Rules for the Spiritual Paths and Journals forum
This is a place where you can share ineffable experiences (regardless of how little sense they might make to everyone else), journals, rituals you've performed etc. It's also a place to post "pathways" threads.
To clarify a couple of things first:
An "ineffable experience" is something that is either inexpressible, in that it cannot be described in words, or that is unutterable in the sense that it cannot be described due to its sacredness or holiness, either to you or in general. There's a heap of overlap in those definitions wink
Ineffable experiences are often emotional and private, but that we feel like sharing in some form anyway. If you wish to do so, go ahead, no matter how little sense it might make to us because of what you can't say. Speak to the universe, speak to your god, speak to yourself. Say whatever you wish to express the inexpressible.
A "pathway thread" describes not your religion per se, but your specific, individual path. Witchcraft your way, for example. Your Hellenic practise. Sharing your path has several benefits. You can get feedback from others on what you do. You can inspire others in their practice. Importantly, exploring your faith in such a way - setting it down in black and white - can really aid your own understanding of what you do, and how and why you do it. Epiphanies can occur. And others may have an insight that you missed.
Do not tear people down in this subforum. I need to keep a check on myself as well, so I expect it of others. And I think I'll make Sweet special custodian of this subforum because her temper is much more level than mine is. Putting yourself out there in such an exposed way is scary. So if you have a problem, if you feel your faith or craft or culture is being degraded in some way, please raise the issue gently.
Conversely, remember that while you are speaking solely for your own practice rather than your religion as a whole, you aren't entirely immune from questioning or a degree of criticism. If you are offering something to a deity that a priest who has studied them long knows is a bad idea, it is best to take their advice on the issue. If you speak of runes in a way a runemaster knows is inaccurate or, gods forfend, dangerous, again, better to learn than to cause damage.
Remember again that chances are, you are simply using the wrong terms rather than doing the wrong thing. "Wicca" is a classic example here. But don't let any of this put you off sharing! Even if someone brings up something that makes you feel uncomfortable chances are everyone will only learn from the experience, and any posts really upsetting will be removed and the asker asked to rephrase or back off.
If you have a BIG issue with something, raise the subject in a general sense in the ED. Don't make it personal!!
Most of all be honest! This is not a place for people to blow their own trumpets or to seek attention. We know how to spot a liar, a fake, and a Mr. Dark. So don't even bother trying wink Everyone else here will be expressing themselves honestly and it is unfair to expect others to give of themselves when you present only a projection.
This is a place where you can share ineffable experiences (regardless of how little sense they might make to everyone else), journals, rituals you've performed etc. It's also a place to post "pathways" threads.
To clarify a couple of things first:
An "ineffable experience" is something that is either inexpressible, in that it cannot be described in words, or that is unutterable in the sense that it cannot be described due to its sacredness or holiness, either to you or in general. There's a heap of overlap in those definitions wink
Ineffable experiences are often emotional and private, but that we feel like sharing in some form anyway. If you wish to do so, go ahead, no matter how little sense it might make to us because of what you can't say. Speak to the universe, speak to your god, speak to yourself. Say whatever you wish to express the inexpressible.
A "pathway thread" describes not your religion per se, but your specific, individual path. Witchcraft your way, for example. Your Hellenic practise. Sharing your path has several benefits. You can get feedback from others on what you do. You can inspire others in their practice. Importantly, exploring your faith in such a way - setting it down in black and white - can really aid your own understanding of what you do, and how and why you do it. Epiphanies can occur. And others may have an insight that you missed.
Do not tear people down in this subforum. I need to keep a check on myself as well, so I expect it of others. And I think I'll make Sweet special custodian of this subforum because her temper is much more level than mine is. Putting yourself out there in such an exposed way is scary. So if you have a problem, if you feel your faith or craft or culture is being degraded in some way, please raise the issue gently.
Conversely, remember that while you are speaking solely for your own practice rather than your religion as a whole, you aren't entirely immune from questioning or a degree of criticism. If you are offering something to a deity that a priest who has studied them long knows is a bad idea, it is best to take their advice on the issue. If you speak of runes in a way a runemaster knows is inaccurate or, gods forfend, dangerous, again, better to learn than to cause damage.
Remember again that chances are, you are simply using the wrong terms rather than doing the wrong thing. "Wicca" is a classic example here. But don't let any of this put you off sharing! Even if someone brings up something that makes you feel uncomfortable chances are everyone will only learn from the experience, and any posts really upsetting will be removed and the asker asked to rephrase or back off.
If you have a BIG issue with something, raise the subject in a general sense in the ED. Don't make it personal!!
Most of all be honest! This is not a place for people to blow their own trumpets or to seek attention. We know how to spot a liar, a fake, and a Mr. Dark. So don't even bother trying wink Everyone else here will be expressing themselves honestly and it is unfair to expect others to give of themselves when you present only a projection.
