my online friend, just know you are not alone in your struggles 😉

[@judeross3875]

@@outdoorgurl2474 Ah I get you. I now forget am wearing my pentacle necklace most people are so wrapped up in themselves they wouldn't even notice anyway!!! I think its do with generational trauma that a lot of us are carrying unknowningly fear of persecution in times gone by. Much love xx

[@Robert-gc9gc]

I think we , as pagans/witches, need to accept to some degree, that we know hardly anything at all about our ancient pagan past. Whichever ever paths you connect with. Our ancestors, wherever and when they created these practices not from an original source. I’m always about good research practices, but for this I think it’s okay to make something new or be inspired by the past. Our ancestors did it through tradition and divine inspiration . They did what felt right. Kept what worked for them and left the rest. Trial and error. We all have potential to start something positive for our future. This fact is probably the most hard to accept for me because it’s so non-structured in our modern world that demands stability and good boys and girls that can follow the rules.

[@pagangamer87]

So long as we have good intentions in life and to our gods, I dont think they'll care about past traditions. They'll have moved with the times themselves now I'm sure.

[@Skaldic_Works]

The biggest issue, for me, on finding people who are pagan, is not the lack of people. There are plenty Norse pagans around where I live. The problem is, so many are so driven by political issues, that they let it be the driving force of who they interact with. I had witnessed, for myself a couple leave the group I was in the process of joining over each members stance on the riots that occurred in the summer of 2020. About a few months later, at our Yule blot, the group made the decision to disband over other internal reasons. Me and another woman from the old group have been trying, for some time now, to get some pagan friends together on they major feast days, but it seems like no one wants to come, or has an excuse not to come. I believe some of this is due to how others from the old group, have influenced how some view the remainder who do come to our gatherings on occasion. Over the past year, however, I have done some soul searching into myself and found that I am more tribal as a heathen and I work the best with people I really care about in my life. So, I have been weighing my relationship with the remaining pagans I do interact with, and I'm starting to realize how much interaction, or lack thereof, I have with them. Which means, I am questioning whether or not I should continue with them, or move on and find a different group, who I can have really close ties to. The only problem is that that is very hard for me, because I'm not a very social person and I'm happy with that.

[@rachaelnoa7612]

Often times I feel like certain platforms exemplify that problem. The last few years have put divisions in all groups and households. Live your truths and just try to be your best

[@SonoraSlinger]

Thanks for bringing up the political issue. It drives me mad. I'm here for spirit and the Gods. Not this man made construct.

[@Skaldic_Works]

@ForestHermit90 yeah I'm more moderate as well and the fact I and some others in the old group were against the 2020 riots is why 2 left, well one left and his girlfriend followed.

[@Skaldic_Works]

@@rachaelnoa7612 this platform is also guilty. I see a alot of pagan content creators take shots at other pagan content creators (I shall not name names) over the fact that they do not denounce a group or sign a document.

[@Skaldic_Works]

I'm going to add this here. One of my other biggest issues with getting together a grou, is finding, people who I also would go out of the way for. I don't throw around the term brother or sister around lightly. If I call someone one of those, it means I would do most anything and go out of my way for that person. Again I Uta hard for me to go out and socialize and find those specific people. But, I actually don't like a whole lot of people and I'm happy with that and the fact I am not as social.

[@draug7966]

For norse pagans it can be a big problem that some people automatically think you´re a racist/neo-nazi or whatever if you wear a mjolnir or smth. I mean i can see why, but it would make much more sense to blame the racist groups for appropriating symbols that has nothing to do with politics to begin with. I had a conversation with a guy who risked losing custody of his kid because some social worker thought he was a nazi for wearing a tyr rune i think it was. Don´t know if other paganisms have that problem.

