PathWays: READ ME FIRST!

[TeaDidikai]

PathWays Mission Statement

To create insight into the diverse and numerous paths within the Pagan Community here on Gaia by giving members of this Guild a place to explain their path- and to further insight through discussion, questions and deep thought.

Please keep in mind, this is a Rehab Guild. While your beliefs in and of themselves are not invalidated by someone disagreeing with you- history is not subjective.  

[TeaDidikai]

Rules for The PathWays Sub Forum

Follow all Rules of The Pagan Fluffy Rehabilitation Center It's worth repeating. See: the ToS

Do not flame or insult- this is for context and learning and not your usual debate thread.
See: What to do if you disagree.

Plagiarism is bad, Mmmm'kay?-Should be enough said, but see the guidelines in Topic Creation all the same.

Do make threads appropriate for the forum- Just because it is part of your theology, doesn't mean it belongs here.

Magic does not in and of itself a religion make- Noraboo put it best when she said:
Random threads on practicing magic, on ghosts or spirits, or on casting spells are not appropriate for this forum. Context is key.

This is not a forum for Proselytization- Don't do it. If you have a belief as to the consequences of not following your path, share it, but do so objectively.

Ask questions!- I cannot stress this enough. If something perks your curiosity, ask about it! There isn't a bad question. You're either be enlightened, or the person you ask might learn something about their beliefs they never thought of!

Some aspects of a person's religion may be secret- There my be oaths to others- human, god, spirit or otherwise that may keep them from answering a question. If this is the case, please respect such boundaries.  

[TeaDidikai]

Topic Creation

Cite Sources- This includes books that have been influential, as well as people who have helped shape your path. Pagans have sacred texts as well! wink

Note what is Unverified personal gnosis- UPG is a major source for many pagan paths. If something differs from a religion's canon, let us know. Odin's favorite Libation is not mead! It's hot coco with marshmallows!
Also- any details as to the experience that granted the UPG is more than welcome!

Cover as much as you can- Holidays, Deity, Magical Practices and Rituals- There is more to a theology than these.  

[TeaDidikai]

Responding to Topics

The nature of this forum does not make it possible to tell someone they are wrong- in so much as if someone believes something- you cannot prove they do not believe it.

This does not- however, preclude that people do, from time to time, use inaccurate words. If there is something that is fundamentally incorrect, please post a positive correction.

Example:

"My family has been Wiccan for the last three hundred years!"

Right way to address this:
Is it possible you mean your family have had witches, or practiced eclectic paganism for three hundred years?

Wrong way to address the problem:
LIAR! Wicca is ONLY 50 years old!  

[TeaDidikai]

What to do if you Disagree:

The fact of the matter is that there are some basic aspects of people's personal philosophies, paths and practices that some people may find objectionable, disagreeable, or contradictory.

If such is the case, ask for clarification. If the clarification confirms your initial response to such things- look at the context of the belief. It may help you understand the position.

A lot of issues can be solved by realizing that your system is 1) Not universal and 2) that this isn't here for people to judge the follower of different traditions, but to foster understanding within the guild's community.

If a person's position is thought provoking, and you wish to further a topic based upon something you learned within PathWays, please post said topic in the Main Guild forum.  

[TeaDidikai]

A Final Note:

This is what people hold sacred. It takes moxy to put what you believe out for everyone to see. Be respectful.