My Personal Beliefs

There can be many things which define a person, and many things that influence the path of each person. Above all, I believe that we are all individuals. No two people are exactly alike, therefore, no two people can think or feel the same thoughts, emotions and views of themselves and of the world within and around them. Each of us are on our own paths, but I feel very strongly that though each path is different and unique, each journey leads to the ultimate destination; that of knowledge, growth and enlightenment.

Throughout my life, I have studied various paths taught by others; and along the way I developed my own sense of direction. Since the age of 11 I have sought Truth and Knowledge, and questioned myself and the teaching of others until the realization came to me that all of my answers could only be found within myself.

There are many great teachers in the world, as well as many beliefs which reflect the ultimate goals of enlightenment and the search for a Higher Being who is manifested into various belief systems though each may refer to that Being by a different name and communicate with that Higher Being in many different ways.

The search throughout history has always been to define that Higher Being. I ask how can one ever completely understand? Christians believe that Man was created in the image of God. Physically, this earth is inhabited by men and women of differences too many to count. Their search for understanding the Life Force which created them led them to develop belief systems which they hope will bring them closer to understanding that Life Force, the Higher Being they believe created them. Every one of those people found a different approach to understanding life and the Supreme Being. If I believe as the Christians believe, then the progression of all religions, beliefs and traditions lead me to believe that the Higher Being is all things to all people - One thing to one person, and something else to another person. If I believe, then it is truth - for me. If someone else does not believe, then it is not truth - for that person.

I have found Truth and Understanding in everything I have learned from others. Some things I do not agree with, some things I do agree with. No matter what my opinion is, I always respect a person's right to believe what they feel in their heart is the Truth to them - as long as one major factor is always reflected in their beliefs, and that is if whatever they believe does not cause harm to come to another.

Though I do not consider myself "Wiccan", there are many Wiccan traditions and beliefs that I follow, practice and adhere to. The main one of which can be found within the

Wiccan Rede

Bide the Wiccan's law ye must,

In perfect love, in perfect trust.

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:

An ye harm none, do what ye will.

What ye send forth comes back to thee,

So ever mind the Rule of Three.

Follow this with mind and heart,

Merry ye meet, and merry ye part.

Come Together in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust - and Harm None.

That defines me more than anything else in my life.

I also believe with the very essence of my being, that I while upon my Path I should adhere to basic principles which I follow with mind, body and spirit.

Respect - I respect everyone's right to live and believe as they like as long as they do not bring harm to another.
Compassion - All of our paths have obstacles and we stumble. It might even cause us to think we have strayed from our paths. During those times compassion, understanding and support from others are needed the most.
Growth - Both positive and negative forces hit us, sometimes harshly. No matter what happens, we should learn from life's experiences whether they are good or bad.
Overcome the Obstacles Created by Others - Every day people hurt each other physically and emotionally. There is one thing though that I always try to remember - the anger, the hurt and not letting go of these will be with me always because of myself; in other words I would be allowing the physical or emotional pain to continue even after the other person has stopped causing the pain.
Believe in Your Self - All of us have personal goals, most of which are never attained. Finances, your environment, etc... may be part of our not being able to accomplish all that we would like to achieve, but above all, the main obstacle is usually ourselves. We censor ourselves, we don't believe we are capable or worthy of our goals, we give up before trying, we set too high a step to climb to and forget about the other steps in between. Start small, make a plan to achieve your goals. Start with the easier goals and make your way up, and most importantly believe in your heart that you can get there. It may not happen overnight but don't give up. Focus on the steps and learn from the journey itself.