[@seastorm1979]

"Hey lady, how ´bout you conjure up some kitty treats!!"😸😻 Seriously though, this is an important issue. I´m writing from Finland🇫🇮🇪🇺and despite growing secularism, being a pagan/polytheist/witch is still a struggle even though the Nordic countries and the Baltic states were among the last in Europe to be Christianized. If you say that you are a Pagan/Heathen then people will immediately assume that you´re a kitten-eating Satanist (with all those Christian overtones.) People who practice paganism/heathenry need to connect with each other and create international communities to spread awareness about their beliefs. To me those belief are about peace, love and freedom! This channel is doing a great job! Thanks👍

[@outdoorgurl2474]

Personally, for me, it was the "ebb and flow" aspect. I've always been so involved with acknowledging the seasons and preforming rituals then all of a sudden I'm completely drained and can't be bothered with anything. I asked a few of my online Pagan friends if they go through this and it was an affirmative "YES" across the board. Boy that made me feel better 😂 Great video, Scarlett 👍👏

[@Darth_Sepharious]

You look radiant as always, Scarlet. Yeah, I know what you mean. I grew up in a Christian household, was baptized around the time I turned 18 or so and even got married in a Catholic church 16 years ago. But I gave that up long ago and went on a spiritual journey of sorts, finding my way to paganism several years back. It just wasn't for me. I never felt it or believed in any of it in my heart. Spirituality for me is much more complicated. I have had many spiritually significant moments over the years, some premonitions, witnessing what some might call "paranormal". To me, spirituality is a very real thing that we are all looking at from different angles trying to understand, sort of like looking into the stars with differing telescopes from different places. We might all see the same thing, but we'll all see it differently. The other half of it is being receptive to our spirituality, whenever we cast or invoke. Always appreciated your videos and stuff. The insight has helped me.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Glad you found the video insightful :)

[@Darth_Sepharious]

@@ScarletRavenswood You're welcome. I ended up editing my comment a bit to give more context.

[@monicabooth2812]

Thanks for answering these tough questions! My biggest struggle with Paganism is practicing openly in the current sociopolitical climate in Canada. Just like in the U.S., the system is rigged to serve the dominant religion of the dominant culture, which is Christianity. And as other religions and the share of Nones rise, the Christians who are still in positions of power are reacting in very negative ways. My worry is that they will use their power and influence to further limit the abilities of nonChristians to practice openly and safely. This will have such bad consequences for not only minority religions, but other minority demographics within those religions as religious persecution often intersects and goes hand-in-hand with other forms of discrimination. I still have hope that over time, there will be a shift in power to people with more pluralistic worldviews so that all religions and spiritual paths are respected in society, and that no one religion has the preferential treatment of governments.

[@diaryofacarny]

Was Jesus a Christian? Do you know the difference between a "Jesus Groupie" and a Christian? Early Christians were seen as a cult, they were social pariah's...they were outcasts. What passes for Christianity today is very far off the beaten path from where it started. Christians don't bother me. It's the fundemental Jesus Groupies that flap off to me if they see me casting bones or runes for someone. Yet they're Pagans to a degree also. And I point that out. Just ask them if they have a calander in their house, in their phone, purse, wherever. Thursday is Thors day, Wednsday is Odins day. The month March is named after Mars, the God of War. April is named after the goddess Aphrodite....on and on it goes. They've lived with these Pagan symbals for thousands of years. They celebrate Pagan holidays as Christian holidays. Throw it in their face. I do. And they have no response. They run away. They're Pagans too. The new religion is "Materialism!" Everything came into being from nothing. Uhm.....ok. So many things accepted as scientific fact by the masses and yet they're unknowable by science....ever. What a stark boring world they live in. There are so many similaritys between religions it's uncanny. (Odin, All Father God!) (Thor, Christ!) (Loki, Lucifer!) (The Valkrie, Angels). Simple examples. Reading and studying old Judiesm and old Norse Mythology and other old regious texts makes one wonder if everything isn't connected. People just had their own enterpretations and then fought over who was right. Magic is real, it exists as does the other side. It's the "Unknowable" to science. If they can't measure it, it cannot exist in their minds. I was lucky, or to some, cursed, to grow up in the Carny world. I worked a lot of sideshows and rides, games, grunt work too. I met a lot of magic people. Lane, the "White Witch" everyone called her ,because she was from Iceland, tall and blonde with ice blue eyes that could see right through you, taught me about runes, and how to cast bones when I was young. I still have my runes and bones she gave me a long time ago. Miss Dodie was a Tarot and Palm reader from the deep south. I learned a lot from her. She even did divination with bible verses. Every day wake up and feel the magic all around you. It's what made everything.

