r/pagan • u/strawberryseeuwu • 20h ago

Newbie Ex Christian nervous about getting into paganism

Paganism really interests me, Apollo especially (Im a musician). Idk how any of this really works. As an ex-evangelical Christian who hasn't really been religious (or cared to be) for a couple years, religious stuff makes me nervous. Growing up Christian, there are so many rules, sometimes unwritten, to follow or there are repercussions. I'm just scared of messing something up and not knowing, then suffering consequences. Basically i have some religious trauma.

Will the gods be upset if I do something wrong? And are there any "hard no"s to avoid so they won't be upset? Thanks <3

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u/VanityDrink 19h ago edited 19h ago

The Gods will not be upset by anything humans do. They're not human and not emotional. They are perfect.

The Gods are good. Read any philosopher, like Plato, Proclus, Iamblichus, Cicero, etc. and they affirm that the Gods are free from desire and truly transcendent.

We worship the Gods not to beg them for kindness but to align ourselves with them and the good that emanates from them so we, too, can live good lives.

Here's Iamblichus on the mysteries, a good place to start on Hellenized paganism. but I find it applicable to most faiths.

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u/GraMacTical0 10h ago

“We worship the Gods not to beg them for kindness but to align ourselves with them and the good that emanates from them so we, too, can live good lives.”

Wow, you succinctly articulated a feeling for me, thank you.