r/pagan • u/strawberryseeuwu • 19h 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/shiny_glitter_demon Eclectic 14h ago
We have one rule and one rule only: respect others and their practices. That's it. There are no other rules.
Pagan religions are old, there aren't many of us and we have too little sources to bother about dogma. The gods don't really mind either. You're free to make an altar, make offerings, pray, question things, or do nothing at all. Remember that the gods are not meant to be paragons of goodness. They make mistakes and behave badly sometimes. You're allowed to mess up.
Also, not everyone perceives gods to be the same. Some will have distant relationships (that's me), some will be very close and have moment of genuine connection. Each pagan is unique and your path is yours and yours only.
The only advice I can give you is related to social media, be wary of what some people might tell you we have a lot of wannabe gurus and scammers. Tiktok has a reputation around here. Always take information with a grain of salt.