[@chasmodaimorris9813]

If there is a Universal Unitarianism church in your area, they can tend to be very open to Pagans, and some will host Pagan events and have Pagan-themed services. There is an organization called the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans and if you google them you may find a group in your area. Also, I think the more I practice my faith, the more I can incorporate it into everything I do. My beliefs inform how I stir the pot when I cook food, the thoughts I think when I drive my car, things I do when I make my bed, how I interact with others, and a thousand other things. I keep certain crystals on my desk as I work, and they represent certain things that I am trying to bring into my work so that I can succeed. For example, I will pick up a carnelian hold it in my hand when I am trying to better communicate with a colleague or a client. There are a million little things, but it's not a thing I do once or twice a day or month - it's an ongoing part of my daily life.

[@adris79]

Started out not too long ago, and I'm recently trying to do this as well. I also use crystals and intentions. Thanks for sharing. Blessings🕯

[@amandahunter9186]

I don't tell my parents I practiced witchcraft anymore. I don't tell them almost anything. I have plenty of time to practice. I just don't have faith in my spells. I'm feeling like a failure. I don't understand why my spells don't work

[@francisedward8713]

You need willpower to power your spells, a clear intention to program your spells, and a method of directing & raising your energy. It seems like your problem is your willpower. You need to BELIEVE the spell will work for it to *actually* work. If you don’t, they will fail.

[@anc6353]

You have to connect and put your heart in it. It's not the destination, it truly is the journey. That's the focus. Your personal connection. If you're not feeling it, take a break and just be with nature. Keep going back until you feel the universe connecting with you. That's what's helped me. Yours is a deeply personal path. Give yourself time and some peace of mind.

[@peterlukas5563]

I'm still working on watching this video. Thank you Scarlet for this topic. I am a solitary pagan whose emphasis is limited to the wheel of the year, candlelight meditations, and playing pagan songs on my guitar. The greatest fear I certainly believe is telling someone you are a pagan and being probed with questions you can't answer! The overwhelming need to give perfect answers so you don't get left embarrassed!

[@elvacoburg1279]

Thank you for a great video with helpful advice. I have a struggle with three of the problems that you mentioned, and I think for some Pagans that they are interconnected. Due to potential problems it could cause with family, my mother and several others are Christians, none of my friends or family know that I am a Pagan, this is not too bad in itself as I live alone so I can practice at home without any real problems. But, being firmly in the broom closet makes it difficult to meet other Pagans in real life, such that the only Pagans that I know are from on-line sources, mainly through your discord server. Then not having other Pagans who I can meet with to bounce ideas off can make it more difficult to form a practice and to find trust worthy sources in those aspects of Paganism that call to me. One thing that I have noticed with a lot of Pagans, and I am not sure it it is due to a lack of confidence or something else, is that they spell Pagan and Paganism with a lower case "p", but will spell Christian with an upper case "c". Likewise when referring to Pagan Gods and Goddesses, most use a lower case "g", but will use a upper case "g" for the Christian God. To me a upper case "g" should be used when referring to our Pagan Gods and Goddesses as a mark of respect for those that we profess belief in, but that is just me.

[@TheHourofWitchery]

Yeah I know absolutely NO one that is pagan. It's a very lonely world in that aspect but I have always been very solitary, even growing up, always alone in nature. But at times I wish I knew some other pagans, male and female, just to simply connect and share experiences, ideas, theories, and energy.

[@DeMiRoxmysox02]

Same. Like there are shops near me, but I work too late to actually go in any of them. There aren’t many events happening right now, due to the panorama. And online stuff is fun, but I’ve been really wanting to do more in person. Stretch myself out of my comfort zone.

[@sallycassian4494]

Chances are, someone near you IS pagan, but they, too, keep it under wraps, so how would you know?

[@homeiswheretheartis1194]

Thank you for your kind words Scarlet, I was feeling out of tune with myself because I lost track of the moon cycle and because I have not given time to my altar like I use to but what you say is true... what matters is how we carry ourselves through out the days through our pagan spirituality and in our beliefs of the world. Even though I somewhat knew this because I did not steer away from my practice on purpose it is still nice to hear someone say its ok, I appreciate you so much and I am very thankful to have found your channel.

