Pagan Paths and Callings

Topic: Pagan Paths and Callings
Presenters: Jessi, Autumn, et. al.
Date: 9/8/11

Callings & Paths

Calling: a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence.
-Merriam Webster-

Thoughts from the squirrel

in my head on the topic:

There are many types of callings and paths are along the same lines. We follow what leads us, if you will. There is always that little voice in your head that tells you what to do, what turn to take, what is right or wrong. It all leads you down your path towards your calling.

Our paths are the choices that we make in our lives; the way we live our lives and what we end up doing in the end. Our callings are what we make of those decisions. To quote a very wise Crone, “the gift of curiosity and the burden of interest will define what a calling to an occupation is.” Little did this Crone know when I was getting this quote, was I going to A, quote her in the first place; and B, feel that it goes further than just your occupation. I feel, personally, that what our interests and such are help guide us to what our calling already is. We just have to discover it.

The discovery is just half the fun; it’s the journey down the path that keeps us craving for more.


Fun Extra Stuff:
Free online quiz as to which Pagan Path fits you:
http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=pgnsel

Introduction
Shintoism, along with Buddhism, is the highest practiced religion in Japan and is mostly followed as one belief.

What are the basic beliefs?
-Shintoism follows Four Affirmations

• Love of Nature - like many Pagan religions, Shintoism is an earth-and-nature-based religion.
• Nature is sacred and worshipped
• Animals are believed to be messengers from the gods
• To be in contact with nature is to be in contact with the spirits
• Many shrines are in forests and in the presence of nature and made of natural materials
• Physical Cleanliness - in everyday life and in the presence of the gods
• Tradition and Family - very important for the morality of the religion and is often celebrated
• Matsuri - Rituals and celebratory dances for the ancestors and spirits

-Ancestors are greatly honored and worshipped.
-Human life and the world are seen as originally good while “sin” is viewed like dirt.

• Why physical cleanliness is important in Shinto.

Gods “Kami” (神)
As a whole for the religion, the Kami essence is known as “yaoyorozu no kami” (八百万の神).

Afterlife
-Most of the time, Shintos of Japan turn to Buddhism for their funeral and beliefs of afterlife
-Yomi - Shinto afterlife (very gloomy)
-Reincarnation as a family god

• Some Shintos believe this and worship ancestors as ancestral gods.