[@TheNinjaFromNuevo]

When I started out, I tried my best to find quality resources, and still I ended up with the worst ones, lol! I kept searching and learning, though, and over time my dedication to high quality information eventually brought me high quality information. For every messy feeling ritual, I learned more about what rituals feel right to me. My advice to those starting out is to simply start. Let yourself be imperfect and awkward. Kept your dedication true, and eventually you'll find your way. Oh, and avoid racists. Anything written by a racist is going to automatically be wrong. 😁

[@pamelajensen5961]

I totally know what it’s like to feel lonely in solitary practice that’s why my best friend and I started a group called Eclectic Witches of Justice, it’s been so rewarding to connect with like-minded people. Our group is small but we are on this learning adventure together. We meet up every Wednesday to talk about witchcraft topics and we even have a book club of sorts. If anyone wants to join we are in SoCal 💚🌱 you can find us on most platforms.

[@gaccount9931]

Scarlett, you always have interesting thoughts and topics. Misinformation is my biggest struggle. And the fact that I am trying to claim something that is my birthright yet it feels foreign. I would love to hear some of your sources on Celtic paganism. Thank you 🥰💖

[@jamesrussell8571]

My struggle is nothing new, so many have the same issue... and it was the first part of today's topic... I am married to a Christian, and I am a Norse Pagan, formerly a Christian myself.. but my spouse doesn't understand my faith and really I don't know how to tell her that I am no longer a Christian... so not entirely her fault. But as a result, I cant openly practice like I would like to.

[@jamesrussell8571]

BTW, I have been a Norse Pagan for a few months now, and haven't come out of the closet fully yet.

[@Name-tf4qp]

Why would you let your spouse tell you what to believe? Let her be christian but why in the world would you let her trample you? Pathetic, this is a problem in the community.

[@jamesrussell8571]

@@Name-tf4qp I believe you misunderstood what I was saying. My spouse does NOT tell me what to believe, anymore than I tell her what to believe. I just haven't opened that can of worms yet, not because I fear what she would think... but because doing so means telling the rest of my family... i.e. my mother and father. I wear my Mjolnir, read the Havamal daily, listen and watch pagan videos. I couldn't make my faith much more obvious... I just haven't actually TOLD THEM YET that I am not a Christian anymore.

[@markcalhoun7323]

What's helped is you and others doing similar channels giving reminders. With life going at full speed and most of the people in my life basically following christian paths. I let things get to complicated to kept up with rights and rituals. It's a blessing to not only get reminders of the when but also the how. Thank you young lady and may your path be enlightened as you have mine. BB

[@howardhavardramberg333]

This is a great video thank you!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@rebeccahuffman]

Your response really helped me realize how I’m putting unnecessary pressure on myself to do something daily. Thank you for always providing such useful knowledge and content!

[@eaglefeather2957]

I would also like to add knowledge is never lost the old ways are never lost even if they were passed down verbally or by Stone text the only thing one has to do to obtain this knowledge is to connect with spirit also keep in mind that what was good for them back then might not be good for us now as the saying goes what's good for me might not be good for you.

[@chelseaalyssefit]

I found a pagan community at yoga studios. A few studios also host full/new moon circles. Just an idea to find local community you may connect with!

[@drnoir93]

My Practice is day and Diety centered. On Monday I offer Rum and BBQ to Ellugua, on Wednesday I offer Steak and Bordeaux to Helate, and on Friday I offer Whiskey and Salmon to The Morrighan. And yes Scarlet your hour on Hekate is excellent. In High School I also hid my Practice and I too lapsed in College. The weekly practice happened when I worked at Reverend Zombi House of Voodoo and Ellugua entered my life.

[@bloodymary3008]

Beautiful Cat 😃👌

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Thanks! 🐈

[@adezone866]

Good point at 7 min: 18 sec [timestamp] - You do not have to have all the pagan trappings to practice your craft. While some people need the outer expressions in altar setting and clothing, etc, others are happy to practice a more conceptual path. I personally have highly developed eidetic skills which allow me to clearly visualise an entire ritual in my minds eye. No prying room mate can know what I'm doing and I'm fine with working this way. I understand this is not for everyone, but worth considering.

[@Thetonemaster1]

Exactly!

[@MrsSiri-ts4fd]

Great content💖 First of all i was born in Buddhism socialty ,normally in asian country. that's make me struggle to practies witchcraft i had a yonier hammer necklace when my mom seen and told me that 'you should perfer wear a buddhism amulet ' but i didn't care that word because i already choose my path Thank you for kind word that make me more confident to be a pagan.💖

[@GravesRWFiA]

I missed the question earlier. poop- for me it is the isolation. in times of tension or even joy groups can come together. look at town s singing xmas carrols. but there's not pagan songs in that mix or if I say something like 'oh my gods" plural- I can get the hairy eyeball

[@peach411]

Thanks! You know you always have us all

[@NPNPaganArtistSpotlight]

I love my pagan path and doing radio along with podcasts as I own Iowa Pagan News, now one of the struggles I get is the lack of good communication in the community.

[@LucisFerre1]

"When I was young, I didn't have the internet in my house". LOL, Try being born in 1965. 🙂

[@ladycalathieloropherion]

My brother when he found out I was Pagan called me evil

[@lulubell9601]

So glad I found your channel. I love your information

[@upserboy]

Thank you! I feel much better!

[@fernandoptirado6013]

Society is a social construct, one which imposes norms and acceptable practices for the supposed good of society. Unfortunately, societal norms are also a function of power. You questioning these norms and choosing to follow your own paths is a way to exert your divinity/humanity. Don't feel bad about trying to fit in, you were meant for something better.

[@syddlinden8966]

I have found that a simple one card tarot draw or just lighting a candle or incense in the morning is a wonderful way to have a daily practice. Or even just having a favorite crystal that you carry in your pocket. I certainly concur about ebb and flow of being inspired to do deeper practice or learning. I also think I have a bit of an easier time with feeling observant because my practice is heavily focuses on just observing the cycles of the seasons, harvests, and nature. So things as simple as going for a walk and naming trees as I pass them can be a part of my practice. I "converted" after learning how much of christian tradition was just outright stolen from european pagan cultures, and thus my focus has always been about bringing some level of those cultures into my day-to-day life. I felt robbed of specific aspects of a culture I never got to grow up with because of christianity and wanted to actively counter that. And it has certainly gotten easier to be open about over the years. That openness is also helped by surrounding myself with accepting people even if they are christian or atheist themselves, and my mom is at least not anti-pagan. I am so, so thankful she always just encourage my siblings and I to have empathy, be kind and giving, and that she just wanted us to believe in somethings vs becoming nihilists like our dad.

[@jadencasarezwattpad]

As someone who tiptoes the line of fringe-science, it is hard to be discredited as psuedoscience within the community when theres already opposition from the rest of the world. I mean people can totally believe with what they want to believe, that's not going to stop me from believing in what I'm already doing, but like with a lot of things validation can be a nice thing. And, the thing is, is a person equating fringe science and psuedoscience as the same thing....which is detrimental to actual sciences trying to even have a legitimate voice in their own communities horticulture/agriculture, parapsychology are valid sciences that have a harder time because we use the term "psuedoscience" as a demeaning word. Witches fall under this term so in the end it's also demeaning to ourselves. Which also takes me into limiting beliefs in the community. I can totally appreciate someone who can give alternative ways to practice while not limiting people compared to someone who says "it just CAN'T happen" because it's that person that just limited every baby witch in one go. Practicing telekinesis really puts you up against that mental wall and will test what you think believing is and it gets harder when your labeled crazy, on too many drugs, or a psuedoscientest. If within the community there was less limiting belief some girl out there would probably be flying, because that's just advanced psychokinetics. We weren't allowed to use the word "can't" in dance class, all we had to do is try and labeling things psuedoscience is going to turn a lot of people off to trying because they dont want to look completely insane to others they look up to, or just in general etc. Maybe do make sure you have a doctor on hand for serious things, but theoretically if you practice and there is no spoon it should be possible. It gets even harder when "there is no try, only do" which I understand is difficult because it brings me back to what it means to believe, in the multiple forms that takes. It's just hard living under the term psuedoscience when the government already has some crazy inventions and only declassifies information every so often. Most conspiracy theories are really old. What are the recent ones, what are the ones happening today. Psuedoscience as a derogatory word. Helps someone to believe so maybe I can believe in it myself.

[@stacyrosa6672]

My witchy self was awakened 50 years ago. I was intentionally searching for a Spiritual practice that was not full of "requirements", to attend church, pay for church, and to follow ridiculous doctrine designed specifically to control me. The newbies seem to be trying to follow the "rules" of Paganism, which for me, defeats the purpose.

[@RavenblackWood-fk8hm]

Hi Scarlet Ravenwoods my name is Raven Blackwood I'm a big fan of your witchcraft and Wicca videos

[@blueravenfire]

yeah, I certainly feel a lot of these struggles too, especially the first one as I still live with family and don't have a place of my own. while my parents are not strictly religious, i still feel they would be pretty judgmental and mocking of my pagan practice. so either i have to do it in secret or just not at all because I'm so afraid to do anything in front of them.

[@todhannigan8779]

This is excellent! Thank you so much for addressing these issues! Knowing others struggle with these issues really helps!

[@bethcox3226]

I decided just this year to take up a pagan or witch practice. I'm not clear yet what path is right for me. I know my ancestry is mostly German, a pinch of Scotland, England, Scandanavia and the Iberian Peninsula. I'm learning about ancient pagan and witch practices from those areas.

[@kellyb1420]

I can’t stand how judgmental people are and how misunderstood being a Wiccan is can be? It’s annoying.

[@kodiak4777]

I am very lucky because I am 31 so no one can really say shit, but I also live with my best friend and his wife who are also both Pagan. I hope anyone having trouble can work through it!

[@SonoraSlinger]

Paganism is somewhat of an Alpha Spiritual path. It's souly your own. And only the strong and confident are sticking with it. We each define our experience on our own. For every pagan God or Goddess, each individual has their own version. Pagans are generally the most accepting of any other persons spiritual choice. I dare say- even Jesus loves us for our ways.

[@cmp052]

Love the mantle for that fireplace. That house was a good find.

[@leilaakerlund]

I do daily practice because I'm at the point in my life that I can. But I find it funny when people give so much emphasis on it. Christians don't go to church every Sunday or pray every day or otherwise practice their beliefs but if asked they still consider themselves as christians. No doubt in their minds. Not all muslims pray 5 times a day but they still identify as muslims. We pagans are too harsh on ourselves.

[@Schrodingers_Cat557]

Thank you so much for making all of your videos. They have helped me out tremendously and I always enjoy watching!

[@KN-bs9wb]

Are you able to make a 2022 calendar for us to download with the moon phases, wheel of the year celebrations and all these lesser known other holidays & traditions you mention such as “Lupercalia”. Also deities/Gods/Goddesses/offerings/Symbols & items associated with these festivals & holidays. I love celebrating and decorating my alter for these but would like to know of them in advance. 🤗💫

[@ScarletRavenswood]

That's a good idea though I think it would take a while to put it all together. Maybe I can try to make one for next year. :)

[@KN-bs9wb]

@@ScarletRavenswood That would be amazing!!! Or even if you did a youtube “series” where in the middle of the previous month you do the following month? As a video where we could all watch it with our calendars out and just write down what’s coming up the following month and take notes of ways you suggest to celebrate & decorate our altar, deities, offerings, associations etc. The interactive “Pagan Planner Party” Series🤗💫

[@brianamaddox]

Personally, it feels isolating since my family & a large majority are all Christians, and I don’t always vibe right with the one New Age coven in the area since I’m personally not big on crystals or astrology & they are. I’d love to find others who aren’t Christian or New Age-y , but I feel like it’s hard & I feel like I need to hide and minimize my practice because I don’t “fit in” anywhere, especially with COVID magnifying the isolation aspect tenfold since I live with immunocompromised people & can’t go out too much (not trying to shame them, but it’s taking a large toll on my mental health after 2 years of COVID)

[@johnperry6201]

I agree completely, its hard to fit in

[@MichaelMalxAlexander]

I always try to practice around luna/serene and sol/sun and the solstice or when I need to I go into the mountains

[@SonoraSlinger]

Also, a very good series on YT is by R Wayne Steiger. It's called "The pagan path". Would recommend. He's a good old man.

[@katieemms4780]

I love being pagan but I feel like my dyslexia gets in the way as I struggle reading things and other stuff

[@judeross3875]

Feeling it our ancestors being story tellers and symbols they never wrote anything down xx

[@hedgewitch2589]

That’s the beauty of being pagan the decentralized religious aspect that has tainted the big three. I love working together with others and individual work in my spirituality. Organized religion is a no and you see some of the issues with it more so with some groups with a very strong structure in place . Politics?! All types?! No. People are seeking ensemble work not all mighty leader. Team work with a team lead is what I vibe more with then the more rigid structures.

[@thedarthignatius]

Appreciate the video Scarlet

[@KellyLouiseBrown]

I am lucky. My parents brought me up to choose my own path. Recently told my Dad I am Pagan. He's cool with it :) I am in UK and I understand how hard it can be for folks from other countries :(

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

He sounds like my parents. They have been very supportive of me being a Wiccan (primarily Celtic) since I was 13 and my dad even tried to find covens in the state I live. Unfortunately all the covens in the state I live in (Tennessee) are either inactive or else are hours away which would mean I would need to make it a day trip which would be hard on my dogs. I hate living in the south. It’s so hard to find an active coven and I want to make friends with fellow pagans/Wiccans.

[@ElementalHeroWierdo]

I only relatively recently started down my path. Up until last year I really only considered myself agnostic cause I thought there’s SOMETHING more than what we can see and measure currently, but that’s where it ended. So when you talked about the lack of structure and material and mentioned how it’s difficult for Celtic pagans it helps cause as far as I’ve seen Celtic paganism isn’t terribly common(granted my exploration, research and exposure has been pretty limited).

[@themindflayerst_]

Thank you for the advice and for highlighting my comment in your video. Apologies for the poor sentences lol The whole video has given me food for thought :D blessings to you :D

[@revmichaelm]

My biggest issue is, when I burn sage or other items, my wife complains do for the smell, and even taste the burning item.

[@f0nziewashere]

I've been practicing Paganism for over a year or two i don't really associate myself with any particular branch like Celtic, Norse, or Wicca most people do not ask me about my spiritual or religious beliefs. I just say to them that i am a Polytheistic person and that i believe there are many Gods, and Goddesses I have an encyclopedia of different spirits, deities etc i go through it and pick different ones to work with in my magic i will only share what i feel comfortable with i wear Pentacle necklaces around my neck and have Pagan tattoos an Egyptian eye of Horus on my chest and Aphrodite on my left forearm its usually a dead give away to people that i am in fact Pagan i know it i feel it and i sense it

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

It's lonely...🥀

[@EnstromTV]

House Of Paganism is open in Florida , Contact us if you need more info.

[@stormchasemike6015]

Difficult explaining to my wife about my new path . She thinks I'm a Satanist now. She us Christian and still will jot entertain researching our ways and where they came from and how it really has been stolen by Christianity

[@rachaelnoa7612]

In this area I will try to find similarities between the cultures as they are there. Focusing on similarities instead of differences can help. Religion tends to be a big one when discussing relationships as long as there is respect

[@kirstencorby8465]

That's a tough situation. Sending you solidarity.

[@persie616]

Hey! I have been practicing green witchcraft for the past couple of years now and I have recently had an interest in broadening my horizons and learning demonology. Is there anyone who could give me advice on how I can get started with demonology? Communication? Evocation? General knowledge about demons? Anything would be helpful.

[@sandyblack9698]

Great content scarlet,Thank you for some wise advice.You must have walked a lonely path when you started your journey. Blessings 💜🐈

[@littlehomeinthevalley]

For those struggling with Christian family members and acceptance, maybe they need a lesson on the origins of their religious holiday and how altars are really not that different than decorating for a holiday except your "decorations" have spiritual meanings. I'm not advocating a lecture to family members but more of building a bridge that connects the two through their similarities.

[@ashenwalls3558]

I'm definitely missing a sense of community.

[@superyeti31]

Thanks for posting this!

[@stormchasemike6015]

Lily Belle(sp?) is a gorgeous cat .

[@misunderstoodpersons7975]

Having a visual disability that restricts how you process written words and not all of that is available for audiobook format with or without pdf’s

[@minniex622]

Achilles was a pagan warrior too. He was so afraid of Mars the god of war during Troy invasion...💫💫💫💥💢🍃🌓

[@sallycassian4494]

Ares. Achilles was Greek. Mars is Roman.

[@brandmann9597]

Thanks again Scarlet. Yer vids are inspiring and yew are a pleasure to watch

[@braddaulton3976]

Great,maybe even perfect advice, hope you are well and start making videos again 😊

[@noonesomeone669]

While there are a ton more new pagans including myself a lot of them are entering unprepared and with a lot of political baggage on both ends of the political spectrum. Then you have very basic things like not having the ability to set pagan as a a religion on any app where you are meant to meet people only "other" which could mean literally anything. While it is a lot better today to be a pagan due to quality content creators on platforms like WitchTok and a less Christian country there are still a lot of struggles that keep people as solo practitioners and in the broom closest.

[@selinalenawell]

I was not raised into a religious family. I'm honestly not trying to explain what I believe to others because it's personal to me and I don't want to appear as weird, most of the time. I'm okay with that, but I wish I knew some pagans where I live, it would make life easier.It's also okay if they don't have the same beliefs, it's always interesting to learn about other paths, anyway. The only diety I worship is mother nature. I am an animist who practice also chamanism from time to time. For me, paganism isn't connecting myself to my ancestors but rather connecting myself with nature and seasons :)

[@eaglefeather2957]

Every person is born with a gift once you make that connection with your inner power and understand who you really are and understand your life purpose you now are at the stage of your life to make that connection with mother Earth and the celestial body as a whole and that what you choose to make your higher power.

[@Nickole-c1i]

Love dressing different

[@DefenestrateYourself]

Awesome topic and video 🔥

[@invadertifxiii]

its difficult with my husband being atheist he doesn't understand he doesnt care really but still difficult

[@Dogonthetablechair]

My situation is a little unique, I'm a polytheistic luciferian witch and I mostly work with infernal deities though I do also work with Kali. I believe in all gods and I love connecting with fellow pagans. But I feel like being a luciferian puts you at odds with a lot of people, most abrahamics hate you by default, light workers think of you as evil and even some pagans who still carry the Christian mindset automatically assume that you're being duped by evil spirits. I also find it really hard to connect with other luciferians because I'm either mocked for believing in all the gods or I'm mocked for caring about others. Don't get me wrong, I love my gods and still am proud to call myself a luciferian, but it pretty much comes with accepting the fact that most people will automatically hate you by default no matter what you do

[@kurtsteiner8384]

There are loads of books out there for wicca and other branches of witchcraft and paganisum these days but not so many on traditional witchcraft one or two good ones but some are rubbish its best to be selective. You dont need every book on the subject

[@thesaxonstandard2936]

We literally have a whole multiple thousand page corpus on Ancient Polytheistic theology, It is not impossible to recreate and evolve European polytheistic religion.

[@rachaelnoa7612]

Growing up in Western religions learning world cultures was very helpful for my own spiritual development. I'm not sure theres a word for exactly what I am or how I represent my spirituality. I feel like theres a lot of people these days like that. Growing up in Western ideology 'peaganism' was such a catch all phrase for anyone who wasnt 'Christian' respecting it much more as an adult in discovery

[@xXHanna84Xx]

Im happy that you posted a shorter video. 1 hour or more is too long for me...😅 I hope you will post more videos like this in the future. ❤

[@MichaelMalxAlexander]

Like you I grew up with Christian parents and they were not happy when they found a witch craft book when I was 13

[@m.appleton9956]

So… paganism is a spiritual BELIEF system; witchcraft is a PRACTICE. You can practice witchcraft and believe whatever you want-you can be a Catholic, Atheist, or Jewish witch. Spiritual beliefs can (and maybe should? 🤔) be very personal! I am a UU pagan witch. My UU community is where I gather with other people, where my family celebrates holidays and feeds our spiritual fires in community. I am very open there about being a pagan and a witch, and people love it, “come out” to me as pagans, or just like to discuss our diverse beliefs. Outside of church I celebrate solstices and moons with my pagan friends and my family. My kids and I practice witchcraft daily (my partner is an atheist and thinks we are all crazy, but at least somewhat charming 😆). Go find a UU community. Invite your Christian friends and family over for a full moon party. Let them see that being a pagan is fun and normal. Write spells with your kids, or tell them folktales and talk about deities so they can find a path that feels true to them. Take a breath. Those people who love you will probably still love you, regardless of what you call yourself. 💚

[@sallycassian4494]

Just counted. Wow, can't believe I've been pagan/pagan sympathetic for 25 years.

[@hectoruriarte331]

Beautiful

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I came to see what your house looks like now that you are moved in 💞

[@ICEPETSQUEEN]

Does paganism require suffering?

[@ZZZELCH]

Excellent